God Chooses All Types
God chooses ordinary men, sometimes with inglorious pasts, to do extraordinary work for Him.
George Müller emphasizes that God chooses all types of people, including those with troubled pasts and those who may initially mock faith. He shares his own journey from a life of sin and deceit to a dramatic conversion at the age of twenty, highlighting the transformative power of God's grace. Müller's partnership with Henry Craik led to the establishment of the Orphan Homes and the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, which continue to impact lives today. His story serves as a testament to God's patience and faithfulness in using ordinary individuals for His extraordinary purposes.
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God often chose ordinary men, sometimes men with an inglorious and doubtful past, men who often mocked the faith and men with whom a great deal of patience was needed because of their reluctance to turn away from the 'good life'. George Müller had been all of these types.
George Müller was born in Kroppenstaedt, a Prussian village, on the 27th September 1805. The son of a Tax Collector, he did not become a
Christian until he was twenty years of age. His father wanted him to enter the ministry but only so that he could retire to the ease of his son's manse. Despite kindness and generosity continually shown by his father, George Müller was an habitual thief, inveterate liar and indeed he later said there was almost no sin into which he had not fallen. He even had the audacity to become a confirmed member of the Lutheran Church and take Communion in spite of being well aware of his sinful ways.
George MŸller's conversion was dramatic! Many of his sinful ways he relinquished at once and as understanding of the Christian way of life increased so he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. When he came to England in 1829 he formed a friendship with a quiet, godly and scholarly Scotsman named Henry Craik. This became a life-long friendship and under God's guidance they formed a great spiritual partnership in the Gospel and in children's work.
Through the work of the Orphan Homes and the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, both of which Mr MŸller founded, many responded to the gospel and heard the call to dedicate their lives to God. The work continues today on the same principles - and the witness to God's faithfulness is still used to the glory of God.
Sermon Outline
- God's Choice of Ordinary Men
- George Müller's Ministry and Legacy
- Examples of ordinary men chosen by God
- George Müller's background and conversion
- Founding of the Orphan Homes and Scriptural Knowledge Institution
- Impact of George Müller's work on the Gospel and children's work
Key Quotes
“God often chose ordinary men, sometimes men with an inglorious and doubtful past, men who often mocked the faith and men with whom a great deal of patience was needed because of their reluctance to turn away from the 'good life'.” — George Mueller
“George Müller was an habitual thief, inveterate liar and indeed he later said there was almost no sin into which he had not fallen.” — George Mueller
“Many of his sinful ways he relinquished at once and as understanding of the Christian way of life increased so he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ.” — George Mueller
Application Points
- God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to do great things for Him.
- Dedication to Jesus Christ can lead to a life of purpose and service.
- The impact of one person's work can be felt for generations to come.