Responsibilities and Privileges of Church Fellowship

Responsibilities and Privileges of Church Fellowship

1939 Quater 2

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QC’ M2 Ce Pi& No. 176 • SECOND QUARTER, 1939

             RESPOSIBLITIES
                 N   I    a nd PIVILEGS
                               R
                                 C)WSHIEP

The Conflict of the Ages Series OU will need these books for the lessons this quarter. Notice how almost every lesson in this Quarterly suggests as a lesson help the reading of portions of these books. The Conflict of the Ages Series covers the entire chain of Bible history, from the beginning of Genesis, the fall of man, and the plan of redemption, through until the conflict is ended and the earth is restored. The books are: PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES begins the Bible story—with creation. deals with the founding of the early Then it covers the early history of the churches, the experiences of Paul and world through and during the history of other apostles. Deep spiritual lessons of the early kings of Israel. value to the Christian church of today are taught. PROPHETS AND KINGS Israel’s experiences under the rule of kings, their bondage, and later their at- THE GREAT CONTROVERSY tempts to re-establish themselves as a BETWEEN CHRIST AND SATAN nation, take on new interest as one reads introduces later great Christian move- this book. ments, following through to the end. The book describes the closing scenes THE DESIRE OF AGES of earth’s history, the last acts in the follows with an incomparable presentation long struggle between righteousness and of the life of the Saviour. His experiences error, and the coming of Christ to this are traced from birth to the close of His world.’ earthly ministry.

             THE COMPLETE SET—A Wonderful Library Patriarchs and Prophets                   793 pages   In cloth, $ 2.25   Limp, $ 3.25 Prophets and Kings                        753 pages   In cloth,   2.25   Limp,   3.25 The Desire of Ages                        860 pages   In cloth,   2.25   Limp,   3.25 The Acts of the Apostles                  630 pages   In cloth,   2.25   Limp,   3.25 The Great Controversy                     718 pages   In cloth,   2.25   Limp,   3.25
                                    3.754 pages   In cloth, $11.25   Limp, $16.25

Printed on genuine Bible paper; large, easily read type; fully indexed. Light, easy to handle and to carry—the entire weight of the five books containing 3,754 pages in limp binding being only six pounds, four ounces. Each volume is complete in itself. Order from your Missionary Secretary or direct from BOOK AND BIBLE HOUSE  Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

               THE CHURCH
   Responsibilities and Privileges of Church
                   Fellowship
                   Lesson 1 for April 1, 1939
    DAILY LESSON STUDY: Place a check mark in the proper space.   SABBATH SUNDAY   MONDAY     TUESDAY I WEDNESDAYI THURSDAY I FRIDAY



                          God's Family    MEMORY VERSE: "Christ . . . loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Eph. 5:25-27.    STUDY HELPS: "The Ministry of Healing," pp. 415-426; "Church ManuaL" pp. 7, 8; "The Acts of the Apostles," pp. 9-11.

              From the Earthly to the Heavenly
1. Who constitute the church of God? 1 Cor. 12:12, 13, 25-28.
NoTE.—"The church is God's fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world. Any betrayal of the church is treachery to Him who has bought mankind with the blood of His only-begotten Son. From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth. In every age the Lord has had His watchmen, who have borne a faithful testimony to the generation in which they lived. These sentinels gave the message of warning ; and when they were called to lay off their armor, others took up the work. God brought these witnesses into covenant relation with Himself, uniting the church on earth with the church in heaven. He has sent forth His angels to minister to His church, and the gates of hell have not been able to prevail against His people." —"The Acts of the Apostles," p. 11.
2. In addition to the earthly record, where are the names of church members recorded? Heb. 12:23; Luke 10:20.
3. What are some of the terms used in the Scriptures in referring to the church? 1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:19; 3:14, 15.
4. What relation does Christ sustain to the members of His church? John 20:17; Heb. 2:11, 12.
NoTE.—"The I AM is the Daysman between God and humanity, laying His hand upon both. He who is 'holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 176, April, 1939. 20 cents a year. Published in the U. S. A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S. D. A.), Mountain View, California. Entered as second-class matter Oct. 13, 1904, at the post office in Mountain View, California, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act
                of Oct. 3, 1917, and authorized Sept. 18, 1918.
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sinners,’ is not ashamed to call us brethren. In Christ the family of earth and the family of heaven are bound together. Christ glorified is our brother. Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love.”-“The Desire of Ages,” pp. 25, 26. A Marvelous Transformation 5. What are we by nature? Eph. 2:2, 3; 1 John 3:10. 6. By what means is this change from the earthly to the heavenly family accomplished? John 3:3, 7; Gal. 4:1-7. 7. What is the first step toward membership in God’s family? Heb. 11:6; Gal. 3:26. NOTE.-“The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see, creates a new being in the image of God.”-“The Desire of Ages,” p. 173. 8. What is essential? John 1:12; Rev. 3:20. 9. What change will then be wrought in the life? 2 Cor. 5:17. NoTE.-“Through this simple act of believing God, the Holy Spirit has be- gotten a new life in your heart. You are as a child born into the family of God, and He loves you as He loves His Son.”-“Steps to Christ,” p. 56. 10. Of whose nature do we then partake? What must we do? 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 3:1-3. NOTE.-“You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.”-“Steps to Christ,” p. 52. “When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature.”-“The Desire of Ages,” pp. 323, 324. 11. What is Christ’s desire concerning the church? Eph. 5:25-27. 12. Who is the father of this family? Matt. 6:9. Named With That Worthy Name 13. Whose name does this family bear? Matt. 28:19; Eph. 3:14, 15. 14. What should all do who bear this family name? 2 Tim. 2:19, last part; 1 Cor. 10:31. 15. What will distinguish the remnant church? Rev. 14:1; 22:4. NorE.-The Father’s name stands for His character. Ex. 33:18, 19; 34:5-7. His character is the reflection of the moral law. Ps. 19:7; 119:142, 172. Under the new covenant, Christ writes the law on the fleshy tables of every surrendered heart. Heb. 8:10; 2 Cor. 3:3. Thus the life, the character, is conformed to the image of Christ. 1 John 3:1, 2. This is the experience of the faithful members of the remnant church, gathered from “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Rev. 14:6, 12; 12:17. “The central theme of the Bible, the theme about which every other in the {4 } whole book clusters, is the redemption plan, the restoration in the human soul of the image of God. From the first intimation of hope in the sentence pro- nounced in Eden to that last glorious promise of the Revelation, ‘They shall see His face; and His,name shall be in their foreheads,’ the burden of every book and every passage of the Bible is the unfolding of this wondrous theme,—man’s uplifting,—the power of God, ‘which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’“—”Education,” pp. 125, 126.

                  Lesson 2 for April 8, 1939
     DAILY LESSON STUDY: Place a check mark in the proper space.   SABBATH I SUNDAY  MONDAY I TUESDAY I WEDNESDAY I THURSDAY I           FRIDAY



     The Church the Object of God's Love    MEMORY VERSE: "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they' may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me." Isa. 49:15, 16.    STUDY HELP: "The Acts of the Apostles," pp. 11-16.

                      God's Great Purpose
1. For what purpose did God choose Abraham? Gen. 26:4.
2. What was God's purpose concerning the church in the wilderness? Acts 7:38; Deut. 7:6-8.
3. If God's people had been perfectly obedient, what would have been the result? Deut. 28:1, 13.
NOTE.—"To God's people and His institutions in this generation as well as to ancient Israel belong the words written by Moses through the Spirit of Inspiration. . . . Even these words fail of reaching the greatness and the glory of God's purpose to be accomplished through His people."—"Medical Ministry," p. 26.
4. On what condition only would God have thus highly exalted His people? Deut. 4:9; 7:9.
                  God's Love for His Church
5. What is the measure of God's love for His church? Jer. 31:3; Eph. 5:25.
6. How is Christ's interest and care for His church symbolized? Rev. 1:12, 13, 20; 2:1.
NoTE.—"Christ is spoken of as walking in the midst of the golden candle- sticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the churches. He is in constant com- munication with His people. He knows their true state. He observes their order, their piety, their devotion. Although He is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He is represented as walking up and down in the midst of His churches on the earth. With untiring wakefulness and unremitting vigilance, He watches to see whether the light of any of His sentinels is burning dim or going out. If the candlesticks were left to mere human care, the
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flickering flame would languish and die; but He is the true watchman in the Lord’s house, the true warden of the temple courts. His continued care and sustaining grace are the source of life and light.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” p. 586. “God’s love for His church is infinite. His care over His heritage is unceas- ing. He suffers no affliction to come upon the church but such as is essential for her purification, her present and eternal good. He will purify His church even as He purified the temple at the beginning and close of His ministry on earth. All that He brings upon the church in test and trial comes that His people may gain deeper piety and more strength to carry the triumphs of the cross to all parts of the world. He has a work for all to do. There must be constant enlargement and progress. The work must extend from city to city, from country to country, and from nation to nation, moving continually on- ward and upward, established, strengthened, and settled.”—”Testimonies,’.’ vol. 9, p. 228. 7. Where is Christ always to be found? Matt. 18:20. 8. What assurance does He give to such? Verse 19. NoTE.—”We may tell the Lord, with the simplicity of a child, exactly what we need. We may state to Him our temporal matters, asking Him for bread and raiment as well as for the bread of life and the robe of Christ’s righteous- ness. . . . “The gifts of Him who has all power in heaven and earth are in store for the children of God. Gifts so precious that they come to us through the costly sacrifice of the Redeemer’s blood; gifts that will satisfy the deepest craving of the heart; gifts lasting as eternity, will be received and enjoyed by all who will come to God as little children. Take God’s promises as your own, plead them before Him as His own words, and you will receive fullness of joy.”—”The Mount of Blessing,” pp. 190, 191. “At times the Lord may seem to have forgotten the perils of His church, and the injury done her by her enemies. But God has not forgotten. Nothing in this world is so dear to the heart of God as His church. It is not His will that worldly policy shall corrupt her record. He does not leave His people to be overcome by Satan’s temptations. He will punish those who misrepresent Him, but He will be gracious to all who sincerely repent. To those who call upon Him for strength for the development of Christian character, He will give all needed help.”—”Prophets and Kings,” p. 590. God’s Vineyard

1. What figure does the prophet Isaiah employ to represent the church? Isa. 5:7, first part.
2. Who is the keeper of this vineyard? Isa. 27:2, 3, first part.
3. How constant and tender is the keeper’s care for His vineyard? Isa. 27:3; Ps. 121:2-8. The Object of Christ’s Supreme Regard

4. What assurance is given that God will never forget one of His children? Isa. 49:14, 15. NOTE.—”Though enemies may thrust them into prison, yet dungeon walls cannot cut off the communication between their souls and Christ. One who [6j sees their every weakness, who is acquainted with every trial, is above all earthly powers; and angels will come to them in lonely cells, bringing light and peace from heaven. The prison will be as a palace; for the rich in faith dwell there, and the gloomy walls will be lighted up with heavenly light, as when Paul and Silas prayed and sung praises at midnight in the Philippian dungeon.”—”The Great Controversy,” p. 627. 13. Where are their names engraved? Isa. 49:16. 14. What is the object of Christ’s supreme regard? Eph. 1:22, 23; Acts 20:28. NbTE.—”Nothing else in this world is so dear to God as His church. Nothing is guarded by Him with such jealous care.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 6, p. 42. “The church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned, and counseled, is the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows His supreme regard.”—”Testimonies to Ministers,” p. 49. “The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. He looks upon every soul who is turning his face toward Him as the Saviour. He knows by experience what are the weaknesses of humanity, what are our wants, and where lies the strength of our temptations; for He was ‘in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’ He is watching over you, trembling child of God. Are you tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you wounded? He will heal. The Lord lelleth the number of the stars;’ and yet ‘He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds’ . . “Human love may change; but Christ’s love knows no change. When we cry to Him for help, His hand is stretched out to save.”—”The Ministry of Healing,” pp. 71, 72.

