Marturion 1951

HOLDING FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE Perhaps one of the most effective and successful Chris tian workers whose name and biography have b een recorded in th~ annals of Chris tian– ity i s the choice b ond slave of the Lord Jesus, the apostle Paul. There were many factors that worked together to bring about suc– cess in Paul's life, but one of the most important reasons for the ac– complishment of God's purpose through him was his passionate determina– tion t o "hold forth the Word of Life." What was the reason for this determination or ambition in the life of the Apostle to the Gentiles? We have this question answered in the portion of God's word that the gradua ting class of 1951 has chosen for its class verse--Philip– pians 2:16--"Holding forth the word of life: that I may rejoice in the da y of Christ, that I had not run in vein, neither lab oured in vain." This quotation from the pen of Paul reveals the secret of his success, and if there are to b e successful. Christ honoring. fruitful, and last– ing resul t s from the ministry of our class, it will be b ecause we, as Paul, have held forth, as supreme, the Word of Life. There are several reasons why we must make this amb ition our am– bition; why we must make this determination our determination; why we must persistently pursue this course even as did our friend Paul. One of the reasons why we must hold forth the Word of Life is be– cause the Word of Life is essential for the salvation of the sinner and for the sustenance of the saint. In the Word of Life we find all that i s n eeded to send a man forth on his journey with the Lord Jesus. It also provides all t he light, protection, and nourishment needed by the p ilgrim traveler to joyously and safely complete the wearisome journey to hi s home in Glory. Another reason for holding forth the Word of Life is because some day soon, every Christian will have to give an account b efore Christ for wha t h e has done wi th his time and his talents on this earth. Ev– ery servant of the Lord Jesus looks forward to that time when he will appear before the Judgment Sea t of Christ. Some look forward with joy– ous anticipation, and we all look forward wi th shame, but Paul, in thi s gem from God' s Word, gives us the secret of rejoicing in that day. If we will faithfully an d s incerely "hold forth t he Word of Life," we will rejoice in the day of Chri s t; our running will n ot have b een in vain; neither will our lab ors have b een wasted. The r efore as we of the Seni or Class embark on a new phase of our Christian lives, we do so wi th on e guiding, driving purpose: t o effec– tively and efficient ly hold forth as supreme the Word of Life. 12