One Verse Did It!

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 7
Some years ago the gospel was being preached to large audiences in the theater. An Englishman not long converted was asked to speak there one evening. He was anxious to extol the blessed Lord and to serve his Master in some measure. He had often spoken before large audiences, but never before had he tried to "preach Christ, and Him crucified.”
As he stepped out onto the stage and saw the multitude before him in such unfamiliar surroundings, all his self-possession deserted him. With wildly beating heart and trembling knees, he sought for words, but soon realized that he knew not what to say. The only thought that came to his mind was a scripture verse, the familiar, well-loved John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). He said each word slowly and clearly, hoping the main points of what he had intended to say would come to mind. In vain he paused; and then in some embarrassment he again repeated John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). His confusion redoubled: his mind remained a blank. Again he repeated the one verse, to his own and his friends' consternation, and then retreated from the platform, feeling that he had made his message and himself a laughing-stock.
Some other servant of the Lord took his place. Souls were saved that night, and among them was one, if not more, who blessed God for the triple repetition of John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). One person there had her attention riveted by the solemn, slow reiteration of the words; she thought not of the messenger but of his message. She accepted God's gift; she received eternal life. One verse did it, for "the Word of God is quick, and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword." Heb. 4:1212For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).