Grace Gems for DECEMBER 2024

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"For who makes you different from anyone else?
What do you have that you did not receive?" 1 Corinthians 4:7

Christian! The only thing that makes you differ from the most debauched being that pollutes the earth, or from the vilest fiend that gnaws his chains in Hell, is the free grace of God!

"By the grace of God, I am what I am." 1 Corinthians 15:10

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Isaiah 53:2-3,
"He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him.
There was nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces—He was despised and we esteemed Him not."

It is astonishing that with such plain prophecies concerning the Messiah, the Jews should have made such a fatal mistake in reference to Him. They looked for a temporal conqueror who would come in splendor, notwithstanding that this and many other Scriptures speak of His coming in humiliation in express terms. Every unprejudiced person might have seen from this passage, that the Messiah when He came, was not to be surrounded with pomp—but would come as "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief," and be "despised and rejected by men."

Though this truth was written as with a sunbeam, and the Jewish people were acquainted with their own Scriptures—yet when the Messiah came unto them, they did not received Him. Though favored with the clearest prophecies concerning Him, they rejected His claims and cried, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"

This teaches us that the plainest instruction, however earnestly and forcibly delivered—cannot be rightly understood by the unregenerate mind. The carnal mind cannot discern spiritual things—its eye is darkened, and its ear is heavy. The inspired Word itself, cannot put a spiritual truth so clearly that lost men will understand it—unless their eyes are opened by the Holy Spirit. Vain is the best light to blind men.

How ardently we should adore the Holy Spirit, that He stoops to our spiritual blindness—and is pleased to remove the scales, and pour light into our souls. Whatever we have rightly discerned, has been revealed to us by His teaching, for apart from His illumination, we would have been as obstinately unbelieving as the Jews who crucified their King.

"For the carnal mind is enmity against God;
for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can it be.
So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:7-8

"No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him" John 6:44

"No one can come to Me, unless the Father has enabled him" John 6:65

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If we look at the comparisons which are made use of by the Holy Spirit to set Christ forth, we behold something more of His loveliness.

He is compared to a MOTHER, and is said to have more than a mother's tenderness, kindness and care.
His concern for His people is constant,
He never loses sight of them for a moment,
and He pledges His Word that He will never forget them!

He is the CITY OF REFUGE, with . . .
the broad and clear road,
the gates wide open, and
the hearty welcome awaiting every sinner who approaches to escape the threatened vengeance!

He is the STRONGHOLD, which emboldens, supplies and secures all the prisoners of hope.

He is the ROCK, which shades, shelters and refreshes the weary traveler.

He is the DAY-STAR, which betokens brighter scenes, and guides the vessel of mercy across the boisterous deep, to the haven of perfect redemption and safety.

He is the SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, whose rising . . .
cheers the benighted pilgrim,
makes glad the weary citizen of Heaven, and
produces moral beauty and fruitfulness in our world.

He is the APPLE TREE among the trees of the forest . . .
whose blossoms are beautiful,
whose shade is refreshing, and
whose fruit is sweet to the taste.

He is the BREAD OF LIFE, which came down from Heaven . . .
satisfying the hungry,
strengthening the weak,
and giving life unto the world.

He is the BRAZEN SERPENT, which heals easily, instantly and perfectly—all who look to Him by faith.

He is the WATER OF SALVATION, which . . .
cleanses the filthy,
refreshes the weary, and
makes glad the city of God.

He is the only WAY, which leads from sin, condemnation and wrath—to life, holiness, and heaven!

He is the HEAD, which thinks, plans and contrives for the welfare of the whole of His mystical body.

He is the DOOR, which admits to . . .
the pastures of Divine truth,
the privileges of His Church below,
and His Father's glorious presence!

He is the FOUNDATION on which all must build for eternity, and which alone is able to support our hopes and sustain our souls, amidst the wreck of matter and the crash of worlds!

He is the CORNERSTONE, which unites, beautifies and strengthens the whole building of divine mercy.

He is the TEMPLE, where God . . .
meets with us,
accepts us, and
imparts His blessing to us.

He is the ALTAR, which sanctifies both the gift and the giver.

He is the VINE, which communicates life, nourishment and fruitfulness to all its branches.

He is the ROSE OF SHARON and the LILY OF THE VALLEY—fragrant, lovely, attractive, perfuming and unequaled in beauty and grace!

He is the FORERUNNER, who is gone before His flock . . .
removing the obstacles,
marking out the road, and
ready to receive them as they finish their course.

He is the FRIEND . . .
who loves at all times,
whose mind never changes,
whose love never cools, and
who never neglects a friend in distress.

He is the greatest, best and most glorious GIFT of GOD—including, securing, and conferring every good thing upon those who sincerely receive Him.

He is the KINSMAN . . .
who redeems the forfeited inheritance,
who ransoms all His poor relatives from slavery,
and whose name is held in renown.

He is the LAMB OF GOD, who took up, expiated and forever put away—the sins of all who trust in Him.

He is the MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, who . . .
brings good news from God,
carries all our requests to God, and
ever stands as a Mediator between us and God.

He is the PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, or the priceless pearl, which . . .
all who sincerely seek, find;
all who find, may claim;
and all who possess, are enriched forever!

He is the PHYSICIAN, who . . .
heals all spiritual disorders,
restores every patient to perfect health,
and bestows medicine and care freely.

He is the RANSOM, which . . .
procured our release,
ensures our liberty, and
preserves us from going down into the pit!

He is the RIGHTEOUSNESS, which . . .
justifies us from all charges,
entitles us to eternal life, and
enables us to lift up our heads with boldness in God's presence.

He is the TRUTH, which . . .
enlightens the mind,
purifies the heart, and
regulates the life.

He is the FIRE, which . . .
purges our dross,
brightens our graces, and
cleanses our consciences from works which deserve death.

He is the SHEPHERD, who . . .
knows every sheep,
watches over the whole flock, and
never loses a lamb, by disease, accident or beast of prey.

He is the CAPTAIN OF SALVATION, who . . .
collects His soldiers,
disciplines His troops, and
leads them forth to certain victory over sin, the world and the devil.

He is the LADDER, by which we . . .
rise from this earth,
lose sight of carnal things, and
ascend to the presence of God!

He is the SURETY . . .
who engaged for us in the everlasting covenant,
who is held responsible for our salvation,
who has pledged to set us before His father's throne forever.

