In Christ, a New Creation

Day By Day By Grace

Bob Hoekstra

March 31, 2010

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails
anything, but a new creation. (Galatians 6:15)

In the relationship we have with the Lord through the new covenant of
grace, there is intimacy, fullness of life, spiritual victory, and so
much more. These blessings (not available to those who are related to
Adam) are aspects of the new life that comes to new creatures "in
Christ."

"In Christ," everything is so different from how it was "in Adam." The
family of man, having only natural life from Adam, puts great
significance in human heritage or personal inclinations. Whether a
person is a Jew or a Gentile can be of enormous consequence to many
among the unredeemed community. Whether a person is religiously
inclined or secularly motivated avails much with many unsaved people.
On the other hand, those who have been brought into union with Christ
can learn that God's perspective on such matters is vastly different.
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails
anything."

In the kingdom of heaven, these distinctives among the sons of Adam
mean nothing. Human differences do not cause the work of God or the
will of God to be advanced or prevented. They avail nothing. What
matters for all who are "in Christ Jesus" is not a "human category,"
"but a new creation."

When we come to know Christ by grace through faith, He gives us new
birth. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again" (1 Peter 1:3).
We are created anew. We become a new spiritual being before the Lord.
We have "put on the new man" (Colossians 3:10). In this heavenly
kingdom of new men and women, "there is neither Greek nor Jew,
circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but
Christ is all and in all" (Colossians 3:11). All that ultimately
matters is that the Lord Jesus Christ dwells in all of His people, and
He wants to be all that they will ever need. All that matters is that
the Spirit of Christ is the living water that we have begun to partake
of and that He makes us one. "For by one Spirit we were all baptized
into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have
all been made to drink into one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:13). Any
person in any human category who will cry out to the Lord in faith can
experience this richness. "For there is no distinction between Jew and
Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him"
(Romans 10:12).

Dear Lord, giver of new life, my heart celebrates the wondrous fact
that I am a new creation in Christ. I am delighted that my old human
categories could not prevent Your work of grace toward me. I praise You
for the richness of Your grace, Amen.

For unto us a child is born

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

March 31, 2010

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government
shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace. Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be]
no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it,
and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even
for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah
9:6-7)

By the miraculous coming of Christ, the kingdom of God was brought to
man bestowing all His incredible peace and joy. His dominion shall
never fade but continue to increase in all its glory and magnificence.
Simply the establishment of His kingdom will proclaim righteousness and
justice forevermore! Indeed, He is great and greatly to be praised!

Morning and Evening

Charles H. Spurgeon

March 29, 2010

Morning Reading

Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He
suffered.--Hebrews 5:8

We are told that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through
suffering, therefore we who are sinful, and who are far from being
perfect, must not wonder if we are called to pass through suffering
too. Shall the head be crowned with thorns, and shall the other members
of the body be rocked upon the dainty lap of ease? Must Christ pass
through seas of His own blood to win the crown, and are we to walk to
heaven dryshod in silver slippers? No, our Master's experience teaches
us that suffering is necessary, and the true-born child of God must
not, would not, escape it if he might. But there is one very comforting
thought in the fact of Christ's "being made perfect through
suffering"--it is, that He can have complete sympathy with us. "He is
not an high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities." In this sympathy of Christ we find a sustaining power.
One of the early martyrs said, "I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered,
and He suffers in me now; He sympathizes with me, and this makes me
strong." Believer, lay hold of this thought in all times of agony. Let
the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in His steps. Find a
sweet support in His sympathy; and remember that, to suffer is an
honourable thing--to suffer for Christ is glory. The apostles rejoiced
that they were counted worthy to do this. Just so far as the Lord shall
give us grace to suffer for Christ, to suffer with Christ, just so far
does He honour us. The jewels of a Christian are his afflictions. The
regalia of the kings whom God hath anointed are their troubles, their
sorrows, and their griefs. Let us not, therefore, shun being honoured.
Let us not turn aside from being exalted. Griefs exalt us, and troubles
lift us up. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him."

Evening Reading

I called Him, but He gave me no answer.--Song 5:6

Prayer sometimes tarrieth, like a petitioner at the gate, until the
King cometh forth to fill her bosom with the blessings which she
seeketh. The Lord, when He hath given great faith, has been known to
try it by long delayings. He has suffered His servants' voices to echo
in their ears as from a brazen sky. They have knocked at the golden
gate, but it has remained immovable, as though it were rusted upon its
hinges. Like Jeremiah, they have cried, "Thou hast covered Thyself with
a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through." Thus have true
saints continued long in patient waiting without reply, not because
their prayers were not vehement, nor because they were unaccepted, but
because it so pleased Him who is a Sovereign, and who gives according
to His own pleasure. If it pleases Him to bid our patience exercise
itself, shall He not do as He wills with His own! Beggars must not be
choosers either as to time, place, or form. But we must be careful not
to take delays in prayer for denials: God's long-dated bills will be
punctually honoured; we must not suffer Satan to shake our confidence
in the God of truth by pointing to our unanswered prayers. Unanswered
petitions are not unheard. God keeps a file for our prayers--they are
not blown away by the wind, they are treasured in the King's archives.
This is a registry in the court of heaven wherein every prayer is
recorded. Tried believer, thy Lord hath a tear-bottle in which the
costly drops of sacred grief are put away, and a book in which thy holy
groanings are numbered. By-and-by, thy suit shall prevail. Canst thou
not be content to wait a little? Will not thy Lord's time be better
than thy time? By-and-by He will comfortably appear, to thy soul's joy,
and make thee put away the sackcloth and ashes of long waiting, and put
on the scarlet and fine linen of full fruition.

Morning and Evening

Charles H. Spurgeon

March 28, 2010

Morning Reading

The love of Christ which passeth knowledge.--Ephesians 3:19

The love of Christ in its sweetness, its fulness, its greatness, its
faithfulness, passeth all human comprehension. Where shall language be
found which shall describe His matchless, His unparalleled love towards
the children of men? It is so vast and boundless that, as the swallow
but skimmeth the water, and diveth not into its depths, so all
descriptive words but touch the surface, while depths immeasurable lie
beneath. Well might the poet say,

"O love, thou fathomless abyss!"

for this love of Christ is indeed measureless and fathomless; none can
attain unto it. Before we can have any right idea of the love of Jesus,
we must understand His previous glory in its height of majesty, and His
incarnation upon the earth in all its depths of shame. But who can tell
us the majesty of Christ? When He was enthroned in the highest heavens
He was very God of very God; by Him were the heavens made, and all the
hosts thereof. His own almighty arm upheld the spheres; the praises of
cherubim and seraphim perpetually surrounded Him; the full chorus of
the hallelujahs of the universe unceasingly flowed to the foot of his
throne: He reigned supreme above all His creatures, God over all,
blessed for ever. Who can tell His height of glory then? And who, on
the other hand, can tell how low He descended? To be a man was
something, to be a man of sorrows was far more; to bleed, and die, and
suffer, these were much for Him who was the Son of God; but to suffer
such unparalleled agony--to endure a death of shame and desertion by
His Father, this is a depth of condescending love which the most
inspired mind must utterly fail to fathom. Herein is love! and truly it
is love that "passeth knowledge." O let this love fill our hearts with
adoring gratitude, and lead us to practical manifestations of its
power.

