CALENDAR:May 16th to June 15th, 1920.
Daily Bible Reading
May 16th, Rom. 5; May 31st, 1 Cor. 4; June 15th, 2 Cor. 3
Memory Work……………………Ephesians 4:1-16
Good Reading.. C. H. M.'s Notes on Leviticus, pp. 277 to end.
Monthly Question:-Does the epistle of James conflict wither contradict Romans on the subject of Justification ? Consider the difference in teaching, examples adduced, and view-point of each epistle.
In our reading of " Leviticus" C. H. M.'s remarks impressed me, " It is to be feared that many who read the Bible do not digest the Word . . . Let us beware of reading the Bible as a dead form-a cold duty-a religious routine." May faith, appropriation for oneself, cordial assent, reverence, obedience, be the elements entering into our Bible reading and study, and it will become a delight.
In reading Acts did you note its importance as a link between the Epistles and the Gospels ? Without it there would be a distinct blank, a gap, and no adequate explanation of the transition. It is the link which binds the new order and its ministry with that of the Lord when here. First, it shows a continuation of what He began to do and teach, and a fulfilment of certain things He had declared. Secondly, it shows the link with the testimony of preceding ages. Thirdly, it introduces to what was never known before, but thus it proves that all is of one divine whole, a perfect unity of revelation from Moses down to Paul, to whom it was given to complete the Word of God. I wonder if you noted the large number of references to the Old Testament. I think it is the New Testament book which has the greatest number of such references ; Matthew being a close second. The presence and power of the Spirit are very evident both in individuals and the assembly, while also the opposition of the world, politically, religiously and commercially, is manifest.
This month we will read together two very important epistles:Romans, which treats principally of our individual condition and place before God, and 1 Cor. which treats of our corporate relations in the assembly-its order, discipline, ministry and teaching.
I trust you have, and will continue to jot down an outline of your Daily Reading portion; for it helps much to fix the subjects and teachings of the Word in your mind and heart. A helpful illustration of this was given in the Feb. issue.
I should like to say a word to you about our memory work and good reading, but space forbids, so I must leave them with the earnest hope that you will profit much from this month's work.
FRAGMENT A young brother writes:" How thankful we can be to the Lord for giving Himself as the Bread of Life to feed upon. While the days are passing by, Jesus' love is growing sweeter, and soon we shall be in His presence to enjoy Him to the full." Amen, say we.
I am going to give a partial list of the places where we have workers. It may seem strange, but it is hard to get some to report, although they are going on with the work. Some places have Young People's Meetings, but give no account of how they are getting on. I hear indirectly that they are having nice meetings, but nothing direct comes from them. Once more, I am going to ask each one to send a few lines to let us know what you are doing, and then we will have our list. Let the letters come promptly.
Opportunities and Responsibilities
The silence along this line has at last been broken, and we have several contributions all at once, two of which follow. I hope more will be forthcoming. The exchange of our varied experiences cannot fail to be helpful and suggestive.
"You never asked Mothers to write. Didn't you think we belonged to Y. B. D ? .. I think you will be [interested to know of some of the ways to serve Christ at home. During this winter I have not been able to leave the house very much, but still there have been a few means of service. One of my neighbors was very ill, and I was able to do little jobs for her, and occasionally say a word for the Saviour. We got her to the meeting one night. Shortly after, business compelled them to move to another city, but she asked for the address of our meeting. Since then she has written me a lovely letter saying she has accepted Christ as her Saviour. She is now praying for the salvation of her three young boys. At present I am burdened about a very old man, also a neighbor. He is too deaf to speak to at any length, but I have sent for some large print tracts in his own language. Then I am also able to give away a few tracts to the shop-men, post-men, etc. Last, but not least, I have the responsibility of my own little boy, whom I trust the Lord will save in his very early years. . . I have kept up fairly well with all the assigned work of the Y. B. D."
FRAGMENT " The office holds many opportunities for witnessing for Christ, but it also has its times of testing. Large offices, in particular, make a person "show their colors." There are so many little gatherings for some special purpose, and, whereas the motive may be entirely all right, still, if one is really living for Christ, they will realize that they cannot be linked up in any way whatever with fellow-workers, for that is merely one of Satan's ways of keeping the mind occupied with other things than Christ.
