DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
Now we put up most fervent and earnest prayer for such who, as yet, do not know you. O Spirit of God, convince men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come (John 16:8); and especially convince the human heart of the sin of not believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh, make this to be very clear to the heart, that not believing in Jesus is the highest act of enmity against God. The rejection of God, when he became man and dies, out of infinite love—surely this is the highest crime and misdemeanor against the great King.
Oh that this might strike, like an arrow, into the heart of some. If they cannot accuse themselves of any gross sin of the body, yet may this grossest of all sins be laid, like a millstone, upon their conscience, that they have refused the Son of God and done despite to his precious blood: and how shall they escape if they neglect so great salvation (Hebrews 2:3)!
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment…” (John 16:8)
The Holy Spirit attested the life of Christ, the teaching of the apostles, and all the grand truths that were contained therein, by what he did in the way of miracle, and by what he did in the way of enlightening, impressing, and subduing human hearts. Henceforth man is accused, and rebuked by the great Advocate; and all who remain in opposition to the Lord Jesus, remain so in defiance of the clearest proofs of his mission. He who rejects human testimony when it is true is foolish; but he who despises the witness of the Holy Ghost is profane, for he gives the lie to the Spirit of truth. Let him beware lest he so sin against the Holy Spirit as to come under the most terrible of curses; for it is written of him that speaks against the Holy Spirit, “never has forgiveness” (Mark 3:29).
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
A kid’s book to teach the importance of evangelism
Today, we prayed that God would bring sinners to know him. By God’s design, this usually happens when one Christian shares about his hope with a non-believer. Evangelism is a crucial topic in the Christian life that we need to teach others, including our children.
Lately my family has been loving a new book that focuses on “How God uses people to save people.” It’s called The Prisoners, the Earthquake, and the Midnight Song by Bob Hartman, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri. This book tells the story of Paul and Silas while they were in prison in Philippi for proclaiming Christ, and encourages children to proclaim Christ with the same kind of boldness.
The book is incredibly creative (without sacrificing faithfulness to the biblical text) and the illustrations are stunning. It’s a ton of fun and children under ten will love it. Your kids will be amazed at the story of Paul, Silas, and the incredible work that God did in Philippi.
This isn’t just a cheap Bible story — this is a great book full of rich theology, an incredible (true!) story, and an important message. It will encourage kids of all ages to boldly proclaim Christ, no matter the cost.
I hope you’ll add this book to your family’s library!