Evening star., 1924-08-02

follow Jesus. 1t was due to his in
fuence that Andrew and John, the
writer of the gospel. We're persuaded
Jesus. While the crowd was unmoved
by Johns epoch making statement
concerning the Lord. his personal
work and word moved the first two
disciples OF Jesus to follow Hin with
definite purpose to know Him and
transfer their discipleship to the
Lord.
Christ Winning Men.
Christ proved the efficiency of per-
sonal work by winning FIVE converts
to His cause during the first four days
were moved by the generous attitude
Of the Baptist to endeavor to fol-
low Jesus: The personal word of
friend had turned many to the Lord
Him by John. The testimony of the
Baptist was epoch making for 1t re-
suited not only in his two disciples
being won for the Lord. but each
other to the Lord. They were moved
by faith In John to follow Christ, but
1t was due to the Lords personal in
viSation. influence and instruction
that the first two disciples became
personal workers and succeeded in
their efforts to win souls for Christ
Jesus.
The first disciples proved their faith
by their testimony and efforts to win
others for Christ. The first prompt
ing Of the, true disciple is to bring
some friend or member Of his family
to the Master. The desire to tell
others about Jesus is characteristic
or every true convert. Andrews first
thought was for his brother and part
ner. There Is no more difficult task
open to follower of Jesus than to
speak to one in their own home or
office about the saving blood of "the
Lamb of God" If we who prof. IS
do not use the avenues of friendship
and fellowship to promote faith in
the Lord, they are apt to question our
religious convictions. One of the
greatest personalities in the history
OF the church was won for Christ
through the personal efforts of his
brother: When Andrew brought Peter
to Christ, the Lord promised the
vacillating and wavering Simon that
He would would make him. Peter, a
rock that would stand the stress and
storms of life through being changed
by the gospels power.
Christ Seeking Disciples.
The next day the Master turned to-
ward Galilee to win Philip, who was
an associate of Andrew and Peter. He
Immediately sought Nathaniel, who
was persuaded not by argument con-
cerning religious questions but by
see. Jesus overcame Nathaniels
prejudice by His tactful greeting.
The personality of the Lord attracted
the first disciples and united them
into a band of followers whose
ties of family and friendship were en-
riched and strengthened by their fell
lowship with the Master.
Our lesson teaches US clearly that
the Christ depended upon personal
testimony and effort in winning souls
in the opening days Of His ministry
He still depends upon the individual
efforts of His followers to build up
His kingdom and enlarge the mem
bership of His brotherhood. If we
keep OUT friendship with Jesus in re-
pair by prayer. study of His word and
personal work for Him in winning
the lost, we will find opportunities on
the street car. in the rush of business
and in our homes and fraternal asso-
Citations to speak word for Jesus,
who longs to save the lost and trans
form them by the infusion Of His life
and spiritual service into earnest and
eff1cient winners of souls. If We will
follow Him, He will make us fishers
of men. If We follow His plan by
prayer and personal effort we will
win men for Christ.