Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
Chapter 2 Verse 20

20 I am crucified with Christ, but I live, yet not I
anymore, but Christ liveth in me: and in that I now
live in the flesh, I live by the faith in the Son of God,
who hath loved me, and given himself for me.

Related Scripture

Romans 6:6-11;
Galatians 5:24;
2 Corinthians 5:15;
Ephesians 2:4-6;
Colossians 3:1-4;
Isaiah 53:12;
Ephesians 5:2;
Romans 8:10-11;
Ephesians 2:5-8;
1 Peter 4:2, 6;
2 Corinthians 4:11;

Monday, May 30, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
Chapter 2 Verse 16

16 Know that a man is not justified by the works
of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we,
I say, have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be
justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works
of the Law, because that by the works of the Law, no
flesh shall be justified.

Related Scripture

Acts 13:38-39;
Galatians 3:11;
Romans 1:17;
Psalm 143:2;
Romans 3:20, 28;
Hebrews 11:6;
Romans 8:3;
John 1:17;
Romans 4:12;
Romans 6:14;
Galatians 4:5;

Sunday, May 29, 2011

The Sunday Sermon



The Magnificence of Prayer - Preface
by Alexander Whyte (1836-1921)

The Gospel of Luke Chapter 11 Verse 1

And so it was, that as he was praying in a certain
place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto
him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his
disciples.

The First Epistle General of Peter Chapter 2 Verse 9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal Priesthood,
an holy nation, a people set at liberty, that ye
should show forth the virtues of him that hath called
you out of darkness into his marvelous light.


"I AM an apostle," said Paul, " I magnify mine office." And we also have an office. Our office is not the apostolic office, but Paul would be the first to say to us that our office is quite as magnificent as ever his office was. Let us, then, magnify our office. Let us magnify its magnificent opportunities ; its momentous duties ; and its incalculable and everlasting rewards. For our office is the " royal priesthood." ( Exodus 19:6; Hebrews 5:10; Deuteronomy 7:6; ) And we do not nearly enough magnify and exalt our royal priesthood. To be " kings and priests unto God" ( Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10; )what a magnificent office is that! But then, we who hold that office are men of such small and such mean minds, our souls so decline and so cleave to this earth, that we never so much as attempt to rise to the height and the splendour of our magnificent office. If our minds were only enlarged and exalted at all up to our office, we would be found of God far oftener than we are, with our scepter in our hand, and with our mitre upon our head. If we magnified our office, as Paul magnified his office, we would achieve as magnificent results in our office as ever he achieved in his. The truth is, Paul’s magnificent results were achieved more in our office than in his own. It was because Paul added on the royal priesthood to the Gentile apostleship that he achieved such magnificent results in that apostleship... And, if we would but magnify our royal priesthood as Paul did it hath not entered into our hearts so much as to conceive what God hath prepared for those who properly perform their office, as Kings and Priests unto God. ( Isaiah 64:4; Isaiah 65:17; 1 Corinthians 2:9; )

Prayer is the magnificent office it is, because it is an office of such a magnificent kind. Magnificence is of many kinds, and magnificent things are more or less magnificent according to their kind. This great globe on which it strikes its roots and grows is magnificent in size when compared with that grain of mustard seed : but just because that grain of mustard seed is a seed and grows, that smallest of seeds is far greater than the great globe itself. ( Mark 4:31-32; )A bird on its summer branch is far greater than the great sun in whose warmth he builds and sings, because that bird has life and love and song, which the sun, with all his immensity of size, and with all his light and heat, has not. A cup of cold water only, given to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, is a far greater offering before God than thousands of rams, and ten thousands of rivers of oil; because there is charity in that cup of cold water. ( Micah 6:7-8; Mark 10:41; Matthew 10:42; Mark 12:41-44; Jeremiah 33:11; Hebrews 13:15; And an ejaculation, a sigh, a sob, a tear, a smile, a psalm, is far greater to God than all the oblations, and incense, and new moons, and Sabbaths, and calling of assemblies, and solemn meetings of Jerusalem, because repentance and faith and love and trust are in that sob and in that psalm. And the magnificence of all true prayer its nobility, its royalty, its absolute divinity all stand in this, that it is the greatest kind of act and office that man, or angel, can ever enter on and perform. Earth is at its very best, and heaven is at its very highest, when men and angels magnify their office of prayer and of praise before the throne of God. ( Revelation 7:15; Revelation 14:5; )

