Cleveland County herald., 1919-07-10
IMPROVED UNlfoRM INTERNATIONAL SUNlAYSO(DOL
 LESSON (By REV. P. s. FITZWATER, D. D., Teacher of English Bible in the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago) Copyright, 1919. by Western Newspaper Unionl
LESSON FOR JULY 13
BAPTISM.

8:34-40
 GOLDEN TEXT-For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Ghrist.-Gal. 3:27
 ADDITIONAL MATERIAI4-Matt. 3:13- IT. Acts 2:S7. 8S; 19:1-7; Col. 2:12; I Peter S:1S-21
 PRIMARY ToPIC-Jesus Christ Bap- tzed by John.
 JUNIOR ToPIC-The Baptism of Jesus Christ
 INTERMEDIATE ToPIc-The Pledge of Christian Discipleship. f SENIOR AND ADULT TOPIC-Signif1- canoe and Importance of Christian Bap- tsm
 I. The Apostles Commission (Matt. 28 8:18-20).
 1. The authority of Jesus. (v. 1S). God gave him all authority in heaven and or earth. As mediator and coming king he possessed all authority. This authority extends over all the ma terial world, angels, wicked men, dev- ils and his own people. God highly exalted him and gave him a name which is above every name (Phil. 2:9). There is no other way of sal vation, for the entire matter of re- demption is in his hands (Acts 4:12). Since God has so highly honored him it is extreme folly to expect to be saved while disregarding him.
 ?. The obligation of the apostles (vv 19-2O).
 Q) It was to teach, that is, make disciples of all the nations (v. 19). They were to make known to the whole world that Christ had died to save sin ners and that God had committed to Jesus the redemption of the world. Those who are Christ's disciples are bound to proclaim him to others.
 CD Baptize those who believe (v. 19). This is the divinely appointed way of making a public confession of faith in Christ. The disciples must publicly take a stand for Christ The application of water symbolizes the purifying effect of the blood of Christ and solemnly dedicates to the service of God. This baptism must be in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, showing that the believer has been brought into definite relationship to each member of the Holy Trinity.
 (3) Teach the disciples obedience (y. 20). Profession is not enough, it must issue in obedience. Faith must result in works. To call Jesus Lord" and do not the things which he says profits nothing.
 3. The all-sufficient promise (v. 20). The Lord had told the disciples what would happen to them after he had gone away. He made it plain that perils. of all kinds awaited them. Though the difficulties were great noth- ing mattered so long as they had the presence and fellowship of the all- powerful Savior and Lord.
 II. The Baptism of the Eunuch (Acts :34-40).
 1. Philip preached Jesus Christ to him (v. 35). At the invitation of the eunuch Philip joined himself to the chariot and found the eunuch reading from the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah. Beginning with this Scripture he preached Christ. He did not preach Christ as a great teacher, but as savior who had suffered and died in-
  as one who had offered himself as a ransom for many. The fact that the eunuch, great statesman, needed an interpreter of the Scriptures, even such a plain passage as the fifty-third chap ter of Isaiah, shows the absolute need of a preacher. The printed page is valuable, but there will always be the need of a preacher. The gospel needs to be experienced before one can be a witness of it's saving power.
 ?. The eunuch requesting baptism (v. 36).
 When Christ is truly preached men naturally desire to confess him in bap- tism. In many quarters baptism has been unduly emphasized, but in others 1t has been disregSrded. It is highly important that an intelligent under standing of it's meaning be possessed; for that of which Jesus Christ gave an example and a command is highly im- portant.
 3. Philip baptizing the eunuch (v. 3S). Having secured from the eunuch the proper confession Philip baptized him. It is faith In Christ that saves. but those who have genuine faith de- sire to seal 1t in baptism.
 4. The eunuch rejoicing (v. 39). Confession of Christ brings joy. Those who obey the commandments of the Lord can go on their way rejoicing