Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 The Source and Aim of True Education Men today have narrowed down

education to that of just a course of study that gives a person the vehicle for upward mobility. On the converse, there is a great need for a broader view of education in our society. In order for true education to take place the present range (education) needs to be longer and the scope higher. Therefore, when one understands the question of true education it will be seen that it cannot be narrowed down to just the perusal of a certain course of study.

True education has to do with the whole man. Therefore, since it takes in the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual it cannot be only for this life. Consequently, it must prepare students for service in this world and for living in the next world to come.

The source of true education must come from the come from the Creator-the source of all knowledge-and point to Him. According to Col. 2: 3 all wisdom and knowledge is hidden in God. (Col 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.) If the true source of educational knowledge and wisdom is hidden in Him, we should seek to enhance our education with His teachings. Job tells us in Job 12:13: With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.

Over the centuries, there have been many men and women with great intellect who have done extensive research in human development. They have opened up vast fields of knowledge and helped in the expansion of civilization. Fittingly, they have been honoured and their names live on in history. Some of their thoughts are still influencing us today. Despite the brilliance of these men/women they cannot be compared with Christ the embodiment of all knowledge. He is the One who empowers man. Man is therefore a mere reflector of the source of true knowledge. In a sense he-man is like the moon reflecting the light of the sunJesus. The wise man Solomon says: Pro. 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. No matter what is said about the nature and importance of higher education, it must lead one to God. As we understand true education we get to understand God who is the source of all true education.

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This is so because as one examines nature and the things of this life-the vast universe-one is lgffed to see that there is a prime mover behind everything that exists. True education brings the finite in touch with the Infinite. The patriarch Job tells us that we are to Acquaint ourselves with Him (Job 22:21).

Gad has a purpose for doing everything. He had a reason for creating man and giving him intellect and other abilities. With the coming of the knowledge of evil a major change that took place in man. But this still has not canceled Gods purpose and plan for the education of the human race. *

Adam bore in his physical, mental, and spiritual nature a likeness to God. Man is created in the image of God, meaning that he is an individual with the ability to think things through and to act on his thoughts. According to Matthew Henry in his commentary on Genesis 1: 27 regarding man being created in the image of God: 1. In Nature and constitution-relating to his soul not those of his body (for God has not a body). 2. In Place and authority: he has the government of the inferior creatures, he is, as it were, God's representative, or viceroy, upon earth 3. In Purity and rectitude (integrity, goodness, correctness) -God's image upon man consists in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, Eph_4:24; Col_3:10. He was upright, Ecc_7:29.

Man was created with faculties capable of great development. It is said that we never use a half our brain capacity during our life time. Sin has dwarfed man. The divine likeness of God which men should bear was severely marred when man sinned. Sin caused a number of things to happen to man: 1. The physical power weakened 2. the mental capacity lessened 3. The spiritual vision dimmed 4. Subject to death

Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 God has a plan to redeem man. This plan has to do with education. Therefore, we can correctly say that redemption and education are one. The subject of true education is to: 1. Restore in man the image of his maker 2. Bring back the perfection in which he was created 3. Promote the development of body, mind and spirit (soul). 4. Reveal God to us as He is.

Adam and Eve had direct communion with God. They learned from Him directly and indirectly through nature. Gods thoughts were expressed through His creation. Adam and Eve found that nature was teeming with divine wisdom. All that we have now is just partial revelations of what they had to study.

Along with nature, we have the Holy Scripture-the perfect standard of truth-to help us understand the true nature of education. It therefore should be given the highest place in our education system.

True education has the responsibility to train both old and young to be thinkers and not just copying and reflection the thoughts of other men. There is no monopoly on wisdom. We should build on the past. The past should be like a stepping-stone. We should use it to improve things for the future. If we do not learn to think we will always be reflecting other mens thoughts. Instead of educated weaklings, institution of learning may send forth men strong to think and to act, men who are masters and not slaves of circumstances, men who possess breadth of mind, clearness of thought, and the courage of their convictions. Edu. p. 18

God intends that true education should: 1. Be more than a mental discipline 2. Provide more than physical training 3. Strengthen the character against corruption 4. Fortify the mind against evil.

Discussion question: What if everyone was truly educated as God intends?