He is the WALL OF FIRE, which surrounds, enlightens and infallibly protects—all His redeemed people!

He is the chief among ten thousand, and the ALTOGETHER LOVELY ONE!

Precious Lord Jesus, allow me . . .
to know You more fully,
to trust You more heartily,
to serve You more diligently,
to enjoy You more frequently,
to imitate You more closely,
to exalt You more highly, and
to show forth Your salvation from day to day!

Your love, is my Heaven,
Your presence, is my delight, and
Your service, is the joy of my heart!

Let me daily . . .
walk with You,
work for You,
and bring glory to You!

Oh, send Your Spirit to my poor heart . . .
to exalt You,
to honor You,
to endear You to my soul!

Use me to bring . . .
lost sinners to Your cross,
believers to Your throne of grace,
backsliders to the path of obedience.

Be my . . .
strength in life,
solace in death, and
eternal portion beyond the grave!

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The Scripture is God's love-letter to men.

Here the lamb may wade, and here the elephant may swim.

The blessed Scriptures are of infinite worth and value!
Here you may find . . .
a remedy for every disease,
a balm for every wound,
a plaster for every sore,
milk for babes,
meat for strong men,
comfort for the afflicted,
support for the tempted,
solace for the distressed,
ease for the wearied,
a staff to support the feeble,
a sword to defend the weak.

The holy Scriptures are . . .
the map of God's mercy—and man's misery,
the touchstone of truth,
the shop of remedies against all maladies,
the hammer of vices,
the treasury of virtues,
the exposer of all sensual and worldly vanities,
the balance of equity,
the most perfect rule of all justice and morality.

Ah friends, no book befits your hands like the Bible!

The Bible is the best preacher.
This book, this preacher will preach to you . . .
in your shops,
in your chambers,
in your prayer-closets,
yes, in your own bosoms!
This book will preach to you both at home and abroad.
It will preach to you in all companies.
It will preach to you in all conditions.

By this book you must live.
By this book you must die.
By this book you shall be judged in the great day!
By this book you shall be saved—or by this book you shall be damned!

Oh, therefore . . .
love this book above all other books,
prize this book above all other books,
read this book before all other books,
study this book more than all other books!
For he who reads much, and understands nothing—is like him who hunts much, and catches nothing!

Speaking of the blessed man, David says, "His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night!" Psalm 1:2

"How I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long!" Psalm 119:97

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Without the illuminating power of the Spirit, we cannot rightly understand God's Word. We are as . . .
ships without wind,
branches without sap,
and coals without fire.

We are spiritually blind until the Spirit takes the scales from our eyes.
We are spiritually deaf until He unstops our ears.
We are spiritually dead until He gives us life.

The Spirit of God first imparts light to the soul, by which we see . . .
ourselves,
our sin,
our Savior,
and His method of salvation.

The Holy Spirit reveals to us our need of Christ, and leads us to Him—opening our blind eyes to see the beauty of the Savior.

The Spirit does not merely give us light—but opens our hearts to receive it, enabling us to comprehend and embrace divine truth.

The Word of God is the chisel, but the Spirit is the sculptor who shapes the soul into Christ's image.

The Spirit does not reveal new truths, but He illuminates our minds to understand the truths already written.

The Spirit's enlightenment turns mere head knowledge into heart knowledge, kindling a fire of devotion to God.

The Holy Spirit is the one who makes us see our sin as exceedingly sinful, and Jesus as altogether lovely.

It is the Spirit of God who . . .
convinces us of our spiritual ignorance,
leads us into all truth,
and then lights up that truth with heavenly radiance.

The Holy Spirit is the great revealer of Christ to the soul, making Him known, loved, and adored—where He was once despised.

In the hands of the Spirit, the Word of God is not a dead letter—but a living, life-changing force.

The Spirit's light makes the Word personal, shining upon the page until it speaks directly to our hearts.

The Spirit illuminates not only our minds—but also our paths, guiding us into all righteousness and truth.

The enlightening work of the Spirit enables us to see the folly of sin, and the loveliness of Christ!

The Holy Spirit makes the difference between mere head-knowledge of the Bible—and a deep, living experience of its power.

By the Spirit's illumination, we do not merely know about God—we come to know Him in intimate fellowship and love.

The Spirit does not add to the Word, but illumines it—so that the truth becomes radiant and irresistible.

When the Spirit unveils Christ as . . .
our wisdom,
our righteousness,
our sanctification,
and our redemption,
every truth becomes centered in Him.

The Spirit alone can take the things of Christ and make them clear to the soul—turning head-knowledge into spiritual understanding.

Just as light dispels darkness, the Spirit chases away ignorance and error, filling the soul with truth and joy.

The Spirit's illumination makes us taste the sweetness of Christ, and feel the weight of eternal realities!

By the Spirit's light, we see . . .
the glory of the cross,
the beauty of holiness,
and the hope of Heaven,
as never before!

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Ezekiel 36:25-27,
"I will sprinkle clean water on you and you will be clean;
I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;
I will remove from you your heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh.
I will put My Spirit in you and cause you to follow My decrees, and be careful to keep My laws."

Jesus loves His people with everlasting love, and has inscribed their names upon His heart.

He has received them as the jewels of His crown, and the signet ring upon His right hand.

He delights over them, as a bridegroom over His spouse.

He knew that a hellish master had usurped dominion over them. He encountered this diabolical foe, and rescued them from his cruel grasp. So they became His by conquest.

He found them wretched, and pitiful, and poor, and blind, and naked—and He wrought out a glorious robe of righteousness to adorn them for His celestial palace.

He knew that their sins were both abominable and innumerable. So He laid down His life and shed His sin-atoning blood to satisfy each demand of divine justice.

He found their hearts estranged from Him, and their affections given to the worthless baubles of this fleeting world. He sent His Holy Spirit . . .
to win their love,
to create new hearts within them,
to lead them to choose Him as their everlasting all.
Thus they became His by voluntary surrender.

"I have loved you, My people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself. I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more!" Jeremiah 31:3, 33-34

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Deuteronomy 32:39,
"See now that I Myself am He!
There is no god besides Me.
I put to death and I bring to life,
I have wounded and I will heal,
and no one can deliver out of my hand!"

God's mode of dealing is often wrapped in mystery.