Friday, May 27, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
Chapter 2 Verses 6-7

6 But by them which seemed to be great, I was
not taught (whatsoever they were in time passed, I am
nothing the better: God accepteth no man’s person)
for they that are the chief, did add nothing to me above
that I had.
7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the Gospel
over the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as
the Gospel over the circumcision was unto Peter

Related Scripture

Deuteronomy 10:17;
2 Chronicles 19:7;
Job 34:19;
Acts 10:34
Romans 2:11;
Ephesians 6:9;
Colossians 3:25;
1 Peter 1:17;
Philippians 2:2;
1 Corinthians 1:2;
Galatians 3:26, 28;
Deuteronomy 33:3;
Matthew 23:8;
1 Corinthians 12:12;
Hebrews 2:11;

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
Chapter 1 Verses 11-12

11 Now I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel
which was preached of me, was not after man.
12 For neither received I it of man, neither was I
taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Related Scripture

Romans 2:16;
1 Corinthians 15:1;
1 Peter 1:12;
John 6:50-51;
Luke 4:4;
Ephesians 3:3-5;
Deuteronomy 29:29;
Isaiah 40:5;
Matthew 10:26;
Romans 1:17;
1 Corinthians 2:9-11;
Revelation 1:1-2;

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Daily Meditation



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The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
Chapter 1 Verse 10

10 For now preach I man’s doctrine, or God’s? or
go I about to please men? for if I should yet please
men, I were not the servant of Christ.

Related Scripture

1 Corinthians 10:33;
1 Corinthians 9:22;
Romans 15:1-2;
1 Thessalonians 2:4;
Titus 1:3;
Proverbs 16:9;
Psalm 26:2-3;
Jeremiah 17:10;

Monday, May 23, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
Chapter 1 Verses 8-9

8 But though that we, or an Angel from heaven
preach unto you otherwise than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any
man preach unto you otherwise than that ye have
received, let him be accursed.

Related Scripture

1 Corinthians 16:22;
Proverbs 30:5-6;
1 Corinthians 12:3;
2 Corinthians 11:3-4;
1 Thessalonians 1:5;
Amos 3:7;
2 Timothy 3:16;
2 Peter 1:20-21;
Deuteronomy 4:2;
Deuteronomy 12:32;
Joshua 1:7;
Revelation 22:18-19;

Sunday, May 22, 2011

The Sunday Sermon



The Love of Christ Part 3
by Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813-1843)

"For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead"
The Second Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians
Chapter 5 Verse 14

III. HIS LOVE STIRS UP OUR LOVE

The love of Christ to man constrains the believer to live a holy life; because that truth not only takes away our fear and hatred, but stirs up our love. (Leviticus 19:2; Numbers 15:40; Romans 11:16;)

When we are brought to see the reconciled face of God in peace, that is a great privilege. But how can we look upon that face, reconciling and reconciled, and not love him who has so loved us? Love begets love. (Psalm 8:4; Isaiah 56:2; John 16:27; Galatians 2:20;) We can hardly keep from esteeming those on earth who really love us, how worthless they may be. (Luke 11:11-13; Matthew 5:44-48;) But when we are convinced that God loves us, and convinced in such a way as by the giving up of His Son for us all, how shall we but love Him, in whom are all excellences - everything to call forth love? (John 3:16-18; James 1:17;)

I have already shown you that the gospel is a restorative scheme; it brings us back to the same state of friendship with God which Adam enjoyed, and thus takes away the desire of sin. ( Romans 5:15-19; 1 Corinthians 15:22, 45; ) But now I wish to show you, that the gospel does far more than restore us to the state from which we fell. If rightly and consistently embraced by us, it brings us into a state far better than Adam's. It constrains us by a more powerful motive. Adam had not this strong love of God to man shed abroad in his heart; and, therefore, he had not this constraining power to make him live to God. But our eyes have seen this great sight. Before us Christ has been evidently set forth crucified. If we really believe, His love has brought us into peace, through pardon; and because we are pardoned and at peace with God, the Holy Spirit is given us. What to do? Why, just to shed abroad this truth over our hearts, to show us more and more of this love of God to us, that we may be drawn to love Him who has so love us, to live to Him who has so loved us, to live to Him who died for us and rose again. (Titus 2:12; Philippians 1:21; Psalm 22:26; Luke 20:28; 2 Corinthians 5:15;)

It is truly admirable to see how the Bible way of making us holy is suited to our nature. Had God proposed to frighten us into a holy life, how vain would have been the attempt! Men have always an idea, that if one came from the dead to tell us of the reality of the doleful regions where dwell in endless misery the spirits of the damned, that that would constrain us to live a holy life; but what ignorance does this not show of our mysterious nature!

