Justification
1. By what are men justified?
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Romans 5:1.
2. Then how are the just to live?
"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him," Hebrews 10:38.
3. Why did not Israel of old attain to the law of righteousness?
"Because they sought it not by faith," Romans 9:32.
4. When one told Christ of the disciples' failure to heal his afflicted son, what did He say of that generation?
"He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto Me," Mark 9:19.
5. What did the Savior say to Thomas when He met him, because he did not believe the testimony of his brethren that had seen Christ alive after His crucifixion?
"Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing," John 20:27.
6. In view of the great cloud of witnesses of faith presented by the apostle in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, what does Paul exhort all to do?
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," Hebrews 12:1.
7. Why were most of the children of Israel prohibited from entering the promised land?
"And to whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief," Hebrews 3:18, 19.
8. How was their belief regarded, and how did it affect God?
"But with whom was He grieved forty years? Was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?" verse 17.
9. What lesson does the apostle exhort us to draw from the course of the Israelites?
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it," Hebrews 4:1.
10. What should all labor to do?
"Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief," verse 11.
11. Should one lose heart, even though he feels that God is chastising him?
"My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him," Hebrews 12:5.
12. Who are they that seem to have the greatest amount of affliction?
For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth," verse 6.
13. If one has no chastisement to bear, how may he regard himself?
"But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons," verse 8.
14. When the disciples became almost discouraged at one of Christ's sayings, and asked, "Who then can be saved?" what answer did Christ make?
"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible," Matthew 19:26.
15. When God made a promise to Abraham that seemed almost impossible to fulfill, how did the patriarch receive it?
"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God," Romans 4:20.
16. For what was Abraham's faith under these circumstances counted?
"For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness," verse 3.
17. What should be the burden of one's prayer, who is troubled with unbelief?
Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief," Mark 9:24.
18. If one believes that he receives things for which he asks God, how will his faith be rewarded?
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them," Mark 11:24.
Rock of faith, oh, wondrous thing:
Let me always to thee cling;
In the dark and troubled hour,
Give to me thy wondrous power;
While life's billows surge and roll
O'er my weary, fainting soul,
Let my only refuge be,
Rock of faith, in thee, in thee.
Rock of faith, to stand for aye,
Thou shalt guide me on my way,
Till the home of God I'll see,
Where the blest shall surely be.
Thou alone of all are sure,
Let me rest in thee secure,
Till that better land I see,
Rock of faith, through thee, through thee?
Selected
Danger in Rejecting Light
1. How does God regard sins of ignorance?
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent," Acts 17:30.
2. To whom is sin imputed?
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin," James 4:17.
3. In what words did Christ teach the same truth?
"Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth." "If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak [margin, excuse] for their sin," John 9:41; 15:22. See John 3:19.
4. In view of this, what instruction does He give?
"Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: . . . While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light," John 12:35, 36.
5. Who courts the light?
"For every one that doeth evil hateth the light . . . . But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God," John 3:20, 21.
The Perpetuity of the Law
1. Where must all men appear?
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad," II Corinthians 5:10.
2. What will be the standard in the judgment?
"So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty," James 2:12; Romans 3:19.
3. In what condition are all men?
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23.
4. How many are included in the "all" who have sinned?
"What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin," verse 9.
5. By what are all men proved guilty?
"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God," verse 19.
NOTE: It is what the law says, and not what one may interpret it to mean that proves the sinner guilty.
6. What effect does faith in Christ have upon the law?
"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law," verse 31.
7. In what did the apostle Paul delight?
"For I delight in the law of God after the inward man," Romans 7:22.
8. How does the carnally minded man regard the law of God?
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be," Romans 8:7.
9. How long did the Savior say all the law would be in force?
"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all [Greek, 'all things'] be fulfilled," Matthew 5:18.
NOTE: "As long as the world endures, not the least word, or letter, or point, or comma (so to speak), of the whole law, should by any means lose its authority, or fail of answering the end for which it was given. The moral law will, to the end of time, continue to be the standard of sin and holiness to all men, and the believer's rule of duty.
10. When asked which was the great commandment in the law, what answer did Christ make?
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," Matthew 22:37-39.
11. What did He say hung on these two requirements?
"On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets," verse 40.
12. What does the apostle say about the practice of Christ keeping the law?
"And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin," I John 3:5.
In the preceding verse just, sin is said to be the transgression of the law. If in Him was no sin, He must have kept the law perfectly.
Marriage Institution
1. What do the Scriptures teach concerning marriage?
"Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge," Hebrews 13:4.
2. What advice does Paul give believers concerning marriage?
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?' II Corinthians 6:14.
3. When married are they not considered one flesh?
"For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh," Matthew 19:5, 6.
4. In the true marriage does not God approve of the union?
"What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder," Matthew 19:6.
5. While one is truly married can he or she be joined to another without committing adultery?
"Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery," Luke 16:18.
6. Are there exceptions to this rule?
"The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord," I Corinthians 7:39.
"And I say unto you, Whosever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery," Matthew 19:9.
7. Does God unite, or approve of His children uniting with fornicators?
"Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? For two, saith He, shall be one flesh," I Corinthians 6:15, 16.
8. Then since God only sanctions true marriages, must we not conclude that many marriages are untrue?
"Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly," John 4:16-18.
9. If husband or wife become a Christian, should they be divorced from their unbelieving partners?
"If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him," I Corinthians 7:12, 13.
10. Then if one is a Christian and they are living together agreeably, Paul does not recommend separation; but that this believer's children may be considered legitimate, God sets apart this unbeliever to be husband or wife to this believer?
"For the unbelieving husband is sanctified [set apart] by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified [set apart] by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy," verse 14.
11. In case this unbeliever will not consent to so live amicably with this Christian; is he or she so bound to give up his or her religion to maintain peace at home?
"But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases," verse 15.
12. Should not this brother or sister put forth every just means to win this unbeliever to the cause of truth?
"But God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?" verses 15, 16.
13. What instructions do we get here concerning those who are truly married, or whom God hath truly joined together?
"Let not the wife depart from her husband: but and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife," verses 10, 11.
"What therefore God hath joined together let not man put asunder," Matthew 19:6. "Except it be for fornication," verse 9.
Submission
1. To whom do we owe unqualified submission?
"Submit yourselves therefore to God," James 4:7.
2. Why are we under obligation to submit to God?
"Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker . . . I have made the earth, and created man upon it . . . There is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else," Isaiah 45:11-22.
Lift up the tempted soul
Now fallen in despair
Direct his thoughts above,
To God Who heareth prayer.
His arm in mighty power
Can bid the demon cower,
And in temptation's hour
Will an escape prepare.
3. What constitutes submission to God?
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ," II Corinthians 10:5.