Evening Reading

I will accept you with your sweet savour.--Ezekiel 20:41

The merits of our great Redeemer are as sweet savour to the Most High.
Whether we speak of the active or passive righteousness of Christ,
there is an equal fragrance. There was a sweet savour in His active
life by which He honoured the law of God, and made every precept to
glitter like a precious jewel in the pure setting of His own person.
Such, too, was His passive obedience, when He endured with unmurmuring
submission, hunger and thirst, cold and nakedness, and at length sweat
great drops of blood in Gethsemane, gave His back to the smiters, and
His cheeks to them that plucked out the hair, and was fastened to the
cruel wood, that He might suffer the wrath of God in our behalf. These
two things are sweet before the Most High; and for the sake of His
doing and His dying, His substitutionary sufferings and His vicarious
obedience, the Lord our God accepts us. What a preciousness must there
be in Him to overcome our want of preciousness! What a sweet savour to
put away our ill savour! What a cleansing power in His blood to take
away sin such as ours! and what glory in His righteousness to make such
unacceptable creatures to be accepted in the Beloved! Mark, believer,
how sure and unchanging must be our acceptance, since it is in Him!
Take care that you never doubt your acceptance in Jesus. You cannot be
accepted without Christ; but, when you have received His merit, you
cannot be unaccepted. Notwithstanding all your doubts, and fears, and
sins, Jehovah's gracious eye never looks upon you in anger; though He
sees sin in you, in yourself, yet when He looks at you through Christ,
He sees no sin. You are always accepted in Christ, are always blessed
and dear to the Father's heart. Therefore lift up a song, and as you
see the smoking incense of the merit of the Saviour coming up, this
evening, before the sapphire throne, let the incense of your praise go
up also.

Eternal life

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

March 27, 2010

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life.
(1 John 2:25)

God has promised us life after death--life forever with Him. Amen!

When the Door Is Open

When the Door Is Open

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

It is written: “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” (Rev. 3:7-8)

Only one of the “Seven Churches” spoken to by the Lord Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation merited the gift of the “open door” being set before them. To each of the seven churches Jesus said, “I know thy works”; but what He knew about this church was different. Jesus was so moved by this difference that He set before them an open door for the propagation of the Gospel and then secured it open by the power of His might. Not the gates of hell or any man possesses the power to shut the door Jesus has opened. Oh, what a glorious thing it would be indeed to have an open door for the spreading of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Three things made the church at Philadelphia different from the rest of the churches.

“Thou hast a little strength” was the first quality. The words “little strength” are from the Greek words “mikros and dunamis,” which reveal they had only a micro amount of power, but it was power in action. To the world they seemed to be just a feeble little church, but Jesus saw them using what micro amount of power they had to proliferate the Gospel. Jesus took their micro and made it mega.

“And hast kept my word” was the second quality. The word “kept” is from the word “tereoo,” which means, “observe conscientiously.” The church with great consciousness studied to do the spoken word of the Lord Jesus Christ. They did not try to pervert it with their own philosophies. They were faithful to His word in the little, so Jesus trusted them to be faithful to His word in the much.

“And hast not denied my name” was the third quality. The word “deny” is from “apneomai,” which means, “to deny, disown, or refuse." The name of the Lord Jesus Christ was precious to the church in every way. Jesus took their love for His name and gave them multitudes to speak it before.

What a glorious thing indeed to have the door opened by Jesus!

The Resurrection: Reality, Not Dead Religion

Day By Day By Grace

Bob Hoekstra

March 26, 2010

Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the
temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that
they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the
dead. (Acts 4:1-2)

The resurrection of Christ is the difference between a dead religion
and a personal relationship. Living by resurrection power is the
difference between earthly striving and heavenly reality. These
differences can be seen in the contrast between the religious
authorities of Israel and the disciples of Jesus.

The disciples were proclaiming to the people the wondrous message of
the risen Lord Jesus. "They taught the people and preached in Jesus the
resurrection from the dead." Such a message infuriated the religious
leaders. "The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees
came upon them, being greatly disturbed." Today, many religious leaders
reflect a similar response. In the popular religious world,
universalism and skepticism prevail. Each religion is viewed as one
more road leading to God. For many, the miraculous is unacceptable, as
human reasoning reigns supreme. In many religious circles, the
resurrection of Jesus Christ is either an object of scoffing or an area
of hypocritical compromise.

The Sadducees of old were like this. They would talk about the
resurrection, even asking Jesus questions that seemed to affirm that
God could raise people from the dead. "Therefore, in the resurrection,
whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her" (Matthew
22:28). This question followed their scenario in which seven brothers
would become the husband of the same woman, through seven death and
marriage sequences. What a mockery this question represented. First, it
was given in hypocrisy. "The Sadducees, who say there is no
resurrection, came to Him and asked Him" (Matthew 22:23). Second, they
were unaware of what the Scriptures said about such a heavenly matter.
"For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage"
(verse 30). Jesus explained that these religious rationalists made two
great errors in their approach. "You are mistaken, not knowing the
Scriptures nor the power of God" (verse 29).

We who have been born again by faith in the risen Lord Jesus can err in
a similar fashion in our day by day living. We can talk about the
resurrection of Jesus, but behave as though it were not an actual
reality for Christian living. We can be mistaken, "not knowing the
Scriptures nor the power of God."

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience when I profess belief
in the resurrection, but live by my inadequate human resources. Help me
to understand what the Scriptures say about living daily in the power
of the resurrection of Christ, Amen.

Morning and Evening

Charles H. Spurgeon

March 26, 2010

Morning Reading

Jesus said unto them, If ye seek Me, let these go their way.--John 18:8

Mark, my soul, the care which Jesus manifested even in His hour of
trial, towards the sheep of His hand! The ruling passion is strong in
death. He resigns Himself to the enemy, but He interposes a word of
power to set His disciples free. As to Himself, like a sheep before her
shearers He is dumb and opened not His mouth, but for His disciples'
sake He speaks with Almighty energy. Herein is love, constant,
self-forgetting, faithful love. But is there not far more here than is
to be found upon the surface? Have we not the very soul and spirit of
the atonement in these words? The Good Shepherd lays down His life for
the sheep, and pleads that they must therefore go free. The Surety is
bound, and justice demands that those for whom He stands a substitute
should go their way. In the midst of Egypt's bondage, that voice rings
as a word of power, "Let these go their way." Out of slavery of sin and
Satan the redeemed must come. In every cell of the dungeons of Despair,
the sound is echoed, "Let these go their way," and forth come
Despondency and Much-afraid. Satan hears the well-known voice, and
lifts his foot from the neck of the fallen; and Death hears it, and the
grave opens her gates to let the dead arise. Their way is one of
progress, holiness, triumph, glory, and none shall dare to stay them in
it. No lion shall be on their way, neither shall any ravenous beast go
up thereon. "The hind of the morning" has drawn the cruel hunters upon
himself, and now the most timid roes and hinds of the field may graze
at perfect peace among the lilies of his loves. The thunder-cloud has
burst over the Cross of Calvary, and the pilgrims of Zion shall never
be smitten by the bolts of vengeance. Come, my heart, rejoice in the
immunity which thy Redeemer has secured thee, and bless His name all
the day, and every day.

