The Judge!
"God is the Judge!" (Psalm 75:7).
There is one supreme judge of what is right and wrong - and that judge is Jesus. He is qualified to judge, and He is appointed to sit in judgment on the actions of men, and to reward every one according to his works.
But it is not to God's final judgment we are about to refer - but to the present. Many professors talk, or seem to feel, as if great mistakes were made, and therefore they justify themselves in complaining. But Jesus is Judge of what is right, and what is best.
His wisdom is infinite; His knowledge comprehends the past, the present, and the future; His power is omnipotent; His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, and is over all His works; His love to His people surpasses knowledge.
This being the case, there can be no question that Jesus is the best Judge of what is right, and of what should be.
God is the Judge - as to our PERSONS. Some wish they had more strength, some that they had more health, some that they had more beauty, some one thing, some another thing. Some imagine that they are too tall - and some not tall enough. Some are crooked, or otherwise deformed - and are grieved that they are not straight or well formed.
But God is the Judge, and our formation, size, shape, appearance, etc., are all according to His will; and if according to His will - it must be best. Beware of how you sit in judgment on the wisdom of God, or think yourself capable of improving His plans.
God is the Judge as to who should be born - their size, shape, appearance, and every other particular. Therefore be silent before Him; be satisfied with your lot, and believe that by and bye you will see a reason for what tries or troubles you at present. If you were humble, you would not be much affected by what man may think, or what man may say - but would bow before God, and say, "If I can honor You by being deformed, or destitute of beauty, or weak, or diseased - it is enough. May Your will be done, Your name be hallowed, Your glory be advanced - and I am content; more - I am well-pleased!"
God is the Judge - as to our CIRCUMSTANCES. Whether I am to be rich, or to be poor; whether I am employer, or employed; whether I am healthy, or sick; whether I thrive, or go to wreck - God is the Judge as to which is best. He is Judge as to the nature or number of my mercies, trials, troubles, comforts, crosses, losses, bereavements and varied changes.
I cannot tell what would be best - what would really do me good. I must bow to the wisdom of the All-wise God, accept the appointments of His grace, and be satisfied with the arrangements of Infinite Love.
If there was anything like "chance" in the world - I might complain, or wish for an alteration. But since God exercises His judgment, and has ordained my lot - it is for me to approve of it, and seek grace that I may honor Him in it.
God is the Judge - as to our EVENTS. Many things are sent to try us; and they try our thoughts, our faith, our fortitude, our patience, our humility, and our perseverance. We may rest assured of this - that God's ends will be accomplished, His purposes will be performed, and the predictions of His Word will be fulfilled.
We may therefore, very safely leave all results to God. We should walk, taking no thought for the morrow. We should trust God's promises, walk by God's precepts, observe God's providences. And then we may say, "I have nothing to do with the future, for God is the Judge! It is not a change of circumstances - so much as a change of heart that you need. God has made no mistakes! It is His doing, and "shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"
God does according to His will in heaven - and there is no complaint or repining there. And He does according to His will on earth - and there should be no dissatisfaction with God's allotments.
We have too high an opinion of ourselves, and of our own judgments; and while this is the case, we shall attempt to invade the rights of the Most High God, or to dictate to the Supreme Ruler!
But who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say unto Him that formed it, "Why have you made me thus?"
God is the Judge! Therefore be silent all the earth, before the Lord!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, November 30, 2019
God's Personal Message to America # 1
God's Personal Message to America # 1
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).
Introduction: Most of us place a high value on "personal" messages. Form letters and mass mailings are the norm in our day, so it is very refreshing to receive a "personal" note from a person or organization. Some have made a concerted effort to make their mailings seem to be "one-of-a-kind." Today it is difficult to tell what is personal correspondence and what is "mass mailing." Sometimes it may seem the same with Scripture. While many preachers apply passages written for Israel to America, our text IS to America! In fact, it is a blanket statement to any nation! What would God say to America, if He spoke audibly to us? I believe He would remind us of this verse. Righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people." These truths still hold true for any nation today. History is littered with the echoes of failed nations. Nineveh, the Egyptian Dynasty, Greece, the Roman Empire... Today, the United States is a proof text for this verse! Let us see how this is so as we divide the thoughts into four sections.
I. The Righteousness of a Nation
The first word of our verse is "righteousness." It is a word seldom uttered outside of conservative churches today. You don't hear our politicians speak about righteousness. You don't hear the news media say anything about it. There are at least three implications of the word, righteousness.
1. It implies Sovereignty. If there is such a thing as righteousness, then Someone sovereign must determine what it is. Humankind has a varied idea of righteousness. We could never in a million years agree on what is righteous and what is unrighteous. God, however, is an authority on righteousness. Psalm 71:19 "Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!" Psalm 98:2 "The Lord hath made known His salvation: His righteousness hath He openly shewed in the sight of the heathen."
2. It implies a Standard. Society today does not want a standard; they will not even acknowledge that one exists. This is the main reason that the Word of God has been attacked and ridiculed by unbelievers. Psalm 119:40: "Behold I have longed after they precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness." Psalm 119:142 "Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth." At the funding of our nation, the Bible was held in high esteem. There are both direct and indirect quotations in the correspondence of the founding fathers.
3. It implies a Straightness. It is one thing to admit that there is a standard, it is quite another to make that standard your own. The word in our text intimates a personal righteousness, a personal morality. The Judeo-Christian ethic has guiding our nation from its founding up until the generation in which we live. Our forefathers chose the righteousness of the Bible as it's guiding light. Notice the words of God to Israel after the Exodus:
Deut. 4:5-9 5. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call Him for? 8. And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9. Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
II. The Reward of a Nation ("exalteth a nation")
Who can doubt that America has been exalted among the nations? Some Americans, like Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel, take the credit for such exaltation. The mentality is that we somehow deserve the greatness and power of our past. That is a sad mistake to make. America has been exalted because of its' citizens goodness and personal holiness! America has been exalted because of the churches that have carried out the great commission both at home and abroad! It is because of past obedience and humility that we now enjoy a preeminent place on the world scene. Let us examine the word "exalteth" a little more closely to determine just what God means in this most glorious promise: "Righteousness exalteth a nation...!"
1. The Exalted Nation is Set-Apart. One of the meanings of the word "exalt" is "to be lifted up to be made high." The Bible teaches us that God Himself is exalted, the scripture is exalted, and Israel is exalted above the nations. But in this verse we find a promise that the righteous nation also will be lifted up and made high. Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 37:34 "Wait on the Lord, and keep His way; and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land when the wicked are cut off, thou shall see it." Surely there is no nation in the history of the world which has been lifted up and exalted more than America! The United States has dominated history, throughout the 20th century.
~Robert L. Cobb~
(continued with # 2)
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).
Introduction: Most of us place a high value on "personal" messages. Form letters and mass mailings are the norm in our day, so it is very refreshing to receive a "personal" note from a person or organization. Some have made a concerted effort to make their mailings seem to be "one-of-a-kind." Today it is difficult to tell what is personal correspondence and what is "mass mailing." Sometimes it may seem the same with Scripture. While many preachers apply passages written for Israel to America, our text IS to America! In fact, it is a blanket statement to any nation! What would God say to America, if He spoke audibly to us? I believe He would remind us of this verse. Righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people." These truths still hold true for any nation today. History is littered with the echoes of failed nations. Nineveh, the Egyptian Dynasty, Greece, the Roman Empire... Today, the United States is a proof text for this verse! Let us see how this is so as we divide the thoughts into four sections.
I. The Righteousness of a Nation
The first word of our verse is "righteousness." It is a word seldom uttered outside of conservative churches today. You don't hear our politicians speak about righteousness. You don't hear the news media say anything about it. There are at least three implications of the word, righteousness.
