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40 THE CONVENTION TEACHER Lights on the Lesson By Rev. Bernard Byrd, D. D. LIGHT NO. 1 - Perhaps one of the most highly sought things among the men of the days of Bible times was power. It was much more in demand than riches except where riches brought power. Even Solomon in requesting understanding etc., had in mind evidently that whereas riches might fail to get power, that power would add riches. Men died in quest of it. Satan lost his high place in the heavenly realm by seeking it. LIGHT NO. 2 - (John) In these verses, the disciples are comforted by the promise of the thing which they themselves did not possess and that was power. With the knowledge that Jesus would be taken away, perhaps nothing would have comforted them more than to know that they might have power. The mother of James and John had requested it through special placement of the sons by Jesus' side. LIGHT NO. 3 - (Acts) The presence of divine power in men generally demonstrates itself in speech before it works in other ways. Jesus taught, "say to this mountain, with faith in your command, be thou plucked up, etc., and it will be done." LIGHT NO. 4 - (Gal.) The presence of power is proved by doing of things. The Galatian scripture reveals the things which are produced by the power of the Holy Spirit. Editorial Reflections By Rev. S. A. Pleasants, D. D. We are told here, where the Comforter came from, and who sent Him. Divine Authority is never questioned by His informed children. The Holy Spirit came from our Father, sent by the Son in His name. He is truly the Vicar of the S on of God. His name here, Comforter and Holy Spirit, tells who He is and what He does. He is the last One in the God-Head. When His ministry shall end, all things shall end in the time world. Jesus says here, He shall teach you all things, and bring to the remembrance of the Disciples, all He said unto them. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are One in the very being of God, to the end, that they cannot be seen as two in any thing. When One speaks both have spoken. When One acts both have acted. The two are the very God, as revealed to man in nature, the Bible of His Word in the Personality of Christ the only True God, who created the Universe. The Holy Spirit is man's only Teacher of Truth. He teaches that which is perfect and that which makes perfect wherein it is received. He brought the Son of God into our world by creating Him the God-man. He brought into existence all created things and beings. He is today the God of our world, and will live in any one, who will do the will of our Father by having the Spirit of Christ Jesus. Every human being ought to let Him come in and control his or her whole life. When He came into the disciples on the Day of Pentecost, from that time on, they let Him rule their lives completely. They said outwardly, what He said to them inwardly. Their preaching and teaching were dictated by Him, and it always brought the results, that pleased God, and saved the people. It is one thing for Him to be with us, and another for Him to be in us. To be absolute ruler of our lives, He must have His home in us. To be Spirit filled, is also to be Spirit guided. When the Holy Spirit comes into one's life he or she becomes bold among men and women. They are constantly engaged in prayer, talking with God. They also get off their knees and talk to people for God, not fearing what the Devil might do through men. One is known by the fruit he bears. All who are filled with the Holy Spirit bring forth day by day and time after time, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and self-control. Such people live for God and the people at all times. They never feel that they have done enough for God by faithfully serving. The best people, living in our world today, are those in whom the Holy Spirit lives. They help others out of trouble, and never give any one any trouble. In true words, their lives are spent like the life of Christ was spent while He lived here. [[end page]] [[start page]] THE CONVENTION TEACHER 41 Lesson VIII. February 22, 1948 THE FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN BELIEVERS SENIOR TOPIC: ALL ONE IN CHRIST Acts 2:37-47; Ephesians 4:1-6 [[line]] AUTHORIZED VERSION 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. 47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 1 I Therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. REVISED VERSION 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? 38 And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. 40 And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. 41 They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. 46 And day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved. 1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. [[line]] MOTTO TEXT--There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 [[line]] LESSON SETTING Time: A.D. 29, 61 Places: Jerusalem; Written from Rome to the Ephesians LESSON OUTLINE I. Peter Preaches the Way of Salvation (VV. 37-40) II. The People's Acceptance of the Gospel Message. (VV. 41-42.) III. The Disciples Living in Christian Fellowship. (VV. 43-47.) IV. Worthy Walking (VV. 1-6) DAILY HOME READING Feb. 16--Feb. 22 M. Problem and Promise. Matthew 18:15-20 T. Sharing With others. II Corinthians 8:1-9 W. Belonging Together. I Corinthians 12:12-17 T. Assembling Together. Hebrews 10:19-25 F. Strengthening Fellowship. II Thessalonians 1:1-5 S. That They May be One. John 17:20-26 S. The Bond of Unity. Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-13 INTRODUCTION Peter took occasion, from the prophecies uttered, to preach Jesus to them, as the true Lord, and only Messiah. The people were charmed and convinced and inquired what they should do. He exhorted them to repent and be baptized in
