Saved When The Lord Appears # 1
Texts: Acts 1:11 - "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven."
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 - "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
These two texts of Scripture are plainly presented and there can be no question as to their interpretation; they mean just what they say, namely, that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again to this earth, and just as He ascended from the midst of His disciples, clothed with His physical body, and a cloud received Him out of their sight, so He will come again.
He left a wondering company of disciples when He was on the slopes of Olivet, and from their midst began to ascend up towards heaven, and strange to say He will come back again to a company of disciples, for notwithstanding the plain statements of Scripture with reference to His coming, many in the Church are apparently unaquainted with the fact of His glorious appearing or else are indifferent to it. This may be because those of us who are in the pulpit have not been faithful in teaching the Word of God, or it may be that the rank and file of Christians have studied the Scriptures indifferently, if indeed they have studied them at all.
All evangelical Christians believe that Jesus Christ is coming again sometime. We have said it over and over in our repetition of the Apostles Creed, and there can be no question about the fact at all. The only question is as to when He is coming; some say before the millennium, and they are called pre-millenerians, others expect Him after the millennium, and they are spoken of as post-millenarians. But if He comes after the millennium He will come to a world made ready for His appearing by human effort, righteousness will be asserting its power, and have in its control all things. If this position is accepted, then His coming is far removed from the present time, for just when men thought the world was rapidly growing better, the world war was upon us and today the world is scarred and marred by its effects. If He comes before the millennium, then He will come to set the world right; He will set up His Throne and establish His Kingdom. He Himself will work mightily in all ways and it will be a world worth while living in when it is all under the sway of His Almighty Power. As for myself, I prefer the millennium which He makes ready rather than the one which might be set up or prepared by man himself, therefore I am a pre-millenarian.
Just what will it mean to the saved when the Lord appears? To be saved at all is the wonder of heaven and earth. We are saved from sin's penalty by His death on the Cross and our personal acceptance of Jesus. We are saved from sin's practice by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit strengthening our wills. This is what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." We are saved from sin's presence by His coming again, for when He comes the last enemy shall be overthrown, temptation will be a thing of the past, and our deliverance shall last forever.
Let us put it this way:
We have been saved by His death on the Cross and our identification with Him; this has to do with the past. We are being saved by His Spirit who makes Christ real to us and makes the Word of God powerful in the changing of our lives; this has to do with the present. We shall be saved when He appears and the body of this humiliation is made like unto His own glorious body; this has to do with the future. In order to prevent confusion, we must keep in mind the fact that there are to be two appearings of our Lord.
First - He comes for His saints. This is what the Apostle Paul meant when in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, he said, "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
Second - He comes with His saints. When the time is up and Scripture has had its fulfillment, He will set up His Kingdom on the earth; His sway will be almighty and His power irresistible.
This truth has always been of the greatest possible inspiration to me. I learned it when I was a young minister, and it changed my whole concept of Christ and my interpretation of the Scripture, and filled me with zeal to attempt at least to do His will. It has never made me fanatical, and I am sure that it has not made me listless, and from the first day I received the truth until this present time, it has been to me "the blessed hope." In common with other Christians, I believe the Church to be the body of Christ and that as individuals we go to make up that body and as men are won to Christ and they surrender to Him, they are parts of that body. So of necessity, one day the body will be completed - the last member will be added to it - and I have always thought that perhaps the one who comes under the influence of my preaching, might be the last, and the skies would brighten and the Lord return, and I have hardly preached all evangelistic sermon for years without this in mind. It is to be a glorious hope. I have frequently been asked "Would you not be startled, indeed, would you not be afraid, if suddenly the skies should brighten and the Lord appear?" And my answer is "I might be, except for the statement made in my first text of Scripture, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." it is this same Jesus" who is coming back again. How could I be startled when He appears?
~J. Wilbur Chapman~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, March 30, 2019
The Puritan Vision of God # 2
The Puritan Vision of God # 2
This vision has been given to isolated individuals in every land and time, and wherever the vision has been granted there has been one more name added to the roll of the heroes and the saints. Never has the vision come but that it has been lighter in the world. It came to the whole group of men in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, who, next to the apostles, are the mightiest men who have ever lived. They were the Burghers of the Netherlands, the Huguenots of France, the Puritans of England, the Covenanters of Scotland, and the founders of New England. These are the five tribes of the Israel of God who have molded the temper of modern civilization and changed the structure of the world. Men may say what they will about these men, dwelling on their peculiarities and scoffing at their limitations; men may caricature them, dislike them, denounce them, despise them, but this one thing must in all fairness be admitted, that no mightier men have ever lived. They were mighty in the realm of thought, thinking out ideas which burn like fixed stars in the firmament of the mental world, by which stars men still direct their courses and nations build their institutions. Their words were mighty, having hands and feet, as as they have traveled down the highways of the centuries, they have taken hold of everything they have met, subduing them to their own lofty temper. They were mighty in deed. They laid their hands upon the Church, society and the State, and the prints of their fingers are on them all.
We cannot understand the times in which we live, interpret the movements and problems of modern Christendom, nor appreciate the meaning of our flag until we make the acquaintance of this immortal company of intrepid souls by whose genius the world have been recreated. These were different from the apostles in many points in language and in customs, in race and national temperament and disposition; they differed from them in many an opinion and conviction, but the Puritans and the apostles were alike in this, they saw in heaven that a throne was set and that one sat upon the throne who was the sovereign of this world.
What kind of God was it that the Puritans and the apostles saw? It is sometimes intimated that the God revealed in Scriptures is a rather barbaric and degraded being, with savage propensities and limitations which make it impossible that he should be reverenced or loved by thinking men. I do not so read the Scriptures. To the men who wrote the Bible God was so glorious in His attributes and so exalted in His character that it was impossible for human pen to describe Him. Moses tried to do it, and his language quivered, gasped, and then broke down completely. Isaiah tried to do it, but his pen refused to write. He noticed that even the seraphim were hiding their faces, not daring to look upon the eternal glory, and the prophet falling on his face cried in distress, "Woe is me! I am undone, for mine eyes have seen the King." Job tried to do it, but he also failed. He attempts to enumerate God's works, but scarcely has he begun when he ceases, saying, "These are but a part of His ways." We leave Job where we left Isaiah, prostrate on his face saying, "I abhor myself!"
The only man in the Scriptures who makes a sustained effort at describing the Eternal is the prisoner on Patmos. And he also fails. He begins by comparing the King to the most precious stones that the earth affords, but feeling how inadequate this is, he says, I will not attempt to tell you what He looks like; let me describe to you the surroundings in the midst of which He lives. The four and twenty elders, representatives of redeemed humanity, take their crowns of gold and cast them at His feet; and the four great beasts, representatives of the animal creation, they also fall down before Him, rendering to Him their homage and their praise; and outside the beasts there rise rank above the angels, and all these, ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands break out in praiseful song; and out of the great heart of the universe there comes up a voice saying, "Blessing and honor and glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.
