Grace Gems for JUNE

(George Everard, "Christian Living!" 1881) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

1. I must use life well, because every moment of it is so precious. The minutes and hours of life are like the gold-dust which the goldsmith so carefully gathers together that none is lost.

"I have lost a day!" was the sorrowful lament of one who had learned the real value of time. Life is very precious, and I dare not and will not throw any of it away!

2. I must also use life well, because it will soon be over. "The time is short!" 1 Corinthians 7:29. My days and years will soon be spent, and I cannot recall them. My life is but a shadow—it is but a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. Even if I am spared to the full age of man, compared with the long life awaiting me hereafter—my life here on earth is but as a moment.

"You have made my days a mere hand-breadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before You.
Each man's life is but a breath." Psalm 39:5

Let me endeavor then to remember how soon life will be gone, and be very careful to use each precious moment well!

If I had a little bucket of water, and no more could be obtained—how carefully I would watch that none of it ran to waste. I would reckon each drop of great value.

Such is my life. It is all I have. I must therefore lose none. I must squander none. "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12

3. I must use life well, because it is very uncertain. I may have far less than I think. I may be looking forward to years to come—and yet I may have but a few months or weeks or days to live!

I remember a woman who said that some day she would begin to attend our village church. She was in middle age, and had lived a sadly wicked and abandoned life. She thought that she had time enough and to spare, to think of more serious subjects. She did indeed soon afterwards come to our village church—but how did she come? She was carried in a casket on men's shoulders, and then left in the silent grave! Only six weeks had passed since the day she promised that some day she would begin a new life. "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth!" Proverbs 27:1

So I trust my life will not be a wasted one. And though I can do but little compared with many others, I trust that He will say to me at last: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a little—I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master!" Matthew 25:23

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise—redeeming the time!" Ephesians 5:15-16

(Thomas Brooks, "The Privy Key of Heaven" 1665) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"You have a whore's forehead, you refuse to be ashamed!" Jeremiah 3:3

"Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct?
No! They have no shame at all!
They do not even know how to blush!"
Jeremiah 6:15

They had sinned away shame, instead of being ashamed of sin. Continuance in sin had quite banished all sense of sin, and all shame for sin—so that they would not allow nature to draw her veil of blushing before their great abominations. How applicable these scriptures are to the present time, I will leave the prudent reader to judge.

But what does the prophet do . . .
now that they were as bold in sin, and as shameless as so many harlots;
now that they were grown up to that height of sin and wickedness;
now that they were above all shame and blushing;
now that they were grown so proud, so hardened, so obstinate, so rebellious, so bent on self-destruction
—that no mercies could melt them or allure them, no threatenings or judgments could in any way stop them!

The prophet goes into a corner, he retires into the most secret places—and there he weeps bitterly. There he weeps as if he were resolved to drown himself in his own tears. "I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears!" Jeremiah 13:17

In the times wherein we live, Hell seems to be broken loose, and men turned into incarnate devils! Soul-damning wickednesses walk up and down the streets with a whore's forehead, without the least check or restraint.

Ah, England! England! What pride, luxury, debauchery, lewdness, drunkenness, cruelties, injustice, oppressions, fornications, adulteries, falsehoods, hypocrisies, atheisms, horrid blasphemies, and hellish impieties—are now to be found rampant in the midst of you!

Ah, England! England! How are . . .
the Scriptures rejected,
God derided, and
wickedness tolerated!

And what is the voice of all these crying abominations, but every Christian to his closet! Every Christian to his closet, and there weep with weeping Jeremiah, bitterly—for all these great abominations whereby God is dishonored openly. Oh weep in secret for their sins, who openly boast in their sins, which should be their greatest shame! Oh blush in secret for those who are past all blushing for their sins. For who knows, but that the whole land may fare the better for the sakes of a few, who are mourners in secret!

[Editor's note: The above gem is appropriate for "shame month" which we are in the midst of.]

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"Happy is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Happy is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him." Psalm 32:1-2

Our happiness depends in a very small degree upon what is external to us.
The springs of happiness lie deep within.

Yet, how common it is to think otherwise! Hence . . .
the keen pursuit of pleasure,
lovers' sighs,
war's fierce ambition,
the student's patient labor as he feeds his midnight lamp with the oil of life,
the panting race for fleeting riches,
the desperate struggles some make to keep themselves from sinking into poverty,
and the toil and trouble others endure.

And to say nothing of the sins which these may alike commit, simply . . .
to rise in the world, as it is called,
to keep a better table,
to wear a better dress,
to live in a better house than satisfied their humble, but happier parents.

These paths, crowded and beaten down though they are by the feet of thousands who are treading on each other's heels—never yet conducted any man to happiness. Never! It lies in another direction. Whatever his condition is . . .
poor, or rich;
pining on a sick bed, or with health glowing on his cheek;
to be married tomorrow, or to be hanged tomorrow;
"Blessed," or, as we would say, Happy, "is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sin is covered!"

The way to happiness does not lie in attempting to bring our circumstances up to our desires—but our desires down to our circumstances.

To indulge an unsanctified and insatiable ambition, to attempt to bring our circumstances up to our desires—is to attempt to fill a sieve with water. The passions that in such a case seek gratification, are like that wretched drunkard's thirst—they burn the fiercer for indulgence, and crave for more the more they get. It is often difficult, I grant, to bring our desires down to our circumstances. On the other hand, he does not attempt a difficult thing, but an impossible thing—who attempts to bring his circumstances up to the height of his ambition.

As the old adage says:
"Nature is content with little,
grace is content with less,
lust is content with nothing!"

May ours be the happiness of one who is . . .
content with less than little,
pleased with whatever pleases his Father,
anxious for nothing,
thankful for anything,
prayerful in everything;
and can say with Paul, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in poverty." Philippians 4:11-12

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

Jeremiah 6:14, "They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace!' they say, when there is no peace!"

Ezekiel 13:10, "They lead My people astray, saying, 'Peace!' when there is no peace!"

These verses are a scathing denunciation of every unfaithful minister!

In the Christian Church, there are many who, while professing themselves to be ambassadors of Heaven, are only deceivers of the people! Their habit has at all times been, to preach, "Peace, peace!" when there was no peace!