Evening Reading

When He cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.--Mark
8:38

If we have been partakers with Jesus in His shame, we shall be sharers
with Him in the lustre which shall surround Him when He appears again
in glory. Art thou, beloved one, with Christ Jesus? Does a vital union
knit thee to Him? Then thou art to-day with Him in His shame; thou hast
taken up His cross, and gone with Him without the camp bearing His
reproach; thou shalt doubtless be with Him when the cross is exchanged
for the crown. But judge thyself this evening; for if thou art not with
Him in the regeneration, neither shalt thou be with Him when He shall
come in His glory. If thou start back from the black side of communion,
thou shalt not understand its bright, its happy period, when the King
shall come, and all His holy angels with Him. What! are angels with
Him? And yet He took not up angels--He took up the seed of Abraham. Are
the holy angels with Him? Come, my soul, if thou art indeed His own
beloved, thou canst not be far from Him. If His friends and His
neighbours are called together to see His glory, what thinkest thou if
thou art married to Him? Shalt thou be distant? Though it be a day of
judgment, yet thou canst not be far from that heart which, having
admitted angels into intimacy, has admitted thee into union. Has He not
said to thee, O my soul, "I will betroth thee unto Me in righteousness,
and in judgment, and in lovingkindness"? Have not His own lips said it,
"I am married unto thee, and My delight is in thee"? If the angels, who
are but friends and neighbours, shall be with Him, it is abundantly
certain that His own beloved Hephzibah, in whom is all His delight,
shall be near to Him, and sit at His right hand. Here is a morning star
of hope for thee, of such exceeding brilliance, that it may well light
up the darkest and most desolate experience.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

March 26, 2010

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)

Try as we might, there is no human satisfaction to be found in earthly things. No created thing can hope to fill us, to complete us. For all created things are finite in their very nature. Yet our longing for satisfaction is infinite and therefore can only be filled by One infinite in nature. The righteous are those who are filled by the Spirit of God--they are, therefore, satisfied.

The only refuge in sorrow

(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)

"Being in anguish--He prayed more fervently." Luke 22:44

We see the Master at prayer in Gethsemane. It was here that He prepared for His Cross. We should notice that His refuge in His exceeding sorrow--was prayer; and that, as the sorrow deepened--the refuge still was prayer. Prayer is the only refuge in sorrow. The lesson from the garden prayer is that we should take all the hard things, the anguishes, the insufferable pains, the bitter griefs of our lives--to God in prayer. We may be sure, too, that God will answer. If He does not relieve us of the suffering, He will strengthen us so that we can keep it, and still go on trusting and singing.

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Once More on the Resurrection and Sanctification

Day By Day By Grace

Bob Hoekstra

March 25, 2010


For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which
came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above
strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence
of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God
who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does
deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us.
(2 Corinthians 1:8-10)

Our passage speaks again of the Lord's resurrection power operating in
our daily Christian lives, in the process of sanctification and
spiritual growth. The setting in which the Lord did this resurrecting
work was in the midst of trials while Paul and his team were serving
God.

Paul did not want other believers to be unaware of his difficulties.
"For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which
came to us in Asia." Too often, we are tempted to keep our struggles
totally private. Thereby, we rob glory from God when He delivers us.
Also, we keep others from learning important lessons that come from
watching God fulfill the faithful promises of His word.

Paul's battles were severe on this occasion. "We were burdened beyond
measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had
the sentence of death in ourselves." Spiritually speaking, these trials
were "killing" Paul and his missionary team. They were pressed down,
overwhelmed, helpless, and hopeless. When we are in hopeless despair,
our sufferings seem to be pointless. Yet, our difficulties (like
Paul's) have this invaluable purpose built into them: "that we should
not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead." We have
frequently noted that living by grace requires humility and faith. God
gives grace to the humble, and faith accesses grace. Well, in the
trials of life, God is working on developing these relational realities
(spiritual realities that become real through a growing relationship
with Jesus).

Trials and difficulties become occasions to be humbled before God. We
are provoked to cry out to God in helplessness. Also, trials present
new opportunities to trust in the Lord. When the trials are intense,
God is purging us of the primary obstacle to trusting in God, and that
is self-trust. "Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we
should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead." Thus,
convinced that we cannot handle it, we call upon God, who faithfully
resurrects us from our circumstantial death: "Who delivered us from so
great a death." Thereby, faith grows, bringing assurance that He will
continue to rescue us: "and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He
will still deliver us."

O Lord, my Deliverer, come to my aid in the trials that bury me in
despair. Show me where I am trusting in myself. Purge me of self-trust.
I want to embrace humility and put my trust in You. Resurrect me, Lord,
in Jesus' name, Amen.

Morning and Evening

Charles H. Spurgeon

March 25, 2010

Morning Reading

Betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?--Luke 22:48

The kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Let me be on my guard when the
world puts on a loving face, for it will, if possible, betray me as it
did my Master, with a kiss. Whenever a man is about to stab religion,
he usually professes very great reverence for it. Let me beware of the
sleek-faced hypocrisy which is armour-bearer to heresy and infidelity.
Knowing the deceivableness of unrighteousness, let me be wise as a
serpent to detect and avoid the designs of the enemy. The young man,
void of understanding, was led astray by the kiss of the strange woman:
may my soul be so graciously instructed all this day, that "the much
fair speech" of the world may have no effect upon me. Holy Spirit, let
me not, a poor frail son of man, be betrayed with a kiss!

But what if I should be guilty of the same accursed sin as Judas, that
son of perdition? I have been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus;
I am a member of His visible Church; I sit at the communion table: all
these are so many kisses of my lips. AM"> I sincere in them? If not, I
am a base traitor. Do I live in the world as carelessly as others do,
and yet make a profession of being a follower of Jesus? Then I must
expose religion to ridicule, and lead men to speak evil of the holy
name by which I am called. Surely if I act thus inconsistently I am a
Judas, and it were better for me that I had never been born. Dare I
hope that I am clear in this matter? Then, O Lord, keep me so. O Lord,
make me sincere and true. Preserve me from every false way. Never let
me betray my Saviour. I do love Thee, Jesus, and though I often grieve
Thee, yet I would desire to abide faithful even unto death. O God,
forbid that I should be a high-soaring professor, and then fall at last
into the lake of fire, because I betrayed my Master with a kiss.

