Sunday

Sunday Considerations: Christmas After Christmas

What becomes of Christmas, when the day is gone? It is the gladdest day of the year. It is celebrated in all Christian lands. The churches observe it, sometimes with great pomp and splendor, with stately music and elaborate ceremonial, sometimes in simple, homely worship. It is kept in homes, with happy greetings and good wishes, and universal giving of gifts. Everyone, even the miser, grows generous at the Christmas time. Men who are ordinarily cold and unmoved toward human need, wax warm-hearted in these glad days. People everywhere rise to a high tide of kindly feeling. There is scarcely …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: After Church

All of us must go out from the sweet services of the Sunday—into a week of very real and very commonplace life. We must mingle with people who are not angels. We must pass through experiences that will naturally worry and vex us. Those about us, either wittingly or unwittingly, annoy and try us. We must mingle with those who do not love Christ. We all meet many troubles and worries in ordinary week-day life. There are continual irritations and annoyances. The problem is to live a beautiful Christian life—in the face of all these hindrances! How can we get …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: True Love

Love is an affection of the soul, not a contract: it cannot rise from a mere agreement, nor is it so to be gained. It is spontaneous in its origin and impulse; and true love is its own satisfaction. It has its reward; but that reward is the object beloved. For whatever you seem to love, if it is on account of something else, what you do really love is that something else, not the apparent object of desire. St Paul did not preach the Gospel that he might earn his bread; he ate that he might be strengthened for …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Suffering Christian

Suffering Christian! Jesus is at your side, witnessing your sufferings. He sympathizes with you in your sorrows, and will do you good by every pain. He is always present with His people — for He has promised that He will never leave them nor forsake them. He is especially present with them when they are suffering trials. It is our responsibility to accept by faith that He is with us, and to commune with Him for the good of our souls. But when we are in great pain or extreme weakness, we are apt to forget, or at least we …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Craving Beauty

The beauties of this world whisper to our souls that there is someone ultimate. But the ultimate is never found in the wonderland of creation. We keep looking and longing for the beauty behind the beauty, the One who will satisfy the cravings of our soul. This explains why the drug addict keeps shooting up and the porn addict keeps looking and the materialist keeps buying and the thrill-seeker keeps jumping. On the other side of one thrill is the constant need for another. C. S. Lewis wrote, “We are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: My Precious Savior

Oh, my precious Savior What a blessed thing it is that we are not to live here always, that our existence is not bounded by this lower sphere! Holy Father, may our hearts, while aching, praise You that Your chastenings but wean us from this sinful and disappointing world, and fill our minds with holy joy, and longing hope for the blessed heaven to come. Oh, may Your love more completely fill these truant hearts! May Your ceaseless affection, changeless ever, when we wander, link our souls in closer union with You. Oh, my precious Savior, may that look of …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: The Only Hope

Christ and him crucified, is the only hope of the sinner. Here is the only substantial, permanent foundation of all our hopes. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” A crucified Christ is the only hope of the world. In vain do we hope for salvation from any other source. “Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.” The Lord alone is the salvation and strength of his people. The Christian boldly exclaims, …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Be Holy

When God then directs us in the Bible, “Be holy, for I am holy”; when we are exhorted to “follow holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”; when we are expressly told “God has not called us unto uncleanness–but unto holiness”–we are to know that by these words, God calls us unto godliness, or God-likeness, to be like God in all those moral qualities wherein we can walk in His ways, and copy His acts, and manifest His spirit. In the language of the Psalmist, it is setting the Lord always before us, just as the artist always …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Self Examination

Queries for Self Examination by John Angell James Do you regularly attend the public ordinances of religion, and feel the inward power of godliness while observing its outward forms? Do you attend the week-day services, and if not, is it from the lack of opportunity—or inclination? Are you more indifferent to the ordinances of religion now, than you were formerly? Do you keep up family devotion daily and seriously? And in addition to this, are you in the habit of solemnly and anxiously instructing your children in the principles of true religion? Do you set apart a portion of each …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Obey in Christ

How Can I Obey in Christ?—Faith Further, we must seek to know how, through Christ, we can walk in line with the gospel and render the obedience of faith. No obedience apart from faith is true obedience, and only by walking in line with the truth of the gospel do we perform the obedience of faith (Rom. 1:5, 16:26). Not only are we declared righteous by faith alone (justification), but we also grow in likeness to Christ by faith alone (sanctification). Thus, what every person needs from Scripture, believer and unbeliever, is the gospel. We cannot claim any of the …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Speak Peaceably

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful. John 14:27 (HCSB) Another thing to be done in fulfillment of our duty is, to speak peaceably. The peace of neighborhoods is often destroyed by words. “Grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1. “For lack of wood a fire goes out. Without gossip, a quarrel dies down. As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindling strife.” Proverbs 26:20, 21. “The words of …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Enemies of the Christian

The enemies of the Christian have been commonly divided into three classes—the world, the flesh, and the devil. But though these may be conceived of, and spoken of separately, they resist the Christian soldier by their combined powers. The devil is the agent; the world furnishes the bait or the object of temptation; and the flesh, or our own corrupt nature, is the subject on which the temptation operates. Sometimes, indeed, Satan injects his fiery darts, enkindled in hell, to frighten the timid soul and drive it to despair; but in this he often overshoots his mark, and drives the …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Under New Management

God identifies all believers with Christ, not in some mystical or theoretical way, but by changing our legal relationships. Before our conversion, we were obligated to obey the sinful impulses of our fallen nature. Even when we became tired of sin and resolved to change, the most we could do was rearrange our lives, but we could not change on the inside. God has done what we could not do. He has given us a new nature, and the personal presence and power of the Holy Spirit so we can say no to our old nature. To picture what God …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: The Mind of Jesus

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:5 “Arm yourselves likewise with the same mind” 1 Peter 4:1 THE MIND OF JESUS! What a study is this! To attain a dim reflection of it, is the ambition of angel — higher they cannot soar. “To be conformed to the image of His Son!” — this is the design of God in the predestination of His people from all eternity. “We shall be like Him!” — this is the Bible picture of heaven! In a former little volume, we pondered some of the gracious Words …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Beatitude for Sorrow

A great preacher has said, “It is worth our thought how small that audience must be that would assemble, life through, to listen to a gospel that said nothing to sufferers, nothing to sorrow.” An old theological professor said to his students, “Never go through a service without some word, in sermon or prayer, for the troubled; for in every congregation there will be at least one heart hungering for comfort.” The gospel is for all experiences. The religion of Christ is for our times of gladness—as well as for our days of trouble. It is not merely a lamp to shine in our dark nights. We never …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Fear and Worship

Fear God Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words. (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 ESV) Meditate on the above verses as you prepare for corporate worship this …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: As Little Children

“I assure you,” He said, “unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 (HCSB) When our Lord says, we must be converted and become as little children, I suppose he means also, that we must be sensible of our weakness, comparatively speaking, as a little child. Every one looks upon a little child, as a poor weak creature; as one that ought to go to school and learn some new lesson every day; and as simple and artless; one without guile, having not learned the abominable art, called dissimulation. Now in all these …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: After the Sermon

Fellow Christians, what will we do with sermon(s) we hear it this Sunday? What will we do with the sermon once we get home? On Monday morning? Below are some thoughts from Charles Spurgeon on “after the sermon.” Many think it is all right with them, when it is all wrong with them. They always hear the Gospel—how can they be castaways? They sit under a thoroughly evangelical Divine—how can they be reprobates? They know what is what—they will not consent to hear false doctrine—they have a discriminating faculty and will not abide unorthodox teaching. I am very glad they will not, but …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Glorious Resurrection

Previously, I shared some pre-Christian Good Friday thoughts. My aim was to encourage people this Easter weekend to consider the sins – their sins – that put Jesus on the cross. For further consideration this Easter, below are some insights from Charles Spurgeon on Jesus’ resurrection. His resurrection is glorious in its effects. He was “delivered for our offenses,” but, “He was raised again for our justification.” In death He discharged our debt. In Resurrection He exhibited the receipt of all our liabilities! He was Surety for us and, therefore, He smarted and went down to the prison of the grave. But by …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Christian Behavior

Christ is risen, and we have risen with Him and sit at the right hand of the Father with Him in spirit— and one of these days with a human body. In the meantime, we’re to act as if we are up there in heaven, but a little bit different. A farm boy comes to the city and acts different because he belongs on the farm. The city boy goes to the country and acts different because he belongs in the city. The man who has not been on a farm walks around gingerly, trying to keep out of the …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: What Will You Do with Jesus?