We fail to understand why one is elevated to the highest rank—while others seem to waste their days in poverty and obscurity.

But no doubts should arise. It should be firmly fixed in our persuasions, that in all these matters, God's hand prevails.

"The Lord brings death and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and raises up.
The Lord sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and he exalts." 1 Samuel 2:6-7

In the same way, afflictions, sorrows and trials are all appointed by the same unerring wisdom!

God's hand holds a cup which is mixed in accordance with His sovereign and righteous will.
According to His good pleasure, He causes all men to drink from it.

But what will be the portion of the wicked?

"It is God alone who judges. For the Lord holds a cup in His hand; it is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours the wine out in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs!" Psalm 75:7-8

Let the unsaved tremble! They are forewarned that they must drink God's cup to the dregs—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish forever!

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"He told them plainly: Lazarus is dead!" John 11:14

There lay Lazarus in the grave, dead! His restoration to life was utterly hopeless upon any ordinary principles. Certainly Lazarus could not raise himself. His affectionate sisters could not, with all their weeping, give him life. Nor could the disciples call back the departed spirit, and reanimate the decaying corpse. It was a hopeless case, for who could revive a dead man who had lain in the grave so long that he had begun to reek!

Dead Lazarus is a picture of every unconverted sinner in the world. He is dead in trespasses and sins. He is not a little sick or somewhat wounded, or in a fainting fit—but spiritual death reigns over him. The lost sinner can never give spiritual life to himself. The thing is inconceivable!

There are people who imagine that the natural will of man sometimes inclines towards good; but, alas, this flattering supposition is far from the fact. Until we see dead men raising themselves, we do not expect to meet with dead sinners who have spontaneously and without divine assistance, made themselves spiritually alive.

Neither can relatives or friends regenerate the soul of the spiritually dead.
Nor can the most earnest ministers bestow the New Birth.

Death is a terrible picture of every person's natural state before God, and it is by no means an exaggerated one. The whole world is but a valley of dry bones, according to Ezekiel's vision—and if ever the dry bones are to live, it will not be through an energy innate within themselves, nor through a power resident in the most zealous of men, nor through any might which even a prophet could exert, apart from God.

Education cannot develop spiritual life out of death.

Persuasion cannot quicken one who is dead in transgressions and sins.

Reasoning cannot infuse spiritual life into a dead soul.

Jesus must come to the tomb of Lazarus, and His voice must cry, "Lazarus, come forth!"—or else the corpse shall remain inanimate, and only increase in putrefaction.

All that can be done by mortal man may be done—but nothing will be effected, unless Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life, shall speak the quickening word. In His omnipotent voice lies the power—and only there.

Now, let this be taken as a plain statement of our belief as to the Lord's work in salvation, and taken without any mitigation or dilution. We believe that in every case, salvation is altogether of the Lord alone. Regeneration is a supernatural work. Man must be born again from above. Any power short of that from God, will be ineffectual. The new creation is as much and as entirely the work of God as the old creation. God's divine arm must be revealed, or the case is past hope!

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins!" Ephesians 2:1

"Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved!" Ephesians 2:4-5

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Romans 8:28, "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!"

John Owen:
"In every trial and tribulation, let us find comfort in the knowledge that God, in His infinite wisdom, orchestrates all for the good of His chosen people. God's hand is behind every event, crafting our lives for His glory."

Thomas Watson:
"The providence of God is a tapestry of grace, where every thread, even the darkest, contributes to the glorious picture of our salvation. His providence is a rich treasure; He knows how to turn our trials into triumphs, our sorrows into songs."

Richard Sibbes:
"The heart that loves God finds peace in knowing that even the most confusing paths are ordered by Him for our benefit."

Jonathan Edwards:
"To love God is to rest in His sovereign will, trusting that even the most perplexing circumstances are shaped for our ultimate good. In every situation, whether in joy or sorrow, we are called to trust that God is orchestrating the events of our lives for His glory."

Richard Baxter:
"Though the winds may howl and the storms rage, we are assured that God's hand is upon us, guiding every event to our benefit and His glory."

Matthew Henry:
"God's providence is a divine compass, guiding our lives through every storm, always pointing us toward our true good and His eternal glory."

"In the tapestry of life, every thread of sorrow is skillfully woven by God, contributing to the beauty of our salvation."

John Bunyan:
"God's providence is like a skilled artisan who, though unseen, is weaving our lives into a masterpiece, with every thread serving His holy purpose!"

William Perkins:
"All that befalls us, whether sweet or bitter, is ordained by God, who works all things in concert for the good of those who are called according to His purpose."

Samuel Rutherford:
"Trust in the Lord, for He has a wise design in every affliction, transforming our pain into a pathway of grace. Trust the divine Designer; He weaves even our pain into His purpose."

John Flavel:
"We may often walk through the valley of shadows, but remember, dear believer, that God is sovereignly guiding our steps toward a glorious end! We may rest assured that even the harshest providences are part of God's plan, working towards a good that we may not yet see."

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1 John 3:1, "How great is the love which the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

The love of Christ is best seen in His immeasurable sufferings for rebellious sinners.

The inexpressible wrath of God fell upon His son Jesus, as a tremendous thunder-bolt! The extremity of the punishment and Jesus' anguish, dissolved the bond between His innocent soul and body. He was brought into the blackest regions of death and darkness—and His love for us brought Him there—that we, His chosen people, could enter eternal bliss!

His love and His sufferings were beyond all parallel. From His most intense sufferings, we may somewhat estimate the depth of His most intense love for us.

O my soul, picture your Savior weeping in the garden, and agonizing and bleeding on the cross—and then weep tears of gratitude and joy! On that cross, what inestimable love for us was displayed! His every thorn was a pencil, and His every groan was a trumpet—to publish abroad His love for us, His dearly-loved children!

"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

"Could we with ink the ocean fill,
Was the whole earth of parchment made,
Was every single stick a quill,
Was every man a scribe by trade.

"To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry!
Nor would the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky!"

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

Nothing is so calming and comforting to the Christian pilgrim, as the assurance of Divine Guidance in every, even the most minute circumstances which befall him.

Without this perception of his heavenly Father's care, a thousand intricacies must beset his path. He must be staggered at almost every step. But when he beholds, by faith, the unerring hand of infinite wisdom, wielding the stupendous machine of human events, causing everything to promote the spiritual good of His people—then he quiets himself as a little child, and can say with cheerful resignation, "Father, not my will, but Yours be done!"

