The Living Guide To Jesus (and others)

 The Living Guide To Jesus (and others)

"When the Comforter comes, the One I will send to you from the Father - the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father - He will testify about Me." (John 15:26).

The Holy Spirit is the living guide to Jesus.

It is He who says, with power, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."

It is He who convinces of sin, who wounds, and probes the wound, and lays open the evil of our nature - causing us to know that we are corrupt within and without.

But He not only thus discovers the malady - He also applies the remedy. He abases the sinner; and exalts the Saviour. He gives the deep sense of sin - that the great salvation may be more appreciated and enjoyed.

~Ruth Bryan~

______________________

Let Us Always Think of the Holy Spirit with Holy Awe and Reverence!

Let us always think of the Holy Spirit with holy awe and reverence, remembering that it is the Spirit who quickens us, it is the Spirit who instructs us, it is the Spirit who sanctifies us, it is the Spirit who preserves us, it is the Spirit who makes us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light!

So unto the ever-blessed Spirit be glory and honor and praise, forever and ever!

~Charles Spurgeon~

Waiting On God Is Hard. Why?

Waiting On God Is Hard. Why?

Waiting on someone else and that person's timing is not part of our human nature. We live in time and want things to happen in accordance with our view of the right timing. God, on the other hand, lives outside time and because of that, He can see when the perfect times is for every event. And He generally doesn't tell us why the best timing is best. As a result, it is often difficult to wait on God to do things when He knows is best.

Because He is outside time, God's timing is usually not the same as ours. For example, Israel had been praying for the Messiah to come for years before He did. As Galatians 4:4 says, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son..." Looking back on events, we can see how the time of Jesus' coming was better when He did come than at any time beforehand - how widespread the Greek language was, the peacefulness in the Roman Empire, the relative ease of travel because of the Roman roads, etc. But man could not see this previously, and waiting was difficult.

As a matter of fact, it could be argued that waiting on God is not just difficult, it is impossible in our own strength. But the benefits gained by waiting on God are tremendous. Isaiah 40:31 says, "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Waiting on God results in us being strengthened.  Philippians 4:6-7 says, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Rather than worrying about things, we can put all our concerns in God's hands and wait on Him. Then we will experience His peace, which passes all understanding.

This is because of His sovereignty, which is His total control over all creation and circumstance at every time. When we rest in the assurance of His sovereignty, we don't have to be concerned about how things are going to happen and turn out. As Paul said in Romans 8:28, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Christians can wait on the Lord in the assurance that He will work things out for our good.

~Compelling Truth~

If You Dare!

If You Dare!

"Then I saw a great white throne - and HIM who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from His presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne; and books were opened...If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life - he was thrown into the lake of fire!" (Revelation 20:11, 12, 15).

What an astonishing scene is this! The stable earth and sky cannot bear the majesty and terror of His look; they fly away affrighted! This is the Judge before whom we must stand; and this is the manner of His appearance!

But is this the babe of Bethlehem - who lay and wept in the manger?

Is this the supposed Son of the carpenter, the despised Galilean?

Is this the Man of Sorrows?

Is this He who was arrested, condemned, buffeted, spit upon, crowned with thorns, executed as a slave and a criminal, upon the Cross?

Yes, it is Him! The very same Jesus of Nazareth!

But oh how changed! How deservedly exalted! Heaven and earth flee before Him!

Now let His enemies appear and show their contempt and malignity!

Now, Pilate - condemn the King of the Jews as a usurper!

Now, you Jews, raise the clamor, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" Now bow the knee in scorn, spit in His face, and buffet Him! Now tell the scourged impostor that He must die!

Now despise His grace, now laugh at His threatenings, and now make light of His displeasure - if you dare!!

Ah, now their courage fails, and terror surrounds them! Now they try to hide in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. Now they call to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"

But, alas! That LAMB who once bled as a sacrifice for sin - now appears in all the terrors of a LION! Oh! could they hide themselves in the bottom of the ocean, or in some rock that bears the weight of the mountains - how happy would they think themselves!

~Samuel Davies~

Well, When you Are Suffering the Punishment of This Sin in Hell!

Well, When You Are Suffering the Punishment of This Sin In Hell!

"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 treasure of wrath against the day of wrath! Oh how will the unhappy creatures torture themselves forever with the most cutting reflections, for selling their Saviour 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, 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 Saviour whom you now neglect - what would you then give for a Saviour!

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 a 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, 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!

~Samuel Davies~

The Road By Which The Spirit Leads God's Children!

 The Road By Which The Spirit Leads God's Children!

"As many as are led by the Spirit of God - they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14).

All true Christians are under the leading and teaching of a power which is Almighty, though unseen - even the power of the Holy Spirit. They no longer turn to their own way, and walk in the light of their own eyes, and follow their own natural heart's desire. The Spirit leads them. The Spirit guides them. There is a movement in their hearts, lives, and affections, which they feel - though they may not be able to explain; and a movement which is always more or less in the same direction.