4. What will be the condition of one who is thus submissive to God?
He will be "filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding," Colossians 1:9.
5. What is the will of God?
"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification," I Thessalonians 4:3.
"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God," I Peter 4:1, 2.
6. What is fulfilled in us when we live not in the flesh?
"That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," Romans 8:4.
7. Then what is the course of one who is submissive to God?
He walks after the Spirit, i.e., brings forth the "fruit of the Spirit," Galatians 5:22-24, or in other words, fulfills "the righteousness of the law," which constitutes the will of God, I Peter 4:2.
8. What should we bring into subjection to God?
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection," I Corinthians 9:27.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service," Romans 12:1.
"Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ," II Corinthians 10:5
"Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's," I Corinthians 6:20.
9. Which member of the body requires the greatest exertion, together with the grace of God, to bring into subjection?
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."
"If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body," James 3:8, 2.
10. What is the prayer of one who is submissive to God?
"Thy will be done," Matthew 6:10.
11. How was submission exemplified in the life of Christ?
"He [Jesus] humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross," Philippians 2:8.
"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth," Isaiah 53:7.
Read Matthew 27:26-50, which gives an account of the trial of Jesus before Pilate, and His crucifixion.
12. To what other authority must we be submissive?
"I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanus, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth," I Corinthians 16:15, 16.
"Obey them that have the rule over you," Hebrews 13:17.
13. Why is it well for us to be submissive to church authorities?
For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief," Hebrews 13:17.
14. What is said about submission to worldly powers and authorities?
"Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates," Titus 3:1.
15. Why are we required to do this?
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God," Romans 13:1, 2.
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake . . . for so is the will of God," I Peter 2:13-15.
16. Does Peter mean we should submit to the ordinances of men, even when these are contrary to the express command of God?
Let Peter himself answer. We ought to obey God rather than men," Acts 5:29.
"Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye," Acts 4:19.
17. What example have we of obedience or submission to God rather than man?
The three worthies in the fiery furnace. Read the third chapter of Daniel.
18. Then what is really meant by being subject to worldly rulers and ordinances of men?
"Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor," Romans 13:7.
"Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king," I Peter 2:17.
19. How do we stand related to one another with regard to submission?
"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility," I Peter 5:5.
20. What seems to be the reason for the requirement?
Submission cultivates humility, a Christian virtue of high value. It is the humble to whom God "giveth grace," and whom He will in due time exalt, verses 5, 6.
21. What should be the attitude of a wife toward her husband?
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands," Colossians 3:18.
22. What is submission?
"To be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands," Titus 2:4, 5.
23. Does this submission permit domination on the part of the husband?
"Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them," Colossians 3:19.
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church," Ephesians 5:25.
24. How far should a wife submit to her husband?
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord," Colossians 3:18.
25. In what should children be submissive to parents?
"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord," Colossians 3:20.
26. What is said about the submission of servants to masters?
"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye- service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God," Colossians 3:22.
Trusting in Jesus
1. What did an Old Testament prophet predict of Christ?
"And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious," Isaiah 11:10.
2. How does the apostle render this prophecy?
"And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust," Romans 15:12.
3. What were the apostles, who first trusted in Christ, to become?
"That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ," Ephesians 1:12.
4. What did the Ephesians do upon hearing the message of truth?
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation," verse 13, first part.
5. What returns did they receive from their proposed trust?
"In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise," last part of same verse.
6. To whom does the gospel become the power of God?
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek," Romans 1:16.
7. But suppose one halts in His faith or trust; how is he regarded by the Lord?
"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him," Hebrews 10:38.
8. By what does one gain the victory over the world?
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith," I John 5:4.
9. In the struggle with temptations, if one trusts in Jesus, how will he show it?
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world," John 16:33.
10. Is there not some other help in the work of overcoming besides a trust in Christ?
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death," Revelation 12:11.
11. But besides receiving power to overcome our foes, are there not temporal benefits to be derived from trusting in Jesus?
"For she said within herself, If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned Him about, and when he saw her, He said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour," Matthew 9:21, 22. See also Mark 10:52; Luke 17:19.
Temperance
1. With what does the apostle class temperance?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law," Galatians 5:22, 23.
2. What does he say are the habits of one who is successful in competing with others?
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things," I Corinthians 9:25.
3. In running the Christian race, what did Paul say he did in order to be successful?
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway," verse 27.
4. What effect does intemperance have upon one?
"Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine," Proverbs 23:29, 30.
5. Why were kings prohibited the use of strong drink?
"It is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted," Proverbs 31:4, 5.
6. Why were priests of the old dispensation not allowed to use intoxicating drink?
"And the Lord spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation . . . that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean," Leviticus 10:8-10.
7. Why did Daniel and his companions refuse to drink of the wine of the king of Babylon?
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank," Daniel 1:8.
8. After protesting against the use of the stimulants offered them, what did they request?
"Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink," verse 12.
9. At the end of the ten days' test, how did these Hebrews appear?
"And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat," verse 15.
10. At the end of three years (the time appointed for them to learn the Chaldean tongue, verses 4, 5) how many in the realm were found equal in learning to these abstainers.
"Now at the end of the days . . . the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah . . . And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm," verses 18-20.
11. Did not Paul recommend the use of wine on a special occasion?
"Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities," I Timothy 5:23.
NOTE: There are two kinds of wine spoken of in the Bible. One of these was the fresh juice of the grape, and was pressed from the fruit into the cup as it was needed to drink, Genesis 40:11. It is this kind that is said to cheer God and man (Judges 9:13), and is dried up when the vine is destroyed, Joel 1:10-12. The other kind was that which had stood until it fermented, and alcohol had formed from the decaying substance.
12. How is the first kind spoken of?
"Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat: and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape," Deuteronomy. 32:14.
13. How is the second kind represented?
"Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder," Proverbs 23:31, 32. When it moves upright, as in the process of fermentation, it may be seen moving from the bottom upward. The original word here used aright" means something "upright."
14. With what other low debaucheries is drunkenness more or less associated?
"Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings and such like, Galatians 5:19-21.
15. Can a drunkard enter the kingdom of God unless he reforms?
"Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God," I Corinthians 6:10.
16. How, then, should a Christian regard one who persists in drunkenness?
"But I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard," I Corinthians 5:11.
The Kingdom of God
1. Do the prophets give us any information as to the extent of the territory over which Christ reigns as King?
"Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth," Daniel 2:34, 35.
"And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one," Zechariah 14:9.
2. Where do the saints reign?
"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth," Revelation 5:9, 10.
3. Will the righteous ever be removed from the earth?
The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth," Proverbs 10:30.
4. What testimony have we in regard to the New Jerusalem?
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband," Revelation 21:2.
5. What statement is heard at this time?
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God," verse 3.
