The Godhood of God # 3
The chief trouble is that so much that passes for faith today is really only maudlin sentimentality. The faith of Christendom in this twentieth century is mere credulity, and the "God" of many of our churches is but a mere figment of the imagination. Modern theology has invented a "God" which the infinite mind can understand, whose ways are pleasing to the natural man, a "God" who is altogether "such a one as" (Psalm 50:21) those who profess to worship him, a "God" concerning whom there is little or no mystery. But how different the God which the Holy Scriptures reveal! Of Him it is said, His ways are "past finding out" (Romans 11:33). To particularize:
1. The "God" of the moderns is altogether lacking in POWER. The popular idea of today is that deity is filled with amiable intentions - but that satan is preventing the making good of them. It is not God's will, so we are told, that there should be any wars, for wars are something which men are unable to reconcile with their ideas of Divine mercy. Hence, the conclusion is, that all wars are of the devil. Plagues and earthquakes, famines and tornadoes, are not sent from God - but are attributed solely to natural causes. To affirm that the Lord God sent the recent influenza epidemic as a judgment scourge, would be to shock the sensibilities of the modern mind. All such things as this, area cause of grief to "God" for "he" desires nothing but the happiness of everybody.
2. The "God" of the moderns is altogether lacking in WISDOM. The popular belief is that God loves everybody, and that it is His will that every child of Adam should be saved. But if this be true, He is strongly lacking in wisdom, for He knows quite well that under existing conditions, the majority will be lost. If He is really desirous that every creature should have an equal chance to be saved - then why allow so many to be born into families (of criminal parents, for example) and be brought up under conditions where they will never hear the Gospel - and there are many thousands such in this country.
If it should be said in reply God has not created these criminal conditions, the point is readily ceded - but nevertheless God is responsible for sending children into them, for the fruit of the womb is solely in His hands. Why not produce sterility among criminals, if it is contrary to His will for children to be born into such conditions, conditions which frequently preclude all reading of the Scriptures and all hearing of the Gospel.
3. The "God" of the moderns is lacking HOLINESS. That crime deserves punishment is still allowed in part - though more and more the belief is gaining ground that the criminal is really an object of pity rather than censure, and that he stands in need of education and reformation, rather than of punishment. But that SIN - sins of thought as well as deed, sins of the heart as well as life, sins of omission as well as commission, the sinful root itself as well as the fruit - should be hated by God, that His holy nature burns against it, is a concept that has gone almost entirely out of fashion! And that the sinner himself is hated by God, is indignantly denied even among those who boast most loudly of their orthodoxy.
4. The "God" of the moderns is altogether lacking in a SOVEREIGN PREROGATIVE. Whatever rights the deity of present day Christendom may be supposed to possess in theory - in fact they must be subordinated to the "rights" of the creature. It is denied, almost universally, that the rights of the Creator over His creatures is that of the Potter over the clay. When it is affirmed that God has the right to make one as a vessel unto honor, and another as a vessel unto dishonor - the cry for injustice is instantly raised! When it is affirmed that salvation is a gift and that this gift is bestowed on whom God pleases - it is said that God is partial and unfair. If God has any gifts to impart, He must distribute them evenly, or else bestow them on those that merit them, whoever they may be.
And this God is allowed less freedom than I, who may disburse my charity as I best please, giving to one beggar a quarter, to another a dime, and to the third nothing at all if I think well.
How different is the God of the Bible from the "God" of the moderns!!!
The God of Scripture is all-mighty. He is one who speaks - and it is done, who commands - and it stands fast. He is the One with whom "all things are possible" and "who works all things after the counsel of His own will" (Eph. 1:11). He is the One "who has measured the waters in the hallow of His hand, and meted out Heaven with the span, and calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance" (Isaiah 40:12).
He is the One with whom "the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance," with whom "all nations before Him are as nothing - and they are counted to Him less than nothing, and vanity" (Isaiah 40:15, 17).
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 4)
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Lessons For Christian Workers # 1
Lessons For Christian Workers # 1
In the account of the manifestation of Christ to His disciples at the Sea of Galilee, there are many instructive suggestions for Christian workers in all times.
To begin with, the picture of the Master standing on the shore, in the grey dawn, watching His disciples as they wearily dragged their nets through the water - is most encouraging to all who are fishing for souls. Thus He ever stands with His eyes upon those who are toiling for Him. The thought should be full of cheer and inspiration. We should always do our best - for the Master's eye is always upon us. It is with a look of loving interest that he watches - not with the eye of criticism and blame.
Then the disciples' night of fruitless toil has for all workers its deep suggestion. No doubt the incident was meant to teach a spiritual lesson: Christ was not with them - so nothing came of their efforts. All night they had been drawing their nets through the waters, and in the morning they were still empty.
It is just thus with the workers always, when they try to save souls in their own strength. Even Christian work amounts to nothing, unless it is directed and inspired by Christ Himself. We should go always from our knees - to our pulpit, to our bible class, to all our missionary efforts. If we do not, it is really not worth while for us to go at all. That certainly was the lesson which Jesus meant to teach His apostles that weary night on the Sea of Galilee. Until we learn it, too, we shall never have success in winning souls and in doing good.
But the moment the Master had spoken and the weary fishermen had done His bidding, their net was full! Toil guided by Christ, is always successful. No effort put forth under His direction can ever fail. No net cast at His bidding is ever drawn up empty. No sermon preached, no lesson taught, no word spoken simply and truly for Christ, in obedience to His command - ever returns void.
If we would do Christ's work, we must be in immediate communion with Him. When He sends forth a worker, He says, "I am with you always." This promise means what it says, and the very first thing we should do if we would be used by Christ in saving souls and in blessing the world, is to realize His continual presence and put ourselves entirely under His guidance. This implies a life of constant communion with Christ. We cannot live far from Him, and be really used by Him. Someone says, "Christ always uses the vessel that He finds near His hand.!
Another important suggestion is this narrative, is that deep and sincere love for Christ is the one essential qualification in workers for souls. Perhaps we have too much overlooked this truth. We have not failed to appreciate the necessity of education and training in those who would do Christ's work. We insist on our pastors being familiar with the arts and sciences, with Hebrew and Greek, with church history - and this is well. Christ educated His apostles, teaching them for three years, until their minds were thoroughly imbued with the truth, and they were thus prepared to expound to men the doctrines of His kingdom and tell sinners the way of salvation.
But His treatment of Peter when He would restore him to the apostleship from which he had fallen, suggests to us that without personal loyalty and devotion to Christ, and deep love for Him, no one is ready to be entrusted by the Master with the care of souls. The highest learning, the most persuasive eloquence, the most faithful preparation, the best natural gifts - avail nothing if to the question, "Do you love Me?" the answer does not come welling up from the heart, "Lord, you know that I love You!" Love for the work is not enough, nor is love for the Church, or love for children, or love for humanity; the heart of all true discipleship is deep, strong, intense, all-absorbing love for Christ! Personal devotion to Jesus is the secret of all acceptable service. It was this passion for Christ that made Paul the marvelous missionary that he was. "The love of Christ constrains me!" was the only reason he gave for his burning zeal which men misnamed madness. We talk about a "passion for souls." But above that, is the essential qualification in a Christian worker: love for Christ Himself must be behind all, and must kindle all true love for souls.
~J. R. Miller~
(continued with # 2)
In the account of the manifestation of Christ to His disciples at the Sea of Galilee, there are many instructive suggestions for Christian workers in all times.
To begin with, the picture of the Master standing on the shore, in the grey dawn, watching His disciples as they wearily dragged their nets through the water - is most encouraging to all who are fishing for souls. Thus He ever stands with His eyes upon those who are toiling for Him. The thought should be full of cheer and inspiration. We should always do our best - for the Master's eye is always upon us. It is with a look of loving interest that he watches - not with the eye of criticism and blame.
Then the disciples' night of fruitless toil has for all workers its deep suggestion. No doubt the incident was meant to teach a spiritual lesson: Christ was not with them - so nothing came of their efforts. All night they had been drawing their nets through the waters, and in the morning they were still empty.
It is just thus with the workers always, when they try to save souls in their own strength. Even Christian work amounts to nothing, unless it is directed and inspired by Christ Himself. We should go always from our knees - to our pulpit, to our bible class, to all our missionary efforts. If we do not, it is really not worth while for us to go at all. That certainly was the lesson which Jesus meant to teach His apostles that weary night on the Sea of Galilee. Until we learn it, too, we shall never have success in winning souls and in doing good.
But the moment the Master had spoken and the weary fishermen had done His bidding, their net was full! Toil guided by Christ, is always successful. No effort put forth under His direction can ever fail. No net cast at His bidding is ever drawn up empty. No sermon preached, no lesson taught, no word spoken simply and truly for Christ, in obedience to His command - ever returns void.
If we would do Christ's work, we must be in immediate communion with Him. When He sends forth a worker, He says, "I am with you always." This promise means what it says, and the very first thing we should do if we would be used by Christ in saving souls and in blessing the world, is to realize His continual presence and put ourselves entirely under His guidance. This implies a life of constant communion with Christ. We cannot live far from Him, and be really used by Him. Someone says, "Christ always uses the vessel that He finds near His hand.!
Another important suggestion is this narrative, is that deep and sincere love for Christ is the one essential qualification in workers for souls. Perhaps we have too much overlooked this truth. We have not failed to appreciate the necessity of education and training in those who would do Christ's work. We insist on our pastors being familiar with the arts and sciences, with Hebrew and Greek, with church history - and this is well. Christ educated His apostles, teaching them for three years, until their minds were thoroughly imbued with the truth, and they were thus prepared to expound to men the doctrines of His kingdom and tell sinners the way of salvation.
But His treatment of Peter when He would restore him to the apostleship from which he had fallen, suggests to us that without personal loyalty and devotion to Christ, and deep love for Him, no one is ready to be entrusted by the Master with the care of souls. The highest learning, the most persuasive eloquence, the most faithful preparation, the best natural gifts - avail nothing if to the question, "Do you love Me?" the answer does not come welling up from the heart, "Lord, you know that I love You!" Love for the work is not enough, nor is love for the Church, or love for children, or love for humanity; the heart of all true discipleship is deep, strong, intense, all-absorbing love for Christ! Personal devotion to Jesus is the secret of all acceptable service. It was this passion for Christ that made Paul the marvelous missionary that he was. "The love of Christ constrains me!" was the only reason he gave for his burning zeal which men misnamed madness. We talk about a "passion for souls." But above that, is the essential qualification in a Christian worker: love for Christ Himself must be behind all, and must kindle all true love for souls.
~J. R. Miller~
(continued with # 2)
The Godhood of God # 2
The Godhood of God # 2
"In the beginning God." This is not only the first word of Holy Scripture bu it must be the firm axiom of all true philosophy - the philosophy of human history, for example. Instead of beginning with man and his world and attempting to reason back to God - we must begin with God and reason forward to man and his world. It is failure to do this which leaves unsolved the "riddle of the universe."
