New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1920-01-30

5uued' anu III SduldTla, anu unto Az ~
termost part OF the earth.-Acts lis.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALLY Kings
I:24-3l: Luke lobe: John 4:l-42.
PRIMARY ToPIc-Telling Others About
Jesus.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Peter and John i'm a
Strange City.
INTERMEDIATES AND SENIOR TOP
fC-Three Missionaries and Their TIL
umphs.
I. Preaching the Word Everywhere
". ~.
After the stoning of stephen the
enemies of the Lord were more active
than ever in their efforts to stamp
out the new faith. With Saul as their
leader they rushed back to he city.
dragged from their homes and m
prisOned those who confessed Christ.
In this the devil overreached himself,
for he believers took fight and vent
everywhere preaching the word. The
time had come for the witness bearing
10 extend beyond Jerusalem and Ju-
dea. Preaching was not confined To
the twelve. The Lord thus makes the
DEVILS wickedness to further his own
purpose. Frequently, in the hour or
trial. Christians see more clearly their
duty and bestir themselves to perform
it. II Christians will not move On.
the Lord will shove them on.
u. Philip Preaching the Gospel in
Samaria. wv. 5-13).
Hitherto the gospel had reached
only Jews; nOw its scope broadens
and a jew is preaching TO Samaritans,
and Samaritans are rejoicing In the
gospel of Christ proclaimed by n Jew.
His preaching was fruitful for multi
tudes believed his message. Much JOY
In this Samaritan city followed the re-
ception of the message. Ii Is always
thus; the gospel is good tidings OF
great joy" duke 2:l0). Both Samar-
itans and Jews were looking for
Christ, 81 they were glad Ia know that
the Christ had come. Christ Is the
one name and person who will break
down race prejudice. In him there
Is unity and real brotherhood. for he
is the universal man. The only hope
of the world Is Christ.
So great was Philips success that
Simon Magnus professed faith and WAS
baptized. Simon was a s0rcerer who
by magical devices had made a great
reputation, gaining control Of many
of the credulous and ignorant, 50 that
| they regarded him ms some great one
from God ". 100. The people turned
from this sorcerer' to the gospel of
Christ.
~. Peter and John Sent to samar.
ia wv. 14-lO.
The church at Jerusalem sent two
OF its best men to encourage the work.
They discerned that the Spirit had not
yet fallen upon the believers. so they
laid hands upon them and the Spirit
was given INTO them. These Samarl-
tans were really converted. regener-
ated. but had cot yet been filled with
the Spirits gift. Believers should
seek the Spirits gift at once, for this
will exclude the interests of the world.
The mission Of Peter and John shows
the unity of the church-the mother
church ave sanction to the new work
In Samaria. Much of the work Of the
modern evangelist Is n failure he
cause 1t Is not properly followed up
by those who will instruct and bring
the converts into relationship with the
living church. The interval Of time
which elapsed between the baptism
and the reception of the gift of the
Spirit. In the case Of these Samari-
tans. Is no warrant for the second
blessing" idea. for under right iniu-
ence and teaching the believer should
at once en.er into the fulness and JOY
of salvation.
~. simon's Wicked Request wv.
1920.
When Simon saw that the power Of
Peter exceeded that which he pos
sessed and that 1t was received
through the laying on of hands. he Of
fered money for the gift. This act re-
yeals the hypocrisy Of this man. lie
professed faith and was baptized. fol-
lowing after them for a selfish end.
To desire and seek the gift Of the Splr-
II for selfish ACKNOWLEDGEMENT is 10 ~
guilty of Simon's sin. All traffic in
sacred things has been called Isl
mony." from the name Of this sor'er-
or. Peter told Simon that he had
neither part nor lot i'm this matter.
that he should repent of his wicked
ness and pray to God for forgiveness.
He requested Peter 10 pray for him.
We do not know whether he repented
or not. We need not he surprised that
cases OF hypocrisy should develop mt
times OF great revival; indeed w maj
expect them.
Simon practiced the art Of sorcery
for gain and influence. Now that he
found his profits diminishing and his
influence waning. he endeavored TO ac-
auire new power. All persons who
use their religion to further their am
billions to get gain are guilty Of this
sin. Sometimes men join the church
for business. social. and political rea-
sons; sometimes Official! positions are
coveted for the prestige and power
they give. Let all who are using the
name of the church for business pur-
poses be warned by Peters rebukei
Let Simon's doom be a solemn warn
ing to ALL
happiness.