The Greatest Gift Ever Given

Jesus was born into the human family and then HE gave HIS life for you and me. What a wonderful influence it can have on our life to reflect often on the price of that Great Gift.

Why did Christ come into the world?
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1:15.

What prompted God to give His Son to die for man?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. See also (1 John 4:9,10) (Romans 5:8).

What did the prophet Isaiah say Christ would be called to endure?
"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken." Isaiah 53:7,8.

Must not Christ have known beforehand of these things?
"Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again." Luke 18:31-33.

How did the Saviour feel when the sins of the world were upon Him?
"And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me." Matthew 26:37,38.

In His distress, for what did He pray?
"And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." Matthew 26:39.

How great was the agony of His soul?
"And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." Luke 22:44.

After this remarkable prayer, what happened to cause Him more grief?
"And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" Luke 22:47,48.

To what place was He taken?
"Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off." Luke 22:54.

While at the high priest's house, what act of Peter's caused the Saviour additional suffering?
"And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew." And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." Luke 22:59-61.

What reproachful things were done to Christ while He was at the high priest's house?
"And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?" Luke 22:63,64.

Where was Christ next taken?
"And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe." Luke 22:66,67.

What was their object in taking Him there, since it was not in their power judicially to sentence Him?
"Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth." Luke 22:70,71.

Having procured the pretext they sought, what did they next do?
"And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate." Luke 23:1.

When Pilate desired to let Christ go, how did they react?
"And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place." Luke 23:5.

When Pilate heard that Christ had been in Galilee, what did he do?
"And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time." Luke 23:7.

Did the chief priests and scribes follow Christ before Herod?
"And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him." Luke 23:10.

What indignity did Herod put upon the Saviour?
"And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate." Luke 23:11.

When Christ was again brought before Pilate, what did Pilate propose to do?
"And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go." Luke 23:22.

At this proposition, how did Christ's accusers act?
"And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed." Luke 23:23.

Besides yielding to the clamors of the Jews, what cruelty did Pilate inflict upon Christ?
"Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him." John 19:1.

What shameful treatment did He receive from the soldiers?
"And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head." Matthew 27:29,30.

After bringing Him to the place of crucifixion, what did they offer Him to stupefy Him?
"They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink." Matthew 27:34.

What prayer did He utter as they were nailing Him to the cross?
"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." Luke 23:34.

With what words did they taunt Him while on the cross?
"Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him." Matthew 27:41,42.

As He cried out in agony on the cross, what was again offered Him?
"And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink." Matthew 27:48.

What closed this terrible scene?
"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." John 19:30.

What wonderful demonstration attested nature's sympathy with the dying Son of God?
"And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst." Luke 23:44,45.

Was it necessary for Christ thus to suffer?
"For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." Hebrews 2:10.

What follows from the fact that God gave us His only Son?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.

The Christian and Debt

Tis the season. It is so sad that this time of year so many will spend beyond their means. It is a sin. A sin for both those who go into debt and for those who lead thme into debt. It is a sin of bondage and slavery.

As we enter this Christmas season, let us remember Jesus and give gifts to Him. We can do this by giving to support his work or by directly helping a neighbor who is in need.

We can give a gift to our children, but let us not do so in such a way that they will become more and more selfish. It should be done in a way that directs each one to remember the Greatest Gift... Jesus giving his life for us.
God the Father, sending Him here to lkive and dwell among us, and God the Holy Spirit living with us and within us as we allow Him. What a great set of Gifts!

Remember that the Lord does not want us to be in debt, or under this slavery or bondage. Let us see what the Lord has to say.

Does the Lord care whether or not we are prompt in paying the poor?
"Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates: at his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee." Deut. 24:14, 15.

What is said of the hire of the laborers which is kept back by the rich men of the last days?
"Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth." James 5:4.

With whom are they classed who defraud the laborer of his hire?
"And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages." Mal. 3:5.

Will any of these enter the new Jerusalem?
"For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." Rev. 22:15.

How does the Bible reprove those who stint their laborers?
"For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward." 1 Tim. 5:18. "Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning." Lev. 19:13.

Are we responsible for the loss by theft of goods that were entrusted to our care?
"If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbor's goods." "And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof. If it be torn in pieces, then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn." Ex. 22:8, 12, 13.

Do we become debtors through our own negligence?
"If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution." Ex. 22:6.

If a man wantonly or with malice aforethought, commits injury or entails loss, what redress is required of him?
"If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vine- yard, shall he make restitution." Ex. 22:5.

