Kent Hughes told the following true story of an elderly teacher. Howard Hendricks, who has taught Christian education at Dallas Theological Seminary for over forty years, has told about an experience he had at a Sunday school convention: A number of us who were speaking there went across the street at noon to get a bite to eat at a hamburger stand. The place was crowded and people were standing in line. An elderly lady was in front of me. I guessed she was about 65—she was 83, I learned later. She wore a convention badge, so I knew she was a conferee. There was a table for four open, so two friends and I invited her to join us. I asked her the obvious question: “Do you teach a Sunday School class?” “Oh, I certainly do,” she said. I visualized a class of senior citizens, but asked her: “What age group do you teach?” “I teach a class of junior high boys.” “Junior high boys! How many boys do you have?” “Thirteen,” she said sweetly. “Tremendous! I suppose you come from a rather large church.” “No, sir, it’s very small,” she said. “We have about fifty-five in Sunday School.” Hardly daring to go on, I said, “What brings you to this Sunday School convention?” “I’m on a pension—my husband died a number of years ago,” she replied, “and, frankly, this is the first time a convention has come close enough to my home so I could afford to attend. I bought a Greyhound ticket and rode all last night to get here this morning and attend two workshops. I want to learn something that will make me a better teacher.” Hendricks went on to add, “I heard a sequel to this story some time later. A doctor told me there are eighty-four young men in or moving toward the Christian ministry as a result of this woman’s influence.” As Howard Hendricks would say, “May her tribe increase!”
David Stone  
Lakeway Baptist Church    
Humble, Tx

THINK ABOUT IT               10-30-23

THE IMPRESSION YOU MAKE
We all have trials and we are all at different stages of spiritual development, consequently we all deal with difficulties in different ways. Fortunately we see signs of growth in some folks, and they become effective witnesses for Christ. Others, however, go on year after year giving no evidence that they have matured. That should be a matter of great concern–for a number of reason. One reason why we should be troubled by this has to do with the impression we make on others. D. L. Moody said,”Out of one hundred men, one will read the Bible, the other ninety-nine will read the Christian”. He was right. People are watching us–all the time. We do well to remember that we are the only Bible some people will ever read. Let’s make sure the message is clear! A godly life preaches a silent but powerful sermon!

As much as it pains me to say this–I understand why some folks have no interest in becoming a Christian. They watch professing Christians behave as though God is dead, or mighty sick, or terribly unconcerned. Instead of displaying joyful obedience, devotion to their duty, compassion for others, and a cheerful spirit, they drag around with a frown on their face, shun their duties, and show no concern for anyone else. Unbelievers watch them and come to the conclusion that if that’s what becoming a Christian does to a person they want no part of it. Can you blame them? We ought to do better than that!

Old Sam Jones used to say,”I don’t care what a man says he believes with his lips; I want to know with a vengeance what he says with his life and actions”. He’s not the only one to feel that way.Moody said,”A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns, they just shine.” Our problem today is that a lot of “Christians” aren’t shining. They are leaving the wrong impressions on people who are in desperate need of Christ. That’s why Ghandi said,”I would have become a Christian had it not been for Christians”. O how sad! To think that the very people who should be the sinners greatest help becomes his worst enemy. Yet it just keeps happening!

Let us this very day get right with God and get rid of all those things that darken our testimony, deceive others and displeases God. Let us yield ourselves to the Lord and display the fruit of the Spirit so that others will see Christ in us. Until they see the difference Christ makes it is very unlikely that they will have any interest in fine preaching, gospel tracts, and invitations to church. If you are going to be an hindrance rather than a help it would be better if you didn’t even claim to be a Christian. As harsh as that might sound it is not nearly as bad as what the Lord thinks about the harm you are doing. It is a terrible sin to be a stumbling-block to others. Our manner of life should draw others to Christ, not drive them away. Think about it! (11-12-12)

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO?
We all know what’s going on in Israel and, as Christians, we are aware of the fact that we are living in the last days – the troublesome times before Christ comes to receive His people. However, based on their attitude and actions, most believe that it is far down the road, rather than at the door.

While we know about the war in Israel, we don’t seem to understand how bad things could get overnight. People don’t realize World War III could start in a second with the push of a button. And America isn’t off limits to an all out invasion. A world wide blood bath is possible at any time. Morally corrupt insane leaders are in possession of nuclear weapons and God alone knows what they will do.

Yet most folks are doing business as usual. There is no sense of urgency with most people. Some might ask, “What am I suppose to do?”. The answer is- What you should be doing all the time”. We should be praying, witnessing to others, living righteously, and faithfully serving God in every way.

Every Christian should be praying for Israel, all the time not just during a crisis. For unbelievers everyday day is a crisis. While we know that eventually Israel will turn to Christ think of all those who will die without Him before that time comes.

The war in Israel is another example of man’s depravity. The horrible atrocities we see on the news reminds us that there is no limit to what sinful man will do. We’ve seen it throughout history and it grows worse and worse with the passing of time. And Christ is the only remedy.

Man’s puny efforts are in vain. He does what he does because of who he is – a sinner. And reformation can’t remove the problem. What he needs is regeneration. As Jesus said, “Ye must be nor again”. Think about it! – HDS

David Stone  
Lakeway Baptist Church    
Humble, Tx