The Church - Servant to the World

                    Contins
  1. God Still in Control                        7. Called to Be Saints
   2. Built on the Rock                            8. United in Christ
  3. The Called of God                           9. Disciplined by Love
4. Marks of the Church                             10. Called to Serve    5. The Church in Pictures                        11. Order for Efficiency
   6. A Chosen People                             12. Servant Leaders
                          13. Working While Waiting

   Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20012


                    Lesson Author: G. Arthur Keough
                           Editor: Gordon M. Hyde
                 Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore
                  Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat
                       Art and Design: Pacific Press


                 Braille lessons available. See page 112.

        Copyright © 1980 by Pacific Press Publishing Association


                                                                                   5

                     When we look at the universe of which we are a part, there is
                   much that can be characterized by sweetness and light. But
                   there is also much that is ugly and hateful. How has this come
                   about?

                     Many answers have been given, among them these:
                     1. The universe is evolving; it is progressing from the simple
                   to the complex. Many mistakes are made on the way, but in time
                   perfection will be reached.
                     2. The universe was created by an inferior god—a
                   demiurge—who, because of his imperfection, created an imper-
                   fect world.
                     3. The universe is composed of two conflicting principles—
                   good and evil—that will last throughout eternity. We shall al-
                   ways see them in conflict.

                     Are both creationism and evolutionism expressions of
                   faith?

                      The fact is that science cannot tell us how the world began.
                   Philosophy can present us with only theories. Only a revelation
                   by One who was present at the beginning—One who is above
                   and beyond the universe—can inform us about origins.
                      The Christian believes that such a revelation exists and that it
                   is to be found in the Bible. There he finds these truths:
                      1. God is perfect and all good (Ps. 89:5-18).
                      2. Everything He creates is very good (Gen. 1:31).
                      3. Sin entered the universe and has brought all our woe (Gen.
                   3:17-24).
                      How sin could enter a perfect being is hard to understand. No
                   reason can be given for sin. But one thing is clear: God has
                   given His created beings the freedom to choose sin. (See Gen.
                   2:17; 3:11.)
                     In only one way could God prevent sin from entering the
                   universe: He could limit freedom. But in doing so He would have
                   created beings who were no better than machines—
                   automatons who could not worship freely or love indepen-
                   dently.

 FURTHER STUDY       John 8:44-51; Matt. 25:41-46; Patriarchs and Prophets, pp.
                   33-43. 10

                   With one exception, Adam and Eve were free to eat from any
                tree in the garden. They were not to eat from the "tree of the
                knowledge of good and evil" (Gen. 2:17).
                   The reason for this restriction was that they might continue to
                live in peace and joy. Death would be the consequence of eating
                of the forbidden tree. No real hardship was involved. But the
                tree symbolized the exercise of their freedom; they could obey
                God and live or disobey Him and die.
                   Do you think God could have prevented sin from entering the
                world had He not placed the tree of the knowledge of good and
                evil in the garden? To think so would be incorrect, because sin
                had already entered the universe through Lucifer. Also, the
                absence of the tree would have meant an absence of choice.
                   God decided that our first parents must have freedom of
                choice. By exercising this freedom in the right way, a loving
                relationship would exist between the Creator and man. Man's
                dedication and worship would be meaningful.

                  How did our first parents fall into sin? 1 Tim. 2:14.

                  Eve admitted that she had been deceived by the serpent.
                Adam placed the blame on the woman and, indirectly, on God.
                (See Gen. 3:12, 13.)
                  Adam listened to his wife and placed his desire to be with her
                above obedience to God. (See verse 17.) Thus he made a choice
                which brought the consequences of sin.
                  All true freedom involves restriction. The law of love must
                govern all of God's creation. Only then can His created beings
                interact with mutual confidence. Only then can perfect harmony
                prevail. But the moment one rejects the provisions of the God of
                order, chaos must result. And since God cannot permit continu-
                ing chaos, a decision to live out of harmony with God's laws
                means final extinction.

                                                                                11

                    God cannot condone evil in any part of His universe. (See
                  Hab. 1:13.) The time must come when all evil will be eradicated.
                    Meanwhile God is considerate of His creatures. For Adam and
                  Eve He made garments of skin. (See Gen. 3:21.) These were far
                  more adequate than the aprons of fig leaves our first parents
                  hurriedly put together when they realized they were naked. The
                  whole world would be changed as a result of the curse of sin.
                  They would need something to shield them.

                    What words of God gave our first parents hope for One
                  who—even though it caused Him to suffer—would crush the
                  serpent's head? Gen. 3:15.

                    Our first parents now realized that they had been wholly
                  mistaken in supposing that God had withheld anything that
                  would contribute to their happiness and development. The ser-
                  pent had been wholly wrong in his accusations against God.
                  Now they could see God as He really was—a God of love, a
                  forgiving God, a God not taken by surprise by what had hap-
                  pened in the garden, a God prepared for the salvation of Adam
                  and Eve should it be necessary. (See 1 Peter 1:20).

                   How does Paul refer to God's grace in relation to man's sin?
                  Rom. 5:20.

                    We are always aware of the heinousness of sin, but are we
                  also aware that God's grace can bring victory over even the
                  greatest sins?
                    We all regret the havoc that sin has caused through the
                  centuries. We often wish that it had never reared its ugly head.
                  But since it did, God found it necessary to vindicate His charac-
                  ter. He had to show that sin was neither impossible to forgive
                  nor impossible to overcome. In His provision for man's salvation
                  He has gone to a limit of self-sacrifice that is totally beyond our
                  comprehension.

 FURTHER STUDY      Isa. 53:5; 1 John 3:5-8; Rom. 5:8, 9; Patriarchs and Prophets,
                  pp. 63-70.

                 God was well aware of the misery of the children of Israel in
               Egypt. (See Ex. 3:7.) He had chosen Moses to bring them out. He
               had performed many miracles, and now they stood before Sinai.
               Since He had done so much for them, could He expect them to
               respond in obedience to His laws?

                 What are the characteristics of a covenant?

                 The making of a covenant involves two parties: one may be
               the initiator, and the other the acceptor. At Mount Sinai God
               made a covenant with His people. He said to them: These are My
               requirements. The people responded: "We will do everything
               the Lord has said; we will obey" (Ex. 24:7, NIV). The covenant
               was ratified with blood so that it was binding (verse 8).
                 Unfortunately, the people did not keep their part of the cov-
               enant. Even Aaron was involved in the making of a golden calf
               for their worship. (See Ex. 32:1-8.) The promises man makes are
               as weak as ropes of sand.
                 Hence it was necessary to draw attention to a "new"
               covenant—an everlasting covenant based on the promises of
               God. (See Jer. 31:31-34.) Only this kind of covenant could be
               effective, because man had only to accept the provisions made
               for him and God would do the rest. Once again we see God
               adapting Himself to man's needs in order that man might be
               saved.

                 In trying to keep His people doing the right things, what
               instruments did God use? Hosea 6:5.

                 God's people did not live up to the light they had, in spite of
               the instruction they received and the warnings that were sent to
               them. God was anxious that His people would be blessed and be
               a blessing to those who lived around them. But they failed so
               often that God had to permit their captivity.
                 After their return from Babylon, the people for a time were
               zealous to build the temple and obey God's laws. But soon even
               this slacked off, and for 400 years God did not communicate
               with His people through prophets.

                                                                             13

                    And when Immanuel came, how was He received? In the
                 parable of the tenants, Jesus told of the landowner who planted
                 a vineyard, and at the time appointed for the harvest he sent his
                 servants to collect the fruit from the tenants. But the tenants
                 killed the servants. They later killed the landowner's son, who
                 also had come to collect the fruit. (See Matt. 21:33-41.)

                   What was the meaning of the parable of the tenants? Mark
                 12:1-12.

                   In this parable Jesus "pointed to the rich blessings bestowed
                 upon Israel, and in these showed God's claim to their obedi-
                 ence. He set before them the glory of God's purpose, which
                 through obedience they might have fulfilled. Withdrawing the
                 veil from the future, He showed how, by failure to fulfill His pur-
                 pose, the whole nation was forfeiting His blessing, and bringing
                 ruin upon itself."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 284.
                   Jesus was the One now coming to the children of Israel
                 expecting faithful stewardship. But when He came to His own,
                 His own people rejected Him. (See John 1:11.) Jesus therefore
                 announced the solemn judgment that the kingdom of God
                 would be taken away from them and given to a people who
                 would produce the necessary fruit. (See Matt. 21:43.)

                   What caused the Old Testament prophets to fail in their
                 mission?

                    The prophets failed to accomplish God's purposes through
                 them, not through any fault of their own, but because the chil-
                 dren of Israel rejected the messages from God. Now Jesus, as
                 God's unique Son, came to give a message of God's love. Would
                 the children of Israel accept Him? The gospel story, told four
                 times over, indicates how tragically the Jewish people turned
                 against Him. (See Matt. 16:18.)
                    And thus the church is born and a new era sets in. An associa-
                 tion of men and women from every race rather than from one
                 people, it will be God's chosen agency to witness to His love and
                 favor and to the supreme sacrifice made for man's salvation.
                 Will the church fail to do its task?

 FURTHER STUDY     Mark 1:9-11; Acts 10:38; Luke 4:14-22; Christ's Object Les-
                 sons, "The Lord's Vineyard," pp. 284-306. 14

                 Jesus has made every provision for man's salvation. He is
               anxious that every person have the opportunity of making a
               choice leading to salvation. Therefore He set up an organization
               that would proceed to evangelize the world. This organization
               was first composed of a group of His disciples, whom He com-
               missioned to go into all the world and preach the gospel. (See
               Matt. 28:19, 20.)

                 What program of outreach was entrusted to the disciples?
               Acts 1:8.

                 This group of disciples was to tarry in Jerusalem until they
               should be endued with power—the power of the Holy Spirit.
               Then they were to go to Jerusalem, Samaria, and to the "utter-
               most part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
                 Thus a new era began. God was to work through men and
               women from among both Jews and Gentiles, representing every
               nation, kindred, tongue, and people. This group was to have a
               new foundation, Jesus Christ. It was to grow out of the Jewish
               faith, as represented in the Old Testament, but it was to be
               distinct from it. It was to be the era of the church.
                 The church is thus the means. God is using to reach men and
               women in their need for a Saviour. He has promised it His
               presence and has given to it His authority.

                 What figure of speech is used to indicate the care and
               protection that Jesus gives to His church? Rev. 1:12-20.

                 The seven messages given to the seven churches indicate
               Christ's concern for His people. He wants to be sure they do not
               lose their first love. (See Rev. 2:4.) He commends them when
               they are "faithful unto death" (verse 10). He desires that they
               separate themselves from all heresy and all immorality (verse
               14). He knows when they are dying, and He wants them to wake
               up and strengthen what is about to die. (See Rev. 3:2.)
                 For Him the church is not only the object of His supreme
               regard but also the agent of reconciliation and the means of
               preparing a world for His second coming. The church can best
               be understood in this context—the context of God's activity and
               man's response.

 FURTHER STUDY     Micah 5:2; Luke 1:35; John 10:30; Rev. 22:12, 13.

                 Jesus now turned to the disciples and asked them to state
               their understanding of Him and His ministry. Peter spoke up—
               Peter, who was always sure of himself, always ready to commit
               himself. He not only expressed a personal conviction, but he
               also voiced the conviction of his fellow disciples.

                 Early in the ministry of Jesus, what was the witness of John
               the Baptist to the Messiahship of Jesus? John 1:34.

                 Andrew was one of the two who followed Jesus afterJohn had
               pointed out the Lamb of God (verses 37, 40); and it was Andrew
               who told his brother Simon, "We have found the Messias"
               (verse 41). When Peter first met Jesus, he was told, "Thou shalt
               be called Cephas" (verse 42). Cephas is the Aramaic for
               "stone," or in the Greek, Petros, from which we get the English
               Peter.
                 As the Messiah, Jesus would have roots in the Old Testament
               prophecies. He was the Son of David. He was to restore the
               kingdom of Israel. His reign would usher in an everlasting king-
               dom of peace that would not only rival the kingship of David and
               Solomon, but would outshine it in glory and power.

                 What evidence is there of the limited understanding of the
               disciples as to the nature and timing of Christ's kingdom? Acts
               1:6.

                  Peter and his fellow disciples would doubtless have some of
               these thoughts coursing through their minds. Did they have a
               true concept of what Jesus was going to do? This is very doubt-
               ful, because even after the resurrection they were still thinking
               in terms of a kingdom on earth that might overthrow the hated
               Roman Empire.
                  But the assertion that Jesus was the Christ was nevertheless
               true, and that He was the "Son of the living God" was a recogni-
               tion of His origin and authority that left no room for doubt. Here
               is a basic understanding about Jesus of Nazareth. No other
               concept is adequate. Because Jesus is the Son of God, He can
               speak with authority and reach down to man. Because He is the
               Son of man, He is able to draw men up to God.

                                                                              19

                   Peter had not arrived at his conclusions about Jesus merely
                 by human reasoning. No human being had persuaded him. He
                 did not have to acknowledge his indebtedness to any scholar or
                 religious leader. His insight came as a revelation from God.

                   In common with Peter, how dependent are all men upon
                 divine revelation for a saving knowledge of God? Heb. 1:1-3.

                   Jesus is telling Peter, his fellow disciples, and all those who
                 will follow His teaching that the Source of their insights and
                 understandings is God. Human reasoning can lead men astray,
                 even as it did the Jewish leaders of Christ's time. Reason and
                 scholarship both have their place in the search for truth; but,
                 when all is said and done, we can know about God and His
                 plans, about Jesus Christ and His part in man's salvation, only
                 through revelation.

                   What do the following texts tell of God's willingness to re-
                 veal Himself to us individually and personally? Deut. 30:11-14;
                 Ps. 85:9; 145:18; Deut. 29:29.

                    Peter's experience was not an isolated occurrence. God is
                 willing and ready to reveal Himself to all who will accept His
                 revelation. To know Him does not require a dream, a vision, or
                 any supernatural manifestation. The Word of God is near to
                 every one of us.
                    No greater joy exists than that of knowing the truth. Such
                 knowledge provides a sense of stability. By contrast, the one
                 who is not sure of where he came from or where he is going, of
                 whether the God of the universe is friendly or not, of how to
                 decide between right and wrong—such a man lives in a con-
                 stant state of fear and uncertainty. He may even be lonely and
                 frustrated. "Blessed art thou," said Jesus to Peter, because now
                 he knew what was right. And not only he, but all the disciples of
                 Jesus. (See Matt. 13:16.) Before certain knowledge there must
                 be a willingness to hear (2 Cor. 8:12) and a willingness to do
                 (John 7:17).

 FURTHER STUDY     Deut. 8:3; John 6:32, 33, 35, 57, 58, 63; Jer. 15:16; John 5:39,
                 40; Steps to Christ, "What to Do With Doubt," pp. 105-113.

                 This verse has been construed many different ways. We will
               study it and try to understand it in its context.
                 First of all, Jesus refers to Peter's additional name. Peter had
               been named Simon (Greek form), or Simeon (Hebrew form). He
               was the son of Jona and so was known as Simon (Simeon)
               Bar-Jona, or son of Jona.

                 In what setting did Peter receive the nameCephas (Aramaic
               for "stone"), which in Greek would be Petros, a masculine
               Greek form of Petra, meaning "rock"? John 1:42.

                  Why did Jesus do this? The Gospels do not give us a clue. The
               context of the first meeting suggests that Jesus was establish-
               ing a friendly rapport. Perhaps He was laying the foundation for
               a future relationship. Jesus established a personal tie with every
               individual. Does this tell us something about the relationship of
               Jesus to every church member?
                  Perhaps Jesus saw in Simon the characteristics of a rolling
               stone. (See The Desire of Ages, p. 413.) The name Peter would
               then be a kind of nickname used in love and appreciation. If this
               is the case, then we see how Jesus looks at us. He sees us, not so
               much for what we are, but for what we might become by His
               grace.

                 What is the connection between the name Peter and the
               rock on which Jesus says He will build His church? Matt.
               16:18-23; 1 Cor. 3:11.