There are still many ministers who never teach their people:
the desperate depravity of the human heart,
the absolute necessity of a new birth,
the impossibility of being saved by their own righteousness, and
the indispensability of thorough devotion to God, as His redeemed people.

Instead, they tell their hearers, that there is a smoother and an easier way to Heaven, than what the Scriptures have marked out!

Whether seduced by others or not, all unbelievers are naturally prone to speak "peace" unto their own souls. "I have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart!" Deuteronomy 29:19

The unsaved will not receive the plainest declarations of God concerning them. They cannot endure to think that they are in such danger as God's Word declares them to be.

They do not believe that the way to Heaven is as strait and narrow as His Gospel represents it.

They persuade themselves that they shall be saved at last, even though they scoff at both the clearest principles and practices of Scripture.

Yet the holy Judge of every person is unmistakable, "There is no peace for the wicked! The wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all the nations that forget God!" Isaiah 57:21, Psalm 9:17

(Horatius Bonar, "The Kiss of the Backslider") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye.
But Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi." Ruth 1:14

Orpah was not prepared to leave Moab! The ties between her and it were still unbroken, though for a time a little loosened! Moab was still Moab to her . . .
the home of her kindred,
the center of her affections,
the dwelling place of her gods!

Thus millions are not ready to leave the world, though often in some measure broken from it. They cling to their old haunts of . . .
vanity,
foolishness,
pleasure,
lust, or
literature.
They cannot think of forsaking these.

No, they soothe their consciences with the argument, that it would not be right to break off from all these! To them the world is still the world—attractive and excellent! They cannot think of crucifying it, or themselves to it! They have been born in it, lived in it, their friends are in it—why should they leave it?

Their hearts are still here, their treasure is here; and they linger in it, though at times they feel the necessity of leaving it.

What would life be to them without the novel or the ballroom, the theater, the gay assembly, the banquet, the revel, the folly, the wine cup, and the song?

For the sake of Moab, Orpah was willing to part with Naomi. She was not without longings after Naomi and her city, and her kindred, and her God! But her old longings and ties kept her back, and in the end prevailed! Yet she wished to part in peace, to bid a decent farewell to her mother in law. She kissed that she might not cleave! Her kiss was a farewell—a farewell to Naomi, her land, and her God.

Have we not many Orpahs?

They would sincerely have both Israel and Moab.
They would rather not part with either.
Their heart is divided.

They would sincerely cast in their lot with God's people, and obtain their inheritance!

They are not scoffers.
They are not openly godless.
They are not reckless pleasure seekers, but half-and-half Christians—or rather not so much.
They would be religious up to a certain point—to the point when a choice must be made; and then their heart speaks out.

They give up Christ, and turn back to the world!

Yet they do so quietly and kindly, as it were.

They kiss at parting—but will that kiss avail them? Will God accept the kiss as an excuse for turning back, or as a substitute for the whole-hearted service which He desires?

God will not accept the divided heart.
He abhors vacillation and compromise.

If you prefer Moab—then go dwell there!
Enjoy its pleasures, and worship its gods!

If you choose Israel—then pitch your tent there, and take Jehovah for your all.

"Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye.
But Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi." Ruth 1:14

(James Meikle, "Solitude Sweetened" 1730-1799) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"What is your life? You are a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away!" James 4:14

What is all this struggle in the world for? Why so many attempts to be something, and have something—in the sphere of nothing?

This struggle for passing vanities, is as if the foam and bubbles should contend for station on the rapid stream—but in a moment they are gone!

We forget that we are but of yesterday, and tomorrow we are no more. It is a shame to think so much about these few fleeting days, and so little of endless ages of eternity!

Let me look to the generations past. How few of our deceased acquaintances are remembered! And how soon, like them, shall we also be forgotten!

How frail is our life! It is likened to:
a pile of grass,
a withered leaf,
dry stubble,
a fading flower,
a breath,
brittle clay,
fading flesh!

How swift is our life! It is likened to:
a weaver's shuttle,
an eagle,
a ship,
a wind that passes by!

How short is our life! It is likened to a moment, a breath!

Surely I need not be so anxious about . . .
a life so short,
a state so uncertain,
and a world so vain—
where I am only a stranger, a pilgrim, a sojourner—and shortly leaving everything below!

Let the world, then, go with me as it will. This shall not trouble me, who am daily going through the world—and shall in a little while go entirely out of the world, to return no more!

How, then, shall I spend this short life, my few winged moments, which are all appointed to me? Surely, in nothing better than in looking out, and laying up for eternity!

"This world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.
But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever!" 1 John 2:17

"Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them.
For this world as we know it will soon pass away!" 1 Corinthians 7:31

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

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things!" Colossians 3:2

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!"
2 Corinthians 4:18

(Charles Spurgeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

Titus 2:11-14, "The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No!' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of 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."

All true theology is summed up in these two short sentences:
Salvation is all of the grace of God, from first to last.
Damnation is all of man, from top to bottom.

No doctrine is so calculated to preserve a man from sin, as the doctrine of the grace of God! If grace does not make us different from other men, then it is not the grace which God gives to His elect.

There is no preservative from sin, like the knowledge that I am chosen by God from the foundation of the world. There is nothing like a belief in the immutability of my Father's love for me, which can keep me near to Him from a motive of simple gratitude. If God has loved me once, then He will love me forever!

Sovereign grace puts its hand on the boasting mouth, and shuts it once for all!

The bridge of grace will bear your weight. Thousands of big heinous sinners have gone across that bridge—yes, tens of thousands have gone over it. Some have been the chief of sinners, but the bridge has never yielded beneath their weight.

Free grace can go into the gutter, and bring up a jewel!

(Horatius Bonar, "Religion Without the Holy Spirit") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"The five who were foolish took no oil for their lamps." Matthew 25:3

This parable has many sides and aspects.

It suits us well in these days of . . .
profession,
fashionable religion
and religiousness.

It is a parable for the church. It comes in to the inner circle of Christian profession, and sifts it, divides it.

There are points of likeness between the two classes.
They get the same name, virgins;
they wear the same dress;
they are on the same errand;
they both have lamps;
they both slumber and sleep.
They have thus many features in common.

