| |
| 1. | Romans 5:1-11, Meditations on |
| We are then justified by faith. With that the teaching about the work of Christ in a manner closes, in so far as it deals with His blood, and the putting away of our sins through the shedding of the same. The resurrection of Christ is the proof that God |
| 2. | Power of Faith, The |
| 21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and his vow. 22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord, and there abide for ever. 23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the Lord establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him. 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the Lord in Shiloh: and the child was young. 25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord. 27 For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: 28 Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there. (1 Samuel 1:21-28)1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. 2 There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. 5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. 6 The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 7 The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. 8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them. 9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. (1 Samuel 2:1-10)It is only as we enter into the future that we have power to walk firmly in the right path in the present. It is what is beyond the present scene that must take possession of the heart, and must form the basis of our spiritual power, here |
| 3. | Justification, Standing, and Walk |
| God's righteousness is His acting consistently with His own holy nature and character; in fact, consistently with Himself. This righteousness has been revealed in the gospel, and displayed in relation to sin and the state of man in the death and resurrection, glorifying and session at the right hand of |
| 4. | Fragment: the Path Where Jesus Walked |
| God has a way in the world where Satan cannot touch us. This is the path where Jesus walked. Satan is the prince of this world; but there is a divine path through it, but no other, and there God's power is. The Word is the revelation of it. So |
| 5. | Haggai 11:10-19, The Book of |
| HAG 11:10-19The message contained in this section is addressed to the priests, and connects itself historically, as may be seen from verse 18, with Ezra 3:8-13 8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord. 9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites. 10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. 11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. 12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: 13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off. (Ezra 3:8-13). Its object was to teach the nature of true separation unto God, and that His blessing was connected with its maintenance. a principle |
| 6. | Sanctify the Lord God in Your Hearts |
| We have to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts. (1 Peter 3: 15) Failing this, we take refuge in "a confederacy" (Isa. 8:12-14 12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. 13 Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (Isaiah 8:12-14)), some scheme of our own, for we are unable then to see things on God's side. In Gen. 20; Abraham had left the plains |
| 7. | Extracts From Letters |
| "The Church is the temple of God. Among its services it has to teach angels, to edify itself through joints and bands in the Holy Ghost, to lead those outside to own God in the midst of His saints, to exercise discipline, to worship as a holy priesthood, and to |
| 8. | Lord's Love for His People, The |
| The Lord takes notice of every circumstance, every shade of difference in assemblies, as also in individuals in them, thus showing that He is not indifferent as to the state of His people by the way-their daily steps-because He has secured blessing for them at the end. His love is |
| 9. | At His Feet |
| Luke 10:39 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. (Luke 10:39); John 12:33 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. (John 12:3). |
| 10. | Romans 5:12-21, Meditations on |
| 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:12-21)The first part of the epistle ends here, (verse 11), and with it, we may say, the doctrine of the whole epistle. Our standing in Christ follows, as well as the experiences made by the soul in entering into this standing. Then we have exhortations to those who are |
| 11. | Not With Them When Jesus Came |
| 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. (John 20:24)It is an important thing to be in the place where the Lord can come, and where consequently blessing can be counted on. It is not mere locality now, but to be morally in the place; for there is no place of blessing for the soul apart |
| 12. | Haggai 2:20-23, The Book of |
| 20 And again the word of the Lord came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying, 21 Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth; 22 And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother. 23 In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts. (Haggai 2:20-23)This concluding prophecy, or the message of the Lord through Haggai to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, was received on the same day-the four and twentieth day of the month-as the one immediately preceding. And there is an intimate connection between the two connection as evident as it is beautiful. |
| 13. | Falling Away |
