Hip, hip, hooray—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go back to church! In order to help get us ready, here is the Puritan pastor Jeremiah Burroughs, from his, "Gospel Remission" book. . . .
"When God comes to pardon sin, it is such a mercy as comes from the foun-tain of God's everlasting love. Other mercies do not. Where this is not pres-ent, you cannot have evidence of God's eternal love. If God gives you health of body, good voyages at sea, and good [success] in respect of the world, you cannot draw arguments from hence that God bears eternal love to your soul. But when He comes to pardon your sins, it is a certain evidence that God has set His love on you from all eternity.
"If there were a chain let down from heaven and you could take hold but of one link that would certainly bring you there, both ends would come together. In Romans 8:30, there is a chain of many links let down, and if you can catch hold of the link of justification, you may certainly catch hold of predestination, for all hang together. If you are justified, then know for certain that you are a predestined man or woman whom God has set His heart upon from all etern-ity to do good. And this is a great happiness for a poor creature while he lives in this world, to know that God has set His heart upon him from all eternity to do him good. And, indeed, we can never be at rest until we come to this."
Friday, November 30, 2018
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Thurs., 11/29/18 Devotion (2 Pet. 1:2)
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Peter 1:2, where we find these won-derful words:
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord . . . "
To have grace and peace *multiplied* to our souls is a very blessed thing. God does not only "add," or "drip" His good gifts onto His churched children (a little at a time)—but He multiplies them. And notice how He does this: in our knowledge of Him, and of His Son Jesus.
If we know God in our Lord Jesus, we will have grace and peace. The more we know Him, the greater the levels of these things we will enjoy—though they come through trouble and difficulty. No matter what challenges we face today, let us take encouragement from our Father's abundant provisions of "grace and peace" in our Lord Jesus Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Upon this reconciliation with God, you and God come to have common friends and common enemies.” —Jeremiah Bur-roughs, in, "Gospel Reconciliation"]
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord . . . "
To have grace and peace *multiplied* to our souls is a very blessed thing. God does not only "add," or "drip" His good gifts onto His churched children (a little at a time)—but He multiplies them. And notice how He does this: in our knowledge of Him, and of His Son Jesus.
If we know God in our Lord Jesus, we will have grace and peace. The more we know Him, the greater the levels of these things we will enjoy—though they come through trouble and difficulty. No matter what challenges we face today, let us take encouragement from our Father's abundant provisions of "grace and peace" in our Lord Jesus Christ.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Upon this reconciliation with God, you and God come to have common friends and common enemies.” —Jeremiah Bur-roughs, in, "Gospel Reconciliation"]
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Wed., 11/28/18 Devotion (Lk. 12:1b)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 12:1b, where we find the Savior saying these words:
" . . . He [Christ] began to say to His disciples first of all, 'Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.' "
Our Redeemer prioritized this teaching (re. the pharisees and their hypocrisy) because He knew that it could, and would destroy His followers if it was not addressed head-on. The pharisees' "leaven," (or teaching) is dangerous, be-cause it seeks to seduce the soul into smug self-righteousness.
Christ's worst opponents (by far) were the pharisees—the very ones who were the most religious and devout. Jesus reserved His harshest words for them; and He warns us (even today) to watch out for their poison, (which, like the snakes’ venom the Lord compared their teaching to, comes from their lips).
[Puritan quote of the day: "God does not bring His people into troubles, and leave them there.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]
" . . . He [Christ] began to say to His disciples first of all, 'Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.' "
Our Redeemer prioritized this teaching (re. the pharisees and their hypocrisy) because He knew that it could, and would destroy His followers if it was not addressed head-on. The pharisees' "leaven," (or teaching) is dangerous, be-cause it seeks to seduce the soul into smug self-righteousness.
Christ's worst opponents (by far) were the pharisees—the very ones who were the most religious and devout. Jesus reserved His harshest words for them; and He warns us (even today) to watch out for their poison, (which, like the snakes’ venom the Lord compared their teaching to, comes from their lips).
