February 16, 2019 
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True Christianity!
(J.C. Ryle)
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain!” Philippians 1:21
True Christianity is not merely the believing a certain set of theological propositions.
It is to live in daily personal communication with an actual living person–Jesus the Son of God!
“The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!” Galatians 2:20
February 15, 2019 0 Comments
“Consider carefully how you listen!” Luke 8:18
We learn from this verse, the great importance of right hearing. The words of our Lord Jesus Christ ought to impress that lesson deeply on our hearts. He says, “Consider carefully how you listen!“
The degree of benefit which men receive from all the means of grace–depends entirely on the way in which they use them.
Private PRAYER lies at the very foundation of religion–yet the mere formal repetition of a set of words, when “the heart is far away”–does good to no man’s soul.
Reading the BIBLE is essential to the attainment of sound Christian knowledge–yet the mere formal reading of so many chapters as a task and duty, with out a humble desire to be taught of God, is little better than a waste of time.
Just as it is with praying and Bible reading–so it is with LISTENING. It is not enough that we go to Church and hear sermons. We may do so for fifty years, and be nothing bettered, but rather worse! “Consider carefully,” says our Lord, “how you listen!”
Would anyone know how to listen aright? Then let him lay to heart three simple rules:
For one thing, we must listen with FAITH, believing implicitly that every Word of God is true, and shall stand. The Word in old time did not profit the Jews, “not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” Hebrews 4:2
For another thing, we must listen with REVERENCE–remembering constantly that the Bible is the book of God. This was the habit of the Thessalonians. They received Paul’s message, “not as the word of men–but the Word of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Above all, we must listen with PRAYER–praying for God’s blessing before the sermon is preached, and praying for God’s blessing again when the sermon is over. Here lies the grand defect of the hearing of many. They ask no blessing–and so they receive none. The sermon passes through their minds like water through a leaky vessel, and leaves nothing behind.
Let us bear these rules in mind every Sunday morning, before we go to hear the Word of God preached. Let as not rush into God’s presence careless, reckless, and unprepared–as if it did not matter how we listened. Let us carry with us faith, reverence, and prayer. If these three are our companions–then we shall listen with profit, and return with praise!
February 14, 2019 0 Comments
They have often destroyed, by their daily lives–the whole work of their lips!
(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858)
“He told them: Take nothing for the journey–no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.” Luke 9:3-4
Let us observe that our Lord charges His apostles, when He sends them forth–to study simplicity of habits, and contentment with such things as they have.
These instructions contain a lesson for all time. The spirit of these verses is meant to be remembered by all ministers of the Gospel. The leading idea which the words convey–is a warning against worldliness and luxurious habits.
Well would it be for the world and the Church, if the warning had been more carefully heeded! From no quarter has Christianity received such damage–as it has from the hands of its own ministers! On no point have its ministers erred so much, and so often–as in the matter of personal worldliness, and luxury of life. They have often destroyed, by their daily lives–the whole work of their lips! They have given occasion to the enemies of religion to say that they love ease, and money, and earthly things–far more than souls.
From such ministers, may we pray daily that the Church may be delivered! They are a living stumbling-block in the way to Heaven. They are helpers to the cause of the devil–and not of God. The preacher whose affections are set on money, and finery and feasting, and pleasure-seeking–has clearly mistaken his vocation. He has forgotten his Master’s instructions. He is not an apostolic man!
February 13, 2019 0 Comments
Your daughter is dead!
(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858)
“While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. ‘Your daughter is dead!‘ he said.” Luke 8:49
Let us notice in this verse–how universal is the dominion which death holds over mankind. We see death coming to a rich man’s house, and tearing from him the desire of his eyes with a stroke!
Such tidings as these, are the bitterest cups which we have to drink in this world. Nothing cuts so deeply into man’s heart–as to part with beloved ones, and lay them in the grave. Few griefs are so crushing and heavy–as the grief of a parent over the death of an only child.
Death is indeed a cruel enemy! He makes no distinction in his attacks. He comes to the rich man’s mansion–as well as to the poor man’s cottage. He does not spare the young, the strong, and the beautiful–any more than the old, the infirm, and the grey-haired. Not all the gold of Australia, nor all the skill of doctors–can keep the hand of death from our bodies, in the day of his power. When the appointed hour comes, and God permits him to smite–then our worldly schemes must be broken off, and our darlings must be taken away and buried out of our sight.
These thoughts are melancholy, and few like to hear of them. The subject of death is one that men shut their eyes at, and refuse to look at. “All men think all men mortal, but themselves!” But why should we treat this great reality in this way? Why should we not rather look the subject of death in the face, in order that when our turn comes–we may be prepared to die?
Death will come to our houses, whether we like it or not. Death will take each of us away–despite our dislike to hearing about it. Surely it is the part of a wise man to get ready for this great change.
Why should we not be ready? There is one who can deliver us from the fear of death. Christ has overcome death, and “brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” He who believes on Him, has everlasting life. Though he dies–yet shall he live.
Let us believe in the Lord Jesus–and then death will lose his sting. We shall then be able to say with Paul, “To me, to die is gain!”Philippians 1:21
February 12, 2019 3 Comments
Think of all the hard things there are in your life
(Susannah Spurgeon, “Words of Cheer and Comfort for Sick and Sorrowful Souls!” 1898)
“Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You!” Jeremiah 32:17
“Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:26-27
Dear reader, your difficulties and trials may not be similar to those of “the weeping prophet”–but they are very real, and seemingly insurmountable to you. It is a fact that, of yourself, you can neither overcome nor endure them. So I want to remind you that the Lord’s hand is not shortened–that what was true of His power in Jeremiah’s time, is as certainly true today. Whatever present hardship may press upon you, or whatever burden may be weighing you down–you, yes, you may look up to Him with confident faith, and say, “There is nothing too hard for You!”
Oh, the blessed peace which such an assurance brings! I do not know what your particular sorrow or hardship may be–but I do know that, whatever its nature–cruel, or bitter, or hopeless–it is as “nothing” to Him! He is able to deliver you–as easily as you can call upon Him for support and help.
Now, dear friend, think of all the hard things there are in your life:
poor circumstances,
difficult duties,
grievous pains,
sore struggles,
bitter disappointments,
harsh words,
sinful thoughts,
a hard heart of your own,
a hard heart in others.
Gather all these, and many more together, and pile them one on another until you have one great mountain of afflictions–and your God still calmly asks the question: “Is there anything too hard for Me?”
When our hearts are weary of life’s cares and crosses, when our courage flags because of our helplessness, and we cry out with the patriarch, “All these things are against me!”–then what a support and stronghold is the fact that our God has all power in heaven and on earth! There is nothing too mighty for Him to manage–there is nothing too insignificant to escape His notice!Jeremiah’s faith . . .
sees no obstacles,
stumbles at no hindrances,
faints under no burden,
shrinks from no responsibilities
–because he realizes the sublime Omnipotence of God, and fortifies himself by calling to remembrance His “outstretched arm” in the creation of the heavens and the earth. Cannot we do likewise?
I took up a book in a leisure moment the other day, opened it carelessly, and this is what I read: “It is a scientifically proved fact, that this great globe on which we live, spins around on its axis at the rate of a thousand miles an hour, and propels through space in its orbit at a speed immensely greater!”
