Victory! # 2
(c.) To be "born of God" is a change which unquestionably is very mysterious. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself tells us that in well-known words - "The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell whence it comes, and where it goes; so is every one that is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8). But we must all confess there are a thousand things in the natural world around us which we cannot explain, and yet believe. We cannot explain how our wills act daily on our members, and make them move, or rest, at our discretion; yet no one ever thinks of disputing the fact. The wisest philosopher cannot tell us the origin of physical life. What right, then, have we to complain because we cannot comprehend the beginning of spiritual life in him that is "born of God"?
(d.) But to be "born of God" is a change which will always be seen and felt. I do not say that he who is the subject of it will invariably understand his own feelings. On the contrary, those feelings are often a cause of much anxiety,conflict, and inward strife. Nor do I say that a person "born of God" will always become at once an established Christian, a Christian in whose lie and ways nothing weak and defective can be observed by others. But this I do say, the Holy Spirit never works in a person's soul without producing some perceptible results in character and conduct. The true grace of God is like light and fire - it cannot be hidden; it is never idle; it never sleeps. I can find no such thing as totally "dormant" grace in Scripture. It is written, "Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for His seed remains in him - and he cannot sin, because he is born of God" (John 3:9).
(e.) To crown all, to be born of God is a thing which is of absolute necessity to our salvation. Without it we can neither know God rightly and serve Him acceptably in the life that now is, nor dwell with God comfortably in the life that is to come. There are two things which are indispensably needful before any child of Adam can be saved. One is the forgiveness of his sins through the blood of Christ - the other is the renewal of his heart by the Spirit of Christ. Without the forgiveness e have no title to heaven - without the renewed heart we could not enjoy heaven. These two things are never separate. Every forgiven man is also a renewed man, and every renewed man is also a forgiven man. There are two standing maxims of the gospel which should never be forgotten - one is, "He who believes not the Son, shall not see life" (John 3:36; Rom. 8:9). Quaint, but most true, is the old saying - "Born once - die twice - and die forever , Born twice - never die - and live forever." Without a natural birth we would never have lived and moved on earth - without a spiritual birth we shall never live and dwell in heaven. It is written, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).
And now, before I pass away from the name which John gives in this text to the true Christian, let us not forget to ask ourselves what we know experimentally about being "born of God." Let us search and try our hearts with honest self-examination, and seek to find out whether there is any real work of the Holy Spirit in our inward man. Far be it from me to encourage the slightest approach to hypocrisy, self-conceit, and fanaticism. Nor do I want any one to look for that angelic perfection in himself on earth, which will only be found in heaven. All I say, is, let us never be content with the "outward and visible signs: of Christianity, unless we also know something of "inward and spiritual grace." All I ask, and I think I have a right to ask, is, that we should often take this First Epistle of John in our hands, and try to find out by its light whether we are "born of God."
One more thing let me add, which I dare not leave unsaid. Let us never be ashamed, in a day of abounding heresy, to contend earnestly for the Godhead and personality of the Holy Spirit, and the reality of His work on souls. Just as we clasp to our hearts the doctrine of the Trinity, and the proper Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, as great foundation verities of the gospel, so let us grasp tightly the truth about God, the Holy Spirit. Let us ever give Him in our religion the place and dignity which Scriptures assigns to Him. Wherever in the providence of God we may be called to worship, let our first inquiry be, "Where is the Lamb?" and our second, "Where is the Holy Spirit?" We know there have been many martyrs for Jesus Christ and the true doctrine of justification. "A day may come," said a remarkable Christian, "when there will need to be martyrs for the Holy Spirit, and His work within the soul."
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Saturday, June 6, 2020
Victory!
Victory!
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world, but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 John 5:4-5).
It ought to be our practice, if we have any religion, to examine the state of our souls from time to time, and to find out whether we are "right in the sight of God" (Acts 8:21).
Are we true Christians? Are we likely to go to Heaven when we die? Are we born again - born of the Spirit - born of God? These are searching questions, which imperatively demand an answer: and the text which heads this paper will help us to give that answer. If we are born of God, we shall have one great mark of character, we shall "overcome the world."
In opening up this subject, there are three points to which I propose to invite attention in this paper.
1. In the first place, let us consider the name by which John describes a true Christian. He calls him six times over, in his First Epistle, a man "born of God," and once, "begotten of God."
2. In the second place, let us consider the special mark which John supplies of a man born of God. He says that he "overcomes the world."
3. In the last place, let us consider the secret of the true Christian's victory over the world. He says, "This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith."
Let me clear the way by expressing an earnest hope that no reader will turn away from the subject before us, under the idea that it is a controversial one. I doubt whether any doctrine of the Bible has suffered so much from impatient dislike of controversy as that which is contained in the phrase, "Born of God." Yet that phrase contains a great foundation verity of Christianity, which can never be neglected without damage. Deep down, below strifes and contentions about the effect of baptism, and the meaning of liturgical services, there lies in those three words one of the primary rocks of the everlasting gospel - even the inward work of the Holy Spirit on the soul of man.
The atoning work of Christ for us, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit within us, are the two cornerstones of saving religion. Surely a truth which the last writer of the New Testament brings forward no less than seven times in the five chapters of one Epistle - a truth which he binds up seven times with some of the distinguishing characteristics of the Christian man - such a truth ought not to be disliked or timidly passed by. Surely it may be handled profitably without entering upon debatable ground. I shall attempt so to handle it in this paper.
1. First and foremost, I ask my readers to notice the NAME by which John describes a true Christian. Here, and in five other places, he speaks of him as one "born of God."
