Calendar:April 16th to May 15th
DAILY BIBLE READING:…….. April 16th, Isa. 65; April 30th, Jer. 13; May 15th, Jer. 28.
SUPPLEMENTARY READING:April 16th, 1 Pet. 3; April 30th, Rev. 1; May 15th, Rev. 16.
We find some quite evident differences between the prophet Jeremiah and his great predecessor, Isaiah. Perhaps one of the most striking features is the personal element in his testimony. We have his call to service in his youth, with the account of his felt unfitness for the great work. Again and again is he well-nigh overwhelmed with the burden of sorrow; he would pour out his grief in rivers of tears; or he would curse the day of his birth that made him a man of strife. Nor is the element of tenderness wanting in the solemn denunciations of the people's sins. As all faithful witnesses must, in one way or another, suffer, he was bitterly hated and persecuted, thrown into a dungeon, but his life was preserved, through God's mercy.
His prophecy took in the latter part of King Josiah's reign and those of the remaining kings of Judah, until the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity in Babylon. He remained with the little remnant in the land, who eventually went down into Egypt, remaining with them till the close of his book. There is considerable historical narrative in the latter part, and, embedded in the gloom of his crying out against sin, and prediction of judgment, there shines the bright sweet light of recovery and restoration through "the Lord our Righteousness."
Our supplementary Reading in the New Testament carries us through the Epistles of Peter, John and Jude, with their varied yet blended testimony of light and love. John's Epistles stand out strikingly in this respect. May the Lord give us abundant blessing in this fresh perusal of this portion of His Word.
Greek Testament Lessons
LESSON 65. Page 65, par. 50. Learn this page, and try to become familiar with the consonantal changes. Locate each verb at the bottom of the page, giving its exact tense, mood, etc., but not a synopsis.
LESSON 66. John 1:20-22. Parse each word as in similar lessons.
The verb studies in our text-book are, to some of you, becoming more familiar, and you are laying a good foundation for more extensive study. Once you become thoroughly familiar with the consonantal and other changes in the inflection of the verb, you will be able to locate them accurately and give the shades of meaning suggested in the different tenses, etc.
The parsing exercise in John's Gospel is also helpful in giving familiarity with the diction of the Scriptures, and enlarging the vocabulary. Those who are keeping up with the lessons are showing a gratifying progress. Soon they will be able to read any portion without great difficulty.
Young Believers' Meetings
Meeting of Y. B. D., March 2d, 1929. Present:about 63.
Meeting opened with singing of hymns and prayer.
Last meeting took up following questions:
Explain "Kingdom of God" as used in Matt. 6:33. Assigned to H., L., E., J. McG., D. F.
Some good scriptural reasons on why we should come to meeting, and, "Why don't we come to meeting?"
"If God cannot look upon sin, how can He look down on this world and see all the sin that is going on?" F. S., A. H. and H.
Give some good scriptural reasons on why we should not vote.
This month's questions:
Is there any scriptural authority for saying or believing that there will be differences in the crowns we will receive, and will there be jewels or stars in our crown -where the thought came from, and is it correct to use the expression? Asked by F. S. Assigned to E. B., G. S., G.B.
General discussion followed as to "crown of life," "crown of righteousness," etc., rewards given at judgment-seat of Christ.
From discussion it was believed that crowns were not actually made of gold, etc., but just symbols, as rewards for service (1 Cor. 3:13; Rev. 2:17).
Dan. 12:3 seems to be basis of thought of "stars in crown," and Rev. 12:1 speaks of crown with stars in it.
Question was asked by M. R. as to whether those who have been more faithful to Christ in this scene will be able to enjoy Him more than others who have been less faithful. Discussion followed-our enjoyment of Christ will be perfect. As one remarked, "In Thy presence is fulness of joy." Questions for the next time:-Will there be development in heaven? Will we have an infinite mind in heaven? (by E. B.). Assigned to L. L., L. S., and R. L.
Give a practical explanation of 1 Cor. 10:31. Should this be taken literally? Asked by B. G., and assigned to L. McK., W. F., F. S., L. M.
General discussion followed. Based on context of chapter where Christians were sitting down with the heathen and partaking of meat offered to idols. Summed up it is that whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God-whatever we do, do to His glory-do as unto Him. M.DeV. brought up illustration of Naaman, the Syrian, how he asked to be pardoned when He bowed down before the idol. God read his heart that it was toward Himself. It is the purpose with which we do things that really counts. Man looketh on the outward appearance but God looketh on the heart. It is the idea of giving testimony to God in whatever we do. May this verse be a challenge to each one of us; is everything we do to the glory of God?
Question for next time (asked by R. L.) :Rev. 22:19, "the words of this book." Does that mean Revelation or whole Bible? "Take his part out of the book of life." Assigned to M. S. and C. Girls, B.S., and C. S.
Question for next time (asked by B. S.) :"In Luke 8:2, it has been suggested that the seven devils were evil traits in character, such as pride, haughtiness, wickedness, drunkenness, etc. Is this correct? To what extent, if any, is "casting out devils" figurative speech ? The corollary to that question is:-Can it be rationalized? Why was it a fate of man only in that time? Or can it be applied to the present time? Are the devils merely habits that enter man and make him dash himself to pieces? This question arises out of the attempt some make to rationalize Scripture as much as possible."
Assigned to:H. P., H. G., E. B., M.DeV.
Question for next time asked by M. D.:"Sabbath day's journey" of Acts 1:12. What length was it and why so called? Assigned to L. D., R. S., D. M. and E. M.
Suggested by F. S. that next meeting all come early and make bandages for Dr. Woodham's party in Africa.