The thought of this, seemed almost to take away my breath! Was I calmly and constantly living in the swirl of such a stupendous miracle as this? Then surely I could say, “Ah, Lord God! there is nothing too hard for You! My little troubles and afflictions–howsmall they must be to You! Yet with what tender compassion, do You stoop from guiding the worlds in their courses–to support and comfort the hearts of those who fear You!”
Never let us give up in despair, while we have such a God to trust in. If there is a great mountain of sorrow or difficulty in your way, dear friend–do not be cast down by the darkness of its shadow. Your God can either make a way for you through it–or He can guide you around it–or, just as easily, He can carry you right over it! There is nothing too hard for Him! Expect Him to make the crooked things straight, and to bring the high things low. And while you keep humbly at His feet, He will work wondrously, and you shall see His salvation!
February 11, 2019 0 Comments
No sin can be little!
(John Bunyan)
No sin can be little, because it is committed against the great God of heaven and earth.
To commit little sins–the sinner must find a little god!
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace!” Ephesians 1:7
“The blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
February 10, 2019 0 Comments
February 9, 2019 0 Comments
The sword of God’s truth!
(Arthur Pink, “Faithfulness”)
“Their speech is filled with flattery.” Psalm 5:9
This is the identifying mark of the “hireling,” the false pastor. He aims at pleasing his hearers, making them feel satisfied with themselves, ever patting them on the back.
“But he who has My Word–let him speak My Word faithfully” (Jeremiah 23:28)–no matter how unpalatable it may be to the flesh, how much of a weariness to those who wish to have their ears tickled with novelties, or how loud the outcry against it is!
Ministerial faithfulness includes . . .
loyalty to his Master,
devotion to His interests,
steadfast adherence to the preaching of His Word,
dispensing the truth unto those whose souls are committed to Him,
not mixing it with his speculations, much less substituting false doctrine.
A far higher motive than the pleasing of his hearers must actuate and regulate ministerial service.
Faithful preaching will render the minister unpopular, and will empty churches–not fill them!
“Then you will know the truth–and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Souls are caught fast in the meshes of Satan’s lies–and nothing but the sword of God’s truth can cut them free!
“A faithful man–who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6). Why is this? Because it is the part of fallen human nature to take the line of least resistance, and choose the path easiest to the flesh. But remember, my reader, whoever you are, that, “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord–but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” (Proverbs 12:22)
“Be faithful unto death–and I will give you a crown of life!” (Revelation 2:10)
February 8, 2019 1 Comment
⇧ Me stood in front of Westminster Chapel ⇧
A few days ago Sarah & i finally got to visit Westminster Chapel. I’ve always wanted to visit since i first heard Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones preach via podcast and now on the MLJ Sermons iPhone app. As i listen to one of his sermons every night(there are around 1600 on the app) i’d always wanted to go and see.
The Chapel was closed but Sarah and i had a lovely Cappuccino in the Royal Quarters Cafe directly over the road.
Since i’m posting, I thought i’d add last nights sermon as i go through Ephesians(see Youtube video below) as it not only convicts and moves me….It also edifies and builds me up. It’s solid meat and a huge feast every time as he never fails to feed the sheep.
February 7, 2019 0 Comments
Tenderly and graciously does He deal with us!
(Francis Bourdillon, “A Psalm of Blessing!” 1864)
“For He knows how weak we are–He remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone–as though we had never been here! But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:14-17
The shortness and uncertainty of our lives–our weakness, frailty, and sinfulness–God knows them all. Tenderly and graciously does He deal with us! In His great mercy and compassion, He . . .
bears with us;
raises us when we fall;
strengthens us when we are weak; and
helps, guides, sustains and comforts us.
He has . . .
a perfect knowledge of our needs,
an unspeakable compassion for them,
and full power to supply them all.
His mercy is everlasting. It will never wear out–and never come to an end.
As for us, we are frail and short-lived. Let but a few years pass, and . . .
the strongest will have fallen to the sythe of death,
the longest-lived will have all passed away, and
our own course here below will have come to a close.
“Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone–as though we had never been here!”
Not so is the mercy of the Lord, and the things which He has prepared for those who love Him. They are from everlasting to everlasting. His promises will never fail. Jesus is . . .
an all-sufficient Savior,
an unfailing Advocate,
an everlasting portion!
Well may every believer join with the Psalmist in rejoicing and praising God,
“Praise the LORD, O my soul–all my inmost being, praise His holy name!
Praise the LORD, O my soul–and do not forget all His benefits!” Psalm 103:1-2
February 6, 2019 0 Comments
A man who hears many sermons
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long!” Psalm 119:97
It is well to meditate upon the things of God–because it is only by pondering the Scriptures, that we get the real nutriment out of them. A man who hears many sermons–is not necessarily well-instructed in the faith. We may read so many religious books that we overload our brains, and they may be unable to work under the weight of the great mass of paper and of printer’s ink.
The man who reads but one book, and that book his Bible, and then meditates much upon it–will be a better scholar in Christ’s school than he who merely reads hundreds of books, and does not meditate at all!
Oh, that we might get into the very heart of the Word of God–and get that Word into ourselves!
As I have seen the silkworm eat into the leaf and consume it, so ought we to do with the Word of the Lord–not crawl over its surface, but eat right into it until we have taken it into our inmost parts. It is idle merely to let the eye glance over the words, or to recollect the poetic expressions, or the historic facts; but it is blessed to eat into the very soul of the Bible until, at last, you come to talk in Scriptural language, and your very style is fashioned upon Scripture models–and, what is better still, your spirit is redolent with the words of the Lord!
“Your words were found, and I devoured them, and Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart!” Jeremiah 15:16
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful!” Joshua 1:8
February 5, 2019 0 Comments
The one who profits me most!
“Be an example to all believers . . .
in what you teach,
in the way you live,
in your love, your faith and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
I will name some of the criteria by which I measure the helpfulness of a preacher or writer to my own soul.
The one who profits me most, is the man . . .
whose ministry brings the most awe of a holy and sovereign God into my heart,
who reveals my sinfulness and failures to me,
who conveys the most light on my path of duty,
who makes Christ most precious to me,
who encourages me to press forward along the narrow way.
“Watch your life and doctrine closely.” 1 Timothy 4:16
February 4, 2019 1 Comment
The hen which does not sit on her eggs!
(Charles Spurgeon, “Flowers from a Puritan’s Garden” 1883)
“A hen that soon leaves her nest, never hatches her chicks.”
How can she? Patience is needed, and the quiet self-denial by which she renders up the warmth of her heart–otherwise her eggs will lie as dead as stones!
Just so, a sudden glance at truth without meditation upon it, does not profit. The value of truth will never be known, by those who look at it and hurry on. They must brood over it, and cover it with their heart’s love–or it will never become living truth to their souls. We must apply ourselves to a doctrine, giving our whole soul and heart to it–or we shall miss the blessing.
Lord, when I hear a sermon, or read in a good book–let me not be as the hen which neither sits on her eggs, nor hatches them. But make me to ponder Your Word, and to rejoice over it as one who finds great spoil.
