Key Verse: "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
- John 14:13 KJV
Blessed Jesus! it is You who has unlocked to Your people the gates of prayer. Without You, they must have been shut forever. It was Your atoning merit on earth that first opened them; it is Your intercessory work in Heaven that keeps them open still.
Key Verse: "Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints."
- Psalm 149:1 KJV
As there are stars in the sparkling skies of heaven of different magnitudes and glory—so there are saints of different stations in the church of God. Some like stars of the first magnitude, point out the way to bliss; while others, like stars of a second, third, and fourth magnitude, sparkle with an upright walk, and heavenly conversation, and condemn a wicked world. All these glorify God, as it were, in an active manner.
Key Verse: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV
The cross of Jesus Christ is a demonstration of the infinite wisdom of God. Every philosophy of life is proven by what it ultimately produces in a person’s life. God’s wisdom produces perfect righteousness. God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21).
Key Verse: "If his offering be a burnt
sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall
offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the
congregation before the Lord."
- Leviticus 1:3 KJV
The Book of Leviticus, while primarily focused on the laws and rituals of the Israelites, does contain many foreshadows of Jesus Christ and His ultimate sacrifice. This devotional explores how the burnt offering described in Leviticus chapter 1 points to the perfect and eternal sacrifice of Jesus.
Key Verse: "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
- John 3:3 KJV
Regeneration is a work standing alone and distinct from
all the other operations of the Divine Spirit. It is to be carefully
distinguished from conversion, adoption, justification, and sanctification;
and yet must be regarded as forming the basis and the spring-head of them
all. For instance, there can be no conversion without a principle of life in
the soul; for conversion is the exercise of a spiritual power implanted in
man.
Key Verse: "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."
- 1 John 4:14 KJV
It is a sweet thought that Jesus Christ did not come
forth without His Father's permission, authority, consent, and assistance.
He was sent by the Father—that He might be the Savior of men. We are too apt
to forget that, while there are distinctions as to the persons in the
Trinity, there are no distinctions of honor. We too frequently ascribe the
honor of our salvation, or at least the depths of its benevolence, more to
Jesus Christ—than we do the Father. This is a very great mistake. What if
Jesus came? Did not His Father send Him? If He spoke wondrously, did
not His Father pour grace into His lips, that He might be an able minister
of the new covenant?
Key Verse: "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord
thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee,
and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou
wouldest keep his commandments, or no."
- Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV
When you look back upon the way the Lord has led you
these many years in the wilderness, can you not see how circumstance after
circumstance, and event after event arose, to prove what was in you; whether
godly fear, whether simplicity and sincerity, whether a desire to fear God,
whether a dread to offend him, whether the life and power of vital
godliness, or whether little else than an empty profession without the
life-giving power of God in the soul?
Key Verse: "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
- Matthew 5:39 KJV
These directions have excited a great deal of surprise.
It seems to proud man impossible that God should expect him to bear injuries
without complaint, or desire of revenge. Let us inquire in what manner these
directions are to be understood. The words, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for
a tooth," are the words of God, and Jesus did not contradict his
Father's words, which were his own also, but he explained them. The
Pharisees had misunderstood them, and represented them falsely to the
people. Those words, "eye for eye," were a direction given to the civil
authorities. See Ex. 21. It was to be their rule of punishment. If a man put
out another man's eye, the civil authority might not take away his life
on that account, but might assign a punishment equal to the injury he
had inflicted. But this command was never intended to encourage revenge. The
judge executes justice for the public good, and men may bring others
to justice on the same account; but they may not practice private
revenge from feelings of hatred and anger.
Key Verse: "But Jesus answered and
said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I
shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized
with? They say unto him, We are able."
- Matthew 20:22 KJV
It was an ignorant prayer which the two brothers had offered. They did not know what they were asking for. We know that one dark day two malefactors had the places on the Lord's right and left hand. We all ask many a time for things which we would not dare to seek—if we knew what they would cost.