Evening Reading

The Son of man.--John 3:13

How constantly our Master used the title, the "Son of man!" If He had
chosen, He might always have spoken of Himself as the Son of God, the
Everlasting Father, the Wonderful, the Counsellor, the Prince of Peace;
but behold the lowliness of Jesus! He prefers to call Himself the Son
of man. Let us learn a lesson of humility from our Saviour; let us
never court great titles nor proud degrees. There is here, however, a
far sweeter thought. Jesus loved manhood so much, that He delighted to
honour it; and since it is a high honour, and indeed, the greatest
dignity of manhood, that Jesus is the Son of man, He is wont to display
this name, that He may as it were hang royal stars upon the breast of
manhood, and show forth the love of God to Abraham's seed. Son of
man--whenever He said that word, He shed a halo round the head of
Adam's children. Yet there is perhaps a more precious thought still.
Jesus Christ called Himself the Son of man to express His oneness and
sympathy with His people. He thus reminds us that He is the one whom we
may approach without fear. As a man, we may take to Him all our griefs
and troubles, for He knows them by experience; in that He Himself hath
suffered as the "Son of man," He is able to succor and comfort us. All
hail, Thou blessed Jesus! inasmuch as Thou art evermore using the sweet
name which acknowledges that Thou art a brother and a near kinsman, it
is to us a dear token of Thy grace, Thy humility, Thy love.

"Oh see how Jesus trusts Himself Unto our childish love, As though by
His free ways with us Our earnestness to prove!

His sacred name a common word On earth He loves to hear; There is no
majesty in Him Which love may not come near."

Trust in the Lord

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

March 25, 2010

For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. (Psalms 18:27)

Humble are the people of God and they will be saved! Humble are they that trust upon Christ for they have given up hope in their own worth, power, and strength to sustain themselves. All will be saved who reject themselves and trust upon the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and deity of Christ Jesus. They shall taste the life everlasting!

Bringing Into Captivity Every Thought

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (II Cor. 10:3-5)

The Apostle Paul understood the Christian duty of “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” to be no stroll in the park. It required an all out declaration of war against everything that exalts itself against God. He also recognized the great difficulties and tremendous struggles each believer must plow through to obtain the victory. If this were true in the times of Paul, and it was, how much truer it is in this “Modern Era.”

Christians in this era of time face even greater challenges to the fulfilling of this heavenly duty. We are inundated with modern devices that lay siege to our minds, things like television, radio, online computers, video games, movies, ipods, schools of modern thought, controlled media propaganda, and scores of other thought detouring devices designed to prevent faithful diligence in the meditation of the Word of God, the person of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Though this be true, every Christian is still charged with the duty and responsibility to bring every thought into captivity.

There are formidable fortified fortresses of vain imaginations structured to keep the believers from concentrating upon heavenly things, the Lord Jesus, and the God of the heavens. The god of this world would have us ignorant of all knowledge pertaining to God and Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must give due diligence to demolish everything that attempts to enter into our minds endeavoring to build fortifications with a determination to exalt itself against the knowledge of God. If our thoughts are distracted away from God, then that to which it is distracted is attempting to exalt itself into God’s position of sovereignty over the believer’s heart and mind.

Brethren, the war grows greater and more desperate each day. Let us readily acknowledge the war, and then present ourselves for duty relying only upon the weapons and the arm of our mighty God. Pull down everything exalting itself against the knowledge of God!!!

Still More on the Resurrection and Sanctification

Day By Day By Grace

Bob Hoekstra

March 24, 2010


That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the
fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any
means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
(Philippians 3:10-11)

As we are getting to know our God of resurrection (by learning about
and then partaking of His resurrection power, Christ's sufferings, and
conformity to His death), our lives are being changed. We are attaining
to "the resurrection from the dead."

This phrase brings to mind the final resurrection of the redeemed in
the last day. "When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the
lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay
you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just" (Luke
14:13-14). Yet, the final resurrection cannot be in view in our
meditation verses. The overall teaching of the Scriptures would lead to
this conclusion. One's place in the final resurrection is determined by
one's relationship to God. That issue is settled through exercising
saving faith in Jesus Christ. Those who trust in Jesus as Lord and
Savior have a part in the last resurrection, unto eternal life.

Furthermore, the immediate context of Paul's statement indicates that
attaining to "the resurrection from the dead" was something he was
reaching out for now, hoping to grow into it increasingly during this
life. "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I
press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also
laid hold of me" (Philippians 3:12). Paul confesses that he had not
fully gained the type of resurrection about which he is writing. Yet,
the final resurrection was already his expectation, through justifying
faith in Jesus. So, Paul is pressing on for something else.

Earlier, the Apostle had revealed what He was seeking after. "I also
count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ"
(Philippians 3:8, 10). This is why Paul wrote, "that I may know Him."
This was the one passion of his life. "Brethren, I do not count myself
to have apprehended; but one thing I do" (Philippians 3:13). The one
thing that Paul was aiming at was a growing acquaintanceship with his
resurrected Lord. He desired to know his risen Lord so well that he
might attain to "the resurrection from the dead." He wanted his
developing relationship with the risen Christ to produce a resurrected
lifestyle in him. He wanted to face each situation of life with a
heavenly, resurrected perspective and attitude, a way of life
completely different from the dead and dying world all around him.

Dear Jesus, my resurrected Lord, I praise You for providing for me a
place in the final resurrection. Now, I pray, help me to get to know
You better, that I might live a resurrected life day by day, in Your
mighty name, Amen.

Morning and Evening

Charles H. Spurgeon

March 24, 2010

Morning Reading

He was heard in that he feared.--Hebrews 5:7

Did this fear arise from the infernal suggestion that He was utterly
forsaken. There may be sterner trials than this, but surely it is one
of the worst to be utterly forsaken? "See," said Satan, "thou hast a
friend nowhere! Thy Father hath shut up the bowels of His compassion
against thee. Not an angel in His courts will stretch out his hand to
help thee. All heaven is alienated from Thee; Thou art left alone. See
the companions with whom Thou hast taken sweet counsel, what are they
worth? Son of Mary, see there Thy brother James, see there Thy loved
disciple John, and Thy bold apostle Peter, how the cowards sleep when
Thou art in Thy sufferings! Lo! Thou hast no friend left in heaven or
earth. All hell is against Thee. I have stirred up mine infernal den. I
have sent my missives throughout all regions summoning every prince of
darkness to set upon Thee this night, and we will spare no arrows, we
will use all our infernal might to overwhelm Thee: and what wilt Thou
do, Thou solitary one?" It may be, this was the temptation; we think it
was, because the appearance of an angel unto Him strengthening Him
removed that fear. He was heard in that He feared; He was no more
alone, but heaven was with Him. It may be that this is the reason of
His coming three times to His disciples--as Hart puts it--

"Backwards and forwards thrice He ran, As if He sought some help from
man."

