T HE K I N G ’S B U S I N E S S purpose at every observance of the Lord’s Supper. The heart of the church is quick to recognize and respond to the appeal of suffering and need. Let famine con ditions arise in any part of the world and immediately the flow of Christian money sets in that direction. Sympathy and pity in their highest form and exer cise are Christian virtues and a true Christian only requires a spectacle of suffering to play the part of the good Samaritan. THURSDAY, July 18. 1 Cor. 16:1-9. Practical Religion. The spiritual and practical sides ot Christianity can never be kept apart. Ignoring the arbitrary chapter division between First Corinthians fifteen and sixteen, it might seem to be an anti climax to pass without any break from the resurrection argument to a collection for the saints. It is rather a fitting and logical consummation. When emotion is aroused it must have an outlet. It should be translated into conduct through the performance of some duty. When an analysis of the New Testament Epistle is undertaken it is discovered that al most invariably the first part is doctrinal and the last part practical. For example, Romans chs. 1-8, doctrinal, chs. 9-11, dispensational, chs. 12-16 prac tical. It would contravene all laws of literature and life to invert this order. This serves to show also what a won derful book the Bible is and how true to nature and to life. - FRIDAY, July 29. Eccle. 11:1-6. The Circuit of Love and Grace. The disciples at Jerusalem had no idea of making an investment that would yield them such large returns when they Sent Barnabas to Antioch to take charge of that work of- grace. What they gave in spiritual gifts came back to them a hundred fold in temporal blessings. Acts 11:29. Besides this there was added a visit from Paul himself and the great interest which he took in their well-be ing. Bread cast upon the waters will surely return after many days. Many an unconscious ministry will some time receive a public recognition and a Divine eulogy. Matt. 25:34-40. This is a strong incitement to diligence and fidel ity. “Seeds which mildew in the gar ner, scattered with gold'the plain.” SATURDAY, July 30. Acts 4:31-37. The Character of Barnabas. When the Jerusalem church sent Bar-
720 taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Amen! MONDAY, July 25. Acts 11:19-26. The Gosplel in Antioch. The Christians who were scattered abroad by persecution, went everywhere preaching the Word. Among them were some Greek Jews who went to Antioch and gave the Gospel to the Greeks. There'was such a work of grace that the Apostle sent Barnabas to take charge of it. It became too great for one man to care for and Barnabas sent to Tarsus for the help of Paul. He was the man of all others fitted by birth and training for such a'work. Antioch was one of the most important cities of the Roman Em pire. Only Rome and Alexandria had precedence of it. This was Paul’s real introduction to his life work. Barnabas was .responsible for it. Verse 24 tells us what kind of a man he was. He will surely share in the reward that will be given to Paul. TUESDAY, July 26. 1 Pet. 4:12-19. Called Christians. Antioch became a new centre for the spread of Christianity. It was fitting that a new name should be given to the followers of Jesus. Each of the three world nations contributed to the name “Christian.” From the Hebrew langu age came the word Messiah which means anointed. -The Greek word used to translate this was Christ. To this was added the Roman ending “ianus” to form a party name, “Christiani” or the Christians are therefore the followers of Christ. ,The word Christian occurs but three times in the New Testament. Acts 11:26. Acts 26:28. 1 Pet. 4:16. The latter case is its only use by a Christian for a Christian. It is an interesting study to consider the various and previ ous names in the order of their occur rence. Acts 5:14. Acts 9:26. Acts 9:32. WEDNESDAY, July 27. Acts 11:27-30. Christian Benevolence. From its beginning Christianity has been distinguished for its philanthropy. There were no hospitals or asylums in the pre-Christian world. There was su preme indifference to and contemptuous disregard of human suffering. John 13: 29 has been taken to indicate that Jesus and His disciples were - accustomed to give regular .and generous offerings for the poor. On this account in most churches a collection is taken for that
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