| HEB 17This chapter is one of three passages in the New Testament which Satan has most incessantly used to torture and distress the souls of the children of God. One of three, I say; the other two being John 15 and Heb. 10. I want you to notice |
| 14. | Translation |
| "OUT of Egypt"‒called of God! |
| 15. | Extract From Letter |
| "I quite admit typical teaching, but I fear imagination. It is to my soul as a delicious wine when it is brought out from the Word. I do not mean by typical teaching the exposition of types in the stricter meaning of the word, but those pictorial touches that come |
| 16. | Romans 6, Meditations on |
| But here the flesh, which will have its righteousness, and the world, which represents itself as a guardian of morality, proffer an objection in order to resist the truth and grace which show man to be lost on account of sin. They say, if by the obedience of one |
| 17. | Ezra: Introduction, The Book of |
| EZRThe book of Ezra marks an important epoch in God's dealings with His people Israel. Although seventy years had elapsed, it is yet the continuation of 2 Chronicles; for time does not count with the Jews when in exile from the land of promise. They had lost everything by their |
| 18. | Ezra: Chapter 1, The Book of |
| There are two things in this chapter-the proclamation of Cyrus, and the response to it on the part of the people, together with an account of the number of " the vessels of the house of the Lord which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put |
| 19. | Falling Away |
| Verse 6. Well, the apostle says, if a person who has been brought under all this power of the Holy Ghost give it all up, " it is impossible to renew such an one to repentance, for he has crucified for himself the Son of God." What had the nation |
| 20. | Fragment: Nazarite Separation |
| Quickness of moral perception depends on the maintenance of a Nazarite separation from all and everything that might cloud our souls. Take the sons of Aaron for example. They were commanded not to drink wine or strong drink when they went into the tabernacle of the congregation lest they should |
| 21. | Scripture Jottings: Luke 5:33; 6 |
| 33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? (Luke 5:33)The Lord had been displaying His works, which spoke of a new order in the midst of Israel-the old order; but Israel was unsuited as a vessel to hold the new wine. Hence in chap. 6. He infringes the established order of things by virtually setting aside |
| 22. | Scripture Jottings: Luke 24 |
| How little do we as saints realize that a new power has already entered this world of death! Man has a vague thought of resurrection at a future day. We too may often speak of it as a doctrine, but there is more-that power has been actually manifested |
| 23. | Fragment: God's Mind |
| There is nothing we meet with more commonly than two Christians forming diverse judgments about the same thing. Is it man's mind looking at the thing, or God's? Instead of being very ready to give an opinion, first see whether you are with the Lord about it. Be in |
| 24. | Fragment: Satisfaction of Soul |
| Do we really believe in God being thoroughly competent and glad to make us happy, so that we can say, I have a full cup, and nothing needed to it? He has in His hand everything to contribute to my happiness, and if my heart is going out after |
| 25. | Fragment: Christ's Present Things |
| We can accept a previous revelation better than the present; we can accept a truth in the past better than one for the present time -the Lord's prayer, for example, because there is less exercise of faith, less demand for divine power, in going back to a thing that is |
| 26. | Fragment: Allowing Christ to Bless Us |
| When Christ begins with you, He will never leave off till He has you with Himself in heaven; it must be everything or nothing. He does it according to His own heart, and are you to dictate to Christ as to how much He shall bless you? |
| 27. | Is There a Mercy-Seat for Believers? |
| In hymns and prayers it is very common to meet with the idea of the mercy-seat as being the resource and retreat of the children of God in the midst of their ' trials and sorrows. The question therefore is whether this is a scriptural thought. Twice only, as far |
| 28. | Romans 7, Meditations on |
| The apostle treats a new question in this chapter: What is the effect of the law in relation to our new position? The principle is simple. We are dead with Christ; again, a law has dominion over a man only so long as be liveth. When a murderer |
| 29. | Light Shineth in Darkness, The |
| He came, the Son of God, |
| 30. | Ezra: Chapter 2, The Book of |
| We have in this chapter a register of " the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto |
| 31. | Light, Testimony, and Rest |
| 31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same. 32 And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side: 33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick. 34 And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers. 35 And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick. 36 Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold. 37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it. 38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold. 39 Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels. 40 And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was showed thee in the mount. (Exodus 25:31-40)1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps. 3 And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. (Numbers 10:1-3)33 And they departed from the mount of the Lord three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them. (Numbers 10:33)I want to say a little, as the Lord may help me, on Light, Testimony, and Rest. The candlestick-light; the trumpet-testimony; the ark-rest. |
