ONLY BELIEVE

Paul Rader (1879 - 1938) was one of the most powerful evangelistic speakers of the early 20th Century.  He often described himself as an "ex-bellboy, ex-cowboy, ex-prospector, ex-football player and ex-pugilist."  He pastored Moody Church in Chicago (1915-1921) and founded the Chicago Gospel Tabernacle in 1922 where he pastored for 11 years.  He wrote many Gospel song lyrics and was instrumental in the founding of the Tabernacle Publishing Company. He was also a pioneer of Christian broadcasting. In the early 20's, during the beginning days of radio, WBBM in Chicago would close on Sundays and Rader got permission to use their studios.  For several years he ran a 14-hour Christian program every Sunday.  He called his station WJBT, "Where Jesus Blesses Thousands".  The General Council of the C&MA convened at Toccoa Falls in May 1919. The delegates were housed in army tents supplied by Fort McPherson in Atlanta, and the guests considered this "camping out" experience to be most meaningful. Rader, elected president of the C&MA at that Council, was greatly moved by stories of the hardships and difficulties that the Toccoa Falls family had faced since 1913, and others, that the school was still facing. In his room in Staley Cottage, Rader wrote this week's song choice and it has been widely used in evangelical Christian circles of succeeding generations.   His words remind us that during our journey on this earth we will face many trials and challenges.  However, God is in control and can do the impossible.  Our part is to believe what He says and then to trust Him.  But so often we don't put that into practice, even though we know better.  We worry and fret instead of believing and trusting.  But He never forsakes the flock of His love.  Maybe that is a truth that you need to believe and claim this week.  Only believe, all things are possible, only believe.

(1)   Fear not, little flock, from the cross to the throne,

From death into life He went for His own;

All power in earth, all power above,

Is given to Him for the flock of His love.

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe,

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe.

(2)   Fear not, little flock, He goeth ahead,

Your Shepherd selecteth the path you must tread;

The waters of Marah He'll sweeten for thee,

He drank all the bitter in Gethsemane.

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe,

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe.

(3)   Fear not, little flock, whatever your lot,

He enters all rooms, "the doors being shut,"

He never forsakes; He never is gone,

So count on His presence in darkness and dawn.

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe,

Only believe, only believe;

All things are possible, only believe.

You can listen to it here.   LISTEN