I. THE TWO GREAT POWERS WHICH PRODUCED THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. First, the Coming of the Son of God, visibly, into this World. "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

He lived on earth only a little more than 33 years; only three of them before the public as a Teacher and Leader; but these years were filled with a perfect Life, perfect Teachings, Miracles of Mercy, Training of Disciples. Then came the Death on the Cross. But there followed his Resurrection from the Dead; and he is everliving, ready to help every one in time of need. His work is seen in the true Church all down the ages, growing larger, fuller, more and more perfect as it progresses toward the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Second, the Power of the Holy Spirit, as displayed on the day of Pentecost, in the beginning of the Christian Church, and in the hearts of all Christ's true followers from that day to this.

II. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, Acts 2:1-36. It began with a prayer meeting that lasted ten days, with 120 men and women present. On the morning of the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after the Passover, and to days after the Ascension, the disciples “ were all with one accord in one place," when " suddenly

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ACTS 2:37. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2: 2-4.)

The symbol of the tongues represents the means by which the disciples were to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world.

This gift of the Holy Spirit transformed the disciples, and fitted them for their great work in the midst of intense opposition, and the densest heathenism.

III. THE CONDITIONS OF JOINING THE CHURCH, vs.

GOD
SO
LOVED

37-41. These were practically By the atoning sacrifice of Calvary, salvation is made possible for the same then as now.

every human soul.

1. A Consciousness of Sin. They were pricked to the heart. They had a part in the crucifixion of their Messiah, and they knew not how their sin could be blotted out. "The sense of sin is the plowshare that opens the soil of the heart for the reception of every true grace of character."

2. Repentance. This is such a change of mind and heart as will lead to a change of conduct and life.

3. Baptism. They must be baptized. in the name of Jesus Christ. It was like taking the oath of allegiance to their new ruler, by which they became citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. It symbolized their faith in Jesus as Jesus the Messiah, and the casting off of the old life. Then their sins should be forgiven, and they should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, sometimes in the same way as they had just seen it manifested; and always through his abiding presence, dwelling within them as a fountain of life (John 7: 38), as the Comforter, teaching, guiding, inspiring, purifying, giving peace and hope and joy, according to the promise (John 13-16).

IV. PICTURES OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, vs. 41-47. Compare 1 Thess. 5:11-15. This picture of the early Christian church is so attractive, so beautiful, so ideal, that some have felt that it was idealized by late writers, and was not literally true. But as a matter of fact it has been repeated over and over again, for short spaces of time. Our own eyes have seen it, our own hearts have felt it.

The picture is a Perpetual Ideal before the church, and one that can be attained, because it has been. "God never permitted us to form a theory too beautiful for his power to make practical."

First. The first Christian Church began with a Revival, in which they gained 3000 additional members, who by baptism pledged their allegiance to Jesus, as their Messiah, Saviour, and King. The numbers added greatly to the power of the movement. Each person was a centre of influence. Three thousand burning and shining

41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

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47. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

I THESS. 5:11. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

14. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

lights were scattered over the city. The result of this was seen in the fact that a year or two later "the number of the men was about five thousand" (Acts 4:4).

There are some advantages in a slow and steady growth. There are other and great advantages in powerful revivals, which impress a community in a way that the same number unfolding like the lilies of spring could not do.

All through the ages since there have been great revivals of religion like this one of Pentecost, under Savonarola, Luther, the Huguenots, the Wesleys, Whitefield, Edwards, and many others. Study the more recent revivals in Wales, India, and China.

Study

Second. The First Christian Church persevered against every hindrance from without and within. They continued stedfastly. It is steady, persistent work that tells. "Perseverance is the only virtue that cannot be counterfeited."

Third. The First Christian Church were learners. They continued... in the apostles' doctrine, i.e., as in the Am. R., " teaching." They went to school to the apostles. They learned what they had to teach. This is the part of the modern Sunday School. Pres. Wilson said recently, "The Sunday School Lesson of to-day is the Code of Morals of to-morrow. Too much attention cannot be paid to the work which the Sunday School is doing." A prominent business man said in public, "The church is the greatest business in the world, and the Sunday School is its strong right arm. I fully believe the Sunday School is the greatest living force for character building and good citizenship."

Fourth. The First Christian Church continued in fellowship. They were like one loving family. One of the greatest means of growth in spiritual life is fellowship and familiar intercourse with the saints. Those make an almost irreparable mistake who refuse to join some body of Christians, and to join heartily in Christian work with them. No one can be as good a Christian alone as he can in fellowship with other Christians. Two are more than twice one. One alone is a color, several together make the pictured window of a cathedral. One alone is a sound, several together are an anthem.

Fifth. The First Christian Church continued in the breaking of bread, the New Testament phrase for the Lord's Supper, taken in remembrance of Jesus, a new consecration to his service, a new inspiration of love. The sacrament was probably administered in connection with every meal taken by the disciples in common. "The bread was broken and divided to all as a symbol that all were parts of one whole, one fellowship, one church, one Master." - Professor Ramsay.

Eating bread together in the Orient is the seal of a covenant. See Trumbull's Covenant of Salt, and the story of Saladin and the Templar in Scott's Talisman.

Sixth. The First Christian Church continued in prayers, Am. R. " the prayers." Of course they prayed in secret; but this, doubtless, refers to praying together. No one can grow in grace without praying in secret, but there are helps and blessings which come only from united prayer. Where two or three are gathered together in the name of Jesus there he will be in the midst of them (Matt. 18 : 19, 20).

