Key Verse: "And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother."
- Luke 7:15 KJV
There are only three instances recorded of the Lord Jesus raising the dead, and in each instance was a case of aggravated sorrow. The dead boy of Nain was the only son of a widow; he was the earthly all of his mother, the object of her fondest affections, and perhaps the support of her declining years.
Key Verse: "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake."
- 2 Corinthians
4:5 KJV
It is said of a great artist, that when painting his immortal pictures on the ceiling of St. Peter's Cathedral, he carried a little lamp fastened to his cap on his forehead, so that no shadow of himself should fall on his work. It would be well if we should learn always so to carry the light by which we work, that SELF shall never in any way come between our lamp and our work. We should so relate our own personality to our serving—that it shall never cast a shadow on the things we are doing for Christ.
Key Verse: "As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe."
- Mark 5:36 KJV
"Only believe", the briefest of the "words of Jesus," but one of the most comforting. They contain the essence and epitome of all saving truth. Reader, is Satan assailing you with tormenting fears? Is the thought of your sins —the guilty past — coming up in terrible memorial before you, almost tempting you to give way to hopeless despondency? Fear not! A gentle voice whispers in your ear, "Only believe. Your sins are great — but My grace and merits are greater! 'Only believe' that I died for you — that I am living for you and pleading for you, and that 'the faithful saying' is as 'faithful' as ever, and as 'worthy of all acceptance' as ever."
Key Verse: "Be careful for nothing;
but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known unto God."
- Philippians 4:6 KJV
O incomparable privilege! to be allowed to pour our petitions into the ear of God, cast our cares upon him, plead the performance of the promise, and cast the burden of our sorrows and necessities over on his sympathy and all-sufficiency! The prayer of faith has won more numerous and more noble victories than all the mighty conquerors since war was taught among the nations. Prayer is the furbishing of all the other pieces of the spiritual armor, and as it were the master of all the graces. Prayer is the key of heaven; Elijah prayed, and it was locked; again he prayed, and it was opened. Prayer is the terror of hell, which will put up with anything but prayer. Prayer is the ambassador of the renewed soul—the trumpet of faith—the support of the weak—the employment of the expectant of glory—and the daily exercise of the Christian.
Key Verse: "Wherefore, holy brethren,
partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest
of our profession, Christ Jesus;"
- Hebrews 3:1 KJV
The keynote to the Epistle to the Hebrews is “consider Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the Messiah.” It admonishes us to set our heart on Him. The word “consider” (katanoeo) literally means, “to direct one’s whole mind to an object,” to immerse oneself in it and hence to apprehend it in its whole compass” (TDNT).
Key Verse: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
- Galatians 6:7 KJV
In a world overflowing with opinions, voices, and influences, deception can easily find a way into our hearts and minds. That’s why Scripture gives us a clear and urgent command: “Be not deceived.” This isn’t merely advice—it is a divine warning. God, in His infinite wisdom, knows how subtle the enemy’s tactics are, and He calls us to walk in discernment and truth.
Key Verse: "And if children, then
heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we
suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."
- Romans 8:17 KJV
Not as He suffered. Oh, no! there is no curse, no wrath, no hell in the cup of sorrow which we drink. All these ingredients composed His bitter draught. Yet He suffers with us, and permits our afflictions to be called the "afflictions of Christ."
Key Verse: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"
- John 14:16 KJV
The Great Father revealed Himself to believers of old before the coming of His Son, and was known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty. Then Jesus came, and the ever-blessed Son in His own proper person, was the delight of His people's eyes. At the time of the Redeemer's ascension, the Holy Spirit became the head of the present dispensation, and His power was gloriously manifested in and after Pentecost. He remains at this hour, the present Immanuel—God with us, dwelling in and with His people, quickening, guiding, and ruling in their midst.
Key Verse: "That at that time ye were
without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and
strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God
in the world:"
- Ephesians 2:12 KJV
The Apostle here tells the Ephesians that in their natural state, before divinely quickened and made alive unto God, they were "without Christ," that is, without manifest union and communion with him. Though in the purposes of God, and by their eternal election in Christ, they were members of his mystical body, they had not been baptized into Christ by the Spirit so as to be made living members of his spiritual body, the Church (1 Cor. 12:13), and therefore had not "put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27).
Key Verse: "When Jesus heard it, he
marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have
not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."
- Matthew 8:10 KJV
How interesting every character must be whom the Savior approved! He, who will be the Judge of each of us, has shown us beforehand what sort of people he approves. This centurion was highly commended by the heart-searching Redeemer. Yet we should not have expected to find pity in a centurion. For, in the first place, he was a soldier, and a warlike life is a great hindrance to the soul. In the second place, he was a man of rank—and rank, we know, is a temptation to be proud. He was placed over a hundred soldiers, who were themselves men of some consideration; so that this centurion was perhaps equal in importance to a general in our armies. Thirdly, he was a Gentile, and therefore a heathen by birth. He had been sent by the Romans, who had conquered the Jews, to reside in Canaan. There he must have heard the Old Testament, and become acquainted with the true God, and believed the promise of a Savior. The report of our Lord's miracles had reached him, and had convinced him that Jesus was the Son of God. Thus, though a soldier, a man of rank, and a Gentile, he was a true believer.
Key Verse: "Beloved, now are we the
sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know
that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him
as he is."
- 1 John 3:2 KJV
Think of the possibilities of man, in the light of the revealings of Christianity. You know what the Christ says of the future of everyone who believes in him—but have you ever thought deeply about it?
