The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-03-21

W-Matt. Vii. 1-14. S.-PSa. cXviii. 1924
SUM- Cor ill., 9-17.
The first quarter of the year was devoted to the
beginning of the life and teachings of the Lord
Jesus in this world. After the story of his BIRTH
his boyhood, his baptism, and HIS temptation,
had lessons from the earliest teachings of the Mas
ter as he sat on the mount, surrounded by his dis
ciples. We read of his power to forgive sins, OF
the character of those who in his kingdom
Blessed" and of the righteousness that must
coed the righteousness of the Scrbes Pharisees
After our review and our lesson on Temperance
return to the words of him who spake never
spake. We have another passage from the
the mount.
1. There false prophets. VS. 1920. 1t
always so-n the Old Testament and in the New
Testament times. Jesus himself foretold them, and
warned his people the end of time of false teach
ers and prophets, men whose hearts at enmty
with Cod and whose tongues speak and
falsehood Claiming to speak for God, they do
speak for the devil, the betrayer and the murderer
of souls. They many and false in
day as ever. They effect gentleness and come to
you in sleeps clothing" which makes them more
dangerous, and more to be feared. But inward
ly" in heart and in reality, "they ravening
wolves" How shall they be known? Eye shall
know them by their fruits" The fruits of the
truth of God spoken by true prophets, are in
righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy
Ghost" They produce good lives, good homes,
good communities. They produce obedience
Gods will and peace of conscience and persever-
are also manifest in bad lives, in unhappy homes,
in disordered communities and all manner of evils
and sorrows. You may be sure "a good tree bring
eth forth good fruit, and corrupt tree evil fruit"
The world has seen it otherwise. False teach
ing is like the corrupt tree which has not the power
of producing anything but evil fruit. What do
do with the tree that disappoints? It is hewn
down, and cast into the fire. 1t is rejected and de-
stroyed. 1t will be true with the false prophet and
his teaching The supreme test of every person,
it bear? By it's fruits It must be Judged.
2. Calling Jesus Lord is thing and obeying
him Lord is another. VS.. 21-23. 1t is not his
profession, however loud and persistent, that fits
one for the kingdom, or proves that one is in the
kingdom. mot every one that saith unto me- Lord,
Lord, shall enter" But he that doeth the will of
my Father which is in heaven" That is the test
Of dscpleship, not the saying but the doing.
Words may come only from the lips but deeds
come from the Will. The first thing in doing the
Fathers will is This is the will of God that be-
lieve on him whom he hath sent" And the Chris
an life unto the end is obedience in character and
living. He that doeth the VIII of God abideth for
ever" There will be many who count themselves
the people of God, and to the end called Lord
Lord" who will find that they never knew him.
They will make large claims they prophesied or
preached ain his name" they cast out devils and
in their own esteem did many wonderful works"
But were so fearfully deceived and decefving that
they will then hear the Lord himself say ~ never
knew you" What q bitter rejection! depart
from me, We that work inquity!" All this life of
boosted good works iniquty in his sight.
3. The two foundations, VS.. 1929 Jesus in his
wise teachings always looking for parallels
things familiar in nature the world of men, that
were like things in the world Of truth and spirit
which ne would teach and have remained fresh and
clear among all to the end ct will Iilten him"
was something he was always doing as he taught
men, "Whosoever heareth these sayings Of mine
and doeth them" that is man who is "a wise
man" and has built his house upon a rock" Every
man is building his house of character of fitness
for heaven, and Of hope of heaven. There is one