'STORM AND STRESS’

Evening Star, Issue 23678, 11 September 1940, Page 4

'STORM AND STRESS ’

Following is a brief resume of a sermon delivered by Mr L. R. Usmar at the return to religion campaign, South Dunedin Church of Christ, yesterday:— Matthew x., 34-36, records what appears to bo a strange statement from the lips of Jesus: “Think not that I came to send peace on earth. I came not to send peace, but a sword. . . This seems contradictory to the thought that Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. Actually there is no contradiction. Christ was not talking about international conflict, but about family life and social relationships. His words could be paraphrased as follows: “ Sometimes when people become Christians members and friends of their families will oppose them because of their religious convictions.” _ Christ knew the meaning of opposition, because the religious leaders and civil authorities of His day pitted themselves against Him. Nor should Christians to-day expect to escape the storm and stress. To be a Christian in the early days often meant martyrdom. Probably it ■would be a good thing today if there came about an unrelenting persecution of the church. Real Christianity grows and thrives under such conditions. Christ is calling men and women to the difficult task to overcome self and live according to His absolute standards. It is a man’s job to take up the cross and follow Him.