1. It implies Sovereignty. If there is such a thing as righteousness, then Someone sovereign must determine what it is. Humankind has a varied idea of righteousness. We could never in a million years agree on what is righteous and what is unrighteous. God, however, is an authority on righteousness. Psalm 71:19 "Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!" Psalm 98:2 "The Lord hath made known His salvation: His righteousness hath He openly shewed in the sight of the heathen."
2. It implies a Standard. Society today does not want a standard; they will not even acknowledge that one exists. This is the main reason that the Word of God has been attacked and ridiculed by unbelievers. Psalm 119:40: "Behold I have longed after they precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness." Psalm 119:142 "Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth." At the funding of our nation, the Bible was held in high esteem. There are both direct and indirect quotations in the correspondence of the founding fathers.
3. It implies a Straightness. It is one thing to admit that there is a standard, it is quite another to make that standard your own. The word in our text intimates a personal righteousness, a personal morality. The Judeo-Christian ethic has guiding our nation from its founding up until the generation in which we live. Our forefathers chose the righteousness of the Bible as it's guiding light. Notice the words of God to Israel after the Exodus:
Deut. 4:5-9 5. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call Him for? 8. And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9. Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
II. The Reward of a Nation ("exalteth a nation")
Who can doubt that America has been exalted among the nations? Some Americans, like Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel, take the credit for such exaltation. The mentality is that we somehow deserve the greatness and power of our past. That is a sad mistake to make. America has been exalted because of its' citizens goodness and personal holiness! America has been exalted because of the churches that have carried out the great commission both at home and abroad! It is because of past obedience and humility that we now enjoy a preeminent place on the world scene. Let us examine the word "exalteth" a little more closely to determine just what God means in this most glorious promise: "Righteousness exalteth a nation...!"
1. The Exalted Nation is Set-Apart. One of the meanings of the word "exalt" is "to be lifted up to be made high." The Bible teaches us that God Himself is exalted, the scripture is exalted, and Israel is exalted above the nations. But in this verse we find a promise that the righteous nation also will be lifted up and made high. Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 37:34 "Wait on the Lord, and keep His way; and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land when the wicked are cut off, thou shall see it." Surely there is no nation in the history of the world which has been lifted up and exalted more than America! The United States has dominated history, throughout the 20th century.
~Robert L. Cobb~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, November 23, 2019
The Good Fortune!
The Good Fortune!
"Godliness with contentment is great gain!" (1 Tim. 6:6).
Godliness is conformity to the moral image of God, and the entire consecration of the soul to the Lord's service. The godly are created anew in Christ Jesus; they are united to God through Jesus; and have all the graces or fruits of the Spirit within them. They view things very much as God does; hence they look upon sin - as the greatest of evils; upon the world - as a vast vanity; upon saints - as the excellent of the earth; and upon the Lord Jesus - as altogether lovely!
They hate sin, renounce the world, unite with the saints, and adore the Saviour as their God and Lord.
They approve of God's precepts, and choose the condition which He prescribes. They love God, believe in Jesus, walk in the Spirit, fear sin, loathe self, and walk in the fear of the Lord.
They rely wholly on the perfect work of Christ for acceptance; pant for holiness with ardent longing; and desire always to acquiesce in the sovereign will of God.
True godliness produces and strengthens contentment; and contentment is the calm sunshine of a man's life. We do not mean sitting down in idleness, feeling at home in filth, or indulging in negligence; this would be a disgrace to any creature, especially a professing Christian!
But contentment is connected with honest industry, general cleanliness, and a concern for the honor of God.
True contentment springs from acknowledging and eyeing God's providence, whose tender mercies are over all His works. It is a bowing to His will - as the infinitely wise an invariably good; believing the promises He has given; expecting the provision He has made; and feeling satisfied to share in the common lot with His people.
Contented Christians prize spiritual blessings before temporal, and live sensible of their demerit and desert. They know that everything short of hell is a favor - and that the glories of Heaven will more than make amends for all the toils and privations of this world's wilderness pilgrimage. They do not expect to find rest below, or a paradise in the desert of this world. They are persuaded, "that all things work together for good, to those who love God, and are the called according to His purpose."
Pride is slain, and humility flourishes; for pride is the parent of discontent, ingratitude, peevishness, rebellion against God, and many other evils.
While humility produces contentment, patience, gratitude, submission to the will of God, and many other virtues.
The godly who are contented are rich - for they have a good fortune!
They have inward peace and satisfaction of mind - which are better than gold!
They are filled with gratitude and thankfulness to God - which are better than a large estate!
They have love to God and delight in Him - which are preferable to a splendid mansion!
They have a joyful anticipation of eternal glory, of being acknowledged as the sons of God, and fellow-heirs of Jesus - which is to be esteemed above all the titles and honors of this perishing world!
They contentedly live in the enjoyment of what they now have - realizing that their glorious portion is yet to come! Their aspirations are on the same level as their earthly condition - hence, they are strangers to fretfulness, murmuring, and the constant vexations which most men experience. They prove that, "Better a little with the fear of the Lord - than great wealth with turmoil."
Reader, are you a godly person? Are you acquainted with God - as your God, your Friend, your Father? Are you contented with your place, portion, and prospect in this perishing world? If so, you have a good fortune!
~James Smith~
(The End)
"Godliness with contentment is great gain!" (1 Tim. 6:6).
Godliness is conformity to the moral image of God, and the entire consecration of the soul to the Lord's service. The godly are created anew in Christ Jesus; they are united to God through Jesus; and have all the graces or fruits of the Spirit within them. They view things very much as God does; hence they look upon sin - as the greatest of evils; upon the world - as a vast vanity; upon saints - as the excellent of the earth; and upon the Lord Jesus - as altogether lovely!
They hate sin, renounce the world, unite with the saints, and adore the Saviour as their God and Lord.
They approve of God's precepts, and choose the condition which He prescribes. They love God, believe in Jesus, walk in the Spirit, fear sin, loathe self, and walk in the fear of the Lord.
They rely wholly on the perfect work of Christ for acceptance; pant for holiness with ardent longing; and desire always to acquiesce in the sovereign will of God.
True godliness produces and strengthens contentment; and contentment is the calm sunshine of a man's life. We do not mean sitting down in idleness, feeling at home in filth, or indulging in negligence; this would be a disgrace to any creature, especially a professing Christian!
But contentment is connected with honest industry, general cleanliness, and a concern for the honor of God.
True contentment springs from acknowledging and eyeing God's providence, whose tender mercies are over all His works. It is a bowing to His will - as the infinitely wise an invariably good; believing the promises He has given; expecting the provision He has made; and feeling satisfied to share in the common lot with His people.
Contented Christians prize spiritual blessings before temporal, and live sensible of their demerit and desert. They know that everything short of hell is a favor - and that the glories of Heaven will more than make amends for all the toils and privations of this world's wilderness pilgrimage. They do not expect to find rest below, or a paradise in the desert of this world. They are persuaded, "that all things work together for good, to those who love God, and are the called according to His purpose."
Pride is slain, and humility flourishes; for pride is the parent of discontent, ingratitude, peevishness, rebellion against God, and many other evils.
While humility produces contentment, patience, gratitude, submission to the will of God, and many other virtues.
The godly who are contented are rich - for they have a good fortune!
They have inward peace and satisfaction of mind - which are better than gold!
They are filled with gratitude and thankfulness to God - which are better than a large estate!
They have love to God and delight in Him - which are preferable to a splendid mansion!