[Puritan quote of the day: "God does not bring His people into troubles, and leave them there.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Tues., 11/27/18 Devotion (Lk. 11:37)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 11:37, where we read these words:
"And as He [Jesus] spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat."
Our Lord Jesus had some pretty sumptuous meals during His first advent ministry on earth. The pharisees—though short on humility—were typically long on show (and abundance). What do we learn from Christ's willingness to eat, even with a pharisee? That the gospel is to go to *all* sorts of people—particularly those in the very *worst* spiritual conditions (as was the case with the pharisees).
The dinner conversation turned a bit gnarly, as we see in vv. 39 ff.; but even there our Redeemer was doing his guest a favor, by exposing his sin, and di-recting him to Himself.
[Puritan quote of the day: "So let us seriously and fruitfully consider what ex-cellent times the Lord has set us in, and respond thankfully and obediently.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
"And as He [Jesus] spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat."
Our Lord Jesus had some pretty sumptuous meals during His first advent ministry on earth. The pharisees—though short on humility—were typically long on show (and abundance). What do we learn from Christ's willingness to eat, even with a pharisee? That the gospel is to go to *all* sorts of people—particularly those in the very *worst* spiritual conditions (as was the case with the pharisees).
The dinner conversation turned a bit gnarly, as we see in vv. 39 ff.; but even there our Redeemer was doing his guest a favor, by exposing his sin, and di-recting him to Himself.
[Puritan quote of the day: "So let us seriously and fruitfully consider what ex-cellent times the Lord has set us in, and respond thankfully and obediently.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
Monday, November 26, 2018
Mon., 11/26/18 Devotion (Jon. 4:6)
Today's encouragement comes from Jonah 4:6, where we read these words:
"And the LORD God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant."
To his credit, Jonah was "grateful for the plant"; but it would soon be evident that Jonah's thankfulness was piecemeal. When God removed the plant, Jo-nah became very peevish and childish. When God refused to give Jonah a di-vine fireworks display, by blowing up Nineveh, it displeased the prophet great-ly.
True gratitude that honors God is universal and uniform. This does not mean that we Christian church members will always get it right; but it does mean that we are to set our hearts on being grateful to God (in Jesus) for all things, be they "good" or "evil."
[Puritan quote of the day: "As the sun rises by degrees till it comes to shine in glory, so it was with the Sun of Righteousness [Christ]. He revealed Himself in the church little by little.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
"And the LORD God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant."
To his credit, Jonah was "grateful for the plant"; but it would soon be evident that Jonah's thankfulness was piecemeal. When God removed the plant, Jo-nah became very peevish and childish. When God refused to give Jonah a di-vine fireworks display, by blowing up Nineveh, it displeased the prophet great-ly.
True gratitude that honors God is universal and uniform. This does not mean that we Christian church members will always get it right; but it does mean that we are to set our hearts on being grateful to God (in Jesus) for all things, be they "good" or "evil."
[Puritan quote of the day: "As the sun rises by degrees till it comes to shine in glory, so it was with the Sun of Righteousness [Christ]. He revealed Himself in the church little by little.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
Friday, November 23, 2018
Fri.-Sabbath, 11/23-25/18 Devotion
Hip, hip, hooray—it is almost Sunday! In order to help get us ready for church, here is the amazing and incomparable Puritan Thomas Watson, from his book entitled, "The Ten Commandments":
"Faith in Christ is acceptable to God because it is a self-denying grace. It makes a man go out of himself, renounce all self-righteousness, and wholly rely on Christ for justification. It is very humble; it confesses its own indigence [poverty], and lives wholly upon Christ. As the bee sucks sweetness from the flower, so faith sucks all its strength and comfort from Christ.
"Faith is a grace acceptable to God, because by faith we present a righteous-ness to Him which best pleases Him: we bring the righteousness of Christ in-to court, which is called ‘The righteousness of God,' (2 Cor 5:21). To bring Christ's righteousness, is to bring Benjamin with us. A believer may say, 'Lord, it is not the righteousness of Adam, or of the angels, but of Christ who is God-Man, that I bring before You.' The Lord cannot but smell a sweet savor in Christ's righteousness."