In such a world of change and trial, how inestimable is a calm reliance on the wisdom, power, and love of God. It fully compensates for the lack of temporal ease and wealth. If, without our heavenly Father, not even a sparrow can fall to the ground; if the very hairs of our head are all numbered—how composed should we be.

The reins of universal nature are in the hands of Infinite Love! This vast complex machine is guided by Infinite Wisdom and Power! The Almighty Ruler of the sky cannot be taken by surprise. Nothing unforeseen can happen to cross His purposes or thwart His designs. All worlds are open to His view.

If this Great and Glorious Being is our Father and our Friend—then our privilege is to rejoice at all times, and in everything to give thanks. How consoling and encouraging is the assurance that the blessed Redeemer of my soul, is the Great Sovereign of the Universe! Without His permission, nothing can happen in the vast dominion over which He sways His scepter! To His will every creature must bow—either in willing obedience, or in just and endless punishment!

"Lord, be pleased to impart unto me, your unworthy servant, this spirit of confidence in You. May I see Your hand in all the events of life—ordering the the minor, as well as in the greater movements of Your Providence. This watching and waiting for the manifestations of Your guardian care—will fill me with thankfulness for all my mercies, and make me patient under all my trials."

"My times are in Your hands!" Psalm 31:15

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Matthew 11:25-26, "At that time Jesus said: I praise You Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes Father, for this was Your good pleasure!"

We here observe the sovereignty of God in saving sinners. "You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children."

The meaning is clear. There are some from whom salvation is hidden. There are others to whom salvation is revealed. The truth here is deep and mysterious. "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!" Romans 11:33

We can merely acknowledge that the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, supply the only explanation which can be given: "Yes Father, for this was Your good pleasure!"

Let us however, never forget that God's sovereignty does not destroy man's responsibility. That same God who does all things according to the counsel of His own will—always addresses us as accountable creatures, as beings whose blood will be on our own heads if we are lost.

"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy!" Romans 9:15-16

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"There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow." Ecclesiastes 1:11

"For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten." Ecclesiastes 2:16

November 26th, 1847.
Dear Friend,
We shall both very soon, I anticipate, be called away from seeing all things through a glass darkly—to meeting God face to face, and shall have to answer to Him for the deeds done in the body.

We would certainly exhibit the most inordinate vanity, if we thought that the great mass of our fellow-men would be losers by our being swept off the great chess-board of this world.

This board, indeed, is always so crowded that, with the exception of our attached relations and a few friends, the greater number of our neighbors will be glad to know that our being cleared away has left more elbow-room for them. Think how soon the world gets over the death of an eminent minister, and let us be content that the place that knew us once, shall know us no more.

"Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die! The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here!" Psalm 103:15-16

"The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. So teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:10, 12

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Psalm 1:2, "His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night."

You are retired for your private devotions; you have opened the Word of God, and you begin to read.

Now, do not be satisfied with merely reading through a chapter. Some people thoughtlessly read through two or three chapters every day—stupid people for doing such a thing!

It is always better to read a little and digest it, than it is to read much and then think you have done a good thing by merely reading the letter of the Word. Merely to read words is nothing—the letter kills!

You might as well read the alphabet backwards and forwards, as read a chapter of Scripture—unless you meditate upon it, and seek to comprehend its meaning.

The concern of the believer with his Bible open is to pray, "Lord, show me the experiential meaning of Your Word, while it lies open before me. Apply Your Word with power to my soul—threatening or promise, doctrine or precept, whatever it may be. Lead me into the soul and marrow of Your Word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your Word!"

In your private devotions, strive after vital godliness, genuine soul-work, and the life-giving operation of the Spirit of God in your hearts.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it." Joshua 1:8

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Mark 8:36, "What will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"

When the Savior was on earth, He always taught upon vital matters. He never dealt with minutiae, but only with crucial facts. He had no time for trifles, but with essential truths. He never spoke of opinions or speculations, but of momentous verities.

Yet how many preachers week after week, discourse about trivialities of no importance! I have sometimes, when hearing sermons, wished that the preacher would come to the point, and would deal with serious matters that really concerned our soul's welfare.

What concern have dying men, with the thousand trivial opinions which are flitting around us? We have Heaven or Hell before us, and death within a stone's throw! For God's sake do not trifle with us, but tell us the truth at once!

"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word! Be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:1-2

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil." 2 Corinthians 5:10

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:46

"We preach to people who must live forever . . .
   in Heaven, or Hell;
   with God, or devils;
   in an eternity of joy, or of torment!" Thomas Doolittle

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"They do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds!
Their sins engulf them—they are always before Me." Hosea 7:2

Sin is . . .
not an accident,
nor a carelessness,
nor a misfortune,
nor a disease,
nor a weakness.
It may be all these, perhaps; but it is something beyond all these—something of a more fatal and terrible character.

Sin is a crime against our Almighty Maker, Sustainer and Judge!

Man's tendency is either to deny, or to extenuate his sin. He either pleads "not guilty"—or he smoothes over his evils, giving them flattering names.

Or if he does not succeed in these, he casts the blame off of himself. He shifts the responsibility . . .
to his nature,
to his circumstances,
to his lack of education,
even to God Himself!

But human sin is not thus to be diluted, or transformed into a shadow. It is infinitely real, true, deep and terrible in the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Let us never trifle with sin, either in the intellect or the imagination. Let us learn sin's true nature, from the terribleness of the wrath and condemnation threatened by God against every sin, great or small.

God remembers our sins!
His memory never fails in anything.
Nothing escapes it, great or small.
Time does not efface it.
Ages blot out nothing.
To Him, the past is as clear and full as the present.
Other events do not expunge it.
Our own forgetfulness will not cancel it.

Though man should forget, God remembers! He will and must, call up our sins at last. Men may try to forget it; to drown all thought of it; to efface all traces of it—but God will bring it to remembrance.

God remembers our sins! Nothing can make Him forget. He has an iron memory!

God remembers . . .
the person;
the time;
the circumstances;
the thing itself;
public or secret.

"God does not remember our sins!" is the world's great motto!

"They do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds!
Their sins engulf them—they are always before Me." Hosea 7:2

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We have seen what man was as God made him—a lovely and happy creature.