              Lesson 3 for April 15, 1939  DAILY LESSON STUDY: Place a check mark in the proper space.   SABBATH I SUNDAY 1 MONDAY I TUESDAY 1 WEDNESDAY I THURSDAY I FRIDAY
   
   
   
      The Church the Temple of God    MEMORY VERSE: "In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Eph. 2:22.    STUDY HELP: "Prophets and Kings," pp. 35-37.
   
                       The Building
   

5. What is the church said to be? Eph. 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 3:9, 16, 17; Heb. 3:6. 2. Who is its builder? Matt. 16:17, 18.
6. What prophecies are being fulfilled in the building of Christ’s spiritual temple? Zech. 6:12, 13; Amos 9:11, 12. The Foundation

7. What is the foundation of this wonderful structure? 1 Cor. 3:11. NOTE.—” ‘Upon this rock,’ said Jesus, ‘I will build My church.’ In the presence of God, and all the heavenly intl ligences, in the presence of the un- C7 seen army of hell, Christ founded His church upon the living Rock. That Rock is Himself,—His own body, for us broken and bruised. Against the church built upon this foundation, the gates of hell shall not prevail.”—”The Desire of Ages,” p. 413. 5. What is the Rock upon which it rests? Deut. 32:3, 4; 1 Cor. 10:4. NorE.—”Human power and human might did not establish the church of God, and neither can they destroy it. Not on the rock of human strength, but on Christ Jesus, the Rock of Ages, was the church founded, ‘and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ The presence of God gives stability to His cause. ‘Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man,’ is the word that comes to us. ‘In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.’ God’s glorious work, founded on the eternal principles of right, will never come to nought. It will go on from strength to strength, ‘not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.’ “—”Prophets and Kings,” pp. 595, 596. 6. What is said of this foundation? 2 Tim. 2:19, first part. NOTE.—”Let none seek to tear away the foundations of our faith—the foundations that were laid at the beginning of our work, by prayerful study of the word and by revelation. Upon these foundations we have been building for the last fifty years. Men may suppose that they have found a new way, and that they can lay a stronger foundation than that which has been laid. But this is a great deception. Other foundation can no ‘man lay than that which has been laid. “In the past, many have undertaken the building of a new faith, the estab- lishment of new principles. But how long did their building stand? It soon fell; for it was not founded upon the Rock. “Did not the first disciples have to meet the sayings of men? Did they not have to listen to false theories, and then, having done all, to stand firm, saying, Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid'? "So we are to hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." —"Testimonies," vol. 8, pp. 296, 297. 7. When the storm breaks, how will the church, built on this foundation, be affected? Matt. 7:24, 25. NOTE.—"How feeble the church appeared when Christ spoke these words ! There was only a handful of believers, against whom all the power of demons and evil men would be directed; yet the followers of Christ were not to fear. Built upon the Rock of their strength, they could not be overthrown. "For six thousand years, faith has builded upon Christ. For six thousand years the floods and tempests of Satanic wrath have beaten upon the Rock of our salvation; but it stands unmoved."—"The Desire of Ages," p. 413. Kind of Material for the Building 8. What materials does God desire to use in the construction of His church? 1 Cor. 3:12, first part. NoTE.—"Of surpassing beauty and unrivaled splendor was the palatial build- ing which Solomon and his associates erected for God and His worship. Gar- nished with precious stones, surrounded by spacious courts with magnificent approaches, and lined with carved cedar and burnished gold, the temple struc- ture, with its broidered hangings and rich furnishings, was a fit emblem of the living church of God on earth, which through the ages has been building in [8I accordance with the divine pattern, with materials that have been likened to gold, silver, precious stones,’ polished after the similitude of a palace’ Of this spiritual temple Christ is ‘the chief cornerstone ; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.’ “—”Prophets and Kings,” p. 36. 9. What will result from the use of wood, hay, and stubble? 1 Cor. 3:12, last part, 13. NOTE.—”Paul and the other apostles, and all the righteous who have lived since then, have acted their part in the building of the temple. But the structure is not yet complete. We who are living in this age have a work to do, a part to act. We are to bring to the foundation material that will stand the test of fire,—gold, silver, and precious stones, ‘polished after the similitude of a palace.’ To those who thus build for God, Paul speaks words of encouragement and warning: ‘If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.’ The Christian who faithfully pre- sents the word of life, leading men and women into the way of holiness and peace, is bringing to the foundation material that will endure, and in the king- dom of God he will be honored as a wise builder.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” p. 599. 10. What other illustrations are used to show Christ’s relation to the church? 1 Peter 2:3, 4; Isa. 28:16. 11. When laid upon the living stone, what do the lifeless stones from the quarry of the world become? 1 Peter 2:5. NOTE.—”Christ, the true foundation, is a living stone; His life is imparted to all that are built upon Him. ‘Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house.’ Each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord.’ The stones become one with the foundation; for a common life dwells in all. That building no tempest can overthrow; for— “ ‘That .which shares the life of God, With Him surviveth all.’” —”The Mount of Blessing,” p. 216. A Quiet Work 12. In building Solomon’s temple, where was the work of preparing the stones done? 1 Kings 6:7, first part. 13. What precaution was taken against noise or confusion in the work of building? 1 Kings 6:7, second part. NOTE.—”The Jewish temple was built of hewn stones quarried out of the mountains; and every stone was fitted for its place in the temple, hewed, polished, and tested, before it was brought to Jerusalem. And when all were brought to the ground, the building went together without the sound of ax or hammer. This building represents God’s spiritual temple, which is com- posed of material gathered out of every nation, and tongue, and people, of all grades, high and low, rich and poor, learned and unlearned. These are not dead substances, to be fitted by hammer and chisel. They are living stones, quarried out from the world by the truth ; and the great Master Builder, the Lord of the temple, is now hewing and polishing them, and fitting them for their respective places in the spiritual temple. When completed, this temple will be perfect in all its parts, the admiration of angels and of men; for its Builder and Maker is God.”—”Te stimonies,” vol. 9, p. 180. 9  . God’s Dwelling Place . 14. While God’s dwelling place is in heaven, where did He promise also to dwell? Ex. 25:8; 1 Kings 6:11-13. 15. Where will God by His Spirit dwell today? Where will He reveal His glory? Eph. 2:22; Isa. 60:1-3. NoTE.—”The Lord has provided His church with capabilities and blessings, that they may present to the world an image of His own sufficiency, and that His church may be complete in Him, a continual representation of another, even the eternal world, of laws that are higher than earthly laws. His church is to be a temple built after the divine similitude, and the angelic architect has brought his golden measuring rod from heaven, that every stone may be hewed and squared by the divine measurement, and polished to shine as an emblem of heaven, radiating in all directions the bright, clear beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The church is to be fed with manna from heaven, and to be kept under the sole guardianship of His grace. Clad in complete armor of light and righteousness, she enters upon her final conflict. The dross, the worthless material, will be consumed, and the influence of the truth testifies to the world of its sanctifying, ennobling character. . “To His church, Christ has given ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. The church, being endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depository, in which the wealth of His mercy, His love, His grace, is to appear in full and final display. The declaration in His intercessory prayer, that the Father’s love is as great toward us as toward Himself, the only-begotten Son, and that we shall be with Him where He is, forever one with Christ and the Father, is a marvel to the heavenly host, and it is their great joy. The gift of His Holy Spirit, rich, full, and abundant, is to be to His church as an encompassing wall of fire, which the powers of hell shall not prevail against. In their untainted purity and spotless perfection, Christ looks upon His people as the reward of all His suffering, His humiliation, and His love,•and the supplement of His glory,—Christ, the great center from which radiates all glory. ‘Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ “—”Testimonies to Ministers,” pp. 17-19.

               Lesson 4 for April 22, 1939    DAILY LESSON STUDY: Place a check mark in the proper space.   SABBATH I SUNDAY  MONDAY    TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY I FRIDAY
   
   
   
                The Kingdom of God    MEMORY VERSE: "The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him." Dan. 7:27.    STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," pp. 61-70; "The Desire of Ages," pp. 829-835.
           The Kingdoms of Grace and Glory
   