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful!” Joshua 1:8
February 3, 2019 0 Comments
Alas, how cold are our hearts, how trifling are our thoughts, how small is our zeal and love!
(Francis Bourdillon, “We Need Stirring Up!” 1864)
“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you!” 2 Peter 1:12-13
We need stirring up–not so much to be taught something new, as to be stirred up as to what we have learned already.
Most of us have long ago been taught the facts and doctrines of the gospel. Probably we know them well. Perhaps we are even firmly “established in the present truth.” We have learned of Heaven and Hell and eternity. We have been taught our lost estate as sinners, and that Jesus died for sinners–that His precious blood has atoned for sin, that He has opened the way for us to the throne of grace and to acceptance with God. We have heard of death and of judgment–and of the uncertainty of life and the shortness of time. We have been told . . .
of Satan’s devices,
of the value of prayer,
of the mercy and love of God in Christ,
and of the work of the Spirit.
What is our spiritual state, after so much teaching? Alas, how cold are our hearts, how trifling are our thoughts, how small is our zeal and love! How little we have of deep sorrow for sin–and how little sincere faith in Jesus! Where are the fruits of the Spirit in us? Where is . . .
that deep concern,
that earnest desire,
that prayerfulness,
that watchfulness,
that warmth of feeling,
that pressing toward the mark–
which might be expected in those who have learned such things?
We need stirring up!
We should stir ourselves up by the Word of God.
Let us apply it to ourselves and take it as if addressed to us.
Let us not listen to it or read it carelessly–but as the message of God to us!
Let us not be hearers only–but doers of the Word . . .
receiving it as God’s message,
pondering it in our minds,
applying it to ourselves,
believing it, and
striving to live by it!
Let us also pray for the quickening influence of God’s Holy Spirit. This alone can really . . .
stir the depths of our hearts,
rouse us from spiritual sloth and
give us new earnestness and zeal!
February 2, 2019 0 Comments
Nothing more quickly or truly indicates an irreverent and undevout mind!
“Our Father in Heaven, may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9
Nothing more quickly or truly indicates an irreverent and undevout mind, than levity on sacred subjects. The individual who can provoke a smile, or indulge in a cleverness, or shape a witticism–at the expense of what is divine and sacred–is blasphemous indeed! He who can treat in a light manner any religious subject, who can turn the Bible into a jest-book, and intersperse secular conversation with religious phraseology or Scripture language in sport–will the great God hold such an irreverent and profane mind guiltless?
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain–for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain!” Exodus 20:7
February 1, 2019 1 Comment
How loudly and persuasively does His conduct preach!
(Edward Payson, 1783-1827)
“He who says he abides in Christ, ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6
It was highly important and desirable that the Lord Jesus should not only describe Christianity in His discourses, but exemplify it in His life and conduct. In Him, we see pure and undefiled religion embodied. In Him, Christianity lives and breathes. How convincing, how animating is our Savior’s example! How loudly and persuasively does His conduct preach!
Would you learn submission to parental authority? See Him, notwithstanding His exalted character, cheerfully subjecting Himself to the will of His parents; and laboring with them, as a carpenter, for almost thirty years.
Would you learn contentment with a poor and low condition? See Him destitute of a place where to lay His head.
Would you learn active beneficence? See Him going about doing good.
Would you learn to be fervent and constant in devotional exercises? See Him rising for prayer before the dawn of day.
Would you learn in what manner to treat your brethren? See Him washing His disciples’ feet.
Would you learn filial piety? See Him forgetting His sufferings, while in the agonies of death–to provide another son for His desolate mother.
Would you learn in what manner to pray for relief under afflictions? See Him in the garden of Gethsemane.
Would you learn how to bear insults and injuries? See Him on the cruel cross!
In short, there is no Christian grace or virtue, which is not beautifully exemplified in His life.
There is scarcely any situation, however perplexing, in which the Christian, who is at a loss to know how he ought to act–may not derive sufficient instruction from the example of his divine Master.
“Leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
January 31, 2019 0 Comments
Fanning the inextinguishable fire, and sharpening the tooth of the immortal worm!
(Edward Payson, 1783-1827)
If you would learn the full extent of that wretchedness which sin produces--then you must follow it into the eternal world, and descend into those regions where peace and hope never come. There behold sin tyrannizing over its wretched victims with uncontrollable fury–fanning the inextinguishable fire, and sharpening the tooth of the immortal worm!
See angels and archangels, thrones and dominions, principalities and powers–stripped of all their original glory and beauty–bound in eternal chains, and burning with rage and malice against that Being in whose presence they once rejoiced, and whose praises they once sang!
See multitudes of the human race, in unutterable agonies of anguish and despair–cursing the Giver and Prolonger of their existence, and vainly wishing for annihilation to put an end to their miseries.
Follow them through the long, long ages of eternity–and see them sinking deeper and deeper in the bottomless abyss of ruin! View them perpetually blaspheming God because of their plagues, and receiving the punishment of these blasphemies in continued additions to their wretchedness.
Such are the wages of sin–such the doom of the finally impenitent!
From these depths of anguish and despair–look up to the mansions of the blessed, and see to what a height of glory and felicity, the grace of God will raise every sinner who repents. See those who are thus favored in unutterable ecstasies of joy, love, and praise–beholding God face to face, reflecting His perfect image, shining with a splendor like that of their glorious Redeemer, and bathing in those rivers of pleasure which flow forever at God’s right hand!
January 30, 2019 0 Comments
Do you ask why He is angry?
I answer:
He is angry to see rational, immortal and accountable beings–spending twenty, forty, or sixty years in trifling and sin; serving numerous idols, lusts, and vanities, and living as if death were an eternal sleep!
He is angry to see you forgetting your Maker in childhood, in youth, in manhood–and making no returns for all His benefits.
He is angry to see you casting off His fear and rebelling against Him–who has nourished and sustained you.
He is angry to see you laying up treasures on earth–and not in Heaven.
He is angry to see you seeking everything in preference to the one thing needful.
He is angry to see you loving the praise of men more than the praise of God; and fearing those who can only kill the body, more than Him who has power to cast both soul and body into Hell.
He is angry to see that you disregard alike His threatenings and His promises, His judgments and His mercies.
He is angry that you bury in the earth the talents He has given you, and bring forth no fruit to His glory.
He is angry that you neglect His Word and His Son, and perish in impenitency and unbelief.
These are sins of which every person, in an unconverted state, is guilty. And for these things God is angry–daily angry, greatlyand justly angry! And unless His anger is speedily appeased, it will most certainly prove your everlasting destruction!
January 28, 2019 0 Comments
He will sustain you!
“Cast your burden upon the Lord–and He will sustain you.” Psalm 55:22
The promise is not that the Lord will remove the load we cast upon Him, nor that He will carry it for us–but that He will sustain us so that we may carry it.
He does not free us from the duty–but He strengthens us for it.
He does not deliver us from the conflict–but He enables us to overcome.
He does not withhold or withdraw the trial from us–but He helps us in trial to be submissive and victorious, and makes it a blessing to us.