Let us view him now as he has unmade himself—we shall see him a sinful and a miserable creature. This is the sad state we are brought into by the fall. Man's nature is now wholly corrupted. There is a sad alteration—an astonishing overturning in the nature of man. Where, at first, there was nothing evil—now there is nothing good.

"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Genesis 6:5

All our wicked practices are here traced to the fountain and spring-head—a corrupt heart was the source of all!

The soul, which was made upright in all its faculties—is now wholly disordered.

The heart, which originally was made according to God's own heart—is now the reverse of it . . .
a forge of evil imaginations,
a sink of inordinate affections,
and a storehouse of all impiety! Mark 7:21, 22

Behold the heart of the natural man, as it is opened in our text:

The will and affections are defiled.

The imagination of the thoughts of the heart—that is, whatever the heart frames within itself by thinking, such as judgment, choice, purposes, devices, desires, every inward motion—is evil. Yes, and every imagination—every frame of his thoughts, is evil continually.

But is there not, at least, a mixture of good in them? No, they are only evil. Whatever changes may be found in them, are only from evil to evil; for the imagination of the heart, or frame of thoughts in natural men, is evil continually. Not one holy thought can ever be produced by an unholy heart.

O, what a vile heart is this!

O, what a corrupt nature is this!

What can that heart be, whereof every imagination, every set of thoughts—is only evil, and that continually!

Surely that corruption is ingrained in our hearts, interwoven with our very natures, has sunk deep into our souls—and will never be cured but by a miracle of grace. Now such is man's heart, such is his nature—until regenerating grace changes it!

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;
I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes
and carefully observe My ordinances!" Ezekiel 36:26-27

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Matthew 19:23, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven!"

"The cares of the world,
and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the desires for other things,
enter in and choke the Word, and it proves unfruitful." Mark 4:19

Worldly prosperity has ever been an unfavorable soil for the growth of piety.
Prosperity tends to . . .
blind the mind to spiritual and eternal things,
dry up the spirit of prayer,
foster pride and ambition,
furnish the appropriate food to covetousness,
and lead to a sinful conformity to the spirit, maxims, and fashions of the world!
In general, God in mercy refuses to give worldly prosperity to His children.
He has chosen the poor of this world, to be rich in faith.
That is, He has commonly chosen poverty as the safest condition for His children!
Archibald Alexander, 1772-1851

"Oftentimes the more full a man is of the world, the further his heart is from God. Pride, idleness, and luxury—are the three daughters which are bred by prosperity. Samson fell asleep in Delilah's lap. Just so, millions have slept their way to Hell in the lap of prosperity. The world's golden apple, bewitches."
Thomas Watson, 1620-1686

How few are those who can carry a full cup without spilling; who can rightly use great wealth and estates; who can bear . . .
popularity without pride,
and riches without covetousness,
and ease without luxury!
Robert Leighton, 1611-1684

High places are dizzy places, and many have fallen to their eternal ruin, through climbing aloft. I dread prosperity, more than adversity.
Charles Spurgeon, 1834-1892

"Earthly riches are the golden snares that Satan uses to catch poor souls."
Thomas Brooks, 1608-1680

"The world is a flattering enemy. Prosperity destroys more than adversity."
William Gurnall, 1617-1679

"To see a man humble under prosperity, is one of the greatest rarities in the world!"
John Flavel, 1630-1691

"Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils." 1 Timothy 6:9-10

"Remember Lot's wife!" Luke 17:32

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The Bible is the richest treasure of the world!

Without it, the palace is a dark blank.
With it, the poor cottage sparkles with celestial light.

It is the transcript of God's heart.

It is a safe guide through life's entangled path.

It is a compass . . .
through shoals and rocks;
amid winds and waves;
to Heaven's eternal rest!

The wise man is ignorant without it.

Its readers become more wise—and more holy.

Other books may puzzle and corrupt.
The Bible is from Heaven, and leads to Heaven.
It enters the heart with purifying grace.

The more you search the Bible—the more your minds will wonder, and your hearts will love.

Read it as literally true. Then no human philosophy will beguile you.

Ponder its characters. You will find on them the intrinsic stamp of truth.

"The Bible is . . .
an armory of heavenly weapons,
a pharmacy of infallible medicines,
a mine of exhaustless wealth,
a guidebook for every road,
a chart for every sea,
a medicine for every malady,
and a balm for every wound!
Rob us of our Bible, and our sky has lost its sun!" (Thomas Guthrie)

"Oh, how I love Your Law! I meditate on it all day long!" Psalm 119:97

"Your Words were found, and I ate them—and Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart!" Jeremiah 15:16

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The effects of the Spirit's work in conversion will always be seen.
Those effects may be weak and feeble at first.
But there where there is true conversion, some fruit will always be seen.

Where no effect can be seen—there you may be sure is no grace.
Where no visible fruit can be found—there you may be sure is no true conversion.

Does anyone ask me what we may expect to see in a true conversion?
I reply: There will always be something seen in a converted man's . . .
character,
and feelings,
and conduct,
and opinions,
and daily life.

You will not see perfection in him—but you will see in him something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people. You will see him . . .
hating sin,
loving Christ,
following after holiness,
taking pleasure in his Bible,
persevering in prayer.

You will see him . . .
penitent,
humble,
believing,
temperate,
charitable,
truthful,
good-tempered,
patient,
upright,
honorable,
kind.

These, at any rate, will be his aims—these are the things which he will follow after, however short he may come of perfection. In some converted people you will see these things more distinctly, in others less. This only I say, wherever there is conversion, something of this kind will be seen. True conversion is a thing that can always be seen.

Never, never, will I allow that the blessed Spirit can be in a man's heart—when no fruit of the Spirit can be seen in his life! A conversion which allows a man to live in sin, to lie, and drink, and swear—is not the conversion of the Bible. It is a counterfeit conversion, which can only please the devil, and will lead the man who is satisfied with it—not to Heaven, but to Hell!

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"You were sanctified; you were justified." 1 Corinthians 6:11

Justification and sanctification are not the same.

Justification is without us;
sanctification is within us.

The one is by righteousness imputed;
the other is by righteousness imparted.

Justification is once and for all;
sanctification is gradual.

One person is sanctified more than another;
but one cannot be more justified than another.

One has more grace than another;
but he is not more justified than another.