| 32. | Justification of Life |
| "As to justification of life, it is that justification we have as being alive in Christ; that is, it goes beyond mere forgiveness of sins as in the old man which are put away. It is the clearance of all imputation which we have as alive in Christ; but the |
| 33. | Romans 8:1-11, Meditations on |
| 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:1-11)This deliverance stands in the closest connection with redemption, not so much with regard to forgiveness as with regard to our being dead with Christ. We have already seen that there are two capital points in redemption; namely, the forgiveness of sins, or justification; and deliverance -liberty before God, |
| 34. | Faith, Jottings on |
| We must remember that it begins with God, and always he who is walking really in a path of faith brings GOD in, and this is the difference between it and unbelief; unbelief always leaves Him out. Again, faith is the individual soul alone with God, and any intervention |
| 35. | There Am I in the Midst |
| Is there in us an adequate sense of the wonderful grace and favor conferred upon us in being allowed to gather together with the Lord's people on earth? Can there be anything higher than to be thus with Him, and in communion with His own heart as to His people? |
| 36. | Self-Occupation and Self-Judgment |
| Many confound self-occupation with self-judgment; and, seeing self-judgment to be right (when we fail), are found asking themselves where the one ends, and where the other begins. And self-occupation they question. A word or two on these may help, if the Lord permit. |
| 37. | Ezra: Chapter 3:1-7, The Book of |
| At the close of the last chapter we have seen that "all Israel" -the remnant in fact, but taking the place of the nation before God -dwelt in their cities. The commencement of this chapter opens out another remarkable action of the Spirit of God. "And when the seventh month |
| 38. | Fragment: Principles |
| Principles are not power. If principles occupy the mind, even with the most earnest desire for accuracy, so as to become the object instead of Christ, there will be the absence of spiritual power. The secret of power is not merely haying orthodox principles, but exercising faith in God, according |
| 39. | Our Lord's Loving Request |
| "This do in remembrance of me."-1 Cor. 11:24,25 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). |
| 40. | Difference Between Holding the Truth of One Body and Keeping the Spirit's Unity, Remarks on the |
| Every child of God, indwelt by the Holy Ghost, is a member of the "one body," which is formed by "one Spirit." The body cannot be broken or divided, for it is formed by divine power; but the manifestation of the one body and one Spirit has utterly failed, hence |
| 41. | Fragment: God Our Standard |
| WHAT is the standard of our walk? God Himself. It sounds immense; but when we think of it in an honest conscience, we see that is what it must &; for Christ is our example. |
| 42. | Fragment: the Blood of Christ |
| You cannot separate standing and state if you bring in resurrection; but you can if you think only of the blood of Christ. When I say I am risen, I say I have a nature that cannot find its pleasure in the things of the world. Of course the |
| 43. | Fragment: Christ Seen in Glory |
| Christ seen in glory is the spring of energy to Christian life, to win Christ, so that all else is loss; as Christ making Himself of no reputation is the spring of Christian graciousness of walk-the two parts of Christian life which we are too apt to sacrifice one to |
| 44. | Fragment: the Father's House |
| The Father's house is a different thing to God's house, for it puts us in the relationship of children. When He speaks of sovereignty, it is God; but when He speaks of grace, it is the Father. John 4:23,24 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24). The Father first, then God; so also in {vi 30544-30546}1 |
| 45. | Meditations on Romans 8:12-19 |
| 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:12-19)"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh." (v. 12) It has brought us into a bad condition and a bad position. However, we are no longer in. the flesh, but delivered from it through redemption; we have been brought into a |
| 46. | Fragment: Truth and Love |
| It is remarkable in John, that, while he speaks of love, he always guards it in the most definite way by what he calls "the truth." Real charity is in God Himself. He is love, and wherever love is real it must be guarded by the truth as it is |
| 47. | Fragment: Christ the Same Here and in Heaven |
| If you want to know what makes a Christian happy in life and death, it is that the Christ he has got now is the Christ he will have in heaven. He has got his home there, where the One he loves and knows best is already. |
| 48. | Salvation |
| To state that the salvation of God is worthy of its supreme author expresses all that can be said of it, in height, depth, and breadth, to the soul which already knows Him. But to souls which, to their shame, " have not the knowledge of God," it is manifest |
| 49. | Deuteronomy 33:25 |
| 25 Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. (Deuteronomy 33:25)"Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy (lays, so shall thy strength be."-Deut. 33: 25. |
| 50. | Ephesians 2:13 |
| 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)A sow, in communion with the mind of God will always have a deepening apprehension of the value of the precious blood of Christ. While this is ever true, it is important not to lose sight of any part of the truth of God. Now in prayer and thanksgivings |