He does not mitigate the hardness or severity of our circumstances, taking away the difficult elements, removing the thorns, making life easy for us–but He puts Divine grace into our hearts, so that we can live sweetly in all the hard, adverse circumstances.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Philippians 4:13
January 26, 2019 0 Comments
A clean path to Hell!
(Charles Spurgeon)
Unbelief will destroy the best of us!
Faith will save the worst of us!
There is a clean path to Hell–as well as a dirty one.
You will be lost if you trust to your good works–as surely as if you trusted in your sins.
There is a road to perdition along the ‘highway of morality’–as surely as down the ‘slough of vice’!
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us!” Titus 3:5
January 23, 2019 0 Comments
Jesus Christ is completely sufficient!
“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power!” Colossians 2:9-10
One of the great tenets of Scripture, is the claim that Jesus Christ is completely sufficient for all matters of life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4)!
He is sufficient for:
creation (Colossians 1:16-17)
salvation (Hebrews 10:10-12)
sanctification (Ephesians 5:26-27)
and glorification (Romans 8:30).
So pure is He, that there is no blemish, stain, spot of sin, defilement, deception, corruption, error, or imperfection in Him! (1 Peter 1:18-20)
So complete is He, that . . .
there is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5)
He is the only begotten Son (John 1:14, John 1:18)
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him (Colossians 2:3)
the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Him (Colossians 2:9)
He is heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2)
He created all things–and all things were made
by Him, through Him, and for Him (Colossians 1:16)
He upholds all things by the word of His power (Colossians 1:17, Hebrews 1:3)
He is the firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1:15)
He is the exact representation of God (Hebrews 1:3).
He has no beginning and no end (Revelation 1:17-18)
He is the spotless Lamb of God (John 1:29)
He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14)
He is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1)
He is our life (Colossians 3:4)
He is the living and true Way (John 14:6)
He is the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16)
He is Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11)
He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2)
He is Captain of our Salvation (Hebrews 2:10)
He is the Elect One (Isaiah 42:1)
He is the Apostle and High-Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1)
He is the Righteous Servant (Isaiah 53:11).
He is the Lord Almighty (Malachi 3:17)
He is the Redeemer (Isaiah 41:14)
He is the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 54:5)
He is the God of the whole earth (Isaiah 54:5)
He is the Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3)
He is the Light of the world (John 9:5)
He is the Son of Man (Matthew 20:28)
He is the true Vine (John 15:5)
He is the Bread of Life (John 6:48)
He is the Door to Heaven (John 10:7)
He is the Sovereign Lord (Philippians 2:10-13)
He is Prophet, Priest and King (Hebrews 1:1-3)
He is our Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9)
He is our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)
He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
He is the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)
He is the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5)
He is the Rock of Salvation (Psalm 62:2)
He is the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13)
He is the Counselor and Comforter (John 14:26)
He is the Messiah (John 4:25-26) and
He is the great I AM (John 8:58)!
January 19, 2019 1 Comment
Yet it is a profitable loss!
(Thomas Charles, “The Benefits of Affliction” 1838)
“God disciplines us for our profit, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:10-11
Inasmuch as God has assured us that He causes all things to work together for our good–patience and resignation to the divine will in all things, is our duty. In His good time He may allow us to see such wisdom and goodness in all of our circumstances, as to fill our hearts with transports of joy. To follow Him is our part–without murmuring or complaining.
Nothing befalls us without a cause–no trouble comes upon us sooner, or presses more heavily, or continues longer–than what God knows that our case requires. What our short-sighted ignorance calls adversities or evils–are in reality and truth, well-designed and gracious blessings, and form a part of the means employed by God’s goodness and grace, to prepare us for the exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Away then with all impatience and all murmurings!
All our desire in this world, should be to live holily and live usefully–and affliction, by the blessing of God, has great influence in promoting both. Sanctified affliction greatly promotes holiness, and is also a great preparative for usefulness. It is working out at the same time a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory in the eternal world. God always chastens us, for our profit. Though we may thereby lose earthly comforts, ease and enjoyments–yet it is a profitable loss. What we lose in these things–we gain in holiness. It is for our profit, to become partakers of His holiness.
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28
January 18, 2019 1 Comment
How kind and merciful Christ is to dull and slow believers
(J.C. Ryle)
“Then He said to Thomas: Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” John 20:27
We should mark in this verse, how kind and merciful Christ is to dull and slow believers. Nowhere, perhaps, in all the four Gospels, do we find this part of our Lord’s character so beautifully illustrated as in the story before our eyes.
It is hard to imagine anything more tiresome and provoking than the conduct of Thomas, when even the testimony of ten faithful brethren had no effect on him, and he doggedly declared, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side–I will not believe!” John 20:25
But it is impossible to imagine anything more patient and compassionate, than our Lord’s treatment of this weak disciple. He does not reject him, or dismiss him, or excommunicate him. He comes again at the end of a week, and apparently for the special benefit of Thomas. He deals with him according to his weakness, like a gentle nurse dealing with a froward child, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side.” If nothing but the plainest, coarsest, most material evidence could satisfy him–even that evidence was supplied. Surely this was a love that surpasses knowledge, and a patience that passes understanding.
A passage of Scripture like this, we need not doubt, was written for the special comfort of all true believers. The Holy Spirit knew well that the dull, and the slow, and the stupid, and the doubting–are by far the commonest type of disciples in this evil world. The Holy Spirit has taken care to supply abundant evidence that Jesus is rich in patience as well as compassion, and that He bears with the infirmities of all His people.
Let us take care that we drink into our Lord’s spirit, and copy His example. Let us never set down men as godless, because their faith is feeble and their love is cold. Let us remember the case of Thomas–and be very compassionate and of tender mercy.
Our Lord has . . .
many weak children in His family,
many dull pupils in His school,
many raw soldiers in His army,
many lame sheep in His flock.
Yet He bears with them all, and casts none away.
Happy is that Christian who has learned to deal likewise with his brethren. There are many in the Church, who, like Thomas, are dull and slow–but for all that, like Thomas, are real and true believers.
January 17, 2019 0 Comments
God washes and scours, trains and nurtures them!
Frankincense, when it is put into the fire–gives off the greater perfume.
Spice, if it is pounded and beaten–smells the sweeter.
The earth, when it is torn up with the plough–becomes more fruitful.
The seed in the ground, after frost and snow and winter storms–grows the thicker.
The nearer the vine is pruned to the stock–the larger grapes it yields.
The grape, when it is most pressed and beaten–makes the sweetest wine.
Linen, when it is washed and wrung and beaten–is so made fairer and whiter.
In the same way, the children of God receive great benefit by affliction–for by it God washes and scours, trains and nurtures them.
“Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit!” John 15:2
January 16, 2019 0 Comments
Self-sins!
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves” 2 Timothy 3:1-2
(A.W. Tozer)
We all have a number of self-sins:
self-righteousness,
self-pity,
self-confidence,
self-sufficiency,
self-admiration,
self-worth,
self-love and
a host of others like them!
These self-sins are not something we do, they are something we are–and therein lies both their subtlety and their power. They dwell too deep within us and are too much a part of our natures, to come to our attention–until the light of God is focused upon them.