The peril of mere externalism is that which our Lord points out here. This externalism may not always be hypocrisy, but it is imitation. It is not the flower in its natural color and growth—but painted, artificial. Let us watch against an artificial life, and an artificial religion. What does it profit now? What will it profit in the day of wrath? The name, the dress, the lamp, the outward show—will all go for nothing in that day of universal discovery and detection.

Though in most respects they were all alike, yet there was a difference. It was within—it was imperceptible from without. It could only be discovered when the bridegroom came. Up until then all were completely similar. Only then the deficiency came out in the foolish. Then was it seen who were wise, and who were foolish. That day is the day of certain and unerring detection. It is the day of weighing in the balances! It is the separation of the false from the true.

The difference was confined to a single point—the lack of oil.

The oil is the Holy Spirit. Thus a man may be very like a Christian, and yet not be one. He may come very near the kingdom, and yet not enter in. He may have all the outward features of a Christian, and yet be lacking in the main one. He may have the complete dress of the saint, and yet not be one.

He may have a good life, a sound creed, a strict profession; he may be one who says and does many excellent things; he may be a subscriber to all the religious societies in the land, a member of all their committees, or a speaker at all their meetings, and supporter of all their plans. He may profess to be looking for Christ's coming, and going forth to meet the bridegroom—yet he is not necessarily a Christian!

He may lack the oil—the Holy Spirit.

A religion without the Holy Spirit profits nothing!

There is the religion . . .
of the intellect,
of the imagination,
of the flesh,
of the creed,
of the liturgy,
of the catechism,
of nature,
of poetry,
of sentiment,
of mysticism,
of humanity.

But what are these without the Spirit?

Christianity without Christ—what would that be?

Worship without God—what would that be?

So religion without the Holy Spirit—what would that be?

The five who were foolish took no oil for their lamps.
"Sir! Sir!" they said. "Open the door for us!"
But He replied, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you!"
Matthew 25:3, 11, 12

"When we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of his Son." Romans 5:10

O worldly professor, if you would enter Heaven at last, then you must begin at the cross of Christ!

Count all your good works as dung and dross before the holy God.

Fling away your vain hopes, and self-righteous confidences.

Give up your fond idea of securing both earth and Heaven.

Go straight to Calvary! There be crucified to the world, and the world to you, by the cross of Christ! Galatians 6:14

Go at once to Him who died for the ungodly, and drink into His love! One draught, nay, one drop of redeeming love, will forever quench your love of sin, and be the death of that worldliness which threatens to be your eternal ruin!

"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

(J.R. Miller) LISTEN TO AUDIO! Download Audio

"They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him . . .
During his lifetime, Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King's Valley as a monument to himself . . . He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom's Monument to this day." 2 Samuel 18

It has been said that every man lives for a funeral—that is, a man's funeral often tells what kind of a man he has been. Absalom had already built a splendid monument, which he meant should mark his grave. Instead, however, of being laid away to rest in honor by a weeping nation, beneath the shadows of a noble monument—his mangled body was hurled in dishonor into a pit in the forest, and covered with a large heap of rocks.

It was still true, however, that Absalom built his own monument. His own hand dug the grave of shame into which his body was cast. Sin's harvest is sure and terrible!

Too many young men think that it is unmanly to be holy, true-hearted, and pure—and that a sinful life is the manly one. We have, in the story of Absalom, an illustration of the career of one who lived such a life—and we must notice that the story is written out to its last chapter.

The trouble too often is, that men do not think of what the end will be.

"It is appointed for man to die once, and after that to face judgment!" Hebrews 9:27

"It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!" Hebrews 10:31

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN TO AUDIO! Download Audio

"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them." Matthew 6:1

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men!" Matthew 6:5

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting!" Matthew 6:16

"Everything they do is done for men to see!" Matthew 23:5

There is a wide difference between ostentatious sanctity and true devotion to God.
Hypocrites always endeavor to attract the attention of others. The truly holy man, on the contrary, desires privacy and retirement. Though he is cheerful before men, his sorrows are deep before God. Were his groanings overheard by the world, he would probably be made an object of pity or derision; but God beholds him with pleasure and delight!

"This is the one I esteem—he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My Word!" Isaiah 66:2

"The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love! Psalm 147:11

"The Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation!" Psalm 149:4

What inexpressible comfort should this administer to humble penitents!

The humbler the thoughts that we have of ourselves—the greater does God esteem and delight in us.

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise!" Psalm 51:17

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

"They do not consider in their hearts, that I remember all their wickedness. Now their own sinful deeds have engulfed them. They are before My face!" Hosea 7:2

The unsaved think, "God does not see us. Neither will the Almighty regard it!" But God both sees all their wickedness, and will remember it in order to a future retribution!

That the unsaved do not consider either the omnipresence of God, nor His omniscience, is obvious. For could they sin with so much abandon, if they did? Or could they maintain such tranquility of mind, after having committed sin? Would not the thought of God's eye being always upon them, cast some restraint upon their sinful pleasures? Would not the expectation of a future recompense, occasion some uneasiness?

Suppose a cup of sweet poison were put into our hands, and we were informed that within a few hours after we drank it, we would be racked with inexpressible agony; and in the space of one day, we would die in excessive torment! Would we not ponder for a moment, before we ventured to drink it?

And supposing us foolish enough to sacrifice our lives for this momentary sweet gratification, would we not put the cup to our lips with a trembling hand? And after we had swallowed the contents, would we not feel some concern, some regret, some sense of our folly? Could we go away and laugh at what we had done, and boast of it, and encourage our friends to do the same? Would not a few moments of consideration, turn us from the fatal temptation?

Much more therefore, should we be affected with a dread of future sin, and a sorrow for past sins—if we considered that God is privy to our thoughts and actions, and that He will certainly remember them to our everlasting dismay!

Nor is it only the act of of theft, or murder, or adultery, that God will remember—but the look, the desire, the thought; yes all our wickednesses, of whatever kind or whatever degree!

Remember! God sees us, though we think ourselves to be hidden from His sight. God marks our every thought, though we have no regard of Him.

Unbeliever! God has an iron memory! However long ago any of your sins may have been committed, they are as fresh in God's memory, and as hateful in His sight—as if they are being committed this very moment before His face!