Does God's code hold us responsible for what we borrow?
"And if a man borrow aught of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good. But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good: if it be a hired thing, it came for his hire." Ex. 22:14, 15.

What is said concerning those who lend upon usury?
"Thou shalt not lend upon usury [exorbitant interest] to thy brother, usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of anything that is lent upon usury." Deut. 23:19.

Do we owe one another even deeds of kindness?
"If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him." Ex. 23:4, 5.

How does the apostle Paul cover the whole subject?
"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe no many anything, but to love one another." Rom. 13:7, 8.

Birth of Jesus predicted

This is the season in which we traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus. Where, in the Bible, is given the first promise of the Saviour from sin?
"And the lord said unto the serpent,... I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Genesis 3:14, 15.

Through whose descendant was the promised restoration to come through?
"To thee [Abraham] will I give it, and to thy seed for ever." Genesis 13:15.

Who was this promised seed?
"He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." Galatians 3:16.

What town was predicted to be the birthplace of the Christ?
"And,.. he [Herod] demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea." Matthew 2:4-6. (See Micah 5:2.)

Of whom was Christ to be born?
"Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14.
NOTE: Immanuel means "God with us.: (See Matthew 1:23.)

What name was Joseph told to give the promised Son when He was born?
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21,

At His birth, what message did the angel bring to the shepherds abiding in the field?
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10, 11.

What was the song of praise that the host of angels sang that night?
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Verse 13, 14.

What important prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when Christ was born?
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder." Isaiah 9:6.

What descriptive names did Isaiah give to Him?
"And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end." Verses 6, 7.

What did the godly Simeon say when he saw Jesus?
"And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Luke 2:27-32.

Upon seeing Jesus, what were the words of the aged prophetess Anna?
"And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." Verse 38.

What did the Wise Men from the East do when they had found Jesus?
"When they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." Matthew 2:11.

Why did Joseph flee to Egypt with Jesus and His mother?
"And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him." Verse 13.

How does John the revelator describe this satanic urge to destroy Christ?
"And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." Revelation 12:4.

By what means did Herod seek to kill Jesus?
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under." Matthew 2:16.

After Herod's death, to what town did Joseph and his family move?
"And He came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." Verse 23.

How does the Bible describe the early life of Jesus?
"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him." "And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them." Luke 2:40, 51.

At the Feast in Jerusalem, how did Joseph and Mary lose Jesus when He was twelve years old?
"But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him." Verses 44-45.
NOTE: This is how many lose Jesus today. They suppose He is in their company, but do not see to it that He is with them personally. Through carelessness it takes but a day to lose Him; but when once lost, it sometimes takes days of sorrowful searching, as it did Joseph and Mary, to find Him again.

What was Jesus doing when they later found Him?
"And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions." Verse 46.

What impact did His questions and answers have upon the spiritual leaders of Israel?
"And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers." Verse 47.

How does Scripture summarize Christ's childhood and youth?
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Verse 52.

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens

Who is exalted above all that exists?
"For thou, Lord, art high above all the earth; thou art exalted far above all gods." Ps. 97:9. "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth." Ps. 57:5.

Why should God be thus exalted?
"Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshipeth thee." Neh. 9:6.

How high is Christ exalted?
"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour." Acts 5:30, 31.

Who will be exalted by God?
"He that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matt. 23:12.

What, then, must precede exaltation?
"Before honor is humility." Prov. 15:33.

What is the foundation of true humility?
"Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." 1 Cor. 13:4.

What is necessary, therefore, in order that we may obtain exaltation?
"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:4.

In what only should we desire to be exalted?
"For thou [Lord] art the glory of their strength: and in thy favor our horn shall be exalted." Ps. 89:17.

What means does God sometimes employ to keep us from self exaltation?
"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." 2 Cor. 12:7.

By what means may self exaltation be overcome?
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:4, 5.

What are these weapons of our warfare?
The girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit. Eph. 6:13-17.

What caused Satan's fall, and brought into existence all the sin and evil which are in the world?
"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High." Isa. 14:12-14.

What is the most striking example of self exaltation found in the annals of history?
"Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." 2 Thess. 2:3, 4.
NOTE. - Satan exalted himself above the stars of God, i.e., the angels, and wanted to be equal with Christ; but the "man of sin," the papacy, has gone beyond this, and exalted himself even above the God of the universe by presuming to change His eternal and immutable law. Dan.7:25.