Key Verse: "(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things."
- Matthew 6:32 KJV
Though spoken originally by Jesus regarding temporal things, this may be taken as a motto for the child of God amid all the changing vicissitudes of his changing history. How it should lull all misgivings; silence all murmurings; lead to lowly, unquestioning submissiveness, "My Heavenly Father knows that I have need of all these things!"
Key Verse: "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law."
- Galatians 5:18 KJV
In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul outlines the fruit of the Spirit, which are the attributes that should manifest themselves in the lives of believers. The passage states, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22 KJV). These attributes are not mere personality traits but are the natural outcome of a life surrendered to the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit.
Key Verse: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;"
- 2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV
I complain without a cause, seeing it is good for me to
be afflicted. Whatever be food to the soul, surely affliction is a good
medicine. There is a necessity for affliction, to preserve the health of the
soul. Can a much esteemed flower think that it is unkindly dealt with,
because the weeds that twisted with its roots are plucked away with force,
such force that the flower seems to be pulled along? Just so am I displeased
at severe afflictions, sent to root out some rampant lusts, or deep rooted
earthly affections, when afflictions less severe would prove ineffectual for
such a noble end. Corruption is never totally removed—it is only subdued in
part. The more I am afflicted—the more it is subdued.
Key Verse: "For then must he often
have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end
of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of
himself."
- Hebrews 9:26 KJV
The Old Testament is full of sacrifices in which an innocent animal was killed. These were substitutionary sacrifices meaning that the death of the animal was in the place of someone else. Why was there such an emphasis in the Jewish writings? The holiness of God reveals that everyone who has ever lived has sinned. We have all failed to live up to God’s expectation of us. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We have failed the test of God for a righteous person.
Key Verse: "I
am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
- John 15:5 KJV
Oh, that the Church of Christ, and each individual
member, would but realize this truth; that simpler, closer, more
experimental views of Jesus would essentially strengthen the tone of inward
spirituality and comfort! The great secret of all comfort in seasons of
affliction is to take the affliction, as it comes, simply to Christ; and the
great secret of all holiness is to take the corruption, as it rises, simply
to Christ.
Key Verse: "That the slayer that
killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they
shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood."
- Joshua 20:3 KJV
It is said that in the land of Canaan, cities of refuge
were so arranged, that any man might reach one of them, within half a day at
the utmost. Just so, the Word of our salvation is near to us; Jesus is a
present Savior—and the way to Him is short. It is but a simple
renunciation of our own merit—and a laying hold of Jesus, to be our all in
all.
Key Verse: "And you, being dead in
your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened
together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;"
- Colossians 2:13 KJV
Christ's resurrection was the sure pledge and meritorious
cause of the Church's regeneration. The whole body of the elect was
"quickened together with Christ," as well as raised up together with him;
that is, mystically quickened, as they were mystically raised, quickened in
a mystical regeneration of soul, as well as raised up in a mystical
regeneration of body. How wonderful is this, that every soul quickened into
divine life in time is so because mystically quickened as a member of Christ
when he was raised from the dead.
Key Verse: "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."
- Matthew 5:37 KJV
The Lord Jesus observes the expressions we use in our common conversation; he notices every reproachful word we utter to each other; he notices also every irreverent word we speak of God. He heard with displeasure the Jews of old calling their brethren raca and fool, and swearing by heaven, by the earth, by Jerusalem, and by their own heads. Let us never forget that he still listens to our words, and is displeased with every profane expression, such as, "God bless us," "The Lord knows," "Upon my soul." Ungodly people are so much in the habit of uttering these exclamations, that they scarcely know when they use them. But they could not have acquired the habit, if they had felt reverence for the majesty of the Almighty God. But when men became sinners, they began to despise Him. If they were to hear his dreadful voice, they would be filled, as Adam was, with fear; but when they do not see him, they feel no dread, and care not how they insult his name. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you use His name in vain."