The God of the Scriptures is so infinitely glorious that He cannot be described. John's effort to describe him is laudable and earnest, but his language is very difficult to read. We are perplexed and baffled by it, not knowing exactly what he is trying to do. The genius of human speech in the Book of the Revelation simply falls down in a swoon completely exhausted by its effort to hint at the indescribable glory of Him who sits on the throne.
And that was the God whom the Puritans also saw. It is interesting to see how the great Puritan writers pile up their words in their efforts to picture their idea of the Eternal. "What is God?" they used to say, and their answer was, "God is Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth." The Puritan, like Job, threw himself on the ground saying, "I abhor myself. I have seen Him, therefore I abhor myself." Like Isaiah he cried, "Woe is me! I am undone, for mine eyes have seen the King." Like John he fell at Christ's feet as one dead.
But the King, although infinitely glorious, was a God who spoke to men. "Out of the throne there came a voice." God is a revealing God. He cares enough for man to speak to him. He speaks to him in a voice that is intelligible. Man can understand Him if he will. This conception of the Eternal is never departed from from the first chapter of Scriptures to the last. God is everywhere a speaking God. In the Garden of Eden He spoke to man. He spoke to Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David Elijah, Jeremiah, and all the prophets. Jesus Christ is the complete Word that comes out of the infinite heart. It was this speaking God whom the Puritans also saw. "Thus saith the Lord," they cried as they went out to subdue the world.
~Charles E. Jefferson~
(continued with # 3)
This vision has been given to isolated individuals in every land and time, and wherever the vision has been granted there has been one more name added to the roll of the heroes and the saints. Never has the vision come but that it has been lighter in the world. It came to the whole group of men in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, who, next to the apostles, are the mightiest men who have ever lived. They were the Burghers of the Netherlands, the Huguenots of France, the Puritans of England, the Covenanters of Scotland, and the founders of New England. These are the five tribes of the Israel of God who have molded the temper of modern civilization and changed the structure of the world. Men may say what they will about these men, dwelling on their peculiarities and scoffing at their limitations; men may caricature them, dislike them, denounce them, despise them, but this one thing must in all fairness be admitted, that no mightier men have ever lived. They were mighty in the realm of thought, thinking out ideas which burn like fixed stars in the firmament of the mental world, by which stars men still direct their courses and nations build their institutions. Their words were mighty, having hands and feet, as as they have traveled down the highways of the centuries, they have taken hold of everything they have met, subduing them to their own lofty temper. They were mighty in deed. They laid their hands upon the Church, society and the State, and the prints of their fingers are on them all.
We cannot understand the times in which we live, interpret the movements and problems of modern Christendom, nor appreciate the meaning of our flag until we make the acquaintance of this immortal company of intrepid souls by whose genius the world have been recreated. These were different from the apostles in many points in language and in customs, in race and national temperament and disposition; they differed from them in many an opinion and conviction, but the Puritans and the apostles were alike in this, they saw in heaven that a throne was set and that one sat upon the throne who was the sovereign of this world.
What kind of God was it that the Puritans and the apostles saw? It is sometimes intimated that the God revealed in Scriptures is a rather barbaric and degraded being, with savage propensities and limitations which make it impossible that he should be reverenced or loved by thinking men. I do not so read the Scriptures. To the men who wrote the Bible God was so glorious in His attributes and so exalted in His character that it was impossible for human pen to describe Him. Moses tried to do it, and his language quivered, gasped, and then broke down completely. Isaiah tried to do it, but his pen refused to write. He noticed that even the seraphim were hiding their faces, not daring to look upon the eternal glory, and the prophet falling on his face cried in distress, "Woe is me! I am undone, for mine eyes have seen the King." Job tried to do it, but he also failed. He attempts to enumerate God's works, but scarcely has he begun when he ceases, saying, "These are but a part of His ways." We leave Job where we left Isaiah, prostrate on his face saying, "I abhor myself!"
The only man in the Scriptures who makes a sustained effort at describing the Eternal is the prisoner on Patmos. And he also fails. He begins by comparing the King to the most precious stones that the earth affords, but feeling how inadequate this is, he says, I will not attempt to tell you what He looks like; let me describe to you the surroundings in the midst of which He lives. The four and twenty elders, representatives of redeemed humanity, take their crowns of gold and cast them at His feet; and the four great beasts, representatives of the animal creation, they also fall down before Him, rendering to Him their homage and their praise; and outside the beasts there rise rank above the angels, and all these, ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands break out in praiseful song; and out of the great heart of the universe there comes up a voice saying, "Blessing and honor and glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.
The God of the Scriptures is so infinitely glorious that He cannot be described. John's effort to describe him is laudable and earnest, but his language is very difficult to read. We are perplexed and baffled by it, not knowing exactly what he is trying to do. The genius of human speech in the Book of the Revelation simply falls down in a swoon completely exhausted by its effort to hint at the indescribable glory of Him who sits on the throne.
And that was the God whom the Puritans also saw. It is interesting to see how the great Puritan writers pile up their words in their efforts to picture their idea of the Eternal. "What is God?" they used to say, and their answer was, "God is Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth." The Puritan, like Job, threw himself on the ground saying, "I abhor myself. I have seen Him, therefore I abhor myself." Like Isaiah he cried, "Woe is me! I am undone, for mine eyes have seen the King." Like John he fell at Christ's feet as one dead.
But the King, although infinitely glorious, was a God who spoke to men. "Out of the throne there came a voice." God is a revealing God. He cares enough for man to speak to him. He speaks to him in a voice that is intelligible. Man can understand Him if he will. This conception of the Eternal is never departed from from the first chapter of Scriptures to the last. God is everywhere a speaking God. In the Garden of Eden He spoke to man. He spoke to Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David Elijah, Jeremiah, and all the prophets. Jesus Christ is the complete Word that comes out of the infinite heart. It was this speaking God whom the Puritans also saw. "Thus saith the Lord," they cried as they went out to subdue the world.
~Charles E. Jefferson~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Classic Christian Quotes From Classic Ministers
Classic Christian Quotes From Classic Ministers
The masses demand that which will soothe them in their sins and amuse them while they journey down the Broad Road!
(Arthur Pink)
"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths!" 2 Timothy 4:1-4
That time has arrived! Church-goers today will not endure sound doctrine. Those who . . .
preach the total depravity of man,
insist upon the imperative necessity of the new birth,
set forth the inflexible righteousness and holiness of God, and
warn against the eternal and conscious torment awaiting every rejecter of Christ,
find it almost impossible to obtain a hearing. Such preachers are regarded as puritanic pessimists, and are not wanted.
In these degenerate times, the masses demand that which will soothe them in their sins and amuse them while they journey down the Broad Road! The multitude is affected with itching ears which cravenovelty and that which is sensational. They have ears which wish to be tickled, ears which eagerly drink in the songs of professional and unsaved soloists and choristers, ears which are well pleased with the vulgar slang of our modern evangelists!
The things which are now done in so many churches--the socials, the fund-raisers, the bazaars, the concerts, the moving picture shows and other forms of entertainment--what are these but idolatrous commercialization of these houses of prayer! No wonder that such places are devoid of spirituality and strangers to the power of God. The Lord will not tolerate an unholy mixture of worldly things with spiritual.