The grosser manifestations of these sins–egotism, pride, arrogance, self-elevation, self-promotion–are strangely tolerated in Christian leaders, even in circles of impeccable orthodoxy! They are so much in evidence as actually, for many people, to become identified with the gospel. I trust that it is not a cynical observation to say that they appear these days to be a requisite for popularity in some sections of the visible Church.
Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ–is currently so common as to excite little notice!
“They do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely” Philippians 1:17
January 15, 2019 0 Comments
Home, sweet home! There is no place like home!
(James Smith, “Rills from the Rock of Ages”, 1860)
“These all died in faith . . . they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” Hebrews 11:13
The day of life with them is ended. Its duties are ended. Its responsibilities are past. Its hours are fled away.
What a trying day some of them had! How stormy. How sultry. How often overcast. How gloomy. But it is now past–and past forever! The toils of the wilderness are over! They had much to afflict and pain them . . .
a difficult and dangerous journey,
a long wearisome march,
many a heavy cross to carry,
many a stubborn foe to face,
many a painful doubt,
numerous gloomy fears.
But now the wilderness is all behind them! The afflictions of the pilgrimage are terminated. Those sufferings were sharp, and some of them continued long. Many of them were endured in secret, without sympathy and without relief. They were soul sorrows, agony of mind–as well as sharp pains of body. But however multiplied, however severe, however protracted those sorrows–they are past and gone, never, never to return!
The sweetest repose is now enjoyed. The poor tabernacle has been taken down, and is laid in a quiet resting-place until the resurrection morning. The soul is gone to be with Jesus. It has traveled through the rough path of life–and is now in God’s presence, where there is fullness of joy, and pleasures for evermore!
As Christians, we are going to the same place. The graves will soon be ready for our bodies–and the mansions of glory for our souls. We are going home! Home to our Father’s house! Home where our hearts have long been. Home where all our prayers will be answered, and all our best desires will be gratified. “Home, sweet home! There is no place like home!” Especially our home! Aparadise without a tempting serpent! A paradise where all are holy, all are safe, all are happy. Those pure and perpetual joys, which are at God’s right hand, await us! We taste them now and are delighted with a sip–but there we shall soon drink full draughts of eternal glory, eternal joy, and eternal blessedness!
Amidst present toils and trials, dangers and distresses–when wearied, way-worn, and tempted to fret–remember that you will soon be HOME! Think, think, O my soul, of an eternity of enjoyment–when the sufferings of time are ended!
“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away!” Revelation 21:3-4
(Please forward this uplifting post to all of your Christian friends who are going through times of affliction.)
January 14, 2019 1 Comment
What are you doing with your time?
(J.R. Miller)
“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time” Ephesians 5:15-16
Our days, as God gives them to us–are like beautiful summer fields.
The hours are like trees with their rich fruit, or vines with their blossoms of purple clusters.
The minutes are like blooming flowers, or stalks of wheat with their golden grains.
Oh the endless, blessed possibilities of our days and hours and minutes–as they come to us from God’s hands!
But what did you do with yesterday? How does the little acre of that one day look to you now?
What are you doing with your time? Every moment God gives you, has in it a possibility of beauty or usefulness–as well as something to be accounted for.
Are you using your time for God?
“Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life!” Psalm 39:4
Jeremy Taylor: “God has given to man a short time here upon earth, and yet upon this short time eternity depends!”
Ryle: “No time is so well spent in every day–as that which we spend upon our knees.”
Spurgeon: “Time is short. Eternity is long. It is only reasonable that this short life be lived in the light of eternity!”
“So teach us to number our days–that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
January 11, 2019 1 Comment
The Christian is not a good man
(Martyn Lloyd Jones)
The Christian is not a good man.
He is a vile wretch who has been save by the grace of God!
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“When we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son” Romans 5:10
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst!” 1 Timothy 1:15
January 10, 2019 0 Comments
A beloved child–watched over, cared for, supplied and defended!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“The Lord takes pleasure in His people!” Psalm 149:4
How comprehensive is the love of Jesus! There is no part of His people’s interests that He does not consider; and there is nothing that concerns their welfare, which is not important to Him. Not merely does He think of you, believer, as an immortal being–but as a mortal being, also. Do not deny it or doubt it: “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in His way.” Believer, rest assured that the heart of Jesus cares about your common affairs.
The breadth of His tender love is such that you may resort to Him in all matters; for as a father pities his children, so does He pity you. Oh, what a heart is His–which comprehends all the diverse and innumerable concerns of all His redeemed people!
Do you think that you can measure the love of Christ? Think of what His love has brought you–justification, adoption, sanctification and eternal life! The riches of His goodness are unsearchable–you shall never be able to count them out or even conceive of them all. Oh, the breadth of the love of Christ! You are no desolate wanderer, but a beloved child–watched over, cared for, supplied and defended by your Lord!
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book!” Psalm 56:8
January 9, 2019 0 Comments
They are all gone!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“If you, O Lord, should keep a record of our sins–Lord, who could stand before You?” Psalm 130:3
“I–yes, I alone–will blot out your sins for My own sake, and will never remember them again!” Isaiah 43:25
“You will tread our sins underfoot, and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea!” Micah 7:19
All our transgressions are swept away at once, carried off as by a flood! They are so completely removed from us–that no guilty trace of them remains! They are all gone!
Oh, believers, think of this, for it is no little thing.
Sins against a holy God,
sins against His loving Son,
sins against the Gospel–as well as against the Law,
sins against man–as well as against God,
sins of the body–as well as sins of the mind,
sins as numerous as the sands on the seashore, and as great as the sea itself
–all, all are removed from us–as far as the east is from the west!
All this evil was rolled into one great mass and laid upon Jesus! Having borne it all, He has made an end of it forever. When the Lord forgave us, He forgave us the whole debt. He did not take the bill and say, “I strike out this item, and that item”–but the pen went through it all: Paid in full!
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth–so great is His faithful love toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west–so far has He removed our transgressions from us!” Psalm 103:11-12
“My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”
Horatio Spafford
January 6, 2019 1 Comment
Not one grain too much!
(Henry Ward Beecher, 1813-1887)
“Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” Hebrews 12:7
Affliction comes to us all:
not to make us sad–but sober;
not to make us sorry–but to make us wise;
not to impoverish us–but to enrich us!
We are always in the furnace–or on the anvil.
By trials, God is shaping us for nobler things.
Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things!
No physician ever weighed out medicine to his patients with half so much care and exactness, as God weighs out every trial to His children. Not one grain too much, does He ever permit to be put in the scale!
The troubles and worries of life may be as stumbling blocks in our way–or we may make them stepping-stones to a nobler character and to Heaven.
“Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:10-11
January 4, 2019 1 Comment
Worse than Hell!
(Thomas Watson, “Religion Our True Interest”)
Sin is the only evil thing–it is the evil of evils!
Sin is the poison which the old serpent spat into our virgin nature!
In sin there is both pollution and enmity. Sin is compared to a “thick cloud” (Isaiah 44:22), which not only hides the light of God’s face–but brings down showers of His wrath!
Sin is worse than all evils. There is more evil in a drop of sin–than in a sea of affliction!
Sin is the cause of all evil. Out of this viperous womb of sin, come “evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.”