They are led away from sin, away from self-righteousness, away from the world!

This is the road by which the Spirit leads God's children. Those whom God adopts as His children - He teaches and trains. He shows them their own hearts. He makes them weary of their own ways.

They are all led to Christ. They are all led to the Bible. They are all led to prayer. They are all led to holiness. This is the beaten path along which the Spirit makes them to travel. Those whom God adopts - He always sanctifies. He makes sin very bitter to them. He makes holiness very sweet.

When they were taken into the wilderness, and taught to see their own emptiness - it is the leading of the Spirit.

It is He who leads them to Mount Sinai, and first shows them the law - that their hearts may be broken.

It is He who leads them to Mount Calvary, and shows them the Cross - that their hearts may be bound up and healed.

It is He who leads them to Mount Pisgah, and gives them distinct views of the promised land - that their hearts may be cheered.

Each and all of God's children is the subject of these leadings. Each and all is led by the right way, to bring him to a city of habitation.

Settle this down in your heart, and do not let it go: the children of God are a people "led by the Spirit of God," and always led more or less in the same way. Their experience will tally wonderfully when they compare notes in Heaven.

"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths." (Proverbs 4:11).

"In your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed.

In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling." (Exodus 15:13).

~J. C. Ryle~

Our Individual Worth

Our Individual Worth

"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness of every one that believeth." (Romans 10:4).

Our lost race has always been prone to discount and reject the wonderful fact of the individual factor in the love of God. Far, far too many men and women in this world are convinced that God's love in the world is just one big lump - and the individual is not involved.

We have only to look around us with serious observation to confirm the fact that the devil has been successful in planting his lie that no one cares for the individual person.

But in nature around us, there appears to be very little individual concern. The burden of concern is always for the species.

But Jesus did not preach to the multitudes as though they were a faceless  crowd. He preached to them as individuals, and with a knowledge of the burdens and the needs of each one. Our Saviour did not come into the world to deal with statistics!

Each of us must come with full confidence that it is a personal word God has spoken to us in Christ, that "whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish!"

Lord, Your Word says that each of us is "fearfully and wonderfully made" and that You are concerned about the one lost sheep in a flock of a hundred. Thank You for purchasing my redemption by Your death and resurrection. I Love You, Lord!

~A. W. Tozer~

The Sanctification Of The Holy Spirit

 The Sanctification Of The Holy Spirit

"God has chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Holy Spirit." (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

To sanctify, is to separate and set apart for holy purposes and holy uses. The Lord has separated His people, by choosing them in Christ to be holy; and He sanctifies them now for Himself - by the power operation, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

In sanctification, a work is commenced which is to make us exactly like Christ. A sanctified person has his heart changed, his will renewed, his understanding enlightened, his conscience purified, and his affections spiritualized.

Sanctification extends to the whole man, soul and body; and is carried on through the Word, the ordinances, and the providence of God.

Sanctification has its seat in the heart; but it regulates the whole man, and appears in his conduct in every day life. If a man experiences the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, then sin grieves him, satan tries him, the world troubles him, and Heaven attracts him.

Spirit of Jesus, sanctify us deeply, thoroughly - that we may be just like Jesus! Sanctify us by every trial, by every affliction, by every privilege, by every comfort!

~James Smith~

The Transforming Power Of The Spirit!

 The Transforming Power Of The Spirit!

"To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints." (Romans 1:7).

Believers are separated from the world by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit calls them out from the world, and separates them as effectually as if a wall were built between them and it. He puts in them...

new hearts,

new minds,

new tastes,

new sorrows,

new joys,

new wishes,

new pleasures,

new longings.

He has given them...

new eyes,

new ears,

new affections,

new opinions.

He makes them new creatures. They are born again - and with a new birth they begin a new existence. Mighty indeed is the transforming power of the Spirit!

~J. C. Ryle~

Active, Operating, Influential Principles Of The Life!

 Active, Operating, Influential Principles Of The Life!

It is the work of the blessed Spirit to take of the things of Christ, and to show them to the soul; to reveal to us the precious benefits of redemption, and the riches of Divine grace - and to present them to us in such a transforming, and convincing, and penetrating form, as that they shall not only become sources of abiding comfort to the heart - but active, operating, influential principles of the life!

It is the work of the blessed Spirit to be the Comforter of the children of God. Yes... wherever a believer is afflicted; wherever he sheds a sorrowful tear; wherever he is pained by some heart-rending grief; wherever he is bowed beneath some oppressive burden - there is the Comforter to cheer, to solace, to sustain; pointing him from the wound - to its balm, from the grief -to its ultimate cure, from present suffering to eternal rest at God's right hand!

The Holy Spirit is not a traveler to sojourn for a season, but He is a Friend to abide and dwell with you - a spiritual mentor to be always near... to guide you - in all seasons of perplexity, to strengthen you = in all times of weakness, when you are discouraged - to uphold you, when you are wandering - to lead you back, when you are nearly overcome in your spiritual conflict - to bring you more of His divine strength and grace.

