The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1921-08-27

IL
PRIMARY TOPIC-A Wonderful Dream.
JUNIOR TOPlC-Paul Crosses over Into
to Europe.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
beginning Work on New CONTINENT.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Paul Carries the Gospel TO Europe.
l. Forbidden by the Holy Spirit to
Preach the Word wv. G-S).
We have here a lesson on divine
guidance. The inclination of Paul
and his companions was to tarry in
the provinces of Asia preaching the
word, but contrary TO their lnc!lna-
ton they We're hurried along. There
were many people in Asia yet who
needed the Gospel. They might have
reasoned what difference would 1t
make as to where we preach, JUST
so the Gospel is preached?" Though
seemingly small, the question as to
whether the Gospel should be
preached among the people in the
East or in the West has determined
the entire history of the church. Had
they preached among the people IN
the East, Christianity would never
have become worldwide. On the other
hand. by laying hold upon the Grecian
intellect and combining with it the
push and energy of the Romans, II
became worldwide. In the guidance
of the Spirit we find Him just as ac-
tive and as faithful in closing doors
as in opening them. ''The stops as
well as the steps Of good man are
ordered of the Lord" We ought to
as truly recognize Gods hand in the
"shut-ins" as well as in the open
outs"
u. Called to Macedonia wv. 9-12).
Being now hemmed in on all sides,
q vision was given to Paul of a man
from Macedonia pleading for help.
This was the solution of the mystery
Of closed doors about them. There is
negative and a positive side to the
Spirits guidance If we will note
both we shall be able to determine
with a surety the proper course of &C
ton. In order to be led Alright We
must be sure that we are willing TO
be led, pray definitely for leading. and
then render willing obedience as fast
as the light comes. AS soon as the
divine way was known they rendered
immediate obedience.
III. The First Convert in Europe
wv. 13-1O.
The missionaries went to Philippi
and spent several days studying the
conditions there. The Jewish element
in this city was very Insignificant
so much so that they could not afford
a synagogue; therefore the devOui
people were accustomed to worship
at the river side. To this humble
gathering Paul came and preached to
the women gathered there. A certain
woman from Thyatira believed his
message, and was baptized. The worl
of the Lord had very humble begin
ming, but it was destined to transform
all Europe and the world. Lydia wa:
woman of wealth, culture, and wide
Experience. and yet She had need o
Christ. The steps in Lydia's CONVEX
sion are worthy Of note:
1. Attendance at the place of praye
". 49,. This is the case with mos
people who are saved. The Spirit o
God puts it into the hearts of the PEG
+ pie TO come to the place of, prayer
2. Listened to the preaching of tn
word of God wv. 12-14). The instru
ment used by the Holy Spirit in tn
conversion of sinners Is the word. o
God. Faith cometh by hearing, an
hearing by the word OF God" (Ron
10:17).
3. Her heart was opened by tn
Lord ". 14). Regeneration is a ST
pernatural work. When the Gospe
is preached the Spirit of God make
| il living and active. opening the sir
ner's heart for the reception of Chris
4. She was baptized ". 49,. 1t
natural for the one who believes !
Christ to desire to be baptized.
5. Her household also believe
". 15). Thus we see that hers wa
' a typical conversion.
D w. A Spirit of Divination Cast o.
( wv. 1919.
e AS the missionaries went out frOl
r day to day to the place of prayer the
4 were accosted by young woman pc
4 sessed by spirit of divination. Sh
!, was owned by a syndicate of men WI
:. derived large gains from her scott
K saying. This act of the woman b
came great annoyance to Paul VIII
G in. the name of Jesus Christ, con
Z manded the evil spirit to come on
A Here is a case of a spiritual medium
/, a fortupe-teller, being freed from d
s moniacal possession. Many men 4
d day are making money by the degri
e dation of womanhood, and they seseI
t. all efforts to destroy their infern'
d business, even try to destroy thos
2 who Interfere with their bushes
Il Here as everywhere Satan blocks II
= way as the GOSpel of Christ is ca