| 51. | Ezra: Chapter 3:8-13, The Book of |
| 8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord. 9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites. 10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. 11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. 12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: 13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off. (Ezra 3:8-13)In this section the account is given of the actual laying of the foundation of the temple. 'An interval of at least seven Mouths must be placed between verses 7 and 8. How it was spent is not revealed. The ostensible ground of the pause, before commencing the work |
| 52. | Where Christ Sitteth |
| Set your mind on things above, |
| 53. | Extract From Letter |
| " ISRAEL after their return from Babylon was Israel still. They had not the ark, the glory, nor the Urim, nor did they affect that to which such things were needed; but they fully recognized themselves as God's Israel. As far as they could they did the services of such, |
| 54. | Fragment: Worldly Religion |
| A worldly religion, in which the world can walk, and in which the religious element is adapted to man on the earth, is the denial of Christianity. |
| 55. | Fragment: Serving |
| He who seeks to be great, and to take the lead among Christians, has entirely falsified the Christian character. He will be the last of all; and the true way of having the highest place is to serve, considering oneself the slave of the wants of other disciples. |
| 56. | Romans 8:20-39, Meditations on |
| 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:20-39)Thus peace is made; our sins are put away, we have a new life, possess the earnest of the Spirit, the glory is before us in hope, and we shall be like the Lord. But as long as we have not reached the glory, we groan with the creation. |
| 57. | Fragment: the Love of Christ |
| THE love of Christ is a love which is above all our wretchednesses, but which adapts itself to all our wretchednesses, and which is not repelled nor chilled by any of these wretchednesses. |
| 58. | Christ in Luke's Gospel |
| 36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. (Luke 5:36)1 And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. 2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? 3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; 4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the showbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? 5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. 6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. 9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? 10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. 11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. 12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; 14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon called Zelotes, 16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor. 17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; 18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. 20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (Luke 6:1-23)All, I suppose, realize that what is of ourselves must be put on one side. And I think I may say more: there is not one single bit which we ever receive into our souls of Christ that is not at the expense of what is of ourselves |
| 59. | Fragment: Worldliness |
| It is important to remark that worldliness, or" any allowance of what is not of God, by a godly man, gives the weight of his godliness to the evil he allows. |
| 60. | Fragment: the Eternal Favor of God |
| The tomb in which our sins are buried is the monument of the eternal favor of our God. |
| 61. | Ezra: Chapter 4, The Book of |
| No sooner had the foundation of the temple been laid than adversaries appeared on the scene. It was so also in New Testament times; for wherever the apostle went, laying the foundation of the assembly, the activity of the enemy was excited. Hence his warning, "According to the grace of |
| 62. | Fragment: Man's Influence |
| What a poor thing is man! And we are weak in proportion to our importance before men. When we are nothing we can do all things, as far as human opinion is concerned. We exercise, at the same time, an unfavorable influence over others in the degree in which they |
| 63. | Psalm 16:2-3 |
| 2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; 3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. (Psalm 16:2-3)The connection between these two verses, as rendered in our English version, is confessedly obscure. The Lord, in His pathway through this world, taking as He ever did, in the perfection of His life of faith as man, the place of entire dependence and 'obedience, says, " O my |
| 64. | Galatians 6:2 |
| 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)" Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Gal. 6:22 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2). |
| 65. | Saul, David, and Jonathan |
| 1SAThis deeply interesting book gives us an eventful period in the history of Israel. The sad page recorded in the book of Judges had led to a change in the ways of God towards them. After the successive relapses which always followed the deliverances of the judges, God was pleased |
| 66. | Fragment: Meek and Lowly |
| In a day of assumption both of knowledge and of place, it is well to remember that our blessed Lord characterized Himself as the One who was meek and lowly in heart. |
| 67. | Fragment: Humility |