6. After this time will there be any more curse?
"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him," Revelation 22:3.
7. What word picture have we of conditions as they will exist when the world changes from a human to a divine government?
"The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days they shall be visited. Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before His ancients gloriously," Isaiah 24:20-23.
8. How are the righteous described?
"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation," Isaiah 25:8, 9.
9. Where does the prophet declare the home of the people of God will be?
"And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him," Daniel 7:27.
10. What are the two great gifts of the Bible?
"The kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High," Daniel 7:27.
"The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," Romans 6:23.
11. Why is this true?
It is the final result of the blessing promised to Abraham that, "in thy seed [Christ] shall all the nations of the earth be blessed," Genesis 26:4. See also Genesis 12:3.
12. Who are qualified to become subjects of God's kingdom?
"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?" James 2:5.
13. What does Christ say regarding His subjects?
"Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world," Matthew 25:34.
God does not ask you to die for Him,
But to live and to prepare to live!
All of life to prepare for Life!
To you He doth freely give!
The one who is in constant dread,
The one who is afraid to die;
Is the one who is not prepared to live
In the city of Gold so nigh!
The one who doeth the Master's words,
The one who sings of His love
Is the one who is not afraid of death
For he's prepared to live with God!
The Law of Liberty
1. By what law will mankind be judged?
"So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty," James 2:12.
2. To what law does James refer when speaking of the law of liberty?
"For He that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill," James 2:11.
3. Who is the one referred to that said, "Do not commit adultery?"
"These words the Lord spake unto all your assembly," Deuteronomy 5:22.
4. By what law did Christ say the human family would be judged?
"He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath One that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day," John 12:48.
5. Did Christ speak His own, or His Father's commandments?
"For I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father which sent Me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak," John 12:49.
NOTE: If the reader will turn to his Bible and read Deuteronomy 5:7-22 and Exodus 20:3-17, he will get the words spoken by God. This is the law to which James and Christ have reference in speaking of the law by which man will be judged.
6. Why is this law called a law of liberty?
"And I know that His commandment is life everlasting," John 12:50.
7. For perfection, how does the Psalmist speak?
"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple," Psalm 19:7.
8. Must one repent and become converted in order to have their sins blotted out?
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord," Acts 3:19.
9. Is there a reward for those who keep God's law?
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward," Psalm 19:11.
10. How great is the reward here spoken of?
"Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city," Revelation 22:14.
11. Will one be blessed for keeping this law?
"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed," James 1:25.
NOTE: By the titles above given to the law of God, we do not wonder at James calling it a law of liberty. A law that by obeying it, is perfect in converting the soul, bringing the individual to the foot of the cross. Certainly it deserves many titles of honor.
12. In speaking of the same law, what does Paul say?
"For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified," Romans 2:13.
The Law Magnified by Christ
1. State the Lord's purpose concerning the law.
"The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He [Christ] will magnify the law, and make it honorable," Isaiah 42:21. Magnify To increase the power or glory of; to exalt; to extol; to sound the praises of. Webster.
2. Why was it necessary to magnify the law?
"It is time for Thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void Thy law," Psalm 119:126.
3. How was the law "made void" when Christ was on the earth?
"And He said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition," Mark 7:9. See also Matthew 15:1-9.
4. What was Christ's attitude toward the law?
"Think not that I am coming to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17. Fulfil. To render full, to fulfil, i.e., to perform perfectly. Greenfield's Greek Lexicon. See also Webster. Christ, then, came to perform the law perfectly in all its parts, but not as the Jews interpreted it.
5. How did He then proceed to magnify the law before His hearers?
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment," Matthew 5:21, 22. See also I John 3:15.
6. What did He say of the seventh commandment?
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart," verses 27, 28.
7. Can the carnal mind be subject to God and His law?
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be," Romans 8:7.
8. What is it to be carnally minded?
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace," Romans 8:6.
9. Did Christ Himself keep the commandments?
"I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love," John 15:10, last part of the verse.
10. How long did He say the law would last?
"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled," Matthew 5:18.
11. Why did Christ come to earth?
"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," Romans 8:3, 4. That is, "perform perfectly" the law of God, a work which no one can do of himself.
12. In order to accomplish this, what was it necessary for Christ to do?
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly," Romans 5:6.
13. But if the law could have been abolished, would not that have released men from condemnation?
"Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression," Romans 4:15.
The Son of God, the Prince of Peace,
His righteous reign shall never cease,
Wise men of the East beheld His star
And followed its bright beams afar,
To where the infant Savior slept
And unseen angels vigil kept.
To honor Him so long foretold,
They offered frankincense and gold.
L. O. Van Nostrand
The Nature of Man
1. In his creation with whom is man compared?
"But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man that Thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that Thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of Thy hands," Hebrews 2:6, 7.
2. What is the nature of angels?
"But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection," Luke 20:35, 36.
3. What difference is there between the two Adams?
"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit," I Corinthians 15:45.
4. Which is first, spiritual or natural?
"Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual," verse 46.
5. When does man become a spiritual being?
"It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body," verse 44.
6. To what does the sowing refer?
"So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption," verse 42.
7. How is man's nature here defined?
"Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his Maker?" Job 4:17.
8. What is God's nature?
"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen," I Timothy 1:17.
9. Of what was man formed in the beginning?
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground," Genesis 2:7.
10. By what act was he (the man) made a living soul?
"And [God] breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul," Genesis 2:7.
NOTE: The living soul was not put into the man; but the breath of life which was put into man, made him the man, a living soul.
11. Are others besides man called "living souls" in the Bible?
"And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea," Revelation 16:3.
12. Do other creatures besides man have the breath of life?
"And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: all in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died," Genesis 7:21, 22.
13. Do they have the same breath as man?
"As the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast; for all is vanity," Ecclesiastes 3:19.
14. What does Job call that which was breathed into man's nostrils?
"All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils," Job 27:3.
15. Can the soul and spirit be separated?
"For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," Hebrews 4:12.
16. How many times is the word "immortal" used in the Bible?
One time, I Timothy 1:17.
17. To whom is it applied?
"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God . . . ," I Timothy 1:17.
"Who (God) only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; Whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to Whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen," I Timothy 6:16.
18. By whom was death abolished and immortality brought to light?
"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel," II Timothy 1:10.
19. How may one obtain this immortality?
"To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life," Romans 2:7.
20. When will the faithful receive immortality?
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed," I Corinthians 15:51, 52.
21. What is then to be swallowed up?
"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory," verse 54.
22. How is this, the greatest of all victories gained?
"But thanks be to God, Which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ," verse 57.
The Sons of God
1. Who are the sons of God?
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not," I John 3:1.
2. When are we the sons of God?
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is," I John 3:2.