Sin is the quintessence of evil.
Sin puts a sting into death (1 Corinthians 15:56).
Sin is worse than Hell! Hell is a burden only to the sinner–but sin is a burden to God! Amos 2:13
January 2, 2019 0 Comments
A New Year’s Resolution
(Matthew Henry)
“My times are in Your hand!” Psalm 31:15
Firmly believing that my times are in God’s hand, I here submit myself and all my affairs for the ensuing year, to the wise and gracious disposal of God’s divine providence. Whether God appoints for me . . . .
health or sickness,
peace or trouble,
comforts or crosses,
life or death–
may His holy will be done!
All my time, strength, and service, I devote to the honor of the Lord Jesus–and even my common actions. It is my earnest expectation, hope, and desire, my constant aim and endeavor–that Jesus Christ may be magnified in me.
In everything I have to do–my entire dependence is upon Jesus Christ for strength. And whatever I do in word or deed, I desire to do all in His name, to make Him my Alpha and Omega. I have all from Him–and I would use all for Him.
If this should prove a year of affliction, a sorrowful year to me–I will fetch all my supports and comforts from the Lord Jesus and stay myself upon Him, His everlasting consolations, and the good hope I have in Him through grace.
And if it should be my dying year–then my times are in the hand of the Lord Jesus. And with a humble reliance upon His mediation, I would venture into the eternal world looking for the blessed hope. Dying as well as living–Jesus Christ will, I trust, be gain and advantage to me.
Oh, that the grace of God may be sufficient for me, to keep me always a humble sense of my own unworthiness, weakness, folly, and infirmity–together with a humble dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ for both righteousness and strength.
~ ~ ~ ~
“Remember that your life is short, your duties are many, your assistance is great, and your reward is sure. Therefore faint not, persevere in ways of holiness–and Heaven shall make amends for all!” Thomas Brooks
December 31, 2018 0 Comments
The devil’s chessboard!
(Charles Spurgeon, “Flowers from a Puritan’s Garden” 1883)
“So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes!” 2 Corinthians 2:11
“Be watchful; the world is the devil’s chessboard! You can hardly move backward or forward, but he is ready to attack you with some temptation!”
Those who play at the game of chess know that great caution is needed. Your opponent is working toward a design of which you know nothing; and while you imagine that you are doing exceedingly well, he is entrapping you!
The game of life, as against Satan, is one in which . . .
his maneuvers and artifice,
his long practice and stratagems,
his superior skill and deceptiveness,
and his unscrupulous schemes–
give him an immense advantage over our poor self-conceited folly!
Lord, help us! You know our adversary; be pleased to deliver us out of his hand.
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes!” Ephesians 6:11
December 23, 2018 0 Comments
A head full of froth!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“I hate vain thoughts–but I love Your law!” Psalm 119:113
Many of you know more about your magazines and novels–than what God has written in His holy Word!
Many of you will read a novel from the beginning to the end, and what have you got? A head full of froth when you are done! But you cannot read the Bible–that solid, lasting, substantial, and satisfying food goes uneaten, locked up in the cupboard of neglect–while anything that man writes, a best-seller of the day–you greedily devour!
“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things!” Psalm 119:37
December 21, 2018 0 Comments
The Great Physician and His patients!
(George Everard, “The Great Physician and His Patients” 1874)
“Those who are well have no need of a Physician, but those who are sick.” Luke 5:31
Our Great Physician possesses the most perfect skill to discern the peculiar needs of each case. He sees the working of all this sinand corruption and hardness of heart–and He can counteract it all by His all-sufficient grace. Before you have spoken a word, when you kneel down and cast yourself upon His mercy–He is prepared to forgive and save. Christ knows beforehand all that you are, and cannot fail to support His tempted or afflicted child.
In Christ there is not only Divine wisdom to discern every case of spiritual disease–but He also has Divine power completely to effect a cure. When He was upon earth, none were sent away unhealed. The blind and the lame, the deaf and the dumb, the palsied and the lepers, those possessed with demons and the dead–all alike were healed immediately by the touch of Jesus. “The whole multitude sought to touch Him–for virtue went out of Him, and healed them ALL.”
Thus completely and surely does Jesus restore all who come to Him. He can . . .
open the eyes long closed in the night of ignorance,
strengthen those who have yet had no power to walk in God’s ways,
unstop the ear long deaf to the sweet voice of the Gospel,
teach the prayerless lips to plead with God,
remove the paralysis of a careless indifference,
cleanse souls from the leprosy of debasing lusts,
cast out the evil spirits of envy, and hatred and unbelief,
save men from the fever of covetousness, and every evil temper.
His power, when on earth, reached to the very worst cases of disease! The man full of leprosy, and the woman whom other physicians had tried in vain to cure–both came, and others just as hopeless, and all were alike healed. Yes, and I see Jesus day by day saving such as man might reckon beyond the reach of His saving arm.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
December 15, 2018 0 Comments
A high esteem of yourself?
(Charles Spurgeon)
A high esteem of yourself?
You are not a mature Christian, if you have a high esteem of yourself.
He who boasts in himself is but a babe in Christ–if indeed he is in Christ at all.
Young Christians may think much of themselves.
Growing Christians think themselves nothing.
Mature Christians know that they are less than nothing.
The more holy we are, the more we mourn our infirmities, and the humbler is our estimate of ourselves.
“Though I am nothing.” 2 Corinthians 12:11
“Although I am less than the least of all God’s people . . .” Ephesians 3:8
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15
Wonderful was the grace that taught the once proud Pharisee thus to speak!
Pride may be set down as “the sin” of human nature.
The demon of pride was born with us–and it will not die one hour before us!
We are never so much in danger of being proud–as when we think we are humble.
There is no sin into which the heart of man so easily falls as pride–and yet there is no more vice which is more frequently, more emphatically, and more eloquently condemned in Scripture.
We are all proud. Pride can hide under a beggar’s rags–as well as under a minister’s robes. Pride is a weed that will grow on a dunghill–as well as in a palace garden; but it ought never to be allowed to grow in the heart of a Christian!
No matter how dear you are to God–if pride is harbored in your heart, He will whip it out of you!
September 1, 2018 1 Comment
The false doctrine of universal redemption!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep!” John 10:11
I would like to die talking of this blessed doctrine of substitutionary atonement and I intend, by divine grace, to live proclaiming it, for it is the keystone of the Gospel! Jesus Christ literally took upon Himself the transgression and iniquity of His people, and was made a curse for them, seeing that they had fallen under the wrath of God! For them, He has taken away the penalty and the curse due to sin.
The false doctrine of universal redemption–that Christ died for the damned in Hell and suffered the torment of those who afterwards are tormented forever–seems to me to be detestable, subversive of the whole Gospel, and destructive of the only pillar upon which our hopes can be built!
Christ stood in the place of His elect–for them He made a full atonement–for them He so suffered that not a sin of theirs shall ever be laid at their door. As the Father’s love embraced them–so the death of His Son reconciled them.
We hold most firmly the doctrine of particular redemption–that Christ loved His Church, and gave Himself for it.
The only limit of the atonement is in its design–and that design was that Christ should give eternal life to as many as the Father has given Him.
“Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for her!” Ephesians 5:25
August 31, 2018 0 Comments
Some thoughts on idolatry!
“These men have set up their idols in their hearts!” Ezekiel 14:3
“Their heart went after their idols!” Ezekiel 20:16
“We are all born idolaters!” Thomas Watson
“An idol is an idol–whether worshiped inwardly in heart, or adorned outwardly by the knee.” J.C. Philpot
“Every one of us is, from his mother’s womb, expert in inventing idols. Man’s nature, so to speak, is a perpetual idol factory!” John Calvin
“An idol of the mind is as offensive to God as an idol of the hand.” A.W. Tozer
“O wretched idol, MYSELF!” Samuel Rutherford
“If we are indeed Christians–we have broken a great many idols. We have still some more to break–and we must keep the hammer going until they are all broken!” Charles Spurgeon
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!” Ezekiel 14:6
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols!” 1 John 5:21
August 30, 2018 0 Comments
Almost saved!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“Then Agrippa said to Paul: You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” Acts 26:28
To be almost saved–is to be altogether lost!
There are many in Hell who once were almost saved–but who are now altogether damned!
Think of that, you who are not far from the Kingdom. It is being in the Kingdom that saves the soul–not being near the Kingdom.
“You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” Mark 12:34
August 29, 2018 0 Comments
What gives the world its fatal charms?
(E.M. Bounds, “The World!”)
“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other–or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Luke 16:13
The world is one of the Christian’s enemies which must be fought and conquered on the way to Heaven. The Christian life is represented as a training school, in which to deny worldly desires is one part of its curriculum.
There is no more fundamental statement in Scripture, than that the world is to be renounced by every true disciple of Christ–and that to love the world and the things of the world, puts us in open and standing enmity to God. By virtue of our love or friendship to the world–we are the enemies of God.
Christ Jesus lays it down as an obvious truth that between the world and His disciples, there would be hatred. To serve two opposing masters is impossible. The call of Christ when accepted and obeyed, becomes at once the secret and the source of the world’s hatred.
Jesus declares the native and inevitable enmity of the world to His followers: “The world has hated them, because they are not of the world–even as I am not of the world.” Again, in His high-priestly prayer, He declares this distinct and eternal separation and conflict: “They are not of the world–even as I am not of the world.” By virtue of their relation to Christ–they are separated from, and are in conflict with, the world.
The love of the world is hostile to and destructive of, the love of God. The two cannot co-exist. Yet many modern church members and church goers are friends of the world–its advocates and lovers.
“You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore would be the friend of the world, makes himself an enemy of God!” James 4:4. Friendship with the world is God’s greatest enemy. Love of the world violates our marriage vows to Jesus.
Nothing is more explicit than this, nothing is more commanding, authoritative and more exacting. “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. Nothing is more offensive to God, nothing is more criminal, more abominable, more violative of the most sacred relationship of the soul with God.
It remains true to this hour, that all the genuine disciples of Jesus are not of the world–but are chosen out of the world, have leftthe world, have renounced the world, and are crucified to the world.
What gives the world its fatal charms? What makes its enchantment so lethal? What makes it a deadly foe to Christ, and which poisons us against Heaven?
The world is the devil’s pawn. The world gets its deadly and fascinating snares from the devil. The world is not simply the ally, but is the instrument and the agent of Satan.
The world’s opposition and enmity have been always against the Christian–and often its smiles are more fatal than its hate!
August 27, 2018 0 Comments
Heaven’s richest treasure!
(Gleanings from the Inner Life of Ruth Bryan)
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers–but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect!” 1 Peter 1:18-19
I wonder why dear saints do not talk with more ardor about Him who has, in love to our souls, brought them up from the pit of corruption.
Oh! what it cost Him! Price beyond all computing! Heaven’s richest treasure–paid for worms of earth!
Oh! the wonders and blessedness of union to such a rich Husband, who thought not His own precious blood too much for my ransom!
Oh, that my heart were a ten-stringed instrument, and my life a living epistle–in which all might read Him. But, alas! it is so blotted over with unbelief and other sins, that it is hard to pick out His dear name in most of the pages!
Oh! when I see Him face to face, and behold those love-prints in His glorious body, what shall I feel? That will be Heaven–not one of harps and crowns, or of anything else–but JESUS and the open vision of His unveiled glories, the ineffable glories of Deity, and perfect beauties of humanity ever beaming with new effulgence in the person of our Bridegroom! Then shall we reflect His glory, and show forth His praise!
Eternal praises to the worthy Lamb!
August 25, 2018 0 Comments
We would soon hear all the dogs of Hell baying with all their might against us!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:19
There would be much more persecution than there is–if there were more real Christians. But we have become so like the world, that the world does not hate us as it once did. If we would be more holy, more true, more Christ-like, more godly–we would soon hear all the dogs of Hell baying with all their might against us!
Remember, my brethren, whoever you may be, that if there is no distinction between you and the world around you–then you may be certain that you are of the world. For, there must always be some marks in the children of God to distinguish them from the ungodly. There is a something in them which is not to be found in the best worldling–something which is not to be discovered in the most admirable carnal man. A something in their character which can be readily perceived and which marks them as belonging to another and higher race, the twice-born, the elect of God, eternally chosen by Him–and, therefore, made to be choice ones through the effectual working of His grace.
“I have given them Your word and the world has hated them–for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.” John 17:14
August 18, 2018 0 Comments
We must test all our pleasures and amusements by this rule:
“Lovers of pleasure–rather than lovers of God; having a form of godliness–but denying its power.” 2 Timothy 3:4-5
Is the love of pleasure and amusement growing on you–gaining the power and authority over you?
Is it dulling the keenness of your zest for spiritual pleasures?
Is it making Bible study, prayer, communion with Christ, and meditation upon holy themes–less sweet enjoyments than they once were?
Is it making your hunger and thirst for righteousness and for God–less intense?
Is it interfering with the comfort and blessing which you used to find in church services, or in Christ’s work?
If so, there is only one thing to do–hurry . . .
to return to God,
to abandon the pleasure or amusement which is imperiling your soul, and
to find in Christ, the joy which the world cannot give, and which never harms any aspect of life.
We must test all our pleasures and amusements by this rule: Are they helping us to grow into Christ-likeness and spiritual beauty?
“All things are lawful–but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful–but not all things edify.” 1 Corinthians 10:23
August 8, 2018 0 Comments
He does whatever pleases Him!
(The sermons of Matthew Mead, 1629-1699)
“I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The LORD does whatever pleases Him–in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from His storehouses!” Psalm 135:5-7
Every creature is God’s subject, and even the devils themselves are at His beck.
It is so with the most inanimate beings. God bids the winds be silent and the seas be still–and how readily they obey His voice!
If God calls for a famine on a sinning nation–then how suddenly does the earth become iron and the heavens brass!
Flies and lice shall infest thrones and kingdoms, if armed with a commission from Almighty God. “All are Your servants!” Psalm 119:91
What the centurion said of his soldiers and servants–is much more true of God:
“I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;
and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and
to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” Matthew 8:9
God has a power and dominion over all of His creatures, and a sovereign right to dispose of them at His own pleasure.