                   Obviously Jesus would not build His church on an
                 individual—even one as good as Peter. Peter had some excel-
               ' lent characteristics, perhaps suggested by the name Peter; but
                 he also had some outstanding weaknesses. (See Matt. 16:23;
                 26:34; Gal: 2:11-13.) Paul sees with masterful insight that Jesus
                 is Himself the foundation of the church.
                    Peter made a basic confession that Jesus was the Christ, the
                 Son of the Living God. This is the basic confession to be made
                 by every member of the church. Such an acknowledgment is a
                 rock that cannot be moved. It is the basis of every true doctrine
                 and of every proper relationship between disciple and Lord, as
                 Peter indicated in his epistle. (See 1 Peter 2:4-9.)

                    The Greek word translated "hell" is hades and means the
                 same as the Hebrew sheol—the grave, the abode of the dead.
                 Modern versions bring this thought out: "the powers of death
                 shall not prevail against it" (RSV); "the powers of death shall
                 never conquer it" (NEB). What is indicated here is that the
                 church cannot be restricted or contained by death.
                    Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus ensures the resurrec-
                 tion of every believer. Thus death is not a barrier to enjoying
                 fellowship with Christ throughout eternity.

                   How have true Christians looked at death? Rev. 14:13;
                 12:11.

                    Many have looked upon death as a release from the woes of
                 this present world. When threatened with death, they preferred
                 to die rather than to give up their faith. Thus the church grew as
                 persecution increased, and it was truly said that the "blood of
                 martyrs is the seed of the church."

                   What could be more frustrating to the enemies of the church
                 than that the strongest weapon available against man—
                 death—is useless? Dan. 3:16-18; 1 Cor. 15:54, 55.

                    No wonder that the devil is angry (Rev. 12:12) and the mem-
                 bers of the church are victorious. No wonder that all heaven
                 rejoices to see men and women faithful to their Lord and Master
                 even unto death.
                    Death is the wages of sin. The gift of God is eternal life.
                 Therefore all those who renounce sin and accept the provision
                 God has made for their salvation have no fear of death. In Christ
                 the church never ceases to exist. Men may come and men may
                 go, but the church goes on forever.
                    The spirit of the church is exemplified in the words of Latimer
                 to Ridley when both men were being tied to the stake for their
                 faith: "Be of good comfort, we shall this day light such a candle,
                 by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out."—
                 Works of Hugh Latimer, vol. 1, p. xiii; quoted in The Great
                 Controversy, p. 249.

 FURTHER STUDY     Ps. 23:4; Rom. 8:35, 37.

                 Since Jesus delegated this same authority to the disciples on
               a later occasion (Matt. 18:18; John 20:23), no one should sup-
               pose that it was limited to Peter.
                 Keys certainly imply authority—ability to open and close
               doors. But when we consider that this authority is controlled by
               Heaven, the likelihood of arbitrariness or injustice is lessened.

                 How might one view the claim that Peter alone opened the
               doors of the kingdom to the crowds assembled at Pentecost
               and to those at the home of Cornelius? Acts 2:14; 10:44.

                 Peter definitely took a leading role at Pentecost and later
               opened doors of faith to Gentiles and Jews (Acts 2:14-47; 10;
               11:1-18). He was not alone in leadership, however, and in some
               areas other disciples carried the gospel "keys." When people
               hear the gospel and accept it, their sins are forgiven; and thus
               they are loosed from the condemnation of death. If, however,
               the hearers reject the testimony given them, they are still bound
               in their sins.

                 What is the relationship between knowledge of truth and
               responsibility for truth? John 9:41.

                 Jesus made it clear to the Pharisees that a person who is blind
               cannot be held responsible for what he does not see. But if a
               person sees and says that he sees, then he is responsible for
               responding properly to what he has seen.

                Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to make it known that He
               was the Messiah? (See Matt. 16:20.)

                 There are apparently times when truths held by the church
               should not be openly discussed because of prejudice, unbelief,
               and other hindrances. Timing can be a key factor in the prog-
               ress of "present truth."

                                                                              23

                     In the days of Abraham, God had to make a new beginning.
                   Although idolatry and rebellion in the building of the Tower of
                   Babel had been checked by the confusion of languages (Gen.
                   11:1-7), idolatry was once again becoming widespread; and
                   even the family of Abraham was being influenced by the hea-
                   thenism all around.
                     In order to preserve the true faith, God called Abraham out of
                   his home country to go to a land where he would be a stranger.
                   There he could witness to the true God and provide an example
                   of true worship. Abraham obeyed, although in doing so he did
                   not know where following the call would lead him. He exercised
                   an exemplary faith, which was to be the secret of success in all
                   his relations with God.
                     In this experience note the following:
                    1. God takes the initiative. It is God who calls; men and women
                   merely follow instructions.
                    2. God has a plan and a purpose. He wants to preserve a knowl-
                   edge of truth.
                    3. God uses the human instrument to achieve His objectives.
                    4. God does not always reveal the details of His plans. Man
                   must act in faith, trusting God all the way.
                    5. The result of trusting obedience is a life of blessing.

                     What promise does God make to those who hear His call
                   and obey it? Isa. 41:8-10.

                     The promise is made to Israel and the descendants of Abra-
                   ham in particular, but it applies to all who obey God. Unfortu-
                   nately the children of Israel did not live up to their privileges,
                   and they were rejected as a people (not as individuals). Now it is
                   those who truly accept Christ who are heirs of all the promises.
                   (See Rom. 10:9-13; Gal. 3:29.)

                     We must not allow the love of the world to come between us
                   and God.

 FURTHER STUDY       Gen. 12:1-8; 13:1-4, 14-18; 17:1-8; Patriarchs and Prophets,
                   pp. 125-131.

                     God wants a special people to whom and through whom He
                   can reveal truth and salvation. He is the owner of all the earth; so
                   in a sense all people are His. But He desires a special group
                   which will enjoy a special relationship with Him. This group of
                   people will be obedient to His commands and will accept the
                   terms of a mutual agreement whereby they and all mankind will
                   be benefited.

                     What does God say He will do for His people? Deut. 7:13-15.

                      God is in a position to give us more than we can ask or think.
                   (See Eph. 3:20.) There is only one condition—accept His author-
                   ity. When we recognize that God is God, it is foolish to go
                   contrary to His wishes. When we know that God is love, we have
                   no need to question His demands or wishes. It becomes a
                   privilege to accept His promises and serve Him.

                      What does God expect of His people? 1 Peter 2:9-12.

                     God's people cannot engage in anything that defiles their
                   characters. They are to be a holy people—that is, a people set
                   apart for and by God. They must reflect God's holiness. (See
                   1 Peter 1:16.)
                     "Satan is using every means to make crime and debasing vice
                   popular. We cannot walk the streets of our cities without en-
                   countering flaring notices of crime presented in some novel, or
                   to be acted at some theater. The mind is educated to familiarity
                   with sin. The course pursued by the base and vile is kept before
                   the people in the periodicals of the day, and everything that can
                   excite passion is brought before them in exciting stories. . . .
                      "Many of the amusements popular in the world today, even
                   with those who claim to be Christians, tend to the same end as
                   did those of the heathen. There are indeed few among them that
                   Satan does not turn to account in destroying souls."—
                   Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 459.

                                                                                    27

                  To be in darkness is to be in a state of ignorance. It is to live a
               life in which one has inklings of right and wrong but no certain
               knowledge—in which one may speculate as to his origin but can
               never be sure. It is a life in which one's destiny is also in doubt—
               in which pain and suffering have reality but no meaning. Since
               man is a reasoning creature, he finds such a life frustrating. In
               his efforts to know the truth about himself and the world in
               which he lives, he finds confusion.
                  By contrast, God has called a people to come out of ignor-
               ance, leaving behind all frustration and despair. These people
               now live in an atmosphere of understanding which is likened to
               wonderful light. God has revealed to them where they have
               come from, why there is conflict, what is right and what is
               wrong, how they can be freed from guilt and its burden, and the
               glorious destiny He has in store for them and for all who will
               believe. Life now has meaning and challenge.
                  Furthermore, they know what God is like, because they see
               Him in Jesus Christ and feel constrained to love and worship
               Him. They also know that in Christ they can have power to
               overcome sin and enjoy lives of usefulness and dignity.

                How does Peter contrast the Christian with the non-
               Christian? 1 Peter 2:10.

                  To be among the people of God means to have a sense of
               belonging—to be part of an organization. It means to have a
               sense of identity—to be part of a recognizable group. One
               knows to whom he may go for help, where he may be "at home."
                  By contrast, some people outside the church have no group
               to which they can relate with confidence. They are indi-
               vidualized to such an extent that they feel they have to depend
               on themselves wholly for everything in life. It is a lonely feeling, a
               frustrating feeling of utter helplessness.

                When Jesus began His ministry, one of the first things He did
               was to call, as followers, men who were seeking the kingdom.

                 Who were the first two to follow Jesus after John the Baptist
               pointed out the "Lamb of God"? John 1:35-40.

                  The good news of finding the Messiah, Andrew brings to his
               brother Peter. Philip brings the same to Nathanael, and thus is
               formed a nucleus to which others are added.
                  The disciples were not learned men, but they were devout
               men. They had been influenced by the teaching of John the
               Baptist. They were students of the Old Testament and knew that
               the Messiah should come. With this as a basis they were recep-
               tive to the call. Their minds were open to light; and when they
               saw the evidence that Jesus had to offer them, they left all and
               followed Him. (See Matt. 4:18-22.)

                Do we have an example of one who did not follow Jesus?
               Mark 10:17-22.

                 To follow Jesus is to recognize Him for what He is. The early
               disciples had no doubt that Jesus was the Messiah. They also
               recognized His authority; and when they were invited to leave
               their occupations and join Jesus in His ministry, they did not
               hesitate but immediately conformed. They had many things yet
               to learn of Jesus, but they placed themselves in the right envi-
               ronment and listened to His teaching. They did not always
               understand what Jesus had to say, but they asked questions.
               Although they made mistakes, there was no question where
               their loyalty lay. Thus they were able to fulfill God's purpose for
               and through them.
                 By contrast, the young man who had great riches found it very
               difficult to follow Jesus. His priority was on his possessions
               rather than on doing the will of God. Jesus loved him (verse 21).
               He was a young man anxious to do what was right. He appar-
               ently had considerable self-control, keeping the command-
               ments—outwardly, at least—all through his life. But he lacked
               one thing; and, so far as we know, that one thing kept him out of
               the kingdom.

                   The disciples were not merely to follow Jesus and rejoice in
                His presence. This might have been a pleasant experience, but it
                would have been a selfish one. They were given power to do the
                work Jesus had been doing—healing the sick, casting out dev-
                ils, and announcing the advent of the kingdom of heaven. Since
                they had received these things freely, they were to offer them to
                others freely. (See Matt. 10:8.)

                  What instructions from the Lord were to guide His disciples
                in their missionary journeys? Matt. 10:1-20.

                   The disciples were not to impose themselves on others, al-
                though if they were welcomed they were to accept the hospital-
                ity. They were not to make elaborate provisions for themselves,
                because they were entitled to support for the service they of-
                fered. They were to maintain a certain dignity in their work and a
                sense of its importance, because God was behind it and would
                remember those who rejected their ministry.
                   They were to do their work circumspectly, because there
                would be those who would try to bring dishonor to their cause;
                but they were not to be afraid if brought before councils and
                governors and shamefully treated. They were not to worry about
                what to say on such occasions, because the Holy Spirit would
                give them words to speak. In other words, they were ambas-
                sadors for Christ, and their testimony would be the basis of
                judgment to those who heard them.

                  What is likely to result from the service of Christ's follow-
                ers? Matt. 10:34-36.

                   Perhaps the hardest opposition to take is the persecution that
                comes from members of one's own family. But the lesson Jesus
                is teaching His disciples is that no earthly tie should separate
                one from a wholehearted dedication to the service of God.
                When it comes to our relationship to Him, this must take priority
                over everything else.

                 Since God has graciously called us to share His kingdom and
               His glory, it is only fitting that we live to show we deserve such
               an honor.
                 Paul has already indicated to the Thessalonians what he
               means by living lives worthy of God's call. (Read 1 Thess. 2:2-
               11.) He himself had set the example:
                 1. He had preached the gospel boldly, without error, with
               perfectly pure motives, and without deceit (verse 3).
                 2. He was not out to please men or to win their favor; he aimed
               to please God, who alone is our righteous Judge (verse 4).
                 3. He never used flattery; he did not pretend to be other than
               he was. He did not work for personal gain or hide his motives
               (verse 5).
                 4. He did not seek the gifts of men or even their praise. In fact,
               though he had every right as an apostle to be supported by
               them, he scrupulously avoided being a burden (verse 6).
                  5. He was solicitous of others' welfare and cared for them so
               much that he was willing not only to share the good news with
               them, but also to spend and be spent for their sake (verses 7, 8).
                 6. He worked day and night, living a holy, righteous, and
               blameless life. He was like a father in his constant care for his
               spiritual children (verses 9-12).

                 What other characteristics does Paul enumerate as part of
               being true to our calling? Eph. 4:1-3.

                 1.Humility. Being called by God is a great privilege, but we
               have done nothing to deserve it. It should never be a basis for
               pride.
                  2. Gentleness. This comes from a strong desire not to hurt
               anyone. We recognize how fragile some aspects of life can be;
               so we touch gently and lovingly.
                  3. Patience. People do not always act as they ought; they do
               not react as quickly as we would like. Hence we need to be
               patient. If we are truly loving, we can bear many things.
                  4. Maintaining unity and peace. How easy it is to quarrel and
               fight. Blessed are the peacemakers and those who know how to
               bring about peace between contending parties.

                                                                                 31

                     By personal experience the apostles were convinced that
                  Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah foretold in the Old Testa-
                  ment. He was born in Bethlehem as Micah had foretold (Micah
                  5:2). He was born of a virgin as Isaiah had predicted (Isa. 7:14;
                  Matt. 1:23). He was Emmanuel—God with us—and His name,
                  Jesus, indicated that He was the One who would save His people
                  from their sins (Matt. 1:21-23). He had come "unto his own, and
                  his own received him not" (John 1:11), but all those who had
                  accepted His claims were given "power to become the sons of
                  God" (verse 12).

                    When this same Jesus had been crucified on the cross,
                  what act of God made Him "to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to
                  give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins"? (Acts.
                  5:31).

                    Not only were the apostles witnesses to Christ's sacrifice, but
                  the Holy Spirit also testified of it in and through those who
                  believed in what God had done (verse 32).
                    The gospel of Christ was an astounding message to the
                  Jewish people, but it was the truth, and the apostles could not
                  do anything but preach it. It was central to all their teaching.
                  When asked to desist from such teaching, they replied, "We
                  ought to obey God rather than men" (verse 29). When beaten for
                  their conduct, they rejoiced in their experiences and continued
                  to teach and preach every day (verses 41, 42).

                   What kind of preaching was done at Antioch, and what name
                  was given to the disciples there? Acts 11:20, 26.

                    "The name [Christian] was given them because Christ was the'
                  main theme of their preaching, their teaching, and their conver-
                  sation.. With quivering lips and tearful eyes they spoke of His
                  agony in the garden, His betrayal, trial, and execution, the for-
                  bearance and humility with which He had endured the con-
                  tumely and torture imposed upon Him by His enemies, and the
                  Godlike pity with which He had prayed for those who perse-
                  cuted Him. . . .
                    "It was God who gave to them the name of Christian. This is a
                  royal name, given to all who join themselves to Christ."—The
                  Acts of the Apostles, p. 157.

 FURTHER STUDY      1 John 4:1-4; Phil. 1:15-21; Rev. 2:13; Col. 3:17. 34

                  Those who belong to the true church are honest and
               straightforward in all their dealings. The church considers it
               important to uphold the truth and be loyal to it. (Note the injunc-
               tion of Jesus in Matthew 5:37.)

                 What claim did Jesus make for Himself? John 14:6.

                 Many theories of truth are set forth, and some may feel there is
               no adequate answer to the question, What is truth? (See John
               18:38.) But the Christian is positive that there is an answer to the
               question, and the answer is the Person—Jesus Christ.

                 What do we see when we see Jesus Christ? John 1:1, 14.