~John McDuff~

Walk In The Spirit!

 Walk In The Spirit!

"Be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18).

"Walk in the Spirit (let your steps be guided by the Spirit), and you will not gratify the evil desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16).

Rich would the blessings of this day be, if we were filled fully with the Holy Spirit. The consequences of this sacred filling of the soul, would be impossible to overestimate. Life, comfort, light, purity, power, peace; and many other precious blessings are inseparable from the Spirit's gracious presence.

As sacred oil - He anoints the head of the believer, sets him apart to the priesthood of saints, and gives him grace to execute his duties aright.

As the only truly purifying water - He cleanses us from the power of sin and sanctifies us unto holiness, working in us to will and to do of the Lord's good pleasure.

As the only light - He reveals the Lord Jesus to us, and guides us in the way of righteousness. Enlightened by His pure celestial ray, we can no longer walk in darkness - but in the light of Scripture truth.

As purifying fire - He both purges us from dross, and sets our consecrated nature ablaze. He is the sacrificial flame by which we are enabled to offer our whole souls as a living sacrifice unto God.

As heavenly dew - He removes our barrenness and nourishes our lives. O that He would drop from above upon us at this early hour! Such morning dew would be a sweet commencement for the day.

As the heavenly Dove, with wings of peaceful love - He broods over the souls of believers; and as a Comforter He dispels the cres and doubts which mar the peace of His beloved ones. He descends upon His chosen people, and bears witness to their sonship by working in them a filial spirit by which they cry Abba, Father!

As the wind - He brings the breath of spiritual life to men. He performs the quickening operations by which the spiritual creation is animated and sustained.

O that we might feel the Spirit's presence and influence this day and every day!

~Charles Spurgeon~

Christian Discipleship - What Is It?

Christian Discipleship - What Is It?

The Greek word translated "disciple" means "follower." A disciple was a person who invested their life and time learning from someone and then spreading that person's teachings to others.

In the New Testament, the last words of Jesus encompass the essential aspects of discipleship. In what Christians call the Great Commission, we read "Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20).

The main command in this Great Commission is to "make disciples." Three specific parts are given. First, a disciple is a person willing to "go" make disciples of others. The early followers of Jesus boldly taught the message of the risen Jesus, often facing intense persecution in the process. Yet within a century, churches had emerged across the entire Mediterranean area.

Second, disciples challenge those they encounter to be baptized. Baptism represents acceptance of Christ and a commitment to follow His teachings. While baptism is not what saves a person, it is the public confession of allegiance to Christ and willingness to enter into Christian discipleship.

Third, a disciple teaches others the way of Jesus. While only some believers are gifted in teaching, all believers are called to share what they know about Jesus with others growing in their knowledge of Christ.

An important early example of this way of making disciples is found in the summary of the first church in Acts 2:42-47. Rather than a solely academic process, discipleship involved a holistic approach that included relationship building, financial giving, prayer, learning, worship, and every area of life. We read, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, ans any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day who were being saved."

Also important is the impact this first church had on its community. Because of its focus on Christian discipleship, we are told new people were saved on a daily basis. As it has been said, true Christian discipleship is the best form of outreach.

Christian discipleship is much more than a program or series of steps. Rather, it is a continual process of growth. A person commits his or her entire life to Jesus and becomes dedicated to learning His ways while also going, sharing, and teaching this way of life to others.

~Compelling Truth~

Wait On The Lord - What Does This Mean?

Wait On The Lord - What Does This Mean?

This command to wait on the Lord, is found multiple times in the Old and New Testaments. It is important to understand its general and specif meanings.

In the Old Testament, people of God and individuals were told to wait on the Lord, most of the time meaning to wait on God's providential care. In the New Testament, waiting on the Lord often refers to Jesus' second coming. In most all biblical instances, waiting on the Lord is expectant trust and hope in God's movement and activity.

Though it sounds difficult, waiting on the Lord is godly, robust activity. It's about setting aside your own abilities and skills and activity to trust God in His abilities and skills and activity. It's about timing. Waiting always includes time and patience. James 1:4 says, "Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." This steadfastness is waiting.

In the Bible, waiting often includes a hope and a confidence in God - and an expectation that He will act on your behalf in His good timing (Psalm 62:1, 5). Paul wrote, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God" (Romans 8:18-19).

Waiting also involves rest. One of the most quoted passages, Psalm 23, references the rest God's people can experience when "He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul..." "Makes me lie down" can be translated as "causes me to rest." This occurs when sheep trust their worldly shepherds and when the people of God trust their heavenly Shepherd.

Often our ability to wait upon Him, and have confidence in His timing is tied to our willingness to set aside our own agenda, skills, abilities, and ingenuity. We trade our weakness for His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).

One illustrative story from the Bible is when the Israelites were lead out of Egypt, but then trapped against the Red Sea by Pharaoh's army. Some thought they would surely perish. Moses told them, "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent" (Exodus 14:14). They were trapped, yet God wanted them to focus on Him and His deliverance, not the circumstances. It is the same, often, for us.

