Cleveland County herald., 1919-12-25

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 SENIOR AND ADULT TOPIC-Quali- fled to Serve.
 A good way to review the lessons of the six months course of study in the lives of Peter and John will 0e to ar- range them under three heads, as fol- lows: l. Their Call; II. Their Train ing; III. Their Service The first half of the studies, the part we have now completed, have had to do with the calling and training of Peter and John. The last half, the lessons for the first quarter of 1920, will have to do with their service.
 1. Their Call.
 1. To be disciples (Lesson D John :29-42.
 Before Christ trains for service he calls to salvation.
 9 To be fishers of men Nessoa 9 Mark 1 :1420.
 It would seem that after their con- version the disciples had gone back to their trade of fishing. Those who are called by Christ unto salvation
 
 ings in life, if they be honorable, until he definitely calls them into special service.
 II. Their Training.
 l. Jesus in Peters home Gesson 3 Mark :29-39.
 Christ's entry into Peters home and the healing of his wife's mother showed to his disciples that he was sympathizing Saviour.
 ?. A lesson in trust (Lesson 4) Matt. 14 20 :22-3333. -3333
 The pressing and abiding need of the disciples in their ministry was to trust the Lord.
 8. Peter's great confession Uesson 6) Matt. 16:1324.
 The Lord had been revealing him. self in various ways to the disciples. He now examined them to see what they knew about himself Peter, as spokesman for the rest of the disciples, confessed both the Messiahship and | Deity of Christ.
 A. Witnesses of Christ's glory Qes- son D Luke 9 :28-36.
 The disciples were offended at the revelation of the cross; their hopes were shattered because they could not see beyond the cross. The transfigura tion convinced them not only of his es sential glory, but gave them fore gleam of his triumph in his coming kingdom QI Peter 1:16-1S).
 5. Jesus corrects Johns narrowness (Lesson 8 Luke 9 :46-56.
 The disciples needed to know that all who are really doing the Lords work, casting out devils and casting them out in Christ's name, should be received into fellowship and bidden Godspeed Religious intolerance is displeasing to Jesus.
 6. Jesus teaches true greatness Les- son 9 John 3:1-16.
 The truly great are those who take the lowest place in service for others
 '. Peter and John asleep in Geth- semane Oesson 10) Mark IA :32-42.
 Though Christ was suffering the aw- full agony in the garden. his disciples were asleep. Because they did not watch and pray, they failed in the hour VI
 s. At the trial crucifixion and resur rection of Jesus (Lesson 11) John 1S:15-1S; 19:25-27; 20:1-10; 21 :15-19 Peters presumptuous self-confdcnce kept him from needing the Lords warning He played the coward and even indulged in oaths. Note tlie steps in Peters downfall: CD Self-conti- dence (Mark II :29). Jesus had inst told them that all of them should be offended. but Peter was determined to show the Lord that he was mistaken in him.. @ Failure to watch (llark I IA :3T. Self-confidence is always fol. sy lowed by unwatchfulness One who ! thinks himself strong will go to sleep. (3) Failure to pray (Mark IA :38). It is the one who realizes his weakness who always seeks the communion of God in prayer. (4) Zeal without knowledge Clark 14:4O. Peter thought now to make up for his lack of watchfulness and praye: by out ward acts. Many today are equally foolish. (5) Following afar off (Mark :54). Christ's rebuke of Peter for his ignorant zeal cut him to the quick He was not ready to forsake him, but followed afar off, no doubt wondering what would be the outcome. (6l Warming himself at the enemies ire (Mark 14 :54). tD Open denial (Mark 14.G6-12).