Remember that your thoughtlessness in this life, will certainly result in continued and painful reflections in Hell. Yes, as soon as you come into the eternal world, you shall have a perfect view of all your past wickedness! You shall see sin as God sees it, in all its enormity and with all its aggravations.

The sins of thought, as well as of act; the sins of omission, as well as of commission—will all be open to your view; and there will be no possibility of diverting your attention from them.

God bids you now to consider; and you will not. But what shall you do in that day when He shall answer your cries for mercy with this severe rebuke, "Son, remember!" Luke 16:25

Lifting up your eyes in torment, you will then remember:
all the sins you have committed,
all the warnings you have neglected,
and all the mercies you have abused!

O sad remembrance! O dreary prospect of unalterable and irremediable misery!

Christian! A sense of the Divine presence will be an excellent preservative from sin. If at the close of every day, we would call ourselves to an account of how we have spent the day, and what God had recorded concerning us in His book of remembrance—then we would certainly abstain from many sins which we now commit without thought or remorse!

In the name of God then, I entreat you all, "Consider your ways!" Haggai 1:5, 7

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked!
Who really knows how bad it is?" Jeremiah 17:9

The evil of the human heart is far greater than can be fully conceived either by men or angels. None but God Himself can explore the depths of iniquity that are within it! And He continually marks the thoughts, desires, motives, and ways of all men. Nothing can escape His observation!

The human heart is universally wicked, both in all its faculties, and in every exercise of each faculty.

Job says, "Who can bring purity out of an impure person? No one!" "How then can a man be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure?"

Our Lord Himself says, "No one is good—except God alone!"

The understanding of man is darkened by sin.

The whole man has altogether become abominable!

His heart is the origination of every lust—the womb from whence every sin proceeds! Mark 7:21-23

We must all adopt for ourselves the confession of Paul, "In me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing!"

"The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time!" Genesis 6:5. Yes, and every imagination of their thoughts, was evil, and only evil, and only evil continually! This was the testimony of Him who "searches every heart, and understands every motive behind the thoughts!" 1 Chronicles 28:9

The human heart is also unsearchably wicked. Not only are we unable to discover all the evil that is in the hearts of others—we cannot even know the evil in our own heart! Suppose a man to have discovered ever so much of his own depravity—there will yet be unfathomable and unexplored depths of sin within him!

The truth is, a man could not bear a full sight of his own heart all at once, as it would drive him to utter despair! Nor is any man capable of seeing it all at once:
its deceits are so subtle,
its corruptions are so various, and
its abominations are so inconceivably great,
that none but an infinite capacity can grasp such immeasurable heights and depths of evil! Well therefore has God said, "Who really knows how bad it is?" Only the heart-searching God!

The human heart is incurably evil. Truly our case, as to any human remedies at least, is desperate. We do not call any case desperate in relation to the Gospel; because there is no sin from which the blood of Christ cannot cleanse us, nor any corruption which the Spirit of Christ is not able to subdue.

But as to human means, the wickedness of our hearts bids defiance to all. No resolutions of ours, no exertions—can banish evil from the soul. We may on many occasions restrain its actings; for even the presence of a fellow-creature will often impose a more effectual restraint than the presence of our God. But we cannot subdue the wickedness of our hearts, we cannot mortify it, we cannot purge it away. It is like the leprosy in the house that could not be removed in any way, but by pulling down the house altogether!

This, it must be confessed, is a melancholy picture—but it is the very truth of God; and is known, and felt, to be so, by all who are taught of God.

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life!" Proverbs 4:23

The constraining love of Jesus!

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"The love of Christ controls and urges and impels us . . . so that all those who live, might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him who died and was raised again for their sake!" 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (Amplified Bible)

The love of Jesus has a constraining power, which invincibly impels us to live unto Him. Let it once be "shed abroad in our hearts," and we shall instantly exclaim with rapture, "My Lord, and my God!"

"What have I to do any more with idols?" will be the natural effusion of our souls! Hosea 14:8

We will feel a holy indignation at the thought of having wickedly sinned against Him for so long, and shall address Him in the language of His repenting people, "O Lord, our God, other masters besides You have ruled over us, but we will acknowledge and mention Your name alone!" Isaiah 26:13

Walk with God as His dear children. Commit to Him your every care, and expect from Him a supply of all your needs!

Motivated by His all-constraining love, be ready to sacrifice every earthly consideration, and to even lay down life itself for Him!

"He gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works!" Titus 2:14

"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

~ ~ ~ ~

(Octavius Winslow, "The God of Light") LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

See to it that your religious knowledge is not borrowed from a church, or from a minister, or from a creed—but is derived directly and only from Christ. Let . . .
your knowledge of Christ,
your faith in Christ,
your love to Christ,
your obedience to Christ,
be the test and the measure of the light that is in you.

Is there not a great danger of borrowing our religious thoughts, sentiments, and phraseology, from others?

And was not this the case with the foolish virgins in the parable, when they exclaimed, "Please give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out!" Matthew 25:8

Oh, it is of the utmost importance that our religious light is not a borrowed or false light.

See that your religion is your own—the personal, vital experience of your own heart.

Nothing is easier, or more deceptive or fatal—than to . . .
make a religious profession,
adopt a religious ritual,
imitate the experience,
and quote the language of others.

A borrowed or a counterfeit religion is of all religions, the most ensnaring and dangerous!

Do not go to the grave clad in the religious apparel of others, but robed in Christ's true and joyous garments of salvation, girded with the golden belt of truth, holiness, and love.

Do not carry the empty, oilless, flameless lamp of a mere religious profession, to death's gate!

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"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

To use our time well and wisely, is a matter of the greatest importance. For Oh! how quickly is it passing away! We should seize our opportunities while they exist, and 'gather up the fragments which remain, that nothing be lost.'

The value of time—its exceeding preciousness, is beyond measure. Our days and hours hasten by, never to return! They are like water, which, when once spilt, cannot be gathered up again. They are like the rays of the sun, which at the moment may warm and invigorate us, but cannot be laid up for future use.

Our lives are very short at best—and on the manner in which they are spent, will depend our condition forever!