                  John testified that in Jesus we see God made flesh and dwell-
               ing among us, full of grace and truth. He contrasts Moses and
               Jesus and says that Moses brought the law, but "grace and truth
               came by Jesus Christ" (verse 17).
                   Thus the true church presents the truth as seen in Christ
               Jesus. We see the love of God for fallen humanity in the sacrifice
               made on the cross. We learn of one who does not abide in the
               truth, but is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Thus only two
               stands can be taken by anyone—for the truth, or against it—for
               the revelation of God in the Bible and in Jesus Christ, or against
               it.

                 What does the Christian discover to be God's key to free-
               dom? John 8:32.

                 When he knows the truth about God and himself and acts
               upon this truth, he can be free from the guilt and power of sin.
               Through the truth he can be sanctified, according to the prayer
               of Jesus (John 17:17).
                 By contrast, there are those who not only reject the truth but
               who also suppress it. (See 1 Timothy 4.) Although they know
               about God, they refuse to accept the revelation that has been
               made about Him, and they refuse to be grateful for all that God
               has done.

                 The true church has practicing Christians!
                 James does not deny that a Christian has experienced birth.
               He stresses the importance of this experience. He says that "of
               his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be
               a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (verse 18). The Christian is
               not a Christian merely because he is born into a Christian family.
               He is not a Christian because he has learned Christian habits of
               conduct and has kept the law insofar as anyone can judge. He is
               not a Christian because he knows Christian doctrines. He is a
               Christian only from the moment that he has been born into the
               family of Christ.
                 The true church expects that its members will live up to the
               principles taught in the Bible. This may limit the number of
               members that a church accepts, and the church may be very
               small in some areas. But the church that accepts and condones
               members who live in open violation of the law of God is certainly
               not living up to its calling. The church recognizes that member-
               ship carries with it an obligation to do what is right and to right
               any wrongs.

                 How does Paul compare the doers of the law with those who
               are hearers only? Rom. 2:13.

                  Paul makes it clear that a person is judged according to what
               he knows and how he relates to truth. He may not know much
               about the law of God, but he does know instinctively the differ-
               ence between right and wrong, and he has chosen to do what is
               right. Therefore God can accept him; he has lived up to the light
               that he has.

                 Jesus also contrasts words and deeds. Matt. 7:21-27.

                 The action referred to in the text is doing the will of God. A
               form of piety that merely pays lip service to God will not avail
               anything in the judgment. Living in harmony with God's will is
               the criterion for entrance into the kingdom.

                 Human love is a characteristic implanted by God. But the love
               Jesus is talking about is more than human love. It is human to
               love the members of our family—to love those who love us. But
               Jesus is talking about a love like the love of God—a love that
               extends to enemies and to the unlovely.

                 What significant truth underlies the summary of Matthew
               22:37-40.

                  To keep the commandments in a legalistic sense is compara-
               tively easy. A young man who came to Jesus claimed to have
               kept the law, and the claim was not denied. (See Matt. 19:20,21.)
               But the young man had not learned to keep them out of love.

                 Think upon Paul's evaluation of the way of love. 1 Corinthi-
               ans 13.

                 When we read this chapter, we begin to realize that talents,
               self-sacrifice, and even faith in God are of no avail unless the
               motivating principle of life is love. It is outgoing toward all,
               regardless of the character of the person.

                 Consider the principle on which John shows the relation-
               ship between love to God and love to man. 1 John 4:20, 21.

                  Some claim that they love God and are willing to do anything
               for Him. But their relationships with their fellow Christians are
               anything but pleasant. Full of criticism and anxious to see disci-
               pline exercised on others, they are unable to put themselves in
               the shoes of their failing friends. They lack even the milk of
               human kindness. Such people have a distorted vision of their
               relationship with God, because if they truly loved God they
               would reflect His love in their relationships with others.
                  The true church is always a friendly church. It expresses
               concern for its neighbors. It cares for its members. Such a
               church exercises God's presence in the community and fulfills
               one of its most important functions.

                                                                              37

                  The psalmist is grateful that God has brought His people back
               from captivity and has forgiven their sins (verses 1, 2). Now he
               wants to feel the peace of God in his heart to be revived in spirit.
               He recognizes that salvation is the most important thing for him
               and that in order to enjoy this blessing he must trust implicitly in
               the merits of Jesus. As the fruit of faith, he walks in the ways of
               righteousness.
                  The danger always exists that we may take God for granted,
               accept His blessings as a matter of course, keep His command-
               ments out of force of habit, and follow a pattern of worship
               because, it has been handed down by tradition. In fact, we may
               be doing things that seem right to us but which are indeed
               contrary to what He has declared.

                 What counsel does Paul give to those who are too sure of
               themselves? 1 Cor. 10:12.

                 Arrogance is dangerous. A church may feel it is the true
               church; but if it is not willing to accept valid criticism and to
               make changes accordingly, it loses the presence of God.

                 Study the evidence that the church has always had to re-
               form itself. Rev. 2:4, 14, 16, 20; 3:2, 16.

                  The church is wholly dependent on a relationship with God.
               This relationship must be renewed all the time. It cannot afford
               to be indifferent. Here are some questions to ask:
                 1. Are church leaders—called of God and endowed with
               spiritual gifts—to lead, or are they mere professionals with
               training and skill but no true charisma?
                  2. Are the members dedicated to God and His service
               throughout the week, or are they merely churchgoers, having a
               form of godliness but denying the real power of the gospel?
               (See 2 Tim. 3:5.)
                 3. Is the church making useful changes to meet new chal-
               lenges, or is it tied to ritual and tradition?
                 4. Is the local church a place where the Spirit of God is active,
               or is it merely a social club attended for the prestige that it may
               provide its members?

                  Although Jesus was the Son of God, He did not attribute glory
               to Himself; His whole life was dedicated to the glory of His
               Father. He revealed the love of God, set forth the principles of
               the kingdom, called sin by its right name, and bore our sins on
               the cross.
                  The church on earth is to continue the work which Christ
               began. It is to represent Christ to the world. Only as it does this
               can it be recognized as the true church.
                  What are some important characteristics of the work of the
               church?
                  1. The church owes its origin and life to God, who is active in
               its midst. Its members are born from above and are Spirit-filled.
                  2. The church must be active in the ways Jesus would be were
               He here on earth. It should be concerned about sheep without a
               shepherd, about the lost, about releasing the captive from his
               sins, about being the agent of reconciliation and the depository
               of God's grace.
                  3. The church must manifest the spirit of Christ: His humility
               (Phil. 2:5-8), His service (John 13:4, 5, 12-17), His acceptance of
               the cross as the means of redemption.
                  4. The last part of God's church will proclaim the messages of
               the three angels who present God's last call to mankind. (See
               Rev. 14:6-12.)

                 Note Jesus' warning against seeking popularity. Luke 6:26.

                 Success is sometimes measured by size and popularity. But
               this is not true of the church. The church that supposes it is
               doing God's will because it has a large influx of members may
               be mistaken. While the church is charged with the responsibility
               of making disciples, its mission is basically that of bearing a
               witness. Hopefully, many who hear will also accept the gospel
               invitation. But we may be sure that there will be many who will
               ignore it, because the way of righteousness is narrow, while the
               way of destruction is broad.

                                                                               39

      Part 1   Consider Jesus' pastoral picture of His relationship to His
  SHEEP AND people.
  SHEPHERD
               "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life
             for the sheep" (John 10:11).

                 The relationship of Jesus to His people is that of a shepherd to
               his sheep. This metaphor was well understood in Bible lands
               because there were shepherds and sheep everywhere. It was
               also well understood that there were bad shepherds and good
               ones, sheep that were well cared for and sheep that were at the
               mercy of wolves. The sheep usually knew their shepherd by his
               voice and responded to his call. They could depend on him to
               lead them to good pasture, to refreshing water, and to the fold at
               night.

                 In what portrayal by the psalmist was the Lord presented as
               his constant helper? Psalm 23.

                 The Shepherd provided the psalmist with his daily temporal
               needs. But He went beyond this, because He also led him in the
               paths of righteousness and restored his soul when he was
               discouraged because of sin. The psalmist was not afraid of
               death, nor did he feel any dread of evil coming upon him, for he
               knew that the Shepherd was with him to guide and correct him.
               Thus he felt unusually blessed, with a sense of victory over his
               enemies and the assurance that he would dwell in the house of
               the Lord forever.
                 What are some of the parallels between sheep and people?
               The likeness of people to sheep is a very close one. Like sheep,
               people are dependent on their leaders. Like sheep, they are
               sometimes treated well and sometimes badly. Sometimes they
               are lost and need to be found. They need to be treated gently
               when they are with young. The lambs often need to be carried
               over rough terrain.
                 Sheep have a tendency to go astray. They have no means of
               self-protection except as the shepherd reaches out with his
               crook and saves them.
                 Jesus said that He laid down His life for His sheep. This is the
               supreme sacrifice. Many people herd sheep for the good they
               can get out of them. When danger threatens their own lives, they
               run away. They are more concerned about themselves than
               about the sheep. It this respect Jesus is entirely different.

                   If the illustration of sheep and shepherd had been all-
                 sufficient, there would have been no need for another. But
                 Jesus wanted to bring out the closeness that must exist
                 between Himself and His people—a closeness like that of a
                 branch in the vine.

                   When the spies rejoined the children of Israel in the wilder-
                 ness after they had been to Canaan, what did the huge bunch
                 of grapes they carried indicate? Num. 13:23.

                   The vine is an abundant, well-known, carefully cultivated
                 plant in Palestine. It produces the grape which yields wine, and
                 this brings refreshment to many a thirsty soul.

                   In the metaphor, what gracious work is done by the Father?
                 John 15:2.

                   The object of the branch in being connected to the vine is to
                 produce fruit. If the branch does not abide in the vine, it be-
                 comes fruitless, dies, and is disposed of.
                   The life of the branch is in the sap that comes from the vine. It
                 cannot glory in itself because of the fruit it bears. It bears fruit
                 naturally. When there is plentiful fruit, the glory comes to the
                 husbandman.

                   What Old Testament illustration parallels that of the vine?
                 isa. 5:1-7.

                   The children of Israel were likened to a vine planted in a
                 choice vineyard. They should have brought forth good fruit, but
                 they did not. What a tragedy it is when that which God has
                 created fails to fulfill His plan and proves a failure!
                   The church is God's vineyard, in which Jesus is the vine and
                 the members of the church are branches. Only if the members
                 are in Christ as the branch is in the vine can they bring forth fruit
                 to God's glory. Will the church measure up to its privileges?

                                                                                   43

                  Stones and buildings suggest something more permanent
               than sheep and shepherds or branches and vines. Hence we
               find in this parallel used by Peter a suggestion of stability. The
               church still involves a relationship, but it is one that can last
               forever.

                 What purposes might Paul have in using the figure of a
               building in connection with the church? 1 Cor. 3:9.

                  The apostle describes himself as a worker with God, engaged
               in building. The first thing he does is to lay a foundation, and the
               only foundation that can be laid for the church is Jesus Christ
               (verse 11).
                  Jesus pointed out to His disciples the importance of a founda-
               tion. (See Matt. 7:24-27.) The wise man built on a rock, but the
               foolish man built on sand. The church is built on the Rock,
               Christ Jesus.

                 To whom does Paul refer as the foundation of a holy temple
               and as the Chief Cornerstone? Eph. 2:20-22.

                  A cornerstone was a key stone to hold the rest of the building
               together. A temple is the dwelling place of God; so this stone is
               vital to the whole building.
                 It is interesting to note that Jesus shares the foundation with
               the apostles and prophets, a generosity typical of Him. (See
               Rev. 3:21.)
                 Peter may have been dissatisfied with the idea of stones to
               represent people; so he writes of "living" stones (1 Peter 2:4).
               The building is therefore a living entity. But just as stones are
               bound to one another and support one another, so the members
               of the church are bound together by a unity that cannot be
               broken without destroying the whole edifice.
                 The figure of stone lends itself to other concepts. The stone
               can be precious (1 Peter 2:6). It may be rejected, as Jesus was by
               His own people (verse 7). It can be a stone of stumbling, as Jesus
               was to the Jewish people. (See Rom. 9:32, 33.) But the assur-
               ance is that the one who believes in Jesus will never be put to
               shame.

                 The kingdom of God is another metaphor to describe the
               relationships that exist in the church. The kingdom is not of this
               world, but it is nevertheless a real entity. Jesus acknowledged to
               Pilate that He was a king. (See Mark 15:2.)

                 In what series of parables does Jesus describe what occurs
               in the kingdom of heaven? Matt. 13:18-52.

                  The reception of the seed of truth varies with individuals:
               some have hearts hardened like beaten paths, others cannot
               withstand persecution, still others permit the cares of this world
               to determine their destiny, but some accept the word of truth
               and bring forth fruit in their lives.
                  Again, the kingdom of heaven will have in it both good seed
               and weeds. Should the weeds be pulled up immediately? The
               answer is No—because of the danger of hurting the good seed.
               A time will come when this work of judgment can be done safely
               and effectively.
                  The kingdom of heaven is likened to leaven that works quietly
               and unseen, but powerfully. It is like treasure hidden in a field or
               like a pearl that a merchant will make a huge sacrifice to obtain.
               It may even be likened to a dragnet that takes in good and bad,
               with only the good surviving.

                 How does Paul describe his heavenly citizenship? Phil.
               3:20.

                 What did Daniel see, through Nebuchadnezzar's dream, as
               the climax of all earthly kingdoms? Dan. 2:35, 44.

                 The God of heaven sets up this kingdom. To be a citizen of
               God's kingdom is surely the greatest privilege that anyone can
               enjoy.
                 The Christian finds no abiding city here in this world, but for
               him the enlargement of the kingdom of God is the highest goal
               for which he can strive.
                 Augustine saw the church as the City of God. His concept of
               such a city on earth was mistaken. But to the Christian the
               church is an earnest (a pledge) of the kingdom of heaven.

                                                                                45

                 The concept of the household brings the interrelationships of
               the church members even closer. The church is not a group of
               unrelated individuals; it is a family group, with alLthe closeness
               that membership in a family implies.

                 What word from Jesus shocked Nicodemus regarding his
               part in the kingdom of heaven? John 3:3.

                 Nicodemus, like so many other good people, thought that he
               would get into the kingdom because of his righteousness—
               because of his faithful keeping of the law.

                 Why may those who tell lies properly be called the children
               of the evil one? John 8:44.

                  Children partake of the characteristics of their parents. That
               is why we have all inherited the traits of fallen Adam. Those who
               claim to be the children of Abraham should manifest Abraham's
               characteristics (verse 39). When weare born into the household
               of God, we must reflect the character of God.

                 What indication does Paul give. of the close relationship
               binding together members of the household of God? Eph.
               3:14, 15.

                 We are now brothers and sisters. This is a relationship that
               involves responsibilities. We are privileged to treat one another
               as members of the family—with love. If we see a brother who is
               naked, we must clothe him. (See James 2:15, 16.) We must be
               careful not to cause a weak brother to stumble. Paul states it
               emphatically when he says that if we sin against a brother we sin
               against Christ. (See 1 Cor. 8:12.) We must be willing to restrict
               our own liberties for the sake of our fellow members (verse 13).
               As brothers and sisters we should settle our own disputes and
               not take them to courts where unbelievers are called upon to
               judge. (See 1 Cor. 6:5-7.) The Christian should choose rather to
               be defrauded and to suffer at the hands of his fellow Christians
               than to go to court.

                  Paul elaborates on this figure of speech in his letter to the
               Ephesians. He says that God "hath put all things under his feet,
               and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which
               is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:22,
               23).
                  The metaphor of a body is very apt as applied to the church.
               Here are some principles worth noting:
                  1.Just as a body cannot operate without a head, so the church
               cannot live without Christ.
                  2. Just as the body has many members, each unique in its
               function, yet all contributing to the_ life of the whole, so in the
               church there are different gifts, each ministering to the whole;
               many nationalities, but one body. (See 1 Cor. 12:12, 13.)
                  3. No member can claim priority over any other member in the
               body, nor should anyone want to be the only member. This
               would be a negation of the body. (See verses 15-17, 21.)
                  4. All the members of a body are so related that if one member
               suffers, the rest of the members suffer (verse 26).
                  5. There are three "gifts" that all must exercise: Faith, hope,
               and love, and the greatest of these is love. (See 1 Corinthians
               13.)

