Grace Gems for AUGUST 2024

(Thomas Brooks, "Words of Counsel to a Dear Dying Friend") LISTEN to audio!

"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

Look upon your dying day as a gainful day. There is no gain compared to that which comes in by death. A Christian gets more by death, than he does by life. To be in Christ is very good, but to be with Christ is best of all, "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!" Philippians 1:23. It was a mighty blessing for Christ to be with Paul on earth, but it was the top of blessings for Paul to be with Christ in Heaven!

Seriously consider these things:
By death you shall gain incomparable crowns!
a crown of life, Revelation 2:10, James 1:12
a crown of righteousness, 2 Timothy 4:8
an incorruptible crown, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
a crown of glory, 1 Peter 5:4
There are no crowns compared to these crowns!

By death you shall gain a glorious kingdom! "It is your Father's pleasure to give you a kingdom!" We must put off the rags of mortality, that we may put on our robes of glory! There is no entering into paradise, but under the flaming sword of this angel, death, which stands at the gate.

Death is the dirty lane through which the saint passes . . .
to a kingdom,
to a great kingdom,
to a glorious kingdom,
to a peaceful kingdom,
to an unshaken kingdom,
to a lasting kingdom, yes,
to an everlasting kingdom!

Death is the dark, short way, through which the saints pass to the marriage-supper of the Lamb!

The great mass of nominal Christians are nothing but unconverted worldlings!

(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)

It is to be feared that the great mass of nominal Christians are nothing but unconverted worldlings!

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world:
the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life,
is not from the Father, but is from the world!" 1 John 2:15-16

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life; that is, pleasure, and riches, and honor. These are the great objects of worldly ambition to which every godless heart is attached to!

"If after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." The Apostle here takes for granted, that this effect will universally and invariably follow: that all who know the adorable Savior will escape the pollutions of the world. There never was, nor ever will be, one exception to this truth.

All who savingly know Christ, will no longer supremely love the world, but escape from its enticements and pollutions. Yet it is to be feared that there are many professing Christians who have never been delivered from the pollutions of the world. Their desires, and hopes, and joys, and pursuits—are all worldly.

Be assured that you cannot love the world, and God also; for they are diametrically opposed to each other. "You cannot serve God and Mammon."

Know that while you love and desire and pursue earthly vanities—then you have not yet truly devoted yourselves to the Lord Jesus.

Whatever your situation or circumstances may be, God's view of worldliness is the same: "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God! James 4:4

"Remember Lot's wife!"

Scripture paints the world, and all who love it, in darksome colors. O that all the votaries of gaiety, and fashion, and pleasure, would realize what Scripture compares them to: "Swine wallowing in the mire!" and "Dogs returning to their own vomit!" Yes, this is the feast to which your earthly friends invite you!

Learn to view the world as God views it! Regard it as a country infected with the plague! Let your great concern be to get through it in safety.

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty!" 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18

"He gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world." Galatians 1:4

(Henry Law, "Gleanings from the Book of Life") LISTEN to audio!

Exodus 3:7, "Then the Lord told Moses:
You can be sure I have seen the misery of My people in Egypt.
I have heard their cries for deliverance from their harsh slave drivers.
Yes, I am concerned about their suffering."

Exquisite tenderness melts in these words.

Assurance of compassion is most sweetly stated.

Let no believer faint in the hour of trial.

His feet may travel in affliction's road.

He may be called to lie on the hard couch of sorrow.

Troubles may roll over him as wave upon wave.

But the eye of divine love ever watches him,
the heart of divine love ever throbs sympathetically for him,
the ear of divine love ever listens to his cry,
the hand of divine love will in due season be outstretched to help him.

The patient sufferer will sing with David in Psalm 18:19,
"He led me to a place of safety;
He rescued me because He delights in me."

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to audio!

"He has given us His very great and precious promises!" 2 Peter 1:4

Nothing will yield richer consolation to our own souls, than to:
take the Word of God,
cull out of it every promise which it contains,
carry them to the throne of grace,
and plead them before God.

Pardon for every sin,
peace with God,
holiness of life,
and eternal glory
—are all secured to every genuine believer, by the priceless promises of our gracious, immutable and omnipotent God.

Yet it is simply impossible to fully comprehend the worth of God's inestimable promises in this life.

Who shall fathom the value of deliverance from the torments which are endured by those who are now cast into the lake of fire and brimstone?

Or who shall form a correct estimate of the glory and felicity of Heaven?

None but those who have experienced the one or the other, can form any just conception of either!

Nor could anyone fully and adequately comprehend what salvation imports, unless he has both endured the punishment from which a condemned soul is rescued; and partaken of the blessedness to which a glorified soul is exalted before the throne of God.

Eternity will be too short to count the infinite worth of the exceeding great and precious promises, which are contained in the Gospel of Christ!

"Since we have these promises dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God!" 2 Corinthians 7:1

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to audio!