Who can say how important is every moment which is given to us? Time may be turned to good account—or it may be wasted or misspent.

No wonder then that we are charged, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise, but as wise;" like travelers on a dangerous road, looking around them on every side, and prepared for any difficulty which may suddenly arise. We should live cautiously and carefully, "redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

What shall we say of those who let days, and months, and years pass—without thinking of anything beyond their own ease and enjoyment? Time is to them as a tale that is told, which is soon forgotten. It is like a vapor, which rises before them—but is speedily swept away, and is gone forever. One day is like another—all equally unprofitable, all gone to waste, nothing done for God or for eternity, a number of precious opportunities, but not one of them improved! We have, many of us, done but little in the way of "redeeming the time." We have allowed it to pass by unimproved.

Bear in mind then that we all have our opportunities—opportunities of doing good, opportunities of benefiting our fellow-creatures, opportunities of doing some work for God. And for every one of these opportunities, we must give an account!

Again, our time is very, very short—and all depends upon the right employment of it. Remember that our time is becoming shorter every day!

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

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

Daniel 5:1, 4-6, 26-28, 30-31.
King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way!
This is what these words mean: "God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."
That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom!

What a solemn thing to die at such a moment! Yet how many are there, who, if not slain like him—yet are called away from the midst of the mirth and pleasures of this life, as unprepared to die as this heathen king!

It was so at the time of the Flood!

It will be so at the end of the world!

It is so daily and hourly!

"The foolish virgins" greatly outnumber those who are wise; and have their oil to seek when the Bridegroom arrived.

Lost sinner! Might not God justly destroy you instantly with fire, as He did Nadab and Abihu? "So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord!" Leviticus 10:2

Might not God cause the earth to swallow you up, as He did to Korah and his rebellious followers? Numbers 16:31

How many sudden deaths take place all around you, some old, some young, and some in the prime of life! Are the illnesses and accidents which you see or feel, no warnings? But you have a hand-writing; yes, the hand-writing of God Himself! You may see it in the Scriptures of truth. There you may see written as with a sun-beam, "God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting."

All hope of entering Heaven will be quickly taken from you, if you do not turn unto God with your whole heart!

While you are living at ease, and putting the thoughts of death far from you, God may be saying, "You fool! This night your soul shall be required of you!" And O, how terrible would this be to you!

"What hope has the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?" Job 27:8

"How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!" Psalm 73:19

Your soul must be covered with the sin-atoning blood of Jesus—or your sins will infallibly plunge you into everlasting perdition! Seize then the fleeting hour. Adore your God that you have not been taken away, as thousands of your fellow-creatures have been—with all your sins upon you! "Today, while it is called today, do not harden your heart," lest you perish in impenitence and unbelief!

May the Lord grant that it may never be so with us!

(Letters of John Berridge, 1716-1793) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio

"Oh, what a wretched man I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?" Romans 7:24

I sometimes hope at the closing hour, when I shall exchange worlds, that Jesus will help me to lay hold of every sinful serpent that has long twisted around my soul, and keeps me company all my pilgrimage; and enable me, by the hand of faith, to hold them up, crying out: Behold the heads of traitors, which shall never come to life again! Oh! what a joyful shout I shall give when I shall feel these vermin drop off!

At times I am ready to hope the gloomy territories of the grave are almost ready for me, that I may lay down this body of sin upon the block for everlasting execution. O! when shall these clogs and fetters be knocked off, and the dark and gloomy walks of this valley of tears, be turned into bright and peaceful realms!

Alas! what has such a depraved, polluted, and corrupted miscreant as I, to reckon upon? Why should mercy and grace be exerted in my salvation—but free, rich, sovereign grace! This will be the topic of the eternal songs of redeemed souls. The theme of my song will be Grace! Grace! if ever I reach the heights of Zion.

As I have experienced some special advantage from the study of the old man and all his cursed artillery; with the powers of the infernal kingdom; and this world, with all its bewitching sweets—I would earnestly recommend:
soul study,
wiles-of-the-devil study,
and the snares-of-the-world study
—to every Christian friend.

Commune with your own heart daily;
beware of Satan's devices; and
be ever on the watch lest you enter into temptation!
For though the spirit may be willing, the flesh is weak.

When I get to Heaven I shall be truly a wonder there! I shall be as an eternal monument set up to the honor of divine grace, and the inscription upon me will be this: "A black hellish brand plucked from the burning, and now made, through God's sovereign mercy—a pillar to stand forever in the temple of God!"

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

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It is true that we must be saved . . .
by grace alone,
through faith alone,
in Christ alone!

It is equally true that faith does not save us because it produces good works.

Jesus has, by His substitutionary and sin-atoning death, "brought in an everlasting righteousness" for His people.

Hear the blessed tidings brought to us by the Prophet Isaiah, "He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes, we are healed!" Isaiah 53:5

Stupendous thought! We are healed by His stripes! We are healed by stripes inflicted by Jehovah on His beloved Son! What a mystery is this! How utterly incomprehensible! Well does the Apostle say, "How unsearchable are God's judgments, and His ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33

Faith saves us simply as apprehending Christ, in and through whom we are reconciled to God. But the faith which apprehends Christ aright, will always . . .
"work by love," Galatians 5:6
and "purify the heart," Acts 15:9
and "overcome the world!" 1 John 5:4-5

If the faith which we possess does not operate in this way, it is a mere dead faith—and can no more save us than the faith of devils!

Yet many rest their hope for salvation, in a mere notional faith that is unproductive of good works.

God-given saving faith always unites us unto Christ, as branches to the vine; and enables us, by virtue derived from Him, to bring forth fruit to His glory!

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John 3:19-20, "Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed."

The unsaved have no desire to reflect on the works or attributes of God, as they are revealed in His Word. Hence they know nothing of Him as He really is, and the ideas that they do form of God are grossly erroneous! In their hearts they "imagine Him to be such a one as themselves!"

If they knew God's power and majesty, could they thus dare to provoke Him, by their hatred for Him and rebellion against Him?

If they beheld God's holiness, could they account sin to be so trivial a matter?

If they were apprised of God's justice, would they indulge in hopes of sinning against Him with impunity?