"Faith in Christ is acceptable to God because it is a self-denying grace. It makes a man go out of himself, renounce all self-righteousness, and wholly rely on Christ for justification. It is very humble; it confesses its own indigence [poverty], and lives wholly upon Christ. As the bee sucks sweetness from the flower, so faith sucks all its strength and comfort from Christ.
"Faith is a grace acceptable to God, because by faith we present a righteous-ness to Him which best pleases Him: we bring the righteousness of Christ in-to court, which is called ‘The righteousness of God,' (2 Cor 5:21). To bring Christ's righteousness, is to bring Benjamin with us. A believer may say, 'Lord, it is not the righteousness of Adam, or of the angels, but of Christ who is God-Man, that I bring before You.' The Lord cannot but smell a sweet savor in Christ's righteousness."
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Thurs., 11/22/18 Devotion (1 Chron. 17:2)
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Today's encouragement comes from 1 Chronicles 17:2, where we read these words:
"Then Nathan said to David, 'Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.' "
Sincere churched Christians, who are saved by grace through faith in Christ, are not under law—they are under grace, (see Rom. 6:14). Therefore, they are free to do whatever they want to do—because everything they desire to do will be in accord with the God they love. They love this God because He has forgiven them their sins (through the blood of Christ).
It does not so much matter to God *what* we do—so long as it is something we desire from the heart. If we love Jesus first and foremost, then we are free to do everything that is in our hearts.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Now it is only faith that shows a man the end and the issue of all his troubles.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Down-cast"]
Today's encouragement comes from 1 Chronicles 17:2, where we read these words:
"Then Nathan said to David, 'Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.' "
Sincere churched Christians, who are saved by grace through faith in Christ, are not under law—they are under grace, (see Rom. 6:14). Therefore, they are free to do whatever they want to do—because everything they desire to do will be in accord with the God they love. They love this God because He has forgiven them their sins (through the blood of Christ).
It does not so much matter to God *what* we do—so long as it is something we desire from the heart. If we love Jesus first and foremost, then we are free to do everything that is in our hearts.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Now it is only faith that shows a man the end and the issue of all his troubles.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Down-cast"]
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Wed., 11/21/18 Devotion (Lk. 5:8)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 5:8, where we read these words:
"When Simon Peter saw it [the miraculous catch of fish], he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!' "
Here is an irony: Peter knows himself to be a sinner, so he implores his Re-deemer to "depart from [him]." Thankfully, Christ did *not* do as Peter sug-gested. If our Savior "departed" from us every time we sinned, we would never have Him near us, ever.
True humility—which Peter was to learn more fully later—is not demonstrated in seeking Christ's "departure" because of the commission of sins. Rather, it is begging His abiding with us, despite them. Peter does do three things very well here (in this verse): he worships Christ, he confesses his sinfulness, and he calls Jesus "Lord."
[Puritan quote of the day: "There are no sins God's people are more subject to than unbelief and impatience.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]
"When Simon Peter saw it [the miraculous catch of fish], he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!' "
Here is an irony: Peter knows himself to be a sinner, so he implores his Re-deemer to "depart from [him]." Thankfully, Christ did *not* do as Peter sug-gested. If our Savior "departed" from us every time we sinned, we would never have Him near us, ever.
True humility—which Peter was to learn more fully later—is not demonstrated in seeking Christ's "departure" because of the commission of sins. Rather, it is begging His abiding with us, despite them. Peter does do three things very well here (in this verse): he worships Christ, he confesses his sinfulness, and he calls Jesus "Lord."
[Puritan quote of the day: "There are no sins God's people are more subject to than unbelief and impatience.” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Tues., 11/20/18 Devotion (Lk. 4:20)
Today's encouragement comes from Luke 4:20, where we read these words:
"Then He [Jesus] closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him."