"The fool says in his heart: There is no God!" Psalm 14:1

"Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?" Job 21:15

"Yet you say: What does God know? Does He judge through such darkness?" Job 22:13

"The wicked think: God is not watching us! He has closed His eyes and won't even see what we do! God will never call us to account!" Psalm 10:11, 13

"They say: How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" Psalm 73:11

"They say: The Lord does not see. The God of Jacob does not pay attention!" Psalm 94:7

"They are saying: The Lord does not see us. The Lord has abandoned the land!" Ezekiel 8:12

"They think: The Lord will do nothing, either good or bad!" Zephaniah 1:12

"You have said: What is the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying His commands?" Malachi 3:14

Most people suppose that God has no concern about what is happening on earth, and that He will neither punish the wicked, nor reward the godly. Therefore they imagine that it is both unnecessary and foolish to make Him an object either of our hope, or our fear.

Yet God continually sends us warnings in His Word, that a time is coming when He will clearly make a separation between the wicked and the righteous, by the awful judgments which He will inflict on the one, and the unspeakable blessings which He will confer on the other!

Yes, how different the states of God's friends and God's enemies will be in the eternal world!

The day of judgment is called "The day of God's wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed!" Romans 2:5

Who can conceive the anguish with which they will weep and wail and gnash their teeth for all eternity!

Then they will call to the mountains and the rocks: "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?" Revelation 6:16, 17

View, on the contrary, the godly . . .
when God will wipe every tear from our eyes,
when there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,
when we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is,
when we shall be in His presence, where there is fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore!

Who can conceive the transcendent bliss of such a state?

But though "we know not yet what we shall be," so far as respects the degrees of the misery of the godless, or the happiness of the godly, we know that the distance between the righteous and the wicked will be immeasurably great.

O that we would ever contemplate it—that we might all fear the Lord, and walk in His fear to the last day of our lives!

"Then the King will say to those on His right: Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world!"
"Then He will say to those on His left: Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!" Matthew 25:34, 41

"Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think: Who sees us? Who will know?" Isaiah 29:15

(John MacDuff, "Help for the Feeble") LISTEN to audio!

Isaiah 41:14, "Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob! O little Israel, for I Myself will help you! declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Worm Jacob!

What weakness!

What unworthiness!

Yet it is this helpless, groveling "worm," that receives God's sympathy, and has the assurance of His almighty aid.

Believer, beaten down it may be, with a great fight of affliction; or trembling under a sense of your unworthiness and guilt; mourning . . .
the coldness of your faith,
the lukewarmness of your love,
the frequency of your backslidings,
the fitfulness of your best purposes,
and the feebleness of your best services
—your God draws near to you. He remembers that though you are a worm, still you are "worm Jacob!" His own beloved one.

"I Myself will help you!" Yes, poor, weak, trembling one; the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One, loves to draw near to His redeemed people in the extremity of their weakness.

"I Myself will help you" is enough for all the emergencies of the present, and all the contingencies of an untried, and, it may be, a dark future!

"My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth!" Psalm 121:2

(John MacDuff) LISTEN to audio!

Jeremiah 8:22, "Is there no Balm in Gilead? Is there no Physician there?"

There is not a wounded bosom on earth for which there is not Balm in Gilead, and a Physician there. Christ is "the God of all consolation." He has . . .
a remedy for every evil,
an antidote for every sorrow,
a cordial for every fainting heart,
a hand of love to wipe every weeping eye,
a heart of tenderness to sympathize with every sorrowful bosom,
an arm of power to protect,
a rod of love to chasten,
immutable promises to encourage on earth,
and an unfading crown of glory to bestow in Heaven!

Jesus supplies . . .
strength, in the hour of weakness;
courage, in the hour of danger;
faith, in the hour of darkness;
comfort, in the hour of sorrow;
and victory, in the hour of death!

What are the world's consolations in comparison to this? Test them in the times when they are most needed, and they will be found to be the first to give way. They are nothing but broken reeds, and the sport of every tempest that desolates the heart.

The consolations of Jesus are those alone which are independent of all times, and circumstances, and vicissitudes. They avail alike . . .
in prosperity, and adversity,
in joy, and sorrow,
in health, and sickness,
in life, and death!

O tempest-tossed one, Jesus is your Balm!

The drearier the desert, the sweeter and more refreshing are the streams of consolation of which He calls us to partake!

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light!" Matthew 11:28-30

(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke" 1858) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

"The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature." Luke 8:14

The things of this life form one of the greatest dangers which beset a Christian's path. The money, the pleasures, the daily business of the world—these are so many traps to catch souls.

Scandalous and loathsome sins are not the only thing that damn souls! Thousands of things, which in themselves are innocent—when followed to excess, become idols, and are little better than soul-poisons and helps to Hell!

In the midst of our families, and in the pursuit of our lawful callings—we have need to be on our guard. Unless we watch and pray, these temporal things may rob us of Heaven, and choke out every sermon we hear.

We may live and die, as thorny ground hearers.

"The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature." Luke 8:14

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

Isaiah 29:13, "The Lord says: These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me!"

In our church services, we go through all the external bodily motions; but as to the prostration of the soul, we are for the most part oblivious and unconcerned. We think that we have done our duty to God, if we have gone through the appointed external rituals, though our heart has not accorded with the body in any part of the service. In truth, our services have been hypocritical throughout.

Had a stranger come into one of our church services, and overheard our glowing praises, and our solemn confessions, petitions, and thanksgivings—he would have supposed that we were the most humble, spiritual, and devout people in the universe!

But had he been privy to the real state of our hearts—then how little would he have seen:
of earnest ardor in our praises,
or of honest humiliation in our confessions,
or of sincere fervor in our petitions,
or of genuine gratitude in our thanksgivings!

