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John Angell James

Do You Remember Little Elizabeth?

Psalm
John Angell James March, 12 2008 Audio
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Choice Puritan Devotional

The sermon titled "Do You Remember Little Elizabeth?" by John Angell James addresses the theological significance of soul-winning and the impact of faithful ministry in children's lives. James illustrates the profound effect that a Sunday school teacher can have on a child's spiritual journey, emphasizing the eternal ramifications of teaching the Gospel. He anchors his argument in Proverbs 11:30, which states, "He who wins souls is wise," illustrating the joy and reward awaiting both the teacher and the student in heaven. The practical significance lies in the encouragement for teachers to persevere in their ministry, recognizing that even when immediate results seem absent, God is nonetheless working through their efforts to bring about spiritual transformation.

Key Quotes

“The gospel seed... had taken root, and it was the privilege of another to water what you had sown.”

“Piety, after guarding her from the snares of youth... elevated her to the mansions of immortality.”

“And as much as you have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me.”

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

What does the Bible say about the importance of teaching children in Sunday school?

The Bible emphasizes the value of teaching children, illustrating that nurturing their faith can lead to eternal life.

Proverbs 11:30 states that he who wins souls is wise, highlighting the significance of leading individuals, including children, to faith in Christ. The sermon illustrates that even the smallest efforts in teaching children about sin and salvation have everlasting ramifications. The faithful teacher, through spiritual guidance, contributes to nurturing the seeds of faith in young hearts that can flourish into eternal life, as seen in the story of Little Elizabeth. Every soul brought to Christ not only honors God but also has immense blessings in the heavenly realm.

Proverbs 11:30

Why is winning souls important for Christians?

Winning souls is a vital part of a Christian's mission as it reflects obedience to Christ's command and promotes eternal life.

In the sermon, winning souls is presented as a critical aspect of Christian life, spoken of in Proverbs 11:30 as true wisdom. This teaching calls Christians to actively participate in the Great Commission, emphasizing the responsibility of sharing the gospel. The narrative of Little Elizabeth illustrates how the efforts of one teacher can yield eternal fruit, unseen until glory. Each soul won brings joy in heaven and serves as a reminder of God's grace at work, showing the profound impact of earthly ministry on souls destined for eternity.

Proverbs 11:30

How does God's providence work in salvation?

God's providence orchestrates circumstances to bring about the salvation of individuals, often beyond our understanding.

The concept of providence in salvation indicates that God is actively involved in the lives of all individuals, arranging situations for His divine purposes. The story of Little Elizabeth exemplifies this as her conversion occurred through a teacher's efforts, even if the outcome was not immediately visible. This illustrates that while one may sow seeds of faith, it is God who gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). His providential care ensures that no effort in teaching the gospel is wasted, nurturing souls intended for His kingdom, and showing that salvation is orchestrated by Him from start to finish.

1 Corinthians 3:6

Sermon Transcript

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Do you remember Little Elizabeth? by J. A. James He who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11 verse 30

My imagination has sometimes presented me with this picture of a faithful Sunday school teacher's entrance into the state of her everlasting rest. The agony of death finished, the triumph of faith completed, and the conquering spirit hastening to her crown. Upon the confines of the heavenly world, a divinely lovely form awaits her arrival. Enwrapped in astonishment at the dazzling glory of this celestial inhabitant, she inquires, Is this Gabriel, chief of all the heavenly multitudes? And am I honored with his aid to guide me to the throne of God? with a smile of ineffable delight, such as gives fresh beauty to an angel's countenance, the mystic form replies, do you remember little Elizabeth, who was in yonder world, a pupil in your Sunday school class? Do you recollect the child who wept as you talked to her of sin and directed her to the cross of the dying Redeemer? God smiled with approbation upon her heart in characters never to be effaced. Providence removed her from beneath your care before the fruit of your labor was visible. The gospel seed, however, had taken root, and it was the privilege of another to water what you had sown. Nourished by the influence of heaven, the plant of piety flourished in her heart and shed its fragrance upon her character.

piety, after guarding her from the snares of youth, cheered her amidst the accumulated trials of an afflicted life, supported her amidst the agonies of death, and elevated her to the mansions of immortality. and now behold before you the glorified spirit of that poor child who, under God, owes the eternal life on which she has entered to your faithful labors in the Sunday school, and who is now sent by our Redeemer to introduce you to the world of glory as your first and least reward for guiding the once thoughtless, ignorant, wicked Elizabeth to the world of grace.

Hail, happy spirit! Hail, favored of the Lord! Hail, deliverer of my soul! Hail to the world of eternal glory!

I can trace the scene no further. I cannot paint the raptures produced in the honored teacher's bosom by this unexpected encounter. I cannot depict the mutual gratitude and love of two such spirits meeting on the confines of heaven, much less can I follow them to their everlasting mansion and disclose the bliss which they shall enjoy before the throne of God. all this, and a thousand times more, is attendant upon the salvation of one single soul.

Teachers, what a motive to diligence! Amidst surrounding millions, the faithful teacher shall stand to receive the public plaudits of her judge and Savior. And as much as you have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me. Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.

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