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Popular BIBLE CLASS Notei THE BOOK OF GENESIS Chapter 17 By J. W. SMITH CHAPTER 18 The Heavenly Viiitori After the hearty and ous obedience (H Abraham to the vine command concerning tion, the Lord appeared to him less glory, and permitting greater miliarity, than on previout The manifestation was very like the gr< ■at visit of Him, Who, in the fullness of time, assumed flesh, and for 33 years lived men and went about doing good. The heavenly visitors had a two fold mission to perform; viz., to liver a message full of grace and gladness to Abraham, and to destroy the wicked cities of the plain. They came to Abraham in mercy; they came to Sodom in judgmc nt. God is merciful; but He is as just as He clear the guilty. 1. The Time, v». 1. “The Lord ap peared unto him in the heat of the day.” It was at high noon when rest was needed and the chief meal of the day w'as taken, At this time Abraham sat in the door of his tent which was shaded by the great tree whose branches spread over it, watching, as js the custom in the East to this day, for weary travelers needing rest and refreshment. This shows that: A lira ham, whose riches were great, was “given to hospitality,” and “not for¬ getful to entertain stangers. 1 1 2. The Reception, v*«. 2-8. How beautiful was this hospitality! How gracefully he behaved himself! He had ’a willing mind; for, in his old age, he ran out to meet the strangers, though at the time, he knew nothing about them, except that they appeared to be respectable. In bow¬ ing himself before them he ed the genuine courtesy which comes only from a heart filled with love to God. In his proposals to serve them, he manifested true humility; so that his distinguished guests felt that they were rot t< < roachiug up in hi: generosity. “Let a little water be fetched” and “a morsel of bread.” In the preparation made for them he revealed his liberality; for the kill¬ ing of a kid, a lamb, or a fatted calf was only for special occasions, and for the entertainment of visitors of high rank. Paul tells us to make a practice of hospitality (Rom, 12: 13); and Pe¬ ter says, “Be hospitable to each er, and do not grudge it” (I Pet. 4: ! 9). Service rendered to others a believeing, loving heart is done for 1 Christ. Whenever we show kindness to one of Christ** followers we are obliging our Lord, 3. The Question, v«. 9. Where Sarah, thy wife? ' • That the strang- 1 ,ers mentioned his wife by name 1 sur prised the patriarch und gave him a \ clear intimation that they knew all * about ntion his became household. As interesting the cbnver- he j more | discovered that he had entertained no less a petsbilage than the Angel of the Covenant and two of llis min- 1 isteimig spirits. ' Sarah was “in the tent.” She was in her place. To be a keeper at home is regarded by Paul as a great vir¬ tue in a woman (Tit. 2:5), while he styles those who hardly ever home idlers, tattlers, and busyhod.es. 1 Tom. 5: 13. Fort Valley Crate & Lumber Co. Manufacturers of Fruit Packages TTTTTTV .t. J.A | A.f. ,f| VVTYttVTTTTT | -t.-f. -t.-t. -t. TTVV -f. -t- Y -t. Exclusive Manufacturers in the South of the E. Z. Pak Bushel Shipping Basket for Peaches, Apples Oranges and all kinds of Fruits and Vegetables. This package conceded to be the best and safest package on the market uaiBingR aaia iiiia gfia^^ 4. The Promi«e, vii. 10-15. (i Sa rah, thy wife, shall have a son.” Sa¬ rah, who was not a strong believer in miracles, received the announce¬ ment will) the mirth of a skeptic and not like Abram with the joy of faith. 17: I 7. When h - saw that her inner feelings were known to the heavenly Guest, she was, as Peter says, “afraid with amazement” and denied that she had laughed. The Angel having asked Abraham in her presence, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?' 1 said to Savuh “Nay, but thou didst, laugh.” It wu when rah received the gentle rebuke graciors promise, and the glorious 4*ev«dat ion of Ood’s power that she judged Him faithful Who had prom¬ ised. Hob. 11:11. After this we do not find Sarah doubting. 5. The Revelation, v»». 16-22. 1 lie , men having performed their mission of mercy, now’ prepares for their work of vengeance. The men arose J and went toward Sodom, and A bra ham, according to Eastern custom, j escorted them a little on walked their way. A. Jehovah ami Abraham to gether the Lord made known unto him what he was about to do to Sod om. “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.” Ps. 25: 14. The Lord gave this revelation to ; Abraham for the following reasons: : Kirst, Jehobah and Abraham were a “covenant of strong friendship, *> 1 q cond, Abraham to become ( t . was a * great nation and be a blessing to the I nations of the earth; therefore, he was In he interested in what con j earned other nations. Third, that he might intercede for Sodom. The Lord wanted him “to stand in the gap” that the wicked cities might be spared. Eze. 22: 30. Fourtn, God could depend on him to instruct his children in the way of life by con¬ versation, counsel, and catechism. Abraham had 318 trained servants who were born in his house. The Hebrew word “ctyiiniyk” rendered “trained” comes from “chanak, meaning “to discipline,” ; “to train up >. “ to ca techise. ’ This shows that Abraham gave religious instruction > lo sou | s that were entrusted to him. Can the Lord depend on you to teach those who are under your care in the way of righteousness and peace? Matthew Henry says, “Those who expect family-blessing, must make conscience of family-duty. *» 6. The Interceuion, v»». 