What Will You Do with Jesus? by A.B. Simpson, 1891. Jesus is standing in Pilate’s hall, Friendless, forsaken, betrayed by all; Hearken! what meaneth the sudden call? What will you do with Jesus? What will you do with Jesus? Neutral you cannot be; Some day your heart will be asking, “What will He do with me?” Jesus is standing on trial still, You can be false to Him if you will, You can be faithful through good or ill: What will you do with Jesus? Will you evade Him as Pilate tried? Or will you choose Him, whate’er betide? Vainly …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Losing the Wonder

There are some Christians, and even preachers, who have lost the wonder of the Christian Life. They pray prayers that have no meaning and preach sermons that have no passion. The salt has lost its savor and it’s good for nothing but to be trodden underfoot; insipid, flat, tasteless (Matt. 5: 13). There ought to be something about our Christianity to smack the lips over. There ought to be a taste and a zest and a relish. I’ve seen more cheerful faces on iodine bottles than I’ve seen on some saints over America. Where is the blessedness I knew when …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Everlastingness

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,and the Word was God. John 1:1 (HCSB) Every religion in the world had a beginning. You can trace it starting with its founder. All these religions have a beginning and they all have an ending. Christianity is different. Where does Christianity start? It has no beginning and it has no end. The human heart wants that which had no beginning and never can have any ending—namely, the Word, which was with the Father in the beginning; the Word, which was God; and the Word, which is God. Oh, how wonderful …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: A Good Tree

Trees are beautiful objects. If we had never seen this part of the creation before, we would be filled with admiration at the sight. A stately oak or cedar is really a majestic object. It stands firmly by its own strength. It raises its head towards the heavens, and spreads out its arms on every side; and when verdant, affords a canopy and grateful shade to the weary traveler, and a secure habitation for the birds of the air. Trees are the handsomest ornaments of gardens and pleasure-grounds. Eden itself, without trees, would have been shorn of its glory. But …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Cultivate Joy

There is an obligation upon a Christian to be happy. Let me say it again—there is a responsibility laid upon a Christian to be cheerful! It is not merely an invitation, but it is a command—“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous.” “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.” Gloomy Christians who do not resist despondency and strive against it, but who go about as if midnight had taken up its abode in their eyes and an everlasting frost had settled on their souls are not obeying the commands of God! The command to rejoice …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Peace of God

There are three words, pregnant with precious and important meaning, commonly used by the apostles in their salutations and benedictions, GRACE, MERCY, and PEACE. These words include everything which man needs or can desire. Peace is the legacy which Christ gave to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” And after his resurrection, the first time he met with his disciples when assembled together, he said, “Peace be unto you.” He gives peace not as the world gives. He is the PRINCE OF PEACE, and his gospel is the “gospel of peace.” It is …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Watch and Pray

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” Mark 14:38 As Christ is the church’s friend—so Satan is the church’s enemy: her greatest enemy, her cruelest enemy, her worst enemy, her continual enemy. He makes war against all who keep the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, Revelation 12:17. The devil envies our happiness, and seeks our ruin: 1. By tempting of us, 1 Corinthians 7:5. 2. By persecuting of us, Revelation 2:10. 3. By accusing of us, Revelation 12:10. 4. By hindering of us, 1 Thess. 2:18. 5. By deceiving of us, 2 Corinthians 11:3. “Stay …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Joy to Every Believer

Once more, there is joy to every Believer when he remembers that, as Christ said, “It is finished,” every guarantee was given of the eternal salvation of all the redeemed. It appears to me that if Christ finished the work for us, He will finish the work in us. If He has undertaken so supreme a labor as the redemption of our souls by blood and that is finished, then the great, but yet minor labor of renewing our natures and transforming us even unto perfection, shall be finished, too! If, when we were sinners, Christ loved us so as to …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: The Soul Needs Spiritual Rest

The soul needs spiritual rest: “The shadow of a great rock” in this “weary land.” It has tried many plans of worldly greatness — and found them vain! It has traversed many ways of promised pleasure — and found them painful! It has sought out many inventions to hold it up in the day of its prosperity — and found them “miserable comforters all.” It is the peculiar office of the Holy Spirit, to cause men to perceive the weariness and burdensomeness of sin. For so accustomed are we to sin, so infatuated with it, so blinded by nature to its evils and its sorrows — that unless made to …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Satan’s Subtle Devices

My fellow Christians, as you prepare for Sunday worship, consider the following words from William Tiptaft (1803 – 1864) on Satan’s subtle devices in light of your love for Jesus Christ. Satan is a very subtle enemy, and never spreads his snare in your sight. I hope you will not be induced to value any knowledge which does not cause you to love Christ more, and to live more decidedly as a member of His kingdom. Satan does not care how much knowledge you have in your head, so long as he can keep possession of the citadel of your …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Suffering Together

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. (1 Corinthians 12:26, ESV) We American Christians are not necessarily good at suffering though we are particularly gifted at celebrating the good in our lives. We have certainly not suffered the way the early church did nor as some Christians across the world in countries were Christianity is not welcomed. However, when we do suffer in various ways, we must do so together in as much as we rejoice together. But in order to suffer together as the church we must be together. In 1 Cor. …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Fellowship in the Light

6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:6-7, ESV) Most of us Christians, on a normal Sunday morning, wake up, get ready, and go to corporate worship. Or, as we say, we go to church on Sunday. Not only do we worship together, but we fellowship together. How do we think about and prepare for that fellowship? …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Impelled by Love

Impelled by Love, Follow Jesus The followers of Plato, Aristotle, or Bacon, are not supposed to be influenced by any personal attachment to those philosophers. But the followers of Jesus are not merely admirers of His teaching, but lovers of Himself. Christianity is not a creed, but a devotion; not a mere approval of a theology, but intense affection for Christ. The assent of the intellect may suffice for the adoption of an intellectual system; but much more is required to secure a persevering course of sacrifice and toil. There must be heart impulses, as well as logical convictions. The …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: A Pilgrim

When we look at the brevity and vanity of human life, we may well exclaim, in the beautiful and touching reflection of Edmund Burke, “What shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue!” And in the similar impressive language of Patrick Henry, “l am but a poor worm of the dust, as fleeting and unsubstantial as the shadow of the cloud that flies over the fields, and is remembered no more!” Or we may rather open the pages of Holy Writ, and say, with the wisest of men, “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity;” and with other inspired penmen, “As …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Of Pleasure

“I said of laughter: It is madness! And of mirth: What does it accomplish?” Ecclesiastes 2:2 Of natural gifts none is more rare than cheerfulness; that elasticity of mind, and buoyancy of spirit; that even temper, and sunshine disposition — which cheers the man himself, and all who know him. Cheerfulness, gilded with grace, and sanctified — savors most largely of the mind of Christ. It speaks . . of peace with God, of resignation to His will, and freedom from sordid appetites and cares. Who would reprove the beaming smile; or, in due season, the hearty laugh? In youth, especially, …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: God’s Indescribable Gift

God’s Indescribable Gift If while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. —Romans 5:10–11 How do we practically receive reconciliation and exult in God? One answer is: do it through Jesus Christ. Which means, at least in part, make the portrait of Jesus in the Bible—the work and the words of Jesus portrayed in the New Testament—the essential content …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Life and Death at Christmas

LIFE AND DEATH AT CHRISTMAS “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10 As I was about to begin this devotional, I received word that Marion Newstrum had just died. She and her husband Elmer have been part of Bethlehem longer than most of our members have been alive. Marion was 87. They had been married 64 years. When I spoke to Elmer and told him I wanted him to be strong in the Lord and not give up on life, he said, “He has …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Bethlehem’s Star

BETHLEHEM’S SUPERNATURAL STAR “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” —Matthew 2:2 Over and over the Bible baffles our curiosity about just how certain things happened. How did this “star” get the magi from the east to Jerusalem? It does not say that it led them or went before them. It only says they saw a star in the east (verse 2), and came to Jerusalem. And how did that star go before them in the little five-mile walk from Jerusalem to Bethlehem …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Grief in Wisdom

“In much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” Ecclesiastes 1:18 What kind of wisdom causes grief? What kind of knowledge is it, that increases sorrow? Perhaps it means the knowledge of the world, its vileness, its vanity, its futility, its uncertainty — to have learned that all its show is vain, and all its pleasure is fleeting. This causes grief to those who see its vanity. God’s people mourn it. And worldlings oftentimes disgusted with themselves and all around, and having nothing to sanctify the feeling — are filled with bitter disappointment. Also to know …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Cannot Be Numbered