Begin with the world as it is today and try to reason back to God, and what is the result? If you are honest of heart and logical of mind, this - that God has little or nothing at all to do with the world. But begin with God and reason forward to the world as it is today and much light is cast on the problem.
Because God is holy, His anger burns against sin.
Because God is righteous, His judgments fall on those who rebel against Him.
Because God is faithful, the solemn threatenings of His Word are being fulfilled.
Because God is omnipotent, no problem can master Him, no enemy defeat Him, and no purpose of His can be withstood.
It is just because God is who He is and what He is that we now behold what we do - the gathering of clouds of the storm of Divine wrath which will shortly burst upon the earth.
For of Him, and through Him and to Him, are all things" (Romans 11:36).
In the beginning - God.
In the center - God.
At the end - God.
But as soon as this is insisted upon, men will stand up and tell you what they think about God. They will prate about God working consistently with His own character, as though a worm of the earth was capable of determining what was consistent and what was inconsistent with the Divine perfections. People will say with an air of profound wisdom, that God must deal justly with His creatures, which is true, of course, but who is able to define Divine justice, or any other of God's attributes?
The truth is, that man is utterly incompetent for forming a proper estimate of God's character and ways, and it is because of this that God has given us a revelation of His mind, and in that revelation He plainly declares, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8, 9).
In view of such a scripture as this, it is only to be expected that much of the contents of the Bible conflicts with the sentiments of the carnal mind which is "enmity against God." And further: in view of such a Scripture as the above, we need not be surprised that much of human history is so perplexing to our understandings.
The natural world, to begin with the simplest, presents sufficient problems to humble man, were it not that he was blinded by pride. Why should there be diseases - and remedies for them? Why poisons - and their antidotes? Why rats and mice - and cats to kill them? Why not have left un-made the evils - and then no necessity for the instruments to remove them!
Ah, why are we so slow to learn that God's ways are different from ours?
And when we enter the human realm the mystery deepens. What is man placed here for at all? To learn some lesson or lessons - or to undergo some test or experience, which he could not learn or undergo elsewhere? If so, then why is such a large proportion of the race removed in infancy, before such lessons can be learned and such experience be gained? Why indeed!
Such questions as these might be multiplied indefinitely, but sufficient has been said to point out the manifest limitations of human wisdom. And if we are confronted with insolvable problems in the domain of nature and of human existence - what of the Divine realm! Who can fathom the ways of the Almighty? Can you by searching find out God? No indeed. "Clouds and darkness are round about Him" (Psalm 97:2). If God were not a mystery, He would not be God to us.
But why write in this strain? Surely the need of our day is for that which will strengthen faith, not that which paralyses it. True, but what is faith? We mean faith in the abstract. Faith is, essentially, an attitude rather than an act - it is that which lies behind the act. Faith is an attitude of dependency, of recognized weakness. Faith is a coming to the end of ourselves and looking outside of ourselves - away from ourselves. Faith is that which gives God His proper place. And if we give God His proper place, we must take our proper place - and that is in the dust! And what is there that will bring the haughty, self-sufficient creature into the dust so quickly - as a sight of the Godhead of God! Nothing is so humbling to the human heart as a true recognition of the absolute sovereignty of God. So then, instead of seeking to weaken faith, we write to promote and strengthen it.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 3)
"In the beginning God." This is not only the first word of Holy Scripture bu it must be the firm axiom of all true philosophy - the philosophy of human history, for example. Instead of beginning with man and his world and attempting to reason back to God - we must begin with God and reason forward to man and his world. It is failure to do this which leaves unsolved the "riddle of the universe."
Begin with the world as it is today and try to reason back to God, and what is the result? If you are honest of heart and logical of mind, this - that God has little or nothing at all to do with the world. But begin with God and reason forward to the world as it is today and much light is cast on the problem.
Because God is holy, His anger burns against sin.
Because God is righteous, His judgments fall on those who rebel against Him.
Because God is faithful, the solemn threatenings of His Word are being fulfilled.
Because God is omnipotent, no problem can master Him, no enemy defeat Him, and no purpose of His can be withstood.
It is just because God is who He is and what He is that we now behold what we do - the gathering of clouds of the storm of Divine wrath which will shortly burst upon the earth.
For of Him, and through Him and to Him, are all things" (Romans 11:36).
In the beginning - God.
In the center - God.
At the end - God.
But as soon as this is insisted upon, men will stand up and tell you what they think about God. They will prate about God working consistently with His own character, as though a worm of the earth was capable of determining what was consistent and what was inconsistent with the Divine perfections. People will say with an air of profound wisdom, that God must deal justly with His creatures, which is true, of course, but who is able to define Divine justice, or any other of God's attributes?
The truth is, that man is utterly incompetent for forming a proper estimate of God's character and ways, and it is because of this that God has given us a revelation of His mind, and in that revelation He plainly declares, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8, 9).
In view of such a scripture as this, it is only to be expected that much of the contents of the Bible conflicts with the sentiments of the carnal mind which is "enmity against God." And further: in view of such a Scripture as the above, we need not be surprised that much of human history is so perplexing to our understandings.
The natural world, to begin with the simplest, presents sufficient problems to humble man, were it not that he was blinded by pride. Why should there be diseases - and remedies for them? Why poisons - and their antidotes? Why rats and mice - and cats to kill them? Why not have left un-made the evils - and then no necessity for the instruments to remove them!
Ah, why are we so slow to learn that God's ways are different from ours?
And when we enter the human realm the mystery deepens. What is man placed here for at all? To learn some lesson or lessons - or to undergo some test or experience, which he could not learn or undergo elsewhere? If so, then why is such a large proportion of the race removed in infancy, before such lessons can be learned and such experience be gained? Why indeed!
Such questions as these might be multiplied indefinitely, but sufficient has been said to point out the manifest limitations of human wisdom. And if we are confronted with insolvable problems in the domain of nature and of human existence - what of the Divine realm! Who can fathom the ways of the Almighty? Can you by searching find out God? No indeed. "Clouds and darkness are round about Him" (Psalm 97:2). If God were not a mystery, He would not be God to us.
But why write in this strain? Surely the need of our day is for that which will strengthen faith, not that which paralyses it. True, but what is faith? We mean faith in the abstract. Faith is, essentially, an attitude rather than an act - it is that which lies behind the act. Faith is an attitude of dependency, of recognized weakness. Faith is a coming to the end of ourselves and looking outside of ourselves - away from ourselves. Faith is that which gives God His proper place. And if we give God His proper place, we must take our proper place - and that is in the dust! And what is there that will bring the haughty, self-sufficient creature into the dust so quickly - as a sight of the Godhead of God! Nothing is so humbling to the human heart as a true recognition of the absolute sovereignty of God. So then, instead of seeking to weaken faith, we write to promote and strengthen it.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, December 14, 2019
The Godhood of God # 1
(Wow!! Very interesting and informative!!)
The Godhood of God # 1
INTRODUCTION
The Godhood of God! What is meant by this expression? Ah, sad it is that such a question needs to be asked and answered. And yet it does - for a generation has arisen that is well near universally ignorant of the important truth which this term connotes.
That which is popular today in the colleges, in the pulpits, and in the press - is the dignity, the power, and the attainment of MAN. But this is only the corrupt fruit that has issued from the Evolutionary teachings of fifty years ago. When Christian theologians accepted the Darwinian hypothesis, which excluded God from the realm of Creation, it was only to be expected that more and more God would be banished from the realm of human affairs. This it has proven.
To the twentieth century mind, God is little more than an abstraction, an impersonal "First Cause," or if a Being at all. One far removed from this world and having little or nothing to do with mundane affairs. Man, forsooth, is a "God" unto himself. [true, that's what we are being taught now! Awful!!] Man is a free agent and therefore the regulator of his own life and the determiner of his own destiny. [I'm sorry, Heavenly Father. Please forgive us!!] Such was the devil's lie at the beginning, "You shall be as God" (Genesis 3:5). But from human speculation and satanic insinuation, we turn to Divine revelation.
The Godhood of God! What is meant by the expression? This: the omnipotence of God, and absolute sovereignty of God. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that God is God. We affirm that God is something more than an empty title - that God is something more than a mere figure-head - that God is something more than a far-distant Spectator, looking helplessly on at the suffering which sin has wrought. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that He is "King of kings and Lord of lords." We affirm that God is something more than a disappointed, dissatisfied, defeated Being, who is filled with benevolent desires, but lacking in power to carry them out. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that He is "the Most High God." We affirm that God is something more than One who has endowed man with the power of choice, and because He has done this is therefore unable to compel man to do His bidding. We affirm that God is something more than One who has waged a protracted war with the devil and has been worsted. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that He is the ALMIGHTY.
To speak of the Godhood of God then, is to say that God is on the Throne, on the Throne of His universe as a fact and not as a say so; on a Throne that is high above all. To speak of the Godhood of God is to say that the Helm is in His hand, and that He is steering according to His own good pleasure. To speak of the Godhood of God is to say that He is the Potter, that we are the clay, and that out of the clay He shapes one as a vessel to honor and another as a vessel to dishonor according to His own sovereign rights. To speak of the Divine Monarch doing "according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him what do You?" (Daniel 4:35).
Therefore, to speak of the Godhood of God is to give the mighty Creator His rightful place; it is to recognize His exalted majesty; it is to own His universal scepter.
The Godhood of God stands at the base of Divine revelation: "in the beginning God" - to solemn majesty, eternal un-caused, self-sufficient. This is the foundation doctrine, and upon it all other doctrines must be built, and any other doctrine which is not built upon it will inevitably fail and fall in the day of testing. At the beginning of all true theology lies the postulate that God is God - absolute and irresistible. It must be so. Without this, we face a closed door: with it, we have a key which unlocks every mystery.
This is true Creation - exclude an Almighty God and nothing is left but blind and illogical materialism!
This is true Revelation - the Bible is the solitary miracle in the realm of literature; exclude God from it and you have a miracle and no miracle-worker to produce it.
This is true Salvation. Salvation is "of the Lord," entirely so; exclude God from any aspect or part of salvation, and salvation vanishes!
This is true History, for history is His story; it is the outworking in time of His eternal purpose. Exclude God from history and all is meaningless and purposeless. The absolute Godhood of God is the only guaranty that in the end it shall be fully and finally demonstrated that God is "All in all." (1 Cor. 15:28).
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
The Godhood of God # 1
INTRODUCTION
The Godhood of God! What is meant by this expression? Ah, sad it is that such a question needs to be asked and answered. And yet it does - for a generation has arisen that is well near universally ignorant of the important truth which this term connotes.
That which is popular today in the colleges, in the pulpits, and in the press - is the dignity, the power, and the attainment of MAN. But this is only the corrupt fruit that has issued from the Evolutionary teachings of fifty years ago. When Christian theologians accepted the Darwinian hypothesis, which excluded God from the realm of Creation, it was only to be expected that more and more God would be banished from the realm of human affairs. This it has proven.