And "so the whole round world is every way
Bound by gold chains about the feet of God."

Seventh. The First Christian Church was enabled to do many wonders. Miracles which awakened wonder in those who saw them, and thus drew the attention of the people. Some of these are called signs, because they were proofs of the divine mission and teaching of the church. They were the same kind of works which Jesus did while on earth. Every miracle was wrought for the good of some person, who thus would be attracted to the Christian life.

Eighth. The First Christian Church was generous and sympathetic. All that believed had all things common. They were members of one family and

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held things in common just as members of family do. Everything was for the good of all. No one "said that anything was his own." Some sold of their possessions, and distributed the money as every man had need, whether citizens or strangers. Some were poor, some may have suffered loss by be

ing driven from their homes on account of their religion. Some were strangers without employment. Great numbers had come to the Passover from distant countries, and were remaining to know more about the new religion. There was no compulsion to sell their property, but the impulse of their own loving, generous hearts. The verbs " sold " and " parted" in this description " are in the imperfect tense, indicating that the sale and distribution took place from time to time, as special occasions of distress or want called for them." Ellicott.

Ninth. The First Christian Church continued daily in the temple. They did not neglect the appointed means of serving God while they prepared for other means of serving him and his Christ. The temple was their religious home, and they joined in the regular religious services. They had opportunity there of meeting together, and for telling their experiences to all who were willing to listen. This was a characteristic of the Christian Church through the whole period of the Acts.

Tenth. The First Christian Church was a successful Church. Such a church as has been described must be successful. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Am. R. Margin, "such as were being saved."

V. THE MODERN CHURCH. 1. The Church of to-day has much to learn from the First Christian Church at Jerusalem. Its success must come from the continual presence of the two great powers which formed that Church. The conditions of joining the Church, and the character and methods of work should be the same.

2. The Church has been increasing in numbers, though with many fluctuations, for nearly 19 centuries. The first thousand years ended with fifty millions under its influence. This was doubled in the next five hundred years. It doubled again in the next three hundred, and in 1800 there were two hundred million. But it took less than eighty years to double again, and in 1880 there were more than four hundred million under its influence.

There have been pessimists in these later years who say that the church is losing ground, that its members are decreasing, and that it is only a question of time when it will perish. But this is not in accordance with the facts. Taking only the communicants, and the main denominations could double the number they report if they gave also their regular adherents, while in the past 26 years (before 1917) the total population of the United States has increased 61 per cent, "the total religious strength" has gained 94 per cent.

Probably one reason for the misunderstanding is the fact that, in rural regions especially, mergers are taking place for the sake of economy and efficiency. But the net gain, notwithstanding these mergers, in the number of churches in the United States during 1916 was 117.

3. The Growing Unity of Christians and Churches. One of the most hopeful signs of our times is the growing tendency toward unity of the churches and denominations of Christians, a unity of love, not of authority, but of one purpose, - the salvation of all men and all nations. There are said to be 186 different denominations in the United States, but there are no contentions. There are differences of organizations, of opinions, of forms. To unite all into one denomination would be in many ways a misfortune. The best real unity is that of "federation," a union in plans and purposes in which all agree, with perfect freedom as to other matters. This is especially true on the mission fields.

Forces at Work in the Darkness. (Protestant Missions.)

1. Inner white square, 5263 ordained missionaries; 2. next white space, 16,618 foreign missionaries; 3. third white space, 75,281 native workers; 4. outer rays, 1,397,042 native communicants; 5. the longer rays shot through all the darkness express the permeating influences of the gospel all through the nations, beyond all conception a few years ago. Take courage. The still small voice is doing wonders.

St. Paul's Illustration, in 1 Thess. 5: 11-15. Read the whole passage, which is very effective. The body is one with many members; but being many, and different, they are still only one body. For in one Spirit were they all baptized into one body of Christ, "whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free."

Within the last half century there has been a rapid growth of church unity through the Young Men's Christian Associations, which are scattered everywhere over this country, and who are also doing a wonderful work on many of the mission fields. The Y. M. C. A. is composed of men from the main Christian denominations united in a single body. And it welcomes members from all denominations, and those who have no connection with any church.

When Dr. John R. Mott and Mr. Sherwood Eddy held their great meetings in the large cities of China and India, all denominations of native Christians, students and professors in various colleges, officials of the state, and leading business men of all sorts, joined together in the meetings. And the results are wonderful. Nothing like it has been seen since the days of the early apostles. Read Sherwood Eddy's The New Era in Asia. See a somewhat

fuller account in Lesson VIII of First Quarter. The work of the Y. M. C. A. in war time has showed still further its power for unity. The "huts" are used for all religious, moral and social purposes. The Roman Catholics and the Greek Catholics have celebrated Mass in a Y. M. C. A. hut; and in it have Baptists and Unitarians united in a communion service in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Christian Endeavor Movement has been, through its great meetings, a power for Christian unity. And even where the societies have not united they are using the same principle in some form. There were young people's meetings before the Christian Endeavor Society was formed in Portland, but they were individual. Now they are mutually helpful. And their numbers rank among the millions, in every continent, and in almost every land.

4. The Church at Work. The first mission of the church to-day is to preach the Gospel Jesus preached. He called on all men to repent, to choose him as their King and Lord, and so to become citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. He presented all the motives included in that Kingdom. This was his first and most important message, because it included all possible blessings to man, physical as well as spiritual.