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timely help from a Christian often opens the door that was fast barred to the Christian’s Saviour. “ Behold, how they love one another.” In our lesson today there is a birds- eye view of the early church and its counterpart is found in Acts 4:31-37. These characteristics of the early church are mentioned: (1) Doctrinal founda tion. (2) Devotion THE HEART to Christ and to one OF THE another. (3) Daily LESSON additions t o t h e membership. There was a deep doctrinal founda tion in this early church. A creedless church is a spineless church. The churches which have moulded and fash ioned and influenced public and private life, have been built on the rock-bottom doctrines of the apostles. What did the apostles’ doctrine include? With the Book in our hand we can readily ascertain for ourselves, and it would not be amiss for every teacher of this lesson to review their own posi tion in this matter. In these days when the tendency to drift from the moorings of the apostolic faith is so marked, look well to your own foundation and see whether you are securely anchored. A few suggestions will suffice: (a) The. inspiration of Scripture, 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 1 Pet. 1:25; 2 Pet. 1:21. (b) The Deity of Christ, Acts, 2:36; Rom. 9:5; Isa. 9:6; John 1:1-3; Col. 1:15, 17. (c) The personality of the Holy Spirit, Act 5:3, 4; John 14:26; 16:7, 8. (Emphasize the word “ He.” ) (d) The Trinity, 2 Cor. 13:14. (e) Man’s ruin by sin, Rom. 3:9-18, 23. (f) Redemption by the blood, Rom. 3:25; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19. (g) Salvation by faith, Acts 10:43; John 3:36. (h) The resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead, Acts 1:22; Acts 2:31, 32; Rom. 1:4. (i) The resurrection of the believer, Rom. 8:11; 2 Thess. 4:15, 18; 1 Cor. 15:51-53. (j) The personal return of the Lord, Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 1:19, 10. (k) Holiness of life as a fruit of the Spirit, Rom. 6:22. (l) The personality of Satan, 1 Pet. 5:8. (m) The everlasting punishment of the wicked, 2 Thess. 1:7-10. (n) A life of victory, 1 John 5:4. (o) Fellowship with our Lord, and with each other, 1 John 1:3-7. (P) One heart, one soul, one spirit, Phil. 2:3-10. (q) Communion in the breaking of bread, Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 10:16, 17. (r) Fellowship in prayer, Acts 4:31. Prayer is the tie which binds the hearts of believers in fellowship and communion. When the church responds to the call for prayer, splendid power will be manifested in the healing of dis eases, the uniting of hearts and the salvation of souls. PRACTICAL POINTS (1) God’s Word works wonders in the heart of man. (2) Good doctrines produce steadfast doctors. (3) If a doctrine is well worked in, it works out well . (4) Those be favored souls who fel lowship as saints. (5) Wonders and signs are wrought by true disciples. (6) How gladly they break bread who confess His broken body! (7) There is a sacred communion for those who, having committed all things to Him, hold all things in common with Him. Every true Christian is a part of the body of Christ, which is His church, therefore every believer should be work ing in the church. How absurd it would
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