(Psalm 143:10)
The Christian life begins with birth (John 3:1-5); it ends with death (Heb. 9:27). From the beginning unto the end the Christian life is a school – a period of discipline. The secret of learning is threefold: Ask much; remember much; teach much.
Jesus is the master. For this position he is eminently qualified. First, he understands the students. He knows their nature, their problems. He is sympathetic in attitude. Second, he knows the subject matter—the will of God. And third, he sets the right example. In him the students find inspiration.
The Bible is the great, all-sufficient textbook (2 Timothy 3:16-17). In this sacred volume we find the courses of study. What are they?
I PSYCHOLOGY: The science which treats of mental phenomena-how we think, etc. The Bible stresses the importance of thought. (see Pro. 4:23; 23:7; Matt. 5:8; 15:18-19).
II. ARITHMETIC: The science of numbers. A problem in addition (2 Peter 1:5-9); in subtraction (Eph. 4:25, 28-31). Prove your problem (1 Thess. 5:21).
III. LANGUAGE: The science of speech. The Bible teaches us to guard and to guide our tongue. (See Pro.15:1; 25:11; Jas. 5:12; Eph. 4:29).
IV. BIOLOGY: A science which deals with the origin and history of living things. A study of life. The Bible is pre-eminently the book of life and tells of its origin (Acts 17:28). The Bible and science agree that life can only come from life. Jesus talked about living things – trees, birds, flowers. He points to a greater life (John 3:1-3; 10:10).
V. GEOGRAPHY: A science which describes the earth’s surface, its divisions into continents, kingdoms, etc. The Bible speaks of a kingdom (Matt. 6:33; Rom. 14:17), mountain moving faith (1 Cor. 13:2), a river (Rev. 22:1), and a valley (Psa. 23:4).
VI. ASTRONOMY: A study of the heavenly bodies. The heavens remind us of God’s existence (Rom. 1:20) and of his glory (Psa. 19).
VII. SOCIOLOGY: A science which deals with human associations. The Bible teaches us how to treat each other (Matt. 6:14-15; 7:1, 12; Lk. 10:30-37).
After the period of discipline is past, the students will be called before the Teacher for the final test (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10). To those who stand the test will come the grand commencement. Arrayed in robes of white with palms in their hands, they shall be promoted to a greater and fuller life (Rev. 7:13-17).
Onward Rejoicing, John B. Daniels, Associate Minister
