The necessity of fearing God

Charles Spurgeon, et al. 
Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
 
The fear of God is not a mere emotion–it is the soul’s rightful posture before the majesty of the Almighty. It is the awe that grips the heart, when the creature truly beholds the Creator. It is the reverent submission that arises when one recognizes that, “our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases!” (Psalm 115:3). To fear God rightly, is not to cower as a slave before a tyrant–but to bow as a redeemed child before a holy Father who is infinitely glorious, righteous, and just.
 
In Scripture, the fear of God is the fountainhead of all true knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). It anchors wisdom in humility, restrains sin, and cultivates holiness. When Moses drew near the burning bush, he was told, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground!” (Exodus 3:5). That moment captures the essence of godly fear–an  awareness of divine holiness that commands reverence and shapes obedience.
 
This fear is not abolished in the New Covenant, but deepened. Through the gospel, believers encounter God not only as Creator, but as Redeemer. Jesus bore the wrath which we deserved, and in Him God’s justice and mercy meet. The cross reveals that our holy God cannot be trifled with–our sin costs the blood of Jesus! Yet it also shows that in Jesus, the God who should consume us, has chosen to cleanse and forgive us. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire!” (Hebrews 12:28–29).
 
To fear God is to live under the perpetual sense of His presence, which sanctifies our speech, our thoughts, and our actions. The fear of God purifies our hearts. It . . .
   slays pride,
   mortifies lust,
   silences worldly ambition,
   and fuels sincere worship. 
Those who fear God revere His majesty and walk in righteousness, because they love His holiness more than their sin.
 
It is this fear that drove Joseph to flee from Potiphar’s wife; that sustained Daniel in Babylon; and that emboldened the apostles to say, “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29).
 
To live without the fear of God, is to live as though God were small and man were great. But to live in the fear of God, is to see Him rightly: He is infinite majesty–and we are creatures of the dust. And yet this same majestic God stoops to call us His beloved children.
 
Let us therefore cultivate a holy fear–a reverent joy that delights in God’s glory and obeys His Word. Such fear guards our souls, sanctifies our desires, and anchors us in wisdom. For only those who fear the Lord, truly know Him; and only those who truly know Him, can truly love Him.

A woman to be remembered!

J.C. Ryle 
Luke 17:32, “Remember Lot’s wife!“
 
Few words ever spoken by the Lord Jesus are more solemn or searching than this brief, three-word warning: “Remember Lot’s wife!” How striking it is that, out of all the women of Scripture, our Lord singled out one for us to remember–not Sarah for her faith, not Ruth for her devotion, not Hannah for her prayer, not Mary for her love–but Lot’s wife, for her destruction! The Spirit of God has placed this warning before us as a perpetual beacon, lest we too be deceived by the bewitching world and perish.
 
Yet all of this availed her nothing. She perished miserably because her heart was never truly separated from the world. Outwardly she fled Sodom, but inwardly she lingered. Her body was on the path to safety, but  her affections were chained to the city of destruction. With one glance backward, she revealed the state of her soul. That look cost her eternal glory, and she was turned into a pillar of salt–a monument of God’s righteous judgment against hypocrisy and divided hearts.
 
The tragedy of Lot’s wife stands as a warning to all who imagine that religious advantages, spiritual associations, or outward privileges can save. Many think that because they were raised in a Christian home and attend church, that they are safe. Lot’s wife shows us that one may be surrounded by light and truth, and yet perish in eternal darkness. She had seen angels, heard warnings, and been led by the hand of mercy–yet she never savingly believed. The heart is what God is concerned with–and her heart was still in Sodom.
 
Her backward look was not a small matter. It was the outward expression of inward rebellion. God had said, “Do not look back” (Genesis 19:17). In disobeying, she revealed where her treasure lay. She longed for the life she left behind–the comforts, the pleasures, the society of Sodom–and in doing so she despised the salvation of her soul. Jesus declares, “No man having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The danger of worldlinessand divided affection is real. How many professors of religion today claim to follow Jesus, yet their hearts cling to the world! They say they are bound for Heaven, but they look longingly at Sodom. They want to go to Heaven when they die, but they also want the soul-ruining world. The end of such double-mindedness is eternal destruction.
 
Scripture is full of warnings against this very danger. John writes, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). James tells us that “friendship with the world is hatred toward God” (James 4:4). The Savior Himself declared, “Remember Lot’s wife!” She was almost saved, yet lost forever! There are many in churches today who will come just that far–they will hear sermons and sing hymns, and yet their hearts remain with the world. Their empty profession will not hold up in the Day of Judgment.
 
Beloved reader, let us examine our hearts. Are we secretly longing for the very things that God calls us to forsake? Are we following Christ with a whole heart, or are we still glancing backward toward Sodom? When Jesus calls us to take up our cross, we must not look back to our Sodom. Salvation demands the forsaking of sin, and the forsaking of the world. It demands a heart fixed on Christ. “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17).
 