Key Verse: "But the fearful, and
unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and
sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the
lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
- Revelation 21:8 KJV
The Bible is very explicit in describing who will spend eternity in hell. Our Key Verse above lists several categories of people who will be consigned to hell. These include the fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars. Each of these categories represents individuals who have not embraced faith in Christ and have lived in rebellion against God's commands.
Key Verse: "So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran."
- Genesis 12:4 KJV
That was faith. Obedience proved it. Abram did not know where he was going; he had simply the call of God and a promise. But he asked no questions. He did not insist on knowing how his journey would come out, how profitable it would be, just what he would get in exchange for the land he was leaving and the sacrifice he was making. Quietly, without question or hesitation, he arose, cut the ties that bound him to his old home, and departed.
Key Verse: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
- Matthew 11:28 KJV
Gracious "word" of a gracious Savior, on which the soul may confidingly repose, and be at peace forever! It is a present rest — the rest of grace as well as the rest of glory. Not only are there signals of peace hung out from the walls of Heaven — the lights of Home glimmering in the distance to cheer our footsteps; but we have the "shadow" of this "great Rock!" in a present "weary land." Before the Throne above is there "the sea of glass," without one rippling wave; but there is a haven even on earth for the tempest-tossed, "We who have believed DO enter into rest."
Key Verse: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
- Hebrews 9:27 KJV
God and I must meet; there is a day appointed for it; and
surely the thoughts thereof would be like death, and worse, were I not
assured that mercy goes before him. Why, then, should I be afraid to meet
with God, since mercy goes before his face? Mercy means no ill—will do no
harm—displays the flag of peace—proclaims the manifesto, that "mercy shall
be built up forever." But how shall I know that mercy goes before his face!
Because truth goes hand in hand with mercy; and the veracity of truth
forbids me to doubt the certainty of mercy.
Key Verse: "In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness."
- Jeremiah 33:16 KJV
Christ Our Righteousness. One of the great majestic names of the LORD God is “The LORD Our Righteousness” (Jer. 33:16). Jesus Christ is our righteousness (1Corinthians 1:30). We do not and cannot attain a right relationship with God in our own righteousness because our self-righteousness is as filthy rags. We are guilty sinners in the need of a perfect righteousness (Rom. 3:23; Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:20-23).
Key Verse: "Who his own self bare our
sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should
live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
- 1 Peter 2:24 KJV
Blessed announcement! Not the less hateful, nor hated, is the sin because it is forgiven and entirely blotted out. Oh no! Let the Lord touch your heart, Christian reader, with a sense of His pardoning love, with the assurance of His forgiveness, and you will go and hate, and mortify, and forsake it, more resolutely and effectually than ever. And must the Son of God become the Son of man, that those who are by nature children of wrath, might become the sons of God!
Key Verse: "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh."
- Romans 8:12 KJV
As God's creatures, we are all debtors to Him—to
obey Him with all our body, and soul, and strength. Having broken His
commandments, as we all have, we are debtors to His justice, and we
owe to Him a vast amount which we are not able to pay. But of the Christian
it can be said—that he does not owe God's justice anything, for Christ has
paid the debt His people owed; for this reason the believer owes the more,
to love. I am a debtor to God's grace and forgiving mercy; but I am
no debtor to His justice, for He will never accuse me of a debt already
paid! Christ said, "It is finished!" and by that He meant, that whatever
sin-debt His people owed—was wiped away forever from the book of
remembrance. Christ, to the uttermost, has satisfied divine justice; the
account is settled; the handwriting is nailed to the cross; the receipt is
given, and we are debtors to God's justice no longer.
Key Verse: "The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment."
- Luke 12:23 KJV
In a world that often promotes the idea that human life is nothing more than a random accident, it can be easy to feel insignificant and without purpose. However, the Bible paints a very different picture of our existence, revealing that we are not a meaningless accident but a beloved creation of a purposeful and loving God.