8. What was the burden of the message proclaimed by John the Baptist? also by Jesus? Matt. 3:1, 2; 4:17. [103  NOTE.-“All who come to Christ for a clearer knowledge of the truth, will receive it. He will unfold to them the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, and these mysteries will be understood by the heart that longs to know the truth. A heavenly light will shine into the soul-temple, and will be revealed to others as the bright shining of a lamp on a dark path.”—”Christ’s Object Lessons,” p. 36. 2. How did Jesus answer questions of the Pharisees concerning His kingdom? Luke 17:20, 21. NOTE.—”Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. ‘As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.’ Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God.”—”The Desire of Ages,” p. 509. 3. For what are Christians to pray? ‘When will this prayer be answered? Matt. 6:9, 10; 2 Tim. 4:1. NorE.—”The disciples of Christ were looking for the immediate coming of the kingdom of His glory; but in giving them this prayer Jesus taught that the kingdom was not then to be established. They were to pray for its coming as an event yet future. But this petition was also an assurance to them. While they were not to behold the coming of the kingdom in their day, the fact that Jesus bade them pray for it, is evidence that in God’s own time it will surely come. “The kingdom of God’s grace is now being established, as day by day hearts that have been full of sin and rebellion yield to the sovereignty of His love. But the full establishment of the kingdom of His glory will not take place until the second coming of Christ to this world. ‘The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,’ is to be given to `the people of the saints of the Most High.’ They shall inherit the kingdom prepared for them ‘from the foundation of the world’ And Christ will take to Himself His great power and will reign.”—”The Mount of Blessing,” p. 159. 4. Who is the king in this kingdom? John 18:37. 5. What is the territory of this kingdom? Ps. 103:19-22. NorE.—”If you cultivate faithfully the vineyard of your soul, God is mak- ing you a laborer together with Himself. And you will have a work to do not only for yourself, but for others. In representing the church as the vineyard, Christ does not teach that we are to restrict our sympathies and labors to our own numbers. The Lord’s vineyard is to be enlarged. In all parts of the earth He desires it to be extended. As we receive the instruction and grace of God, we should impart to others a knowledge of how to care for the precious plants. Thus we may extend the vineyard of the Lord. God is watching for evidence of our faith, love, and patience. He looks to see if we are using every spiritual advantage to become skillful workers in His vineyard on earth, that we may enter the Paradise of God, that Eden home from which Adam and Eve were excluded by transgression.”—”Christ’s Object Lessons,” p. 282. 6. Who are the subjects of this kingdom? Eph. 2:19; Rev. 14:12; Dan. 7:27. [ 11 I  NOTE.—”If the church will put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, with- drawing from all allegiance with the world, there is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day. God’s promise to her will stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. Truth, passing by those who despise and reject it, will triumph. Although at times apparently retarded, its progress has never been checked. When the message of God meets with opposition, He gives it additional force, that it may exert greater influence. Endowed with divine energy, it will cut its way through the strongest barriers, and triumph over every obstacle.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” p. 601. 7. What has God promised to do under the new covenant? By what agency will it be accomplished? Heb. 8:10; Ezek. 36:26, 27; 2 Cor. 3:3. NOTE.—”He who has God’s law written in the heart, will obey God rather than men, and will sooner disobey all men than deviate in the least from the commandment of God. God’s people, taught by the inspiration of truth, and led by a good conscience to live by every word of God, will take His law, written in their hearts, as the only authority which they can acknowledge or consent to obey. The wisdom and authority of the divine law are supreme.”— “Testimonies,” vol. 1, p. 361. 8. How will God’s law be- regarded by each loyal subject? With what result? Ps. 119:97, 165; Rom. 3:31. NOTE.—”The beauty of holiness is to appear in its native luster in contrast with the deformity and darkness of the disloyal, those who have revolted from the law of God. Thus we acknowledge God, and recognize His law, the founda- tion of His government in heaven and throughout His earthly dominions. His authority should be kept distinct and plain before the world; and no laws are to be acknowledged that come in collision with the laws of Jehovah. If in defiance of God’s arrangements the world be allowed to influence our decisions or our actions, the purpose of God is defeated. However specious the pretext, if the church waver here, there is written against her in the books of heaven a betrayal of the most sacred trusts, and treachery to the kingdom of Christ.” —”Testimonies to Ministers,” pp. 16, 17. 9. What was Christ’s attitude toward His Father’s law? Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 5:17. The Breadth of God’s Law

9. For what should we ever pray? Why? Ps. 119:18, 19. NorE.—”To this day there are still aspects of truth which are dimly seen, connections that are not understood, and far-reaching depths in the law of God that are uncomprehended. There is immeasurable breadth, dignity, and glory in the law of God.”—”Fundamentals of Christian Education,” p. 238. 11. What constitutes the duty of all men? Eccl. 12:13, 14. +- THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING June 24, 1939 Southern African Division 4— [12]  NoTE.—”This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the duty of all men.” R. V., margin. “God justly claims the love and obedience of all His creatures. He has given them in His law a perfect standard of right. But many forget their Maker, and choose to follow their own way in opposition to His will. They return enmity for love that is as high as heaven and as broad as the universe. God cannot lower the requirements of His law to meet the standard of wicked men; neither can man, in his own power, meet the demands of the law. Only by faith in Christ can the sinner be cleansed from guilt, and be enabled to render obedience to the law of his Maker.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” p. 425. The Eternal Throne 12. How is God’s throne related to His dwelling place? Ps. 11:4; 80:1; 1 Kings 8:30. NorE.—”The throne was the symbol of supreme power and dignity. Simi- larly, ‘to sit upon the throne’ implied the exercise of regal power.”—Smith’s Bible Dictionary. • 13. Where, also, does Christ reign in His spiritual kingdom? Isa. 57:15; Eph. 3:17. Worship 14. Who is worthy of adoration? of worship? Ps. 100:3, 4; Rev. 4:11. NoTE.—”Although God dwells not in temples made with hands, yet He honors with His presence the assemblies of His people. He has promised that when they come together to seek Him, to acknowledge their sins, and to pray for one another, He will meet with them by His Spirit. But those who assemble to worship Him should put away every evil thing. Unless they wor- ship Him in spirit and truth and in the beauty of holiness, their coming to- gethei will be of no avail. Of such the Lord declares: ‘This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me.’ Those who worship God must worship Him ‘in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him’ “ ‘The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him.’ “—”Prophets and Kings,” p. 50. 15. How should true worship be rendered? Ps. 95:1-3, 6; John 4:23, 24. NorE.—”The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship. It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every sincere prayer is indited, and such prayer is ac- ceptable to God. Wherever a soul reaches out after God, there the Spirit’s working is manifest, and God will reveal Himself to that soul. For such wor- shipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to make them His sons and daughters.”—”The Desire of Ages,” p. 189. “Reverence should be shown also for the name of God. Never should that name be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly. Even in prayer its frequent or needless repetition should be avoided. ‘Holy and reverend is His name.’ Angels, as they speak it, veil their faces. With what reverence should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips l”—”Education,” p. 243. [ 13 ]  Lesson 5 for April 29, 1939 DAILY LESSON STUDY: Place a check mark in the proper space. SABBATH SUNDAY MONDAY I TUESDAY I WEDNESDAY’ THURSDAY I FRIDAY

         Allegiance Founded on Love
   MEMORY VERSE: "Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that bath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture." Ps. 100:3.    STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pp. 436-438; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 147-153.
   
           The Creation and Its Memorial
   1. With what sublime words does God's sacred Book open? Gen. 1:1.
   2. When God spoke His law from Sinai, what reason did He give for the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath? Ex. 20:8-11.
   3. What is the true ground of worship? Rev. 4:10, 11.
   NOTE.—" 'The importance of the Sabbath as a memorial of creation is that it keeps ever present the true reason why worship is due to God,'—because He is the Creator, and we are His creatures. 'The Sabbath, therefore, lies at the very foundation of divine worship; for it teaches this great truth in the most impressive manner, and no other institution does this. The true ground of divine worship, not of that on the seventh day merely, but of all worship, is found in the distin,ction between the Creator and His creatures. This great fact can never become obsolete, and must never be forgotten.' It was to keep this truth ever before the minds of men, that God instituted the Sabbath in Eden; and so long as the fact that He is our Creator continues to be a reason why we should worship Him, so long the Sabbath will continue as its sign and memorial. Had the Sabbath been universally kept, man's thoughts and affec- tions would have been led to the Creator as the object of reverence and worship, and there would never have been an idolater, an atheist, or an infidel. The keeping of the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to the true God, 'Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.' It follows that the message which commands men to worship God and keep His command- ments, will especially call upon them to keep the fourth commandment." —"The Great Controversy," pp. 437, 438.
   4. At this time, when the theory of evolution is competing with the doctrine of creation, what message is due the world? Rev. 14:6, 7.
                A Sublime Act of Faith
   

10. Of whom was Abraham the father? What was he called? Rom. 4:11; James 2:21-23. 4- –÷ Plan your gifts to the cause of God as you plan your personal needs.

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    6. How did God prove Abraham when preparing him for this high honor? Gen. 22:1, 2. NorE.—The Revised Version of Genesis 22:1 reads, “God did prove Abra- ham,” instead of “tempt” as in the King James Version. “The command was expressed in words that must have wrung with anguish that father’s heart: ‘Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, . . . and offer him for a burnt offering.’ Isaac was the light of his home, the solace of his old age, above all else the inheritor of the promised blessing. The loss of such a son by accident or disease would have been heart-rending to the fond father; it would have bowed down his whitened head with grief; but he was commanded to shed the blood of that son with his own hand. It seemed to him a fearful impossibility.”—”Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 148.

    1. What was Abraham’s attitude toward this command that must have wrung his heart with anguish? Gen. 22:3.
    2. When nearing the place of offering, what did Abraham say to the young man accompanying them? What was done on the mount? Verses 5, 9, 10. NorE.—”As they were about to begin the journey of the third day, the patriarch, looking northward, saw the promised sign, a cloud of glory hovering over Mount Moriah, and he knew that the voice which had spoken to him was from heaven.”—”Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 151. On reaching the place of sacrifice, the altar was erected. Isaac yielded a willing submission, and so he became a sharer in his father’s faith. “Now the last words of love are spoken, the last tears are shed, the last embrace is given.”—/d., p. 152. God and His Throne
       1. What forms the foundation of God’s throne? Ps. 89:14, R. V.; 97:2, R. V. NorE.—In the Revised Version the word translated “habitation” is rendered “foundation.” In the most holy place of the earthly sanctuary, and later of the temple, was the ark of the testament. Within this ark was placed by Moses the law of God (Deut. 10:1-5) ; above the law was the mercy seat with two cherubim of gold overshadowing the mercy seat. “Above the mercy seat was the Shekinah, the manifestation of the divine presence; and from between the cherubim, God made known His will.” This was “but a dim reflection of the glories of the temple of God in heaven, the great center of the work for man’s redemption.”—”Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 349. Divine Love
       2. What is the outstanding attribute of God’s character? In what two commandments is God’s law comprehended? 1 John 4:8, 16; Matt. 22:36-40. Nora.—”The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all intelligent beings depends upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all His creatures the service of love,—service that springs from an appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced obedience; and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service.”—”Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 34. 15  11. How do we become partakers of the love of God? What will this love do for us? Rom. 5:5. NOTE.—”The love which Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vitaliz- ing power. Every vital part—the brain, the heart, the nerves—it touches with healing. By it the highest energies of the being are roused to activity. It frees the soul from the guilt and sorrow, the anxiety and care, that crush the life forces. With it come serenity and composure. It implants in the soul joy that nothing earthly can destroy,—joy in the Holy Spirit,—health-giving, life- giving joy.”—”The Ministry of Healing,” p. 115.

       3. What is the purpose of the law? 1 Tim. 1:5. NOTE.—The word in this verse translated “charity” in the Authorized Version is rendered “love” in the Revised. “ ‘God is love.’ His nature, His law, is love. It ever has been ; it ever will be.”—”Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 33.