Let us briefly analyze this rich and wonderful expression. The natural birth of any child of man, in the humblest rank of life, is an important event. It is the bringing into being a creature who will outlive sun, moon, stars, and earth, and may one day develop a character which shall shake the world. How much more important must spiritual birth be! How much must lie beneath that figurative phrase, "Born of God!"
(a) To be "born of God" is to be the SUBJECT OF AN INWARD CHANGE of heart, so complete, that it is like passing into a new existence. It is the introduction into the human soul of a seed from heaven, a new principle, a Divine nature, a new will. Certainly it is no outward bodily alteration; but it is no less certain that it is an entire alteration of the inward man. It adds no new faculties to our minds; but it gives an entirely new bent and bias to our old ones. The tastes and opinions of one "born of God," his views of sin, of the world, of the Bible, of God, and of Christ, are so thoroughly new, that he is to all intents and purposes what Paul calls "a new creature." In fact, as the Church Catechism truly says, it is "a death unto sin and a new birth unto righteousness."
(b) To be "born of God" is a change which is the peculiar gift of the Lord Jesus Christ to all His believing people. It is He who plants in their hearts the Spirit of adoption, whereby they cry, "Abba Father," and makes them members of His mystical body, and sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty (Romans 8:15). It is written - "He quickens whom He will." "As the Father has life in Himself, so has He given to the Son to have life in Himself" (John 5:21-26). In short, as the first chapter of John teaches, so it will be as long as the world stands - "To as many as received Him He gave power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe on His name; who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13).
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 2)
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world, but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 John 5:4-5).
It ought to be our practice, if we have any religion, to examine the state of our souls from time to time, and to find out whether we are "right in the sight of God" (Acts 8:21).
Are we true Christians? Are we likely to go to Heaven when we die? Are we born again - born of the Spirit - born of God? These are searching questions, which imperatively demand an answer: and the text which heads this paper will help us to give that answer. If we are born of God, we shall have one great mark of character, we shall "overcome the world."
In opening up this subject, there are three points to which I propose to invite attention in this paper.
1. In the first place, let us consider the name by which John describes a true Christian. He calls him six times over, in his First Epistle, a man "born of God," and once, "begotten of God."
2. In the second place, let us consider the special mark which John supplies of a man born of God. He says that he "overcomes the world."
3. In the last place, let us consider the secret of the true Christian's victory over the world. He says, "This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith."
Let me clear the way by expressing an earnest hope that no reader will turn away from the subject before us, under the idea that it is a controversial one. I doubt whether any doctrine of the Bible has suffered so much from impatient dislike of controversy as that which is contained in the phrase, "Born of God." Yet that phrase contains a great foundation verity of Christianity, which can never be neglected without damage. Deep down, below strifes and contentions about the effect of baptism, and the meaning of liturgical services, there lies in those three words one of the primary rocks of the everlasting gospel - even the inward work of the Holy Spirit on the soul of man.
The atoning work of Christ for us, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit within us, are the two cornerstones of saving religion. Surely a truth which the last writer of the New Testament brings forward no less than seven times in the five chapters of one Epistle - a truth which he binds up seven times with some of the distinguishing characteristics of the Christian man - such a truth ought not to be disliked or timidly passed by. Surely it may be handled profitably without entering upon debatable ground. I shall attempt so to handle it in this paper.
1. First and foremost, I ask my readers to notice the NAME by which John describes a true Christian. Here, and in five other places, he speaks of him as one "born of God."
Let us briefly analyze this rich and wonderful expression. The natural birth of any child of man, in the humblest rank of life, is an important event. It is the bringing into being a creature who will outlive sun, moon, stars, and earth, and may one day develop a character which shall shake the world. How much more important must spiritual birth be! How much must lie beneath that figurative phrase, "Born of God!"
(a) To be "born of God" is to be the SUBJECT OF AN INWARD CHANGE of heart, so complete, that it is like passing into a new existence. It is the introduction into the human soul of a seed from heaven, a new principle, a Divine nature, a new will. Certainly it is no outward bodily alteration; but it is no less certain that it is an entire alteration of the inward man. It adds no new faculties to our minds; but it gives an entirely new bent and bias to our old ones. The tastes and opinions of one "born of God," his views of sin, of the world, of the Bible, of God, and of Christ, are so thoroughly new, that he is to all intents and purposes what Paul calls "a new creature." In fact, as the Church Catechism truly says, it is "a death unto sin and a new birth unto righteousness."
(b) To be "born of God" is a change which is the peculiar gift of the Lord Jesus Christ to all His believing people. It is He who plants in their hearts the Spirit of adoption, whereby they cry, "Abba Father," and makes them members of His mystical body, and sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty (Romans 8:15). It is written - "He quickens whom He will." "As the Father has life in Himself, so has He given to the Son to have life in Himself" (John 5:21-26). In short, as the first chapter of John teaches, so it will be as long as the world stands - "To as many as received Him He gave power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe on His name; who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13).
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Injustice In A Graveyard # 2 (and others)
Injustice In A Graveyard # 2 (and others)
In this way, we shall be delivered from condemnation for sin, from the power and love of sin, and also from the practice of sin. And thus living, and thus dying - we shall ultimately be delivered from the indwelling, and all the consequences of sin. Then, being delivered from sin - we are really delivered from death, the very nature of which is changed, so that we only fall asleep in Jesus, depart to be with Jesus, and at length wake up in the exact likeness of Jesus, both in body and soul!
