Grace Gems for FEBRUARY 2025

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Keep silence all created things,
And wait your Maker's nod;
My soul stands trembling while she sings,
The glories of her God.

Life, death, and Hell, and worlds unknown,
Hang on His firm decree;
He sits on no precarious throne,
Nor asks assent to be.

Chained to His throne, a volume lies,
With all the fates of men,
With every angel's form and size,
Drawn by the eternal pen.

His providence unfolds the book,
And makes His counsels shine;
Each opening leaf, and every stroke,
Fulfills some deep design.

Here He exalts neglected worms,
To kingship and a crown;
And then the following page He turns,
And treads the monarch down.

My God, I would not long to see,
My fate with curious eyes;
What gloomy lines are writ for me,
Or what bright scenes may rise.

In your pure book of life and grace,
O may I find my name,
Recorded in some humble place,
Beneath my Lord the Lamb.

The verses below emphasize God's absolute sovereignty over all things.
His plans, purposes, and decrees cannot be hindered by puny man!

Isaiah 46:9-10
"I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done, saying: My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose!"

Job 42:2
"I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted!"

Proverbs 19:21
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

Ephesians 1:11
"In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will!"

(Samuel Davies, "Serious Reflections on WAR" 1757)

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"When He comes--He will convict the world about sin, righteousness and judgment!" John 16:8

The Holy Spirit is the only effectual Reformer of the world! If He is absent:
legislators may make laws against crime;
philosophers may reason against vice;
ministers may preach against sin;
conscience may remonstrate against evil;
the divine law may prescribe, and threaten Hell;
the gospel may invite, and allure to Heaven;
but all will be in vain!

The strongest arguments, the most melting entreaties, the most alarming denunciations from God and man, enforced with the highest authority, or the most compassionate tears--all will have no effect--all will not effectually reclaim one sinner, nor gain one sincere convert to righteousness!

Paul, Apollos, and Peter, with all their apostolic abilities, can do nothing without the Holy Spirit. Paul may plant the seed, and Apollos may water it; but God alone can make it grow! "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything--but only God, who makes things grow!" 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Never will peace and harmony be established in this jangling world, until this Divine Agent takes the work in hand.

It is He alone, who can melt down the obstinate hearts of men into love and peace!

It is He alone, who can soften their rugged and savage tempers, and transform them into mutual benevolence!

It is He alone, who can quench those lusts that set the world on fire, and implant the opposite virtues and graces. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are mentioned by Paul as the fruit of the Spirit, because the Spirit alone is the author of them. And if these dispositions were predominant in the world--what a serene, calm, peaceful region would it be, undisturbed with the hurricanes of human passions!

Oh, how much do we need the influence of the blessed Spirit . . .
to break the heart of stone,
to enlighten the dark mind, and
to comfort the desponding soul!

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"How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you!" Psalm 31:19

"They will celebrate Your great goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness." Psalm 145:7

Ingratitude makes little of much--but gratitude sees much in little.

Brethren, we have received no little goodness from our heavenly Father, but all has been great goodness.

Is there a blessing that we enjoy from God, which we can dare to despise? Whatever comes to us from Him, is great goodness.

Oh, beloved, we need not continue to talk about it, for surely upon the very surface we can see:
the great goodness of electing love,
the great goodness of redeeming love,
the great goodness of converting love,
the great goodness of pardoning love,
the great goodness of upholding love,
the great goodness of sanctifying love,
the great goodness which has sent the Savior to prepare Heaven for us, and the great goodness which is preparing us that we may enter into Heaven.

"Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!" Psalm 23:6

"How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?" Psalm 116:12

John Ryland, 1753-1825

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Sovereign Ruler of the skies,
Ever gracious, ever wise;
All my times are in your hand,
All events at your command.

His decree who formed the earth,
Fixed my first and second birth;
Parents, native place, and time,
All were appointed by Him.

He who formed me in the womb,
He shall guide me to the tomb;
All my times shall ever be,
Ordered by His wise decree.

Times of sickness times of health;
Times of poverty and wealth;
Times of trial and of grief;
Times of triumph and relief;

Times the tempter's power to prove;
Times to taste the Savior's love;
All must come, and last, and end,
As shall please my heavenly Friend.

Plagues and deaths around me fly;
Until He bids, I cannot die;
Not a single shaft can hit,
Until the God of love sees fit!

