The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1920-02-07
INF auvED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL
.SUNDNS01OOL
LESSON
by REV. p. B. FlTZW .ATER. d. D..
Teacher OF English Bible in the Moody
Bible Institute of Chicago)
Copyright. 1920 Western Newspaner Irnion)
LESSON FOR FEBRUARY 8
PETER AT LYDIA AND JoPPA,

6iER AT LYDIA AND JOPPA.
LESSON TEXT-Acts 9:32-43
HOLDEN TEXT-The prayer of faith
mail save the sick, and the Lord shall
'alse him up.-James Sis.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL Luke s.:
1925; S:40-56
PRIMARY TOPIC-what a Kind Won-
An Did
JUNIOR ToPIC-what Peter Did at
LYDIA and Joppa.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
iC-The Beauty and Influence of an I'm
selfish Life
In order TO grasp the significance Of
THIS lesson, we should recall the con-
clifton which prevailed in the church
Rs suggested in verse 81. Three char
acteristlcs are outstanding:
!. Freedom From Persecution.
saul, the ringleader of the persecut-
ing forces, had just recently been con-
verted, thereby disorganizing their
forces, allowing the church to enjoy a
breathing spell. This period of rest
did not result in its growing lazy, in
inherent, worldly, and forgetful of
God, but in growth in grace and in
he knowledge of the Lord Jesus
Christ.
2. Spiritual Growth and Develop.
ment.
The real meaning of the word "edi-
ned is "builded up" This does not
mean merely that the members were
being instruc led and comforted, but
that strenuous efforts on the part of
the individual members, as well as
the body as whole, were being made
for the advancement of the divine life.
The word "edify" contains the meta
phor of some grand building or struc-
ture. AS suggested by another, this
metaphor involves ID a foundation.
This is Jesus Christine other dare be
laid q Cor. 3:12-16). (2) A contin-
uous progress. This means that q
Christians activities are purpOseful
and that the work he undertakes
moves forward with the proper prog.
ress. (3) Persistent effort. This
means that the present days work be-
gins the foundation upon (which to.
morrow's work must be built. Thus
day by day his life is being raised
higher and higher, as each separa e
round of material Is being laid by
strenuous efforts. az A completion
Finally the work is done, the build.
ing is completed. the top stone is
brought forth and placed.
3. Outward Growth.
Building up within the church
causes the whole work to be admired
and respected by those without, in.
ducing them to come and identify
themselves with the cause. There can
be no forward movement without un.
less there be a corresponding move.
ment within.
Our lesson today is the record OF
two stupendous miracles. They are
the greatest signs wrought since the
day of Christ. The dreadful malady
Of palsy is vanquished, and a corpse
is re enanted by the departed soul
The occurrence here of this miracle
is in keeping with the movements OF
the church at this time. The Lore
had promised these signs as they went
forth with the gospel message. They
were given as announcements to the
disciples, to convince them that the
gospel did not lose any of it's power
by being spread. but rather that it.
power increased. AS the church goe:
everywhere preaching the Word there
will be a corresponding manifestation
of power.
7. The Healing of Eneas wv. 32-35)
This mans needy condition appealed
TO Pc er, just as men To-Day should ap
peal 70 us in their semi-dead state
Like his Master. Peter could not re
fuse the needed help. In this he die
not direct attention to himself. bu
confidently appealed to the power il
the name of Christ: "Jesus Chris
healeth thee" The man who had KEEP
his bed for eight long years imme
diately arose and made his bed. Wher
he Lord heals it is done instantly
Peter wisely kept this miracle from
being the end by making it the mean:
TO the end. That end was the preach
ing of the gospel. This brought mos
gratifying results. for 'all that dwell
in LYDIA and Sharon saw him ant
lrned 70 the Lord"
III. The Raising of Dorcas wv. SO
49,.
This woman was full of good work.
and alms-deeds which she did. mo-
talked of doing. She was practica
Christian woman of the kind that get.
down to the practical way of Showing
her love by doing deeds of helpful
iess. Her death was a real loss. a.
vas evidenced by the mourning q
hose who had been helped. Wher
his good woman fell sick and dice
he disciples sent for Peter. Pete
nut them all forth. At his command
her soul came back TO live i'm her body
rhis again caused them to believe OF
tho ord