" What an opportunity, though, to ' speak a word for Jesus,' when some one sees a Bible on your desk, or perhaps a Scripture Calendar on the wall! Invariably it will start a conversation, and although started in mockery, it may end in what will count for eternity. God expects us, each in our particular place, to let our light shine, and each time a word is spoken makes it easier the next time.
Cheerfulness is the outward expression of the peace of God in the heart, and this in itself is a testimony for Him. Who has a greater reason to be happy and cheerful than a child of God ? The people one works with are ever on the alert to see the effect Christianity has on the life, and as most of our lives are spent at work, it is our privilege to " let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). M. S.-(Detroit.)
Prayer
From our dear Y. B.'s at Detroit word comes that they have already had answers to Requests No. 2 and 4.
This is encouraging. I hope like news will come from other quarters where the requests which have been sent in are daily remembered at the throne of grace. Let us watch for answers. Let us pray without ceasing. Sobriety, watchfulness and prayerfulness are to mark us, for the end of all things is at hand (1 Pet. 4:7).
At one of our Young People's meetings unity of purpose was expressed to " still continue in prayer that God will raise up those whose hearts make them willing to bear that which is for the Lord and His people."
Then, if you will remember, it was suggested in Feb. that we " set apart a few minutes at least once a week for special intercession. Would you suggest a special day in which we will all unite in these intercessions ? " The suggestion is made that we unite in this service on Wednesday. Let us do so. Those making the suggestion remark, " Sweet thought that many are gathered thus seeking our Father's face and presence.
' Tho' sundered far, by faith we meet
Before the common mercy seat.' "
In connection with our prayer may we ever remember that we come to "the throne of grace." It is a throne, speaking of majesty, glory, power, righteous and holy government, though all interwoven with grace. He who has called us, and upon whom we call, is holy. " Be ye, therefore, holy."
Correspondence
It would be delightful to get regularly a little account of proceedings from all the Y. B.'s meetings which are being held at various places. Why not appoint one of your number to write just a little epitome of your meetings, mentioning points of interest, suggestions or questions raised as to what we are seeking to do together, and thus be of mutual help, with closer connection with one another.
Another feature might be added to our " Calendar," with interest to our meetings:it is a "Monthly Question," bearing upon our daily reading or memory work. A brief review of, and answer given, could be incorporated in your account of the meetings. But, in all your meetings, let there be distinct liberty for prayer, our young brethren taking good part in this. Let it not be merely a formal opening and closing prayer, why not a little season of intercession, several taking part ?
A very interesting circular letter from the young people at Toronto, deserves, I think, to be passed on to you all. " Dear Brother or Sister:
On behalf of the Young People we are taking the liberty of sending you a list outlining a definite policy decided upon at our last meeting, March 22, covering various activities in which we feel sure you will be deeply interested, as connected with us by ties of fellowship and testimony which even eternity will not break.
In view of this, and our undoubted responsibility to one another, also the near approach of our blessed Lord's return to redeem His own, we appeal to you personally to help us as we earnestly desire to help you to a more decided stand for the truth. Having, as yourself, committed ourselves to this by taking our place 'outside the camp' identified with a rejected Christ, let us see to it that we maintain His cause that when our course is run we may hear His voice thrilling us as we contemplate the grace that picked us up at all saying, ' Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
As you will notice on the enclosed list there are six committees to be appointed at our next meeting, April 12. The object is to select those most suitable for each committee who will take a real hold on whatever branch of the work may be assigned to them. It will be at once apparent that the co-operation of all must be given to insure the success of our Young People's Meeting, and we are relying on your support to this end. Do not let anything stand in the way when you consider what a great help you may be to a fellow-believer. Remember, dear brother or sister, the judgment-seat of Christ will reveal all. Let us redeem the time because the days are evil."
The objects of the committees referred to may be of interest:
(1) "To follow up the work of the Y. B. D.
(2) To consider Missionary work, both home and foreign.
(3) To promote greater proficiency in singing in view of using it in the Lord's work.
(4) To promote proper social intercourse.
(5) Financial, and (6) a committee to whom the others are responsible for the development of their various activities."
May the Lord give encouragement, and let all be carried on in a lowly, unpretentious, unworldly spirit, with earnestness of heart and Christian love.
Please address all correspondence for the Young Believers' Dept, to
John Bloore, care of Loizeaux Brothers, till further notice.