The Power of the Gospel

Reading: Romans 1:13-19

Paul certainly was not someone who was ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He gave his life to preaching and teaching others.  Paul was absolutely certain that the Bible could save every man on earth.  Nothing else is needed for man to find salvation.  He only has to read the Bible, believe God’s Word, and obey it.  Isn’t that what verse 17 is telling us in today’s reading?  We have to live by faith, and make God’s Word part of our daily lives.  That is how the Word saves us.  Isn’t it wonderful to have all that power in our hands?

The lesson, “Good Advice” was written by Bruce S. Wright and published in A Children’s Six Minutes in 1922.  Now out of print, the book may be read freely online.

Most of us, men and women as well as girls and boys, do not take kindly to advice. We very much prefer that people keep their advice to themselves. There are times, however, when we are compelled to listen to advice, because of the source. Here is a bit of advice that commands our attention. It is from the great English novelist, Charles Dickens.

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Am I ready to be a Christian?

Having a person ask you if they’re ready to be a Christian is like having someone ask you if they’re really in love.  Because, if you were really in love, would you have to ask?  It’s hard to hear that, though, and of course, the Bible must be our authority in asking if one is ready.

Serving Others

Reading: Matthew 25:31-40

“The Best Fun” is from the book Tiger & Tom and Other Stories for Boys.  Published in 1910, the book can be read freely online.

THE BEST FUN

“Now, boys, I’ll tell you how we can have some fun,” said Fred Blake to his companions, who had assembled on a beautiful, moonlight evening for sliding, snowballing, and fun generally.

“How?” “Where?” “What is it?” asked several eager voices together.

“I heard Widow More tell a man a little while ago,” replied Fred, “that she would go to sit up with a sick child to-night. She said she would be there about eight o’clock. Now, as soon as she is gone, let’s make a big snow man on her doorstep so that when she comes home, she cannot get in without first knocking him down.”

On Sacrifice

Reading: John 12:24-28

Jesus says we have to be willing to “hate” our lives for Him.  He is talking about giving up the things we love.  He is talking about sacrifice.  He wants us to love Him and to love others more than ourselves.

Jesus did not just sacrifice when He died on the cross.  He sacrificed every day when He taught, visited, encouraged, prayed for, and forgave others.  We can do those things too.

If we want to follow Christ, we will have to let our selfishness “die” by giving to others.  But Jesus said He has some gifts for us too:

• we will “bear much fruit” – good things will happen because of our good works, we will feel good about ourselves, and we will be an example to others;
• we will have eternal life in Heaven;
• He will live with us;
• the Father will honor us.

Think about these things the next time you are asked to put someone else’s needs before your own.  Giving may seem hard, but in the end it will be a great blessing for you and them.

“…remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”  (Acts 20:3)

The following is an excerpt from the story “The Wonderful Pocket.”  This tale can be found in the book, The Wonderful Pocket and Other Stories which was written in 1869 by Chauncey Giles.  Now out of print, the book can be read freely online.

THE WONDERFUL POCKET

One cold Christmas Eve, Charles Lee was sitting by the fire, looking earnestly at the coals as they burned cheerfully in the grate, sometimes sending out great volumes of smoke, and then bursting into flame, and lighting up the little room in which he was sitting, and making its naked walls look quite ruddy and cheerful. But none of its pleasant light entered Charles’ mind. He looked gloomy and sullen, and occasionally muttered something to himself as if he were angry at everybody.

Prayer Memory Verses

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.  The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.