Key Verse: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
- 1 John 2:15 KJV
This is a very wide sentence. It stretches forth a hand
of vast grasp. It places us, as it were, upon a high mountain, such as the
Lord stood upon when tempted of Satan, and it says to us, "Look around
you--now there is not one of these things which you must love." It takes us,
again, to the streets of a crowded city; it shows us shop windows filled
with objects of beauty and ornament; it points us to all the wealth and
grandeur of the rich and noble, and everything that the human heart admires
and loves. And having thus set before us, as Satan did before our Lord upon
the high mountain, the kingdoms of the world, it says, not as he did, "All
this will I give you," but, "All this I take from you. None of these things
are for you. You must not love one of these glittering baubles; you must not
touch one of them, or scarcely look at them, lest, as with Achan, the golden
wedge and the Babylonish garment should tempt you to take them and hide them
in your tent."
Key Verse: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
- Matthew 5:17 KJV
It is a very common idea, that Christ came to set aside the law; but it is a mistaken one. He said himself, "I came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill." He knew that man had broken it; and he came to fulfill it in his stead, and to bear the punishment due to man for breaking it. But he came to do still more; he came to take out of man's heart, his hatred of God's law. Forever since the fall, men have hated that law. As it is written, "The carnal mind is enmity against God—for it is not subject to the law of God—neither indeed can be." (Rom. 8:7.) The Pharisees professed to keep the law—but in their hearts they hated it.
Key Verse: "And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
- John 10:4 KJV
It is true of sheep in the East, that while they quickly respond to their names when their own shepherd calls them, because they know his voice—yet if a stranger comes to the door of the fold and calls them by the same names, they will be alarmed and will turn and run. It ought to be so with Christ's sheep. They should be quick to hear and know their own Shepherd's voice whenever he calls. They should never be afraid when they recognize his call, though it be in the darkness of sorrow or of trial. But they should also be quick to detect any voice that is not their own Shepherd's.
Key Verse: "And he that sat upon the
throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write:
for these words are true and faithful."
- Revelation 21:5 KJV
Glorious consummation! All the other glories of Heaven are but dim emanations from this all excelling glory. Here is the focus and center to which every ray of light converges. God is "all in all."
Key Verse: "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
- 2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV
Why so much complaint of death? It is true, death is the fruit of sin, for by sin, death came into the world. But it is also true, that death is the finisher of sin to the godly—for by death sin shall be cast out forever. Sin, conveyed to us in our conception, is so interwoven with the human frame, that the tie must be dissolved between the soul and body, before a full and final separation can take place between the soul and sin. Who then, would fear the furnace, which is only to consume the dross, that the gold may come forth without alloy? What candidate for heaven would be averse to lay down mortality—in order to take up immortality; to put off this corruptible body—in order to put on incorruption? to have his body sown in dishonor—in order to be raised in honor and glory; and to have the soul dislodged from his body—that sin might be dislodged from his soul?
Key Verse: "He that believeth on him
is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already,
because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of
God."
- John 3:18 KJV
The Bible is very clear in its declaration that individuals who are not “in Christ” are lost and under condemnation. If you are not “in Christ Jesus” you have not escaped the condemnation and the wrath of God.
Key Verse: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
- 1 Peter 5:8 KJV
Paul Harvey Aurandt (September 4, 1918 – February 28, 2009), better known as Paul Harvey, was a conservative American radio broadcaster for the ABC Radio Networks. He broadcast News and Comments on weekday mornings and mid-days, and at noon on Saturdays, as well as his famous The Rest of the Story segments.
Key Verse: "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
- Hebrews 4:9 KJV
Not yet come to the heavenly rest, we still are approaching it, and, oh ecstatic thought! we shall reach it at last. Everything in our present course reminds us that we are nearing home, as the seaweed washed from the rocks, and as the land-birds venturing from their bowers and floating by the vessel, are indices to the voyager that he is nearing his port.
Key Verse: "And Jokim, and the men of
Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and
Jashubilehem. And these are ancient things."
