The Brinkley argus., 1918-08-16
LESSON FOR AUGUST IS
SOME ACTIVITIES OF THE PRiMI.
 TIVE CHURCH.

TIVE CHURCH.
 LESSON TEXT-Acts 2:42-47: 4:32-95; 6: 1-4.
 GOLDEN TEXT-Enter Into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name.-Psalms 10O4.
 DEVOTIONAL READING-PsaIms t22: 1-9
 ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Mark Il u:15- IT; Acts 10:33: I Corinthians 3:9: 12:I29; Ephesians 4:1-16.
 |. Tho Church Worshipinq (Acts2: 4247).
 As the result of Peters preaching at Pentecost about three thousand per sons confessed Christ In baptism. That their conversion was genuine is evil denced by what they did:
 l. Continued steadfastly In the apostles doctrine" (v. 42).
 Continuance and steadfastness are infalllble proofs of the genuineness of steadfast, but they kept themselves in the school of Christ-came regularly to the meetings to be instructed by the apostles. Christians cannot grow un- less they feed upon Gods word. Trashy novels and story papers will not make Christians grow. The sincere milk Of the word" is essential to growth q Peter 2:2).
 ?. Kept themselves in the fellow ship of the apostles (v. 42).
 This doubtless means that they at- tached themselves to the church and sought the friendship of Christian peo- pie. Christian growth Is helped by as- sociation with Christian people, not by withdrawal. One who expects Sancti- fication in seclusion will be doomed to disappointment.
 8. They went regularly to the con- munion table (v. 42).
 In the "breaking of bread" they sym bolically fed upon Christ. True wor- shipers will not neglect this means of grace.
 4. They went regularly to the pray CT meeting (v. 42).
 Prayer is the very breath of soul growth. It is as necessary to spiritual life as breathing is to physical life. The result of such life was:
 D Wholesome fear (v. 43). @ A powerful ministry (v. 43). Many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. (3) Mutual ministry Cvv. A. 45) Those who give themselves to Christ are large-hearted and generous. giving of their substance to help the poor and needy. (4) A constant Wor- ship (v 46). (5) Unity and gladness (y. 46). 60 Gracious influence among the people (v. 4O. CD A perpetual growth (v. 47). Where such genuine ness is manifest there will be growth The Lord added to the church daily there was a continuous revival.
 II. The Church Witnessing (Acts 4: 31-35).
 Note the characteristics of a wit messing church:
 1. A praying church (v. 3D.
 For every want and every need they betook themselves to God Tn prayer
 ?. A spirit-filled church O. 3D.
 When they prayed the place was shaken wherein they were gathered to- gether. They were all filled with the holy spirit The spirit is given in an swer to prayer Uuke 11:13).
 8. A testifying church (v. 3D.
 The ministers had boldness in testi- mony.
 4. A united church (v. 32).
 They were of one heart and one soul, united in the one body to the one head by the holy spirit.
 5. A charitable and generous church (v. 32).
 They held nothing back from those who had need.
 6. Its membership possessed un- blemished characters; great grace was upon them all.
 III. The Church Overcoming Oiffi- cuIties (Acts 6:1-4.
 Out of tke beautiful fellowship or this early church grew a peculiar dif- ficuIty. Among the Grecian Jews there came feeling that partiality nad peep shown in the distribution of funds. The difficulty was recognized at once anu properly dealt with. The apostles re- 
 fused to allow this to divert their min- istry. so they proceeded with the ini- tial organization in the church, the ap- pointment of deacons. We have here set forth the qualifications of those who are to look after the business end of the church.
 1. Good report (v. 3.
 It is highly important that even the business affairs of the church should be in the hands of honest men The church cannot afford to appoint men or doubtful reputation to do such work
 ?. Full of the holy spirit (v. 3.
 The temporallties of the church should only be entrusted to spirit-hlled men.
 3. Full of wisdom tv. 3.
 The highest wisdom is required ln the handling of the business side or church life, and this should be done by men other than ministers. Ministers should give themselves to prayer ana