Let us then, when we think of death or look on suffering - trace it up to sin, and then make it our first great business to get rid of sin! No remedy will do for us, which does not go to the root of the disease and eradicate it. We must get rid of sin, both in guilt and power - or we shall never be safe, we can never be happy. And there is no getting rid of sin - but by faith in Christ, and the possession of the Holy Spirit. No sacrifice will ever atone for our sins - but the death of Christ. And no power will ever deliver us from the authority and enslaving influence of sin - but the power of the Holy Spirit. Nor will the blood of Christ deliver us, without a personal application to it; nor will the power of the Holy Spirit deliver us, unless He is received into our hearts and dwells there. As, therefore, it is of the greatest importance to be delivered from sin, as otherwise we cannot be delivered from death, or saved from hell - let us apply to Christ at once!
If we have already fled to Jesus - let us apply to Him afresh daily; let us ask of our heavenly Father, the filling of the Holy Spirit. Nor let us rest satisfied until we prove His presence with us, by an abiding hatred to sin, and a constant thirst for perfect holiness. Nor let us be satisfied, even if we have the Spirit, without a deep and thorough work of sanctification. And, as there are degrees of holiness, and the more holiness the more happiness for us, and the more glory for God - let us set our hearts upon the attaining of perfect holiness. For this let us pray, at this let us aim - and the result will be a thorough devotedness to God, the enjoyment of our election and calling, and growing usefulness in the world and the Church.
And if this should be the case in any one instance, as the result of reading these few lines, I shall not regret my ramble in the village church yard, or the labor of penning the thoughts suggested by the inscriptions on the tombs and head-stones.
~James Smith~
(The End)
______________________
Discontent!
(Arthur Pink, "Comfort for Christians")
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11
Contentment is the being satisfied with the sovereign dispensations of God's providence. It is the opposite of murmuring, which is the spirit of rebellion--the clay saying to the Potter, "Why have You made me thus?" Instead of complaining at his lot--a contented man is thankful that his condition and circumstances are no worse than they are.
Discontent! Was there ever a time when there was so much discontent and restlessness in the world, as there is today? We very much doubt it. Despite our boasted progress, the vast increase of wealth, the time and money expended daily in pleasure--discontent is everywhere! No class is exempt. Everything is in a state of flux, and almost everybody is dissatisfied. Many even among God's own people are affected with the evil spirit of this age.
Contentment! Is such a thing realizable, or is it nothing more than a beautiful ideal, a mere dream of the poet? Is it attainable on earth, or is it restricted to the inhabitants of Heaven? If feasible here and now--may it be retained, or are a few brief moments or hours of contentment the most that we may expect in this life?
The force of Paul's statement will be better appreciated, if his condition and circumstances at the time he made it, are kept in mind. When the apostle wrote the words, he was not luxuriating in a special suite in the Emperor's palace--but was in prison "in chains". The contentment which Paul enjoyed, was not the result of congenial and comfortable surroundings. Most people suppose that contentment is impossible, unless one can have the desires of the carnal heart gratified. A prison is the last place to which they would go, if they were seeking a contented man. This much, then, is clear--contentment comes from within and not without; it must be sought from God, not in creature comforts.
Now, there is a vast difference between precept and practice, between the ideal and the realization. But in the case of Paul, contentment was an actual experience! It was something he had learned in the school of Christian experience.
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said--Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
In this way, we shall be delivered from condemnation for sin, from the power and love of sin, and also from the practice of sin. And thus living, and thus dying - we shall ultimately be delivered from the indwelling, and all the consequences of sin. Then, being delivered from sin - we are really delivered from death, the very nature of which is changed, so that we only fall asleep in Jesus, depart to be with Jesus, and at length wake up in the exact likeness of Jesus, both in body and soul!
Let us then, when we think of death or look on suffering - trace it up to sin, and then make it our first great business to get rid of sin! No remedy will do for us, which does not go to the root of the disease and eradicate it. We must get rid of sin, both in guilt and power - or we shall never be safe, we can never be happy. And there is no getting rid of sin - but by faith in Christ, and the possession of the Holy Spirit. No sacrifice will ever atone for our sins - but the death of Christ. And no power will ever deliver us from the authority and enslaving influence of sin - but the power of the Holy Spirit. Nor will the blood of Christ deliver us, without a personal application to it; nor will the power of the Holy Spirit deliver us, unless He is received into our hearts and dwells there. As, therefore, it is of the greatest importance to be delivered from sin, as otherwise we cannot be delivered from death, or saved from hell - let us apply to Christ at once!
If we have already fled to Jesus - let us apply to Him afresh daily; let us ask of our heavenly Father, the filling of the Holy Spirit. Nor let us rest satisfied until we prove His presence with us, by an abiding hatred to sin, and a constant thirst for perfect holiness. Nor let us be satisfied, even if we have the Spirit, without a deep and thorough work of sanctification. And, as there are degrees of holiness, and the more holiness the more happiness for us, and the more glory for God - let us set our hearts upon the attaining of perfect holiness. For this let us pray, at this let us aim - and the result will be a thorough devotedness to God, the enjoyment of our election and calling, and growing usefulness in the world and the Church.
And if this should be the case in any one instance, as the result of reading these few lines, I shall not regret my ramble in the village church yard, or the labor of penning the thoughts suggested by the inscriptions on the tombs and head-stones.
~James Smith~
(The End)
______________________
Discontent!
(Arthur Pink, "Comfort for Christians")
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11
Contentment is the being satisfied with the sovereign dispensations of God's providence. It is the opposite of murmuring, which is the spirit of rebellion--the clay saying to the Potter, "Why have You made me thus?" Instead of complaining at his lot--a contented man is thankful that his condition and circumstances are no worse than they are.
