The Divine Magnet that Draws with Irresistible Force, Hearts of Steel!
"But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself" (John 12:32).
Whenever and wherever Christ is lifted up, then His power to attract is made plain. The elect of God, drawn by a power they have no ability or will to resist, take their places beneath the Cross. The uplifting of Christ crucified, is God's chosen means to draw to Himself His elect, yet hidden people. The Cross is the divine magnet that draws with irresistible force, hearts of steel. So mighty is its magnetic power, that it attracts those on whom all other means have failed.
We had often been compelled to take our stand before Mount Sinai. But though its lightenings flashed into our very eyes, and its thunders crashed right over our head, our heart remained as hard as rock - yes, pride seemed more rampant in that dread storm than ever - we felt we might be broken - but we resolved we would never bend.
There have been moments when hell argued with us, and all its sentences were written in glowing flame! There were moments when eternal damnation forced itself upon our thoughts, and made us dread the death that never dies. But though our knees shook with fright, our flinty hearts remained unmelted.
Sinai and hell both failed. So also did Heaven, for though we read of its glories, and heard tell of its joys, and sometimes had a languid desire at last to find our way there - we still remained unattracted, and reveled in the vain world.
But when a bleeding Saviour hanging on a tree met our sight, than not only were our eyes riveted - but an unseen hand touched every heart-string. We looked - and looked - and looked again - and felt that as we looked, we were being frawn with silken cords nearer, yet nearer still, until we found ourselves as penitents at His blessed feet!
Beautifully has John Newton described this sweet experience as his own:
"In evil long I took delight,
Unawed by shame or fear;
Until a new object struck my sight,
And stopped my wild career!
I saw One hanging on a tree,
In agonies and blood.
He fixed His languid eyes on me,
As near His Cross I stood.
Sure never til my dying breath,
Can I forget that look!
It seemed to charge me with His death,
Though not a word He spoke.
A second look He gave, which said,
I freely all forgive;
This blood is for your ransom paid,
I die, that you may live!"
~Archibald Brown~
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
The Holy Spirit Illuminates
The Holy Spirit Illuminates
"Your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:5).
When we study the New Testament record, we see plainly that Christ's conflict was with the theological rationalists off His day.
John's gospel record is actually a long, inspired, passionately outpoured account trying to save us from evangelical rationalism - the doctrine that says the text is enough.
Divine revelation is the ground upon which we stand. The Bible is the book of God, and I stand for it with all my heart; but before I can be saved, there must be illumination, penitence, renewal, inward deliverance.
In our Christendom, we have tried to ease many people into the kingdom but they have never been renewed within their own beings. The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians that their faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God! There is a difference.
We must insist that conversion to Christ is a miraculous act of God by the Holy Spirit - it must be wrought in the Spirit. There must be an inward illumination!
Lord, I pray for my family, and friends who do not yet know You. Illumine their hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit. Amen
~A. W. Tozer~
"Your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:5).
When we study the New Testament record, we see plainly that Christ's conflict was with the theological rationalists off His day.
John's gospel record is actually a long, inspired, passionately outpoured account trying to save us from evangelical rationalism - the doctrine that says the text is enough.
Divine revelation is the ground upon which we stand. The Bible is the book of God, and I stand for it with all my heart; but before I can be saved, there must be illumination, penitence, renewal, inward deliverance.
In our Christendom, we have tried to ease many people into the kingdom but they have never been renewed within their own beings. The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians that their faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God! There is a difference.
We must insist that conversion to Christ is a miraculous act of God by the Holy Spirit - it must be wrought in the Spirit. There must be an inward illumination!
Lord, I pray for my family, and friends who do not yet know You. Illumine their hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit. Amen
~A. W. Tozer~
Monday, June 1, 2020
True Growth In Grace!
True Growth In Grace!
"To you therefore who believe, He is precious!" (1 Peter 2:7).
