abba h School Lesson Quarter 1972 First Quarter Lesson Titles for the Quarter 1. The Advent Message, a Call to Worship 2. The Experience of Worship 3. Creating the Atmosphere of Worship 4. The House of Worship 5. The Place of Music in Worship 6. Music in the Christian Church 7. The Place of Prayer in Worship 8. Other Aspects of the Worship Service 9. The Sermon in the Service of Worship 10. The Effects of True Worship 11. Learning to Worship 12. The Lord's Supper—The Crowning Service of Worship 13. Worship in Eternity Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 307, January-March, 1972. 35 cents a sing] copy, $1.40 a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Publishe in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street Mountain View, California 94040. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, Cal fornia. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both .41 and new addresses. Copyright 1971 by Pacific Press Publishing Association Cover photo by Dale Rusch Illustrations by James Converse The Blessing of Daily Study "Every day some portion of time should be appropri- ated to the study of the lessons, not merely in learning to mechanically repeat the words, while the mind does not comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda- tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in the lesson."—Counsels on Sabbath School Work, page 53. Ally Pledge As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School lesson each day of the week. (signed) The regular Sabbath School senior division lessons and reg- ular Sabbath School World Mission Report are available free each month in Braille and 16 2/3 rpm records to blind and phys- ically handicapped persons who cannot read normal inkprint. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506. We Worship God First Quarter, 1972 To worship God is man's greatest privilege. How can we make worship more effective? These lessons are designed to help the whole church enter into a richer and more joyful experience of worship and then to go out and share their joy with others. When the prophet Isaiah saw "the Lord . . . high and lifted up," he also saw himself as "undone"—"a man of unclean lips." True worship uncovers the heavens and makes God real to man; but it also uncovers the soul of man, making him real to himself. Every service of the church should lead people into a consciousness of the presence of God. Both the order and the content of the service are important, but it is the progres- sion and the appeal of each particular part that inspires true worship. True worship does not necessarily have to follow a set pattern. In many cases it is the unusual that arrests the mind and makes man meditate. When Moses saw the burning bush and saw that it was not being con- sumed, it attracted his attention; and out of that experience he was led into his lifework. He heard God's voice in an unusual environment. But by contrast when Isaiah heard God's call, he was in the very environment of the temple. That of course was the usual place of worship. But that usual environment became the occasion of an unusual experience to him because of his mental attitude. "Our meetings should be . . . pervaded with the very atmosphere of heaven," is the counsel of the Lord's messenger (E. G. White, Review and Herald, November 30, 1886). These words written so long ago should have challenged us to give more attention to the subject of worship. Although worship may take varied forms, yet for it to be a lasting experience the congregation must sense three things: (1) the presence of God, (2) a revelation of His purity and power, and (3) His call to a life of dedication and service Each of these lessons deals with a different aspect of the nature, pur- pose, and methods of true worship. We are not trying to lay down a defi- nite form of worship, but to suggest ways of making the worship more meaningful. Ponder these inspired words: "The evil of formal worship cannot be too strongly depicted, but no words can properly set forth the deep blessedness of genuine worship."—Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 143. "There is nothing more needed in the work than the practical results of communion with God."—Ibid., Vol. 6, p. 47. Worship can move on the level of public or private manifestation. The worship of God includes the province of salvation and grace and the con- sequent submission of one's will, returning gratitude and praise to God for His love and mercy. 4 LESSON 1 December 26 to January 1 THE ADVENT MESSAGE, A CALL TO WORSHIP 1 "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24. Early Christian Worship the time. All should be ready to act their No perfectly detailed picture exists of the part with promptness, and when their duty is done, the meeting should be closed. Thus outward or liturgical forms of earliest Christian worship. The clearest indications the interest will be kept up to the last. This are found in such scriptures as Acts 2:42, is offering to God acceptable worship."— Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 609. 46; 5:42 and 1 Corinthians, especially chap- ter 14 and 11:20. Putting such passages together with all the New Testament greet- LESSON OUTLINE ings, doxologies, and references in Reve- lation, we get a fairly clear picture of what 1. Last-day Call to Worship the earliest Christian worship services were Rev. 14:6, 7 like. The Gospel of John is valuable in this 2. A Warning Against False connection because it shows the historical Worship life and teachings of Jesus, the incarnate Rev. 18:2, 4 Logos (Word) as the center of all early Christian thought and worship. There was 3. Worship in Reverence and reverence, godly fear, and vitality in all Christian worship. Humility In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul shows that the Isa. 57:15 building up of the Christian community, "the body of Christ," was the great aim 4. Worship in Spirit and Truth of Christian life and service. John 4:23 The Nature of Our Worship Today 5. God's Greatness Inspires "Our meetings should be made intensely Worship interesting. They should be pervaded with Ps. 99:1, 9 the very atmosphere of heaven. Let there be no long, dry speeches and formal 6. True Worship Inspires Service prayers merely for the sake of occupying Luke 9:37 5 The Advent Message, a Call to Worship LESSON 1 0 Sunday December 26 Part 1 "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, LAST-DAY CALL having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that TO WORSHIP dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judg- ment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and Rev. 14:6, 7 earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." The Bible is a Book of worship. From the first chapter of Genesis to the last chapter of Revelation God is revealed as the One whom we should revere, adore, and worship. "God's claim to reverence and worship . . . is based upon the fact that He is the Creator, and that to Him all other beings owe their exis- tence. Thus it is presented in the Bible."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 336. How does the prophet Jeremiah contrast the living God with the gods of the heathen? Jer. 10:10-12, 14-16. True worship is the most dynamic and creative experience possible to man. It embraces the whole personality of man—his thoughts, his emotions, his will, and his strength. How did the psalmist express his joy in worship? Ps. 103:1. "God calls upon His people to arise and come out of the chilling, frosty atmosphere in which they have been living, to shake off the impressions and ideas that have frozen up the impulses of love and held them in selfish inactivity. He bids them come up from their low, earthly level and breathe in the clear, sunny atmosphere of heaven."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 607. THINK IT THROUGH If God places value on our worship, should not I seek to make it more real in my own experience? "Unless correct ideas of true worship cultivated ideas, appreciate a pure and and true reverence are impressed upon holy heaven, and be prepared to join the people, there will be a growing with the worshipers in the heavenly tendency to place the sacred and eter- courts above, where all is purity and nal on a level with common things, and perfection, where every being has per- those professing the truth will be an fect reverence for God and His holi- offense to God and a disgrace to re- ness."—"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 500. ligion. They can never, with their un- FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 311, 355, 450, 453, 611. 6 The Advent Message, a Call to Worship LESSON 1 ❑ Monday December 27 Part 2 "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, A WARNING Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the AGAINST FALSE habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, WORSHIP and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers Rev. 18:2, 4 of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Those who proclaim God's last gospel message to the world must know and interpret the great chronological prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. It is important to convince men that "the hour of God's judgment is come," yet that is but prelimi- nary. They must also be led to heed God's call to separate from every form of idolatry and self-worship. What warning did Isaiah give to the captives in Baby- lon? Isa. 52:10, 11. What warning did Paul send to the Corinthian be- lievers? 2 Cor. 6:17. It is the Christian's duty to perfect holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. 7:1. "The apostle's words of warning to the Corinthian church are applicable to all time and are especially adapted to our day. By idolatry he meant not only the worship of idols, but self-serving, love of ease, and gratification of appetite and passion. A mere profession of faith in Christ, a boastful knowl- edge of the truth, does not make a man a Christian. A religion that seeks only to gratify the eye, the ear, and the taste, or that sanctions self-indulgence, is not the religion of Christ." —The Acts of the Apostles, page 317. How did the psalmist relate to false ways of worship? Ps. 119:126, 128. THINK IT THROUGH Have I learned to hate every false way? Or do I find some wrong things attractive? "The church, soon to enter upon her cast all the reproach possible upon the most severe conflict, will be the object chosen ones whom he cannot deceive most dear to God upon earth. The con- and delude with his satanic inventions federacy of evil will be stirred with and falsehoods."—"Testimonies to Min- power from beneath, and Satan will isters," page 20. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Early Writings," page 277; "The Great Controversy," page 603. 7 The Advent Message, a Call to Worship LESSON 1 ❑ Tuesday December 28 Part 3 "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth WORSHIP IN eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy REVERENCE AND place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble HUMILITY spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive Isa. 57:15 the heart of the contrite ones." To help the men and women and boys and girls of this con- fused generation to look unto God the Maker of heaven and earth, the Author of all true science—this is the church's primary task. Every feature of the advent message, whether doctrine, precept, or prophecy, should lead to worship. He who "made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters" is also the One who redeemed us by His blood and sanctifies us by His Spirit. "There is nothing more needed in the work than the prac- tical results of communion with God."—Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 47. "At the heart of worship lies a fundamental need—the need of God."—Marie Powell, Guiding the Experience of Worship, page 11. With whom does He whose name is holy deign to dwell? Isa. 57:15. See also Ps. 34:18; 138:6. What should be the attitude toward God in "the as. sembly of the saints"? Psalm 89:7. A new power is felt in the church when the congregation becomes more conscious of the true spirit of worship. A new quality of fellowship unites the group, something akin •to the experience of the apostolic church as recorded in Acts 4:32, 33. Enjoying that kind of experience brought power into their prayers. See verse 31. And that experience will be repeated before our Lord returns.- True worship will help bring this about, for it produces true humility. THINK IT THROUGH Are my friends and I as reverent as we should be? "Religion is not to be confined to to all His requirements. This is true external forms and ceremonies. The re- worship. It is the fruit of the working ligion that comes from God is the only of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every religion that will lead to God. In order sincere prayer is indited, and such to serve Him aright, we must be born prayer is acceptable to God. Wherever of the divir2LApirit. This will purify the a soul reaches out after God, there the hecriicrrd renew the mind, giving us Spirit's working is manifest, and God a new capacity for knowing and loving will reveal Himself to that soul."—"The God. It will give us a willing obedience Desire of Ages," page 189. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 9, p. 156. 8 The Advent Message, a Call to Worship LESSON 1 ❑ Wednesday December 29 Part 4 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true wor- WORSHIP IN shipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: SPIRIT AND for the Father seeketh such to worship Him." TRUTH John 4:23 When the Lord Jesus spoke these words to the woman at the well, it revealed the interest God the Father has in our worship. He not only accepts our worship but is actually seek- ing sincere worshipers. While the Samaritans were a religious people, yet of these Jesus said: "Ye worship ye know not what." Verse 22. The word "worship" occurs more than one hundred times in Scriptures, but sometimes •it refers to something far removed from the true worship •of God. For example, God says: "They worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made." Isa. 2:8. This would naturally include images of wood, stone, and metal. Might it not include other things such as our homes, our businesses, our education, our dress, our social concerns, and our money? All too often (these become objects of worship. How did our Lord reply to the tempter who tried to lure Him into false worship? Matt. 4:10. The Lord's counsel to us is very clear on this point. We read: "How much means are spent for things that are mere idols, things that engross the thoughts and affections?"—Evan- gelism, page 344. "Expel from the soul-temple everything that assumes the form of an idol."—Testimonies, Vol. 8, p. 53. How does John describe those who accept and obey the three angels' messages? Rev. 14:12. THINK IT THROUGH Am I more concerned with the place of worship or even the day of worship than I am about the spirit of worship? "Although God dwells not in temples them by His Spirit. But those who as- made with hands, yet He honors with semble to worship Him should put His presence the assemblies of His away every evil thing. Unless they people. He has promised that when worship Him in spirit and truth and they come together to seek Him, to in the beauty of holiness, their coming acknowledge their sins, and to pray together will be of no avail."—"Proph- for one another, He will meet with eis and Kings," page 50. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," page 377; "The Desire of Ages," page 189; "Counsels to Teachers," page 259. 9 2—AQt 1 —72 The Advent Message, a Call to Worship LESSON 1 Thursday December 30 Part 5 "The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: He sitteth GOD'S GREATNESS between the cherubims; let. the earth be moved." INSPIRES "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill; WORSHIP for the Lord our God is holy." Ps. 99:1, 9 Worship is inspired by a sense of a power outside of and beyond the control of man. It had its beginning in human experience when the Creator communed face to face with man in Eden. Gen. 3:8. That intimate converse was broken by man's sin, but God invites us still to commune with Him, the high and holy God. Our knowledge of Him as Creator and Upholder of the universe inspires awe. And the more we know of God and His majesty, the greater and more intelligent will be our praise. No previous generation has had more reason to praise God than ours. Our expanding knowledge of the universe should lead us to honor the One who made heaven and earth. How does the psalmist express his adoration of God, and what does he say of man? Ps. 8:3-6. Worship is the response of the creature to the Eternal, not only here on earth but also in heaven. The twenty-four elders and the four "living creatures" (NEB) continued to voice their praise to God as they fell down before Him in adoration. John describes the scene, telling how they worship "Him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." Rev. 4:10, 11. THINK IT THROUGH Does a sense of the greatness and the holiness of God inspire me to bow in adoration of the Infinite? "The duty to worship God is based upon to worship the Creator; and the upon the fact that He is the Creator and prophecy brings to view a class that, that to Him all other beings owe their as the result of the threefold message, existence. And wherever, in the Bible, are keeping the commandments of His claim to reverence and worship, God."—"The Great Controversy," pages above the gods of the heathen, is pre- 436, 437. sented, there is cited the evidence of The greatest service we can render c. His creative power. . . . child or an adult is to help him sense "In Revelation 14, men are called the presence of God. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 336. 10 The Advent Message, a Call to Worship LESSON 1 ❑ Friday December 31 Part 6 "And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they TRUE WORSHIP were come down from the hill, much people met Him." INSPIRES SERVICE Jesus had taken three disciples up the mountain to pray, Luke 9:37 and they had witnessed the spectacular transfiguration, eclipsed only by His resurrection. They had heard the voice of God saying: "This is My beloved Son: hear Him." Peter was so moved that he suggested that they build three tabernacles and stay there. But there was work to do in the valley. A multitude was awaiting the warmth and comfort i3f the Saviour's love and compassion. While activity is not worship, yet true worship naturally leads to activity. There is ever the tendency •for us to let our service for God actually take the place of our worship of God. "As activity increases and men become successful in doing any work for God, there is danger of trusting to human plans and methods. There is a tendency to pray less, and to have less faith. Like the disciples, we are in danger of losing sight of our dependence on God, and seeking to make a savior of our ac- tivity. We need to look constantly to Jesus, realizing that it is His power which does the work."—The Desire of Ages, page 362. Anything we permit to take the place of Christ in our lives is in reality the spirit of antichrist. In view of God's activities in the earth, what is man called upon to do? Ps. 46:10. Why would God not hear the prayers of Israel? What were they to do before offering their worship? Isa. 1:15-17. THINK IT THROUGH There is a great work to be done, but there is also a great God to be worshiped. Is it possible that the work of the Lord is keeping us from the Lord of the work? "Religion must begin with emptying tivity in the mechanical part of even and purifying the heart, and must be the work of God may so occupy the nurtured by_dgily_prayer. mind that prayer shall be neglected, "The steady progress of our work, and self-importance and self-sufficiency, and our increased facilities, are filling so ready to urge their way, shall take the hearts and minds of many of our the place of true goodness, meekness, people with satisfaction and pride, and lowliness of heart."—"Testimo- which we fear will take the place of riles," Vol. 4, p. 535. the love of God in the soul. Busy ac- FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 426-431. 11 The Advent Messsage, a Call to Worship LESSON 1 Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER 1. Multiple choice: The message of the first angel of Revelation 14 is called: (a) new; (b) rediscovered; (c) everlasting 2. Multiple choice: Are God's people all: (a) in the SDA Church; (b) in "Babylon"; (c) in the world? 3. Complete: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a and spirit, to revive the spirit of the and to revive the heart of the ones." 4. Mention a text from this lesson showing that a true spirit and obedient service go together. 5. Complete: "Worship at His hill; for the Lord our God is 6. What danger exists when service for God takes the place of the worship of God? •spoq;aw pue sueid uetunxi 2u9snix (g) !Atoll `Ajog (c) •nag (t) :axpluoo `apituntl `alquintx 'axi.nuoa (c) :aalq; lie uc auxos (c) !2uusepana (i) :saoansuy 12 LESSON 2 January 2 to 8 THE EXPERIENCE OF WORSHIP "And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged." Isa. 6:7. The Majesty of God and the LESSON OUTLINE Humility of Man 1. Place of Response in Worship "Isaiah had denounced the sin of others; but now he sees himself exposed to the Isa. 6:11* same condemnation he had pronounced upon them. He had been satisfied with a 2. Place of Prayer in Worship cold, lifeless ceremony in his worship of Hab. 3:2 God. . . . How little now appeared his wisdom and talents as he looked upon the 3. Reverence for the Holy sacredness and majesty of the sanctuary. Ex. 3:4, 5 How unworthy he was! how unfitted for sacred service!"—Ellen G. White Com- 4. Reality in Worship ments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, Ps. 63:1-4 p. 1139. The same element of unworthiness can 5. Praise in Worship be seen in the cases of Moses, Habakkuk, and all the great saints called to worship Heb. 13:15, 16, RSV and serve God. It comes to all true wor- shipers who see the King in all His glory. 6. Forgiveness and Worship Ps. 51:2 13 The Experience of Worship LESSON 2 ❑ Sunday January 2 Part 1 "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I PLACE OF send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; RESPONSE send me." IN WORSHIP Isa. 6:8 It was while in the atmosphere of worship that Isaiah heard the call to service. He lived in a time of great international -s-li."7-cssyria. was threatening to invade the land, and king Uzziah, sometimes called Azariah, who had ruled Judah for forty years, was dying of leprosy. He had been a good king, but success had made him proud. When he came to the temple to worship, he even disdained the services of the priests. He would offer his own incense. Eighty priests resisted him. Then all at once leprosy was seen to break out upon him, and he fled from the sacred building never to return; thus came the sad and tragic end of an otherwise great leader. But when the king, in whom the people's hope was centered, collapsed, God gave the young prophet a vision of another King—the Ruler of eternity. Study carefully every feature of Isa. 6:1-5. As Isaiah beheld this heavenly scene, how did it affect him? Isa. 6:5. "As Isaiah beheld this revelation of the glory and majesty of his Lord, he was overwhelmed with a sense of the purity and holiness of God. How sharp the contrast between the matchless perfection of his Creator, and the sinful course of those who, with himself, had long been numbered among the chosen people of Israel and Judah !"—Prophets and Kings, page 307. Having the assurance of forgiveness and cleansing, what did the prophet then hear? And what was his re- sponse? Isa. 6:8. THINK IT THROUGH When I meet with God's people for worship, has my mind been closed to all the traffic of everyday interests? These important features must not c. The worshipers must be helped to be overlooked: see by faith "the Lord . . . high and a. The worship service should create lifted up." the atmosphere for worshipers to expe- d. They must be helped to discover rience the presence of God. personal need of cleansing. b. All roads to the soul must be e. Experiencing the joy of forgive- cleared of the traffic of everyday in- ness, the worshipers are then prepared terests. to hear God's call to service. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings, " pages 303-309. 14 The Experience of Worship LESSON 2 El Monday January 3 Part 2 "0 Lord, I have heard Thy speech, and was afraid: PLACE OF 0 Lord, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, in the PRAYER midst of the years make known; in wrath remember INWORSHIP mercy." Hab. 3:2 Witnessing the awful inroads of wickedness, the prophet Habakkuk wondered why God permitted things to get so apparently out of hand. "Why dost Thou show me iniquity ?" he said. And why is it that "wrong judgment proceedeth"? What did God say to this concerned prophet? Hab. 1:5, 6. What was the description of the Chaldeans? Verses 6-11. How did Habakkuk reply? Verses 12, 13. Where did he go when he sought an answer to his questions? Hab. 2:1. THINK IT THROUGH When I worship, do I listen for the voice of God to my soul? "Those that expect to hear from considerations proper to clear this mat- God must withdraw from the world, ter; we must stand upon our watch and get above it, must raise their at- against the temptation, that it may not tention, fix their thought, study the get ground upon us, must set ourselves Scriptures, consult experiences and the upon the tower, to see if we can experienced, continue instant in prayer, discover that which will silence the and thus set themselves upon the temptation and solve the objected diffi- tower. . . . When we are tossed and culties. . . . When we have been at perplexed with doubts concerning the prayer, pouring out our complaints and methods of Providence, are tempted to requests before God, we must carefully think that it is fate, or fortune, and not observe what answers God gives by a wise God, that governs the world, or His Word, His Spirit, and His provi- that the church is abandoned, and dences, to our humble representations." God's covenant with His people can- —Matthew Henry's "Commentary," on celed and laid aside, then we must Hab. 2:1. take pains to furnish ourselves with FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," pages 384-389. 15 The Experience of Worship LESSON 2 ❑ Tuesday January 4 Part 3 "And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, REVERENCE FOR God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and THE HOLY said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And He said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy Ex. 3:4, 5 ground." Moses stands out as unique. He was a brilliant scholar, a literary genius, an army general, and a philosopher. He had already made the greatest decision of his life, having renounced the crown of Egypt. But he was ill-prepared for his great work until in the atmosphere of quiet meditation in the desert he heard the voice of God. As a scientist he` vinas gripped by the phenomenon of the burning bush. While there he became aware of the divine Presence. What was Moses' attitude when God spoke to him? Ex. 3:6, last part. Forty years earlier he felt confident in his own ability to deliver Israel. He was eager for the task. Now he begs to be excused. His self-sufficiency has disappeared. Only •as we hum- ble ourselves before God can we be used. True worship always begets true humility. What further discovery did Moses make? Ex. 4:6, 7. What was in the hand of Moses when God appointed him his work? Ex. 4:2. THINK IT THROUGH Am I ready for whatever disclosure of self God has for me? "Shut in by the bulwarks of the overshadowed by His power. Here his mountains, Moses was alone with God. pride and self-sufficiency were swept The magnificent temples of Egypt no away. In the stern simplicity of his longer impressed his mind with their wilderness life, the results of the ease superstition and falsehood. In the sol- and luxury of Egypt disappeared. emn grandeur of the everlasting hills Moses became patient, reverent, and he beheld the majesty of the Most humble, 'very meek, above all the men High, and in contrast realized how which were upon the face of the earth' powerless and insignificant were the (Numbers 12:3), yet strong in faith in gods of Egypt. Everywhere the Crea- the mighty God of Jacob."