He would see that the state of our hearts indicated that we felt nothing, and meant nothing—at the very time that we professed to mean so much and feel so much!

For the most part, he would have seen that the whole of our service was only a solemn mockery; that instead of being genuine worshipers of our majestic and holy God—for the most part, we were but insincere hypocrites!

Let me ask, in the name of God Himself: What reason you can have to think that God would accept such services as these?

If, indeed, God were like ourselves, and could see only the outward appearance, then we might hope that, being deceived by us—He would be pleased with us.

But when we bear in mind, that the omniscient God knows . . .
our every secret thought,
our every secret desire,
our every secret motive,
and that He perfectly searches our heart, and knows our thoughts—then we must be sure that our very services are an abomination in His sight!

"Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me! They worship Me in vain." Mark 7:6, 7

J.C. Ryle: In all our Christian duties, whether giving or praying, the great thing to be kept in mind, is that we have a heart-searching and all-knowing God! Everything like mere formal worship, is abominable and worthless in God's sight. The one thing which His all-seeing eye looks at, is the nature of our motives, and the state of our hearts!

"Serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts!" 1 Chronicles 28:9

Your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ!

(Anonymous) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

Dear brethren, "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ!" 2 Corinthians 11:2-3

"Nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith." 1 Timothy 1:4

"He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions" 1 Timothy 6:4

"Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen!" 2 Timothy 2:14

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels!" 2 Timothy 2:23

"Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless!" Titus 3:9

I appeal to all, whether the attention given to useless controversies and disputes does not divert the mind from Christ, and indispose the soul for communion with Him. They tend to eat out the life and savor of piety, and to make the soul lean and dry. They lead us astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ!

Have a higher regard for Christ than to run after foolish academic controversies, which only draw you away from Him.

Value Him then, as you ought.

Follow Him as you ought.

Let all hollow and deceptive human reasoning be as rubbish in your estimation, in comparison with Him!

Endeavor now to keep your mind engaged, as it will to all eternity be occupied in Heaven, in praising and magnifying Him who "loved you, and washed you from your sins in His own blood!" Revelation 1:5-6

(Anonymous) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

The doctrine of Divine Providence is a profound and comforting truth, that reminds us of God's sovereign control over all things. This principle assures us that our Heavenly Father is not a distant, unconcerned deity—but rather a loving, all-powerful Creator, who intimately governs all the affairs of His universe, and every detail of our individual lives.

Nothing happens by luck, or chance, or accident—but rather by the wise, good, and purposeful hand of our Almighty Governor. Even in the midst of life's trials, uncertainties, and sorrows, we can take solace in the knowledge that our steps are ordered by the Lord, that He works all things together for the eternal good of those who love Him, and that His providential care extends to the most insignificant sparrow and the flowers of the field.

Though His ways are incomprehensible, we can trust . . .
that God's Providence is perfect,
that His timing is impeccable, and
that His plans for us are for our eternal good, and His glory!

As we walk by faith and not by sight, let us continually praise the Lord for His sovereign and loving oversight—resting in the assurance that our lives are safely held in the palm of His almighty hand. Though the future may be uncertain from our limited perspective, we can be certain that our Heavenly Father's Providence will unfailingly come to pass!

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!" Romans 11:33

(Henry Law) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

"Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward!" Job 5:7

"In this world you will have trouble!" John 16:33

Trials will thicken.
Temptations will threaten.
Afflictions will overwhelm.
Death will draw near, and show its chilling form.

But still take comfort!

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you:
Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for
I Myself will help you, declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel!"
Isaiah 41:13-14

Thick blows may batter you, but they cannot beat you down.
In the deepest billows, He will hold you up.
The last wave will waft you safely to Canaan's shore!

Reader! There is no need in life, in death, in present or in future days
—for which your God is not an all-sufficient support!

Behold your God! He is . . .
life for the dead,
sight for the blind,
feet for the lame,
strength for the weak,
joy for the sad,
cleansing for the filthy,
freedom for the bound,
clothing for the naked,
redemption for the captive!

He is a God within to cheer you.

He is a God who will come in glory to receive you!

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble!" Psalm 46:1

When God called to His sword to "awake and smite"—whom would we suppose to be the objects of His wrath and vengeance?

Would we not conclude of course, that we ourselves were to be the monuments of His wrath? We, towards whom He had so long exercised forbearance, and who had so obstinately persisted in our rebellion and sins?

Yes, I think God would say:
"Sword, go and smite My incorrigible enemies!
Sword, go and smite these rebels to Hell for their sins!"

But, behold, the Father directs His sword to execute vengeance upon His beloved Son Jesus, the Good Shepherd—as the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins!

In John 18:39, Pilate asked: "Do you want me to release the King of the Jews?"
They shouted back, "No, not Him! Give us Barabbas!"

We do not so much wonder that the Jews should cry out, "Spare not this Man, but Barabbas!"

But that Jehovah Himself should give direction to His sword of vengeance, "Spare not My dear Son—but guilty sinners!" is truly astonishing! Yet this, in effect, He did say:
"Spare the vilest sinners of the human race—but smite my Son!
Do not spare Him—in order that I may spare them!"

O wondrous love!

What imagination can conceive it?