"I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying: My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose!" Isaiah 46:9-10

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Charles Spurgeon

"Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love!
Therefore with loving-kindness I have drawn you."
Jeremiah 31:3

How ravishing is the thought of eternal love! Try to drink it in.

If you are a believer in Christ, you were loved before time began its cycles. In that old eternity, before the earth was born, you were beloved of the Lord.

You were dear to Jehovah's heart when this great world, the sun, the moon, the stars--slept in the mind of God like unborn forests in an acorn-cup.

He loved you with an everlasting and infinite love. God chose you, not because of any goodness in you--but of his own sovereign will and good pleasure. Rejoice in this and let your heart be glad.

Never forget that sovereign and eternal election is the source of your every spiritual blessing!

"We love Him, because He first loved us!" 1 John 4:19

"May blessing (praise, laudation) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm! Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight." Ephesians 1:3-4 (Amplified Bible)

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Those bright constellations, Christ created them.

That blushing rose,
that graceful lily,
that exquisite fern,
that curious sea-flower tossed upon the shore,
that wayside violet that screens the dew-drop from the sun,
that winding stream,
that leafy grove,
Christ formed and penciled them all!

Yes, Christ is the one who . . .
clad that magnificent landscape with its robe of living green;
scented the air with its fragrance,
and hollowed out the depth of that expansive ocean, dimpled with beauty by the gentle breeze, or awesome in its grandeur, when trod by the storm.

Truly, He has made everything beautiful in its time!

Oh! I delight to see the Incarnate God, who died to save--scattering from the opulence of His own boundless resources, all this jewelry; making man's sinful home so rich, so lovely, so attractive!

"The heavens tell of the glory of God.
The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make Him known.
They speak without a sound or a word;
their voice is silent in the skies;
yet their message has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to all the world." Psalm 19:1-4

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Matthew 9:37, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few!"

The minister who does not work hard in his ministry, will find it very hard work to answer for his idleness at the day of judgment. A gentleman who wants an easy life should never think of occupying the Christian ministry, for he is out of place there; and when he gets there, the only advice I can give him is to get out of it as soon as possible!

And if he will not leave the position voluntarily, I call to mind the language of Jehu concerning Jezebel, "Fling her down!" This same advice applicable to a lazy minister. A mere idler has no right in the pulpit. He is an instrument of Satan in damning the souls of men.

The ministry demands brain labor; the preacher must throw his thought into his teaching, and read and study to keep his mind in good trim. He must not weary the people by telling them the truth in a stale, unprofitable manner, with nothing fresh from his own soul to give force to it.

Above all, he must put heart-work into his preaching. He must feel what he preaches. It must never be an easy thing with him to deliver a sermon. There must be soul-work in it; the entire man must be stirred up to effort, and the whole nature that God has endowed him with, must be concentrated with all its vigor upon the work in hand.

Such are the kind of ministers we need. To stand and drone out a sermon in a kind of articulate snoring to a people who are somewhere between awake and asleep--must be wretched work indeed. I wonder what kind of excuse will be given by some men at last, for having habitually done this. To never to deal with men's consciences, never to upbraid them for their sins, never to tell them of their danger, never to invite them to the Savior with tears and entreaties--what a foolish work is this!

What will become of such preachers? God have mercy upon them! We need laborers, not loiterers! We need men on fire!

"Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you." 1 Thessalonians 5:12

"When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die!' and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways--that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood!" Ezekiel 33:8

We ministers are burdened by remarkable responsibilities. Oh, unhappy men, if we are unfaithful! We are the worst of criminals, and murderers of immortal souls. We, if we are not true to God, are the choice servants of Satan! Judas himself was not more the son of perdition, than the man who calls himself a minister of Christ, and yet dares to be unfaithful to the souls of men.

"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly!" James 3:1

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2. for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

6. He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

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2 Peter 3:10-12,
"The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare! Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and desire its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat!"

These facts ought to be allowed to exert a deep and abiding influence on us, to induce us to lead holy lives. We should feel:

and that our great interests are in eternity.

We should be serious, humble and prayerful. We should make it our great object to be prepared for the solemn scenes through which we are soon to pass.

A habitual contemplation of the truth that all that we see is soon to pass away--would produce a most beneficial effect on the mind.

It would cause us to ask with deep earnestness whether we ourselves are prepared for these amazing scenes, should they suddenly burst upon us!

