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This explains the power of stories in creating character. The heroes of the Bible fire us with enthusiasm we could never feel for impersonal virtue. To make them our friends is to be influenced by the n.o.blest a.s.sociates.
When Jesus wished to build up character in His disciples He told them a story, or parable, to supply their lack.
The method meets the need of mankind to-day as well as in Jesus' time.
The Bible has a wonderful story for forming every single trait of character. Its heroes illuminate virtue by their heroic deeds. We see the man, admire his deeds, then his motives, and then his character.
Unconsciously, but none the less surely, we catch his spirit and share the quality of his soul.
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JESUS' CHARACTER-BUILDING STORIES
Do you know which parable teaches:--
True neighborliness? 88 L.J.
Spreading of truth? 106 L.J.
Consistent and false profession? 117 L.J.
Hearers divided into cla.s.ses? 133 L.J.
The spread of Christianity? 134 L.J.
The law of growth in religion? 134 L.J.
Grat.i.tude for pardon? 170 L.J.
The duty of forgiveness? 186 L.J.
Joy over penitence? 202 L.J.
Fatherly love? 203 L.J.
Faithfulness to trust? 204 L.J.
That the Divine call is universal? 207 L.J.
Concerning worldly-mindedness? 212 L.J.
The rejection of Jesus by the Jews? 238 L.J.
The use of advantages? 244 L.J.
That love is the test of life? 246 L.J.
When Jesus told the parable of the Sower, he first told the story and then because some of the people did not understand, he went back over it, giving full explanation. Read the story of the Sower (133 L.J.), noting Jesus' method of explanation, and then read the parables suggested below and follow the reading with your own explanation of them.
The Story of the Faithful Servant. 244 L.J.
The Story of the Foolish Rich Man. 212 L.J.
The Story of the Lost Money. 202 L.J.
The House Built on the Rock. 117 L.J.
The House Built on the Sand. 118 L.J.
The Story of the Mustard Seed. 134 L.J.
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FOUNDATION STONES
To what chapter would you turn in your Bible to find how you can best serve other people? Can you turn instantly to the Bible's finest teachings of charity, of purity, or of faith?
The Bible is the mine for the Builder of Character, the storehouse of Foundation Stones. And yet--can you always go to it and bring back just the stone you are needing for the Building?
Few can. But many desire to do so. Above all, parents wish to make the Bible a power in forming the characters of their children.
Building character consists of seizing opportunities. You cannot often wait to search out these Bible teachings. They should be at hand for the opportune time when they can be used to correct, or guide, or inspire.
Suppose a child is disobedient; suppose he is given to falsehood, or is selfish. "What part of the Bible," you ask, "will be of most help in overcoming his fault?" And, "How can I be sure of finding the part desired at just the time it should be used?"
To answer these and many other such practical questions, the teachings of the Bible are here cla.s.sified so that you may instantly choose the one you need and apply it at the time the need arises.
Charity
L.J., 88, The Good Samaritan.
L.J., 110, It is a Sin to Think Evil of Others.
L.J., 169, Conflict about the Treatment of Sinful People.
L.J., 207, The Story of the Men Who Made Excuses.
L.J., 243, The Poor Widow.
L.J., 246, The Judgment of the King.
Courage
H.T., 386, David and Goliath.
H.T., 430, How a Brave Prophet Rebuked a King.
T.J., 183, Daniel.
L.J., 339, The First Martyr.
L.J., 396, The Macedonian Cry.
L.J., 469, The s.h.i.+pwreck.
S.A., 447, The Christian Warrior.
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Courtesy and Kindness
