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MORE LIKE THE MASTER!!

    No one who serves the Lord Jesus Christ should ever even consider the thought of "giving up", "quitting", or feeling that he has "failed". It was prophesied of our Lord that "He shall not fail nor be discouraged till He hath set justice in the earth", (Isa. 42:4). And "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small", (Prov. 24:10). There is quite a tale in that expression "the day of adversity". No one faints in the day of prosperity - when everything goes well. It is when everything seems to go against us - when what we regard as "success" seems impossible - that we are most tempted to give up and say, "What's the use"? But, no child of God should ever so give up in the service of the ever-faithful Lord Jesus Christ. Our Master never fails, and we ought never despair so as to be ready to forsake His service.

The best that we have, is that too
    much
For Him who gave up all?
The best that we are, is that too
    good
To use at the Master's call?
(Continued on Page 6)

THE MIND OF CHRIST - LOVE FOR
THE BRETHREN

"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved (Ephesians 5:2).
    Someone has poetically suggested that Jesus came from heaven on the wings of love. It was the element in which He lived and moved. He endeavored to saturate the whole world with it. When He teaches us that, by love, one may vanquish an enemy, we need not wonder at the tenderness of His appeal for brethren to "love one another", (Jn. 13:34). Like a doting father, trying to impress good principles upon the minds of his children, our divine Teacher lingers over the lesson: "This is my commandment!"
    Had His action been motivated by selfishness, one might have expected Him to require all His disciples' love for Himself. But He claims no such monopoly on this precious ingredient. Not only did He encourage mutual affection; He made it the very badge of discipleship! He gives them its measure and motive, "Love one another, AS I HAVE LOVED YOU!" What a love! It reaches to the most humble and lowly. "Inasmuch as ye have don it unto one of the least of these..



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The Clarion Herald The Clarion Herald

ye have done it unto me!"
    If our Elder Brother so loved us, what should be our love for each other! But, how tragic it is to note so much today that is contrary to the spirit that our Master endeavored to inculcate by precept and example alike. Why must there be such bitter estrangements on the part of those who call Jesus "Lord"? Such censorious words, harsh judgments, lack of kindly consideration of the feelings and failures of those with whom we may differ! Why are our friendships so often like the Summer brook - soon dried up?
    Do we recognize the image of Cod in our brethren? It is our responsibility to love them because of that image. They should be recognized as fellow-pilgrims and fellow-heirs - according to the quality of their faith. In a portrait, however poor the painting, unfinished the style, faulty the touches, coarse and unseemly the frame;

if the likeness be faithful, we overlook many subordinate defects. So it is with the Christian: however plain the exterior, rough the setting, manifold the blemishes, etc,; if the likeness of Christ be but feebly mirrored therein, we should love the copy for the sake of the Divine Original. There may be other bonds of association and fellowship, linking spirit with spirit: family ties, mental congenialities, intellectual tastes, philanthropic pursuits; but that which ought to take precedence over all is THE LOVE OF GOD revealed in each. Oh, that such love might be perfected in us!
    As our love for Christ is deepened, so will our hearts be enlarged with love for one another. John, of the apostles, was regarded pre-eminently as a man of love. He appeared to have drunken more deeply of the love that was resident, in all its perfection, within the bosom on which he delighted to lean - every heartbeat of which was LOVE!
    "Walk" then "in love"! Let it be the very path that you tread. Let your route to the kingdom of God be paved with it. Therein will our love be perfected - the dissonant notes of our personalities harmonized so that we all see "eye to eye".
    Oh, for the "mind of Christ" in our love for one another - NOW!
    COULD YOU SPARE A MOMENT DURING JANUARY TO DROP US A LINE - JUST TO LET US KNOW THAT YOU READ THE CLARION HERALD?
    IT WOULD BE A REAL BLESSING AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO HEAR FROM YOU. E.G.



Studies in I Corinthians

THE CHRISTIAN WAY TO SETTLE DIFFERENCES

Scripture Lesson: I Corinthians 6:1-11.

    INTRODUCTION: Six times in this chapter Paul challenges the reputed wisdom of the Corinthians by inquiring: "Do you not know?" In an effort to correct the disorder that was evident, he reminds them of some basic Christian principles that will guide them in the way of righteousness. And a careful consideration of these principles will be profitable for the people of God in any age.