"Get these things out of here! Stop turning My Father's house into a marketplace!" John 2:16
__________________________
A clean path to Hell!
(Charles Spurgeon)
Unbelief will destroy the best of us!
Faith will save the worst of us!
There is a clean path to Hell--as well as a dirty one.
You will be lost if you trust to your good works--as surely as if you trusted in your sins.
There is a road to perdition along the 'highway of morality'--as surely as down the 'slough of vice'!
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us!" Titus 3:5
____________________________
The masses demand that which will soothe them in their sins and amuse them while they journey down the Broad Road!
(Arthur Pink)
"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths!" 2 Timothy 4:1-4
That time has arrived! Church-goers today will not endure sound doctrine. Those who . . .
preach the total depravity of man,
insist upon the imperative necessity of the new birth,
set forth the inflexible righteousness and holiness of God, and
warn against the eternal and conscious torment awaiting every rejecter of Christ,
find it almost impossible to obtain a hearing. Such preachers are regarded as puritanic pessimists, and are not wanted.
In these degenerate times, the masses demand that which will soothe them in their sins and amuse them while they journey down the Broad Road! The multitude is affected with itching ears which cravenovelty and that which is sensational. They have ears which wish to be tickled, ears which eagerly drink in the songs of professional and unsaved soloists and choristers, ears which are well pleased with the vulgar slang of our modern evangelists!
The things which are now done in so many churches--the socials, the fund-raisers, the bazaars, the concerts, the moving picture shows and other forms of entertainment--what are these but idolatrous commercialization of these houses of prayer! No wonder that such places are devoid of spirituality and strangers to the power of God. The Lord will not tolerate an unholy mixture of worldly things with spiritual.
"Get these things out of here! Stop turning My Father's house into a marketplace!" John 2:16
__________________________
A clean path to Hell!
(Charles Spurgeon)
Unbelief will destroy the best of us!
Faith will save the worst of us!
There is a clean path to Hell--as well as a dirty one.
You will be lost if you trust to your good works--as surely as if you trusted in your sins.
There is a road to perdition along the 'highway of morality'--as surely as down the 'slough of vice'!
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us!" Titus 3:5
____________________________
Robbing the Body of Christ
Every day, you get out of bed, put on clothes, and walk to the kitchen to eat breakfast. You maybe watch the news or check your email, and a few minutes later, you drive to work at 60 miles per hour on a road where other vehicles can pass by within feet. In the first hour or so that you’re awake, your body completes thousands of complex tasks that are so routine they go unnoticed. We hardly even think about them.
Our physical frame is a creation of remarkable beauty and intricacy. And while certain parts seem more attractive than others, all are useful. The body’s interdependent nature—that is, the way the different parts rely on one another to perform properly—is an apt metaphor for a Christ-centered church. When believers use their gifts and talents to operate and depend on each other, the whole body functions properly to the glory of God.
However, many people in church today feel insignificant. Upon seeing the successful work of others, they decide they’re not really needed or assume they haven’t got the “right” talents to make a worthwhile contribution. Those are lies from the devil. When his misguidance succeeds—which is all too often—one more Christian backs away in hopes that someone else will do the Lord’s work.
Hanging back instead of seeking a place to serve is unfair to the congregation, because your unique contribution is integral to the unity of God’s church. Your role might not be center stage, but it is vital to Jesus Christ and to His body on earth.
~Charles F. Stanley~
The Puritan Vision of God # 1
The Puritan Vision of God # 1
"And I saw a great white throne" (Revelation 22:2).
The apostle is on Patmos, an island in the Aegean Sea. He is an exile, driven from his country and his work. He is a prisoner. His cell is ten miles long. The roof of it is God's great heaven and the walls of it are the waves of the encircling sea. And from his prison cell he looks out upon the world. There is darkness upon the lands, but in the darkness here and there he sees a light like the flame of a candle which a group of the followers of Jesus have kindled. And a great wind is blowing. It is a terrible world upon which the apostle looks. Cruel despotisms and ancient tyrannies lift their frightful thrones and still go on writing a story which is tragedy. All sorts of evils in divers shapes and in many forms of aggression and devastation move across the scene, squirming like serpents, devouring locusts, crunching and crushing like dragons, torturing like fiends. Above the level of the sea the spirit of rebellion lifts its hideous head like a great beast, huge, majestic, mighty, concentrating in itself the characteristic features of the brute creation. Sin with flashing crown and scarlet robe, bedazzled and spangled, moves in the midst of the nations leading men captive to her will. It is worth noting that evil to the man on Patmos is no pallid or puny thing. It is not a petty and impotent antagonist, but majestic, persuasive, alluring, mighty, magnificent, with crown and scepter and royal robes,captivating the eye with the glamour of its magnificence, and swaying the imagination by the exhibition of its power.
And against this vast and terrible hierarchy of evil another kingdom is making war. There is a tremendous struggle in the world, immeasurable forces are contending for the mastery, and the land trembles under the shock of the opposing armies. But the apostle is nothing daunted. His eye does not quail nor does his heart grow faint. Undisturbed he looks upon the great thriving picture with light upon his face, because over the arena in which the age-long war is carried on he sees the glory of the great white throne. With this throne burning in his eye he looks upon the world with a heart undismayed and a soul radiant with hope.
This vision was not peculiar to the apostle John. It was one granted to all of the apostles. It was the secret of their overmastering power. We err when we suppose that the apostles turned the world upside down because they carried in their memory the parables and the Sermon on the Mount. The words which Jesus spoke were mighty words, but not by mans of them did the apostles lift empires off their hinges and turn the stream of centuries into a new channel. The New Testament explicitly tells us that after the disciples had listened to the teaching of Jesus for three years, drinking in His parables, his discourses and His prayers, they were still impotent in the face of the world which they were sent to conquer. They had seen Jesus as a teacher teaching on the hillside and by the sea and on the corner of many a street; they had seen Him as a great physician healing men in Capernaum and Bethsada, and in the market places of old Jerusalem; they had seen Him as a reformer upsetting the tables of the money-changers and driving the desecrators of the temple in dismay into the streets; but none of these things were sufficient to brace their hearts for the great work intrusted to their hands. In spite of all of Jesus' teaching and all of Jesus' mighty deeds, the disciples after the death of their Master were limp and impotent, helpless as children, sending up a shout of triumph or a song of praise.
And then all at once a change came. They stood upon their feet like so many giants of the Lord, and began to speak words and to sing songs at which the world wondered. What wrought this transformation? A vision of Jesus on the throne! Listen to Simon Peter in that great sermon by which he broke the hearts of three thousand men, as he says to them, "He hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear!" The teacher, the physician, the reformer has ascended to the throne, and from the throne He will henceforth as King rule the world.