Discontent! Was there ever a time when there was so much discontent and restlessness in the world, as there is today? We very much doubt it. Despite our boasted progress, the vast increase of wealth, the time and money expended daily in pleasure--discontent is everywhere! No class is exempt. Everything is in a state of flux, and almost everybody is dissatisfied. Many even among God's own people are affected with the evil spirit of this age.
Contentment! Is such a thing realizable, or is it nothing more than a beautiful ideal, a mere dream of the poet? Is it attainable on earth, or is it restricted to the inhabitants of Heaven? If feasible here and now--may it be retained, or are a few brief moments or hours of contentment the most that we may expect in this life?
The force of Paul's statement will be better appreciated, if his condition and circumstances at the time he made it, are kept in mind. When the apostle wrote the words, he was not luxuriating in a special suite in the Emperor's palace--but was in prison "in chains". The contentment which Paul enjoyed, was not the result of congenial and comfortable surroundings. Most people suppose that contentment is impossible, unless one can have the desires of the carnal heart gratified. A prison is the last place to which they would go, if they were seeking a contented man. This much, then, is clear--contentment comes from within and not without; it must be sought from God, not in creature comforts.
Now, there is a vast difference between precept and practice, between the ideal and the realization. But in the case of Paul, contentment was an actual experience! It was something he had learned in the school of Christian experience.
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said--Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Injustice In A Graveyard! # 1
Injustice In A Graveyard # 1
"The wages of sin is death!" (Romans 6:23).
The other day, as I was wandering over a village graveyard, and reading the inscriptions on the tombs and head-stones, I could not but think that there was something like injustice. In every direction DEATH was spoken against - and called cruel, insatiable, and against SIN. And yet death is but the offspring of sin. But for sin - there would have been no death, and no graveyards.
Death is a divine infliction, originally a punishment for man's sin! It is from God's hand - and therefore man is more ready to speak harshly of death, than he is of sin - which is man's own act and deed.
We blame death for robbing us of our parents, children, and friends; but we ought to blame sin - which gave death its power. And thus we should blame ourselves - by whom sin came into the world, and has perpetuated death here.
Sin is the parent of disease, pain, grief, sorrow, disappointment, vexation, anxiety, woe, death - yes, of every evil!
And man is the parent of sin! Sin sprung from us - and all misery springs from sin!
God, in death - only gives to man his due. How prone are we to fix the eye on effects (death) - and never think of the cause (sin)! Or if we admit that the cause is sin - we look upon it, and talk of it, as if sin was a calamity instead of a crime!
When I tread the grounds of the graveyard, and see the proofs that multitudes have been buried there - let me ask with Jehu, "Who slew all these?" And the only answer that can be justly given, will be, SIN!
Some may be ready to say, "Oh, it was small pox or tuberculosis, or cancer, or cholera, etc.!" True, true - but what introduced all these diseases into our world - for they were not here originally? Ah, that was sin - our sin!"
We therefore must trace suffering and death - to disease! We must trace disease - to sin! We must trace sin - to man! Man therefore, is the cause of all his own misery! Man has no one to blame but himself. Nor is it any use trying to throw the blame on anything else.
But as sin has introduced disease, misery, and death into our world - is there any possibility of getting rid of sin? Because, if we can get rid of sin - we may then get rid of all the consequences of sin. Well, blessed be God, sin may be gotten rid of! How this is to be done, the Bible, and the Bible alone, can inform us. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!" (Romans 6:23).
No one could devise a plan to get rid of sin - but the infinitely wise God. No one could furnish the means - but the Possessor of heaven and earth! It requires a most costly sacrifice - and the Son of God furnishes that. It requires a wondrous change in us, nothing less than a new creation (new birth) - and the Spirit of God produces that!
If we want to get rid of sin - we, being fully convinced that we are guilty, and deserve to be punished for it. We must fix the eye of the mind on the Son of God as our sacrifice. We must then confess our sins, and plead with God to pardon them, on the ground of the sacrifice of Jesus, and so we shall obtain a pardon. We must also ask for the Holy Spirit, to renew and sanctify our nature, and so we shall be delivered from the power and pollution of sin. We must live, believing in the efficacy of the blood of Jesus to remove our guilt, and in the power and grace of the Spirit to make us new creatures, and then take the precepts of the gospel as our guide, and the example of Jesus as our model.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
"The wages of sin is death!" (Romans 6:23).
The other day, as I was wandering over a village graveyard, and reading the inscriptions on the tombs and head-stones, I could not but think that there was something like injustice. In every direction DEATH was spoken against - and called cruel, insatiable, and against SIN. And yet death is but the offspring of sin. But for sin - there would have been no death, and no graveyards.
Death is a divine infliction, originally a punishment for man's sin! It is from God's hand - and therefore man is more ready to speak harshly of death, than he is of sin - which is man's own act and deed.
We blame death for robbing us of our parents, children, and friends; but we ought to blame sin - which gave death its power. And thus we should blame ourselves - by whom sin came into the world, and has perpetuated death here.
Sin is the parent of disease, pain, grief, sorrow, disappointment, vexation, anxiety, woe, death - yes, of every evil!
And man is the parent of sin! Sin sprung from us - and all misery springs from sin!
God, in death - only gives to man his due. How prone are we to fix the eye on effects (death) - and never think of the cause (sin)! Or if we admit that the cause is sin - we look upon it, and talk of it, as if sin was a calamity instead of a crime!
When I tread the grounds of the graveyard, and see the proofs that multitudes have been buried there - let me ask with Jehu, "Who slew all these?" And the only answer that can be justly given, will be, SIN!