The word "precious" has a stronger meaning than appears on the surface; or all-precious. Christ is a sun which ever shines; a garden which is always full of flowers and fruits; a hive ever full of honey; a fountain which is always full; a brook which never dries; a rose that always blooms; an ocean of sweetness without a drop of gall.
To the child of God, a personal living Christ is most dear. He is not satisfied with a mere love for Christ's doctrines, Christ's promises, or Christ's gifts. His affections entwine themselves round about Christ's person. Jesus to him his brother, friend, companion, the one with whom he walks and talks.
True growth in grace consists of a personal Saviour growing increasingly precious.
How sad it is that so many fall short of this experience. Their religion is entered more in a code of rules and collections of doctrines - than in the person of the dear Redeemer.
Yes, to you who believe, He Himself is precious!
Not only His house - for it is quite possible to like a person's house exceedingly, and yet have no particular love for the owner of the house.
Not only His book - for how many there are who value a man's gifts, while they despise him in their heart.
But He Himself, apart from all that He gives, will be your heart's dearest love.
"My God, I love you; not because
I hope for Heaven thereby,
Nor because those who love You not,
Must burn eternally.
Not with the hope of gaining anything,
Nor seeking a reward;
But as Yourself have loved me,
O ever-loving Lord.!
"Whom have I in Heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth!" (Psalm 73:25).
~Archibald Brown~
"To you therefore who believe, He is precious!" (1 Peter 2:7).
The word "precious" has a stronger meaning than appears on the surface; or all-precious. Christ is a sun which ever shines; a garden which is always full of flowers and fruits; a hive ever full of honey; a fountain which is always full; a brook which never dries; a rose that always blooms; an ocean of sweetness without a drop of gall.
To the child of God, a personal living Christ is most dear. He is not satisfied with a mere love for Christ's doctrines, Christ's promises, or Christ's gifts. His affections entwine themselves round about Christ's person. Jesus to him his brother, friend, companion, the one with whom he walks and talks.
True growth in grace consists of a personal Saviour growing increasingly precious.
How sad it is that so many fall short of this experience. Their religion is entered more in a code of rules and collections of doctrines - than in the person of the dear Redeemer.
Yes, to you who believe, He Himself is precious!
Not only His house - for it is quite possible to like a person's house exceedingly, and yet have no particular love for the owner of the house.
Not only His book - for how many there are who value a man's gifts, while they despise him in their heart.
But He Himself, apart from all that He gives, will be your heart's dearest love.
"My God, I love you; not because
I hope for Heaven thereby,
Nor because those who love You not,
Must burn eternally.
Not with the hope of gaining anything,
Nor seeking a reward;
But as Yourself have loved me,
O ever-loving Lord.!
"Whom have I in Heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth!" (Psalm 73:25).
~Archibald Brown~
Friday, May 29, 2020
Quotes from A. W. Pink
Quotes from A. W. Pink
If lustful looking be so grievous a sin, then those who dress and expose themselves with desires to be looked at and lusted after - are not less, but even more guilty. In this matter it is only too often the case that men sin, but women tempt them so to do. How great, then, must be the guilt of the great majority of the modern misses who deliberately seek to arouse the sexual passions of our young men. And how much greater still is the guilt of most of their mothers for allowing them to become lascivious temptresses.
______________________
Many of the pulpiteers of the past fifty years acted as though the first and last object of their calling was the salvation of souls, everything being made to bend to their aim. In consequence, the feeding of the sheep, the maintaining of a Scriptural discipline in the church, and the inculcation of practical piety was crowded out; and only too often all sorts of worldly devices and fleshly methods were employed under the plea that the end justified the means; and thus the churches were filled with unregenerate members. In reality, such men defeated their own aim. The hard heart must be ploughed and harrowed before it can be receptive to the gospel seed. Doctrinal instruction must be given on the character of God, the requirements of the Law, the nature and heinousness of sin, if a foundation is to be laid for true evangelism. It is useless to preach Christ unto souls until they see and feel their desperate need of Him.