- 1 Chronicles 4:22 KJV
Yet not so ancient as those precious things which are the delight of our souls. Let us for a moment recount them, counting them over as misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which He elected us unto eternal life, before ever the earth was, is a matter of vast antiquity, since no date can be conceived for it by the mind of man. We were chosen from before the foundations of the world. Everlasting love went with the choice, for it was not a bare act of divine will by which we were set apart—but the divine affections were concerned. The Father loved us—in and from the beginning. Here is a theme for daily contemplation! The eternal purpose to redeem us from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and at last to glorify us—was of infinite antiquity, and runs side by side with immutable love and absolute sovereignty.
Key Verse: "For thou hast delivered my
soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may
walk before God in the light of the living?"
- Psalm 56:13 KJV
You may have been delivered from death, as much as David was, but not so fully in the assurance of the deliverance. God may have quickened your soul into life divine; he may have communicated his grace to your heart, and yet you have many doubts and fears whether it be a real work of grace upon your soul. It is not every child of God who has been delivered from death by regenerating grace, who can use the words with the confidence expressed here--"You have delivered my soul from death."
Key Verse: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
- Matthew 5:11 KJV
The sermon which the Lord Jesus preached on the Mount astonished those that heard it. Who would have thought that the persecuted could rejoice? Yet Jesus said, "Blessed are you when men shall revile you." There are a great many different kinds of persecution; but only one of them is mentioned in this place. It is a kind that some might not think very difficult to bear—the persecution of the tongue. "Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake." But those who have endured this kind of persecution, know that it is very painful to the natural feelings. Yet all who follow Jesus must suffer it; for "...if they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?" (Matthew 10:25.)
Key Verse: "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;"
- Romans 1:11 KJV
We ought always to desire to be a blessing to those we love. God sends many of his best spiritual gifts, through human hearts and hands. There could be no fitter morning prayer, as we go out for the day, than that we may be permitted to carry some help, comfort, instruction, inspiration, courage, or cheer—to every life that our life touches. There are always those who need such help. No aim in life is nobler—than to be a help to others in all gentle, quiet ways.
Key Verse: "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."
- 1 Peter 5:4 KJV
What! is the beggar to be "raised from the ash-heap, set among Princes, and made to inherit a throne of glory?" Is dust and ashes, a puny rebel, a guilty traitor — to be pitied, pardoned, loved, exalted from the depths of despair, raised to the heights of Heaven — gifted with kingly honor — royally fed — royally clothed — royally attended — and, at last, royally crowned? O my soul, look forward with joyous emotion to that day of wonders, when He whose head shall be crowned with many crowns, shall be the dispenser of royal diadems to His people; and when they shall begin the joyful ascription of all eternity, "Unto Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us Kings — to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Key Verse: "That if thou shalt confess
with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that
God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
- Romans 10:9 KJV
Believe is the one word in the Bible that is transformative in that it bridges the gap between human limitations and divine power, leading to salvation, healing, and repairing a damaged relationship with God. As believers, we are called to embrace this transformative word, allowing it to shape our lives and bring about the miraculous works of God.
Key Verse: "That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart."
- Romans 9:2 KJV
Sorrow is the continual attendant on human life. Every day, to some poor sufferer, is darkened with distress, and yet the spectators are frequently no more concerned, than if the patient were only to set out from the city to his country home. Were a king coming to sit in judgment on a beloved friend of ours, and to examine strictly his actions—with life and death hanging in the balance—could we shake ourselves free from a thousand agitating thoughts? dislodge our bosoms of anxious fears, and many a fervent wish? Now, when a person is pining on a sick-bed, or expiring on a death-bed, the King of kings seems to mount his judgment-throne, and order the spectators into his solemn presence, where the examination will be strict, and the trial issue in eternal life, or eternal death.
Key Verse: "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"
- 1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV
In the wisdom of God, the plan of salvation was fully accomplished by the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Such wisdom is hidden from the wise and learned of the world, but it revealed to the humble believer of Christ.