I. THE APOSTLE IS APPALLED BY THE CORINTHIAN'S LACK OF SPIRITUAL JUDGMENT, (vs. 1-3).
  1. DARING TO TAKE THEIR PERSONAL DIFFERENCES TO BE SETTLED BEFORE HEATHEN JUDGES WAS HIGH TREASON AGAINST CHRISTIAN BROTHERHOOD, (vs. 1).
    1. Demanding justice for their own views, they stood in need of "mercy" instead.
    2. How could they possibly expect justice from "the unjust"? What sort of insanity was this on the part of those boasting a superior knowledge?
    3. Why take such matters to be settled by unrighteous men when they could be more equitably settled, and according to Christian principles, by the saints - their own brethren? (Matt. 18:15-17).

  2. THOUGH CLAIMING TO BE "IN THE KNOW" (1:4-5; 8:1), DID THEY "NOT KNOW" THAT THE SAINTS ARE DESTINED TO JUDGE THE WORLD, (vs. 2a; comp. 1:20)?
    1. It is within the church that the people of God are supposed to learn "how to rule".
      1. The word "judge" means, basically, "to rule", (Matthew 19:28).
      2. This idea of "the rule of the righteous" is clearly set forth in the Scriptures, (Psa. 49:14; Dan. 7:22, 27; Rev. 2:26; 3:21 20:4; etc.).
    2. "Learning to rule" is a necessary pre-requisite to sharing the fulness of Christ in the coming millennial age - wherein He purposes to share His authority with His faithful people.
      1. The privilege of such rulership is NOT assured to "all the saved".
        1. ) Nations of saved people will be ruled over, (Rev.21:14).
        2. ) Israel, in the flesh, will be the chief of those nations



        to be ruled over by the Lord and His Holy ones - the apostles themselves already assured the privilege of judgeship over the twelve tribes of Israel in that day, (Matt. 19:28; Ezek. 36:24-38; Zech. 10:6; Mic. 4:6-8; 7:15-20; Zeph. 3:14-20; Isa. 61:8-11; Zech. 8:23; Isa. 49:22-23; 66:12; 60:11-12; Zech. 4:19-20).
          3) The extent to which one learns to rule (exercising divinely established principles) in this life will determine his position in the coming kingdom.
          b. It is only within a New Testament church that one may so learn - it being the only institution on earth divinely authorized and equipped to offer such instruction, (Matt. 28:19).
          c. The body of Christ, as manifested only in a local New Testament church, is the sphere wherein such judgment is now to be exercised, (I Cor. 5:12-13).
          d. And church members who refuse to receive instruction, and to exercise (put into practice) these principles of judgment within the body, thereby forfeit any right to a place of authority in the coming kingdom of our Lord; they have disqualified themselves through the disobedience of their cowardly unbelief!
          e. And those churches which compromise the biblical direction, for the maintenance of discipline in their own memberships, have no biblical right to view themselves as New Testament churches, or to claim the blessings promised to the faithful.
    1. If the saints are to be responsible for judging the world, are they not capable of ruling NOW on such minor problems as arise within the lives of their brethren?
  C. "DO YOU NOT KNOW", PAUL CONTINUES, "THAT WE SHALL JUDGE ANGELS?" THEN HOW MUCH MORE THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO THIS LIFE?

II. NEXT, PAUL SHAMES THEIR FAILURE TO BE PEACEMAKERS THROUGH A RESPONSIBLE EXERCISE OF SPIRITUAL WISDOM, (vs. 4-8; comp. 4:14; 15:34).
  1. WHEN A MATTER IS SUBMITTED TO THE CHURCH FOR DECISION, HOW DO THEY FACE UP TO THE OPPORTUNITY?
    1. Do they pass it off to those within the body who are least esteemed? and whose judgment will, therefore, be less weighty?
    2. What a shame!

  2. IS THERE NOT WITHIN THE CHURCH, THAT BOASTS SUCH GREAT WISDOM, A SINGLE BROTHER WHO IS WISE ENOUGH, HUMBLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH TO DECIDE THE ISSUE ON THE BASIS OF CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES?


