The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1929-02-21

I. Following Jesus John :4O).
AS a result of the testimony of John
the Baptist, that Jesus was the Lamp
of God ". 3G), Andrew followed Jesus.
The proof that he really believed is
that he followed Christ. This is the
first essential in the Christian life.
IL. Leading Others to Christ ". Az.
AS soon as Andrew had found and
become acquainted with Christ, he
brought his brother Peter to Christ
Christian growth can only be truly
realized in the giving of oneself to the
winning of souls. The one who has
received the gospel, the good news
cannot help but proclaim it.
Ill. Confessing Jesus as the Mes.
siah, the Son of God CMatt. 1G:l5-lS)
The disciples had been with the
Lord for several years. They had
heard His wonderful words and seen
His mighty works. Various opinions
were eXtant about Him 1t was now
necessary for them to have definite
conception of Him. Examination came
after the period of school life. AS the
Master Teacher, Jesus knew what ii
meant to the disciples to have a right
conception of Himself. He knew the
trying ordeal through which they
would be called upon to pass as the
time Of his crucifiXion drew near.
Only as they perceived His deity
would they be strong in the hour of
trial In answer to Jesus pointed.
personal question, Peter confessed to
the absolute deity and Messiahship of
Jesus. This conception of Christ is
essential to salvation Gohn 20:3D.
No one lacking it will ever be in
terested in the winning of souls. Be,
Sides the denial of His deity is the
supreme lie Il John 2:22),
l. What Peter confessed ". 16).
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of
the living God" 1t therefore involved
His Messahship and deity. This is
the burning question of today. Those
who have the right conception of
;Christ's person and mission have ne
trouble in the realm of science. phi
.losophy or ethics.
2. ChriSt's commentator w. ~.
He pronounced him blessed The
evidence that Peter was blessed was
that he was in spiritual touch with
the heavenly Father. His conception
of Christ was not revealed by flesh
and blood.
3. Peters blessing ". 1S).
Christ declared that he should be
come foundation stone in His
church. Christ Himself is the chief
cornerstone Oh which the church is
built. Chrsts person and Messiah
ship were confessed by Peter and OF
this rock is laid the foundation of
apostles and prophets (Eph. 2:20).
All believers are living stones of this
house Il Peter 2:5).
W. Peters Restoration John 81 10,
19).
Peter grievousy sinned in denying
the Lord, but he made confession.
shedding bitter tears over his sin and
folly. The Lord tenderly dealt with
His erring disciple and restored him
In his restoration, Jesus brought to
Peters mind the essential quaifica-
ton for his ministry. Love is the pre-
eminent gift for Christian service. To
impress upon his mind this fact He
three times asked the question, Lowest
thou me?" He not only asked the
question three times to show the SUI
preme qualification for service to Him
but to show that there are three
classes of persons demanding His
service, and that these classes need
special care as well as food adapted
to their state.
l. Those beginning the Christian
life, babes in Christ, Feed my lambs"
The word feed" means more than in
StructiOn. It applies to the surround
ings, influences and examples.
2. The mature ones, Feed my
sheep
This seems to mean shepherd my
sheep" The mature class of believers
not only need food, but discipline
They need correction and guidance
8. The aged Christians, Feed My
Sheep"
The word feed" here is much the
same as in the first case. This is a
service greatly needed today. In many
places the old people are greatly neg
lected. All provision is made for the
young people. Love is the supreme
need in service to the old folks.
IT, u,LI