For Charley's Sake
The sermon emphasizes the importance of doing things in the name of Christ and serving others with a selfless motivation.
D.L. Moody shares a poignant story told by Judge Olds about the profound impact of acting 'for Charlie's sake,' which illustrates the power of love and compassion in our actions. The judge, moved by the memory of his son who served in the army, dedicated himself to caring for wounded soldiers, demonstrating selflessness and commitment. When he encountered a soldier in need, he was reminded of his son's request to care for those who served, prompting him to act with kindness and generosity. Moody emphasizes that just as the judge acted for Charlie's sake, we should do everything in our lives for the sake of Jesus, who loved us and sacrificed Himself for us. This call to action encourages believers to embody Christ's love in their daily lives.
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In Detroit, at an international convention of the Young Men's Christian Association, Judge Olds was present as a delegate from Columbus. One evening he was telling about the mighty power Christians summon to their aid in the petition "for Christ's sake," "in Jesus' name," and he told a story that made a great impression on me. When the war came on, he said, his only son left for the army, and he became suddenly interested in soldiers. Every soldier that passed by brought his son to remembrance; he could see his son in him. He went to work for soldiers. When a sick soldier came there to Columbus one day, so weak he couldn't walk, the judge took him in a carriage, and got him into the soldier's home. Soon he became president of the soldier's home in Columbus, and used to go down every day and spend hours in looking after those soldiers, and seeing that they had every comfort. He spent on them a great deal of time and a great deal of money. One day he said to his wife, "I'm giving too much time to these soldiers. I've got to stop it. There's an important case coming on in court, and I've got to attend to my own business." He said he went down to the office that morning, resolved in future to let the soldiers alone. He went to his desk, and then to writing. Pretty soon the door opened, and he saw a soldier hobble slowly in. He started at sight of him. The man was fumbling at something in his breast, and pretty soon he got out an old soiled paper. The father saw it was his own son's writing.
"DEAR FATHER: This young man belongs to my company. He has lost his leg and his health in defense of his country, and he is going home to his mother to die. If he calls on you, treat him kindly.
"FOR CHARLIE'S SAKE."
"For Charlie's sake." The moment he saw that, a pang went to his heart. He got up for a carriage, lifted the maimed soldier, drove home, put him into Charlie's room, sent for the family physician, kept him in the family and treated him like his own son. When the young soldier got well enough to go to the train to go home to his mother, he took him to the railway station, put him in the nicest, most comfortable place in the carriage, and sent him on his way home to his mother. "I did it," said the old judge, "for Charlie's sake." Now, whatsoever you do, my friends, do ti for the Lord Jesus' sake. Do and ask everything in His name, in the name of Him "who loved us and gave Himself for us."
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to the Power of Prayer
- A. The importance of praying in Jesus' name
- B. The story of Judge Olds and his son Charlie
- II. The Power of Prayer in Action
- A. Judge Olds' selfless actions for the soldiers
- B. The impact of prayer on his life and others
- III. The Motivation for Prayer
- A. Doing things for the Lord Jesus' sake
- B. The love of Christ and His sacrifice
Key Quotes
“For Charlie's sake.” — D.L. Moody
“Do and ask everything in His name, in the name of Him 'who loved us and gave Himself for us.'” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- You can apply the story of Judge Olds by being selfless and serving others in the name of Christ.
- Doing things in the name of Christ can deepen your relationship with Him.
- Serving others with a selfless motivation is a key aspect of living a life in the name of Christ.