—"Patriarchs tor's name was written. Moses seemed and Prophets," pages 250, 251. to stand in His presence and to be FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Ministry of Healing," pages 212, 508. 16 The Experience of Worship LESSON 2 D Wednesday January 5 Part 4 "0 God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my REALITY IN soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a WORSHIP dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanc- tuary. Because Thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee. Thus will I bless Thee while Ps. 63:1-4 I live: I will lift up my hands in Thy name." While we worship God, He is actually seeking us more than we are seeking Him. The ability to commune. with God is life's highest attainment. Someone has gid7Worship is as simple as daylight, sensible as reason itself." That may be true, but to experience this we should recognize a few vital principles. First, that God is our Father, and it is natural that we, His children, should feel free to come to where He is. Second, that worship is simply focusing Godward. Third, that we must train ourselves to listen not only to the minister, but to God. How does Paul describe the change that is wrought in the human heart? 2 Cor. 3:18. "Christ is sitting for His portrait in every disciple. Every one God has predestinated to be 'conformed to the image of His Son.' Rom. 8:29. In every one Christ's long-suffering love, His holiness, meekness, mercy, and truth are to be manifested to the world."—The Desire of Ages, page 827. True love for our fellowman grows out of our personal rela- tionship to God who "hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth." Acts 17:26. In wor- ship we meet as the family of God where "there is neither male nor female, bond nor free." What does the Lord require of His children? Micah 6:8. THINK IT THROUGH Are there barriers in my life that hinder God's revela- tion to me? "Rest yourself wholly in the hands Saviour will strengthen and His char- of Jesus. Contemplate His great love, acter will appear more and more and while you meditate upon His self- lovely.... We have the assurance that denial, His infinite sacrifice made in when He who is our life shall appear, our behalf in order that we should be- then shall we also appear with Him lieve in Him, your heart will be filled in glory. With strong confidence, we with holy joy, calm peace, and inde- can call God our Father."—Ellen G. scribable love. As we talk of Jesus, as White Comments, "SDA Bible Commen- we call upon Him in pray-sr, our con- tary," Vol. 3, pp. 1147, 1148. fidence that He is our personal, loving FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Education," page 164. 17 3-AQt1-72 The Experience of Worship LESSON 2 ❑ Thursday January 6 Part 5 "Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacri- PRAISE IN fice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowl- WORSHIP edge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share Heb. 13:15, 16, what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." RSV Christianity is not essentially a meditative religion. Neither is it a ritualistic religion. It is an intensely practical religion. The ancient Hebrews' religion by contrast was definitely ritual- istic and included many different sacrifices. And in addition to these there was in the courtyard of the tabernacle, and later at the temple at Jerusalem, the "continual burnt offering" which pointed forward to the coming Redeemer. "Every morning and evening a lamb of a year old was burned upon the altar, with its appropriate meat offering, thus symbolizing the daily consecration of the nation to Jehovah." —Patriarchs and\Prophets, page 352. The apostle Paul wrote: "By Him let us offer up the sacri- fice of praise to God continually." Then immediately following this was his instruction: "Do not neglect to do_good and to share what you have." Ai Christians we have very much to share. Not only the truth concerning our Lord's sacrifice and the "blessed hope" of His soon return, but also a life of joyful service to others. When worship is genuine it always carries over into the home, the office, the farm, the workshop, the classroom, the playground. What did the Master say He had come to do? Luke 4:18. Helping those wounded by sin and setting at liberty those bound by wrong habits is one of the outcomes of worship. To have attended a worship service and then leave the meet- ing in a spirit of criticism or impatience is evidence that one had not truly worshiped. Good works always follow good wor- ship. The better our worshp, the better our service to God and our fellowmen. THINK IT THROUGH Does my life indicate that I have truly worshiped? Am I different in my home, my work, my recreation? "Praise God More. Would it not be should seek so to relate ourselves to well to cultivate gratitude, and to offer God that our faces may reflect the sun- grateful songs of thanksgiving to God? shine of His love! When our own souls As Christians we ought to praise God are vivified by the Holy Spirit, we shall more than we do. We ought to bring exert an uplifting influence upon others more of the brightness of His love into who know not the joy of Christ's pres- our lives. As by faith we look to Jesus ence."—Ellen G. White Comments, "SDA His joy and peace are reflected from Bible Commentary," Vol. 3, p. 1148. the countenances. How earnestly we FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Medical Ministry," page 184. 18 The Experience of Worship LESSON 2 ❑ Friday January 7 Part 6 "Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse FORGIVENESS me from my sin." AND WORSHIP Ps. 51:2 Nothing is more important in the experience of worship See Isa. 6:6, 7 than a new sense of forgiveness and cleansing. David sought cleansing from •his heinous sin. Isaiah's sense of human un- worthiness is an explicit worship experience. What proof is there that God's people were included in Isaiah's need for cleansing? Isa. 6:9. Are forgiveness, cleansing, and true worship of vital necessity in Christ? Rev. 1:5, 6. What is said of "the great multitude" of the redeemed standing before God's throne? Rev. 7:14. Only a coal from God's altar is sufficient to cleanse the soul. "Strange fire" can never accomplish this. Once cleansed, the worshiper can then join with the angels in ascribing full praise to the Lord of Hosts who alone is holy. To be cleansed from all bitterness and disappointments over what might have been is for many the greatest forgiveness of all. How does God plan to cleanse His people and purge their iniquity? Isa. 4:4; Matt. 3:11. THINK IT THROUGH Does worship, both private and public, renew my gratitude for forgiveness, cleansing, and joy in Jesus Christ? "The prophet Isaiah had declared To sin, wherever found, 'our God is that the Lord would cleanse His people a consuming fire.' Heb. 12:29. In all from their iniquities 'by the spirit of who submit to His power the Spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burn- God will consume sin. But if men cling ing.' The word of the Lord to Israel to sin, they become identified with it. was, 'I will turn My hand upon thee, Then the glory of God, which destroys and purely purge away thy dross, and sin, must destroy them."—"The Desire take away all thy tin.' Isa. 4:4; 1:25. of Ages," page 107. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 208; "Testimonies," Vol. 7, pp. 241, 251. 19 The Experience of Worship LESSON 2 Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS 0 A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER 1. Multiple choice: (a) A man works for God and then gets God's call; (b) a man worships God in spirit and truth and then hears God's call to service. 2. Multiple choice: Is the prevalence of wickedness evidence of: (a) God's failure to act in time? (b) the triumph of evil over good? (c) the unhurried, unfailing, but inevitable plan of God for evil to demonstrate itself before final judgment) 3. How was Moses' native ability and self-confidence used by Cod? 4. Complete: "Christ is sitting for His in every disciple. . . . In Christ's long-suffering love, His holiness, meekness, mercy, and truth are to be to the world." 5. What should be the result of true worship) 6. If worship is to be effective in bringing man into God's presence, how should man feel as he approaches God) .2utsueap pue ssauanploj paau uc pue Agpotnun (g) !uatu Ike ao; a3yilaS anal (9) !palsamuetu 'Quo 1.Ciana `Ileapod (t) !slauuetp 4q2p ow! papaim (9) 70 (z) :q (j) :siameuv 20 LESSON 3 CREATING THE ATMOSPHERE OF WORSHIP 3 "But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee." Ps. 5:11. Joy in the Spirit LESSON OUTLINE True spiritual joy is a "fruit o• f the Spirit." Gal. 5:22. This joy pervades every 1. Joyfulness in Worship department of life, and it includes God's Ps. 96:9-13 Word, His worship, and His service. "For we are the circumcisionr'whiEW worship 2. Reverence and Response in God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Worship Jesus." Phil. 3:3. Ps. 99:1, 2, 5 Reverence in the Church 3. Humility, a Prerequisite to "Teach them [children] to have the Worship highest reverence for the house of God and James 4:8, 10 to understand that when they enter the Lord's house it should be with hearts that 4. Learning to Wait on God are softened and subdued by such thoughts Isa. 30:18 as these: 'God is here; this is His house. I must have pure thoughts and the holiest 5. Right Mental Attitudes to motives. . . . This is the place where God Worship meets with and blesses His people. The Eccl. 5:1, 2 high and holy One who inhabiteth eternity looks upon me, searches my heart, and 6. The Healing Virtue of Silence reads the most secret thoughts and acts of Isa. 30:15; Ps. 46:10 my life.' "—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 494. 21 Creating the Atmosphere of Worship LESSON 3 ❑ Sunday January 9 Part 1 "0 worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear JOYFULNESS before Him, all the earth. . . . Let the heavens rejoice, IN WORSHIP and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the full- ness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord: for He cometh, for He cometh to judge the earth: He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the Ps. 96:9-13 people with His truth." "That which is done for the glory of God should be done 'with cheerfulness, with songs of praise and thanksgiving, not with sadness and gloom. "Our God is a tender, merciful Father. His service should not be looked upon as a •heart-saddening, distressing exercise. It should be a pleasure to worship the Lord and to take part in His work. God would not have His children, for whom so great salvation has been provided, act as if He were a hard, exacting taskmaster. He is their best friend; and when they worship Him, He expects to be with them, to bless and comfort them, filling their hearts with joy and love. The Lord desires His children to take comfort in His service and to find more pleasure than hardship in His work. He desires that those who come to worship Him shall carry away with them precious thoughts of His care and love, that they may be cheered in all the employments of daily life, that they may have grace to deal honestly and faithfully in all things. "We must gather about the cross. Christ and Him crucified should be the theme of contemplation, of conversation, and of our most joyful emotion."—Steps to Christ, pages 103, 104. In what way did the psalmist say God should be wor- shiped? Ps. 96:9. What did He call upon nature to do? Ps. 96:11-13. THINK IT THROUGH Do I really enjoy the hour of worship, or is it just a routine appointment? "When the Holy Spirit is breathing heart can close its doors to all the sweet upon the soul, the will and the powers influences of the grace of God and all of the man must respond to Its influ- the joy in the Holy Ghost; but the ways ence. Those who abide in Jesus will be of wisdom are ways of pleasantness, happy, cheerful, and joyful in God. A and all her paths are peace. The more subdued gentleness will mark the voice, closely we are connected with Christ, reverence for spiritual and eternal the more will our words and actions things will be expressed •in the actions, show the subduing, transforming power and music, joyful music, will echo from of His grace."—"Testimonies," Vol. 4, the lips; for it is wafted from the throne pp. 625, 626. of God. . . . A stubborn and rebellious 22 Creating the Atmosphere of Worship LESSON 3 ❑ Monday January 10 Part 2 "The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: He sitteth REVERENCE AND between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The RESPONSE IN Lord is great in Zion; and He is high above all the WORSHIP people." "Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at His foot- Ps. 99:1, 2, 5 stool; for He is holy." The expression "the beauty of holiness" (1 Chron. 16:29) implies arrangement, order, art, and even architecture; but it also includes the inner beauty of fellowship where consecrated personalities and dedicated lives unite in approaching God. Worship is the primary and eternal activity of the redeemed. It is man's response to the nature and action of God. True wor- ship springs only from the Holy Spirit. What promise is made to those who enter into rever- ent worship? Isa. 30:15. Quietness is one characteristic of true worship climate. The healing quality of silence is something we all need. Many of God's people are today compelled to live amid noise, confu- sion, and ungodly competition. Never did a generation need so desperately the fortifying experience of quietude and con- fidence. "Our meetings . . . should be pervaded with the very atmo- sphere of heaven."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 609. "When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, 'Be still, and know that I am God.' Ps. 46:10. Here alone can true rest be found. And this is the effectual preparation for all who labor for God."—The Desire of Ages, page 363. THINK IT THROUGH Can we say that our worship services are "pervaded with the very atmosphere of heaven"? "When the worshipers enter the should remember that heavenly mes- place of meeting, they should do so sengers are in the house. We all lose with decorum, passing quietly to their much sweet communion with God by seats.. . our restlessness, by not encouraging "If some have to wait a few min- moments of reflection and prayer. . . . utes before the meeting begins, let If when the people come into the house them maintain a true spirit of devotion of worship, they have genuine rever- by silent meditation, keeping the heart ence for the Lord and bear in mind uplifted to God in that the ser- that they are in His presence, there vice may be of special-benefit to their will be a sweet eloquence in silence." own hearts and lead to the conviction —"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 492. and conversion of other souls. They FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," pages 28, 175. 23 Creating the Atmosphere of Worship LESSON 3 ❑ Tuesday January 11 Part 3 "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." HUMILITY, A "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He PREREQUISITE shall lift you up." TO WORSHIP James 4:8, 10 "As reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened."—Prophets and Kings, page 49. How only can we serve God acceptably? Heb. 12:28, last part. Irreverence during worship is not usually the result of a defiant spirit of wickedness; it is more often the result of a lack of understanding. Should we not, as individuals and as a congregation, develop a spirit of reverence and godly under- standing? When one has true understanding, what does it be- come to him? Prov. 9:10; 16:22. "The success or failure of a worship service may be mea- sured by three questions: First, is it a sincere outreach toward God and an act of real self-dedication on the part of the leader and the worshipers? Second, does it hold attention and com- mand respect and participation by the congregation? Third, has it inherent qualities of beauty, dignity and artistry which will appeal to all in proportion to their ability to judge and appreciate?"—A. W. Palmer, The Art of Conducting Public Worship, pages 4-7. What characteristics are prominent in the heavenly sanctuary? Ps. 96:6. THINK IT THROUGH When visitors come to our services, what impressions do they take away with them? Do I do my part in creat- ing a spirit of reverence? "It is God's will that all parts of His people to attend our ... services. Some service shall be managed in an or- come from curiosity, others to criticize derly, becoming manner, which will or ridicule. Often they are convicted impress those strangers who may at- of sin. The word spoken in the spirit tend, as well as the regular attendants, of love makes a lasting impression on with the elevated, ennobling character them. How carefully, then, should of the truth and its power to cleanse these meetings be conducted."—"Evan- the heart. gelism," pages 207, 208. "In His providence God impresses FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 4, p. 245; Vol. 5, p. 163. 24 Creating the Atmosphere of Worship LESSON 3 ❑ Wednesday January 12 Part 4 "And therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be LEARNING TO gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that WAIT ON GOD He may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of Isa. 30:18 judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him." If the Creator of the universe is waiting to be gracious to His people, should not we be willing and eager to wait for Him that we may be renewed mentally, physically and especially spiritually ? What promise is given to those who wait on God? Isa. 64:4. Marginal readings and modern translations give the idea that no one has ever heard of or seen "a God besides Thee, who works for those who wait for Him." RSV. Under what circumstances did the Lord communicate with Elijah? 1 Kings 19:12, last part. What convulsions of nature had preceded this expe- rience? Verses 11, 12. "He desired to teach Elijah that it is not always the work that makes the greatest demonstration that is most successful in accomplishing His purpose. While Elijah waited for the revelation of the Lord, a tempest rolled, the lightnings flashed, and a devouring fire swept by; but God was not in all this. Then there came a still, small voice, and the prophet covered his head before the presence of the Lord. His petulance was silenced, his spirit softened and subdued. He now knew that a quiet trust, a firm reliance on God, would ever find for him a present help in time of need."—Prophets and Kings, pages 168, 169. THINK IT THROUGH Am I learning to wait on God? Am I prepared to hear the still small voice? "Nothing else in this world is so dear ing you precious victories. I will to God as His church. He will work strengthen you as you sanctify your- with mighty power through humble, selves to My service. I will give you faithful men. Christ is saying to you success in your efforts to arouse souls todny: 'I am with you, cooperating with dead in trespasses and sins.' "—"Tes- your faithful, trusting efforts, and giv- timonies," Vol. 7, pp. 242, 243. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 495. 25 4—AQt1-72 Creating the Atmosphere of Worship LESSON 3 ❑ Thursday January 13 Part 5 "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, RIGHT MENTAL and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of ATTITUDES TO fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash WORSHIP with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou Eccl. 5:1,2 upon earth: therefore let thy words be few." "To the humble, believing soul, the house of •God on earth is the gate of heaven. The song of praise, the prayer, the words spoken by Christ's representatives, are God's appointed agencies to prepare a people for the church above, for that loftier wor- ship into which there can enter nothing that defileth."—Testi- monies, Vol. 5, p.1491. According to the wise man, with what attitude should worshipers approach the house of God? Eccl. 5:1, 2. Worship is essentially an attitude of the mind and heart. We must do more than merely attend a place of worship and be content to g•o through the motions as a ritual—singing, repeat- ing the Bible, and saying •prayers. These important and essen- tial acts of worship can be performed in such a way as actually to destroy the spirit of worship. To attempt to worship while in an attitude of carelessness or indifference is an insult to God. In his prayer at the dedication of the temple, how did Solomon extol the majesty and greatness of God? 1 Kings 8:27. THINK IT THROUGH What is my attitude as I enter the place of worship? In his book "Creative Worship," page In it, physically speaking, 'we live and 63, Dwight Bradley says: "'Atmo- move and have our being.' sphere' is the invisible, intangible, and "Applying the term, therefore, to yet completely surrounding environ- our spiritual life, we are led to under- ment •in which our physical organisms stand that 'atmosphere' must be some live. We are unconscious of it except completely surrounding element with- when it becomes either rarefied or out which we cannot live, and by heavy. It is, indeed, the 'breath of life'; means of which our spiritual nature is and is almost the only element essen- nourished. It is a pervasive 'some- tial to our physical existence for the thing' of which, spiritually, we are un- enjoyment of which the expenditure of conscious except when it is lacking conscious effort is not necessary. The or when it is unwholesomely over- atmosphere is to land-dwelling crea- weighted." tures what water is to the sea-dwellers. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 491, 498. 26 Creating the Atmosphere of Worship LESSON 3 ❑ Friday January 14 Part 6 "For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; THE HEALING In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and VIRTUE OF in confidence shall be your strength." SILENCE "Be still, and know that I am God." Isa. 30:15; Ps. 46:10 To this admonition from God's Word let us add a brief statement from the spirit of prophecy. "When the worshipers enter the place of meeting, they should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats." —Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 492. What does it mean that our places of worship should be "pervaded with the very atmosphere of heaven"? How can we help to create worship "atmosphere"? Through what means does God offer salvation and strength? Isa. 30:15. It will help us if we remember that the dedicated church building is God's house. We go there not so much to meet our friends as to meet Him. "When every other voice is hushed, when every earthly interest is turned aside, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. Here rest is found in Him. The peace, the joy, the life of the soul, is God."—Fundamentals of Chris- tian Education, page 441. How did God through His prophet describe the spir- itual condition of ancient Israel? Isa. 29:13. THINK IT THROUGH When I come to the worship service, have I prepared my heart to commune with God? Do I set the right ex- ample by my demeanor? Nothing can mean so much to the lence. That is why God says, "Be still, child of God, mentally, spiritually, or and know that I am God." Let us try physically, as that which results from to build worship atmosphere through: real worship, when the soul is laid (1) silence, (2) appropriate music, (3) bare before the all-seeing eye of the reflective prayer, and (4) removal of Almighty. To help the congregation, all irrelevancies. individually and collectively, to enter "As reverence is manifested in atti- into such an experience is the privilege tude and demeanor, the feeling that and responsibility of those who are inspires it will be deepened."—"Proph- called to lead out in the worship ser- ets and Kings," page 49. vices. There is a healing virtue in si- FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies to Ministers," pages 282, 516. 27 Answers: (1) godly fear, rejoicing, praise, thanksgiving; (2) Holy Spirit, quietness and atmosphere of heaven; (3) to God, draw nigh to, humble, sight of the Lord, lift you up; (4) False; (5) When finite man is humble before the infinite God, God's house is as the gate of heaven; (6) b. ouaunumialua Aocua o1 (o) ‘po0 uo 1 EM 01 (q) ‘spuapj in° iplm. (v) iCienlaues alp oi a am oci .9 duiszom Jo luaufAocua sui laajzre apnipiu Irivaut s‘uetu saop MOH .s ( 01 unH 11.1UAA ann uatim umu sods skein p poo :asied JO anii 'tugs aH pue atp ui saniasinoA 1) it .noA Pu8 tpu mala„ :alaidulop -ouuu imuassa sit st luqm puu ‘2tuids duisiom arm saop aamos IE4M woid .Z duisionn arm Aueduloaae lap sauspalauega aaup auxuN • 213MOd Aanis ?inoA JO 1531 V O SNOIIS3flO Ativwwns O L Pod E NOSS31 dlys.tozil Jo atatrisoluw LESSON 4 January 16 to 22 THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP 4 "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." Heb. 12:28. Simplicity and Beauty in Worship The chief adornment of the church is not LESSON OUTLINE its physical, esthetic beauty, important as 1. The Sanctuary in the this is. The real beauty of any church com- munity is the spirit of its members. Wilderness "In the early church Christianity was Ex. 25:8; 36:1 taught in its purity; its precepts were given by the voice of inspiration; its ordi- 2. Private Homes and Synagogues nances were uncorrupted by the devise of Philemon 1, 2 men. The church revealed the spirit of Christ and appeared beautiful in its simplic- 3. Making God's House Attractive ity. Its adorning was the holy principles Ps. 84:1, 4, RSV and exemplary lives of its members."— Testimonies, Val. 5, p. 166. 4. Reverence in God's House Lev. 19:30; Heb. 12:28 Reverence and Godly Fear "Christ's followers today should guard 5. Building a House for God against the tendency to lose the spirit of Hag. 1:7, 8 reverence and godly fear. The Scriptures teach men how they should approach their 6. When God's Glory Fills the Maker—with humility and awe, through House faith in a divine Mediator."—Prophets and 2 Chron. 5:13, 14, RSV Kings, page 48. 29 The House of Worship LESSON 4 ❑ Sunday January 16 Part 1 "Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell THE SANCTUARY among them." IN THE "Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise- WILDERNESS hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and under- standing to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Ex. 25:8; 36:1 Lord had commanded." This sanctuary, later known as the "house of the Lord," was not to shut God away from His people, but to permit Him to dwell in their midst. "The house is the sanctuary for the family, and the closet or the grove the most retired place for individual worship; but the church is the sanctuary for the congregation."