Saturday, December 26, 2009

Holding Fast

Commenting on Titus 1:9, John Gill writes:
The doctrine of the Gospel...is not only to be held forth by the elder, but to be held fast, and tenaciously abode by; in opposition to all wavering about it, departure from it, dropping or concealing any part of it, and pusillanimity concerning it; whatever temptations there may be to the contrary, through popular applause on the one hand, and reproaches and persecutions on the other; and though there may be many that may endeavour to wring it out of his hands.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Let Us Imitate Him

Saints of God, keep the eye of your faith intently and immoveably fixed upon Christ, your sole pattern. Our Lord did not keep that law that his people might be lawless. He did not honor that law that they might dishonor its precepts. His obedience provided no license for our disobedience. His fulfillment releases us not from the obligation, the sweet and pleasant, yet solemn obligation, to holiness of life.

Our faith does not make void the law, but rather establishes the law. The "righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us" when we "walk after the Spirit," in lowly conformity to Christ's example. Was He meek and lowly heart? Did He bless when cursed? Did He, when reviled, revile not again? Did He walk in secret with God? Did he always seek to do those things which pleased His Father? Did He live a life of faith, and prayer, and toil? So let us imitate Him, that of us it may be said, "These are they who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth."

~ Octavius Winslow, No Condemnation in Christ Jesus

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Grace of God Hath Appeared

The grace of God hath appeared, and it appeared in the person of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him His grace is made known. His finished work is the source of it. It flows from the cross. And this grace comes to man with salvation.

It brings salvation, not to a certain class of men, but it brings salvation for all men. Because all men are lost, and therefore in need of salvation, unable to save themselves; the grace of God bringing an unconditional, a perfect and eternal salvation hath appeared, offering that salvation to all. And when this salvation is accepted by faith in the Son of God and the believing sinner is saved by grace, the same grace teaches how to live and walk here below in newness of life.

~A.C. Gaebelein

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Confessing Christ Without Flinching

"We are not to be ashamed to confess Christ before men, and to let others know what He has done for our souls. If we have found peace through His blood and been renewed by His Spirit, we must not shrink from avowing it, on every proper occasion. It is not necessary to blow a trumpet in the streets, and force our experience on everybody’s notice.

All that is required is a willingness to acknowledge Christ as our Master, without flinching from the ridicule or persecution which by so doing we may bring on ourselves. More than this is not required; but less than this ought not to content us. "

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Submission

Twenty-four years ago today, a dear woman of God went home to Glory.

She wasn't famous--but those who knew her (even those who knew her just a little) will never forget her.

I did not have the privilege of meeting Ruth here on earth--though I have wished many, many times that I could have. But despite never knowing her, I am reminded of her everyday. Ruth's little girl, Lois, became my dear, sweet wife. I am uniquely blessed to be in the circle of those who have been changed by her legacy.

Several years ago, Lois was given an audio cassette recording of her mom playing the piano. One track in particular is poignant on this anniversary.

Submission
The path that I have trod, has brought me nearer God,
Though oft it led through sorrow's gates.
Though not the way I'd choose, in my way I might lose
The joy that yet for me awaits.

CHORUS:
Not what I wish to be, nor where I wish to go,
For who am I that I should choose my way?
The Lord shall choose for me, 'tis better far, I know,
So let Him bid me go, or stay.

The cross that I must bear, if I a crown would wear,
Is not the cross that I should take;
But since on me 'tis laid, I'll take it, unafraid,
And bear it for the Master's sake.

Submission to the will of Him who guides me still
Is surety of His love revealed;
My soul shall rise above this world in which I move;
I conquer only where I yield.

I Love the Truth

Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.
~ Psalm 119:140

Albert Barnes commenting on this verse writes:
"I love it because it is pure, holy, true; not merely because it will save me. Apart from all reference to myself. I love thy truth as truth; I love purity as purity; I love law as law; I love holiness as holiness. This is true religion."
John Gill writes:
"That which carnal men hate the word of God for, because it forbids and condemns all impurity of flesh and spirit, all impure thoughts, words, and actions; that a good man loves it for, and which is an evidence of a sanctified heart."
Charles Spurgeon writes:
"It is truth distilled, holiness in its quintessence. In the word of God there is no admixture of error or sin. It is pure in its sense, pure in its language, pure in its spirit, pure in its influence, and all this to the very highest degree - “very pure.” “Therefore thy servant loveth it,” which is a proof that he himself was pure in heart, for only those who are pure love God's word because of its purity. His heart was knit to the word because of its glorious holiness and truth. He admired it, delighted in it, sought to practice it, and longed to come under its purifying power."