If they believed in God's veracity, would they so disregard His threatenings as mere fantasies?

Above all, if they knew God's mercy, could they so trample on the precious blood of Jesus, that was shed in love for sinners?

Ephesians 4:18-19, "They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality, so as to indulge in every kind of impurity with a continual lust for more!"

Romans 1:28-29, "Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice!"

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"Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you! Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord your God, and have no awe of Me!" declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty. Jeremiah 2:19

Since all, more or less, have a sinful bent towards backsliding from God, it is of great importance to ascertain whether our backslidings are the sinful infirmities of a sincere godly man—or the conscious rebellion of a willful hypocrite.

Because it is indeed difficult to determine this with entire accuracy, I wish to give you some advice to aid you in this inquiry.

We must diligently examine the cause, the duration, and the effects of our backslidings.

1. The CAUSE of our backslidings.

The backslidings of sincere Christians arise from the weakness of their flesh, while their spirit is yet as willing as ever.

The backslidings of hypocrites proceed from a radical dislike to the ways of God.

2. The DURATION our backslidings.

The backslidings of sincere Christians continue but a short time, and are an occasion of greater diligence.

The backslidings of hypocrites are lengthy, and become the habit of their life.

3. The EFFECTS our backslidings.

The backslidings of hypocrites produce a blindness of mind, a seared conscience, and a hardness of heart.

We encourage all backslidden Christians to guard against the first risings of spiritual decay!

"Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings."
"Indeed we do come to You, for You are the Lord our God." Jeremiah 3:22

God mercifully warns the hypocrite of his final doom:

"The hope of the hypocrite shall perish! What he trusts in is fragile; what he relies on is a spider's web. He leans on his web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold." Job 8:13-15

"For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he has gained, when God takes away his soul?" Job 27:8

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Daniel 4:37, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are right and His ways are just; and He is able to humble those who walk in pride!"

Nebuchadnezzar had "walked in pride," and been abased for it below the most contemptible of men. As secure as he had imagined himself from any calamity, God had inflicted in a moment a punishment, which might well deter all who heard of it from the commission of a similar offence. God is never at a loss for means to accomplish His righteous will! In the judgment inflicted on this haughty monarch, God has sufficiently shown, that He is both able and determined to "abase all who walk in pride."

Now this consideration is of infinite importance, not to kings only, but to all the human race.

Pride is natural to man. There is not a more powerful principle in our fallen nature, than pride. The ungodly are full of it. There is not any distinction, natural or acquired, which is not made an occasion of self-exaltation and self-delight. If a man is born of high parentage, or has acquired rank or fortune by his own exertions—how will he be puffed up with his honors, and almost imagine himself to be made of a finer clay than others! "My might and my wisdom have procured all these things for me!"

Nor is this confined to the ungodly. There are among those who profess godliness, many, who are as full of pride and conceit as those who are altogether ignorant of saving religion. Some, like the Pharisee in the Gospel, "trust in themselves that they are righteous, and despise others." They say in their hearts, "Stand by yourself; do not come near to me! I am holier than you." Of these God says, "They are smoke in My nostrils!" Isaiah 65:5

Others, like Diotrephes, "love to have the pre-eminence;" and are never so happy as when they are setting forth their accomplishments, and passing judgment upon all that they see and hear.
Self-admiration,
self-conceit,
self-seeking,
and self-promotion,
are their characteristic features.

Not a few, it is to be feared, "being lifted up with pride, fall into the condemnation of the devil."

Even truly godly men are by no means so holy, but that they are in continual danger of being drawn into the indulgence of this evil principle.

Hezekiah, even after his most extraordinary deliverances from enemies without, and illness within—so far forgot himself as to be lifted up with pride; and thereby provoked God to withdraw from his descendants the mercies that had been given to him.

Paul himself was visited with a thorn in his flesh, to keep him humble, "lest he should be exalted above measure!" 2 Corinthians 12:7

Be it known then to all, that they need to watch and pray against this malignant evil; for God will surely abase all in whom it is found.

Some, like Manasseh, God will put a hook into his nose, bind him in bronze shackles, and take him into captivity.

Others, like Peter, God will leave to fall, and to disgrace their holy profession.

Others, like Pharaoh or Herod, God will plunge into the bottomless abyss of Hell!

Let us never then forget, that "the proud in heart are an abomination to the Lord!"

"I hate pride and arrogance!" Proverbs 8:13

"The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished!" Proverbs 16:5

Those who are under the influence of the sin of pride, always find means to hide it from their own eyes. But it is to no avail to deceive ourselves, as God will not be imposed upon. He sees the pride, wherever it exists, and He hates it with a perfect hatred! Let us then endeavor to find out even the most hidden workings of this abominable evil, and implore help from God to mortify and subdue it!

(Charles Simeon) LISTEN TO AUDIO! Download Audio

There are many things in this world which a discontented heart will pant after, or murmur over. But the indulging of such a disposition, is rebellion against the Sovereign Disposer of all events. Yes, it is an utter contempt of our all-wise, all-gracious and all-merciful, Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer.

What! Is it not sufficient to have:
God for our Father,
Christ for our Savior,
the Spirit for our Comforter, and
Heaven for our everlasting inheritance?

Must we murmur and complain because all temporal circumstances are not exactly as we would like to have them?

What does any temporal need or loss signify, when we have such unsearchable riches secured to us? In comparison with such spiritual blessings, the greatest of earthly comforts is no more than the dust upon the balance!

But alas! we are too apt to forget this! We are ready, like the Israelites, to overlook all the mercies we enjoy, through an excessive regret of something lost, or an inordinate desire of something unpossessed.

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:11-12

Pithy gems from Richard Baxter!

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~ ~ ~ ~

Nothing below Heaven is worth setting our hearts upon!

~ ~ ~ ~

Keep up a humble sense of your own faults, and that will make you compassionate to others.

~ ~ ~ ~

Unity in things necessary,
Liberty in things not necessary,
and Charity in all things.

~ ~ ~ ~

Speak to your people as to those who must be awakened, either here, or in Hell! We must screw the truth into men's minds!

~ ~ ~ ~

What we most value, we shall think no pains too great to gain.