Key Verse: "How
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who
went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;
for God was with him."
- Acts 10:38 KJV
Earnestly would I endeavor to impress upon the reader what Henry Martyn beautifully terms "the pleasure of doing good." Next to direct communion with God, the loftiest and purest source of enjoyment opened to us on earth is found in the expression of human sympathy, in the exercise of Christian benevolence. No selfish pleasure ever brought to the heart the peace, the joy, the happiness which one solitary act of kindness to another did.
Key Verse: "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 9:22"
- Hebrews 9:22 KJV
This is the voice of unalterable truth. In none of the Jewish ceremonies, were sins, even typically, removed without blood-shedding. In no case, by no means—can sin be pardoned without atonement. It is clear, then, that there is no hope for me, outside of Christ; for there is no other blood-shedding which is worth a thought—as an atonement for sin. Am I, then, believing in Him? Is the blood of His atonement truly applied to my soul? All men are on a level—as to their need of Him. If we are ever so moral, generous, amiable, or patriotic—the rule will not be altered to make an exception for us. Sin will yield to nothing less potent—than the blood of Him whom God has set forth as an atoning sacrifice.
Key Verse: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
- Revelation 2:29 KJV
These words extend the message beyond the church to which
they were spoken, and address themselves to every one to whom the word
comes, and to whom an ear is given to hear and receive it. Thus each message
sent to the churches becomes a message sent personally to us.
Key Verse: "And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:"
- Matthew 5:1 KJV
The blessed Savior had been just engaged in healing the bodies of men, when he ascended the mountain to preach words that might save their souls. He opened his mouth to speak with a loud voice to the vast multitude. What heavenly words proceeded from those gracious lips! He began with pronouncing blessings; for he came to bless and to save. These eight blessings are called the beatitudes. They are very instructive, because they teach us whom Christ counts happy or blessed.
Key Verse: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
- Isaiah 1:18 KJV
God can sometimes be scary for many people, or abstract for others. What would happen if you received a personal invitation to sit down with God and ask Him anything you wanted to? Or reason through your doubts and pose any challenge; would you be willing to do so?
Key Verse: "A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory."
- Matthew 12:20 KJV
It is a high honor that is conferred upon us—when God
sends to us human hearts to be comforted, or human souls to be helped. Yet
every thoughtful person must tremble as he accepts the responsibility of
such delicate and holy work. It is a serious moment when there
is brought to a surgeon a case, on the skillful treatment of which, a life
depends; or when a physician stands by a bedside to administer remedies at
critical illness.
Key Verse: "And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."
- Revelation 21:25 KJV
My soul! is it night with you here? Are you wearied with these midnight tossings on life's tumultuous sea? Be still! The day is breaking! Soon shall your Lord appear! "His going forth is prepared as the morning." That glorious appearing shall disperse every cloud, and usher in an eternal noontide which knows no twilight. "The sun will never set; the moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end!" Everlasting light! Wondrous secret of a nightless world! — the glories of a present God! — the everlasting light of the Three in One, quenching the radiance of all created orbs — superseding all material luminaries!
Key Verse: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
- Philippians 4:13 KJV
It is the greatest display of spiritual folly to put any confidence in a holy frame of mind. A frame is a certain heavenly disposition of the soul. Now, to rest on anything in ourselves is, to destroy ourselves; for the noblest attainment is to go wholly outside of ourselves and rest only on Christ. If I do otherwise, I provoke him to remove, by placing the effect of his presence in the place of himself, and then my mountain, which I thought stood so firm, is immediately removed; God hides his face, and I am troubled.
Key Verse: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
- Mark 10:45 KJV
The most significant word that describes the death of Christ for sinful man is redemption. It means, “buying again,” or “buying back.” In the Bible it is used especially of purchasing a slave with a view of setting him free. It signifies a release procured by the payment of a ransom price.
Bible Reading: John 14:13 KJV Key Verse: " And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified ...