Some may be ready to say, "Oh, it was small pox or tuberculosis, or cancer, or cholera, etc.!" True, true - but what introduced all these diseases into our world - for they were not here originally? Ah, that was sin - our sin!"
We therefore must trace suffering and death - to disease! We must trace disease - to sin! We must trace sin - to man! Man therefore, is the cause of all his own misery! Man has no one to blame but himself. Nor is it any use trying to throw the blame on anything else.
But as sin has introduced disease, misery, and death into our world - is there any possibility of getting rid of sin? Because, if we can get rid of sin - we may then get rid of all the consequences of sin. Well, blessed be God, sin may be gotten rid of! How this is to be done, the Bible, and the Bible alone, can inform us. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!" (Romans 6:23).
No one could devise a plan to get rid of sin - but the infinitely wise God. No one could furnish the means - but the Possessor of heaven and earth! It requires a most costly sacrifice - and the Son of God furnishes that. It requires a wondrous change in us, nothing less than a new creation (new birth) - and the Spirit of God produces that!
If we want to get rid of sin - we, being fully convinced that we are guilty, and deserve to be punished for it. We must fix the eye of the mind on the Son of God as our sacrifice. We must then confess our sins, and plead with God to pardon them, on the ground of the sacrifice of Jesus, and so we shall obtain a pardon. We must also ask for the Holy Spirit, to renew and sanctify our nature, and so we shall be delivered from the power and pollution of sin. We must live, believing in the efficacy of the blood of Jesus to remove our guilt, and in the power and grace of the Spirit to make us new creatures, and then take the precepts of the gospel as our guide, and the example of Jesus as our model.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Lessons for Christian Workers
Lessons for Christian Workers
In the account of the manifestation of Christ to His disciples at the Sea of Galilee, there are many instinctive suggestions for Christian workers in all times.
To begin with, the picture of the Master standing on the shore, in the grey dawn, watching His disciples as they wearily dragged their nets through the water - is most encouraging to all who are fishing for souls. Thus He ever stands with His eye upon those who are toiling for Him. The thought should be full of cheer and inspiration. We should always do our best - for the Master's eye is always upon us. It is with a look of loving interest that He watches - not with the eye of criticism and blame.
Then the disciples' night of fruitless toil has for all workers its deep suggestion. No doubt the incident was meant to teach a spiritual lesson: Christ was not with them - so nothing came of their efforts. All night they had been drawing their nets through the waters, and in the morning they were still empty.
It is just thus with the workers always, when they try to save souls in their own strength. Even Christian work amounts to nothing, unless it is directed and inspired by Christ Himself. We should go always from our knees - to our pulpit, to our Bible class, to all our missionary efforts. If we do not, it is really not worth while for us to go at all. That certainly was the lesson which Jesus meant to teach His apostles that weary night on the Sea of Galille. Until we learn it, too, we shall never have success in winning souls and in doing good.
But the moment the Master had spoken and the weary fishermen had done His bidding, their net was full. Toil guided by Christ, is always successful. No effort put forth under His direction can ever fail. No net cast at His bidding is ever drawn up empty. No sermon preached, no lesson taught, no word spoken simply and truly for Christ, in obedience to His command - ever returns void.
If we would do Christ's work, we must be in immediate communion with Him. When He sends forth a worker, he says, "I am with you always." This promise means what it says, and the very first thing we should do if we would be used by Christ in saving souls and in blessing the world, is to realize His continual presence and put ourselves entirely under His guidance. This implies a life of constant communion with Christ. We cannot live far from Him, and be really used by Him.
Another important suggestion, is that deep and sincere love for Christ is the one essential qualification in workers for souls. Christ educated His apostles, teaching them for three years, until their minds were thoroughly imbued with the truth, and they were thus prepared to expound to men the doctrines of His kingdom and tell sinners the way of salvation.
But His treatment of Peter when He would restore him to the apostleship from which he had fallen, suggests to us that without personal loyalty and devotion to Christ, and deep love for Him, no one is ready to be entrusted by the Master with the care of souls. The highest learning, the most persuasive eloquence, the most faithful preparation, the best natural gifts - avail nothing if to the question, "Do you love Me?" the answer does not come welling up from the heart, "Lord, you know that I love You!" Love for the work is not enough, nor is love for the Church, or love for humanity; the heart of all true discipleship is deep, strong, intense, all-absorbing love for Christ! It was this passion for Christ that made Paul the marvelous missionary that he was. We talk about a "passion for souls." But above that, is the essential qualification in a Christian worker; love for Christ Himself must be behind all, and must kindle all true love for souls.
Christ's bids us to feed His lambs, and to tend and shepherd His sheep. Anyone who recalls the kind of care given by Oriental shepherds to their sheep will understand the tender, faithful, patient, helpful art which Christ would have us give to all young Christians, and to all feeble, tempted, struggling Christians of whatever age, over whom we are in any sense overseers. A great part of the work of every true pastor is the shepherd work - this work of feeding, protecting, guiding comforting, encouraging, and helping in all ways - the people under his care. If he fails in this, his ministry will be a failure; and can he then appear before God's judgment bar at last, and answer for the souls committed to him? Bible teachers also, should not fail to be most loving and faithful shepherds to them.
Then at the close of all earth's toils, when the last net has been dragged through the waters and the weary worker reaches his eternal home, the Master will be standing on the heavenly shore to receive them and will immediately invite them to feed upon the blessed provisions of His glorious love and grace!
~J. R. Miller~
(The End)
In the account of the manifestation of Christ to His disciples at the Sea of Galilee, there are many instinctive suggestions for Christian workers in all times.