Waiting on God is not like waiting in a long line at an amusement park. We aren't waiting around with nothing to do until our desires are finally met. Rather, it's more like the way of a high-class waiter watches to see the needs and direction of the people at the table she serves. We actively serve God and attune ourselves to Him while we patiently wait for Him to accomplish His plans. Our trust in God and anticipation of His loving activity in our lives shows Him our faith in His goodness. We set aside our own abilities and sufficiency for reliance upon Him.

Waiting on the Lord renews our strength (Isaiah 40:31). The more we draw neqr, know Him, and meditate on His goodness, the easier we can wait upon Him. Prayer and Bible study are the best ways to do just that.

Do not despair when God seems to be taking more time than you wish to act on your behalf. He knows. He knows best. "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him" (Isaiah 30:18).

~Compelling Truth~

Give Up Everything!

 Give Up Everything!

"None of you can be my disciples unless you give up everything!" (Luke 14:33).

Nothing is truly established until it has been yielded up and has received the brand of the Cross upon it. Have you got that? Even though that may have been given to you from God, there is still always the danger of something in ourselves impinging upon something that God has given us. We insinuate ourselves into it, and make it ours somehow. This Self! This flesh! Oh, yes, God gives us a ministry and then we get hold of it and become jealous about our ministry and afraid of other people getting in our way and taking our ministry away from us, interfering with our ministry, you see. The flesh comes up in that way and in so many other directions and connections. God does something, and then we come into it. We get into the picture.

Somehow or other this flesh cannot keep itself out of even the things that God does by a miracle. We turn them to the glorification or the gratification of this flesh of ours, and even a thing which God may give - will never be established and confirmed until it has been yielded up and knows the mark of death to ourselves and that is only alive for and unto God, and we are only alive to qand unto God in the connection, whatever it may e. The Cross is the way of life in everything and immediately the Cross is nullified by this thing upon which the Cross says, "No, No! Immediately anything that comes up again, we counter the life of that thing, we strangle its life, and we limit its life. We not only arrest the progress, but we bring into smallness God's intention of multiplication. Why cannot God increase? And the answer is clearly and derfinitely this, that somehow or other man has come into this business of God and turned it to himself, or other men. The Cross has not been kept in its place to give God a clear, full, free way.

~T. Austin-Sparks~

What Is True Religion?

 What Is True Religion?

"If they speak not according to the Word, it is because there in no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).

To the convicted Christian there can be but one true religion. The self-converted may shy away from the bigotry and intolerance which he fears lie in the exclusive devotion to Christianity, but the wholly converted will have no such apprehensions. To him is all in all, and the faith of Christ is God's last word to mankind. To him there is but one God the Father, one Lord and Saviour, one faith, one baptism, one body, one Spirit, one fold and one Shepherd. To him there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, for him Christ is the only way, the only truth and the only life. For him Christ is the only wisdom, the only righteousness, the only sanctification and the only redemption.

When, therefore, I ask the question, "Are we having a of true religion?" I have only one religion in mind. I mean the faith of the New Testament as held and experienced y the fathers. I mean religion of which Moses and all the prophets did write, that religion which originated in the heart of God the Father, was made effectual through the dying and resurrection of God the Son and is vitalized by God the Holy Spirit. Of this religion the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures are the source book, the first and last Word, to which we dare add nothing and from which we dare take nothing away.

Lord, You are my all in all, my righteousness. I pray that I will not be caught up with religious accoutrements but that my focus will always be in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

~A. W. Tozer~

This Is The "hell" of Hell

This Is The "hell" of Hell

"Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out; those who have done good - unto the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil - unto the resurrection of damnation!" (John 5:28-29).

Alas! Multitudes shall come forth from their graves, not to the resurrection of life - but to the resurrection of damnation! What terror is in the words!

See them bursting into life from their subterranean dungeouns! Horror throbs through every vein - and glares wildly and furiously in their eyes. Every joint trembles and every countenance looks downcast and gloomy! Now they see that tremendous Day of which they were warned in vain - and shudder at those terrors of which they once made light. They now experientially know the grand business of the Day and the dreadful purpose for which they are roused from their slumbers in the grave: to be tried, to be convicted, to be condemned, and to be dragged away to execution!

"And they will go away into eternal punishment!" (Matthew 25:46). They must go away into the bottomless pit! There they are confined in chains of darkness, and cast into the burning lake of fire and brimstone forever and ever!

In that dreadful word "forever" lies the epitome of torment! This is the "hell" of hell. If they might be but released from suffering, though it were by annihilation after they have wept away ten thousand millions of ages in extremity of pain - it would be some mitigation, some encouragement. But, alas! When as many millions of ages are passed as the stars of heaven, or the sands on the seashore, or the atoms of dust in this huge earthly globe - their punishment is as far from an end - as when the sentence was first pronounced upon them!

