Dr. Chalmers' Story

D.L. Moody

The sermon emphasizes the importance of immediate action and conviction in making a decision for Christ, using the story of Dr. Chalmers and a young girl as an example.
D.L. Moody shares the story of Dr. Chalmers, who encountered a mother distressed over her inability to lead her child to Christ. When the doctor spoke with the child alone, he suggested postponing the conversation about faith, but the girl realized the urgency of the matter and felt it was unsafe to delay. This moment of honesty led them both to kneel in prayer and ultimately find Christ together, emphasizing the importance of immediate action in matters of faith.

Text

There is a story of Dr. Chalmers. A lady came to him, and said, "Doctor, I cannot bring my child to Christ. I've talked, and talked, but it's of no use." The doctor thought she had not much skill, and said, "Now, you be quiet, and I will talk to her alone." When the doctor got the Scotch lassie alone he said to her, "They are bothering you a good deal about this question; now, suppose I just tell your mother you don't want to be talked to any more upon this subject for a year. How will that do?" Well, the Scotch lassie hesitated a little, and then said she didn't think it would be safe to wait for a year.

Something might turn up.

She might die before then. "Well, that's so," replied the doctor, "but suppose we say six months." She didn't think even this would be safe. "That's so," was the doctor's reply; "well, let us say three months." After a little hesitation, the girl finally said, "I don't think it would be safe to put it off for three months; don't think it would be safe to put it off at all," and they went down on their knees and found Christ.

Sermon Outline

The Power of Conviction
The Importance of Immediate Action
The Result of Conviction and Action
The lady's decision to bring her child to Christ
The outcome of their prayer and commitment

Key Quotes

“Don't think it would be safe to put it off for three months; don't think it would be safe to put it off at all,” — D.L. Moody

Application Points

Create an environment where your child feels comfortable and secure in making a decision for Christ.
Use a gentle and persuasive approach to help your child see the importance of making a decision for Christ.
Emphasize the importance of not putting off a decision for Christ, and the potential consequences of delaying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I overcome my child's hesitation to accept Christ?

You can use a gentle and persuasive approach, like Dr. Chalmers, to help them see the importance of making a decision for Christ.

What if my child is hesitant to make a decision for Christ?

You can use the doctor's strategy of breaking down the decision-making process into smaller, more manageable steps to help them feel more comfortable.

How can I encourage my child to take immediate action?

You can use the doctor's approach of emphasizing the importance of not putting off a decision for Christ, and the potential consequences of delaying.

What is the key to helping my child make a decision for Christ?

The key is to create an environment where they feel comfortable and secure in making a decision, and to provide guidance and support as needed.

D.L. Moody

Dwight Lyman Moody (1837-1899) was an American evangelist who founded the Moody Bible Institute and Moody Church in Chicago. He preached to an estimated 100 million people during his lifetime and pioneered large-scale urban evangelistic campaigns.

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