                 Love Among Brethren
          

       4. Since the law of God is the sovereign law of the church, what will prevail among its members? John 13:34; 1 John 4:21. NorE.—”The completeness of Christian character is attained when the im- pulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within. It is the atmos- phere of this love surrounding the soul of the believer that makes him a savor of life unto life, and enables God to bless his work. “Supreme love for God and unselfish love for one another,—this is the best gift that our heavenly Father can bestow. This love is not an impulse, but a divine principle, a permanent power. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it. Only in the heart where Jesus reigns is it found. ‘We love Him, because He first loved us.’ In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life, and sheds a refining influence on all around.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” p.’551.
       5. Whatever our profession, if we do not love our brethren truly, what is our condition? 1 John 3:14; 4:20.
       6. Where love prevails, what will be the result? John 17:21-23. NoTE.—”Suppose Christ should abide in every heart, and selfishness in all its forms should be banished from the church; what would be the result? Harmony, unity, and brotherly love would be seen as verily as in the church which Christ first established. Christian activity would be seen everywhere. The whole church would be kindled into a sacrificial flame for the glory of God. Every Christian would cast in the fruit of his self-denial to be consumed upon the altar. There would be far greater activity in devising fresh methods of usefulness, and in studying how to come close to poor sinners to save them from eternal ruin”—”Testimonies,” vol. 5, p. 206.

       “At least a dollar to win a soul;” Take this for your Thirteenth Sabbath goal.

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       Lesson 6 for May 6, 1939 DAILY LESSON STUDY: Place a cheek mark in the proper space. SABBATH I SUNDAY I MONDAY I TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY I FRIDAY

              Organization and Order • MEMORY VERSE: "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." "Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Cor. 14:33, 40. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 374-377; "The Acts of the Apostles," pp. 560-564.
               God's Orderly Arrangements  1. How should all things be done in the church? 1 Cor. 14:40, 33.  NOTE.—"The God of heaven is a God of order, and He requires all His followers to have rules and regulations, and to preserve order. All should have a perfect understanding of God's work."—"Testimonies," vol. 5, p. 274.  "There' is perfect order in heaven, perfect concord and agreement."— "Testimonies," vol. 4, p. 199.  2. What are some of the advantages of organization? Neh. 4:13-16; Deut. 1:15; Mark 6:35-41.  NOTE.—"God's children are not only to pray in faith, but to work with diligent and provident care. They encounter many difficulties, and often hinder the working of Providence in their behalf, because they regard prudence and painstaking effort as having little to do with religion. Nehemiah did not regard his duty done when he had wept and prayed before the Lord. He united his petitions with holy endeavor, putting forth earnest, prayerful efforts for the success of the enterprise in which he was engaged. Careful consideration and well-matured plans are as essential to the carrying forward of sacred enterprises today as in the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls."— "Prophets and Kings," pp. 633, 634.  "The church of Christ is in constant peril. Satan is seeking to destroy the people of God, and one man's mind, one man's judgment, is not sufficient to be trusted. Christ would have His followers brought together in church capacity, observing order, having rules and discipline, and all subject one to another, esteeming others better than themselves. Union and confidence are essential to the prosperity of the church. If each member of the church feels at liberty to move independently of the others, taking his own peculiar course, how can the church be in any safety in the hour of danger and peril? The prosperity and very existence of a church depend upon the prompt, united action and mutual confidence of its members. When, at a critical time, one sounds the alarm of danger, there is need of prompt and active work, without stopping to question and canvass the whole subject from end to end, thus letting the enemy gain every advantage by delay, when united action might save many souls from perdition."—"Testimonies," vol. 3, p. 445.  3. What instruction was given to Moses regarding the organization of the church in the wilderness? Ex. 18:17-22.  NoTE.—"From the outset of the journey from Egypt, lessons had been given for their training and discipline. Even before they left Egypt a temporary organization had been effected, and the people were arranged in companies,
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       under appointed leaders. At Sinai the arrangements for organization were completed. The order so strikingly displayed in all the works of God was manifest in the Hebrew economy. God was the center of authority and govern- ment. Moses, as His representative, was to administer the laws in His name. Then came the council of seventy, then the priests and the princes, under these `captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens,’ and, lastly, officers appointed for special duties. The camp was arranged in exact order, the tabernacle, the abiding place of God, in the midst, and around it the tents of the priests and the Levites. Outside of these, each tribe encamped beside its own standard.”—”Education,” pp. 37, 38. The Human Body and the Church

11. What figure is employed to represent the church? Eph. 1:22, 23; 1 Cor. 12:27.
12. How may one become a member of the body of Christ? Acts 2:38, 39; 1 Cor. 12:13.

13. Who is the head of this spiritual body? Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22. A Perfect Body 7. How perfectly are the members of the body joined together? Eph. 4:15, 16. NoTE.—”In the creation of man was manifest the agency of a personal God. When God had made man in His image, the human form was perfect in all its arrangements, but it was without life. Then a personal, self-existing God breathed into that form the breath of life, and man became a living, intelligent being. All parts of the human organism were set in action. The heart, the arteries, the veins, the tongue, the hands, the feet, the senses, the faculties of the mind, all began their work, and all were placed under law. Man became a living soul. Through Christ the Word, a personal God created man, and en- dowed him with intelligence and power. . . . “Above all lower orders of being, God designed that man, the crowning work of His creation, should express His thought and reveal His glory.”—”The Ministry of Healing,” p. 415. This most wonderful organism, the human body, is employed to represent the church. “Christian is to be united with Christian, church with church, the human instrumentality co-operating with the divine, every agency subordinate to the Holy Spirit, and all combined in giving to the world the good tidings of the grace of God.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” p. 96. 8. How are the members placed in the body? How many members are necessary? 1 Cor. 12:18, 21, 22. 9. What is God’s plan for the church? 1 Cor. 12:25, first - part; 1:10. 10. What close and tender ties exist, binding the members of the church each to the other? 1 Cor. 12:25, last part, 26. Growth 11. What is the standard of attainment for the church? Eph. 4:11-13. 12. How is this standard to be reached? Verses 15, 16; 2 Peter 3:18. 13. What is essential to spiritual growth? 1 Peter 2:2; John 6:63, 33. NoTE.—”The plants and flowers grow not by their own care or anxiety or effort, but by receiving that which God has furnished to minister to their life. t 18 ) The child cannot, by any anxiety or power of its own, add to its stature. No more can you, by anxiety or effort of yourself, secure spiritual growth. The plant, the child, grows by receiving from its surroundings that Which ministers to its life,—air, sunshine, and food. What these gifts of nature are to animal and plant, such is Christ to those who trust in Him. . . . “In the matchless gift of His Son, God has encircled the whole world with an atmosphere of grace, as real as the air which circulates around the globe. All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmosphere will live, and grow up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.”—”Steps to Christ,” p. 72. 14. What should be the attitude of each individual member, also of the church as a body, as to their present attainments? Phil. 3:12-14. NOTE.—”The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. This is evidence that Satan’s delusions have lost their power; that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you. “No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell in the heart that does not realize its own sinfulness. The soul that is transformed by the grace of Christ will admire His divine character; but if we do not see our own moral deformity, it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of the beauty and excellence of Christ. “The less we see to esteem in ourselves, the more we shall see to esteem in the infinite purity and loveliness of our Saviour. A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon; and when the soul, realizing its helpless- ness, reaches out after Christ, He will reveal Himself in power. The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and the more fully we shall reflect His image.” —”Steps to Christ,” p. 70. 15. What wonderful provision has the Lord made that the church may become, even now, a glorified body? Eph. 3:20, 21; Col. 2:9, 10. NOTE.—”Christ has made every provision that His church shall be a trans- formed body, illumined with the Light of the world, possessing the glory of Immanuel. It is His purpose that every Christian shall be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere of light and peace. He desires that we shall reveal His own joy in our lives.”—”Prophets and Kings,” p. 720.

                 Lesson 7 for May 13, 1939    DAILY LESSON STUDY: Place a check mark in the proper space.   SABBATH I SUNDAY  MONDAY     TUESDAY IWEDNESDAY THURSDAY I             FRIDAY
    
    
              Authority in the Church    MEMORY VERSE: "Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isa. 9:6.    STUDY HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 140-142.
              Forms of Church Government
    

14. What form of church government existed from Adam to Moses? ANSWER.—The patriarchal system. Gen. 8:20; 12:6 -8; 26:24, 25; 33:18-20. ( 19 3  NOTE.—”Abraham’s household comprised more than a thousand souls. Those who were led by his teachings to worship the one God, found a home in his encampment; and here, as in a school, they received such instruction as would prepare them to be representatives of the true faith. Thus a great responsibility rested upon him. He was training heads of families, and his methods of government would be carried out in the households over which they should preside. “In early times the father was the ruler and priest of his own family, and he exercised authority over his children, even after they had families of their own. His descendants were taught to koo up to him as their head, in both religious and secular matters. This patriarchal system of government Abraham endeavored to perpetuate, as it tended to preserve the knowledge of God. It was necessary to bind the members of the household together, in order to build up a barrier against the idolatry that had become so widespread and so deep- seated. Abraham sought, by every means in his power, to guard the inmates of his encampment against mingling with the heathen and witnessing their idolatrous practices; for he knew that familiarity with evil would insensibly corrupt the principles. The greatest care was exercised to shut out every form of false religion, and to impress the mind with the majesty and glory of the living God as the true object of worship.”—”Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 141. 2. What form of government existed in Israel from Moses to Saul? 1 Sam. 8:6, 7. ANSWER.—A theocratic form. (Psalm 47.) NOTE.—”Theocracy. 1. A government among men recognizing the im- mediate sovereignty of God and receiving His revelations as its civil law.

15. . . . The Hebrew state from Moses to the monarchy; by emphasis, a direct government by God.”—Standard Dictionary. “The government of Israel was administered in the name and by the au- thority of God. The work of Moses, of the seventy elders, of the rulers and judges, was simply to enforce the laws that God had given; they had no authority to legislate for the nation. This was, and continued to be, the con- dition of Israel’s existence as a nation. From age to age, men inspired by God were sent to instruct the people, and to direct in the enforcement of the laws.” —”Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 603.