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According to Job, the price of true education or wisdom if you prefer, is far above the value of rubies (Job 28:15-18). Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God ideal for His children. Godliness-godlikeness-is the goal to be reached. Ibid p. 18 He who cooperates with the divine purpose in imparting to the youth a knowledge of God, and molding the character into harmony with His, does a high and noble work. As He awaken a desire to reach Gods ideal, he presents an education that is as high as heaven and as broad as the universe; an education that cannot be completed in this life, but that will be continued in the life to come; an education that secures to the successful student his passport from the preparatory school of earth to the higher grade, the school- above. Ibid

The Eden School

God instituted the kind of education that should exist in the world. This model He intended to be for time and for eternity. Gods model school started with two (2) students-Adam and Eve. He set it up in Eden with nature being the textbook and He being the principal and instructor.

God gave responsibilities to Adam and Eve to take care of the earth. What they learned in the school in Eden they were to use in taking care of their environment. They learned in Eden to dress it and to keep it (Genesis 2: 15). The education that they got they were to use when they graduated into the wider world.

The curriculum used in Eden dealt with biology, zoology, physics, the mastery of light and sound, astronomy-the study of the heavens, and theology. God designed that the lessons learned in the Eden school were to help man to establish other living areas similar to that which existed there. The population would increase and Adam and Eve were to impart their knowledge to the rest of succeeding generations.

Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 The Knowledge of God and Evil

God created man sinless-holy-but did not place him beyond the possibility of wrongdoing. If God had created him without the power to transgress His requirements, there would be no character development. His service to God would have been forced instead of being voluntary-out of love. By creating man with the power of choice God could not be accused of forcing man against his will to worship Him. The tree of knowledge of good and evil was in the Garden of Eden. This tree was to test mans loyalty. God did not intend that the knowledge of evil-sin-with its terrible results of pain, death, and grief should be a part of mans experience. In withholding, the knowledge of evil God was seeking to spear man; while tempting man to sin, the Devil was seeking to ruin man.

The Devil made it appear that God was withholding special blessings from man by restricting him from eating of the tree of Good and Evil. Satan did not tell man that is was by disobeying God he had become an outcast from heaven. It is clear to see then that true education must help students to think for themselves. If Eve was thinking for herself she would have questioned Satans motive and character.

It must be noted that there was nothing poisonous in the fruit itself. It was distrust of God and a rejection of His specified command that led to the knowledge of evil and the scourge of sin. As a result of this man lost everything. By the mingling of evil with good, his mind had become confused, his mental and spiritual powers benumbed. No longer could he appreciate the good that God had so freely bestowed. Edu. p.25 Mans disobedience brought blight and curses on the earth. Even so, God intended that nature should still be the lesson book to instruct him about his creator. Man had to learn from nature that was marred with sin. All nature bore the blight of sin. The leaves fell off the trees, animals killed one another, and Adams own son killed his brother. What man has lost through listening to the Devil he can regain through listening to Christ. We can safely conclude that education and redemption are one. God educates us and then redeems us through His Son.

Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 As far as evil extends, the voice o f our Father is heard, bidding His children see in its results the nature of sin, warning them to forsake the evil, and inviting them to receive the good. Edu. p. 27.

Relationship Between Education and Redemption

Had in not been for the plan of redemption man would have been shut out from God forever. Christ sacrifice opened up the line of communication between God and man. 2 Cor. 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Adam Clarkes commentary on the Bible: In the face of Jesus Christ - It is in and through Jesus that we can receive the Divine light, and it is in and by him that we can be made partakers of the Divine glory. The light mercy, holiness, and glory of God, are reflected upon and communicated to us through Jesus the Christ; and it is , in the appearance and person of Jesus Christ that these blessings are communicated to us.

2 Cor. 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. John Wesleys comments on 2 Cor. 5:19 Namely - The sum of which is, God - The whole Godhead, but more eminently God the Father. Was in Christ, reconciling the world - Which was before at enmity with God. To himself - So taking away that enmity, which could no otherwise be removed than by the blood of the Son of God. Gods glory was revealed in Christ. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. The life and death of Christ, the price of our redemption, are not only to us the promise and pledge of life, not only the means of opening again to us the treasures of wisdom: they are broader, higher revelation of His character than even the holy ones of Even knew.

