As we prepare to celebrate the church’s birthday, I was touched to come across this talk for children from Rev. Kenneth Stroh in 1964 (who long preceded me in my previous church in London).  In it, he encourages each of us to consider ourselves called to become disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, and what it might mean to take that calling to heart.  I was inspired as I considered being called this way even now, as are each of us!

Love and Peace,

Ethan

All of you can and should be disciples, for the Lord has called you all; and you can be disciples now.  How can you become one of the Lord's disciples? A disciple is a person who is learning things, especially the things which are taught in the Word and which are called truths.

The truths of the Word show us how to live as the angels do in heaven. They teach us the Ten Commandments.  They tell us how to learn to love the Lord. They teach us not to hate and want revenge, but to learn to love others. For the Lord said: "By this shall all know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another."

Also, the Word promises that those who become disciples of the Lord will have a deep happiness while they live in this world [whatever the circumstances], and that afterwards they will become angels in heaven.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to be a disciple of the Lord?

The Lord calls each one of you to be His disciple; and you can be one if you try to hear the Word when read, if you learn to read it and think about it for yourself, and especially if you do what the Lord says is true and good, no matter how hard it might seem.

Then you will be following the Lord. You will be with Him. You will be His disciple, and He will speak to you from His Word. For He said: "If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples indeed: and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free!”