                        Supreme Authority 3. In all ages who alone has the right to exercise supreme authority in the church? Isa. 9:6, 7; Acts 15:2, 6, 13-19, 22.  NoTE.—"The council which decided this case [in Acts 15] was composed of apostles and teachers who had been prominent in raising up the Jewish and Gentile Christian churches, with chosen delegates from various places. Elders from Jerusalem and deputies from Antioch were present, and the most in- fluential churches were represented. The council moved in accordance with the dictates of enlightened judgment, and with the dignity of a church estab- lished by the divine will."—"The Acts of the Apostles," p. 196.  4. What spiritual authority has the Lord conferred upon His church? Matt. 18:18; John 20:22, 23.  NorE.—"On the church in its organized capacity He places a responsibility for the individual members. Toward those who fall into sin, the church has a
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    duty, to warn, to instruct, and if possible to restore. ‘Reprove, rebuke, exhort,’ the Lord says, ‘with all long-suffering and doctrine.’ Deal faithfully with wrongdoing. Warn every soul that is in danger. Leave none to deceive them- selves. Call sin by its right name. Declare what God has said in regard to lying, Sabbathbreaking, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil. ‘They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.’ If they persist in sin, the judgment you have declared from God’s word is pronounced upon them in heaven. In choosing to sin, they disown Christ; the church must show that she does not sanction their deeds, or she herself dishonors her Lord. She must say about sin what God says about it. She must deal with it as God directs, and her action is ratified in heaven. He who despises the authority of the church, despises the authority of Christ Himself.”—”The Desire of Ages,” pp. 805, 806. “The world’s Redeemer has invested great power with His church. He states the rules to be applied in cases of trial with its members. After He has given explicit directions as to the course to be pursued, He says, ‘Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever [in church discipline] ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven’ Thus even the heavenly authority ratifies the discipline of the church in regard to its members, when the Bible rule has been followed. “The word of God does not give license for one man to set up his judgment in opposition to the judgment of the church, neither is he allowed to urge his opinions against the opinions of the church. If there were no church discipline and government, the church would go to fragments; it could not hold together as a body.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 3, p. 428. Church Discipline

    1. How far may the church go in the exercise of the power to discipline its members? 2 Thess. 3:6; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; Matt. 18:17. NOTE.—”Upon it [the church] rests the responsibility of excluding from its fellowship those who are unworthy, who by their unchristlike conduct would bring dishonor on the truth: Whatever the church does that is in accordance with the directions given in God’s word will be ratified in heaven.” —”Testimonies,” vol. 7, p. 263.
    2. Where only is this authority vested? Matt. 18:17. NorE.—”Shall a few persons in a board meeting take upon themselves the responsibility of disfellowshiping the erring one? ‘If he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church.’ Matt. 18:17. Let the church take action in regard to its members. “ Tut if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.’ Matt. 18:17. If he will not heed the voice of the church, if he refuses all the efforts made to reclaim him, upon the church rests the responsibility of separating him from fellowship. His name should then be stricken from the books.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 7, p. 262.
    3. What instruction does Christ give concerning the exercise of arbitrary authority in the church? Matt. 20:25-28; 1 Peter 5:1-3.
    4. How is an erring member to be treated? Matt. 18:15, 16; Gal. 6:1, 2; James 5:20. NOTE.—”Do not suffer resentment to ripen into malice. Do not allow the wound to fester and break out in poisoned words, which taint the minds of [ 21 ) those who hear. Do not allow bitter thoughts to continue to fill your mind and his. Go to your brother, and in humility and sincerity talk with him about the matter. “Whatever the character of the offense, this does not change the plan that God has made for the settlement of misunderstandings and personal injuries. Speaking alone and in the spirit of Christ to the one who is in fault will often remove the difficulty. Go to the erring one, with a heart filled with Christ’s love and sympathy, and seek to adjust the matter. Reason with him calmly and quietly. Let no angry words escape your lips. Speak in a way that will appeal to his better judgment. Remember the words, ‘He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.’ James 5:20. “Take to your brother the remedy that will cure the disease of disaffection. Do your part to help him. For the sake of the peace and unity of the church, feel it a privilege as well as a duty to do this. If he will hear you, you have gained him as a friend.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 7, p. 261. A Divinely Appointed Ministry
    5. What divine agencies co-operate in the appointment of the ministry? Mark 3:13, 14; Acts 13:2; Heb. 5:4. NoTE.—”God has a church, and she has a divinely appointed ministry.”— “Testimonies to Ministers,” p. 52. “ ‘There were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, . . . and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.’ Before being sent forth as missionaries to the heathen world, these apostles were solemnly dedicated to God by fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands. Thus they were authorized by the church, not only to teach the truth, but to perform the rite of baptism, and to organize churches, being invested with full ecclesiastical authority.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 160, 161.
    6. What was the purpose of the appointment of the twelve disciples? Mark 3:14; 16:15, 16; Luke 9:1, 2.
    7. What other purpose is to be accomplished through the divinely ap- pointed leadership in the church? Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Thess. 2:10-12. NorE.—”The Lord has His appointed agencies, and a church that has lived through persecution, conflict, and darkness. Jesus loved the church, and gave Himself for it, and He will replenish, refine, ennoble, and elevate it, so that it shall stand fast amid the corrupting influences of this world. Men appointed of God have been chosen to watch with jealous care, with vigilant perseverance, that the church may not be overthrown by the evil devices of Satan, but that she shall stand in the world to promote the glory of God among men.”—”Testi- monies to Ministers,” pp. 52, 53. Love, Submission, Humility
    8. What authority is given the shepherd of God’s flock? What is with- held? 1 Peter 5:2, 3.

    9. What should be the attitude of all believers one toward another? Verse 5, first part; Eph. 5:21. [221  14. With what should all be clothed? 1 Peter 5:5-7. NOTE.—”Truly great men are invariably modest. Humility is a grace which sits naturally upon them as a garment. Those who have stored their minds with useful knowledge, and who possess genuine attainments and refinement, are the ones who will be most willing to admit the weakness of their own under- standing. They are not self-confident nor boastful; but in view of the higher attainments to which they might rise in intellectual greatness, they seem to themselves to have but just begun the ascent. It is the superficial thinker, the one who has but a beginning or smattering of knowledge, who deems himself wise, and who takes on disgusting airs of importance.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 4, pp. 338, 339.

                   Lesson 8 for May 20, 1939    DAILY LESSON STUDY: Place a check mark in the proper space.   SABBATH   SUNDAY    MONDAY     TUESDAY I WEDNESDAY THURSDAY              FRIDAY
       

       The Depository of Heavenly Treasure MEMORY VERSE: “As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” 1 Cor. 2:9, 10. STUDY HELP: “Christ’s Object Lessons,” pp. 103-121.

              The Treasure Conunitted to Israel
       

    10. What advantage had the Jews? Rom. 3:1, 2.
    11. What did this include? Rom. 9:4, 5.
    12. Who today are the true successors of the Jews, or Israelites? Rom. 2:28, 29; Gal. 3:29. The Heavenly Treasure
    13. To what is the kingdom of heaven likened? Matt. 13:44. NOTE.—”In the parable the field containing the treasure represents the Holy Scriptures.”—”Christ’s Object Lessons,” p. 104.
    14. What is the treasure? ANSWER.—”The gospel is the treasure. The earth itself is not so interlaced with golden veins and filled with precious things as is the word of God.”—Ibid.
    15. In value with what can we compare this treasure? Rom. 11:33; Job 28:14-18. NOTE.—”The value of this treasure is above gold or silver. The riches of earth’s mines cannot compare with it. . . . “The Bible is the mine of the unsearchable riches of Christ.”—”Christ’s Object Lessons,” p. 107. The Unsearchable Riches
    16. With what other likeness is the kingdom of heaven compared? Matt. 13:45, 46.
    17. What is this pearl of great price? Eph. 3:8; 1 Cor. 1:30; Col. 2:9, 10. ( 23 )  NOTE.—”Christ Himself is the pearl of great price. In Him is gathered all the glory of the Father, the fullness of the Godhead.”—”Christ’s Object Les- sons,” p. 115. Truly, “the gospel is the treasure ;” the field containing this treasure is “the Holy Scriptures;” Jesus is “the pearl of great price.” But it requires all that we have to buy the field; all to secure the pearl of -great price. How carefully should these precious treasures be guarded!
    18. From whom is this treasure hidden and why? 2 Cor. 4:3, 4; 1 Cor. 2:14.
    19. By what means alone may the riches of God’s word be discovered? 1 Cor. 2:9-12. Without Money, Without Price
    20. What is its price? Isa. 55:1, 2; Rev. 22:17. NoTE.—”The gospel of Christ is a blessing that all may possess. The poorest are as well able as the richest to purchase salvation; for no amount of worldly wealth can secure it. It is obtained by willing obedience, by giying ourselves to Christ as His own purchased possession. . . . “We cannot earn salvation, but we are to seek for it with as much interest and perseverance as though we would abandon everything in the world for it.”—”Christ’s Object Lessons,” p. 117. •
    21. What language does Peter employ to describe the value of the gospel? 2 Peter 1:1. NorE.—That is precious which is of great value. Christ is precious (1 Peter 2:3, 4) ; His blood is precious (1 Peter 1:18, 19) ; the ‘word of the Lord is precious (1 Sam. 3:1) • its promises are precious (2 Peter 1:4) ; one of these promises is, “I will make a man more precious than fine gold” (Isa. 13:12) ; the faith we hold in common is precious.
    22. Where have these precious things been deposited? Jude 3. NOTE.—”The faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.” R. V. “The church, being endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His deposi- tory, in which the wealth of His mercy, His love, His grace, is to appear in full and final display.”—”Testimonies to Ministers,” p. 18. “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God’s plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to `the principalities and powers in heavenly places,’ the final and full display of the love of God.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” p. 9.

    23. What does Paul say about our possession of this treasure? 2 Cor. 4:6, 7. NOTE.—”The purpose which God seeks to accomplish through His people today is the same that He desired to accomplish through Israel when He brought them forth out of Egypt. By beholding the goodness, the mercy, the justice, and the love of God revealed in the church, the world is to have a repre- sentation of His character. And when the law of God is thus exemplified in [243 the life, even the world will recognize the superiority of those who love and fear and serve God above every other people on the earth. The Lord has His eye upon every one of His people; He has His plans concerning each. It is His purpose that those who practice His holy precepts shall be a distinguished people.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 6, p. 12.

                  Lesson 9 for May 27, 1939   DAILY LESSON STUDY: Place a check mark in the proper space.   SABBATH   SUNDAY   MONDAY I TUESDAY I WEDNESDAY I THURSDAY I          FRIDAY
        
        
        
          Truth in the Apostolic Church  MEMORY VERSE: "0 send out Thy light and Thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacles." Ps. 43:3.  STUDY HELP: "The Acts of the Apostles," pp. 9-16.
        
                   The Church Conquering
        

    24. Describe the figure employed by the prophet to represent the apostolic church. Rev. 6:1, 2.
    25. In speaking of Christ as the rider, what three things are mentioned by the psalmist as the reason for His prosperity? Ps. 45:1-4. The Truth
    26. In speaking to Thomas what did Jesus say of Himself? John 14:6. NOTE.—”By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold upon the throne of God. As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as the Son of God, He gives us power to obey. It was Christ who from the bush on Mount Horeb spoke to Moses saying, ‘I AM THAT I AM. . . . Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.’ This was the pledge of Israel’s deliverance. So when He came ‘in the likeness of men,’ He declared Himself the I AM. The Child of Bethlehem, the meek and lowly Saviour, is God ‘manifest in the flesh.’ And to us He says, “I AM the Good Shepherd.” “I AM the living Bread.” “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” “I AM the assurance of every promise.” “I AM; be not afraid.” ‘ with us’ is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of our power to obey the law of heaven.”–“The Desire of Ages,” pp. 24, 25.
    27. What does Jesus say about the truth? John 8:32.

