Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mark 10, 51-52

I.

Jesus responded to this man’s faith and healed him.  He believed Jesus could and in confidence asked him to do it. “Thy faith hath made thee whole.”  “According to your faith.”

II.

He followed Jesus–was henceforth loyal to him, clung to him, lived a new life.

(1)  Every man needs something beyond himself as the center and inspiration of life, something to give meaning and coherence to life.  Why?

(a)  We are made that way.  Men who deal with souls trying to help them find it true.  Without it life will break down.

Loss of faith in God and immortality may cause the nerves to shatter and the health to fail.

(b)  The Holy Spirit dwelling in us will “quicken our mortal bodies” (Rom. 8, 11).  He animates the body, and this helps even health.  Much more does his presence give peace and joy and power to meet life well.

III.

God in Christ is the only worthy, adequate object of our loyalty.  “Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.”

He will help in every time of need.  “My grace is sufficient for thee.”

Let us reaffirm our loyalty to him and be true to him always.

“Holy is his name.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I.

“The world”–evil forces that war against the soul.  Invisible but strong.  Many destroyed by them.  Hence many have fear lest they be smitten by them.  But we may be victors.

II.

Faith is the victory.  It appropriates the blessings that make strong.

(a)  Faith in God.  “Must believe that he is.”  His empowering grace is given to those who trust him.  Christ resisted the evil, made no concession to Satan.  (1)  [God] consoles in grief, (2) protects in danger, (3)  transforms discord into harmony with God’s good will.

(b)  His goodness is over all his works.  He has a Father’s interest in us.

(c)  His many promises are given to encourage us to trust him.  “What more can he say than to you he hath said?”

III.

He expects us to overcome and enter upon the final reward of the righteous.  All of the means of grace look to that end.  See the seven “overcomers” in Rev. 2 and 3, Paul’s valedictory, and Rom. 8, 37, and Rev. 12, 11.  “O Lord, help me to understand that you ain’t goin’ to let nothing come my way that you and me can’t handle together.”

We must not fail; but fight the good fight of faith and lay hold of eternal life.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Text

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Rom. 15, 1

I.

Life is complex, having many relations.  We touch others, the strong and the weak.  What affects one affects all.  Here Paul urges the strong to assist the weak.

II.

Strength and weakness are of many kinds, physical, mental, financial, spiritual.  They are found on every hand.

(a)  Physical.  Here we readily admit the duty of the strong.  No one expects a child to do the work of an adult, nor do they like to see the weak imposed on.  A bully is not popular.

(b)  Mental.  Those who are informed usually are glad to give instruction.

(c)  Financial.  Much can be done here to great profit.  To invest in human life pays large dividends.  Educators know this well.  It often enriches the state and the church through growth of character.

(d)  Spiritual.  Help men into the upward path; their salvation is of greatest worth.

Why should not all of us try to do more of this kind of work?

In every way we can let us assist the weak.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Text

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

EDITOR’S NOTE:

I think I know what Henry David Thoreau, Mohandas Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr., would have said about this.  I do, however, detect a strong influence of Martin Luther.

Were those who helped slaves escape to freedom after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 rebels and disturbers of the peace?  If they were, they were correct!

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

FEBRUARY 4, 2014 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF SAINT CORNELIUS THE CENTURION, WITNESS TO THE CRUCIFIXION

THE FEAST OF SAINT GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM, ROMAN CATHOLIC MONK

THE FEAST OF SAINT JANE (JOAN) OF VALOIS, COFOUNDER OF THE SISTERS OF THE ANNUNCIATION

THE FEAST OF SAMUEL CROSSMAN, ANGLICAN DEAN OF BRISTOL CATHEDRAL

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Rom. 13, 1 & 5

I.

Man has a genius for government.  He must live with others, who share with him life’s common experiences.  He does not, cannot live apart and to himself alone.

II.

For the common good men organize some form of government, enact laws or rules of conduct for all and choose men to administer the government.  These leaders are to labor for the good of all.

The savage seeks to rule or have his own way, by brute force.  Hence there is no stability nor lasting peace possible to him.  Civilization is found where law reigns–the only guarantee to public tranquility.  One should think seriously of how great a blessing it is.