To begin with, the picture of the Master standing on the shore, in the grey dawn, watching His disciples as they wearily dragged their nets through the water - is most encouraging to all who are fishing for souls. Thus He ever stands with His eye upon those who are toiling for Him. The thought should be full of cheer and inspiration. We should always do our best - for the Master's eye is always upon us. It is with a look of loving interest that He watches - not with the eye of criticism and blame.
Then the disciples' night of fruitless toil has for all workers its deep suggestion. No doubt the incident was meant to teach a spiritual lesson: Christ was not with them - so nothing came of their efforts. All night they had been drawing their nets through the waters, and in the morning they were still empty.
It is just thus with the workers always, when they try to save souls in their own strength. Even Christian work amounts to nothing, unless it is directed and inspired by Christ Himself. We should go always from our knees - to our pulpit, to our Bible class, to all our missionary efforts. If we do not, it is really not worth while for us to go at all. That certainly was the lesson which Jesus meant to teach His apostles that weary night on the Sea of Galille. Until we learn it, too, we shall never have success in winning souls and in doing good.
But the moment the Master had spoken and the weary fishermen had done His bidding, their net was full. Toil guided by Christ, is always successful. No effort put forth under His direction can ever fail. No net cast at His bidding is ever drawn up empty. No sermon preached, no lesson taught, no word spoken simply and truly for Christ, in obedience to His command - ever returns void.
If we would do Christ's work, we must be in immediate communion with Him. When He sends forth a worker, he says, "I am with you always." This promise means what it says, and the very first thing we should do if we would be used by Christ in saving souls and in blessing the world, is to realize His continual presence and put ourselves entirely under His guidance. This implies a life of constant communion with Christ. We cannot live far from Him, and be really used by Him.
Another important suggestion, is that deep and sincere love for Christ is the one essential qualification in workers for souls. Christ educated His apostles, teaching them for three years, until their minds were thoroughly imbued with the truth, and they were thus prepared to expound to men the doctrines of His kingdom and tell sinners the way of salvation.
But His treatment of Peter when He would restore him to the apostleship from which he had fallen, suggests to us that without personal loyalty and devotion to Christ, and deep love for Him, no one is ready to be entrusted by the Master with the care of souls. The highest learning, the most persuasive eloquence, the most faithful preparation, the best natural gifts - avail nothing if to the question, "Do you love Me?" the answer does not come welling up from the heart, "Lord, you know that I love You!" Love for the work is not enough, nor is love for the Church, or love for humanity; the heart of all true discipleship is deep, strong, intense, all-absorbing love for Christ! It was this passion for Christ that made Paul the marvelous missionary that he was. We talk about a "passion for souls." But above that, is the essential qualification in a Christian worker; love for Christ Himself must be behind all, and must kindle all true love for souls.
Christ's bids us to feed His lambs, and to tend and shepherd His sheep. Anyone who recalls the kind of care given by Oriental shepherds to their sheep will understand the tender, faithful, patient, helpful art which Christ would have us give to all young Christians, and to all feeble, tempted, struggling Christians of whatever age, over whom we are in any sense overseers. A great part of the work of every true pastor is the shepherd work - this work of feeding, protecting, guiding comforting, encouraging, and helping in all ways - the people under his care. If he fails in this, his ministry will be a failure; and can he then appear before God's judgment bar at last, and answer for the souls committed to him? Bible teachers also, should not fail to be most loving and faithful shepherds to them.
Then at the close of all earth's toils, when the last net has been dragged through the waters and the weary worker reaches his eternal home, the Master will be standing on the heavenly shore to receive them and will immediately invite them to feed upon the blessed provisions of His glorious love and grace!
~J. R. Miller~
(The End)
Saturday, May 9, 2020
The Great Deceiver!
The Great Deceiver!
It seems to me, that in the present day, the agency, power, and determined activity of satan, in doing mischief, is too much lost sight of. If he can get us to lose sight of his presence and power - he can carry out his schemes with so much the more ease. The representations given of him in God's word are calculated, if not to excite alarm, to make us cautious, careful and watchful. Just look at one, "That old serpent called the devil, and satan, which deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9). Here is,
Our enemy. He is represented by a great dragon; because so quick-sighted and cruel. None escape his notice, or remain unmolested by him. He is that old serpent, full of subtlety, craft, and cunning. He is powerful, far beyond what most give him credit for - and brings the experience of six thousand years to bear upon his victims. He is called "the devil," a forger of calumnies, an accuser, who accuses the saints day and night. He is also called "satan," an adversary, a legal adversary, one who is well versed in the law, and who opposes the Lord's people in the court of justice.
He is full of bitter hatred to believers, because they love the Saviour, and desire to honor him. His malice is deep and dreadful, which prompts him in every way to seek to injure them. He hates them because they have escaped out of his hand, they oppose his kingdom and government; they hate sin, and pant, and pray, and strive for holiness. He is a terrible foe, for he never wearies, and though foiled a thousand times - he will renew the attack! If he knows that he cannot devour us, he will do all he can to worry us; and though we may be off our guard - he is never off his!
His Work. "He deceives the whole world." He delights to deceive, and he will do so on any point - but especially in reference to spiritual things. He deceives by misrepresenting objects. He represents sin as harmless, painful, pleasant, and much to be desired. He represents holiness as repulsive, injurious, gloomy, and undignified. He represents man to himself as innocent, injured, dignified, and deserving God's blessing. He represents himself as man's friend, pitying, and wishing to elevate him, and make him happy. He represents God as severe, cruel, revengeful, and almost implacable. He represents the law as harsh, severe, and unnecessarily strict. He represents the gospel as degrading to man, and very little better than the law. Indeed every spiritual object is misrepresented by him!