"The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." Romans 13:11

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["The Sovereignty of God in Calamity!" Delivered on September 20, 1857, by Ebenezer Rogers--two days after the steamship 'Central America' sank during a hurricane. 560 of the 626 people on board lost their lives!]

Upon the whole history of this solemn event, is stamped the record of the absolute sovereignty of God. It is not an enemy who has done this! God is sovereign, and this is the hand of God!

All that occurs in His wide empire, from the falling of a leaf--to the extinction of a race; from the death of a sparrow--to the blotting out of a star; is only the fiat of Him, who is from everlasting to everlasting God--whose counsel shall stand and who will do all His good pleasure.

There is a God who reigns in the earth! "Affliction does not come forth from the dust; neither does trouble spring out of the ground"--but "the Lord God omnipotent reigns!"

God is sovereign on His throne! All the powers and processes of nature, are but the ministers who do His pleasure. Rising above the roaring of the ocean, above the moaning of the blast, above even the shrieks of drowning men--is heard the solemn voice of the Almighty, saying in tones of overwhelming majesty, "Be still and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10

Let us enthrone above these scenes of apparent disorder and arbitrary infliction--a Sovereign God, a God of wisdom, a God of power, a God of love, who sees the end from the beginning, and orders all things according to the counsel of His will--and here at least we have an anchorage for Faith, a place where she can cling, and look up amid the jarring elements, and say, "Even so Father, for so it seems good in Your sight!"

Who would not prefer, if called on to submit uncomplainingly and absolutely to the most trying circumstances and dealings--that these should be ordered by a wise, just and good Being--one whose infinite wisdom enabled Him to devise the best things, whose infinite power enabled Him to accomplish them, and whose infinite goodness disposed Him to exert that power. Who would not choose that a Father's hand should pour the bitter cup which he was to drink even to the dregs?

Oh! to be taught that a Sovereign God rides upon the billows, and directs the storms which have swept all our idols away and left us beggared and forlorn--is a lesson worth, to the tried and tempted soul of man, all that it costs to learn it.

To my own mind this fearful event in all its horrors is full of teaching on that great point which lies at the foundation of all religion, but which men are so constantly prone to forget--that there is a Sovereign God in the heavens before whom all must bow, and to whom all must give account!

Daniel 4:35, "All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing! He does according to His will in the army of Heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him: What have You done?"

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Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

The condition of a church may be very accurately gauged by its prayer-meetings.

If the spirit of prayer is not with the people, the minister may preach like an angel, but he cannot expect success.

If there is not the spirit of prayer in a church, there may be wealth, there may be talent, there may be a measure of effort, there may be an extensive religious machinery--but the Lord is not there!

It is a sure evidence of the presence of God, that men pray--as the rising of the thermometer is an evidence of the increase of the temperature.

In the same way, the prayer-meeting is a grace-ometer, and from it we may judge of the amount of divine working among His people. God is always working in a praying church. And if God is not there, then one of the first tokens of His absence will be slothfulness in prayer.

"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You. My soul thirsts for You; my whole body longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1

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"For you are a holy people who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be His own special treasure!" Deuteronomy 7:6

God highly prizes His people. Yes, it is impossible to say how highly He prizes them. Those are wondrous words, "For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His own special treasure!" Psalm 135:4

Did the shepherd prize his flock? God calls His people, "His flock, His beautiful flock."

Does the miser prize his wealth? God says of His people, "You shall be a special treasure unto Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine."

Does the prince prize his jewels? God says of His people, "They shall be Mine, in that day when I make up My jewels!"

Does the bridegroom prize his beloved and dearly purchased bride? It is written, "As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you!"

Does the reigning monarch prize his crown? God has said, "You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God."

What wondrous love, such expressions as these represent!
How precious must the Lord's people be to Him!
Truly they are His special treasure!

God chose them to be special unto Himself.
He chose them out from among others.
He chose them in preference to others.

He chose them out from others, on purpose that they may be a special people unto Himself. And in so doing, He acted FREELY. It was not on account of anything He saw in them, or on account of anything He expected from them; but in the exercise of His most free and holy sovereignty, He chose them to participate in the glory of His Son!

In choosing them, He acted also DELIBERATELY. It was no hasty choice.
His thoughts had been eternally filled with them.
His heart had been eternally set upon them.
Therefore He chose them in Christ before the foundation of the world!

In choosing them, He acted WISELY, as He really desired to have them. For each one of them is ready to confess that if God had not chosen them, that they would never have chosen Him! The nature regulates the choice; and as our nature is carnal and impure, we would never have chosen God who is spiritual and holy.

