Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-22
Sunday School Lesson
Rev. Hugh T. Stevenson.

to which they had been appointed be-
cause they had been born in that sec
ton and been trained by the Lord in
Galilee. They we're all plebeians, flled
with love for their fellow men in their
struggles. They differed in their po-
litical outlook, for Simon was zealot,
radical revolutionist and Matthew
through his association as a publican,
belonged to the Herodians. Under the
inspiration and instruction of the Lord
Jesus, they had been prepared to I'M
dertake and carry out their mission to
successful conclusion. Looking back
through the centuries, we consider
them as Christ's apostolic crusaders
rather than as individuals.
Missionary Program.
During their evangelistic campaigns
throughout Galilee the IL were trying
out the principles of missionary en-
deavor They were not to make bust
ness of their religion or to depend upon
1t for means of support. In the East
the hospitality is as generous as that
In our Southland. While they offered
their services free, they were instructed
to accept offers of hospitality, because
the laborer is worthy of his hire. They
were not to tarry unless the proper
attitude was shown TO them and their
work
The results of their efforts brought
large returns While the quantity was
great, the quality may have been
meager. This may have been due to
the limitation of their knowledge con-
corning the kingdom, for the crowds
were bitterly disappointed when they
sought to make Jesus temporal king
short time after they had completed
their campaign. Their missionary en-
deavor may have been marked by the
characteristics of all revivals that stir
up the people by songs, discussions and
public presentation of the truth. They
change their form in different ages,
| just as Visitation Evangelism" Is today
supeIseding the old tabernacle and
sawdust trails. Revivals are still the
hope of the church and the Nation.
| In studying their work we can de-
| tect the three principles that are funda-
mental in all missionary work, city,
home or foreign. Every Christian is
| given an opportunity to become a wit
ness and missionary for the Lord Jesus
| We should not neglect the opportunity
! presented to us to be co-workers with
Christ in the development of the King
dom of God among men. His great
commission summons us today, just as
much as His definite command sent
| the IL forth to preach, heal and dem
onstrate beyond question their power
over the dead and diseased In en-
tering upon His service we have the
greatest chance to make the most of our
life. When we try to win the world
| for Him, we can count upon His pres
ence, protection and power. When we
go forth as His ambassadors We may
count upon the fact, He is encouraging
us by saying to us individually that
HE that receiveth you. receiveth Me, "
| and that "He that receiveth Me, re-
ceiveth Him that sent Me-"
They did more than preach. They
| followed the Masters methods. In
every successful missionary work, we
will find some form of institutional OF
social service linked up with the preach
ing of the gospel of the kingdom
Christ warned them and He desires us
to thoroughly understand that while
salvation Is free, it costs to be true
| follower of our Saviour. Whenever
we introduce new standards we must
| expect not only opposition but persecu-
ton as we face the perils of doing His
will. No one can try to initiate Christ
without denying himself, taking UP
their cross and following Him who fol
the joy that was set before Him en-
dured the cross and deSpised the shame
We may count on His presence, protec-
ton, peace and power If we are true
and loyal to Christ'S commands and
try to do His will and work in the
world We will find that all things will
work providentially for our good anc
His glory. He has assured us that
If We confess Him before men that He
will confess us before the Father, who
is in Heaven.