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lesson speaks of the walk in truth as revealed by continuing in the truth. The character of the service should be “faithful” (v. 5). This is the need above all other needs for the servant of the Lord (cf. Matt. 25:21). The brethren and strangers are of course not strangers to the Lord, but to the Lord’s servant. The spring of the serv ice s h o u l d be “ love” (v. 6). The strangers bore witness to the love that prompted the service. The manner of the service should be in humility. Gaius did no boasting of his attain ments, experiences, or service; the brethren and the strangers testified of that (vs. 3, 6). The fullest branches bend the. lowest, and the fullest ships are the least seen. The method of the service should be worthy of God (v. 6). It would therefore be with liberal ity (cf. 2 Cor. 8:9; John 3:16). The reason of the service is indicated by "his name’s sake” (v. 7). God will al ways take care of His own work, but gives His people the opportunity to be His agents in doing so, and He re wards His agents (cf. Matt. 10:41). The result of the service is that those who engage in it become “fellow helpers to the truth” (v. 8). Jus’t as the Philip pian Christians by their gifts entered into the service of Paul (cf. Phil. 1:7), so Gaius entered into all the service and also the reward of the brethren and strangers whom he helped. The opposition to the service is pride (vs. 9, 10), love of place or power, as re vealed by Dicrtrephes. The apostle closes with an exhorta tion to continue in the truth (vs. 11, 12). Many Christians have the “root” of truth in them, but make no growth or progress because of a lack of food suited to strengthening the spiritual life. Christians are to grow more and more, to continue in the truth which is the Person of Christ, applied by the Spirit of God, through the Word of God. "I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth" (2 John 4). The phrase “of thy children” indicates that some of the elect lady’s children were, walking in the truth. We wonder about the condition of the other children in the home. Were they faithless as far as the gospel is con cerned?' If this were true, we can be sure that in such a home where the truth was loved and. believed, these children would be the object of deep concern and unceasing prayer for their spiritual welfare. Christian, what about the unsaved son, daughter, hus band, or wife in your home? It is cause for great rejoicing when there are those in the family who love the truth and walk in harmony with jt. But. it is a challenge- to prayer and Points and Problems 1.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Programs that are Different! P e a r l d iv in g e x p e d it io n ” "MYSTERY CRUISE”
3 weeks’ Cruise — Soul-winning the " I found the lessons as compact and po tent as a vitamin tablet!* The topics had been carefully chosen; the lessons harmon ized skilfully, stimulating thought and suggesting many channels not apparent at first glance. My Jr. Hi. boys and their teacher had a complete doctrinal review before Summer School closed. Later I taught adult Americans who responded warmly—and then, Chinese business men, who said they learned more in a short time than they ever had before. I recommend these lessons for their brevity and simplic ity. Splendid for churches with saved but * untrained teachers! Splendid for Juniors. ETHEL BELLINGER HANSEN, 1244 N. Kenmore, earnest endeavor when there are those who as yet have not come to Christ. 2. "And this is love, that we walk after his commandments" (v. 6). Love is practical. A person may claim to have love in his heart, but unless it shows itself in his conduct there is reason to believe that it is a false love. “Love is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom. 13:10). The two tablets of the law presented man’s duty, first, to God and then to his f e l l o w man True love must express itself. True love must act. It responds to the needs of men and the desires of God. Cal vary is the supreme expression of per fect love. It was there that God’s love met man’s need. Thus every Christian by reason of the love of Christ within him must express that love in his daily walk. 3. "This is a deceiver and an anti christ" (v. 7). The Revised Version places the definite article before both deceiver and antichrist. It Is “the de ceiver” and “ the antichrist.” In the Strictest sense there is but one Anti christ who is the archdeceiver. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Paul called him “that man of sin . . . the son of per dition.” His chief characteristic is op position to Christ and desire to usurp His place. Thus any teacher who op poses Christ manifests the spirit of Antichrist. But while the spirit of Antichrist may display itself in the words and deeds of men, yet it will find its supreme manifestation in an individual of surpassing power and deception who will be unveiled short ly before the second advent of Christ. 4. "For his name's sake they went forth" (3 John 7). Herein is expressed the true motive for all worth-while service for Christ Why did these mis sionaries of whom John spoke go forth? They departed not for personal gain, nor adventure, nor social pres tige, but "for his name’s sake.” They went out of love for Christ. Happy are they who serve, give, pray, work, and go for the sake of that Name. Let all bf our living day after day be only
objective!
But, if your teachers are spiritual and qualified, the bell will ring long b e fo r e t h e y are through and their classes w i l l be re
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freshed and enlightened by meiuorable journeys through the grand old Book of Books. I loved the lessons!” * —»Ail unsolicited testimonial from a member of the Churcn of the Open Door, Los Angeles, Calif. Apt. 3, Phene OL. 5593, Los Angeles, Calif. *
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STIRRING TOPICS FOR MAY ’43
“ PROPHECY MONTHLY” There’s a punch in every article in this issue devoted, to pressing situa tions in our country. Essential Information! • Is the proposed Super-New-Deal the wide-open door to Marxism? • Must we HATE to win this war? • What of the crisis concerning Chap lains? . • Why no Jewish Army? • Is a world Super-Government shap ing up? That’s but a hint of what’s coming up In this vitally important issue. Read it and you’ll realize what the American Prophetic League, through its re search department, is doing to inform the Christian public. • Pour mo. trial offer, 25c; $1 a year —but here’s a SPECIAL: Send $1.20 and receive the beautiful 50c book, "The Christ You’ll Have to Know” by Dr. F. W . Farr — AND a year of PRO PHECY. Ask for BOOK BULLETIN—Sent Free AMERICAN PROPHETIC LEAGUE, Inc. Box BB, Eagle Bock Sta., Los Angeles, Calif. Sm ifQUmtfi When you join the thrilling Tract-of-fhe-Month Club! Mail $1.00 to receive 25 fresh, new tracts monthly, plus new samples and bi-monthly paper. With $2.00 subscription for 50 tracts, double-compartment tract holder sent free. Join now! Don’t miss these good things!. Tract-of-the .Month Club, 322 W.Washington,Chicago FREE SAMPLES
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