His choice was just an early expression of His LOVE. The love which chose them, would do anything for them, and give anything to them! Therefore God spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for them all; and in so doing, gave them the assurance that He will also freely give them all things in Christ.

O the wonders couched in electing love!

This act of choosing such creatures as we are, to be a special people unto Himself, displays . . .
such grace,
such condescension,
such infinite wisdom and love!

God's election says, "The Lord loves you!" Loves us! Yes, and with a love that is eternal, immutable, sovereign, infinite, and free! All the love of God is lavished upon us as His special people in Christ. Oh, those wondrous words of Jesus, "You have loved them, even as You have loved Me!" John 17:23

But few among the worldly wise,
But few of nobler race,
Obtain the favor of Your eyes,
Almighty King of grace!

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"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst!" 1 Timothy 1:15

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Information as to the future in Scripture, is generally very indistinct in arrangement, and though many attempts have been made to form a consistent scheme of prophecy, not one has been even moderately successful. There are in the Word of God, many clear testimonies as to distinct events in the future, but these cannot easily be arranged in order so as to harmonize with other events; neither will the most accurate observer ever make a consistent series of them, so as to map them down. They are perfectly consistent, and their order is divine--but we shall need the actual fulfillment to make the plan clear.

So intricate is the architecture of future history, that the Architect himself alone knows where this stone, and that stone, and the other stone, are ordained to stand. It is not for us to fling any one of the stones away, or censure it as poorly shaped.

We are but children, and our little plans of house-building, like children with their toy bricks, are very simple and elementary indeed. But God's architecture is of a high class, and we cannot, therefore, conjecture where this event will come in, or where that marvel will find its place. But that each one will follow in an orderly manner upon the other, we may rest quite assured. Instead of puzzling our brains over how all the prophecies fit together, we may be quite satisfied to take each of the prophecies separately as we find them, believingly expect them, and above all, deduce from them their legitimate practical conclusions.

The right way of knowing anything, is to know how to act in consequence of it. In spiritual things, a man knows nothing until he lives what he knows. If you and I know the truths with regard to the future, each one as we find them in Scripture, and then live consistent to the inferences fairly to be drawn from them--we shall be wiser men, than if we became inventors of elaborate schemes of prophecy.

2 Peter 1:20–21,^"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

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"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

External morality is not heart-purity. A person may be clothed with great moral virtues, such as justice, charity, prudence, and temperance--and yet go to Hell.

We must not rest in mere outward morality.
A swine may be washed--yet be a swine still.
Morality does but wash a man, grace changes him.
Morality may shine in the eyes of the world--but it differs as much from purity, as a pebble differs from a diamond!

Morality is but strewing flowers on a dead corpse!

A man who is but highly moral, is but a tame devil!

How many have made 'morality' their savior!
Morality will damn, as well as vice!
A boat may be sunk with gold, as well as with dung!

The moral person, though he will not commit gross sins--yet he is not sensible of heart sins. He is not troubled for unbelief, hardness of heart, vanity of thoughts. He abhors gross-sins, not gospel-sins.

The snake has a fine appearance, but has a deadly sting! Just so, the moral man is fair to look on, but has a secret antipathy against the holy ways of God.

Morality is not to be rested in. The heart must be pure.
God would have Aaron wash the inner parts of the sacrifice. Leviticus 9:14
Morality does but wash the outside--the inside must be washed.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

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What WAS I by NATURE?

This is a dark and dreary subject, for I was in a sad state, and had acquired a sad character.

My heart was fearfully depraved, my nature was totally fallen.

All within was spiritually dead, and all without was unholy.

The creature was loved and served, and the Creator was neglected and despised.

Sin was my element.

Satan was my master.

The world was my Heaven.

I had no good desires, no holy aspirations, no redeeming qualities.

I was a rebel against God's government, and a traitor against God's crown!
I would have destroyed God if I could, and blotted His name out of creation!
The language of my heart and life was, "No God for me!"
My heart was filled and fired with enmity against Him, and at times I could have cursed Him to His face!
I hated His law.
I despised His gospel.
I abhorred His people.
If I could, I would have crushed His cause!

How astonishing that such a wretch was allowed to live!

How astonishing that God had not crushed me by His power, and sentenced me to Hell!

