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)
Saturday, March 23, 2019
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.
Bible Trivia Questions and answers # 1
- In what city was Jesus born?
Bethlehem
- How many books are in the New Testament?
27
- What type of insect did John the Baptist eat in the desert?
Locusts
- Who were the first apostles called to follow Jesus?
Peter and Andrew
- How many people did Jesus feed with five loaves of bread and two fish?
about 5000 men
- After Jesus was arrested, which apostle disowned him three times?
Peter
- Who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the Temple as a baby?
Simeon
- Who asked Pilate for Jesus’ body after the crucifixion?
Joseph of Arimathea
- Paul was shipwrecked on what island?
Malta
- What is the shortest book in the New Testament?
2 John
- Who is the author of the Book of Revelation?
John
- Matthew was a _________.
Tax collector
- To what city was Saul traveling when he encountered a great and blinding light?
Damascus
- Who was the first person to come upon the injured man in the parable of the Good Samaritan?
Priest
- Finish this verse. “In every battle you will need faith as your ______ to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.”
Shield
- Whose example does Paul say Christians should follow in Chapter 5 of Ephesians?
Christ’s
- After Jesus fed 5,000+ people with two fish and five loaves of bread, how many baskets were left over?
12
- What does Paul say may “abound more and more in knowledge and in all judgment?”
Love
- What tribe is Paul from?
Benjamin
- According to the Beatitudes who will be filled?
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
- What does Simon Peter do for a living before he becomes an apostle?
He was a fisherman.
- In the Gospel of Mark, how does the Virgin Mary learn of her pregnancy?
From the angel Gabriel
- Who is Stephen in Acts of the Apostles?
The first Christian martyr
- According to the Gospel of Matthew, who visits Jesus at his birth and where does this meeting take place?
The three wise men, in a stable
- By what name is Paul of Tarsus known before he begins his missionary activity?
Saul
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