To the twentieth century mind, God is little more than an abstraction, an impersonal "First Cause," or if a Being at all. One far removed from this world and having little or nothing to do with mundane affairs. Man, forsooth, is a "God" unto himself. [true, that's what we are being taught now! Awful!!] Man is a free agent and therefore the regulator of his own life and the determiner of his own destiny. [I'm sorry, Heavenly Father. Please forgive us!!] Such was the devil's lie at the beginning, "You shall be as God" (Genesis 3:5). But from human speculation and satanic insinuation, we turn to Divine revelation.
The Godhood of God! What is meant by the expression? This: the omnipotence of God, and absolute sovereignty of God. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that God is God. We affirm that God is something more than an empty title - that God is something more than a mere figure-head - that God is something more than a far-distant Spectator, looking helplessly on at the suffering which sin has wrought. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that He is "King of kings and Lord of lords." We affirm that God is something more than a disappointed, dissatisfied, defeated Being, who is filled with benevolent desires, but lacking in power to carry them out. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that He is "the Most High God." We affirm that God is something more than One who has endowed man with the power of choice, and because He has done this is therefore unable to compel man to do His bidding. We affirm that God is something more than One who has waged a protracted war with the devil and has been worsted. When we speak of the Godhood of God we affirm that He is the ALMIGHTY.
To speak of the Godhood of God then, is to say that God is on the Throne, on the Throne of His universe as a fact and not as a say so; on a Throne that is high above all. To speak of the Godhood of God is to say that the Helm is in His hand, and that He is steering according to His own good pleasure. To speak of the Godhood of God is to say that He is the Potter, that we are the clay, and that out of the clay He shapes one as a vessel to honor and another as a vessel to dishonor according to His own sovereign rights. To speak of the Divine Monarch doing "according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him what do You?" (Daniel 4:35).
Therefore, to speak of the Godhood of God is to give the mighty Creator His rightful place; it is to recognize His exalted majesty; it is to own His universal scepter.
The Godhood of God stands at the base of Divine revelation: "in the beginning God" - to solemn majesty, eternal un-caused, self-sufficient. This is the foundation doctrine, and upon it all other doctrines must be built, and any other doctrine which is not built upon it will inevitably fail and fall in the day of testing. At the beginning of all true theology lies the postulate that God is God - absolute and irresistible. It must be so. Without this, we face a closed door: with it, we have a key which unlocks every mystery.
This is true Creation - exclude an Almighty God and nothing is left but blind and illogical materialism!
This is true Revelation - the Bible is the solitary miracle in the realm of literature; exclude God from it and you have a miracle and no miracle-worker to produce it.
This is true Salvation. Salvation is "of the Lord," entirely so; exclude God from any aspect or part of salvation, and salvation vanishes!
This is true History, for history is His story; it is the outworking in time of His eternal purpose. Exclude God from history and all is meaningless and purposeless. The absolute Godhood of God is the only guaranty that in the end it shall be fully and finally demonstrated that God is "All in all." (1 Cor. 15:28).
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
Knowledge Promised # 2
Knowledge Promised # 2
He works wisely and kindly - when He works invisibly. He assigns no reason for His actions. If we complain or repine - He seems to say to us, as to Job, "Should it be according to your mind?" This silences us, for we dare not say that it should. The time to assign His reasons to us - is not now; but now is the time He expects faith of us.
He often acts contrary to sense - and contrary to our carnal expectations. We had, perhaps, laid down a plan for Him to work by - and He goes just opposite to it!
He crosses our wills - to sanctify our minds and hearts!
He opposes our foolish schemes - to execute His own wise and gracious designs!
He promises to make all plain by-and-bye. The revealing day will come. It may soon be here, therefore let us patiently wait, and hopefully anticipate it. We shall then know the nature of what He does; and see that all is gracious, wise, and kind. We shall then know the needs be for all that He does - for all is necessary for our present good, or future welfare.
We shall know the design of what He does - that it was to humble us and prove us, to purify and perfect us; to exalt His own name, illustrate His own character, and glorify His Father's grace. We shall know and feel fully satisfied - for all difficulties will be completely cleared up. We shall know and be filled with admiration at the wisdom, perfection, and prudence of all He did! We shall know and praise Him for working it all, for working as He did - and for concealing the design He had in view while He was thus trying us!
Beloved, though we do not understand now - what Jesus is doing; we shall assuredly know hereafter! And this calls for PATIENCE - we must wait for His revealing, when all will be made clear to us. At present we have need of patience, we are required to have patience; and if we can have patience with anyone, surely we may with Jesus!
Can He do wrong? Impossible, for all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him!
Can He act unkindly? Impossible, for He only fulfills the bruised reed He will not break, and the smoking flax He will not quench!
Can He make a mistake? Impossible, for He only fulfills the thing that is appointed for us, and many such things are with Him!
"We shall know hereafter!" This assurance calls for SUBMISSION; meek, uncomplaining, loving submission. There should be no complaining, no repining, no wishing - for our wishes spring from our ignorance, selfishness, or opposition to God.
This calls for FAITH - strong, steady, quiet faith. He is with us to cause all, and everything to work together for our good.
It calls for SILENCE! Do not attempt an explanation at present - but be willing to leave it, and quietly wait until the Lord comes. His promise respecting the future is, "You shall know hereafter."
Let us then look through all - to Jesus! Let us amidst all - trust in Jesus! Let us notwithstanding all - expect from Jesus! And in the darkest hour, in the dreariest season, endeavor to say, "I will wait for the Lord who hides Himself!" Yes, "it is the glory of God to conceal a thing," and Jesus, your Jesus, is God. O blessed assurance, of a blessed Saviour - that though I do not understand what He is doing, nor why He does it - at present; yet I shall know hereafter! Let me be satisfied, more than satisfied with it - for I shall bless and praise Him forever and ever - for His mysterious, wise, and kind dealings with me!
~James Smith~
(The End)
He works wisely and kindly - when He works invisibly. He assigns no reason for His actions. If we complain or repine - He seems to say to us, as to Job, "Should it be according to your mind?" This silences us, for we dare not say that it should. The time to assign His reasons to us - is not now; but now is the time He expects faith of us.
He often acts contrary to sense - and contrary to our carnal expectations. We had, perhaps, laid down a plan for Him to work by - and He goes just opposite to it!
He crosses our wills - to sanctify our minds and hearts!
He opposes our foolish schemes - to execute His own wise and gracious designs!
He promises to make all plain by-and-bye. The revealing day will come. It may soon be here, therefore let us patiently wait, and hopefully anticipate it. We shall then know the nature of what He does; and see that all is gracious, wise, and kind. We shall then know the needs be for all that He does - for all is necessary for our present good, or future welfare.
We shall know the design of what He does - that it was to humble us and prove us, to purify and perfect us; to exalt His own name, illustrate His own character, and glorify His Father's grace. We shall know and feel fully satisfied - for all difficulties will be completely cleared up. We shall know and be filled with admiration at the wisdom, perfection, and prudence of all He did! We shall know and praise Him for working it all, for working as He did - and for concealing the design He had in view while He was thus trying us!
Beloved, though we do not understand now - what Jesus is doing; we shall assuredly know hereafter! And this calls for PATIENCE - we must wait for His revealing, when all will be made clear to us. At present we have need of patience, we are required to have patience; and if we can have patience with anyone, surely we may with Jesus!
Can He do wrong? Impossible, for all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him!
Can He act unkindly? Impossible, for He only fulfills the bruised reed He will not break, and the smoking flax He will not quench!
Can He make a mistake? Impossible, for He only fulfills the thing that is appointed for us, and many such things are with Him!
"We shall know hereafter!" This assurance calls for SUBMISSION; meek, uncomplaining, loving submission. There should be no complaining, no repining, no wishing - for our wishes spring from our ignorance, selfishness, or opposition to God.
This calls for FAITH - strong, steady, quiet faith. He is with us to cause all, and everything to work together for our good.
It calls for SILENCE! Do not attempt an explanation at present - but be willing to leave it, and quietly wait until the Lord comes. His promise respecting the future is, "You shall know hereafter."
Let us then look through all - to Jesus! Let us amidst all - trust in Jesus! Let us notwithstanding all - expect from Jesus! And in the darkest hour, in the dreariest season, endeavor to say, "I will wait for the Lord who hides Himself!" Yes, "it is the glory of God to conceal a thing," and Jesus, your Jesus, is God. O blessed assurance, of a blessed Saviour - that though I do not understand what He is doing, nor why He does it - at present; yet I shall know hereafter! Let me be satisfied, more than satisfied with it - for I shall bless and praise Him forever and ever - for His mysterious, wise, and kind dealings with me!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Knowledge Promised # 1 (Oh! I love this sermon!!!)
(Oh! I love this sermon!!!)
Knowledge Promised # 1
"What I am doing you do not understand now; but you shall know hereafter" (John 13:7).
The Lord teaches us not only by His words - but by His works. He taught His disciples by what He did - as well as by what He said. He was now teaching them humility and love - and in order to do so, He condescended to wash their feet. Peter was amazed, and said, "Lord, are You going to wash my feet?" He could not think of letting his Lord stoop to such menial employment in reference to himself. But he did not read his Lord's design - he could not see the deep and tender love of his Lord's heart. Jesus said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now; but you shall know hereafter." The present shall be explained in the future. Be satisfied to believe that I am acting wisely and kindly, and the whole shall be made plain bye-and-bye." Thus our Lord seems to speak to us at times. he requires faith now, and promises us clear knowledge hereafter. Observe.
First, the works of Jesus may for a time perplex us. He is the great worker in providence. His hand is everywhere working - though it is not everywhere seen. The hand of Jesus is in all that happens to us. Yes, in reference to our trials - we may say of Him with Hezekiah, "He Himself has done this!"
He strips us, just as He does the trees in autumn, when the sap sinks, and the foliage withers and falls.
He stripped Lot - and brought him out of Sodom poor and desolate!
He stripped Job - and left him for a time barren and leafless!
He stripped Naomi - and she who went out full, returned empty!
He has stripped many of His people - and laid them bare!
He disappoints us. Our expectations are raised by men, or by circumstances; we fondly believe that good and great things will result from a connection, or an undertaking. But our hopes and our expectations are blown away like the leaves on a tree, when blasted by a strong wind! "You expected much - but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home - I blew away!" (Haggai 1:9).
He humbles us. Stripped and disappointed, at first we think He deals harshly with us. We complain of instruments, or events. Like the sons of Zeruiah - we looked only at Shimei cursing; not like David - at the Lord bidding Shimei to curse David (2 Sam. 16:10). The produces hard thoughts, rebellious feelings, and a murmuring spirit.
One weight is laid on after another, until the spirit bends and we lay prostrate in the dust. At length the Holy Spirit breathes upon us, our graces revive, our sight is cleared, and we are not only humbled by the force of external circumstances - but we are truly humble in soul, as the effect of His grace.
Providence, that is - Jesus by His providence, often deeply tries us, fills us with perplexity - and we become bewildered, then He whispers, "What I am doing you do not understand now; but you shall know hereafter."