Yes, God so loved wicked sinners, as to give His beloved Son to die in their place, so that they might have eternal life! The heights and depths of His love are unsearchable, either by men or angels.

Romans 5:6, 8, 10
"When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly."

"When we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son."

"The Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins!" Galatians 1:3-4

"I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20

"Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God!" Ephesians 5:2

"Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her!" Ephesians 5:25

"Jesus Christ gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own!" Titus 2:13-14

What astonishing love is this!

(Horatius Bonar) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

"But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias's daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted. At her mother's urging, the girl asked, 'I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!' So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother." Matthew 14:6-11

Herod's birthday ball was a high and royal festival. Pomp, splendor, luxury, and lust were all gathered there. In the midst of the song, and the glitter, and the mirth, there was one troubled conscience, that of Herod—one trembling man, Herod. His soul was ill at ease, though surrounded with all that the world could give to banish care.

His course of sin had been begun and persevered in. He was braving out his crimes; and like worldly men in such circumstances, he rushes into gaiety to drown his troubles and terrors. The pleasures of the feast and the ball-room, the song and the dance—these are welcomed to induce forgetfulness, and "minister to a diseased mind."

In how many cases do men fly to the ball, the theater, the card-table, the tavern, the riotous party—not simply for pleasure's sake, and to "taste life's glad moments," but to drown care, to smother conscience, to efface convictions, to laugh away the impressions of the last sermon, to soothe an uneasy mind, to relieve the burden, to pluck out the sting of conscious guilt! O slaughter-houses of souls! O slaughter-houses, reeking with blood!

O lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and pride of life—when will you cease to intoxicate, and lead men captive at your will? O God-forgetting gaiety! O dazzling worldliness! O glittering halls of midnight—when, when will you cease to be resorted to by men to "heal the hurt" of the human soul, to still its throb and heartache, and to soothe the unsoothable wound?

It is a gay scene. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life are there!
All that can minister to these are there.
Herod is there, feeding on lust, drinking in pleasure, stupefying conscience.
The fair daughter is there, in all the splendor of gay wantonness.
And the vile mother is there, lascivious and revengeful.
And the courtiers are there, in pomp and glitter.
Music and mirth are there.
The dance and the song are there.
No note of gloom—no indication of trouble.
What a scene of mirth and revelry!

These scenes of royal vanity are instructive; for they present the world in its most fascinating aspects. All that regal state, and princely beauty, and wealth, and gold, and silver, and gems, and tapestry, and blazing lamps can do to make this world fair, is in such scenes and haunts. These balls are the most seductive specimens of pure worldliness that can be found. Surely the god of this world knows how to enchant both ear and eye. In an assembly like this, the natural man is at home. Here the unregenerate heart gets full delight.

It was during that ball, that the murder of John was plotted and consummated—that a drunken, lustful king, urged on by two women, perpetrated that foul deed!

Such are the haunts of pleasure! Such are the masquerades of time. Lust is let loose; revenge rises up; murder rages; conscience is smothered; the floor of the ball-room is spotted with blood; the dancers may slip their feet in it, but the dance goes on! Such was the coarse worldliness of old days. But is the 'refined worldliness' of modern times less fatal to the soul? The ball is finished, and John lies dead in prison. What a picture of gaiety! What a specimen of ball-room revelry! And this is pleasure! This is the world's joy!

Of the chief actors in this ball-room murder, nothing more is said. They pass to the judgment-seat, there to receive sentence for lust, rage, revenge and murder. They have sent John before them to the presence of his Judge to receive his reward.

The day of recompense is coming!

O gaieties of earth! Feasts, and revelings, and banquetings—how often have you slain both body and soul! Men call you innocent amusements, harmless pleasures. But can you be harmless, can you be innocent, when you steal away the soul from God, when you nurse the worst lusts of humanity, when you smother conscience, when you shut out Jesus, when the floors on which your votaries dance off their immortal felicity, are red with the blood of souls!

(Charles Spurgeon, "The Old Man Crucified!") LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

Depend upon it, if ever your sins are to die, it must be with the power of Christ. You will find that you cannot kill the smallest viper in the nest of your heart, if you get away from the cross.

There is no death for sin, except in the death of Christ. Stand and look up to His dear wounds, trust in the merit of His blood. If you love Jesus with a perfect heart, then sin killing will not be difficult.

The killing of your sin is not in your power, but if Jesus goes with you, it will be done.

I have known some people struggle against a horrible temper, and they never quite overcame it until they grew into closer communion with Christ.

The mightiest gun to blow down the strongholds of sin within me, is to flee to the cross of Christ!

I am persuaded that nothing but the blood of Jesus will kill sin.

You must get to Christ, nearer to Christ—and you will overcome sin.

Fight with your sins! Hack them in pieces, as Samuel did Agag. Let not one of them escape. Take them as Elijah took the prophets of Baal, and hew them in pieces before the Lord.

Think more of Jesus' cross, spend more time in contemplation of His blessed person, drink in more of His life, and live more upon Him!

If I had but one sentence that I might utter to you believers, I think I should make it this: live nearer to Christ! If you get away from your Master, you will be undone.

All virtues flourish, in the atmosphere of the cross.
All vices die, beneath the shade of the cross.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20

(Henry Law, 1854) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

Revelation 19:7, "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready!"