“That which is lacking, cannot be numbered.” Ecclesiastes 1:15 How simple is the truth here spoken, yet how deep! Of wounded hearts, of withered hopes it speaks — of losses, trials, and sorrows; some lighter, some more serious; yet in them all, the truth is still the same. Your favorite flower droops and dies; some keepsake gift is lost; some cherished member of the family has died. How often it rends the heart — it always costs a pang — to count one’s treasures over, and to find one lacking! Objects may still be found to fill the vacant place. But …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Cannot Be Made Straight

“That which is crooked, cannot be made straight.” Ecclesiastes 1:15 Do what you may, crosses are crosses still. No are of man’s device can make the crooked, straight. The train, or ship, which bears some dear friend away; the quiet sea, after a night of shipwreck; the rain that robs you of a holiday; the broken pieces of some favorite vase — all say the same, “The crooked must be crooked, do what you will.” Oh, there is anguish in the thought, as disappointment, stealing over the mind, throws its dark shadows on the brow — that nothing can be …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Never Satisfied

“The eye is never satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing.” Ecclesiastes 1:8 The senses are but servants to the soul. The soul desires to look — and sets the eye to see. The soul desires to hear — and sets the ear to hearken. The soul is never wearied. It listens to sweet music, and lingers, longing still for more. When had the soul enough of a sweet flower? When was it ever filled to overflowing with viewing the masterpieces of nature? Nothing on earth can satisfy the soul! It leaves its pleasures, with a craving for more. It …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Full of Labor

“All things are full of labor.” Ecclesiastes 1:8 Reader, how many things remind you what you are — a fallen creature! Not least of these, the toil and trouble of this changing world. The sun and moon, and planets in their course — the restless wind — the ever-flowing, never-tarrying river — are pictures of the ceaseless toil of man. (verse 4-7.) The hum of cities; the labor of the field; the crowded factory; the cottage loom; the bread you eat; the clothes you wear; the house you live in; the fire on your hearth — all speak of labor! How …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Vexation of Spirit

“All is vexation of spirit!” Ecclesiastes 1:14 Who has not felt vexation? Who knows not what it means? The infant in its cradle, the schoolboy at his play; youth in all its freshness, manhood in its prime, and especially old age — all, all have felt vexation! My soul, you know it well! Your sins, your fallen nature, your infirmities — all lay you open to vexation. How easily irritated you get! How quick to feel offenses! How swift to gather sorrows to yourself through your excess of sensitivity! Often have you murmured at your lot, rising in mutiny against …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Vanity of Vanities

“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!” Ecclesiastes 1:2 My soul, why seek your happiness below — here in this fallen world, where “all is vanity?” Often have you tried it, anxious still to find someearthly good. As often you have found Solomon, the Preacher, right, that “all is vanity.” The worldling, too, can say that all is vanity — and yet pursues it still. Be it not so with you! Let all that is empty here on earth, lead you to what alone will satisfy — -the grace of God, the love of God, the Lamb of God; to “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Sermon All Week

“Why do you go to hear that minister preach? He is not a brilliant preacher.” “Very true,” was the sensible reply; “I know that his pulpit performances are not brilliant—but his life is a sermon to me all the week.” With a minister, as much as with the private Christian, character is of the greatest import. More than one pulpit orator has destroyed the effect of his discourses by his self-seeking egotism, or his unscrupulous practices, or his overbearing temper, or some other very unchristian trait. On the other hand, a full one-half of the power of some eminent pastors lies in their pure, unblemished piety. Everybody trusts them. …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Honey from Heaven

The most growing Christian never outgrows his Bible; in that exhaustless jewel mine, every stroke of the hammer reveals new nuggets of gold and fresh diamonds. Even as a mental discipline, there is no book like God’s book. Nothing else so sinews up the intellect, so clarifies the perception, so enlarges the views, so purifies the taste, so quickens the imagination, so strengthens the understanding, and so educates the whole man. The humblest day laborer who saturates his mind with this celestial schoolbook becomes a superior man to his comrades—not merely a purer man—but a clearer-headed man. It was the feeding on …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Precious Faith

There is a legend that a traveler over the desert who was nearly perishing with hunger, came upon the spot where a company had lately encamped. Searching about for some article of food, he found a small bag which he hoped might be a bag of dates. Opening it, he discovered that it contained shells and silver coins. Throwing it down, in bitter disappointment, he exclaimed, “Alas! it is nothing but money!” A single date or a fig would have been worth more to him—than than a chest-full of gold. There is a time coming to all of us when …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Waiting on God

“Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint!” Isaiah 40:31. It is very easy to misunderstand this word “wait,” and regard it as meaning inactive passivity. There is a vast deal of nerve in the original Hebrew; it signifies to be strong enough to hold out. It expresses a solid endurability such as belongs to a stiff piece of oak, which never bends and never breaks under heavy pressure. The word signifies patience—as opposed to worry and …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: So Little Joy

I shall now inquire into the reasons why so little of this joy is experienced by the majority of Christian professors. I assume that the multitude have far less than they might or should have. Look at the prosperous among them, and whence does their joy arise? From their religion? Or from their good spirits, their health, their family, their fiends, their success, and home enjoyment? Look at the afflicted—how oppressed with care; how tortured with anxiety; how overwhelmed with sorrow; how cheerless for the present, and how hopeless for the future, do they seem to be! How few appear …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Grace is Everything

But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will. (Acts 15:11, ESV) Did you ever hear of a martyr dying in the triumphs of self-righteousness, giving glory to human nature, lauding his own ability, extolling his own works? All those faithful witnesses held one doctrine, namely—that works avail nothing, and grace is everything. Hear blessed old Tyndall: “If you would obtain heaven by the merits and deservings of your own works, you wrong and shame the blood of Christ. Faith alone justifies. In believing we receive the Spirit of God, …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Loving Christ’s People

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. (1 John 3:14, ESV) So, Brothers and Sisters, if we can say that we love God’s people, as God’s people, because they are God’s people, that is a mark that we have passed from death unto life! Do you love them for Christ’s sake? Do you say to yourself, “That is one of Christ’s people. That is one who bears Christ’s Cross. That is one of the children of God and, therefore, I love him and take …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Praying in the Spirit

Praying in the Holy Spirit is praying in fervency. Cold prayers, my Brothers and Sisters, ask the Lord not to hear them! Those who do not plead with fervency, plead not at all. As well speak of lukewarm fire as of lukewarm prayer! It is essential that it be red hot. Real prayer is burnt as with hot iron into a man’s soul, and then comes forth from the man’s soul like coals of juniper which have a most vehement heat. Such prayers none but the Holy Spirit can give. I have heard from this spot prayers which I never …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Superficial Religion

How many are there who never put their trust in Him who was slain for the sons of men? They love a superficial religion, but when a man talks deeper than that, they set it down for cant! You may love all that is external about religion, just as you may love a man for his clothes—caring nothing for the man, himself. If so, I know you are one of those who reject the Gospel. You will hear me preach. And while I speak about the externals, you will hear me with attention. And while I plead for morality and …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Remember and Rejoice

Believer, the hour is fresh in our memory when the divorce was signed between ourselves and our lusts. We can rejoice that we have now dissolved our league with hell. But, oh, how much we owe to sovereign grace! for we had never left the garlic and fleshpots of Egypt if the Passover had not been slain for us. Our inward man rejoiceth greatly at the recollection of the hour which proclaimed eternal war between “the new creature in Christ Jesus” and the sin which reigneth unto death. It was a night to be remembered: we crossed the Rubicon—peace was …keep reading »

Reeder on Christians Skipping Church for Ball Practice

“Pastor Reeder,” they explained, “we want to honor the Lord’s Day, but our children’s sports programs are on Sunday.” We sat down and I listened to their story. Their local recreation league scheduled ball practice on Sundays. Should their families skip worship for ball practice? Should they pull their kids off the teams? Eventually they decided, appropriately, that obedience to Scripture and family worship on the Lord’s Day was far more important than team sports. That may seem like an obvious choice to some readers, but it is not the norm. In the child-driven families of today’s culture, it took …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Thoughts of Home

Thoughts of Home by Anna Shipton O Lord, ’twas Thine to labor and wear the thorns for me; Thou sharest all my sorrows; Thou knowest what ’twill be To see the Father’s glory, to hear Thy welcome there, Where never cross or burden remains for us to bear. I seem to pace the glittering street, and hear the harps of gold, The echo of the new song that never groweth old; I hear Thy praise, Lord Jesus, my Life, my Lord, my King, Until my worn heart pineth the strains of heaven to sing. Safe in the better …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Faith Then Love