III.

Christianity likewise is concerned for the happiness and usefulness of all.  Her very spirit is general good will.  So it enjoins upon all brotherly kindness and to the effort to live peaceably with all men.  Hence as citizens it is the common duty of men:

(1)  To obey faithfully and conscientiously the law of the land.  Who does not is a disturber of the peace, a rebel.  This involves proper respect of faithful officers.

(2)  Tribute is necessary, to administer the affairs of state.

(3)  The franchise is a solemn responsibility.

“Live in all good conscience.”  God is concerned in these things.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Rom. 12, 21

1 Cor. 15, 33

I.

God created us social beings.  We hunger for associations with others.  “It is not good for man to be alone.”  Many of the fowls and animals follow this instinct.  God gave it and for their good.

II.

But we are also moral beings, good or bad.  Our associates help make the moral atmosphere we breathe.  This hurts or helps our moral development.

(1)  Here is one of the perils of life, the hurt of evil associates–those who are content with less than the best in life.

One decayed apple will ruin all in the barrel in time.  One small speck of brown rot on a peach will soon rot all in the crate or basket.  Corrupt tree, corrupt fruit; so is the life.

When a boy or girl drops out of church and gangs with others who stay away he or she is on the road to some secret or open sin, to something bad.

Enter not into the path of the wicked (Prov. 4, 14-15).  “Gather not my soul with the sinners” (Ps. 26, 9).  “If sinners enter thee consent thou  not” (Prov. 1, 10).

(2)  Cultivate, choose good associates.  They will be helpful always.  Spurn the bad.  Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

“Cleave to that which is good.”  “Overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12, 21).

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Text

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

EDITOR’S NOTE:

(1)  My great-grandfather’s analysis of divorce rates in Christian homes might have been accurate in his day (he retired in 1945 and died eleven years later).  In 2014, however, his analysis does not apply.

(2)  This is a sermon from World War II, hence the reference to war and peace in the third section.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

FEBRUARY 4, 2014 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF SAINT CORNELIUS THE CENTURION, WITNESS TO THE CRUCIFIXION

THE FEAST OF SAINT GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM, ROMAN CATHOLIC MONK

THE FEAST OF SAINT JANE (JOAN) OF VALOIS, COFOUNDER OF THE SISTERS OF THE ANNUNCIATION

THE FEAST OF SAMUEL CROSSMAN, ANGLICAN DEAN OF BRISTOL CATHEDRAL

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Rom. 14, 19

I.

Much is said of peace in the Scriptures.  God is author of peace, not of strife.  He implanted the love of peace in the human heart.  The prophets had a beautiful vision of the reign of peace, foretold the coming of the Prince of Peace.

II.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  It is his legacy to the world.  “Peace on earth, good will to men.”–“to men of good will.”  “Peace I leave with you.”  “Let the peace of God rule (arbitrate) in your hearts.”

(1)  Peace rules in the Christian house.  Prayerful homes not broken by divorce–almost never.

(2)  Christian principles help nations live together in peace-e.g. Canada and the U.S.  If they can, why not others also; yea all others?

III.

Christians today [are] much concerned that we shall have a permanent peace after this war.  They insist that all of us do something about it now, that we let our Congressmen and Senators know we want to U.S. to unite with other nations to prevent war.  Maybe this is God’s way of helping to banish war.  What a great blessing it will be.

Let God’s people speak out now, lest we get there too late with too little.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Text

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I.

Love is the chief characteristic of the Christian–his highest commandment–nothing higher.

Let it be the deepest emotion–from the depths of the soul, a strong upsurge of our spirit, genuine with no mere pretense or show.

II.

So love God and the good that you will abhor the evil, it being contrary to God’s holy will.  It harms the soul.  Hate, detest it with horror.  “Ye that love the Lord, hate evil.”  This is one manifestation of Christian love.  O, the horror of evil!

“Enter not into the way of the wicked and walk not in the way of evil men.  Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it and pass on” (Prov. 4, 14-15.

III.

“Cleave to that which is good.”  Prize it above all else, set your heart on it, seek it earnestly.

Nothing else so adorns and beautifies the life.  His ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace.

