Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1926-01-07


of God which taketh away the sin Of
the world John 1923.
PRIMARY TOPfC-Five Men Follow
Jesus.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-Seeking and F'inding Jesus.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-Bringing Others to Christ
through the testimony of John the
Baptist his disciples were pointed to
Jesus. This same testimony he gave
the previous day.
!. Two of Johns Disciples Followed
Jesus wv $500.
AS a result of the Baptist's testi-
mony. two Of his disciples left him
and followed Jesus. One of these was
Andrew ". 40) and presumably the
other was John. When the Baptist
pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God,
the long-expected Messiah, these dis
eiples sought further acquaintance
with Jesus. In view of Johns request,
they looked upon the Lord. This look
was sufficient to induce them to fol-
low Jesus. When they looked they
believed. The proof of their belief
was their following after Him. John
speaks, the disciples hear and follow.
The whole plan of salvation Is
wrapped up In this simple testimony
and action
IL. The Two Disciples Abiding With
Jesus (vv 38. a9).
l. Jesus Question ". 3S). When
Jesus saw the disciples following Him,
He inquired. What seek yer"
2 The Disciples Reply ". 39). They
answer His question by inquiring as
to His dwelling-pace. Their reply
showed their desire to go apart pri-
yately where they could disclose their
hearts to Him. Knowing their hearts,
He invited them to His place of abode;
therefore. for the remainder of that
day, they held sweet intercourse with
the Master.
III. The Disciples Bringing Others to
Jesus wv. 4046).
The very genius OF Christianity Is
self-propagation. The usual method
Is to begin with those nearest us, home
folk and relatives and pass out to
who were with Jesus in blessed fell
lowship, went at once to tell others
of the priceless treasure they have
found.
|. Andrew Brings Peter wv. 40-42).
This is beautiful example Of broth
eriy affection, expressing itself In
bringing another to Christ. How can
true brother who has found Christ
do aught but go and tell his brother?
The best place to begin our testimony
for Christ is among our kinsfolk duke
$500. When Andrew had witnessed
TO Peter, he brought him to Jesus
where he could speak with Him per
sonally.
2. Philip Bringing Nathaniel wv.
43-46).
Christ found Philip the follow
ing day as He would go forth into ]
Galilee. Philip followed Him in re-
Spouse to a personal invitation. AS
soon as Christ found him, Philip found
Nathaniel and witnessed to him con-
corning the messiahship of Jesus. He
said unto him: I'VE have found Him
of whom Noses in the law, and the
prophets did write. Jesus of Naza-
reth' w. 45). Christ is the sum and
substance Of the Old Testament. Ma
thanaei was somewhat skeptical, but
he was honest. Philip had the wisdom
not to argue with him, but brought |
him to Jesus. 1t Is frequently unwisa
to rebuke the skeptical for their lack |
of faith. The better way is to invite /,
them to put Christ to test.
~. Nathaniel Seeing and Hearing
Jesus, Testifiss of His Divinity wv.
47-49).
AS soon as Nathaniel heard and |
saw Jesus all his doubts rolled away
Jesus proved that He was the omnipo- /
tent One. We do not know what Ma
thanael was doing under the fg-tree.
Perhaps he was praying for heavenly
light and guidance. but Jesus saw him.
He was evidently sincere He who is
willing to be led and to do shall surely !
come into the light (John 7:17). He
who acts upon the light given shall
see greater things (vv. SO, sly. Angels
ascending and descending upon the
Son Of Man, with the open heavens,
show that Jesus Christ is the means OF
communication between earth and
heaven (Heb. 1910. 20; Eph. 2:1S;
Gen. 2S:12). This narrative concern
ing the experiences of the first dis
ciples exhibits the following stages of
Christian experience:
l. Hearing about Jesus ". 36).
2. Looking upon Jesus w. 36).
8. Following Jesus ". 81.
A. Abiding with Jesus ". 800.
5, Witnessing for Jesus wv. 41-45).
6. Bringing others ~ Jesus.