Sometimes He governs things according to the course of second causes. Sometimes He governs them in an extraordinary way–above or beyond nature. As when He made, “the sun to stand still in Gibeon, and the moon in the valley of Aijalon.” Joshua 10:12
At the word of God, the sea divides for Israel to pass over on dry land.
He makes the earth open to swallow up Korah and his companions.
He shuts the mouth of hungry lions! Daniel 6:22
He commands the fiery furnace not to burn! Daniel 3:25
The angels, those inhabitants of the glorious world–do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word.
All the creatures in Heaven and earth are controlled by His sovereign power! Psalm 135:6 says, “Whatever the Lord pleased, that he did in the Heaven and earth, in the sea and all deep places.”
It is so with all sicknesses, trials, and diseases. Matthew 8:8
God’s sovereign will and power governs all.
No creature can evade the power of His dominion, for all are at His command!
“Our God is in Heaven; He does whatever pleases Him!” Psalm 115:3
August 2, 2018 1 Comment
Clear views of Christ’s priestly office and intercession
(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858)
“But I have prayed for you Simon, that your faith may not fail.” Luke 22:32
We see in this verse–one great secret of a believer’s perseverance in the faith.
It was owing to Christ’s intercession–that Peter did not entirely fall away.
The continued existence of grace in a believer’s heart, is a great standing miracle. His enemies are so mighty–and his strength is so small; the world is so full of snares–and his heart is so weak; that it seems at first sight impossible for him to reach Heaven.
The passage before us explains his safety. He has a mighty Friend at the right hand of God, who ever lives to make intercession for him. There is a watchful Advocate, who is daily pleading for him–seeing all his daily necessities, and obtaining daily supplies of mercy and grace for his soul. His grace never altogether dies–because Christ always lives to intercede for him! (Hebrews 7:25.)
If we are true Christians, we shall find it essential to our comfort in religion–to have clear views of Christ’s priestly office and intercession. Christ lives–and therefore our faith shall not fail. Let us beware of regarding Jesus only as one who died for us. Let us never forget that He is alive for evermore. Paul bids us to especially remember that He is risen again, and is at the right hand of God, and also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34
The work that He does for His people, is not yet over. He is still appearing in the presence of God for them, and doing for their souls, what He did for Peter. His present life for them–is just as important as His death on the cross eighteen hundred years ago! Christ lives–and therefore true Christians “shall live also.”
August 1, 2018 1 Comment
Well, when you are suffering the punishment of this sin in hell!
(Samuel Davies, “The Nature and Danger of Making Light of Christ and Salvation”)
“But they made light of it.” Matthew 22:5
Consider what those things are, which engross your affections, and which tempt you to neglect Christ and your salvation.
Have you found a better friend than Christ, or a more substantial and lasting happiness than His eternal salvation?
Oh! what trifles and vanities, what dreams and shadows are men pursuing—while they neglect the important realities of the eternal world!
If crowns and kingdoms, if all the riches, glories, and pleasures of this present world were ensured to you—as a reward for making light of Christ, you would even then make the most foolish bargain possible; for what are these in the grand scale—when compared to eternal joy, or eternal misery! “What is a man profited, if he shall gain even the whole world, and lose his own soul!”
But you cannot realistically hope for the ten thousandth part of these worldly trifles! And will you cast away your souls for such a pittance?
Alas! what does the richest, the highest, the most voluptuous sinner do—but lay up treasures of wrath against the day of wrath! Oh how will the unhappy creatures torture themselves forever with the most cutting reflections, for selling their Savior and their souls—for such trifles! Let your sins and earthly enjoyments save you then, if they can! Then go and cry to the gods you have chosen; let them deliver you in the day of your damnation!
The time is hastening on, when you will not think so lightly of Christ and salvation. Oh, sirs, when God shall commission DEATH to tear your guilty souls out of your bodies, when devils shall drag you away to the place of torment, when you find yourselves condemned to everlasting fire by that Savior whom you now neglect—what would you then give for a Savior!
When you see that the world has deserted you, that your companions in sin have deceived both themselves and you, and all your merry days are over forever—would you not then give ten thousand worlds for Christ!!
And now, dear immortal souls! Whenever you spend another prayerless, thoughtless day; whenever you give yourselves up to sinful pleasures, or an over-eager pursuit of the world—may your conscience become your preacher, and sting you with these solemn truths!
I cannot but fear, after all, that some of you, as usual, will continue careless and impenitent. Well, when you are suffering the punishment of this sin in hell, remember that you were warned, and acquit me from being accessory to your eternal ruin!
And when we all appear before the supreme Judge, and I am called to give an account of my ministry: when I am asked, “Did you warn these creatures of their danger? Did you lay before them their guilt in making light of these things?” You will hear me answer, “Yes, Lord, I warned them in the best manner I could—but they would not believe me; they would not regard what I said!”
Oh sirs, must I give in this accusation against any of you? No, rather have mercy on yourselves—that I may give an account of you with joy, and not with grief!
July 31, 2018 0 Comments
The greatest sinner that you know!
(William Law, “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life“)
“This is a true saying, and worthy of all acceptance: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’–and I am the worst of them all.” 1 Timothy 1:15
You may truly look upon yourself to be the greatest sinner that you know in the world. For though you may know many people to be guilty of some gross sins with which you cannot charge yourself–yet you may justly condemn yourself as the greatest sinner that you know, because you know more of the folly of your own heart, than you do of other people’s hearts. You can charge yourself with various sins, that only you know of yourself, and cannot be sure that others are guilty of them.
So that as you know more of the folly, the degradation, the pride, the deceitfulness and vileness of your own heart, than you do of any one’s else–so you have just reason to consider yourself as the greatest sinner that you know; because you know more of the greatness of your own sins, than you do of other people’s sins.
God Almighty knows greater sinners than you are; because He sees and knows the circumstances of all men’s sins. But your own heart, if it is faithful to you, can discover no guilt so great as your own.
Perhaps that person who appears so odious in your eyes, would have been much better than you are–had he been altogether in your circumstances, and received all the same favors and graces from God that you have. And therefore the greatest sinner that you know, must be yourself.
This is a very humbling thought.
A serious and frequent reflection upon this will mightily tend to . . .
humble us in our own eyes,
make us very sensible of the greatness of our own guilt,
and very tender in censuring and condemning other people.
July 30, 2018 1 Comment
This alone is the vexed soul’s refuge!
(Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889)
“In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!” Colossians 2:3
The one true resting-place where doubt and weariness, the stings of a pricking conscience, and the longings of an unsatisfied soul would all be quieted–is Christ Himself!
Not the church, but Christ.
Not doctrine, but Christ.
Not religious forms and ceremonies, but Christ.
Christ the God-man . . .
giving His life for ours,
sealing the everlasting covenant, and
making peace for us through the blood of His cross!
Christ the divine storehouse of all light and truth, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!
Christ the infinite vessel–the enlightener, the teacher, the quickener, the comforter–so that out of His fullness we may receive grace upon grace.
This, this alone is the vexed soul’s refuge, its rock to build on, its home to abide in–until the great tempter is bound and every conflict ended in victory.
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