—Testimo- nies, Vol. 5, p. 491. When Israel was about to enter Canaan, what did Moses say they should do concerning the idols in the land? Deut. 12:1-3. Because God chose to identify Himself with His habi- tation, what was to be the attitude of His people? Verse 5. While it is true that the heaven of the heavens cannot con- tain God, it is also true that He loves to dwell with His peo- ple. Consequently He gave the clearest instruction for the building of a •place He called His "habitation." With the advent of Christianity, worship in the temple lost its significance. Now, instead of having one central temple, worshipers have thousands of church buildings dedicated to God's honor. THINK IT THROUGH Do I help the members of our congregation to rever- ence God's house? "From the sacredness which was heaven. The song of praise, the prayer, attached to the earthly sanctuary, the words spoken by Christ's repre- Christians may learn how they should sentatives, are God's appointed agen- regard the place where the Lord meets cies to prepare a •people for the church with His people."—"Testimonies," Vol. above, for that loftier worship into 5, p. 491. which there can enter nothing that de- "To the humble, believing soul, the fileth."—"Ibid." house of God on earth is the gate of FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 411, 413; "Prophets and Kings," page 62. 30 The House of Worship LESSON 4 ❑ Monday January 17 Part 2 "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our PRIVATE HOMES brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, . . . and AND SYNAGOGUES Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy Philemon 1, 2 house." Special buildings for Christian worship were unknown dur- ing apostolic times. Not until the latter •part of the second century is there any record of church •buildings. Where did Aquila and Priscilla conduct their worship? 1 Cor. 16:9; Rom. 16:3-5. In apostolic times services of worship were often conducted in the homes of certain members. The architecture of the Mid- dle East of that day permitted many people to congregate in the homes of the more well-to-do in the community. Large rooms opening off a central patio made it possible for sizable groups to gather together. Many congregations were thus ac- commodated during the first century of Christian history. Where else did the congregations of that time meet? Acts 17:1, 2; 13:14; 14:1. What interesting custom was followed by the rabbis when important visitors attended the meeting? Acts 13:14-16. Christian worship, growing as it did out of both the temple and the synagogue patterns of Hebrew worship, naturally re- tained certain basic principles. While the two divisions of the temple—"the holy" and "the most holy"—passed out of exis- tence when the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, yet in the synagogues around the world the place where the scroll of the prophets is kept still corresponds to the "most holy" place of the temple. In the Christian church the pulpit and especially the table on which we celebrate the Lord's Supper are par- ticularly sacred. This is a principle we do well to recognize. THINK IT THROUGH Do we feel a kinship with the apostolic church and the Christians of all the centuries as we fellowship to- gether? "Happy are those who have a sanc- Master, He will hallow the place with tuary, be it high or low, in the city or His presence, and it will be holy unto among the rugged mountain caves, in the Lord of hosts."—"Testimonies," Vol. the lowly cabin or in the wilderness. If 5, pp. 491, 492. it is the best they can secure for the FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 496; "Evangelism," page 133. 31 The House of Worship LESSON 4 El Tuesday January 18 Part 3 "How lovely is Thy dwelling place, 0 Lord of hosts!" MAKING GOD'S "Blessed are those who dwell in Thy house, ever sing- HOUSE ing Thy praise!" ATTRACTIVE Ps. 84:1, 4, RSV Everything about the church building should be expressive of the spiritual awareness and forms of worship of those who meet there. "Nothing that is sacred, nothing that pertains to the wor- ship of God, should be treated with carelessness or indiffer- ence."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 491. What was the psalmist's deepest desire? Ps. 27:4. How did Jacob consecrate the stone he had used for a pillow and set it up for a pillar? Gen. 28:18. What name did he give to the place? Verse 17. ("El" is one of the names of God, and "beth" means house. Beth-el therefore means the "house of God." Verse 19). God's house does not have to be a Gothic structure, but it should be made appropriate and attractive. The Pilgrim Fath- ers spoke of the church building as a "meetinghouse," and the Quakers still use the same term today. It is that, because it is where God meets with His people and they meet one an- other. But there is danger that it will degenerate into a social center and the spirit of true worship be lost. "It should not be made a place to meet old friends and visit and introduce common thoughts and worldly business transactions."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 494. THINK IT THROUGH Is our church a real "Bethel"—a place where we meet God? "We all lose much sweet communion ence, there will be a sweet eloquence with God by our restlessneFs7-bi" not in silence. The whispering and laugh- encouraging moments of reflection and ing and talking which might be with- prayer. The spiritual condition needs out sin in a common business place to be often reviewed and the mind and should find no sanction in the house heart drawn toward the Sun of Righ- where God is worshiped. The mind teousness. If when the people come should be prepared to hear the Word into the house of worship, they have of God, that it may have due weight genuine reverence for the Lord and and suitably impress the heart."—"Testi- bear in mind that they are in His pres- monies," Vol. 5, p. 492. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 350, 375, 752, 753. 32 The House of Worship LESSON 4 ❑ Wednesday January 19 Part 4 "Reverence My sanctuary." REVERENCE IN '_'Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God ac- GOD'S HOUSE ceptably with reverence and godly fear." Lev. 19:10; Heb. 12:28 "When the worshipers enter the place of meeting, they should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats.. . . Common talking, whispering, and laughing should not be permitted in the house of worship, either before or after the service. Ardent, active piety should characterize the worship- ers."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 492. How did Moses react to God's self-disclosure? Ex. 3:6. What should be our attitude as we enter God's house? 2 Cor. 10:5. "I must have pure thoughts and the holiest motives. I must have no pride, envy, jealousy, evil surmising, hatred, or decep- tion in my heart, for I am coming into the presence of the holy God. This is the place where God meets with and blesses His people. The high and holy One who inhabiteth eternity looks upon me, searches my heart, and reads the most secret thoughts and acts of my life."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 494. THINK IT THROUGH When I attend the house of worship, do I help others to realize that we are there to meet the high and holy God? "It is too true that reverence for the we who have the light of the glorious house of God has become almost ex- truth shining upon us many imitate tinct. Sacred things and places are not their reverence for the house of God? discerned; the holy and exalted are We have abundant reason to maintain not appreciated. . . . God gave rules a fervent, devoted spirit in the wor- of order, perfect and exact, to His ship of God. We have reason even to ancient people. Has His character be more thoughtful and reverential in changed? Is He not the great and our worship than had the Jews. But an mighty God who rules in the heaven enemy has been at work to destroy of heavens? Would it not be well for our faith in the sacredness of Christian us often to read the directions given worship."—"Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. by God Himself to the Hebrews, that 495, 496. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Messages to Young People," page 265; "My Life Today," page 286. 33 5 —AQt1 —72 The House of Worship LESSON 4 ❑ Thursday January 20 Part 5 "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. Go BUILDING A up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; HOUSE FOR GOD and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, Hag. 1:7, 8 saith the Lord." "Wherever a company of believers is raised up, a house of worship should be built. Let not the workers leave the place without accomplishing this."—Evangelism, page 376. What question did God put to His people at the time they were called to rebuild the temple? Hag. 1:3, 4. " 'But,' some say, 'if the Lord is so soon to come, why do you urge our builders to put the best material into the build- ings they erect ?' Would we dare to dedicate to God a house made of cheap material, and put together so faultily as to be almost lifted from its foundation when struck by a strong wind? We should be ashamed to put worthless material into a building for the Lord."—/bid., p. 378. When Moses was about to build the sanctuary in the wilderness, what was God's command? Ex. 25:2, 8. "Devotion to God and a spirit of sacrifice were the first requisites •in preparing a dwelling place for the Most High." —Patriarchs and Prophets, page 343. "All who love the worship of God and prize the blessing of His sacred presence will manifest the same spirit of sacrifice in preparing a house where He may meet with them. They will desire to bring to the Lord an offering of the very best that they possess."—/bid., p. 344. THINK IT THROUGH Is our house of worship such as God would approve? Would He take pleasure in meeting there with us? "Those who build a house for God churches that ever will be small be- should manifest as much greater inter- cause they place their own interests est, care, and taste in its arrangement above the interests of God's cause. as the object for which it is prepared While they have large, convenient is higher and more holy than that for houses for themselves, and are con- which common dwelling houses are pre- stantly improving their premises, they pared."—"Testimonies," Vol. 2, p. 257. are content to have a most unsuitable "The house where God is worshiped place for the worship of God, where should be in accordance with His char- His holy presence is to dwell."—"Ibid.," acter and majesty. There are small Vol. 5, pp. 268, 269. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," page 575. 34 The House of Worship LESSON 4 ❑ Friday January 21 Part 6 "And it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to WHEN GOD'S make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanks- GLORY FILLS giving to the Lord, and when the song was raised, with THE HOUSE trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, 'For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever,' the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand 2 Chron. 5:13, 14, to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the RSV Lord filled the house of God." The Lord took possession of His temple, enveloping it in a cloud of glory at the moment when, with one consent, the singers were voicing their praise for His everlasting goodness and mercy. And He is as surely present with a few humble worshipers in an obscure corner as with tens of thousands assembled in His name. At the time of the dedication of the temple, what was done unstintingly? 2 Chron. 5:6. Animal sacrifices, rightly understood, represented the Lamb of God who, in the fullness of time, was to pay the penalty of our sins, and not only the sins of good people but the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2. 1). What was the experience of "the multitude of them that believed" when the place where they were assem- bled was shaken? Acts 4:31, 32. THINK IT THROUGH Am I aware of God's holy presence in my own life? "Every true turning to the Lord brings joice in the sense of sins forgiven, in abiding joy into the life. When a sin- the love of a pardoning heavenly ner yields to the influence of the Holy Father. It is God's glory to encircle sin- Spirit, he sees his own guilt and de- ful, repentant human beings in the filement in contrast with the holiness arms of His love, to bind up their of the great Searcher of hearts. He wounds, to cleanse them from sin, and sees himself condemned as a trans- to clothe them with the garments of gressor. But he is not, because of this, salvation."—"Prophets and Kings," to give way to despair; for his pardon page 668. has already been secured. He may re- FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," page 38. 35 The House of Worship LESSON 4 Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER 1. If heaven is God's dwelling place, why did He ask His people to build houses of worship on earth) 2. Where could the first Christians worship God when they had no church buildings) 3. Multiple choice: Should the sanctuary be attractive (a) spiritually, (b) physically, or (c) both) 4. Multiple choice: Which of the following are involved in genuine rever- ence in God's house? (a) the mind, (b) the heart, (c) the words, (d) the actions, or (e) all four 5. Multiple choice: Should a permanent sanctuary be (a) as cheap as pos- sible, (b) the best we can afford, (c) as beautiful as we can make it) 6. True or False: God's acceptance of worship depends on the joyful sin- cerity rather than the number of worshipers •an;L (9) :3 'CI (S) !a (j,) :3 (g) :sawoq wenlid uc (g) !wag; 2uowe aq al!sap sq./ Atouq wain lai (j) :siannswg 36 LESSON 5 January 23 to 29 THE PLACE OF MUSIC IN WORSHIP 5 "Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the Mighty One of Israel." Isa. 30:29. Music in Ancient Worship The ancient Hebrews were fond of mu- LESSON OUTLINE sic. It was used in private rejoicing, at weddings (Isa. 5:12), and in their mourn- 1. Music in Antediluvian Times ing (2 Chron. 35:25). When they made Job 38:4-7 their journeys to Jerusalem three times a year to the obligatory festivals, they 2. Music in Ancient Israel cheered themselves along the way with Ex. 15:1,2 songs of joy, such as Psalms 84; 122; Isaiah 30:29, and other portions of the 3. Music in the Time of David Psalms. These songs have made the book 1 Chron. 15:16 of Psalms an inexhaustible treasury of in- spiration for all generations. 4. The Psalms in Worship Singing as a Part of Worship Eph. 5:19 "Music should have beauty, pathos, and 5. Specialized Functions of Music power. Let the voices be lifted in songs of 1 Sam. 10:5,6 praise and devotion."—Evangelism, page 505. 6. Patterns of Worship in "Singing is a part of the worship of God, Pre-Christian Times but in the bungling manner in which it is 1 Chron. 25:6 often conducted, it is no credit to the truth, and no honor to God."—Ibid., p. 506. 37 The Place of Music in Worship LESSON 5 ❑ Sunday January 23 Part 1 "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the MUSIC IN ANTE- earth? declare, if thou host understanding. Who hath DILUVIAN TIMES laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the founda- tions thereof fastened? or who laid the cornerstone thereof; when the morning stars sang together, and all Job 38:4-7 the sons of God shouted for joy?" While our knowledge of life in antediluvian days is very limited, yet we do know that music had its place in the culture of the ancients. We read of Jubal who "was the father of all such as handled the harp and the organ." Gen. 4:21. Moffatt's translation reads: "The ancestor of all who play the lyre and the pipe." What was the response of the sons of God at the time this world came from the Creator's hand? Job 38:4-7. "When the morning stars were singing, and all the angels chanted in their joy." Moffatt. What is Adam called in Scripture? Luke 3:38. One who accepts the Bible story and senses that the ante- diluvians were greater in stature and intellect than men now living, finds no difficulty in recognizing that God Himself was man's first instructor in the art of music. In view of what God had done, what were men en- couraged to do? Isa. 12:5. THINK IT THROUGH Are we as thankful as we should be for God's re- vealed Word and the inspired comments of the spirit of prophecy? "For nearly a thousand years Adam in Paradise."—"Patriarchs and Proph- lived among men. . . . He had been ets," page 82. commanded to instruct his posterity in "There perished in the Flood greater the way of the Lord; and he carefully inventions of art and human skill than treasured what God had revealed to the world knows of today. The arts him, and repeated it to succeeding gen- destroyed were more than the boasted erations. To his children and children's arts of today."—Ellen G. White Com- children, to the ninth generation, he ments, "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol. described man's holy and happy estate 1, p. 1089. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Early Writings," page 217; "The Great Controversy," page 455. 38 The Place of Music in Worship LESSON 5 ❑ Monday January 24 Part 2 "Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song MUSIC IN unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the ANCIENT ISRAEL Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath He thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare Him an habitation; my Ex. 15:1, 2 father's God, and I will exalt Him." I> How does the psalmist describe the passing of God's ancient people through the Red Sea? Ps. 77:16-20. "As Moses stretched out his rod the waters parted, and Israel went into the midst of the sea, upon dry ground, while the waters stood like a wall upon each side. The light from God's pillar of fire shone upon the foam-capped billows, and lighted the road that was cut like a •mighty furrow through the waters of the sea, and was lost •in the obscurity of the farther shore."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 287. What was Israel's high note of praise on this occasion? Ex. 15:11. "Their emotion found utterance in songs of praise. The spirit of God rested upon Moses, and he led the people in a triumphant anthem of thanksgiving, the earliest and one of the most sublime that are known to man."—Ibid., p. 288. Who led the response to that mighty anthem? Ex. 15:20. The musical ability of Moses and Miriam may better be understood when we remember that Moses, "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians," had doubtless studied in the school of music of his day. And among the ancient nations, Egypt was the foremost in musical development. THINK IT THROUGH Am I preparing to join in the final song of Moses on the sea of glass? "Moses was fitted to take preemi- ages. As historian, poet, philosopher, nence among the great of the earth, general of armies, and legislator, he . . . His intellectual greatness distin- stands without a peer."—"Patriarchs guishes him above the great men of all and Prophets," page 246. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Early Writings," page 70; "Education," page 162. 39 The Place of Music in Worship LESSON 5 ❑ Tuesday January 25 Part 3 "And David spake to the chief of the Levites to ap- MUSIC IN THE point their brethren to be the singers with instruments TIME OF DAVID of music, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, 1 Chron. 15:16 by lifting up the voice with joy." David was the next great national figure after Moses. He too was a great songwriter. But more, he organized schools of music. Many of the psalms were written by David, and these great expressions of praise were sung by the people, led by priests and Levites. The Hebrews apparently had some form of music for every important occasion. It was David who led out in the development of music for their worship. We read, "Four thousand praised the Lord with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith." 1 Chron. 23:5. Under what circumstance was the ark of the covenant brought back to the sanctuary? 1 Chron. 16:4-36. "With reverent care the ark was now placed upon the shoulders of men of divine appointment. . . . The king had laid aside his royal robes and had attired himself in a plain linen ephod, such as was worn by the priests. . . . Upon that day Jehovah was to be . . . the sole object of reverence. "Again the long train was in motion, and the music of harp and cornet, trumpet and cymbal, floated heavenward, blended with the melody of many voices."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 706, 707. As King Solomon led in the great dedicatory service of the temple, what happened in response to the music? 2 Chron. 5:7, 12-14. The Levite choir was robed—"arrayed in white linen." "The trumpeters and singers were as one." And God's acceptance of this worship was evidenced by His filling the temple with "the glory of the Lord." THINK IT THROUGH Do I face my trials with singing? "Music was made to serve a holy to exalt self, instead of using it to glo- purpose, to lift the thoughts to that rify God! . . . Music forms a part of which is pure, noble, and elevating, God's worship in the courts above, and and to awaken in the soul devotion we should endeavor, in our songs of and gratitude to God. What a contrast praise, to approach as nearly as pos- between the ancient custom and the sible to the harmony of the heavenly uses to which music is now too often choirs."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," devoted! How many employ this gift page 594. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," page 501. 40 The Place of Music in Worship LESSON 5 ❑ Wednesday January 26 Part 4 "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and THE PSALMS spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart IN WORSHIP to the Lord." Eph. 5:19 Many of ancient Israel's songs have been preserved in the book of Psalms, the product of many authors, as well as in other parts of the Bible. The , service of worship, particularly in the second temple (the temple built after the Jews returned from Babylon), made praise a leading feature. They called the Psalms the "Book of Praise." And these were divided into five books, each book concluding with a benediction. The first three of these books closed with a repeated "Amen." (See Ps. 41:13; 72:19; 89:52.) The last two books closed with the expression "praise the Lord" or "hallelujah." (Ps. 106:48; 150:6). The five books of the Psalms •are: (1) Psalms 1 through 41; (2) Psalms 42 through 72; (3) Psalms 73 through 89; (4) Psalms 90 through 106; and (5) Psalms 107 through 150. Psalm 150 is really the doxology to the whole book, which psalm many believe might well have been the last psalm writ- ten. For what reason did the psalmist call upon the nations to sing? Ps. 67:2, 4. "The singing should not be done by a few only. All present should be encouraged to join in the song service."—Evange- lism, page 507. "As often as possible, let the entire congrega- tion join."—Ibid. When King Hezekiah led out in the restoration of the worship at the temple, what accompanied the burnt offering at the altar? 2 Chron. 29:27-31. THINK IT THROUGH When I read the psalms, do I realize that these were the hymns of God's ancient people? Do they speak their message to my heart? "The service of song was made a ing peoples, beholding the prosperity regular part of religious worship, and of Israel, were led to think favorably David composed psalms, not only for of Israel's God, who had done such the use of the priests in the sanctuary great things for His people."—"Patri- service, but also to be sung by the archs and Prophets," page 711. people in their journeys to the national "How precious are the lessons of this altar at the annual feasts. The influ- psalm [147]. We might well devote ence thus exerted was far-reaching, study to the last four psalms of David." and it resulted in freeing the nation —"Fundamentals of Christian Educa- from idolatry. Many of the surround- tion," page 371. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 288, 289. 41 6—AQt1-72 The Place of Music in Worship LESSON 5 El Thursday January 27 Part 5 "After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where SPECIALIZED is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, FUNCTIONS when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt OF MUSIC meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: and the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another 1 Sam. 10:5, 6 man." Saul, a handsome, attractive man, was "head and shoulders above all in Israel." He looked like a leader, but something needed to happen in his life. Samuel had just anointed him king over Israel; then he made the •prediction of our text. What came upon Saul when he met the company of prophets, and with what result? 1 Sam. 10:10, 11. What experience came to the prophet Elisha when the minstrel played for him? 2 Kings 3:15. "Music, properly used, is an effective weapon in the hand of the church. We must remember, too, that it was the only weapon used by Jehoshaphat on that memorable day. . . . Music can confound the enemy before he even starts. It can be used as an effective weapon to soften up the enemy. It is to be used to strengthen the minds and hearts of God's people and prepare them for their Christian warfare. . . The singing church is the conquering church. The choir and music forces of the church are to aid in the battle against sin. Music is not to be merely an auxiliary which can be used in the various services or omitted from them, depending solely on personal preference or whims of the moment. It is to lend support and prepare the way for the teaching of the Word."— Paul McCommon, Music in the Bible, pages 20, 21. THINK IT THROUGH Does praise mean as much to me as it should? If not, why not? "From the earliest times the faithful revealed in His law, and shown in the in Israel had given much care to the history of Israel. Song and_p_Layer and education of the youth. The Lord had lessons from the Scriptures were to be directed that even from babyhood the aclilipied to the opening mind."—"The children should be taught of His good- Desire of Ages," page 69. ness and His greatness, especially as FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, p. 344; "The Great Contro- versy," page 542. 42 The Place of Music in Worship LESSON 5 El Friday January 28 Part 6 "All these were under the hands of their father for PATTERNS OF song in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, psalteries, WORSHIP IN PRE- and harps, for the service of the house of God, according CHRISTIAN TIMES to the king's order." 1 Chron. 25:6 Under the leadership of King David music began to have a very much more prominent part in the worship of the ancient people of God. While Moses had established the form of wor- ship in the ancient tabernacle, no particular program had been outlined for music and singing. But during the reigns of both David and Solomon choirs and orchestras became a regular part of the worship program. "From David's time on, music was used in connection with the morning and evening sacrifices, with Sabbath worship, and with the celebration of the new moon and set feasts such as the New Year and the Day of Atonement.. . "The music for the dedication of the magnificent temple must be of matching magnificence. David's preparation for it was threefold: the composing, collecting, and revising of the psalms of praise, including the tunes to which they should be sung; the making of the musical instruments to be used; and the actual training of players and singers."—Grauman, Musk in My Bible, page 76. What did David say concerning the house of the Lord which Solomon was to build? 1 Chron. 22:5. In what way did David receive the plans for the forth- coming house of the Lord? 1 Chron. 