Suppose that God should this hour unveil before our eyes the secrets of those dreadful abodes where hope never comes; suppose, if it were possible, that you were actually made to feel for a season the real pains of the lake of living agony, and the worm that never dies; and then that you were brought back again on earth, and placed in your old situation, among your old friends and companions; do you really think that there would be any chance of your walking with God as a child? I doubt not you would be frightened out of your positive sins; the cup of godless pleasure would drop from your hand; you would shudder at an oath, you would tremble at a falsehood, because you had seen and felt something of the torment that awaits the drunkard, and the swearer, and the liar, in the world beyond the grave; but do you really think that you would live to god any more than you did, that you would serve Him better than before? It is quite true you might be driven to give larger charity; yea, to give all your goods to feed the poor, and your body to be burned; you might live strictly and soberly, most fearful of breaking one of the commandments, all the rest of your days: but this would not be living to God, you would not love Him one whit more. You are sadly blinded to your curiously formed hearts, if you do not know that love cannot be forced; no man was ever frightened into love, and, therefore, no man was ever frightened into holiness. ( See note “a” below)

But thrice blessed be God, He has invented a way more powerful than hell and all its terrors; an argument mightier far than even a sight of those torments; He has invented a way of drawing us to holiness. By showing us the love of his Son, He calls forth our love. He knew our frame; He remembered that we were dust; He knew all the peculiarities of our treacherous hearts; and, therefore, He suited His way of sanctifying to the creature to be sanctified. ( John 17:19; Acts 26:18; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 10:10; Jude 1:1; ) Thus, the Spirit does not make use of terror to sanctify us, but of love: "The love of Christ constrains us". He draws us by "the cords of love, by the bands of a man". What parent does not know that the true way to gain the obedience of a child, is to gain the affections of the child? And do you think that God, who gave us this wisdom, does not Himself know? Do you think He would set about obtaining the obedience of His children, without first of all gaining their affections, which by nature rove over the face of the world, and centre anywhere but in Him, God has sent His Son into the world to bear the curse of our sins. "Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we, through his poverty, might be made rich." ( 2 Corinthians 8:9;)

If there is but one of you who will consent this day, under a sense of undoneness, to flee for refuge to the Saviour, to find in Him the forgiveness of all sins that are past, I know well that from this day forth you will be like that poor woman which was a sinner, who stood at Christ's feet behind Him weeping, and began to wash His feet with tears and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed His feet and anointed them with the ointment. (Luke 7:38, 44; ) Forgiven much, you will love much; loving much, you will live to the service of Him whom you love. ( Luke 6:37;) This is the grand master-principle of which we spoke; this is the secret spring of all the holiness of the saints.

The life of holiness is not what the world falsely represents it, a life of preciseness and painfulness, in which a man crosses every affection in his nature. The system of restrictions and self-crossings is the very system which Satan has set up as a counterfeit of God's way of sanctifying. It is thus that Satan frightens away thousands from gospel peace and gospel holiness; as if to be a sanctified man were to be a man who crossed every desire of his being, who did everything that was disagreeable and uncomfortable to him. (see note “b” below) My friends, our text distinctly shows us that it not so. We are constrained to holiness by the love of Christ; the love of Him who loved us, is the only cord by which we are bound to the service of God. The scourge that drives us to duty. Sweet bands and gentle scourges! Who would not be under their power?

( a ) Editor’s thought - Interesting point, we cannot live for him through fear of what He can do to us, but through love for what he HAS done for us. Indeed it is necessary to believe in Him in faith; and we should acknowledge the alternative. But both are not the same nor are they synonymous. Fear in terms of the Lord is a healthy respect for Him, an honor due Him, wherein Love for Him is much much deeper.

( b ) Editor’s thought - I myself before my rebirth into Christ, believed that I was not worthy because I was a sinner. I did not know that it was FOR that very reason and for FOR those very sinners that Christ came for me and laid down his life for me. This is a lie that infects many today in this world and keeps them from the love of Christ in that they believe themselves unworthy and as such remain locked out from God’s plan for salvation because of that lie and their view of unworthiness.