Jesus is the great worker in grace, as in providence, and here His work at times is no less trying. Instead of, as we hoped - carrying on His work by comforting, assuring, and sensibly upholding us; He reveals to us more and more the foulness, depravity, and awful wickedness of our own hearts! Turn the eye inward, He says, "See what Israel does in the dark, every man in the room of his idols!" Again and again, He bids us turn, and at every turn we discover some fresh abomination, some unexpected lust, some foul principle at work!
He empties us of all our false hope, vain confidence, fleshly assurance, and supposed excellency! And the heart appears to be a wilderness, void, barren. Every evidence at times is concealed, every grace appears withered - and only lust and corruption remains!
Thus He exercises us - and sharp indeed, at times, the exercise is! We never expected it. Perhaps we were not warned of it. Or if we heard others speak of it - we never thought that it would be so with ourselves. But thus He destroys spiritual pride - causes our graces to root in Himself and His Word - and brings us, not only to be willing to be saved by grace - but to see and feel that we can be saved in no other way - and bless Him from the depth of our souls for a gratuitous salvation!
Tried believer, tempted Christian, Jesus says to you, as He said to Peter, "What I am doing you do not understand now; but you shall know hereafter!" Observe,
Secondly, the promise of Jesus should encourage us. "We shall know hereafter." At present - He works in the dark, for the darkness and the light are both alike to Him. He has made no mistake in anything He has done. He has not caused us one needless pang - though we have caused ourselves many.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Knowledge Promised # 1
"What I am doing you do not understand now; but you shall know hereafter" (John 13:7).
The Lord teaches us not only by His words - but by His works. He taught His disciples by what He did - as well as by what He said. He was now teaching them humility and love - and in order to do so, He condescended to wash their feet. Peter was amazed, and said, "Lord, are You going to wash my feet?" He could not think of letting his Lord stoop to such menial employment in reference to himself. But he did not read his Lord's design - he could not see the deep and tender love of his Lord's heart. Jesus said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now; but you shall know hereafter." The present shall be explained in the future. Be satisfied to believe that I am acting wisely and kindly, and the whole shall be made plain bye-and-bye." Thus our Lord seems to speak to us at times. he requires faith now, and promises us clear knowledge hereafter. Observe.
First, the works of Jesus may for a time perplex us. He is the great worker in providence. His hand is everywhere working - though it is not everywhere seen. The hand of Jesus is in all that happens to us. Yes, in reference to our trials - we may say of Him with Hezekiah, "He Himself has done this!"
He strips us, just as He does the trees in autumn, when the sap sinks, and the foliage withers and falls.
He stripped Lot - and brought him out of Sodom poor and desolate!
He stripped Job - and left him for a time barren and leafless!
He stripped Naomi - and she who went out full, returned empty!
He has stripped many of His people - and laid them bare!
He disappoints us. Our expectations are raised by men, or by circumstances; we fondly believe that good and great things will result from a connection, or an undertaking. But our hopes and our expectations are blown away like the leaves on a tree, when blasted by a strong wind! "You expected much - but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home - I blew away!" (Haggai 1:9).
He humbles us. Stripped and disappointed, at first we think He deals harshly with us. We complain of instruments, or events. Like the sons of Zeruiah - we looked only at Shimei cursing; not like David - at the Lord bidding Shimei to curse David (2 Sam. 16:10). The produces hard thoughts, rebellious feelings, and a murmuring spirit.
One weight is laid on after another, until the spirit bends and we lay prostrate in the dust. At length the Holy Spirit breathes upon us, our graces revive, our sight is cleared, and we are not only humbled by the force of external circumstances - but we are truly humble in soul, as the effect of His grace.
Providence, that is - Jesus by His providence, often deeply tries us, fills us with perplexity - and we become bewildered, then He whispers, "What I am doing you do not understand now; but you shall know hereafter."
Jesus is the great worker in grace, as in providence, and here His work at times is no less trying. Instead of, as we hoped - carrying on His work by comforting, assuring, and sensibly upholding us; He reveals to us more and more the foulness, depravity, and awful wickedness of our own hearts! Turn the eye inward, He says, "See what Israel does in the dark, every man in the room of his idols!" Again and again, He bids us turn, and at every turn we discover some fresh abomination, some unexpected lust, some foul principle at work!
He empties us of all our false hope, vain confidence, fleshly assurance, and supposed excellency! And the heart appears to be a wilderness, void, barren. Every evidence at times is concealed, every grace appears withered - and only lust and corruption remains!
Thus He exercises us - and sharp indeed, at times, the exercise is! We never expected it. Perhaps we were not warned of it. Or if we heard others speak of it - we never thought that it would be so with ourselves. But thus He destroys spiritual pride - causes our graces to root in Himself and His Word - and brings us, not only to be willing to be saved by grace - but to see and feel that we can be saved in no other way - and bless Him from the depth of our souls for a gratuitous salvation!
Tried believer, tempted Christian, Jesus says to you, as He said to Peter, "What I am doing you do not understand now; but you shall know hereafter!" Observe,
Secondly, the promise of Jesus should encourage us. "We shall know hereafter." At present - He works in the dark, for the darkness and the light are both alike to Him. He has made no mistake in anything He has done. He has not caused us one needless pang - though we have caused ourselves many.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Nevertheless # 4 (and others)
Nevertheless # 4 (and others)
And if ever it displayed unequaled courage, and conveyed the full persuasion of divinity, it was when it was uttered by the Lamb of God, as He stood before the High Priest, who said to Him, "I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God!" Jesus replied unto him: "Yes, it is as you say. Nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall you see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of Heaven!" (Matt. 26:64). Yes, blessed Jesus, the proud, haughty, scornful priest of Israel, shall have more than your word, to attest your claims, for he shall see you in your glory, and in your Father's glory, and all the holy angels with you!
O Lord Jesus, to submit to my Heavenly Father's will as You did, and to look forward amidst all my sufferings, poverty, and pains, to the fulfillment of the apostolic testimony: "When Christ who is our life shall appear - then you shall also appear with Him in glory!"
Now let the feeble all be strong,
And make Jehovah's arm their song,
His shield is spread o'er every saint;
And, thus supported - who shall faint?
What though the hosts of hell engage
With mingled cruelty and rage!
A faithful God restrains their hands,
And chains them down in iron bands!
Bound by His Word, He will display
A strength proportioned to our day;
And when united trials meet,
Will show a path of safe retreat.
Thus far we prove that promise good,
Which Jesus ratified with blood;
Still He is gracious, wise, and just;
And still, in Him, may we all trust.
~James Smith~
(The End)
_______________________
This Heavenly Light of Truth
"All Scripture is inspired by God, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The doctrines of Scripture are facts, which involve corresponding emotions and principles of action, and must, from their very nature, if believed, be operative upon the heart and the life.
If the doctrines of Scripture exert no godly influence, carry with them no practical weight, exert no moral power, they are not truly believed.
The doctrines of Scripture are at once the source of consolation, and the means of sanctification.
The doctrines of Scripture come into the mind as knowledge, produce peace and love in the heart, and spread the beauties of holiness over the character and conduct.
The doctrines of Scripture are light; and like the rays of the sun, they sustain life at the root of the vine, and produce fruit on its branches.
This heavenly light of truth gives spiritual vitality to the soul, and holy conduct to the life.
"For our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction" (1 Thess. 1:5).
~John Angell James~
______________________
The Evidence of Genuine Piety
The evidence of genuine piety is to be found in real humility, self-distrust, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, sorrow for sin, and a continual effort to regulate your thoughts, feelings, and conduct by the Word of God.
Genuine piety will not thrive and increase without effort - but is of so tender and delicate a nature as to require great, constant, and persevering concern, watchfulness, and care.
~John Angell James~
And if ever it displayed unequaled courage, and conveyed the full persuasion of divinity, it was when it was uttered by the Lamb of God, as He stood before the High Priest, who said to Him, "I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God!" Jesus replied unto him: "Yes, it is as you say. Nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall you see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of Heaven!" (Matt. 26:64). Yes, blessed Jesus, the proud, haughty, scornful priest of Israel, shall have more than your word, to attest your claims, for he shall see you in your glory, and in your Father's glory, and all the holy angels with you!
O Lord Jesus, to submit to my Heavenly Father's will as You did, and to look forward amidst all my sufferings, poverty, and pains, to the fulfillment of the apostolic testimony: "When Christ who is our life shall appear - then you shall also appear with Him in glory!"
Now let the feeble all be strong,
And make Jehovah's arm their song,
His shield is spread o'er every saint;
And, thus supported - who shall faint?
What though the hosts of hell engage
With mingled cruelty and rage!
A faithful God restrains their hands,
And chains them down in iron bands!
Bound by His Word, He will display
A strength proportioned to our day;
And when united trials meet,
Will show a path of safe retreat.
Thus far we prove that promise good,
Which Jesus ratified with blood;
Still He is gracious, wise, and just;
And still, in Him, may we all trust.
~James Smith~
(The End)
_______________________
This Heavenly Light of Truth
"All Scripture is inspired by God, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The doctrines of Scripture are facts, which involve corresponding emotions and principles of action, and must, from their very nature, if believed, be operative upon the heart and the life.
If the doctrines of Scripture exert no godly influence, carry with them no practical weight, exert no moral power, they are not truly believed.
The doctrines of Scripture are at once the source of consolation, and the means of sanctification.
The doctrines of Scripture come into the mind as knowledge, produce peace and love in the heart, and spread the beauties of holiness over the character and conduct.
The doctrines of Scripture are light; and like the rays of the sun, they sustain life at the root of the vine, and produce fruit on its branches.
This heavenly light of truth gives spiritual vitality to the soul, and holy conduct to the life.
"For our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction" (1 Thess. 1:5).
~John Angell James~
______________________
The Evidence of Genuine Piety
The evidence of genuine piety is to be found in real humility, self-distrust, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, sorrow for sin, and a continual effort to regulate your thoughts, feelings, and conduct by the Word of God.
Genuine piety will not thrive and increase without effort - but is of so tender and delicate a nature as to require great, constant, and persevering concern, watchfulness, and care.
~John Angell James~
Saturday, November 30, 2019
The Proper Aim of A Christian's Life # 2
The Proper Aim of A Christian's Life # 2
Just so with those who hoard up much, adding house to house, field to field, pound to pound - while the needs of the widow and the fatherless, and the funds of God's church are not supplied by them, if they were to ask, when making their purchases, or paying their money into the bank, "Is this pleasing to God?" - would they not often give more - and hoard less? We think so. And would not the reflection be more pleasing on a sick bed or dying pillow? We think it would.
We all have influence, and in the case of a contested election, or in order to carry some party question - we prove that we have. We can influence some, it may be many. We can influence them for good or for evil.
Now, in making use of our influence for worldly objects, and in withholding it from spiritual objects - do we not sin? Are we not displeasing God? Ought we not to ascertain what influence we have, and how we may best exert it, so as to please God? Are we not accountable for the use or abuse of our influence? Is it not a talent, an important talent? Was it not given us to employ for God and the good of our fellowmen? Is it not important, then, in reference to using our influence, to ask, "Is this pleasing to God?"