~ ~ ~ ~

Be of good cheer Christian, the time is near when God and you shall be as near as you can desire. You shall dwell in His family! You shall then have joy without sorrow, and rest without weariness!

~ ~ ~ ~

There is not a soul in Hell but knows that it was a mad exchange to forfeit Heaven for . . .
a little mirth,
or fleshly pleasure,
or worldly riches or honor.

~ ~ ~ ~

Nothing can quench Hell-fire!

~ ~ ~ ~

There can be no reason to warrant a man to damn his eternal soul.

~ ~ ~ ~

Will Hell not be as hot to you, as to others?

~ ~ ~ ~

Heaven will pay for the loss of anything that we lose to get it; but nothing can pay for the loss of Heaven!

~ ~ ~ ~

The joys of Heaven are of so pure and spiritual a nature, that the heart of the wicked cannot desire them.

~ ~ ~ ~

Is it possible that a man can have any good reason to damn his own immortal soul?
Is eternal damnation a thing to be desired?
Are you in love with Hell?
What reason have you to willfully perish?

~ ~ ~ ~

There is no separating sin and Hell.

~ ~ ~ ~

Heaven is such a thing, that, if you lose it, nothing can make up the loss.
Hell its such a thing, that, if you suffer it, nothing can remove your misery or give you ease and comfort.

~ ~ ~ ~

If damnation and Hell are pleasant to you, then it is no wonder that you go on in sin.

~ ~ ~ ~

Are the pleasures of this world to be valued above the joys of Heaven? Are they worth the sufferings of eternal Hell-fire?

~ ~ ~ ~

Men will damn themselves for a little sinful pleasure, and run into endless torments for a little earthly delight!

~ ~ ~ ~

It is easier to hear of Hell, than feel it.

~ ~ ~ ~

Unless you are converted, you are but dead and damned men!

~ ~ ~ ~

O sinner! If you did but know the thousandth part of the danger that is near you, and the misery that you are running into—you would turn to God at once!

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~ ~ ~ ~

It costs something to be a true Christian.
It will cost us . . .
our sins,
our self-righteousness,
our ease and
our worldliness!

~ ~ ~ ~

According to the men of the world, few are going to Hell.
According to the Bible, few are going to Heaven.

~ ~ ~ ~

By affliction, Christ . . .
shows us our emptiness and weakness,
draws us to the throne of grace,
purifies our affections,
weans us from the world,
and makes us long for Heaven.

~ ~ ~ ~

Nothing is so offensive to Christ as lukewarmness in religion!
"So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold,
I am going to vomit you out of My mouth!" Revelation 3:16

Pride is the oldest and most common of sins.
Humility is the rarest and most beautiful of graces.

~ ~ ~ ~

Look to the cross,
think of the cross,
meditate on the cross,
and then go and set your affections on the world if you can!

~ ~ ~ ~

A crucified Savior will never be content to have a self-pleasing, self-indulging, worldly-minded people!

~ ~ ~ ~

The Gospel was not meant merely to reside in our intellect, memories, and tongues—but to be seen in our lives.

~ ~ ~ ~

Happiness and contentment do not depend on outward circumstances, but on the state of the heart.

~ ~ ~ ~

Health is a good thing, but sickness is far better—if it leads us to God.

~ ~ ~ ~

The beginning of the way to Heaven, is to feel that we are on the way to Hell.

~ ~ ~ ~

There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough. But a cheap Christianity which offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice, which costs nothing—is worth nothing!

~ ~ ~ ~

Christian! Your trials, crosses and conflicts are all temporary.

~ ~ ~ ~

I am one of those old-fashioned ministers who believe the whole Bible, and everything that it contains.

~ ~ ~ ~

There are no lessons so useful, as those learned in the school of affliction.

~ ~ ~ ~

Christ is never fully valued, until sin is clearly seen. We must know the depth and malignity of our disease, in order to appreciate the Great Physician.

~ ~ ~ ~

Our Lord has . . .
many weak children in His family,
many dull pupils in His school,
many raw soldiers in His army,
many lame sheep in His flock.
Yet He bears with them all, and casts none away.
Blessed is that Christian who has learned to do likewise with his brethren.

~ ~ ~ ~

That preaching is sadly defective, which dwells exclusively on the mercies of God and the joys of Heaven—yet never sets forth the terrors of the Lord and the miseries of Hell.

~ ~ ~ ~

Sin forsaken, is one of the best evidences of sin forgiven.

~ ~ ~ ~

There is no such thing as 'chance', 'luck', or 'accident' in the Christian journey through this world. All is arranged and appointed by God, who works all things together for the believer's eternal good.

~ ~ ~ ~

The standard of the world, and the standard of the Lord Jesus—are indeed widely different. They are more than different, they are flatly contradictory one to the other. Never be satisfied with the world's standard of Christianity!

~ ~ ~ ~

Hell is truth known too late!

~ ~ ~ ~

That Bible is read best, which is practiced most!

~ ~ ~ ~

God's eternal election is the first link in that chain of a sinner's salvation, of which heavenly glory is the end!

~ ~ ~ ~

A tree may always be known by its fruit. Just so, a true Christian may always be discovered by their habits, tastes, and affections.

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~ ~ ~ ~

Among the plastic saints of our times, Jesus has to do all the dying.
All we want, is to hear another sermon about His dying!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It is no longer either dangerous or costly to be a Christian!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some Christians have taken all the justice, judgment and hatred of sin out of the nature of God—and have nothing left but a soft god.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Let us start reading our Bibles with the thought that God means exactly what He says!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The most godly Christian is the one who knows himself best. No one who knows himself, will believe that he deserves anything better than Hell.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

God's gifts often take the place of God Himself, and the whole course of the man's life is upset by the monstrous substitution!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God, and the Church is famishing for lack of His presence!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Anyone who wishes to check on his true spiritual condition may do so, by noting what his voluntary thoughts have been over the last hours or days.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We have learned to live with unholiness in our churches, and have come to look upon it as the natural and expected thing.

~ ~ ~ ~

I would rather stand alone and have everybody as my enemy—than to go along with the crowd to Hell!

~ ~ ~ ~

Everywhere among professors we find people who are Bible-taught, but not Spirit-taught. They grasp the truth with the mind, not the heart.