 C. IS IT NOT A CONFESSION OF SPIRITUAL DEARTH WITHIN THE CHURCH THAT BROTHER IS PERMITTED TO TAKE BROTHER TO COURT BEFORE A HEATHEN JUDGE?
    1. Is it an acknowledgement that no one within the body is qualified to judge?
    2. Or, is it an admission that none are willing to accept the spiritual responsibility?
 D. DO THEY NOT REALIZE THAT THE WHOLE CHURCH, AND THE VERY CAUSE OF CHRIST, SUFFERS BECAUSE OF THEIR SCANDALOUS ACTIONS? (vs. 7)
    1. Why are they not willing to suffer personal injustices "for Christ's sake"? or even to be defrauded? (comp. Matt. 5:39).
    2. But, instead of self-sacrifice, they are unjust and fraudulent in their dealings with each other - scandalizing the holy name of Him whom they thoughtlessly call "LORD"!
III. PAUL THEN ASKS IF THEY ARE REALLY IGNORANT CONCERNING THE POTENTIAL OF THEIR FORFEITING ALL RIGHT TO AN INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD, (vs. 9-10).
  1. THE UNRIGHTEOUS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD, (comp. 15:50; Gal. 5:19-21).

  2. NOR SHOULD THEY DECEIVE THEMSELVES BY ASSUMING THAT AN INHERITANCE (in Christ's kingdom) IS IRREVOCABLY THEIRS - for all with a bent for unrighteous thoughts and deeds are forever banned. This includes: fornicators, idolaters, adulterers (and adulteresses), practicing homosexuals, thieves, the covetous, drunkards, slanderers, extortioners and everything else that demonstrates a lack of the Holy Spirit's control over one's life, (Eph. 5:3-12).
IV. FINALLY, PAUL CONTRASTS THEIR PAST CONDITION WITH THEIR PRESENT POTENTIAL THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD, (vs. 11; Acts 20:32).
  1. "SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU!" (12:2; Eph. 2:2-3; Col. 3:5-11; Titus 3:3).

  2. BUT SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED "IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS" AND "BY THE SPIRIT OF OUR GOD", (Titus 3:4-7).
    1. They are WASHED - cleansed from their past sin by the precious blood of Jesus, (Rev. 1:5-6; Heb. 9:14; Rev. 7:14).
    2. They are SANCTIFIED set apart and dedicated for service to Him who has redeemed them from sin, corruption, bondage and


    death, (1:2, 30; I Thes. 4:3; 5:23-24).
    1. They are JUSTIFIED - declared to be positively righteous upon the basis of that faith which granted Him the right to begin His work of regeneration within them, (Rom. 5:1).
      1. But justification is "of life" (Rom. 5:18) - pertaining to one's thoughts, attitudes, words and deeds - and is NOT a once-for-all-time certification of divine approval upon the whole!
      2. Every act and attitude of man is either "justified" or "condemned"; the only life-principle upon which God bestows His approval; is that of such "faith-obedience" as is rooted in love - the kind of faith that not only calls Jesus "Lord", but joyfully does what He commands, (Lk. 6:46; Jn. 14:21-23).
      3. Thus, Paul warns of the dangers inherent in their proud rebellion, reckless presumption and stubborn negligence of their spiritual privileges and responsibilities.
      4. Though they commend themselves for their excelling spirituality and wisdom, Paul warns them to "take heed" lest they fall!
      5. (10:12).

MORE LIKE THE MASTER .. Continued
He gave up the glory He had with
   God
That we in that glory might share;
He laid down His life on Calvary's

   hill,
That we might have live in His care.

Shall we be the losers, by using
   for Him
The talents that He has bestowed?
Shall we poorer be, for giving to
   Him
What we have received from His Hand?

The best we can do can only be done
When His strength is the power
   within;
The best we can be will never
appear
Till we lose ourselves, wholly,
   in Him.

Then take us, dear Lord, all we
   have, all we are,
And make us the best that may be:
May we live, then, for Thee, be
   filled with Thy love
And reveal to the world only Thee!
-- Mrs. Ben M. Bogard