It was with this vision flashing before their eyes that the apostles went out to convert the nations. The wildest storm that ever swept across the lands broke in their faces, but nothing could bend or melt them. A deacon by the name of Stephen was stoned, but even while the stones were crashing into his flesh his face bore no marks of agony, but rather shone like the face of an angel because he caught glimpses of the glory of the throne. James, one of the sons of thunder, lays down his head upon the executioner's block without a tremor or complaint. It had been his supreme ambition to be near Jesus on His throne, and when death comes he does not fear it but meets it gladly, saying, "I shall through death come nearer to the throne!" Saul of Tarsus travels from city to city and from country to country, everywhere hated and hounded and persecuted. He is imprisoned, he is whipped, he is stones, he is threatened with death, he is made the off-scouring of all things, a contemptible creature upon which men wiped their feet and spit their venom, but he never winces or falters, never groans or laments, but sings wherever he goes, "Now unto the King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever." It was this vision of the throne that inspired Paul in the writing of his Letters. He breaks into song in the midst of his very severest arguments. in his great letter to the Romans in which he climbs up one of the most splendid ladders of logic which human genius has ever framed, he pauses halfway up the ladder, shouting: "O, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever." The strength and peace and joy of all of the apostles came from their vision of the throne.
~Charles Jefferson~
(continued with # 2)
"And I saw a great white throne" (Revelation 22:2).
The apostle is on Patmos, an island in the Aegean Sea. He is an exile, driven from his country and his work. He is a prisoner. His cell is ten miles long. The roof of it is God's great heaven and the walls of it are the waves of the encircling sea. And from his prison cell he looks out upon the world. There is darkness upon the lands, but in the darkness here and there he sees a light like the flame of a candle which a group of the followers of Jesus have kindled. And a great wind is blowing. It is a terrible world upon which the apostle looks. Cruel despotisms and ancient tyrannies lift their frightful thrones and still go on writing a story which is tragedy. All sorts of evils in divers shapes and in many forms of aggression and devastation move across the scene, squirming like serpents, devouring locusts, crunching and crushing like dragons, torturing like fiends. Above the level of the sea the spirit of rebellion lifts its hideous head like a great beast, huge, majestic, mighty, concentrating in itself the characteristic features of the brute creation. Sin with flashing crown and scarlet robe, bedazzled and spangled, moves in the midst of the nations leading men captive to her will. It is worth noting that evil to the man on Patmos is no pallid or puny thing. It is not a petty and impotent antagonist, but majestic, persuasive, alluring, mighty, magnificent, with crown and scepter and royal robes,captivating the eye with the glamour of its magnificence, and swaying the imagination by the exhibition of its power.
And against this vast and terrible hierarchy of evil another kingdom is making war. There is a tremendous struggle in the world, immeasurable forces are contending for the mastery, and the land trembles under the shock of the opposing armies. But the apostle is nothing daunted. His eye does not quail nor does his heart grow faint. Undisturbed he looks upon the great thriving picture with light upon his face, because over the arena in which the age-long war is carried on he sees the glory of the great white throne. With this throne burning in his eye he looks upon the world with a heart undismayed and a soul radiant with hope.
This vision was not peculiar to the apostle John. It was one granted to all of the apostles. It was the secret of their overmastering power. We err when we suppose that the apostles turned the world upside down because they carried in their memory the parables and the Sermon on the Mount. The words which Jesus spoke were mighty words, but not by mans of them did the apostles lift empires off their hinges and turn the stream of centuries into a new channel. The New Testament explicitly tells us that after the disciples had listened to the teaching of Jesus for three years, drinking in His parables, his discourses and His prayers, they were still impotent in the face of the world which they were sent to conquer. They had seen Jesus as a teacher teaching on the hillside and by the sea and on the corner of many a street; they had seen Him as a great physician healing men in Capernaum and Bethsada, and in the market places of old Jerusalem; they had seen Him as a reformer upsetting the tables of the money-changers and driving the desecrators of the temple in dismay into the streets; but none of these things were sufficient to brace their hearts for the great work intrusted to their hands. In spite of all of Jesus' teaching and all of Jesus' mighty deeds, the disciples after the death of their Master were limp and impotent, helpless as children, sending up a shout of triumph or a song of praise.
And then all at once a change came. They stood upon their feet like so many giants of the Lord, and began to speak words and to sing songs at which the world wondered. What wrought this transformation? A vision of Jesus on the throne! Listen to Simon Peter in that great sermon by which he broke the hearts of three thousand men, as he says to them, "He hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear!" The teacher, the physician, the reformer has ascended to the throne, and from the throne He will henceforth as King rule the world.
It was with this vision flashing before their eyes that the apostles went out to convert the nations. The wildest storm that ever swept across the lands broke in their faces, but nothing could bend or melt them. A deacon by the name of Stephen was stoned, but even while the stones were crashing into his flesh his face bore no marks of agony, but rather shone like the face of an angel because he caught glimpses of the glory of the throne. James, one of the sons of thunder, lays down his head upon the executioner's block without a tremor or complaint. It had been his supreme ambition to be near Jesus on His throne, and when death comes he does not fear it but meets it gladly, saying, "I shall through death come nearer to the throne!" Saul of Tarsus travels from city to city and from country to country, everywhere hated and hounded and persecuted. He is imprisoned, he is whipped, he is stones, he is threatened with death, he is made the off-scouring of all things, a contemptible creature upon which men wiped their feet and spit their venom, but he never winces or falters, never groans or laments, but sings wherever he goes, "Now unto the King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever." It was this vision of the throne that inspired Paul in the writing of his Letters. He breaks into song in the midst of his very severest arguments. in his great letter to the Romans in which he climbs up one of the most splendid ladders of logic which human genius has ever framed, he pauses halfway up the ladder, shouting: "O, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever." The strength and peace and joy of all of the apostles came from their vision of the throne.
~Charles Jefferson~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Meeting The Lions!
Meeting The Lions!
The Bible recounts some interesting stories of lions. They are interesting, not simply because they are stories of animals, but because there are things in connection with them from which we may draw some very striking lessons.
We all remember the story of Daniel - how he was cast into the den of lions, and how during the long watches of the night he sat there in their den unharmed. What was expected to be the tragedy of his life proved to be his most glorious victory. The expected triumph of his enemies was turned into their utter defeat - and Daniel, stronger and more courageous than ever, came forth to continue his service to God.
Samson too had an experience with a lion. As he was going along the road one day he met a lion, and it attacked him. He had no weapons - yet he met it courageously. We are told that "The Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might had torn a young goat." Some time later he was passing that way and found that a swarm of bees had entered the dried carcass of the lion and made their abode there, and he took of the honey and went on his way.
In the thirteenth chapter of 1 Kings we find another lion story. Here a prophet sent of God went to Samaria and prophesied as God had commanded him, and according to the commandment he started back on his way to Judea. God had told him not to eat or drink there, but to go back immediately by a different way from that by which he came. He started to obey, but sat down to rest by the wayside. While he was here, another prophet came and persuaded him to go back and dine with him. Then, as he went upon his way, a lion met him and slew him.
The lions of these stories may be likened to our trials. We meet trials every now and then in life, and some of them seem very much like lions. They seem very threatening and very dangerous. Sometimes we try to run away from a trial, but as surely as we do, we meet another in the pathway in which we go.
We are certain to have trials. The important thing is that we meet them properly. Some people imagine that if they live as they should - that they will not have trials. But trials often come, when it is no fault of ours Daniel was not thrown into the lions' den because he had not lived right or because he had been unfaithful in something. No, it was his faithfulness that resulted in his meeting the lions.