                 What ambassador role shows the close interrelation
               between Jesus and His disciples? Matt. 10:40.

                 To be rejected of men is not easy. But when this happens, we
               may find comfort in knowing that Jesus was also rejected. (See
               the experience of Samuel in 1 Sam. 8:7.) It is good to know that
               Jesus identifies with us so that He, as the Head, shares with the
               church in its various experiences, rejoicing in its successes and
               grieving over its failures.
                 Although Jesus is in heaven, He is also present on the earth in
               and through His church. And although He is the Head of the
               church, He is not conditioned by the church. Independent of the
               church, He nevertheless voluntarily associates with the church
               in order to make it what it ought to be—His bride.

                                                                                47

                     In the days of Christ's ministry His followers were called
                  "disciples." Later on they called one another "brethren." Paul
                  calls them "saints," or "holy ones."       .
                     The term saint is not in common use in our day except in
                  reference to those reputedly devout persons who have been
                  canonized by ecclesiastical authority. Therefore several mod-
                  ern versions of the Bible in English use other words to translate
                  the Greek word which the KJV translates as "saints." The Good
                  News Bible (TEV): "called to be his own people." NEB: "called
                  to be his dedicated people." Phillips: "called to be Christ's men
                  and women."
                    We must never lose sight of the idea of sainthood as a charac-
                  teristic of the believers in the church, although we should un-
                  derstand what that sainthood means.

                    How does Paul say a believer becomes a saint? 1 Cor. 1:2.

                     "Sanctified in Christ Jesus": The Greek word for "sanctified"
                  comes from the same root as the word for saint. Because the
                  believer is in Jesus and Jesus is in him, he is a saint.
                     Jesus prayed that His disciples might be sanctified by the
                  truth—the Word of God. (See John 17:17.)

                    What does Paul tell the Thessalonians are key elements In
                  their salvation? 2 Thess. 2:13.

                    Peter confirms this in his letter. (See 1 Peter 1:2.) When Paul
                  was describing his commission to King Agrippa, he said that he
                  was sent to the Gentiles "that they may receive forgiveness of
                  sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith
                  that is in me [Christ]" (Acts 26:18).
                    But sanctif ication is also an ongoing process. (See Eph. 5:26.)
                  Sainthood is not the attainment of instant perfection, but a daily
                  growth in grace. That is why members of the church need ever
                  to be reminded to put off "the old man" and "put on the new"
                  (Eph. 4:22-24).

 FURTHER STUDY      Eph. 5:27; Rom. 6:16; 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Cor. 10:12; 2 Tim. 2:21;
                  The Great Controversy, pp. 469-474.

                  Read all the verses of Numbers 16 in order to get the
               background of the story. Note the following points:
                  1. The leaders of the rebellion say that the whole congrega-
               tion is holy because God is in their midst (verse 3).
                  2. God separated the Levites from the rest of the children of
               Israel and brought them near to Himself. Apparently Korah did
               not recognize or care to acknowledge that it is God who ap-
               points men and women to certain offices. Men and women are
               to accept from God any privileges or limitations imposed upon
               them.
                  3. God vindicated His established order, and the leaders of the
               rebels were destroyed.
                  4. The metal of the censers was considered holy because it
               had been presented to the Lord.
                  What is your reaction to the story? Do you see how men
               sometimes turn away from God's order? Do you see that to
               oppose God is dangerous?

                What are two examples showing that even the ground is
               made holy by the presence of God? Ex. 3:5; Joshua 5:15.

                 Because God is holy, everything He touches is holy. The
               temple was holy because He was in it. (See Matt. 21:13.) The
               Sabbath is also holy because God is in it in a special sense—
               meeting His people in this sanctuary in time.

                 What was God's purpose for the children of Israel? Deut.
               28:9-14.

                 By setting apart the children of Israel as a holy people, God
               intended to make them a blessing and an example. There was
               just one condition—that they keep God's commandments.
                  Thus holiness involves God's action of hallowing; it means a
               separation from other people in terms of blessing; it involves
               being obedient to God's commands.

                                                                               51

                     Peter tells the believers that they are to be holy in all they do
                   (verse 15). That is, holiness is not to be limited to certain acts of
                   worship or to certain times of the day or week. The Christian is
                   to be holy at all times, in every circumstance, in all his activities.
                   Just as God is holy and never loses His holiness—never sets it
                   aside—so the Christian is to be holy in following the divine
                   pattern.

                     What does Paul say is the will of God for us? 1 Thess. 4:3-8.

                      Paul makes it clear that there is to be a very great difference
                   between the Christian and the man of the world. The latter may
                   engage in unseemly practices, but the Christian cannot. The
                   Christian knows God, whereas the Gentile does not (verse 5).
                   The knowledge of God determines the way of life. When we
                   know that God is love and that He has done so much for us, we
                   respond by doing His will, and we know that His will is to save us
                   from our sins—to save us from the death that is the wages of sin.
                   He wants us to be reflectors of His goodness and holiness,
                   because we have been created in His image.

                     If we are slow to turn our backs on the wicked ways of the
                   world, what must be included in our view of the future? Eccl.
                   12:13, 14; Deut. 4:24.

                       Not that fear should be our primary motivating force, but it
                   can be a healthy reminder! God has certainly given ample warn-
                   ing of the consequences of sin, both to our first parents and to
                   the children of Israel. In 1 Thessalonians 4:6 Paul urges the
                   members in Thessalonica to refrain from defrauding one
                   another because God is an avenger! God has not called us to be
                   His people with the expectation that we shall remain the same
                   as we were before we were called. He calls us so that we may
                   have the privilege of a new creation, a new heart, a new life—a
                   life of doing what is right and pleasing to God. In fact, when we
                   show no regard for our bodies or our calling, we are despising
                   God. That is a careless attitude to take and will result in serious
                   consequences.

 FURTHER STUDY       2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 1:23; 2:2; The Ministry of Healing, pp.
                   454-456; Christ's Object Lessons, "The Sower Went Forth to
                   Sow," pp. 48, 49.

                 The Greek word for "purifieth" is in the present tense, which
               means that the Christian is always seeking to be pure in life,
               especially as he looks forward to the blessed hope of Jesus'
               soon return. He knows that he can do nothing to make himself
               clean; but he also knows that if he comes humbly before the
               throne of grace and pleads the merits of Christ, God will be
               gracious, forgiving him and purifying his life.

                 What is God's goal for His children? Heb. 13:20, 21;1 Thess.
               5:23.

                 "The sanctification of the church is God's object in all His
               dealings with His people. He has chosen them from eternity,
               that they might be holy. He gave His Son to die for them, that
               they might be sanctified through obedience to the truth, di-
               vested of all the littleness of self."—The Acts of the Apostles, p.
               559.
                 The Christian does not assume that purity is an impossibility.
               Nor does he consider that he has already attained such a state.
               He recognizes his weaknesses, but he also has faith in the
               strength and grace of God while he trusts in Jesus' merits.

                What are two other outstanding qualities of a Christian?
               Heb. 12:14.

                  1.The member of the church is apeacemaker. (See Matt. 5:9.)
               He knows that he lives in a world where tempers flare up quite
               easily (even his own!). But he knows that nothing is gained and
               much is lost when tempers take over. Therefore he pours oil on
               troubled waters. He seeks to understand both sides of a con-
               troversy, and then he tries to bring them together. This does not
               mean that he compromises truth, but he knows when to stand
               firm and when to give in. And he urges others to do the same,
               using heavenly wisdom and tact. He also knows that the only
               peace worth having is that which Jesus gives. (See John 14:27.)
               He is a witness of this peace in his heart.
                  2. At the same time he strives for holiness. This is a personal
               relationship with God in which he knows that, being right with
               God, he can be right with his fellowmen.

                      A study of this verse in context reveals the following princi-
                   ples and relationships:
                     1.Phebe is "our sister." Members of the church are brothers
                   and sisters; they belong to one family. Therefore they relate to
                   one another closely as members of a family.
                     2.Phebe was a "servant of the church." Being a servant of the
                   church is not demeaning, but rather makes one worthy of re-
                   spect and high regard. She was a deaconess, contributing to
                   the needs of church members in both general and specific
                   ways, according to her talent.
                     3. She was to be welcomed "in the Lord." That is, she was to
                   be welcomed as a representative of the Lord. (See Matt. 10:40.)
                  If it is proper to entertain stranger( in case they should be
                  angels (Heb. 13:2), it is most certainly proper that members of
                  the church should be hospitable to one another.
                     4. If Phebe had helped many, it was right that she should be
                  helped whenever she was in need; and she should feel free to
                  find that help among church members. The church community
                  can be a mutual self-help society where everybody can contrib-
                  ute and receive help.
                     5.Phebe is an example of Paul's attitude to women. He did not
                  belittle them, and he recognized the contribution that women
                  can make to the church. In this chapter he mentions several:
                  Priscilla (Rom. 16:3), Mary (verse 6), Tryphena and Tryphosa
                  (were they twins?), and Persis (verse 12). Rufus's mother is
                  mentioned as being a mother to Paul (verse 13)—another of
                  these "mothers in Israel" who are so precious with their
                  thoughtfulness and love. Two others are mentioned: Julia, and
                  the sister of Nereus (verse 15). No wonder Paul could say: In
                  Christ "there is neither male nor female" (Gal. 3:28).
                     Holiness does not mean isolation. It may mean being dif-
                  ferent, but the difference is that a person who is holy is also very
                  devoted to the good of his fellowman.

 FURTHER STUDY      1 Peter 4:7-10; Rom. 12:9-16; Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 341-348.

                  In the previous verse Paul says that the Christian should do all
               things "without murmurings and disputings." Is this possible?
               Is it not more usual to hear grumblings and complaints—to hear
               people arguing about this and that? But grumblers are a
               headache! Nothing seems to please them. For example, con-
               sider the children of Israel in the wilderness (Ex. 15:24; 16:2;
               17:3). There is always the opportunity to find fault with some
               one or some thing.

                 How does the follower of Jesus treat problem members of
               the church and community? 1 Thess. 5:13-15.

                  The Christian lives a life of serenity, knowing that all things
               are in the hands of God and that God does all things well. The
               believer refrains from grumbling lest he dishonor God. He is not
               interested in arguing until tempers are frayed, and he does not
               enter into litigation. (See 1 Cor. 6:1-8.)
                  Blameless: The Christian must not only be pure, but others
               must see that he is pure. He avoids all compromising situations.
                  Harmless: He is absolutely sincere in his relationships with
               others. His motives are pure. (See James 5:12.)
                  Sons of God: The Christian will have God's attributes of
               goodness and love. (See Matt. 5:48.)
                  Without rebuke: His life and character can stand the scrutiny
               of the world and of God. He lives a life of purity and cannot be
               condemned by any law.
                  This standard of conduct is not just something to be realized
               in the afterlife. God's life-style must be lived each day—in the
               midst of a crooked and depraved generation. Such living will
               stand out like a light in the midst of darkness.

                 How does Peter show that such a life can have a saving
               influence? 1 Peter 3:1, 2.

                  Holy women in the past set such an example (verse 5). Beauty
               is not in the outward adorning, but in a gentle and quiet spirit
               (verse 4).

                                                                               55

                   The life of the Christian is a mysterious paradox. He is called a
                 saint—one set apart for the life and service of God—yet he must
                 not say he is without sin. (John talks of sin and sins [verses 8, 9].)
                 The closer he is to his Master, the more conscious he is of his
                 faults and shortcomings.

                   Why is the denial of sin the denial of what God has revealed
                 in the Scriptures? Ps. 14:3; Eccl. 7:20.

                   The fall of Adam has left a legacy that everyone inherits. "That
                 which is born of the flesh is flesh" (John 3:6), said Jesus to
                 Nicodemils, pointing out that even though he may have lived a
                 respectable life he could not be a candidate for heaven unless
                 he were born again.
                   The fact that we have a God "faithful and just" to forgive us
                 our sins is one of the basic truths of the gospel. But in order to
                 enjoy this privilege, one must confess his sins. (See 1 John 1:9.)

                   How does James describe our human situation? James 3:2.

                    James points out one area in which we all make mistakes—
                 our speech. Although the tongue is a small member of the body,
                 it can do a considerable amount of damage. (See verse 6.)

                   What basic difference is there between the sinner who is a
                 Christian and the sinner who has not made any commitment to
                 Christ? 1 John 3:9. Read this in the New International Version.

                   The one who is born again cannot habitually sin. He cannot be
                 a slave of sin, continually and helplessly repeating the same sin.
                 (See Rom. 6:14.) He is delivered from this body of death through
                 Christ, and he walks "not after the flesh, but after the Spirit"
                 (Rom. 8:1).

 FURTHER STUDY     James 4:17; Col. 2:10; Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
                 "The Lord's Prayer" (Luke 11:4), pp. 113-116.

                  When Adam and Eve recognized their nakedness, they made
               coverings of fig leaves. But God made for them "coats of skins,
               and clothed them" (Gen 3:21).
                  Man has always tried to do that which he thought was right.
               Even Cain brought an offering at the same time as his brother
               Abel. But his offering was not mixed with faith; it did not indi-
               cate recognition that he was a sinner and that he needed a
               Saviour. It merely represented an offering of his own works to
               God. As such, it could not be accepted by God, because salva-
               tion comes through faith in Christ, not faith in our works.

                 What in man makes him want to do something to atone for
               his own wickedness? Rom. 10:3.

                 Some will give up their lives for God; they will give up comfort
               and riches—even food. But such acts of self-denial can never
               earn salvation.
                 The Christian is not immune to this human tendency. The
               history of the church abounds with stories of men and women
               who have suffered self-inflicted hardships for the gospel. But
               Paul points out that all this, without love, is nothing. (See 1 Cor.
               13:3.)

                 Follow the psalmist's expression of the joy of the one who
               trusts wholly In God. Psalm 32.

                 Note the following points made in this psalm:
                 1. The blessedness of sins forgiven comes only from God
               (verses 1, 2).
                 2. Confession of sin leads to forgiveness (verse 5).
                 3. The godly are in constant communion with God and thus
               enjoy God's protection (verses 6, 7).
                 4. God promises to guide and instruct the one who wants to
               know what he should do in life (verse 8).
                 5. God is abundantly merciful to those who trust fully in Him
               (verse 10).
                 6. This relationship with God brings joy and happiness; so
               the righteous should praise God for their privileges (verse 11).

                                                                                59

                   Read the texts on each side of this verse. Clearly, the Jew had
                 many privileges. He knew the Ten Commandments. He knew
                 that God had chosen his race. He knew God's will because it had
                 been revealed in the Old Testament, and he adopted the high
                 ideals presented (verse 18). In fact, he considered himself able
                 to instruct the ignorant and throw light on topics that were
                 generally not understood (verses 19, 20). Yet—and this is the
                 tragedy of tragedies—he did not take advantage of his
                 privileges. He who knew the law did not keep it. He who knew
                 God's will did not live a life in conformity with it. Thus, instead of
                 being the channel of God's blessing to others, he was the cause
                 of turning people away from God.

                   What distinction did Paul make between those who were
                 Jews racially and those who were Jews spiritually? Rom. 2:29;
                 Gal. 3:29.

                   The parallel with the church is obvious. The church enjoys
                 many privileges. Does it live up to those privileges? Or does it
                 cause people to turn away from God by its faulty witness?

                   What did the children of Israel do that was considered blas-
                 phemy? Eze. 20:27, 28.

                   We blaspheme the name of God when we turn away from the
                 worship of the true God and worship idols instead. An idol need
                 not be wood or stone; it can be anything that we consider more
                 important in our lives than God. It may be position or the honor
                 we gain by letting down God's standards of behavior. When we
                 have such confidence in our own skills that we forget to ask for
                 wisdom or guidance; when we push ahead in projects without
                 waiting for God's leading; when we rationalize our actions in
                 the pursuit of our objectives (in order to excuse them)—these
                 are ways in which we dishonor God, because we put other
                 matters ahead of Him in our system of priorities. Our goals may
                 seem honorable; but unless we put God first, last, and best in
                 our lives we blaspheme His name; and others, seeing us, will
                 also question the ideals we profess.