Friday, May 20, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy
Chapter 4 Verses 17-18

17 Notwithstanding the Lord assisted me, and
strengthened me, that by me the preaching might
be fully believed, and that all the Gentiles should
hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the
lion.
18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil
work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom:
to whom be praise for ever and ever, Amen.

Related Scripture

Deuteronomy 31:6;
Matthew 10:16-22;
1 Peter 5:10;
Psalm 119:28;
Acts 23:11;
Philippians 1:12;
Matthew 24:14;
Psalm 121:7
Psalm 25:20;
Psalm 22:4;
Psalm 34:19;
Proverbs 11:6;
2 Peter 2:9;
John 14:2-3;
Matthew 7:21;
Act 14:22;
Matthew 25:21;
Matthew 11:28-29;
1 Kings 8:56;
Psalm 116;7;

Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy
Chapter 4 Verse 2

2 Preach the word: be instant, in season, and out
of season: improve, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering
and doctrine.

Related Scripture

Titus 2:15;
1 Timothy 5:20;
Titus 1:15;
1 Timothy 4:15;
Micah 4:2;
Matthew 10:7-8, 16, 27;
Psalm 119:108, 171;
Psalm 143:10;
Proverbs 9:9;
2 Corinthians 6:6;
Colossians 3:12;
James 1:3;
James 5:10;
Colossians 1:11;
1 Timothy 6:11;
Revelation 2:2-3;
Revelation 14:12;

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy
Chapter 3 Verses 16-17

16 For the whole Scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable to teach, to convince,
to correct, and to instruct in righteousness,
17 That the man of God may be absolute, being
made perfect unto all good works.

Related Scripture

2 Peter 1:20;
Luke 4:4;
Job 32:8;
Romans 4:23;
Romans 15:4;
1 Timothy 4:8;
Titus 3:8;
1 Timothy 6:11;
Hebrews 13:21;
2 Corinthians 13:11;

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The Daily Meditation



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The Second Epistle of the Apostle Paul to Timothy
Chapter 2 Verses 20-21

20 Notwithstanding in a great house are not
only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood
and of earth, and some for honor, and some unto
dishonor.
21 If any man therefore purge himself from these,
he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet
for the Lord, and prepared unto every good work.

Related Scripture

Romans 9:21;
Jeremiah 18:4;
Acts 9:15;
2 Timothy 3:17;
Psalm 4:3;


Monday, May 16, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy
Chapter 2 Verse 19

19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure, and
hath this seal, The Lord knoweth who are his: and,
Let everyone that calleth on the Name of Christ,
depart from iniquity.

Related Scripture

1 Corinthians 3:11;
Nahum 1:7;
Psalm 139:1-4, 13;
Psalm 1:6;
John 10:14, 27-29;
Matthew 20:23;
John 6:65;
Joel 2:32;
Acts 2:21;
1 John 3:23;
1 John 5:13;
Psalm 34:14;
Proverbs 3:7;
Proverbs 16:6, 17;

Sunday, May 15, 2011

The Sunday Sermon

The Love of Christ Part 2
by Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813-1843)

"For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead"
The Second Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians
Chapter 5 Verse 14

HIS LOVE REMOVES OUR HATRED

The love of Christ to man constrains the believer to live a holy life, because that truth takes away all his dread and hatred of God.

When Adam was unfallen, God was everything to his soul; and everything was good and desirable to him, only in so far as it had to do with God. Every vein of his body, so fearfully and wonderfully made, every leaf that rustled in the bowers of Paradise, every new sun that rose, rejoicing like a strong man to run his race, brought him in every day new subjects of godly thought and of admiring praise; and it was only for that reason that he could delight to look on them. The flowers that appeared on the earth, the singing of birds, and the voice of the turtle heard throughout the happy land, the fig tree putting forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes giving a good smell, all these combined to bring in to him at every pore a rich and varied tribute of pleasantness (Genesis 1:26-30). And why? Just because they brought into the soul rich and varied communications of the manifold grace of Jehovah. For, just as you may have seen a child on earth devoted to its earthly parent, pleased with everything when he is present, and valuing every gift just as it shows more of the tenderness of that parent's heart, so was it with that genuine child of God. ( James 1:17; Ecclesiastes 3:13; 1 Peter 4:10;) In God he lived, and moved, and had his being; and not more surely would the blotting out of the sun in the heavens have taken away that light which is so pleasant to the eyes, than would the hiding of the face of God from him have taken away the light of his soul, and left nature a dark and desolate witness.