It will be that way in our lives. If we are true and loyal to God, that very loyalty is sure to bring us trials sometimes. God wants you and me to dare to be Daniels too. God will send his angel and shut the lion's mouth for us, just as He did for Daniel. Dare to be true. God will stand by you even in the most trying and desperate hour.
If the prophet had gone in the way that God commanded him - then he would not have met the lion that slew him. It was his disobedience that caused the trouble. Sometimes when we are in trials, we realize that it is our own fault that we are tried. Sometimes we may be disobedient, sometimes we may be careless but whatever it is, we realize that it is our own fault. That makes the trial even harder to bear. But however trials come, whatever their cause - we must meet them. We have no choice in the matter. The important thing is to meet them right.
Daniel knew that he had done right and pleased God; and, furthermore he met his trial with a calm peace and full assurance that God would take care of him, and God did take care of him.
Our trials make or mar us. Either we come out of them stronger than we went in - or we come out of them weaker. We have either joy or sorrow from them. We should meet our trials boldly. If you seem to have no adequate weapon to use, trust God and meet them boldly anyway.
Do you want honey out of your trials? You would rather have that than bitterness. Conquer in the name of Christ. Do not whimper or whine. Do not lament or murmur. Face your trials boldly, and the Spirit of the Lord will come mightily upon you. After you have mastered the trial, sweetness will come, and you will bless God that he ever permitted you to be so severely tried.
Conflict must always precede victory. The lion must be killed before the bees can build the honeycomb in the carcass. So face your trials boldly and overcome them. Then you may taste the sweets of victory. This is the only way, and you are not too weak to take this way. God has promised that He will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able to bear. If you will believe it and do your part - then God will do His, and you will triumph.
~Charles Naylor~
(The End)
The Bible recounts some interesting stories of lions. They are interesting, not simply because they are stories of animals, but because there are things in connection with them from which we may draw some very striking lessons.
We all remember the story of Daniel - how he was cast into the den of lions, and how during the long watches of the night he sat there in their den unharmed. What was expected to be the tragedy of his life proved to be his most glorious victory. The expected triumph of his enemies was turned into their utter defeat - and Daniel, stronger and more courageous than ever, came forth to continue his service to God.
Samson too had an experience with a lion. As he was going along the road one day he met a lion, and it attacked him. He had no weapons - yet he met it courageously. We are told that "The Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might had torn a young goat." Some time later he was passing that way and found that a swarm of bees had entered the dried carcass of the lion and made their abode there, and he took of the honey and went on his way.
In the thirteenth chapter of 1 Kings we find another lion story. Here a prophet sent of God went to Samaria and prophesied as God had commanded him, and according to the commandment he started back on his way to Judea. God had told him not to eat or drink there, but to go back immediately by a different way from that by which he came. He started to obey, but sat down to rest by the wayside. While he was here, another prophet came and persuaded him to go back and dine with him. Then, as he went upon his way, a lion met him and slew him.
The lions of these stories may be likened to our trials. We meet trials every now and then in life, and some of them seem very much like lions. They seem very threatening and very dangerous. Sometimes we try to run away from a trial, but as surely as we do, we meet another in the pathway in which we go.
We are certain to have trials. The important thing is that we meet them properly. Some people imagine that if they live as they should - that they will not have trials. But trials often come, when it is no fault of ours Daniel was not thrown into the lions' den because he had not lived right or because he had been unfaithful in something. No, it was his faithfulness that resulted in his meeting the lions.
It will be that way in our lives. If we are true and loyal to God, that very loyalty is sure to bring us trials sometimes. God wants you and me to dare to be Daniels too. God will send his angel and shut the lion's mouth for us, just as He did for Daniel. Dare to be true. God will stand by you even in the most trying and desperate hour.
If the prophet had gone in the way that God commanded him - then he would not have met the lion that slew him. It was his disobedience that caused the trouble. Sometimes when we are in trials, we realize that it is our own fault that we are tried. Sometimes we may be disobedient, sometimes we may be careless but whatever it is, we realize that it is our own fault. That makes the trial even harder to bear. But however trials come, whatever their cause - we must meet them. We have no choice in the matter. The important thing is to meet them right.
Daniel knew that he had done right and pleased God; and, furthermore he met his trial with a calm peace and full assurance that God would take care of him, and God did take care of him.
Our trials make or mar us. Either we come out of them stronger than we went in - or we come out of them weaker. We have either joy or sorrow from them. We should meet our trials boldly. If you seem to have no adequate weapon to use, trust God and meet them boldly anyway.
Do you want honey out of your trials? You would rather have that than bitterness. Conquer in the name of Christ. Do not whimper or whine. Do not lament or murmur. Face your trials boldly, and the Spirit of the Lord will come mightily upon you. After you have mastered the trial, sweetness will come, and you will bless God that he ever permitted you to be so severely tried.
Conflict must always precede victory. The lion must be killed before the bees can build the honeycomb in the carcass. So face your trials boldly and overcome them. Then you may taste the sweets of victory. This is the only way, and you are not too weak to take this way. God has promised that He will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able to bear. If you will believe it and do your part - then God will do His, and you will triumph.
~Charles Naylor~
(The End)
The Walk Upon The Waters # 2
The Walk Upon The Waters # 2
But how? "Walking on the sea." He could do even that, for He could do everything. His feet did not sink when He stepped upon the water - for the water, like all other things, was subject to Him, and it was His will that it should bear Him up. So He "went unto them, walking on the sea."
Where they not glad? Not at first. Seeing Him in the dim light coming toward them on the water, they thought He was a ghost, and cried out for fear. They ought to have thought of the five thousand people which He fed with five loaves, and to have believed that He who could do that, could do anything. But they did not. Fear seems to have been their only feeling.
Knowing, as we do, who it was, and that He went to them for the very purpose of helping and comforting them - we are surprised at their being afraid of Him. But have we never been afraid of Him when He came in a different way from what we expected? The very troubles we have had, the very things that have made us think ourselves forsaken - were perhaps in reality God's messengers, sent to us in mercy to do us good, and sent in answer to our prayers. Thus these very things were, in fact, Jesus coming to us - but, because it was in a strange way, we did not know Him; we only feared. Ought not all that He has done for us, and all that He has been to us - make us know Him even when He comes to us, as it were, in darkness?
But their fear did not last long. The voice of Jesus reassured them. As soon as Jesus said, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid," Peter knew Him and wished to go to Him. "Lord, if it is You, bid me come unto You on the water."
"If it be You" - was there a lingering doubt then still? Perhaps there was. But, at all events, his belief prevailed and even led him to ask that he might walk on the water too, to meet the Lord. It was a bold request - yet it was granted. Jesus bade him come, and Peter stepped on the water. But then his faith could hold out no longer. The rough wind made him afraid; and the moment he feared, he began to sink, for it was only by faith that he had been upheld. But in the very act of sinking, feeling the water giving way beneath him, he cried to Jesus again, "Lord, save me!" - a cry of weak faith, but still a cry of faith.
It was heard. Jesus rebuked him for doubting, but not until He had made him safe. First He "stretched forth His hand, and caught him," and then said, "O you of little faith - why did you doubt?"
