The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1927-03-31

of men.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Peter Follows Je-
sus.
JUNIOR ToPIC-The Great Decision.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
1C-Making the Great Decision.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
1C-Answering Christ's Call
!. Jesus Preaching In Galilee wv.
IA, 15).
The reason for Christ changing from
Judea to Galilee was the growing op-
position to Him. He accepted the
fate of John, the Baptist, as foreshad-
owing His own death. The rejection
of the forerunner meant the rejection
of Him whose advent he heralded.
1. What He preached ". 14.
The gospel of the kingdom of God
which meant the good news of the
near approach of the kingdom of God
when the rule Of God as predicted by
the prophets would be realized.
2. How He preached it ". 15).
Q) 1.-THE time is fulfilled and the
kingdom of God is at hand"
This meant that the time had now
come for the appearance of the Mes
siah and the establishment Of His
Kingdom.
(2) Repent"
This meant that the people should
turn around, change their minds and
attitude toward Christ and accept Him
as their King The message of re-
pentance is one which needs to be
sounded out today.
90 believe the gospel" Then, as
now, men needed to believe the Cos
pei of Christ.
II. Jesus Called Peter and Andrew
to Become Fishers of Men. Jesus
called this pair of brothers for service
in His kingdom. 1t is usually best to
perform the Lords service in pairs
This has threefold value. 1t makes
testimony effective; 1t provides fell
lowship on the part of workers and
protection of the witnesses. It is to be
noted that these men had previously
been called to be disciples of Christ
(John 1 :3642). They are now called
to service. Observe:
1. From what they were called ".
1e).
They were called from positions Of
definite service. They were fishers.
God always chooses His servants from
the ranks Of the employed.
2. To what they were called ". ~.
To be fishers of men" They no
doubt had been successful fishers. The
qualities which made them good fisher
men, namely, patience, bravery to face
the storm and darkness Of the night,
and perseverance, which led them to
toll all night though no fish were
caught, would make them good fishers
of men.
g. Their obedience ". 1S).
"Straightway they forsook their nets
and followed Him."
To obey meant sacrifice, painful sep
aration. the giving up of all business
interests and leaving father behind.
Regardless of the cost, they yielded
prompt obedience.
III. Jesus Entering Simon Peters
House wv. 29-3I)
Soon after the call of Peter and An
drew, Jesus called James and John,
after which they entered the syna-
gogue at Capernaum, where He cast
out an evil spirit. This miracle caused
His fame to be spread abroad.
l. A loved one Ill ". 3O).
When Jesus entered this home III.
found Peters mother-in-law with q
burning fever. We know that among
the closest followers of Jesus there
are suffering ones and anxious and
burdened hearts. To all such Jesus
comes with loving sympathy and pow
Or to help.
2. "They tell Him of her" ". BY.
This was the proper thing to do.
We should bring to the attention Of
Jesus those Of our families who have
need of bodily or spiritual healing.
8. He healed her ". 31).
HE came and took her by the hand
and lifted her up" This act showed
the nearness, sympathetic tenderness
and power Of Jesus. At His touch the
fever departed and strength was i'm
parted to her body.
4. "She ministered' unto them" ".
BY.
This act shows:
(1) That the cure was instanta-
neous and complete. When Jesus
heals there Is no halfway business.
(2) Gratitude on the part Of the one
healed. She thus expressed her ap-
probation Of what Jesus had done.
All those who have experienced the
healing power of Jesus will express
their gratitude In loving service to the
Lord and His disciples.