3. How do we become the sons of God?
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God," Romans 8:14.
4. What should be our example?
"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world," Philippians 2:15.
5. For what do the sons of God await?
"For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God," Romans 8:19.
6. What things will be manifested in the sons of God?
"But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God," II Corinthians 4:2.
7. What privilege is given the sons of God?
"Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God," Romans 8:21.
8. What are the sons of God awaiting?
"But ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body," Romans 8:23.
9. What truth connected with this do we sometimes find difficult to realize?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose," Romans 8:28.
10. What is said of the heirship of the children of God who are the sons of God?
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together," Romans 8:17.
NOTE: No language can express nor the mind of man fully comprehend, the honor and glory connected with the consummation of the Christian's hope. When the greatness of the reward is considered, the "sufferings of this present time are not to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Unity of Believers
1. What expression does Christ make concerning the oneness of Himself and His Father?
"I and My Father are one," John 10:30.
2. In what way are Christ and His Father one?
"For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me," John 6:38.
3. Do Christ and God agree concerning God's commandments?
"For I have not spoken of Myself, but the Father which sent Me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say and what I should speak," John 12:49. See also John 14:24.
4. In what way did Christ pray for His followers?
"And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one," John 17:22.
5. Why did Christ desire this perfect unity of belief, and practice to be among His followers?
"That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me," John 17:21.
6. By what did Christ say all men should know His disciples?
"By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another," John 13:35.
7. In what way did Paul speak concerning a oneness of God's people?
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment," I Corinthians 1:10.
8. In Paul's closing remarks to the church at Corinth, what admonition did he give?
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you," II Corinthians 13:11.
9. Since Paul speaks of God's people as having one mind, and living in peace with each other, what then does he call them?
"And hath put all things under His [Christ's] feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all," Ephesians 1:22, 23, also I Corinthians 12:27.
10. Being members of the church or body of Christ; of what else do we become members?
"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another," Romans 12:5.
11. As members of each other what is the duty of each?
"That there should be no schism [margin, division] in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another," I Corinthians 12:25.
12. What should they endeavor to keep?
"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called . . . endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," Ephesians 4:1, 3.
13. As to unity, what will be the final condition of God's watchmen?
"Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion," Isaiah 52:8.
14. United, what will be the cry of God's people when Christ comes?
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation," Isaiah 25:9.
Was Peter the Foundation Rock?
1. When Christ came into the coasts of Caesarea, what question did He ask?
"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi; He asked His disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" Matthew 16:13.
2. What answer did he receive?
"And they said, Some say that Thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets," Matthew 16:14.
3. After finding the opinion of the multitude, then what question did He ask His disciples?
"He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?" Matthew 16:15.
4. What answer did Peter give?
"And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," Matthew 16:16.
5. Through what source had Peter learned that Christ was the Son of God?
"And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven," Matthew 16:17.
NOTE: After making a study of these few verses, we find considerable difference of opinion among the people as to who Christ really was, some thinking He was one and some another. In fact only a few seemed to know the truth of the matter, and they had received their knowledge from the great fountain head, or foundation of all: namely, God the Father, the eternal Rock of all ages.
6. By different Bible writers what is God declared to be?
"He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He . . . But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked . . . then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation . . . Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee," Deuteronomy. 32:4, 15, 18.
"Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my Rock," Psalm 28:1.
"He [God] only is my Rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be
greatly moved," Psalm 62:2, see verse 7.
The readers will please turn to their Bibles and read the following: Psalm 19:14, margin; 31:2, 3; 42:9; 61:2; 73:26, margin; 89:26.
NOTE: Many other scriptures could be given, as proof that God is declared to be the Rock, but I trust these few will be ample proof to those who read these lines.
7. After Peter had acknowledged Christ to be the Son of God, then what did Christ say to him?
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this Rock [God the Father, the one which revealed to Peter that Christ was His Son] I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," Matthew 16:18.
NOTE: If the readers will notice carefully they will find that Christ did not say He would build His church upon Himself, but upon someone else, whom He called This Rock." By searching the Bible we find God is declared to be the Rock, or foundation of all, while Christ is only called the Chief Corner Stone of the building, which was to be built upon this Rock or foundation.
8. In Paul's writings what is Christ declared to be?
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner Stone," Ephesians 2:20.
9. How does Peter speak of the same thing?
"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded," I Peter 2:6.
NOTE: By making a careful study of this subject; with all the connecting scriptures that could be given, we find that Christ made no promise of building His church upon Peter. Neither did He say, I will build this church upon Myself; but He said, "upon this Rock." As God is declared to be the Rock, and the church is called by His name, and He being the one which revealed to Peter that Christ was His Son, certainly it is logical to conclude that God was the One to Whom Christ referred when He said, "Upon this Rock I will build My church." And again, the statement has been made that, "God is head of Christ." Christ, knowing this, referred to the greatest of all beings as the foundation upon which to build the structure that would not only last through the present dispensation, but will stand throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.
Pride
1. How does the Lord regard pride?
"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren," Proverbs 6:16-19.
2. Why will the wicked not seek after God?
"The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts," Psalm 10:4.
3. What will one's pride do for him?
"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit," Proverbs 29:23.
4. Is there a woe pronounced upon pride?
"Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!" Isaiah 28:1.
5. Of what is pride a forerunner?
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall," Proverbs 16:18.
6. What is God's attitude toward the proud?
"But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble," James 4:6. See Psalm 40:4; 101:5; 138:6.
7. Why should we not indulge in pride?
"An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin," Proverbs 21:4.
8. How are the proud generally regarded?
"And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered," Malachi 3:15.
9. What is to be one of the sins of the last days?
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy," II Timothy 3:1, 2.
10. From where does the pride of life come?
"For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world," I John 2:16.
11. What will become of all these worldly things?
"And the world passeth away, and the lusts thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever," verse 17.
12. What is to be the fate of the proud?
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch," Malachi 4:1.
Dear sinner come to Christ today,
Repent, give Him your heart and pray,
And He will not turn you away,
And will forsake you never.
He'll fill your soul with love and light,
Forgive your sins, dispel your night,
And you can walk with Him in white,
Forever, Oh! Forever!
Forever, Oh! Forever.
Willis Logan
Missionary Work
1. What has been given to every man?
"For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work," Mark 13:34.
2. Besides work, what else has been given to every man?
"And unto one He gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability," Matthew 25:15.
3. What are those called to whom this work is committed?
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods," verse 14.
4. What use did these servants make of their talents?
"Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents . . . But he that received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money," verses 16-18.
5. What excuse did the one who hid his talent make?
"I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine," verse 25.
6. What did his master say to him?
"His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant," verse 26.
7. What did he say the servant should have done?
"Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury," verse 27.