________________________
Repentance is the hand releasing those filthy objects it had previously clung to so tenaciously. Faith is extending an empty hand to God to receive His gift of grace. Repentance is a godly sorrow for sin. Faith is receiving a sinner's Saviour. Repentance is revulsion of the filth and pollution of sin. Faith is seeking of cleansing therefrom. Repentance is the sinner covering his mouth and crying, "Unclean, unclean!" Faith is the leper coming to Christ and saying, "Lord, if You will, You can make me clean."
If lustful looking be so grievous a sin, then those who dress and expose themselves with desires to be looked at and lusted after - are not less, but even more guilty. In this matter it is only too often the case that men sin, but women tempt them so to do. How great, then, must be the guilt of the great majority of the modern misses who deliberately seek to arouse the sexual passions of our young men. And how much greater still is the guilt of most of their mothers for allowing them to become lascivious temptresses.
______________________
Many of the pulpiteers of the past fifty years acted as though the first and last object of their calling was the salvation of souls, everything being made to bend to their aim. In consequence, the feeding of the sheep, the maintaining of a Scriptural discipline in the church, and the inculcation of practical piety was crowded out; and only too often all sorts of worldly devices and fleshly methods were employed under the plea that the end justified the means; and thus the churches were filled with unregenerate members. In reality, such men defeated their own aim. The hard heart must be ploughed and harrowed before it can be receptive to the gospel seed. Doctrinal instruction must be given on the character of God, the requirements of the Law, the nature and heinousness of sin, if a foundation is to be laid for true evangelism. It is useless to preach Christ unto souls until they see and feel their desperate need of Him.
________________________
Repentance is the hand releasing those filthy objects it had previously clung to so tenaciously. Faith is extending an empty hand to God to receive His gift of grace. Repentance is a godly sorrow for sin. Faith is receiving a sinner's Saviour. Repentance is revulsion of the filth and pollution of sin. Faith is seeking of cleansing therefrom. Repentance is the sinner covering his mouth and crying, "Unclean, unclean!" Faith is the leper coming to Christ and saying, "Lord, if You will, You can make me clean."
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Well, Ladies and Gentlemen
Well, Ladies and Gentlemen
"Without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
Well, ladies and gentlemen - Do you think that it is good to be going to hell - that it is good to be dwelling with everlasting burnings - that it is good to be forever separated from the glorious presence of God? Do you think that it is good to forever lie a-sweltering under the wrath of an infinitely just God, and to abide forever and ever under those pains and torments which are endless, easeless, hopeless, and remediless? Do you think that it is good to be fettered with devils and damned spirits for all eternity?
"Oh no! this cannot be good! for the very thoughts of these things are enough to raise a hell on this side of hell - in our hearts!"
Oh then, with all your might pres after holiness, and pursue hard after holiness - as after the one thing necessary; for without holiness you shall as certainly go to hell - as holy people shall certainly go to heaven! Oh that you would forever remember this - that without all question, you shall never be saved, unless you are sanctified; you shall never be truly and eternally happy, unless you are truly holy!
"Without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
~Thomas Brooks~
"Without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
Well, ladies and gentlemen - Do you think that it is good to be going to hell - that it is good to be dwelling with everlasting burnings - that it is good to be forever separated from the glorious presence of God? Do you think that it is good to forever lie a-sweltering under the wrath of an infinitely just God, and to abide forever and ever under those pains and torments which are endless, easeless, hopeless, and remediless? Do you think that it is good to be fettered with devils and damned spirits for all eternity?
"Oh no! this cannot be good! for the very thoughts of these things are enough to raise a hell on this side of hell - in our hearts!"
Oh then, with all your might pres after holiness, and pursue hard after holiness - as after the one thing necessary; for without holiness you shall as certainly go to hell - as holy people shall certainly go to heaven! Oh that you would forever remember this - that without all question, you shall never be saved, unless you are sanctified; you shall never be truly and eternally happy, unless you are truly holy!
"Without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
~Thomas Brooks~
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
If You Attempt to Enthrone the Creature!
If You Attempt to Enthrone the Creature!
