The Coolidge examiner., 1937-01-21
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ImProped Sunday
Uniform o~,,~or
-:-LESSON = =
BY REV. HAROLD L. LUNDQUIST.
Dean of the Moody Bible Institute
Of Chicago.
G Western Newspaper Union.
Lesson for January "a
TWO MIRACLES OF MERCY

LESSON TEXT-John 5:2-9; 6:8-15.
GOLDEN TEXT-The same works
that do, bear witness of me. that the
Father hath sent me. John 5:36.
PRIMARY TOPIC - Jesus Feeding
Hungry People.
JUNIOR TOPIC-A Boy Who Gave
Away His Lunch.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-Why Did Christ Work Miracles?
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-The Significance of Christ's Mira
cles.
The world is looking for super
men, those who can work mira
cles," and thus afford an easy solu-
tion for the problems of the home
and of the ration. Men are ready
to marvel at and follow in almost
abject submission those who prom
Use riches without labor, food with
out toll, short cuts to comfort and
satisfaction. Often they are con-
tent if they only have something
over which they may eXclaim
Wonderful" whether it be use
full or not.
The miracles of God, through his
servants and the Lord Jesus Christ,
are not mere marvelS or wonders.
They are not for the advancement
of the cause of any man or for
personal glory. They are the mighty
signs of an omnipotent God wrought
for the good of men, for their spir-
itual Enlightenment and as a testi-
mony to the one true God.
The two miracles of our lesson
present Jesus Christ as a Lord of
mercy and grace-ready to meet
the needs of men. Deep and real
was his compassion as his heart
yearned over needy humanity.
1t is suggested that in the study
and teaching of this lesson we vary
our plan somewhat and present sew
en- seed thoughts found in the two
portions assigned. 1t is also urged
that the context in both chapters be
read with care.
1. We Are Impotent Folk (John
SD.
The words we'll describe not only
those who lay helpless about the
pool of Bethesda but they fit us as
well. Oh, yes, we are strong, capa-
BILE, fearless, but only until we meet
some great elemental problem.
Then we see that we are indeed
"a great multitude of impotent
folk" The gently falling snow
stopped the undefeated Napoleon.
The silent fog can paralyze a ma
ton. Death, sickness-who can stay
their hand?
II. Despair Spells Defeat ". y.
Long familiarity with his weak
ness had bred in the man with the
infirmity sense of despair. Such
an attitude invites defeat. 1t is
unbecoming to a Christian. Let us
not forget in the darkest hour to
keep looking up"
III. God Answers the Weakest
Faith (v. 81.
Jesus evidently saw in the mans
despairing reply a spark of faith.
He who believes honors the name of
God. We may need to cry II be-
lieve, help thou mine unbelief," but
if we believe God will gloriously
meet even our faltering faith.
Nv. Gods Command Empowers
wv. 8, 81.
Jesus told the man to "Rise-and
walk''-the very thing he could not
do for his thirty-eight years of life.
But when the Son of God speaks to
us he gives the power to respond to
his command.
v. Works Follow Faith ". 81.
The man arose, took up his bed,
and walked. Mans faith in God
and Gods response to faith lead
to mans action on Gods command.
Too many are they in the church
today who have never stood up and
walked for God.
vi. Look to God, Not at Your Re-
sources John SO.
Humanlike, the disciples counted
their money and found it was not
enough to supply food for a multi
tude. And then there was a boy,
but he had only five barley crackers
and two little fish. 1t almost sounds
like a church-board deciding to
close the crossroads church and
let the Devil have the boys and
girls, because it costs too much to
keep up the work. God help us to
trust and go on for him. Little
is much when God is in it."
VII. Followers for Bread Not
Wanted (v. 15).
Those who follow Christ because
of business advantage and social
prestige know nothing of what it
means to be a Christian. He is not
a bread making king; he is the