| Increasing humility is a sure sign of growing conformity to the likeness of Christ. |
| 68. | Ezra: Chapter 5, The Book of |
| In the last chapter we saw how the people were turned aside from their work by the activity of Satan. In the first two verses of this chapter we have the record of God's intervention, by His prophets, on His people's behalf, in order to overthrow the enemy's designs. The |
| 69. | Righteousness of the Law, The |
| 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:4)This expression, as many of our readers know, has been more exactly given as " the righteous requirement of the law." Taking it so, it has occasional, considerable difficulty from the place in which it is found. The connection shows that it is what is wrought out in the. |
| 70. | Discipleship |
| 18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. 19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. 23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:18-26)A striking contrast is given in verses 19 and 21. When Jesus was about to depart to "the other side," "a certain scribe came, and said unto Him, Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest." This man had been attracted by something in our blessed Lord, and desired |
| 71. | Jacob at Peniel |
| We could not doubt for a moment that Jacob at Peniel learned a deep lesson when God broke him down as he was planning, and had left God out of his calculations. God came in to show He would not be left out. His love and purposes of blessing won't |
| 72. | Christ Head of the Body |
| Among the many glories of the ascended Son of Man, we may think of Him by the teaching of Holy Scripture as " Head of all principality and power," or as "Head of His body the Church" (or assembly). It is about the latter- the present marvelous relationship of Christ |
| 73. | 1 John 1 |
| In a wonderful way God is brought before us in this epistle, as manifested in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. God's nature is revealed as in no other part of Scripture. You have the two names which present to us what God is: "God is light" (v. |
| 74. | Fragment: Never-Ending Praise |
| God has always desired to have the perpetual adoration of His redeemed. We thus read of singers in connection with His service who "were employed in that work day and night." And when the Lord was parted from His disciples, He blessed them, and was carried up into heaven. "And |
| 75. | Ezra: Chapter 6:1-15, The Book of |
| 1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. 2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written: 3 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; 4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house: 5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God. 6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: 7 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place. 8 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. 9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail: 10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savors unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. 11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. 12 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed. 13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily. 14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15 And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. (Ezra 6:1-15)The king thus appealed to ordered the search to be made, and the decree of Cyrus was found. (6: 1-5) The statement of the Jews was thus confirmed in every particular, and even more; for it was now discovered that Cyrus had not only issued hit decree for the |
| 76. | Fragment: Obedience |
| Obedience to the Word is the way of love to God, to Christ, and to the children of God. (John 14:15 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15); 1 John 5:2,32 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (1 John 5:2-3)) It will therefore be easily understood that obedience is the way, and the only way, of blessing. |
| 77. | On His Head Were Many Crowns |
| 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. (Revelation 19:12)There in heaven, for now eighteen hundred years and more, it is blessed to think of the Lord as finding His own delight and joy in caring for that Church whom He has so loved and purchased. (Eph. 5:26,2726 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:26-27)) And here, traveling along the sands of the desert, |
| 78. | Matthew 18:20 |
| 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)" Wherever two or three are gathered together unto (εἰς) my name, there am I in the midst?" Clearly this is not a promise, but a simple statement of fact dependent upon the fulfillment of a condition. In other words, the Lord here says that He is ever |
| 79. | Flesh and the Spirit, The |
| The flesh degrades a man. Think of the Roman centurion seeing the heads of the Jewish nation turning out to mock a poor criminal dying, as it seemed to be. There was the religion and the learning of the nation thus employed. The two high priests, the elders, the scribes, |
| 80. | Grace |
| 9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. (Hebrews 13:9)There is nothing so hard for our hearts as to abide in the sense of grace. It is by grace that the heart is "established," but there is nothing more difficult for us really to apprehend than the fullness of grace. |
| 81. | Fragment: One at the King's Hand |
| 24 And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people. (Nehemiah 11:24)We read in Nehemiah of one who was " at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people." This is no mean shadow of the present place of our Lord and Savior, who has gone into heaven to appear in the presence of God for us. He is |
