Calendar:Sept. 16th to Oct. 15th.
DAILY BIBLE READING:……. Sept. 16th, Deut. 13; Sept. 30th, Deut. 27; Oct. 15th, Josh. 8. SUPPLEMENTARY READING:…. Sept. 16th, Gal. 4; Sept 30th, Col. 2; Oct. 15th, 1 Tim. 5. MEMORY OUTLINES …….. Epistle to the Galatians.
MEMORY WORK………………… John 6:22-34.
GOOD READING:"Life and Times of Hezekiah," C.H.M.
Daily Bible Reading
We might be tempted to think there was nothing specially new to write in these little introductions to the monthly readings. But the little we know of the exhaustless fulness of God's perfect Word is as nothing compared with what lies beyond, and yet within reach of diligent, quiet daily feeding upon it. Not only do these Old Testament books furnish a wealth of typical teaching, bringing out New Testament truths – Joshua might be called the Ephesians of the Old Testament-but better even than new views of truth, is fresh enjoyment and blessing from what is already known. May these golden pages in Deuteronomy and the beginning of Joshua be true spiritual riches to our hearts. Our blessed Lord gave special honor to the book of Deuteronomy, assailed by so-called Modernism, or Higher Criticism, by meeting the assaults of Satan by quotations from its pages. Can you find these passages? May the Lord bless these readings to us all.
Memory Work and Outlines
In Memory Work, we take a moderate amount only in the divinely perfect sixth of John. It is better to memorize a few verses thoroughly, than many in a superficial way. The Bread of life! imparting and sustaining it! It is one of the "I am" portions of John.
In the Outlines, we have now had several of the Gospels. Suppose we try a familiar Epistle, the Galatians, and see how much of it we can transcribe from memory. Perhaps this is familiar enough to be done in one month, but we will devote two to it. This may give time to write up the whole Gospel of John, which has been the subject for the past several months.
Young Believers' Meetings
73rd Meeting Y. B. D., held at Mr. J. F.'s, July 13th, 1927. Total present, 16.
Meeting opened with singing of hymns and prayer.
Discussion as to John 14:12. Acts 2:37 speaks of the 3,000 converted at Pentecost, and that compared with the "labor for naught" spoken of through Isaiah, shows the contrast of the greater works they would do-works that savor of the Father's grace as of bringing in poor condemned sinners into the liberty of the children of God, as Paul says, "In Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." Christ's work among the Israelites was surely "labor for naught," for they rejected and crucified Him. The disciples would be indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
As to meaning of different expressions such as "First-"born," "First-begotten," "Only begotten," etc.
"First-begotten" has reference to Headship in time, and "Only begotten" has reference to Deity. He (Christ) is the "Only begotten" in eternity past, but when He comes into the world and takes His place as head of God's creation, He is the "First-begotten."
God has begotten a Son for a specific purpose. Christ, who is God, is the "Only begotten" in the first of John, but here (Heb. 1) begotten for the purpose of coming into the world to manifest God to His creatures. It was said of Solomon, "I will make him my first-born; higher than the kings of the earth." Thus the Creator, taking His place in creation, is necessarily its head.
If He takes the place of calling us brethren He must, of necessity, be the First-born among the brethren.
The "Only begotten" could not be said of anyone else- that is His deity, but "First begotten" brings Him (deity) within the creature's grasp.
Discussion on scriptures in line of fulfilled prophecy to show Word is inspired. Many given, and passages in Bible, which, speaking of the fulfilment of prophecies, refer to their original predictions. Several pamphlets recommended for individual reading on this subject.
The question of going to law with a brother and with the world (1 Cor. 6:1) was discussed. Christ was Heir of all things, and He did not go to law about His inheritance. Matt. 5:40 and Rom. 12:6-21 referred to. One mentioned about vengeance belonging to God-He will repay. Another thought that since God says to honor the law it is not wrong to ask people to abide by the law. All decided that 1 Cor. 6:1 showed conclusively it was wrong to go to law with a brother, and, after a lengthy discussion, mentioned that as to the world each case must go on its own merits. Ps. 37 read.
Dear —-
My conscience has been bothering me for the last month, or ever since that night the Lord spoke to me at meeting. I have been trying to put it off till to-morrow, so finally I could put it off no longer. I sat with my Bible in my bedroom and argued it out. And at last I have found what I so longed to have, that is, to be saved. It happened on the 22nd of June, last Wednesday, but I didn't tell anyone until Saturday. I wrote to E. and told her. The reason I didn't tell anyone was because I wanted to be sure of it, this great salvation.
But, however, I know now, I am saved because I put my faith and trust in the One who died to save a poor sinner like me, the Lord Jesus. With love, N. M.
P. S.-I am so happy, I want to tell everyone.
Thanks to our blessed Lord for another trophy of His grace. And if she is so happy, what can be said of His joy? May our dear young sister go on to know more and more of Him who loved and gave Himself for her, and may we all have an increasing simplicity of joy in Him. —-
"At each [Y. B.] meeting there are three special questions given to three different individuals…! am one who has a special question:' What place do babies and children who are under the age of accountability occupy in heaven?'
"I understand that they do not form part of the 'Bride' of Christ, nor are they in the place of the Old Testament Saints, as friends of the Bridegroom; therefore they must have a special place."
Have any of you an answer to this question?
Request for Prayer-That God "would wake up the young people to work for God and learn to love one another."