28:19. During the next four centuries the music of the temple worship continued. But with the destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar their temple worship ceased. Even after the Jews returned and rebuilt the temple, the worship was never again so elaborate. THINK IT THROUGH Are our churches just places of meeting, or are they centers of praise? "A congregation may be the poor- unite with them in their worship. The est in the land. It may be without the praise and thanksgiving from grateful attraction of any outward show; but hearts will ascend to God as a sweet if the members possess the principles oblation."—"Christ's Object Lessons," of the character of Christ, they will page 298. have His joy in their souls. Angels will FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," page 505; "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 609. 43 titi Answers: (1) Gen. 4:21; (2) immediately after crossing the Red Sea; (3) psalteries or stringed instruments like zithers, and harps, cymbals, cornets, tabrets, pipes, and trumpets; (4) True; (5) b, d, e; (6) King David. e.SOD!AJOS sno!Naz 03ui seusatialo pue si!otp ampoutu 03 pre 0Isntu Jo osn atp 9St9131.11 03 zatpo Are UST WOW pp JapeaL ittatuvisai pip Teaz.2 3rtm •9 aspiaxa sno!2llai ul ainseatd atunua2 apptoJd oi (a) ‘uoun!pap 03 pea' oa (p) '3uatualpxa map 03 (0) ‘suouotua alp Jus 03 (q) `SUOISSEd a3!Dxa o3 (v) s! 0!snut panes Jo pafcto anu atu :a0Iotio aicluinw •s szatus patueu atp 3snc lou pue poo 2uldnisJom tri panionu! atam 311:100d DI11 TIV :asiej JO an!' •i, 01111; SpARG u! pauop -uacu aJu s3uoturu3su! 3etim ‘sia2tus pau!eu pue 0!sntu !upon w uoulppe ui •E e:clnisJapea! ,sasow Japan peisi Jo um:quip aip 2uotuu papopai 2u!Stus InjAo! s! Xpea moH satup apqm Apui umotnt sum 0!sntu 3ug3 amp s! amap!na 1utim •I 3MOd Aanis snoA dO IS3.1. V o SNOLLS3110 Aavwwns o L 4JDd NOSS31 dxa1scorn tq dIsnyv Jo aovkl atI,L LESSON 6 January 30 to February 5 'Ai ilk rile I IN/W/A I*" I _II II I ! L„,,,if MUSIC IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 6 "I will declare Thy name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee." Heb. 2:12. Music in Hebrew-Christian Times and thanksgiving j is far more pleasing to "Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" Him than the melody of all the musical in- were heard in the earliest Christian com- struments ever invented by human hands." munities (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), but they —Ibid., p. 506. were probably unaccompanied by musical instruments, especially during times of per- secution. However, the Jewish temple had LESSON OUTLINE elaborate choirs and orchestral accompani- ments, and doubtless the converts to Chris- 1. Heaven's Message Impressed tianity would soon endeavor to provide by Music music of some sort in their meetings. Luke 2:10-14, Phillips Music in Heaven 2. Hymns and Spiritual Songs in "I have been shown the order, the per- Worship fect order, of heaven, and have been en- Eph. 5:18-20 raptured as I listened to the perfect music there."—Evangelism, page 505. 3. Singing the Gospel With Joy Factors in Effectual Music Ps. 98:3-6 "Music can be a great power for good; 4. Apostolic Use of the Psalms yet we do not make the most of this branch of worship. . . . Call to your aid, if prac- Rom. 15:5, 6, 9-11, 13, NEB ticable, instrumental music, and let the 5. Our Singing Must Exalt Christ glorious harmony ascend to God, an ac- ceptable offering."—Ibid. 1 Tim. 3:16, Moffatt Singing From the Heart 6. God's Goodness Inspires Our "The human voice that sings the music Songs of God from a heart filled with gratitude Ps. 96:1-3 45 Music in the Christian Church LESSON 6 ❑ Sunday January 30 Part 1 "The angel said to them: 'Do not be afraid! Listen, I HEAVEN'S bring you glorious news of great joy which is for all the MESSAGE people. This very day, in David's town, a Saviour has IMPRESSED been born for you. He is Christ, the Lord. . . . ' And in a BY MUSIC flash there appeared with the angel a vast host of the armies of heaven, praising God, saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven! Peace upon earth among men of Luke 2:10-14, Phillips good will!' " That message of the angel which was accompanied by the heavenly choir over the hills of Bethlehem will climax when the redeemed of all ages sing the song of Moses and the Lamb on the sea of glass. Rev. 15:2, 3. In what is believed to be the first recorded Christian t4* hymn, what is particularly evident? Acts 4:24-30. The words, "Thy Holy Child Jesus," are deeply significant, for here we see the Old Testament hymns being applied to Christ Jesus. When Peter and John were released from prison, they came to "their own company" and rehearsed what the Lord had done. Little wonder the whole company broke out into song. And they related the second psalm definitely to Christ. The psalms were not merely read or repeated; they were sung. A few weeks earlier many in that group had joined in the songs of praise when Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph, for they recognized a definite fulfillment of prophecy, and they ex- pressed their feelings in the hymn of praise. "If there was much more praising the Lord, and far less doleful recitation of discouragements, many more victories would be achieved."—Evangelism, page 499. What admonition are we given in James 5:13? THINK IT THROUGH Do I realize that the spirit of praise reacts upon my health? "Let praise and thanksgiving be against discouragement. As we thus expressed in song. When tempted, open the heart to the sunlight of the instead of giving utterance to our feel- Saviour's presence, we shall have ings, let us by faith lift up a song of health and His blessing."—"The Min- thanksgiving to God. . . . Song is a istry of Healing," page 254. weapon that we can always use FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Early Writings," page 153; "The Great Controversy," page 314. 46 Music in the Christian Church LESSON 6 ❑ Monday January 31 Part 2 "Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in HYMNS AND psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and mak- SPIRITUAL SONGS ing melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks al- IN WORSHIP ways for all things unto God and the Father in the name Eph. 5:18-20 of our Lord Jesus Christ." Moffatt renders verse 19: "Converse with one another in the music of psalms, in hymns, and in songs of the spiritual life, praise the Lord heartily with words and music." The apostle Paul was appealing to the church to develop real Christian fellowship through the use of, hymns and-songs. And he fecog- nized the difference between hyrinis — arid— songs. Generally speaking, a hymn is an ascription to God; it may be praise, prayer, or deep devotion. But a gospel song, on the contrary, is often addressed to our fellowmen. What similar instruction did the apostle Paul give to another church concerning the use of hymns and spiritual songs? Col. 3:16. What did our Lord Jesus say will happen when He is lifted up? John 12:32. While this refers primarily to His being lifted up on the cross, we must also lift Him up in our worship. The spirit of prophecy says, "Do not strike one dolorous note; do not sing funeral hymns."—Evangelism, page 180. We do not understand this as counsel not to sing hymns at a funeral service, for hymns can be a great blessing in the time of sorrow. But "funeral hymns" as used here are those that fail to exalt the living God, hymns that are gloomy and sepulchral. THINK IT THROUGH Does our congregation enter heartily into the singing of the great hymns of the centuries? Do the songs I sing lift up Jesus? "Let the science of salvation be the wildered, lost, to 'the Lamb of God.' burden of every sermon, the theme of Lift Him up, the risen Saviour, and say every song."—"Gospel Workers," page to all who hear, Come to Him who 160. 'hath loved us, and hath given Himself "Lift up Jesus, you that teach the for us.' . . . Reveal the way of peace people, lift Him up in sermon, in song, to the troubled and the despondent, in prayer. Let all your powers be and show forth the grace and com- directed pointing souls, confused, be- pleteness of the Saviour."—"Ibid." FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Ministry of Healing," page 246; "My Life Today," pages 90, 153. 47 Music in the Christian Church LESSON 6 ❑ Tuesday February 1 Part 3 "All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of SINGING our God. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: THE GOSPEL make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing WITH JOY unto the Lord with . . . the voice of a psalm. With trum- pets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Ps. 98:3-6 Lord, the King." A new note of joy came with the Christian message. The angel said to the shepherds, "I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." How did David react to God's revelation of the "way of life"? Acts 2:28. How did Peter say the Christian should respond to the love of God? 1 Peter 1:8. When we truly love the Lord, what should be our response? Ps. 5:11. Our singing should not be reserved just for those days when everything seems to be going right. Jesus said: "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy." Luke 6:22, 23. That surely was the new way of looking at life, and how wonderfully the disciples entered into that experience. When persecution was raised against Paul and Barnabas and they were expelled from the city, the record says they were "filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." See Acts 13:50-52. THINK IT THROUGH If I found myself in prison, would I sing as did Paul and Silas, or would I give way to discouragement? "With astonishment the other pris- of prayer and praise ascending from oners heard the sound of prayer and that gloomy cell. Guards and prisoners singing issuing from the inner prison. marveled and asked themselves who They had been accustomed to hear these men could be, who, cold, hungry, shrieks and moans, cursing and swear- and tortured, could yet rejoice."—"The ing, breaking the silence of the night; Acts of the Apostles," page 214. but never before had they heard words FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," pages 510-512. 48 Music in the Christian Church LESSON 6 Wednesday February 2 Part 4 "And may God, the source of all fortitude and all APOSTOLIC encouragement, grant that you may agree with one an- USE OF THE other after the manner of Christ Jesus, so that with one PSALMS mind and one voice you may praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." "As Scripture says, 'Therefore I will praise Thee among the Gentiles and sing hymns to Thy name'; . . . 'Gentiles, make merry together with His own people'; . . . 'All Gentiles, praise the Lord; let all peoples praise Him.'" "And may the God of hope fill you with all joy and Rom. 15:5,6, peace by your faith in Him, until, by the power of the 9-11,13, NEB Holy Spirit, you overflow with hope." The place the psalms had in the worship of the early church is revealed in Paul's letter to the Romans. These hymns be- come their inspiration as peoples of all nations assembled for worship. The Hebrew hymnbook forecasted this gathering in of the Gentiles. The apostle's prayer was that the God of hope would fill them with all joy and peace and that through the power of the Holy Spirit their lives would overflow. What are the characteristics of the kingdom of God? Rom. 14:17. What was the Lord's objective in giving His final in- structions in the upper room? John 15:11. When fleeing from Saul, what did David say he would do? Ps. 57:7-9. The spirit of confidence and joy expressed by the early Christians under trial greatly influenced the unbelieving world. And in the final test through which God's remnant people must pass, these psalms of confidence will again be sung. THINK IT THROUGH Does my life overflow witIrloy? "Their voices rise in triumphant sea; though the waters thereof roar song: 'God is our refuge and strength, and be troubled, though the mountains a very present help in trouble. There- shake with the swelling thereof.' fore will not we fear, though the earth Psalm 46:1-3."—"The Great Contro- be removed, and though the moun- versy," page 639. tains be carried into the midst of the FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 1, p. 324; Vol. 2, p. 319. 49 7 —AQt 1 —72 Music in the Christian Church LESSON 6 El Thursday February 3 Part 5 "And who does not admit how profound is the divine OUR SINGING MUST truth of our religion?—it is He who was 'manifest in the EXALT CHRIST flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on throughout the world, 1 Tim. 3:16, Moffatt taken up to glory.' " The hymn, Hebrew or Christian, is the child of its age. Christian hymns centered largely in Christ as Creator and Redeemer. New hymns and songs appeared because the He- brew psalms were insufficient to express praise to Christ as Lord. The "Jehovah of the Jews" was hailed as "the Lord of all nations" by the Christians. Christians sang the Old Testa- ment psalms and hymns but also added new hymns and songs to express their victory in Christ. What was Paul's admonition to those who were "risen with Christ"? Col. 3:15-17. Congregational singing practically ceased for a thousand years, the singing being done only by the monks. This con- tinued until the beginning of the fifteenth century when John Huss of Bohemia, a musician as well as a great preacher, wrote hymns for his people. This was actually one cause of his mar- tyrdom in 1415. A century later Martin Luther with his en- lightened colleagues changed the whole pattern of worship in Europe. His famous hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," based on Psalm 46, became the watchword of the Reforma- tion. In remembrance of God's holiness, what should His people do? Ps. 30:4. THINK IT THROUGH Do I appreciate as I should the opportunity of singing with the congregation? "Every heavenly intelligence is in- courts because Christ has not died in terested in the assemblies of the saints vain for the fallen sons of Adam. While who on earth meet to worship God. In angels drink from the fountainhead, the inner court of heaven they listen the saints on earth drink of the pure to the testimony of the witnesses for streams flowing from the throne, the Christ in the outer court on earth, and streams that make glad the city of our the praise and thanksgiving from the God. Oh, that we could all realize the worshipers below is taken up in the nearness of heaven to earthr—"Tes- heavenly anthem, and praise and re- timonies," Vol. 6, p. 366. joicing sound through the heavenly FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Christ's Object Lessons," page 134; "The Desire of Ages," page 24. 50 Music in the Christian Church LESSON 6 ❑ Friday February 4 Part 6 "0 sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, GOD'S GOODNESS all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; show INSPIRES OUR forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory SONGS among the heathen, His wonders among all people." Ps. 96:1-3 The call to sing "a new song" inspired Isaac Watts to begin a new hymn pattern in the English language. He is sometimes called "the father of English hymnody." The early English and French Reformers maintained that we should sing only the inspired words of Scripture. But Watts contended that to sing only the words of the Old Testament was to put a veil over the mind as did the Jews in Paul's day. Why should we close our eyes to the reality of Jesus Christ? So he began to para- phrase the Hebrew hymns into Christian language. In what words did John the Baptist call the people to behold Christ? John 1:29, 35, 36. The eighteenth century was marked by a great evangelical revival. John and Charles Wesley were prominent leaders in this movement, which was characterized by "an outburst of song." The great doctrines of free grace and universal atone- ment which they emphasized naturally called for new songs of faith, hope, and love. Charles Wesley, the poet of the movement, wrote more than 6,500 hymns, many of which emphasized the mercy and judg- ment of God, such as "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" and "Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending." Wesley seemed to cover the whole message •of •the Bible in his hymns. THINK IT THROUGH When I sing, am I pondering_ the wonderful thoughts of God and His savinggrace expressed in our hymns, or do I just sing words? "If you sit in heavenly places with you, when you touch this strain, Satan Christ, you cannot refrain from prais- will leave you. You can drive out the ing God. Begin to educate your tongues enemy with his gloom; his dark shadow to praise Him, and train your hearts to will be swept from your pathway by make melody to God; and when the praising God, and you can see, oh, so evil one begins to settle his gloom much clearer, the love and compassion about you, sing praise to God. When of your heavenly Father."—Ellen G. things go crossways at your homes, White, "Review and Herald," Aug. 5, strike up a song about the matchless 1890. charms of the Son of God, and I tell FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Prophets and Kings," page 313; "My Life Today," page 288. 51 Music in the Christian Church LESSON 6 Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER 1. With what was the Christian gospel announced, and with what will it reach a grand climax> 2. How can the saints communicate with each other apart from ordinary conversation> 3. Multiple choice: Did Jesus introduce into religion (a) more sincerity, (b) more sadness and gloom, (c) more joy and gladness> 4. Multiple choice: Since the earliest Christian churches had no hymns of their own, they (a) immediately wrote some, (b) used the psalms and other portions of the Old Testament in a Christian context while adding new ones gradually 5. Multiple choice: Christian hymns and church music in general should (a) provide exhibitions of technical skill, (b) exalt Jesus Christ and lead people nearer to God 6. True or False : The bases on which we are exhorted to sing praises to God are His moral attributes, and not our personal desires or abilities (g) (g) q (v) o ,e (r) :OZ `6I:9 'Llda (Z) :amid Jo s2uos :saantsud 52 LESSON 7 February 6 to 12 THE PLACE OF PRAYER IN WORSHIP 7 "Let us . . . come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4:16. Vital Prayer LESSON OUTLINE "Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, the Christian's native air." If this is true 1. The Privilege of Prayer in personal life, obviously prayer is vital Isa. 56:6, 7, RSV in public worship. 2. The Nature of Prayer Public Prayer Heb. 11:6 "What is the object of assembling to- gether? Is it to inform God, to instruct 3. Congregational Attitude in Him by telling Him all we know in prayer? Prayer We meet together to edify one another Ps. 95:6, 7 by an interchange of thoughts and feel- ings, to gather strength, and light, and 4. The Language of Prayer courage by becoming acquainted with one John 14:13, 14; 16:23, 24 another's hopes and aspirations; and by our earnest, heartfelt prayers, offered up 5. The Content of the Public in faith, we receive refreshment and vigor Prayer in Worship from the Source of our strength."—Testi- 1 Tim. 2:1-4 monies, Vol. 2, p. 578. "A common meeting to worship God is 6. Praying in the Spirit not the place to open the privacies of the Eph. 6:18 heart."--/bid. 53 The Place of Prayer in Worship LESSON 7 ❑ Sunday February 6 Part 1 "Everyone who keeps the Sabbath, and does not THE PRIVILEGE profane it, and holds fast My covenant—these I will bring OF PRAYER to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer; . . . for My house shall be called a house of Isa. 56:6, 7, RSV prayer for all peoples." Prayer is as old •as man, who was created to commune with his Maker. The Greek word for man, anthropos, is said by some scholars to mean "the being with the upturned face." Man by nature is religious, and prayer is the natural impulse of the soul. While different religions approach prayer in dif- ferent ways, yet all pray. These words by Augustine are sig- nificant: "Thou hast made us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in Thee." Prayer is, therefore, a vital part of worship. What request did the disciples make of Jesus? Luke 11:1. "Teach us to pray," not "how to pray." They had seen and heard the Master at prayer, and they were reaching out for the experience He enjoyed with His Father. Christ's answer is revealing. He did not say, "Well, just ask God for what you want." Instead He gave them the model prayer which we call the Lord's Prayer. In this prayer only one third is petition; the rest is adoration, worship, and praise. What kind of person has his prayer heard by the Lord? Prov. 15:29. We need not be righteous before we pray. We come to God just as we are. The prayer of the publican was, "God be merciful to me a sinner." That man's prayer was heard. He went home justified. He had been made righteous through the gift of God's grace. Having received pardon for his sins, he was now in God's sight righteous. The other man went back as he came—condemned. THINK IT THROUGH Does prayer have first place in my life? "Prayer is the breath of the soul. It of life, and strengthens the sinew and is the secret of spiritual power. No muscle of the religious experience.... other means of grace can be substi- "It is only at the altar of God that tuted, and the health of the soul be we can kindle our tapers with divine preserved. Prayer brings the heart into fire."—"Gospel Workers," pages 254, immediate contact with the Wellspring 255. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," page 668; "The Great Controversy," page 210. 54 The Place of Prayer in Worship LESSON 7 ❑ Monday February 7 Part 2 "He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and THE NATURE that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." OF PRAYER Heb. 11:6 "It is a wonderful thing that we can pray effectually; that unworthy, erring mortals possess the power of offering their requests to God. What higher power can man desire than this —to be linked with the Infinite God? Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of speaking to his Maker. We may utter words that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. . . . "True faith and true prayer—how strong they are! They are as two arms by which the human suppliant lays hold upon the power of Infinite Love."—Gospel Workers, pages 258, 259. Can we be sure the Lord will hear us? Ps. 34:15. What is God's promise to those who call upon Him? Ps. 145:18, 19. What assurance do we have that God will hear us? 1 John 5:14, 15; 3:22. While real prayer is individual communion with God, yet when a congregation gathers together for worship and one is designated to lead in the public prayer, he must realize that his voice is really the voice of the whole group; he expresses their praise, their needs, their desires. Instead of using the personal pronoun, "I pray Thee," it should be "we pray Thee," or "hear Thou our prayer," not "my prayer." The prayer must become congregational. The expression of praise to God, the confession of sins and enmities, the petition for the assuaging of griefs that corrode the soul, all of these should be expressed in the plural, not the singular form. THINK IT THROUGH Am I learning really to intercede for others as Daniel did? Am I •as concerned about the straying and lost as I should be? "It is our privilege to pray with con- learned to prevail with God in prayer. fidence, the Spirit inditing our petitions. They will be encouraged to believe With simplicity we should state our that the Lord's presence is •in the meet- needs to the Lord, and claim His prom- ing, and will open their hearts to re- ise with such faith that those in the ceive His blessing."—"Gospel Work- congregation will know that we have ers," page 177. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," page 126; "Early Writings," page 115;"The Great Controversy," pages 74,436. 55 The Place of Prayer in Worship LESSON 7 ❑ Tuesday February 8 Part 3 "0 come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel CONGREGATIONAL before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God; and we ATTITUDE IN are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand." PRAYER Ps. 95:6, 7 Prayer is God's method for man's communion with Him, but we should come to Him in the way He directs. The psalm- ist said, "Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." What was Paul's and Daniel's attitude in prayer? Eph. 3:14; Dan. 6:10. When the people were assembled before Ezra, what was his posture in prayer? Ezra 9:4-7. "Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our peti- tions to Him. Jesus, our example, 'kneeled down, and prayed.' Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, 'kneeled down, and prayed.'... "True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there; and as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened. 'Holy and reverend is His name,' the psalmist declares. Angels, when they speak that name, veil their faces. With what reverence, then, should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips!"—Gospel Workers, page1178. What was the Lord's command to Moses at the burn- ing bush? Ex. 3:5. THINK IT THROUGH Do we realize as we should the importance of kneel- ing when we pray? "And when you assemble to worship God; but they are losing their devo- God, be sure and bow your knees be- tional spirit. This spirit of reverence for fore Him. Let this act testify that the God teaches men how to approach whole soul, body, and spirit are in their Maker—with sacredness and awe subjection to the Spirit of Truth. . . . through faith, not in themselves, but "We are living in perilous times. in a Mediator."—"Selected Messages," Seventh-day Adventists are professedly Bk. 2, pp. 314, 315. the commandment-keeping people of FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," page 437; "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 216. 56 The Place of Prayer in Worship LESSON 7 ❑ Wednesday February 9 Part 4 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will THE LANGUAGE I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye OF PRAYER shall ask anything in My name, I will do it." "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My John 14:13, 14; name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be 16:23, 24 full." When Jesus gave the model prayer, He began with the words, "Our Father which art in heaven." It is God the Father who promises to heed and hear the petition of His children. It is God the Son who by His sacrificial death provides access to Deity, and it is God the Holy Spirit who indites true prayer. For "we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us." Rom. 8:26, RSV. How did Jesus say we should come to the Father? John 14:6. What was the prophet Hosea's appeal to his people? Hosea 14:2. The wording of our public prayers is important. To address the God of the universe in the language of the street or the ballpark or the shop is not only inappropriate; it is sacrilegious. It has been well said, "The way a man prays in public shows people the sort of Person he worships, and the way he regards that Person." The tendency to address the High and Holy God in the same way as we would address one another is something to be deplored. We must remember that all the worshipers, including the one who is offering the prayer, are helpless sin- ners, and the only reason that we are enabled to speak in the holy presence of God is His free and unmerited grace. It be- hooves us, then, that our language be marked by dignity, hum- ility, and reverence. THINK IT THROUGH Do my prayers reveal reverence both in language and in my posture? "Some think it a mark of humility to language, that others may understand pray to God in a common manner, as what is said and unite with the peti- if talking with a human being. . . . tion. "High-flown language is inappropri- "It is the heartfelt prayer of faith ate in prayer, whether the petition be that is heard in heaven and answered offered in the pulpit, in the family cir- on earth."