    28. On what condition may we know the truth? John 7:17. NOTE.—”Whoever will prayerfully study the Bible, desiring to know the truth, that be may obey it, will receive divine enlightenment. He will under- stand the Scriptures.”—”The Desire of Ages,” p. 459.

        "As God bath prospered,"—that's the rule
         For giving in the Sabbath school.
                                 (25 1
        

        6. Having surrendered to do the will of God, how may we be guided into all truth? John 16:13-15. NOTE.—”The Spirit is constantly seeking to draw the attention of men to the great offering that was made on the cross of Calvary, to unfold to the world the love of God, and to open to the convicted soul the precious things of the Scriptures. . . . The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His power the way of life will be made so plain that none need err therein.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 52, 53. Truth Enthroned

    29. Where should truth be enthroned? Ps. 119:11; 51 : 6.
    30. What will truth do for the one who surrenders to it? ANSWER.—(1) It has purifying, sanctifying power. 1 Peter 1:22; John 17:17. (2) It serves as a shield and buckler. Ps. 91:4. (3) It leads to heaven. Ps. 43:3; Isa. 26:2. NOTE.—”Received into the heart, the leaven of truth will regulate the desires, purify the thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It quickens the facul- ties of the mind and the energies of the soul. It enlarges the capacity for feeling, for loving.”—”Christ’s Object Lessons,” p. 101.
    31. How long will truth endure? Ps. 100:5; 117:2.
    32. What is said of God’s law? Ps. 119:142, 151. NOTE.—”By the word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is `holy, and just, and good,’ a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. . . . “This work can be accomplished only through faith in Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. Paul admonishes believers, ‘Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.’ The Christian will feel the prompt- ings of sin, but he will maintain a constant warfare against it. Here is where Christ’s help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims, ‘Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ “—”The Great Controversy,” pp. 469, 470.
    33. What course should we take? 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Cor. 4:2. Falling Away
    34. Knowing what was coming upon the church, what warning did Paul give the elders assembled at Miletus? Acts 20:28-31.
    35. Into what would this false teaching develop? 2 Thess. 2:3, 4.
    36. In Daniel’s foreview of this apostasy, what did he see would be done to truth? Dan. 8:12. Nora—When truth was cast down to the ground, error was exalted to take its place. But “truth is inspired and guarded by God; and it will triumph over all opposition.” “His law is linked with His throne, and no power of evil can destroy it.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” p. 12. [ 26 ]  Truth Triumphant
    37. What is the effect upon the receiver, and upon others, when error instead of truth is received? 2 Tim. 2:17, 18.

    38. What counsel did Paul give Timothy? 1 Tim. 4:13-16; 2 Tim. 4:1-4.

                   Lesson 10 for June 3, 1939    DAILY LESSON• STUDY:   Place a check mark in the proper space.   SABBATH SUNDAY         MONDAY       TUESDAY 1WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
        
        
        
        
                    The Church Militant MEMORY VERSE: "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17. STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pp. 826, 827; "The Great Controversy," pp. 61-68; "Testimonies," vol. 6, pp. 349-353.
                      The Great Commission
        

    39. Before leaving His disciples what did Jesus command them to do and to teach? Matt. 28:19, 20. NoTE.—”The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life. God desires that the receivers of His grace shall be witnesses to its power. Those whose course has been most offensive to Him He freely accepts; when they repent, He imparts to them His divine Spirit, places them in the highest positions of trust, and sends them forth into the camp of the disloyal to proclaim His boundless mercy. He would have His servants bear testimony to the fact that through His grace men may possess Christlikeness of character, and may rejoice in the assurance, of His great love. He would have us bear testimony to the fact that He cannot be satisfied until the human race are reclaimed and reinstated in their holy privileges as His sons and daughters.”—”The Desire of Ages,” p. 826.
    40. In His life, and in the message He bore, whom did Jesus represent? John 14:9, 10.
    41. In obeying the Saviour’s command what were the disciples to be? John 15:27; Acts 1:8. Hatred, Persecution
    42. What comes to those who will live godly in Christ Jesus? John 15:19; 2 Tim. 3:12.
    43. What came upon the woman—the church? Rev. 12:9, 13.
    44. When persecuted, what protection did the Lord provide? Rev. 12:6, 14, 16. NoTE.—”Behind the lofty bulwarks of the mountains,—in all ages the refuge of the persecuted and oppressed,—the Waldenses found a hiding place. Here the light of truth was kept burning amid the darkness of the Middle Ages. Here, for a thousand years, witnesses for the truth maintained the ancient faith. ( 27  “God had provided for His people a sanctuary of awful grandeur, befitting the mighty truths committed to their trust.”—”The Great Controversy,” pp. 65, 66. “Thus was the primitive church preserved in the Alps to the very period of the Reformation. The Vaudois are the chain which unites the reformed churches with the first disciples of our Saviour. It is in vain that popery, renegade from evangelical verities, has a thousand times sought to break this chain; it resists all her efforts. Empires have crumbled—dynasties have fallen— but this chain of scriptural testimony has not been broken, because its strength is not from man, but from God.”—”The Israel of the Alps,” vol. 1, first part, chap. 1, p. 29. •
    45. What assurance of protection of the treasures of truth, as well as of the church, has the Lord given? Ps. 12:6, 7; Isa. 27:2, 3. NorE.—”The faith which for many centuries was held and taught by the Waldensian Christians, was in marked contrast to the false doctrines put forth from Rome. Their religious belief was founded upon the written word of God, the true system of Christianity. But those humble peasants, in their obscure retreats, shut away from the world, and bound to daily toil among their flocks and their vineyards, had not by themselves arrived at the truth in opposition to the dogmas and heresies of the apostate church. Theirs was not a faith newly received. Their religious belief was their inheritance from their fathers. They contended for the faith of the apostolic church, `the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.’ The church in the wilderness,’ and not the proud hierarchy enthroned in the world’s great capital, was the true church of Christ, the guardian of the treasures of truth which God has committed to His people to be given to the world.”—”The Great Contro- versy,” p. 64. “Through ages of darkness and-apostasy, there were Waldenses who denied the supremacy of Rome, who rejected image worship as idolatry, and who kept the true Sabbath. Under the fiercest tempests of opposition they maintained their faith. Though gashed by the Savoyard spear, and scorched by the Romish fagot, they stood” unflinchingly for God’s word and His honor.”—Id., p. 65. Light Out of Darkness
    46. Describe the breaking forth of light from darkness, just before the end. Rev. 14:6, 7; 18:1. NoTE.—”It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been mis- understood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be pro- claimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth.”—”Christ’s Object Lessons,” p. 415. “Those who wait for the Bridegroom’s coming are to say to the people, `Behold your God.’ The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.”—/d., pp. 415, 416. “The revelation of His own glory in the -form of humanity, will bring heaven so near to men that the beauty adorning the inner temple will be seen f 28 ) in every soul in whom the Saviour dwells. Men will be captivated by the glory of an abiding Christ. And in currents of praise and thanksgiving from the many souls thus won to God, glory will flow back to the great Giver.”—Id., p. 420.
    47. What effect does this light have on the kingdom of darkness? Rev. 12:12, 17; 14:12. NoTE.—”The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God. Even now preparations are being made for this last great conflict.”—”Prophets and Kings,” p. 605.
    48. What great work of reform will the bearers of this light carry forward? Isa. 58:8, 12, 13. NorE.—”The prophet here describes a people who, in a time of general departure from truth and righteousness, are seeking to restore the principles that are the foundation of the kingdom of God. They are repairers of a breach that has been made in God’s law,—the wall that He has placed around His chosen ones for their protection, and obedience to whose precepts of justice, truth, and purity, is to be their perpetual safeguard. • “In words of unmistakable meaning, the prophet points out the specific work of this remnant people who build the wall.” “In the time of the end, every divine institution is to be restored. The breach made in the law at the time the Sabbath was changed by man, is to be repaired. God’s remnant people, standing before the world as reformers, are to show that the law of God is the foundation of all enduring reform, and that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is to stand as a memorial of creation, a constant reminder of the power of God. In clear, distinct lines they are to present the necessity of obedience to all the precepts of the Deca- logue. Constrained by the love of Christ, they are to co-operate with Him in building up the waste places. They are to be repairers of the breach, restorers of paths to dwell in.”—”Prophets and Kings,” pp. 677, 678. “The Sabbath is a golden clasp that unites God and His people. But the Sabbath command has been broken. God’s holy day has been desecrated. The Sabbath has been torn from its place by the roan of sin, and a common working day has been exalted in its stead. A breach has been made in the law, and this breach is to be repaired. The true Sabbath is to be exalted to its rightful position as God’s rest day”—”Testimonies,” vol. 6, pp. 351, 352.
    49. What experience will come to those who enter into the true spirit of Sabbath reform? Isa. 58:14. NOTE.—Lesser’s translation reads as follows: “Then shalt thou find delight in the Lord; and I will cause thee to tread upon the high places of the earth, and I will cause thee to enjoy the inheritance of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” “The Sabbath was hallowed at the creation. As ordained for man, it had its origin when ‘the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.’ Peace brooded over the world; for earth was in harmony with heaven. ‘God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good;’ and He rested in the joy of His completed work. “Because He had rested upon the Sabbath, ‘God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it,’—set it apart to a holy use. He gave it to Adam as a day of rest. It was a memorial of the work of creation,-and thus a sign of God’s power [29] and His love. The Scripture says, ‘He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered.’ The things that are made,’ declare ‘the invisible things of Him since the creation of the world,’ even His everlasting power and divinity.’ “ —”The Desire of Ages,” p. 281. “To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ’s creative and redeem- ing power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ in it, they delight themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as an evidence of His mighty power in redemption. While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour. And every object in nature repeats His invitation, ‘Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.’ “—Id., p. 289. The Last Work of Reform
    50. What world-wide message calling for complete reformation is to be given to the world? Rev. 14:6, 7.
    51. What does God say of those who accept and proclaim it? Verse 12.

