Bible Readings for the Home Circle—1914 - A New You Ministry

BIBLE READINGS
employs. . . . No man can be free who is in debt. The inevitable effect of
debt is not only to injure personal independence, but, in the long run, to
inflict moral degradation. The debtor is exposed to constant humiliations.”
“Thrift,” by Samuel Smiles, pages 243–247.
The following testimony on this subject is borne by a Chicago
lady, who had been happily wedded for fifty years. “I know why John
and I have been happy during these fifty years. In the first place, we
have made it a rule never to go in debt. I have lived in Chicago sixtyeight
years, and never during that time have I owed a person a cent. . . .
I believe a good deal of unhappiness is caused by spending more than
you make. It has been our policy to buy what we could well afford to
have, and then stop.” Chicago Tribune, Aug. 24, 1902.
RESPECT OF PERSONS
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1. OF what has God made all nations
“And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the
face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the
bounds of their habitation.” Acts 17:26.
2. To how many is God good
“The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.”
Ps. 145:9.
3. Is God a respecter of persons
“Neither doth God respect any person.” 2 Sam. 14:14.
4. Who is accepted with God
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that
God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him,
and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” Acts 10:34, 35.
5. What prohibitions are given in the Scriptures against having respect
of persons
“Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as
well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man.” Deut. 1:17. “Ye
shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of
the poor, nor honor {682
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shalt thou judge thy neighbor.” Lev. 19:15. “Blessed is that man that . . .
respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies” Ps. 40:4.
6. Of what are those guilty who respect persons
“If ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of
the law as transgressors.” James 2:9. “He that, despiseth his neighbor
RESPECT OF PERSONS
sinneth.” Prov. 14:21.
7. By what illustration is this sin made plain
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a
man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man
in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing,
and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand
thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves,
and are become judges of evil thoughts” James 2:1–4.
8. What led to the appointment of deacons in the early Christian
church
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,
there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because
their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” Acts 6:1.
9. What mistake did Peter and others make some years later in
their conduct
“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face,
because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James,
he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and
separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the
other Jews dissembled like-wise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also
was carried away with their dissimulation.” Gal. 2:11–13.
10. How are all national, unholy, and unjust distinctions among men
swept away in Christ
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have, put on
Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there
is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:27,
28. See also Col. 3:11.
BACKSLIDING
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1. How does God regard backsliding
“Thy backslidings shall reprove thee: . . . it is an evil thing and bitter,
that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that My fear is not in thee,
saith the Lord God of hosts.” Jer. 2:19. “If any man draw back, My soul
shall have no pleasure in him.” Heb. 10:38.
2. What has ever been the tendency of God’s people
“My people are bent to backsliding from Me.” Hosea 11:7.