So also as to the connections, I form, and the relationships into which I enter, the first question should be, "Will this please God?" A Christian is about to enter into partnership, to commence or carry on a business - what should be his first object? Assuredly to please God, for if he loses sight of God's glory, and seeks only his own worldly advantage - God may blow upon it, and if it does not end in ruin, it may introduce him to trouble, care, anxiety, and perplexity, which will spoil his peace, rob him of his spiritual enjoyments, and make his life anything but desirable! Men of business should often ask in reference to their transactions, "Is this pleasing to God?"
Do not forget that you ought not only to please yourselves - but to please God! And not only so - but you should aim to please God first and principally - before you please yourselves.
If my Heavenly Father is pleased with me - it is enough!
In prayer, in praise, in exercising benevolence, in every public duty, in every arduous enterprise, in every self-denying undertaking - I should just ask, "Is this pleasing to God?" If so, all is well. But His word must decide the question - and will always do so. In general, if we do all to the glory of God, if we do all lovingly or in a spirit of love, if we do all to edify believers, and to win lost sinners - then it is no question that God is pleased with us.
Beloved, if we do not please God - then it matters little whom we please! And if we do please God - then it is of small importance whom we displease! What a comfort it is when the world frowns on us, Christians misunderstand us, and professors misrepresent our conduct - to have the inward conviction, "my aim was to please God!" - and to go to the throne of grace to render an account, and feel the light of our Father's countenance lifted up upon us, assuring us that He is pleased with us.
My brother, my sister - our Heavenly Father is pleased with our poorest performances, with our most imperfect services, with only a cup of cold water given to one of His children - if our object is to please Him! In all that we do - He looks into our hearts, to see what we are aiming at. He is displeased or pleased - with all we do. It is one thing for Him to accept our persons in Jesus, to pardon our sins for the sake of Jesus, and another thing to be pleased with our works, as the works of His beloved child. Of the former we should be assured, and the latter we should constantly aim at.
O what a mercy to be permitted to do anything for God, to visit the sick, to relieve the poor, to circulate His truth, and to speak well of His name! And what a comfort it is to know that our God is easily pleased - that it is not the amount of what we do - but the motive from which we do it, that He looks at! "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that a man has not."
Whatever we do, let us do it heartily, as to the Lord - and not to man. Whatever we do, let us "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God and the Father, by Him." Whatever we do, "whether we eat or drink - let us do all to the glory of God." Whatever we do - let it be our object, aim, and end - to please God.
And - in the future, when any work presents itself, when any untrodden path opens before us, and any influence urge us forward, or any object attracts us onward - let us ask, "Is this pleasing to God?" And before we proceed, let the question be decided; nor let us dare engage in any enterprise, enter into any relationship, or undertake any work - but from the conviction, "This will please God!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
Just so with those who hoard up much, adding house to house, field to field, pound to pound - while the needs of the widow and the fatherless, and the funds of God's church are not supplied by them, if they were to ask, when making their purchases, or paying their money into the bank, "Is this pleasing to God?" - would they not often give more - and hoard less? We think so. And would not the reflection be more pleasing on a sick bed or dying pillow? We think it would.
We all have influence, and in the case of a contested election, or in order to carry some party question - we prove that we have. We can influence some, it may be many. We can influence them for good or for evil.
Now, in making use of our influence for worldly objects, and in withholding it from spiritual objects - do we not sin? Are we not displeasing God? Ought we not to ascertain what influence we have, and how we may best exert it, so as to please God? Are we not accountable for the use or abuse of our influence? Is it not a talent, an important talent? Was it not given us to employ for God and the good of our fellowmen? Is it not important, then, in reference to using our influence, to ask, "Is this pleasing to God?"
So also as to the connections, I form, and the relationships into which I enter, the first question should be, "Will this please God?" A Christian is about to enter into partnership, to commence or carry on a business - what should be his first object? Assuredly to please God, for if he loses sight of God's glory, and seeks only his own worldly advantage - God may blow upon it, and if it does not end in ruin, it may introduce him to trouble, care, anxiety, and perplexity, which will spoil his peace, rob him of his spiritual enjoyments, and make his life anything but desirable! Men of business should often ask in reference to their transactions, "Is this pleasing to God?"
Do not forget that you ought not only to please yourselves - but to please God! And not only so - but you should aim to please God first and principally - before you please yourselves.
If my Heavenly Father is pleased with me - it is enough!
In prayer, in praise, in exercising benevolence, in every public duty, in every arduous enterprise, in every self-denying undertaking - I should just ask, "Is this pleasing to God?" If so, all is well. But His word must decide the question - and will always do so. In general, if we do all to the glory of God, if we do all lovingly or in a spirit of love, if we do all to edify believers, and to win lost sinners - then it is no question that God is pleased with us.
Beloved, if we do not please God - then it matters little whom we please! And if we do please God - then it is of small importance whom we displease! What a comfort it is when the world frowns on us, Christians misunderstand us, and professors misrepresent our conduct - to have the inward conviction, "my aim was to please God!" - and to go to the throne of grace to render an account, and feel the light of our Father's countenance lifted up upon us, assuring us that He is pleased with us.
My brother, my sister - our Heavenly Father is pleased with our poorest performances, with our most imperfect services, with only a cup of cold water given to one of His children - if our object is to please Him! In all that we do - He looks into our hearts, to see what we are aiming at. He is displeased or pleased - with all we do. It is one thing for Him to accept our persons in Jesus, to pardon our sins for the sake of Jesus, and another thing to be pleased with our works, as the works of His beloved child. Of the former we should be assured, and the latter we should constantly aim at.
O what a mercy to be permitted to do anything for God, to visit the sick, to relieve the poor, to circulate His truth, and to speak well of His name! And what a comfort it is to know that our God is easily pleased - that it is not the amount of what we do - but the motive from which we do it, that He looks at! "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that a man has not."
Whatever we do, let us do it heartily, as to the Lord - and not to man. Whatever we do, let us "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God and the Father, by Him." Whatever we do, "whether we eat or drink - let us do all to the glory of God." Whatever we do - let it be our object, aim, and end - to please God.
And - in the future, when any work presents itself, when any untrodden path opens before us, and any influence urge us forward, or any object attracts us onward - let us ask, "Is this pleasing to God?" And before we proceed, let the question be decided; nor let us dare engage in any enterprise, enter into any relationship, or undertake any work - but from the conviction, "This will please God!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
Nevertheless # 3
Nevertheless # 3
7. Once more, I have seen great changes take place in the world, and greater changes must have taken place since the beginning; and greater changes will take place yet. But whatever changes may take place, however many, or however great - they ought not to disturb us; for the sure Word of God predicts them, and therefore we ought to expect them. Not only so - but we should look beyond them, to what is to be introduced by them, for so did the apostles and primitive believers.
Hence Peter having spoken of the day of the Lord, when "the Heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare;" adds, "nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new Heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness!" (2 Peter 3:13).
What a glorious prospect this opens before us! What a blessed "nevertheless" is here! New Heavens! A new earth wherein dwells righteousness! Prepared specially for the saints, and intended for the glorification of our blessed Lord and Saviour. I do not wonder that they sing above, "Unto Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father - to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen." Nor am I surprised to read again, "And they sung a new song, saying; You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth!" How glorious to reign on such a new earth! How delightful to reign with Jesus, to the honor of Jesus - as the purchase of His blood, and the beloved ones of His heart.
If therefore I witness changes, if I suffer losses, if I hear of earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, or the most terrible convulsions, or devastations - I will say with Peter, "Nevertheless, according to His promise, I am looking for new Heavens, and a new earth, wherein righteousness dwells!"
But I must not enlarge, though there are yet many more instances of the value and blessedness of this sweet word, "Nevertheless."
"When Nehemiah and the Jews were in trouble, he says "Nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God," (Neh. 4:9), and this prayer was successful and brought relief.
When the Psalmist confesses the sins, provocations, and wickedness of his forefathers, he adds to the honor of God's free and unmerited grace, "Nevertheless He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known" (Psalm 106:8). How full of comfort is this, to souls deeply sensible of their utter unworthiness!
When Solomon speaks of the many devices that are in a man's heart, he adds for our encouragement, "Nevertheless the counsel of the Lord - that shall stand" (Prov. 19:21).
When Paul speaks of his persecutions, afflictions, and imprisonment, for the gospel, in his letter to Timothy - he adds, in order to fortify him, "Nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him, against that day." (2 Tim. 1:12).
And when alluding to the grievous and painful chastisement endured by the Hebrew Christians, for their comfort he adds, "Nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto those who are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11).
But if ever the word was uttered with inimitable grace, representing the most beautiful and lovely state of mind; it was when Jesus, lying on the cold ground in Gethsemane, said, "O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me - Nevertheless, not as I will - but as You will" (Matt. 27:39).
~James Smith~
(continued with # 4)
7. Once more, I have seen great changes take place in the world, and greater changes must have taken place since the beginning; and greater changes will take place yet. But whatever changes may take place, however many, or however great - they ought not to disturb us; for the sure Word of God predicts them, and therefore we ought to expect them. Not only so - but we should look beyond them, to what is to be introduced by them, for so did the apostles and primitive believers.
Hence Peter having spoken of the day of the Lord, when "the Heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare;" adds, "nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new Heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness!" (2 Peter 3:13).
What a glorious prospect this opens before us! What a blessed "nevertheless" is here! New Heavens! A new earth wherein dwells righteousness! Prepared specially for the saints, and intended for the glorification of our blessed Lord and Saviour. I do not wonder that they sing above, "Unto Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father - to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen." Nor am I surprised to read again, "And they sung a new song, saying; You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth!" How glorious to reign on such a new earth! How delightful to reign with Jesus, to the honor of Jesus - as the purchase of His blood, and the beloved ones of His heart.
If therefore I witness changes, if I suffer losses, if I hear of earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, or the most terrible convulsions, or devastations - I will say with Peter, "Nevertheless, according to His promise, I am looking for new Heavens, and a new earth, wherein righteousness dwells!"
But I must not enlarge, though there are yet many more instances of the value and blessedness of this sweet word, "Nevertheless."
"When Nehemiah and the Jews were in trouble, he says "Nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God," (Neh. 4:9), and this prayer was successful and brought relief.
When the Psalmist confesses the sins, provocations, and wickedness of his forefathers, he adds to the honor of God's free and unmerited grace, "Nevertheless He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known" (Psalm 106:8). How full of comfort is this, to souls deeply sensible of their utter unworthiness!
When Solomon speaks of the many devices that are in a man's heart, he adds for our encouragement, "Nevertheless the counsel of the Lord - that shall stand" (Prov. 19:21).
When Paul speaks of his persecutions, afflictions, and imprisonment, for the gospel, in his letter to Timothy - he adds, in order to fortify him, "Nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him, against that day." (2 Tim. 1:12).