8. What is the excuse of slothful servants?
"The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets," Proverbs 22:13.
NOTE: They see great obstacles before them, and are always ready with excuses.
9. What is the reward of the slothful servant?
"And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth," Matthew 25:30.
10. What is said of the servant who exercised his talents?
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord," verse 21.
11. By what other name is a worker for Christ called?
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God," II Corinthians 5:20.
12. What does God do with the unfruitful members?
"Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit," John 15:2.
13. What promise is made to those who sow the gospel seed?
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him," Psalm 126:5, 6.
14. What promise is made to soul-winners?
"He that winneth souls is wise," Proverbs 11:30. "And they that be wise [margin, teachers] shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever," Daniel 12:3.
15. What is God's attitude toward the poor?
"He shall deliver the needy when he crieth: the poor also, and him that hath no helper," Psalm 72:12.
16. For what purpose did Christ say God had anointed Him?
"He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor," Luke 4:18.
17. When did He say we could minister to the poor?
"Whensoever ye will ye may do them good," Mark 14:7.
18. What did Paul say regarding our duty to the poor?
"I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive," Acts 20:35.
19. What promises are made to those who consider the poor?
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness," Psalm 41:1-3.
20. How does the Lord regard kindness shown to the poor?
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again," Proverbs 19:17. "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister," Hebrews 6:10.
21. What fate awaits those who turn a deaf ear to the poor?
"Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard," Proverbs 21:13.
22. What has the Lord instructed us to do?
"Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow," Isaiah 1:17.
23. What is pure and undefiled religion declared to be?
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world," James 1:27.
24. What is promised those who do this work?
"Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am . . . . And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not," Isaiah 58:9-11.
25. How did Job treat the poor?
"I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out," Job 29:16.
26. What did Christ tell the rich young man to do?
"Jesus said unto him, If thou will be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me," Matthew 19:21.
27. In ministering to the needy, whom are we really serving?
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me," Matthew 25:40.
28. What is one good evidence of genuine repentance?
"Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor," Daniel 4:27.
29. What is one evidence that one has a knowledge of God?
"He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know Me? saith the Lord," Jeremiah 22:16.
30. What divine law of retroaction attends giving?
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again," Luke 6:38. See Psalm 18:25, 26; 109:17; Galatians 6:7.
A Dying Church
"A church that is doing nothing for the public is on its way to the cemetery. All its members who are doing nothing are acting as pall-bearers. All who are so busy with their own affairs that they have not time to devote to the Lord's cause are making the mourning wreath. The brother who says nothing at all is driving the hearse. The ones who are constantly drawing back when advance moves are to be made are throwing flowers on the grave. The brother who is continually talking of the hard times in the church is preaching the funeral sermon, and singing the burial hymns. And thus lies the church buried, free from all cares, Brother, which of these acts are you performing?"
The Poor, Our Duty Toward Them
1. How long will the church have poor people in its midst?
"For ye have the poor always with you," Matthew 26:11.
2. What ought one to do for the poor, and how often?
"For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good," Mark 14:7.
3. What promises are made to those who consider the poor?
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness," Psalm 41:1-3.
4. When one gives to the poor, how does the Lord consider the act?
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again," Proverbs 19:17.
5. Will the Lord bear in mind His promise to repay these acts of kindness?
"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister," Hebrews 6:10.
6. How will the Lord regard one who turns a deaf ear to the pressing cry of the worthy poor?
"Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard," Proverbs 21:13.
7. Who are specially mentioned as those who should be cared for?
"Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow," Isaiah 1:17.
8. How is such work designated in the New Testament?
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world," James 1:27.
9. What kind of a fast would God have His people hold?
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? . . . Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?, Isaiah 58:6, 7.
10. What promise is for those who do this work?
"Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am," verse 9.
11. Will such have darkness and discouragements?
"And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday," verse 10.
12. And what may he be sure of?
"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not," verse 11.
13. In view of the promises to those who carry out these things, whose example ought all to follow?
"I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out," Job 29:16.
14. What did the Savior enjoin upon the rich young man, that he might have treasure in heaven?
"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me," Matthew 19:21.
15. What will the Savior say to those whom He calls to inherit the kingdom of glory?
"For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me," Matthew 25:35, 36.
16. When the righteous ask in surprise regarding the time of these good deeds, how will the Savior reply?
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me," verse 40.
17. Is it true, that if we neglect a poor saint, we thus neglect the Savior?
"Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me," verse 45.
The last lovely morning,
All blooming and fair,
Is fast onward fleeting,
And soon will appear.
While the mighty, mighty, mighty trump,
Sounds, Come, Come, away,
O let us be ready,
To hail that glad day.
Selected
The Parable of the Tares and Wheat
1. In what way did Christ speak to the multitude?
"All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables," Matthew 13:34.
2. What is a parable?
Comparison. Webster.
3. Did Christ speak to the multitudes without a parable?
"But without a parable spake He not unto them: and when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples," Mark 4:34.
4. To what did Christ liken the kingdom of heaven?
"Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field," Matthew 13:24.
5. Who is the man that sowed the good seed in his field?
"He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of Man," Matthew 13:37.
6. What is this field in which the good seed were sown?
"The field is the world," verse 38.
7. To what do the good seed refer?
"The good seed are the children of the kingdom," verse 38.
8. After the good seed had been sown, and while men slept, what did the enemy do?
"But while men slept, His enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way," verse 25.
9. When the wheat commenced to grow what appeared with it?
"But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also," verse 26.
10. To what do the tares have reference?
"But the tares are the children of the wicked one," verse 38.
11. And who is the enemy that sowed them?
"The enemy that sowed them is the devil," verse 39.
12. What question did the servants ask concerning the tares?
"The servants said unto Him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?" verse 28.
13. What answer did they receive?
"But He said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them," verse 29.
14. How long will they be allowed to grow together?
"Let both grow together until the harvest," verse 30.
15. What is the harvest here referred to?
"The harvest is the end of the world," verse 39.
16. At the time of harvest what will be said to the reapers?
"Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into My barn," verse 30.
17. Who will act as reapers?
"The reapers are the angels," verse 39.
18. What things will be gathered out of the kingdom?
"The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity," verse 41.
19. Where will they be put?
"And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth," verse 42.
20. Then what will become of the righteous?
"Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear let him hear," verse 43.
Wicked spirits gather round thee,
Legions of those foes to God
Principalities most mighty
Walk unseen the earth abroad;
They are gathering to the battle,
Strengthened for the last deep strife;
Christian, arm! Be watchful, ready,
Struggle manfully for life.
Christ the Way of Life
1. What does Christ declare Himself to be?
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me," John 14:6.
2. In what condition are all men?
"But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe," Galatians 3:22.
3. What is the penalty for sin?
"For the wages of sin is death," Romans 6:23.
