The Brinkley argus., 1914-12-18
INTERNATIONAL .SUlYDAS0l(DOL,
 LESSON (By B. O. SELLERS, Acting Director of
 Sunday School Course)
LESSON FOR DECEMBER 20.
TIE ASCENSION.

LESSON TExT-Luke N:5O-5s Acts H. GOLDEN TExT-He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sigRt.- Acts 1:9.
 We have now reached the final les son of the present course In the lie of Christ, next Sunday being devoted to the review. The lesson committee have selected the continuous account of this final earthly act of our Lord as given ua by St. Luke. for the Book of Acts is 2 continuance of the Cos pei of Luke (Acts 1:1). Inasmuch as this is really but one account we will consider only that found in the Acts. |. The Proof of the Resurrection. w. 1-3. This book of "The Acts" is continuation of what Jesus began to do" and gives us the record of how he continued this work by means of those whom he had chosen" (v. 9. Fol l lowing his resurrection he gave them commandments through the Holy Spirit" viz. in the power of the Holy Spirit. A like honor rests upon every believer to hear and to obey the commands of Jesus given in the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit. The all-suficient proof (see also Cor. 15:4-8) was that Jesus had been seen for period of 40 days. This is the many infallible proofs." During that time they not alone saw the risen Lord. but con versed with him, ate with ! ,.sns~sshd nad communion win him. During these days of communion he gave them his l commands as to the things concern ! ing the kingdom of God" This en- tailed a burden that these commands ! be proclaimed in ever widening cir l cles to the utmost bounds of the earth. Additional Experience.
 n. The promise of the Father. l w. 4-8. The disciples were not to be- l gin the proclamation of their message until they were fully equipped, until l they had received that all essential preparation. the enduement of the | Holy Spirit. Here, again, the Scrip lures are to be fulfilled (Isa. 44:3; l Joel 2:8, also Luke 24:49). That ten
 days delay was not time lost, for time spent in preparation is never time lost We must not suppose these men as not regenerate (John 13:10; 15:3), but as lacking an equipment necessary for the successful execution of their important task. We as be- lievers cannot call him Lord except by the power of the Spirit q Cor. 12:3), but we do not all have that in- filling of the Spirit which alone will en- able us to render effective service. This is an additional experience, but one open to all who will honestly and intelligently seek it (see Acts SIP, and other referencesl. This experi- ence IS (a) commanded, charged not to depart till, etc.," (b) to be preceded by repentance" and (c) to carry with 1t authority, V. R. V. It does not
 mean. either. temporal power nor is it the prerogative of visible church and confined to an elect few. This kingdom is a spiritual one. The pro- gram of. Jesus Is Spirit-fllled men to be his witnesses, and to begin lat Je- rusalem" A true reception of the Holy Spirit means worldwide mission ary endeavor.
 Presumptive Ignorance.
 III. The Present Place of Jesus. w. 9-11. Even yet the disciples failed to grasp the idea of spiritual king dom as evidenced by verse six In most emphatic way he tells them that it is not for them to know the times and seasons which the Father hath set within his own power" tau thority, V. z. R. VI. Their power is
 not to be earthly, but spiritual (v. g.. It Is the height of presumptive ignor- ance for any one to set the date of our Lords return (Deut. 29:29). Jesus has given us explicit informa- ton on this question (Matt. 24:36), and his payables all warn us to
 watch" While Jesus talked with
 his disciples concerning the recep- ton of this new power and the place
 where they were to begin to exercise it, his feet were parted from the earth and a cloud received him from their sight as he ascended into heaven" (Luke 24:61: I Pet. 3:22; see also Gen. 5:24 and Heb. 9:28 R. V). His parting benediction was an adjuration
 to life of service not in their weak ness, but in the blessed enduement
 of power. Yonder into heaven he had
 gone to prepare place for us (John 14:2. Heb 9:24.) There he ever liv-
 eth to intercede for us (Heb. 7:25).
 His presence there makes us eter-
 nally secure (Rom 8:34, Heb. 7:25).
 His presence In the heavenlies is the | guarantee that we. too. shall one day be with him" (John 12:26, Rev. 2:2I. This hope inspires the church to
 evangelism. to holy living and to
 faithful service. It was necessary that
 our Lords work be transferred from
 his invisible person.
 Lifted up he was on Calvary, lifted up he was into glory, that If l be lifted up. will draw all men unto me" Mysterious birth. wondrous life, glori- ous, marvellous ascension! s ~ As this is written Europe is bathecs in blood and America is engaged in
 a set season of prayer for peace The
 onIy abiding peace we can hope for will De when the Prince of Peace shall