They have a joyful anticipation of eternal glory, of being acknowledged as the sons of God, and fellow-heirs of Jesus - which is to be esteemed above all the titles and honors of this perishing world!
They contentedly live in the enjoyment of what they now have - realizing that their glorious portion is yet to come! Their aspirations are on the same level as their earthly condition - hence, they are strangers to fretfulness, murmuring, and the constant vexations which most men experience. They prove that, "Better a little with the fear of the Lord - than great wealth with turmoil."
Reader, are you a godly person? Are you acquainted with God - as your God, your Friend, your Father? Are you contented with your place, portion, and prospect in this perishing world? If so, you have a good fortune!
~James Smith~
(The End)
God Leading His People Through the Wilderness
God Leading His People Through the Wilderness
How much we have to be thankful for. How many reasons we have to praise God. No wonder that the Lord's people of old, so frequently commemorated the Lord's mercy; for everything short of hell - is mercy! Everything He did for them, or conferred upon them - is ascribed to His mercy, and to mercy the praise is rendered. "Give thanks to Him who led His people through the wilderness - for His mercy endures forever!" (Psalm 136:16).
The Objects of God's Care. "His people." Those whom He has chosen for His own, and eternally set apart for His praise. Those whom He has redeemed from the claims of justice by His blood, and from every daring foe by His power. Those whom He has called out of the world, separated from old associations, and consecrated to His service and praise. Those with whom He has entered into covenant, saying, "I will be your God - and you shall be My people!" They are His own, in the highest, holiest, and most blessed sense.
Their Pilgrimage. They are brought into a wilderness. That is, the world becomes a wilderness to them - in consequence of His precious work within them. They have to pass through the wilderness, where they experience spiritual hunger and thirst, and are often sighing for full and suitable supplies. Now hunger only - but spiritual weariness, for they have little rest or repose. Many foes meet them, oppose them, and come into conflict with them. Dangers in every direction surround them, and many painful privations are felt by them. These and other things discourage them. But it is the way to the promised land!
Egypt has been lest, the wilderness is now being journeyed, and Canaan with all its glory is before us!
The Manner of God's Guiding. He employed means. He used the cloud, and at length the ark conducted them across the Jordan. So the Lord leads us by His servants, by His providence, and by His Word now. He leads us like a faithful shepherd leads a flock - with care, watchfulness, and wisdom. He leads us like a kind parent leads a little child - with gentle attention, and love. He leads us like a mother eagle, who teaches her young to fly, watches it if there is the least danger, and darts beneath it and carries it on her wings. He leads us like a God alone could, whose patience, love and grace, are as constant as the day! Thus the Lord leads us, never taking His eye off us, or remitting His care at any time for one moment.
The Cause of God's Attentive Leading. "His mercy endures forever!" His mercy fixed upon them - and chose them for His own. His mercy took charge of them - to conduct them to the promised land. His mercy continued with them - through the whole of the long, tedious, and trying journey. His mercy was glorified in them - in its constancy, and power to supply.
In His mercy He led them - to try them, to prove them, to humble them, to teach them - and to do them the greatest good.
The Lord always makes the world - to be a wilderness to His people. They cannot feel at home in it - nor will it yield them suitable or sufficient supplies. In the wilderness - they learn His ways. They learn to trust Him, to look to Him, and to expect everything from Him. In the wilderness - He becomes everything to them!
In the wilderness - He prepares them for Canaan. He weans them from the world, empties them of self, and shows them the insufficiency of all creatures!
All who follow the Lord as their leader - arrive safe in their Heavenly home. He does not lead them by the shortest way, nor by the easiest way - but He leads them in the right way, which is the best way. Following Him, they escape dangers, find supplies, master difficulties, overcome their foes, and arrive with certainty at their journey's end!
Gratitude should render praise. Indebted to mercy - we should prize mercy; and prizing mercy - we should praise mercy. We should sing of mercy on earth, preparatory to our singing of mercy in Heaven.
Reader, what is the world to you? Is it a home - or a wilderness? What are you in the world? Are you a resident - or a stranger and a pilgrim? Is God leading you through it - or are you making your home in it?
If God is leading you through the wilderness - then do not be surprised if you meet with changes, trials, difficulties, and troubles; they are wilderness fare.
If you can make your home in the wilderness - then do not be surprised if you are excluded from the Promised Land. For only those whom God leads through the wilderness - ever arrive safely there!
~James Smith~
(The End)
How much we have to be thankful for. How many reasons we have to praise God. No wonder that the Lord's people of old, so frequently commemorated the Lord's mercy; for everything short of hell - is mercy! Everything He did for them, or conferred upon them - is ascribed to His mercy, and to mercy the praise is rendered. "Give thanks to Him who led His people through the wilderness - for His mercy endures forever!" (Psalm 136:16).
The Objects of God's Care. "His people." Those whom He has chosen for His own, and eternally set apart for His praise. Those whom He has redeemed from the claims of justice by His blood, and from every daring foe by His power. Those whom He has called out of the world, separated from old associations, and consecrated to His service and praise. Those with whom He has entered into covenant, saying, "I will be your God - and you shall be My people!" They are His own, in the highest, holiest, and most blessed sense.
Their Pilgrimage. They are brought into a wilderness. That is, the world becomes a wilderness to them - in consequence of His precious work within them. They have to pass through the wilderness, where they experience spiritual hunger and thirst, and are often sighing for full and suitable supplies. Now hunger only - but spiritual weariness, for they have little rest or repose. Many foes meet them, oppose them, and come into conflict with them. Dangers in every direction surround them, and many painful privations are felt by them. These and other things discourage them. But it is the way to the promised land!
Egypt has been lest, the wilderness is now being journeyed, and Canaan with all its glory is before us!
The Manner of God's Guiding. He employed means. He used the cloud, and at length the ark conducted them across the Jordan. So the Lord leads us by His servants, by His providence, and by His Word now. He leads us like a faithful shepherd leads a flock - with care, watchfulness, and wisdom. He leads us like a kind parent leads a little child - with gentle attention, and love. He leads us like a mother eagle, who teaches her young to fly, watches it if there is the least danger, and darts beneath it and carries it on her wings. He leads us like a God alone could, whose patience, love and grace, are as constant as the day! Thus the Lord leads us, never taking His eye off us, or remitting His care at any time for one moment.
The Cause of God's Attentive Leading. "His mercy endures forever!" His mercy fixed upon them - and chose them for His own. His mercy took charge of them - to conduct them to the promised land. His mercy continued with them - through the whole of the long, tedious, and trying journey. His mercy was glorified in them - in its constancy, and power to supply.
In His mercy He led them - to try them, to prove them, to humble them, to teach them - and to do them the greatest good.
The Lord always makes the world - to be a wilderness to His people. They cannot feel at home in it - nor will it yield them suitable or sufficient supplies. In the wilderness - they learn His ways. They learn to trust Him, to look to Him, and to expect everything from Him. In the wilderness - He becomes everything to them!
In the wilderness - He prepares them for Canaan. He weans them from the world, empties them of self, and shows them the insufficiency of all creatures!
All who follow the Lord as their leader - arrive safe in their Heavenly home. He does not lead them by the shortest way, nor by the easiest way - but He leads them in the right way, which is the best way. Following Him, they escape dangers, find supplies, master difficulties, overcome their foes, and arrive with certainty at their journey's end!
Gratitude should render praise. Indebted to mercy - we should prize mercy; and prizing mercy - we should praise mercy. We should sing of mercy on earth, preparatory to our singing of mercy in Heaven.
Reader, what is the world to you? Is it a home - or a wilderness? What are you in the world? Are you a resident - or a stranger and a pilgrim? Is God leading you through it - or are you making your home in it?