 FURTHER STUDY     Christ's Object Lessons, "Without a Wedding Garment," pp.
                 317-319.

                 David offers this prayer after he has sinned in the case of
               Bathsheba. He knows he is dependent upon the mercies of God.
               He knows that he needs to be cleansed of sin (verse 2). He does
               not try to find excuses for his sins. He is ever mindful of them,
               and he knows that his sin has been primarily against God (verse
               4). He recognizes his human weakness and presents it as a plea
               for God to forgive him (verse 5).

                 What does David see as the only solution to his heart prob-
               lem? Ps. 51:10.

                 "The heart must be renewed by divine grace, or it will be in
               vain to seek for purity of life. He who attempts to build up a
               noble, virtuous character independent of the grace of Christ is
               building his house upon the shifting sand. In the fierce storms of
               temptation it will surely be overthrown."—Patriarchs and
               Prophets, p. 460.
                 David realizes that because of sin he really has no claim on
               God, that a holy God would normally turn away from him. But he
               asks not to be forsaken. He wants to have the experience of
               being restored to favor, and then he will tell other sinners of his
               experience and thus win them back to God (verse 13).

                 What contrast does David draw between a repentant heart
               and some sacrifice offered to God? Ps. 51:16, 17.

                  "Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest
               sense, a believer in Jesus. When self is renounced, then the
               Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain the
               new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new
               life. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith
               the character of Christ will be manifest."—The Desire of Ages,
               p. 280.
                  The church member ever looks to God for mercy, because he
               recognizes that he is not all that he ought to be, and he finds a
               gracious God who is abundant in loving-kindness and mercy.
               Here is the mystery and the paradox of the church: it is not so
               much a private club for saints as a hospital for sinners.

                   "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:5).

                    Paul argues that we as church members should maintain
                 peace and unity within our ranks (verse 3). It is so easy to divide
                 up in factions, to find fault with one another, to go off into
                 different directions. Church members should remember that we
                 have only one God who calls, only one Christ to offer hope, only
                 one Spirit who sanctifies, only one gospel to which we can
                 adhere, and only one Lord in whose name and one body into
                 which we are baptized. Since this is true, how can the church be
                 divided?

                   How did experience confirm prophecy as the council at
                 Jerusalem recognized that all people can belong to one
                 church? Acts 15:12-19.

                   The Jews had long considered themselves the people of God,
                 and they were. God had chosen them to be His representatives.
                 But they had excluded the Gentiles from the circle of salvation.
                 They set up barriers between themselves and all other people.
                   But Peter found, in the home of Cornelius, that it does not
                 matter to what race a person belongs. God is no respecter of
                 persons. He "accepts men from every nation who fear him and
                 do what is right" (Acts 10:35, NIV). Furthermore, Paul and Bar-
                 nabas told the council "how the Gentiles had been converted"
                 under their ministry (Acts 15:3, 4, NW). James finally clinched
                 the whole case by quoting from the Old Testament to show that
                 the Gentiles were very much in God's plan.

                   By what words concerning Jesus did Caiaphas speak better
                 than he knew? John 11:51, 52.

                   The psalmist says that the wrath of man praises God. (See Ps.
                 76:10.) (Balaam could not but bless Israel, though he was hired
                 to pronounce a curse.) So here the high priest makes a
                 prophecy that Jesus would die for the Jews. And not for the
                 Jews only, for He would "gather together into one the children
                 of God that were scattered abroad" (John 11:52). Jesus is in-
                 deed the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (See
                 John 1:29.)
                   Jesus Himself told the disciples that He was concerned about
                 others beside the children of Israel. (See John 10:16.) Then he
                 added that there would be one fold and one Shepherd.

 FURTHER STUDY     Rom. 12:3-21; The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 188-195. 66

       Part 2     When Jesus prayed for His disciples, what special request
      ONE IN    did He make?
      CHRIST
                  "I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete
                unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved
                them even as you have loved me" (John 17:23, NIV).

                  Unity is a divine characteristic. No closer unity can be found
                than that in the Trinity. Jesus prays that His disciples may enjoy
                that same unity to the end of time.
                  The unity in the church is a personal unity. It springs from
                faith and an opening of the heart to Christ. (See Rev. 3:20.) It
                results in open communication and divine direction in the life.

                  How close was the unity that Paul experienced with his
                Lord? Acts 18:9-11.

                  Paul always knew what to do; and, when he did it, God
                blessed him abundantly.
                  Such a unity means that the disciple will go into the world just
                as Jesus was sent into the world. (See John 17:18.) Yet he will
                always be different from it (verse 16). In the world he will witness
                to truth—a truth which sets him apart as holy (verse 17). And his
                testimony will be effective, because the world will see the effect
                of God's presence in his life. He will testify to the goodness and
                love of God (verses 18, 23).
                   Whatever the race or nationality of Christ's followers, they are
                one in Him. (See Gal. 3:28.) When one considers how differ-
                ences in culture and race can divide, this unity is remarkable.
                   "The unity of the church is the convincing evidence that God
                has sent Jesus into the world as its Redeemer. This is an argu-
                ment which worldlings cannot controvert. Therefore Satan is
                constantly working to prevent this union and harmony, that
                unbelievers, by witnessing backsliding, dissension, and strife
                among professed Christians, may become disgusted with reli-
                gion and be confirmed in their impenitence. God is dishonored
                by those who profess the truth while they are at variance and
                enmity with one another. Satan is the great accuser of the
                brethren, and all who engage in this work are enlisted in his
                service."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 620.

                  What means does God provide for believers to become
                partakers of the divine nature? 2 Peter 1:4.

                   We may escape the corruption that is in the world, because it
                is Christ in us who is "the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27).

                                                                                 67

       Part 3   What trait did Paul want the members of the church at
     SECRET Philippi to have?
    OF UNITY
                "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus"
              (Phil. 2:5).

                  The NIV translates this verse: "Your attitude should be the
               same as that of Christ Jesus." The NEB has it: "Let your bearing
               towards one another arise out of your life in Christ Jesus." Our
               attitudes determine our bearing, and our bearing springs from
               an inner disposition. What we are inside determines what we are
               outside, if we are truly sincere.
                  To the Christian, the example of Jesus is compelling. No other
               example in history comes anywhere near it. Here is One who
               was equal with God, yet He did not hang on to that equality
               selfishly as many of us would have done! On the contrary, He
               made Himself as nothing—for what is man, that God should be
               mindful of him? And as a man He took on the humble duties of a
               slave, serving those who turned their backs on Him. Finally, He
               submitted to the indignities of death by crucifixion—the mind
               reels to consider such commitment. (See verses 6-8.)

                 What contrasting spirit does Isaiah attribute to Lucifer? Isa.
               14:13, 14.

                  The secret of unity for the Christian is to be imbued with the
               Spirit of Christ. He does not compare himself with anyone else,
               imagining that he is better. (See Phil. 2:3.) He does not desire to
               be placed higher than another, becoming jealous if someone
               seems to have an advantage over him. In fact, he is just as
               interested in the welfare of others as he is in his own (verse 4).

                 How, according to Paul, is this kind of action and attitude
               possible for the Christian? Phil. 2:13.

                 The honor and glory goes to God, who makes such a spirit
               and such a life possible. He is the One who "energizes" (Gk.
               energe6—translated "worketh" in KJV) in the verse above.
                 At the same time, there is a working out of one's own salvation
               "with fear and trembling" (verse 12). Christians must set goals
               and ever be mindful of their responsibilities as they go about
               their various duties. Do they sometimes feel like complaining?
               They must check their impulses. Do they feel like arguing about
               what is said or done? They should remember that nothing is
               gained by argument. (See verses 14, 15.)

                  It is remarkable to what lengths people will go in order to
                refuse the lordship of Christ. The Pharisees were prepared to
                accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of the prince
                of demons. Jesus gave them an irrefutable answer. Even Satan
                would recognize the importance of loyalty within his own ranks.
                  But the unity of the church is important not merely because it
                bolsters the church or because without it the church would fall.
                The unity of the church is based on the unity of God and the
                consistency of His plans. What God sets out to do, He will
                accomplish. The group not united is just not truly a part of God's
                church; it is not the group through which God is working out His
                plans and purposes.

                  In what words did Paul show the Corinthians that their divi-
                sions were ridiculous? 1 Cor. 1:13.

                  The church is always in danger of being carried away by some
                charismatic leader. Members are often attached to certain indi-
                viduals. Leaders must be careful about this and turn the eyes of
                their converts to the true leader of the church—Jesus Christ.

                  In whom alone can the Christian glory? 1 Cor. 1:30, 31.

                   Pauls says that every member is in Christ, and Christ is every-
                thing we need. Therefore, if we glory in anyone, we should glory
                in God. It is always dangerous to glorify people—both to the one
                glorified and the one glorifying. The former is in danger of
                thinking of himself more highly than he ought; the latter is in
                danger of being led astray. Our safety as members and as a
                church rests in recognizing the Source of all goodness—the
                object of true worship—and in refusing to be turned aside by
                any rival gods or influences.
                   Paul makes a strong appeal for unity in the church at Corinth.
                (See 1 Cor. 1:10.) He wants members perfectly united in mind
                and thought. We have to fit in with one another, making adjust-
                ments as may be necessary. Church members vary in talents
                and temperaments, and it takes conscious effort to adapt one-
                self to varying people and circumstances.

                      It is the God-given privilege of every living creature to grow
                   and reach maturity. So it must be with every Christian and the
                   church. Peter urges growth in grace and "the knowledge of ...
                   Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). He also indicates the means by
                   which we may grow. (See 1 Peter 2:2.) As we grow into Christ,
                   we grow into unity with one another.
                      "The unity that God requires must be cultivated day by day if
                   we would answer the prayer of Christ. The disunion that is
                   striving for existence among those who profess to believe the
                   last message of mercy to be given to the world, must find no
                   place; for it would be a fearful hindrance to the advancement of
                   God's work. His servants are to be one, as Christ is one with the
                   Father; their powers, illuminated, inspired, and sanctified, must
                   be united to make a complete whole. Those who love God and
                   keep His commandments are not to draw apart; they are to
                   press together."—Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 174, 175.

                    Note the graciousness of Paul's address to the church at
                   Corinth. 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1.

                       With all its faults, the church at Corinth was still the "church
                    of God." "Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the church
                    is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His
                   supreme regard. It is the theater of His grace, in which He
                   delights to reveal His power to transform hearts."—The Acts of
                   the Apostles, p. 12.

                     Is Paul pleased to recognize that there may be blemishes in
                   the church? 1 Cor. 11:19.

                      The word "heresy" used in the KJV is a strong word. The
                   Greek is translated "differences" in the NIV and "dissensions"
                   in the NEB. Differences of opinion do arise in the church, and
                   sometimes factions develop as a result.
                     Unity is a goal to be achieved: "My brethren, allow nothing to
                   come in that will separate you from one another or from God."
                   —Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 12.

                     "Let us remember that Christian unity does not mean that the
                   identity of one person is to be submerged in that of another; nor
                   does it mean that the mind of one is to be led and controlled by
                   the mind of another."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 212.

 FURTHER STUDY      Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 263-267.

      Part 6   As Paul describes the part that ministers play in the growth
   BARRIERS of the church, how does he describe the church?
   TO UNITY
               "We are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's
             building" (1 Cor. 3:9, NIV).

                   Paul says that he and others water and plant in the garden of
                the Lord but that God gives the increase (verse 7). It is God who
                takes the initiative and provides the power of spiritual growth.
                The result must be attributed to Him and not to the human
                agent.
                   When church members forget the supremacy of God in their
                lives, they are apt to praise other persons who have been a
                blessing to them. Every garden needs a "planter" and a "wa-
                terer," but the church is God's garden, and to Him must go all
                the praise and the glory. When we recognize God's ownership,
                we will not be divided into parties and factions.

                  What serious condition exists among the members when
                there are divisions? 1 Cor. 3:3.

                   "Carnal" in the KJV means "worldly" (NIV). The NEB trans-
                lates this verse: "Can you not see that while there is jealousy
                and strife among you, you are living on the purely human level of
                your lower nature?"
                   "Paul had described four types of men. The first, the natural
                man, is the man without the Spirit, who needs the new birth (cf.
                John 3:1-8). The second is the carnal-weak man (1 Cor. 3:1), the
                babe in Christ, who needs growth through reception of the milk
                of the Word. The third type is the carnal-willful man, the older,
                yet immature Christian, who needs restoration to fellowship, or
                the healthy condition conducive to the taking of nourishment,
                by confession of his willfulness, or sin (cf. 1 John 1:9). The
                fourth is the spiritual or mature man, who has responded to the
                milk and grown into spiritual adulthood, so that he has become
                strong and able to take the meat of the Word (1 Cor. 2:15; 3:2).
                This is the man God would have every Christian to be."—The
                New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary (New York: The
                Iversen-Norman Associates, 1971), p. 596.
                   Of the early disciples Ellen White has said: "No longer were
                they ignorant and uncultured. No longer were they a collection
                 of independent units or of discordant and conflicting elements.
                 No longer were their hopes set on worldly greatness. They were
                 of 'one accord,' of one mind and one soul. Christ filled their
                 thoughts."—Education, p. 95.

                                                                               71

                     The writer to the Hebrews quotes from Proverbs 3:11, 12 to
                   point out that a loving relationship between father and son
                   includes correction and discipline. It must be expected, there-
                   fore, that God will treat His children in the same way.
                     Discipline is never easy to take, but the results can be good.
                   (See Heb. 12:11.) The discipline given by an earthly parent can
                   be mistaken; not so that which comes from God.
                     Not all children accept the discipline of their parents. They
                   may refuse to be subject to their parents and go their own way.
                   Some people do that with God. So long as there is freedom of
                   choice on the part of an individual, discipline can fail in its
                   objectives.

                     What is the objective of divine discipline? Deut. 8:2-5.

                      Man does not always know what is best for him. But God does.
                   Therefore, in His love and mercy, He permits people to come
                   into various situations so they can learn from their experiences.
                   One thing they must learn is that they are wholly dependent
                   upon the Word of God for guidance and well-being.
                      Just as a child does not always understand why a parent
                   insists on certain forms of conduct, so we may fail to under-
                   stand why God has permitted us to pass through certain difficult
                   circumstances. In such cases we must depend on the love of
                   God, recognizing that His love and wisdom exceed those of a
                   parent. Our faith in God must not fail, and the experience borne
                   with patience will fit us to serve God and our fellowman better.

                     What is one of God's purposes for us? 2 Peter 3:9.

                     God has one basic purpose for all of us: that we may repent of
                   our sins and turn to Him for salvation. All that He does or permits
                   to happen has this one goal. We should therefore be willing to
                   accept all God's plans for us and be grateful for all His provi-
                   dences.
                     There can be serious consequences if we do not repent and
                   accept Christ as our salvation. (See Rev. 2:5.) It is always in our
                   best interest to listen to the Word of God and act accordingly.

 FURTHER STUDY       Job 5:17; Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 344-348.

                 Paul draws a parallel between the life of an athlete and the life
               of a Christian. They both seek to win in a race, and they both
               need to be "temperate in all things" (verse 25). This latter
               phrase means to go "into strict training" (NIV).
                  "A noble character is not the result of accident; it is not due to
               special favors or endowments of Providence. It is the result of
               self-discipline, of subjection of the lower to the higher nature, of
               the surrender of self to the service of God and man."—Prophets
               and Kings, p. 488.

                 How strong are the influences of the body upon the mind
               and soul?

                  "The body is a most important medium through which the
               mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of charac-
               ter. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his tempta-
               tions to the enfeebling and degrading of the physical powers....
               Intellectual power, physical stamina, and the length of life de-
               pend upon immutable laws. Through obedience to these laws,
               man may stand conqueror of himself, conqueror of his own
               inclinations, conqueror of principalities and powers, of 'the
               rulers of the darkness of this world,' and of 'spiritual wicked-
               ness in high places.' Ephesians 6:12."—Prophets and Kings,
               pp. 488, 489.

                 What is one area in which self-control needs to be exer-
               cised? Dan. 1:8.