He blinds the mind, conceals the true nature of the gospel by prejudices, errors, or superstition and hides the Saviour from man's view.
He makes use of all kinds of error, and all sorts of false teachers, to hinder God's work, eclipse the glory of the gospel, and destroy the souls of men.
He counterfeits the work of the Holy Spirit, leading souls to rest in slight convictions, feeble impressions, false joys, natural excitement, or the performance of religious duties - and so stop short of Christ. He will do anything and everything - to keep the sinner from Christ, driving him to presumption or despair. If he can lull the soul into false security, his end is answered, and the doom of the poor creature is sealed!
The Extent of his Success. "He deceives the whole world!" The Church is rescued from his grasp, by sovereign and invincible grace; "being delivered from the power of satan, and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son." But outside the true church of Christ - satan exercises authority, exerts his power, and deceives all but the elect. In all places, among all parties, and in all people - he works; exciting enmity against God, opposition to the gospel, and the indulgence of sin.
All around us we see satan working, deceiving, and leading souls captive at his will. It should lead us to walk carefully, examine diligently, pray fervently, watch daily, and sympathize deeply with those who are overcome and deceived by him.
Just so with the unsaved world, even when they hate us, persecute us, and reject the counsel of God against themselves - we must still pity them. What a fine example our beloved Lord sets us, when sinners had done their worst to insult, degrade, and make Him contemptible. He looked up to heaven, and prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.!
So may we say of multitudes around us; and of more who are under the influence of popery, paganism, Mohammedanism. They are deceived by satan, the father of lies, who has succeeded in blinding their minds! The poor wretches go on in darkness; and unless they are plucked as brands from the burning - must perish of their sins. O for that sympathy that will pity, pray for, and send the gospel to them, that they may be saved!
Of for wisdom to resist satan, and overcome him!
~James Smith~
(The End)
It seems to me, that in the present day, the agency, power, and determined activity of satan, in doing mischief, is too much lost sight of. If he can get us to lose sight of his presence and power - he can carry out his schemes with so much the more ease. The representations given of him in God's word are calculated, if not to excite alarm, to make us cautious, careful and watchful. Just look at one, "That old serpent called the devil, and satan, which deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9). Here is,
Our enemy. He is represented by a great dragon; because so quick-sighted and cruel. None escape his notice, or remain unmolested by him. He is that old serpent, full of subtlety, craft, and cunning. He is powerful, far beyond what most give him credit for - and brings the experience of six thousand years to bear upon his victims. He is called "the devil," a forger of calumnies, an accuser, who accuses the saints day and night. He is also called "satan," an adversary, a legal adversary, one who is well versed in the law, and who opposes the Lord's people in the court of justice.
He is full of bitter hatred to believers, because they love the Saviour, and desire to honor him. His malice is deep and dreadful, which prompts him in every way to seek to injure them. He hates them because they have escaped out of his hand, they oppose his kingdom and government; they hate sin, and pant, and pray, and strive for holiness. He is a terrible foe, for he never wearies, and though foiled a thousand times - he will renew the attack! If he knows that he cannot devour us, he will do all he can to worry us; and though we may be off our guard - he is never off his!
His Work. "He deceives the whole world." He delights to deceive, and he will do so on any point - but especially in reference to spiritual things. He deceives by misrepresenting objects. He represents sin as harmless, painful, pleasant, and much to be desired. He represents holiness as repulsive, injurious, gloomy, and undignified. He represents man to himself as innocent, injured, dignified, and deserving God's blessing. He represents himself as man's friend, pitying, and wishing to elevate him, and make him happy. He represents God as severe, cruel, revengeful, and almost implacable. He represents the law as harsh, severe, and unnecessarily strict. He represents the gospel as degrading to man, and very little better than the law. Indeed every spiritual object is misrepresented by him!
He blinds the mind, conceals the true nature of the gospel by prejudices, errors, or superstition and hides the Saviour from man's view.
He makes use of all kinds of error, and all sorts of false teachers, to hinder God's work, eclipse the glory of the gospel, and destroy the souls of men.
He counterfeits the work of the Holy Spirit, leading souls to rest in slight convictions, feeble impressions, false joys, natural excitement, or the performance of religious duties - and so stop short of Christ. He will do anything and everything - to keep the sinner from Christ, driving him to presumption or despair. If he can lull the soul into false security, his end is answered, and the doom of the poor creature is sealed!
The Extent of his Success. "He deceives the whole world!" The Church is rescued from his grasp, by sovereign and invincible grace; "being delivered from the power of satan, and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son." But outside the true church of Christ - satan exercises authority, exerts his power, and deceives all but the elect. In all places, among all parties, and in all people - he works; exciting enmity against God, opposition to the gospel, and the indulgence of sin.
All around us we see satan working, deceiving, and leading souls captive at his will. It should lead us to walk carefully, examine diligently, pray fervently, watch daily, and sympathize deeply with those who are overcome and deceived by him.
Just so with the unsaved world, even when they hate us, persecute us, and reject the counsel of God against themselves - we must still pity them. What a fine example our beloved Lord sets us, when sinners had done their worst to insult, degrade, and make Him contemptible. He looked up to heaven, and prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.!
So may we say of multitudes around us; and of more who are under the influence of popery, paganism, Mohammedanism. They are deceived by satan, the father of lies, who has succeeded in blinding their minds! The poor wretches go on in darkness; and unless they are plucked as brands from the burning - must perish of their sins. O for that sympathy that will pity, pray for, and send the gospel to them, that they may be saved!