If God is leading you through the wilderness - then do not be surprised if you meet with changes, trials, difficulties, and troubles; they are wilderness fare.
If you can make your home in the wilderness - then do not be surprised if you are excluded from the Promised Land. For only those whom God leads through the wilderness - ever arrive safely there!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Christ Precious! # 3
Christ Precious! # 3
His blood and obedience, His word and His grace, his faithfulness and sympathy, are unutterably precious!
Beloved, do you have this faith, which renders Christ so precious? If so, admire the sovereign and distinguishing grace of God, which has conferred so great a blessing upon you - for not all are given saving faith.
Honor the Holy Spirit, by whose operation this faith was produced in you.
Realize the importance of this faith, which renders Christ so precious.
It is the eye - which sees the beauty of Christ.
It is the foot - which travels to Christ.
It is the hand - which lays hold of Christ.
It is the mouth - which tastes the sweetness of Christ.
It is the inward principle - which clings and cleaves to Christ.
Avoid therefore whatever weakens faith, or interrupts its exercise; and prize whatever strengthens it, and makes it vigorous!
If you do not have this faith, or if you doubt whether you have or not - cry mightily to God, to send the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of faith to produce, or increase it, in you.
If you do not have high and honorable thoughts of Christ, if you do not prize Him as the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely, if you do not depend entirely on His precious blood and finished work, for your salvation - whatever faith you may have - is not that faith which distinguishes God's elect, which is the operation of God, and to which the promise of salvation is made. Look well to it therefore, that you have this faith, that you believe on the Son of God, that you believe that Jesus is the Christ, and trust in Him, and love Him accordingly, for, "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God."
Jesus is precious, says the Word,
What comfort does this truth afford!
And those who in his name believe,
With joy this precious truth receive.
To them He is more precious far,
Than life and all its comforts are;
More precious than their daily food,
More precious than their vital blood.
Not health, nor wealth, nor sounding fame,
Nor earth's deceitful empty name,
With all its pomp, and all its glare,
Can with a precious Christ compare!
He's precious, in His precious blood.
That pardoning and soul-cleansing flood!
He's precious, in His righteousness,
That everlasting heavenly dress!
In every office He sustains,
In every victory He gains,
In every council of His will,
He's precious to His people still.
As they draw near their journey's end,
How precious is their heavenly friend!
And, when in death the bow their head,
He's precious on a dying bed.
~James Smith~
(The End)
His blood and obedience, His word and His grace, his faithfulness and sympathy, are unutterably precious!
Beloved, do you have this faith, which renders Christ so precious? If so, admire the sovereign and distinguishing grace of God, which has conferred so great a blessing upon you - for not all are given saving faith.
Honor the Holy Spirit, by whose operation this faith was produced in you.
Realize the importance of this faith, which renders Christ so precious.
It is the eye - which sees the beauty of Christ.
It is the foot - which travels to Christ.
It is the hand - which lays hold of Christ.
It is the mouth - which tastes the sweetness of Christ.
It is the inward principle - which clings and cleaves to Christ.
Avoid therefore whatever weakens faith, or interrupts its exercise; and prize whatever strengthens it, and makes it vigorous!
If you do not have this faith, or if you doubt whether you have or not - cry mightily to God, to send the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of faith to produce, or increase it, in you.
If you do not have high and honorable thoughts of Christ, if you do not prize Him as the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely, if you do not depend entirely on His precious blood and finished work, for your salvation - whatever faith you may have - is not that faith which distinguishes God's elect, which is the operation of God, and to which the promise of salvation is made. Look well to it therefore, that you have this faith, that you believe on the Son of God, that you believe that Jesus is the Christ, and trust in Him, and love Him accordingly, for, "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God."
Jesus is precious, says the Word,
What comfort does this truth afford!
And those who in his name believe,
With joy this precious truth receive.
To them He is more precious far,
Than life and all its comforts are;
More precious than their daily food,
More precious than their vital blood.
Not health, nor wealth, nor sounding fame,
Nor earth's deceitful empty name,
With all its pomp, and all its glare,
Can with a precious Christ compare!
He's precious, in His precious blood.
That pardoning and soul-cleansing flood!
He's precious, in His righteousness,
That everlasting heavenly dress!
In every office He sustains,
In every victory He gains,
In every council of His will,
He's precious to His people still.
As they draw near their journey's end,
How precious is their heavenly friend!
And, when in death the bow their head,
He's precious on a dying bed.
~James Smith~
(The End)
The Zealous Christian # 3
The Zealous Christian # 3
We should be zealous to support it. By our presence, by our prayers, by our influence, and by our property. Silver and gold are given to us as God's stewards, and we are to use them for His glory. He often gives them, and then seems to leave us to ourselves, saying, "I will just see what you will do with them." And what do many do? Look at their opulent homes, at their lavish furniture, at their plush clothes, at their vain amusements, at their expensive foods, at their... But I forbear!
Only just look on the other hand, at what they give to support the ministry, to assist missions, to circulate the Bible, to distribute tracts, to relieve the poor, to supply the needs of the sick, etc. Can we say of such people, as Paul did of others, "None of us lives to himself?" If these are God's stewards - are they faithful? If ministers are their servants for Christ's sake, are they good masters? If the poor believers are their brethren, are they at all like their elder Brother in their conduct toward them? If there is no hope for sinners but through the Gospel, are they very anxious that souls should be saved?
The cause of God requires all our sympathy, influence, and untiring support - but does it have it? Shall it in future have it? We should zealously identify ourselves with it. To be one with Christ, how glorious! To be one with the cause of Christ, is only a little less glorious! The one is the glory of the sun, the other is the glory of the moon.
God has identified His cause with Himself, and He has identified His people with His cause. They are to sustain it, to increase it, to perfect it. But this requires zeal. It will not be done without zeal. It deserves our warmest zeal, our utmost endeavors. Cause of Jesus! may I be identified with You, may I zealously support You, may I be instrumental in increasing You! To this may every believer add, Amen and Amen!
Brethren, let us be zealous - for satan is! He never tires, he never rests. Most zealously does he contrive his plans, lay his snares, and watch his victims! He goes about seeking whom he may devour.
Let us be zealous, for lost sinners are. See the money they spend, the labor they give, the means they employ in the cause of sin and satan! Their conduct ought to put us to shame!
Let us be zealous, for false teachers are. How active, how diligent, how persevering they appear in propagating their error. They employ the tongue, the pen, the press, and the purse - in the most lavish and unsparing manner. Let their conduct be our model, their success our stimulus, and their zeal our reproof.
Let us be zealous! The zealous Christian is sure of God's blessing, the approbation of his own conscience, the opposition of satan, the frown of every lukewarm professor, and the commendation of all godly people.
Let us warm our hearts at the fire of God's love! Let us quicken our motives by a visit to the Cross! Let us sharpen our weapons by communion with the Spirit! Let us seek the grace, the courage, the strength necessary at the mercy seat - and then let us zealously fall to work. Let the work of God be our delight, the welfare of our fellow-men be our aim, and the glory of the Lord be our highest object! Let us live in earnest. Let us live tp purpose. By the shortness of time, by the solemnities of death, by the realities of eternity, by the danger of lost sinners, by the vigilance of satan, by the poor state of the Church, by the character of the present times, by the command of God, by the example of primitive believers, and by the counsel of the Lord Jesus - let us stir up our hearts, and stir up one another to be zealous!
"It is good," said Paul, "to be zealous, provided the purpose is good." (Gal. 4:18).
