September, 1938
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Ghost (cf. vs. 31, 3 2). It was the Spirit of God who gave the hearers enlightenment, but they rejected His testimony, and in so doing they put themselves beyond the reach of even God Himself. Then our Lord drew attention to the fact that a tree is known by its fruit (v. 33). The Pharisees were known by what they were inwardly and by the outworking of that inner life, not by their outward appear ance. The ones to whom our Lord spoke were a generation of vipers, an evil generation, sure of the damnation of hell. Being such, they could not produce that which was con trary to their nature: no good could come from their evil characters. Hence their words, whereby they blasphemed the Holy Spirit, were only what came from their hearts (v. 3 4). Their very natures were devilish and, whatever their outward pro fession, their words betrayed what was within. Their words were the result of their settled and determined opposition to their true Messiah, and their rejection of Him. Our Lord reminds His hearers that the words a man speaks reveal what that man really is; hence it is by his words that the man will be either justified or condemned (vs. 36, 37). W e are warned in the Word of God concerning foolish and vain speak ing (Matt. 12:36; Eph. 5 :4 ). The solemn words of Scripture should give us pause in the use of our tongues which reveal the state of our hearts. Points and Problems 1. "T hou shall not take the name o f the L ord thy G od in vain ' (Ex. 2 0 :7 ). The general meaning of the Hebrew term trans lated “in vain” is vanity, uselessness, de ceitfully, falsely. A footnote in the Revised Version renders the term “for falsehood.” W ith this meaning in mind, we may sug gest that there are at least three ways in which men may take the name of God “in vain.” First, there is the idle and careless profanity of the man of the streets who habitually utters the name of God with out giving the slightest heed to what it means. Second, there is the perjury of the man who swears with a solemn oath to do thus and so, calling upon God to witness his vow, and then deliberately breaking his promise. Third, there is the falsehood of the man who claims to be a follower of the true God, who claims to bear His holy name, and then goes out to live as if there were no God. This is the worst profanity of all. Such a man as this not only is guilty of profanity in speech, but also his whole profession of God is a tissue of. falsehood. And many men who would not think of ut tering profanity with their lips, and would not think of breaking a promise made to BLACKBOARD LESSON
The Year Begins September 20 The seventeenth year of Stony Brook begins September 20. Have you any idea what this means to the boys who will assemble on the campus that day? Have you a vision of the hopes and aspirations of the fathers and mothers who will entrust their sons to the School? These parents have learned that a Christian boarding school like Stony Brook can give a boy an experience that is valuable beyond measure. It places him under the influence of Christian masters, personally interested in him. The small classes and the individual attention given a boy strengthen his educational foundation—often saving him a year of preparation and assuring his success in college.
Each year many parents write to the Headmaster express ing their gratitude that they were led to take the wise step of sending their boys to Stony Brook early in the high school course—just at the time when a boy most needs these whole some influences and this thorough training. Perhaps this is the very year when you should send your boy to Stony Brook. It is not too late to investigate, if you act promptly. Perhaps you can do a friend a great service by suggesting the School for his boy. A catalogue will be sent on request.
\ Please mention the KING’S BUSINESS r j f tonyfiro okJchool Frank E. Gaebelein, Litt.D., Headmaster , Stony Brook, Long Island, N. Y. HAVE YOU LOST YOUR INSURANCE? Your Constitutional Rights as an individual, employee, employer. State? We provide Benevolent Death Benefits ages 2 to 65. Ask for schedule of costs in contributions. DIRECTED BY CHRISTIAN MEN. Constitutional Government League, 4031 Francis Avenue, Seattle, Washington
other thing. This statement has been inter preted by many Christians as meaning that no oath ever should be taken in any matter. Surely the words were spoken to remind us that humankind cannot fulfill any oath with certainty. Only God can vow and be cer tain of performing what He promised, and this God does do (cl. Heb. 6:13-18). The Lord Jesus Christ uttered an oath when ad jured by the high priest. Furthermore, Paul the apostle called God to witness that he spoke the truth (cl. 2 Cor. 11:31). But all swearing, as was commonly practiced, and still is, it utterly vain and all such useless oaths were and are prohibited. III. Jesus had performed a notable miracle in casting out a demon, and the Pharisees de clared He had done so by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. In other words, they, knowing that the power of God was present and that the demon had been cast out by the working of God Him self in Jesus of Nazareth, refused to accept the truth of what they knew, and attributed the deed to the devil. Our Lord therefore spoke the word concerning the unforgivable sin, that of blasphemy against the Holy T h e R e b e l l io n (Matt. 12:33-37)
"boys and girls
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20 children's Sermons. Illuminated by fas cinating illustrations. "PAPER TEAR ING TALKS"— 15 Gospel talks. Paper is folded, then torn and the object is unfolded. Interesting to old and young. Full directions. One Pastor writes: “Your talks are the best I have ever used or have been able to find.” Each set $1.00 All Three $2.00 55 talks—whole year with the Children— Over 47,000 in use. Haddon Service, Box 164-B, Fairfield, Conn. SUNDAY SCHOOL Literature QUARTERLIES and PAPERS Following the Int. Uniform Lesson Topics A fr e e sam ple pack with catalogue sent on requ est to any Sunday S ch oo l official. Address UNION GOSPEL PRESS Box 6059 » » » Cleveland, Ohio
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