But when Adam fell, the fine gold became dim, the system of his thoughts and likings was just reversed. Instead of enjoying God in everything, and everything in God, everything now seemed hateful and disagreeable to him, (1) just in as far as it had to do with God.

When man sinned, then he feared, and hated Him whom he feared; and fled to all sin just to flee from Him whom he hated. So that, just as you may have seen a child who has grievously transgressed against a loving parent doing all it can to hide that parent from its view, hurrying from his presence and plunging into other thoughts and occupations, just to rid itself of the thought of its justly offended father; in the very same way when fallen Adam heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, that voice which before he sinned was heavenly music in his ears - then "Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden". (Genesis 3:9-19;) And in the same way does every natural man run from the voice and presence of the Lord, not to hide under the thick empowering leaves of Paradise, but to bury himself in cares and business and pleasures and revelings. Any retreat is agreeable, where God is not; any occupation is tolerable, if God be not in the thoughts.

Now I am quite sure that many of you may hear this charge against the natural man with incredulous indifference, if not with indignation. You do not feel that you hate God, or dread his presence; and therefore you say it cannot be true. But when God says of your heart that it is "desperately wicked"; when god claims for Himself the privilege of knowing and trying the heart, ( Hebrews 4:12; Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 21:2; )is it not presumptuous in such ignorant beings as we are to say that that is not true with respect to our hearts, which God affirms to be true, merely because we are not conscious of it? God says that "the carnal mind is enmity against God", ( Romans 8:7; Isaiah 55:8-9; Isaiah 65:2; Isaiah 66:18;)that the very grain and substance of an unconverted mind is hatred against god, absolute, implacable hatred against Him in whom we live, and move, and have our being. It is quite true that we do not feel this hatred within us; but that is only an aggravation of our sin and of our danger. We have so choked up the avenues of self-examination, there are so many turnings and windings before we can arrive at the true motives of our actions, that our dread and hatred of God, which first moved man to sin, and which are still the grand impelling forces whereby Satan goads on the children of disobedience; these are wholly concealed from our eyes, and you cannot persuade a natural man that they are really there. But the Bible testifies, that out of these two deadly roots - dread of God and hatred of God - grows up the thick forest of sins with which the earth is blackened and overspread. And if there be one among you, who has been awakened by God to know what is in his heart, I take that men this day to witness that his bitter cry, in view of all his sins, has ever been: "Against thee, thee only have I sinned." (Psalm 51:4)

If, then, dread of God, and hatred of God, be the cause of all our sins, how shall we be cured of the love of sin, but by taking away the cause? How do you most effectually kill the noxious weed? Is it not by striking at the root. In the love of Christ to man then - in that strange, unspeakable gift of God, when He laid down His life for His enemies, when He died the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God - do you not see an object which, if really believed by the sinner, takes away all his dread and all his hatred of God? (Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 2:21-25;) The root of sin is severed from the stock. In His bearing double for all our sins, we see the curse carried away, we see God reconciled. Why should we fear any more? Not fearing, why should we hate God any more? Not hating God, what desirableness can we see in sin any more? Putting on the righteousness of Christ, ( Romans 3:22; Romans 5:17;) we are again placed as Adam was, with God as our friend. We have no object in sinning; and, therefore, we do not care to sin.

In the sixth chapter of Romans Paul seems to speak of the believer sinning, as if the very proposition were absurd. "How shall we, that are dead to sin," that is, who in Christ have already borne the penalty - "how shall we live any longer therein?" (Romans 6:2, 11;) And again he says very boldly: "Sin shall not have dominion over you" - it is impossible in the nature of things - "for you are not under the law, but under grace"; Romans 6:14-15;) you are no longer under the curse of a broken law, dreading and hating God; you are under grace; under a system of piece and friendship with God.