Brethren, the time is short, and "it is high time to awake out of sleep!" By the spread of Popery, by the activity of infidelity, by the condition of our cities, by the needs of the Church, by the authority of God, by the blood of the Cross, by the promise of the Spirit, by the glories of Heaven, by the terrors of hell, by the condemnation of the lukewarm and slothful - allow me to beseech you, to "Be zealous!"
Be zealous today - tomorrow you may die! Be zealous in time - and in eternity you will rejoice that you have been so!
~James Smith~
(The End)
We should be zealous to support it. By our presence, by our prayers, by our influence, and by our property. Silver and gold are given to us as God's stewards, and we are to use them for His glory. He often gives them, and then seems to leave us to ourselves, saying, "I will just see what you will do with them." And what do many do? Look at their opulent homes, at their lavish furniture, at their plush clothes, at their vain amusements, at their expensive foods, at their... But I forbear!
Only just look on the other hand, at what they give to support the ministry, to assist missions, to circulate the Bible, to distribute tracts, to relieve the poor, to supply the needs of the sick, etc. Can we say of such people, as Paul did of others, "None of us lives to himself?" If these are God's stewards - are they faithful? If ministers are their servants for Christ's sake, are they good masters? If the poor believers are their brethren, are they at all like their elder Brother in their conduct toward them? If there is no hope for sinners but through the Gospel, are they very anxious that souls should be saved?
The cause of God requires all our sympathy, influence, and untiring support - but does it have it? Shall it in future have it? We should zealously identify ourselves with it. To be one with Christ, how glorious! To be one with the cause of Christ, is only a little less glorious! The one is the glory of the sun, the other is the glory of the moon.
God has identified His cause with Himself, and He has identified His people with His cause. They are to sustain it, to increase it, to perfect it. But this requires zeal. It will not be done without zeal. It deserves our warmest zeal, our utmost endeavors. Cause of Jesus! may I be identified with You, may I zealously support You, may I be instrumental in increasing You! To this may every believer add, Amen and Amen!
Brethren, let us be zealous - for satan is! He never tires, he never rests. Most zealously does he contrive his plans, lay his snares, and watch his victims! He goes about seeking whom he may devour.
Let us be zealous, for lost sinners are. See the money they spend, the labor they give, the means they employ in the cause of sin and satan! Their conduct ought to put us to shame!
Let us be zealous, for false teachers are. How active, how diligent, how persevering they appear in propagating their error. They employ the tongue, the pen, the press, and the purse - in the most lavish and unsparing manner. Let their conduct be our model, their success our stimulus, and their zeal our reproof.
Let us be zealous! The zealous Christian is sure of God's blessing, the approbation of his own conscience, the opposition of satan, the frown of every lukewarm professor, and the commendation of all godly people.
Let us warm our hearts at the fire of God's love! Let us quicken our motives by a visit to the Cross! Let us sharpen our weapons by communion with the Spirit! Let us seek the grace, the courage, the strength necessary at the mercy seat - and then let us zealously fall to work. Let the work of God be our delight, the welfare of our fellow-men be our aim, and the glory of the Lord be our highest object! Let us live in earnest. Let us live tp purpose. By the shortness of time, by the solemnities of death, by the realities of eternity, by the danger of lost sinners, by the vigilance of satan, by the poor state of the Church, by the character of the present times, by the command of God, by the example of primitive believers, and by the counsel of the Lord Jesus - let us stir up our hearts, and stir up one another to be zealous!
"It is good," said Paul, "to be zealous, provided the purpose is good." (Gal. 4:18).
Brethren, the time is short, and "it is high time to awake out of sleep!" By the spread of Popery, by the activity of infidelity, by the condition of our cities, by the needs of the Church, by the authority of God, by the blood of the Cross, by the promise of the Spirit, by the glories of Heaven, by the terrors of hell, by the condemnation of the lukewarm and slothful - allow me to beseech you, to "Be zealous!"
Be zealous today - tomorrow you may die! Be zealous in time - and in eternity you will rejoice that you have been so!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Christ Precious! # 2
Christ Precious! # 2
He is the CORNERSTONE. That which unites all believers together as one living temple, and keeps them together to be a habitation of God through the Holy Spirit. The union, the strength, and the beauty of God's church, arises from Christ being the cornerstone. He unites all the parts together, and the whole church to God. He preserves all who believe on Him from apostasy, shame, and danger. "He who believes on Him shall not be confounded." Every believer shall be bold in the judgment, confident in God, and safe - let whatever will come on the earth. Now, as God's foundation of our hope; as God's elect, or chosen one; as the glorious uniting cornerstone of the whole church; and as the Saviour from confusion, shame, and danger - He is precious to every believer.
There are some SEASONS in which Christ is especially precious:
Christ is especially precious when the soul is first converted. When emerges from darkness to light. When it sees Jesus as the only and all-sufficient Saviour. It sees all that flows from Jesus, and deeply feels its obligation to Him. Through Jesus it enjoys justification, eternal life, and a good hope of heaven. O how precious does this render the Saviour!
Christ is especially precious to believers - when the emptiness of the world is discovered. The soul having tried the world, has found it false and fickle, and empty cistern, a dry well, a cloud without water, only vanity and vexation of spirit!
The Christian has experienced that the world's pleasures - end in pain, its honors - end in disgrace, and its wealth - ends in absolute poverty.
Now turning from the world, to Jesus - it finds solid happiness, substantial pleasure, full supplies. It obtains a deep and lasting peace which passes all understanding, unsearchable riches in Christ, and honors which will never pass away.
O how precious is Jesus, when this world appears to be a valley of tears! Almost everything earthly is at times calculated to cause sorrow, fill us with sadness, and draw forth tears.
Losses, crosses, disappointments and bereavements - all conspire to make us sad. Earth is to us a Valley of Achor - the place of trouble and sorrow.
Now turning to Jesus, we find a friend who loves at all times, and a brother born for adversity. He makes up for every loss, He sanctifies every disappointment, and He fills for us every relation.
His presence is like a flowing spring - in a dreary desert, like a cheering fire - on a piercing winter's night, and like a happy home - to the exhausted traveler.
O how precious is Jesus now!!
Christ is especially precious at the throne of grace. What could we do without Jesus there? What could we plead? Realizing this, and perceiving the infinite worth and worthiness of Jesus, and His glorious sacrifice, and believing that He stands between us and His Father's justice, how precious Jesus is! We dare not go to the throne without Him, nor expect the least blessing but through Him, and for His sake; but with Him, and through Him, we may expect the greatest, the richest, the best blessings, which God can bestow!
Christ is especially precious when satan comes to harass us, and reflections on the sins and infirmities of our past lives, are calculated to deject and cast us down.
Christ is especially precious in the hour of death. However much we may need Christ for life - we shall need Him more in death. He is the only antidote of death. He alone can give us victory over it. He alone can make us triumph in it.
How precious have multitudes found Jesus to be in the dying hour! They have been able to defy its power, smile at its pains, and court its final stroke! Through Him they have cried, and cried in tones of triumph, "O death, where is your sting! O grave, where is your victory!" Yes, when earth appears to be receding and eternity drawing very near to us. When every earthly prop gives way. When clear light shows us that our very best works are but splendid sins. O how precious is Jesus then!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
He is the CORNERSTONE. That which unites all believers together as one living temple, and keeps them together to be a habitation of God through the Holy Spirit. The union, the strength, and the beauty of God's church, arises from Christ being the cornerstone. He unites all the parts together, and the whole church to God. He preserves all who believe on Him from apostasy, shame, and danger. "He who believes on Him shall not be confounded." Every believer shall be bold in the judgment, confident in God, and safe - let whatever will come on the earth. Now, as God's foundation of our hope; as God's elect, or chosen one; as the glorious uniting cornerstone of the whole church; and as the Saviour from confusion, shame, and danger - He is precious to every believer.