Every true Christian is part of the redeemed Church—the Bride, the Lamb's wife!

She was beloved by the Heavenly Bridegroom before time began, with an unfathomable and immutable love!

She is endowed by Him with all that He has, and with all that He is.

She has a priceless inheritance reserved in Heaven for her—pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay!

He has placed all the precious promises as a treasure in her hands.

His providences guide and defend her path.

His righteousness is her beauteous robe, rendering her fit to shine forever in the palace of the heavenly King.

Her seat is prepared beside Him on His throne.

It would exhaust all time to give a brief survey of the glories which adorn her!

Jesus enriches His chosen bride with the best of gifts!

He withholds nothing precious from her.

All of His attributes are her grand inheritance!

His faithfulness and truth are her shield and support!

His Spirit is hers, to comfort, to teach, to solace, and to bless her!

His righteousness is hers, to be her spotless robe.

His Heaven is hers, to be her home!

His throne is hers, to be her seat!

His glory is hers, to be her crown!

His eternity is hers, that she may rejoice forever!

"Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" Revelation 19:9

(Octavius Winslow) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

We do not hesitate to pronounce the doctrine of "baptismal regeneration" to be the paramount lie of Satan—the most subtle and fatal weapon which this arch foe of our race ever forged for the destruction of men's souls in eternal perdition!

Do not build your hope of glory, upon your baptism.
You are lost to all eternity if you do.
You must be born again if ever you enter the kingdom of Heaven.

If you plunge into eternity clutching the airy fiction, the fatal notion that you passed from spiritual death into spiritual life in your baptism; that in baptism you were regenerated, adopted, justified, made holy and saved—then you have staked your eternal happiness upon the most fatal lie!

In many instances, the unhappy victim of this delusion passes away, undeceived until the deception is too late to rectify!

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"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!" Isaiah 43:1-3

In these comforting words, we are reminded of the unwavering love and protection that our Heavenly Father extends to all of His redeemed people.

When we feel overwhelmed by the crashing waves of life's difficulties, these verses speak a resounding message of hope and reassurance. God declares that He has ransomed us, claiming us as His own, and promising to be ever-present as we navigate the turbulent waters and raging fires that may threaten to consume us. No matter how deep the valley, or how scorching the flames of trial, we need not fear, for our Almighty God walks alongside us. He is the Holy One, our Savior, who will not allow the rushing torrents to sweep us away, or the blazing furnace to burn us up.

Just as a loving parent shields their child, so does our Heavenly Father wrap us in His protective embrace, shielding us from harm and carrying us through every storm.

These words are a steadfast anchor for our souls, reminding us that we belong to the King of kings, who has called us by name and will never abandon us, no matter what challenges we face.

In the midst of life's darkest moments, we can cling to the unshakable truth that our God is with us, and that nothing can separate us from His unfailing love!

(Charles Spurgeon, "The Sun of Righteousness") LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

"But for you who revere my name, the Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings!" Malachi 4:2

The golden tressed sun is the most glorious object in creation;
and in Jesus, the fullness of glory dwells.

The sun is at the same time the most influential of existences, acting upon the whole world.
Just so our Lord is, in the deepest sense—both eye and soul of this great world. He with benevolent ray—sheds beauty, life, and joy from above.

The sun is, moreover, the most abiding of creatures; and therein it is also a type of Him
who remains from generation to generation, and is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The 'king of day' is so vast and so bright that the human eye cannot bear to gaze upon him. We delight in his beams, but we would be blinded should we continue to peer into his face.
Even yet more brilliant is our Lord by nature—for as God, He is a consuming fire.
But He deigns to smile upon us with milder beams, as our brother and Redeemer.

Jesus, like the sun, is . . .
the center and soul of all things,
the fullness of all good,
the lamp that lights us,
the fire that warms us,
the magnet that guides and controls us.

Jesus is the source and fountain of all . . .
life,
beauty,
fruitfulness,
and strength.

Jesus is . . .
the fosterer of tender herbs of penitence,
the quickener of the vital sap of grace,
the ripener of fruits of holiness, and
the life of everything that grows within the garden of the Lord.

Whereas to adore the sun would be idolatry—it is treason not to ardently worship the divine Sun of righteousness.

As the sun is the center,
so is Christ to His people.

As the sun is the great source of power,
so is Christ to His people.

As the sun is the fountain from which light, life, and heat perpetually flow,
so is the Savior to His people.

As the sun is the fructifier by which fruits multiply and ripen,
so is Christ to His people.

Enthrone Jesus as the central sun of your hearts!

Bask in his beams, and let Him rule your entire being . . .
enlightening your understanding;
warming your hearts;
filling all your powers, passions, and faculties with the fullness of His presence.

Come and lay your souls beneath His divine influence.

Come, plunge into this sea of sweetness, dive deep into this abyss of happiness!

(Maria Sandberg, 1880) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

Many, including genuine Christians, suffer much due to the fear of death. But let us meditate on this assurance of our Savior, and see if faith in His blessed words will not chase away some portion, at least, of that fear of death which is so natural to man:
"I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever!
And I hold the keys of death and the grave!" Revelation 1:18

Jesus your Savior has the keys of of death and the grave—that is, of the unseen world. Oh! believer, you have trusted your Savior often, and will you not trust Him yet again? You have trusted in Him, and have not feared coming trials—and will you not trust in Him for dying grace and strength?

