Scripture: Matthew 19:3–15; I Corinthians 13 Background: In the Bible we are repeatedly reminded of the many foes which the Christian must face throughout his life on earth. These foes arrange themselves not only against the Christian in his intimate, personal, covenantal relation to God; they also attack him in a variety of ways in the […]
Scripture: Genesis 48 Background: With this outline we conclude a brief series on the Christian home. That we end with a consideration of that which breaks up the marriage-and family-relation as we experience it in this life should at once seem appropriate. After all, sooner or 1ater everyone of us must face the reality of […]
Scripture: Romans 13 Background: In society the state ought to manifest God’s Kingdom as “righteousness in the administration of justice.” Those in proper authority have the calling to establish and enforce human ordinances (I Peter 2:13). It is in this connection that we witness the terrifying struggle of millions in the United States for “civil rights.” This […]
Scripture: Daniel 1 Background: One of the presidential candidates now campaigning in the United States claims that his administration will restore private initiative and work against all programs which imply the curbing of legal individual rights. This is a major area of dispute today since the expansion of government services requires broader taxation, and this means that […]
Scripture: I Corinthians 11:2–16 Ephesians 5:28–31 Background: For many years people in the United States had their fun with the popular comic strip “Bringing up Father.” Daily they laughed loud and long at poor Jiggs who could hardly call his soul his own. Maggie as his wife forbade him to eat corned beef and cabbage and […]
Scripture: Proverbs 31:10–31 Background: Having sketched briefly something of what the Bible says about the place and task of the husband in the family, we must now come to terms with what it says about the wife. Especially in the past many lofty things have been said about women in general and wives in particular. […]
Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 5 Background Reading: Leviticus 25:35–46 The scene shifts. The previous chapter is all about the building of the wall and the opposition of the neighboring peoples. They represented an external threat. In response, Nehemiah demonstrated exceptional organizational genius in meeting that threat. Now, another threat looms large. This one is internal. The […]
Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 4 Background Reading: 2 Kings 17:24–34 This chapter should not surprise us. As soon as plans are laid for the reconstruction of the walls, that soon the enemies of the Lord make their appearance. Nehemiah apparently anticipated this happening, for he had demonstrated caution and secrecy when he did his initial survey. […]
Scripture: Ephesians 1:15–23 Ephesians 4:1–16 Background: The relationship of the Church to the Kingdom of God is a basic item in our Christian view of life. Chapter 5 of The Bible and the Life of the Christian is packed with significant statements on this problem, and we urge discussion groups to get and study this […]
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19–31 III John Background: Just what is the Church? How are denominations related to the Church? Is the Church the sum-total of all the existing church groups which label themselves church? Is the church as we live in it and are members of it really essential to our salvation? Asking these questions will furnish […]