The warning of Lot’s wife is not written to terrify the believer, but to search the heart of the hypocrite and to awaken the careless professor. If you are resting in your church attendance, your upbringing, your knowledge–then remember Lot’s wife. If you are unwilling to forsake the world and to follow Christ–then remember Lot’s wife. If you are almost persuaded, almost a Christian, almost saved–remember Lot’s wife. If you are but almost saved–then you will be altogether damned!
 
“Remember Lot’s wife!” Let us take warning. Let us not dally with sin, linger in compromise, or toy with the world. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). For the soul that looks to Him in faith shall never be cast away, but the soul that loves the world will be lost forever.

Everyone needs a little kindness!

Don Fortner 
1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is kind“

Often, the best thing one man can give another is kindness. Oh, how sweet it is to hear a kind word, when your heart is breaking! How delightful it is to see a kind smile, when you have seen many growling faces! How pleasant it is to feel the kind embrace of a friend, when you have felt the betrayal of those you thought were your friends! Kindness is always right. Kindness is always in season. It is never wrong to be kind, but always good.

Kindness must have for its object: one who is weak, poor, fallen, outcast, down-trodden, or needy.

To be “kind” is to be useful, generous, sympathetic, and tender.

Kindness accommodates itself to the needs of its objects.
If a man offends–kindness forgives him.
If a person is fallen–kindness picks him up.
If one is hungry–kindness feeds him.
If a brother is lonely–kindness visits him.
If a sister is downcast–kindness encourages her.
If one is weak–kindness offers strength.
If one is needy–kindness helps.
If a person is afflicted, in trouble and hurting–kindness is tender-hearted.

Sometimes kindness is a word of appreciation, encouragement, or compliment. Sometimes it is a visit, a gift, or an expression of love. Everyone needs a little kindness. And those who love one another, are kind to one another. They overlook and find excuses for one another’s faults and failings. They speak well to one another, and about one another.

Kindness is never wrong.

God, give me grace to be kind to sinners like myself.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

The exclusivity of the Gospel

Charles Spurgeon, et al. 
In an age of religious pluralism and tolerance of error, the biblical teaching on the exclusivity of the gospel is essential, even though most people find it to be offensive.

Scripture leaves no room for ambiguity: there is only one way of salvation. There are not many paths to God, nor are there multiple gospels tailored to different groups. There is but one Savior, one gospel, and one way to eternal life. The way to Heaven is not left to our choice, but is revealed by God. And that way is Christ alone.

The apostle Paul, under divine inspiration, wrote with utmost clarity: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel–which is really no gospel at all!” He immediately pronounced a curse upon anyone who preached a gospel contrary to the one he had delivered (Galatians 1:6-8). There is no allowance for alternative methods of salvation. There is no second gospel for Jews, Muslims, sincere religious people, moralists, the heathen or the young. The gospel is singular, exclusive, and absolute.

Jesus Himself declared the narrowness of the way when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me!” (John 14:6). He did not say He was A way, but THE way. Faith in Jesus and His sin-atoning death is not one option among many, but the only gospel by which sinners can be reconciled to God. Peter echoed this exclusive claim when he boldly proclaimed, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved!” (Acts 4:12).

This one way of salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast!” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

To deny the exclusivity of the gospel, is to deny the very heart of the gospel. To suggest that sincere people in other religions can be saved apart from Jesus, is to make His sin-atoning death unnecessary, and His words untrue. It is a rejection of the only remedy for sin that God has provided.

There are not fifty ways to God–there is only one. The road is narrow, and it is marked with blood. Let us then stand firm, unashamed, and uncompromising in proclaiming the one true gospel–the only gospel that saves.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes!” Romans 1:16

The Beauty of Jesus

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

Song of Solomon 5:16, “Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!”

The soul that has been awakened by grace, drawn by the Spirit, and brought to behold the Lord Jesus through the eyes of faith, cannot help but echo this exclamation: “Yes, He is altogether lovely!” In . . .
every aspect of His person,
every office He holds,
every work He performs,
and every word He speaks
–Jesus is infinite in loveliness!
The redeemed heart, taught by the Spirit, finds no flaw in Him, and no rival to Him.

Consider the beauty of His PERSON. He is fully God and fully man–God manifest in the flesh. In Him, all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily. He is the brightness of the Father’s glory, the exact representation of His being. And yet, He is tender and lowly, gentle and accessible. The glory of His majesty does not drive sinners away–it draws them near. The same hand that upholds the universe, was stretched out to touch lepers and lift fallen sinners.

His CHARACTER is equally lovely. His holiness is not austere, but beautiful. His righteousness is not harsh, but winsome. He was full of grace and truth–never compromising either. In Him, mercy and justice meet. He never turned away the penitent, never coddled the proud, never failed to glorify His Father.
His every motive was pure,
His every word was true,
His every act was love.

The beauty of Jesus shines most in His sin-atoning sacrifice. He gave Himself for us. It was the grandest display of self-sacrificing love the world has ever seen! At the cross, we behold the perfection of His grace and justice meeting in breathtaking harmony. There is no beauty like the beauty of a bleeding Savior! None so lovely–as He who was scorned, despised, and crucified for us. Would you know the sweetness of Christ? Come near to Him–look into His wounds, sit beneath His cross, and ponder His dying love for you!

