December, 1941
T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
467
3. Relationship of. members. ■(Rom. 12:3-8: cf. John 17:21-23). : / 4. Use of gifts (1 Cor. 12:4-11)—upity in diversity (v. 4) ; purpose of gifts (v. 7; cf. Eph. 4:12), basis of distribu- tioir (1 Cor. 12:11). 5. Compare functioning and interde pendence of each part of body with church relationships (1 Cor. 12:12-30)— sovereignty of God (v.18) ; encourage ment for weaker members (v. 22). II. CHRIST’S CHURCH ILLUSTRAT ED BY - THE HUSBAND AND • WIFE. (Eph. 5:22-33). 1; Proper attitude of church (vs. 23, 33). 2. Christ’s attitude, His sacrifice, thè purpose, the price paid (Acts 20:28); the glorious prospect (Eph. 5:27); His present work (v. 29), and our coopera tion (Eph. 4:12,16). IH. CHRIST’S CHURCH ILLUSTRAT ED BY THE ' BUILDING AND CORNER STONE. (Eph. 2:19-22; cf. 1 Pet. 2:4-7). How unity ' is accomplished (Eph. 2:21). Suppose the stone at the back insists upon a place at the front! Ap ply personally. IV. THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH. The commission (John 17:18). Our Lord’s work (Acts 1:1) continued by the church (Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:18-20). V. THE RESPONSE OF THE EARLY CHURCH. 1. Peter upheld by others (Acts 2:14). Encouragement due to presence and prayers of whole group (Acts 2:1; 1:14). 2. Paul’s faithfulness and sacrifice (Acts 20:17-35), 3. All. the laity (Acts 8:1, 4-6). VI t ENCOURAGING REWARDS. (Dan. 12:3; Matt. 25:21; 1 Cor. 3:8; Heb. 6:10). , VII; CHALLENGING EXAMPLES OF ATTENDANCE. 1. Our Lord Himself (Mk. 1:21, 29, 32; Lk. 4:16), in spite of corruption in the temple (Mk. 11:15-17), and hypoc risy of leaders (Matt. 23). His regard for the temple and its Worship (John 2:16; Mk. ’11:17). Consider men’s ex cuses today. 2. The early Christians (Acts 1:14, 15; 2:1, 42, 46, 47). Note results of fi delity. For the Leader Open discussion of: 1. Prevailing neglect of God’s house —reasons and excuses. 2. Need for united, prayer and wor ship (Matt. 18:19); resulting bless ings. 3. Primary motive: To meet our Lord and wonAlp Him- He is there (Matt. 18:20). To hear His message (Rev. 2:1;7,17).
4. Do members participate in prayer and discussion ? 5. Are the song services whole-hearted and meaningful? 6. Is the society an asset to the church ? 7. Is Christ truly exalted ? JANUARY 25, 1942 LOYALTY TO CHRIST’S CHURCH P salm 84:1-4; H ebrews ' 10:22-25 B y Mabel S. Clark Introduction I. FOUNDATION OF LOYALTY (Psa. 84:1-4). The Psalmist’s love for God’s house and for united worship grew out of a deep yearning for .a richer, experimental knowledge of the, living God (vs. 1,2). No doubt his own private devotions in spired this longing for fellowship in worship, and for the special revelation o f Himself which God grants to His assembled people. n . EXHORTATIONS TO LOYALTY - (Heb. 10:22-25). Our greater privileges purchased at such sacrifice (vs. \19-21) add special responsibilities and duties. Three exhortations—“Let us” : 1. Duty of united as well as private worship (v. 22). ■ - *' 2. Duty of continued and steadfast confession of our hope in Christ (v. 23). 3. Duty of Christian fellowship (v. 24). Christians are to take kindly thought of one another to stimulate love and good works. -Then comes a time ly warning (v. 25). Some Were habitu ally “forsaking,”, hence the weaklings of Hebrews 5:11-14. Where do we stand? Is our church attendance a habit, a duty, or a delight? How may loyalty and zeal be quickened? The bent of our emotions and will de pends upon our intellectual convictions. A study then of Christ’s church should tend to increase our devotion and faith fulness. For Those Who Have Topics , In discussing the church of Christ, it is of value to consider the Scriptural figures portraying the relationship and function of the church, under such head ings as (T) The future, its significance; (2) Relationship between Christ and His church; (3) His attitude and care for it'; (4) His purposes in and through it; (5) The church’s obligation, and (6) Other headings suggested by the text. Discuss all with a view to stimulating loyalty and devotion. Make personal application and appeal. I. CHRIST’S CHURCH ILLUSTRATED BY THE BODY AND ITS HEAD, (Eph. 1:22, 23). This topic'is to be assigned to two or three members. 1. Challenge of Paul’s example (Col. 1:24,25). . . 2. The Giver and purpose of g if t s - each part to function (Eph. 4:11-16).
Books by the beloved writer of fiction for Christian readers. GRACE LIVINGSTON HILL
By Way of The Silverthorns
A wedding begins and a wed- dins, ' culminates this fascinat ing story of youth's reactions to diverse conditions. . 287 pages. Cloth......... ......$2.00
In Tune with Wedding Bells
An eagerly anticipated vaca tion and a sudden i l l n e s s plunge two delightful young people into surprising circum stances. 304 pages. Cloth. ..........$2.00
Astra
A train ride, an extreme emer gency, and a generous kind ness open up a new life for a lovely girl. 300 pages. Cloth. «........„.$2.00
Short Stories— each attractive ly bound in paper— include: The Divided Battle..........25 cents Beggarman ...................—15 cents The Lost Message,........ 25 cents Her Wedding Garment 15 cents The Old Guard..............25 cents
Order from your local book store. or J. B. Lippincott Co. ' Philadelphia Pa.
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