—"Gospel Workers," pages cle, or in secret. Especially should the 176, 177. one offering public prayer use simple FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Christ's Object Lessons," page 111; "The Miriistry of Heal- ing," page 226. 57 The Place of Prayer in Worship LESSON 7 ❑ Thursday February 10 Part 5 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, THE CONTENT OF prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for THE PUBLIC PRAYER all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that IN WORSHIP we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, 1 Tim. 2:1-4 and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." In the service of worship there are usually a number of prayers before the closing prayer. Let us now •think particu- larly of the general or main prayer. No feature in the service is more important than this, for it concerns every person present. C. H. Spurgeon, the outstanding pastor-evangelist of his generation, declares, "Prayer is one of the most weighty, use- ful, and honorable parts of the service, and . . . it ought to be even more considered than the sermon. . . . Let the Infinite Jehovah be served with our best; let prayer addressed to the Divine Majesty be carefully weighed, and presented with all the powers of an awakened heart and a spiritual understand- ing."—Lectures to My Students, pages 93, 94. Against what kind of praying has our. Saviour warned us? Matt. 6:5, 6. The prayer of the hypocrite, which is only a pretense, does not count with God. Such expressions as "the closet," "the inner chamber," and the "closed door" are deeply significant. The one who truly senses what congregational prayer really is will have disciplined himself to close his mind to all other thoughts and attractions while he speaks to God on behalf of the worshipers. THINK IT THROUGH Do I use a lot of repetitions when I pray? Is it pos- sible to take the Lord's name in vain by repeating it too often? "Every promise in the Word of God poral matters, asking Him for bread furnishes us with subject matter for and raiment as well as for the bread prayer, presenting the pledged word of life and the robe of Christ's righ- of Jehovah as our assurance. What- teousness. Your heavenly Father knows ever spiritual blessing we need, it is that you have need of all these things, our privilege to claim through Jesus. and you are invited to ask Him con- We may tell the Lord, with the sim- cerning them."—"Thoughts From the plicity of a child, exactly what we Mount of Blessing," page 133. need. We may state to Him our tern- FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Christian Service," page 144; "Testimonies," Vol. 7, p. 14. 58 The Place of Prayer in Worship LESSON 7 ❑ Friday February 11 Part 6 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in PRAYING IN the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance THE SPIRIT and supplication for all saints." Eph. 6:18 The expression "praying in the Spirit" is arresting. Through prayer we contact the Creator. Prayer is the mightiest force in the world, and this the enemy knows. This is why "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees." But only when prayer is Spirit-imbued is it effective. Of what are we assured in our relationship to God? Gal. 4:6, 7. When the Spirit of God takes possession of the soul, He becomes in truth the Spirit of intercession and "is at once the Guide of prayer and the Guarantor of its success." Both the desire and the ability to pray are made possible through the Spirit of God. Merely to say prayers is not enough. Our minds and hearts must be Spirit-possessed. Note the apostle's clear statement: "He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit." Rom. 8:27. There are two divine Intercessors. Christ Jesus intercedes for us before the throne in heaven, and the Holy Spirit inter- cedes at the throne of our hearts. We could put it this way —the One who prepares our case is the Holy Spirit—the "Chamber Advocate"; while the One who presents our case is Christ Jesus our High Priest—"The Court Advocate." THINK IT THROUGH Am I learning to pray in the Spirit? "As we ought. Literally, 'as it is nec- "It is the work of the Holy Spirit to essary.' Because of the dimness of our move us to pray, to teach us what to limited human vision, we do not know say, and even to speak through us.... whether the blessing we request will "God knows the desires the Holy be best for us. Only God knows the Spirit inspires in our hearts. He does end from the beginning. Therefore, in not need to have these deep emotions our prayers we should always express expressed in words. He does not need our complete submission to His will for the eloquence of language to induce us. Jesus set the example in this when Him to hear. He understands the anx- He prayed, 'Nevertheless not as I will, ious longings of the heart and is ready but as Thou wilt' (Matt. 26:39; cf. John to aid and to bless."—"SDA Bible Com- 12:27, 28). . . . mentary," on Rom. 8:26, 27. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Counsels to Parents and Teachers," page 479; "Testimo- nies," Vol. 2, p. 321. 59 The Place of Prayer in Worship LESSON 7 Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS <> A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER 1. Name the constituent parts of true prayer as seen in the Lord's Prayer. 2. True or False: Confession, faith in God and His promises, petition, and praise are all involved in true prayer 3. Wherever it is possible, what position should the worshiper assume in prayer) 4. Would a devout Christian presume to address God in the language of the street, or would he choose words that are dignified and respectful) 5. Multiple choice: Should the main prayer in public worship be (a) long, (b) short, (c) in flowery or highbrow language, (d) concerned with per- sonal matters, (e) dignified, (f) audible to all worshipers, (g) moderate in length) 6. How are our heartfelt prayers indited and made effective? 1ppls 31/1 'Aq pa.udsu/ 10 (g) :2 '; 'a (g) ://///oads pue pagiu2n3 0,) :2unaatni (g) :atuj, (g) :as!uul 'dp/sioat 'Vol/elope 'uoRpad (/) :sJamsuy 60 LESSON 8 February 13 to 19 OTHER ASPECTS OF THE WORSHIP SERVICE 8 "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." Neh. 8:8. Reading and Praying in Public The word translated "distinctly" in the LESSON OUTLINE above text probably means both clearly and conveying the meaning. Speaking 1. Public Reading of Scripture clearly is a blessing because all can hear, Luke 4:16-19 and conveying or interpreting meaning in exposition is equally a blessing to all. "Gave 2. The Offering, an Act of Worship the sense" may mean translation from Mark 12:41 Hebrew to Aramaic, but it again was for the purpose of making all to understand 3. Promises to the Faithful the Scriptures. Mal. 3:10, 12 Making Public Worship More Attractive 4. The Opening Invocation or If we could have (1) clearly enunciated, Prayer of Adoration pprayers, (2) 'beauty of thought shortil Isa. 6:1, 3 and meaningful expression in both prayer and reading, (3) choice music that glorified 5. The Call to Worship God, (4) dignity, reverence, and meetings Ps. 100:1, 2, 4, 5 that were not unduly long, (5) cheerful, liberal, and widespread participation in 6. Closing the Service of Worship orderly collection of tithes and offerings, Jude 24, 25 what an improvement we might find in at- tendance and interest in many more of our churches! 61 Other Aspects of the Worship Service LESSON 8 ❑ Sunday February 13 Part 1 "As His custom was, He went into the synagogue on PUBLIC READING the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there OF SCRIPTURE was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, Luke 4:16-19 to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." How did the Nazareth congregation react to Jesus' readings? Luke 4:20. Reading a portion of Scripture in public is an art, and like any other art it requires real preparation. While the Bible is the Word of God, it must be read as the Word of God. "By diligent effort all may acquire the power to read intel- ligibly, and to speak in a full, clear, round tone, in a distinct and impressive manner. By doing this we may greatly increase our efficiency as workers for Christ."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 335, 336. "The science of reading correctly and with the proper em- phasis, is of highest value. No matter how much knowledge you may have acquired in other lines, if you have neglected to cultivate your voice and manner of speech so that you can speak and read distinctly and intelligently, all your learning will be of but little profit.... "A proper presentation of the Lord's truth is worthy of our highest efforts."—Evangelism, page 666. "To ensure correct delivery in reading and speaking, see that the abdominal muscles have full play in breathing and that the respiratory organs are unrestricted. . .. Careful attention should be given to securing distinct articulation, smooth, well-modula- ted tones, and a not-too-rapid delivery."—Education, page 199. On the occasion of the reading of Scripture by Ezra and his companions, what three important things are noted? Neh. 8:8. THINK IT THROUGH When I hear the Scripture read during worship, do I sense that it is God who is speaking? "If your students, besides studying plished. . . . Many have not learned God's Word, learn no more than how to give the right emphasis to the words to use correctly the English language they read and speak."—"Counsels to in reading, writing, and speaking, a Teachers," pages 207, 208. great work will have been accom- FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Welfare Ministry," page 170. 62 Other Aspects of the Worship Service LESSON 8 ❑ Monday February 14 Part 2 "And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld THE OFFERING, AN how the people cast money into the treasury." ACT OF WORSHIP Mark 12:41 The spirit in which the people were making their gifts was important to Jesus. The Lord does not need our money, for all the silver and the gold are His, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. But we need the blessing of the partnership. Who gives us the ability to get wealth? Deut. 8:18. God does not give us wealth to squander on ourselves. "Our money has not been given us that we might honor and glorify ourselves. As faithful stewards we are to use it for the honor and glory of God. . . . All we possess is the Lord's, and we are accountable to Him for the use we make of it."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 351. What should be our attitude in giving to the cause of Christ? 2 Cor. 9:7. If we give willingly and joyfully, what is the Lord's promise? Verse 6. Commenting on the widow's gift at the treasury, we read, "Her heart went with her gift; its value was estimated, not by the worth of the coin, but by the love to God and the interest in His work that had prompted the deed."—The De- sire of Ages, page 615. "Christ called the attention of the disciples to this woman, who had given 'all her living.' Mark 12:44. He esteemed her gift of more value than the large offerings of those whose alms did not call for self-denial."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 342. THINK IT THROUGH When I give my tithes and offerings, do they represent the giving of myself? "It is God who blesses men with returning Him a portion in tithes and property, and He does this that they offerings—in thank offerings, in free- may be able to give toward the ad- will offerings, in trespass offerings. vancement of His cause. He sends the Should means flow into the treasury in sunshine and the rain. He causes vege- accordance with this divinely appointed tation to flourish. He gives health and plan,—a tenth of all the increase, and the ability to acquire means. All our liberal offerings,—there would be an blessings come from His bountiful abundance for the advancement of the hand. In turn, He would have men Lord's work."—"The Acts of the Apos- and women show their gratitude by tles," page 75. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 150. 63 Other Aspects of the Worship Service LESSON 8 ❑ Tuesday February 15 Part 3 "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there PROMISES TO may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, THE FAITHFUL saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." "And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be Mal. 3:10, 12 a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." "The bringing of an offering has always formed part of religious devotions. . . . A gift is an expression; it is a kind of language. . . . Presumably, the person who gives expresses through his gift the willingness on his part that his life be used on behalf of the person or cause for which he gives.. . . "Among the Hebrews of the Old Dispensation the offering to God was an expression of attitude toward God. The sincere and intelligent worshiper, approaching the altar, said in deeds that spoke louder than words, 'My life, 0 Lord, does not be- long to myself ; it belongs to Thee, my Maker. All that I possess I have received from Thy gracious hand. Thou hast made me a steward of it. I can give Thee nothing but myself. Here I rededicate myself to Thee, and this my humble gift is the token of my unconditional self-surrender.' This principle must forever abide in our giving."—Gerrit Verkuyl, Devotional Leadership, pages 115, 116. What promise does the Lord make to the liberal giver? Luke 6:38. How does the Lord regard one who holds back tithes and offerings? Mal. 3:8. What results? Verse 9. THINK IT THROUGH Am I receiving the blessing of God in my life, or am I being deprived because of my unfaithfulness? "Men are tempted to use their means "He whose heart is aglow with the in self-indulgence, in the gratification love of Christ will regard it as not only of appetite, in personal adornment, or a duty, but a pleasure, to aid in the in the embellishment of their homes. advancement of the highest, holiest For these objects many church members work committed to man—the work of do not hesitate to spend freely and presenting to the world the riches of even extravagantly. But when asked goodness, mercy, and truth. . . . to give to the Lord's treasury, to carry "The spirit of liberality is the spirit forward His work in the earth, they of heaven. This spirit finds its highest demur.... What marvel that the Chris- manifestation in Christ's sacrifice on tian life of such ones is but a dwarfed, the cross."—"The Acts of the Apostles," sickly existence! pages 338, 339. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 272, 281. 64 Other Aspects of the Worship Service LESSON 8 ❑ Wednesday February 16 Part 4 "I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and THE OPENING lifted up, and His train filled the temple." INVOCATION "And one cried unto another and said, Holy, holy, OR PRAYER holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His OF ADORATION glory." Isa. 6:1, 3 The spirit of worship in the heart means that worshipers will be expecting a blessing. An attractive house of worship, with suitable music, immerses them in an attitude that uplifts the soul. All should feel that God is present. The spirit of Ps. 46:10 should pervade the house of worship: "Be still, and know that I am God." Possibly the Sabbath School has already been conducted in the church building. If so, then special thought must be given to the change from the informal study of God's Word and the promotion of worthy activities, to quiet, worshipful reflection. To bring all, old and young, into such a spirit of worship is not easy. Experience has proved the wisdom of making the announce- ments and all necessary offering and campaign..-promotion before the actual worship begins. All the King's business justly requires our attention, but the service of worship is to exalt the Lord our Maker. From the first call to worship to the final benediction everything must be on the high plateau of com- munion with God. An example of an appropriate short prayer of adoration can be found in these words taken from Ps. 145:3, 17, 19: "Great is the Lord, and greatly to •be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable." "The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works." "He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them." Many other such calls will be found in the Psalms; here are a few: Ps. 46:1, 10, 11; 95:1-3; 96:1, 7-9; 99:1-3, 9; 100:1, 2, 4, 5. Other passages of Scripture are equally appropriate, such as Luke 1:68, 77, 78: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He bath visited and redeemed His people." "To give knowl- edge of salvation unto His people iby the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the Day- spring from on high hath visited us." THINK IT THROUGH When the invocation is offered at the beginning of worship, am I truly prepared in heart to commune with my Maker? Concerning this invocation, J. R. quest, as they appeal to God to cleanse Schlater says, "Its delivery should never the thoughts of their hearts that they be hurried; each phrase should be may worthily magnify His holy name." quietly emphasized; so that all the —"The Public Worship of God," page worshipers may be touched with a 33. sense of the magnitude of their re- FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimon•ies," Vol. 1, p. 143. 65 Other Aspects of the Worship Service LESSON 8 ❑ Thursday February 17 Part 5 "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. THE CALL TO Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence WORSHIP with singing." "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and Ps. 100:1, 2, 4, 5 His truth endureth to all generations." The call to worship should be very real, for many that come to a meeting are not •prepared to enter into the experience of worship. The apostle Peter says, "Gird up the loins of your mind." It is very easy for our minds to wander. On the way to the church the conversation may not have been always in a devotional setting. Something must grip our hearts if we would worship God "in spirit and in truth." An appropriate call will be given in the words of Scripture, such as Psalm 99: "The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: He sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The Lord is great in Zion; and He is high above all the people. Let them praise Thy great and terrible name; for it is holy." "Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool." Verses 1-3, 5. If a different scripture is chosen from week to week, it will prevent the call to worship from becoming just a form. Some New Testament passages are also excellent, such as Heb. 4:14- 16 or Luke 1:68, 77, 78. When such a call to worship is fol- lowed by a doxology, it will do much to unify the spirit of worship. What are we admonished to do? Ps. 100:4, 5. If such a call is given in a tone of joy and gratitude, all will want to respond in an expression of praise. THINK IT THROUGH Have I emptied my mind of all worldly thoughts when the call to worship is given? "Our meetings should be made in- made interesting and attractive and tensely interesting. They should be per- not to be allowed to degenerate into vaded with the very atmosphere of a dry form. We must live for Christ heaven. Let there be no long, dry minute by minute, hour by hour, and speeches and formal prayers merely day by day; then Christ will dwell in for the sake of occupying the time. All us, and when we meet together, His should be ready to act their part with love will be in our hearts, welling up promptness, and when their duty is like a spring in the desert, refreshing done, the meeting should be closed. all, and making those who are ready Thus the interest will be kept up to to perish, eager to drink of the waters the last. This is offering to God accept- of life."—"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 609. able worship. His service should be FOR FURTHER STUDY: Psalms 66; 95; 135. 66 Other Aspects of the Worship Service LESSON 8 ❑ Friday February 18 Part 6 "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, CLOSING THE and to present you faultless before the presence of His SERVICE OF glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our WORSHIP Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, Jude 24, 25 both now and ever. Amen." These words conclude the brief epistle of Jude, and they set forth some of the most wonderful truths concerning salva- tion. As a benediction, this scripture is unsurpassed. The benediction should come as the climax to all that has gone before. From the beginning of the organ prelude through all of its features the worship service should be leading up to this point. How did the Lord instruct Aaron and his sons through Moses to bless the children of Israel? What were these priests to say? Num. 6:24-26. While the benediction seems to belong with the prayers of the church, it is not actually a prayer. This is not always understood by those who conduct the Sabbath worship service. Sometimes the meeting closes with a prayer, even a commen- tary on the preacher's message. That of course is not a bene- diction in this sense. The people have already joined in the singing and the prayers, and through the ministry of the Word have been led to look to God for His manifold blessings. Then it is fitting if the service closes with a benediction. There are a number of wonderful benedictions to be found in the Bible. These should be studied and memorized. One of the most simple yet most beautiful of the many benedictions we find in God's Word is 2 Corinthians 13:14. We can do no better than to choose such a scripture, preferably from mem- ory, to close the meeting. What example of a fitting benediction is given in the book of Hebrews? Heb. 13:20, 21. THINK IT THROUGH As I leave the worship service, is it with a sense of having met God? "Paul wrote to these •brethren [He- that Great Shepherd of the sheep.' He brews 13] as 'saints in Christ Jesus;' assured them that 'through the blood but he was not writing to those who of the everlasting covenant' He will were perfect in character. He wrote to 'make you perfect in every good work them as men and women who were to do His will, working in you that striving against temptation and who which is well pleasing in His sight, were in danger of falling. He pointed through Jesus Christ.'"—"The Ministry them to 'the God of peace, that brought of Healing," page 167. again from the dead our Lord Jesus, 67 89 Answers: (1) Jesus did it and held the attention of all, Luke 4:20. It should be done intelligently, with clear, distinct enunciation and correct emphasis. The reader should practice or prepare care- fully; (2) c; (3) True; (4) It should be a brief invocation of God's presence and produce reverence in all that follows; (5) b; (6) a. •uopriiotixa zo JaArid jo 2u!praz atp (o) ‘Jakeid &tot puu E (q) 'kmlmo tp!nA pauJoprun StrIssaiq 2upird aiogs E (v) :aq pinoqs uop!pauaq ata .9 laArid 5uoi Jatpour (o) Too dItisionn. of IIE Joj 'aJnidlios jo spiom alp tit Anriajaid 'pada ;togs (q) (v) :aq pinotis d!tisiona of iina aq j„ :aototp apdpInTAT .s e.uoliroonut 2utuado pooS E inoqu Ars noX ui. rim •{7 )LION s‘poo 2upioddns jo skemi paiutodde Xiau!mp atp aii s&iliajjo pur saqiu, :asird Jo an'" .E JaAI2 aqi jo iuids aqi (o) ‘uotivivasaJd snotirlualso atp (q) `lunotur alp (it) :s! 2upamo ur inoqr utga auElzodult atu, :ao!otp aid!liniAT •Z -duns XioH atp jo Su!prai ollqnd atp inoqu sn tprai uossai s!tp saop irtim • ! 2I3MOd Aanis anoA AO IS3.1. V o sNous3no Aavwwns O L 4.1 pd 8 NOSS31 aop.tas dpissohl ayi fo sioadsy Jaw° LESSON 9 February 20 to 26 THE SERMON IN THE SERVICE OF WORSHIP 9 "Then Philip opened his mouth . . . and preached unto him Jesus." "And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Acts 8:35, 37. The Wonders of Redemption "The wonders of redemption are dwelt LESSON OUTLINE upon altogether too lightly. We need these matters presented more fully and contin- 1. All True Preaching Centers in uously in our discourses and in our papers." Christ —Counsels to Writers and Editors, page 80. Mark 16:15, 16 Ellen G. White lists many vital topics for sermons (see Evangelism, page 187, for 2. What God Expectslof a some essential subjects), and she adds Preacher that, along with all other means, "God's 2 Cor. 5:11; Gal. 1:10, NEB appointed means of saving souls is through `the foolishness of preaching.' "—Testimo- 3. Decorum of Worship Leaders nies, Vol. 5, p. 300. 1 Tim. 4:12 Deportment in Worship 4. The Lay Preacher and the There is a twofold aspect to this subject. Worship Service The preacher is to preach vital material, Luke 10:1, 2, 9 delivered with dignity and in the power of the Spirit. The worshiper is to remem- 5. The Purpose of the Sermon ber he is in God's house listening to the Acts 2:37 words of eternal life. Whoever is preach- ing, we must cultivate a warm and recep- 6. Delivering the Message tive heart, avoiding a critical or a wander- 1 Cor. 2:1, 2, 4 ing mind, and all our actions should be decorous and worshipful. 69 The Sermon in the Service of Worship LESSON 9 ❑ Sunday February 20 Part 1 "And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and ALL TRUE preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and PREACHING is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall CENTERS IN CHRIST be damned." Mark 16:15, 16 The Christian church was commissioned to proclaim a very definite message. Christianity spread to the whole world under the power of Spirit-filled preaching. A true sermon is not a lecture or an oration; it is not a political or informative speech. Rather it is a setting forth of the living Christ and His saving gospel. It must be delivered in the •power of the Holy Spirit. To what did Paul attribute his power in the winning of souls? 1 Cor. 1:18. What wonderful example did he give to the church in this respect? 2 Cor. 4:5. "The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that streams from the cross of Calvary."—Evangelism, page 190. The sermon is not the only part, perhaps not even the most important part, of the worship service. Other parts such as the reading of Scripture and the prayers are also important. When Jesus read the Scriptures, we notice, "the eyes of all were fastened upon Him." Having heard His voice in the reading, they were ready for God's message. Every feature of worship that leads up to the sermon is a part of the preparation of the soil of the heart to receive the precious seed of God's Word. THINK IT THROUGH Do the other features of the worship service—the prayers, the Scripture reading, the singing of the hymns —prepare my heart for the seed of the word in the sermon? "It is the efficiency of th,e Holy Spirit where the minister surrenders himself that makes the ministry of the word to the divine working. It is the Spirit effective. When Christ speaks through that surrounds the soul with a holy the minister, the Holy Spirit prepares atmosphere, and speaks to the impeni- the hearts of the listeners to receive tent through words of warning, point- the word. The Holy Spirit is not a ser- ing them to Him who takes away the vant, but a controlling power. He sin of the world."—"Gospel Workers," causes the truth to shine into minds, page 155. and speaks through every discourse FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Gospel Workers," pages 156-160. 