But is there anyone ready to object to me that if these things be so, if nothing more than that a man may be brought into peace with god is needful to a holy life and conversation, how comes it that believers do still sin? I answer, it is indeed too true that believers do sin; but it is just as true that unbelief is the cause of their sinning. If you and I were to live with our eye so closely on Christ bearing double for all our sins, freely offering to all a double righteousness for all our sins; and if this constant view of the love of Christ maintained within us, as assuredly it would if we looked with a straightforward eye, the peace of God which passes all understanding -(Philippians 4:7;) the peace that rests on nothing in us, but upon the completeness that is in Christ - then I do say that, frail and helpless as we are, we should never sin; we should not have the slightest object in sinning. But this is not the way with us. How often in the day is the love of Christ quite out of view! How often is it obscured to us! Sometimes hid from us by God Himself, to teach us what we are. How often are we left without the realizing sense of the completeness of His offering, the perfectness of His righteousness, and without the will or confidence to claim an interest in Him! Who can wonder then that, where there is so much unbelief, dread and hatred of God should again creep in, and sin should often display its poisonous head. ( 2 Peter 2:22;)

The matter is very plain, if only we had spiritual eyes to see it. If we live a life of faith on the Son of God, then we shall assuredly live a life of holiness. I do not say we ought to do so; but I say, we shall, as a matter of necessary consequence. But in as far as we do not live a life of faith, in so far we shall live a life of unholiness. It is through faith that God purifies the heart; and there is no other way. ( Hebrews 11:6;)

Is there one of you, then, desirous of being made new, ( Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 1:23;) (of being delivered from the slavery of sinful habits and affections. We can point you to no other remedy but the love of Christ. Behold how He love you! See what He bore for you; put your finger, as it were, into the prints of the nails, and thrust your hand into His side; (John 29:27;) and be no more faithless, but believing. Under a sense of your sin, flee to the Saviour of sinners. As the timorous dove flies to hide itself in the crevices of the rock, so do you flee to hide yourself in the wounds of your Saviour; and when you have found Him, like the shadow of a great rock in a weary land; when you sit under His shadow, (Psalm 91:4;) with great delight; you will find that He has slain all the enmity, that He has accomplished all your warfare. ( 1 Samuel 17:47; 2 Chronicles 20:15;) God is now for you. Planted together with Christ in the likeness of His death, you shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection. Dead unto sin, you shall be alive unto God. ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14; Romans 6:8; John 11:25;)

(1) Editor’s thought - I would also add here the word, distrustful since at this point man has illicitly gained “knowledge” he is now vain in his own wisdom. So the wisdom of God, is now an anathema to him. ( Psalm 14:1-3; Judges 17:6;)

Thursday, May 12, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Second Epistle of the Apostle Paul to Timothy
Chapter 2 verses 11-13;

11 It is a true saying, For if we be ,dead together
with him: we also shall live together with him.
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign together with
him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.
13 If we believe not, yet abideth he faithful: he
cannot deny himself.

Related Scripture

Verse 11

Romans 6:5, 8
John 11:25;
2 Corinthians 13:4;
Ephesians 2:5;
Colossians 2:13;
1 Peter 1:23;
Revelation 14:12-13;

Verse 12

Luke 6:22;
Matthew 10:22;
Matthew 24:9
John 15:18;
1 Timothy 1:16;
Romans 5:17;
Romans 8:17;
Mark 8:38;
Matthew 10:33;

Verse 13

Hebrews 10:23;
Numbers 23:19;
Deuteronomy 7:9;
Romans 3:3-4;
Romans 9:6;
1 John 1:9;

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy
Chapter 2 Verse 9

9 Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even
unto bonds: but the word of God is not bound.

Related Scripture

Romans 2:16;
Isaiah 45:23;
1 Peter 1:25;
Colossians 1:23;
Matthew 24:14;
Romans 10:17-18;
Psalm 19:1-4;
Luke 5:1;
Luke 8:28;
Acts 4:31;
Acts 12:24;
Acts 13:46;
Acts 19:20;
1 John 2:14;
Revelation 1:2;

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy
Chapter 2 Verses 1, 3

1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace
that is in Christ Jesus.
3 Thou therefore suffer affliction as a good
soldier of Jesus Christ.

Related Scripture

1 Timothy 1:2;
Ephesians 6:10;
Luke 2:40;
Joshua 10:25;
Isaiah 35:4;
1 Corinthians 16:13;
2 Timothy 4:5;
1 Corinthians 9:7;
1 Timothy 1:18;
Acts 28:16;
Ephesians 6:19;
Ephesians 6:12-17;

Monday, May 9, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy
Chapter 1 Verses 13-14

13 Keep the true pattern of the wholesome words,
which thou hast heard of me in faith and love which
is in Christ Jesus.
14 That worthy thing, which was committed to
thee, keep through the holy Ghost, which dwelleth
in us.