How much we may learn about faith from this! Here was one enabled even to walk on the water while he had faith - but sinking the moment faith failed - and then again saved when faith put up a feeble prayer. Here we see strong faith encouraged; and weak faith rebuked - and yet helped. Yet there is nothing here to encourage a fanciful or visionary faith. Faith without a Scriptural warrant is not faith, but presumption. But Peter's faith had a warrant. Jesus said, "Come!" That was the warrant. Upon that word he might have gone boldly on. If Jesus had not said, "Come!" his steeping on the water would have been a presumptuous tempting of God. That one word made it an act of faith.
In the same way, it is with us. If we have a Scripture to go upon - then we may trust and not be afraid. We are told in the book of God that "all things work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28); let us believe that, however dark things may look.
We read in the same blessed book, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1); that "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7); "therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Here is a warrant for our faith. Let us trust our souls to Christ; let us believe that in Him we are cleansed and justified. Let not faith fail. That one word of Jesus - "Come!" would have held Peter up, if he had trusted still.
Oh! How many words of Jesus have we to trust in! Yes, and more than words - His precious blood that was shed for us, and His mediation and intercession are for us even now.
As soon as Jesus was in the boat with them, the wind ceased. No more "toiling in rowing," no more rough waves and boisterous wind then - the presence of Jesus brought peace. it always does. Trouble may be all around - but in that heart where Jesus dwells, there is peace. Nothing else can give it.
All our circumstances may be smooth and prosperous - yet, without Him, there is no true peace. We must seek our peace in Him. He Himself said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you" (John 14:27). How does He give peace? By giving us Himself. When we have Christ - then we have peace. Never until then.
When the disciples saw that the wind ceased at the presence of Jesus - then they worshiped Him. "Truly," they said, "You are the Son of God." Every deliverance from trouble, every fresh help, and all the peace that we find - comes from Jesus, The Son of God!
~Francis Bourdillon~
(The End)
[The remainder of the above sermon is not complete due to scanning difficulties]
But how? "Walking on the sea." He could do even that, for He could do everything. His feet did not sink when He stepped upon the water - for the water, like all other things, was subject to Him, and it was His will that it should bear Him up. So He "went unto them, walking on the sea."
Where they not glad? Not at first. Seeing Him in the dim light coming toward them on the water, they thought He was a ghost, and cried out for fear. They ought to have thought of the five thousand people which He fed with five loaves, and to have believed that He who could do that, could do anything. But they did not. Fear seems to have been their only feeling.
Knowing, as we do, who it was, and that He went to them for the very purpose of helping and comforting them - we are surprised at their being afraid of Him. But have we never been afraid of Him when He came in a different way from what we expected? The very troubles we have had, the very things that have made us think ourselves forsaken - were perhaps in reality God's messengers, sent to us in mercy to do us good, and sent in answer to our prayers. Thus these very things were, in fact, Jesus coming to us - but, because it was in a strange way, we did not know Him; we only feared. Ought not all that He has done for us, and all that He has been to us - make us know Him even when He comes to us, as it were, in darkness?
But their fear did not last long. The voice of Jesus reassured them. As soon as Jesus said, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid," Peter knew Him and wished to go to Him. "Lord, if it is You, bid me come unto You on the water."
"If it be You" - was there a lingering doubt then still? Perhaps there was. But, at all events, his belief prevailed and even led him to ask that he might walk on the water too, to meet the Lord. It was a bold request - yet it was granted. Jesus bade him come, and Peter stepped on the water. But then his faith could hold out no longer. The rough wind made him afraid; and the moment he feared, he began to sink, for it was only by faith that he had been upheld. But in the very act of sinking, feeling the water giving way beneath him, he cried to Jesus again, "Lord, save me!" - a cry of weak faith, but still a cry of faith.
It was heard. Jesus rebuked him for doubting, but not until He had made him safe. First He "stretched forth His hand, and caught him," and then said, "O you of little faith - why did you doubt?"
How much we may learn about faith from this! Here was one enabled even to walk on the water while he had faith - but sinking the moment faith failed - and then again saved when faith put up a feeble prayer. Here we see strong faith encouraged; and weak faith rebuked - and yet helped. Yet there is nothing here to encourage a fanciful or visionary faith. Faith without a Scriptural warrant is not faith, but presumption. But Peter's faith had a warrant. Jesus said, "Come!" That was the warrant. Upon that word he might have gone boldly on. If Jesus had not said, "Come!" his steeping on the water would have been a presumptuous tempting of God. That one word made it an act of faith.
In the same way, it is with us. If we have a Scripture to go upon - then we may trust and not be afraid. We are told in the book of God that "all things work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28); let us believe that, however dark things may look.
We read in the same blessed book, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1); that "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7); "therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Here is a warrant for our faith. Let us trust our souls to Christ; let us believe that in Him we are cleansed and justified. Let not faith fail. That one word of Jesus - "Come!" would have held Peter up, if he had trusted still.
Oh! How many words of Jesus have we to trust in! Yes, and more than words - His precious blood that was shed for us, and His mediation and intercession are for us even now.
As soon as Jesus was in the boat with them, the wind ceased. No more "toiling in rowing," no more rough waves and boisterous wind then - the presence of Jesus brought peace. it always does. Trouble may be all around - but in that heart where Jesus dwells, there is peace. Nothing else can give it.
All our circumstances may be smooth and prosperous - yet, without Him, there is no true peace. We must seek our peace in Him. He Himself said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you" (John 14:27). How does He give peace? By giving us Himself. When we have Christ - then we have peace. Never until then.
When the disciples saw that the wind ceased at the presence of Jesus - then they worshiped Him. "Truly," they said, "You are the Son of God." Every deliverance from trouble, every fresh help, and all the peace that we find - comes from Jesus, The Son of God!
~Francis Bourdillon~
(The End)
[The remainder of the above sermon is not complete due to scanning difficulties]
Saturday, March 9, 2019
The Walk Upon the Waters # 1
The Walk Upon the Waters # 1
Matthew 14:22-33
"And immediately Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray; and when the evening come, He was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves, for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, waling on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, 'It is a ghost!' - and they cried out for fear."
But immediately Jesus spoke unto them, saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."
And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, bid me come unto you on the water."
And He said, "Come."
And when Peter had come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried saying, "Lord save me!"
And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto Him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
And when they went into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."
This was just after Jesus had fed the multitude with the five loaves and the two fish. Before they went away, and probably while they were still sitting on the grass, He made His disciples get into a ship (most likely a fishing boat) and cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Then He sent the people away, and He Himself went up into a mountain to pray; and there He was alone when night came on.
Doubtless He was many hours in prayer. Meanwhile how did it fare with the disciples in the boat? They had no easy work. The wind blew strong against them, the waves were rough, and, though they rowed hard, they made but little headway. Did their Master forget them? No! Mark tells us that "He saw them toiling in rowing" (Mark 6:48). His eye was upon them, even when He was far away. And though engaged in prayer, His thoughts were with them still - perhaps He was praying in part for them. Even from where He was on the mountaintop, He saw them on the rough sea. Their difficulty and trouble were not unknown to Him - not unknown, and not uncared for.