But, O the patience and the sovereign grace of God!
He bore with me.
He loaded me with His benefits.
He determined to win me with His love.
Nevertheless I sinned yet the more, and provoked Him with my ungodly conduct.
O how surprising that I am not in Hell!

Surely there are many already in Hell, who were never such great sinners as I have been!

But, the Lord is good, ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy unto all who call upon Him. He put a cry into my heart, He listened to that cry, and made me a new creature in Christ Jesus. He unveiled my enormous wickedness before the eyes of my mind, which filled me with confusion, despondency and shame. He laid me in the dust, and seemed to doom me to despair. He . . .
crushed my proud spirit,
destroyed my infernal enmity against Him,
and melted me into contrition with His love.

What AM I by GRACE?

For all that I now am, I once was not. Everything which is in any sense was good in me, must be ascribed to the free grace of God. Yes, with the holy Apostle I must say, "By the grace of God, I am what I am!"
All that has been wrought within me,
all that has been conferred upon me,
and all the good that has been done by me,
must be traced to the free and invincible grace of God!

Who can tell what I would have been by this time--but for the grace of God?

Who can say where I would have been this morning--but for the grace of God?

Most probably I would have been in Hell, where the worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched! O what a debtor to grace I am! If anyone should magnify sovereign grace, surely I should. For to God's sovereign grace, I owe everything!

I am not now, what I once was. Why?
Because God had a purpose of grace toward me.

I am not now, what I soon shall be. Why?
Because grace is always crowned with glory!

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

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I come before You with a heart overflowing with gratitude and awe. Thank You, my Savior, for the wondrous love You have shown in laying down Your life for me, a vile sinner. How can I comprehend the depth of Your sacrifice? You, the spotless Lamb of God, took upon Yourself the punishment I so rightfully deserved. You bore my sins and endured the agony of the cross, not because of anything that I have done to deserve it, but because of Your boundless love and grace.

I was lost and condemned, helpless and hopeless--yet You gave Your life to save me. Your love knows no limits, no boundaries, no conditions. It is overwhelming and immeasurable, and I am most grateful and humbled by it.

Thank You for taking my place, for giving Yourself to suffer and die as my sin-atoning sacrifice. Thank You for the gift of eternal life that You have freely given, not because I am worthy, but because You are merciful and full of grace. I can never begin to repay You, but I offer the love of my poor heart, in response to the marvelous mercy and grace which You have shown to me.

I thank You, precious Jesus, for bearing my eternal punishment so that I might know the peace of being reconciled to Father-God. My heart is forever Yours.

"Christ died for the ungodly"

"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"

"When we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son"
Romans 5:6, 8, 10

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"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree!" Galatians 3:13

"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree!" 1 Peter 2:24

The cross is the symbol of the shame and suffering of Jesus' crucifixion.

Wearing a cross as a mere piece of jewelry, is a form of sacrilege--reducing the sacred symbol of Christ's sin-atoning sacrifice to a mere ornament. The cross is not a fashion statement, but the emblem of our Lord's suffering and death. To treat it lightly, is to trample upon the solemn truths of Calvary, where the Son of God bore the wrath of the Father in the place of His elect people. Such careless use dishonors the gospel, making what is holy into something trivial.

However, if one wears the cross as a means of confessing Jesus before men and remembering His redeeming work, then it may serve as a constant reminder of the believer's call to take up his own cross daily in humble submission to the Lord. But to wear it in vanity, devoid of true devotion--is to mock the very blood by which sinners are saved.

The danger of wearing a cross as a mere trinket, lies in the heart's posture toward Christ and His sin-atoning death. If the cross is worn thoughtlessly, as a token of worldly fashion--then it is emptied of its meaning and treated with irreverence. The cross is the throne of the crucified King, where divine justice and mercy met, where Christ bore the curse of the law on behalf of His people. To wear it frivolously, without submission to the One who hung upon it, is to rob it of its solemnity and turn it into an object of vanity. True reverence for the cross of Jesus is not found in its outward display, but in a heart humbled before God, clinging to the crucified Savior in faith. Let us then, honor the cross--not merely in appearance, but in a life marked by repentance, obedience, and gratitude for the saving grace of God.