4. What is the gift of God?
"But the gift of God is eternal life," Romans 6:23.
5. Through whom does eternal life come?
"Through Jesus Christ our Lord," Romans 6:23.
6. How many may be made partakers of this wonderful gift?
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely," Revelation 22:17.
7. After we have truly accepted Christ then what do we have in our possession?
"He that hath the Son hath life," I John 5:12.
8. In what way are we in possession of eternal life at the present time?
"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God," Colossians 3:3.
9. When will this life be revealed, or made known?
"When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory," Colossians 3:4.
10. What is said of those who have not the Son?
"He that hath not the Son of God hath not life," I John 5:12.
11. According to John, what is necessary for one to do in order to abide in Christ?
"He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked," I John 2:6.
12. In what way did Christ speak of His own life?
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life," John 8:12.
13. When one is following the instructions of Christ, whose life is made manifest?
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God," Galatians 2:20.
14. Before we are quickened with Christ in what condition are we said to be?
"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ," Ephesians 2:5.
15. What is this change, or quickening said to be?
"For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel," I Corinthians 4:15.
16. What is declared to be the one purpose of Christ's death?
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil," Hebrews 2:14.
17. How do we become children of God?
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:26.
18. In what way may we show that we have faith in Christ?
"Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works," James 2:18.
19. With whom are the children of God joint heirs?
"If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ," Romans 8:17.
20. Through whom will Abraham, and his seed receive the promise of the future inheritance?
"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ," Galatians 3:16.
21. Is there salvation in any other than Christ?
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved," Acts 4:12.
We are living, we are dwelling,
In a grand and awful time;
In an age on ages telling
To be living is sublime.
Hark! The waking up of nations
Gog and Magog to the fray;
Hark! what soundeth? Is creation
Groaning for the latter day?
Christian, rouse and arm for conflict,
Nerve thee for the battle field;
Bear the helmet of salvation,
And the mighty gospel shield;
Let the breastplate, peace, be on thee,
Take the Spirit's sword in hand;
Boldly, fearlessly, go forth, then,
In Jehovah's strength to stand.
Israel, Present and Future
1. What is the present condition of Israel?
"What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded," Romans 11:7.
2. What was the result of this blindness?
"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy," verse 11.
3. What benefits do the Gentiles draw from this loss?
"Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness?" verse 12.
4. What figure is used to represent the Jewish people?
"The Lord called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit," Jeremiah 11:16.
5. What happened to this tree when the Jews rejected Christ?
"And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree," Romans 11:17.
6. Why were they broken off?
"Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear," verse 20.
7. What words of caution does Paul give the Gentile world?
"For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee," verse 21.
8. Are the Jews denied the gospel?
"And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again," verse 23.
9. For how long a time will the Jews continue in this blinded condition?
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in," verse 25.
10. What will be the result when this blindness is taken away?
"And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob," verse 26.
11. When the kingdom of God is established what provision is made for Israel?
"Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed Thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel," Matthew 19:27, 28.
Long has the tree been barren,
Lacking in leaf and fruit;
With branches withered and sapless,
Dried and dead from the root.
Weary and long was the winter
And earth was stormy and drear;
But now the tree grows tender,
And we know that summer is near.
For lo! In the withered branches
The sap begins to flow,
The boughs grow soft and supple
And the first green leaf-buds blow.
The tree of the Lord's own planting,
True Branch of David's Root;
Soon shall it bud and blossom
And fill the world with fruit.
In Jewish Era of October 1919
Praise and Thanksgiving
1. For what were all things created?
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created," Revelation 4:11.
2. Does man in his natural condition carry out the design of God?
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23.
3. While in this state, what did the Lord do for us?
"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," Romans 5:8.
4. Through what is man permitted to come to repentance?
"Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Romans 2:4.
5. What does Christ become to those who accept Him?
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory," Colossians 1:27.
6. When this grace is received, what will it cause one to do?
"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God," Romans 5:2.
7. On what condition are we to remain members of Christ's household?
"But Christ as a Son over His own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end," Hebrews 3:6.
8. How often, and for how much, should we render thanks to God?
"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," Ephesians 5:20.
9. The "all things" of the last text, includes our trials and disappointments. Why should we give thanks for them?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God," Romans 8:28.
10. What did Paul and Silas do when put in prison for their faith?
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them," Acts 16:25.
11. How did the Lord show His pleasure at their course?
"And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed," verse 26.
12. After being imprisoned, and then beaten by order of the Jewish Sanhedrin, what did Peter and John do?
"And they departed from the presence of the counsel, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name," Acts 5:41.
13. When perplexities come, what should one do?
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the health of my countenance, and my God," Psalm 42:11.
14. When properly offered, what does praise to God become?
"Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God," Psalm 50:23.
15. Should our praise to God be confined to our secret devotions?
"My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear Him," Psalm 22:25.
16. Why ought we thus to praise God?
"My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad," Psalm 34:2.
17. What does David exhort all to do?
"O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together," verse 3.
18. What good example did He set which is worthy of imitation by us when with our brethren?
"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul," Psalm 66:16.
19. What became of those anciently, who were not thankful?
"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened," Romans 1:21.
20. What signal deliverance was once wrought for God's people when they offered praise to Him?
"And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten," II Chronicles 20:22.
21. How should one approach God in prayer?
"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God," Philippians 4:6. See also Colossians 4:2.
22. What is the will of God in this matter concerning us?
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you," I Thessalonians 5:18.
23. What has our Savior taught us to pray?
"Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven," Matthew 6:10.
The Christian's Armor
1. Preceding the second coming of Christ what power makes war on the church?
"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, [true church] and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ," Revelation 12:17.
2. What great reward is promised to the overcomer?
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life," Revelation 2:7.
3. Where is this tree of life located?
"In the midst of the paradise of God," same verse.
4. Through whom are we able to conquer the world and its ways?
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us," Romans 8:37.
5. What is the character of the Christian's weapons of warfare?
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds," II Corinthians 10:4.
6. What are such weapons as these able to conquer?
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled," verses 5, 6.
7. What are we to put on?
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil," Ephesians 6:10, 11.
8. With what kind of foes do we have to contend?
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places," verse 12.
9. What are the first things with which one should be girded?
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness," verses 13 and 14.
10. What is this truth with which one's loins should be girded?
"Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth," John 17:17.
"Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is the truth," Psalm 119:142.
11. What does having loins girded mean?
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ," I Peter 1:13.
12. What is the righteousness of which the breastplate is composed?
"My tongue shall speak of Thy word: for all Thy commandments are righteousness," Psalm 119:172.
"And this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness," Jeremiah 23:6.
"The Lord is well pleased for His Righteousness sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honourable," Isaiah 42:21.
