217
T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
May, 1938
every chapter and verse is the one who really enjoys the Bible. Helps for the Leader , I. G od ’ s W ord This Book contains: The mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of be lievers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you,, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the mem ory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the high est responsibilities, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents (John 12:48; 2 Tim. 3:16; Prov. 4:13 ).—\The Wonder of the Book. II. How to E njoy the B ible There is nothing else that will do more to make the Bible an open Book than obe dience— doing what it tells you to d o ; there is nothing else that will more quickly make the Bible a closed Book than disobedience to any known commandment in the Book. One verse of the Bible obeyed will open to us a hundred other verses; one verse of the Bible disobeyed will close the whole Book.—R. A. T ckrrey . JUNE 19, 1938 HOW PROPAGANDISTS “ PUT In the Scriptures the scribes and Phari sees present a striking example for propa gandists who are bent upon gaining their ends, even at the sacrificing of true prin-- ciples and the reputation of others in volved. Matthew 12 records the journey of Jesus’ disciples through the barley fields on a Sabbath day in the early spring. A c cording to Jewish custom, travelers might take sufficient grain to satisfy their needs as they walked. Being hungry, the dis ciples plucked some of the heads of grain, rubbed it in their hands, and began eating. In the Jewish code of conduct this was con sidered as reaping and threshing, there fore a disobedience of the Sabbath regula tions. The Pharisees were evidently in ambush, waiting for an occasion to accuse either Jesus or His disciples of breaking their laws. When they attacked with their accusations, the Lord Jesus made it plain that He was Lord “ even of the sabbath day,” a declaration which ignited their fury. “ Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him” (Matt. 12:14). W e see them progressively designing to kill the Son of God, using every pretext IT OVER ON US” M atthew 12:1-14; 15:1-11 Meditation on the Lesson
Psalm 119:162 strikes the keynote of this hymn o f praise: “ I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Why was the writer thus elated at the discovery of God’s W ord? He proceeds logically to explain his joy. In the first place, he says that it reveals the way of holy living. “ I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.” It is impos sible to continue in sin- and to love God’s Word at the same time. As we have been reminded often, either sin will keep us from this Book, or this Book will keep us from sin. It is said that an infidel, when dying, placed his hand on the Bible, and exclaimed with his expiring energy, “ The only objec tion against the Book is — a> bad life." God cannot, because of His holy nature, counte nance any form of sin. Therefore the Psalmist praises God because of His “ right eous judgments.” In view of God’s undeviating holiness, how can a sinful man rejoice in the revela tion of His law, which can do nothing but condemn him? In the Old Testament econ omy, with which the writer of this Psalm was familiar, the law included not only the moral standards of God found in the Ten Commandments, but also the cere monies governing the sacrifices which pic tured the coming Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was to be revealed in the fullness of time. In the latter aspect of the law was the worshiper’s hope; by faith he saw his sins blotted out by the blood of lambs which spoke of the blood of the everlasting covenant, sealed with the blood of the Lamb of God who was to come to die. The Psalmist had made peace with God through a Sacrificial Substitute. There fore he could sing: “ Great peace have they which love thy law : and nothing shall offend them” (v. 165). Our love for the W ord of God springs from the same source; our peace is made on the same basis. The peace resulting from sins forgiven is the key to a heart understanding of God’s Word. The consummation of the Psalmist’s prayer is found in these words: “ I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight” (v. 174). His love is for the W ord of God, and his longing is for the complete salvation which is its theme. He confesses his sinfulness and his need o f a Saviour by saying, “ I have gone astray like a lost sheep: seek thy servant” (v. 176). He foretells in this cry the com ing of the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep (cf. John 10:11, 15). Isaiah 53:6 tells us that “ all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Paul certainly had these passages in mind when, in chapter 3 o f his marvelous Epistle to the Roman Christians, he speaks of the im puted righteousness of God which was “ witnessed by the law and the prophets” (v. 21). W e miss the mark in our study of the Word of God if we do not see mirrored there the face of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour. It is He who gives radiance to its sacred pages, and fills the heart of the believing reader with joy. The one who can discern the righteousness and the grace of God running parallel throughout
r, i f .. i Read, O TU dy, G i v e
Norman B. Harrison, D.D. Pastor, Teacher. Author, Preacher
I r .
and Grow A great series for personal reading, group,| conference, or class use. Ideal as gifts to those who have experienced deep sorrow or great joy. His Peace How to live without worry, 48 pages, Art Covers, 25c; Corded Gift Edition, 40c. His Sure Return "Brings understanding and conviction," says The Sunday School Times. 96 pages, Art Covers, 25c. His Things of Power A store house of guidance in applying the Gospel to present-day needs, 64 pages, Art Covers, 25c; Corded Gift Edition, 40c. Other “ HIS” Series Titles His Salvation (Aid to study of Romans) 60c; cloth, $1.00. His Very Own (Helps on Ephesian Epistle) 60c; cloth, $1.00. His Indwelling Presence (The Holy Spirit with in) 50c; cloth 75c. His Book (Marvelous structure, Divine inspira tion) 50c; cloth, 75c. His Right to Rule (Christ, Coming King), 25c and 40c. His Bequest (The believer remembered m God s “ legacy” ) 25c and 40c. . Order Today from Your Bookstore, Religious Supply House or Direct THE BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE ASS'N 810 N. Wells St., Chicago, 111.
INSPIRING
REVEALING C R I 50 cents a year
SOLUTION Concrete illustrations of converted prison ers whose lives in ¡ail
M and home prove the transforming work of God in th e ir lives. THE JA IL EVANGELIST (published monthly) Business Manager 224 Hall of Justice Chaplain I. E. King Los Angeles, Calif. INFORMING ENCOURAGING j j
BE A^NUfcSE MAKE $25-$35 A WEEK You can learn practical nursing at home in spare time. Course endorsed i by physicians. Thousands of grad uates. 39th yr. One graduate has charge of 10-bed hospital. Another
saved $400 while learning. Equipment included. Men and women 18 to 60. High School not required. Easy tuition payments. Write now. CHICAGO SCHOOL OF NURSING Dept. 525, I0O East Ohio Street, Chicago, III. Please send free booklet and 16 sample lesson pages. N am e_______________________ .___________________ ______ City_____________________ State---------------------- Age---------
Made with FlippingBook HTML5