What will be the end of self exaltation?
"Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased." Matt. 23:12. "For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon everyone that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low." Isa. 2:12.

When will the humble be exalted?
"Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it." Ps. 37:34.

GOD's Design for the Home

Where were the foundations of home laid?
"And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed." Gen. 2:8.

In carrying out His perfect plan! what was still needed?
"And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet [or adapted] for him." Gen. 2:18.

What ability did GOD give to man, that was not given to angels?
"Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord." Ps. 127:3. "Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children are their fathers." Prov. 17:6.

Does the happiness of home depend upon the abundance of things possessed?
"A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke 12:15. "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith." Prov. 15:17.

May a home be undesirable under some circumstances?
"It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman." Prov. 21:19.

Bible Authority and Our Responsibility in the Home

How well acquainted is God with the life of each person on earth?
"Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, 10, a Lord, thou knowest it altogether." Psalm 139:2-4.

What is the beginning of genuine wisdom?
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments." Psalm 111:10.

How are parents instructed to bring up their children?
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4.

How important is it that parents teach the Word of God to their children?
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:6, 7.

What is the value of careful early instruction?
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6.

How early was the Bible taught to Timothy?
"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15.

Why did God confide in Abraham and commit important trusts to him?
"For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment." Genesis 18:19.

Wherever Abraham journeyed, what was his constant practice?
"And there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord." Genesis 12:8. (See Genesis 13:4; 21:33.)

Should we thank God for our food, and health and all that we have?
"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Importance of Walking in the Light

Does the Lord consider it important that His children walk in the light?
"Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth." John 12:35.

What must one do to obtain the benefits of the blood of Christ?
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

How long may the just expect light to shine on his pathway?
"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Prov. 4:18.

For whom is the light sown?
"Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Ps. 97:11.

What will become of the light which a person has if he fails to improve by it?
"The light of the body is the eye; therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed, therefore, that the light which is in thee be not darkness." Luke 11:34, 35.

Why are those condemned who do not come to the light?
"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3:19.

If one is really seeking for truth, what will he do?
"But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3:21.

What will those who reject light and truth, be finally led to believe?
"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Thess. 2:11, 12.

From what source does one derive light?
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps. 119:105, 130 (Prov. 6:23).

Who was told by an angel of God that his way pleased the Lord?
"He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God." Acts 10:3, 4.

Did the angel then tell him that he had nothing more to learn or do, in order to be saved?
"And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea-side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." Acts 10:5, 6.

In what are we exhorted to continue?
"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." Heb. 3:14 (Matt.10:22).

Among those that hear the prophecies of Revelation, who are to have a blessing from God?
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." Rev. 1:3.

Is there an example of God's overthrowing people whom He once favored, because they refused to obey Him?
"I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not." Jude 5.

Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh

[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Galations 5:16
What a wonderful promise!

By what power did Christ work miracles?
"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you." Matt. 12:28.

How was the Holy Spirit involved in His resurrection?
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." 1 Peter 3:18.

How is conviction produced in the mind of the sinner?
"And when He [the Spirit] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." John 16:8 (Gen. 6:3).

What office does the Spirit perform for the Christian?
"And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever." John 14:16.

What other work does the Spirit perform?
"God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 2 Thess. 2:13.

What is the word of God said to be?
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph. 6:17.

In what manner did the Spirit make known the word?
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21.

In what manner did the Lord speak to these holy men?
"After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." Gen. 15:1 (Num. 12:6) (lsa.1:1) (Eze. 1:1).

What does Paul call the Spirit?
"In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise." Eph. 1:13.
"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." Acts 2:33 (Acts 1:4, 5).

Why did Jesus say it was necessary for Him to go unto the Father?
"For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." John 16:7.

Were the gifts of the Spirit referred to in this promise?
"Wherefore he saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." Eph. 4:8.

What are these gifts?
"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." Eph. 4:11.

Were all these gifts by the same Spirit?
"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." 1 Cor. 12:4 (Eph. 4:4).

What commission did Christ give to His disciples?
"And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15.

Why did they not proceed immediately to that work?
"And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49 (Acts 1:8).

How long did Jesus promise to be with those who preach the gospel?
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matt. 28:20.
NOTE: It is very certain that the Lord did not design to have His gospel preached without the aid of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of which He placed in the church (1 Cor. 12:28), there to remain as long as His commission to men shall last. Acts 2:38, 39; Eph. 4:11-13