The Morgan County press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 1918-08-16
IMPROVED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL
SUND6YS01OOL
LESSON
CBy Rev. p. b. FITZWATER, ID: u,
Teacher of English Bible in the Moody
Bible Institute of Chicago)
Copyright, 1918. by Western Newspaper union:l
LESSON FOR AUGUST IS
SOME ACTIVITIES OF THE PRIMl'
TIVE CHURCH.

LESSON TExT-Acts 2:42-4T; f:S2-SS; 81
la
GOLDEN TExT-Enter into his gates
with thanksgiving, and into MS courts
with praise: be thankful unto MIN anu
bless his name.-Psalms 1904
DEVOTIONAL READING-Psalms LIZ:
10
ADDITIONAL MATERTAL-Markn HIS
II: Acts 1898: I Corinthians 3:9; 2:4-29;
Ephesians 4:1-lb.
!. The Church Worshipino (Acts z:
A. ~.
As the result Of Peters preaching at
Pentecost about three thousand per-
sons confessed Christ in baptism. mat
their conversion was genuine Is eVl-
denced by what they did:
l. "Continued steadfastly In the
apostles doctrine" ". 42).
Continuance and steadfastness are
infallihle proofs Of the genulneness OF
one's conversion. They not only were
steadfast, but they kept themselves IN
the school of Christ-came regularly
TO the meetings to be instructed by the
anostIcs. Christians cannot grow un-
less they feed upon Gods word. Trashy
novels and story papers Will nor MAXI
Christians grow. The 'sinccre milk or
+he word" is essential to growth IL
Peter a:G).
.. Kent themselves in the fellow
ship Of the apostles ~ 42).
This Doubtless. means that they at
tached themselves to the church ana
sought the friendship Of Christian peo-
nile. Christian growth is helped by as
sociation with Christian people, not oy
withdrawal. One who expects sanctl-
6cation in secll1sion win be doomed 10
disappointment.
8. They went regularly to tae ccin-
munion table ". 42(.
In tie ':areaking of bread" they sym
bolically fed upon Christ. True Wor-
shippers will not neglect this means Oh
grace.
d They went regularly to the pray
er meeting ". 42).
PRAYER is the very breath OF soul
growth. It is rs ne1essarv 10 sFar' e
life as BREATHING is to physical - h1s.i
The result of such life was:
~ Wholesome fear ". 4S). ezls
nowerful ministry ". 43). Many
wonders and signs were done ny the
apostles. 81 Mutual ministry wv 44-
45). Those who give themselves 70
Christ are large-hearted and generous
giving of their substance to help the
Door and needy. az A constant Wor-
ship ". 46). (5) Unity and gladnesS
". 46). (6) Gracious influence among
the neople ". 47). (D A perpetuai
growth ". Az. Where such genuine
ness is manifest there will be CROWN
The Lord added to the church daily.
there was continuous reviVai.
II. The Church Witnessing (Acts 4:
31-35). ,4
Note the characteristics Of Wit
Messing church:
1. A praying church ". 81.
For every want and every need they
hetook themselves to God in prayer
@ A spirit-flled church w. 81.
When they prayed the place was
shaken wherein they were gathered 10
gnther. They were all filed with the
boIv spirit. The spirit is given IN an
swer to prayer duke 11:l3).
3 A testifying church ". 81. =,
The ministers had boldness in tesCl-
mony. 90,
Tbev were of one heart and one soul,
united in the one body to the one head
by the holy spirit.
s. A charitable and generous church
". 32). .,..o
They held nothing back from those
who had need.
q It's membership possessed I'M
hlemished characters; great grace was
upon them all. .
III. The Church Overcoming DIM
culties (Acts 6:1-4).
Ont of the beautiful fellowship OF
This early church grew a peculiar olI-
fcuItv. Among the Grecian Jews there
came feeling that Partially had peep
shown in the distribution of funds Inc
dificuIty was recognized at once ana
nronerIv dealt with. The apostles re-
fused 70 allow this to divert their min
istrv so they proceeded with the mi
tiol organization in the church, the APP
nointment of deacons. We have mere
SET forth the qualifications of those
who are to look after the business END
of the church.
1. Good report ". 81.
IT Is highly important that even the
business affairs of the church should
be in the hands of honest men. Inc
church cannot afford to appoint men OF
doubtful reputation to do such work
2 Full of the holy spirit ". -.
The temperatures Of the church
sbould only be entrusted 70 spiiit-hlled