    52. What supreme event will follow? Verse 14.

                    Lesson 11 for June 10, 1939
         DAILY LESSON STUDY:Place a check mark in the proper space.   SABBATH     SUNDAY     MONDAY     TUESDAY !WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
        
        
        
             Life and Good, Death and Evil MEMORY VERSE: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." Isa. 26:3, 4. STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 387-394; "The Great Contro- versy," pp. 539-545.
                    Warnings Against Unbelief
        

    53. When Israel were on their way to Canaan, why did so many fall in the wilderness? Heb. 3:17-19.
    54. With what similar danger are we confronted today? Heb. 4:1, 11. NOTE.—”It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness; He desired to lead them directly to the land of Canaan, and establish them there, a holy, happy people. But ‘they could not enter in because of unbelief.’ Because of their backsliding and apostasy, they perished in the desert, and others were raised up to enter the Promised Land. In like manner, it was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be so long delayed, and His people should remain so many years in this world of sin and sorrow. But unbelief separated them from God. As they refused to do the work which He had appointed them, others were raised up to proclaim the message. In mercy to the world, Jesus delays His coming, that sinners may have an opportunity to hear the warning, and find in Him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be poured out.”—”The Great Controversy,” p. 458. (30 1  3. What are we admonished to do? Against what are we warned? Heb. 3:12, 13. NOTE.—”Like the hard-beaten path, trodden down by -the feet of men and beasts, is the heart that becomes a highway for the world’s traffic, its pleasures and sins. Absorbed in selfish aims and sinful indulgences, the soul is ‘hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.’ The spiritual faculties are paralyzed. Men hear the word, but understand it not. They do not discern that it applies to themselves. They do not realize their need or their danger. They do not per- ceive the love of Christ, and they pass by the message of His grace as something that does not concern them.”—”Christ’s Object Lessons,” p. 44. “Let none flatter themselves that sins cherished for a time can easily be given up by and by. This is not so. Every sin cherished weakens the character and strengthens habit; and physical, mental, and moral depravity is the result. You may repent of the wrong you have done, and set your feet in right paths; but the mold of your mind and your familiarity with ,evil will make it difficult for you to distinguish between right and wrong. Through the wrong habits formed, Satan will assail you again and again.”—/d., p. 281.
    55. To what does a hard, unbelieving heart lead? Heb. 3:12.
    56. Why did the Jews reject their Saviour? Rom. 11:19, 20, first part. Victory Through Faith
    57. In view of the rejection of the Jewish people, what should be our atti- tude? What is our only hope? Rom. 11:20, last part, 21; Heb. 3:14.
    58. ‘When confronted with imminent peril from their enemies, what did Jehoshaphat urge Judah to do? What was the result of perfect obedience? 2 Chron. 20:22-24. NoTE.—”Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before, and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, ‘Go forward.’ We should obey this command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty disappears, and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey at all. Unbelief whispers, `Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and we can see our way clearly;’ but faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things.”— “Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 290. Believe, Obey, Rest
    59. What comes to those who believe God and who keep His command- ments? Heb. 4:3; Isa. 48:18. NorE.—”He who walks in the way of God’s commandments is walking in company with Christ, and in His love the heart is at rest.”—”The Desire of Ages,” p. 331.
    60. What should we not do, and why? Heb. 10:35. NOTE.—”But even here Christians may have the joy of communion with Christ; they may have the light of His love, the perpetual comfort of His presence. Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a deeper experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer to the blessed home [ 81 ) of peace. Then let us not cast away our confidence, but have firm assurance, firmer than ever before. ‘Hitherto bath the Lord helped us,’ and He will help us to the end. Let us look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the Lord has done to comfort us and to save us from the hand of the destroyer. Let us keep fresh in our memory all the tender mercies that God has shown us,—the tears He has wiped away, the pains He has soothed, the anxieties removed, the fears dispelled, the wants supplied, the blessings bestowed,—thus strengthening ourselves for all that is before us through the remainder of our pilgrimage.”—”Steps to Christ,” pp. 130, 131.
    61. On what should our minds be stayed? In whom should we trust? What comes to those who heed this counsel? Isa. 26:3, 4.
    62. How will the just live who are waiting for the coming of Jesus? Heb. 10:37, 38, first part.
    63. If any man draws back, what will he incur? To what will he draw back? Verses 38, last part, 39. Two Ways
    64. What two ways are set before us? Jer. 21:8; Deut. 30:15; Rom. 6:23. NOTE.—”God sets before man life and death. He can have his choice. Many desire life, but still continue to walk in the broad road. They choose to rebel against God’s government, notwithstanding His great mercy and compassion in giving His Son to die for them.”—”Early Writings,” p. 221.
    65. How does the way of death seem to man? Prov. 14:12. ‘ NorE.—”If men choose any other path than that of strict obedience, they will find that ‘the end thereof are the ways of death.’ “—”Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 361. • “In deciding upon any course of action, we are not to ask whether we can see that harm will result from it, but whether it is in keeping with the will of God.”—Id., p. 634. “From the beginning, Satan has portrayed to men the gains to be won by transgression. Thus he seduced angels. Thus he tempted Adam and Eve to sin. And thus he is still leading multitudes away from obedience to God. The path of transgression is made to appear desirable; ‘but the end thereof are the ways of death.’ Happy they who, having ventured in this way, learn how bitter are the fruits of sin, and turn from it betimes. God, in His mercy, did not leave David to be lured to utter ruin by the deceitful rewards of sin.”—Id., p. 720. The Way of Life
    66. What should be our constant prayer? Ps. 139:23, 24.

    67. What is our only safe guide? Acts 20:32; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. NOTE.—”Christ calls upon His people to believe and practice His word. Those who receive and assimilate this word, making it a part of every action, of every attribute of character, will grow strong in the strength of God. It -+ Christ guides the stars, both small and great; Let Him guide you, and you won’t come late. [32] will be seen that their faith is of heavenly origin. They will not wander into strange paths. Their minds will not turn to a religion of sentimentalism and excitement. Before angels and before men, they will stand as those who have strong, consistent Christian characters.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 8, p. 300.

                    Lesson 12 for June 17, 1939
         DAILY LESSON STUDY:   Place a check mark in the proper space.   SABBATH     SUNDAY     MONDAY'       TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY I         FRIDAY
        
        
        
        
             Importance of Sound Doctrine MEMORY VERSE: "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." Deut. 4 :2. STUDY HELP: "The Acts of the Apostles," pp. 473-477; 578-581.
        
                      A Distinguished People
        

    68. What made ancient Israel a distinguished people above all other peoples of the earth? Ex. 19:5; Deut. 4:5-8.
    69. What will characterize the church of God? Titus 2:11-14. The Gospel of God
    70. How is this marvelous change accomplished? Rom. 1:16. NOTE.—”For I am not ashamed of the good news. It is God’s power which is at work for the salvation of everyone who believes.”—Weymouth’s Trans- lation. Sin separated man from God, while the gospel is the new and living way back to the Father. This way is revealed in the perfect life of Jesus, in His vicarious death, His triumphant resurrection and ascension to His Father, His mediatorial work as our great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, His coming in power and great glory, His work of judgment, and in the complete and final restoration of all things lost in the fall. The gospel embraces the entire plan of salvation,—the story of redemption, —the pure system of religious teaching as found in the Bible and committed to the church, the “faith of God’s elect,” the “doctrine of Christ.”
    71. How alone did the gospel come to man? Gal. 1:11, 12. Adding to or Taking From
    72. How much may we add to or take from what God has revealed? Eccl. 3:14; Deut. 4:2.
    73. What will be the result of attempting any change in God’s word? Rev. 22:18, 19. NOTE.—”Such are the warnings which God has given to guard men against changing in any manner that which He has revealed or commanded. These solemn denunciations apply to all who by their influence lead men to regard lightly the law of God. They should cause those to fear and tremble who flippantly declare it a matter of little consequence whether we obey God’s law ( 33 7 or not. All who exalt their own opinions above divine revelation, all who would change the plain meaning of Scripture to suit their own convenience, or for the sake of conforming to the world, are taking upon themselves a fearful responsibility. The written word, the law of God, will measure the character of every man, and condemn all whom this unerring test shall declare wanting.” —”The Great Controversy,” p. 268. Another Gospel
    74. If one accepts another gospel, what does he do to the gospel of Christ? Gal. 1:6, 7.
    75. However exalted one may be, what is the result of preaching another gospel? Verses 8, 9.
    76. What will be the result of refusing to obey the gospel of Christ? 2 Thess. 1:6-9. The Greatest Peril
    77. Against what great peril is the church warned? Acts 20:29, 30. NOTE.—”Christ had foretold that deceivers would arise, through whose influence ‘iniquity’ should ‘abound,’ and ‘the love of many’ should ‘wax cold.’ He had warned the disciples that the church would be in more danger from this evil than from the persecution of her enemies. Again and again Paul warned the believers against these false teachers. This peril, above all others, they must guard against; for by receiving false teachers, they would open the door to errors by which the enemy would dim the spiritual perceptions and shake the confidence of those newly come to the faith of the gospel.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 473, 474.
    78. How may these fatal errors creep into the church? Col. 2:8; Eph. 4:14. NoTE.—”As the years went by and the number of believers grew, John labored with increasing fidelity and earnestness for his brethren. The times were full of peril for the church. Satanic delusions existed everywhere. By misrepresentation and falsehood the emissaries of Satan sought to arouse oppo- sition against the doctrines of Christ; and in consequence dissensions and heresies were imperiling the church. Some who professed Christ claimed that His love released them from obedience to the law of God. . . Some held that Christ was a good man, but denied His divinity. Some who pretended to be true to the cause of God were deceivers, and in practice they denied Christ and His gospel. Living themselves in transgression, they were bringing heresies into the church. Thus many were being led into the mazes of skepticism and delusion. “John was filled with sadness as he saw these poisonous errors creeping into the church. He saw the dangers to which the church was exposed, and he met the emergency with promptness and decision.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 553, 554. “But after a time the zeal of the believers began to wane, and their love for God and for one another grew less. Coldness crept into the church. Some forgot the wonderful manner in which they had received the truth. One by one the old standard-bearers fell at their post. Some of the younger workers, who might have shared the burdens of these pioneers, and thus have been prepared for wise leadership, had become weary of oft-repeated truths. In their desire for something novel and startling, they attempted to introduce new [34) phases of doctrine, more pleasing to many minds, but not in harmony with the fundamental principles of the gospel. In their self-donfidence and spiritual blindness they failed to discern that these sophistries would cause many to question the experiences of the past, and would thus lead to confusion and unbelief.”—Id., p. 580. Watch and Pray
    79. In this time of peril, what kind of servants will the Lord place over His household? Matt. 24:45, 46; Isa. 62:6, 7. NOTE.—”God has promised that where the shepherds are not true He will take charge of the flock Himself. God has never made the flock wholly de- pendent upon human instrumentalities.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 5, p. 80.
    80. While waiting for the coming of Jesus, wherein lies the only safety of each individual believer? Matt. 26:41; Luke 21:36.
    81. What condition should now prevail in the church? 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:3-6.