And when alluding to the grievous and painful chastisement endured by the Hebrew Christians, for their comfort he adds, "Nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto those who are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11).
But if ever the word was uttered with inimitable grace, representing the most beautiful and lovely state of mind; it was when Jesus, lying on the cold ground in Gethsemane, said, "O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me - Nevertheless, not as I will - but as You will" (Matt. 27:39).
~James Smith~
(continued with # 4)
Saturday, November 23, 2019
The Proper Aim of a Christian's Life # 1
The Proper Aim of a Christian's Life # 1
"Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more!" (1 Thess. 4:1).
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do - do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).
Every servant should habitually aim to please his Master.
Every wife should habitually aim to please her husband.
Every child should habitually aim to please his father.
But every Christian is the Lord's servant, the Lamb's bride, the child of God; therefore his daily, hourly aim, should be to please God. He should never lose sight of this for one hour - but in every place, in every circumstance, in every undertaking, ask, "Will this be pleasing to God?"
God is pleased or displeased with every thought we think, with every word we speak, with every action we perform, with every emotion we feel.
Perhaps we do not sufficiently realize this. We think, speak, feel, and act - without ever considering whether we are pleasing God, or not. But this ought not to be, for He gave us our being, redeemed us from sin and damnation, called us by His grace, and has blessed us with innumerable and interminable blessings - and all that we may glorify Him! And how can we glorify Him but by habitually aiming to please Him? If I forget or lose sight of this, I forget and lose sight of the principal end of my being, and well-being.
What makes Heaven so happy? Just this - all there keep the eye and heart intently fixed upon this one thing - pleasing God. What would make us permanently and solidly happy on earth? Only this - to aim always and in everything to please God. Ah! if we did this, we would have few cares, few fears, and no falls!
The bosom would be a stranger to anxiety, and the heart to foreboding. The Saviour's prayer which He taught His disciples would be in a great measure answered, "Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven."
Well, shall we go on as we have done - or shall we seek a change? We have not, perhaps, in everything, and at all times, sought principally t please God. But Paul says, "You ought to please God!"
Both reason and revelation unite in saying that we - as believers in Jesus, as partakers of the grace of God, as those who are absolutely dependent on God, who are so richly supplied by God, who are so infinitely indebted to God, and who are expecting to receive a crown and kingdom from God - ought in everything to endeavor to please God!
The precepts of His Word direct us how we may do this, and the Holy Spirit is ready to help our infirmities - if we heartily desire and fervently ask Him.
Let each of us, then, in future, propose that the end of my life, is to please God. And let us often, very often, ask in reference to particular points, "Is this pleasing to God?" For instance, the manner in which I employ my spare time - the amount of time I give to sleep, to recreation, to entertainment. Many Christians seem never to think whether the way in which they spend their time is pleasing to God or not. If they did, would they ever go to some entertainments, or indulge in certain pleasures? Would the world have so much of their time, and the prayer closet so little? How much time is wasted in frivolous ways, which are neither conducive to the health of the body, nor calculated to promote the spirituality of the mind.
How many squander their money on dress, ornaments, or delicacies for the body - who never relieve the poor, or supply the needs of the sick, or contribute toe establish God's cause in the world; or if they do so at all, it is not in due proportion to their means. The pence are given to the Lord - the pounds are spent in the gratification of SELF!
If, when I am going to lay out money in ornaments or dress, or indulgences for the table, I was to ask, "Is this pleasing God?" - would it not check my lavish expenditure? Would it not often change the course in which my money flows?
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
"Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more!" (1 Thess. 4:1).
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do - do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).
Every servant should habitually aim to please his Master.
Every wife should habitually aim to please her husband.
Every child should habitually aim to please his father.
But every Christian is the Lord's servant, the Lamb's bride, the child of God; therefore his daily, hourly aim, should be to please God. He should never lose sight of this for one hour - but in every place, in every circumstance, in every undertaking, ask, "Will this be pleasing to God?"
God is pleased or displeased with every thought we think, with every word we speak, with every action we perform, with every emotion we feel.
Perhaps we do not sufficiently realize this. We think, speak, feel, and act - without ever considering whether we are pleasing God, or not. But this ought not to be, for He gave us our being, redeemed us from sin and damnation, called us by His grace, and has blessed us with innumerable and interminable blessings - and all that we may glorify Him! And how can we glorify Him but by habitually aiming to please Him? If I forget or lose sight of this, I forget and lose sight of the principal end of my being, and well-being.
What makes Heaven so happy? Just this - all there keep the eye and heart intently fixed upon this one thing - pleasing God. What would make us permanently and solidly happy on earth? Only this - to aim always and in everything to please God. Ah! if we did this, we would have few cares, few fears, and no falls!
The bosom would be a stranger to anxiety, and the heart to foreboding. The Saviour's prayer which He taught His disciples would be in a great measure answered, "Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven."
Well, shall we go on as we have done - or shall we seek a change? We have not, perhaps, in everything, and at all times, sought principally t please God. But Paul says, "You ought to please God!"
Both reason and revelation unite in saying that we - as believers in Jesus, as partakers of the grace of God, as those who are absolutely dependent on God, who are so richly supplied by God, who are so infinitely indebted to God, and who are expecting to receive a crown and kingdom from God - ought in everything to endeavor to please God!
The precepts of His Word direct us how we may do this, and the Holy Spirit is ready to help our infirmities - if we heartily desire and fervently ask Him.
Let each of us, then, in future, propose that the end of my life, is to please God. And let us often, very often, ask in reference to particular points, "Is this pleasing to God?" For instance, the manner in which I employ my spare time - the amount of time I give to sleep, to recreation, to entertainment. Many Christians seem never to think whether the way in which they spend their time is pleasing to God or not. If they did, would they ever go to some entertainments, or indulge in certain pleasures? Would the world have so much of their time, and the prayer closet so little? How much time is wasted in frivolous ways, which are neither conducive to the health of the body, nor calculated to promote the spirituality of the mind.
How many squander their money on dress, ornaments, or delicacies for the body - who never relieve the poor, or supply the needs of the sick, or contribute toe establish God's cause in the world; or if they do so at all, it is not in due proportion to their means. The pence are given to the Lord - the pounds are spent in the gratification of SELF!
If, when I am going to lay out money in ornaments or dress, or indulgences for the table, I was to ask, "Is this pleasing God?" - would it not check my lavish expenditure? Would it not often change the course in which my money flows?
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Nevertheless! # 2
Nevertheless! # 2
4. I have passed through many sad and sore afflictions, and in those afflictions I have been left at times, without any cheering light, comforting hope, or soul elevating consolation. I have cried - but could obtain no answer. I have sought the Lord - but could not find Him. I have given way to doubt and despondency - until I have sunk deep in sadness and in gloom. I have been tempted to think that my case was hopeless, and my experience contrary to that of the Lord's family. I have fretted, complained, and repined; and have been ready to give up all for lost!
But there was one blessed "Nevertheless," that like a star in the midst of midnight darkness, gave me a little light, and cheered me with a little hope. In Psalm 106 I read of the conduct, or rather misconduct of Israel of old, how they provoked the Lord, and brought down His sore judgments upon them. But in verses 44, 45, it is written "Nevertheless he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered His covenant and out of His great love He relented!" What a blessed "Nevertheless," is this! After so much sin, so many provocations, and such severe chastisement, "Nevertheless!" After all, notwithstanding all, in spite of all, "Nevertheless He took note of their distress when He heard their cry!" As if it touched His paternal heart, stirred up the depths of His compassion, and aroused His tenderest pity! O infinitely gracious God! Again I bless your adorable name, for your long-suffering and tender mercy - toward such poor, weak, wicked, wayward worms of the earth!
5. I have been discouraged in my work very often, because I have seemed to labor in vain - to spend my strength for nothing, and in vain. But I have been cheered in reading of the fruitless toil of the disciples in the lake of Gennesaret, when they labored all night and caught nothing; and in the morning, when the Master bid them to launch out into the deep, and let down the net for a drought; Simon Peter said, "Master we have toiled all the night, and have caught nothing; Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." (Luke 5:5). Yes, yes, if Jesus bids - then we must obey. We must be faithful - even when we are not successful. We cannot command success - but we can obey our Master's word. The commendation is not, "Well done, good and successful servant," but "Well done, good and faithful servant."
We have toiled in vain for a long time, perhaps the very next attempt may be crowned with extraordinary success. Yes, my soul, if you have toiled and caught nothing, remember you toiled for Jesus, whose ministry was not the most successful. You toiled for Jesus - who toiled much more than you. O it ought to be enough, if we are only permitted to do something for Him - who has done so much for us! If we are only permitted to suffer a little for Him - who suffered so deeply for us! If in any way we are permitted to show our love, and acknowledge our obligation to Him! Yes, blessed, blessed Saviour, though we catch nothing, though we seem to toil in vain - yet at Your word we will let down the net!
As ministers of Christ, let us be encouraged by this! Let us be stimulated by this! It is at the command of Jesus, it is out of love to Jesus, it is to honor Jesus - that we preach and teach; and therefore however discouraging the circumstances in which we are placed, let us say, "Nevertheless at Your word, I will let down the net!"
6. I have at various times been much disheartened, and sometimes perplexed by the changeability of professors of religion. How many I have seen fall into sin, or run into error. Many have disgraced their profession, and many have cast off altogether. But there is a "Nevertheless" in God's Word that has comforted me, and set me right.
Paul, writing to his beloved son Timothy, speaks of some who had erred from the truth, and had overthrown the faith of others - but he adds, "Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: the Lord "knows those who are His. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ, depart from iniquity." Yes, the Lord knows His own - and can distinguish them from mere pretenders. He is not surprised, or disappointed, at anything that takes place - though I am. He knows whom He has chosen. He knows every one upon whom He has set His mark. He requires that all who profess Christ - should imitate Christ, and walk as Christ walked - departing from all iniquity.
Amidst all the changes then that may take place in the Church, if professors fall away, if they forsake the truth, and embrace error - God's foundation remains firm! None are removed from that foundation, who are once built on it, and cemented to it. The sheep never perish, nor can any one pluck them out of our Father's hand!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
4. I have passed through many sad and sore afflictions, and in those afflictions I have been left at times, without any cheering light, comforting hope, or soul elevating consolation. I have cried - but could obtain no answer. I have sought the Lord - but could not find Him. I have given way to doubt and despondency - until I have sunk deep in sadness and in gloom. I have been tempted to think that my case was hopeless, and my experience contrary to that of the Lord's family. I have fretted, complained, and repined; and have been ready to give up all for lost!
But there was one blessed "Nevertheless," that like a star in the midst of midnight darkness, gave me a little light, and cheered me with a little hope. In Psalm 106 I read of the conduct, or rather misconduct of Israel of old, how they provoked the Lord, and brought down His sore judgments upon them. But in verses 44, 45, it is written "Nevertheless he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered His covenant and out of His great love He relented!" What a blessed "Nevertheless," is this! After so much sin, so many provocations, and such severe chastisement, "Nevertheless!" After all, notwithstanding all, in spite of all, "Nevertheless He took note of their distress when He heard their cry!" As if it touched His paternal heart, stirred up the depths of His compassion, and aroused His tenderest pity! O infinitely gracious God! Again I bless your adorable name, for your long-suffering and tender mercy - toward such poor, weak, wicked, wayward worms of the earth!
