In Jail
The sermon highlights the importance of parental influence in the spiritual development of children and the consequences of unconverted children.
D.L. Moody shares a poignant story about a mother who believed her son was good enough and did not need conversion, ultimately leading to his downfall. Despite Moody's efforts to influence both the mother and son towards Christ, the mother's resistance prevailed, resulting in her son ending up in jail. The son, ashamed and under an assumed name, pleaded with Moody not to inform his mother, who mourned for years, believing he was dead. This narrative illustrates the tragic consequences of neglecting spiritual guidance and the importance of supporting loved ones in their faith journey.
Text
I remember a mother who heard that her boy was impressed at one of our meetings. She said her son was a good enough boy, and he didn't need to be converted. I pleaded with that mother, but all my pleading was of no account. I tried my influence with the boy; but when I was pulling one way she was pulling the other, and of course her influence prevailed. Naturally it would.
Well, to make a long story short, some time after, I happened to be in the county jail, and I saw him there. "How did you come here?" I asked. "Does your mother know where you are?" "No, don't tell her; I came in under an assumed name, and I am going to Joliet for four years.
Do not let my mother know this," he pleaded; "she thinks I am in the army." I used to call on that mother, but I had promised her boy I would not tell her, and for four years she mourned over that boy. She thought he had died on the battle-field or in a southern hospital. What a blessing he might have been to that mother, if she had only helped us to bring him to Christ!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Parental Influence
- The Consequences of Unconverted Children
- The Role of the Church in Reaching Children
- The church should be involved in the spiritual development of children
- The church can provide a safe and supportive environment for children to grow in Christ
Key Quotes
“What a blessing he might have been to that mother, if she had only helped us to bring him to Christ!” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- Parents should be involved in their children's spiritual development and seek the help of the church.
- The church should be involved in the spiritual development of children and provide a safe and supportive environment for them to grow in Christ.
- Parents and the church should work together to bring children to Christ and provide them with a strong spiritual foundation.