Cleveland County herald., 1918-08-15
IMPROVED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL
SUNlYS0I00L,
LESSON
tBy Rev. P. B. FITZWATER. d. d..
Ieacher of English Bible in the Moody
Bible Institute of Chicago)
(Oopyright. 1918. by Western Newspaper union.)
LESSON FOR AUGUST is
SOME ACTIVITIES OF THE PRIM,.
TIVE CHURCH.


DEVOTIONAL Observation-Disclosures 1922:
1-9.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Mark II :15-
IL Acts 1913: l Corinthians 3:9; 12:4-29:
Ephesians 4:1-16.
!. The Church Worshipinq (Acts 2:
42-47).
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:
/. Continued steadfastly in the
apostles doctrine" ". 42).
Continuance and steadfastness are
infallible proofs of the genuineness Of
ones 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
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 Il
Peter 2 :2).
2. Kept themselves in the fellow
ship of the apostles ". 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
ISOLATION with Christian people, not by
withdrawal. One who expects sancti-
fication in secluSion will be doomed to
disappointment.
8. They went regularly to the COM
mur1ion table ". 42).
In the breaking of bread" they SYM
bolically fed upon Christ. True wor-
sinners will not neglect this means Of
grace.
4. They went regularly to the pray.
er meeting ", 42l.
Prayer il TIE very breath of soul
growth. i is as necessary to spiritual
life as breathing is to physical iifa
The result of such life was:
~ Wholesome fear w. 43). (2)
A powerful ministry ", 43). Many
wonders and signs were done by the
apostles. 81 Mutual ministry wv. a.
49,, Those who give themselves to
Christ are iasse hearted and generous,
giving, of their substance to help the
poor aSd Needy. a. A constant wor-
ship ~ 46). (5) Unity and gladness
tW -4sA. (6) Gracious influence among
The people ". 47), tT A perpetual
growth ". Az. 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 tActs 4 /:
31-35). S.
Note the characters pr wit
Messing church:
/. A praying chure8 Il. SIN
For every want and dvefY need they
betook themselves ID God il prayer.
2. A spirit-filled church Nv. 9D.
waen they prayed the Hplacf was
sssaken wherein they were gathered to-
gether. They were ALI filed with the
holy spirit. The spirit is given in an
swer to prayer duke II 1917
3. A testifying church ". 81.
The ministers had holiness in testi-
|
mony.
a. A united church ". 32).
They were of one heart and one soul,
united i'm the one body to the one head
by the holy spirit.
5. Acharitable and generous church
". 32).
They held nothing back from those
who had need.
6. It's membership possessed IN
blemished characters; great grace was
upon them all.
III. The Church Overcoming Diff.
cuities (Acts 6:1-4).
Out of the beautiful fellowship OF
this early church grew a peculiar diff
ficulty. Among the Grecian Jews there
came feeling that partially had been
shown in the distribution of funds. The
difficulty was recognized at once ano
properly dealt with. The apostles re-
fused to allow this to divert their min
istry so they proceeded with the inl'
tiaI organization in the church, the ap-
nointment of deacons. We have here
set forth the qualifications of those
who are to look after the business end
of the church.
/. Good report ". 81.
1t 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
should only be entrusted to spirit-hlled
men.
8. Full Of wisdom ". -.
The highest wisdom is required IL
the handling of the business side OF
church life, and this should be done by
men other than ministers. Ministers
should give themselves to prayer anc
preaching.
Bible and Education.