The matter of our justification is perfect; namely, Christ's righteousness.
But our sanctification is imperfect, there are the spots of God's children. Our graces are mixed with sin, our duties are defiled.

Thus justification and sanctification are not the same.

Yet for all that, they are never separated!

God never pardons and justifies a sinner—but He also sanctifies him.

"This is He who came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ." 1 John 5:6. Christ comes to the soul by blood, which denotes remission of sin; and by water, which denotes sanctification.

Let no man say he is pardoned, who is not made holy! This I urge against those who talk of their sin being forgiven, and having a part in Christ—and yet remain unconverted, and live in the grossest sins!

Where God pardons, He purifies.

Whoever God forgives, He transforms.

Let no man say his sins are forgiven, who does not find an inherent work of holiness in his heart. "I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances." Ezekiel 36:27

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"How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and only a few find it!" Matthew 7:14

In some sense the path to Heaven is very safe, but in other respects there is no road so dangerous! It is beset with difficulties. One wrong step, and down we go! And how easy it is to take that treacherous step, if grace is absent!

What a slippery path is that which some of us have to tread! How many times have we to exclaim with the Psalmist, "But as for me, my feet were slipping, and I was almost gone!"

If we were strong sure-footed mountaineers, this would not matter so much, but in ourselves how weak we are!

Even in the best roads, we soon falter.

A straw may trip us up, and a pebble can wound us.

We are mere infants, tremblingly taking our first steps in the walk of faith.
Our heavenly Father holds us by the arms, or we would soon tumble down!

Oh, if we are kept from falling—how must we thank the patience, power and wisdom of God, who watches over us moment by moment! Think . . .
how prone we are to sin,
how apt we are to choose dangerous paths,
how strong is our tendency to cast ourselves down!
These reflections will make us sing more sweetly than we have ever done, "Glory to Him, who is able to keep us from falling, and to present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy!" Jude 24

We have many foes who try to push us down and destroy us!

The road is rough, and we are weak.

But in addition to this, enemies lurk in ambush, who rush out when we least expect them—and labor to trip us up, or hurl us down the nearest deadly precipice!

Only an Almighty arm can preserve us from these unseen foes, who are seeking to destroy us at every step! Such an arm is engaged for our defense. He is faithful who has promised, and He is able to keep us from falling—so that with a deep sense of our utter weakness, we may cherish a firm belief in our perfect safety.

"I give them eternal life and they will never perish, ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!" John 10:28

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Our life in this world is made up . . .
of troubles and trials,
of calamities and miseries,
of crosses and losses,
of reproaches and disgraces.

Death frees the Christian from all these things.
It wipes away all tears from his eyes, it turns . . .
his miseries into mercies,
his crosses into crowns, and
his earthly Hell into a glorious Heaven!

When a godly man dies—he shall never more be haunted, tempted and buffeted by Satan!

"Death," says one, "which was before the devil's sergeant to drag us to Hell; has now become the Lord's gentle usher to conduct us to heaven!"

For a saint to die, is for a saint to be eternally happy.
Death is but the entrance into glorious life.
That is not death, but life—which joins the dying man to Christ!

Death will blow the bud of grace into the flower of glory!

Death is not the death of the man—but the death of his sin.
When a believer dies—his sin dies with him.
As death came in by sin—so sin goes out by death.
Death kills sin, which bred it.

The Persians had a certain day in the year wherein they killed all serpents and venomous creatures. Such a day as that, will the day of death be to every believer. All his serpentine and venomous sins will be forever destroyed! Then he shall never again . . .
be proud,
nor passionate,
nor unbelieving,
nor worldly,
nor neglectful of duty,
nor grieve the Holy Spirit,
nor wound his conscience,
nor break peace with God!

When death takes away a godly man, it takes him away from his sins! And as death rids the believer of all his sins—so it will rid him of all his sorrows. Death cures all diseases, the aching head and the unbelieving heart.

Death does for a godly person, that which all ordinances could never do, and which all their duties could never do, and which all their graces could never do. It immediately frees them from . . .
all their sins,
all their sorrows,
all their tears,
all their temptations,
all their oppressions,
all their oppositions,
all their vexations!

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William Gurnall:
"He who was eternally in the bosom of His Father, chose to be born in a foul stable. He who hung the stars in the sky, chose to be nailed and die upon the accursed tree. This is love immeasurable, love incomprehensible!"

Isaac Ambrose:
"Consider Christ's condescension: He who made man, was made man. He who is the eternal Word, was pleased to be an infant who could not speak. Oh, the depth of this mystery!"

John Flavel:
"The Eternal God was pleased to wrap Himself in flesh, in order to come down from the height of His glory, to the depths of our misery. Here is a love that surpasses comprehension. Here is the greatest wonder that heaven and earth have ever seen!"

John Bunyan:
"He came not as a fierce lion to devour, but as a spotless lamb to be sacrificed, that we might be reconciled to God. Marvel at this: the King of glory chose a cradle over a crown, and a cross over a throne."

John Cotton:
"The Son of God left His glorious throne, to become a servant; in order that we who were rebels, might become children of God. The incarnation is the key to all our hope and joy."

William Perkins:
"The Creator, became the creature.
The infinite, was clothed in flesh.
The Son of God, became the Son of Man.
Such is the divine wisdom and love, that it staggers the comprehension of angels and men alike."

Jeremiah Burroughs:
"What greater wonder is there, than that the infinite God should clothe Himself in finite flesh in order to save wretched and rebellious men? This is the bottomless ocean of mercy."

Christopher Love:
"Behold the marvelous mystery! He who was rich, became poor; that we who were poor, might become rich. The Son of God entered the misery of the world—that we might enter the glory of Heaven."

Charles Spurgeon:
"The infinite became an infant.
Incomprehensibility was made man.
Eternal, and yet born of a woman.
Almighty, and yet hanging on a woman's bosom.
Supporting the universe, and yet needing to be carried in a mother's arms.
Oh the wonder of wonders.
Oh the mystery of mercy.
Oh the profoundness of His matchless grace."

"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

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A revived church is the best hope of a lost world.
A revived ministry, the best hope of a dormant church.

Under 'a great show of outward profession', there is a lamentable deficiency of vital godliness in our churches. Much of the prevailing benevolence and activity of the church, are a mere substitute for spiritual religion—rather than the expression of vital godliness.