Furthermore, the misuse of the cross as a mere decoration, reflects the natural tendency of sinful man to desire the external symbols of Christianity, without submitting to its inward reality. Just as Israel was chastised for honoring God with their lips, while their hearts were far from Him, so too does the thoughtless display of the cross betray a hollow profession of faith. The cross is a call to die to self, to forsake the world, and to follow Christ in true discipleship. When worn without conviction, it becomes an empty emblem, stripped of its significance and reduced to an idol of sentimentality. But for those who bear it in sincerity, not just around their necks, but upon their very lives--the cross is a reminder of the gospel's transforming power. Let us not trivialize that which cost our Savior His precious blood; but instead, may we live as those who have been crucified with Christ, boasting in His sin-atoning work alone.

The commercialization of the cross, further exposes the heart's tendency to trivialize what is sacred. In a world that exalts self and despises true godliness, the cross is often stripped of its meaning and viewed as a mere fashion accessory, void of the suffering and shame that it represents. The cross is the instrument of Christ's agony, the altar where the Lamb of God was slain for the sins of His people. To wear it without reverence, without a life of repentance and faith, is to treat the death of Christ as something mundane. May we never reduce the cross to a lifeless trinket, but instead bear it with fear and trembling, knowing that it is through the cross of Jesus alone, that we have been brought from damnation to salvation.

To truly honor the cross, one must not merely wear it, but bear it. Christ Himself declared, "Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves, and take up their cross daily, and follow Me!" This is not a call to outward religious displays, but to a life marked by self-denial, suffering for righteousness, and obedience to the will of God. A cross around the neck is a form of sacrilege--if the heart remains unyielding to Christ. The true Christian does not seek to adorn himself with symbols of the gospel, while living in contradiction to its demands--but rather takes up his cross in daily submission, counting all things loss for the sake of knowing Christ. If the cross is to be displayed, let it be shown in our conduct, our speech, our affections, and our devotion to the One who bore it in our place. Let us tremble at the thought of treating it as a mere fashion accessory, and instead live as those who have been purchased by its power, bearing its reproach with joy, until we see our crucified and risen Lord face to face!

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!" Galatians 6:14

(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)

"With unfailing love I have I drawn you to myself." Jeremiah 31:3

The Master came one night to the door, and knocked with the iron hand of the law; the door shook and trembled upon its hinges. But the man piled every piece of furniture which he could find against the door, for he said, "I will not admit that man."

The Master turned away, but by-and-by He came back, and with His own soft hand, using most that part where the nail had penetrated, He knocked again--oh, so softly and tenderly.

This time the door did not shake, but strange to say, it opened, and there upon his knees the once unwilling host was found rejoicing to receive his guest!

"Come in, come in; you have so knocked that my affections are moved for you. I could not think of your pierced hand leaving its blood mark on my door. I yield, I yield, Your love has won my heart."

So in every case, the love of Christ wins the day. What Moses with the tablets of stone could never do, Christ does with His pierced hand!

Such is the doctrine of effectual calling.

Do I understand it experimentally?

"With unfailing love I have I drawn you to myself." Jeremiah 31:3

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

2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

In a world filled with conflicting voices, shifting opinions, and temporary comforts--where can we find unwavering truth? The answer is found in the Word of God. Scripture is not just a collection of religious writings--it is the very breath of God, wholly sufficient for guiding us in every aspect of life.

God's Word is the source of all true wisdom. The wisdom of the world is fleeting and often misguided, but the wisdom of God is eternal. Proverbs 2:6 declares, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." When we seek direction in decision-making, relationships, or trials--we must look first to the Scriptures, for in them, God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3

God's Word is the source of all true comfort. When our hearts are troubled, where do we turn? Many look for relief in entertainment, relationships, or distractions--yet true and lasting comfort is found only in the promises of God.

Psalm 119:50 says, "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." The Word assures us of . . .
God's unchanging love,
His sovereign control over our circumstances,
and His faithfulness to sustain us through every trial.

God's Word is the source of ultimate truth. In an age where truth is often subjective, the Bible stands as the unchanging, absolute truth of God. Jesus declared, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth." John 17:17. The Word of God . . .
exposes sin,
reveals Christ,
and teaches us how to live a holy life.
If we neglect it, we risk being led astray by the deception of the world.

We must apply God's Word to every aspect of life. James exhorts us to "not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!" James 1:22. The Bible is not just for Sunday mornings or theological discussions--it is meant to shape our every decision, thought, and action. Whether in our work, relationships, or trials, we must ask: What does God's Word say about this? Then, we must humbly submit to its authority, trusting that His ways are higher than ours. Isaiah 55:9

"Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your perfect and sufficient Word. Help us to treasure it above all else . . .
seeking its wisdom,
finding our comfort in its promises,
and standing firm in its truth.
Give us the grace to apply it to every part of our lives so that we may glorify You in all we do."

