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)
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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~
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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~