70 The Sermon in the Service of Worship LESSON 9 ❑ Monday February 21 Part 2 "With this fear of the Lord before our eyes we address WHAT GOD our appeal to men." EXPECTS OF "Does my language now sound as if I were canvassing A PREACHER for men's support? Whose support do I want but God's alone? Do you think I am currying favor with men? If 2 Cor. 5:11, NEB; I still sought men's favor, I should be no servant of Gal. 1:10, NEB Christ." What was the urge behind Paul's preaching? 2 Cor. 5:11. To interest or entertain people is not sufficient. The preacher must persuade men. Sometimes arguments will convince men of certain ideas, but convincing speech is not as great as per- suasive speech. Convincing speech appeals to the mind; per- suasive speech appeals to the heart. And only as men's hearts are reached are their wills affected. "It should be the burden of every messenger to set forth the fullness of Christ. . . . Let the preciousness, mercy, and glory of Jesus Christ be dwelt upon until Christ is formed within, the hope of glory."—Evangelism, page 186. "There should not a sermon be given unless a portion of that discourse is to especially make plain the way that sinners may come to Christ and be saved. They should point them to Christ, as did John and with touching simplicity, their hearts aglow with the love of Christ, say, 'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' "—Ibid., p. 188. What did Paul say was his message? 2 Cor. 4:5. What was his declaration to the Athenians on Mars' Hill? Acts 17:31. THINK IT THROUGH Is the Word of God a hammer breaking up wrong ideas in my life? "The word is the preacher's light, sitting under such a ministry, if their and as the golden oil flows from the hearts are susceptible to the Holy heavenly olive tree into the bowl, it Spirit's influence, will feel an inner makes the lamp of life flash with a life. The fire of God's love will be clearness and power that all will dis- kindled within them."—"Testimonies to cern. Those who have the privilege of Ministers," pages 339, 340. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," chapter 34. 71 The Sermon in the Service of Worship LESSON 9 ❑ Tuesday February 22 Part 3 "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in DECORUM OF conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." WORSHIP LEADERS 1 Tim. 4:12 The worshipers are vitally affected by the attitude of those who lead the service. Very specific instructions were given to Israel's priests concerning their dress and deportment. What words were worn by the high priest on his miter as he ministered? Ex. 28:36-38. While we do not now have such specific instructions, yet the principle established in ancient times is just as real today. "Very specific were the directions given in regard to Aaron's robes, for his dress was symbolic. So the dress of Christ's fol- lowers should be symbolic. In all things we are to be represen- tatives of Him. Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness, modesty, and purity."—Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 96. How did the apostle Paul express his concern to Timo- thy? 1 Tim. 3:14, 15. "Decorum is necessary in the desk. A minister of the gospel should not be regardless of his attitude. If he is the represen- tative of Christ, his deportment, his attitude, his gestures, should be of such a character as will not strike the beholder with disgust. Ministers should possess refinement. They should discard all uncouth manners, attitudes, and gestures, and should encourage in themselves humble dignity of bearing. They should be clothed in a manner befitting the dignity of their position. Their speech should be in every respect solemn and well-chosen."—/bid., Vol. 1, pp. 648, 649. THINK IT THROUGH Do we in our church show by our decorum that we are in God's house? "The God of heaven, whose arm ing, or his ability. His whole aim should moves the world, who gives us life and be to bring sinners to repentance, point- sustains us in health, is honored or dis- ing them, by both precept and exam- honored by the apparel of those who ple, to the Lamb of God that taketh officiate in His honor."—"Evangelism," away the sin of the world. He should page 674. speak as one conscious of possessing "The minister who has learned of power and authority from God. His dis- Christ will ever be conscious that he is courses should have an earnestness, a a messenger of God, commissioned by fervor, a power of persuasion, that Him to do a work the influence of will lead sinners to take refuge in which is to endure throughout eternity. Christ."—"Gospel Workers," pages 172, It should not be any part of his object 173. to call attention to himself, his learn- FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," pages 145-147. 72 The Sermon in the Service of Worship LESSON 9 P Wednesday February 23 Part 4 "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy THE LAY also, and sent them two and two before His face into PREACHER AND every city and place, whither He Himself would come. THE WORSHIP Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, SERVICE but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His harvest." "And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto Luke 10:1, 2, 9 them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." From its beginning the Christian church has been blessed and forwarded by the ministry of laymen. The seventy whom Jesus sent out were not ordained preachers, but they were definitely a part of the ministerial workers used by the Lord. When the apostle Paul set forth the different types of leaders God gave to the church, what did He say was their work? Eph. 4:11, 12. Various types of workers such as evangelists, pastors, teach- ers, prophets, and apostles have been called of God. And these are to combine their services for the perfecting of the saints. The Berkeley Version reads: "To make the saints fit for the task of ministering." The work of ministry, even the preaching of the word, is not always to be done by ordained ministers. One of the great- est sermons recorded in the New Testament was preached by Stephen, a deacon. Thus the pattern of lay preaching was set. 1). How did Peter say the gospel should be preached? 1 Peter 1:12. THINK IT THROUGH Am I doing my part by my life and my words to pro- claim the gospel of Christ? "The preaching of the word is of belongs as much to us as to the first no avail without the presence and aid disciples. . . . of the Holy Spirit; for this Spirit is "The impartation otthe Spirit is the the only effectual teacher of divine impartation of-We-11fe of Ch--1-1i-t7TWse truth. Only when the truth is accom- only who are ihUTfciiiiht-OrOod, those panied to the heart by the Spirit, will only who possess the inward working it quicken the conscience or transform of the Spirit, and in whose lives the the life. . . . Christ-life is manifested, can stand as "Christ promised the gift of the Holy true representatives of the Saviour."— Spirit to His church, and the promise "Gospel Workers," pages 284, 285. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 498-508. 73 The Sermon in the Service of Worship LESSON 9 ❑ Thursday February 24 Part 5 "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their THE PURPOSE OF heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, THE SERMON Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Acts 2:37 Every service of worship should move toward a definite goal, and the sermon, being a vital part of that worship service, can and should, more than any other part, lead to that goal. And it should begin at the point where the people are and carry them forward. The one who breaks the bread of life for the people must have a singleness of purpose. Peter's message on the day of Pentecost reached a focal point and the response was imme- diate. Someone has said, "From too many worship services, the people go away 'almost persuaded'--but not quite." The Pente- cost sermon hook a passage from the prophet Joel, focused it upon the immediate present, set Christ in the center, empha- sized His ministry, His death, His resurrection, and His ascen- sion, and climaxed with His priesthood in heaven. This was indeed a Christ-centered sermon. 1). What did Peter say his hearers must do to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? Verse 38. He expected the people to make a decision. Good preaching, whether by an ordained minister or a layman, should always lead to decision and dedication. Be a sermon ever so eloquent or philosophical or psychological, it fails if it does not lead people to salvation. A sermon is not just saying something; it must do something. In what way were the people convicted under the preaching of Peter on the Day of Pentecost? Acts 2:37. THINK IT THROUGH Is my heart pricked as I listen to the preaching of God's Word? "We must have more than an intel- ceptive, only the mind is affected. But lectual belief in the truth. Many of the when the truth is received as truth by Jews were convinced that Jesus was the heart, it has passed through the the Son of God, but they were too conscience, and has captivated the soul proud and ambitious to surrender. with its pure principles. It is placed in They decided to resist the truth, and the heart by the Holy Spirit, who re- they maintained their opposition. They veals its beauty to the mind, that its did not receive into the heart the truth transforming power may be seen in as it is in Jesus. When truth is held as the character."—"Evangelism," page truth only by the conscience, when the 291. heart is not stimulated and made re- FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," pages 279-282. 74 The Sermon in the Service of Worship LESSON 9 ❑ Friday February 25 Part 6 "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with DELIVERING excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you THE MESSAGE the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any- thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." "And my speech and my preaching was not with en- ticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of 1 Cor. 2:1, 2, 4 the Spirit and of power." Preaching is not easy, and woe be to anyone who tries to make it so. Someone has said, "Preaching is the transmission of a Person through a person to a company of persons." And the Person transmitted is the eternal Word (Greek, logos, John 1:1) the 'Creator, who was made flesh and dwelt among us. Could it be said of all our sermons, those we preach and those we listen to, that they are filled with Christ the living Word? "He [Paul] claimed no wisdom of his own, but acknowl- edged that divine power alone had enabled him to present the truth in a manner pleasing to God. United with Christ, the greatest of all teachers, Paul had been enabled to communicate lessons of divine wisdom, which met the necessities of all classes, and which were to apply to all times, in all places, and under all conditions."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 303. How did Peter say he preached the gospel? 1 Peter 1:12. The Holy Spirit comes not to glorify the preacher, but to glorify Christ. John 16:14. That makes the sermon different from a lecture, an oration, or a political speech. If it is pre- pared in the atmosphere of prayer and deep Bible study, then it should bear the evidence of spiritual illumination. The most important part about a sermon is not "the man behind it" but "the Man within it"—the Person preached rather than the person preaching. How did the apostle say the gospel came to the be- lievers in Thessalonica? 1 Thess. 1:5. THINK IT THROUGH Do I sense that the preacher is God's spokesman? Do I listen as I would if Christ Himself were speaking? "Great truths that have lain un- reveal truths that have faded from the heeded and unseen since the Day of mind, and will also reveal truths that Pentecost, are to shine from God's are entirely new."—Ellen G. White, Word in their native purity. To those "Review and Herald," August 17, 1897. who truly love God the Holy Spirit will FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Testimonies," Vol. 4, pp. 393-395. 75 The Sermon in the Service of Worship LESSON 9 Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER 1. Multiple choice: Real preaching: (a) centers in the gospel of Jesus Christ, (b) is an inspiring philosophical treatise, (c) conveys the latest scientific discoveries of the day, (d) interprets the latest political news and signs of the times 2. True or False: A preacher's work is to persuade men to accept Jesus Christ and to put Him above all else 3. What six words are used by Paul to describe the exemplary life of Chris- tian leaders) 4. If we include laymen and ministers today, are the Lord's words still true that "the laborers are few"? 5. Multiple choice: Which of the following is true? (a) The sermon should be entertainment of some kind; (b) The sermon should be humorous; (c) The sermon should be a philosophical dissertation for the intellectuals; (d) The sermon should focus the attention of all on the life and work of the divine Saviour 6. Multiple choice: The most important part of a sermon is (a) the striking illustrations used, (b) a precise line of logic, (c) a powerful emotional appeal at the end, (d) allowing the Holy Spirit to glorify Christ 'P (9) !P (S) :sad (b) :Apnd `;?.ads 'Apetio 'Om JO .1811UBIU Jo) uopesaantioa 'poet (s) (Z) (T) :siannsuif 76 LESSON 10 February 27 to March 4 THE EFFECTS OF TRUE WORSHIP 1 "I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy loving- kindness and for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name." Ps. 138:2. Various Kinds of Fellowship When we have the true worship and fel- Fellowship is mentioned in the Scrip- lowship of an awakened church, then "mul- tures in various contexts. For example, titudes will . . . join the armies of the Enoch and Noah "walked with God" (Gen. Lord."—Ibid., p. 700. 5:22; 6:9); Moses could not go forward without God's presence (Ex. 33:14). This LESSON OUTLINE was fellowship with God. Then there was the fellowshipwith 1. The Joy of Christian Fellowship Christ. that is the dominant theme of the Acts 4:31, 32 New Testament. This is coupled with fel- lowship with God. Luke 8:21; John 14:20. 2. True Worship Develops Paul adds to this the fellowship of the Holy Fellowship Spirit. 2 Cor. 13:14; Rom. 8:9. All this is coupled with the fellowship of 1 Cor. 12:25, 26 saints or the righteous. Ps. 55:14; Matt. 23:8; John 3. Building the Brotherhood 13:34. This is called the communion, or 1 Peter 3:8, 9 fellowship, through which the Holy Spirit works for the church and the world. 4. Fitly Framed Together Fellowship in an Awakened Church Eph. 2:19-22 "An Awakened Church.—When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the 5. True Worship Inspires service of Christ, God will recognize the Evangelism fact by an outpouring of His Spirit with- Isa. 6:8, 9 out measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not 6. The Evangelized Must Become laborers together with God."—Evangelism, Evangelists page 699. Luke 5:4 77 The Effects of True Worship LESSON 10 ❑ Sunday February 27 Part 1 "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken THE JOY OF where they were assembled together; and they were all CHRISTIAN filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of FELLOWSHIP God with boldness. And the multitude of them that be- Acts 4:31,32 lieved were of one heart and of one soul." We are linked together by indissoluble ties which override all national barriers and nominal differences. We are no longer separate and self-contained but individual units in a new and wonderful creation—the church of Jesus Christ. Fellowship is inherent in the Christian message. We become part of each other as cells in the body—the body of Christ; an organic unity, not a mere collection of individuals. Our worship services when properly understood become a divinely ordained way of exhibiting our gratitude to God for His mercy. What was the result of Philip's preaching in Samaria? Acts 8:8. Under what figure does Paul speak of the church? Eph. 2:19. The dictionary definition of "household" is "a social unit comprised of those dwelling under the same roof." The "house- hold of God" is another name for the family of God referred to in Eph. 3:15. 1). In what other way does the apostle Paul illustrate the close union of the members? Eph. 4:16. THINK IT THROUGH Do I sense that I am part of a spiritual world brother- hood? Am I truly a part of God's international, inter- racial family? "We do not obtain a hundredth part make us glad. With such a hope as we of the blessing we should obtain from have, why are not our hearts all aglow assembling together to worship God. with the love of God?"—"Testimonies," Our perceptive faculties need sharpen- Vol. 6, p. 362. ing. Fellowship with one another should FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Medical Ministry," pages 316, 317. 78 The Effects of True Worship LESSON 10 ❑ Monday February 28 Part 2 "That there should be no schism in the body; but that TRUE WORSHIP the members should have the same care one for another. DEVELOPS And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer FELLOWSHIP with it; or one member be honored, all the members 1 Cor. 12:25, 26 rejoice with it." When worship is conducted rightly, the effect upon the wor- shipers is very real. No stranger will remain ungreeted, no invalid unvisited, no unfortunate member unbefriended, no needy person unassisted, no missing Sabbath School member neglected or unassisted. When bereavement strikes a family, all the members feel the stroke. When one member or one fam- ily is honored, all the rest should rejoice. This admonition to rejoice in another's success is often more difficult to carry out than the counsel to sympathize with those who mourn. Fellowship is one of God's choicest words. And unless the church enters into such fellowship, we come far short of God's purpose for us. The effect of true worship will be seen in the home, in the office, in the classroom, on the farm, in our business and social relationships. The one who comes home from the worship service and scolds the family or kicks the dog has not really worshiped. The effects of true worship are seen in every act of life. A church that is rich in money, in ideas, in apparatus and numbers, but poor in love, comes far short of Christ's stan- dard. One of our old-time leaders once passed on a remark that revealed much thought. He said, "If only our members would live up to the religion in their hymnbooks, it would be wonderful." Yes, our hymns express Christian love. And we often sing these lustily, but to live out the theology and Christian admonition in these hymns is not always easy. But by God's grace we can. What did Jesus say should be the measure of our love for the church? John 15:12. THINK IT THROUGH Do I truly love my church? Can my friends feel the love of God emanating from my life? "Love is not simply an impulse, a sincerely, unaffectedly—'without par- transitory emotion, dependent upon tiality, and without hypocrisy.' And this circumstances; it is a living principle, a because the heart is in love with Jesus. permanent power. The soul is fed by Our affection for one another springs the streams of pure love that flow from from our common relation to God. We the heart of Christ, as a wellspring that are one family, we love one another as never fails. . . . Under the education He loved us."—Ellen G. White Com- and discipline of the Holy Spirit, the ments, "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol. children of God love one another, truly, 5, p. 1140. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 547-549. 79 The Effects of True Worship LESSON 10 ❑ Tuesday February 29 Part 3 "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion BUILDING THE one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: BROTHERHOOD not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but con- trariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, 1 Peter 3:8, 9 that ye should inherit a blessing." "Brotherhood" is the apostle Peter's name for the church. John also regarded the church as a band of brothers. He said: "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light." And again, "We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren." "We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." The watchword in John's epistle is love; not love in a sentimental sense; but love of the brethren—agape love; love which springs from a divine source. What was Peter's admonition, especially to the church? 1 Peter 2:17. Paul, another of the master builders of the church, empha- sizes the same great truth. Note his counsel to the Thessalonian believers in 1 Thess. 4:9, 10. This was a love that must "increase more and more." It was not just a one-time experience. In fact the distinctive note of the Christian life is love for our fellow Christians. A man's Christianity is revealed not merely by loving men in general, but by his attitude to_his_brethren in Christ. (The world will not be convinced and converted bii'easoning or philosophy or eloquence, but by the love of believers one for another. True fellowship is not just a high ideal. It is a distinct com- mand of our Lord. It is more than love for the community, although that is implied; or love for humanity in general, and that surely is our privilege; but in a specific sense it is love for one's fellow Christians, which opens the door of the world's heart to understand the message of salvation. The apostolic church revealed this, and the pagan crowds stood amazed, say- ing, "Behold how these Christians love one another!" THINK IT THROUGH Would I be willing to lay down my life for my church? "Everyone should feel that he has that you may know God, and Jesus a part to act in making the Sabbath Christ, whom He has sent. Communing meetings interesting. You are not to together in regard to Christ will come together simply as a matter of strengthen the soul for life's trials and form, but for the interchange of conflicts. Never think that you can be thought, for the relation of your daily Christians and yet withdraw yourselves experiences, for the expression of within yourselves."—"Testimonies," Vol. thanksgiving, for the utterance of your 6, p. 362. sincere desire for divine enlightenment, FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," page 238; "The Ministry of Healing," page 496. 80 The Effects of True Worship LESSON 10 ❑ Wednesday March I Part 4 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and for- FITLY FRAMED eigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the TOGETHER household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habi- Eph. 2:19-22 tation of God through the Spirit." When one turns from the world and as a born-again Chris- tian enters the church, he becomes immediately a part of a unique fellowship—the family of God. Eph. 3:14, 15. How does the apostle Paul emphasize this? Eph. 2:12, 13. How does Paul illustrate the failure of the Jews and the subsequent establishment of the Christian church? Rom. 11:17-22. In what definite language does Peter describe the church? 1 Peter 2:9. It is the work of church leaders to plan areas of service for all of the members. The church is a place where persons study together, work together, and worship together. In doing this they fulfill the purpose of God through them individually and as a group. What did Paul say the church becomes? 1 Cor. 1:9. THINK IT THROUGH Is the Spirit of God welding me into the spiritual tem- ple of Christ? "We have to work with ... men who God where they will be hewed and are really intelligent, just as we worked squared, and all the rough edges re- with them one by one in the infancy moved, and they be polished under the of the Seventh-day Adventist work; divine hand until they will make pre- separating from these precious souls cious stones in the temple of God and their unsanctified ways and manners; shall be living stones emitting light. talking to them about Jesus, His great Thus they may grow up into a holy love, His meekness, His lowliness, His temple for God."—"Evangelism," page self-denial. These rough stones we 573. bring if possible into the workshop of FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 597-600. 81 The Effects of True Worship LESSON 10 ❑ Thursday March 2 Part 5 "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom TRUE WORSHIP shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here INSPIRES am I; send me. And He said, Go." EVANGELISM Isa. 6:8, 9 Having seen the Lord high and lifted up, having heard the heavenly choir singing, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts," and having experienced forgiveness and cleansing, the prophet then heard the call to •go and tell what he had seen and heard and experienced. This "carry-over" of worship is vital. Nothing is more disappointing than a congregation that gives only lip service, whose hearts are not inspired to bring the gospel to their fellowmen. Looking out upon the great unsaved world, what did Paul say? Rom. 10:14, 15. When the Lord gave the word, what did He say about those who published it? Ps. 68:11. To proclaim or publish the good news requires more than evangelistic specialists. It is the work of an enthusiastic, con- secrated congregation. An evangelistic church must be inspired literally to boil over with the good news of salvation. To how many of earth's inhabitants must the good news of salvation go? Rev. 14:6. "Christ's work in •behalf of man is not finished. It continues today. . . . His ambassadors are to preach the gospel and to reveal His pitying love for lost and perishing souls. . . . The evangelization of the world is the work God has given to those who go forth in His name.... •God calls for thousands to work for Him, not by preaching to those who know the truth for this time, but by warning those who have never heard the last message of mercy."—Welfare Ministry, page 57. THINK IT THROUGH Am I inspired to go and share my faith? If not, why not? "To everyone who becomes a par- merchant or farmer, professional man taker of His grace the Lord appoints a or mechanic—the responsibility rests work for others. Individually we are to upon all. It is our work to reveal to men stand in our lot and place, saying, the gospel of their salvation. Every 'Here am I; send me.' Isaiah 6:8. Upon enterprise in which we engage should the minister of the Word, the mission- be a means to this end."—"The Min- ary nurse, the Christian physician, the istry of Healing," page 148. individual Christian, whether he be FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 207-210. 82 The Effects of True Worship LESSON 10 ❑ Friday March 3 Part 6 "Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, THE EVANGELIZED Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for MUST BECOME a draught." EVANGELISTS Luke 5:4 A congregation that has truly worshiped becomes a net let down into the great sea of humanity. Then, having witnessed the ingathering of souls, the evangelistic church like Peter of old is ready to fall down at the feet of her Lord under a con- victing sense of individual need. What was the Lord's promise to Peter? Verse 10. Catching men is the real work of the entire church, not of a few specialists. Now let us change the figure from a net to a fire. Both of these symbols are Biblical. Jesus said, "I am come to send fire on the earth." Luke 12:49. On the Day of Pentecost a small group of believers were set on fire, and be- fore the day was out the whole city felt the effects. When the church is set on fire, the world will feel the warmth of it. But there can be no fire in the church until the fuel is brought together. It was united when the disciples were of one accord, of one soul, of one mind. It was then and not till then that they were ready to bear their witness to the risen Lord. For ten days they had been searching their hearts, catching a new vision of the Lord high and lifted up. The spirit of true wor- ship had gripped their hearts. That experience must and will be repeated before the return of our Lord. The church of Jesus Christ exists for one purpose, that of kindling the fire of God's love in the hearts of those in the community. Having caught a new vision of his risen Lord, how did John conclude his account of the revelation of Jesus Christ? Rev. 22:17. Through the ministry of the church, the Holy Spirit says to the community, "Come," and the bride of the Lamb is also heard to say, "Come." But the Patmos prophet goes even far- ther when he says, "Let him that heareth say, Come." THINK IT THROUGH Is the work of winning souls to Christ a joy or a bur- den? "All who commune with God will work as God's husbandmen, and they find abundance of work to do for Him. will become more and more vitalized Those who go forth in the spirit of the as they give themselves to the service Master, seeking to reach souls with the of God. It is a joyous work to open the truth, will not find the work of drawing Scriptures to others."