The beauty of His WORK is beyond comparison. Who else but the Son of God would willingly humble Himself to the death of the cross? Who else could bear the full weight of God’s wrath, and yet cry, “It is finished!” He loved His people to the uttermost. He purchased them with His own blood. He rose in triumph, intercedes with compassion, and will one day return in glory!

His beauty never fades. Unlike the passing charm of earthly things–Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The more He is known, the more He is loved. The more He is seen, the more He is desired. The more He is worshiped, the more the soul cries, “Show me more of Jesus!”

The longer we walk with Jesus, the more His beauty unfolds–dazzling us anew with His mercy, wisdom, and power. Beloved, take time today to meditate on the matchless beauty of Jesus. Look into His heart of love, His hand of power, His crown of glory. In each of these, He is altogether lovely!

Let us then join the voice of the bride in Song of Solomon: “This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!” Not merely a doctrine, not merely a Savior–but our Beloved. The One our souls love, the One who has loved us with an everlasting love. Let us gaze upon Him with adoring hearts, worship Him with reverent love, and long for that day when we shall see Him as He is, and be with Him forever!

“Lord Jesus, You are the altogether lovely One.
Captivate my heart with Your beauty.
Help me to . . .
know You more clearly,
love You more deeply,
and follow You more closely. Amen.”

The Preciousness of Jesus!

Wilhelmus à Brakel,
1 Peter 2:7, “To you who believe, He is precious!”

To the regenerate soul, Jesus Christ is the chief delight and treasure of the heart.

The world may see no beauty in Him, but to the one born of God, Jesus is altogether lovely and worthy of all of our love, honor, and adoration.

His preciousness lies first in His Person. In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and yet He took upon Himself true humanity. What mystery, that He who upholds all things by the word of His power, also humbled Himself to become obedient to death–even death on a cross! Who can fathom such condescension? Who is like this glorious Mediator, who is both the Son of God and the Son of Man?

Christ is also precious in His offices.

As Prophet, He reveals the Father’s will, teaching us the way of salvation with divine authority and tenderness.

As Priest, He offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, and ever lives to intercede for us.

As King, He rules over us with perfect righteousness and protects us from all our enemies. Each office meets our deepest need, and each one displays His surpassing worth.

Further, He is precious in His benefits. Who but Jesus can give . . .
  rest to the weary,
    peace to the troubled,
      righteousness to the guilty,
        and life to the dead?

His blood cleanses from all sin.

His Spirit renews the heart.

His intercession secures both our perseverance and preservation.

His promises are sure and sweet.

And His presence is the joy of the believer’s soul.

All the infinite treasures of grace are found in Him!

The more we grow in grace, the more Christ becomes our all. The soul cannot but long for Him, be satisfied with Him, and rejoice in Him above all things! This longing is not merely sentimental; it flows from a spiritual apprehension of His beauty through the Word and by the Spirit. This is the cry of every true Christian: “Whom have I in Heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You!” Psalm 73:25

Let us then prize Christ above all. Let us . . .
   seek Him diligently,
    love Him fervently,
      and trust Him implicitly.

Nothing but Jesus can truly satisfy the soul of men. In life and death, time and eternity–Jesus alone is the soul’s eternal portion and inheritance. O believer, cling to Him as your only treasure–for He is infinitely precious.

“Lord Jesus, open my heart more fully to see Your surpassing worth. Let the world grow dim, and let Your glory shine brighter in my heart. May I count all things loss for the sake of knowing You, and may my soul be ever ravished with Your loveliness. You are altogether precious. Amen.”

What are you doing, groaning through the world beneath a load of fears and cares? 

Thomas Guthrie, 1803-1873 
Matthew 10:29-31, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” 

There is no such thing as chance. All the reins that guide and govern the world, are gathered into the hands of Jesus. His care of His people extends to the most common, and apparently trivial matters; all are links in the golden chain of providence. 

Divine Providence is a comforting doctrine, too precious to be parted with! 
Let the thought that Jesus . . .
  watches over all your affairs, 
  and guards your welfare,
  and guides all your ways–
banish your every anxious care. 

I do not say that you will never be disappointed, but certainly you ought never to be discontented. Many things in your circumstances may occasion anxious thought, but nothing should cause or can excuse sinful repining. 

Child of God! He has numbered the hairs of your head, as well as the stars of Heaven!

Believer,  what are you doing, groaning through the world beneath a load of fears and cares? What should discourage you? What should disturb your peace? What can ruffle the calm spirit of a man who knows that the hands which were once nailed to the tree for him, now hold the helm of his destiny? The blessed Savior, who by love’s golden scepter reigns within his heart, holds sovereign sway over earth and Heaven; and . . . 
  by both bitter and sweet providences, 
  by both coffins and cradles, 
  by both disappointments and joys, 
  by both losses and gains, 
shall cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.