O Christian! God has removed one of your sweetest mercies, comforts, or enjoyments! It may be that you have over-loved them, and over-much delighted yourself in them. It may be they have often had your heart - when they should have had but your hand. It may be that care, that concern, that confidence, that joy - which should have been expended upon more noble objects, has been expended upon them!
Your heart is Christ's bed of spices, and it may be that you have bedded your mercies with you - when Christ has been made to lie outside! You have had room for them - when you have had none for Him! They have had your best - when your worst have been counted good enough for Christ!
It is said of Reuben, that he went up to his father's bed, (Genesis 49:4). Ah, how often has one creature comfort, and sometimes another - been put in between Christ and your souls! How often have your dear enjoyments gone up to Christ's bed! Your near and dear mercies have come into Christ's bed of love - your hearts!
Now, if you take a husband, a child, a friend into that room in your soul which only belongs to God - then He will either embitter it, remove it, or be the death of it.
If once the love of a wife runs out more to a servant, then to her husband - the husband will remove that servant; though otherwise he was a servant worth gold.
Now, if God has stripped you of that very mercy with which you have often committed spiritual adultery and idolatry - have you any cause to murmur?
There are those who love their mercies into their graves, who hug their mercies to death, who kiss them until they kill them!
Christian! Your heart is Christ's royal throne, and in this throne Christ will be chief! He will endure no competitor! If you attempt to enthrone the creature, be it ever so near and dear unto you - Christ will dethrone it! He will destroy it!
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: "I am about to desecrate my sanctuary - the stronghold in which you take pride, the delight of your eyes, the object of your affection. The sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword!" (Exekiel 24:21).
~Thomas Brooks~
O Christian! God has removed one of your sweetest mercies, comforts, or enjoyments! It may be that you have over-loved them, and over-much delighted yourself in them. It may be they have often had your heart - when they should have had but your hand. It may be that care, that concern, that confidence, that joy - which should have been expended upon more noble objects, has been expended upon them!
Your heart is Christ's bed of spices, and it may be that you have bedded your mercies with you - when Christ has been made to lie outside! You have had room for them - when you have had none for Him! They have had your best - when your worst have been counted good enough for Christ!
It is said of Reuben, that he went up to his father's bed, (Genesis 49:4). Ah, how often has one creature comfort, and sometimes another - been put in between Christ and your souls! How often have your dear enjoyments gone up to Christ's bed! Your near and dear mercies have come into Christ's bed of love - your hearts!
Now, if you take a husband, a child, a friend into that room in your soul which only belongs to God - then He will either embitter it, remove it, or be the death of it.
If once the love of a wife runs out more to a servant, then to her husband - the husband will remove that servant; though otherwise he was a servant worth gold.
Now, if God has stripped you of that very mercy with which you have often committed spiritual adultery and idolatry - have you any cause to murmur?
There are those who love their mercies into their graves, who hug their mercies to death, who kiss them until they kill them!
Christian! Your heart is Christ's royal throne, and in this throne Christ will be chief! He will endure no competitor! If you attempt to enthrone the creature, be it ever so near and dear unto you - Christ will dethrone it! He will destroy it!
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: "I am about to desecrate my sanctuary - the stronghold in which you take pride, the delight of your eyes, the object of your affection. The sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword!" (Exekiel 24:21).
~Thomas Brooks~
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
What Can Mortal Man Give to His God?
What Can Mortal man Give to His God?
"What shall I render to the Lord, for all His benefits towards me?"
"What shall I render to the Lord?" Here is a question far easier asked, than answered. I confess that in studying this subject, when I asked my soul this question, and then tried faithfully to answer it, I found myself completely bewildered. I found I had all the desire in the world to render something. But what?
Think for a moment of the possessions of God. What can mortal man give to his God? How can the treasury of the Creator - be enriched by the gifts of the creature? The thought of our God's infinite wealth, makes the question of our text appear next door to an impertinence. Listen but to His own words, "I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine! If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and all that is in it!" (Psalm 50:9-12).
