Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1918-01-17
LESSON FOR JANUARY 20
JESUS AT WORK.

31-44; Matt. 9:35-4S; II :2S-30: Luke S.1-3.
PRIMARY MEMORY VERSE-And he
healed many that were sick.-MarlS 1:S4.
INTERMEDIATE TOPIC-The power
and sympathy of Jesus.
| MEMORY VERSE-Gal. So.
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. It's character
istics 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 a 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-
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-
young people, eighteen to twenty-four;
adults, twenty-five and upwards. Be
ginners are not included in these les
sons, as they have been provided 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-
tiers and teachers. Sometimes the les
son text for certain grade Is simply
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 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-
emily disconnected, but really vitality
related course on topics dealing with
Christian living.
The Lesson for Today.
|. The Man of the Unclean Spirit
Wv. 21-27). Jesus was teaching in the
synagogue, and the results were far
different from those in Capernaum or
Nazareth. (See Luke :16-30.) But as
always, evil is present with good, and
evil always recognizes true piety
hence those present recognized that
Godssent man with God-given mes
sage was speaking. Sunday-school
teachers should also speak with au-
thority, for we are as "the oracles Of
God" q Peter 4:11.) Notice Christs
power over spiritual evil. wv. 1920
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 die not want to come out, but |
he was helpless before the power of |
Christ and had to come, and in coming
he made himself so felt that the people |
were fall amazed" Neither astonishs |
ment nor amazement, however, is CON
version.
II. Peters Mother-in-Law wv. 1884.
La 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 I
on the part of Christ of how to Go per-
sonal work. Also an example and a
testimony that service is a testimony /
of gratitude. The fact that this one
was healed and that she began at once
20 serve, is also testimony to the
fact of tue cure. There was sickness
q that home, not "error of mortal
Mind" and they did what was best
brought the sick one to Jesus. Again
n verse 80 is this keyword Of Marks
Gospel, "straightway." Jesus could
heal at a distance (John 4 :5O-53), but
he liked to come straight up to the
afflicted one. Notice he took her by
he hand. This, too, is lesson for us.
The gospel of handclasp is too often
neglected.. The "taking-by- the-hand"
'eligion is much needed in our
'hurches today. Notice he also 'raised
Ter up" People need to be lifted to-
lay. Ii is not enough to command
hem to rise; we must also help them
o arise. Then it was that ''the fever
eft her." Sickness, as well as de-
mons, gave way before the Lord.
The concluding scene of this day
w. s2-35) is remarkable and presents
| vivid and beautiful picture. "At
wen when the sun did seq (v. 32l they
brought unto him "all" that were dis
'ased. While all were gathered at the
loor, not all were healed, for the rec
'rd says, ''lnany were healed.o We
cad, many are called, but few cho-
'en." All that city was gathered that
sventide about Peters door ". 23), but