The Brinkley argus., 1916-09-22
LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER "A
REVIEW.

READING LESSON-II Cor 4:1-5:4.
 GOLDEN TEXT-We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.-II Cor. AIS.
 A map is essential to an understand ing of Paul's labors and adventures especially a present-day map, with it's modern names of the places which he visited. It should be used in teaching this lesson, and New Testament his- tory generally.
 It will cause the lessons to relate themselves more closely to the world as we now know it. During the past quarter they have extended over pc riod of about seven years, from ap- proximately A. D. 50 to 57, and are all centered about the life and teaching of Paul. It is difficult to attempt a logical review A number of lessons have been introduced from the letters { of Paul, which are not chronological in the development of the church. It might be well, perhaps, to consider first the leading events in the life of Paul, and second the prominent char acteristics of Paufs life. as we have had them presented to us, and also to consider six of the cities in which Paul founded churches in Europe, studying their modern names and con- ditions and looking into the difficulties and dangers which he encountered. In Lesson One we have the record of Paurs untiring activity. and his per- sistent use of the Scriptures. Every one of his sermons was confirmed by the Word of God. Lesson Two pre- Sents his interest in those who were converted in his ministry; also sug- gesti 3n as to his unceaSing prayerful- ness on their behalf. Lesson Three presents his tact and wisdom in preaching the Risen Christ, and his emphasis upon the need of repentance. Lesson Four gives suggestion of his untiring activity in the midst of great discouragement and in the fact of bit ter opposition. Lesson Five reveals his persistent determination to know and to preach nothing save Jesus Christ and him crucified. Lesson Six is Paul's panegyric on love as the su- preme gift. Lesson Seven is an ex- position of the duty and blessedness of cheerful giving. In it is given q new beatitude of Jesus, Ut is more blessed to give than to receive" which is nowhere else recorded. Lesson Eight, another suggestion as to his courage. Lesson Nine emphasizes humility, compassionate love and a fearless declaration of the whole coun- sel of God. Lesson Ten presents his forgetfulness of himself and his eager ness to preach Christ even when threatened by an unrestrained mob. Lesson Twelve again presents his for getfulness of himself, and his eager seizing of every possible opportunity to preach the Lord Jesus.
 Turning to the cities that Paul vis- ited, we first encounter Philippi (now in ruins). This is the first city in Eu- rope where there was Christian church, and it was one which Paul especially loved. Though he was driv- en from 1t by mob, and escaped by means of an angel, yet his letter to that church is revelation of his feel ing toward his first European congre- gation. Thessalonica, the modern Saloniki in Macedonia, formerly be- longed to the Turkish empire in Flu rope. Here Paul founded church, consisting of Jews and Greeks. Paul is accused of turning the world upside down, and teaching Jesus to be the Christians king. For this he was accused of treason against Rome. Two epistles were written to the church in which he does not record any fault finding. This church has been called the "Church Beautiful" Athens was then, as now, the chief city of Greece, and one of the three most renowned cities in the history of the world. Paul's famous address on Mars hill was treated with great indifference. His stay was short, and never after wards do we find him showing forth his learning, but ever after he ex- presses his determination to know nothing save Jesus Christ and Him crucified." q. Cor. 2:1, 2).) Corinth was great commercial city. At pres- ent the original site Is in ruins, but the new Corinth has been built three miles away, and is today city of ap- proximately 15,0O0 population. Paul spent year and half here, preach- ing and teaching, and supplemented this with period of three months of service. It was worldly and wicked city, and yet Paul here founded his largest church, converted from heath eniSm.
 During this time we have the story of the burning of the books of magic, of the silver shrine of Diana, and of the Ephesian riot which compelled Paul to leave the city.
 Paul afterwards revisited the