There are some SEASONS in which Christ is especially precious:
Christ is especially precious when the soul is first converted. When emerges from darkness to light. When it sees Jesus as the only and all-sufficient Saviour. It sees all that flows from Jesus, and deeply feels its obligation to Him. Through Jesus it enjoys justification, eternal life, and a good hope of heaven. O how precious does this render the Saviour!
Christ is especially precious to believers - when the emptiness of the world is discovered. The soul having tried the world, has found it false and fickle, and empty cistern, a dry well, a cloud without water, only vanity and vexation of spirit!
The Christian has experienced that the world's pleasures - end in pain, its honors - end in disgrace, and its wealth - ends in absolute poverty.
Now turning from the world, to Jesus - it finds solid happiness, substantial pleasure, full supplies. It obtains a deep and lasting peace which passes all understanding, unsearchable riches in Christ, and honors which will never pass away.
O how precious is Jesus, when this world appears to be a valley of tears! Almost everything earthly is at times calculated to cause sorrow, fill us with sadness, and draw forth tears.
Losses, crosses, disappointments and bereavements - all conspire to make us sad. Earth is to us a Valley of Achor - the place of trouble and sorrow.
Now turning to Jesus, we find a friend who loves at all times, and a brother born for adversity. He makes up for every loss, He sanctifies every disappointment, and He fills for us every relation.
His presence is like a flowing spring - in a dreary desert, like a cheering fire - on a piercing winter's night, and like a happy home - to the exhausted traveler.
O how precious is Jesus now!!
Christ is especially precious at the throne of grace. What could we do without Jesus there? What could we plead? Realizing this, and perceiving the infinite worth and worthiness of Jesus, and His glorious sacrifice, and believing that He stands between us and His Father's justice, how precious Jesus is! We dare not go to the throne without Him, nor expect the least blessing but through Him, and for His sake; but with Him, and through Him, we may expect the greatest, the richest, the best blessings, which God can bestow!
Christ is especially precious when satan comes to harass us, and reflections on the sins and infirmities of our past lives, are calculated to deject and cast us down.
Christ is especially precious in the hour of death. However much we may need Christ for life - we shall need Him more in death. He is the only antidote of death. He alone can give us victory over it. He alone can make us triumph in it.
How precious have multitudes found Jesus to be in the dying hour! They have been able to defy its power, smile at its pains, and court its final stroke! Through Him they have cried, and cried in tones of triumph, "O death, where is your sting! O grave, where is your victory!" Yes, when earth appears to be receding and eternity drawing very near to us. When every earthly prop gives way. When clear light shows us that our very best works are but splendid sins. O how precious is Jesus then!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
The Zealous Christian # 2
The Zealous Christian # 2
Chosen for his own glory, purchased by the precious blood of His only begotten Son, sanctified and made the temples of His Holy Spirit - He cares for them with the tenderest care.
He wishes us to view them, just as He does, to love them, just as He does, to care for them, just as He does, to act toward them, just as we would act toward Him.
If therefore we are cold, distant, and haughty in our bearing toward them - it grieves Him. If we do not feel interested in their welfare, concerned for their comfort, and desirous of promoting their holiness - He is, He must be, displeased with us.
We should be zealous to encourage them. They need it. They have enough to discourage them. satan, sin, and the world - unite to distress, beguile, or discourage them! They need our tenderest sympathy, our brotherly affection, our kind attentions! Viewing them as the children of God, as members of the mystical body of Jesus, as the pupils of the Holy Spirit - we should be zealous to encourage them in their way to the kingdom.
We should zealously assist them. Many of them are poor. Many of them are ignorant. Many of them are afflicted. In these circumstances we ought not to requite frequent applications, urgent entreaties, or touching appeals; but our zeal should prompt us to search them out, to minister to their necessities, to instruct their minds, and to endeavor to comfort them under their sufferings and sorrows.
What is done to a believer - Jesus takes as done to Himself. As we imagine therefore that if He were on earth - we would zealously search Him out, minister to His need, and if possible increase His comforts - so ought we do to His poor people. They are placed near us for this purpose. They are thus so circumstanced, to test the reality and the power of our love.
We should zealously endeavor to cement them together. They are in reality - one body, one flock, one family. satan has divided them, and he endeavors by all means to keep them in a state of division. Love is the cement of the Church. Not the love of opinions - but the love of people - of all people who love Jesus. We must allow liberty of thought, opinion, and action - and we should love ardently while we do so.
Here is one who thinks differently to me in the matter of Church government; he differs with me in his opinion of certain points of minor doctrines; he acts differently to me in some practical matters - but he is a sincere Christian. He believes in Christ, he walks in fellowship with God, his life and conversation are holy. Then I must love him, and I ought zealously to endeavor to cement and unite all such together, in the bonds of holy brotherhood.
Let us be zealously attached to the persons of the Lord's people, notwithstanding their differences. We must be viewing them in Christ, loving them for the sake of Christ, and endeavoring to bring them closer and closer to each other. Happy is he who unites differing Christians together. But we cannot think well of him who separates, alienates, and divides them.
We should be zealous for the Lord's cause. He has a cause upon the earth. It is the cause of holiness and truth. It is distinct from the world - but is intended to be a blessing to the world. It is called His Church. The Church in which He dwells, by which He works, through which He communicates His blessings. It is founded on Christ, taught by the Holy Spirit, ruled only by His Word, and intended to carry out His deep and divine purposes.
Every Christian is really identified with it, and should never look upon himself as isolated from it. The cause of God is our cause - and our cause ought to be the cause of God.
We should be zealous therefore, to increase it. To bring sinners under the sound of the Gospel, under the influence of the truth. To lead souls to Jesus, and then into the Church of God. Never should we be satisfied until the largest promises of His Word are fulfilled, until the most glowing predictions are made good. Not one of the Lord's family, male or female, should be happy - but as employed, and employed to the full extent of their ability, in endeavoring to increase the empire of the Messiah.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
Chosen for his own glory, purchased by the precious blood of His only begotten Son, sanctified and made the temples of His Holy Spirit - He cares for them with the tenderest care.
He wishes us to view them, just as He does, to love them, just as He does, to care for them, just as He does, to act toward them, just as we would act toward Him.
If therefore we are cold, distant, and haughty in our bearing toward them - it grieves Him. If we do not feel interested in their welfare, concerned for their comfort, and desirous of promoting their holiness - He is, He must be, displeased with us.
We should be zealous to encourage them. They need it. They have enough to discourage them. satan, sin, and the world - unite to distress, beguile, or discourage them! They need our tenderest sympathy, our brotherly affection, our kind attentions! Viewing them as the children of God, as members of the mystical body of Jesus, as the pupils of the Holy Spirit - we should be zealous to encourage them in their way to the kingdom.
We should zealously assist them. Many of them are poor. Many of them are ignorant. Many of them are afflicted. In these circumstances we ought not to requite frequent applications, urgent entreaties, or touching appeals; but our zeal should prompt us to search them out, to minister to their necessities, to instruct their minds, and to endeavor to comfort them under their sufferings and sorrows.
What is done to a believer - Jesus takes as done to Himself. As we imagine therefore that if He were on earth - we would zealously search Him out, minister to His need, and if possible increase His comforts - so ought we do to His poor people. They are placed near us for this purpose. They are thus so circumstanced, to test the reality and the power of our love.
We should zealously endeavor to cement them together. They are in reality - one body, one flock, one family. satan has divided them, and he endeavors by all means to keep them in a state of division. Love is the cement of the Church. Not the love of opinions - but the love of people - of all people who love Jesus. We must allow liberty of thought, opinion, and action - and we should love ardently while we do so.
