the Lord Jesus? Have you been ashamed to tell others that you belong to Him? Remember, “We ought to obey God rather than men” , and God has told us to tell others about His Son. Pray that He will make you proud to have others know that you are a Christian even though they might persecute you -for talking about your Lord. Dec. 13, 1953 One Human Race Acts 10:9-15; 25-28; 34, 35; 44, 45 Pointers on the Lesson This lesson is planned to stir Christian conscience anew with the truth that God recognizes no distinctions of class or race, and that those who are most like Him make no such distinctions. This is not al ways an easily acquired attitude for many of us seem prone to lay too much empha sis upon color of skin or upon what side of the tracks people live. Galatians 2:11- 14 records how Peter failed to maintain this Christian virtue and merited reproof from the Apostle Paul, as do all of us when we are less than Christian in our attitude toward others. God's Revelation of the Church w . 9-15 The sheet in this vision is typical of the church. A ll within it tire cleansed, whether Jews or Gentiles (v. 15). They beconre one body in Christ Jesus through the creative act of regeneration. There is no room for race distinctions in His body. Note where it was that Peter was given his vision. It was at the place of prayer— “ upon the housetop” (v. 9). In Palestine the typical roof is flat and to it the peo ple often repair for various purposes. The pious folk often used it for prayer in Peter’s day. A practical thought may well be suggested here, namely, that God often grants “ visions” in the place of prayer. That is, He there manifests His w ill and grants spiritual blessing. God's Revelation of Impartiality vv. 25-28, 34, 35 Cornelius made the mistake of attempt ing to worship Peter (v. 25) because the angel had directed him to send .for Peter to instruct him in the things of God (w . 3-6). But no man is to be worshiped. Only God is worthy of worship. Peter was quick to so inform Cornelius (v. 26). Let us take these words to heart and re member that men can only be servants of God and must never be thought of too highly, certainly never worshiped. Having set Cornelius right on this matter, Peter then proceeded to show him how, in the new dispensation that was dawning, God was breaking down the middle wall of partition that had so long existed to sep arate Jews and Gentiles (Eph. 2:14) and was now considering them both on an equality. The heart of the situation is ex pressed in verses 34 and 35 where it is definitely stated that “ God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” In other words anyone who will by faith accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour will come into a saving relation with God and become a part of the one body whose head is Christ. CONTINUED ►
TERROR ISM In th e name o f Religion
HUMAN HELPLESSNESS has al ways been an invitation to the crim inal mind. "TW ENTY YEARS OF MIRACLES" reveals with stark clarity the depths to which “ religion” will stoop when Tradition is substituted for the Word of God, and man is given the place of a u th o r ity that belongs to God alone. This 56-page booklet recites case after case of homes broken, children spirited away or taught to hate then- parents, hospital patients and institu
tional inmates detained against then- will— cases which had a happy end ing only because they were taken up and fought through in the courts by the American Protestant Defense League. This booklet should be required reading for all Protestants. Send for your free copy today. Read these stories substantiated by actual court proceedings and records. They will help you to realize that the most ef fective weapon against this enemy of the American way of life is light, and more light. Write today to:
AMERICAN PROTESTANT DEFENSE LEAGUE
350 WEST 26TH STREET
Dept. K
NEW YORK 1, N. Y.
biblical and Missionary Come to Grace . . . where knowledge of saving gract abounds . . . and let your life count for Christ. Your training here will fit you for a life of good testimony whether you devote yourself to full time Christian work or not. Here you will find wide fellowship and collegiate degree courses of your choice— 4 years. Also diploma courses—3 years. Tuition nominal. Student body represents 18 denominations of 24 states,
also Canada and foreign. Catalog free. Write today. Address
Harold D. Burkholder, HI. A., B. D., D. D., President GRACE BIBLE INSTITUTE, 1515 So. 10th St., Omaha 8, Nebraska
Noted Commentary on the International Bible lessons for 1954
80th VOLUME Invaluable fo pastors, teachers, Bible students. Complete with maps, copies of famous paintings & index* by Wilbur M. Smith, D.D. w : A. WILDE CO., Boston. Moss.
N O V E M B E R 1 9 5 3
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