Sometimes when we are in trouble, we are ready to think that we are forgotten by God. We do not see Him; there is nothing to show us that He is near; our feeling is that we are helpless and alone. In Himself, he is helpless indeed; but his Saviour is a sure helper and an ever-present friend. While he is "toiling" with difficulties, and buffeted by the rough waves of trouble, and while all things seem contrary to him - Jesus sees him and cares for him. From that high and glorious place where He is, the Master's eye is upon him - perhaps He is even then pleading for him there.
We like to read that Jesus saw the disciples "toiling in rowing," and that when they thought they had gone quite away from Him, His eye was upon them still - let us believe the same about ourselves when we are in trouble.
Jesus had sent them away - yet still He kept them in view. Sometimes He send us away too - away from friends, away from home, away from comforts, away from spiritual privileges - and thus seems, as it were, to send us away from Himself. But He does not do so really; for He Himself tells us to abide in Him. He would have us seek that His presence may be always in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Even if He does send us among rough waves and contrary winds, into sickness and trouble and difficulty - yet He does not send us away from Himself. He is always near. He always cares for us.
This went on for hours - Jesus on the mountain and the disciples on the sea. In the same way, our troubles often do go on for long - but that is no proof that we are forgotten. At length, "in the fourth watch of the night," that is, when night was almost over, Jesus went to them.
~Francis Bourdillon~
(continued with # 2)
Matthew 14:22-33
"And immediately Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray; and when the evening come, He was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves, for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, waling on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, 'It is a ghost!' - and they cried out for fear."
But immediately Jesus spoke unto them, saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."
And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, bid me come unto you on the water."
And He said, "Come."
And when Peter had come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried saying, "Lord save me!"
And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto Him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
And when they went into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."
This was just after Jesus had fed the multitude with the five loaves and the two fish. Before they went away, and probably while they were still sitting on the grass, He made His disciples get into a ship (most likely a fishing boat) and cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Then He sent the people away, and He Himself went up into a mountain to pray; and there He was alone when night came on.
Doubtless He was many hours in prayer. Meanwhile how did it fare with the disciples in the boat? They had no easy work. The wind blew strong against them, the waves were rough, and, though they rowed hard, they made but little headway. Did their Master forget them? No! Mark tells us that "He saw them toiling in rowing" (Mark 6:48). His eye was upon them, even when He was far away. And though engaged in prayer, His thoughts were with them still - perhaps He was praying in part for them. Even from where He was on the mountaintop, He saw them on the rough sea. Their difficulty and trouble were not unknown to Him - not unknown, and not uncared for.
Sometimes when we are in trouble, we are ready to think that we are forgotten by God. We do not see Him; there is nothing to show us that He is near; our feeling is that we are helpless and alone. In Himself, he is helpless indeed; but his Saviour is a sure helper and an ever-present friend. While he is "toiling" with difficulties, and buffeted by the rough waves of trouble, and while all things seem contrary to him - Jesus sees him and cares for him. From that high and glorious place where He is, the Master's eye is upon him - perhaps He is even then pleading for him there.
We like to read that Jesus saw the disciples "toiling in rowing," and that when they thought they had gone quite away from Him, His eye was upon them still - let us believe the same about ourselves when we are in trouble.
Jesus had sent them away - yet still He kept them in view. Sometimes He send us away too - away from friends, away from home, away from comforts, away from spiritual privileges - and thus seems, as it were, to send us away from Himself. But He does not do so really; for He Himself tells us to abide in Him. He would have us seek that His presence may be always in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Even if He does send us among rough waves and contrary winds, into sickness and trouble and difficulty - yet He does not send us away from Himself. He is always near. He always cares for us.
This went on for hours - Jesus on the mountain and the disciples on the sea. In the same way, our troubles often do go on for long - but that is no proof that we are forgotten. At length, "in the fourth watch of the night," that is, when night was almost over, Jesus went to them.
~Francis Bourdillon~
(continued with # 2)
Speaking To God (and others)
Speaking To God (and others)
Prayer is speaking to God from the heart. Whenever we confess our sins to God and ask Him to forgive us; whenever we tell Him our fears, our troubles, our anxieties; whenever we lay our needs before Him and beg Him to help us - then we pray. We may speak to God in our own words, or in the words of others. We may speak to Him aloud, or only in our thoughts. We may kneel down and pray in a room, or we may lift up our hearts as we walk along the street. We may speak to God anywhere and at any time - for He is everywhere. He can hear every word we say. He can read even our secret thoughts, and He is always ready to receive out prayers.
Is not this wonderful? We cannot speak thus to everybody. I dare say, if you wished to ask a favor of some great lord, you would find it difficult to get to him; and if you wanted to speak to the queen, you would find it harder still.
Yet you may always speak to God. Whenever your heart feels disposed, you may pray. You need not wait for a better time; you may do it at once. You must often wait if you want to speak to men, but you may always speak to God.
How many things we have to say to God! How many sins to confess - how many neglected duties to own! How much we have to praise Him for! How many things we have to ask His help with! How many troubles we meet with, in which God alone can comfort us! What would we do if we might not speak to God?
Yet many never do speak to Him. Have they never heard of Him? Do not they know that they may speak to Him?
Are you one who lives without speaking to God? Ah! You know not what you lose. Do your sins never make you uneasy? God would forgive them all, if you would speak to Him from your heart and beg for pardon through Jesus Christ. Do you not need help against temptation - something to incline your heart to God and make you wish to serve Him? God would give you His Holy Spirit if you asked Him.
Why don't you pray? Why don't you speak to God? Are you afraid? God will not be angry with you. He is pleased when any poor sinner draws near to speak to Him through Jesus Christ. Come, lift up your heart to God. Speak to Him. Tell Him you are a poor sinner who needs His mercy - and beg Him to hear you, forgive you, and help you.
But perhaps you still do not know what to say to God; perhaps you do not feel sorry for sin and have not even a wish to pray. What shall I say to you? I will still say the same - pray. Speak to God about it. Ask Him to make you sorry for your sins, to teach you how to pray, to give you the wish to pray.
There must be a beginning. A man once said to Jesus Christ, "Lord, teach us to pray," and Jesus Christ did teach him to pray. He will teach you too, if you ask Him. Let this be your beginning: "Lord, teach me to pray."
~Francis Bourdillon~
(The End)
___________________________
What More Can Any Christian Desire?
There is enough in a suffering Christ to fill us and satisfy us to the full. He has the greatest worth and wealth in Him. Look, as the worth and value of many pieces of silver is to be found in once piece of gold, just so, all the petty excellencies which are scattered abroad in the creatures - are to be found in a bleeding, dying Christ! Yes, all the whole volume of perfections which is spread through heaven and earth - is epitomized in speaking of the glories of Christ. Certainly it hyperbolize in speaking of the glories of Christ. Certainly it is as easy to contain the sea in a sea shell - as to fully relate the excellencies of a suffering Christ!
