PUT the figure of a cross on the blackboard and on the left side put
the letters B. C. On the right side, the letters A. D. This in the
language of the day stands for Before Christ and the Year of Our Lord.
For our purpose, we will cause B. C. to stand for Before Conversion
and A. D. After Deliverance. Before and after the Cross (See Figure).
[Illustration: A diagram of a cross with Before Conversion and After
Deliverance written on either side]
Great questions come to the Christian for his decision. "Shall I" are
the words often on our lips. Does it belong to the life before the
Cross (Before Conversion) or After Conversion? Put it down where it
belongs. "Shall I dance?" that belongs to the B. C. side of the Cross.
"Shall I play cards?" that belongs to the B. C. side also. "Shall I
pray?" that belongs to the A. D. side (After Deliverance) of the
Cross. "Shall I join the Church?" that belongs to the A. D. side also.
It would be a very helpful exercise to ask the audience to name daily
matters, and ask which side of the Cross they belong. If you have a
doubtful thing in your mind take it to the Cross and mark it B. C. or
A. D. This will make an instructive exercise for a young people's
meeting. Always be an A. D. Christian.
=CHAPTER XI
WHY I SHOULD JOIN THE CHURCH=
_Objects: Blackboard or Chart_
IT is the wrong thought of some Christians that they count just as
much for God outside of the church as in it. Christian membership
harnesses up the Christian to a giant power. Build out of cardboard
the form of a village church, place it on the platform before the
audience. If using blackboard draw the Church and numbers in the air
first. As they enter the Church rub the figures out, and place on the
roof. Hang up the numbers 1-2-0-4-9-6-7 in various parts of the
platform. They represent Christians who will not join the Church,
separate units, standing for themselves only. They have no relation to
each other and have only individual power. Persuade them to come into
the Church organization and be linked together by common tasks. Take
these numbers now in various parts of the platform and place them on
the roof in the following order: 9763210--now they are an army of
giants with power of millions of separate units. If the Church should
be made of wood, take seven candles and light them. Put them in
various places in the room. They represent the separate Christian.
Bring them to Church, Put them all inside of the Church. Turn out all
the other lights on the platform and the effect will be most striking.
Jesus said "Let your light so shine" and the way to make it shine the
most, is to all shine together. So will the Church be like a city set
on a hill. Its light cannot be hid.
[Illustration: A diagram of two churches, one with numbers around it,
one with numbers in it]
=CHAPTER XII
SEEING THE SERMON=
_Objects: The Perry Pictures_