The Green Forest tribune., 1918-01-18
IMPROVED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL SUNDASCnO0L
 LESSON (By E. O. oALLE4r.S, Acllng Director or the Sunday School Course of the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago) Copyright 1917, Western Newspaper Union.)
LESSON FOR JANUARY 20
JESuS AT WORK.

LESSON TEXT-Mark 1:21.45.
 GOLDEN TEXT-We must work the works of him that sent me while 1t is day.-John s;4.
 ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR TEACHERS-Matt 4:23-25; Luke 4:16-22, s1-{4; Matt. 9:35-4S 11;2S-30; Luke SIS
 PRIMARY MEMORY VERSE-And he healed many that were sick.-Mark 1:34.
 INTERMEDIATE TOPIC-The power and sympathy of Jesus.
 MEMORY VERSE-Gal. 6:2
 SENIOR AND ADULT ToPIC-Jesus meeting human needs.
 At the risk of repetition we will once more call attention to the new plan of Sunday school lessons. Its character lstics are First, the uniform teaching A general lesson title and the same general Scripture passages as the basis of study for all grades. One Golden text for all, although frequently de votional Scripture lesson and particu- lar text which is intended for the opening worship of the school or for departments of the school, with addi- tional scriptural material for the use of teachers of the various grades. Second, the grades and ages. The grades recognized are: Primary, pupils from six to eight inclusive; junior, nine to eleven or twelve inclusive; inter- mediate boys and girls, twelve or thir- teen to seventeen inclusive; senior or young people, eighteen to twenty-four i; adults, twenty-five and upwards. Be ginners are not included in these les ,1 for in the beginners lessons of the graded courses. Third, the graded teachers, Different lesson topics or titles as adapted to the different grades. Again, memory verses for the various grades. Additional scriptural material intended especially for the graded lesson wri- ters and teachers. Sometimes the les son text for a certain grade is simply a small portion of the uniform or gen eral Scripture passage for that day.
 The first six months of this year will be devoted to the Gospel of Mark. Every syllable will be covered during the course. Then there is to be a three months course of study in the Chris tan life on such vital topics as: The Beginning of a Christian Life, Reading Gods Word, Praying to God, Obeying God, Growing Stronger Speaking for Christ, Conquering Evil. etc, appar- ently disconnected, but really vitally related course on topics dealing with Christian living.
 The Lesson for Today.
 l. The Man of the UncIean Spirit (vv. 21-27). Jesus was teaching in the synagogue, and the results were far different from those in Capernaum or Nazareth. (See Luke 4 4:16-30) But as always, evil Is present with good, and evil always recognizes true piety, hence those present recognized that God-sent man with a God-given mes sage was speaking. Sunday-school teachers should also speak with au- thority, for we are as "the oracles of Cod q Peter 4:11.) Notice Christ's power over spiritual evil. (vv. 23-27,) Demoniacal possession, we are told, is quite common today in China and other heather lands. The terror of this de mon at the words of Christ may sug- gest how evil men will feel when Christ shall come again. As always, evil desires to be "let alone" but Christ would not let him alone. The demon did not want to come out, but he was helpless before the power of ChriA and had to come, and in coming he made himself so felt that the people were "all amazed" Neither astonish- ment nor amaZement. however, is con- version; and, therefore, we are not surprised that the people did not ac- cept' Jesus Christ. The presence of real miracles does not necessarily bring conviction of sin.
 II. Peters Mother-in-LaW (vv. 28-34 In this next scene we have one of the homes wherein Jesus manifested his power over physical or bodily illness. Notice Christ was abiding with his own loved ones. Here is an example on the part of Christ of how to do per sonal work. Also an example and testimony tbat service Is testimony of gratitude. The fact that this one was healed and that she began at once lO 5cIFt+ 10 diSO leSlliHOUy JO the fact of the cure. There was sickness in that home, not "error of mortal mind" and they did what was best brought the sick one to Jesus. Again in verse 30 Is this keyword of Marks Gospel, 'straightway." Jesus could heal at distance (John 4 :50-53), but he liked to come straight up to the afflicted one. Notice he took her by the hand. This, too, is lesson for us The gospel of a handclasp is too often neglected. The "taking-by-the- hand" religion is much needed in our churches today. Notice he also raised her up." People need to be lifted to- day. It is not enough to command them to rise; we must also help them to arise. Then 1t was that "the fever left her" Sickness, as well as de- mons, gave way before the Lord. The evidence, as we have indicated of the fact of this woman being healed. was that she began to use her new-found health and strength in ministering to the enc who had healed her. This em- phasizes the lesson of gratitude. Re member the scene of the lepers who were healed and only one of them re- turned to thank the Lord for his re- covery. So today, many forget in our nation ae wall oc in ;,Jf,,;l,,aI ne