In our churches, it is easy to perceive . . .
how much more welcome is the 'humorous'—than the serious;
how much more anxious the audience is to be 'entertained'—than to be edified;
how much greater homage is paid to the 'talent' of the preacher—than to his piety!

In fact, our public meetings sometimes assume rather the character of 'religious amusements'—than pious worship!

It ought never to be forgotten that a church meeting, if rightly understood, is a company of people brought together to carry out the design for which the Son of God expired upon the cross! Surely the frame of our minds, and the tone of the sermons, and the spirit and tendency of the whole worship service, ought to be in strict harmony with such a purpose. Yet many of our church meetings have rather lowered, than elevated the tone of our piety—and thus enfeebled our real strength for carrying on this great work.

Eminent piety is essential to eminent usefulness!

It is eminent piety alone which will enable us to take a clear and impressive view of the object to be sought, and supply the energies necessary for obtaining it.

It is eminent piety alone which will purify our motives, and produce that spirit of profound humility, self-denial, dependence and entire consecration—which are necessary to qualify us for the work.

It is eminent piety alone which will keep up the spirit of faith and prayer, to which the divine promises are made. We must become . . .
more devout,
more prayerful,
more holy,
more heavenly,
more spiritual.

" . . . our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:13-14

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Sin brought Christ to the cross.

Sin damns souls.

Sin shuts Heaven.

Sin laid the foundations of Hell.

Sin is the only thing that God abhors!

The above quote by Thomas Brooks was excerpted from Spurgeon's sermon,
"The Monster Dragged to Light!" This is one the most insightful and helpful
Spurgeon sermons that I have ever read. Must reading!

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"The sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more!" Isaiah 65:19

The glorified weep no more, because all causes of grief are gone!
There are no broken friendships, nor blighted prospects in Heaven.
Poverty, famine, peril, persecution and slander—are unknown there.
No pain distresses, and no thought of death or bereavement saddens.

They weep no more, because they all are perfectly sanctified!
No "evil heart of unbelief" prompts them to depart from the living God.
They are without fault before His throne, and are fully conformed to His image!
Well may they cease to mourn, who have ceased to sin!

They weep no more, because all fear of change is past!
They know that they are eternally secure.
Sin is shut out, and they are shut in!
They dwell within a city which shall never be stormed.
They bask in a sun which shall never set.
They drink of a river which shall never run dry.
They pluck fruit from a tree which shall never wither.

Countless cycles may revolve, but eternity shall not be exhausted; and while eternity endures, their immortality and blessedness shall co-exist with it. They are forever with the Lord!

They weep no more, because every desire is fulfilled!
They cannot wish for anything which they don't already have in full possession.
Eye and ear,
heart and hand,
mind and imagination,
desire and affection,
all the faculties are completely satisfied!

As imperfect as our present ideas are, of the things which God has prepared for those who love Him—yet we know enough by the revelation of the Spirit, that the glorified saints are supremely blessed.

The joy of Christ, which is an infinite fullness of delight, is in them.

They bathe forever in the bottomless, shoreless sea of infinite blessedness!

That same joyful rest remains for us! It may not be far distant.

Before long, the weeping willow shall be exchanged for the palm branch of victory.

Sorrow's dewdrops will be transformed into the pearls of everlasting bliss!

"The sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more!" Isaiah 65:19

"Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:18

Revelation 21:4, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!"

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"Be an example to all believers . . .
in what you teach,
in the way you live,
in your love,
your faith,
and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

Thomas Brooks:
"A preacher's life should be a commentary on his doctrine;
his practice should be a counterpart of his sermons.
Heavenly doctrines should always be adorned with a heavenly life."

1 Timothy 4:16, "Watch your life and doctrine closely."

John Newton:
"The chief means for attaining wisdom and suitable gifts and graces for the Christian ministry, are the Holy Scriptures and prayer."

Charles Spurgeon:
"A faithful preacher is a rare creature.
Like a diamond, he is as precious as he is rare."

John Preston, puritan:
"There is not a sermon which is heard, but it sets us nearer to Heaven or Hell."

Richard Sibbes:
"Preaching is that ordinance of God for . . .
the begetting of faith,
for the opening of the understanding,
and for the drawing of the will and affections to Christ."

J.C. Ryle:
"Sound doctrine and holy living are the marks of true pastors."

Thomas Brooks:
"The lives of ministers oftentimes convince more strongly than their words.
Their tongues may persuade, but their lives command."

Quesnel, puritan
"A man ought to preach only that which he has learned from God—in the secret exercise of prayer, and in meditation on the Scriptures."

John Berridge:
"Much reading and thinking may make a popular minister.
But it takes much secret prayer to make a powerful preacher."

John Henry Jowett:
"Preaching that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing."

"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word! Be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage, with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:1-2

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"Woe to those who are at ease in Zion!" Amos 6:1

What do we say to . . .
our self-indulgence,
our spiritual sloth,
our love of ease,
our avoidance of hardship,
our luxury,
our pampering of the body,
our costly feasts,
our silken couches,
our brilliant furniture,
our gay attire,
our expensive jewelry,
our idle mirth,
our voluptuous music,
our jovial tables, loaded with every variety of rich viands?

Are we Christians—or are we worldlings?

Where is the self-denial of the New Testament days?

Where is the separation from a self-pleasing luxurious world?

Where is the cross, the true badge of discipleship, to be seen—except in useless religious ornaments for the body, or worse than useless decorations for the sanctuary?

"Woe to those who are at ease in Zion!" Is not this the description of multitudes who name the name of Christ? They may not be "living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry." But even where these are absent, there is 'high living'—luxury of the table or the wardrobe—in conformity to this present evil world.

"At ease in Zion!" Yes! there is the shrinking . . .
from hard service;
from spending and being spent;
from toil, and burden-bearing and conflict;
from self-sacrifice and noble service;
for the Master's sake.

There is conformity to the world, instead of conformity to Christ!
There is a laying down of the cross, instead of a taking up of the cross.
Or there is a lining of the cross with velvet, lest it should gall our shoulders as we carry it!
Or there is an adorning of the cross, that it may suite the taste and the manners of our refined and intellectual age.

Anything but the bare, rugged and simple cross!