—"Testimonies," souls to Christ a dull, uninteresting Vol. 9, p. 118. drudgery. They are charged with a FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 349-358. 83 The Effects of True Worship LESSON 10 Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER 1. Multiple choice: Could "of one heart and one soul" mean (a) absolute uniformity in every realm of thought, (b) unity in Christian love and fellow- ship, (c) unity in the fundamentals of Christian belief) 2. Multiple choice: A worship service reaches all, through (a) a personal greeting, (b) remembrance and a personal contact with all absent members as far as possible, (c) a more consistent subsequent life 3. Multiple choice: The Christian brotherhood came about through (a) authoritarian leadership, (b) a common love for God and truth brought to them by the Holy Spirit 4. Multiple choice: Do you think that "fitly framed together" means that all the stones, or saints, were to be (a) identical in every respect, (b) differ- ent but each filling exactly a designated place'? 5. Multiple choice: Does Christian fellowship mean (a) a closed society that excludes the uninitiated, or (b) those united by a compulsive urge to go out and seek the unsaved'? 6. Multiple choice: Soul winning is expected of (a) those with special edu- cation, (b) those with evangelistic training, (c) those who have no special- ized ability but who love God and man .ct 'E (9) :q (9) (t) ( r) (z) :3 'q (I) :saantsuv 84 LESSON 11 March 5 to 11 LEARNING TO WORSHIP 111 "By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." Heb. 13:15. Exhortations to Worship cross for us."—Steps to Christ, pages 103, Worship is enjoined upon man. Gen. 104. 35:1; Heb. 10:25. It is to be offered to God only. Ex. 20:3; Rev. 22:9. Only the LESSON OUTLINE worship of one who looks to Christ for righteousness is acceptable to God. Gen. 1. The Meaning and Purpose of 4:2-5. True worship comes only from the Worship heart that comes to Him for cleansing from Ps. 50:14, 15 iniquity. Ps. 66:18. The Value of Corporate Worship 2. Christ, the Revelation of the "The Lord desires . . . that those who Father come to worship Him shall carry away 2 Cor. 4:6, NEB with them precious thoughts of His care and love, that they may be cheered in all 3. Learning the Ways of Worship the employments of daily life, that they Ps. 27:4, 11 may have grace to deal honestly and faith- fully in all things. 4. Making Worship Vital "We must gather about the cross. Christ Acts 4:10 and Him crucified should be the theme of contemplation, of conversation, and of our 5. Therapeutic Value of Worship most joyful emotion. We should keep in Matt. 11:28, 29 our thoughts every blessing we receive from God, and when we realize His great 6. How Can We Improve Our love we should be willing to trust every- Worship? thing to the hand that was nailed to the Isa. 1:11-13 85 Learning to Worship LESSON 11 ❑ Sunday March 5 Part 1 "Offer unto God thanksgiving and pay thy vows THE MEANING unto the Most High: and call upon Me in the day of AND PURPOSE trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me." OF WORSHIP Ps. 50:14, 15 If we are to pay our "vows unto the Most High," we must learn all we can about Him. The attributes of God as revealed in the Old Testament are majesty, holiness, justice, love, and mercy. But in the New Testament we have a fuller revelation —that of a loving Father. That was our Lord's central mes- sage to the Jewish people. While other great religions pay homage to "the Great Spirit" or "the Supreme Power," the Christian recognizes a filial fellowship with God. He is not only our Creator; He is also our Redeemer, and He is "our Father." The Hebrew word most frequently used for "worship" is shachah, which means to bow down. When Abraham's servant recognized the guidance of God in leading him to Rebecca, he "bowed down his head, and worshiped the Lord." Gen. 24:26. What was our Lord's reply to the tempter? Luke 4:8. ti> Worship belongs to God alone, said Jesus. In the New Tes- tament the word most frequently used for worship is proskun, and it also means to •pay homage by bowing down as when the mother of James and John came to Jesus "worshiping Him, and desiring a certain thing of Him." Matt. 20:20. "She bowed low and begged a favor." NEB. The RSV reads, "Kneel- ing before Him she asked Him for something." The English word comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word "weorthscipe," which meant worthship. Sometimes dignitaries of state such as the mayor are addressed as "Your Worship." Recognizing the majesty and holiness of our God, our natural attitude in wor- ship should be one of humility. To whom did the apostle Paul pray? What was the burden of his prayer? 2 Cor. 13:7. THINK IT THROUGH Do I have a true sense of the majesty and holiness of God? "True reverence for God is inspired feeling that inspires it will be deep- by a sense of His infinite greatness and ened. 'Holy and reverend is His name,' a realization of His presence. With this the psalmist declares. Angels, when sense of the Unseen, every heart should they speak that name, veil their faces. be deeply impressed. The hour and With what reverence, then, should we, place of prayer are sacred, because who are fallen and sinful, take it upon God is there; and as reverence is mani- our lips)"—"Gospel Workers," page fested in attitude and demeanor, the 178. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," page 189. 86 Learning to Worship LESSON 11 ❑ Monday March 6 Part 2 "For the same God who said, 'Out of darkness let CHRIST, THE light shine,' has caused His light to shine within us, to REVELATION OF give the light of revelation—the revelation of the glory of THE FATHER God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Cor. 4:6, NEB When Philip said to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied" (John 14:8, RSV), how did Jesus reply? Verse 9. All we need to know about the Father is revealed to us in Jesus Christ. We often say of a son, "He is just like his father." The New Testament picture of the Son thus shows the char- acter of the Father. What was the apostle Paul's great desire for the be- lievers in Rome? Rom. 15:6. Paul's expression "in the face of Jesus Christ" is full of meaning. When John saw Jesus in vision, he said, "His coun- tenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." When he saw his Lord on the mount of transfiguration, "His face did shine as the sun." But he had also seen his Master's face etched in agony, both in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. John saw Him, as "a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief," sweat great drops of blood, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah that "His visage was so marred more than any man." Isa. 52:14. In all this the Father was also suffering with His Son. How did the apostle Paul say our Lord learned? Heb. 5:8. THINK IT THROUGH Do I truly sense that Christ, one of the Godhead, be- came a social outcast for me? "To save the transgressor of God's distinct person, yet One with the law, Christ, the One equal with the Father."—Ellen G. White, "Review and Father, came to live heaven before Herald," April 5, 1906. men, that they might learn to know "He assures us that there never was what it is to have heaven in the heart." a time when He was not in close fel- —"Fundamentals of Christian Educa- lowship with the eternal God."—Ellen tion," page 179. G. White, "The Signs of the Times," "The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine August 29, 1900. Son of God, existed from eternity, a FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 288, 289. 87 Learning to Worship LESSON 11 ❑ Tuesday March 7 Part 3 "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek LEARNING THE after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the WAYS OF WORSHIP days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple." "Teach me Thy way, 0 Lord, and lead me in a plain Ps. 27:4, 11 path, because of mine enemies." David's prayer could well be the prayer of each of us. He recognized his need to be taught. Sensing his perilous condi- tion, he said, "Lead me on a level path because of my enemies." RSV. Where did the psalmist say the way of God could be found? Ps. 77:13. The sanctuary to Israel of old was the focal point of their worship. Here God revealed the whole plan of salvation. While we do not have the same form of earthly sanctuary today, yet in the heavenly sanctuary the way of salvation is even more completely revealed; for the High Priest who officiates there is the One who sacrificed Himself for us. When Jesus died, He occupied "the double position of offerer and of offering, of priest and of victim."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 933. What cleansing was given to Isaiah? Isa. 6:7. This redemptive element must be a vital part of our wor- ship or it will mean little. Sinners must be helped to find sal- vation and Christians a new purification and infilling. But worship is also educative. It is sometimes said that "worship is an art." One does not have to be a college graduate to worship truly. On the other hand, certain types of education may even imperil worship by undermining confidence in God's Word. THINK IT THROUGH Do I realize the need of being taught of God to wor- ship? Am I willing to learn? "Instead of choosing the work most ing out the way that natural inclina- pleasing to us, and refusing to do some- tion prompts us to follow, we are to thing that our brethren think we should pray: 'Teach me Thy way, 0 Lord, and do, we are to inquire: 'Lord, what wilt lead me in a plain path.' Psalm 27:11." Thou have me to do?' Instead of mark- —"Testimonies," Vol. 7, p. 252. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Education," pages 125-127. 88 Learning to Worship LESSON 11 ❑ Wednesday March 8 Part 4 "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of MAKING WORSHIP Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, VITAL whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, Acts 4:10 even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole." This miracle was not something that had been planned by Peter and John. These men were going into the temple at the hour of prayer (Acts 3:1) when the crippled man was healed. He then entered with them into the temple, and the people saw him walking, leaping, and praising God. The miracle could not be denied. When the religious leaders saw what had happened, they challenged Peter and John, and this gave the apostles another opportunity to bear witness of their living Lord. This was not a Sabbath morning meeting, but "the hour of prayer." What better time could there be to study ways of making our wor- ship more vital than the prayer meeting? While prayer is not the whole of worship, it certainly is the heartbeat and lifeblood of the church. When the Jewish leaders began to examine Peter and John, what did they discover? Acts 4:13. Nothing will make a worship service so real as the con- sciousness that the one leading out has "been with Jesus." The whole congregation will feel the impact of that experience. A sense of God's presence in a leader's life can lead even little children to respond with reverence and love. Children of pri- mary age are naturally eager to be led into a deeper experience of worship. And nothing that primary workers do is of more significance than to teach these young minds the meaning of fruitful worship. THINK IT THROUGH Are all the different age groups of our church being led into the experience of genuine worship week by week? "Religion is not to be confined to and loving God. It will give us a will- external forms and ceremonies. The ing obedience to all His requirements. religion that comes from God is the This is true worship. It is the fruit of only religion that will lead to God. In the working of the Holy Spirit. By the order to serve Him aright, we must be Spirit every sincere prayer is indited, born of the divine Spirit. This will and such prayer is acceptable to God." purify the heart and renew the mind, —"The Desire of Ages," page 189. giving us a new capacity for knowing FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 191-195. 89 Learning to Worship LESSON 11 ❑ Thursday March 9 Part 5 "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy- THERAPEUTIC laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, VALUE OF and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and WORSHIP ye shall find rest unto your souls." Maft. 11:28, 29 Ours is a restless generation. All over the world men and women with hungry hearts, thirsting minds, and broken spirits stand hopelessly with searching eyes and listening ears, longing for soul rest that seems to elude them. In an age when God is anathema and worship is regarded as a superstitious prac- tice, heaven's message is going to all the world: "Fear God, and give glory to Him . . . : and worship Him." Rev. 14:7. How does Isaiah express God's lament? What does God say about the wicked? Isa. 48:18; 57:20, 21. Professor Jung, of Zurich, in his book, Modern Man in Search of a Soul, page 264, says: "During the past thirty years, people from all the civilized countries of the earth have con- sulted me. . . . Among my patients in the second half of life —that is to say, over thirty-five—there has not been one whose problem in the last resort was not that of finding a religious outlook on life. . . . And none of them has really been healed who did not regain his religious outlook." What was the counsel given to Job in the midst of his trial? Job. 22:21. The real purpose of worship is to deepen one's knowledge of God. "In a knowledge of God all true knowledge and real development have their source. ... The mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite. The effect of such communion on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate."—Education, page 14. What was our Lord's reply to Satan when tempted to satisfy His material needs? Luke 4:4. THINK IT THROUGH Is the peace of God filling my life? Am I really giving glory to God by living a life of contentment and joy? "The relation that exists between the from which men suffer are the result mind and the body is very intimate. of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, When one is affected, the other sympa- discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all thizes. The condition of the mind affects tend to break down the life forces and the health to a far greater degree than to invite decay and death."—"The Min- many realize. Many of the diseases istry of Healing," page 241. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 295-297. 90 Learning to Worship LESSON 11 ❑ Friday March /0 Part 6 "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices HOW CAN WE unto Me? saith the Lord. . . . When ye come to appear IMPROVE OUR before Me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread WORSHIP? My courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto Me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, Isa. 1:11-13 even the solemn meetings." When Isaiah brought that message of rebuke to his people, it was really a challenge to their whole routine of worship, which was a meaningless insult to God. He called their wor- ship "an abomination." It was nothing more than a hollow ritual. What does the Lord say about those who do His work carelessly or negligently? Jer. 48:10, margin. (Or see RSV.) What did the apostle Paul say about both his praying and his singing? 1 Cor. 14:15. Peter said, "Gird up the loins of your mind." 1 Peter 1:13. It is possible to sing the hymns, kneel in prayer, and listen to the reading of God's Holy Word while our minds are far away. With David we should say, "Bless the Lord, 0 my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name." Ps. 103:1. "Well would it be for young and old to study and ponder and often repeat those words of Holy Writ that show how the place marked by God's special presence should be re- garded."—Education, page 243. THINK IT THROUGH In fervency of worship am I an example to my family, my friends, and my fellow members? "Humility and reverence should char- unapproachable, as they would address acterize the deportment of all who an equal, or even an inferior. There come into the presence of God. In the are those who conduct themselves in name of Jesus we may come before His house as they would not presume Him with confidence, but we must not to do in the audience chamber of an approach Him with the boldness of earthly ruler. These should remember presumption, as though He were on a that they are in His sight whom sera- level with ourselves. There are those phim adore, before whom angels veil who address the great and all-power- their faces."—"Patriarchs and Proph- ful and holy God, who dwelleth in light ets," page 252. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages, " pages 590-592. 91 Z6 Answers: (1) majesty, holiness, justice, love, mercy; (2) c; (3) all five; (4) The religion that comes from God; (5) all three; (6) True. suuoj pacipasald 2upuasqo Jo `sutuXti 2unpnout `sJakeid 2uppai GNI al0111 tiontu Jo sls!suoa duisJom am" :asied Jo anti .9 pop Jo pultu atp ippin uo!untutuoa owi mut Jo pupil alp s&ilict 3! (a) (puutt aDuad pus aaumnssu sSu!Jq 4! (q) `apuupIn2 aupitp ui lsrui sar!dsu! 3! (v) asneaaq Apoq pus puuu uo iaaja opnadmatp s sug cluisiom anti :aaloga aidpiniA! .s .pop 01 peal uol5llaJ jo pupj letim .t. 2u!streap (a) `aapsn[ (p) `ssauanISJoj (a) `uo!ssajuop (q) `aattaianat (v) e.saapuas hunpuEs luapur alp u! 4112nv3 aJam uopunps tri sluatuaja a!suq Sn!molloj alp jo qoulm :aolotp aidpinw •E aigta alp ui paiCuiliod se ls!no snsaf (a) `3JUDIDS (q) `aJnivu (v) :u! uaas si pop jo uopvianax isaipj atu :aapatia aidpinyv 7 ass asnoq sm ui matanai siacluisiom mum plump tio!qm pop jo salnq!Juu avid •I 113MOd Auras sno). AO 1S3.1. V <> SNOLLS3110 Ativwwns q LPod L L NOSS31 dpivoiki 01 Suyurva7 LESSON 12 March 12 to 18 THE LORD'S SUPPER-THE CROWNING SERVICE OF WORSHIP "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet." John 13:13, 14. Special Strength From the Communion LESSON OUTLINE Service "To the holy Communion this scripture 1. A Service of Remembrance [John 6:54, 56, 571 in a special sense ap- 1 John 4:9-11 plies. As faith contemplates our Lord's great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the 2. A Sacramental Feast spiritual life of Christ. That soul will re- John 6:53, 54 ceive spiritual strength from every Com- munion. The service forms a living con- 3. A Service That Points nection by which the believer is bound up Backward and Forward with Christ, and thus bound up with the 1 Cor. 11:26 Father. In a special sense it forms a con- nection between dependent human beings 4. Our Victory in Christ and God."—The Desire of Ages, page 661. John 13:7,8 "Afterward You Will Understand" 5. The Crowning Service of In John 13:7 Jesus told Peter: "What Worship I am doing you do not know now, but 1 Cor. 11:27, 28 afterward you will understand." RSV. This indicates that while the Last Supper was a 6. Our Liberty in Christ memorial of a past act, it was also prophetic Gal. 5:1, 13 of future events not understood at that time. 93 The Lord's Supper—The ❑ Sunday Crowning Service of Worship LESSON 12 March 12 Part 1 "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, A SERVICE OF because that God sent His only-begotten Son into the REMEMBRANCE world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if 1 John 4:9-11 God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." No other service in the church brings us into closer com- munion with our Lord and with each other than does the -Lord'S—Supper. It is both a memorial and an anticipation. Every service of worship must lead people into the con- sciousness of the presence of God. Not only the order and content of the service, but also the progression and dynamic appeal of each part, should inspire the spirit of true worship. "The ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper are two monumental pillars, one within and one without the church. Upon these ordinances Christ has inscribed the name of the true God."—Evangelism, page 273. What was the purpose of the disciples' continuing to break bread? 1 Cor. 11:24. How did the two disciples from Emmaus recognize their Lord? Luke 24:35. The Communion service is designed to preserve the inner unity of fellowship so characteristic in the early church. Those first Christians assembled together in private homes, in cata- combs, in the caves of the earth. And at times they met before the break of day. In that fellowship of faith they met around the table of the Lord. Not only did they belong to something, they believed in Someone. Theirs was not only a fellowship of faith, it was a fellowship without frontiers. The spirit of unity kept them in the bonds of peace. THINK IT THROUGH Do I really enjoy the Communion service? Is it a privi- lege or a duty? "On the fourteenth day of the month, yielded up His life on Calvary, the sig- at even, the Passover was celebrated, nificance of the Passover ceased, and its solemn, impressive ceremonies com- the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was memorating the deliverance from bond- instituted as a memorial of the same age in Egypt, and pointing forward event of which the Passover had been to the sacrifice that should deliver from a type."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," the bondage of sin. When the Saviour page 539. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Desire of Ages," pages 652, 653. 94 The Lord's Supper—The ❑ Monday Crowning Service of Worship LESSON 12 March 13 Part 2 "Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto A SACRAMENTAL you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink FEAST His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso_eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise John 6:53, 54 him up at the last day." The Latin word sacramentum was used in connection with the oath taken by Roman soldiers. The early Christians adopted it, relating it to the secret of God's revealed grace to His peo- ple. Later, when the simplicity of the gospel was lost, this word became attached to a number of elaborate services in the church. But the two sacraments our Saviour particularly emphasized were the Lord's Supper and baptism. In these Christ pledged Himself to be our Redeemer. Through the new covenant we become the children of God and joint heirs with Christ. And every blessing that heaven can bestow in both this life and the life to come is ours through the blood of Christ. "The administration of the Sacrament [the Lord's Supper] was to keep before the disciples the infinite sacrifice made for each of them individually as a part of the great whole of fallen humanity."—The Desire of Ages, page 659. It is possible, however, for us to be partakers of the em- blems of our Lord's broken body and yet receive no blessing from it. "Judas the betrayer was present at the sacramental service. He received from Jesus the emblems of His broken body and His spilled blood." Yet all the time he "cherished his sullen, revengeful thoughts."—Ibid., p. 653. What does God promise to make known to those who fear Him? Ps. 25:14. How enduring is the Lord's mercy to those who keep His covenant? Ps. 103:17, 18. THINK IT THROUGH Am I spending time each day in the contemplation of God's love? Or do I just take it for granted? "Christ has instituted this service that of Christ could make His love efficacious it may speak to our senses of the love for us. . . . of God that has been expressed in our "Our senses need to be quickened to behalf. There can be no union between lay hold of the mystery of godliness. our souls and God except through It is the privilege of all to comprehend, Christ. The union and love between far more than we do, the expiatory suf- brother and brother must be cemented ferings of Christ."—"The Desire of and rendered eternal by the love of Ages," page 660. Jesus. And nothing less than the death FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," page 399. 95 The Lord's Supper—The ❑ Tuesday Crowning Service of Worship LESSON 12 March 14 Part 3 "As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye A SERVICE THAT do show the Lord's death till He come." POINTS BACKWARD AND FORWARD "The Communion service points to Christ's second coming. 1 Cor. 11:26 It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the disciples. Whenever they met together to commemorate His death, they recounted how 'He took the cup, and gave thanks.' " —The Desire of Ages, page 659. How did the apostle Peter, writing years later, refer to Christ? 1 Peter 1:19. What specific instructions were given to Israel con- cerning the kind of animals that were to be sacrificed? Lev. 22:18-21. What was one of the causes of the Lord's condemna- tion of His people in the days of the prophet Malachi? Mal. 1:7, 8. The record •of these spiritual lapses of God's ancient people has been preserved for our learning that we might sense the sacredness of the Communion service, which points backward to His death and forward to His second coming. Looking forward to that time, Jesus said: "Verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them." Luke 12:37. Think of Jesus serving us as He served the disciples of old! When rightly understood, the Communion service speaks more clearly to our understanding than does any other worship experience. THINK IT THROUGH When I partake of the Communion, do I really com- mune with my Lord? "To the death of Christ we owe even spring. All this Christ has taught in this earthly life. The bread we eat is appointing the emblems of His great the purchase of His broken body. The sacrifice. The light shining from that water we drink is bought by His spilled Communion service in the upper cham- blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats ber makes sacred the provisions for his daily food, but he is nourished by our daily life. The family board be- the body and the blood of Christ. The comes as the table of the Lord, and cross of Calvary is stamped on every every meal a sacrament."—"The Desire loaf. It is reflected in every water of Ages," page 660. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," pages 273, 274. 96 The Lord's Supper—The ❑ Wednesday Crowning Service of Worship LESSON 12 March 15 Part 4 "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt OUR VICTORY know hereafter. . . . If I wash thee not, thou hast no IN CHRIST part with Me." John 13:7, 8 The Communion service has been given to the church to develop our faith in God and a deeper fellowship with one another. "Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully com- prehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified be- fore us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary. "He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be ele- vated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character." —The Desire of Ages, page 661. How did Paul say we should keep the feast? 