Does the condition of loving others mean that before we can claim a promise of future grace, we must already be what the promise is designed to help us become—namely, a radical, risk-taking person of love? Must we perform, before faith, what faith is meant to perform? The answer is no. The reason is that faith toward God and love toward man are not coordinate conditions; they do not arise side by side in the heart. Faith arises first and begets love. This is clear from Galatians 5:6: “In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: By Him

By Him creation consists. “For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created by him and for him” (Col. 1:16). How many Christians ever think of Christ as the One “by whom all things are created,” as Colossians puts it; “by whom all things were made: as John puts it; “by whom God made the worlds,” as Hebrews put it? Why did God make the universe, anyway? He made it that one day Christ might be …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Glory Seen

In the Old Testament, God displayed his glory in typical, visual form as an awe-inspiring expanse of bright light (the shekinah, as later Judaism called it). This was the sign of his beneficent presence in both the tabernacle and the temple (Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:10ff.). The essential and abiding revelation of God’s glory, however, was given by his great acts of merited judgment and unmerited love, and in his “name”—which was no mere label, as our names are, but a disclosure of God’s nature and character. Jehovah (Yahweh, as modern scholars render it) means “I am (and will be) …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: An Easy Hell

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13, ESV) Whatever affliction or trouble a child of God meets with—it is all the hell he shall ever have! Whatever eclipse may be upon his name or estate—it is a little cloud which will soon be …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Trials

RESIGNATION IN TRIAL “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” “Yet I want Your will to be done — not Mine!” — Luke 22:42. Where was there ever resignation like this? The life of Jesus was one long martyrdom. From Bethlehem’s manger to Calvary’s cross, there was scarcely one break in the clouds; these gathered more darkly and ominously around Him — until they burst over His devoted head as He uttered His expiring cry! Yet throughout this pilgrimage of sorrow — no murmuring accent escaped His lips. The most suffering of all suffering lives …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Renewal of Heart

FOR RENEWAL OF HEART “In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You — and wait in expectation.” “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10 Almighty God, who has mercifully preserved me during the unconscious hours of slumber, I desire to dedicate my waking moments and thoughts to You. Pre-occupy my mind with hallowed and heavenly things. May I be enabled throughout this day, by the help of Your Holy Spirit, to exclude all that is vain and frivolous and …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Fatherhood of God

God brings before us the truths of his kingdom; we cannot see their beauty, we cannot appreciate them; we seem to be as if we were totally demented ignorant, unstable, weary, and apt to slide. But, thanks be unto God, we are his children still! And if there be anything worse that can happen to a father than his child becoming a lunatic or an idiot, it is when he grows up to be wicked. It is well said, “Children are doubtful blessings.” I remember to have heard one say, and, as I thought, not very kindly, to a mother …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Sea of Sins

He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19, ESV) Another striking metaphor expressing the completeness of God’s forgiveness occurs in Micah 7:19. There the prophet Micah said of God, “You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” When I was a naval officer I had an experience where equipment was lost in the depths of the sea through a small boat accident. I know what it is to drag grappling hooks across the …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: The Shepherd

“The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need!” Psalm 23:1 The shepherd is a favorite Scriptural picture of the divine love and care. In the Old Testament, the twenty-third Psalm gathers the whole wonderful truth in exquisite lines, which are dear to young and old wherever the Bible is known. Then in the New Testament, when our Lord would give His friends the sweetest revealings of His heart toward them, and tell them what they are to Him and what He would be to them—He says, “I am the Good Shepherd.” The Hebrew shepherd lives with his sheep. …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Memorial Day 2013

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend here in the United States. Memorial Day, originally named Decoration Day, is a day of rightful remembrance of all who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Many churches will pause Sunday morning to recognize those who have and who are currently serving in one of the branches of America’s Military. I’ve struggled over the years of how much patriotism is implanted into some worship services this time of year. The church gathers to worship God not man’s achievements and service to each other. However, many Christians have served in this country’s Armed …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: The Only Message

In Acts 1:10–11 we read: “Two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” If you think that Jesus finished when He died and was buried, listen to the message of Luke, listen to this treatise written to Theophilus—it is written to you. He will come again, even as He went. He will return, in bodily, visible fashion, riding the clouds of …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Priority of the Gospel

The gospel is the good news of how God reconciles his rebellious image-bearers to himself by the death and resurrection of his Son. This good news properly entails transformed living that touches all our horizontal relationships, but which is never reducible to horizontal relationships. The proclamation of this gospel that has freed us and prepared us to meet our Maker is our joyous privilege and solemn responsibility. When the discharge of this mission is met with God’s blessing, it produces men and women who are ready for both this life and the next. Thus Christian mission can never be reduced …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: On Hearing Sermons

Christian, how will you listen to and receive this week’s sermon? Consider the last two paragraphs of John Newton’s letter “On Hearing Sermons” as you think of your answer. Farther: I advise you, when you hear a Gospel sermon, and it is not in all respects to your satisfaction, be not too hasty to lay the whole blame upon the preacher. The Lord’s ministers have not much to say in their own behalf. They feel (it is to be hoped) their own weakness and defects, and the greatness and difficulty of their work. They are conscious that their warmest endeavours …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Victorious Living

So we learn the story of all noble, cultured character. It is reached only through struggle; it is not natural—but is the fruit of toil and conquest; it bears the marks and scars of many a conflict. We often hear people say they would give large sums to have such a person’s contentment, or self-control, or sweetness of disposition, or submissiveness to God’s will, or power of giving sympathy. These are things that cannot be bought, and that cannot be learned in any school. Such qualities can be gotten only through victorious struggle during years of experience. We say that …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: His Own

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (John 13:1, ESV) Beloved, you are “His own,” now, because you have yielded yourselves to Him. You delight to think that you are His. There is no greater joy to you than to feel that you belong to Christ! The fact that you are truly Christ’s is the fountain of innumerable pleasures and blessings to your heart! Jesus calls us, “His …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Father’s Everlasting Love

My father was known to be a generous man. He was quick to help people in need and those who had experienced serious reversals in their financial affairs. After his death, I was startled to receive unrequested and unexpected benefits from several of them. When I was in seminary, my wife and I were poor. Many weeks we subsisted on peanut-butter sandwiches. One afternoon I went to the mailbox, where I found an envelope with no canceled stamp on it. Inside the envelope was one hundred dollars in cash from a man I had not seen in more than ten …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: God Will Hear

“My God will hear me.” Micah 7:7. WHAT a charming sentence! Can you say it? Only five words, but what meaning! Huge volumes of poetry have appeared from Chaucer to Tennyson, but it seems to me that the essence of poetry lies hidden in a marvelously condensed form within these few words! It shall take you many an hour to suck out all their sweetness. There is an almost inconceivable depth of meaning in them—and of richness of assured experience and of sweet conclusions of a hallowed faith they are full to the brim! “My God will hear me.” There …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: The Resurrection

This Sunday Easter is celebrated here in America. Some Christians are bothered by the Easter holiday and prefer to call this time of year Resurrection Day. Others avoid any special celebration whatsoever. Of course, every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of our – the only – Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Like it or not, Easter is a special time of year and provides a potential to reach more people for Christ since many will attend a Christian who don’t normally attend. Be reminded by the Apostle Paul. Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: By Contentment

By contentment we come to give God the worship that is due to him. It is a special part of the divine worship that we owe to God, to be content in a Christian way, as has been shown to you. I say it is a special part of the divine worship that the creature owes to the infinite Creator, in that I tender the respect that is due from me to the Creator. The word that the Greeks have that signifies, ‘to worship’ is the same as to come and crouch before someone, as if a dog should come …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Thy Kingdom Come

Thy Kingdom come But what is the kingdom of God? Answer: Nothing else than what we learned in the Creed, that God sent His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, into the world to redeem and deliver us from the power of the devil, and to bring us to Himself, and to govern us as a King of righteousness, life and salvation against sin death, and an evil conscience, for which end He has also bestowed His Holy Ghost, who is to bring these things home to us by His holy Word, and to illumine and strengthen us in the faith …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Father, Son, Holy Spirit

Consider these words from Herman Bavinck on the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as you prepare to worship the Triune God – the only God, an awesome God, a Holy God – on this Lord’s Day. This very special, this unique, relationship between Father and Son did not develop in time by way of the supernatural conception of the Holy Spirit, or of the anointing at baptism, or of the resurrection and ascension—though many have maintained this—but is a relationship which has existed from all eternity. The Son who in Christ assumed human nature was in the beginning with God …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Holiness Privileges