13. With what are the feet to be shod?
"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace," Ephesians 6:15.
14. Which piece of armor is mentioned as necessary to the soldier of God?
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked," Ephesians 6:16.
15. What kind of a helmet are we to wear?
"And take the helmet of salvation," verse 17.
16. With what sword is the Christian soldier to fight?
"The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," verse 17.
17. In order that we use the above weapons successfully, what is necessary?
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints," verse 18.
18. How constantly does Paul admonish one to pray?
"Pray without ceasing," I Thessalonians 5:17.
19. If one stands this way, will they seek to save their lives?
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death," Revelation 12:11.
20. Will Christ's soldiers be victorious under Him?
"And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God," Revelation 15:2.
Evidence of Acceptance With God
1. In what way will God manifest Himself toward those who love Him?
"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him," John 14:23.
2. What relation is thus brought about between God and the one who loves Him?
"I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people . . . and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty," II Corinthians 6:16-18.
3. Can such relation exist, and one not know it?
"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you," John 14:17.
First Evidence
4. What does the Lord give to every one who follows Him?
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid," verse 27.
5. He says, "Not as the world giveth." What does the world have to give those who have the Lord's peace?
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world," John 16:33.
Second Evidence
6. How will a truly converted man feel toward the law?
"For I delight in the law of God after the inward man," Romans 7:22.
7. What will the Lord do for him for thus regarding the law?
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper," Psalm 1:2, 3.
Third Evidence
8. What principle will control the true child of God?
"And He answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord Thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself," Luke 10:27.
9. What is the relation of love and law?
"Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law," Romans 13:10.
10. What assurance is given to those who love one another?
"If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit," I John 4:12, 13.
Fourth Evidence
11. How will God prove every one He loves?
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent," Revelation 3:19.
12. How will such experience seem?
"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby," Hebrews 12:11.
13. Why does the Lord chasten His children?
"For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness," verse 10.
Fifth Evidence
14. What will be the experience of those who open the door of their hearts and let Jesus in?
"If any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me," Revelation 3:20.
15. What were the feelings of the two disciples who talked with Jesus on the way to Emmaus?
"And they said one to another, Did not our hearts burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?," Luke 24:32.
Lord, may thy glorious kingdom come,
Thy righteous will on earth be done
When peace shall reign from shore to shore,
And nations shall learn war no more.
When Christ shall come to earth again
And God Himself shall dwell with man,
One people and one God will be
Throughout a vast eternity
Yes, death itself will then be o'er,
Sickness and sorrow be no more,
When we shall reach that peaceful shore
And be forever blessed.
Lavina Leach
Preaching the Gospel
1. Before leaving His disciples, what commission did Christ give them?
"And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," Mark 16:15.
2. What reward did He say would be given those who believed the gospel?
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned," verse 16.
3. What is the gospel of Christ?
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek," Romans 1:16.
4. How extensively and for how long a time should the gospel of the kingdom be preached?
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come," Matthew 24:14.
5. For what reason was the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles?
"Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name," Acts 15:14.
6. What description is given of those who preach the gospel?
"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:15.
7. What was the object of Christ's ministry?
"I the Lord have called Thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house," Isaiah 42:6, 7.
8. For what purpose was the apostle Paul chosen, and sent to the Gentiles?
"But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee . . . To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me," Acts 26:16, 18.
9. What are the ministers of God commanded to preach?
"Preach the word," II Timothy 4:2.
10. Why are they to preach thy word?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," II Timothy 3:16.
11. How are they to preach this word?
"He that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully," Jeremiah 23:28.
12. What rule for teaching doctrine is laid down in the Bible?
"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little," Isaiah 28:10.
13. What disposition should the servant of God always manifest?
"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth," II Timothy 2:24, 25.
14. What promise is made to the faithful gospel minister?
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him," Psalms 126:6.
Now take the glad message to land and to the sea,
For Jesus is calling, O what is your plea?
Can you say, Yes, Lord, let Thy will be?
Here am I, Savior, why not send me?
God's judgments and wrath are nearing their fate,
And the nations must know it before it's too late;
So then take the pathway the third angel trod,
And teach them to worship the only true God.
Tell them the end of this age is at hand,
For Israel's now gathering back to their land.
Tell them of Jesus, and of His great fame,
And soon He'll return to Jerusalem again.
There He will reign the Lord of the earth,
Causing to cease all these nations' mad rush;
On the throne prepared for the ages to come,
There He'll reign as Lord, His name will be one.
E. F. Thorp
The Two Husbands
1. In what striking language does the Apostle Paul commence the seventh chapter of Romans?
"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?" Romans 7:1.
2. After saying the law hath dominion over a man so long as he lives, then what of the woman and her husband?
"For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband," Romans 7:2.
3. For how long a time is she bound to this husband?
"So long as he liveth," same verse.
4. But what if this husband be dead?
"But if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband," same verse.
5. If while this husband is alive she should attempt to marry another man what would she be called?
"So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress," Romans 7:3.
6. What if her husband be dead?
"But if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man," same verse.
NOTE: The first three verses of this chapter introduce four figures, namely, "the law, the woman, and the first and second husband." He uses these natural things to represent things that are spiritual. The woman represents the individual, the first husband the carnal nature, while the second husband or new man represents Christ. The law spoken of is the ten commandment law, which if we disobey, binds us to the old man, and holds us guilty as a sinner in the sight of God. On the other hand, if the individual is obedient to the law of God, he or she stands in a position to become married to the new man which is Christ. But if the individual, while a transgressor of God's law, seeks to be married to Christ the new man, he or she is guilty of spiritual adultery, just the same as a woman having one real husband is guilty of adultery if she marries another man.
7. In Ephesians, who does Paul say to put off?
"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man," Ephesians 4:22.
8. In what condition is the old man?
"Which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts," same verse.
9. Is the carnal mind in accordance with God and His law?
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be," Romans 8:7.
10. Is it possible to please God while living in the lusts of the flesh?
"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God," Romans 8:8.
11. For whom is the ten commandment law made?
"Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine," I Timothy 1:9, 10.
NOTE: By the above statement it is plain who the law is for, and so long as one stands in this condition he or she is married to the old man, which is displeasing in the sight of God. But when our daily life is in accordance with the law of God, then we can come under the blood of Christ, be married to Him, and not be guilty of spiritual adultery.
12. When the old man is put away to whom can we be joined?
"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof," Romans 13:14.
13. By what act do we put on Christ?
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ," Galatians 3:27.
14. After whom is this new man created?
"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness," Ephesians 4:24.
15. In what condition must our thoughts be when the new man is put on?
"Blessed are the pure of heart: for they shall see God," Matthew 5:8.
16. Then what should be our disposition?
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy," James 3:17. See also Colossians 3:8-17.