~ ~ ~ ~

Many professing Christians are caught up with the toys of contemporary society. They may be going to Hell, but it is going to be a comfortable ride for them.

~ ~ ~ ~

Christians don't tell lies, they just go to church and sing them!

~ ~ ~ ~

Saving faith is an irrevocable, total commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself!

~ ~ ~ ~

Most Christians would be better pleased, if the Lord did not inquire into their personal affairs too closely. They want Him to save them, keep them happy and take them to Heaven at last—but not to be too inquisitive about their desires or daily conduct.

~ ~ ~ ~

The church has failed, by living too much like the world!

~ ~ ~ ~

The difficulty we modern Christians face, is not misunderstanding the Bible—but persuading our worldly hearts to accept its plain instructions!

    ~ ~ ~ ~

We must do something about the cross, and only one of two things we can do—flee it or die upon it.

    ~ ~ ~ ~

Evangelical Christianity is now tragically below the New Testament standard.

    ~ ~ ~ ~

Worldliness is an accepted part of our way of life!

    ~ ~ ~ ~

We are not producing saints.

    ~ ~ ~ ~

Our models are successful businessmen, celebrated athletes, and theatrical personalities.

    ~ ~ ~ ~

The true follower of Christ will not ask, "If I embrace this truth—what will it cost me?"
Rather he will say, "This is truth. God help me to walk in it, let come what may!"

    ~ ~ ~ ~

It is possible to have some kind of external religious experience that immunizes you to the new birth, and puts you where you will never be born again, because you think you are already born again.

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~ ~ ~ ~

The nature of Christ's salvation is woefully misrepresented by the present-day evangelist. He announces a Savior from Hell, rather than a Savior from sin. And that is why so many are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of Fire, who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness.

~ ~ ~ ~

The Bible is no lazy man's book! Much of its treasure, like the valuable minerals stored in the recesses of the earth, only yield up themselves to the diligent seeker. No verse of Scripture yields its meaning to lazy people.

~ ~ ~ ~

Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude—an attitude of dependence, dependence upon God.

~ ~ ~ ~

It is not the absence of sin, but the grieving over it, which distinguishes the child of God from empty professors.

~ ~ ~ ~

Instead of a river, God often gives us a brook—which may be running today and dried up tomorrow. Why? To teach us not to rest in our blessings, but in the Blesser Himself!

~ ~ ~ ~

Christ is the key which unlocks the golden doors into the temple of Divine truth!

~ ~ ~ ~

An ineffably holy God, who has the utmost abhorrence of sin—was never invented by any of Adam's descendants!

~ ~ ~ ~

Not one for whom Jesus died, can possibly miss Heaven!

~ ~ ~ ~

Chastisement is designed for our good, to promote our highest interests. Look beyond the rod, to the all-wise hand that wields it!

~ ~ ~ ~

Sovereignty characterizes the whole being of God. He is sovereign in all His attributes.

~ ~ ~ ~

The severest self-denials and the most lavish gifts, are of no value in God's esteem—unless they are prompted by love.

~ ~ ~ ~

Hirelings will feed the goats, but only those who love Christ can feed His sheep.

~ ~ ~ ~

God cannot change for the better, for He is already perfect. And being perfect, He cannot change for the worse.

   ~ ~ ~ ~

The measure of our love for others, can largely be determined by the frequency and earnestness of our prayers for them.

   ~ ~ ~ ~

True Christian liberty is not the power to live as we please, but to live as we ought.

    ~ ~ ~ ~

The god which the vast majority of professing Christians love, is looked upon very much like an indulgent old man, who himself has no relish for folly—but leniently winks at the indiscretions of youth.

   ~ ~ ~ ~

No sinner was ever saved by giving his heart to God.
We are not saved by our giving, but by God's giving.

Pithy gems from Thomas Watson!

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~ ~ ~ ~

Eternity to the godly, is a day that has no sunset.
Eternity to the wicked, is a night that has no sunrise.

~ ~ ~ ~

Christ is never sweet, until sin is felt to be bitter.

~ ~ ~ ~

Christ will not throw away His pearls, for every speck of dirt!

~ ~ ~ ~

The world is a flattering enemy, it kills by embracing. Whom the world kisses, it betrays. Is Heaven in your eye, and Christ in your heart, and the world under your feet?

~ ~ ~ ~

Christ shed tears, for those who shed His blood!

~ ~ ~ ~

The pleasure of sin is soon gone, but the sting remains!

~ ~ ~ ~

He who believes not in the blood of the Lamb, must feel the wrath of the Lamb.

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Sin has . . .
the devil for its father,
shame for its companion,
and death for its wages!

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What fools are they, who for a drop of pleasure—drink a sea of wrath!

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Every time you draw your breath, you suck in mercy!

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We are more sure to arise out of our graves, than out of our beds.

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Read the Scripture, not only as a history—but as a love-letter sent to you from God!

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God would have us part with nothing for Him, but that which will damn us if we keep it! The only design He has for us is to make us holy.

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Death is the last and best physician. It cures all diseases and sins—the aching head and the unbelieving heart. Sin was the midwife which brought death into the world—and death shall be the grave to bury sin! O the privilege of a believer!

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There is more evil in a drop of sin, than in a sea of affliction!

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Knowledge without repentance, will be but a torch to light men to Hell.

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What good will it do a man when he is in Hell, that others think he has gone to Heaven?

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Godliness consists in a harmony between holy principles and holy practices.

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How can the unrepentant sinner be merry—who is heir to all God's curses, and does not know how soon he may take up his lodgings among the damned!

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The more bitterness we taste in sin, the more sweetness we shall taste in Christ!

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Christ is never sincerely loved, until sin is sincerely loathed!

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He is a fool, who minds his recreation more than his salvation!

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The greatest judgment God lays upon a man in this life, is to let him sin without hindrance.

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He who hides one rebel in his house, is a traitor to the Crown.
Just so, he who indulges one sin, is a traitorous hypocrite.

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It is better to go with difficulty to Heaven, than with ease to Hell! "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able!" Luke 13:24

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True happiness consists not in beauty, honor, riches (the world's trinity)—but in the forgiveness of sin. "How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!" Psalm 32:1