In this world today, the only time the people of God can collectively gaze upon Jesus intently is in church on Sunday. In this text (above), the Lord Christ is keeping the old Sabbath. The citizens of Nazareth are, too. They have heard the word of God read (by Jesus), and now the Messiah (THE Word of God Himself) is about to expound on it. As He does so, the congregants are lock-ed-in on the Redeemer.
This is a good pattern for all who would be Christ's followers today. Let *us* "fix our eyes on Jesus," (as per Heb. 12:2a). Then, upon leaving church, let us love and follow the Savior, (rather than seek to throw Him off the cliff, as the Nazarenes had hoped to do, [cf. Lk. 4:29]).
[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ is called grace. He is the grace of God cloth-ed with man's nature.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
"Then He [Jesus] closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him."
In this world today, the only time the people of God can collectively gaze upon Jesus intently is in church on Sunday. In this text (above), the Lord Christ is keeping the old Sabbath. The citizens of Nazareth are, too. They have heard the word of God read (by Jesus), and now the Messiah (THE Word of God Himself) is about to expound on it. As He does so, the congregants are lock-ed-in on the Redeemer.
This is a good pattern for all who would be Christ's followers today. Let *us* "fix our eyes on Jesus," (as per Heb. 12:2a). Then, upon leaving church, let us love and follow the Savior, (rather than seek to throw Him off the cliff, as the Nazarenes had hoped to do, [cf. Lk. 4:29]).
[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ is called grace. He is the grace of God cloth-ed with man's nature.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]
Monday, November 19, 2018
Mon., 11/19/18 Devotion (1 Chron. 14:12)
Today's encouragement comes from 1 Chronicles 14:12, where we read these words:
"And when they [the Philistines] left their gods there, David gave a command-ment, and they were burned with fire."
In my opinion, this is one of the most humorous verses in all the Bible. The doltish Philistines lug their gods onto the battlefield, as they seek to take on David and the Israelites—and just as soon as they get routed, the Philistines abandon their gods. What good are gods like that? They are nothing but a burden.
David did the right thing with the Philistine false gods: he burned them up. May we be just as ruthless with our abominable idols, too. They may appear to be a bit more "sophisticated" than the Philistine gods, but they are just as despicable.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Affliction does that which the Word many times will not, it 'opens the ear to discipline,' (Job 36:10).” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]
"And when they [the Philistines] left their gods there, David gave a command-ment, and they were burned with fire."
In my opinion, this is one of the most humorous verses in all the Bible. The doltish Philistines lug their gods onto the battlefield, as they seek to take on David and the Israelites—and just as soon as they get routed, the Philistines abandon their gods. What good are gods like that? They are nothing but a burden.
David did the right thing with the Philistine false gods: he burned them up. May we be just as ruthless with our abominable idols, too. They may appear to be a bit more "sophisticated" than the Philistine gods, but they are just as despicable.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Affliction does that which the Word many times will not, it 'opens the ear to discipline,' (Job 36:10).” —Thomas Watson, in, "All Things for Good"]
Friday, November 16, 2018
Fri.-Sabbath, 11/16-18/18 Devotion
Praise God—it is almost Sunday, the Lord's Day! We GET to go to church again. In order to help us prepare for worship, here is Richard Sibbes, from his, "The Bruised Reed" book. . . .
"OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENTS
"Suffering brings discouragements, because of our impatience. 'Alas!,' we lament, 'I shall never get through such a trial.' But if God brings us into the trial He will be with us in the trial; and at length bring us out, more refined. We shall lose nothing but dross (Zech. 13:9). From our own strength we cannot bear the least trouble, but by the Spirit's assistance we can bear the greatest. The Spirit will add His shoulders to help us to bear our infirmities. The Lord will give His hand to lift us up (Psa. 37:24). 'You have heard of the patience of Job,' says James (Jas. 5:11). We have heard of his impatience too, but it pleased God mercifully to overlook that. It yields us comfort also in desolate conditions, such as contagious sicknesses and the like, in which we are more immediately under God's hand, that then Christ has a throne of mercy at our bedside and numbers our tears and our groans. And, to come to the matter we are now about, the Sacrament [of The Lord's Supper] was ordained not for angels, but for men; and not for perfect men, but for weak men . . . "
"OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENTS
"Suffering brings discouragements, because of our impatience. 'Alas!,' we lament, 'I shall never get through such a trial.' But if God brings us into the trial He will be with us in the trial; and at length bring us out, more refined. We shall lose nothing but dross (Zech. 13:9). From our own strength we cannot bear the least trouble, but by the Spirit's assistance we can bear the greatest. The Spirit will add His shoulders to help us to bear our infirmities. The Lord will give His hand to lift us up (Psa. 37:24). 'You have heard of the patience of Job,' says James (Jas. 5:11). We have heard of his impatience too, but it pleased God mercifully to overlook that. It yields us comfort also in desolate conditions, such as contagious sicknesses and the like, in which we are more immediately under God's hand, that then Christ has a throne of mercy at our bedside and numbers our tears and our groans. And, to come to the matter we are now about, the Sacrament [of The Lord's Supper] was ordained not for angels, but for men; and not for perfect men, but for weak men . . . "
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Thurs., 11/15/18 Devotion (Ps. 149:6)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 149:6, where we read these words:
"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand . . . "
Note how the faithful Christian churchman is at once a worshipper of God, and a soldier fighting under Christ's banner. There is no way to please God without praising Him. And there is nothing to praise Him for, unless the saints sees God's enemies fall under them (These include sin, the flesh, the world, the devil, and the devil's agents—human and angelic.)
So, if we are in Christ, let us go into your daily lives lifting up thanks to God, and the sword of the Spirit against His foes (and ours).
[Puritan quote of the day: "The Church is a body to whom the whole world is beholden. It should be the joy of the earth, for it is the security of the whole earth.” —Nathaniel Vincent, in, "A Discourse concerning Love"]
"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand . . . "
Note how the faithful Christian churchman is at once a worshipper of God, and a soldier fighting under Christ's banner. There is no way to please God without praising Him. And there is nothing to praise Him for, unless the saints sees God's enemies fall under them (These include sin, the flesh, the world, the devil, and the devil's agents—human and angelic.)
So, if we are in Christ, let us go into your daily lives lifting up thanks to God, and the sword of the Spirit against His foes (and ours).
[Puritan quote of the day: "The Church is a body to whom the whole world is beholden. It should be the joy of the earth, for it is the security of the whole earth.” —Nathaniel Vincent, in, "A Discourse concerning Love"]
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Wed., 11/14/18 Devotion (Ps. 147:11)
Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 147:11, which says this:
"The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy."
God created the world, in order to enjoy it. The Holy Trinity always experienc-es perfect and unremitted bliss. God is never perturbed. But, if it may be said that the Lord's pleasure may be "added to," (and I think it *can* be said, [in a certain sense]), then those who "fear Him" are the ones that achieve this re-markable privileged status.
Do we fear the Lord—through our faith in Jesus? If so, then let us take great comfort. God not only delights in us, He also loves us, His church, very dearly and tenderly.
[Puritan quote of the day: "If once you come to receive the mercy of God in and through Christ Jesus, then that mercy will be the greatest opposer of your lusts and sin as anything can be in the world.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, a book of his sermons, entitled, "Gospel Remission"]
"The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy."
God created the world, in order to enjoy it. The Holy Trinity always experienc-es perfect and unremitted bliss. God is never perturbed. But, if it may be said that the Lord's pleasure may be "added to," (and I think it *can* be said, [in a certain sense]), then those who "fear Him" are the ones that achieve this re-markable privileged status.
Do we fear the Lord—through our faith in Jesus? If so, then let us take great comfort. God not only delights in us, He also loves us, His church, very dearly and tenderly.