He died to take away sin—the sting of death. He lives, yes, He is alive for evermore, to be with His people in their last hour, and to give them the victory over their last enemy, death!

How often does He give a visible triumph to His servants in a dying hour: Fears are taken away, joy abounds, and Jesus is present to conduct them over the river of death. Fear not, then, O timid soul. Do not be anxious about dying. Jesus will give dying grace, to His dying people.

Jesus, your Savior, has the keys of death and the grave.
Trust in Him who died for you, but is alive forever and ever!

"The last enemy to be destroyed is death!" 1 Corinthians 15:26

"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?
The sting of death is sin . . . But thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

"He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears!" Isaiah 25:8

" . . . our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." 2 Timothy 1:10

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!" Revelation 14:13

(Horatius Bonar, "The Doom of the Double-Hearted") LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

Then Balaam uttered this oracle: "Let me die the death of the righteous, and may my end be like theirs!" Numbers 23:7, 10

"They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness!" 2 Peter 2:15

Balaam is a specimen of multitudes in these last days. An educated and intelligent man, shrewd and quick seeing, of respectable character, high in favor with the rich and great—a religious man too, after a fashion.

But he is fond of the world, fond of money, fond of preferment. He is one who would not let his religion stand in the way of his advancement. He could pocket all scruples, if only he could pocket a little gold along with them. He is hollow of heart, but with an acceptable outside.

His worldly interests are the main thing to him. He would rather not risk offending God, but yet he would not like to lose Balak's rewards and honors. He would rather not take up his cross, nor deny himself, nor forsake all for God.

So is it with multitudes among us! They want as much religion as they imagine will save them from Hell—and not an atom more!

The world is their real God.

Gold is their idol.

It is in mammon's temple that they worship.

Love God with all their heart?
They don't so much as understand the meaning of such a thing.

Sacrifice riches, place, honor, friends to Christ?
They scoff at the thing as madness.

Don't trifle with religion.

Don't mock God.

Do not love the world.

Be pious in your inmost soul.

Don't mistake sentimentalism for genuine piety; or a good character for the New Birth.

This world OR the world to come—that is the alternative; not this world AND the world to come.

Christ must be all—or nothing!

No middle ground; no half discipleship; no compromise.

The friendship of the world is enmity with God.

Come out and be separate.

The New Birth, or no religion at all.

Then Balaam uttered this oracle: "Let me die the death of the righteous, and may my end be like theirs!" Numbers 23:7, 10

"They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness!" 2 Peter 2:15

(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Matthew" 1856) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

"Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

It is impossible to conceive words . . .
more comforting,
more strengthening,
more cheering, and
more sanctifying than these.

Though left alone, like orphan children in a cold, unkind world—the disciples were not to think they were deserted. Their Master would be ever "with them." Though commissioned to do a work as hard as that of Moses when sent to Pharaoh, they were not to be discouraged. Their Master would certainly be "with them."

No words could be imagined more consolatory to believers in every age of the world. Let all true Christians lay hold on these words and keep them in mind.

Christ is "with us" always.

Christ is "with us," wherever we go.

He came to be "Emmanuel, God with us," when He first came into the world. He declares that He is ever "Emmanuel, God with us," when He comes to the end of His earthly ministry and is about to leave the world. He is . . .
with us daily, to pardon and forgive;
with us daily, to sanctify and strengthen;
with us daily, to defend and keep;
with us daily, to lead and to guide;
with us in sorrow, and with us in joy;
with us in sickness, and with us in health;
with us in life, and with us in death;
with us in time, and with us in eternity.

What stronger consolation could believers desire than this? Whatever happens, they are never completely friendless and alone. Christ is ever with them. They may look into the grave, and say with David, "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for You are with me." They may look forward beyond the grave, and say with Paul, "we shall be with the Lord forever!"

We could ask nothing more. None have . . .
such a King,
such a Priest,
such a constant Companion,
and such an unfailing Friend,
as the true servants of Christ.

He has said it, and He will stand to it, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you!" Hebrews 13:5

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Ephesians 5:2, "Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God!"

The redeeming love of Jesus for His people, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. His dying love is so costly and unfathomable, that it transcends all understanding. In order to save us from our sins, Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself on the cruel cross, to redeem and reconcile us to our Heavenly Father.

This incomprehensible act of mercy and grace, demonstrates the depth of Christ's compassion. For while we were yet sinners, He died for us, pouring out His life's blood in order to cleanse our souls from all sin, and bring us to His glorious heavenly home.

Through His wondrous sin-atoning sacrifice, Jesus conquered the powers of sin and death, opening the door of salvation for all of His chosen people. His redeeming love is both a beacon of hope, and a wellspring of joy—for the weary and sin-laden believer!

No matter how many and monstrous our sins have been, Jesus forgives each one—as He embraces us, His beloved children, in His arms of mercy and unfailing tenderness!

The transformative power of the Savior's redeeming love, takes undeserving, ill-deserving, Hell-deserving broken-hearted sinners, and makes them as pure as the driven snow!

"May you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep His love is! May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!" Ephesians 3:18, 19

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

James 4:4, "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God!"