| 82. | Father's House, The |
| In this part of the gospel of John the Lord is leading His disciples away from earth to associate their minds with Himself up in heaven. That begins from chap. 13. In chapters 8 and 9 we have His rejection. Then, chap. 10, He states He will have His |
| 83. | Fragment: Trials |
| Which is happiest, to be like water in a still place never moved, or to be poured from vessel to vessel, finding it all Christ, and Christ, and Christ? The Lord does not let the prospect of glory into the soul when any are settled on their lees, but when |
| 84. | Mephibosheth |
| How lovely a foreshadowing of the grace of God have we in the brief history of this man as recorded in 2 Samuel. In his descent from the fallen, disobedient, and rejected king Saul we read our alliance with the man who fell, and who by disobedience plunged all his |
| 85. | Fragment: Accepted in Christ |
| WHY do believers go so heavily through the wilderness, going through the sand, and their feet sinking so heavily down in it? It is because they do not see that their acceptance with God is as perfect as that of Christ, that God sees all the beauty of Christ upon |
| 86. | Ezra: Chapter 6:16-22, The Book of |
| 16 And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy, 17 And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. 18 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses. 19 And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month. 20 For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. 21 And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel, did eat, 22 And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the Lord had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. (Ezra 6:16-22)Jehovah's house being now completed, we have in the next place the account of the dedication. "And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy, and offered at the |
| 87. | Fragment: Repentance |
| In its fullest sense repentance is when our sin is so thoroughly brought out that we are taking God's side of the question in judging ourselves, and in justifying Him. Then it is that He justifies us, and makes us accepted in the Beloved. |
| 88. | Fragment: Faith in the Word |
| We find in the Word of God that the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin, that by the blood of the cross He has made peace, that our sins and iniquities are remembered no more. Faith is the simple-hearted reception of what God has said. |
| 89. | Lord in the Midst of His Disciples, The |
| 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. 22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! 23 And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. 24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. 25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. 28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. 29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. (Luke 22:19-34)That which is so precious and interesting in this portion is the grouping together of so many various subjects. If you follow the order of events here, and the moral unfoldings, it is most beautiful. It begins with the greatest expression of divine life. In a certain way we |
| 90. | Fragment: Occupied With Christ |
| I never had my heart occupied with a living Christ in heaven without finding that His love drew my affections after Him. I never grew careless without there being cold chills. If occupied with Him, you will not be thinking of yourself, your walk, your beauty, or anything except the |
| 91. | 1 Timothy 5:20 |
| 1 TIM 5:20There are three questions to be answered in regard to this scripture if we would apprehend its precise meaning. The first is, Who are indicated by "them that sin" (τοὺς ἁμαρτάνοντας)? It has been thought by some, from the connection, that they might be elders. Thus "against an |
| 92. | Psalm 136 |
| This Psalm opens with what may be termed the refrain of Israel's national song-at le* from the time of Solomon's temple (see 2 Chron. 5:13 13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; (2 Chronicles 5:13)); and the song which proclaims that "His mercy endureth forever" is surely a song for eternity. And it is exceedingly beautiful to notice |
| 93. | 2 Corinthians 12:9 |
| 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)The first sentence of this verse is sometimes overlooked-"He said unto me." Paul got it from Christ. You may tell me that Christ is sufficient, but I must get it myself personally from Christ in heaven, and that will assure my heart. If we want to be delivered |
| 94. | 1 John 5:8 |
| 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (1 John 5:8)There seems to be here (in the witness that eternal life is in the Son, not in Adam) a double testimony: the water and the blood, which tell of death, the breach with all of the first man, that not till Christ was dead, or otherwise than by death, |
| 95. | Acceptable Time, An |
| 8 Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; (Isaiah 49:8)All things which the Lord doeth are known from eternity. (See Acts 15 RV) He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. If He unfolds to us His way, of which He is the Beginning, in Genesis; He also is |
| 96. | Coming of the Comforter, The |
| 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence. (John 14:15-31)The second part of this chapter-the power that is in us -begins at verse 15. The Lord says, "I can't stay, but I will send you One who will abide with you." The Holy Ghost is only known by being in us. Christ was before them, they could see |