The negative effect of sin destroyed the desire and capacity in man to really know God. This was the mission of Jesus in coming to this earth. He came to destroy the work of the Devil and to work on the desire

Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 of good that exists in every heart. True education is designed to help man to attain Gods ideal. This can and will be attained in Jesus Christ. Therefore, education and redemption are inseparable linked. Cooperation with Christ will help us to gain a true education. The true teacher is not satisfied with second-rate work. He is not satisfied with directing students to a standard lower that the highest which it is possible for them to attain. He cannot be content with imparting to them only technical knowledge, with making them merely clever accountants, skillful artisans, successful tradesmen. It is his ambition to inspire then with principles of truth, obedience, honor, integrity, and purityprinciples that will make them a positive force for stability and uplifting of society. He desires them, above all else to learn lifes great lesson of unselfish service (Edu. p. 30). Gods plan for mans education has not changed. The same guiding principles that existed in Eden should be applied today. As we work with Christ, we will find that education and redemption are one.

End of Part one

Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 When Jesus came to earth, He came as Gods best and greatest gift to meet mans greatest need. He was the One chosen to give to humanity the knowledge of God. He was to show how trained men ought to behave as befits the sons and daughters of God. According to the gospel prophet, Isaiah, He was to be called the Wonderful counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9: 6).

Christ is responsible for every light that has been communicated from God to man. It was through Him that every man of noble character spoke in order to revealed Gods will to man. This was seen in the lives of such men as Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Elisha, and Paul. These men mirrored the attributes of Jesus.

Man has allowed human philosophy to rob him of the divine revelation of God. Heaven given standards were replaced with mans own standards of his own devising. Man was now dependent on the power of humanity. Having separated from God, he plunged into a downward spiral of increasing darkness. At the time, that Christ came to the earth humanity appeared to be reaching its lowest point. With life taking on an artificial false appearance, the foundation of society was undermined. The Jews, the chosen people of God were destitute of the power of His word. They gave to the world, human speculations and traditions that were both mind-numbing and soul-drenching. Considerations for eternity were left out of mans thinking and man lived only for the present. This led, ultimately, to the rejection of religious principles and to the embracing of infidelity and materialism.

Christ came to restore the image of God in man. Because man had lost the image of God and received the impress of the Devils power, the world was now sinking onto moral decay and corruption. Jesus responsibility was to cancel the misconception regarding Gods character and to manifest the true nature of Gods law.

The purpose of the law of God: 1. To ensure mans wellbeing 2. To give man the assurance of eternal life. 3. To serve as an edge and shield for man. 4. To guard the rights of the individual 5. To preserve from evil

Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 6. To restrain the superior from oppression 7. To restrain the subordinate from disobedience

The methods of the master teacher: Jesus disciples came from among the common people. They were unschooled in the learning and customs of the rabbis. Their training came from the stern, twin discipline of toil and hardship. They were men with teachable spirit and ability to learn. Jesus selected them to be the worlds teachers. When He left the earth, He sent the Holy Spirit to continue the work in the lives of His followers. Jesus Methods 1. He used sympathy, faith and love to teach man 2. He lived what He preached and taught 3. He pointed men from human theories to God, His work, and His word. 4. He linked the things of time with those of eternity. 5. He used nature and the Holy Scripture 6. He used the family to teach valuable lessons 7. He taught wherever it was convenient-where lessons could be learned from the things of nature. 8. He taught as a parent teaches a child. 9. He took men as He found them and lifted them to a higher level. 10. He refrained from direct confrontation; He used principles that would teach the lessons that He needed to teach instead of using confrontations.

Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 THE BIBLE AS EDUCATOR

Mental and Spiritual Culture

God caters for our mental and spiritual development in His Word-the Bible. It contains all the guiding principles for this life and for the life to come. God has made it possible for all men to understand His Word. Those who study it with an open and appreciative mind will come away with helpful and insightful thoughts and ideas. The Bible is powerful. It develops the mind and forms the character. It brings us in touch with the Divine. According to Isaiah (Chapter 28:10), the study of the Word of God must be studied systematically-here a little, there a little. Without a systematic study of the word of God, we will not be able to extrapolate the rich blessings and valuable lessons from between its pages. The human mind that is occupied with commonplace matters becomes dwarfed and enfeebled. The Bible is the best book for intellectual training. The greatness of its themes, the dignified simplicity of its utterances, the beauty of its imagery, quicken and uplift the thoughts as nothing else can. No other study can impart such mental power as does the effort to grasp the stupendous truths of revelation. The mind thus brought in contact with the thoughts of the Infinite cannot but expand and strengthen (Edu. P.124). The plan of redemption-the restoration of the image of God in man-is the grand, central theme of the Bible. This is the science of all sciences. It is the science that the angels and the unfallen world study and the science that engages the attention of our Savior.

