New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1920-02-06
LESSON FOR FEBRUARY 8
PETER AT LYDIA AND JoPPA.

PETER AT LYDIA AND JoPPA.
LESSON TEXT-Acts s.S2-43.
TEXT-The prayer OF faith
shall save the sick, and the Lord shall
raise him up.-James 5:l5.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL Luke 8:
l7-26: s:40-56.
PRIMARY TOPIC-what a Kind wom-
an Did.
JUNIOR TOPIC-What Peter Did at
LYDIA and Joppa.
INTERMEDIATES AND SENIOR TOP
1.-THE Beauty and Influence of an IN
selfish Life.
In order 10 grasp the Significance of
this lesson. we should recall the con-
dition which prevailed in the church
as suggested in verse 81. Three char
acierlstics 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 10 enjoy Il
breathing spell. This period of rest
ala not result in its growing lazy. in
different, worldly, and forgetful of
'od, but in growth in grace and in
The knowledge of the Lord Jesus
Christ.
2. Spiritual Growth and Develop
ment.
The real meaning of the word "edi-
hed Is "builded up" This does %
mean merely that the members were
being instructed and eomforted. but
that strenuous efforts on the part of
me individual members. as well as
The body as a whole, were being made
Tor the advancement of the divine life.
h word 'edify" contains the meta
phor of some grand building or struc-
lure. As suggested by another, this
metaphor involves "a a foundation.
This is Jesus Christine other dare he
laid Il Cor. 3:l2-16). (2) A contin-
nous progress. This means that a
Christians activities are purposeful
ana that the work he undertakes
moves forward with the proper prog
ress. CD Persistent effort. This
means that the present days work be-
gins the foundation upon which to-
morrow's work must he built. Thus
day by day his life is being raised
higher and higher. as each separate
round of material is being laid by
strenuous efforts. ca A completion.
Finally the work is done. the build
ing Is completed, the top tone is
brought forth and placed.
3. Outward Growth.
Building up within the church
causes the whole work To he admired
and respected by those without, in
ducing them To coine and Identify
themselves with the cause. There can
be no forward movement without UNI
less there be u 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 vanqulshed. and Il corpse
Is r%etenanted by the departed SOU.
The occurrence here If this miracle
Is In keeping with the movements of
The church at this time. The Lord
had promised these signs ms they wen
forth with the gospel message. They
were given as encouragements 10 the
disciples, Ia convince them that the
gospel did not los any of it's power
by being spread, but rather that its
power increased. As the church goes
pvprvurbpra nraaahfna tha llf,,l ,l,a..
Will be n corresponding manifestation
Of power.
!. The Healing of Eneas wv. 32-35).
This mans needy condition Appealed
TO Peer, just as men today should ap-
peal 10 MS in their semi-dead state.
Like his Master. Peter could moi re-
fuse the needed help. In this he did
not direct attention TO himself. hut
confidently appealed 10 the power in
the name of Christ: Jesus Christ
heaieth thee" The man who had kept
his bed for eight long years imme-
diately arose and made his bed. When
the Lord heals II IL done instantly.
Peter wisely kept this miracle from
being the end by making il the means
TO the end. That end was the preach
ing Of the gospel. This brought most
gratifying results. for "all that dwelt
In LYDIA and Sharon saw him and
i1rned To the Lord"
III. The Raising of Dorcas Wv. nc
43).
This woman was fun Of good works
and alms-deeds which she did. not
talked of doing. She was "A practical
Christian woman Of the kind that gets
down TO the prnc;ical way of showing
her love by doing deeds of helpful
ness. Her death was a real loss. as
was evidenced by the mourning of
those who had been helped. When
this good woman fell sick and died
the disciples sent for Peter. Peter
put them all forth. At his command
her soul came back To live in her body.
This again caused them 10 believe On
the Lord.
New Mar In New Life.