CALENDAR:July 16th to Aug. 15th, 1920.
Daily Bible Reading
July 16th, 1 Thess. 1; July 31st, -2 Tim. 2; Aug. 15th, Heb. 9
Memory Work. …………………. Ephesians 5:1-21
Good Reading …. C. H. M.'s Notes on Numbers, pp. 94 to 201
Monthly Question:-What are the characteristic features connected with the Lord's coming asset forth in the Thessalonian Epistles; and what is the difference between " the day of the Lord" and "the day of Christ" (Phil. 1:10) ?
In the group of Epistles which we read this month we have the first one Paul wrote (1 Thess.),and the last (2 Tim.). The 2d to Timothy, Titus, and Hebrews are supposed to have been written near the end of the apostle's life, from 65 to 69 A. D. What a life of loving service, of wonderful devotion to the Lord and His people, with suffering (surpassed only by that of the Lord Himself), as we trace his life and labors from his conversion to the end in Rome's prison. It is summed up in his own words, " For me to live is Christ," and he could say, " Follow me." The Spirit of God has brought before us in the Epistles many varied features and experiences of this devoted servant. Let us read and ponder over his life-story which we might well make a subject of closest study.
Notice how in both 1st and 2nd Thessalonians the Lord's coming is referred to in every chapter. Although these epistles are simple in character (the first being written to converts only a few weeks after their conversion), yet a wide range of truth is suggested in them. We have distinct teaching as to the Trinity, the second coming of Christ, the day of the Lord, the threefold nature of man, the Christian walk, sanctification, resurrection; election, assurance, conversion are referred to; the eternal judgment of the wicked, the overthrow of Antichrist, the apostasy, how Satan's power will be manifested, are set forth. The assembly is viewed in its moral relationship and practical life, so that it is spoken of as " in God the Father "- an expression peculiar to these epistles.
The epistles to Timothy give what becomes a man of God, both in connection with the house of God as such, and also in relation to the condition in which it has come through man's failure. Titus has much the same character. In 2 Timothy two evil persons are mentioned in each chapter:consider the forms of evil connected with them. In these epistles, the warnings and instructions given to Timothy in view of the conditions characterizing the last days, are most important for us.
The great truth in Hebrews is that everything centers in and around the person of Jesus, the Son of God. He is Captain of salvation, Apostle and High Priest, our Forerunner, Minister of the heavenly Sanctuary, Mediator of the new covenant, Leader of faith, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, the One crowned with glory and honor who is coming again to bring us into the rest of God.
Our memory portion has the practical character which we have observed marks our Daily Reading for this month. May we hide His word in our hearts, that we may have truth in the inward parts, and so live by it. The five chapters of Numbers which we are to peruse with dear C. H. M. will afford much practical instruction. Give special heed to the law of the Nazarite.
May the Lord give you all very much from these varied portions of God's blessed Word. They are greater treasure than the riches of Egypt.
Correspondence
One writes, " I send this letter as testimony of the blessed promises I have enjoyed from last month's reading and memory work."
Another, writing on behalf of quite a number who regularly meet together, says, " We all heartily enjoy our Y. B. D. meetings, and get much good from them, also enjoy reading Help and Food."
Let us be encouraged to " consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb. 10).
I mentioned last month having received an interesting letter of suggestions, and now pass them on for our mutual help. The thoughts expressed have a twofold object in view-that young believers should be exercised about being prepared to fill the ranks, as one and another are called " home;" to become helpers one of another in our associations, whether in the assembly, the home, in social life, or in business. Two things are mentioned as very necessary for this:freedom from worldly entanglements, and attention to spiritual things, giving them first place.
As to the first object in view-preparation to fill the ranks-the young believer finds himself in need of help. The soldier must be trained, his weaknesses overcome, and his abilities developed. The prime necessity for this is prayerful exercise in secret and diligent study of the Word. " Thy words were found, and I did eat them" (l Tim. 4:12,15,16; 2 Tim. 2:15). But when it conies to taking any public part among God's people, the young believer finds hindrances:a prominent one is self-occupation, which is closely allied with the fear of one's brethren, the fear of man. Earnestly seek the Lord for deliverance from self-occupation. Remember it is before God we are to minister, and it is the Lord we are to serve; this will preserve from going too fast, and from being held back by the fear of man. Sometimes young brothers are hindered by thoughtless or loveless criticism when a beginner lisps out his worship, or gives a word of testimony in the gospel. Let no such criticism be made; let love be the spring in correcting where needed. Let encouragement and a helping hand be given, not a "cold shoulder," or even indifference. Impatience, undue criticism on the one hand, or on the other, monopolizing of meetings by any, either old or young, is certainly to be avoided. Let the nest be stirred up, that the young may learn to fly. Let dependence upon the Holy Spirit in all service be a reality. This means exercise and repression of the flesh, with waiting before God, and first of all in the secret place.
There are activities in which young believers may be very helpful, both to themselves and to the assembly. Unite together for street meetings, hospital work, and tract distribution. Let such service be done with united effort, and come together to compare notes, the places visited, districts covered, and cases of interest found by the way. It will give abundant reasons for prayer, for special needs and interests to pray for.
The social life also needs to be considered, and place given to it in a wholesome way. In this connection, let singing be a feature, not only because of the pleasure it affords, but as it can be put to practical account by learning hymns which can be used in lines of service we are following. Then, in conversation, let useful topics and spiritual interests be our general engagements, not the frivolities and novelties of the day. Let us talk of the wondrous works, ways, and words of God. A large field of interest is open to us in Missionary work, both home and foreign, A large literature has grown up around the work of Missions which is both very interesting and inspiring. For example, why not take an interest in the work among the lepers in India ? Get in touch with those who have charge of such work; do what we consistently can, by sending the gospel and spiritual help to them, with whatever may be for their material comfort. Many such activities might be made subjects of interest in our social gatherings, and furnish opportunities for doing "good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).
Opportunities and Responsibilities
I give you now the last contribution to this section of our department. I hope others are on the way. Let me hear from you; it may encourage and help many to learn of your experiences and service.
A Teacher's Opportunity
"Surely in teaching we may find many opportunities. Every teacher should start the day with a thought which will help mold the character of her pupils. Christian teacher, seek to bring out some simple lessons from your nature-study, poems or stories, which will speak of God's wondrous works. Seek to reflect Christ in your morning talks. God often encourages by advancement of those who are faithful to His Son. Our reading might weave its way into those words of greeting which are so necessary to the success of any school day. And what an influence this may spread to the homes. This week a mother wrote asking me for some bedside prayers to teach her little ones. I visited her and had quite a talk, promising to send her some "prayers " (with a little Testament and a few tracts.) She has sent for more, and the child tells me she reads them to the family every evening. Another occurrence. One of the older boys came to my room asking if anyone had found a pocket Testament. To my astonishment,. several asked what a Testament was. After showing them mine and telling about it, this boy told me he carried it in memory of his mother who had died. He has found the Testament, and comes in often to talk of what he has read.
" May the Lord help us to use every opportunity and not be afraid to speak for Him. H. P."
The Question Box
The three following questions have been sent in, and they relate to matters prominently before men's minds to-day. The consideration of how to answer them should prove helpful.
Q. 22.-Is there any scripture to show we cannot talk to departed spirits?
Q. 23.-What scriptures forbid intercourse with such spirits?
Q. 24.-Is there any scripture to prove that there is no annihilation?
Please address all correspondence for the Young Believers' Dept, to
John Bloore, care of Loizeaux Brothers, till further notice.