We think that we can make the strait gate wider, and the narrow way broader—so as to be able to walk more comfortably to the heavenly kingdom. We try to prove that modern enlightenment has so refined 'the world and its pleasures', that we may safely drink the poisoned cup, and give ourselves up to the inebriation of the siren song.

"At ease in Zion!" Even when the walls of our city are besieged, and the citadel is being stormed!

Instead of grasping our weapons, we lie down upon our couches!

Instead of the armor, we put on the silken robe!

We are cowards, when we should be brave!

We are faint-hearted, when we should be bold!

We are lukewarm, when we should be fervent!

We are cold, when we should be full of zeal!

We compromise and shuffle and make excuses—when we should lift up our voice like a trumpet! We pare down truth, or palliate error, or extenuate sin—in order to placate the world, or suit the spirit of the age, or 'unify' the Church.

Learn self-denying Christianity. Not the form or name, but the living thing.

Let us renounce the lazy, luxurious, self-pleasing, fashionable religion of the present day!

A self-indulgent religion has nothing in common with the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ; or with that cross of ours which He has commanded us to take up and carry after Him—renouncing ease and denying self.

Our time,
our abilities,
our money,
our strength,
are all to be laid upon the altar.

"Woe to those who are at ease in Zion!" Amos 6:1

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Wherever the grace of God is, it constrains its partaker to desire to live to His honor and glory.

But he soon finds the difficulty of so doing. Such is . . .
the weakness of the flesh,
  the power of sin,
  the subtlety of Satan,
  the strength of temptation, and
  the snares spread on every side for our feet,
that we can neither do what we want, nor be what we want.

Before we are well aware, we get entangled with some idol, or drawn aside into some indulgence of the flesh, which brings darkness into the mind, and may cut us out some bitter work for the rest of our days.

But we thus learn not only the weakness of the flesh, but where and in whom all our strength lies.

And as the grace of the Lord Jesus, in its suitability, in its sufficiency and its super-aboundings, becomes manifested in and by the weakness of the flesh; a sense of His wondrous love and care in so bearing with us, in so pitying our case, and manifesting mercy where we might justly expect wrath—constrains us with a holy obligation to walk in His fear and to live to His praise.

Puritan gems for the new year!

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.
Or you may want to WATCH the Video on either YouTube or SermonAudio)

Thomas Brooks:

"Time, like a river, carries us swiftly toward eternity—steer your soul well."

"The wise man spends the year preparing for the day of judgment."

Jonathan Edwards:

"Resolved, never to do anything which I would be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life."

"The best resolution is to die daily unto sin, and live wholly unto God."

John Flavel:

"The new year reminds us that time is a talent to be stewarded, not squandered."

William Gurnall:

"Every year brings fresh trials, but also fresh supplies of grace."

Cotton Mather:

"A new year is a renewed opportunity to glorify God, and mortify sin."

"Each year spent without progress in grace, is a year wasted in vanity."

John Owen:
"The year is not your own, but lent to you by God. See that you spend it for His glory."

"Our days will flee away quickly, but eternity presses ever nearer."

Samuel Rutherford:

"Every new year is a reminder that we are closer to meeting our King."

"Begin the year by binding your heart more tightly to Christ's cross."

"The year ahead is a wilderness; walk it with the manna of God's Word."

"Heaven is nearer this year than last; let your soul be nearer too."

Thomas Shepard:

"As the year begins, so let your heart begin anew with holiness."

"The year's end is uncertain; live each day as if it were the last."

Thomas Watson:

"Time is a precious coin—spend it wisely on heavenly treasures."

"A year begun in worldliness, is a year spent in wanton folly."

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

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A New Year's Resolution

Matthew Henry

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.
Or you may want to WATCH the Video on either YouTube or SermonAudio)

"My times are in Your hand!" Psalm 31:15

Firmly believing that my times are in God's hand, I here submit myself and all my affairs for the ensuing year, to the wise and gracious disposal of God's divine providence. Whether God appoints for me,
health or sickness,
peace or trouble,
comforts or crosses,
life or death,
may His holy will be done!

All my time, strength, and common actions, I devote to the honor of the Lord Jesus. It is my earnest expectation, hope, and desire, my constant aim and endeavor—that Jesus Christ may be glorified by me.

In everything I do—may my entire dependence be upon Jesus Christ for strength. And whatever I do in word or deed, I desire to do all in His name. Jesus is my Alpha and Omega. I have all from Him—and I desire to use all for Him.

If this should prove a year of affliction, a sorrowful year to me—I will fetch all my supports and comforts from the Lord Jesus and anchor myself upon Him, His everlasting consolations, and the good hope I have in Him through grace.

And if it should be my dying year—then my times are in the nail-scarred hand of the Lord Jesus. With a humble reliance upon His all-wise providence, I would venture into the eternal world looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.

Oh, that the grace of God may be sufficient for me, to keep me always in a humble sense of my own unworthiness, weakness, folly, and infirmity—together with a firm dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ for both everlasting righteousness and daily strength.

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

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(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.
Or you may want to WATCH the Video on either YouTube or SermonAudio)

"Every moment of the year is another step toward your eternal destiny—tread it wisely."

"Time is a golden gift—waste not a single hour in trifling pursuits."

"Let the new year's resolution be this: More of Christ in every thought, word and deed."

"God's mercies are fresh each day, each moment."

"A year is but a drop in the ocean of eternity; live it for the One who loved you, and gave Himself for you."

"The past year's sins are forgiven; let the new year's path be trod in righteousness."

"The year's opening is a call to fresh consecration—dedicate it all to Christ."

"Resolve this year to be rich in faith—not in earthly treasures."

"Each year's dawn is an opportunity to leave behind whatever hinders us in the heavenly race, and press on toward the goal to win the prize."

"In God's calendar, the year is not measured by worldly success, but by faithfulness."

"The year's first step must be taken with Christ—or the path will lead astray."

"The clock's tick is a summons to holy diligence—heed it, for time is short."

"The year's joys are sweetest, when shared with Christ as your dearest Friend."

"A year lived for pleasure of profit is a year lost; a year lived for Christ is eternal gain."

"God's faithfulness has kept you through the past year. His promises shall keep you in the year to come."

"Begin the year with gratitude for mercies past, and hope for blessings yet to come."

"The year's trials are God's chisels, shaping you for eternal glory."

"The year's path is unknown, but our Guide is sure—trust Him fully."

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12