                 The Christian observes the laws of health in matters of diet.
               He does not indulge merely in what he likes, but he makes sure
               that he gets a well-rounded and balanced diet.
                  "Daniel and his associates had been trained by their parents
               to habits of strict temperance. They had been taught that God
               would hold them accountable for their capabilities, and that
               they must never dwarf or enfeeble their powers. This education
               was to Daniel and his companions the means of their preserva-
               tion amidst the demoralizing influences of the court of
               Babylon."—Prophets and Kings, p. 482.

        Part 3   If a church member sees a fault in someone else, how
    CORRECTING should he deal with the situation?
       OTHERS
                 "If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him
               his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee,
               thou hast gained thy brother" (Matt. 18:15). (See also Matt.
               5:23, 24.)

                     Members of the church need to be sure they are doing what is
                  right themselves. If everyone did what was right, there would be
                 no problem. But this ideal does not exist. Someone is always
                 trangressing the rights of another.
                     We are counseled to take these three steps:
                     1. Go to the one who has offended and speak to him person-
                 ally. In most cases this is the end of the matter. The trouble is
                 that most people express their grievances to everyone except
                 the one concerned, and thus the matter becomes aggravated.
                     2. If the matter is not resolved in the first step, then take one
                 or two witnesses so that there will be clear evidence of the
                 grievance involved (verse 16). Very often the presence of a third
                 and fourth party will lead to a better understanding of the situa-
                 tion; and, with a little "give and take," the matter can be re-
                 solved.
                    3. But sometimes even the second step does not resolve the
                 issue, because of the deep feelings of those concerned or
                 perhaps because of a strong dose of obstinacy. The third step is
                 to take the matter to the church. A larger group is now involved
                 in hearing and judging the case. Presumably the church mem-
                 bers will be understanding and fair and will act justly as well as
                 mercifully.

                   When the guilty party will not listen to the judgment of the
                 church and act accordingly, what is the church to do? Matt.
                 18:17.

                    By rejecting the authority of the church, the guilty one obvi-
                 ously puts himself outside the circle of the church.
                    "Our Lord teaches that matters of difficulty between Chris-
                 tians are to be settled within the church. They should not be
                 opened before those who do not fear God. If a Christian is
                 wronged by his brother, let him not appeal to unbelievers in a
                 court of justice."—Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 248, 249.
                    The church member is not only responsible for his own right-
                 doing, but he is his brother's keeper as well.

 FURTHER STUDY     Gal. 6:1; James 5:16-20; Christ's Object Lessons, "The Mea-
                 sure of Forgiveness," pp. 248-251.

                 Some people are always "unruly," in the sense that they will
               not accept any rule as applying to themselves. Rebellious under
               any administration, they find fault with anything that is done.
               They cannot lead themselves, but neither will they be led. They
               are usually grumblers and complainers. At the same time they
               are great talkers. They do not keep their thoughts to themselves,
               but they must fill someone else's ears with their ideas. Usually
               they do not say anything constructive; so their talk is a waste of
               time.
                 Often people who are self-righteous are critical of the church.
               They may have some favorite idea that they harp on. They may
               be intelligent and well-read and may have researched their
               projects. But instead of pulling with the church, they pull
               against it. They pretend to want to reform the church, but in fact
               what they seem to want is for everyone else to accept their
               viewpoint.

                 What does Paul say ought to be done regarding such mem-
               bers in the church? Titus 1:11

                  Some people must be plainly advised to stop promoting their
               propaganda. Perhaps the church pastor should take the lead in
               this. But the members also have a part to play; they can decline
               to accept publications critical of God's truth. They must always
               be gentle and Christian in these matters, neither prejudging nor
               declining to recognize in themselves the possiblity of holding
               an unsound position.

                How should a person be rebuked when he causes dishar-
               mony in the church? Titus 1:13.

                 The purpose of plainly rebuking those who cause division and
               disharmony in the church is to bring them to a realization of the
               seriousness of their situation and the importance of making a
               change. Too many avoid taking disciplinary measures and
               would rather let someone else do the work. But to face wrong-
               doing squarely and call it by its right name has a strengthening
               effect on faith. It safeguards the truth and purity of the church.

                                                                              77

                   His purpose was that "they may learn not to blaspheme."
                 Discipline, even of the severest kind, is to be therapeutic in
                 nature and intent.
                   In the case of incest, the purpose of discipline was that the
                 guilty party should come to realize the seriousness of the sin
                 and forsake it. Sometimes it takes a strict measure to impress
                 upon the mind the necessity for making a change.

                   Under what conditions should severe measures sometimes
                 be taken? Matt. 5:29, 30.

                   Surgery is sometimes necessary in order to save the whole
                 body. A little pain inflicted on a member is better than the loss of
                 the whole congregation.

 FURTHER STUDY     Luke 17:3, 4; The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 303-308.

                 Mercy is not opposed to justice; it confirms it. Because mercy
               has been shown, justice is elevated all the more.
                 The Christian must guard against a haughty spirit of
               condemnation—a spirit of self-righteousness leading him to
               judge the wrongdoer. If he adopts a holier-than-thou attitude,
               he becomes as guilty before God as the one he presumes to
               judge. There are many hidden factors in every situation that
               make it difficult for any human being to judge fairly.

                 Why should the Christian be slow to judge another? 1 Cor.
               4:5.
                 Whatever goodness we have comes from God; whatever vic-
               tories we may have gained are because of His power. Therefore
               we have no cause to boast about anything we have, and we must
               relate to others in humility and meekness. This does not mean
               that we do not deal seriously with open sin, but it does mean that
               we do so with a sense of personal unworthiness. (See 2 Tim.
               2:24-26.)
                 Notice how Jesus treated the woman taken in adultery. Did
               He minimize the sinfulness of her acts by what He said? John
               8:11.
                 The woman knew that Jesus was merciful and that He under-
               stood her situation. Her heart went out in gratitude to God, and
               she wanted never to sin again. Mercy does not deny sin but
               makes the sinner stronger in his fight against sin.
                 On the other hand, human beings want to "maintain" disci-
               pline. It is often felt that if sin goes unpunished then the "law is
               slacked" (Flab. 1:4). But there is a danger in overemphasizing
               stern punishment. Hence Paul indicates that the Christian must
               be prepared to forgive. (See 2 Cor. 2:6, 7.)
                  Some want to maintain their authority and feel they are let
               down if punishment is not exacted. They are like Jonah, who
               wanted his word maintained and the people of Nineveh de-
               stroyed. But God showed him how small he was. (See Jonah
               4:1-11.)

                                                                                79

                     The objective of preaching the gospel is that men, women,
                   and children may be saved (verse 16). But not all will listen to the
                   gospel or accept it. Thus the preaching of the gospel gives
                  everyone an opportunity to decide his destiny, because the
                  alternatives are clear: salvation or damnation.
                     The preaching of the gospel has no limits. It must go to "every
                  nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (Rev. 14:6).
                  Wherever they are and wherever they go, church members are
                  to be witnesses of what Jesus has done for them. They call all to
                  repentance and promise them forgiveness in Christ's name.
                  (See Luke 24:47, 48.)
                     Not all are called to go as missionaries to foreign lands, but all
                  may have a part in the missionary enterprise by raising the
                  necessary funds to finance the undertaking. And all may be
                  witnesses in their homes and neighborhoods. Some will give up
                  the companionship of sons and daughters so that the interests
                  of missions may be served.

                    What does Christ enjoin all Christians to do? Matt. 5:16.

                     Jesus is the "true Light" (John 1:9), and He lights every man.
                  The Christian is to reflect that light. The light of God's love can
                  bring joy to people who live in the darkness of ignorance and
                  superstition. But it does not follow that people will accept the
                  light. Unfortunately, many people prefer darkness to light.

                    Why do people prefer darkness to light? John 3:19.

                     Some people do not want to change their ways. They delight
                  in doing evil. They feel that the light of the gospel may restrict
                  their freedom. They do not seem to realize that they are bound
                  by their sin and finally destined to lose their lives in bitter
                  self-condemnation. The truth makes you and me free—free to
                  enjoy an abundant life here in this world and eternal life in the
                  world to come. (See John 10:10.)
                     The preaching of the gospel is accompanied by the rite of
                  baptism for all who accept Jesus as their personal Saviour. This
                  rite symbolizes the fact that our old man of sin has been buried
                  and that a new man has risen out of the water, just as Christ was
                  raised from the dead. The Christian henceforth walks in "new-
                  ness of life" (Rom. 6:4).

 FURTHER STUDY      Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 19-29.

                  "The minds of the Bereans were not narrowed by prejudice.
                They were willing to investigate the truthfulness of the doctrines
                preached by the apostles. They studied the Bible, not from
                curiosity, but in order that they might learn what had been
                written concerning the promised Messiah. Daily they searched
                the inspired records, and as they compared scripture with scrip-
                ture, heavenly angels were beside them, enlightening their
                minds and impressing their hearts. . . .
                  "    If, in the closing scenes of earth's history, those to whom
                testing truths are proclaimed would follow the example of the
                Bereans, searching the Scriptures daily, and comparing with
                God's word the messages brought them, there would today be a
                large number loyal to the precepts of God's law, where now
                there are comparatively few."—The Acts of the Apostles, pp.
                231, 232.

                  What advice did Paul give to Timothy as a young minister?
                1 Tim. 4:13.

                   Paul was an avid reader. Only by reading and study can we
                test our beliefs. That which is written serves as a testimony that
                is safer than the oral word. It was by quoting what was written
                that Jesus overcame temptation in the wilderness. The Ten
                Commandments were written on two tables of stone, and some-
                times John the revelator was told to write down what he saw.
                (See Rev. 1:19; 2:1; 14:13; 21:5.)

                  Why were God's messages written down? Rom. 15:4.

                  The Christian who earnestly studies the Bible is strong in
                faith. As Jesus said, the Scriptures testify of Him. (See John
                5:39.)
                  The church that makes the Bible the object of its study will
                stand for truth though the heavens fall. (See 2 Tim. 2:15; Rom.
                15:4.)

                  What can the Bible do for the believer? 2 Tim. 3:15.  THINK IT THROUGH     Is the Sabbath School really important to the church? Why
                do some members not attend? What might I do about it?

           Part 3      What attitude does the Christian have toward his body?
     CARING FOR
       THE BODY       "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy
                    Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not
                    your own?" (1 Cor. 6:19).

                       Christians have a healthy respect for their bodies. They do not
                    consider that the flesh is inherently evil and must be abandoned
                    as soon as possible. They do not make an unscriptural distinc-
                    tion between soul and body. When God breathed the breath of
                    life into the nostrils of the man He had created from the dust of
                    the earth, man became a "living being" (Gen. 2:7, RSV).

                       What is Paul's testimony concerning the need for the Chris-
                    tian to keep his body under the control of the higher nature?
                    1 Cor. 9:27.

                       Because of man's fallen nature, the body wants to be pam-
                    pered; but the Christian does not let the body have its own way.
                    The body is to serve God, and the Christian dedicates his whole
                    being to God.
                      Since the body is the.temple of the Holy Spirit, and thus the
                    channel through which the Holy Spirit can be active in com-
                    municating and saving, it must be kept in a good condition. The
                    mind needs to be clear and the limbs supple and strong. Only in
                    this way can the Christian bring maximum glory to God.

                      What promise did God make to the children of Israel which
                    indicates His interest in health and freedom from disease? Ex.
                    15:26.

                       The Bible is full of good counsel regarding eating and drink-
                    ing habits. God at first provided a diet of fruits, grains, and nuts.
                    (See Gen. 1:29.) After sin, the herb of the field was added to the
                    diet (Gen. 3:18). As a result of the Flood, God permitted the use
                    of flesh food (Gen. 9:3); but this was restricted to clean meats.
                    (See Leviticus 11.) Blood was not to be eaten. (See Gen. 9:4.)
                      Common wine is intoxicating, and anything that leads to
                    drunkenness is an abomination. The drunkard is excluded from
                    the kingdom of God. (See 1 Cor. 6:9, 10.) Except as medication,
                    we are not to take anything into the body that dulls the judgment
                    or impairs our sense of right and wrong. (See Prov. 31:4, 5; Lev.
                    10:8-10.)

 FURTHER STUDY        3 John 2; Ps. 42:11; Education, pp. 202-206.

      Part 4   "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there
  LOYALTY TO is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of
 AUTHORITIES God" (Rom. 13:1).

                   It is difficult to see how a government is ordained of God when
                it engages in injustice and puts to death those who have a right
                to life. (The God of justice bestows the gift of eternal life.) All
                governments have their weaknesses because of the human
                element, yet generally speaking they are set up to be respected
                and supported except when they violate conscience.

                 What is the Christian's proper attitude toward govern-
                ments? Rom. 13:1, 2.

                   The Christian pays his taxes and contributes to public ser-
                vices. By obeying the laws of the land he avoids the arm of the
                law, which Paul describes as "the minister of God" (verse 4). He
                is not found among the lawbreakers, but is a positive influence
                for good.
                   This does not mean that the Christian is uncritical of the
                government that controls his political life. He will speak his
                mind in favor of truth and righteousness. If he knows that he has
                political or civil rights, he will ask that they be granted him, as
                when Paul claimed his rights as a Roman citizen. (See Acts
                22:25.)
                   Yet the Christian will follow the example of his Master and
                submit to injustice when necessary in giving a testimony. The
                early Christians were often placed under arrest and put in
                 prison, but such occasions brought glory to God. (See Acts
                 12:5-11; 16:25-31.)

                  Can the Christian expect that he will never be treated un-
                justly? Matt. 24:9.

                  The Christian speaks the right word at the right time and
                endures to the end (verse 13). He is promised that he will be
                given the right words to speak on every occasion if his com-
                munications are open with God. (See Matt. 10:19, 20.)

                                                                                 85

       Part 5     "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is
  CARING FOR    this, To visit the fatherless and widows In their affliction, and
 WIDOWS AND     to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).
    ORPHANS
                  To the one who thinks of religion in terms of keeping the
                commandments, this definition must come as a shock! Is not
                religion a relationship with God? Of course it is! But the closer
                one is to God and Jesus Christ, the closer he is to anyone for
                whom Christ died.

                  In what words does John bring out the close connection
                between love for God and love for man? 1 John 4:20, 21.

                   With comparative ease we may say, I love God. We feel it is the
                right thing to say, and we say it. The proof of whether we do love
                God or not is seen in whether we love our fellowman. Once
                again, it is comparatively easy to speak in generalities and say
                that we love all men. The question is, Do we love those with
                whom we come in contact every day? Are we concerned about
                their welfare? Do we work for their good? Or are there some
                who make us unhappy? Are there some we positively do not
                like?

                  How does Paul describe the way the Christian ought to
                relate to those around him? Rom. 12:13-16.

                  The Christian keeps himself unspotted from the world, but he
                does not separate himself from it. He is in the world to bring a
                knowledge of the love of God and His constant care to all those
                he meets. This is to be the witness of the church in every locality.

                  How does the psalmist describe the blessings that come to
                the one who Is considerate of the poor? Ps. 41:1-3.

                  Some people find it difficult to give, but this is only an evi-
                dence that they do not have the spirit of Christ. (See Acts 20:35.)
                The Bible speaks out against those who are inconsiderate of the
                poor. (See Prov. 21:13.) Helping others should not be limited to
                those who have money. Peter said he had no money, but he had
                something infinitely more valuable to give. (See Acts 3:6.)

       Part 6     What injunction is given parents regarding their children?
   TRAINING
  THE YOUTH       "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old,
                he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6).

                  Children are "an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3). They are
                not only a blessing to the parents, but a responsibility. Parents
                who neglect their children or abuse them will someday have to
                answer to God.

                  Notice the way Jesus expressed His concern for children
                and emphasized the importance of caring for their spiritual
                interests. Matt. 19:14.

                  The importance of children to the well-being of society and
                their place in worship is not always realized. Their training is
                often neglected while parents pursue other interests. But no
                investment produces greater results than that of spending time
                with children and answering their many questions. Mother
                wants to talk with her neighbors and friends. Father wants to
                read the newspaper or indulge in his hobbies. In such situations
                children go off and play by themselves, and perhaps they will
                learn many things it would be better they not know.

                 With what words has the psalmist indicated that children
                may be a source of strength? Ps. 8:2.