Related Scripture

2 Timothy 3:14;
Titus 1:9, 13;
Romans 2:20;
Romans 6:17;
1 Timothy 6:3;
Titus 2:1, 7-8;
Philippians 4:8;
2 Timothy 4:19;
2 Peter 3:18;
John 8:31;
Acts 13:43;
Acts 14:22;
Colossians 1:23;
John 15:5, 10;

Friday, May 6, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy
Chapter 1 Verses 8-9

8 Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony
of our Lord, neither of me his prisoner: but be
partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according
to the power of God,
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy
calling, not according to our works, but according
to his own purpose and grace, which was given to
us through Christ Jesus before the world was,

Related Scripture

Verse 8

Matthew 10:33;
Matthew 16:24;
Philippians 2:11;
Isaiah 45:23;
Hebrews 1:3;
Psalm 29:4;
Hebrews 4:12;
Mark 8:38;
Luke 9:26;
Romans 1:16;
1 Timothy 2:6;
Ephesians 3:1;


Verse 9

Romans 3:20;
Galatians 2:16;
Ephesians 2:8-9;
John 1:8-9;
Romans 8:28;
Romans 16:25-26;
Ephesians 1:4, 11;
Titus 1:2;
Colossians 1:26;
Colossians 2:2;
Colossians 4:3;
Ephesians 1:9;

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy
Chapter 1 Verse 7

7 For God hath not given to us the Spirit of fear,
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Related Scripture

John 14:27;
Romans 8:15, 33-39;
1 John 4:18;
Acts 1:8;
2 Peter 1:3;
Titus 1:9;
Titus 2:1;
Philippians 4:7;
Ephesians 3:19;
2 Timothy 1:13;
Jude 1:21;

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Epistle to the Hebrews
Chapter 13 Verse 15

15 Let us therefore by him offer the sacrifice of
praise always to God, that is, the fruit of the lips,
which confess his Name.

Related Scripture

Hosea 14:2-3;
Ephesians 5:20;
Leviticus 7:12;
Isaiah 57:19;
Jeremiah 33:11;
Romans 15:9;
Philippians 2:11;
Matthew 10:32;
Acts 24:14;
Romans 10:19;
1 John 4:15;

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Daily Meditation


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The Epistle to the Hebrews
Chapter 13 verse 8

8 Jesus Christ yesterday,
and today, the same also is forever.

Related Scripture

John 8:58;
2 Corinthians 1:19;
Hebrews 1:10, 12;
Hebrews 12:2;
Revelation 1:8;
Revelation 21:6;
John 1:1-2;


Monday, May 2, 2011

The Daily Meditation

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The Epistle to the Hebrews
Chapter 12 Verse 28

Wherefore seeing we receive a kingdom, which
cannot be shaken, let us have grace whereby we may
so serve God, that we may please him with reverence
and fear

Related Scripture

Hebrews 13:15, 21;
Psalm 119:15;
Isaiah 17:7;
Psalm 89:7;
Proverbs 2:5;
Romans 8:8-15;
1 Thessalonians 4:1;
1 Thessalonians 2:4;

Sunday, May 1, 2011

The Sunday Sermon



The Love of Christ Part 1
by Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813-1843)

"For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead"
The Second Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians
Chapter 5 Verse 14

CHRIST'S CONSTRAINING LOVE

That Christ's love to man is here intended, and not our love to the Saviour, is quite obvious, from the explanation which follows, where His dying for all is pointed to as the instance of His love. It was the view of that strange compassion of the Saviour, moving Him to die for His enemies, to bear double for all their sins, to taste death for every man; It was this view which gave Paul the impulse in every labour, which made all suffering light to him, and every commandment not grievous. He "ran with patience the race that was set before him". (Hebrews 12:1; 1 Corinthians 9:24;) Why? Because, looking unto Jesus, he lived a man "crucified unto the world, and the world crucified unto him". By what means? By looking to the cross of Christ. (Hebrews 12:2; John 3:14-16;)