FOREVER! There is no exhausting of that word! When it is affixed to the highest degree of misery - the terror of the sound is utterly insupportable!

~Samuel Davies~

Names!

 Names!

"I will write upon them the name of my God" (Revelation 3:12).

O there is a great difference between the names of the saints - and the names of the wicked!

The saints are called:

godly, from God; 

Christians, from Christ; 

spiritual, from the Spirit; 

heavenly, from Heaven, because their conversation is there, because their Head is there, and they are heirs of Heaven.

But the wicked are called:

devilish, 

from the devils; 

the cursed, from the curses; 

worldlings, from the world;

 and sinners, from sin.

The ungodly are called:

dogs, vipers, swine, thorns, ravening wolves!

But the saints are called:

jewels, treasures, kings, doves, lilies, heirs of the kingdom of glory!

And hence it is, that some godly men have thought it a greater honor to be a member of Christ - than to be a king upon a throne! Indeed, a holy heart is better than a great estate!

~William Dyer~

The Bitterest Ingredient in the Cup of Displeasure!

The Bitterest Ingredient in the Cup of Displeasure!

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen - but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary - but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18).

VISIBLE things are perishable - and may soon leave us. When we think that they are ours - they often fly from our embrace!

Riches may vanish into smoke and ashes - by an accidental fire! We may be thrown down from the pinnacle of honor - and sink into utter disgrace! Sensual pleasures often end in excess and disgust - or in sickness and death! Our liberty and property may be wrested from us by the hand of tyranny, oppression, or fraud! In a word, there is nothing which we now enjoy - but we may quickly lose!

On the other hand, our miseries here on earth are temporary. The heart receives many a wound - but it heals again. Poverty may end in riches. A blemished character may be cleared up; and from disgrace - we may rise to honor. We may recover from sickness. And if we lose one comfort - we may obtain another.

But in eternity - everything is everlasting and unchangeable! Happiness and misery are both without end - and the subject of both well know that this is the case.

It is this eternally and perpetually, which completes the happiness of inhabitants of heaven; the least suspicion of an end - would intermingle itself with all their enjoyments, and embitter them; for the greater the happiness, the greater the anxiety at the expectation of losing it. But oh, how transporting for the saints on high, to look forward through the succession of eternal ages, with an assurance that they shall be happy through them all, and that they shall feel no change - but from glory to glory!

On the other hand, this is the bitterest ingredient in the cup of divine displeasure in the future state - that the misery is eternal! Oh, with what horror does that despairing cry, "Forever! Forever! Forever! echo through the vaults of hell!

And now, need I offer anything further to convince you of the superior importance of invisible and eternal things - visible and temporary things? Can you need any arguments to convince you that an eternity of the most perfect happiness - is rather to be chosen than a few years of sordid, unsatisfying sinful pleasures?

~Samuel Davies~

The Bible Cannot Quicken, Nor Sanctify, Nor Comfort

The Bible Cannot Quicken, Nor Sanctify, Nor Comfort

"Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction" (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Apart from the Spirit, the Bible cannot quicken, nor sanctify, nor comfort. It may be read constantly, and searched deeply, and known accurately, and understood partially, and quoted appropriately. Yet, left to its own unassisted power, it comes but in word only, producing no hallowing, no abiding, no saving results.

Unaccompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Bible is inactive and inoperative - a mere dead letter!

All that we spiritually know of ourselves, of God, of Jesus, of His Word - we owe to the supernatural teaching of the Holy Spirit. All the real light, sanctification, strength and comfort we possess on our way to glory - we must ascribe to the Holy Spirit.

Spurgeon: "We might preach until our tongues rotted, until we should exhaust our lungs and die - but never a soul would be converted without the Holy Spirit's power attending the Word. 

If the Holy Spirit does not renew the hearts of our hearers, we cannot do it.

If the Holy Spirit does not regenerate them, we cannot. If He does not send the truth home into their souls, we might as well speak into the ear of a corpse!"

"Open my eyes, that I may see wonderful things in Your law!" (Psalm 119:18).

~Octavius Winslow~

Sodom Will Be Better Off!

 Sodom Will Be Better Off!

"I assure you, Sodom will be better off on the judgment day than you! (Matthew 11:24).

Alas! alas! Is it not to be feared that many are content with having "a name to live," who are spiritually dead. There are thousands who come to our churches, who hear the preacher, who assent to the message, but go back from listening to the tremendous themes of Death, judgment, and Eternity, to plunge deep as ever into engrossing worldliness and sin.

The preacher may be heard, his words may fall like lulling music on the ear, but the gates of the soul are firmly locked and barred against admission. The preacher may thunder his rebukes, but some heart sin and life sin, will, in spite of them, be retained and caressed.

Are there none now reading these words, whom the Saviour would begin to "upbraid," because they have not repented? When His scrutinizing eye looks down, Sabbath after Sabbath, upon listening audiences throughout our land, all apparently solemn, sincere, outwardly devout, does He not discern, lurking underneath this fair external guise, the sights and symptoms of loathsomeness and decay; like the pure virgin snow covering the charred and blackened ruin?