The Bible will: 1. Impart power 2. Transform the nature. 3. Beget life 4. Recreate the image of God in man 5. Shape the character

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Science and the Bible

Nature and the Bible are from the same source. Consequently, they cannot speak against each other. It is God who created nature and it is He who gave the revelation of His will to man in the form of His Word. The Bible emphatically states: 2 Tim. 3:16, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Psa. 24:1, The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Col 1:16, For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Both nature and the Bible shed light on each other and reveal who God is. They teach us about how God works through His laws.

There are men and women who study nature and draw erroneous conclusions that the Bible is not true because it does not fall in line with what they have observed in their investigations. Some people have tried to interpret the Bible so that it will harmonize with what men have discovered in nature. To do this is to undermine and destroy the force of Gods Word.

Men who study geology claim that it took millions of years for the world to evolve from chaos to what we have today. This kind of claim would nullify the Mosaic record of creation. According to Moses, God created the world in six (6) days. The Bible states that, the evening and the morning were the first day (Genesis 1: 5). God who is all-powerful doesnt need millions of years to create things. According to the Psalmist, He spoke and it was done; He commanded and it stood fast (Psalm 33: 9).

Archeologists have found fossil records of plants, animals, and men that are much larger than any now known to man. This speaks to a time when the earth was not tainted with sin; a time when men lived 100s of

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Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 years. Men were taller and stronger. This could safely be assumed to be the same thing for both plants and animals.

The flood destroyed the earth. The trees buried under the earth turned into coal and animals have turned into oil. One theory of evolution is that there was a big bang and life was formed. Is takes faith to believe in evolution. It also takes faith to believe in the story of creation. The theory of evolution is always changing. It is not only changing, there are differences among those who promote various theories. The Bible is always consistent. We do not need to make the Bible come to terms with science. The word of God is already here and man is constantly learning about nature. Seeing that they are both from the same source they should harmonize. . According to Nehemiah, 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 worshippeth thee (Neh. 9:6). Hebrews 4: 3 tells us about the earth at the time that God created all things: The works were finished from the foundation of the world. Today God upholds all things by His power.

Business Principles and methods

All legitimate businesses have principles that are laid down in the Bible. The Bible states what true success is, as it relates to the guiding principles of temperance, honesty, thrift, diligence and purity.

There is no better place, than in the book of Proverbs, for any manager, supervisor, proprietor, builder, tradesman the director of men in any department or branch of business, to find better maxim for himself/herself or for his/her employees.

The book of Proverbs is a treasure house of wisdom. The practical counsel given in relation as to how business should be conducted is universal and unchanging.

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Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 Those who are in business or who are in control of others would do well to heed the advice of Proverbs 22: 29; Proverbs 13: 4; 23:21; 20: 19; 4: 14 ; 6:28; 13: 20; 18: 24. No man is an island. We cannot stand alone. Therefore, we must remember that we have an obligation to one and all. In Matthew 7: 24 Jesus says: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and
doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

The wise man deals with a number of business principles such as: 1. Falsehood Prov. 19: 5 2. Corruption Prov. 13: 11 3. Integrity Prov. 11: 3; 28: 18 4. Budgetary principles Prov. 22: 7 & 11: 15 5. Labour and capital oppression Prov. 23: 10, 11; 22:16; 26: 27 6. Work ethics Prov. 28: 19

The principles laid down in the word of God are there to take care of and protect both society and individuals. If man will follow the principles given in love, we will have a well ordered society and good business practices. We should all recognize that God is the owner of everything. Nothing that we have belongs to us. We are only stewards and we should use what God has given us to His glory. The obligation resting upon us is for us to use Gods entrusted gifts of life to do the work He has appointed for us to perform.

Life consists of four (4) essential elements: 1. Time 2. Talents 3. Treasure 4. Temple

God has placed us here on this earth to accomplish a special task or work for Him. He has given us the four essential elements of life to accomplish our task. We all have special jobs that nobody else can do the way that we can do them. God has given us abilities and capabilities to help us to carry out our tasks. These special tasks are called callings.

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Question: What is your special calling?.

Seeing then that God has called us, it means that He has a claim on our lives. We need to use our time, talents, treasures, and body temples to the glory of God. One day per week belongs to God. Our talents should be used to glorify God (1 Cor. 10: 31). Our money and our material possessions should be used to honour God (Mal. 3: 10; 1 Cor. 4: 2). We should use our bodies to glorify God and not to gratify ourselves (1 Cor. 6: 19, 20). The goods that we handle are not our own, and never can this fact be safely be lost sight of. We are but stewards, and on the discharge of our obligation to God and man depend both the welfare of our fellow beings and our own destiny for this life and for the life to come (Edu. p. 139).

