Christian Youth Rally

Northern Advocate, 14 July 1949, Page 6

Christian Youth Rally

It was obvious from the keenness of the 130 young people who gathered at the Whangarei Salvation Army Hall on Sunday afternoon that the Christian young people of Whangarei are very much alive to the problems of today. The rally had been arranged so that questions affecting the life of young Christians could be discussed, and that a greater sense of fellowship could be fostered amongst the different religious denominations.

The meeting opened with a sing-song led by Mr Jenkins, of the Salvation Army. , , , Each church represented was .asked to contribute a chorus or other item, and good talent was revealed. Mr C. Craig (Baptist) read the Bible lesson, and Miss Z. Penney (Church of Christ) took the prayer. The chairman, the Rev. S. Clarke (Congregational) introduced the speakC CHRISTIANS’ RESPONSIBILITIES Miss Barbara Lowe (Methodist) discussed the Christian’s attitude to fashions, and she expressed the views that smoking, being houseproud and going to church could become a fashion, and that, in dressing, a Christian should not draw attention to himself or herself by drabness or over-dressing and extravagance. She suggested the moderate use oi all things harmless, and abstinence from all things harmful. Mr A. Webster (Baptist) discussed the implications of Christ’s command “Go ye into all the world,” to a young Christian today. He mentioned that the command was meant for every believer, who had a responsibility to obey the command and be guided by it now, whatever his occupation might be, or wherever he was placed. BEST WAY OF APPROACH The way in which the church could make its best appeal to young people today was dealt with by Miss R. McLauchlan (Church of Christ).

Fellowship in all things was the answer—in Christ, beliefs, hopes, sharing a firm foundation on which to live, standing for the right and service or helping others. - * The appeal must be through the members of the Christian churches themselves in their devotion to the ideals of the New Testament teachings. Mr H. C. Rowe (Presbyterian) discussed the Christian’s attitude to worldliness by defining the words “Christian” and “worldliness.” He mentioned that because a person was a Christian he would be under the closest scrutiny of everybody and would be expected to be different from other people. . Every person should have definite values in life and make no compromise.

His attitude to such tilings a s what was done in his employer’s time or with his goods or stationery were important. A Christian should definitely take his place in the world and even go into the doubtful places to witness for the right. BEST USE OF THE BIBLE

How a Christian can make the best use of the Bible was discussed by Mr D. Philpott (Salvation Army) who recommended a definite time and plan for study, a meditative, earnest and reverent attitude and a desire to search to find. “Never gallop through the Scriptures, but take time to look around.” A definite effort, patience and persistence were needed.

On the principles of an effective prayer life, Mr R. Durham (Congregational) said the key secret for success was to pray “Thy will be done,” and to pray in faith, consecration and with a forgiving spirit, and to pray in the ways which Christ taught. God meant prayer to be answered and difficulties were meant to strengthen and not discourage the Christian. The rally was concluded with a tea, and the hope was expressed that another similar rally could be arranged in the near future.