Of for wisdom to resist satan, and overcome him!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Exhortation and Encouragement
Exhortation and Encouragement
The Lord's servants are apt to get disheartened and discouraged. They imagine that they are laboring in vain, and spending their strength for nothing. They therefore need encouragement, even an apostle did, and therefore we find the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: saying, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city!" (Acts 18:9-10).
We know not where the Lord's people are - but He does. Nor do we know whether we are to be used in converting souls, or whether our word shall effect their hearts. We know that we have a work to do for God, and we should do it; and if tempted to give way to discouragement, let us listen to -
The EXHORTATION. "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent." There may be opposition, persecution, and even death standing in the way - yet should we not fear. Paul was afraid at Corinth, as he tells them afterwards, "I come to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and My preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." (1 Cor. 2:3-5). In Corinth he had to face learning, refined culture, and splendor - and he was anxious so to adapt himself to circumstances as to "save some." He was afraid lest by any indiscretion, he "should hinder the gospel of Christ."
But fear may become extreme, and hinder instead of help, and therefore the Lord spoke to him, and said, "Do not be afraid!" There was in reality no need for fear. God was with him. God could protect him, and He would. God could bless and hinder his labors effectual, and He would. Therefore He says, "Speak and speak out, let them hear the truth, and the whole truth. Speak openly, speak boldly, speak fearlessly; and speak of Christ and of Him crucified, as the wisdom of God, the power of God, and the salvation of God!" "Do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city!"
And mark - Encouragement. "I am with you!" And if God was with him - then he was a match for every foe, and would rise superior to every difficulty. If God is with us, His wisdom will mark out our way and our work; His power will enable us to do His will, and render our labors efficient; and His care will provide for and supply - all our needs.
What kind of a city was it? One of the most voluptuous, wealthy, and worldly cities of the east. Here was the temple of Venus, with its degrading and disgraceful services. God's jewels are often found buried in the worst filth! In their experience the startling truth is illustrated, "Where sin abounded - grace did much more abound."
What kind of people were they? "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were!! But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God!" (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Observe: the Lord's people are often found in the most unlikely places! Who would have expected to find God's chosen people, a multitude of them - in a place so foul, so polluted, so degraded as Corinth? O the wonders of sovereign grace!!
O how marvelous are the thoughts, purposes, and ways of God! The Lord effectually calls because He claims. Those whom God calls by His grace, were chosen to life, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and predestined to the adoption of sons. God's work cannot be frustrated. He is never at a loss for means, nor can God's means fail of accomplishing His ends. He says, "I will work:" and He asks, "Who shall hinder Me?" Lost sinners are in God's hand - and He will bind their power, nor permit them to frustrate His designs.
"No one is going to attack and harm you." We are immortal until our work is done! Therefore let us not fear, nor yield to discouragement - but speak, and speak boldly - and expect God to bless our efforts!
"Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
The Lord's servants are apt to get disheartened and discouraged. They imagine that they are laboring in vain, and spending their strength for nothing. They therefore need encouragement, even an apostle did, and therefore we find the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: saying, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city!" (Acts 18:9-10).
We know not where the Lord's people are - but He does. Nor do we know whether we are to be used in converting souls, or whether our word shall effect their hearts. We know that we have a work to do for God, and we should do it; and if tempted to give way to discouragement, let us listen to -
The EXHORTATION. "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent." There may be opposition, persecution, and even death standing in the way - yet should we not fear. Paul was afraid at Corinth, as he tells them afterwards, "I come to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and My preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." (1 Cor. 2:3-5). In Corinth he had to face learning, refined culture, and splendor - and he was anxious so to adapt himself to circumstances as to "save some." He was afraid lest by any indiscretion, he "should hinder the gospel of Christ."
But fear may become extreme, and hinder instead of help, and therefore the Lord spoke to him, and said, "Do not be afraid!" There was in reality no need for fear. God was with him. God could protect him, and He would. God could bless and hinder his labors effectual, and He would. Therefore He says, "Speak and speak out, let them hear the truth, and the whole truth. Speak openly, speak boldly, speak fearlessly; and speak of Christ and of Him crucified, as the wisdom of God, the power of God, and the salvation of God!" "Do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city!"
And mark - Encouragement. "I am with you!" And if God was with him - then he was a match for every foe, and would rise superior to every difficulty. If God is with us, His wisdom will mark out our way and our work; His power will enable us to do His will, and render our labors efficient; and His care will provide for and supply - all our needs.
What kind of a city was it? One of the most voluptuous, wealthy, and worldly cities of the east. Here was the temple of Venus, with its degrading and disgraceful services. God's jewels are often found buried in the worst filth! In their experience the startling truth is illustrated, "Where sin abounded - grace did much more abound."
What kind of people were they? "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were!! But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God!" (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Observe: the Lord's people are often found in the most unlikely places! Who would have expected to find God's chosen people, a multitude of them - in a place so foul, so polluted, so degraded as Corinth? O the wonders of sovereign grace!!
O how marvelous are the thoughts, purposes, and ways of God! The Lord effectually calls because He claims. Those whom God calls by His grace, were chosen to life, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and predestined to the adoption of sons. God's work cannot be frustrated. He is never at a loss for means, nor can God's means fail of accomplishing His ends. He says, "I will work:" and He asks, "Who shall hinder Me?" Lost sinners are in God's hand - and He will bind their power, nor permit them to frustrate His designs.
"No one is going to attack and harm you." We are immortal until our work is done! Therefore let us not fear, nor yield to discouragement - but speak, and speak boldly - and expect God to bless our efforts!
"Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
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