He would see for Himself whether it were really true that all men had
forsaken Him; He found them all asleep; but perhaps He gained some
faint comfort from the thought that they were sleeping, not from
treachery, but from sorrow, the spirit indeed was willing, but the
flesh was weak. At any rate, He was heard in that He feared. Jesus was
heard in His deepest woe; my soul, thou shalt be heard also.

Evening Reading

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit.--Luke 10:21

The Saviour was "a man of sorrows," but every thoughtful mind has
discovered the fact that down deep in His innermost soul He carried an
inexhaustible treasury of refined and heavenly joy. Of all the human
race, there was never a man who had a deeper, purer, or more abiding
peace than our Lord Jesus Christ. "He was anointed with the oil of
gladness above His fellows." His vast benevolence must, from the very
nature of things, have afforded Him the deepest possible delight, for
benevolence is joy. There were a few remarkable seasons when this joy
manifested itself. "At that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I
thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth." Christ had His songs,
though it was night with Him; though His face was marred, and His
countenance had lost the lustre of earthly happiness, yet sometimes it
was lit up with a matchless splendour of unparalleled satisfaction, as
He thought upon the recompense of the reward, and in the midst of the
congregation sang His praise unto God. In this, the Lord Jesus is a
blessed picture of His church on earth. At this hour the church expects
to walk in sympathy with her Lord along a thorny road; through much
tribulation she is forcing her way to the crown. To bear the cross is
her office, and to be scorned and counted an alien by her mother's
children is her lot; and yet the church has a deep well of joy, of
which none can drink but her own children. There are stores of wine,
and oil, and corn, hidden in the midst of our Jerusalem, upon which the
saints of God are evermore sustained and nurtured; and sometimes, as in
our Saviour's case, we have our seasons of intense delight, for "There
is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of our God."
Exiles though we be, we rejoice in our King; yea, in Him we exceedingly
rejoice, while in His name we set up our banners.

Call upon the Lord

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

March 24, 2010

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of
the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21)

How beautiful! How simple! Amazingly, God pours forth all His mercy,
love and great blessings to those who call upon His majestic name. By
placing all faith in Christ, the believer is given the ultimate
promise: glorious eternity with his Creator and Saviour. This demands
praise and rejoicing to the Most High God. For He is worthy.

Morning and Evening

Charles H. Spurgeon

March 23, 2010

Morning Reading

His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the
ground.--Luke 22:44

The mental pressure arising from our Lord's struggle with temptation,
so forced his frame to an unnatural excitement, that his pores sent
forth great drops of blood which fell down to the ground. This proves
how tremendous must have been the weight of sin when it was able to
crush the Saviour so that he distilled great drops of blood! This
demonstrates the mighty power of his love. It is a very pretty
observation of old Isaac Ambrose that the gum which exudes from the
tree without cutting is always the best. This precious camphire-tree
yielded most sweet spices when it was wounded under the knotty whips,
and when it was pierced by the nails on the cross; but see, it giveth
forth its best spice when there is no whip, no nail, no wound. This
sets forth the voluntariness of Christ's sufferings, since without a
lance the blood flowed freely. No need to put on the leech, or apply
the knife; it flows spontaneously. No need for the rulers to cry,
"Spring up, O well;" of itself it flows in crimson torrents. If men
suffer great pain of mind apparently the blood rushes to the heart. The
cheeks are pale; a fainting fit comes on; the blood has gone inward as
if to nourish the inner man while passing through its trial. But see
our Saviour in His agony; he is so utterly oblivious of self, that
instead of his agony driving his blood to the heart to nourish himself,
it drives it outward to bedew the earth. The agony of Christ, inasmuch
as it pours him out upon the ground, pictures the fulness of the
offering which he made for men.

Do we not perceive how intense must have been the wrestling through
which he passed, and will we not hear its voice to us? "Ye have not yet
resisted unto blood, striving against sin." Behold the great Apostle
and High Priest of our profession, and sweat even to blood rather than
yield to the great tempter of your souls.

Evening Reading

I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would
immediately cry out.--Luke 19:40

But could the stones cry out? Assuredly they could if He who opens the
mouth of the dumb should bid them lift up their voice. Certainly if
they were to speak, they would have much to testify in praise of Him
who created them by the word of His power; they could extol the wisdom
and power of their Maker who called them into being. Shall not we speak
well of Him who made us anew, and out of stones raised up children unto
Abraham? The old rocks could tell of chaos and order, and the handiwork
of God in successive stages of creation's drama; and cannot we talk of
God's decrees, of God's great work in ancient times, in all that He did
for His church in the days of old? If the stones were to speak, they
could tell of their breaker, how he took them from the quarry, and made
them fit for the temple, and cannot we tell of our glorious Breaker,
who broke our hearts with the hammer of His word, that He might build
us into His temple? If the stones should cry out they would magnify
their builder, who polished them and fashioned them after the
similitude of a palace; and shall not we talk of our Architect and
Builder, who has put us in our place in the temple of the living God?
If the stones could cry out, they might have a long, long story to tell
by way of memorial, for many a time hath a great stone been rolled as a
memorial before the Lord; and we too can testify of Ebenezers, stones
of help, pillars of remembrance. The broken stones of the law cry out
against us, but Christ Himself, who has rolled away the stone from the
door of the sepulchre, speaks for us. Stones might well cry out, but we
will not let them: we will hush their noise with ours; we will break
forth into sacred song, and bless the majesty of the Most High, all our
days glorifying Him who is called by Jacob the Shepherd and Stone of
Israel.

Living waters

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

March 23, 2010
 
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service 
of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; (Psalms 104:14)

The Lord is ever our provider! Never shall our souls stand in need of
any necessity. When God's child lacks strength in time of trouble, the
Lord shall supply it. When Abraham's son is beaten down under worldly
woe, his heavenly Father shall certainly revive him. When the
believer's soul is parched and dry, then shall the High King of Heaven
fill him to overflowing with rivers of living water.

Heart Burn

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Lk. 24:31-32)

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus encountered the resurrected Lord. As Jesus “expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” their hearts began to burn within them. The word “burn” carries the idea of being set on fire or being consumed by fire. The thought is that the disciples were consumed and encouraged having been instructed by the risen Lord. The words Jesus spoke were branded into their hearts as one would burn his brand upon a cow. The Scriptures concerning Him were forever seared within them; every thought was consumed with the knowledge Jesus imparted to them. His words were fixed within.

Since the ascension of Jesus the believers are taught by the Holy Spirit the truth of the Scriptures concerning Jesus. Jesus said, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (Jn. 16:13) It is the Holy Spirit that now burns the words of the Lord into the heart, which consumes the thoughts of the saints. Every believer’s heart is branded with the words of the Lord. If the Lord’s brand is not upon the heart, then that heart is none of His. One’s heart cannot help but burn within him when he hears his Lord speak. It sets the believer’s spirit on fire!

The prophet Jeremiah wrote when he tried to quench the Word of God: “Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.” (Jer. 20:9) Jeremiah found it to be an impossibility to extinguish or shut up the Word of God within him. He had to let it out! The fire raging within him could not be contained.