Ah! sermons will not save us!

Church going will not save us!

Orthodoxy in creed and party will not save us!

Repent! Repent! is the sharp, shrill call of the Gospel trumpet! There must be a change of heart; a change of life; a crucifixion of sin; and with full purpose of heart, a cleaving unto the Lord who died for us!

~John McDuff~

The Causes of the Stupid Unconcernedness

The Causes of the Stupid Unconcernedness

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen - but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary - but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Among all the causes of the stupid unconcernedness of sinners about true religion, and the feeble endeavors of saints to improve in it - there is none more common or more effectual, than their not forming a due estimate of the things of time - in comparison to those of eternity!

Our present affairs engross all our thoughts, and exhaust all our activity - though they are but transitory trifles; while the solemn realities of the future world are hid from our eyes by the veil of flesh and the clouds of ignorance. Did these unseen eternal realities break in upon our minds in all their tremendous importance, they would annihilate the most desired vanities of the present state, obscure the glare of all earthly glory, render all its pleasures insipid, and give us a noble resignation under all its sorrows.

A realizing view of these eternal realities, would shock the worldling in his thoughtless career, tear off the hypocrite's mask, and inflame the devotion of the languishing saints!

The concern of mankind would then be how they might make a safe exit out of this world - and not how they may live happy in their earthly state. Present pleasure and pain - would be swallowed up in the prospect of everlasting happiness - or misery hereafter! Eternity, solemn eternity, would then be our serious contemplation. The pleasures of sin would strike us with horror - as they issue in eternal pain! And our present afflictions, however tedious and severe, would appear but light and momentary - if they work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!

~Samuel Davies~

What Should We Learn From the Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation?

What Should We Learn From the Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation?

John the apostle addressed seven letters to seven real churches that existed during the time he wrote the book of Revelation. In Revelation 2 - 3 we find these churches included Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philidelphia, and Laodicea. All of these cities were in modern-day Turkey, near the island of Patmos from where John wrote Revelation.

Each church's message, though specific to its situation, also offers applications for our lives today. Ephesus was commanded to return to its first love (Revelation 2:10. Smyrna was told it would endure persecution (2:10. Pergamum was called to repentance (2:16. Thyatira was commanded to remove its false prophetess (2:20). Sardis needed to wake from its sleep (3:2). Philadelphia was to continue in patient endurance (3:10). Laodicea was to end its lukewarm faith (3:16).

Some also believe that these seven churches represent historical time periods. For example, the church of Ephesus would resemble the first churches while Laodicea represents today's lukewarm churches. However, this approach makes a symbolic or allegorical interpretation that is not warranted by the text for the Scriptures. Though much application can be found, the view that these churches represent historical periods is unlikely.

In addition to the specific details given to each church, introduction to the church letters describe an aspect of the glorified Jesus. For example, Revelation 2:1 says, "The words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands." Revelation 1:20 defines the "seven stars" as the angels or messengers of the seven churches that are held in the hand of Jesus. The seven golden lampstands represent the seven churches Jesus walked among.

The end of the church's letter also mentions details about eternal rewards. For example, Revelation 2:11 says, "The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death." Those who conquer are Christians. Revelation 20:14 later describes the second death, saying, "This is the second death, the lake of fire."

Another example can be found in Revelation 2:28. There the letter says to believers: "And I will give him the morning star." Revelation 22:16 later makes clear, "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."

In summary, each church was a literal church that received a letter from John. Each letter offered information about the glorified Jesus, instructions to the church, and a description of eternal rewards. Further, these letters offer many applications for readers today who seek to live holy lives and be prepared for the coming of Christ.

~Compelling Truth~

To Help Your Conception Of What Hell Is

To Help Your Conception Of What Hell Is

"His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor, gathering His wheat into the barn - and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire!" (Matthew 3:12).

"They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!" (Matthew 13:42).

"Then He will say to those on the left - Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!" (Matthew 25:4).

 "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell - where the fire never goes out!" (Mark 9:43).

"He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire!" (Luke 3:17).

"I am in agony in this fire!" (Luke 16:24).

"Those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire!" (Jude 1:7).

To help your conception of what hell is - imagine yourself to be cast into a fiery oven - or into the midst of a great furnace, where your pain would be as much greater than that occasioned by accidentally touching a coal of fire - as the heat is greater. Imagine also, that your body were to lie there for a quarter of an hour, full of fire, as full as a bright coal of fire, all the while full of quick sense. What horror would you feel at the entrance of such a furnace! And how long would that quarter of an hour seem to you! If it were to be measured by the hour glass, how long would the glass seem to be running! And after you had endured it for one minute, how unbearable would it be to you - to think that you had yet to endure the other fourteen minutes!

