MAKING SCRIPTURE LIVE
John Stuart Anderson, a young British actor, for the past six years has been successfully giving solo dramatic presentations throughout England, Europe, and America. Although he presents programs based on secular authors, it is his unique Biblical dramas that have created the greatest sensation. Many ask to see a copy of his "script" and are amazed to learn that he has merely brought to life the actual words of the Bible.
Critics have difficulty in describing what he does, but they all agree that his outstandingly musical and flexible voice helps to hold the audience spellbound while he transforms the written Word into something that really lives.
If an actor has succeeded in captivating audiences by merely repeating sections of the Scripture, how much more should those who have been called by God to deliver His truth to the world and who believe it use every talent and ability to deliver God's message effectively.
J. R. S.
HYMNS AND WORSHIP
Few things in a service of worship are more revealing of the leader's knowledge of his responsibilities than the selection of the hymns. Some Christian groups never include singing in their worship services. The Quakers, or the Society of Friends, are a noble example of the effectiveness of worship without singing. Yet, the Scripture reveals that from the earliest times singing has had a vital part in true worship. The way some hymns are sung, however, it might be better if singing were eliminated altogether. When hymns are sung in a slovenly and bungling manner it brings no honor to God nor inspiration to the people.
If three hymns are planned, then the first should be an outburst of praise. Many congregations begin their services with the singing of a doxology, followed by a brief invocation. Even if this custom is followed, the hymns will be in addition to the doxology. It is natural for the opening hymn to be one of praise. This leads to the general prayer or perhaps the Scripture reading.
If a second hymn is used just prior to the sermon —and this is an excellent plan, for if well chosen it conditions the worshipers for the spoken message—then this hymn might be one of consecration, emphasizing some aspect of personal religion.
The closing hymn should have a close relationship to the sermon. In fact, that preacher is wise who having decided on the theme he intends to present makes his first work that of the choice of the closing hymn. The reason for this is obvious, for this last hymn gives the congregation opportunity to make verbal response to the message. The fact that it is done in concert makes it all the more impressive.
If the sermon is an appeal for closer study of the Word of God, it would not be difficult to find a hymn that would reinforce the thoughts presented. Should the message be on missions or on the seriousness of the times in which we live or the need for personal witnessing in our community, such hymns are not difficult to find. The response of the people will be more realistic if occasionally the preacher were to make some reference to the hymn or the hymn writer, such as the story of how or why the hymn was written, or the mention of some particular experience associated with it. This will prepare the congregation to enter into the spirit of it. Paul said: "I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."
Congregations always sing better when they better understand what they are singing. As leaders of worship we should study the hymnbook, for there are limitless opportunities for leading our congregations into wholehearted praise, prayer, or surrender through the use of well-chosen hymns.
R. A. A.
HUSTLE AND BUSTLE
In the hustle and bustle of the new age, the voice of silence is seldom heard. Many and varied are the new sounds to which our ears have become familiar. The apostle Paul's ears never smarted under the abuse of the locomotive whistle, automobile horn, telephone bell, the jet sonic boom, radio and television commercials, or the roar of the engine. So accustomed are we to the constant sounds of our workaday world that it is difficult to remember the "good old days" of relative quiet. A challenging thought for each to ponder is, what would happen to our nerves if all motors, horns, radios, television sets, and industrial noises would cease.
We would hear again the music of the birds, the voice of the turtle, and the gentle babble of the brook. The sigh of the wind, the rustle of falling leaves. In short, the voice of nature would once more sound in our ears.
Perhaps the contrast is most apparent to those who have traveled to nations where industry is limited. The silence at night can almost be felt.
In countries where competition for our attention is greatest, silence must be sought and even arranged. A vacuum in this torrent of sounds must be created. Each man must carve for himself a cave in this mountain of turbulence—a place of quiet rest. The necessity of daily devotions is accentuated by the bustle consequent to our hustle. There are so many things in our world that outshout God. This need not happen in our lives. Indeed, we dare not allow it.
E. E. C