I must say that I am perplexed at how so many that call themselves the Lord’s sheep can speak so little of the Good Shepherd. If the heart is branded by its Owner and set to a raging fire, then why is there not an outward evidence of a heart burning?

By faith

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

March 22, 2010

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he
should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not
knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise,
as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and
Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city
which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God. Through faith
also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered
of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who
had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as
dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand
which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not
having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were
persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were
strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things
declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been
mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have
had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better
[country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be
called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews
11:8-16)

God here promises not only His pleasure in those who look to the
heavenlies rather than toward earthly treasure, but He also promises a
holy and heavenly dwelling to His people. For all believers say the
same: that they seek not a homeland with foundations of stone and
metal, but one made of heavenly hands.

This strange, double picture of Jesus!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(J. R. Miller, "Heavenly Worship" 1909)

"Look! The LION of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed!
Then I saw a LAMB, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne!" Revelation 5:5-6

John was looking for a Lion--and he saw a Lamb. This strange, double picture of Jesus as He appears in heaven, is very suggestive.

He was a lion in His conflicts and victories, and as such overcame all His enemies and ours also. But He was a lamb in the gentleness of His character and disposition. The lamb is an emblem of meekness and of unresisting obedience and submission.

As we think about Christ, we soon see how true both of these pictures are.

Like a lion, He has power and majesty, and is dreadful to His enemies! As a lion He met and overcame Satan, and triumphed over death and the grave. As a lion He is able to defend us from all our enemies, and the feeblest believer is safe under His protection. He is the omnipotent God--and has all power in heaven and on earth.

At the same time, the other picture is just as true.

He is like a little lamb in His gentleness. The whole spirit of His life on earth shows this. Never was a mother so gentle to her children, as was Jesus to the weary, troubled and penitent ones who came to Him. He was lamb-like, too, in the way He endured wrongs and sufferings. Other animals fight in their own defense--but the lamb does not resist. When Christ was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten in return. "Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers--He did not open His mouth."

He is the same Jesus now in the midst of the throne--and it is this astonishing combination of strength and gentleness which makes Him such a wondrous Savior! In Him, we have the union of all the truest qualities of love that our hearts so hunger for: tenderness, affection, patience, sympathy. Then, when we have laid ourselves down to rest in all this blessed warmth of love, we look up and see that we are in the bosom of Omnipotence! Mere gentleness may be very weak--but while He is a lamb--He is also a lion!

"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne. He had seven horns and seven eyes." Revelation 5:6. Here we have three other thoughts about Christ.

1. Not only did He appear as a lamb--but as a lamb that had been slain. There were wound marks on Him, telling that once He had been dead. One suggestion of the emblem of the lamb, is sacrifice. Jesus was the Lamb of God who took away sin--by bearing it Himself! Thus even in glory, the fact of salvation by His sacrificial death, is set forth to the eyes of all. Thus we are always to be reminded of the cost of our redemption.

2. A second suggestion about Christ, is in the representation of the "seven horns." The horn in the Bible is the symbol of strength, and seven is the symbol of completeness. Jesus appears there as the omnipotent One, having all power.

3. The third symbol in the picture is the "seven eyes". An eye sees, and seven eyes represent the perfection of vision, seeing everywhere. The eyes of Christ are in all parts of the earth, and on all events. This thought of the omniscience of Christ is dreadful to the unrepentant sinner--but to the Christian at peace with God--it has great comfort! Christ is watching over us and is ready to fly to our help and rescue at any moment. His eye is fearsome only to the wicked; to those who are His friends and are saved by Him, it gives no terror to think of the unsleeping divine eye ever looking down upon them with love!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Morning and Evening

Charles H. Spurgeon

March 22, 2010

Morning Reading

And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and
prayed.--Matthew 26:39

There are several instructive features in our Saviour's prayer in His
hour of trial. It was lonely prayer. He withdrew even from His three
favoured disciples. Believer, be much in solitary prayer, especially in
times of trial. Family prayer, social prayer, prayer in the Church,
will not suffice, these are very precious, but the best beaten spice
will smoke in your censer in your private devotions, where no ear hears
but God's.

It was humble prayer. Luke says He knelt, but another evangelist says
He "fell on His face." Where, then, must be THY place, thou humble
servant of the great Master? What dust and ashes should cover thy head!
Humility gives us good foot-hold in prayer. There is no hope of
prevalence with God unless we abase ourselves that He may exalt us in
due time.

It was filial prayer. "Abba, Father." You will find it a stronghold in
the day of trial to plead your adoption. You have no rights as a
subject, you have forfeited them by your treason; but nothing can
forfeit a child's right to a father's protection. Be not afraid to say,
"My Father, hear my cry."

Observe that it was persevering prayer. He prayed three times. Cease
not until you prevail. Be as the importunate widow, whose continual
coming earned what her first supplication could not win. Continue in
prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

Lastly, it was the prayer of resignation. "Nevertheless, not as I will,
but as thou wilt." Yield, and God yields. Let it be as God wills, and
God will determine for the best. Be thou content to leave thy prayer in
his hands, who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give,
and what to withhold. So pleading, earnestly, importunately, yet with
humility and resignation, thou shalt surely prevail.

Evening Reading

Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me
where I am.--John 17:24

O death! why dost thou touch the tree beneath whose spreading branches
weariness hath rest? Why dost thou snatch away the excellent of the
earth, in whom is all our delight? If thou must use thine axe, use it
upon the trees which yield no fruit; thou mightest be thanked then. But
why wilt thou fell the goodly cedars of Lebanon? O stay thine axe, and
spare the righteous. But no, it must not be; death smites the goodliest
of our friends; the most generous, the most prayerful, the most holy,
the most devoted must die. And why? It is through Jesus' prevailing
prayer--"Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be
with Me where I am." It is that which bears them on eagle's wings to
heaven. Every time a believer mounts from this earth to paradise, it is
an answer to Christ's prayer. A good old divine remarks, "Many times
Jesus and His people pull against one another in prayer. You bend your
knee in prayer and say 'Father, I will that Thy saints be with me where
I am'; Christ says, 'Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast
given Me, be with Me where I am.'" Thus the disciple is at
cross-purposes with his Lord. The soul cannot be in both places: the
beloved one cannot be with Christ and with you too. Now, which pleader
shall win the day? If you had your choice; if the King should step from
His throne, and say, "Here are two supplicants praying in opposition to
one another, which shall be answered?" Oh! I am sure, though it were
agony, you would start from your feet, and say, "Jesus, not my will,
but Thine be done." You would give up your prayer for your loved one's
life, if you could realize the thoughts that Christ is praying in the
opposite direction--"Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast
given Me, be with Me where I am." Lord, Thou shalt have them. By faith
we let them go.