| 97. | Fragment: Converted, Purified, and Sealed |
| The sinner is first converted, then purified by the blood of Christ, and finally sealed by the Holy Ghost. Through Him we are fully assured of sharing in an accomplished redemption by virtue of our blessed relationship to God and to Christ, as He is the earnest of "the future" |
| 98. | Ezra: Chapter 7, The Book of |
| We now enter upon the second part of this book. In the first part, the return of the people from Babylon and the building of the temple are narrated; and in the second we have the personal mission and the work of Ezra. It should again be noticed that the |
| 99. | Our Altar |
| "We have an altar."-Heb. 13:10 10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. (Hebrews 13:10). |
| 100. | Numbers 4:13 |
| 13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon: (Numbers 4:13)The covering of the brazen altar was a purple cloth, the royal color. If we suffer, we shall reign. There is a connection between the cross and the crown upon the earth and in heaven. Thus was it with Christ, the King of the Jews, according to the superscription |
| 101. | Judges 6:23-24 |
| 23 And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. 24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Judges 6:23-24)It is instructive to observe here the difference between the exercises of heart which are the result of faith, and the answer of God to the wants and difficulties which are caused by those exercises. In verse 13 we have the expression of those exercises in a soul under |
| 102. | 1 Kings 19:1-3 |
| We see here how far the energy of the outward life of faith may continue to exist, while the inward life grows weak. It was at the moment of the most striking testimony to the presence of God in the midst of the rebellious people, and when Elijah had just |
| 103. | 2 Kings 8:4-6 |
| 4 And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done. 5 And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life. 6 And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now. (2 Kings 8:4-6)It seems to me that Gehazi stands here in a grievous position. Smitten by the hand of God, because his heart clung to earth, even in the presence of Jehovah's mighty and long-suffering testimony, he is now a parasite in the king's court, relating the wonderful things in which |
| 104. | Fragment: Dead to Sin |
| The Christian is freed, not because his sins are forever pardoned, but because he is dead to sin, crucified with Christ. |
| 105. | Ezra: Chapter 8, The Book of |
| The close connection between this and the preceding chapter will be at once perceived. Chapter 7 closed with the words, " And I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me;" this commences with, "These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the |
| 106. | Rest at Noon |
| SOL 1:7This song, though primarily applying to the earthly bride, Jerusalem hereafter, guides us now as to the Church, the heavenly bride, who is now on earth, and to those affections proper to her; and hence it is suited to each of us individually. |
| 107. | Fragment: Failure |
| If failure comes in, you must not give up all for lost, but thank God that you have a connection with Christ in God, which your failure cannot touch. Satan cannot check the living water that flows forth to me in spite of all I am in myself, enabling me |
| 108. | Fragment: the Death of a Believer |
| In the death of a believer, I only see the expression of the love of Christ opening the way to a place where the soul can be present with Himself. |
| 109. | Fragment: Living to God |
| Ought we not to be able to say of a believer, that the way he lives to God, delights the heart of Christ; and that the way he lives to Christ delights the heart of God? |
| 110. | The Broken Sabbath |
| Some solemn thoughts arise in reading this chapter though the questions and answers it awakes bring out blessed subjects for the soul's meditation; for since sit entered into the world, its sorrowful effects have ever been the occasion for the manifestation of divine grace, and the discovery that the |
| 111. | Fragment: Brought Into the Light |
| I can be before God just as I am: take care not to pass that by. It is a wondrous part of the glory of Christ that a person with sin in him can be in the presence of God in perfect favor. Sin, could not be there, |
| 112. | Spirit of God and the Theories of the Mind, The |
| There is a very common but a very great and subtle evil found among us, and it may exist in those of whose Christianity there is not the least doubt, and whose whole faith and hope are in the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is this, the human |
| 113. | Gospel of the Kingdom, The |
| 14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, (Mark 1:14)The preaching of Jesus announced the kingdom, showed that the time was fulfilled, that the kingdom of God was at hand, that the people must repent and believe the gospel. We should distinguish between the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of our salvation. Christ is the center |
| 114. | Gospel of the Glory of Christ, The |
| 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4)As to the difference between the gospel of the glory and the gospel of the humiliation, the latter is pure grace in God, manifested here in Christ. John's writings show God revealing Himself in Christ to man in His life down here. In Paul's writings what we have habitually |
| 115. | Like a Shepherd |
| How tender all His care, |
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