[Puritan quote of the day: "If once you come to receive the mercy of God in and through Christ Jesus, then that mercy will be the greatest opposer of your lusts and sin as anything can be in the world.” —Jeremiah Burroughs, a book of his sermons, entitled, "Gospel Remission"]
Friday, November 2, 2018
Fri.-Sabbath, 11/2-4/18 Devotion
Wahoo—it is almost Sunday! We *get* to go back to church again. In order to help get us ready, here is Richard Sibbes, from his, "The Bruised Reed"
book. . . .
“Why Christ’s Kingdom Must Prevail
"Christ has conquered all in His own person first, and He is ‘Over all, God blessed forever,' (Rom. 9:5); and therefore over sin, death, hell, Satan and the world. And, as He has overcome them in Himself, so He overcomes them in our hearts and consciences. We commonly say that conscience makes a man kingly or contemptible, because it is planted in us to judge for God, eith-er with us or against us. Now if natural conscience be so forcible, what will it be when, besides its own light, it has the light of divine truth put into it? It will undoubtedly prevail, either to make us hold up our heads with boldness or abase us beneath ourselves. If it subjects itself, by grace, to Christ's truth, then it boldly faces death, hell, judgment and all spiritual enemies, because then Christ sets up His kingdom in the conscience and makes it a kind of paradise.
"The sharpest conflict which the soul has is between the conscience and God's justice. Now if the conscience, sprinkled with the blood of Christ, has prevailed over assaults fetched from the justice of God, now satisfied by Christ, it will prevail over all other opposition whatsoever."
book. . . .
“Why Christ’s Kingdom Must Prevail
"Christ has conquered all in His own person first, and He is ‘Over all, God blessed forever,' (Rom. 9:5); and therefore over sin, death, hell, Satan and the world. And, as He has overcome them in Himself, so He overcomes them in our hearts and consciences. We commonly say that conscience makes a man kingly or contemptible, because it is planted in us to judge for God, eith-er with us or against us. Now if natural conscience be so forcible, what will it be when, besides its own light, it has the light of divine truth put into it? It will undoubtedly prevail, either to make us hold up our heads with boldness or abase us beneath ourselves. If it subjects itself, by grace, to Christ's truth, then it boldly faces death, hell, judgment and all spiritual enemies, because then Christ sets up His kingdom in the conscience and makes it a kind of paradise.
"The sharpest conflict which the soul has is between the conscience and God's justice. Now if the conscience, sprinkled with the blood of Christ, has prevailed over assaults fetched from the justice of God, now satisfied by Christ, it will prevail over all other opposition whatsoever."
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Thurs., 11/1/18 Devotion (2 Tim. 4:1-2a)
Today's encouragement comes from 2 Timothy 4:1 & 2a, where Paul wrote this, to the young minister:
"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the
word! . . . "
God delights in His gospel (word) being preached. He is more concerned that preaching takes place, than if anyone ever believes the message, or not. The preached word inhibits the spread and growth of heresy, (see vv. 3-4); it em-boldens the minister for the endurance of afflictions, (v. 5); and it builds up the saints in their holy faith—all the while calling sinners to Christ.
Pray that your minister preach the word; and that he does not substitute this precious ordinance with entertainment, religious nonsense, and general stu-pidity. Pray that he takes on the enemies of God; and that he brings you the lovely good news of peace, in Jesus' priceless blood.
[Puritan quote of the day: "God bestows more goodness upon one godly man than upon all the ungodly in the world.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "Christians a Chosen Generation"]
"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the
word! . . . "
God delights in His gospel (word) being preached. He is more concerned that preaching takes place, than if anyone ever believes the message, or not. The preached word inhibits the spread and growth of heresy, (see vv. 3-4); it em-boldens the minister for the endurance of afflictions, (v. 5); and it builds up the saints in their holy faith—all the while calling sinners to Christ.
Pray that your minister preach the word; and that he does not substitute this precious ordinance with entertainment, religious nonsense, and general stu-pidity. Pray that he takes on the enemies of God; and that he brings you the lovely good news of peace, in Jesus' priceless blood.
[Puritan quote of the day: "God bestows more goodness upon one godly man than upon all the ungodly in the world.” —Jonathan Edwards, in his sermon, "Christians a Chosen Generation"]
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