23-33. This is the first long intercessory prayer recorded in the Bible and contains the following elements: (1) Holy * ]) Fort Valley T < ‘ Tourist Camp 1 )) | < I) ) > Grounds Convenient and comfortable. In Avera’s Grove, near road from Barnesville, just inside city limits. Any citizen of Fort Valley will direct you. THE LEADER-TRIBUNE, FORT VALLEY, CA., THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 1925. boldness—he drew near to the (2) An appeal to God’s ness. “Be it far from Thee to do er this manner.” It would that Abraham was troubled not for the safety of Sodom, but, as Thomas says, “was evidently cerned for God also, and was ularly anxious that the around should not get a wrong pression of the God of Abraham, (3) Unselfishness—His prayer braced the city. Lot s name is mentioned. (4) Humility—“I am and ashes.’ (5) Recognition justice "O, let not the i be angry, and I will speak yet i this once. (0) he spake unto Him yet again.” (7) Confidence in God that He do the right- “Shall not the of all the earth to do right?” (8) Blessed communion “The went His way, a soon as He had communing with Abraham. >» Sometimes it is asked why ham stopped praying for when he reached ten. (1; He spected God’s sovereignty (2t knew Sodom deserved punishment. (3) He rested in God’s justice. 1 4 t He was not fully aware of the ex¬ tent of the wickedness of the city. (5) He did not know the depth of I the ocean of God’s mercy. Intercessory prayer is the greatest work in whieh a Christian can he en gaged. God’s response to Abraham’s prayer, “If 1 find, 1 will spare,” should encourage us to pray without ceasing. God has given us a similar promise, “If ye ask, l will do. W hen we fail to pray for others, we miss not only blessed communion with God, but sin against Him. “God for¬ bid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you. ’ 1 Sam. 12: 23. We have not because we fail to ask. Jas. 4: 2. Abraham got all he asked for. If he had asked for more, God would have given it to him. We learn from this portion of God’s word that—(1) Courtesy should characterize the Christian. (2) Opportunities to help others are Divine calls which should be obeyed. (3) True liberality will not shun sac¬ rifice. (4) Unbelief dishonors God. (5) God reproves us for our good. (6) We should approach God rever¬ ently. (7) We should pray for wick¬ ed men. (8) Answered prayers should encourage us to pray more. (9) God keeps the door of mercy open until the last sign of repen¬ tance is gone. U3 S 19001! i J l J l J lUlii lJOO T B u K 1 T T. £ £ \ £ £ :«St» £ £ I £ £ £ £ (J BU £ £ 1 v>" . v' £ S f > j/r ijsmsag* r wj $ £ $ £ - £ DOLLAR FRIDAY £ £ K :■ m IS £ DAY AND £ £ / / SATURDAY * s SALE / £ s £ i I • r JAN. 30 * ND 31 bh in £ s . £ £ K ifi s £ s £ *:wi ti :? >• £ pi s f/y ip- 1 s \ £ I £ m tP kV X £ M ; \\\ 1 0 —s kiln* - £ • I £ £ ( %U * i i ii DEPARTMENT if, STORES .* DOLLAR DAY SALE % i ill: II 11 FRIDAY AND SATURDAY £ £ •pp-Jt L JANUARY 30 AND 31 £ £ £ £ £ 97/ £ N ; £ £ SR I i p :*t; '* One table mid winter Hats values up to $5.95 to go dollar days at $1.00 Boys’ Union Suits up to 16 year size. 3 pr. for $ 1.00 Men’s medium weight Un¬ ion Suits, special at $1.00 £ Men’s Knit Shirts. Values to $1.00 each. Special at 2 for .... $1.00 Table 32-inch Ginghams, 36-inch Percales and 27 |£ £ inch Outings regular 19c seller. 7 yards for $ 1.00 £ JUST RECEIVED—delightful hats in smart shapes; new braids; silks, £ !$ and silk combined with straw. Predominant in the collection are the £ high shades for Spring; Oxheart, Apple, Tangerine, Powder Blue, I m Dreft, Cocoa, Beige and Honey Dew; each artfully trimmed with col¬ is orful French flowers or ribbons. Models suitable for older women as well as young. Quite a number to suit long hair. Some very beautiful £ . blacks, and black and white combinations. Splendid range of prices: $1.95 $2.95 $3.98 $4.95 $5.95 $6.55 $7.50 $8 50 £ DOLLAR DAY 9 Ihe DOLLAR DAY SALE LEE SALE 1 CHAIN VALLEY^ FORT VALLEY FORT GEORGIA V GEORGIA I DEPARTMENT STOR ES FOR LESS department stores iiij i iiaizrajiimEiiiniK 32-inch Ginghams and 36 inch Outing, regular 25c seller, special 5 yds. for $ 1.00 Table Napkins, good qua¬ lity table damask, per doz. $1.00 Silk Scarfs, good quality,' regular $1.98 seller, spe¬ cial at $ 1.00 HOSE Table ladies silk Hose, regular 98c seller, special at 2 pr. for $ 1.00 Ladies’ full fashioned Silk Hose in a good variety of colors, regular $1.48 sell¬ er, special at $ 1.00 $1.00 off the price of any Shoe in the house priced from $3.98 up. We will give $1.00 off the price of any wool jersey, serge or flannel Dress in the house. 'i Table ladies’ Winter Hats, values up to $10.00 to go dollar days special at $2.00 Table Ratine, plaid cotton suiting, etc., regular 48c seller special 4 yds. for $1.00 Cotton Crepe in a good variety of colors, regular 25c seller, 5 yds. for $1.00 Table Boys’ and Girls’ sweaters, coat style, reg¬ ular $1.98 seller, special at $1.00 One counter ladies’ Out ing gowns, children’s sleeping garments and la¬ dies’ outing pajamas, val ues up to $1.98, special $1.00 e Children’s Coat and Slip¬ over cotton Sweaters, spe¬ £ cial at 2 for $1.00 Good quality Middy Blouse in white only, spe¬ £ cial at £ $1.00 £ One lot Cotton Crepe Ki A monas, special at $1.00