O sirs! there is a crucified Jesus, something proportionable to all the straits, needs, necessities, and desires of His poor people. He is bread to nourish them, a garment to cover and adorn them, a physician to heal them, a captain to defend them, a prince to rule them, a prophet to teach them, a priest to make atonement for them; a husband to protect them, a father to provide for them, a foundation to support them, a head to guide them, a treasure to enrich them, a sun to enlighten them, and a fountain to cleanse them.
What More can any Christian desire - to satisfy him and save him; and to make him holy and happy, in time and eternity?
~Thomas Brooks~
____________________________
He Leaps Into A Sea of Wrath!
Christ went through heaven and hell, life and death, sorrow and suffering, misery and cruelty - and all to bring us to glory! And shall we not prize Him?
When in a storm, the nobles of Xerxes had to lighten the ship to preserve their kings' life - they leaped into the sea! But our Lord Jesus Christ, to preserve our lives, our souls - He leaps into a sea of wrath! Oh, let us prize a suffering Christ!
~Thomas Brooks~
Prayer is speaking to God from the heart. Whenever we confess our sins to God and ask Him to forgive us; whenever we tell Him our fears, our troubles, our anxieties; whenever we lay our needs before Him and beg Him to help us - then we pray. We may speak to God in our own words, or in the words of others. We may speak to Him aloud, or only in our thoughts. We may kneel down and pray in a room, or we may lift up our hearts as we walk along the street. We may speak to God anywhere and at any time - for He is everywhere. He can hear every word we say. He can read even our secret thoughts, and He is always ready to receive out prayers.
Is not this wonderful? We cannot speak thus to everybody. I dare say, if you wished to ask a favor of some great lord, you would find it difficult to get to him; and if you wanted to speak to the queen, you would find it harder still.
Yet you may always speak to God. Whenever your heart feels disposed, you may pray. You need not wait for a better time; you may do it at once. You must often wait if you want to speak to men, but you may always speak to God.
How many things we have to say to God! How many sins to confess - how many neglected duties to own! How much we have to praise Him for! How many things we have to ask His help with! How many troubles we meet with, in which God alone can comfort us! What would we do if we might not speak to God?
Yet many never do speak to Him. Have they never heard of Him? Do not they know that they may speak to Him?
Are you one who lives without speaking to God? Ah! You know not what you lose. Do your sins never make you uneasy? God would forgive them all, if you would speak to Him from your heart and beg for pardon through Jesus Christ. Do you not need help against temptation - something to incline your heart to God and make you wish to serve Him? God would give you His Holy Spirit if you asked Him.
Why don't you pray? Why don't you speak to God? Are you afraid? God will not be angry with you. He is pleased when any poor sinner draws near to speak to Him through Jesus Christ. Come, lift up your heart to God. Speak to Him. Tell Him you are a poor sinner who needs His mercy - and beg Him to hear you, forgive you, and help you.
But perhaps you still do not know what to say to God; perhaps you do not feel sorry for sin and have not even a wish to pray. What shall I say to you? I will still say the same - pray. Speak to God about it. Ask Him to make you sorry for your sins, to teach you how to pray, to give you the wish to pray.
There must be a beginning. A man once said to Jesus Christ, "Lord, teach us to pray," and Jesus Christ did teach him to pray. He will teach you too, if you ask Him. Let this be your beginning: "Lord, teach me to pray."
~Francis Bourdillon~
(The End)
___________________________
What More Can Any Christian Desire?
There is enough in a suffering Christ to fill us and satisfy us to the full. He has the greatest worth and wealth in Him. Look, as the worth and value of many pieces of silver is to be found in once piece of gold, just so, all the petty excellencies which are scattered abroad in the creatures - are to be found in a bleeding, dying Christ! Yes, all the whole volume of perfections which is spread through heaven and earth - is epitomized in speaking of the glories of Christ. Certainly it hyperbolize in speaking of the glories of Christ. Certainly it is as easy to contain the sea in a sea shell - as to fully relate the excellencies of a suffering Christ!
O sirs! there is a crucified Jesus, something proportionable to all the straits, needs, necessities, and desires of His poor people. He is bread to nourish them, a garment to cover and adorn them, a physician to heal them, a captain to defend them, a prince to rule them, a prophet to teach them, a priest to make atonement for them; a husband to protect them, a father to provide for them, a foundation to support them, a head to guide them, a treasure to enrich them, a sun to enlighten them, and a fountain to cleanse them.
What More can any Christian desire - to satisfy him and save him; and to make him holy and happy, in time and eternity?
~Thomas Brooks~
____________________________
He Leaps Into A Sea of Wrath!
Christ went through heaven and hell, life and death, sorrow and suffering, misery and cruelty - and all to bring us to glory! And shall we not prize Him?
When in a storm, the nobles of Xerxes had to lighten the ship to preserve their kings' life - they leaped into the sea! But our Lord Jesus Christ, to preserve our lives, our souls - He leaps into a sea of wrath! Oh, let us prize a suffering Christ!
~Thomas Brooks~
Saturday, March 2, 2019
More Bible Trivia Questions and Answers
Q. How many books are there in the New Testament?
Reveal Answer
A. 27.
Q. At Jesus' crucifixion what did the soldiers place on his head?
Reveal Answer
A. A crown of thorns.
Q. Who were the first two apostles to follow Jesus?
Reveal Answer
A. Peter and Andrew.
Q. Which of the apostles doubted Jesus' resurrection until he saw him for himself?
Reveal Answer
A. Thomas.
Q. Who was thrown into the lion's den by Darius?
Reveal Answer
A. Daniel.
Q. Who was swallowed by a great fish after being thrown overboard?
Reveal Answer
A. Jonah.
Q. How many people did Jesus feed with five loaves and two fish?
Reveal Answer
A. 5,000.
Q. After Jesus crucifixion, who took his body down from the cross?
Reveal Answer
A. Joseph of Arimathea.
Q. What did Jesus do forty days after his resurrection?
Reveal Answer
A. He ascended into heaven.
Q. Before he became King, what was David's job?
Reveal Answer
A. He was a shepherd.
Q. Jesus was baptized in the water of which river?
Reveal Answer
A. The River Jordan.
Q. Moses helped the Israelites escape from which country?
Reveal Answer
A. Egypt.
Q. Which Biblical figure was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac on an altar?
Reveal Answer
A. Abraham.
Q. Name the author of the Book of Revelation.
Reveal Answer
A. John.
Q. After she danced for Herod, what gift did Salome request?
Reveal Answer
A. The head of John the Baptist.
Q. How many plagues did God inflict upon Egypt?
Reveal Answer
A. 10.
Q. What occupation did Simon Peter hold before he became an apostle?
Reveal Answer
A. Fisherman.
Q. Jesus was born in which town?
Reveal Answer
A. Bethlehem.
Q. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for how many years?
Reveal Answer
A. 40.
Q. Who was the first Christian martyr?
Reveal Answer
A. Stephen.
Q. Which disciple betrayed Jesus?
Reveal Answer
A. Judas Iscariot.
Q. In which garden did Jesus pray before his arrest?
Reveal Answer
A. Gethsemane.
Q. What was the name of the angel who told Mary she would give birth to Jesus?
Reveal Answer
A. Gabriel.
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