5. I have been discouraged in my work very often, because I have seemed to labor in vain - to spend my strength for nothing, and in vain. But I have been cheered in reading of the fruitless toil of the disciples in the lake of Gennesaret, when they labored all night and caught nothing; and in the morning, when the Master bid them to launch out into the deep, and let down the net for a drought; Simon Peter said, "Master we have toiled all the night, and have caught nothing; Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." (Luke 5:5). Yes, yes, if Jesus bids - then we must obey. We must be faithful - even when we are not successful. We cannot command success - but we can obey our Master's word. The commendation is not, "Well done, good and successful servant," but "Well done, good and faithful servant."
We have toiled in vain for a long time, perhaps the very next attempt may be crowned with extraordinary success. Yes, my soul, if you have toiled and caught nothing, remember you toiled for Jesus, whose ministry was not the most successful. You toiled for Jesus - who toiled much more than you. O it ought to be enough, if we are only permitted to do something for Him - who has done so much for us! If we are only permitted to suffer a little for Him - who suffered so deeply for us! If in any way we are permitted to show our love, and acknowledge our obligation to Him! Yes, blessed, blessed Saviour, though we catch nothing, though we seem to toil in vain - yet at Your word we will let down the net!
As ministers of Christ, let us be encouraged by this! Let us be stimulated by this! It is at the command of Jesus, it is out of love to Jesus, it is to honor Jesus - that we preach and teach; and therefore however discouraging the circumstances in which we are placed, let us say, "Nevertheless at Your word, I will let down the net!"
6. I have at various times been much disheartened, and sometimes perplexed by the changeability of professors of religion. How many I have seen fall into sin, or run into error. Many have disgraced their profession, and many have cast off altogether. But there is a "Nevertheless" in God's Word that has comforted me, and set me right.
Paul, writing to his beloved son Timothy, speaks of some who had erred from the truth, and had overthrown the faith of others - but he adds, "Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: the Lord "knows those who are His. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ, depart from iniquity." Yes, the Lord knows His own - and can distinguish them from mere pretenders. He is not surprised, or disappointed, at anything that takes place - though I am. He knows whom He has chosen. He knows every one upon whom He has set His mark. He requires that all who profess Christ - should imitate Christ, and walk as Christ walked - departing from all iniquity.
Amidst all the changes then that may take place in the Church, if professors fall away, if they forsake the truth, and embrace error - God's foundation remains firm! None are removed from that foundation, who are once built on it, and cemented to it. The sheep never perish, nor can any one pluck them out of our Father's hand!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Nevertheless! # 1
Nevertheless! # 1
How much is sometimes conveyed to the mind by one word, especially by one inspired word. This word, NEVERTHELESS, has often been profitable to me; for it has conveyed sweet comfort, strong encouragement, and a powerful stimulus to me. I propose therefore to spend a few minutes, in looking at it, as it stands in a few different portions of God's most holy Word.
1. In considering my many defects and shortcomings, I have at times been greatly depressed and discouraged, and have been tempted to give way to doubts and fears; but in looking into the divine Word, I find that all the saints have had their spots and their defects. I have been encouraged when I have read this, "But the high places were not taken away out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Asa was faithful all his days." (2 Chron. 15:17). Asa was not all that he ought to be, neither did he do all he ought or could have done; nevertheless he was sincere - and God thinks much of sincerity. He was heart-whole in his religion, though he had many imperfections.
And I trust, as deficient as I am, as imperfect as I am - I trust that I am sincere; my heart is in God's cause, and is set on God's glory. I have not taken away all the high places - I have still too many high thoughts, and high ways; nevertheless, I trust it will be found, that my heart is faithful with the Lord, and that I shall be found a sincere believer, though an imperfect Christian, all my days.
2. I have often been cast down in consequence of the dispensations of divine providence, and the mysterious dealings of the Lord with my soul. But in reading the Psalms, I have often found comfort, because I saw that the Lord's people had been exercised just in the same way in the days of old. Poor Asaph - how he was tried, dispirited, and distressed - but even in his case there was a nevertheless, as he says, "Nevertheless I am continually with you - you have held me by Your right hand." (Psalm 73:23).
So is there in my case too, for however the Lord has tried me, He has never forsaken me, nor let go His hold of me. I have slid back often - but He has held me fast, and He holds me fast still. Of many things I may deprived - but the Lord has pledged His Word, that He will never leave me nor forsake me. And, not only so - but He will not let me leave Him for long, nor wander from Him far. "I am continually with you" - in the darkest night, in the most trying season. "You have held me with Your right hand" - and this is the reason, why I have not fainted, been overcome, or utterly turned back!
3. I have at times thought, that in consequence of the power of sin, the deceitfulness of my own heart, and the wiles of the devil - I would certainly turn apostate, and forsake the right ways of the Lord. But there is one blessed, "Nevertheless," which has preserved and kept me until now; and I believe it will keep me even to the end.
For thus it is written, in reference to our beloved Lord, "I will establish His line forever, His throne as long as the heavens endure. If His sons forsake my law and do not follow My statutes, if they violate My decrees and fail to keep My commands, I will punish their sin with the rod, and their iniquity with flogging! Nevertheless, I will not take My love from him, nor will I ever betray My faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what My lips have uttered!" (Psalm 89:29:34). What a blessed "Nevertheless," is here!
He will correct - but not reject.
He will punish - but not disinherit.
He will turn His hand against them - but not His heart.
Lovingly He will rebuke and chasten - but will never turn against them, or allow them to apostatize from Him.
Gracious God and Father, I bless You, I adore You, for Your changeless love! I rejoice in the assurance, that whom You love, You love unto the end! Long ago, I would have left You - if permitted. Long ago, You would have hared me - if anything could have provoked You to do so. But, oh, I bless You, for those sweet words, "Nevertheless, I will not take My love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness." And if not from Christ, the head - then not from the members, seeing we were chosen in Him, blessed in Him, are preserved in Him,and are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
How much is sometimes conveyed to the mind by one word, especially by one inspired word. This word, NEVERTHELESS, has often been profitable to me; for it has conveyed sweet comfort, strong encouragement, and a powerful stimulus to me. I propose therefore to spend a few minutes, in looking at it, as it stands in a few different portions of God's most holy Word.
1. In considering my many defects and shortcomings, I have at times been greatly depressed and discouraged, and have been tempted to give way to doubts and fears; but in looking into the divine Word, I find that all the saints have had their spots and their defects. I have been encouraged when I have read this, "But the high places were not taken away out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Asa was faithful all his days." (2 Chron. 15:17). Asa was not all that he ought to be, neither did he do all he ought or could have done; nevertheless he was sincere - and God thinks much of sincerity. He was heart-whole in his religion, though he had many imperfections.
And I trust, as deficient as I am, as imperfect as I am - I trust that I am sincere; my heart is in God's cause, and is set on God's glory. I have not taken away all the high places - I have still too many high thoughts, and high ways; nevertheless, I trust it will be found, that my heart is faithful with the Lord, and that I shall be found a sincere believer, though an imperfect Christian, all my days.
2. I have often been cast down in consequence of the dispensations of divine providence, and the mysterious dealings of the Lord with my soul. But in reading the Psalms, I have often found comfort, because I saw that the Lord's people had been exercised just in the same way in the days of old. Poor Asaph - how he was tried, dispirited, and distressed - but even in his case there was a nevertheless, as he says, "Nevertheless I am continually with you - you have held me by Your right hand." (Psalm 73:23).
So is there in my case too, for however the Lord has tried me, He has never forsaken me, nor let go His hold of me. I have slid back often - but He has held me fast, and He holds me fast still. Of many things I may deprived - but the Lord has pledged His Word, that He will never leave me nor forsake me. And, not only so - but He will not let me leave Him for long, nor wander from Him far. "I am continually with you" - in the darkest night, in the most trying season. "You have held me with Your right hand" - and this is the reason, why I have not fainted, been overcome, or utterly turned back!
3. I have at times thought, that in consequence of the power of sin, the deceitfulness of my own heart, and the wiles of the devil - I would certainly turn apostate, and forsake the right ways of the Lord. But there is one blessed, "Nevertheless," which has preserved and kept me until now; and I believe it will keep me even to the end.
For thus it is written, in reference to our beloved Lord, "I will establish His line forever, His throne as long as the heavens endure. If His sons forsake my law and do not follow My statutes, if they violate My decrees and fail to keep My commands, I will punish their sin with the rod, and their iniquity with flogging! Nevertheless, I will not take My love from him, nor will I ever betray My faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what My lips have uttered!" (Psalm 89:29:34). What a blessed "Nevertheless," is here!
He will correct - but not reject.
He will punish - but not disinherit.
He will turn His hand against them - but not His heart.
Lovingly He will rebuke and chasten - but will never turn against them, or allow them to apostatize from Him.
Gracious God and Father, I bless You, I adore You, for Your changeless love! I rejoice in the assurance, that whom You love, You love unto the end! Long ago, I would have left You - if permitted. Long ago, You would have hared me - if anything could have provoked You to do so. But, oh, I bless You, for those sweet words, "Nevertheless, I will not take My love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness." And if not from Christ, the head - then not from the members, seeing we were chosen in Him, blessed in Him, are preserved in Him,and are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
This Is The True Grace of God # 2 (and others)
This Is The True Grace of God # 2 (and others)
The man that possesses the true grace of God, and is invariably living under its sacred influence mourns over his state as a sinner, longs for perfection as a believer, and cannot be perfectly happy until purged from all pollution. He loves God as His Father, cleaves to Jesus as His Friend, views himself as a temple of the Holy Spirit, hates, fears, flies from sin, loves, pants for, and follows after holiness, worships a sovereign Jehovah, obeys a reigning Redeemer, and ascribes all His salvation to free grace!
He depends on the Lord in his troubles, flies to Jesus from his foes, and pleads the free promises of his God.
Christ is his object, salvation his subject, and to glorify God is his aim!
He feels, mourns over, and prays for grace to keep down his corruptions.
He renounces self, abhors his own righteousness, and glories in the Cross of Christ.
He comes out of the world, is transformed in his mind, and finds suitable associates in sanctified believers.
He lives in communion with his God, feeds on the bread of life, and dies daily.
Reader, have you been made to partake of the true grace of God?
Opinions in the head, and grace in the heart - are very different things! Notions of grace - are not operations of grace. You may know the true grace of God by this - it brings salvation, and teaches to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.
~James Smith~
(The End)
_______________________
Not Markedly Different
When I look into the New Testament, and read what a Christian should be, and then look into the church of God, and see what Christians are - I am painfully affected by observing the dissimilarity!
