Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 2, Number 45, DeMotte, Jasper County, 23 March 1933 — IMPROVED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL Lesson [ARTICLE]

IMPROVED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL Lesson

By REV. P. B. FITZWATER. D. D., Mem-

Lesson for March 26 REVIEW: JESUS OUR EXAMPLE IN SERVICE. GOLDEN TEXT--How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing; good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:38. PRIMARY TOPIC--Stories of Jesus. JUNIOR TOPIC--Jesus Shows Us How. INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP-IC--Living Like Jesus. YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP-IC--Jesus Our Example in Service. The method of review must always be determined by the genius of the teacher, the grade of the class, and the aptitude of the pupils. Three methods for the Senior, Young People and Adult classes are suggested, the second and third of which are adaptations of the method suggested by the Lutheran Lesson committee. I. The Summary Method. In the use of this method the principal facts of each lesson will be brought out with the leading teachings. Assignments should be made a week in advance. II. The Key Note of the First Six Chapters of Mark From Which the Lessons of the Quarter Have Been Taken. Chapter 1: Jesus as the Gospel Preacher. His preparation was in the wilderness alone with God. It was in Galilee that he called his first disciples and began to preach. While the synagogue was the best place, naturally when the leaders became hostile, the desert, the mountain, and even a fishing boat was his pulpit Chapter 2: Jesus as the Teacher. He gave them a new conception of the forgiveness of sins, fasting, and the Sabbath. Chapter 3: Jesus as the Messiah. He chose twelve of his ambassadors, being somewhat analogous to the twelve tribes in the old dispensation. Chapter 4: Jesus as the Interpreter bf the Kingdom of God. Three outstanding parables reveal its characteristics. Chapter 5: Jesus as the Great Physician. The healing of the demoniac, the woman with the issue of blood, restoring to life of the daughter of Jairus are outstanding examples. Chapter 6: Jesus as the Greater Provider. An outstanding example of his ability to provide for the disciples is seen in the feeding of the five thousand. III. A Method Which Embraces the Grouping of the Quarter’s Lessons Under Significant Headings. 1. Some helpers of Jesus (Lessons 1 and 6). The helpers indicated are John the Baptist who is the first recorded helper, and the twelve apostles. It is strikingly significant that though Jesus possessed all power he chose to place in the hands of ordinary men the continuance of his work. He is able to use men of varied gifts and temperaments, as shown in the twelve. 2. Some works of Jesus (Lessons 2, 3 and 4). He met and overcame the Devil in the wilderness. He cast out demons. He healed the sick and he forgave sins. 3. Some teachings of Jesus (Lessons 5, 7 and 8). Because the traditions of the Jews had obscured the law, he taught the higher meaning of the law, especially as it pertained to the Sabbath. By means of parables, he took the common things of life and clothed them with vital and profound significance. 4. The power of Jesus (Lessons 9, 10 and 11). This power was exhibited over the forces of nature, demons, physical ailments, and even death itself. 5. An enemy of Jesus (Lesson 12). The Devil is the supreme enemy of Jesus. Anything that hinders the progress of the gospel may be considered as an enemy. In this light he has many enemies, among which may be mentioned alcohol and narcotics. The drinking of intoxicating liquors and smoking of cigarettes, etc., dull man’s moral and spiritual natures and incapacitate him for the highest and most efficient service.