May, 1941
TH E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
194
NOTES on Christian Endeavor
in John 21:20, 21. Impulsiveness appears to be mingled with cowardice in Gala tians 2:12. Let us not forget that, in the popular acceptance of. the term, Peter was uneducated. Let us not be surprised then to find him sometimes rude in speech and rough in manner. Ulus.: A stone may be rough, dirty, un cut, and as yet unpolished—but still a diamond. II. “PETER”—BY DIVINE GRACE! Even a “rock” must be based upon a solid and sufficient foundation, or it will not be steady. Ulus.: “The Balanced Rock” in the Garden of the Gods, Colo rado Springs, sways in the breeze! When Simon finally became settled on a deep personal experience with a risen, living Lord, and became indwelt and impowered by the Holy Spirit, he became as solid and> Immovable as Gibraltar. 1. Steps upward. Peter sounded the lowest depths in his denial, but he did not remain there. He arose and re turned. He was neither a hypocrite nor an apostate—but an immature Christian. 2. Maturity. It will be necessary to study the Epistles (1 and 2 Peter) to see the culmination of the p r o c e s s whereby "Simon” was transformed into “Peter.” Note his: a. Doctrinal knowledge concerning God, our Lord Jesus Christ, .the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, Christian life, the church, and the future life. As you read, mark verses illustrating each. b. Spiritual experience, as to faith, love, hope, holiness, and joy. (Use con cordance.) , c. Personal character, as s h o w n through courage (1 Pet. 3:14, 15), en ergy (1 Pet. 5:8, 9), humility (1 Pet.. 5:5-7), and tenderness (2 Pet. 3:14). Note the violent contrast with the “old” Peter (cf. 2 Cor. 5:7). For the Leader 1. As the Lord Jesus characterized Peter, see whether the group can char acterize others of the Lord’s associates, from what the Scriptures reveal con cerning them. Example, John 1:47, “Nathanael the Guileless.” 2. Also of great interest would FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ft? V s i The W riters June 1—LYMAN A. WENDT, Besides his work in the pastorate of Calvary Church, Santa Ana, Calif., Mr. Wendt (Biola ’34) has a ministry to young people in his special messages to Bible clubs among Christian students and various fellowship groups. Miss Wallis attended the Bible Institute of Los Angeles from the fall of 1936 to June of 1938. For the past two and a half years she has been assistant editor of the Bible Bulletin, the organ of the Campus and Radio Bible Fellowship and Bible Clubs, in which she had been a leader during her university life. Mr. Orr is pastor of Calvary Bible Church, Placentia, Calif., and instructor in the History of Bible Doctrine at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. In recent years he has conducted summer Bible camps for various groups of fundamental churches in Southern California. Miss Holmes (B. Chr. Ed. ’40) has been serving in young peo ple’s gospel team activity and is leader of several Martures Clubs for girls and young women, including clubs at Westmont College and the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. Miss Locher, who attended Biola from 1938 to 1940, is an in structor in English and Journalism in the Chaffey Union High School at Ontario, Calif., and is adviser of a Bible Club recently formed among students of Chaffey Junior College. June &—ETHEL WALLIS. June 15—WILLIAM W. OBB. June 22—MOBENA M. HOLMES. June 29—ADELAIDE W. LOCHEB. In no other life can we see more clearly what human nature is in itself, and what it becomes by divine grace. This “shale man” will become the “rock man”! For Those Who Have Topics L "SIMON”—BY NATURE! 1. Some Early Characteristics of the “Natural Man.” Simon was impulsive, as evidenced by the entire panorama of his life, quick tempered (John 18:10), boastful (Mark 14:29), self-confident (Lk. 22:33; John 13:37), and profane (Mark 14:71). Here are only a few characteristics. Others may be cited. Do not be hasty and super ficial in preparation. 2. Breakdown of the “Natural Man” (Lk. 22:54-62). This event is the climax of his sin and the occasion for his new start. Empha size (and illustrate) what happened in the life of Peter as recorded in verse 62. 3. A Few Recurrences of the “Natural Man.” Possibly envy or jealousy or undue curiosity can be found in the question JUNE 1, 1941 PETER, THE ROCK J ohn 1 :35-42 By Lyman A. Wendt Introduction It is a common practice to classify men by their predominating character istics. Hence some men are classified as “foxy,” “lion-hearted,” or as men of “iron” (strong and useful), or of “steel” (hard and cold), of “gold” (pure and true), and the like. When the Lord Jesus said to Simon, “Thou shalt be called Cephas” (Petros— “a little rock”), probably no one was so surprised as Simon himself. That was the one thing he was not! True, he had a lot of strength (and he knew it), but he also had a ■ great weakness (and he knew that, too). He most decidedly was not a strong rock upon which men could build. Yet looking deep into his soul was One who saw great capacities of strength and. power, faith and devo tion. And Peter knew, that this One knew, both that he needed firmness and stability—and could supply them! k
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