Morning and Evening

Charles H. Spurgeon

March 20, 2010

Morning Reading

My beloved.--Song 2:8

This was a golden name which the ancient Church in her most joyous
moments was wont to give to the Anointed of the Lord. When the time of
the singing of birds was come, and the voice of the turtle was heard in
her land, her love-note was sweeter than either, as she sang, "My
beloved is mine and I am His: He feedeth among the lilies." Ever in her
song of songs doth she call Him by that delightful name, "My beloved!"
Even in the long winter, when idolatry had withered the garden of the
Lord, her prophets found space to lay aside the burden of the Lord for
a little season, and to say, as Esaias did, "Now will I sing to my
well-beloved a song of my beloved touching His vineyard." Though the
saints had never seen His face, though as yet He was not made flesh,
nor had dwelt among us, nor had man beheld His glory, yet He was the
consolation of Israel, the hope and joy of all the chosen, the
"beloved" of all those who were upright before the Most High. We, in
the summer days of the Church, are also wont to speak of Christ as the
best beloved of our soul, and to feel that He is very precious, the
"chiefest among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely." So true is it
that the Church loves Jesus, and claims Him as her beloved, that the
apostle dares to defy the whole universe to separate her from the love
of Christ, and declares that neither persecutions, distress,
affliction, peril, or the sword have been able to do it; nay, he
joyously boasts, "In all these things we are more than conquerors
through Him that loved us."

O that we knew more of Thee, Thou ever precious one!

My sole possession is Thy love; In earth beneath, or heaven above, I
have no other store; And though with fervent suit I pray, And importune
Thee day by day, I ask Thee nothing more.

Evening Reading

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the
church.--Ephesians 5:25

What a golden example Christ gives to His disciples! Few masters could
venture to say, "If you would practise my teaching, imitate my life;"
but as the life of Jesus is the exact transcript of perfect virtue, He
can point to Himself as the paragon of holiness, as well as the teacher
of it. The Christian should take nothing short of Christ for his model.
Under no circumstances ought we to be content unless we reflect the
grace which was in Him. As a husband, the Christian is to look upon the
portrait of Christ Jesus, and he is to paint according to that copy.
The true Christian is to be such a husband as Christ was to His church.
The love of a husband is special. The Lord Jesus cherishes for the
church a peculiar affection, which is set upon her above the rest of
mankind: "I pray for them, I pray not for the world." The elect church
is the favourite of heaven, the treasure of Christ, the crown of His
head, the bracelet of His arm, the breastplate of His heart, the very
centre and core of His love. A husband should love his wife with a
constant love, for thus Jesus loves His church. He does not vary in His
affection. He may change in His display of affection, but the affection
itself is still the same. A husband should love his wife with an
enduring love, for nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love
of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." A true husband loves his
wife with a hearty love, fervent and intense. It is not mere
lip-service. Ah! beloved, what more could Christ have done in proof of
His love than He has done? Jesus has a delighted love towards His
spouse: He prizes her affection, and delights in her with sweet
complacence. Believer, you wonder at Jesus' love; you admire it--are
you imitating it? In your domestic relationships is the rule and
measure of your love--"even as Christ loved the church"?

Believe and live

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

March 20, 2010

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal
life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. (John 3:15-16)

The promise of salvation is offered to those who simply believe.
Eternal life is the gift to the believer who places their trust in
Jesus Christ, God's one and only son.

Keep me in the right way, O Lord!

Daily Promises
Blue Letter Bible
March 18, 2010

He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. (Proverbs 2:8)

Take heart, O children of Abraham! The justice of God is inescapable. No fiery terror escapes His sight. No murdering tyrant hides from His eye. No perverse malcontent might flee His presence. Those who persecute and make martyrs of God's people will receive the end they deserve. In fact, they will receive the end that even we deserved—if they repent not. Pray for even the most wicked of your neighbours that they, like you, might find their justice in the blood of Christ.

Children of God

Morning and Evening
Charles H. Spurgeon
March 18, 2010

Morning Reading

Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

—Galatians 3:26

The fatherhood of God is common to all his children. Ah! Little-faith, you have often said, "Oh that I had the courage of Great-heart, that I could wield his sword and be as valiant as he! But, alas, I stumble at every straw, and a shadow makes me afraid." List thee, Little-faith. Great-heart is God's child, and you are God's child too; and Great-heart is not one whit more God's child than you are. Peter and Paul, the highly- favoured apostles, were of the family of the Most High; and so are you also; the weak Christian is as much a child of God as the strong one.

"This cov'nant stands secure,
Though earth's old pillars bow;
The strong, the feeble, and the weak,
Are one in Jesus now."

All the names are in the same family register. One may have more grace than another, but God our heavenly Father has the same tender heart towards all. One may do more mighty works, and may bring more glory to his Father, but he whose name is the least in the kingdom of heaven is as much the child of God as he who stands among the King's mighty men. Let this cheer and comfort us, when we draw near to God and say, "Our Father."

Yet, while we are comforted by knowing this, let us not rest contented with weak faith, but ask, like the Apostles, to have it increased. However feeble our faith may be, if it be real faith in Christ, we shall reach heaven at last, but we shall not honour our Master much on our pilgrimage, neither shall we abound in joy and peace. If then you would live to Christ's glory, and be happy in His service, seek to be filled with the spirit of adoption more and more completely, till perfect love shall cast out fear.

Evening Reading

As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you.

—John 15:9

As the Father loves the Son, in the same manner Jesus loves His people. What is that divine method? He loved Him without beginning, and thus Jesus loves His members. "I have loved thee with an everlasting love." You can trace the beginning of human affection; you can easily find the beginning of your love to Christ, but His love to us is a stream whose source is hidden in eternity. God the Father loves Jesus without any change. Christian, take this for your comfort, that there is no change in Jesus Christ's love to those who rest in Him.. Yesterday you were on Tabor's top, and you said, "He loves me:" to-day you are in the valley of humiliation, but He loves you still the same. On the hill Mizar, and among the Hermons, you heard His voice, which spake so sweetly with the turtle-notes of love; and now on the sea, or even in the sea, when all His waves and billows go over you, His heart is faithful to His ancient choice. The Father loves the Son without any end, and thus does the Son love His people. Saint, thou needest not fear the loosing of the silver cord, for His love for thee will never cease. Rest confident that even down to the grave Christ will go with you, and that up again from it He will be your guide to the celestial hills. Moreover, the Father loves the Son without any measure, and the same immeasurable love the Son bestows upon His chosen ones. The whole heart of Christ is dedicated to His people. He "loved us and gave Himself for us." His is a love which passeth knowledge. Ah! we have indeed an immutable Saviour, a precious Saviour, one who loves without measure, without change, without beginning, and without end, even as the Father loves Him! There is much food here for those who know how to digest it. May the Holy Ghost lead us into its marrow and fatness!

The Resurrection Related to Justification and Sanctification

Day By Day By Grace
Bob Hoekstra
March 18, 2010

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26)

It would be appropriate to again follow a pattern we have used previously, applying our present subject (the resurrection) both to our starting out with God (justification) and our going on with God (sanctification). The great value in doing such is to be repeatedly reminded that the grace of God that starts us out in this new life in Christ is the same grace that develops this life in Christ.