My soul is waiting upon God to be filled with His fullness! The hand of faith had enabled me to grasp the utmost limit of the privileges of holiness that the Lord Jesus purchased for me with His precious blood. I do not know what they are either in their nature or their effects. I do not know what it means what we are told that the body of sin was destroyed by the crucifixion of Christ and when we are commanded therefore to “reckon ourselves dead to sin.” But I do know that it means something which will enable …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: A New State

“Therefore since Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves, likewise, with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have worked the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.” 1 Peter 4:1-3. Our Lord Jesus Christ has suffered for sin and He has …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: God’s Presence

God’s love is unfailing, His grace is always sufficient. But there is even more good news. He is with us in our troubles. He does not merely send grace from heaven to meet our trials. He Himself comes to help us. He says to us, “Do not be afraid … for I myself will help you” (Isaiah 41: 14). In Isaiah 43: 2, God says, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Our Protector

God Is Our Protector Yea, 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. Psalm 23: 4 David came to learn through years of being led by the Good Shepherd that his security did not lie in his environment, whether “green pastures” or “still waters” (Psalm 23: 2), but in his Shepherd. His words in today’s verse are, “You are with me.” Many read Psalm 23: 4 and immediately think of the grave; however, the word translated as death can …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Liberal Giving

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 ESV) We ought to be free in our giving to others since God has been so free in His giving to us. As He has abounded toward us in infinite liberality, we ought to abound towards all with whom we come in contact up to the full measure of our ability in all love and kindness and mercy. In every benevolent …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Redeemed

The greatest of all transactions The costliest purchase price Father, Your Son’s atoning death Was given in payment for mine To buy me back from slavery To set me free from my chains Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb Redeemed through Your infinite mercy Your child and forever I am Now I’ll never know Your judgment My Savior was judged for me Jesus, Your death and Yours alone Has cancelled the debt that I owed You satisfied the law’s demands And new life’s been given to me Redeemed, how I love to …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Overcome Evil

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 THIS is a very meaty verse and the form of it greatly assists the memory. It is worthy to be called a Christian Proverb. I would recommend every Christian to learn it by heart and have it ready for use, for there are a great many Proverbs which convey a very different sense and these are often quoted to give the weight of authority to unchristian principles. Here is an Inspired Proverb – carry it with you and use it as a weapon with which to parry the …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Walk with God

“The commandment to walk with God is indefinite, without limitation, therefore must be understood to be a walking with him in all things, and that in all things, and, at all times, in all companies, and in all changes, conditions, and estates of your life, whatsoever. To walk with God in general and at large is not sufficient. You are not dispensed with for any moment of your life; but all the days of your life, and each day of your life, and each hour of that day, and each minute of that hour; you must pass the time, the …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Be Wholly Thine

“Lord, our Heavenly Father, Eternal God! Blessed be Thy divine power and might; magnified Thy fathomless goodness and mercy; praised Thine eternal wisdom and truth. For Thou hast shielded me with Thy hand against the perils of this night, and hast suffered me to rest and slumber in peace under the shadow of Thy wings. Thou hast kept and safeguarded me with a father’s care against the Evil One and all his wicked designs and purposes. Therefore, I magnify Thy goodness and the wonders which Thou doest for the children of men. I will exalt Thee in the congregation. Thy …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Amazing Grace

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O LORD God! (1 Chronicles 17:16-17 ESV) Perhaps you’ll be surprised to learn that “Amazing Grace” is a New Year’s hymn. On Friday morning, January 1, 1773, John Newton, former slave trader and infidel, preached a New Year’s message …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Everybody that Celebrates Christmas

I wish everybody that celebrates Christmas this year, would keep it as the angels kept it. There are many persons who, when they talk about celebrating Christmas, mean by that, that they would never forget to go to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, yet their way of celebrating the rest of the day is very remarkable; for it would be with gluttony and drunkenness. There are many who think Christmas cannot be celebrated, except with a lot of merriment and festivity in the house, and added to that the noisiness of sin. Now, my brethren, we being true …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Rest

Man, without God, is like the mariner in the story, condemned to sail on forever and never to find a haven. He is the real wandering Jew, immortal in his restlessness. Like the evil spirit, man by nature walks through dry places, seeking rest and finding none. Of our race, by nature, it might almost be said as of our Redeemer, varying but a little His words, “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the soul of man has not where to lay its head.” I speak to many this morning to whom this has …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: In Prayer

In prayer God and the soul meet, and hold communion together; then the curtain of heaven is drawn aside, that I may look in, and see my large possessions. Then do I get a glance of the King in his beauty, and a glimpse of the excellences of the life above—so that I am filled with wonder, and desire to depart, and to be with Jesus! This is the well at which I drink the heavenly water, and am refreshed and strengthened for my journey. “Lord, while allowed to come into your presence with boldness, let secret sin, (ah! what …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Greatest Need

Heavenly Father, help me realize today that You are more than enough to meet every need that I will be confronted with today. Help me feel with Your heart and touch with Your hand. I surrender afresh right now and bow in Your presence to confess, “You are Lord.” In Christ’s name, Amen. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Then You Will Be Thankful

If you wish to be thankful, get a heart deeply humbled with the sense of your own vileness. A broken heart is the best pipe to sound forth God’s praise. He who studies his sins, wonders that he has anything, and that God should shine on such a dunghill: “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man—but I was shown mercy!” 1 Timothy 1:13. How thankful Paul was! How he trumpeted forth free grace! A proud man will never be thankful. He looks on all his mercies as either of his own procuring or deserving. If …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Keep His Law

I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. (Psalm 119:44 ESV) We speak of heaven; but oh! to be there! To be engaged throughout eternity in the service of love to a God of love! In one day’s continuance in the path of obedience even here, in the midst of the defilement which stains our holiest services, how sweetly do the moments roll away! But to be ever employed for Him, in that place, where “there shall in no wise enter anything that defiles”-this gives an emphasis and a dignity to the heavenly joy, which may well stamp it …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Daily Strength

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 ESV) Waiting on God not only gives strength, it gives inspiration. “They shall mount up with wings as eagles.” God means that every soul which waits on him, shall not creep in the muck and the mire, nor crouch in abject slavery to men or devils. When a soul has its inner life hid with Christ, and lives a life of true consecration, it is enabled …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Singing in the Rain

People often say that if they had only ease and luxury all the time—costly furniture, sumptuous meals, automobiles—that they would be gladder and would live more sweetly. But if our hearts are right—we should sing all the better, the more joyously—when life is hard, when we have heavy tasks and sharp trials, keen losses and bitter sorrows. An invalid who loved to hear the birds sing at her window said she liked the robin best of all the birds—because the robin sang in the rain. There are some people who have not learned to sing in the rain. They are …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Christ’s Love

Let us stand still, and admire and wonder at the love of Jesus Christ to poor sinners; that Christ should rather die for us, than for the angels. They were creatures of a more noble extract, and in all probability might have brought greater revenues of glory to God: yet that Christ should pass by those golden vessels, and make us vessels of glory, Oh, what amazing and astonishing love is this! This is the envy of devils. and the admiration of angels and saints. … Christ’s love is like his name, and that is Wonderful, Isa. ix. 6; yes, …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Christ a Guide

“Surely, I am with you always — even unto the end of the world!” Matthew 28:20 Christ is with us, as our guide. How deep our need of Him as such, and how endeared does it make Him! So blind are we, so dark is our future, so perplexing is our present path — that the very next step might be a false one — taking us into a wrong direction, entailing untold anxieties and sorrows, or hurling us from a precipice into total ruin! Yes, we need just such a guide as Christ! What Alpine traveler would attempt the …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: All Need Supplied

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19 O God, my Heavenly Father, who has permitted me to see the light and to enjoy the comforts of a new day, I bless You for the liberty of access into Your presence. Rend Your heavens and come down; fill my heart with Your love, as I draw near to the footstool of Your Throne. I thank You for Your gracious assurance that these Gates of Prayer lead to an abounding treasury of spiritual blessing, out of which all my need shall …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: The Pursuit

Is it asked-What will most effectually “turn my eyes from vanity?” Not the seclusion of contemplative retirement-not the relinquishment of our lawful connection with the world; but the transcendent beauty of Jesus unveiled to our eyes, and fixing our hearts. This will “turn our eyes from vanity” in its most glittering forms. The sight of the “pearl of great price” dims the luster of the “goodliest pearls” of earth; at once deadens us to the enticements of the world, and urges us forward in the pursuit of the prize. And is not this our object? It is not enough, that …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Rule of Peace

Nevertheless, we should mark well the lesson that one phase of Christian growth should be this – the spirit entering into more and more loving peace. If the peace of Christ is ruling at all in our hearts it should rule a little more fully today than yesterday, and tomorrow than it does today. We should be growing continually in al that belongs to peace. Worry is not only a sin – it is also one of the most disfiguring of the vices. It mars and spoils the beauty of a life. Discouragement is a sin, and discouragement hurts a …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Chasing God

“My soul follows hard after You—Your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8 Did the question ever arise in your mind—how David composed the Psalms? Of course, the answer would be, “He composed them by divine inspiration.” But that is not my meaning. We will put the question in another form. Do you suppose that David wrote his psalms, as the college clergy and learned ministers prepare their sermons on a Saturday evening; that is, that he sat down with his pen in his hand, for the express purpose of composing a psalm? I do not think so. I believe that …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: More Excellent than Jesus?

Can you find a more excellent object for your love than Jesus? If you search through the whole creation, could you find any like him? Are riches, honors, pleasures, or other relationships comparable to Jesus, whom you ought to love supremely? Should not the highest good be the best object of your love? Can you love lesser things, and not the greatest good? Is not all the goodness in the creature but as a drop to the sea, as a candle to the sun, as a speck of sand to a mountain—when compared to the goodness that is in Jesus? …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: the Cross

The death of Christ on the cross may well be reckoned mysterious, for it was at the same time a cursed and a blessed death. Christ was “made a curse for us,” that he might deliver us from the curse of the law. And yet Christ’s death on the cross is the most blessed event which ever occurred in the world; for on the cross the price of our redemption was paid. Christ “bore our sins in his own body on the tree.” He died, “the just for the unjust,” to bring us unto God. This led Paul to say, …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Lord, I Did Not Choose You

My Lord, I did not choose You, For that could never be; My heart would still refuse You, Had You not chosen me. You took the sin that stained me, You cleansed me, made me new; Of old You have ordained me, That I should live in You. Unless Your grace had called me And taught my op’ning mind, The world would have enthralled me, To heav’nly glories blind. My heart knows none above You; For Your rich grace I thirst. I know that if I love You, You must have loved me first.1

Sunday Considerations: He is My Father

They are God’s “SONS.” I know no higher and more comfortable word that could have been chosen. To be servants of God, to be subjects, soldiers, disciples, friends–all these are excellent titles; but to be the “sons” of God is a step higher still. What does the Scripture say? “The servant abides not in the house forever–but the Son abides ever.” (John 8:35.) To be son of the rich and noble in this world, to be son of the princes and kings of the earth–this is commonly reckoned a great advantage and privilege. But to be a son of the …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Our Refuge

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2 ESV) On every side are hosts of enemies ever invading our souls—trampling down every good thing in our hearts—accompanied by a flying troop of temptations, doubts, fears, guilt and bondage sweeping over our soul. And we, as regards our own strength, are helpless against them. But there is a refuge set before us in the gospel of the grace of God. The Lord Jesus Christ, as King in Zion, …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: If Love be Lacking

“Now, dear friends, look at love—gaze upon its lovely form, its beautiful countenance, and its graceful actings; and observe its seraphic glow, its divine temper, until you are all enamored with its charms. But look at it not only as something to be admired—but to be possessed and practiced. Unless this be your temper, you are no Christians. I do not say you cannot be Christians unless you have it in perfection—but you must have the principle, and must be living in its exercise; and you are Christians no further than you live under its influence. Hear what the apostle …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: How Deep

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us (by Stuart Townend) How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One, Bring many sons to glory

Sunday Considerations: Jesus Dying and Rising

So it behoves us, if we would have Christ for a frequent guest, to fill our hearts with faithful meditations on the mercy He showed in dying for us, and on His mighty power in rising again from the dead. To this David testified when he sang, “God spake once, and twice I have also heard the same; that power belongeth unto God; and that Thou, Lord, art merciful (Psalm 62:11f). And surely there is proof enough and to spare in that Christ died for our sins and rose again for our justification, and ascended into heaven that He might …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Psalm 51

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God [1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. [4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. [5] Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. [6] Behold, you delight in …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Abide in Love

Christ underlines a further principle, “Abide in My love” (15:9), and states very clearly what this implies: the believer rests his or her life on the love of Christ (the love of the One who lays down His life for His friends, v. 13). This love has been proved to us in the cross of Christ. We must never allow ourselves to drift from daily contemplation of the cross as the irrefutable demonstration of that love, or from dependence on the Spirit who sheds it abroad in our hearts (Rom. 5:5). Furthermore, remaining in Christ’s love comes to very concrete …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Stir Up Your Soul

Now, I say we must put heart in our worship. Do not venture to come to this beautiful place of worship, or whatever place of worship you attend, and just sit languidly down to see if the choir can stir you or to see if the preacher can stir you. Oh! stir up your own souls. It is your solemn duty when you go to engage with others in the worship of God-it is your duty to yourself, it is your duty to others, it is your duty to the pastor who wishes to lead your worship, it is your …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Easter, the Battle Won

The Strife is O’er, the Battle Won The strife is o’er, the battle done; The victory of life is won; The song of triumph has begun: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! The powers of death have done their worst; But Christ their legions hath dispersed; Let shouts of holy joy outburst: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! The three sad days are quickly sped; He rises glorious from the dead; All glory to our risen Head! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! He closed the yawning gates of hell; The bars from heaven’s high portals fell; Let hymns of praise His triumphs tell! Alleluia! Alleluia! …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Bitter and Sweet

Bitter and Sweet by John Newton Kindle, Saviour, in my heart, A flame of love divine; Hear, for mine I trust thou art And sure I would be thine; If my soul has felt thy grace, If to me thy name is known; Why should trifles fill the place Due to thyself alone? ‘Tis a strange mysterious life I live from day to day; Light and darkness, peace and strife, Bear an alternate sway:

Sunday Considerations: Lord, Strengthen Us

Grant, Almighty God, that as we are prone to every kind of wickedness, and are so easily led away to imitate it, when there is any excuse for going astray and any opportunity is offered, – O grant, that being strengthened by the help of thy Spirit, we may continue in purity of faith, and that what we have learnt concerning thee, that thou art a Spirit, may so profit us, that we may worship thee in spirit and with a sincere heart, and never turn aside after the corruptions of the world, nor think that we can deceive thee; …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: All of Your Mind

If Jesus Is Not Worshiped, God Is Not Loved Jesus is the fullest revelation of God. “Whoever has seen me,” he said, “has seen the Father” (John 14:9). This means that knowing and loving Jesus is the test of knowing and loving God. So Jesus said, “I know that you do not have the love of God within you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me” (John 5:42–43). His adversaries “do not have the love of God within [them]” because they do not receive him. “The one who rejects me rejects him who sent …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: The Saints Reward

Nothing besides God can be the saints’ reward. Nothing on earth can be their reward. The glittering of the world dazzles men’s eyes; but, like the apples of Sodom, it does not so much delight as delude. The world is gilded emptiness. The world is made circular; but the heart is a triangle. A circle cannot fill a triangle. The world is enough to busy us, not to fill us. Job 20:22, “In the fullness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits.” It seems a riddle to have sufficiency—yet not have enough. The meaning is, when he enjoys most …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Go Speedily

“And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord,and to seek the Lord of Hosts: I will go also.” Zechariah 8:21 (KJV) When the angels serve God they never do it as though they were half asleep. They are all alive and burning like flames of fire. They have six wings and, I guarantee you, they use them all! When the Lord says, “Gabriel, go upon My bidding,” he outstrips the lightning! O, to exhibit some such ardor and zest in the service of God! If we pray, let …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Many Mansions

In my Father’s house are many mansions. (John 14:2a NKJV) But the mansions in God’s house above are everlasting mansions. Those that have seats allotted ’em there, whether of greater or lesser dignity, whether nearer or further from the throne, will hold ’em to all eternity. This is promised, Rev. iii. 12: “Him that overcometh I will make him a pillar in the temple [of my God, and he shall go no more out].” If it be worth the while to desire and seek high seats in the meeting-house, where you are one day in a week, and where you …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Betrayed and Disappointed Confidence

One you thought a friend, tender and true, has deserted you; a judgment upon whose guidance you leaned has misled you; a source upon whose supplies you depended has failed you; a confidence in which you too implicitly reposed has betrayed you; and thus you are learning the lesson Jesus learned when, “all His disciples forsook Him, and fled.” Cheer up, my soul! there is One who has promised never to leave you. When father and mother, husband and wife, lover and friend, forsake you, the Lord will take you up. He who was deserted by friends and followers, will …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Sins on Jesus

I Lay My Sins on Jesus I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all, and frees us from the accursèd load; I bring my guilt to Jesus, to wash my crimson stains White in His blood most precious, till not a stain remains. I lay my wants on Jesus; all fullness dwells in Him; He heals all my diseases, He doth my soul redeem: I lay my griefs on Jesus, my burdens and my cares; He from them all releases, He all my sorrows shares. I rest my soul on Jesus, this weary …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Comparing Lives

J.C. Ryle offers some advice to help rightly count the cost of the Christian life. Consider the words below as you prepare for and worship corporately with the body of Christ. Count up and compare, for another thing, the life that now is and the life to come, if you are a true-hearted and holy Christian. The time present, no doubt, is not a time of ease. It is a time of watching and praying, fighting and struggling, believing and working. But it is only for a few years. The time future is the season of rest and refreshing. Sin …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Forsaken by Man

Consider Jesus– as Forsaken by Man “Then all the disciples forsook Him, and fled.” –Matt. 26:56 What a sad contrast does this picture present to the one we have just been viewing–“Jesus, our fellow-sufferer.” His time of suffering has now come, but, lo! “all His disciples have forsaken Him, and fled.” Is there nothing, my soul, in this affecting and significant fact from which you may gather much that is instructive and consolatory concerning your own condition? We have been contemplating the sympathy of Jesus with His afflicted saints. And oh, what heart can conceive, or imagery portray, the reality, …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: My Lord and My God

Thomas, one of Jesus’ chosen twelve Apostles, initially doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead. Thomas’ story is recorded in the gospel of John chapter 20. He was not with the other disciples when they saw Jesus. Thomas declared that unless he could see and touch Jesus he would not believe. Thomas did see and touch Jesus. John records the exchange between Thomas and Jesus that followed. Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Outdo One Another

Competition moves, feeds, and entertains the world. Competition can be a positive or a negative in life. I would like to encourage a biblical competition that I fail at often. Christian, think about your attitude and actions toward those in your own home and in the household of faith. How do you think about those family members? How do you treat them? Have you followed the Apostle Paul’s admonition to outdo them? Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10 ESV) Have you considered to then owe them nothing but love? Owe no one …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Called to Die

Christians are called to come together for corporate worship with one another. As many of us prepare for corporate worship I’d encourage each Christian to ask themselves what else Christ has called you to. Christ has called us to die to self and take up our cross daily. The cross is laid on every Christian. The first Christ-suffering which every man must experience is the call to abandon the attachments of this world. It is that dying of the old man which is the result of his encounter with Christ. As we embark upon discipleship we surrender ourselves to Christ …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: This Year Also

In preparation for the new year, Charles Spurgeon wrote the following sermon excerpts from his bed while he was sick. The sermon is based on three words from Luke 13:8, “this year also.” Spurgeon’s words put new year’s resolutions and goals into a Kingdom perspective. However, there should be no dispute that a kingdom is in view with new year’s resolutions, but whose kingdom, yours or God’s? The interceding vinedresser pleaded for the fruitless fig tree, “let it alone this year also,” dating, as it were, a year from the time wherein he spoke. Trees and fruit-bearing plants have a …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: What is Christmas? A Spoken Word

[Note: I wrote the poem below in the spirit of spoken word poetry.] What is Christmas? “What Child is This?” we sing, He is the One who is to be King. It’s the time of year to celebrate His birth, Which began His life of eternal worth. This baby Jesus was born to die, And we sinners might ask, “Why?” Why would God send His Son to save us, From the sin in which we ourselves enslaved us? A gift so great that the world can’t fathom, Compared to Santa’s gifts, you can have them! The true meaning of Christmas …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Prepared for the Lord

In the excerpt below, Spurgeon is preaching on the past phrase of Luke 1:17 (ESV) “To make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” During this Christmas season as non-Christians are invited to and attend various Christmas services, these words are a great reminder that sinners bring nothing to Christ for salvation. Just as the birth of Jesus was a work of God so is the re-birth of the lost soul. The fact is, dear friends, that to get men to come to Jesus just as they are, is not an easy thing. To get them to give up the …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Heaven Desired

O MY LORD, May I arrive where means of grace cease and I need no more to fast, pray, weep, watch, be tempted, attend preaching and sacrament; where nothing defiles, where is no grief, sorrow, sin, death, separation, tears, pale face, languid body, aching joints, feeble infancy, decrepit age, peccant humours, pining sickness, griping fears, consuming cares; where is personal completeness; where the more perfect the sight the more beautiful the object, the more perfect the appetite the sweeter the food, the more musical the ear the more pleasant the melody, the more complete the soul the more happy its …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: With Thanksgiving

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 ESV) Always must we offer prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. No matter though the prayer should struggle upward out of the depths, yet must its wings be silvered o’er with thanksgiving. Though the prayer were offered upon the verge of death, yet in the last few words which the trembling lips can utter there should be notes of gratitude as well as words of petition. The law saith: “With all thy sacrifices thou shalt offer …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Pure and Holy

Grant, Almighty God, that as we are prone to every kind of wickedness, and are so easily led away to imitate it, when there is any excuse for going astray and any opportunity is offered, – O grant, that being strengthened by the help of thy Spirit, we may continue in purity of faith, and that what we have learnt concerning thee, that thou art a Spirit, may so profit us, that we may worship thee in spirit and with a sincere heart, and never turn aside after the corruptions of the world, nor think that we can deceive thee; …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: But in the Cross

Then seeing Christ and his dear disciples have glorified God with their tribulations, let us also embrace them joyfully, saying with Saint Paul, God forbid that I should glory but in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. And let us work and behave ourselves in such sort that the world (to his own hurt) may know and see with his eyes the marvellous effects that God worketh in them that sincerely embrace the grace of the Gospel; let the man of the world (I say) see with how much tranquillity and quietness of mind the true Christians sustain the …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: The Special Consideration

It is a special consideration to enhance the love of God in giving Christ, that in giving him he gave the richest jewel in his cabinet; a mercy of the greatest worth, and most inestimable value, Heaven itself is not so valuable and precious as Christ is: He is the better half of heaven; and so the saints account him, Psalm. 73:25, “Whom have I in heaven but you?” Ten thousand thousand worlds, says one, as many worlds as angels can number, and then as a new world of angels can multiply, would not all be the bulk of a …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Behold Each Other’s Graces

It is sad to consider that saints should have many eyes to behold one another’s infirmities, and not one eye to see each other’s graces, that they should use spectacles to behold one another’s weaknesses, rather than looking-glasses to behold one another’s graces. Flavius Vespasian, the emperor, was more ready to conceal the vices of his friends than their virtues. Can you think seriously of this, Christians, that a heathen should excel you, and not blush? Erasmus tells of one who collected all the lame and defective verses in Homer’s works—but passed over all that was excellent. Ah! this is …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: The Paymaster

Sin is a debt–Jesus paid it when He bore our sins in His own body on the tree. Obedience is a debt–Jesus paid it when, by the obedience of One, many were made righteous. Death is a debt–Jesus paid it when He bowed His head on the cross and gave up the spirit. And when thus we behold Him dragged into the court of human justice, and sentenced to a felon’s death–and when we follow Him to the garden of His sorrow, sweating great drops of blood, and thence to Calvary, and see Him nailed to the accursed tree–suffering, bleeding, …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: A Thankful Meditation

Meditation May 11, 1661 by Anne Bradstreet My thankful heart with glorying tongue Shall celebrate Thy name, Who hath restored, redeemed, recured From sickness, death, and pain. I cried, Thou seem’st to make some stay, I sought more earnestly And in due time Thou succour’st me And sent’st me help from high. Lord, whilst my fleeting time shall last, Thy goodness let me tell, And new experience I have gained My future doubts repel. An humble, faithful life, O Lord, Forever let me walk; Let my obedience testify My praise lies not in talk. Accept, O Lord, my simple mite, …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Overlooking the Gospel

How long has it been since you looked up from the earthly details of life and came face to face with the Grand Canyon of what God has done for us in the gospel—his unfathomable grace in forgiving people who have rebelled against him, his breathtaking plan to send his Son to suffer and die in their place, to establish the throne of the resurrected Jesus over a kingdom of perfect righteousness, and to bring those who are saved and redeemed by his blood into a new heavens and new earth where sin and evil will be forever conquered! How …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Blessing of the Trinity

