The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1936-07-23
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Christianity Spread By Persecution
By HIGHT c. MOORE
By HIGHT G. MOORE

to prison; compelling some to
blaspheme the name of Christ; in
fact, with vigilant eyes he watch
ed the Temple and synagogues,
with unwearying feet he secured
the city and its environs, and
it's environs, and with merciless
hands he struck down every dis
ciple in sight or reach. In conse-
uuence the members of the
church, many of them, fled for
their lives, and while the apostles
remained in the city, it looked as
if Saul had accomplished his pur-
pose and that the church at Jeru-
salem was destroyed.
PERSECUTION IN ASIA MINOR
Il Peter d -.
The Mission Churches in Asia
Minor in the sixties of the first
century were subjected to many
reproaches by their neighbors.
The Jews reproached them for
abandoning ceremonial observ-
ances and the Gentiles reproached
them for not joining in idolatrous
festivities as of old; and this feel
ing broke out in violent persecu~
ton. On hearing through Silvan-
us from the troubled churches in
the west, Peter, then laboring
among the many Jews in Babylon,
wrote his first letter addressing
Christians generally in Asia Mi
nor, naming the countries from
northeast to south and west His
evident object was the encourage
ment of those who were suffering
on account of their faith.
In the present paragraph we
find seven things: CD Expect Sc
we're tests. The trials may be
fiery but they are not exceptional
for others are undergoing them.
They are disciplinary and de-
veloping to the sufferer and they
energize his witness before 9th
ers. (2) Rejoice in fellowship
with Christ. As you share what
he suffered you will exult at the
revelation of his glory. 90 Real
ize the blessedness of the divine
presence. You may be denounced
for bearing the name of Christ,
but upon you will rest the glory
and power of the Spirit of God.
(4) Suffer as a Christian. Be
sure of that. If one suffers as a
murderer or a thief or an evil
doer or a meddler and busybody,
he simply gets what he deserves
and he deserves no credit. But if
he suffers because he is a Chris
tan, che must not be ashamed
but must glorify God for that"
(Moffatt). (5) Submit to the
providential judgment of God:
They who are of the household
of God must submit to judg-
ment; and if they escape through
the "strait gate" like Lot out of
Sodom and Israel out of Egypt,
what must become of the ungodly
and irreligious who reject and
disobey the gospel? CO. Suffer
according to the will of God.
When he directs, let no one dis
obey. Gu Commit the soul in
well-doing to the Creator. He is
faithful and will never forsake.
WHEN CHRISTIANITY is 81.
UNDER FIRE -.
(1) Be not Nervous, trembling
for the ark of God or fearful that
the kingdom of God can now or
ever be destroyed.
(2) Do not Eight Fire With
Fire" Abuse and sarcasm, chilean
cry and falsehood are in the hands
of your foes, but to bring down
the giant, David must not wear
the armor of Saul.
6 Do not Rely Altogether upon
Intellectual Weapons. Argument
for the sake of argument is sell
dom convincing.
(4) Be Spiritual, first of all ;
for a spiritual life is the best pos
sible answer to the critics of the
cross. In worthy augmentation