THE BEST SERMON EVER. 087

The best sermons are seen, not heard.

It is not only by preaching the truth, not only by distributing literature, that we are to witness for God. Let us remember that a Christlike life is the most powerful argument that can be advanced in favor of Christianity, and that a cheap Christian character works more harm in the world than the character of a worldling. Not all the books written can serve the purpose of a holy life. Men will believe, not what the minister preaches, but what the church lives. Too often the influence of the sermon preached from the pulpit is counteracted by the sermon preached in the lives of those who claim to be advocates of truth. {9T 21.1}

It is likely that you have heard this idea before, this then, by God's grace can serve as encouragement. Furthermore it can be doubly encouraging to think of the fact that all the power of evil is bent on making us embarrass the truth to the very people that we profess it to. On the counter, all power, hoarded from eternity past, to eternity future is at our aid to help us overcome. If we would have people believe our testimony, we ought to be convinced that the power is in simple consistent Christian living.

It is the purpose of God to glorify Himself in His people before the world. He expects those who bear the name of Christ to represent Him in thought, word, and deed. Their thoughts are to be pure and their words noble and uplifting, drawing those around them nearer the Saviour. The religion of Christ is to be interwoven with all that they do and say. Their every business transaction is to be fragrant with the presence of God. {9T 21.2}

In thought, in word, in deed. Interwoven in all we do and say is to be the religion of Jesus.

If you didn't tell anyone at your school, work or social circle that you were a Christian, would they know?

The life that Christ lived in this world, men and women can live through His power and under His instruction. In their conflict with Satan they may have all the help that He had. They may be more than conquerors through Him who loved them and gave Himself for them. {9T 22.1}

Powerful statement, the life that Jesus lived in the world, through His power, by His grace we can live too. What then is our excuse?

Father grant us your Spirit to enable us to live the life of Christ and thus preach on a consistent basis, the best sermon ever.

IJN,

amen

Photo by Ba Phi from Pexels