                   Jesus quoted this text to the Jewish leaders when they were
                displeased by the welcome the children gave Him as He rode
                into Jerusalem. (See Matt. 21:16.) Often we think children are
                not old enough to understand or to make decisions or to take a
                leading part in church activities. But parents should know how
                often children can be surprisingly wise and understanding.
                   The church that has many children in its midst is obviously a
                growing church, because one day the boys and girls will be able
                to make their decisions for Christ and join the family of God. But
                the church must be sure that everything is done to keep the little
                ones within the fold. In modern society it is not easy, nor is it
                often practical, for parents to teach their own children. The
                 church must provide a school in which the principles of the
                Bible are taught by precept and practice. This is the basis of a
                 church school system. Only that church which teaches the
                 importance of Christian education lives up to its fullest respon-
                 sibilities.

                                                                               87

          Part 1     According to Paul, how should all the services of the church
         A GOD     be conducted?
      OF ORDER
                     "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Cor. 14:40).

                     The reason for this, says Paul, is that "God is not the author of
                   confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints"
                   (verse 33).
                     A study of these verses in context indicates that Paul was not
                   pleased with the worship services in Corinth. With no previous
                   planning, everyone felt free to get up and have his say in the
                   midst of the congregation. (See verse 26.)

                     What are some of the sound principles of church order laid
                   down by Paul?

                      1. Worship services must make sense so that visitors coming
                   in can understand what is being said and done (verse 23).
                      2. Whatever is said should be understandable to those who
                   listen and should bring home the truths of the Bible (verse 24).
                      3. Visitors should be impressed that God meets with His
                   people in the worship service.
                      4. The purpose of all worship is that the members may be
                   strengthened (verse 26), encouraged, and instructed (verse 27).
                      5. When anyone speaks, the rest must remain silent. There
                   must be order in the presentation of the message from God
                   (verses 29-31).

                     To what authorities is Paul prepared to appeal in support of
                   his own authority for the counsel he is giving the church?
                   1 Cor. 14:37.

                     Church services are not occasions when people are to come
                   and display their talents, ask their personal questions, or ignore
                   what anyone else says while they do their talking. The church
                   service must bring honor to God by being orderly, and it must
                   meet the needs of the people by being clear and understand-
                   able.
                     Paul's words regarding women and their part in the church
                   service must be understood in the context of the church in
                   Corinth. In some places today women ordinarily do not take the
                   lead in religious services. Their doing so could cause misun-
                   derstandings and negative response to the gospel.

 FURTHER STUDY       John 20:6, 7; The Desire of Ages, p. 789; Patriarchs and
                   Prophets, pp. 374-376; The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 95, 96.

                  Jethro could see that the task of judging the people according
                to the law of God was too much for one man. Moses and the
                people were spending long days in careful deliberation of a
                multitude of matters. Moses needed to get organized!

                  What sound counsel suggests that by the distribution of
                responsibility more work could be done in less time? Ex.
                18:19-26.

                  This did not mean that Moses shirked responsibility; he still
                had to review important cases. But at least other matters could
                be settled in lesser courts, and thus time and strength were
                saved. It speaks well of Moses that he was willing to listen to
                counsel from his father-in-law and to act accordingly.

                  What provision was made for order in the sanctuary ser-
                vices? Lev. 1:1; 4:1; 6:1; 8:1; 11:1.

                   God gave Moses instructions asto how the various services of
                the sanctuary were to be conducted. God was the real Leader in
                the wilderness, and the children of Israel were to follow instruc-
                tions carefully. God uses men as His instruments to carry out His
                purposes, and in every phase of activity there is to be a well-
                thought-out plan.
                   It is the same with the church. God is the true Leader, and
                when the appointed human leaders in the church are in close
                touch with God regarding their responsibilities, everything is
                done efficiently and in order.

                   How closely did Jesus work with His Father in planning His
                life and teaching? John 5:30; 8:28.

                   "Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He
                accepted God's plans for Him, and day by day the Father un-
                folded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives
                may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our
                ways to Him, He will direct our steps."—The Ministry of Healing,
                p. 479.

         Parl 3    What figure of speech does Paul use to describe his ideal
         GOD'S for what Timothy ought to be as a Christian?
         ARMY
                   "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of
                Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:3).

                    A popular hymn sung in the church begins:
                      "Onward Christian soldiers! marching as to war,
                      With the cross of Jesus going on before."
                                          —The Church Hymnal, no. 360.
                    The metaphor is a striking one because it is so apt. The
                 following is also true:
                      "Crown and thrones have perished, kingdoms ruled and
                        waned,
                      But the church of Jesus constant has remained.
                      Gates of hell can never 'gainst that church prevail;
                      We have Christ's own promise, that can never fail."
                    Everyone knows that an army is supposed to be well-
                 organized. There is to be order and discipline, planning and
                 strategy, one who leads and one who follows.

                   In what ways does Paul use this figure of speech to apply to
                 the church? 2 Tim. 2:4.

                     Paul points out two areas in which there are close similarities:
                     1. Every soldier has a commanding officer, and every
                 member of the church has Jesus Christ as his Head.
                     2. Just as a soldier concentrates on his soldiering because he
                 has been called to it, so the church member gives top priority to
                 his church responsibilities.
                     How is this warfare waged? Paul exemplified it in his own life.
                 At first he fought against the church, using political pressure
                 and violent measures. (See Gal. 1:13.) But on the way to Damas-
                 cus he was converted, and from then on he proved himself to be
                 the greatest missionary and the greatest theologian the world
                 has ever seen among men, apart from Christ. He dedicated his
                 life to one purpose—preaching the gospel. (See 1 Cor. 9:16.) He
                 endured hardness as a good soldier, being filled with and
                 guided by the Holy Spirit. No wonder he could say, "I have
                 fought a good fight" (2 Tim. 4:7).
                    Paul has been accompanied by a whole host of Christians
                 who have fought the battle for truth. Can you name some of
                 them?

 FURTHER STUDY     Judges 7; Education, pp. 271, 295-297.

      Part 4   Think upon how Jesus felt as He sent forth His first disci-
JESUS SENDS pies.
  DISCIPLES
               "He called unto him the twelve, and began to send them
             forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean
             spirits" (Mark 6:7).
                   Why did Jesus choose just twelve to be closest to Him? Is the
                number possibly related to the twelve tribes of Israel? We may
                not know the answer, but we do know that the New Jerusalem
                has twelve foundations and names of the apostles are written on
                them. (See Rev. 21:14.) Jesus told the Twelve that they would
                judge the twelve tribes. (See Matt: 19:28.)
                   We note that Jesus sent out His disciples two by two. Here is
                order and organization. We do not know for sure which of the
                disciples went together, but doubtless the combination was for
                a purpose.
                   Furthermore, Jesus gave them the power they needed to do
                their work. In succeeding verses in this chapter we learn of
                detailed instructions given to the disciples. There is an or-
                ganized group going out to do a specific task, a Leader, and
                those who, do what He commands.
                   Here we" see in embryo how the church operates. It moves
                forward in an orderly fashion. A congregation may be large or
                 small, but it always addresses itself to a task and then proceeds
                 to do its work with dispatch and efficiency.

                  What experience in the Old Testament illustrates how a
                group under God's control can accomplish an important pur-
                pose in spite of small numbers? Judges 7:2-15.

                  The success of the church is not dependent on large num-
                bers. It is dependent on dedication and a faith that God can
                work through few as well as through many. (See 1 Sam. 14:6.)
                  "Man needs a power outside of and beyond himself, to re-
                store him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do the work
                of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential.
                Humanity lays hold upon divine power, Christ dwells in the heart
                by faith; and through co-operation with the divine, the power of
                man becomes efficient for good.
                   "He who called the fishermen of Galilee is still calling men to
                His service. And He is just as willing to manifest His power
                through us as through the first disciples. However imperfect
                and sinful we may be, the Lord holds out to us the offer of
                partnership with Himself, of apprenticeship to Christ."—The
                Desire of Ages, pp. 296, 297.

                     Paul recognized that it was not enough just to have groups of
                  Christians wherever he preached the gospel. These groups
                  needed to be organized into continuing communities, each with
                  its own elder. He had not had time to work out the details of
                  organization, but he left Titus to do this.
                     Is it obvious today that when a church is formed, there must
                  be recognized leadership? Someone must take the initiative,
                  calling the group together and arranging for the various needs
                  of the members. For instance, there needs to be a place to meet
                  for worship, and everyone needs to know where that place is.
                  Someone must arrange a time for each meeting—a time that
                  suits the majority. We are not referring now to the day of wor-
                  ship. But will the Sabbath worship services take place in the
                  morning or in the afternoon? What about times for prayer?
                  What about the communion service? Who will be responsible
                  for the offerings? What about prayer for the sick? (See James
                  5:14.) What about the widows and the poor in their midst?
                     Who will represent the group as delegates if there is a call for
                  a general council? How will the delegates be selected? These
                  will be some of the concerns of the local church, and doubtless
                  a new group would be interested in the experience of other
                  groups in order to organize themselves in the best possible way.
                  Titus was no doubt a resource person in this respect.

                    What other important matters must be cared for by the local
                  church? 1 Cor. 9:13, 14.

                      God made provision for the support of the Levites through the
                  tithes, and God has provided that the gospel ministry shall be
                  supported by the tithe today.
                      Some may be self-supporting missionaries or ministers, just
                  as Paul was able to support himself at certain times by tentmak-
                  ing or by personal means. But this is not the rule. Jesus
                  suggested that the disciples stay at the homes of those who
                  received them and thus enjoy their hospitality. No doubt Titus,
                  while on Crete, was often invited into different homes for board
                  and lodging. But the ministry is on a much sounder basis when
                  it is supported by the tithe according to God's plan.

 FURTHER STUDY      1 Timothy 3, 4; Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 617-621.

      Part 6      What situation in the temple at Jerusalem led Jesus to
  ORGANIZED, strong action?
   BUT DEAD
             "When he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them
             all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured
             out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables" (John
             2:15).

                  The services at the temple in Jerusalem had ceased to be
                worshipful. The place that was to be a house of prayer had
                become a "house of merchandise" (verse 16).
                  The need for sacrifices to be"offered in the temple was un-
                questioned. God had provided for these in the sanctuary ser-
                vice. Those who came from long distances to worship at the
                Passover would not be able to bring their animals with them.
                Hence the need for the purchase of sheep and oxen in
                Jerusalem.
                  Offerings for the temple were also a part of worship. But the
                Jews decided that only the temple shekel would be accepted for
                this purpose or for the purchase of sacrifices. People coming
                from far away would have to change their currency in order to
                have an appropriate offering. Thus a money changer was
                necessary.

                  In what ways may organization and ritual detract from the
                spirit of worship?

                  When organization hinders the prime purpose of the church,
                then organization must be set aside. The sole purpose of or-'
                ganization is to enable the church to function efficiently.
                  "Evil does not result because of organization, but because of
                making organization everything, and vital godliness of little
                moment. When form and machinery take the pre-eminence, and
                a laborious task is made of carrying on the work that should be
                done with simplicity, evil will result, and little will be ac-
                complished in proportion to the effort put forth."—
                Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 253.       •
                   "Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close
                of time, every child of God will act independently of any reli-
                gious organization. But I have been instructed by the Lord that
                in this work there is no such thing as every man's being inde-
                pendent. The stars of heaven are all under law."—Testimonies
                to Ministers, p. 489.

                                                                               95

                    From beginning to end, the life of Jesus was one of service. He
                  told His disciples that they were to follow His example. They
                  would be very different from the world, because the world con-
                  fused greatness with authority, while the disciples were to rec-
                  ognize that true greatness consisted in service. (See verses
                  25-27.)

                    What powers go with position in worldly organization?

                     "In the kingdoms of the world, position meant self-
                  aggrandizement. The people were supposed to exist for the
                  benefit of the ruling classes. . . .
                    "Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles.
                  He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear
                  the infirmities of the weak. Power, position, talent, education,
                  placed their possessor under the greater obligation to serve his
                  fellows. . . .
                    " . . . The principle on which Christ acted [practicing self-
                  denial] is to actuate the members of the church which is His
                  body."—The Desire of Ages, p. 550.

                    Note the principles on which Paul built his ministry. 1 Cor.
                  9:19; 10:33.

                     Paul recognized that he was free to do what he liked with his
                  life, and that is a freedom that exists for everyone. But he chose
                  to be a servant. He had only one objective—to bring salvation to
                  his fellowmen. So he did not consult his own interests, but
                  theirs. He adapted himself to all kinds of people so that he might
                  be a blessing to them. He knew that he could not compel anyone
                  to accept the truth of the gospel, but he also knew that he could
                  not go on living his life without considering the needs of those
                  around him. This meant a certain amount of self-discipline. (See
                  1 Cor. 9:27.) But it was a price he was prepared to pay because,
                  not only was he a servant of those in need, but he was a "servant
                  [also bondservant or slave] of Jesus Christ" (Rom. 1:1).
                     Here then is an important characteristic of the church. It
                  stands as a symbol of service to mankind, because it is a group
                  of people who are slaves of Jesus Christ—slaves by choice, in
                  gratitude.

 FURTHER STUDY      Luke 17:7-10; The Desire of Ages, pp. 642-651.

                  "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of
                honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we
                may appoint over this business" (Acts 6:3).

                   The church not only grew in size, but some cultural/racial
                tensions troubled the administration (verse 1). The church
                leadership had to be expanded to meet the situation. The apos-
                tles wanted to devote themselves to the preaching of the Word
                and caring for spiritual interests. Yet the divided groups of
                widows in the church had to be cared for, and someone had to
                make sure that in meeting their needs there was justice and fair
                distribution.
                   This was a problem that had not existed before. The situation
                required changes in administration. Could this be effected
                quietly and efficiently? The results indicate that the right moves
                were made. (See verse 7.) The church must always be prepared,
                under the Spirit's leading, to make changes of policy as new
                situations arise.
                   Note the following points to be drawn from this recorded
                experience:
                   1. We must not be surprised if sometimes there are injustices
                 or inconsistencies in the church. After all, the church has a very
                 human element about it! (See verse 1.)
                   2. On this occasion it appears that the whole church was
                 called together to consider the problem. (See verse 2.)
                   3. Appeal was made to reason regarding responsibilities that
                 needed to be carried. Spiritual priorities must not be laid aside
                 for the sake of temporal needs (verse 2).
                   4. The whole church was asked to recommend seven men
                 who could be relied on to undertake the task of serving tables.
                 Such men would be called deacons or church administrators
                 today.
                   5. The church was willing to undertake this task, and certain
                 men were named for the office and were brought before the
                 apostles for their blessing and ordination.
                   6. The church continued to expand, and we know that two of
                 the seven later distinguished themselves—Stephen by being
                 the first Christian martyr, and Philip by evangelizing Samaria
                 and baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch.
                    Thus the church must always be ready to modify its structure
                 in order to fulfill its primary responsibilities.

                   The NEB translates this verse: "To equip God's people for
                work in his service, to the building up of the body of Christ."
                   These two versions combine two propositions that are ex-
                pressed in the KJV as follows: (1) "for the perfecting of the
                saints" and (2) "for the work of the ministry." Many scholars feel
                that the two propositions should be combined so that one is
                accomplished to make the other possible.
                   With this understanding it is clear that the gift of leadership
                cited in the previous verse (verse 11) is for training members to
                serve. But do the leaders in our churches do this?

                  Is it possible that in too many churches there has been a
                division between the leaders (the "clergy") and the other
                members (the "laity")?

                    At times, leaders have undertaken to do all the work, as the
                members have chosen to sit as spectators. But this is not the
                plan outlined in Scripture. Nor was it the practice of the early
                church.
                    That church grows in which the minister leads and trains the
                laity how to work. This may mean more effort on the part of the
                minister, who may find it easier to do the work himself. But
                God's plan is to give gifts to some who will teach others how to
                engage in service for the building up of the body of Christ.
                    The root meaning of the Greek word for "equip" (NEB) or
                "perfection" (KJV) has to do with resetting a broken limb or
                mending a net. "The basic idea of the word is that of putting a
                thing or a person into the condition in which he or it ought to be.
                It is the function of the office-bearers of the Church to see that
                the members of the Church are so educated, so helped, so
                guided, so cared for, so sought out when they go astray, that
                they become what they ought to be. The office-bearer of the
                Church holds his office, not for his own honour, but for the help
                he can give his fellow-members within the Church."—William
                Barclay, Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians (Philadelphia:
                The Westminster Press, 1958), p. 176.