"For I am convinced that . . .
    neither death nor life,
      neither angels nor demons,
        neither the present nor the future,
          nor any powers,
            neither height nor depth,
              nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!"
Romans 8:38–39

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God's presence amidst life's darkest moments

Various authors

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

Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

The imagery in this verse is both vivid and profound, offering Christians a picture of God's presence amidst life's darkest moments. This verse has been a source of comfort to believers throughout the ages, reminding us that God's presence transforms even the darkest valleys of life, into places of safety and peace.

Spurgeon writes: "Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a man's pathway even for a moment.
The shadow of a dog cannot bite;
the shadow of a sword cannot kill;
the shadow of death cannot destroy us."
Spurgeon's words compel us to view the "valley of the shadow of death" not as a place of despair, but as a path we tread under the Shepherd's watchful eye and care.

This perspective echoes the words of Puritan Richard Baxter, who said, "Our Savior has sanctified all conditions of life and death to us, so that we may walk with Him through the darkest passage, as cheerfully as in the most prosperous ways." Baxter's insight reinforces the reality that Christ's presence redeems and sanctifies even the deepest trials.

David's declaration, "I will fear no evil, for You are with me," is founded on his view of God's Omnipresence and Omnipotence.

The Puritan Thomas Watson wrote: "Where reason cannot wade, faith must swim." Faith enables us to see that the Shepherd's protection is stronger than any evil that might surround us. When the Good Shepherd is near, fear flees.

The rod and staff symbolize God's protection and guidance. Spurgeon again provides rich imagery: "The staff of the shepherd is a great comfort to the sheep, for it guides them in the right way and keeps them from wandering."

Similarly, the rod--an instrument of discipline, reminds us that God's correction is an expression of His love for His redeemed children, keeping us safe from paths that would harm us.

Puritan John Flavel observed, "He who sees God's hand in all things, will find reason for comfort in all things." To the believer, the rod and staff are tangible signs of God's active involvement in their lives.

In moments when life's valleys seem overwhelming, we are called to remember the abiding presence of the Good Shepherd. Though shadows may loom, they cannot extinguish the light of God's promises. Let us anchor our hearts in the assurance that Jesus is our ever-present and all-powerful Shepherd, and that He will cause all things to work together, for our ultimate good and His glory.

"Lord, thank You for being our Shepherd, even in the valley of the shadow of death. Teach us to trust in Your presence, Your providence, and Your protection; and to find comfort in Your rod and staff. May we walk by faith and not by sight, knowing that You are with us every step of the way."

Free agency and predestination

Charles Spurgeon

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

"All whom the Father gives Me will come to Me;
and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out."
John 6:37

I believe the doctrine of election to be as certainly true as the doctrine of the existence of God. I am not about to attempt to clear up all of the endless philosophic difficulties which could be suggested by a subtle thinker. If I were to venture upon such a labor, I would only be like Sisyphus who rolled a large round rock uphill, which always rolled down again.

The difficulties about the compatibility of free agency and predestination have existed, do exist, and will exist to the world's end. To my mind both facts are certain--but where they meet, none knows but God Himself.

Yet there is a practical, common sense way out of the difficulty. I do not know any better way of practically treating the matter, than of saying, "I will go to Jesus because He bids me, and because He has said, 'Whoever comes to Me, I will never cast out.' If I sincerely go to Him and He casts me out, then He has broken His promise; but He never can do that. So now I venture to trust in His sin-atoning death, and leave my soul's salvation in His hands."

In all other matters you act so:

When you are sick, you do not know whether you are ordained to get well, but you send for the doctor.

You cannot tell whether you are predestined to be rich, but you endeavor to make money.

You do not know whether God has decreed that will live through the day, but you work to provide food for yourself.

Thus common sense cuts the knot which mere theory can never untie! Leave the philosophic arguments alone, and act as sensible men. Go to Jesus, and you will be saved!

"All whom the Father gives Me will come to Me;
and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out."
John 6:37

Various authors

"Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders?"
Jesus replied: "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?"
Matthew 15:2-3

"You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."
"And He said to them: You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!"
Mark 7:8-9

Below are several traditions of men that are contrary to biblical teaching. These traditions often stem from pride, human reasoning, cultural and worldly influences, or pragmatic concerns--rather than from a clear biblical mandate:

Low views of God, and high views of man.