The golden veins of the everlasting hills are His, and the hidden treasures of the vast deep belong to Him. Lift up your eyes on high some starry night, and behold the bespangled skies - every glittering speck you see is a rolling world, and every world is the result of His handiwork. The heavens are but His jewel case!
Now say believer, what you will lay at the feet of Him who can place His hand upon Heaven, earth, and hell, and say, "All is mine!"
But apart from the possessions of our God, there is another insuperable difficulty to answering the question, and that is our own poverty. It is total poverty, talking is a gift to infinite wealth. Ransack your memory, run over your accounts, find out what you possess. What is the sum total? Nothing! Nothing!! Nothing!!! We are miserable bankrupts, not worth a jot. The very bread we eat is the bread of divine charity - and the breath we draw is lent to us. It is utter emptiness, talking of giving to the perfection of fullness. It is the beggar rendering to the benefactor!
If we were able to give Him anything - it would be but rendering to Him what is already His own. What do we have, that we have not first received from God? "Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand!" (1 Chronicles 29:14).
The heart's gratitude is all the saint can give in return for divine mercies that are fresh with every hour, and as numerous as the seconds in the day.
But if thanksgiving is good, remember thanks-living is better; therefore let your whole life join in the harmony! Live for Him who died for you! The highest praise that mortal saint can give, is the praise that vents itself in the exclamation, "For me, to live is Christ!"
Give Him your love. Nothing testifies to gratitude so much. Indeed, where love is lacking, no true praise can exist. Do not be afraid of loving Him too much. Do not fear being thought a fanatic, or considered an enthusiast. If you could love Him to a flaming passion - you would not love Him half enough! Give Him your love - He asks for it, and will pardon its weakness.
~Archibald Brown~
"What shall I render to the Lord, for all His benefits towards me?"
"What shall I render to the Lord?" Here is a question far easier asked, than answered. I confess that in studying this subject, when I asked my soul this question, and then tried faithfully to answer it, I found myself completely bewildered. I found I had all the desire in the world to render something. But what?
Think for a moment of the possessions of God. What can mortal man give to his God? How can the treasury of the Creator - be enriched by the gifts of the creature? The thought of our God's infinite wealth, makes the question of our text appear next door to an impertinence. Listen but to His own words, "I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine! If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and all that is in it!" (Psalm 50:9-12).
The golden veins of the everlasting hills are His, and the hidden treasures of the vast deep belong to Him. Lift up your eyes on high some starry night, and behold the bespangled skies - every glittering speck you see is a rolling world, and every world is the result of His handiwork. The heavens are but His jewel case!
Now say believer, what you will lay at the feet of Him who can place His hand upon Heaven, earth, and hell, and say, "All is mine!"
But apart from the possessions of our God, there is another insuperable difficulty to answering the question, and that is our own poverty. It is total poverty, talking is a gift to infinite wealth. Ransack your memory, run over your accounts, find out what you possess. What is the sum total? Nothing! Nothing!! Nothing!!! We are miserable bankrupts, not worth a jot. The very bread we eat is the bread of divine charity - and the breath we draw is lent to us. It is utter emptiness, talking of giving to the perfection of fullness. It is the beggar rendering to the benefactor!
If we were able to give Him anything - it would be but rendering to Him what is already His own. What do we have, that we have not first received from God? "Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand!" (1 Chronicles 29:14).
The heart's gratitude is all the saint can give in return for divine mercies that are fresh with every hour, and as numerous as the seconds in the day.
But if thanksgiving is good, remember thanks-living is better; therefore let your whole life join in the harmony! Live for Him who died for you! The highest praise that mortal saint can give, is the praise that vents itself in the exclamation, "For me, to live is Christ!"
Give Him your love. Nothing testifies to gratitude so much. Indeed, where love is lacking, no true praise can exist. Do not be afraid of loving Him too much. Do not fear being thought a fanatic, or considered an enthusiast. If you could love Him to a flaming passion - you would not love Him half enough! Give Him your love - He asks for it, and will pardon its weakness.
~Archibald Brown~
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