The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-05-10

where Jesus laid down His life on be-
half of the world.
After Jesus's ascension, He appeared
in the Fathers presence, and made
satisfaction for the sins of the Church
alone-those who would accept the Fa-
theirs call to walk in Jesus footsteps
As for the world, their sins are still up
on them. The only way to obtain for
giveness, therefore, is to become a dis
ciple of Jesus.
The Scriptures show us that God has
a different time and way for dealing
with the world. He will deal with the
world through Christ's Millennial King
dom, scattering their darkness, forgiv-
ing their sins and uplifting them to
human perfection. Meantime. He deals
with the Church only, and it is the
Church that the Apostle discusses in
, today's lesson.
The Church began it's existence at
Pentecost. Hence Whitsuntide marks
an important event in the .Church's
affairs. Until our Lords presentation
of His merit on their behalf, they were
like the remainder of mankind-con-
costal blessing came, it manifested the
Fathers acceptance Of Jesus sacrifice
as satisfactory for the sins of the
Church-the Household of Faith.
The Gifts of the Spirit.
We are to distinguish between the
gifts of the Spirit and the fruits of the
Spirit The fruits of the Spirit are de-
velopments of heart and character,
coming more or less slowly, according
to the personality and environment of
the spirit-begotten one. These fruits
of the Spirit, the Apostle says, can be
Seen-are manifeSt-meekneSS gentle
ness, patience, lOng-suffering, brother
ly-kindness, love.
These fruits must be developed in
our hearts. They will be manifested in
our thoughts, words and deeds. The
ripper the Christian, the ripper the fruits
If no fruits appear, then there is no
Christian. IF any man have not the
Spirit of Christ, he is none of His
But these fruits may be so overshadow-
ed by weaknesses of the flesh that all
may not see to what extent he is fight
ing a good fight against the world,
the flesh and the Devil.
When Pentecost came, the disciples
were not prepared to manifest immedi-
ately ripe fruitage of the Spirit. UP
to this time they were natural men.
We see, then, why they could not have
a manifestation of the fruits of the
Spirit. But it was necessary that they
have some indication of Gods favor.
God manifested His acceptance of
their conservation by the bestowment
of certain gifts, which were not fruits
of the Spirit in any sense. These gifts
were widely distributed in the early
Church, and were miraculous. Some
spoke languages of which they had no
previous knowledge; some had the gift
of interpreting these languages; some
received the gift of healing; some had
power for other miracles.
These gifts served a three-fold pur-
pose: % They manifested Gods favor,
thereby proving that sChrist's redemp-
ton work had been satisfactory. (2)
They proved that God was with the
disciples, and this would induce low
ers of God to investigate the Gospel.
go They assured the disciples that God
was leading them.
These experiences were necessary.
The early Church could not walk by
faith as we do. They had no Bibles.
They had no instruction. except such as
came through these channels. ST. Paul
explains the matter in today's lesson.
Through the operation of these gifts,
the brethren obtained fellowship and
instruction. - - 49, ~ - - : - - =
God taught them In almost the only
possible way in which they could re-
ceive instruction. but. very differently
from that in which He has since in
structed His people, Such instruction
is no longer necessary, and hence no
longer given. We have the Scriptures.
Divinely provided helps. with which,
as st. Paul declares, the man of God
may be thoroughly furnished unto ev-
cry good work. Instead of the gifts.
we have the fruits of the Spirit. the
chief of which is Love.