Dwell on it in your thinking, seek it every day.  Do good in all things.  “Overcome evil with good.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Text

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Rom. 12, 2

I.

We are influenced in our thinking and acting by external influences about us.  Good influences help toward the good life.  We need to set our choice on being our best.

II.

“Be not conformed to this world”–the spirit of the age.  It does not look up, is not thoughtful of good.  It is our for “a good time,” forgetting God and righteousness–cares not for the things that abide–lives for the day, not for eternity.  A bad school master.  “The way of the ungodly shall perish.”  It is downhill all the way.

III.

“Be transformed”–set your mind on the better things.  Turn from frivolity, learn to love the good things, those that make for peace.  Think about them, strive for them, pray to attain them.  Dare to be different that you may attain the best life has to offer.  So live as to grow in grace.  “Love the Lord with all thine heart.”

IV.

Thus you will prove for yourself that “Godliness is profitable to all things”–the life that now is and that which is to come.

Certainly we should not desire less, and who can ask for more?  “He that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

EDITOR’S NOTE:

I have had to reconstruct some text due to the fraying of the page at the right margin.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

FEBRUARY 3, 2014 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF SAINT NICHOLAS KASATKIN, ORTHODOX ARCHBISHOP OF ALL JAPAN

THE FEAST OF SAINT ANSKAR, ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF HAMBURG-BREMEN

THE FEAST OF GIOVANNI PIERLUIGI DA PALESTRINA, COMPOSER

THE FEAST OF MILLARD FULLER, FOUNDER OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1 Cor. 1, 5

see 2 Cor. 8, 7; Rom. 11, 33; Eph. 3, 8; Col. 1, 27

I.

A pastor’s pleasure that his people receive grace from Christ.  He (Christ) came “that they might have live…abundantly.”  “What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought.”

II.

Paul thankful for their enrichment:

1.  In utterance, or speech, knowing what to teach.  Evil thoughts and utterance–charitable conversation no longer given place. But kindness, charitable, brotherly spirit holds sway.  “Love suffereth long and is kind…thinketh no evil.”  “Let the words…and meditations…be acceptable.”–Psalm 19

2.  “In all knowledge of God’s will.”  He opens our eyes to see what once was mysterious and dark.  Now “we behold worldly things in his law.”  The Spirit illumines his word as we study it.  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119,  105).    Religious literature a great blessing.

Such a life increasing in understanding and love more and more.  Paul prayed to this end.  “The Lord make you to increase and abound in love” (1 Thes. 3).  See also 1 Thes. 4, 10:  “We beseech you that ye increase in love more and more.”

III.

The riches of Christ Jesus are unsearchable.  “The riches of grace in Christ Jesus are better than gold.”  They are for us as we press on to appropriate them and so be thereby constantly enriched in our experience.

Let us not fail to grow in grace constantly.  Who does not want to know more of him and extend the greater blessing to others?

More love to thee, O Christ and to all men.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Above:  Part of the Original Text

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Heb. 7, 25

see Rom. 1, 16

I.

The cause of the world’s woe–sin.  What fearful havoc it has wrought.  Man sought to hide from the presence of God.  He lost his way in moral darkness and plunged into every evil work.  How deep was his sin and its stain.

II.

The need of the world–of every man in it–is salvation.  Without it all else fails.

(1)  No moral sense save as one has knowledge of a holy God.  The Romans attributed great sins ton their deities on Mt. Olympus and in turn plead those sins in defense of their own corruption.  There was not a gentleman on Mt. Olympus.   Hence men need to learn that God is holy, that they may have a sense of sin–Isaiah’s vision.  “Convict the world of sin.”

(2)  Men need power to become the sons of God–new creatures–delivered from the power and pollution of sin, from its enslavement.  Else man cannot walk uprightly before God and men.

(3)  Jesus Christ does just this.  “To them gave he power to become the sons of God” (Jno. 1, 12).  “Hath power on earth to forgive sins.”  Millions have experienced this.

III.

Here then is the work of the church–to give to the world the knowledge of God and his power to save, to solve their vexed problems.  “How can they believe on him of whom they have not heard?  How can they hear without a preacher?”  Jesus calls us to witness to all the world that he may save all men.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT