Ocean of Life!

The Psalmist deposited the precepts and promises of God in his heart and proved their value and efficacy to preserve him from sin, to comfort him in trouble, and to cheer him in a dying hour.

Just so, Christians must "let the Word of Christ dwell in them richly, in all wisdom." (Colossians 3:16) This will preserve them from sin and make them wise unto salvation.

The Word must be deposited in our hearts and woven into our natures by carefully reading and meditating upon it. "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." (Joshua 1:8)

The Word is the perpetual standard of all moral excellence. All its precepts tend to purity. Its doctrines present the most powerful motives against sin.

When the Christian looks at the sufferings and death of the Redeemer in His intense agony, in His bloody sweat, in His transfixing on the cruel cross, in the desertion of His Father, in the endurance of the penalty of sin, then he sees in all these unparalleled sorrows, "the exceeding sinfulness of sin!"

Why is he redeemed? "Christ gave Himself for us--to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good!" (Titus 2:14)

Why is he regenerated? "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Why is he adopted into God's family but to bear the image of Him who adopts.

What is the tendency of all the doctrines of grace which he has received? "For the grace of God teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age!" (Titus 2:11-12)

Why is he preserved? "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!" (1 Thessalonians 5:23) "But now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation!" (Colossians 1:22)

Above all, when he contemplates the character of his Savior His ardent love, His ineffable meekness, His profound humility, and his perfect obedience, then he perceives such a bright constellation of virtues, that he is dazzled by their splendor, and longs and prays to be impressed with the image and likeness of Jesus.

Thus, the Word of God is hidden in his heart as his counselor, as his guide, as his pattern!

The Word of God is the Christian's compass and chart, by which he is steered safely over the tempestuous ocean of life!

[William Nicholson]

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Psalm 119:11 ... Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ... All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. ❤

Compass and Chart!!

The Psalmist deposited the precepts and promises of God in his heart and proved their value and efficacy to preserve him from sin, to comfort him in trouble, and to cheer him in a dying hour.

Just so, Christians must "let the Word of Christ dwell in them richly, in all wisdom." This will preserve them from sin and make them wise unto salvation.

The Word must be deposited in our hearts and woven into our natures by carefully reading and meditating upon it. "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." (Joshua 1:8)

The Word is the perpetual standard of all moral excellence.  All its precepts tend to purity.  Its doctrines present the most powerful motives against sin.

When the Christian looks at the sufferings and death of the Redeemer in His intense agony, in His bloody sweat, in His transfixing on the cruel cross, in the desertion of His Father, in the endurance of the penalty of sin, then he sees in all these unparalleled sorrows, "the exceeding sinfulness of sin!"

Why is he redeemed? "Christ gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good!" (Titus 2:14)

Why is he regenerated? "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Why is he adopted into God's family but to bear the image of Him who adopts.

What is the tendency of all the doctrines of grace which he has received? "For the grace of God teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age!"  (Titus 2:11-12)

Why is he preserved? "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!" (1 Thessalonians 5:23) "But now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation!" (Colossians 1:22)

Above all, when he contemplates the character of his Savior His ardent love, His ineffable meekness, His profound humility, and his perfect obedience, then he perceives such a bright constellation of virtues, that he is dazzled by their splendor, and longs and prays to be impressed with the image and likeness of Jesus.

Thus, the Word of God is hidden in his heart as his counselor, as his guide, as his pattern!

The Word of God is the Christian's compass and chart, by which he is steered safely over the tempestuous ocean of life!

[William Nicholson]

Psalm 119:11 ... Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ... All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

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You Will Be Damned if You Live in Sin!

We preach salvation by grace alone, but we do not preach the salvation of those who still continue to live in sin. The children of God are a holy people, washed, purged, sanctified, and made zealous for good works. He who talks about faith but has no works to prove that his faith is a living faith is simply lying. It is faith that saves us, not works but the faith that saves us, always produces a holy life. 

God-given faith always renews the heart, changes the character, and influences the desires and motives. One who merely professes to be a Christian but lives continually in unrepentant sin shows by his life that he is not a genuine believer. The New Testament consistently affirms that saving faith always produces holiness. (James 2:17; 1 John 2:3-6) Persistent, willful, unrepentant sin demonstrates that one's profession is false. 

No doubt about it, sirs. You may be baptized and re-baptized, you may attend to sacraments, and you may believe an orthodox creed; but you will be damned if you live in sin! You may become a deacon, or an elder, or a minister but there is no salvation for any man who still harbors his sins. "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) death to professors as well as to non-professors.  If you hug your sins in secret and will not part with them then God will reveal those sins in public and condemn you according to the strict justice of His Word. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon] 

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1 John 2:16-17 ... For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 John 3:8-9 ... He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Titus 1:16 ... They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. ❤

Hollow Religion!!

2 Timothy 3:4-5 ... Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them!

Titus 1:16 ... They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him being detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good. 

These verses pierce like a double-edged sword, exposing the solemn danger of mere external religion. They speak of those who have all the appearance of godliness the vocabulary, the rituals, the reputation; but are inwardly estranged from the transforming power of God. They are not described as atheists or pagans, but as professors of the truth. They are not outside the church, but within its walls. Their conduct, however, betrays them. While their lips speak of God their lives declare allegiance to self, sin, and the world. This strikes at the heart of false religion: people content with the form of godliness, while their hearts chase worldly pleasure! 

Paul warns that such people are "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." This is the spiritual climate of our age: entertainment reigns, self is worshiped, and personal fulfillment is the supreme good. But the genuine believer has been crucified with Jesus. He no longer lives for fleeting pleasures, but for the glory of God. The Spirit who dwells within him produces genuine holiness, not just the shell of religion. Where the Spirit has not wrought new birth, there may be "a form of godliness," but never its life-giving power. 

Titus 1:16 goes deeper. It describes those who "profess to know God, but by their deeds deny Him." Here is the sobering reality: a profession of faith is not the same as possession of faith. Words are cheap. Do our lives bear the unmistakable marks of submission, obedience, and love for Jesus? Or do we merely say that we know Him, while continuing in secret sin, pride, greed, or compromise? The Scripture does not mince words: Such people are "detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good!" God does not accept empty religiosity; He demands truth in the inward parts. Let us be warned. 

Let us examine ourselves. Are we content with an external Christianity: attending services and repeating pious phrases while our hearts remain cold toward Jesus? Do we delight more in worldly trifles, than in communion with God? Has the cross truly stripped us of self-glory, or have we merely added Jesus to our own kingdom? We must flee from hollow religion. We must plead with God to strip away every counterfeit and to give us reality: heart-deep, Spirit-wrought, cross-centered godliness. True faith does not just say Jesus is Lord; it bows before Him. It trembles at His Word. It walks in obedience, loves righteousness, and perseveres in gospel truth and a godly life. Let every reader take these verses seriously. Eternity is at stake. Jesus will one day say to many, "I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:23) 

Let it not be said of us that we had a form of godliness but denied its power. Let our lives declare by fruit and faithfulness, that we truly know Him. 

 [Charles H. Spurgeon]

~ Lord, search my heart. Expose every false profession, every form without substance. Make me not just a hearer of the Word, but a doer. Strip away all hypocrisy and self-deception. Fill me with Your Spirit, that my life might display the power of true godliness. May I love You more than the fleeting pleasures of this poor world. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

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The Saints Everlasting Rest

If there is such a wonderful rest remaining for us, why don't we think about it more? Has the eternal God provided us such a hope, and promised to take us up to dwell with Himself; and is it not worth thinking about? Do we believe this, and yet forget it and neglect it? Why does God condemn earthly-mindedness and command, "Set your affection on things above"? (Colossians 3:2). If God says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world" (1 John 2:15), why then do we make earth our principal concern?  Where is the Christian whose concentration is really on his rest? What is the matter are we so full of joy that we need no more? 

I urge you, reader, to bend your soul to study eternity. Busy it about the life to come. Make such meditation your habit. Bathe your soul in heaven's delights; and if your backward soul begins to drag its feet and your thoughts wander, call them back. Hold them to their work. Don't put up with their laziness. When you have, in obedience to God, tried this work, and kept a guard on your thoughts until they are accustomed to obeying; then you will find yourself in the suburbs of heaven. Then the life of Christianity will be a life of joy. 

[Richard Baxter]

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Titus 2:13 ... Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Philippians 1:23 ... For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

2 Corinthians 5:8 ... We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. ❤

Regeneration

Regeneration (or the New Birth) is the sovereign act of God, performed by the Holy Spirit through the Word, bringing a Hell-deserving sinner from spiritual death to life in Christ. 

1. The NECESSITY of regeneration. Every man and woman enters this world not as a blank slate, but as a fallen creature "dead in trespasses and sins." (Ephesians 2:1) Our hearts are deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked! (Jeremiah 17:9) By nature, we are enemies of God (Romans 8:7), children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), and slaves to sin and Satan. (John 8:34) In our natural state, we have no spiritual life, no spark of goodness, no inclination toward God. Our will is bound by sin, our affections are corrupt, and our understanding is darkened! (1 Corinthians 2:14) Since this is the spiritual condition of every person, then nothing short of a new birth can save us. The words of Jesus to Nicodemus are absolute unless one is born again, he cannot even see the kingdom of God. Neither reformation, education, morality, or religion; can produce spiritual life from spiritual death. The heart of man is a little Hell; full of sin and only fit for the eternal fire. We are all born with a bias toward evil and leave the womb as heirs of wrath! "Do not be amazed that I told you, that you MUST be born again!" (John 3:7) To be born again is not a luxury, it is a necessity. There is no other way to Heaven. Without the new birth, you can never enter the kingdom of God. 

2. The SOURCE of regeneration. Regeneration is not man's work, but the Spirit's work from beginning to end. Man can no more create a new heart in himself, than he could create the world! It is the sovereign act of the Holy Spirit, applying the saving work of Jesus to the heart. The Spirit quickens whom He wills, through the preaching of the Word, according to the Father's eternal decree, and the Son's redeeming grace. (Titus 3:5)

3. The EFFECTS of regeneration. When the Spirit regenerates, He gives a new heart. The man now loves what he once hated Jesus, holiness, and truth; and hates what he once loved the world, the flesh, and the devil's delights. In regeneration, the man becomes a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17); his affections are transformed, his desires are sanctified, and his life is increasingly conformed to the Lord Jesus. 

4. The eternal END of regeneration. The life begun by regeneration on earth, is consummated in the glories of Heaven. The believer, once a child of wrath, is now an heir of God and a co-heir with Jesus. (Romans 8:17) The end of regeneration, is eternal communion with Jesus, and the enjoyment of His presence forever! (Revelation 22:4–5) Christian, marvel at the sovereign mercy of God that when you were dead in sin, He made you alive in Jesus! (Ephesians 2:5) Let this truth humble you, sanctify you, and move you to worship Him who has rescued you from the dominion of darkness, and brought you into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom you have redemption, and the forgiveness of sins! (Colossians 1:13–14)

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

John 3:3 ... Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

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"If God Left Us"

The sins of the ungodly are the looking glasses in which we may see our own hearts. Do we see a heinous, impious wretch? Behold a picture of our own hearts! Such would we be if God left us! What is in wicked men's practice is in our nature. Sin in the wicked, is like fire which flames and blazes forth. 

Sin in the godly, is like fire hid in the embers. Christian, though you do not break forth into a flame of scandalous sin, yet you have no cause to boast, for there is as much sin in the embers of your nature! You have the root of all sin in you and would bear as hellish fruit as any ungodly wretch if God did not either curb you by His power or change you by His grace! 

Why might not God have left you to the same excess of wickedness? Think with yourself, O Christian: Why should God be more merciful to you than to another? Why should He snatch you as a brand plucked out of the fire, and not him? How should this make you to adore free grace! What the Pharisee said boastingly, we may say thankfully, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, robbers, evildoers, adulterers, etc." 

If we are not as wicked as others, we should adore the riches of free grace! Every time we see men hastening on in sin, we are to thank God that we are not such! If we see a crazy person, we thank God that it is not so with us. When we see another infected with the plague how thankful are we that God has preserved us from it! Much more when we see others under the power of Satan how thankful we should be that this is no longer our condition! 

[Thomas Watson] 

Titus 3:3 ...  For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

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Sound Doctrine ....

Sound doctrine is useless if it is not accompanied by a holy life! It is my firm impression that we need a thorough revival of Scriptural holiness. I have had a deep conviction for many years, that practical holiness and consecration to God are not sufficiently attended to by modern Christians. Worldliness has eaten out the heart of vital piety in too many of us. The subject of personal godliness has fallen sadly into the background. The standard of Christian living has become painfully low in many quarters. The immense importance of "adorning the doctrine of God our Savior" (Titus 2:10) and making it lovely and beautiful by our daily habits and tempers has been far too much overlooked! 

The details and particular ingredients of which holiness is composed in daily life ought to be fully set forth and pressed on believers. True holiness does not consist merely of believing but of doing, and a practical exhibition of the active and passive graces. Our tongues, our tempers, our natural passions and inclinations, our conduct at home and abroad, our dress, our employment of time, our behavior in business, our demeanor in sickness and health, in riches and poverty all, all these are matters which are fully treated by inspired writers. They go into particulars. They specify what a holy man ought to do an be in his own family, by his own fireside, and at the workplace. 

True holiness is something of "the image of Christ" which can be seen and observed by others in our private life, and habits, and character, and doings! 

[J.C. Ryle] 

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1 Timothy 6:3-5  ...  If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 ... Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. ❤

Something Peculiar, Distinct, and Different!!

The effects of the Spirit's work in conversion will always be seen. Those effects may be weak and feeble at first. But there where there is true conversion, some fruit will always be seen. Where no effect can be seen there you may be sure is no grace. Where no visible fruit can be found there you may be sure is no true conversion. 

Does anyone ask me what we may expect to see in a true conversion? I reply: There will always be something seen in a converted man's character, and feelings, and conduct, and opinions, and daily life. You will not see perfection in him, but you will see in him something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people. 

You will see him hating sin, loving Christ, following after holiness, taking pleasure in his Bible, persevering in prayer. You will see him penitent, humble, believing, temperate, charitable, truthful, good-tempered, patient, upright, honorable, kind. These, at any rate, will be his aims, these are the things which he will follow after, however short he may come of perfection. 

In some converted people you will see these things more distinctly, in others less. This only I say, wherever there is conversion, something of this kind will be seen. True conversion is a thing that can always be seen. Never, never, will I allow that the blessed Spirit can be in a man's heart when no fruit of the Spirit can be seen in his life! 

A conversion which allows a man to live in sin, to lie, and drink, and swear is not the conversion of the Bible. It is a counterfeit conversion, which can only please the devil, and will lead the man who is satisfied with it not to Heaven, but to Hell! 

[J.C. Ryle]

2 Corinthians 5:17 ... Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Romans 12:2 ...  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Titus 2:14 ... Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  ❤

The Church Without a Foundation

I created this image because my heart breaks for all the churches out there not holding to sound doctrine. It's like a building without a solid foundation, and it is very dangerous. 

[Christian Digital Artwork]

www.ChristianPhotoshops.com

Titus 1:9 ... Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

2 Peter 2:1 ... But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. ❤

The Model Church

1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 ... 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

The beauty of this Church did not consist of a gorgeous material building, but of a people who are said to be "In God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 1). And that they were examples to all believers (v. 7). Note their character. 

I. They were Saved from Wrath. "They were delivered from the wrath to come" (v 10) It should never be forgotten that there is "wrath to come" (Revelation 6:17) Wrath against all ungodliness. Blessed are they whom "God has appointed to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:9) Christ our Refuge. "Flee from the wrath to come." 

II. They were Converted to God. "They turned to God from idols" (v. 9). Christ is the atoning sacrifice for the sin of the world, but that fact in itself does not save the world; there must needs be a personal turning to God from sin and unbelief. The idols of the unconverted are numerous and varied. To turn to God is to forsake everything that would divide our affections or hinder our whole-hearted trust. 

III. They were Receivers of the Word of God. "They received the Word in much affliction" (v. 6) These were troublous times, as we learn from Acts 17; but the antagonism of the worldly-minded did not hinder them from boldly receiving the Word. It is always a sign of a healthy soul or Church, which gladly drinks in the truth as revealed in God's Word Human philosophies may have their place, but they are the food to build up a model Church. Quickened spirits need the "Word of Life." 

IV. They were Devoted to the Service of God. "They turned from idols to serve the living and true God" (v. 9). What a change! Serving the Living God, instead of dead things that only mocked their needs with a silent indifference. "To whom, O Lord, can we go but unto You?" You are worthy of the service of every power and passion, every thought and feeling of the soul, which You have redeemed by Your Blood. "Serve the Lord with gladness." 

V. They were Looking for the Son of God. They had made up their minds to serve, and "to wait for His Son from Heaven" (v. 10). They believed Christ would come again, as all the early Christians did, and as He Himself had promised This was called "that blessed hope." (Titus 2:13) The prophets of old looked and waited for the Coming of the Messiah long ages before He came; but in the fullness of the time, He did come. The Church may have waited long, so long that many have lost the vision and the hope. But in the fullness of the time He will Come as He said.  (John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 1:7) 

VI. They were Joyful in the Spirit of God. They had the "joy of the Holy Spirit" (v. 6). With the Word of God in their hearts, and this glorious prospect before their eyes, and the power of the Spirit resting on them, their service was not a burdensome task, but a happy privilege and a growing delight. This was characteristic of the first Church members. "They were filled with joy, and with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 13:52) "How are the mighty fallen?" 

VII. They were Examples to Others. "You were examples to all that believe" (v. 7). This was certainly a prosperous Church, although there is nothing said regarding their financial position, no reference to their "Annual Balance Sheet." But their faith in God was known everywhere (v. 8), and the influence of their missionary enthusiasm, in sounding forth the Word of God, had been felt throughout Macedonia and Greece. They honored Christ as the Head of the Church, and they were honored by Him in doing things worthy of His great Name. 

This is what the Church of Christ should do. This is what every Church true to the Word of God is; and this is what every Christian should be an encouraging example to others. "Believe, and you shall see." 

[James Smith]

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"The MERCY of God"

Mercy is God's tender-hearted compassion toward the miserable and the guilty. It is the pity of a holy God stooping down to the helpless sinner not because He must, but because He delights to. Mercy is the overflow of His eternal love relieving the wretched, pardoning the guilty, and raising the fallen. From the beginning, God's mercy has been on display. It spared Adam and Eve in the garden. It delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt. It sent prophets to warn the rebellious nation. And in the fullness of time, it sent the Savior to redeem His people. Mercy is not a reluctant gesture it is the joy of God's heart. "God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ!" (Ephesians 2:4-5) 

God's mercy is not exhausted by repeated sins, nor limited by the depth of our guilt. The dying thief found mercy in his final breath and so may any who call on the Lord. Yet God's mercy never sets aside His justice. Mercy does not sweep sin under the rug it satisfies God's justice. This is the wonder of the cross where divine justice was upheld, and mercy was poured out. God did not overlook our sin He condemned it in Christ. At Calvary, mercy and justice met; righteousness and peace kissed! (Psalm 85:10)  

If we have received such undeserved mercy, then how can we withhold it from others? Shall we, who have been forgiven much remain unmerciful? Let us be as our father kind, compassionate, and forgiving. And let us never forget we stand by mercy alone. Here is our hope and our song that God delights in mercy, and His mercy never fails. 

[A. W. Pink] 

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Titus 3:5 ... Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Psalm 103:8 ... The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. ❤

God's True Grace

But if we attend to what the Bible says of grace, we shall discover that the True Grace of God is different from what man conceives. Instead of its being an enemy to holiness grace is the root on which holiness grows, the fountain from which holiness springs, and the principle that produces holiness in the heart. 

True grace brings home the Word with power, conviction, and demonstration to the soul! Acts 14:3 

True grace works faith in the hearts of poor sinners, who are said "to believe through grace!" Acts 18:27 

True grace calls its objects out of a state of nature, sin, and rebellion against God and teaches them to pray, and mourn before the Lord! Galatians 1:15; Zechariah 12:10 

True grace makes obedient to the faith and leads the soul to receive "grace upon grace" out of the fullness of Jesus! Romans 1:5; John 1:16 

True grace destroys the love and dominion of sin and leads us from the law to the gospel! Romans 6:14 

True grace brings home a sense of pardon to the soul and imparts everlasting consolation! Ephesians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:16 

True grace removes condemnation, and justifies us freely, fully, and eternally! Romans 3:24; Titus 3:7 

True grace strengthens, supports, and carries the Christian through all his conflicts, tribulations, and trials! 2 Corinthians 12:9 

True grace builds up and establishes its possessor in truth, in faith, and in love! Acts 20:32; Hebrews 13:9 

True grace leads to holy, scriptural, and consistent practice! Titus 2:11-15 

True grace will make a man labor for God and the good of immortal souls! 1 Corinthians 15:10 

True grace will regulate his lifestyle according to gospel precepts! 2 Corinthians 1:12 

True grace will make him generous and liberal in the Lord's cause, and to the poor! 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:6-14 

True grace flows in abundance, saves all its objects, and raises them to reign in life! Romans 5:17; Ephesians 2:6-8 

True grace is always a gift and is invariably free! Romans 11:6; Ephesians 4:7 

True grace communicates more and more to its possessor, until the victory and conquest is complete! James 4:6 

The man that possesses the True Grace of God and is living under its sacred influence mourns over his state as a sinner, longs for perfection as a believer, and cannot be perfectly happy until purged from all pollution. 

[James Smith]

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The Astonishing Love of Jesus For Us!

There is no greater wonder in all the universe than this: that the infinitely holy Son of God would set His heart upon vile, guilty, Hell-deserving sinners. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us!" Not when we were seeking Him. Not when we were repenting. Not when we were bettering ourselves. But while we were rebels, with hearts full of enmity against Him, He loved us still. (Romans 5:6, 8, 10) 

Paul, once a blasphemer and persecutor of Christ's church, could only marvel: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinner of whom I am the worst!" (1 Timothy 1:15)   So, it is with all who have been given eyes to see their corruption, and hearts to feel their need. When we know ourselves rightly, we are utterly astonished that Jesus would save such ungodly ones as ourselves. 

Our salvation was not the fruit of our seeking, but of His. "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save those who are lost!" (Luke 19:10) It was the overflowing of His sovereign, unmerited love. Dead in sin, blind in mind, corrupt in heart yet He loved us, and by His great mercy made us spiritually alive. (Ephesians 2:4–5) 

What love is this, that stooped so low? "He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities." (Isaiah 53:5) The pure and spotless Lamb bore the filth and condemnation of our sin. He who knew no sin, was made sin for us, "so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21) It was not out of obligation, but out of sheer grace. "When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy." (Titus 3:4–5) 

Christian! Jesus loved you before the world began, He loves you now and He will love you forever! His love for you is unfathomable it is as boundless as infinity. Oh, the precious love of Jesus! It is the sun in the heavens of grace, the river in the garden of mercy, and the foundation of the temple of redemption! 

The love of Jesus is the most amazing thing under Heaven, if not in Heaven itself. Oh, what a Savior is ours! His love is not shallow or sentimental it is a love that bleeds, and bears wrath. It is a love that will never let us go. It is a love that astonishes us now and will be our wonder and song for all eternity. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

Revelation 1:5–6 ... And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

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Essential to Eminent Usefulness

A revived church is the best hope of a lost world. A revived ministry, the best hope of a dormant church. Under 'a great show of outward profession', there is a lamentable deficiency of vital godliness in our churches. Much of the prevailing benevolence and activity of the church, are a mere substitute for spiritual religion rather than the expression of vital godliness. 

In our churches, it is easy to perceive how much more welcome is the 'humorous' than the serious; how much more anxious the audience is to be 'entertained' than to be edified; how much greater homage is paid to the 'talent' of the preacher than to his piety! In fact, our public meetings sometimes assume rather the character of 'religious amusements' than pious worship! 

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

Eminent piety is essential to eminent usefulness! It is eminent piety alone which will enable us to take a clear and impressive view of the object to be sought and supply the energies necessary for obtaining it. It is eminent piety alone which will purify our motives, and produce that spirit of profound humility, self-denial, dependence and entire consecration which are necessary to qualify us for the work. It is eminent piety alone which will keep up the spirit of faith and prayer, to which the divine promises are made. We must become more devout, more prayerful, more holy, more heavenly, more spiritual. 

[John Angell James] 

Titus 2:13-14 ... Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

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The Golden Thread of Grace!

Besides His grace, God manifests His other divine attributes in the salvation of every sinner: The wisdom of God devised the plan of salvation. The power of God executes in us the work of salvation. The immutability of God preserves and carries on salvation. In fact, all the attributes of God are magnified in the salvation of a sinner. But at the same time the text is most accurate, since grace is the fountainhead of salvation, and is most conspicuous throughout every aspect of it. 

Grace is to be seen in our election, for "there is a remnant according to the election of grace, and if by grace then it is no more of works." Grace is manifestly revealed in our redemption. It is utterly inconceivable that any soul could have deserved to be redeemed with the precious sin-atoning blood of Christ. The mere thought is abhorrent to every holy mind. Our effectual calling is also of grace, for "He has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began." By grace also, we are justified. Over and over again, the apostle insists upon this grand and fundamental truth. We are not justified before God by our works in any measure, but by faith alone. We see the golden thread of grace running through the whole of the Christian's history, from his election before all worlds, to his admission into Heaven's glory. 

There is no point in the history of a saved soul, upon which you can put your finger and say, "In this instance, he is saved by his own deserving." Every single blessing which we receive from God, comes to us by the channel of free grace alone. Boasting is excluded, because deserving's are excluded. Merit is an unknown word in the Christian vocabulary! "By grace are you saved." This clear and unqualified statement sweeps away all supposition of any deserving on our part, or any thought of our meriting salvation. We stand before God as condemned criminals, when we come to Him for mercy. We are already lost, "already condemned," and our only course is to cast ourselves upon the sovereign mercy of God. "By grace are you saved." This is true of every saint on earth, and every saint in Heaven. 

It is altogether true, and without a single exception. No man is saved, except as the result of the free grace and unbought mercy of God. We are entirely and altogether saved, because the Lord "will have mercy on whom He will have mercy," and He wills to bestow His favor on unworthy men. Though I am as repulsive as the devil with sin, and as vile as the devil with innate depravity yet, if the Lord looked upon me in mercy, then He would forgive my every sin, and change my nature, and make me as bright a seraph as Gabriel before His throne! 

[Charles H. Spurgeon] 

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Titus 3:5 ... Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

1 Corinthians 15:10 ...  But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ... For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ❤

All Short of This is Mercy!

In order to awaken self-abasement and gratitude I should consider both what I deserve, and what blessings I have in Christ. If the righteous Lord were to deal with me according to my deserving, I would at this moment be under the rack of excruciating pain; or under the pressure of most abject poverty thus experiencing the foretaste of eternal woe. If thus dealt with in strictest justice, Death would receive his commission to hurl my affrighted soul into the gulf of endless misery, there to remain an everlasting monument of the vengeance of a holy God! All short of this is mercy! 

Do I enjoy a portion of health? It is all mercy! Am I undergoing a sanctified affliction? It is all mercy! Do I partake of the bounties of Providence? It is all mercy! Do I possess affectionate friends? It is all mercy! Do I experience the love of God in Christ, pardoning my sins, and purifying my heart? Oh! this is mercy beyond the power of language to praise or to express! 

Rejoice in such a Savior, who mercifully snatched you as a brand out of the burning! 

[Thomas Reade] 

Ephesians 2:4-5 ... But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Titus 3:5 ... Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

1 Peter 1:3 ... Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ❤

God Bought You With a Very High Price!

Refresh in your souls a sense of the fact that "God bought you with a very high price!" There in the midnight hour, amid the olives of Gethsemane, kneels Immanuel the Son of God. He groans, He pleads in prayer, He wrestles. See the beady drops stand on His brow drops of sweat, but not of such sweat as pours from men when they earn the bread of life, but the sweat of Him who is procuring eternal life itself for us. It is blood! It is crimson blood! Great gouts of it are falling to the ground! 

O soul, your Savior speaks to you from Gethsemane at this hour, and He says: "Here and thus I bought you with a price!" Come, stand and view Him in the agony of the olive garden, and understand at what a cost He procured your deliverance! Track Him in all His path of shame and sorrow until you see Him at Gabbatha. Mark how they bind His hands and fasten Him to the whipping-post. See, they bring the scourges and the cruel Roman whips; they tear His flesh; the ploughers make deep furrows on His blessed body, and the blood gushes forth in streams; while rivulets from His temples where the crown of thorns has pierced them, join to swell the purple stream. 

From beneath the scourges, He speaks to you with accents soft and low, and says, "My child, it is here and thus I bought you with a very high price!" But see Him on the cross itself when the consummation of all has come. His hands and feet are fountains of blood, His soul is full of anguish even to heartbreak; and there, before the soldier pierces His side with a spear, bowing down He whispers to you and to me, "It was here and thus, I bought you with a very high price!" 

O by Gethsemane, by Gabbatha, by Golgotha, by every sacred name collected with the passion of our Lord; by sponge and vinegar, and nail and spear, and everything that enlarged the pain and increased the anguish of His death I implore you, my beloved brethren, to remember that you were "bought with a very high price," and that "you are not your own." 

[Charles H. Spurgeon] 

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1 Peter 1:18-19 ...  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1 Corinthians 6:20 ... For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Acts 20:28 ... Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Titus 2:14 ... Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. ❤

The Constraining Love of Jesus!

The love of Jesus has a constraining power, which invincibly impels us to live unto Him. Let it once be "shed abroad in our hearts," and we shall instantly exclaim with rapture, "My Lord, and my God!" "What have I to do any more with idols?" will be the natural effusion of our souls! (Hosea 14:8)  

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

Walk with God as His dear children. Commit to Him your every care and expect from Him a supply of all your needs! Motivated by His all-constraining love, be ready to sacrifice every earthly consideration, and to even lay down life itself for Him! 

[Charles Simeon] 

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 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ... For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Titus 2:14 ...  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Galatians 2:20 ... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. ❤

Do Any Startle at This Plain Assertion?

In the early Christian Church religion did not consist in talking finely, but in living well. We, alas! are not now what these primitive Christians were burning and shining lights. The lamentation of the prophet is sadly too descriptive of our state: "Our silver has become dross, and our wine is mixed with water." (Isaiah 1:22)  

The world has tainted the Church by its unhallowed admixture. Where is the simplicity, the self-denial, the zeal, the entire devotedness, of these first Christians to be found? Certainly not among the great mass of religious professors! Long continued prosperity has induced a spirit of slumber. Without any breach of that charity which hopes all things, we are compelled to declare this painful truth: that thousands who are moral, and regular in all the outward duties and decencies of religion are still as far distant from the spirit and practice, the principles and feelings, of the true believer, as the East is from the West! 

Do any startle at this plain assertion? Where, we would ask, is their deep contrition, their sincere repentance, their hatred of sin, their application to the Savior, their love to His name, their delight in His service, their attachment to Him, their self-denying obedience, their renunciation of the world, their patience under suffering for the Gospel's sake? Where, in short, is the new creature in Christ Jesus to be seen in them? It has no existence! They have a name to live, being called Christians, and professing to believe in Jesus but they are dead! 

The general truths of the Gospel may dwell in their understandings, but they have no abiding place in their hearts. The Apostle has well described the character of these nominal Christians: "They profess that they know God, but in works deny Him." (Titus 1:16) "They have the form of godliness but deny the power thereof." (2 Timothy 3:4-5) 

These are the people who, frequenting the house of God, sneer at 'conscientious piety'. Yet, they have full confidence in the mercy of God, and deem it most uncharitable, even to breathe a hint that they are in danger of eternal perdition. 

[Thomas Reade]

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