One diseased man may spread his infection to many others; but ten healthy men cannot impart all their health to another. In the same way, it is quite easy to contract defilement from the ungodly.

It is common for Christians to associate with the world, under an idea of doing good unto them. They forget how much more likely they themselves are to contract evil from them, than to impart to them any substantial benefit.

The apostle Paul cautions us that, "Bad company corrupts good character!" 1 Corinthians 15:33. Experience proves the truth of Paul's warning; for there is scarcely a Christian who needlessly associates much with the world, but he imbibes something of their sentiments; and in heart, declines from God.

I do not mean to say, that all connection with ungodly men should be avoided; for "then we would have to go out of the world." Our duties in civil and social life require some measure of interaction with them.

Yet we should ever be aware of the danger of contagion from the ungodly. We should mix with them as a Physician mixes with his diseased patients; having in our minds a desire to do good to them, and exerting our influence for that end; and then withdrawing when we have fulfilled our duty—happy to breathe a purer atmosphere, and to associate with god-fearing men.

This is the teaching prescribed for us in the Scriptures:

"We are not to be conformed to this sinful world!" Romans 12:2

We are "not to be of this sinful world, any more than Jesus Christ was of it!" John 17:14-16

Nor are we to "love any of the world's ensnaring vanities!" 1 John 2:15-16

Our affections must rather be "set on things above!" Colossians 3:2

We must realize that "our citizenship is in Heaven!" Philippians 3:20

We must be ever on our guard to keep our garments clean! Revelation 3:4

We must recognize that it is almost impossible to come into companionship with the ungodly, without contracting some defilement from them!

"Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty!" 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

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In the apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church, he offers a profound and inspiring message that speaks directly to the heart of the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul exhorts his beloved brothers and sisters to be "steadfast" and "immovable" in their faith and service to the Lord. This is a powerful call to unwavering commitment, to stand firm in the face of any trial or temptation that may come our way.

But Paul goes even further, urging us to be "always abounding in the work of the Lord." This is a reminder that our faith is not meant to be passive or stagnant, but rather an active, vibrant expression of our love and devotion to Christ. We are to be constantly engaged in the work of the kingdom, using our God-given gifts and talents to advance His purposes in the world.

And undergirding it all is the assurance that our "toil is not in vain in the Lord." No matter the challenges we face, no matter the setbacks or disappointments we endure, we can be confident that our labor for Christ will not be wasted. Our faithful endurance and cheerful service will be rewarded by the One who sees all and knows all!

This promise should fill our hearts with hope, courage, and an unshakable determination to keep pressing on, to keep fighting the good fight of faith. For when we are steadfast, immovable, and abounding in the Lord's work, we can be assured that our efforts will bear eternal fruit that will last!

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

"The LORD is a jealous and avenging God;
the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and
maintains His wrath against his enemies!" Nahum 1:2

"Who can withstand His indignation?
Who can endure His fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before Him." Nahum 1:6

Most unbelievers depend on the foolish notion that God is all mercy and love! They imagine that He will allow their iniquities to pass unpunished. They simply do not believe that He will ever execute the judgment which He Himself has threatened on impenitent transgressors. In their pride, they mock and defy all of the threats and warnings that the holy and just God has made in His Word.

"In his pride the wicked does not seek Him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
He says to himself, 'Nothing will shake me;
I will always be happy and never have trouble.'
His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats;
trouble and evil are under his tongue!" Psalm 10

In fact, it is the hope of God's mercy, which encourages men to go on in their sins. For if once they believed that they shall soon become monuments of God's righteous indignation—they would consider their ways, and labor by all possible means to avert God's righteous wrath.

Many other unbelievers console themselves with the thought that they shall do as well as others when in Hell. But if they could for one moment descend to Hell, and see the agonies, and hear the cries, of a damned soul—it would be little consolation to think that they shall do as well as others.

"The proud may not stand in Your presence,
for You hate all who do evil!" Psalm 5:5

Truly, "it will be a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!"
God is indeed "a consuming fire!" Hebrews 12:29, Hebrews 10:31

The wrath of an offended God must be endured to all eternity!

"Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for He will freely pardon!" Isaiah 55:7

(J. C. Philpot, "Life Given for a Prey" 1841) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

"Are you seeking great things for yourself?
Don't do it!" Jeremiah 45:5

As we are led aside by the powerful workings of our corrupt nature, we are often seeking great things for ourselves.

Riches,
worldly comforts,
respectability,
to be honored, admired, and esteemed by men
—are the objects most passionately sought after by the world. And so far as the children of God are under the influence of a worldly principle, do they secretly desire similar things.

Nor does this ambition depend upon station in life. All are more or less deeply infected with it, until delivered by the grace of God. The poorest man has a secret desire in his soul after "great things," and a secret plotting in his mind how he may obtain them.

But the Lord is determined that His people shall not have great things.
He has purposed to pour contempt upon all the pride of man. He therefore . . .
nips all their hopes in the bud,
crushes their flattering prospects, and
makes them for the most part—poor, needy, and despised in this world.

Whatever schemes or projects the Lord's people may devise that they may prosper in the world, God rarely allows their plans to thrive. He knows well to what consequences it would lead—that this ivy creeping round the stem would, as it were, suffocate and strangle the tree.

