Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1921-09-01

encampeth round about them that fear
him, and deIivereth them.-Psalm 3A:7.
REFERENCE WATERFALL and II
Thess.
PRIMARY ToPIC-God Takes Care of
Paul and Silas.
| JUNIOR TOPIC-A Midnight Experiences
in Philippi.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
Courage in the Face OF Persecution.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Preaching with Prosecutions
I. Paul and Silas in Jail wv. 1925.
/. The occasion wv. 1924. When
the demon was cast out of the maid
her supernatural power was gone;
therefore, the source of revenue was
dried up. This so eXasperated her
owners that they had Paul and Silas
arraigned before the magistrates on a
false charge. Those men ought
to have rejoiced that such
blessing had come to this poor girl
They cared more for their gain than
for her welfare. This is true of the
ubiquitous crowding together of the
poor in unsanitary quarters in our ten
ement districts and the neglect of pre-
cautions for the safety of employees
in shops and stores. Without any
chance to defend themselves they
were stripped and beaten by the angry
mob and then remanded to Jail, and
were made fast In stocks in the inner
prison.
2. Their behavior in Jail ". 25).
They were praying and singing hymns
to God. 1t seems quite natural that
they should pray under such cOndi-
tons, but to sing hymns under such
circumstances is astonishing to all who
have not come into possession of the
peace of God through. Christ. Even
with their backs lacerGted and smart
ing, and feet fast in sticks compelling
the most painful attitude in the dun
geon darkness of the inner prison,
with a morrow before them filled with
extreme uncertainty, their hearts went
up to God in gratitude
8. Their deliverart ". 2e). The
Lord wrought deliverance by sending
a great earthquake which opened the
prison doors and removed the chains
from all hands.
II. The Conversion of the JaiIer
(vv. 27-34).
The jailer's sympathy did not go out
very far for the prisoners, for after
they were made secure he went to
sleep. The earthquake suddenly
aroused him. He was about to kill
himself, whereupon Paul assured him
that the prisoners were all safe. This
was too much for him. What he had
heard of their preaching and now
what he had experienced caused him
to come as humble inquirer after
salvation. Paul clearly pointed out
the way to be saved--"Believe on 'the
Lord Jesus Christ" The word "be-
lieve'' means to yield to and fully obey.
The proof that the jailer was saved is
threefOld:
l. Transformation from brutality to
tenderness.
2. Confession of Christ in baptism.
3. His whole household baptized.
Iis. The Magistrates Humbied wv.
S5-4O).
The earthquake brought fear upon
the magistrates. They gave leave for
the prisoners to go, but now they re-
fuse to go, claiming that their rights
as Roman citizens have been violated, |
and demand public vindication. Paul
was willf5g to suffer for Christ's sake, |
but he used the occasion to show them |
that prosecuting men who preach the |
gospel is an offense against the law |
of God and man.
w. Preaching in ThessaIonica (vv
17-19).
At Thessalonica he found open
hearts. He followed his usual custom
of going first t0ethe Jew ". ~. After
to the Jews he went to the
Gentiles. Concerning the Christ he
affirmed
/. at behooved Christ to suffer"
". 81. No palmer teaching is to be
found anywhere than the suffering Of
Christ Elsa. 53).
2. The resurrection of Christ from
the dead ". 81.
s. The kingship of Jesus ". y.
The result of this preaching was
That many Greeks, some Jews believed.
v. Preaching In Berea wv. 1919.
His method here was the same as
1t Thessalonica. He entered the Jew
sh synagogue and preached Jesus unto
hem. The Bereans received the gos-
Del with glad hearts Two striking
Kings were said about them:
!. They received the message gladly.
2. They searched the Scriptures daily
or the truthfulness Of their preach
ng. All noble minds have ID an