Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1941-03-27

Calvary and the darkness of the
tomb gave way to the glory of the
resurrection morning. Jesus had
appeared to the two on the Emmaus
road, and when they hurried back
to Jerusalem to tell the eleven dis
ciples, who were gathered behind
barred doors, they found that He
had already appeared, not only to
the women, whose story they did not
believe (see v. I'D, but also to Peter
". 3D. While they were excitedly
discussing this great wonder, appar-
emily torn between belief and un-
belief, Joy and sorrow, suddenly
Jesus appeared, coming through the
barred door and greeting them with
a blessed message Of peace.
I. A Risen Christ for Fellowship
(vv. 36-43).
The disciples were bewildered and
slow to believe. Perhaps we would
have done no better.
Note how patient and gracious He
was in dealing with these frightened
and, in sense, stupid-disciples.
He might have been so discouraged
by their unbelief as to be short and
sharp with them, but He was not.
We need to learn Of Him. There are
weak brethren even in the church Of
Christ who need our tender and pa
tient consideration (see Rom. 1871;
I Thess. SID. Christ died for the
weak brother too Il Cor. BID.
What blessed time Of fellowship
the disciples and the Lord had to-
gether. Such times are greatly
needed for our mutual encourage
ment. Let us not forsake the assem-
bling Of ourselves together Neb. 10:
25). In day of need and trial those
that fear the Lord should speak
often with one another and with the
Lord (Mal. 3:16; I John I'D.
ii. A Dependable Book for Guild
ance and Instruction wv. 44-46).
Jesus gave His own endorsement
to the Old Testament as a depend
able record Of the prophecies con-
corning His person and His work
of redemption. The critics of Gods
Word must face the fact that their
man-made theories are in conflict
with the testimony of the Son Of
God. OF the two. we know whom
we will believe!
Notice that an important part Of
the Lords fellowship with His dis
ciples was devoted to opening their
minds so they could understand the
Scripture. The word "opened"
might be translated "disentangled."
He took out the prejudices, the
wrong ideas, and set them free to
understand and appreciate the
Scriptures.
III. A Great Message for Procla-
nation (vv. 47-49).
Fellowship with Christ and a
knowledge of Gods Word which does
not result in an aggressive witness
for Him is quite useless. We meet
Him and learn His truth that we
may carry it out to all nations, not
forgetting mote it'd to begin at the
wicked Jerusalem which is right at
our doorstep.
The business, and the only bust
ness, Of the Church is that witness.
We need to renew our commission.
get it clearly in mind, and then
proceed to carry it out. But"
someone may say, I'VE are not able
for this great task" OF course not;
but He is able, and will enable US.
Power from on high" is the por-
ton of Gods witnesses. This world
worships power-mechanical. politi-
cal or military power. The greatest
power of all is spiritual power, and
God is ready to give it to His faith
full witnesses.
Note that the message is one Of
repentance and remission Of sins lin
His name" The gospel of Christ is
the primary need Of men and wom-
en-, boys and girls, in your commu-
nifty and mine; yes, and to the
very ends Of the earth.
Nv. An Assembled Lord to Worship
wv. 50-53).
The ascension Of Christ Is not
often made the subject Of a sermon
or message in the church, but It is
an important doctrine Of Scripture.
1t marks the completion Of the work
of Christ. and His return to the place
Of honor at the right hand of the
Father. There. before the Fathers
throne, He is the advocate of every
believer, the pledge and assur-
ance of perfect and eternal fell
;owship between God and believing
man. &
The worship which the disciples
gave to Christ as He assembled went
on as they returned to their appoint
ed place of witness. for they continu-
ally praised Him. Such should be
the attitude of every true believer.
In the temple of his own heart there
should always be the joy Of the Lord
as He is there worshiped and
adored.
Now we have completed our study
of Luke, but we cannot stop here, for
the Gospel, according to Luke's own
statement in Acts III, was only the
story Of what Jesus began both to
do and to teach" The continuation
of that account is found in the book
of Acts which we begin tn study