Here is one who thinks differently to me in the matter of Church government; he differs with me in his opinion of certain points of minor doctrines; he acts differently to me in some practical matters - but he is a sincere Christian. He believes in Christ, he walks in fellowship with God, his life and conversation are holy. Then I must love him, and I ought zealously to endeavor to cement and unite all such together, in the bonds of holy brotherhood.
Let us be zealously attached to the persons of the Lord's people, notwithstanding their differences. We must be viewing them in Christ, loving them for the sake of Christ, and endeavoring to bring them closer and closer to each other. Happy is he who unites differing Christians together. But we cannot think well of him who separates, alienates, and divides them.
We should be zealous for the Lord's cause. He has a cause upon the earth. It is the cause of holiness and truth. It is distinct from the world - but is intended to be a blessing to the world. It is called His Church. The Church in which He dwells, by which He works, through which He communicates His blessings. It is founded on Christ, taught by the Holy Spirit, ruled only by His Word, and intended to carry out His deep and divine purposes.
Every Christian is really identified with it, and should never look upon himself as isolated from it. The cause of God is our cause - and our cause ought to be the cause of God.
We should be zealous therefore, to increase it. To bring sinners under the sound of the Gospel, under the influence of the truth. To lead souls to Jesus, and then into the Church of God. Never should we be satisfied until the largest promises of His Word are fulfilled, until the most glowing predictions are made good. Not one of the Lord's family, male or female, should be happy - but as employed, and employed to the full extent of their ability, in endeavoring to increase the empire of the Messiah.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Christ Precious! # 1
Christ Precious! # 1
"Unto you therefore who believe - He is precious!" (1 Pet. 2:7).
FAITH in Christ is all important. It is both the gift of God's grace - and yet the exercise of man's heart. It is going to Christ, trusting in Christ, committing the soul to Christ, and relying alone on Christ. Wherever there is faith there is also unbelief, and these two opposite principles will so contend in the believer's bosom, that he is at times unable to conclude whether he believes or not. At such times, we should repair to God's Word, and seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit, search out the proofs of faith therein contained. Many such proofs are scattered through the Word, and they are simple and satisfactory; but I want to confine your attention to one, and a very sweet one, "Unto you therefore who believe - He is precious!"
Consider the FACT: Jesus is precious to all believers. He is prized by them, they set a very high value upon Him. He is enjoyed by them, yes, there is nothing they enjoy so much. He is an honor to them, and believing on Him is an honor to them.
Every believer VALUES Christ. Let others think of Him as they may, all who are taught of God, think highly of Him. They can never honor Him as they wish, or enjoy Him to their full satisfaction.
Every believer feels their NEED of Him. No weary traveler ever felt his need of rest, no hungry laborer ever felt his need of food, no drowning mariner ever felt his need of a life-boat - as the believer has felt his need of Christ.
They need to be saved - and only Christ can save them. They need to be happy - and only Jesus can make them happy. They need His blood to cleanse them from sin, and procure their pardon. They need His righteousness clothe their souls, and justify them before God.
They need His Spirit to sanctify their nature, and make them fit for Heaven.
They need His intercession to secure them from evil, and procure for them good things.
They need His fullness of grace to supply all their needs from earth to Heaven.
Every believer discovers the exact SUITABILITY of Christ to them. He is just what they need - He has all that they need!
They are foolish - He has wisdom. They are unrighteous - and He has righteousness. They are unholy - and He has holiness. They are weak - and He has strength. They are in bondage - and He has redemption. They are lost - and He has salvation.
In a word, they are led to see that God has stored up everything in Jesus, and that possessing Him - they have all things!
Every Christian believes on Him to the saving of the soul. They trust Him to procure their pardon, peace with God, and everlasting life.
Their heart goes out to Him, they repose confidence in Him; they commit their souls to Him, they build on Him - as God's foundation; they hide in Him - as the sinner's refuge; and they trust themselves with Him - as the Almighty Saviour.
This is faith, and to all who have this faith - Jesus is precious. But He is only precious to believers. Others do not feel their need of Him, do not see His adaptation to them, and do not depend on Him for pardon, peace with God, and everlasting life.
The apostle gives certain reasons WHY Christ is precious to believers, let us look at -
The REASONS why Christ is precious. God has laid Him for a FOUNDATION. He is the one foundation of the church, on which the whole building rests, and from which it derives safety. He is the only foundation of a sinner's hope. On Him we must build for eternity - and on Him alone. He is the foundation of every believer's hope. Only by building on Jesus - will hope spring up in the soul, cheering and comforting the heart.
He is the CHOSEN of God. Chosen to be the Saviour. Chosen to be the center of attraction, the source of supply, and the author of eternal salvation - unto all those who obey Him. He was chosen to be the storehouse of blessings, out of which all who believe in His name shall be supplied. "For it pleased the Father, that in Him should all fullness dwell."
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
"Unto you therefore who believe - He is precious!" (1 Pet. 2:7).
FAITH in Christ is all important. It is both the gift of God's grace - and yet the exercise of man's heart. It is going to Christ, trusting in Christ, committing the soul to Christ, and relying alone on Christ. Wherever there is faith there is also unbelief, and these two opposite principles will so contend in the believer's bosom, that he is at times unable to conclude whether he believes or not. At such times, we should repair to God's Word, and seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit, search out the proofs of faith therein contained. Many such proofs are scattered through the Word, and they are simple and satisfactory; but I want to confine your attention to one, and a very sweet one, "Unto you therefore who believe - He is precious!"
Consider the FACT: Jesus is precious to all believers. He is prized by them, they set a very high value upon Him. He is enjoyed by them, yes, there is nothing they enjoy so much. He is an honor to them, and believing on Him is an honor to them.
Every believer VALUES Christ. Let others think of Him as they may, all who are taught of God, think highly of Him. They can never honor Him as they wish, or enjoy Him to their full satisfaction.
Every believer feels their NEED of Him. No weary traveler ever felt his need of rest, no hungry laborer ever felt his need of food, no drowning mariner ever felt his need of a life-boat - as the believer has felt his need of Christ.
They need to be saved - and only Christ can save them. They need to be happy - and only Jesus can make them happy. They need His blood to cleanse them from sin, and procure their pardon. They need His righteousness clothe their souls, and justify them before God.
They need His Spirit to sanctify their nature, and make them fit for Heaven.
They need His intercession to secure them from evil, and procure for them good things.
They need His fullness of grace to supply all their needs from earth to Heaven.
Every believer discovers the exact SUITABILITY of Christ to them. He is just what they need - He has all that they need!
They are foolish - He has wisdom. They are unrighteous - and He has righteousness. They are unholy - and He has holiness. They are weak - and He has strength. They are in bondage - and He has redemption. They are lost - and He has salvation.
In a word, they are led to see that God has stored up everything in Jesus, and that possessing Him - they have all things!
Every Christian believes on Him to the saving of the soul. They trust Him to procure their pardon, peace with God, and everlasting life.
Their heart goes out to Him, they repose confidence in Him; they commit their souls to Him, they build on Him - as God's foundation; they hide in Him - as the sinner's refuge; and they trust themselves with Him - as the Almighty Saviour.
This is faith, and to all who have this faith - Jesus is precious. But He is only precious to believers. Others do not feel their need of Him, do not see His adaptation to them, and do not depend on Him for pardon, peace with God, and everlasting life.
The apostle gives certain reasons WHY Christ is precious to believers, let us look at -
The REASONS why Christ is precious. God has laid Him for a FOUNDATION. He is the one foundation of the church, on which the whole building rests, and from which it derives safety. He is the only foundation of a sinner's hope. On Him we must build for eternity - and on Him alone. He is the foundation of every believer's hope. Only by building on Jesus - will hope spring up in the soul, cheering and comforting the heart.