    82. What, therefore, is the duty of each member and of the church as a body? Titus 1:9; Heb. 10:23, 35-37. NOTE.—”The follower of Christ will meet with the ‘enticing words’ against which the apostle warned the Colossian believers. He will meet with spiritual- istic interpretations of the Scriptures, but he is not to accept them. His voice is to be heard in clear affirmation of the eternal truths of the Scriptures. Keep- ing his eyes fixed on Christ, he is to move steadily forward in the path marked out, discarding all ideas that are not in harmony with His teaching. The truth of God is to be the subject for his contemplation and meditation. He is to regard the Bible as the voice of God speaking directly to him. Thus he will find the wisdom which is divine.”—”The Acts of the Apostles,” pp. 474, 475. “We are to hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. Words of power have been sent by God and by Christ to this people, bringing them out from the world, point by point, into the clear light of present truth. With lips touched with holy fire, God’s servants have proclaimed the message. The divine utterance has set its seal to the genuineness of the truth proclaimed.” —Mrs. E. G. White, in “Review and Herald,” March 3, 1904. “I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, givinc, no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps,—the first, second, and third angels’ messages. Said my accompanying angel, Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received.’ I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. I saw individuals approach the platform and examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find fault with the foundation. They wished improvements made, and then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much happier. Some stepped off the platform to examine it, and declared it to be laid wrong. But I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the platform, and exhorted those who had stepped off to cease their complaints; for God was the Master Builder, and they were fighting against Him. They recounted the wonderful work of God, which had led them [35 1 to the firm platform, and in union raised their eyes to heaven, and with a loud voice glorified God. This affected some of those who had complained and left the platform, and they with humble look again stepped upon it.”—”Early Writings,” pp. 258, 259.

                  Lesson 13 for June 24, 1939   DAILY LESSON STUDY:    Place a check mark in the proper space.   SABBATH SUNDAY I        MONDAY      TUESDAY I WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
        
        
        
        
              The Last Message of Mercy  MEMORY VERSE: "I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Rev. 14:6, 7.  STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pp. 27-38; "Testimonies," vol. 8, pp. 41-47.
          Warnings Before Impending Judgments
        

    83. Before the destruction of the antediluvian world and of Sodom, what did the Lord do to warn the people? Heb. 11:7; Gen. 18:20-23.
    84. What message of warning and appeal did Jesus bring to Jerusalem before its destruction? Luke 19:41-44.
    85. Before the close of Christ’s ministry as our great High Priest in heaven, and His coming in glory and power, what message will go to all the world? Rev. 14:6-12.
    86. The coming of what supreme event will this message announce? Ps. 50:1-3. The Judgment and the Law
    87. What reason is given for all men to “fear God, and give glory to Him”? Rev. 14:6, 7, first part; Ps. 50:4.
    88. What will be the standard of the judgment that determines the eternal destiny of every man? James 2:10-12; Eccl. 12:13, 14.
    89. What great work of reform will therefore be included in the message? Against what false worship is it a warning? Isa. 58:12, 13; Rev. 14:9, 10. The Earth Lighted With Glory
    90. What twofold result will follow the proclamation of this message? Rev. 18:1, 4; 12:12.
    91. When Christ ordained the twelve disciples, what did He send them forth to do? Mark 3:14, 15.
    92. Since Christ is the great healer of both soul and body, what will the last great work of reform include? Isa. 58:8, 9; 1 Cor. 10:31. NorE.—”Every true reform has its place in the work of the third angel’s message.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 6, p. 110. ( 36 3  “I saw that our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us the great blessing of light upon the health reform, that we may obey the claims which He has upon us, and glorify Him in our bodies and spirits which are His, and finally stand without fault before the throne of God.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 1, p. 488. “The requirements of God must be brought home to the conscience. Men and women must be awakened to the duty of self-mastery, the need of purity, freedom from every depraving appetite and defiling habit. They need to be impressed with the fact that all their powers of mind and body are the gift of God, and are to be preserved in the best possible condition for His service.” —”The Ministry of Healing,” p. 130.
    93. What is the source of the light which is to lighten the earth? John 8:12; 1:4.
    94. Who are employed by the Lord as lightbearers? Matt. 5:14; Isa. 60:1-3; Ps. 50:2. NOTE.—Lesser’s translation of Psalm 50:2 reads: “Out of Zion, the perfec- tion of beauty, God shineth forth.” Zion represents God’s church. “The day of deliverance is at hand. . . . “The Holy Spirit is implanting the grace of Christ in the heart of many a noble seeker after truth, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his former education. The ‘Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,’ is shining in his soul; and this Light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God.”—”Prophets and Kings,” pp. 376, 377. Eternal Verities
    95. What is said to constitute that light? What is our responsibility as lightbearers? 2 Cor. 4:4, last part; Matt. 5:16. NorE.—”The light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Cor. 4:4, R. V. “God is leading a people out from the world upon the exalted platform of eternal truth, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”—”Testi- monies to Ministers,” p. 29. “The third angel, flying in the midst of heaven, and heralding the com- mandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, represents our work. The message loses none of its force in the angel’s onward flight; for John sees it increasing in strength and power until the whole earth is lightened with its glory. The course of God’s commandment-keeping people is onward, ever onward. The message of truth that we bear must go to nations, tongues, and peoples. Soon it will go with a loud voice, and the earth will be lightened with its glory. Are we preparing for this great outpouring of the Spirit of God?” —”Testimonies,” vol. 5, p. 383. “This is the last message. There are no more to follow; no more invitations of mercy to be given after this message shall have done its work. What a trust I What a responsibility is resting upon all to carry the words of gracious invitation.”—/d., pp. 206, 207.
    96. With what degree of certainty may we know the time and the message? Luke 21 : 29-33 ; John 8:32. NorE.—”The light we have received upon the third angel’s message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. . . .  “No line of truth that has made the Seventh-day Adventist people what they are, is to be weakened. We have the old landmarks of truth, experience, and duty, and we are to stand firmly in defense of our principles, in full view of the world.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 6, p. 17. “The faith and feelings of men may change; but the truth of God, never. The third angel’s message is sounding; it is infallible. . . . “It is as certain that we have the truth as that God lives; and Satan, with all his arts and hellish power, cannot change the truth of God into a lie.”—”Testi- monies,” vol. 4, p. 595.
    97. How fierce will be the last conflict? In what will God’s people find their safety? Rev. 12:12, 17; Isa. 26:20, 21; Ps. 91:1-4. NOTE.—”We are in the time when tribulations such as the world has never yet seen shall prevail. . . . But God has set bounds that Satan cannot pass. Our most holy faith is this barrier; and if we build ourselves up in the faith, we shall be safe in the keeping of the Mighty One.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 5, p. 297.

    98. Describe the final triumph. Rev. 15:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:57, 58. NcrrE.—”The darkest hour of the church’s struggle with the powers of evil, is that which immediately precedes the day of her final deliverance.” “Clad in the armor of Christ’s righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. ‘Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners,’ she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer. —”Prophets and Kings,” p. 725. “In vision I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world’s insignia; the other was led by the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel. . “The battle raged. Victory alternated from side to side. Now the soldiers of the cross gave way, ‘as when a standard-bearer fainteth. Isa. 10:18. But their apparent retreat was but to gain a more advantageous position. Shouts of joy were heard. A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as Christ’s soldiers planted His banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by the enemy. The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle, and sending support to His soldiers. His power was mightily displayed, en- couraging them to press the battle to the gates. He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer. “At last the victory was gained. The army following the banner with the inscription, ‘The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,’ was gloriously triumphant. The soldiers of Christ were close beside the gates of the city, and with joy the city received her King. The kingdom of peace and joy and ever- lasting righteousness was established.”—”Testimonies,” vol. 8, pp. 41, 42.

          THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
                            June 24, 1939
        
               Southern African Division
        
                                   [38)
        

        THE NEW SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHERS’ TRAINING COURSE The one called to be a Sabbath school teacher is not merely a dispenser of information. The genuine teacher is a builder of character, and as such should endeavor to secure the best possible preparation for his sacred responsibility.. “The true teacher is not satisfied with second-rate work. He is not satisfied with directing his students to a standard lower than the highest which it is possible for them to attain.”—”Education,” p. 29. “The teacher must have aptness for his work. He must have the wisdom and tact required in dealing with minds. . . . A teacher’s advantages may have been limited, so that he may not possess as high,literary qualifications as might be desirable; yet if he has true insight into human nature; if he had a genuine love for his work, an appreciation of its magnitude, and a determina- tion to improve; if he is willing to labor earnestly and perseveringly, he ;will comprehend the need of his pupils, and, by his sympathetic, progressive spirit, will inspire them to follow as he seeks to lead them onward and upward.”–/d., pp. 278, 279. • The Sabbath School Teachers’ Training Course is conducted in three sec- tions. Section No. 1 covers thirteen consecutive weeks of classwork. The texts used consist of “Principles of Sabbath School Teaching” and “Primer on Teaching,” with supplementary material from “Education.” Section No. 2 covers thirteen consecutive weeks of classwork also. The textbooks are: “Better Methods of Sabbath School Teaching” and “Practical Pedagogy in the Sabbath School,” with supplementary material from “Fun- damentals of Christian Education.” Section No. 3 (in preparation). This will cover thirteen weeks of con- secutive classwork. The books will include a practical treatise on the laws of learning as applied to Sabbath school teaching, and a helpful volume en- titled “Psychology for Bible Teachers.” There will be supplementary material prepared for this final section of the Training Course. Sections 1 and 2 are available NOW. Your conference Sabbath school secretary will cheerfully furnish information as to the organization and con- duct of these training course classes, and your Book and Bible House will supply the textual material. Do not delay the organization of this training class in your Sabbath school. “He who discerns the opportunities and privileges of his work will allow noth- ing to stand in the way of earnest endeavor for self-improvement. He will spare no pains to reach the highest standard of excellence.”—”Education,” p. 281. [89)  … maN ., . …R. t14.,4, .. ROODS SIA 4 ) O BRITISH : ; Souroi- .8 taiLIANALAMD .L.4- / ,..° WEST .–’ , w _ 1 AFRICA I i 1

                                                          DIV. BOUNDARY
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        The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, June 24
        

is devoted to the Southern African Division. The special projects of greatest need in this field are hospitals. Let us enter wholeheartedly into giving a large offering that there may be a liberal overflow. A special Thirteenth Sabbath envelope has been prepared, which your school can supply you, and in which you can save your offerings during the quarter, that your gift may be a generous one on June 24. We hope the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will reach $90,000. When our world Sabbath schools give $60,000 as a Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, $2,000 of this amount is applied as an “overflow,” as well as 20 per cent of the excess above $60,000. Thus if our Sabbath schools give $90,000, there will be an overflow of $8,000 for the work in this needy Southern African Division. We can do it if we will ! (40]