COMMUNITY MISSION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 667, 20 May 1929, Page 14

COMMUNITY MISSION

PENTECOSTAL SERVICES SPIRIT OF GOD DESCENDS At the community mission in the Capital Theatre, Hominion Road, last evening, a feature of the musical part of the service was the playing of the “Lost Chord” as a violin solo by Mr. Alfred Martin. The mission orchestra also played two special numbers in addition to the usual service of song. The Rev. George Jackson took as his text the words of Jesus: “I have yet many things to say to you, but ye cannot receive them now, but when the spirit of truth is come lie will guide you.” Having read the account of the day cf Pentecost from the Book of Acts, Mr. Jackson stated that the outward symbols of a divine visitation were perhaps the least significant part of the experience. The holy spirit of God was for ever pressing upon the lives of picn. When the mind of man had been willingly yielded to God so that he was responsive to the divine will, that man was baptised by the Holy Spirit. God would freely give His spirit without measure unto all. That was the end for which God was at work in the world. That was the completion of the creation and the fulfilment of redemption. An earth at witn heaven, the will of God gladly done in each, was the .Divine expectation, and that purpose, despite thfi blindness and blundering of man was wrought into the social fabric of the race. LIMITATION OF GOD It was that thought that pulsed in the heart of Jesus, and inspired all the prophets. But God was limited in Ilis power to reveal Himself and to make known His purpose by the capacity of man to understand. He had always many things to say, which must wait until men are ready to hear and obey. God was speaking to man today of the urgent matters that pertained to social righteousness, to economic justice and to the reality of human brotherhood.

The preacher asserted that there was more vital power in the truth for which Jesus died than either the church cr the world was prepared to believe. Pentecost meant that the possibilities of human life, when lived in fellowship with God. were greater than men had dreamed. At the close of the service an open forum was held, at which an animated discussion took place. It was agree.l to deal next week with the subject of unemployment, anil to take whatever ? tops possible to relieve the situation for those in the community who are EVOLUTION AND RELIGION VIEWPOINT OF SPIRITUALISTS “Evolution and religion” was the subject of an address last evening at tiio Progressive Spiritualists' Church l»v tho Rev. J. S. Hughe:-. The chairman was Mr. A. E. Ha vies. Tho principle of evolution was asserted as an indisputable fact. After differentiating between inorganic and organic evolution, the speaker cited instances of evolution having actually taken place in the realms of systematic zoology, paleontology, embryology and botany. Professor A. L. Kroeber. .) * the University of California, said: “No modern zoologist has the least doubt as to the general fact of organic « volution.” Tho insect, instinct, and the human r.oul. were recognised as beyond the present explication of science. The soul of man was not evolved gradually from the soul of the ape. but was due to a renewed spiritual influx into matter, as held by Alfred Russell Wallace, and endorsed by Professor Alacßride. MAYOR OF MT. ALBERT PRESENT AT CHURCH SERVICE The Mayor of Mount Albert. Mr. L. E. Rhodes, and members of the Borough Council attended a special service yesterday morning in the Kingsland Methodist Church. There was a large congregation. Welcoming the corporation on behalf of the church trustees and congregation, the Rev. J. J. Lewis wished the Mayor and councillors a prosperous administration.