17. When one is living obedient to God's word, and has put on Christ is he a new creature?
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new," II Corinthians 5:17.
The Love of God
1. What does the apostle ask all to do?
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God," I John 3:1.
There are then, different manners of love. Man has one kind, which esteems others as long as they favor him, and no longer. God's is of another kind. When man turned away from God to serve his greatest enemy, the Lord did not desert him. He gave him an opportunity to repent, and left him comforting words of instruction, that he might still hope in the Lord, Romans 15:4. He also gave His Holy Spirit to assist man in living out that word, in approaching to God, Romans 8:26. Next He gave all the holy angels to minister to the wants of those who should be in trial through serving God, Hebrews 1:14. Only one other gift remained that God could bestow upon fallen man His only begotten Son.
2. How much does God love the world?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life," John 3:16.
3. Did God wait for man to return to Him before sending His Son to die?
"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," Romans 5:8.
4. What did the Lord Jesus Himself do that we might have eternal riches?
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich," II Corinthians 8:9.
5. How rich was the Son of God?
"Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, Whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by Whom also He made the worlds," Hebrews 1:2. See also John 17:5.
6. How poor was He when born?
"And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn," Luke 2:7.
7. Was He any better provided for when He had grown to man's estate?
"And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head," Matthew 8:20.
8. What trials did He pass through on man's behalf?
"For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin," Hebrews 4:15.
9. What did He do to show His sympathy for those in affliction?
"And He healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils," Mark 1:34.
10. How was He received by those whom He came to save?
"He came unto His own, and His own received Him not," John 1:11.
11. After choosing some disciples toward whom He felt much tenderness, what did one of them do in return for His love?
"And immediately, while He yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. And he that betrayed Him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He; take Him, and lead Him away safely. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to Him, and saith, Master, Master; and kissed Him. And they laid their hands on Him, and took Him," Mark 14:43-46.
12. Why did Judas thus betray his Master?
"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver," Matthew 26:14, 15.
13. What was first done with the Savior after His betrayal?
He was taken to the high priest's house (Mark 14:53) where He was buffeted and spit upon (verse 65). He was next taken before Pilate (Mark 15:1), where He was mocked by the soldiers (verses 17-19), until finally they led Him to the place of crucifixion. Here He was nailed to the cross, and amid the taunts and insults of His persecutors, He was lifted up on the cross of Calvary, to die for the world. God's love was shown toward the world in that He did not withdraw His Son from the earth when He was so maltreated, and thus leave man to perish. But He so loved the world that He would suffer these terrible indignities to be heaped on His dear Son, if by this means He could but save fallen man.
14. What did the Savior say the repentance of one sinner causes in heaven?
"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth," Luke 15:10.
15. After the prodigal son had wasted all his inheritance in a far country, and began to realize his wretched condition, what did he say?
"I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants," verses 18, 19.
16. On his return, how did his father meet him?
"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him," verse 20.
17. What preparations were then made to give the prodigal a general welcome?
"The father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry," verses 22-24.
When the evening bells are tolling
And my days on earth are o'er,
When I cross that swelling Jordan
To that dim and distant shore,
When I reach that shining city
In that angel's home so fair,
At the pearly gates of Eden
Will my Savior know me there?
On that bright and glorious morning,
In that land of endless day
Will my Savior bid me welcome
To in peace forever stay?
In that land of joy and gladness
Free from toil and earthly care,
On that great eternal morning
Will my Savior know me there?
Madoline Sprague
Ministration of Good Angels
1. Does the apostle Paul in his writings speak of a family in heaven?
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named," Ephesians 3:14, 15.
2. Since Paul speaks of a family in heaven, by what name are the members commonly called?
"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven," Matthew 18:10.
3. In the Revelation of Christ what is said about the number of these beings?
"And I beheld, and I heard the voices of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands," Revelation 5:11.
4. Does the apostle agree with Christ as to their number?
"But ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels," Hebrews 12:22.
5. What is said regarding man's equality with the angels?
"For Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels," Psalm 8:5.
6. Have we any other proof that angels are higher beings than man?
"That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven," Matthew 18:10.
7. Seeing that angels behold the face of God, is man allowed this privilege?
No man hath seen God at any time," John 1:18.
"And He said, Thou canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live," Exodus 33:20.
8. What is said of the strength and character of the angels?
"Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, harkening unto the voice of His word," Psalm 103:20.
9. As the angels are higher beings than man, to whom are they subject?
"Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him," (Christ) I Peter 3:22.
10. Are the angels interested in the salvation of men?
"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth," Luke 15:10.
11. In what grand and noble work are the angels engaged?
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Hebrews 1:14.
12. Have we any Scripture indicating that each child of God has at least one accompanying angel?
"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven," Matthew 18:10.
13. How was Christ strengthened during His agony in Gethsemane?
"And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him," Luke 22:43.
14. In what way did the angel assist at the resurrection of Christ?
"And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it," Matthew 28:2.
15. What was the angel's appearance?
"His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow," Matthew 28:3.
16. What effect did he have on the Roman guards who were watching the tomb?
"And for fear of him the keepers did shake and became as dead men," Matthew 28:4.
17. Have we other incidents where angels have ministered to God's people?
"But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth," Acts 5:19.
18. In what way did God protect the Hebrew children while in the fiery furnace?
"Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent His angel, and delivered His servants that trusted in Him," Daniel 3:28.
19. How was Daniel protected while in the den of lions?
"My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me," Daniel 6:22.
NOTE: Many other scriptures could be used to show how God has protected His people in the past, and how many times His people were in sore distress, yet at the critical moment angels appeared on the scene, and proclaimed deliverance to those in trouble. While we today are not able to behold them with the natural eye, yet we have the assurance of their presence with us at all times.
20. Have we any scripture to sustain the foregoing note?
"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them," Psalm 34:7.
21. In the great time of trouble that is coming, have we a promise that the angels will be present?
"Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked . . . There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways," Psalm 91:8, 10, 11.
22. When Christ comes, who will come with Him?
"When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him.," Matthew 25:31.
23. What work will be connected with His coming?
"And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats," Matthew 25:32.
24. What will then be said to the sheep, or righteous?
"Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world," Matthew 25:34.
25. Where will this kingdom be located?
"And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him," Daniel 7:27.
NOTE: May God hasten the time when the conclusion of this lesson will be made a reality.
E-T-E-R-N-I-T-Y, The LONGEST name for Time
That mighty ONENESS of eternal day;
Ever and anon its GLORY will shine,
Recording CYCLES of time FAR away.
No tears, No DEATH, no crying no more strife,
Immortal LIFE, with nothing to annoy;
Through endless DAY eat from the TREE of life,
Yielding FRUIT, for ALL the saved to enjoy.
I. S. Sherwin
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