As we use that which God has given to us to glorify Him and to bless others we will be making an eternal investment. Therefore, He who makes this investment lays up double treasure. Besides that which, however wisely improved, he must leave at last, he is amassing wealth for eternity,-that treasure of character which is the most valuable possession of earth or heaven (Education p. 141).

He who is honest in his business dealings will b\e praised by both heaven and earth. His life will be a true success and his reward on the other side of eternity will be certain. Jer. 17: 11 he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.

The Bible has the highest praises for the righteous at heart in the way that he/she lives. Psa. 15:2, He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. Psa. 15:3, He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. Psa. 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

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Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 Psa. 15:5, He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. The accounts of every business, the details of every transaction, pass the scrutiny of unseen auditors, agents of Him who never compromises with injustice, never overlooks evil, never palliates wrong (Edu. p. 144). The word of God condemns evil-doings and if the warnings are not heeded, they will follow a person to the grave. Those who do not heed the counsel of God end up with guilty feelings. Our plans of life and our business schemes must include the preparation for the life to come. Jesus asked the question in Mark 8: 36 & 37: Mar 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mar 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

The word of the wise man Solomon guides us into the path of material success: "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men" (Proverbs 22:29). "In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury" (Proverbs 14:23). "The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing." "The drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags" (Proverbs 13:4; 23:21).

Many will escaped financial failure and ruin by heeding the principles/warnings, so often repeated and emphasized in the Scriptures. Both secular and religious societies are indebted to God for His law and guiding principles found in His Word. It is these principles that give security to property and life. They also make confidence and co-operation possible. In todays society, the bottom line is profit. Consequently, many sacrifice integrity and service to humanity on the altar of materialism. However, we must all recognize that that which lies at the foundation of business integrity and of true success, is the recognition of God's ownership. He is the Creator of all things, He is the original proprietor. We are His stewards. We have been given His goods on consignment. Therefore all that we have is a trust from Him, and must be used according to the direction of His word.

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Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 Every human being has this obligation that resting upon him. This obligation has to do with the whole sphere of human activity. Whether we recognize it or not, we are stewards, supplied from God with talents and facilities, and placed in the world to do a work appointed by Him (Education p. 137). To every man is given his work (Mark 13:34), the work for which his capabilities adapt him, the work which will result in greatest good to himself and to his fellow men, and in greatest honor to God (Education p. 138.1).

Whatever is our business or calling it is a part of God's great plan for our lives. If we conduct our lives according to His will, He Himself is responsible for all the results. What He desires is faithful compliance to His word. We should seek, according to 1 Corinthians 3:9 to be "Laborers together with God." It is anxiety that drive people to become unfaithful stewards of Gods property and gifts. If we are going to have true success we must exercise faithful compliance to His directions. In everything that we do, we must exercise diligence, fidelity, care, thrift, compassion, discretion and faith.

Our success is not dependent on our own efforts but on the promises of God. He who took care of Elijah in the desert and through a famine will take care of all those who put their trust in Him. We should all take comfort in Matthew 6:31-33 Seek ye first the kingdom of God.

Recognizing that God is the giver of everything, we must never lose sight of the fact that He has a claim on our lives. We are not free to do as we choose with His property and possessions. He requires of all our increase. This portion is called the tithe-one tenth (1/10) of our increase. This portion is holy. "All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree," "the tithe of the herd, or of the flock... shall be holy unto the Lord" (Leviticus 27:30, 32). In Malachi 3: 10 the Lords command is, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse." The lord is not appealing to us to be generous or show gratitude. He is commanding us to separate His portion and place it where He so desires. He is asking us to be honest and faithful at all times. There is no excuse for honesty.

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Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 Jacob, at Bethel, made a pledge to show his obligation to God. He said, "Of all that Thou shalt give me, I will surely give the tenth unto Thee" (Genesis 28:22).

In all our activities of life, honesty is an essential principle that must always be followed. Writing to the church in Corinth, the apostle Paul said, "It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2). Our term of our stewardship places us under obligation, not only to God, but to man. Whatever we are willing to do for God we should be willing to do for our fellowmen. In the word of the Master Teacher, Jesus, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me" (Matthew 25:40). We are but stewards, and on the discharge of our obligation to God and man depend both the welfare of our fellow beings and our own destiny for this life and for the life to come ( Education p.139).