1 Cor. 5:8. The preparatory service, "the lesser baptism," was given us by Christ to wash away "the leaven of malice and wicked- ness." That is why fermented wine and bread made with leaven are out of place as symbols of Christ's body. Fermenta- tion is the symbol of sin and death, and there was nothing in Christ deserving of death. He was a "Lamb without spot and without blemish." Therefore, in celebrating this memorial of our Lord's suffering, we should use unleavened bread and un- fermented wine. How did the apostle Paul describe the cup and the bread? 1 Cor. 10:16. THINK IT THROUGH Do I regard it as a privilege to serve a fellow member of Christ's body? Do I sense that to serve another in the place of Christ is not humiliation but exaltation? "Christ gave His disciples the ordi- This ordinance was designed to result nance of washing feet for them to prac- in mutual confessions to one another, tice. . . . He connected this ordinance and to increase feelings of forbear- with the supper. He designed that this ance, forgiveness of each other's er- should be a season of self-examination, rors, and true love, preparatory to that His followers might have an op- engaging in the solemn ordinance of portunity to become acquainted with commemorating the sufferings and the true feelings of their own hearts death of Christ."—"Spiritual Gifts," toward God and one another. . . . Vol. 3, p. 226. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," pages 275, 276. 97 The Lord's Supper—The ❑ Thursday Crowning Service of Worship LESSON 12 March 16 Part 5 "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink OUR PERSONAL this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the PREPARATION FOR body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine him- PARTICIPATION self, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that 1 Cor. 11:27, 28 cup." To be of greatest blessing, every detail of the Lord's Supper arrangements must be given special attention. "Everything connected with it [the service] should suggest as perfect a preparation as •possible. Every ordinance of the church should be uplifting. They should not be made common or cheap, or placed on a level with common things."—Evan- gelism, page 277. "Our churches need to be educated to a higher order of reverence and respect for the sacred service of God."—Ibid. What did Jesus say the disciples ought to do for one another? John 13:13-16. While this ordinance, like baptism by immersion, began to fall into disuse with the growth of apostasy, yet it never com- pletely disappeared. Ambrose, bishop of Milan, one of the strong leaders of the fourth century, taught that Christ's com- mand concerning this ordinance was literal. The Celtic churches of ancient Britain as well as the churches in Gaul continued to practice feet washing, which was frequently called "the lesser baptism." Bernard of Clairvaux, one of the outstanding leaders of the medieval church, says, "Feet washing is a cleansing of those daily offenses which seem inevitable for those who walk in the dust of the world."—International Standard Bible Ency- clopedia, Vol. 5, p. 3073. The Waldenses, the Wycliffites, and the Hussites, as well as the Moravian brethren and the Ana- baptists, the Mennonites and the Glasites, all carried out this ordinance. THINK IT THROUGH When I meet at the Lord's table, have all feelings of envy, jealousy, and pride been washed from my life? "This ceremony [ordinance of feet that the entire life should be one of washing] means much to us. God would humble, faithful ministry. . . . He in- have us take in the whole scene, not stituted a memorial service, in the cere- only the single act of outward cleans- mony of feet washing, and the sacra- ing. This lesson does not merely refer mental supper, to be observed by His to the one act. It is to reveal the great followers through all time and in every truth that Christ is an example of what country."—Ellen G. White Comments, we through His grace are to be in our "SDA Bible Commentary," Vol. 5, p. intercourse with each other. It shows 1139. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Early Writings," pages 116-118. 98 The Lord's Supper—The ❑ Friday Crowning Service of Worship LESSON 12 March 17 Part 6 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ OUR LIBERTY hath made us free." IN CHRIST "Only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh." Gal. 5:1, 13 In carrying out our Lord's command in this "ordinance of service," plans should be laid to make it a truly worshipful experience. Just as our Lord came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister," having left us an example that we should follow His steps, so we should gladly serve one another, re- membering that in so doing we are following "His steps." 1 Peter 2:21. To do service for a king is an honor. To serve in the place of a king is exaltation. "The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only distinction is found in devotion to the service of others."—The Desire of Ages, page 650. Feet washing is not an "ordinance of humiliation" as some have wrongly expressed it, but rather an "ordinance of service." "This ordinance is to encourage humility, but it should never be termed humiliating, in the sense of being degrading to humanity. It is to make tender our hearts toward one an- other."—Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, May 31, 1898. What did Jesus say would be the experience of those who follow His example? John 13:17. "His disciples, in performing the same rite, pledged them- selves in like manner to serve their brethren. Whenever this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God are brought into a holy relationship, to help and bless each other. They covenant that the life shall be given to unselfish ministry." —The Desire of Ages, page 651. THINK IT THROUGH Can I truly say that the Lord's Supper is the crowning service of worship in my life and in my church? "Christ's example forbids exclusive- of darkness are there, for they attend ness at the Lord's Supper. It is true that all who refuse to be controlled by the open sin excludes the guilty. This the Holy Spirit. Heavenly angels also are Holy Spirit plainly teaches. 1 Cor. 5:11. present. . . . There may come into the But beyond this none are to pass judg- company persons who are not in heart ment. God has not left it with men to servants of truth and holiness, but who say who shall present themselves on may wish to take part in the service. these occasions. For who can read the They should not be forbidden. There heart? . . are witnesses present who were pres- "When believers assemble to cele- ent when Jesus washed the feet of the brate the ordinances, there are present disciples and of Judas. More than hu- messengers unseen by human eyes. man eyes beheld the scene."—"The De- There may be a Judas in the company, sire of Ages," page 656. and if so, messengers from the prince FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Evangelism," pages 277, 278. 99 The Lord's Supper—The Crowning Service of Worship LESSON 12 Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS 0 A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER 1. The most intimate worship and fellowship Christ had with His disciples was at the Last Supper. (a) Was this a solitary event, or is it commended to Christians in the New Testament) (b) Is the Communion service just formal worship, or is it so important that severe condemnation is pronounced on those who engage in it unworthily? 2. True or False: The Communion service keeps the true believer mindful of the supreme truth that Jesus died for him as an individual, as for every other individual 3. To what event does the Communion service point forward) 4. In what sense does the believer partaking worthily of the Lord's Supper, preach a sermon) 5. Under what circumstances would it be better for a member not to partake of the Lord's Supper) 6. Complete: The Lord's Supper service is to encourage , but should never be thought of as u9elutunti '64ypung (9) :amid ao 'Asnoleac `Anua auyaa; slogan( ay n (g)!„aU103 aH y;eap aq; AlekOqS op aA„ (t) !luanpe puooas (g) !am,/ (z) :4uellodto! •q!papuatuuzop 'e SiaAtSUV 100 LESSON 13 March 19 to 25 WORSHIP IN ETERNITY 113 "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever." Rev. 5:11-13. The Final Call to Worship 1. As the proclamation of the everlast- LESSON OUTLINE ing gospel becomes God's last appeal to men, it contains the words "worship Him." 1. A Victorious People Rev. 14:7. Have we given the right em- Rev. 19:1, 5, 6 phasis always to this word? Does it mean too often just fear and obey without the 2. The Songs of the Angels background of loving adoration? 2. "In Revelation 14, men are called Rev. 7:11, 12 upon to worship the Creator; and the 3. The Song of the Elders prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are Rev. 5:8, 9 keeping the commandments."—The Great 4. God's Search and Long Wait Controversy, page 437. 3. The word "holy" is often associated Ended with worship. There are a holy sanctuary, Luke 15:20, 22, 24 a holy altar, holy priests in holy garments 5. God's Self-revelation in Christ offering unblemished sacrifices, holy ves- sels, holy oil, holy water, and holy oint- and Creation ment. In Ex. 40:10 the marginal reading Isa. 40:26 for the most holy altar is "holiness of holiness." Arising from all this is the ob- 6. Worship in the Earth Made New jective of a holy people, for only such can Rev. 21:5, 6 worship God "in spirit and in truth," now and eternally. 101 Worship in Eternity LESSON 13 ❑ Sunday March 19 Part 1 "And after these things I heard a great voice of much A VICTORIOUS people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, PEOPLE and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God." "And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: Rev. 19:1, 5, 6 for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." No other passage in all of Scripture is more sublime than these verses in the Revelation. This is the climax of all wor- ship offered by human beings to the Eternal God. All such songs are based on the victorious redemption provided by Christ Jesus. Compare Rev. 5:9. From the day of Adam's disobedience down through all the tragic centuries of history, man has been a wanderer from God. What is noted among the first recorded questions in the Bible? And what was the reply? Gen. 3:9, 10. What has been God's constant invitation since the days of Adam? Isa. 1:18. What is the special reason for jubilation? Rev. 19:7. "Satan's work of ruin is forever ended. For six thousand years he has wrought his will, filling the earth with woe and causing grief throughout the universe. The whole creation has groaned and travailed together in pain. Now God's creatures are forever delivered from his presence and temptations. 'The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they [the righteous] break forth into singing.' Isa. 14:7. And a shout •of praise and triumph ascends from the whole loyal universe. 'The voice of a great multitude,' as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings,' is heard, saying: 'Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.' "—The Great Controversy, page 673. THINK IT THROUGH Is my life one of continual victory in Christ? "Love has conquered. The lost is Him that sitteth upon the throne, and found. Heaven rings with voices in unto the Lamb forever and ever.' Rev. lofty strains proclaiming, 'Blessing, and 5:13."—"The Desire of Ages," page honor, and glory, and power, be unto 835. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 646-648. 102 Worship in Eternity LESSON 13 1:11 Monday March 20 Part 2 "And all the angels stood round about the throne, THE SONGS OF . . . saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and THE ANGELS thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto Rev. 7:11, 12 our God forever and ever. Amen." The angels of God love to sing His praises, to declare His power, and to prostrate themselves before Him in adoration. And someday, if faithful, we too will join with the angelic choir. If we would voice our praise then, we must begin now. When the angels offer their worship, they use the word "amen," which means "so let it be," or "we want it so." Can we say "amen" to everything God permits to come into our lives? To say "amen" while being flogged for Christ's sake; to say "amen" when being dispossessed of all that life holds dear; to say "amen" when we lose our employment for Christ's sake; to say "amen" when loved ones turn upon us in ridicule, even influencing others to reject us—this is not easy. But as the hymn writer says: "It is the way the Master went. Should not His servants tread it still?" How did the apostle Paul express his confidence in the outworking of God's plan for those who love the Lord? Rom. 8:28. After having been stoned and having nearly lost his life, how did Paul react? Acts 14:22. What did he say to the Romans about tribulation? Rom. 5:3. THINK IT THROUGH Am I preparing to take part with the angels in the anthems of heaven? "All that has perplexed us in the perfect and beautiful harmony. We providences of God will in the world shall know that infinite love ordered to come be made plain. The things the experiences that seemed most try- hard to be understood will then find ing. As we realize the tender care of explanation. The mysteries of grace Him who makes all things work to- will unfold before us. Where our finite gether for our good, we shall rejoice minds discover only confusion and with joy unspeakable and full of broken promises, we shall see the most glory."—"Testimonies," Vol. 9, p. 286. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 650-652. 103 Worship in Eternity LESSON 13 ❑ Tuesday March 21 Part 3 "And when He had taken the book, the four beasts THE SONG OF and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, THE ELDERS having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every Rev. 5:8, 9 kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." Nothing is more sublime than the worship offered by these elders as they voice the praise of the redeemed. Where are they situated? Rev. 4:4. These that take their place around the throne are associated with Christ in His work of ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. They are twenty-four in number, corresponding with the twenty-four courses of priests in ancient Israel. What is the theme of the twenty-four elders' song? Rev. 5:9. This chorus of redemption is followed by the angels' chorus, which is a sevenfold doxology. Then the whole creation sings the praises of the victorious Lamb. Another description of this praise session is found in Rev. 7:9-12. Here the redeemed, "a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." Verses 9, 10. Who joined in this song? What did they say? Rev. 7:11, 12. THINK IT THROUGH Can I join with the elders in their song of praise for redemption? "It is the great victory in suffering by right of purchase, mankind as His and death which inspires the song, and own; and the price was His blood. It makes them sing, 'Thou art worthy'; is well to notice the harmony between and so they speak of that work of this passage and the statements of Christ as a work truly done. . . . The other apostles: 'Ye are not your own'; suffering Saviour has died, has broken 'bought with a price.' "—Ellicott's "Com- the bond of the oppressor, has claimed, mentary," on Rev. 5:9. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Early Writings," pages 250-252. 104 Worship in Eternity LESSON 13 ❑ Wednesday March 22 Part 4 "But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw GOD'S SEARCH him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, AND LONG and kissed him." WAITED ENDED "But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet." "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he Luke 15:20,22,24 was lost, and is found." The Bible is primarily the record of the movements of God in human history. It is clearly demonstrated that He is seeking us. When one learns of God's attitude toward him, it leads to a change in his attitude toward God. How did the apostle John express this? 1 John 4:19. Love demands expression. The psalmist said: "Let the re- deemed of the Lord say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy." "0 give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever." Ps. 107:2, 1. We express our love to God in our worship. How different the world appears when viewed through the eyes of those who understand the moral nature of God! We then can take the long view of history. No longer do we see the universe, or the myriad universes, as a great impersonal system chained by the laws of astronomy, biology, geology, and anthropology. Instead we see creation as the handiwork of a personal God, who loves us and has redeemed us by great sacrifice. What did Paul say about the creation? Rom. 8:22. 1+ THINK IT THROUGH Do I stop to think why I have been privileged to be a part of God's redeemed creation? Do I sense that in eternity I can become one of those who "follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth"? Rev. 14:4. "The beautiful parable of the lost the Jews, they better understood the sheep Christ repeated. And He carried lesson of the prodigal son, and could its lesson still farther, as He told of the enter into the joy of Christ's words, 'It lost piece of silver and the prodigal was meet that we should make merry, son. The force of these lessons the dis- and be glad;' for this my son was ciples could not then fully appreciate; dead, and is alive again; he was lost, but after the outpouring of the Holy and is found.' Luke 15:32, 24."—"The Spirit, as they saw the ingathering of Desire of Ages," pages 495, 496. the. Gentiles and the envious anger of FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 198-211. 105 Worship in Eternity LESSON 13 ❑ Thursday March 23 Part 5 "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath GOD'S SELF- created these things, that bringeth out their host by num- REVELATION IN ber: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of CHRIST AND His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth." CREATION Isa. 40:26 The whole universe reveals the Creator. Whether we study astronomy or theology, the science of the stars or the scieiice of salvation, we are led to worship Him who is "before all things" and by whom "all things consist" for we realize that "in Him we live, and move, and have our being." There is much neglect of public worship today in some circles, the reason being, in the words of Dr. John Kennedy: "Men have in their minds antiquated conceptions of God. . . . They have had in their childhood some rudimentary reli- gious instruction. The God they were taught to believe in was a child's God, and they have never advanced in religion beyond the teachings of their childhood. . . . "A man would think shame of himself if in other fields of knowledge he did not advance beyond the conceptions of his childhood. Yet some men . . . are still in the religious nursery with infant pictures on its walls."—The God Whom We Ignore, pages 156, 157. No generation before us in all history has had such scientific evidence of God's power. How does the apostle Paul say that men can under- stand the invisible things of God? Rom. 1:20. The words "His eternal power and Godhead" are deeply significant. There is abundant evidence to convince anyone, even the unbeliever, that God exists. Through the prophet Isaiah God says, "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things." Isa. 40:26. These mighty constella- tions did not come into existence by a mere inanimate force. They were created by a personal God. THINK IT THROUGH Is mine only a childish comprehension of God? Or do I encourage thoughts of God's greatness, His majesty, and His eternal love? "God is the foundation of every- tion. Ignorance may seek to support thing. All true science is in harmony false views of God by appeals to sci- with His works; all true education leads ence, but the book of nature and the to obedience to His government. Science Written Word shed light upon each opens new wonders to our view; she other. We are thus led to adore the soars high, and explores new depths; Creator and to have an intelligent trust but she brings nothing from her re- in His Word."—"Patriarchs and Proph- search that conflicts with divine revela- ets," pages 115, 116. FOR FURTHER STUDY: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 111-115. 106 Worship in Eternity LESSON 13 ❑ Friday March 24 Part 6 "And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make WORSHIP IN THE all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these EARTH MADE NEW words are true and faithful. . I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is Rev. 21:5, 6 athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." In order to be partakers of all that God has in store for His people, what must we be? Rev. 21:7. How did Paul regard the sufferings of this present life as compared with what awaits the overcomer? Rom. 8:18. How does John describe the worship of those who are victorious over the world? Rev. 15:2. The people in this victorious group are not just standing in mute adoration of the glories of God. They are singing. What is the theme of their song? Rev. 15:3. What a paean of praise will ascend to God when the re- deemed of all the ages meet together to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb! The angels of God cannot join in this song, for they have never experienced the slavery of sin and the joy of deliverance. All God's creatures worship Him, but the wor- ship of redeemed men throughout eternal ages will be differ- ent. THINK IT THROUGH As I have reseen God in the experience of study and worship, have I been remade by the Holy Spirit? "The more men learn of God, the "The entire universe is clean. One greater will be their admiration of His pulse of harmony and gladness beats character. As Jesus opens before them through the vast creation. From Him the riches of redemption and the amaz- who created all, flow life and light and ing achievements in the great contro- gladness, throughout the realms of il- versy with Satan, the hearts of the limitable space. From the minutest atom ransomed thrill with more fervent devo- to the greatest world, all things, ani- tion, and with more rapturous joy they mate and inanimate, in their unshod- sweep the harps of gold; and ten thou- owed beauty and perfect joy, declare sand times ten thousand and thousands that God is love."—"The Great Contro- of thousands of voices unite to swell versy," page 678. the mighty chorus of praise. . . . FOR FURTHER STUDY: "The Great Controversy," pages 675-677. 107 801 Answers: (1) praise; (2) ascription of praise and glory to God; (3) 24 elders; (4) the prodigal son; (5) b; (6) False. .pua ite 04 satuop Ills 'Tay& pua UE autoo illm duistom :asred .10 anti .9 toluatp atp stranat asJamun NOLIAA (q) to Too 3noqu s5ultp Atematu!pru sow aqi Ilan mow' 04 Alutru -tocIdo alp aseq ianau uatu Attehl (v) opattop sl gatgrn :aoptp atcluiniAT •s jo apieted u! 3E `tiotrup sill Ili uaas sl uatu toj pop Jo anoi 2uuptuas 'SuIo24no ata .poD aspid Su!2u!s se pauteu si uaneaq u! dnot5 Imads teqm .E opiva atp tuotj patuaapat uatu Jo asoq4 of tei!uus sp2ue aqi jo s2uos ay axe /cum letim ui . suoupeat JO Dp -sualDentio lueu!utop aqi s! 4EgM 'pop atojaq tatile5 patuaapat atp uaqm •I 113MOd Aarus dIlOA AO 1531 V <> sNolismo Awwwns O L Pod EL NOSS31 fintualg uz dmsto e Commentary eference Series is one o e most essential helps r YOUR lesson study An invaluable self-contained li- brary set for every Sabbath School leader, teacher, and stu- dent. The SDA Bible Commen- tary in seven volumes is a verse- by-verse exegesis of the whole Bible, supported by recognized scholarship in ancient lan- guages, chronology, sacred his- tory, and modern archeology. The special articles in these fields are illuminating. The Bi- ble Dictionary defines every sig- nificant Bible word. The Source Book provides reliable historical aid in understanding prophecy. The Encyclopedia contains the history of the Advent Church, its organizations, major doc- trines, and beliefs. $14.95 a vol- ume. Complete 10-volume set, $139.95. RECENTLY RELEASED—in one vol- ume. Ellen G: White's Comments compiled from the 7-volume Bible Commentary set. Numbered 7-A, and bound to match the set. $7.95. Please odd 35c per book for mailing. Include State sales tax where necessary. AT YOUR BIBLE HOUSE( SIGN THE DAILY STUDY PLEDGE / SEARCH OUT GOD'S SPECIAL MESSAGE TO YOU! "There was never a time when God instructed His people Put first things first. more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His will and the course that Study your Bible and He would have them pursue." Testimonies, Vol. 4, page 148. your Sabbath school "Study to show thyself approved unto God." —1 Timothy 2:15. lesson every day Thirteenth Sabbath Offering South American Division In behalf of more than a quarter of a million Sabbath School members in the South American Division, I wish to express our gratitude for the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering Overflow in the second quarter of 1969. It represented more than $100,000. It pro- vided funds for new dormitory space on the campus of our Theo- logical Training College in Chile; dormitory provisions at the Espirito Santo Academy in Brazil; and benefits for our Northeast Brazil College. Again this quarter, we plan to provide additional facilities: 1. New dining room, Uruguay Academy. 2. Completion of Loma Linda Sanitarium, Argentina. 3. New girls' dormitory, Ecuador Academy. In some of our dormitories there are five and six students in one small room. Many times the need for space is so great that worthy students are unable to find a place in our institutions. South Amer- ica has 125,000 young people, only 25,000 of whom are in Adventist schools. This is the golden hour to channel every youthful talent into the mold of Christian education. Your liberality will make it possible to open the door for many of our boys and girls who have been denied an opportunity of Christian education for lack of facilities. R. A. Wilcox, President South American Division ...--,1 Lessons for the Second Quarter of 1972 f Sabbath School members who have not received a Lesson Quarterly, Adult Division, for the second quarter of 1972 i will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The title of the series is "God's Way of Setting Men 4 Right" (Studies From the Book of Romans). The title of the , first lesson is "God's Righteousness in Judging Sin." The ! memory verse is Romans 1:16. r The outline is as follows: (1) Messenger of the Gospel. Romans 1:1, 2. (2) The Divine Purpose. Romans 1:5, 6. (3) The Church in Rome. Romans 1:7-10. (4) Theme of the Epistle. Romans 1:16. (5) Sinners Without Excuse. Romans 1:18. (6) Results of Apostasy. Romans 1:23-25. Litho in U.S.A. Tiii WO H@INI sizarerl 11311-5110 rig Lima EAST BRAZIL Brasilia UNION Rio de Janeiro ( CHILE UNION llllllSao Paulo " 1 PACIFIC OCEAN , AUSTRAL 1111110F Uruguay Academy UNION Dining Room 9 Santiag Montevideo Buenos Aires' Loma Linda Sanitarium, Argentina SABBATH CHURCH SCHOOL 'UNIONS POPULATION CHURCHES MEMBERS MEMBERS Austral 25,351,448 144 22,746 21,078 Chile 9,300,306 93 17,007 13,428 East Brazil 47,468,000 198 48,797 52,142 Inca 26,366,215 215 68,759 60,933 North Brazil 11,863,478 50 19,647 18,816 South Brazil 40,786,000 315 87,737 87,213 --TOTALS 161,135,447 1,015 264,693 253,610 00 Figures as of 3d quarter, 1970 Punta Arenas ATLANTIC OCEAN