Middletown transcript., 1918-09-28
LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 29
REVIEW.

suBJECT-What It Means to Be 4
Christian.
SELECTION FOR READ1NGI Johr
3:1-N.
GOLDEN TExT-My little children, Lei
us not love in word, neither in tongue
but in deed. and truth.-I John 3:1S.
Perhaps the best way to review the
lessons of this quarter will be to take
the several lessons and note their bear.
ing on the subject chosen for review
namely: What it means to be Chris
tfan. In order to get the best results,
assignment should be made of the sew
eral lessons to different parties to come
prepared to give the teaching of the
particular lesson on the subject. The
following is suggested as a possible
way Of presenting the matter.
Lesson !. It means that each indi-
vidual must exercise faith in Jesus
Christ as personal Savior. One may
have his heart opened by the Lord
while listening to the Word of God at
stated meeting, like Lydia, or be
convinced through the manifestation
Of the mighty power Of God, as the
Philippian jailer. In all cases 1t is
the one Savior and the one faith.
Lesson u. 1t means that those who
have really exercised faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ will attentively read Gods
Word. Even great statesman like
the Ethiopian Eunuch will be blessed
| in its reading, for the Word of God
converts the soul, makes wise the sim
pie, puts gladness into the heart, en-
lightens the eyes, satisfies the long
ing soul, warns against dangers. and
brings reward to those who obey its
| precepts.
Lesson III. 1t means life of per-
sonal prayer and communion with God.
The one who has become a child Of
God has the glorious privilege of CON-
ing to him with his needs with the as
surance that God will supply them.
God is more willing to give to his chill
dren than any earthly father is to his
children.
Lesson w. It means life of obedi-
ence to the Word and will of God
Prompt and definite obedience will be
business, and the ties of nature, when
such stand in the way. Peter, Andrew
James and John obeyed. and it meant
to them great spiritual blessings From
fishing for fish, they were promoted to
fishing for men. Obedience to God
pays. The disciple Of Christ will treas
alre up his words.
Lesson v. 1t means growth in grace.
Jesus himself grew in wisdom and in
stature, and in favor with God and
man. Merely accepting Christ is not
enough; there must be growth.
Lesson vi. It means a life Of help
fulness to others. One who has been
made partaker of the Divine nature
will. like his master, give himself in
helpful service to others. He will be
neighbor to the needy and unfortunate,
even as the Good Samaritan. Being
good in himself, he will be doing good
to others. He will use every oppOrtu.
nifty to do good.
Lesson VII. It means attendance at
the place of worship, receiving the
teaching Of the Word of God, partak-
ing of the communion, and rendering
service in some capacity in the church.
Lesson viii. It means confessing
Christ before men, and waiting with
expectant hope for the. coming of Je-
sus Christ from Heaven. The grand
incentive for faithfulness in witness
ing for Christ Is the assurance that
he will come again.
Lesson TX. 1t means that we will
give Of our possessions to the poor and
needy, love our enemies, and refrain
from censorious judgment. God esti-
mates our gifts, not by their size but
by what we have left.
Lesson x. It means that one will
strive to conquer his evil propensities
not allow cOvetousness to master him
as did Ahab, and separate himself
from those who walk in darkness. He
will exercise great caution lest he be-
come overcome by the devil
Lesson XII. 1t means being holy and
true. in order that we may preserve
from corruption the great mass of men
and enlighten those in darkness,
preaching the Gospel to every crea-
ture, conscious that the presence and
power of Christ will abide.
Lesson XII. It means that every
talent entrusted to us will be put to
use, so that when the Lord comes we
can make an account to him which will |
secure his commentator and reward. !
After Askinn Cod