That worldly spirit to which our age of growing selfishness and luxury gives rise, is exceedingly adverse to Christianity, whose elements are faith, hope, love.
The church of Christ at present, is sadly mixed up with both the spirit of the world, and many of its customs. The great bulk of professing Christians are not markedly different from the followers of pleasure and the worshipers of Mammon!
~John Angell James~
_____________________
What A Heaven!
Heaven will consist of the moral perfection of the soul, perfect knowledge, perfect holiness, perfect love, perfect likeness to Christ, perfection of the body in incorruptibility, immortality, glory, and spirituality; the presence of God in the full manifestation of His glory, the beatific vision of Christ, the fellowship of angels and all the redeemed, the joint worship of the heavenly multitudes, the perfect service of Christ, without interruption, imperfection, or cessation, complete freedom from pain, toil, hunger, thirst, anxiety, fear, sorrow, and death!
Such is the substance of heavenly felicity. Take any one of them by itself - and each is a heaven! Add them altogether - and - what a heaven!
How pure! How elevated! How felicitous!
~John Angell James~
________________________
If There Are But Two Real Christians In The World
There appears to me to be, at the present moment, a most criminal neglect, on the part of Christian parents, of the pious education of their children.
That Christian who would carry on a system of pious education with success, should enforce it with all the commanding influence of a holy example. Let your children see all the beauties of holiness" reflected from your character, and the grand outline of godly virtue filled up with all the delicate touches and varied coloring of the Christian graces.
Let your children have this conviction in their hearts, "If there are but two real Christians in the world, my father is one, and my mother is the other!"
It is dreadful - but not uncommon for children to employ themselves in contrasting the appearance which their parents make at the Lord's table - and at their own table; in the house of God - and at home!
~John Angell James~
The man that possesses the true grace of God, and is invariably living under its sacred influence mourns over his state as a sinner, longs for perfection as a believer, and cannot be perfectly happy until purged from all pollution. He loves God as His Father, cleaves to Jesus as His Friend, views himself as a temple of the Holy Spirit, hates, fears, flies from sin, loves, pants for, and follows after holiness, worships a sovereign Jehovah, obeys a reigning Redeemer, and ascribes all His salvation to free grace!
He depends on the Lord in his troubles, flies to Jesus from his foes, and pleads the free promises of his God.
Christ is his object, salvation his subject, and to glorify God is his aim!
He feels, mourns over, and prays for grace to keep down his corruptions.
He renounces self, abhors his own righteousness, and glories in the Cross of Christ.
He comes out of the world, is transformed in his mind, and finds suitable associates in sanctified believers.
He lives in communion with his God, feeds on the bread of life, and dies daily.
Reader, have you been made to partake of the true grace of God?
Opinions in the head, and grace in the heart - are very different things! Notions of grace - are not operations of grace. You may know the true grace of God by this - it brings salvation, and teaches to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.
~James Smith~
(The End)
_______________________
Not Markedly Different
When I look into the New Testament, and read what a Christian should be, and then look into the church of God, and see what Christians are - I am painfully affected by observing the dissimilarity!
That worldly spirit to which our age of growing selfishness and luxury gives rise, is exceedingly adverse to Christianity, whose elements are faith, hope, love.
The church of Christ at present, is sadly mixed up with both the spirit of the world, and many of its customs. The great bulk of professing Christians are not markedly different from the followers of pleasure and the worshipers of Mammon!
~John Angell James~
_____________________
What A Heaven!
Heaven will consist of the moral perfection of the soul, perfect knowledge, perfect holiness, perfect love, perfect likeness to Christ, perfection of the body in incorruptibility, immortality, glory, and spirituality; the presence of God in the full manifestation of His glory, the beatific vision of Christ, the fellowship of angels and all the redeemed, the joint worship of the heavenly multitudes, the perfect service of Christ, without interruption, imperfection, or cessation, complete freedom from pain, toil, hunger, thirst, anxiety, fear, sorrow, and death!
Such is the substance of heavenly felicity. Take any one of them by itself - and each is a heaven! Add them altogether - and - what a heaven!
How pure! How elevated! How felicitous!
~John Angell James~
________________________
If There Are But Two Real Christians In The World
There appears to me to be, at the present moment, a most criminal neglect, on the part of Christian parents, of the pious education of their children.
That Christian who would carry on a system of pious education with success, should enforce it with all the commanding influence of a holy example. Let your children see all the beauties of holiness" reflected from your character, and the grand outline of godly virtue filled up with all the delicate touches and varied coloring of the Christian graces.
Let your children have this conviction in their hearts, "If there are but two real Christians in the world, my father is one, and my mother is the other!"
It is dreadful - but not uncommon for children to employ themselves in contrasting the appearance which their parents make at the Lord's table - and at their own table; in the house of God - and at home!
~John Angell James~
Saturday, November 9, 2019
This Is The True Grace of God # 1
This Is The True Grace of God # 1
"This is the true grace of God, wherein you stand" (1 Peter 5:12).
The grace of God is a subject which, of all others, demands our most serious attention.
God's grace is nothing less, than the free, sovereign, and eternal favor of God toward poor sinners in Christ! (2 Timothy 1:9).
God's grace is manifested in the wonderful lover, kindness, and condescension of our Lord and Saviour: "You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich - yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
God's grace shines in all the doctrines of the everlasting gospel - they contain the revelation of grace - in the full, complete, and glorious salvation of the church of God.
The Father's grace appears in the CHOICE of a people to show forth His praise.
The Son's grace is revealed in the REDEMPTION of that chosen people from sin, the world, satan, death, and hell.
The Spirit's grace is manifest in the NEW BIRTH, sanctification, sealing, and teaching of that chosen and redeemed people.
Thus... the Father chooses a people by His grace, the Son ransoms these chosen people by His grace, and the Holy Spirit makes these chosen people fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, by His grace.
The Father marks the objects, the Son delivers from wrath, the Spirit leads to glory - and all in richest grace!
In a Word, grace is divine favor, which arises in God as its fountain; centers in Christ as its depository; appears in the doctrines of the gospel as in a mirror; flows to sinners as its objects; and peoples Heaven with sanctified believers as its design!
Grace is the glory of Jehovah; the charm of the gospel; the delight of Jesus; and the fountain of consolation to the church.
Grace is eternal in its existence; holy in its nature; free in its acts; sanctifying in its tendency; and glorious in its design!
But if we attend to what the Bible says of grace, we shall discover that the true grace of God is different from what man conceives. Instead of its being an enemy to holiness - grace is the root on which holiness grows, the fountain from which holiness springs, and the principle which produces holiness in the heart.
True grace brings home the words with power, conviction, and demonstration to the soul! (Acts 14:3)
True grace works faith in the hearts of poor sinners, who are said "to believe through grace!" (Acts 18:27).
True grace calls its objects out of a state of nature, sin, and rebellion against God - and teaches them to pray, and mourn before the Lord! (Gal. 1:15; Zech. 12:10).
True grace destroys the love and dominion of sin; and leads us from the law - to the gospel! (Romans 6:14).
True grace brings home a sense of pardon to the soul; and imparts everlasting consolation! (Eph. 1:7; 2 Thess. 2:16).
True grace removes condemnation, and justifies us freely, fully, and eternally! (Romans 3:24; Titus 3:7).
True grace strengthens, supports, and carries the Christian through all his conflicts, tribulations, and trials! (2 Cor. 12:9).
True grace builds up and establishes its possessor in truth, in faith, and in love! (Acts 20:32; Heb. 13:9).
True grace leads to holy, Scriptural, and consistent practice! (Titus 2:11-15).
True grace will make a man labor for God and the good of immortal souls! (1 Cor. 15:10).
True grace will regulate his lifestyle according to gospel precepts! (2 Cor. 1:12).
True grace flows in abundance, saves all its objects, and raises them to reign in life! (Romans 5:17; Eph. 2:6-8). True grace is always a gift of God, and is invariably free! (Rom. 11:6; Eph. 4:7).
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
"This is the true grace of God, wherein you stand" (1 Peter 5:12).
The grace of God is a subject which, of all others, demands our most serious attention.
God's grace is nothing less, than the free, sovereign, and eternal favor of God toward poor sinners in Christ! (2 Timothy 1:9).
God's grace is manifested in the wonderful lover, kindness, and condescension of our Lord and Saviour: "You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich - yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
God's grace shines in all the doctrines of the everlasting gospel - they contain the revelation of grace - in the full, complete, and glorious salvation of the church of God.
The Father's grace appears in the CHOICE of a people to show forth His praise.
The Son's grace is revealed in the REDEMPTION of that chosen people from sin, the world, satan, death, and hell.
The Spirit's grace is manifest in the NEW BIRTH, sanctification, sealing, and teaching of that chosen and redeemed people.
Thus... the Father chooses a people by His grace, the Son ransoms these chosen people by His grace, and the Holy Spirit makes these chosen people fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, by His grace.
The Father marks the objects, the Son delivers from wrath, the Spirit leads to glory - and all in richest grace!
In a Word, grace is divine favor, which arises in God as its fountain; centers in Christ as its depository; appears in the doctrines of the gospel as in a mirror; flows to sinners as its objects; and peoples Heaven with sanctified believers as its design!
Grace is the glory of Jehovah; the charm of the gospel; the delight of Jesus; and the fountain of consolation to the church.
Grace is eternal in its existence; holy in its nature; free in its acts; sanctifying in its tendency; and glorious in its design!
But if we attend to what the Bible says of grace, we shall discover that the true grace of God is different from what man conceives. Instead of its being an enemy to holiness - grace is the root on which holiness grows, the fountain from which holiness springs, and the principle which produces holiness in the heart.
True grace brings home the words with power, conviction, and demonstration to the soul! (Acts 14:3)
True grace works faith in the hearts of poor sinners, who are said "to believe through grace!" (Acts 18:27).
True grace calls its objects out of a state of nature, sin, and rebellion against God - and teaches them to pray, and mourn before the Lord! (Gal. 1:15; Zech. 12:10).
True grace destroys the love and dominion of sin; and leads us from the law - to the gospel! (Romans 6:14).
True grace brings home a sense of pardon to the soul; and imparts everlasting consolation! (Eph. 1:7; 2 Thess. 2:16).
True grace removes condemnation, and justifies us freely, fully, and eternally! (Romans 3:24; Titus 3:7).
True grace strengthens, supports, and carries the Christian through all his conflicts, tribulations, and trials! (2 Cor. 12:9).
True grace builds up and establishes its possessor in truth, in faith, and in love! (Acts 20:32; Heb. 13:9).
True grace leads to holy, Scriptural, and consistent practice! (Titus 2:11-15).
True grace will make a man labor for God and the good of immortal souls! (1 Cor. 15:10).
True grace will regulate his lifestyle according to gospel precepts! (2 Cor. 1:12).
True grace flows in abundance, saves all its objects, and raises them to reign in life! (Romans 5:17; Eph. 2:6-8). True grace is always a gift of God, and is invariably free! (Rom. 11:6; Eph. 4:7).
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
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