But what would be the effect on your soul - if you knew you must lie there enduring that torment to the full - for twenty-four hours! And how much greater would be the effect - if you knew you must endure it for a whole year! And how vastly greater still - if you knew you must endure it for a thousand years! O then, how would your heart sink, if you thought, if you knew - that you must bear it forever and ever! That there would be no end - that after millions of ages, your torment would be no nearer to an end, than it ever was; and that you would never, never be delivered!

But your torment in hell will be immeasurably greater than this illustration represents! How then will the heart of a poor creature sink under it! How utterly inexpressible and inconceivable, must the sinking of the soul be in such a case!

"If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire!" (Revelation 20:15).

"Such, in brief, is the portion awaiting the lost - eternal separation from the Fount of all goodness; everlasting punishment; torment of soul and body; endless existence in the lake of fire, in association with the vilest of the vile; every ray of hope excluded; utterly crushed and overwhelmed by the wrath of a sin-avenging God!" (A. W. Pink).

~Jonathan Edwards~

If You Feel Your Tongue Itch To Talk Nonsense!

If You Feel Your Tongue Itch To Talk Nonsense!

"To the Law and to the Testimony! If they do not speak according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).

Take care never to impute the vain follies of your imagination to the Holy Spirit. I have seen the Spirit of God shamefully dishonored by people - I hope they were insane - who have said that they have had this and that revealed to them.

For some years there has not been a single week in which I have not been pestered with the revelations of hypocrites or maniacs. Semi-lunatics are very fond of coming with "messages from the Lord" to me. It may spare them some trouble if I tell them once for all that I will have none of their stupid messages!

Never think that events are revealed to you by God - or you may come to be like those idiots who dare impute their blatant follies to the Holy Spirit. If you feel your tongue itch to talk nonsense - then trace it to the devil, and not to the Spirit of God!

Whatever is to be revealed by the Spirit to any of us, is in the Word of God already! He adds nothing to the Bible, and never will. Let people who have revelations of this, that, and the other thing - go to bed, and wake up in their senses. I only wish they would follow Scripture and no longer insult the Holy Spirit by laying their nonsense at His door!

"A prophet who presumes to speak in My name anything I have not commanded him to say...must be put to death!" (Deuteronomy 18:20).

The prophets are prophesying lies in My name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds!" (Jeremiah 14:14). prophesy out of their own imagination: Hear the Word of the Lord!" (Ezekiel 13:2).

~Charles Spurgeon~

What Is Truth?

What Is Truth?

When speaking of truth, readers of the Bible often think of Pilate's question to Jesus in John 18:38: "What is truth?" Still today, many wrestle with whether there is anything that is absolutely true or false or whether truth even exists.

A simple definition of truth is to define it as something that corresponds to its object. In other words, it is "truth" to say water is a substance that consists of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen and is found in oceans, rivers, and other locations. In fact, to deny this is true is to make a competing truth claim. To say, "That is not true," is to claim the one making the statement knows it is not true because of another truth. Therefore, truth does exist.

The next question is, "Can truth be known?" As limited human beings, we cannot claim to know all truth, but we can claim there are true things we can discover. This is true both of the physical world and of the abstract world. Therefore, we can know truth about reality, including evaluations regarding spiritual claims or truth about God.

At this point, the law of non-contradiction can be helpful in discovering whether an idea about God is true. The law of non-contradiction states that two opposing ideas cannot both be true at the same time and place under the same conditions. In other words, 2 + 2 equal 5 at the same time and place under the same conditions. It must be one or the other, 4 or 5.

Applied to spiritual truth, the law of non-contradiction can be helpful in evaluating many ideas regarding God. For example, a single God either exists or does not exist. A single God cannot logically exist for one person but not for another. In other words, it is inconsistent to make the postmodern claim, "It's true for you, but it's not true for me." when it comes to God's existence. He either does exist or He does not. He cannot both exist and not exist at the same time and place in the same conditions.

This same view of truth can help regarding many other faith claims as well. For example, Christianity's fundamental belief is the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Did He come alive again or not? There are only two options. The evidence must be evaluated with a conclusion of what is the most likely choice. While acceptance of Jesus Christ as Saviour is an act of faith, the resurrection is a matter of fact. It either took place or it did not.

A similar approach can be made regarding the Bible. Is it the inspired Word of God or not? It must be inspired, inspired in part, or not inspired. The options are limited. It is inconsistent to make the claim "the truth is relative" because truth is not relative. Truth is that which corresponds to the object. Some issues may be a matter of opinion, but others are a matter of fact or of truth.

When we face questions of truth, our wisest response is to evaluate the options and determine the best decision based on the available information. Our understanding of truth may vary from one person to another, but truth is consistent. We need not abandon the concept of truth simply because others view some truths about life differently.'

Ultimately, truth is a spiritual issue as well as a philosophical one. Jesus claimed to be the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). If He is the truth, then the proper response would be to follow Him and His teachings. Pilate's question, "What is truth?" continues to find far-reaching relevance into each of our lives today as we each must decide what to do when we encounter Jesus Christ.