Overemphasis on the love of God, while ignoring His holiness, justice, and wrath.

Churches run like businesses.

Entertainment-driven churches.

Neglect of church discipline.

Churches that emphasize politics.

Unqualified pastors/elders (1 Timothy 2:12-14; Titus 1:5-9).

Pragmatism, over faithfulness to Scripture.

Numbers-driven ministry.

Neglect of personal holiness in leadership.

Reliance on worldly gimmicks to get more people.

Infant baptism.

Emphasis on self-esteem, rather than on humility.

Dependence on academics, human psychology, etc.

Easy believism.

Celebration of "holy days" such as Christ-mass, Easter, and Lent.

Lack of teaching on repentance, the cost of following Jesus, self-denial, Hell, etc.

Women pastors/elders.

"These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings!" Colossians 2:22

"Thus you nullify the Word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that." Mark 7:13

The above traditions, though common in many evangelical churches, do not align with biblical teaching.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

As Christians, we assert that the Bible is sufficient, and contains everything necessary for doctrine, salvation, and godly living. The Scripture is the sole and final authority and source of truth. We must test all doctrines, practices, and traditions by God's Word. We must never ignore Scripture, in order to maintain a human tradition.

"Test everything. Hold on to the good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Spurgeon: "The greatest threat to the church is tradition masquerading as truth! Hold fast then, to that which is revealed by the Holy Spirit in the sacred volume, and let no man deceive you by vain words. Christians must return to the Bible as their sole infallible rule of faith and practice."

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to this comforting hymn, as you READ the text below. Or you may want to WATCH the Video on YouTube)

God has not promised, skies always blue;

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

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

1 Corinthians 16:22, "If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed!"

If you do not love the Lord Jesus--then you are on the way to judgment, and then to eternal condemnation.

If you do not love the Lord Jesus, then you are going as fast as time can carry you--away, away, away to the gloomy land where not a single ray of hope will ever pierce the midnight darkness. Away, away, away, to the place of eternal despair!

If you do not love the Lord Jesus--then you are now in awful peril. You stand over the mouth of Hell upon a single plank, and that plank is rotten. You hang over the jaws of perdition by a slender thread, and the angel of justice is waiting to cut that thread in sunder!

Oh, how dreadful to live and die in this cursed state! And then to wake up on the resurrection morning and see the King in His beauty on the throne, and to know that you are eternally cursed! You will cry to the rocks to hide you, and to the hills to cover you, for you are cursed! Then to be brought out before the great white throne resplendent in its holiness, and hear the fact announced so that all may know that you are eternally cursed!

Ah, what will it be to see the bottomless pit open its mouth to devour you, and descending forever, to understand that you are not only cursed, but damned!

"Then He will say to those on His left: Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!" Matthew 25:41

Do I love You, O my Lord?
Behold my heart, and see;
And turn each cursed idol out,
That dares to rival Thee.

You know I love You, dearest Lord;
But O, I long to soar,
Far from the sphere of mortal joys,
And learn to love You more!
Philip Doddridge

They would dance with the devil all day--and then dine with Christ at night!

(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 YouTube)

"Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!" Numbers 23:10

John Trapp:
Some faint desires, and short-winded wishes, may be sometimes found in carnal men--but the mischief is that they would break God's chain, and would sunder . . .
holiness, from happiness;
sanctification, from salvation
and the means, from the end.

They would dance with the devil all day--and then dine with Christ at night!

They would live all their lives in Delilah's lap--and then go to Abraham's bosom when they die!

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Matthew Henry:
"There are many who desire to die the death of the righteous--but do not endeavor to live the life of the righteous. Gladly would they have their end like theirs--but not their way. They would be saints in Heaven--but not saints on earth. If you resolve to serve God--you must renounce all competitors with Him!"

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Edward Taylor:
"I hope none of you calculate on serving the devil all your lives--and cheating God with your dying breath. You can't cheat God by giving him the last snuff of an expiring candle!" (Edward Taylor)

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Adam Clarke:
"He who would die well, should live well; for a bad death must be the outcome of a bad life!"

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Brownlow North:
"A Christian is not afraid of death--but of sin!
An unconverted man is not afraid of sin--but of death!"

"It is appointed unto men once to die--but after this the judgment!" Hebrews 9:2

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money!" Matthew 6:24