                   Leaders in the church are not self-appointed; their calling is
                from Christ. He has chosen and appointed them. They are then
                available according to need.
                   Church office is very different from positions held in the
                world. In the world a man may choose the type of work he wants
                to do. He will train for it and then do it as opportunity comes his
                way. But in the church, effective leadership comes only when
                Christ is in control and His will is done.

                  What are the primary gifts of the Spirit in the life of the
                church?
                   Apostles: "Their office was the most important to which
                human beings had ever been called, second only to that of
                Christ Himself. They were to be workers together with God for
                the saving of men. As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs
                stood as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles stand
                as representatives of the gospel church."—The Acts of the
                Apostles, p. 19.
                   The New Testament tells us of others who were apostles
                besides the Twelve. Paul was an apostle (1 Cor. 9:1). So were
                Barnabas, Apollos, Timothy and others. Paul refers to James,
                the Lord's brother, as one (Gal. 1:19). Most of the apostles were
                those who had seen Jesus and were witnesses of His resurrec-
                tion. (See Acts 1:21, 22.) Paul could claim to have seen Jesus
                and to have been convinced of the resurrection. (See Phil. 3:10.)
                The root meaning of the word apostle is "one who is sent"—a
                messenger.
                   Prophets: A prophet is one who speaks for God. He does not
                necessarily foretell the future, but he may do so as he delivers
                God's messages. Jesus warned that there would be many false
                prophets in the last days. (See Matt. 24:11.) But the remnant
                church will be marked by the gift of prophecy.
                   Evangelists: An evangelist is a bearer of the good news of the
                 gospel. Philip was an evangelist in Samaria (Acts 8:5; 21:8). Paul
                 urged Timothy to do the work of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5). An
                evangelist today is one who concentrates on taking the gospel
                 to those outside the church.
                   Pastors and teachers: It is interesting that these two offices
                 should be placed together. It suggests that the pastor needs to
                 be a teacher, and the teacher needs to be a pastor.

       Part 5     Note the care with which leaders were appointed in
  ELDERS AND    churches raised up by Paul.
   A COUNCIL
                  "When they had ordained them elders in every church, and
                had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on
                whom they believed" (Acts 14:23).

                  The elders were not to constitute a hierarchy to dominate the
                church. They were commended to the Lord, on whom they
                believed and from whom they would receive direction and help.
                The connection between member and Lord, officer and Lord, is
                always open, always vital. The church finds its unity, not in
                organization, but in a relationship to Christ. And it is the spirit of
                Christ—the spirit of service—that prevails.

                  When the church was faced with a problem of doctrine and
                practice, how did it proceed to find a solution? Acts 15:2.

                   Read Acts 15:1-35 for the whole story. Note the following
                aspects:
                   1. The problem is not a simple one, because backgrounds
                and biases come into play.
                   2. Lengthy arguments are used on both sides, but this does
                not solve the problem.
                   3. The issue is ultimately the concern of the whole church.
                   4. Delegates are chosen, sent, and received. Apostles and
                elders are present, and speeches are made.
                   5. James sums up the arguments and proposes a solution.
                   "The council moved in accordance with the dictates of en-
                lightened judgment, and with the dignity of a church estab-
                lished by the divine will. As a result of their deliberations they all
                saw that God Himself had answered the question at issue by
                bestowing upon the Gentiles the Holy Ghost; and they realized
                that it was their part to follow the guidance of the Spirit.
                   "The entire body of Christians was not called upon to vote
                upon the question. The 'apostles and elders,' men of influence
                and judgment, framed and issued the decree, which was
                thereupon generally accepted by the Christian churches. Not
                all, however, were pleased with the decision."—The Acts of the
                Apostles, p. 196.

       Part 6   What type of leader did Jesus say we should not follow in all
      FALSE respects?
    LEADERS
                "All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that ob-
              serve and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and
              do not" (Matt. 23:3).

                   Read the whole of chapter 23. Notethe marks of a bad leader:
                   1. He is concerned about show and wants to be seen of men
                in places of honor and to be called by honorific titles (verses
                5-7).
                   2. He does not go into the kingdom himself, and he hinders
                others from doing. so (verse 13).
                   3. He profits from the poor and needy, but he says long
                prayers to suggest that he is pious (verse 14).
                   4. He is apparently zealous for the salvation of men and
                exerts himself a good deal in this respect, but the result of his
                work does not promote the work of God (verse 15).
                   5. His teaching does not stand up to reason (verses 16-22).
                   6. He is so legalistic in his interpretation of what is right and
                wrong that in the end he insists on minute details but overlooks
                gross breaches of the law (verses 23-26).
                   7. He rejects God's messages of truth and persecutes those
                who want to do what is right (verses 34, 35).
                    Will leaders in the church have any of these characteristics?
                Not if they have the grace of God in their hearts. But there is
                always the danger that the church will become so in-
                 stitutionalized that it ceases to represent God and His activity.
                Instead of being shepherds of the flock, the ministers will be
                 hirelings who run away in time of danger and fail to do the work
                 they have agreed to do.

                  By contrast, how are God's chosen leaders to act? 1 Peter
                4:10, 11.

                   "It is as if Peter said, 'When you are engaged in Christian
                service, you must not do it or give it as if you were conferring a
                personal favour, or distributing bounty from your own store, but
                in the consciousness that what you give, you first received from
                God.' Such an attitude preserves the giver from all pride and the
                gift from all humiliation."—William Barclay, The Letters of
                James and Peter (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1960),
                p. 304.
                   What a difference it would make to the church today if every-
                thing done in it were done to the glory of God.

                   The previous chapter records Jesus' description of condi-
                tions that will exist in the world just before His coming. It is at
                just such a time that the principles in the parable of the ten
                virgins are particularly applicable.

                  What fact regarding the time of Christ's coming makes it
                important for God's people to be watching at all times? Matt.
                25:13.

                   The virgins are to have their lamps ready. The Word of God is a
                lamp that enables them to know how and where their feet are to
                tread. (See Ps. 119:105.) The oil is the Holy Spirit. (Compare
                Zech. 4:1-14.) God has supplied the lamp and the oil as well.
                   "Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word is of no
                avail. The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit,
                cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart. One may be
                familiar with the commands and promises of the Bible; but
                unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will
                not be transformed. Without the enlightenment of the Spirit,
                men will not be able to distinguish truth from error, and they will
                fall under the masterful deceptions of Satan.
                   "The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypo-
                crites. They have a regard for the truth, they have advocated the
                truth, they are attracted to those who believe the truth; but they
                have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working."—
                Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 408, 411.

                  Contemplate Jesus' warning that those who seem nearest
                to the kingdom are not always those who will enter it. Matt.
                8:11, 12.

                   Read Matthew 8:5-10. The centurion had shown implicit faith
                in the power of Jesus to heal, not by a magical touch or a
                so-called charismatic presence, but merely by His word. (Con-
                trast Naaman the leper; 2 Kings 5:11.) This kind of faith must
                exist among God's people in the last days.

                   When Jesus was crucified on Friday, the early disciples were
                without hope. Only when they were convinced that He had risen
                from the dead did new life surge through them. Only when they
                could see that the whole Old Testament had pointed to a suffer-
                ing Messiah did they begin to hope. (See Luke 24:25-27.)
                   The Christian hope centers in the second coming of Christ. It
                matters not what life's experiences may be here on earth. They
                may be pleasant or unpleasant. It is the future that counts. Peter
                says that he can now look forward to "an inheritance that can
                never perish" (1 Peter 1:4, NIV). It is safely kept in heaven, not
                only for him, but for us. Furthermore, through faith we are
                shielded by God's power "until the coming of the salvation that
                is ready to be revealed in the last time" (verse 5, NIV). And
                because of this we can all be happy, regardless of the cir-
                cumstances through which we have to pass (verse 6).

                   In writing to Titus, Paul speaks of the Christian's hope and
                its consequences. Titus 2:12, 13.

                  As a blessed hope it teaches us "to say 'No' to ungodliness
                and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and
                godly lives in this present age" (verse 12, NIV).
                  The church member dedicates himself wholly to the princi-*-
                ples of God's righteousness. He wants nothing to do with the
                ways of this world, because he belongs to another kingdom—
                one that will never pass away.

                  Do you recognize the pilgrim nature of the Christian life as
                expressed in Hebrews 13:14?

                  The church member is willing to wait for God's plans to work
                out. They will always be for the best. Men of faith in the past did
                not receive the fulfillment of the promises, and we today may
                not either, but the time will come when God will make all things
                perfect. (See Heb. 11:39, 40.)

                                                                               107

                  This old world, sin-cursed as it is, cannot continue forever.
                The time will come when God will destroy sin and all that has
                been affected by it. By that time everyone will have had an
                opportunity to decide his fate. God will have vindicated His
                name and character of love, and sin will have been seen to be
                the destructive and cruel element it certainly is. Those who have
                chosen sin have by now become so involved in it that they
                cannot be distinguished from it. As in the case of Satan, there is
                no further room for mercy. It is a mercy that they are destroyed
                and that the world is cleansed from the defilement of sin.

                 Until that time comes, how does Paul describe creation?
                Rom. 8:19-23.

                  Paul is aware of the glories to come. He knows that we are
                children of God and therefore "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with
                Christ" (verse 17). But meanwhile there is a groaning and a
                longing for change. Not only do human beings want a change,
                but the whole creation is involved.

                  Note the way the writer to the Hebrews describes the hope
                that is set before the Christian. Heb. 6:19.

                   The symbol is that of an anchor which steadies the ship in the
                time of storm and keeps it from running before the wind. Some
                people are unsteady. They are moved by every wind of doctrine.
                (See Eph. 4:14.) They are easily deceived, easily upset. One can
                never be sure of the direction they are taking. They cannot be
                depended on to steer a steady course in life. James likens such a
                person to a wave of the sea. He has no strong faith as a steady-
                ing influence. By contrast, the Christian has a hope that does
                not waver. He knows that it is based on the promises of God, and
                God cannot lie. (See Heb. 6:16-18.)
                  Thus the church of the last days has a faith in God that cannot
                be shaken; and even when the last great dramatic changes take
                place in nature, church members will not be afraid but will know
                that God's Word is being fulfilled.

                   There is no sorrow greater than that which comes with the
                passing away of a loved one. But the Christian has hope. The
                loved one has not gone forever. Because Christ has risen from
                the dead, the portals of death can be opened. In fact, says Paul,
                the time is coming when there will be a resurrection of the
                righteous. It will be at the time of the second coming.
                   This gives great comfort for the present. A time of reunion is
                coming, when we will be caught up with all saints to meet the
                Lord in the air and to be with Christ forevermore (verse 17).

                  How universal will be the knowledge of Christ's second
                coming? Rev. 1:7.

                   The voice of the archangel and the sound of the trumpet will
                be heard. Clouds of angels will be seen. The advent will be as
                lightning that shines from the east to the west. (See Matt. 24:27.)
                Graves will open, and the righteous dead will arise. What an
                advent that will be! The human mind cannot grasp it, nor can the
                imagination comprehend it. For some it will be a frightening
                moment. For others it will be a moment of great joy. For the
                church it will be the climax of the ages.

                  What other important change takes place at the second
                advent? 1 Cor. 15:51-58.

                  Death is a great enemy now. But at the second advent, death
                will be swallowed up in victory.
                   This corruptible flesh will be replaced by something incor-
                ruptible. The present mortal state will be changed to that which
                is immortal.
                   John has been cited on the wide impact of the advent. He also
                says we shall be like our Lord, seeing Him as He is. Because of
                this hope we now seek to be pure even as our Lord is pure. (See
                1 John 3:2, 3.)
                   The church thus looks forward to the second coming and
                meanwhile seeks to do God's will and to be covered by Jesus'
                merits. By this means its members may indeed qualify to be
                among the redeemed.

                  John the revelator looks down to the end of time and sees the
                saints rejoicing because there is to be a wedding involving the
                Lamb and the New Jerusalem—the home of the saints. John
                explains that the linen in verse 8 stands for the righteousness of
                the saints. Then he adds: "Blessed are those who are invited to
                the wedding supper of the Lamb!" (verse 9, MV).

                  What parable did Jesus relate which gives us further details
                about the marriage supper of the Lamb? Matt. 22:1-14.

                  Three invitations are sent out to call people to the wedding:
                The first was when Jesus and His disciples announced to the
                Jewish people that the kingdom of heaven was at hand—that
                people should repent and believe the gospel. Unfortunately, the
                vast majority of the people and the Jewish leaders did not
                respond With gratitude; they rejected the invitation.
                  The second went out in the power of the Holy Spirit after
                Pentecost. But once again the invitation was rejected, and the
                bearers of the message were persecuted and put to death.
                  The third invitation is addressed to the Gentiles; and the
                gospel is preached to every nation, kindred, tongue, and
                people.

                  What destiny-settling counsel is given to the church of
                Laodicea? Rev. 3:18.

                    "This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one
                thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a
                perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to
                us."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 311.
                   To accept the wedding invitation is a great privilege. To reject
                it is also a terrible disaster. (See Matt. 22:7.) Accepting the
                invitation means also accepting God's standards for us in His
                plan of salvation. This does not involve any hardship for us; but
                if we do not take advantage of our opportunities, we may be like
                the man without the wedding garment who was "speechless"
                before the king.

                  The New Jerusalem is described as "the bride, the Lamb's
               wife" (verse 9). It is the capital of that kingdom which Jesus
               receives from the "Ancient of days," as described in Daniel 7:13,
               14. It is a kingdom that will never pass away, in which peace and
               righteousness will prevail.

                What are some of the conditions that will exist in the earth
               made new? Rev. 21:3, 4.

                  "In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called 'a country.'
               Heb. 11:14-16. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to
               fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every
               month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the
               nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and
               beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths
               prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-spread-
               ing plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God
               rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those
               living streams, God's people, so long pilgrims and wanderers,
               shall find a home."—The Great Controversy, p. 675.

                 Savor the poetic words with which Isaiah contrasts what will
               exist then with what exists today. Isa. 11:6-9.

                   "One reminder [of sin] alone remains: Our Redeemer will ever
               bear the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head,
               upon His side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel
               work that sin has wrought."—The Great Controversy, p. 674.
                   "The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more.
               The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and glad-
               ness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all,
               flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of
               illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world,
               all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty
               and perfect joy, declare that God is love."—The Great Con-
               troversy, p. 678.

                                                                                111

                           First Lesson
         THE CHURCH FALLEN AND REDEEMED
                  Memory Text, Gen. 1:31.
            1. Meeting Man's Need (Gen. 2:18)
            2. Freedom of Choice (Josh. 24:15)
        3. The Burden of Disobedience (Rom. 5:12)
             4. Saviour From Sin (Matt. 1:21)
        5. Bruising the Serpent's Head (Gen. 3:15)
            6. The Ascending Lord (Acts 1:3, 9)



                      Second Lesson
                        THEN JESUS CAME
                     Memory Text, Gen. 49:10.
                 1. The Promised One (Isa. 9:6, 7)
                      2. No Room (Luke 2:7)
                3. Peace to Men (Luke 2:9, 13, 14)
                   4. Saved to Save (Matt. 2:16)
                  5. His Blood Avails (Gal. 2:20)
                 6. Newness of Life (Rom. 6:3, 4)




               Lessons in 3raille The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in Braille and 16 2/3 rpm records to blind and physically handicapped persons who cannot read normal inkprint. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.

 REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

                                                        sm
                    TURKEY
                                                          •

    )    LIBYA             EGYPT




                 SUDAN




                                                                                         Ca
                                                                                        C
                                                                                        C

                                        East African        27,599,000       728     142,372   234,914
                                        Ethiopian          '35,305,000       87      32,151    63,342
                                        Middle East         191.766.000      34      2.674     1,806
                                        Tanzania            17.552.000       244     40,055    58,144
                                        Division Totals     272.222,000      1.093   217,252 358,208
                                        Figures es of fourth quarter, 1979