~Compelling Truth~

Why Should We Study the Bible?

Why Should We Study the Bible?

Bookstores are filled with books attempting to help us figure out this life. Books on marriage, parenting, relationships, and personal growth fill countless shelves. Others claim to aid in addiction recovery and explain the meaning of life. Still more give views on life after death, good and evil, and the origin of human existence. But only the Bible gives us answers to those questions, and more, directly from the God who created us. The Bible is God's inspired words to us. No speculatory self-help book can come close to the words of our Creator!

Because the Bible is the direct Word of God, breathed out by His Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16), it is accurate, reliable, and inerrant. The science in the Bible is accurate because the Bible was given by Him who created the world. Sceintific, geological, and historical evidence are consistent with biblical accounts. We know the Bible is reliable because God gave affirmation of the writers by empowering them to perform miracles. We also know it is accurate because of the myriad prophesies and their consistent, specific fulfillments. No other holy book has such substantiation. Because of these obv obvious, visible proofs, we can trust that the un-provable words in the Bible are also true. A book with so many physical truths can be trusted with the spiritual, as well.

Although societies, cultures, and technologies have changed over the years, God's character remains the same. God's universal truths do not alter. The Bible written over the course of 4500 years, shows this. A mere 2000 years later, God's Word is a relevant to us now as it ever has been. Mankind is still sinful, we all search for meaning and happiness in vain ways, and God is always patient, waiting for us to acknowledge Him (2 Peter 3:(). The Bible shows that this has always been the case, and then shows us that God is always the answer.

This is an unpopular message, if all those volumes in bookstores are taken into account. Each one is written by a person, using human intellect and speculation to try to make sense of the world. Only the Bible is inspired from God, and studying it will so fill us with truth that we will be able to better recognize the lies around us. Only the Bible is God's own description of Himself; every other account is human hubris or deception from the enemy. Only the Bible contains God's description of how much He loves us, and how we are designed to love Him. And only the Bible shows how we can join God for eternity, be freed from our sins by the sacrifice of His Son, alone, and not by any effort on our part.

Then the Bible shows us how to respond to God's love and grace by serving Him and living the life He meant for us to live. It teaches us how to reject sin in ourselves and in the world and how to focus on what really matters. And how to actively participate in God's plan. (1 Corinthians 9:23).

The Bible also gives us examples of what happens when people live according to God's will - and what happens when they don't. Rebellion against God always ends in harm.

The Bible is the only book inspired by God, filled with what He wants us to understand. To read it is to read a personal message to us, written by God Himself. To ignore it is to reject His primary method of communicating with us. God wants us to understand Who He is, who we are, how we can be reconciled with Him, and how we can life fruitful, joyful lives. To that end, He gave us the Scriptures. The more we study the Bible, the more we will gain!

~Compelling Truth~

I Want To Start Reading the Bible. Where Should I Begin?

I Want To Start Reading the Bible. Where Should I Begin?

The Bible is unlike any other book in the world. It is actually an anthology, produced by approximately 40 people over more than 1,4000 years. Its human authors are as diverse as shepherds and kings. Yet the book is a cohesive whole, inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17 and meant to bring people to knowledge of Him. With more than 66 books and 31,000 verses, where is a good place to start reading the Bible?

For those who have not previously read the Bible, the Gospel of John is a great place to begin. It is the fourth book of the New Testament and was authored by the apostle John. John was one of the 12 original followers of Jesus and was considered to be part of Jesus' inner circle, along with James and Peter. John's Gospel includes many of the teachings of Jesus and emphasizes the deity of Christ. John 20:30-31 gives the purpose of the Gospel of John: "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."

After completing the Gospel of John, it would be most helpful to continue with the other three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), also known as the Synoptic Gospels. These books provide a narrative of Jesus' life and ministry, including His teachings and many miracles. Often the same event is recorded by each of the three writers, but reading the accounts from different perspectives can illuminate details that enrich one's understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Following the Gospels, the book of Acts and the rest of the New Testament provide both the early history and teachings of the church. Acts provides an overview from Luke (author of the Gospel of Luke) that covers approximately the first 30 years of the church's history. The epistles offer teachings in the form of letters written by Paul, Peter, John, Jude, James, and the author of Hebrews. Revelation chronicles the apostle John's vision of the last days.

Of course, the Old Testament is inspired by God as well and comprises about three fourths of the Bible's text (including 39 of the Bible's 66 books). It covers the time period from the creation of the universe to approximately 400 BC, including Adam and Eve, Noah and the ark, Abraham and his descendants, Moses, and the people of Israel, the period of the judges and kings of Israel, the prophets, and the return of the exiled Jewish people to Israel under Ezra and Nehemiah. In addition, an understanding of the Old Testament helps to better understand the teachings and history of the New Testament.

The Bible is God's Word to humanity. While John is a great place to begin, the important thing is to read the Bible and to apply its teachings in your life - starting today! As James 1:22-25 says, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

~Compelling Truth~