When Jesus proclaimed the words of our present verses, He was standing at the tomb of Lazarus. Martha, one of the sisters, was interacting with Him. She had hoped that Jesus would have arrived earlier, knowing He could have prevented this death. "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). Even now, with her brother in the tomb, she realizes He could yet intervene. "But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You" (verse 22). Jesus comforts her by assuring that Lazarus will be resurrected. "Your brother will rise again" (verse 23). Martha assumes that Jesus is referring to the final resurrection of the saints. "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day" (verse 24).

At this point, Jesus offers one of those glorious "I am" revelations. "I am the resurrection and the life." Then, He added two wonderful applications. First, faith in Him can even bring the dead to life, like Lazarus. "He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." Second, faith in Him can ensure eternal life to those who are yet alive. "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."

Think again of the implications connected with Jesus' basic statement. "I am the resurrection and the life." Martha desired an immediate resurrection for her brother. She wanted him to live once again. Jesus revealed that He Himself was what Martha desired for her brother. He was "the resurrection and the life." Jesus provides resurrection and life, because in His very person He is resurrection life. He is the resurrection that we all need from our deadness, whether physical or spiritual. "I am the resurrection." He is the life that we need, if we are to live as God intended. "I am…the life." Knowing Christ by faith makes us partakers of what He Himself is: "the resurrection and the life." This is vital to see, because the Christian life is a resurrection life. Such a life can only be found in a resurrected Lord, and it can only be developed following a resurrected Lord.

Jesus, I bow down before You as my resurrected Lord. Apart from You, I would only know spiritual deadness as a fallen son of Adam. In You I have a spiritual resurrection to new life. Now I want to pursue You daily to see that new, resurrected life more fully developed in me. Lord Jesus, lead me, I pray, into more life, Amen.

Cursed of God

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.” (Deut. 27:16) “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.” (Prov. 15:20) The fifth Commandment is “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” (Ex. 20:12)

The words “setteth light” are translated from a Hebrew word which means “to disgrace, to dishonor, to despise, to lightly esteem, to treat with contempt, and/or to treat shamefully.” We learn from this that when one despises or treats shamefully his mother and/or father, he brings upon himself a curse from God. It is not an option, nor is it up for debate or self-reasoning; the offender will have God’s curse come upon him. God leaves no room for excuses; neither does He set any age limitations. If one’s mother is 84 and he is 60 he is still under the command of God to “honor thy father and thy mother.” Age or adulthood does not erase the command of God.

The Apostle Paul writes, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” (Eph. 6:1) The word “Children” simply refers to one being an offspring; age is not a factor in the word. There is also a qualifier given by Paul and that is “in the Lord.” As long as the parent’s instruction is compatible with the Word of God the offspring is obligated to obey the parent. Now, if the parent instructs the offspring to go contrary to the Word of God, the offspring is obligated to obey God and not the parent. For example, if the parent tells the child to steal an object, the child is not required to obey the parent but is to obey God Who commands “Thou shalt not steal.”

One of the identifying marks of the last days given by the Apostle Paul is that offspring will be “disobedient to parents.” This is a spirit of anti-God, that is to say, one sign of the last days is that children will treat their parents shamefully, bring dishonor upon them, despise them, and not obey them in the Lord, which reveals their hatred of God and His Word. They in essence fight against the laws of God. They will become lawless, doing what is right in their own eyes, fulfilling their wicked imaginations and the desires of their own hearts in rebellion against God. This revolt against the commands of God brings upon them a horrid curse from God.

The first Christians

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(J. R. Miller, "Devotional Hours with the Bible")

"The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." Acts 11:26

The lives of the converts were so different from their unbelieving neighbors, that they were called Christians. It is supposed that the name was given them in mockery or contempt by the heathen people of Antioch. But the name stuck, and is now used universally to describe those who follow Christ. It may not be the very best of names.

Perhaps disciples is better--disciples means learners, followers. We should all be disciples of Christ and should ever be learning of Him, growing in grace and likeness of Him as we follow Him.

Perhaps believers is a better name. It carries in itself the thought that we are saved by believing on Christ. It is faith which works the victories in this world.

Perhaps followers would be better. To follow Christ is to receive Him as Master and to cling to Him in obedience and devotion wherever we may go.

But the word "Christian," given at Antioch as a sneer--is now used everywhere. It is full of meaning. Those who are Christians should be like Christ--"little Christs". They should represent Christ in the world. Those who see them--should see the image of Christ in them!

Matthew Henry says, "Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes His promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it is plain that multitudes take the name of Christian--to whom it does not rightly belong! But the name without the reality--will only add to our guilt. While the bare profession will bestow neither profit nor delight, the possession of it will give both the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."

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Resurrection Victory for Effective Christian Living

Day By Day By Grace
Bob Hoekstra
March 17, 2010

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

The resurrection of Jesus Christ brings spiritual victory over sin and death to all who believe in Him. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." As we allow the Lord to be our guide through each day, He "leads us in triumph in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14). When this process is unfolding, an effective Christian life is developing, by the grace of God at work in us.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast." It is the will of God that our lives be marked by steadfastness (constancy and stability). Paul rejoiced concerning fellow believers who manifested such attributes: "rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ" (Colossians 2:5). He later added that they were to be "rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith" (verse 7).

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be… immovable." Our heavenly Father also wants us to be "immovable" (firmly persistent, unable to be swayed). Paul was a good example of this. Although he faced many threatening difficulties, he professed: "But none of these things move me" (Acts 20:24). When Paul wrote to the saints at Ephesus, he warned of another threat to spiritual persistency: "that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14).

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be…always abounding in the work of the Lord." Our Lord wants us to be abundantly laboring with Him. This is one of of the purposes of Jesus' redemptive work for us: "Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14). Yes, living by grace will produce abounding good works. The glorious fact is that such labors are actually the Lord at work in and through us: "always abounding in the work of the Lord." As the Lord sustains His work within us, we can grow in a certainty that this kind of laboring will be effective: "knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Note the key word that indicates the basis for all of these desirable traits: "Therefore." This refers back to the resurrection victory provided by the Lord Jesus. In light of this victorious work of Christ on our behalf, anyone trusting in this reality will find these spiritual virtues developing in their lives, by the grace of God at work.

Dear Lord, I long to walk in spiritual stability. I yearn for a life that cannot be swayed. I want to abundantly labor with You. Therefore, Lord, I place my confidence in the reality of Your resurrection victory. Work in me by Your grace, I pray, Amen.

Eternal hope

Daily Promises
Blue Letter Bible
March 17, 2010

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Our struggles, our battles, our daily toiling against the forces of this present darkness are naught compared with the marvellous riches and captivating glory to which we are called and in which we will soon partake. What matter our suffering? What matter our failures? What matter any measure of suffering when held against the surpassing beauty and permanence of our heavenly hope!