As the natural sun in the heavens exercises a mighty and unceasing attractive energy on the planets which circle round it, so did the Sun of Righteousness, which had indeed arisen on Paul (Acts 26:12-16;) with a brightness above that of noon-day, exercise on his mind a continual and an almighty energy, constraining him to live henceforth no more unto himself, but to Him that died for him and rose again. (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:6;) And observe, that it was no temporary, fitful energy, which it exerted over his heart and life, but an abiding and a continued attraction; for he does not say that the love of Christ did once constrain him; or that it shall yet constrain him; or that in times of excitement, in seasons of prayer, or peculiar devotion, the love of Christ was wont to constrain hem. He said simply, that the love of Christ constrains him. It is the ever-present, ever-abiding, ever-moving power, which forms the mainspring of all his working; so that, take that away, and his energies are gone, and Paul is become weak as other men.

Is there no one reading this whose heart is longing to possess just such a master-principle? Is there no one who has arrived at that most interesting of all the stages of conversion in which you are panting after a power to make you new? You have entered in at the straight gate of believing. You have seen that there is no peace to the unjustified; and therefore you have put on Christ for your righteousness; and already you feel something of the joy and peace of believing. (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10;)You can look back on your past life, spent without God in the world, and without Christ in the world, and without the Spirit in the world; you can see yourself a condemned outcast, and you say: "Though I should wash my hands in snow-water, yet mine own clothes would abhor me". (Job 9:30-31;) You can do all this, with shame and self-reproach, it is true, but yet without dismay, and without despair; for your eye has been lifted believingly to Him who was made sin for us, and you are persuaded that, as it please God to count all your iniquities to the Saviour, so He is willing, and has always been willing, to count all the Saviour's righteousness to you. (Isaiah 1:18;) Without despair, did I say? Nay, with joy and singing; (James 5:13;) for if, indeed, you believe with all your heart, then you are come to the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness without works; which David describes, saying: "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity." (Psalm 32:1-2;)

This is the peace of the justified man. But is this peace a state of perfect blessedness? Is there nothing left to be desired? I appeal to those of you who know what it is to be just by believing. What is it that still clouds the brow, that represses the exulting of the spirit? Why might we not always join in the song of thanksgiving: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all he benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities"! (Psalm 103:1-5, 21-22;) If we have received double for all our sins, why should it ever be needful for us to argue as does the psalmist: "Why art thou cast down, O my soul: and why are thou disquieted within me?".(Psalm 42:5;) My friends there is not a man among you who has really believed, who has not felt the disquieting thought of which I am now speaking. There may be some of you who have felt it so painfully, that it has obscured, as with a heavy cloud, the sweet light of gospel peace, the shining in of the reconciled countenance upon the soul. the thought is this: "I am a justified man; but, alas! I am not a sanctified man. I can look at my past life without despair; but how can I look forward to what is to come?".

There is not a more picturesque moral landscape in the universe than such a soul presents. Forgiven all trespasses that are past, the eye looks inward with a clearness and an impartiality unknown before, and there it gazes upon its long-fostered affections for sin, which, like ancient rivers, have worn a deep channel into the heart; its periodic returns of passion, hitherto irresistible and overwhelming, like the tides of the ocean; its perversities of temper and of habit, crooked and unyielding, like the gnarled branches of a stunted oak. What a scene is here; what anticipation of the future! What forebodings of a vain struggle against the tyranny of lust! Against old trains of acting, and of speaking, and of thinking! Were it not that the hope of the glory of God is one of the chartered rights of the justified man, who would be surprised if this view of terror were to drive a man back, like a dog to his vomit, or the sow that was washed to wallow again in the mire? (Proverbs 26:11; 2 Peter 2:22;)

Now it is to the man precisely in this situation, crying out at morning and at evening, How shall I be made new? What good shall the forgiveness of my past sins do me, if I be not delivered from the love of sin? - it is to that man that we would now, with all earnestness and affection, point out the example of Paul, and the secret power which wrought in him. "The love of Christ" (says Paul) "constraineth us." We, too, are men of like passions with yourselves; that same sight which you view with dismay within you, was in like manner revealed to us in all its discouraging power. Ever and anon the same hideous view of our own hearts is opened up to us. But we have an encouragement which never fails. The love of the bleeding Saviour constrains us. The Spirit is given to them that believe; and that almighty agent has one argument that moves us continually - the love of Christ.

Editor’s note - While I have quoted scripture from The Epistle to the Hebrews herein, there is no exact author of it. However, many scholars believe it was written by the Apostle Paul.