Withholding from God or our fellowmen will not make us any better. "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty" "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days" "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself" (Proverbs 11:24, 25; Ecclesiastes 11:1). He who makes this investment lays up double treasure. Besides that which, however wisely improved, he must leave at last, he is amassing wealth for eternity,--that treasure of character which is the most valuable possession of earth or heaven (Education p. 141.2).

"Labor not to be rich. . . . Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven" (Proverbs 23:4, 5; Ed. p. 140.1) "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6:38; Ed. p. 140.2). "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine" (Proverbs 3:9, 10 Ed. p. 140.3).

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Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field. . . . And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land" (Malachi 3:10-12. Ed. p. 140.4) "If ye walk in My statutes, and keep My commandments, and do them; then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. And I will give peace in the land, . . . and none shall make you afraid" Leviticus 26:3-6 Ed. p. 140.5). "Seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." "Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies." "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again" (Isaiah 1:17; Psalm 41:1, 2; Proverbs 19:17. Ed. p. 141.1)

The accounts of every business, the details of every transaction, pass the scrutiny of unseen auditors, agents of Him who never compromises with injustice, never overlooks evil, never palliates wrong {Ed. p. 144.1} "If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice, . . . marvel not at the matter: for He that is higher than the highest regardeth." "There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves" (Ecclesiastes 5:8, Job 34:22; Ed. p. 144.2). "They set their mouth against the heavens. . . . And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?" "These things hast thou done," God says, "and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes" (Psalms 73:9-11; 50:21; Ed. p. 144.3) "I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. . . . This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for everyone that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and everyone that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. I will bring it forth, saith the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by

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Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 My name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof" (Zechariah 5:1-4; Ed. p. 144.4). Against every evildoer God's law utters condemnation. He may disregard that voice, he may seek to drown its warning, but in vain. It follows him. It makes itself heard. It destroys his peace. If unheeded, it pursues him to the grave. It bears witness against him at the judgment. A quenchless fire, it consumes at last soul and body (Ed. p. 144.5). "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36, 37; Ed. p. 145.1). This is a question that demands consideration by every parent, every teacher, every student--by every human being, young or old. No scheme of business or plan of life can be sound or complete that embraces only the brief years of this present life and makes no provision for the unending future. Let the youth be taught to take eternity into their reckoning. Let them be taught to choose the principles and seek the possessions that are enduring--to lay up for themselves that treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth; to make to themselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness, that when it shall fail, these may receive them into the eternal tabernacles" (Luke 12:33; 16:9, R.V. Ed. p. 145). All who do this are making the best possible preparation for life in this world. No man can lay up treasure in heaven without finding his life on earth thereby enriched and ennobled (Ed. p. 145.3). "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:8; Ed. p. 145.4).

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Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 Bible Biographies

Biographies are considered to be the greatest educators as far as the Bible is concerned. Bible biographies differ from others in that they tell the truth as it is. The Bible does not cover up the shortcomings of even the most outstanding characters.

God has given many examples of men and women who have done the wrong things. He has shown how they have marred their characters. He has shown us how wrong acts can wreck a persons life.

In the Bible biographies we see success and failure; triumph and tragedies; strength and weakness: and health, sickness and death. We see in the Bible dashed hope and broken lives. We see wasted lives and unfulfilled potential and promises.

The lives of men such as Job, Moses, Abraham, Noah, Elijah, Saul, Solomon, Elisha, Essau, Daniel, Joseph and Jacob among others reveal a range of characters. By observing the lives of the Bible characters, we learn what are the pitfalls that can ruin our lives. We learn how God expects us to live.

Poetry and Song

The Bible is very poetic. The poetic nature of the Bible is uplifting and transforming. The songs bring one closer to the Almighty. They bring about faith, hope, love, joy, repentance, and peace of mind. Songs were used to inspire the Israelites as they went out to battle their enemies.

King David was one of the most prolific song and poetry writers of the Bible. One of his most timeless and beautiful songs is the shepherd Psalm-Psalm 23. He used the songs and poetry to help him with the ups and downs of his life.

Sacred songs are designed to: 1. Uplift the thoughts to high and holy themes.

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Christian Education (Fundamentals) 2009 2. Inspire and elevate the soul. 3. To cheer and gladden the pilgrims life. 4. To impress the heart with spiritual truths.

Sacred songs rightly employed can: 1. subdue rude and uncultivated natures 2. quicken thoughts and awaken sympathy 3. promote harmony of actions 4. banish gloom and forbidding that which destroy courage and weakens effort.

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