The more that worldly goods increase . . .
the more the heart is fixed upon them,
the more the affections are set upon idols,
the more the heart is drawn away from the Lord.

He will not allow His people to have their portion here below. He has in store for them a better city, that is a heavenly one—and therefore will He not allow them to seek great things in this poor perishing world.

A child of God may be secretly aiming at great things, such as respectability, bettering his condition in life, rising step by step in the scale of society. But the Lord will usually . . .
disappoint these plans,
defeat these projects,
wither these gourds,
and blight these prospects.

God may reduce him to poverty, as He did Job.
God may smite him with sickness, as He did Lazarus and Hezekiah.
God may take away his wife and children, as in the case of Ezekiel and Jacob.
Or God may bring trouble and distress into his mind, by shooting an unerring arrow of conviction into the conscience.

God has a certain purpose to effect by bringing this trouble, and that is to pull him down from "seeking great things for himself." For what is the secret root of this ambition? Is it not the pride of the heart? When the Lord, then, would lay this ambition low, He makes a blow at the root. He strips away imagined hopes, and breaks down rotten props. The great things sought for previously, and perhaps obtained, then fall to pieces.

"Are you seeking great things for yourself?
Don't do it!" Jeremiah 45:5

(Anonymous) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

Psalm 115:3, "Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases!"

Psalm 135:5-6, "I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The LORD does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths!"

Isaiah 46:10, "My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please."

Ephesians 1:11, "In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will!"

Scripture clearly teaches that the Almighty Creator maintains sovereign, absolute, uncompromising control over every aspect of His vast universe.

Not a single molecule or particle in all of existence operates outside of God's sovereign dominion.

The same divine hand that sets the stars in their courses, also directs the smallest details of our individual lives.

Whether triumph or tragedy; whether success or suffering—nothing occurs without first passing through the filter of God's all-wise and sovereign will, and His eternal plan.

The notions of chance or luck or accident—are merely heathen philosophies.

Every event, every circumstance, and every outcome is meticulously orchestrated by the sovereign Lord who reigns supremely over all.

As Christians, we should find unwavering confidence, comfort and security in the truth that the same God who governs His universe, also intimately directs and wisely orders every detail of our lives.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

Knowledge is vain and fruitless, which is not reduced to practice.

~ ~ ~ ~

Out of Christ, God is a consuming fire.
In Christ, God is a reconciled Father.

~ ~ ~ ~

Our temptations, if not yielded to, are not sins; they are afflictions only.

~ ~ ~ ~

Sin is the sickness, disease and torment of the soul!
Christ came to take away sin, and so to heal the soul.

~ ~ ~ ~

A man may go idle to Hell; but he who will go to Heaven must be diligent.

~ ~ ~ ~

It is the duty of Christians to desire, and aim at and press towards perfection in grace and holiness.

~ ~ ~ ~

Pride is a subtle sin—it creeps into our pious duties before we are aware!

~ ~ ~ ~

If God does not give His people what they ask for, it is because He knows they do not need it, and that it is not for their good.

~ ~ ~ ~

Even the richest of men are indebted to the mercy of God for their daily bread.

~ ~ ~ ~

We cannot alter the disposals of Providence, therefore we must humbly submit and resign ourselves to them.

~ ~ ~ ~

No guilt is so great, but there is a remedy in Christ's blood which atones for it.
No corruption is so strong, but there is a remedy in His grace which can subdue it.

~ ~ ~ ~

Those who are passing with Christ over the ocean of this world, must expect storms.

~ ~ ~ ~

The great intention of the blessed Jesus in the redemption He wrought, is to separate our hearts from sin.

~ ~ ~ ~

In the gospel there is a salve for every sore, and a remedy for every malady.
There is no spiritual disease, but there is power in Christ for the cure of it!

Pithy gems from John Flavel

The soul is of more value than ten thousand worlds!

~ ~ ~ ~

Whatever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it. So that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts, is to set our hearts inordinately upon them!

~ ~ ~ ~

Brethren, it is easier to declaim against a thousand sins of others, than to mortify one sin in ourselves!

~ ~ ~ ~

Those who know God, will be humble.
Those who know themselves, cannot be proud.

~ ~ ~ ~

Affliction is a bitter pill, which, being wrapped up in patience and quiet submission, may be easily swallowed. But discontent chews the pill, and so embitters the soul.

~ ~ ~ ~

When God gives you comforts, it is your great evil not to observe His hand in them.

~ ~ ~ ~

Jesus Christ is in every way sufficient to the vast desires of the soul!

~ ~ ~ ~

The Christian shall gain that which he cannot lose, by parting with that which he cannot keep.

~ ~ ~ ~

Jesus is the fountain, ocean, and center of all delights and joys!

~ ~ ~ ~

Out of Christ's condemnation, flows our justification.
Out of His agony, comes our victory.
Out of His pain, comes our ease.
Out of His stripes, comes our healing.
Out of His gall and vinegar, comes our honey.
Out of His curse, comes our blessing.
Out of His crown of thorns, comes our crown of glory.
Out of His death, comes our life.
O what a melting consideration is this!

~ ~ ~ ~

Christ is not sweet, until sin is made bitter to us!

~ ~ ~ ~

If God should damn you to all eternity, your eternal sufferings could not satisfy for the evil that is in one vain thought! O the depth of the evil of sin!