He is the CHOSEN of God. Chosen to be the Saviour. Chosen to be the center of attraction, the source of supply, and the author of eternal salvation - unto all those who obey Him. He was chosen to be the storehouse of blessings, out of which all who believe in His name shall be supplied. "For it pleased the Father, that in Him should all fullness dwell."
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
The Zealous Christian! # 1
The Zealous Christian # 1
"Be zealous!" (Revelation 3:19).
Coldness or lukewarmness in the ways of God, is peculiarly offensive to our Lord and Saviour; for if anyone deserves our whole hearts, if anyone ought to have the whole of our energies - it is Jesus! He was very zealous for us. Zeal covered Him as a garment. His zeal was very early displayed, when He stood up for us in the everlasting covenant; engaging to be a Substitute, Sacrifice, and Shepherd. And from the moment of His engagement, His zeal never abated. Zeal for us characterized His whole life, and sustained Him in the bitter panges of His ignorminious death.
Most zealously did He labor to work out a righteousness which would justify us before His Father, and with equal zeal He presented Himself before divine justice to suffer the due desert of our crimes. He died for our offences, and so made an atonement for them; He arose for our justification, and now, the moment we believe in Him, we are justified from all things and forever. He went into Heaven full of holy zeal, and there He zealously pleads our cause before His Father, and enables us to say, "If when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son - much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."
Being thus zealous for us - for our safety, honor, and true happiness - He wishes to see us zealous for Him. Our indifference grieves His loving heart. Our selfishness wounds Him in a tender part. He expects us to be devoted to Him, consecrated to His service, and glowing with zeal to carry on His cause. Beloved Christian friends, Jesus speaks to you, to me, to each, to all of us - and He says, "Be zealous!"
We should be zealous for the truth of the gospel.
It is God's mind. It is the revelation of the Saviour's love. It is the remedy for the sinner's woes. It is the charter of the Church's privileges. It is deal to God's heart. It is watched over with a jealous eye. It should be prized as inestimably valuable.
We should zealously defend the truth, for it is sure to be assailed by erroneous and ungodly men. Not in a bitter spirit, nor with anger; but in the Spirit of Jesus, with firmness and holy love, we ought to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints."
Never let us give up one particle of truth - but endeavor to maintain it whole and entire. The truth is - the mirror in which God is seen; The map, on which our road is marked out; The law, by which our duty is made plain; let us therefore zealously defend it, nor ever tamely surrender any part of it.
We should zealously adorn it. "That they may adorn the teaching of God our Saviour in everything!" (Titus 2:10). Not by the tinsel of human eloquence, or by trappings borrowed from heathen schools - but by a consistent and holy walk. We ought to be living expositions of the truth. In our conduct - the nature and tendency of the Gospel ought to be seen.
By our meekness and gentleness, by our fidelity and prudence, by our self-denial and benevolence, by our temperance and brotherly kindness, by our patience and fervent love - we ought to adorn the most holy truth of God!
God calls for it. The Gospel is calculated to produce it.
We should be zealous to spread it. It is too good to be kept to ourselves. It was never intended to be confined to the Church. The world is the field in which this seed is to be sown. The whole race of mankind is to be made acquainted with this divine revelation. Every creature, without one solitary exception - is to be told of this good news. Every one who knows it - ought to publish it. The whole Church, should be zealous to spread it over the face of the whole earth. Every believer should be anxious to communicate it to all whom he possibly can.
It is the Word of Life - let us hold it fast.
It is the light of the world - let us place it on the candlestick.
It is the balm of life - let us send it wherever pain is felt, or sorrows are experienced.
If we are zealous to defend the truth -can we know its value?
If we are not zealous to adorn the truth - can we understand its design?
If we are not zealous to spread the truth - can we sympathize with human misery, or desire to spread God's glory?
We should be zealous for the Lord's people. They are precious in His sight. They are His jewels, His special treasure. He loves them more than all the other productions of His power. His His heart has been set upon them from eternity.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
"Be zealous!" (Revelation 3:19).
Coldness or lukewarmness in the ways of God, is peculiarly offensive to our Lord and Saviour; for if anyone deserves our whole hearts, if anyone ought to have the whole of our energies - it is Jesus! He was very zealous for us. Zeal covered Him as a garment. His zeal was very early displayed, when He stood up for us in the everlasting covenant; engaging to be a Substitute, Sacrifice, and Shepherd. And from the moment of His engagement, His zeal never abated. Zeal for us characterized His whole life, and sustained Him in the bitter panges of His ignorminious death.
Most zealously did He labor to work out a righteousness which would justify us before His Father, and with equal zeal He presented Himself before divine justice to suffer the due desert of our crimes. He died for our offences, and so made an atonement for them; He arose for our justification, and now, the moment we believe in Him, we are justified from all things and forever. He went into Heaven full of holy zeal, and there He zealously pleads our cause before His Father, and enables us to say, "If when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son - much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."
Being thus zealous for us - for our safety, honor, and true happiness - He wishes to see us zealous for Him. Our indifference grieves His loving heart. Our selfishness wounds Him in a tender part. He expects us to be devoted to Him, consecrated to His service, and glowing with zeal to carry on His cause. Beloved Christian friends, Jesus speaks to you, to me, to each, to all of us - and He says, "Be zealous!"
We should be zealous for the truth of the gospel.
It is God's mind. It is the revelation of the Saviour's love. It is the remedy for the sinner's woes. It is the charter of the Church's privileges. It is deal to God's heart. It is watched over with a jealous eye. It should be prized as inestimably valuable.
We should zealously defend the truth, for it is sure to be assailed by erroneous and ungodly men. Not in a bitter spirit, nor with anger; but in the Spirit of Jesus, with firmness and holy love, we ought to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints."
Never let us give up one particle of truth - but endeavor to maintain it whole and entire. The truth is - the mirror in which God is seen; The map, on which our road is marked out; The law, by which our duty is made plain; let us therefore zealously defend it, nor ever tamely surrender any part of it.
We should zealously adorn it. "That they may adorn the teaching of God our Saviour in everything!" (Titus 2:10). Not by the tinsel of human eloquence, or by trappings borrowed from heathen schools - but by a consistent and holy walk. We ought to be living expositions of the truth. In our conduct - the nature and tendency of the Gospel ought to be seen.
By our meekness and gentleness, by our fidelity and prudence, by our self-denial and benevolence, by our temperance and brotherly kindness, by our patience and fervent love - we ought to adorn the most holy truth of God!
God calls for it. The Gospel is calculated to produce it.
We should be zealous to spread it. It is too good to be kept to ourselves. It was never intended to be confined to the Church. The world is the field in which this seed is to be sown. The whole race of mankind is to be made acquainted with this divine revelation. Every creature, without one solitary exception - is to be told of this good news. Every one who knows it - ought to publish it. The whole Church, should be zealous to spread it over the face of the whole earth. Every believer should be anxious to communicate it to all whom he possibly can.
It is the Word of Life - let us hold it fast.
It is the light of the world - let us place it on the candlestick.
It is the balm of life - let us send it wherever pain is felt, or sorrows are experienced.
If we are zealous to defend the truth -can we know its value?
If we are not zealous to adorn the truth - can we understand its design?
If we are not zealous to spread the truth - can we sympathize with human misery, or desire to spread God's glory?
We should be zealous for the Lord's people. They are precious in His sight. They are His jewels, His special treasure. He loves them more than all the other productions of His power. His His heart has been set upon them from eternity.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
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