THE BLESSING OF THE TRINITY A true and accurate knowledge of the Trinity is a blessing in and of itself. Any revelation of God’s truth is an act of grace, of course, but the Trinity brings to us a blessing far beyond the worth normally assigned by believers today. Why? Because, upon reflection, we discover that the Trinity is the highest revelation God has made of himself to His people. It is the capstone, the summit, the brightest star in the firmament of divine truths. As I will assert more than once in this work, God revealed this truth about …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Humility

Humility makes a man peaceable among brethren, fruitful in well-doing, cheerful in suffering, and constant in holy walking (1 Pet. 5:5). Humility fits for the highest services we owe to Christ, and yet will not neglect the lowest service to the lowest saint (John 13:5). Humility can feed upon the lowest dish, and yet it is maintained by the choicest delicacies, as God, Christ, and glory. Humility will make a man bless him who curses him, and pray for those who persecute him. An humble heart is an habitation for God, a scholar for Christ, a companion of angels, a …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Contentment

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (Philippians 4:11 ESV) Timeless words from A.W. Pink on contentment. Discontent! Was there ever a time when there was so much restlessness in the world as there is today? We very much doubt it. Despite our boasted progress, the vast increase of wealth, the time and money expended daily in pleasure, discontent is everywhere. No class is exempt. Everything is in a state of flux, and almost everybody is dissatisfied. Many even among God’s own people are affected with …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Comfort In Affliction

This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. (Psalm 119:50 ESV) The worldling clutches his money bag and says, “this is my comfort”; the spendthrift points to his gaiety, shouts, “this is my comfort”; the drunkard lifts his glass, and sings, “this is my comfort”; but the man whose hope comes from God feels the giving power of the word of the Lord, and he testifies, “this is my fort.” Paul said, “I know whom I have believed.” Comfort is desirable all times; but comfort in affliction is like a lamp in a dark place. …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Look Backward and Forward

Living between the two comings of Christ, Christians are to look backward and forward: back to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb, whereby salvation was won for them; forward to their meeting with Christ beyond this world, their personal resurrection, and the joy of being with their Savior in glory forever. New Testament devotion is consistently oriented to this hope; Christ is “our hope” (1 Tim. 1:1) and we serve “the God of hope” (Rom. 15:13). Faith itself is defined as “being sure of what we hope for” (Heb. 11:1), and Christian commitment is defined as having “fled …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: End of All Love

The end of all love is the good or the happiness of its object, as that happiness is conceived of by its subject. The great end which Christian brotherly love contemplates, is the well-being of its object, viewed as a Christian man; his deliverance from ignorance, and error, and sin, in all their forms and all their degrees; his progressive, and ultimately his complete, happiness, in entire conformity to the mind and will of God; the unclouded sense of the Divine favor, the uninterrupted enjoyment of the Divine fellowship, the being like “the ever-blessed” Holy, Holy, Holy One. It does …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Earthly Comforts

Meditate upon the uncertainty of all earthly comforts. Creature-delights have their flux and reflux. How oft does the sun of worldly pomp and grandeur goes down at noon. Xerxes was forced to fly away in a small vessel, who but a little before lacked sea-room for his navy. We say everything is mutable; but who meditates upon it? The world is resembled to “a sea of glass mingled with fire” Rev. xv. 2. Glass is slippery; it has no sure footing; and glass mingled with fire is subject to consume. All creatures are fluid and uncertain, and cannot be made …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Hearing the Word

We may bring our bodies to the preaching of the Word with ease—but not our hearts, without offering violence to ourselves. When we come to the Word preached, we come to a business of the highest importance, therefore should stir up ourselves and hear with the greatest devotion. Luke xix. 48. “All the people were very attentive to hear him.” In the Greek it is “they hung upon his lip.”—When the Word is dispensed, we are to lift up the everlasting doors of our hearts, that the King of glory may enter in!1 _________________

Sunday Considerations: Hidden Treasure

When you read the Word, look on it as a soul-enriching treasury. Search it as for hidden treasure! Proverbs 2:4. In this Word are scattered many divine sayings; gather them up as so many jewels. This blessed book will enrich you; it fills your head with divine knowledge, and your heart with divine grace; it stores you with promises: a man may be rich in bonds. In this field the pearl of price is hidden! What are all the world’s riches compared to these? Islands of spices, coasts of pearl, rocks of diamonds? These are but the riches that reprobates …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Read the Word

Read the Word as a book made by God Himself. It is given “by divine inspiration” 2 Tim. iii.16. It is the library of the Holy Spirit. The prophets and apostles were but God’s amanuenses to write the law at his mouth. The Word is of divine original, and reveals the deep things of God to us. There is a sense of deity engraved in man’s heart, and is to be read in the book of the creatures; but who this God is, and the Trinity of persons in the Godhead, is infinitely, above the light of reason; only God …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Glory of Redemption

Faith is a sensibleness of what is real in the work of redemption; and as we do really wholly depend on God, so the soul that believes doth entirely depend on God for all salvation, in its own sense and act. Faith abases men and exalts God, it gives all the glory of redemption to God alone. It is necessary in order to saving faith, that man should be emptied of himself, that he should be sensible that he is “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Humility is a great ingredient of true faith: he that truly …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Alive or Dead

Sunday Considerations attempts to offer something edifying for Christians to consider as they prepare to come together as the body of Christ to worship. Below are a few words from J.C. Ryle to consider. I speak to you yourself, and to none else—not to your neighbor—but to you, not to Africans or New Zealanders—but to you. I do not ask whether you are an angel, or whether you have the mind of David or Paul—but I do ask whether you have a well-founded hope that you are a new creature in Christ Jesus, I do ask whether you have reason …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Humility

Labor to be clothed with humility. Humility makes a man peaceable among brethren, fruitful in well-doing, cheerful in suffering, and constant in holy walking (1 Pet. 5:5). Humility fits for the highest services we owe to Christ, and yet will not neglect the lowest service to the lowest saint (John 13:5). Humility can feed upon the lowest dish, and yet it is maintained by the choicest delicacies, as God, Christ, and glory. Humility will make a man bless him who curses him, and pray for those who persecute him. An humble heart is an habitation for God, a scholar for …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Christian Citizenship

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20 ESV) So with Christians here. They are content very much to let the potsherds strive with the potsherds of the earth. Their politics concern their own country, they do not care much about any other. As men they love liberty and are not willing to lose it even in the lower sense. But, spiritually, their politics are spiritual, and as citizens they look to the interest of that Divine republic to which they belong. They wait for the time when, having …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations: Make Me Ashamed 6/26/11

As many Christians prepare for corporate worship I offer an excellent prayer to consider from Charles Bridges’ exposition of Psalm 119:25* which states: My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! O Lord, make me more deeply ashamed, that “my soul should cleave to the dust.” Breathe upon me fresh influence from Your quickening Spirit. Help me to plead Your word of promise; and oh! may every fresh view of my sinfulness, while it prostrates me in self-abasement before You, be overruled to make the Savior daily and hourly more precious to my soul. For …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations 6/19/11 Come Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, With all Thy quick’ning powers; Kindle a flame of sacred love In these cold hearts of ours. Look how we grovel here below, Fond of these trifling toys; Our souls can neither fly nor go To reach eternal joys. In vain we tune our formal songs, In vain we strive to rise; Hosannas languish on our tongues, And our devotion dies. Dear Lord! and shall we ever live At this poor dying rate? Our love so faint, so cold to Thee, And Thine to us so great! Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, With all Thy …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations 06/12/11 Joys of Heaven

There is no good in this life but what is mingled with some evil; honours perplex, riches disquiet, and pleasures ruin health. But in heaven we shall find blessings in their purity, without any ingredient to embitter, with everything to sweeten them. O! who is able to conceive the inexpressible, inconceivable joys that are there? None but they who have tasted of them. Lord, help us to put such a value upon them here, that in order to prepare ourselves for them, we may be willing to forego the loss of all those deluding pleasures here. How will the heavens …keep reading »

Sunday Considerations 06/05/11 Be Stripped

Let us “look off unto Jesus.” Away from past failure and success; away from human applause and blame; away from the gold pieces scattered on the path, and the flowers that line either side. Do not look now and again, but acquire the habit of looking always, so that it shall become natural to look up from every piece of daily work, from every room, however small, from every street, however crowded, to his dear, calm, sweet face; just as the sojourner on the northern shores of Geneva’s lake is constantly prone to look up from any book or work …keep reading »

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