Key Verse: "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love."
- John 15:9 KJV
This is the most amazing verse in the Bible! Who can fathom the unimagined depths of that love which dwelt in the bosom of the Father from all eternity towards His Son? — and yet, here is the Savior's own measure of His love towards His people!
Key Verse: "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."
- 1 John 2:6 KJV
Throughout Scripture, God highlights the lives of men who stood firm in their faith amidst adversity, temptation, and even death. These godly men serve as examples for us today. Their courage, purity, and dedication were not based on their strength, but on their unwavering trust in the Lord. Let’s reflect on five such men and what we can learn from their lives:
Key Verse: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
- Psalm 34:19 KJV
Christians, when shut up in the depths of afflictions, "when set in dark places as the dead, when hedged about that they cannot get out," have their eyes on God alone, who can bring them out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay. Then their thoughts ascend to heaven, and heaven shines down into their souls; while the world, in all its glittering vanities that strike the carnal eye, is cut off on every side. A communication is opened between God and the soul: "To this man will I look, even to him who is poor, and of a contrite spirit," a spirit broken with affliction; yes, with such he will dwell, to revive the hearts of the contrite ones.
Key Verse: "And, behold, thou shalt
be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be
performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be
fulfilled in their season."
- Luke 1:20 KJV
The gospel writer Luke described Zacharias and Elizabeth as an elderly couple, “both advanced in years,” and without children. “Elizabeth was barren.” Zechariah was a priest who married a woman of priestly descent. “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6 KJV).
Key Verse: "For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the Lord your God giveth you."
- Deuteronomy 12:9 KJV
It is a richly instructive and deeply sanctifying thought- the futurity of the heavenly rest. When told that we are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance which the Lord our God gives us, we are gently reminded that we have each one a niche in life to occupy, a sphere to fill, a mission to perform.
Key Verse: "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ."
- 2 Corinthians 1:5 KJV
Here is a blessed proportion. The Ruler of Providence bears a pair of scales—in this side He puts His people's trials, and in that He puts their consolations. When the scale of trial is nearly empty—you will always find the scale of consolation in nearly the same condition. And when the scale of trials is full—you will find the scale of consolation just as heavy. When the black clouds gather most—the light is the more brightly revealed to us. When the night lowers and the tempest is coming on—the Heavenly Captain is always closest to His crew.
Key Verse: "And be not conformed to
this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye
may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
- Romans 12:2 KJV
How shall we find the will of God acceptable? Only as we are renewed in the spirit of our mind, and are transformed and conformed to the suffering image of the sorrowing Son of God. How fearful, then, how dangerous, and yet how ensnaring is that worldly conformity which sets us in deadly opposition to that good and perfect will of God which was, and is "acceptable" to his dear Son, to all the holy angels round the throne, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to his spiritually-minded people on earth, and hateful to none but devils and carnal, ungodly men.
Key Verse: "Therefore whosoever
heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a
wise man, which built his house upon a rock:"
- Matthew 7:24 KJV
Christ ended his sermon on the mount by warnings against the danger of an empty profession of religion. He first gave the warning in plain language, saying, "Not everyone who says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven." Then he related a parable on the subject. It is the first of his parables recorded. It resembles his last parable in this point—both of them convey a dreadful warning to false professors of religion. In the parable of the talents an unprofitable servant is described, who is cast into outer darkness. (Matthew 25:30.) And in this parable a foolish builder is spoken of, who, we have reason to believe, was crushed beneath the ruins of his own house. Why did Jesus thus begin and end his series of parables with warnings against the same sin? Was it not that he knew the great danger in which we stand, of being satisfied with a mere form of godliness?
Key Verse: "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
- 2 Corinthians 7:10 KJV
Every believer encounters moments of failure when we fall short of God's will and feel the weight of sin. In those moments, we are faced with two paths: remorse or repentance. Though they may seem similar, scripture draws a vital distinction between them.
Key Verse: "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."
- John 17:15 KJV
Christ does not wish that we shall be kept from suffering—but that in our suffering, we shall not sin. He does not wish that we may never have sickness—but that in our sickness, we may not fail of patience, sweetness, and trust. He does not wish that we may have no trials or struggles—but that in our trials and struggles, we may not be overcome and our lives hurt or marred.
Key Verse: "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
- Matthew 11:30 KJV
Can the same be said of Satan — or sin? With regard to them — how faithfully true rather is the reverse, "My yoke is heavy, and my burden is grievous!" Christ's service is a happy service, the only happy one; and even when there is a cross to carry, or a yoke to bear — it is His own appointment. "My yoke." It is sent by no untried friend. No, He who puts it on His people, bore this very yoke Himself. "He carried our sorrows." How blessed this feeling of holy servitude to so kind a Master! not like "dumb, driven cattle," goaded on — but led, and led often most tenderly when the yoke and the burden are upon us. The great apostle rarely speaks of himself under any other title but one. That one he seems to make his boast. He had much whereof he might glory — he had been the instrument in saving thousands — he had spoken before kings — he had been in Caesar's palace and Caesar's presence — he had been caught up into the third heaven — but in all his letters this is his joyful prefix and superscription, "The servant (literally, the slave) of Jesus Christ!"
Key Verse: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
- Psalm 34:19 KJV
The world complains of affliction as the worst thing that can befall a man—but for my part I never shall. Were it as bad as we apprehend, how is it that from Adam to this very day, the saints have had so large a share of it? Now, among the many precious fruits of affliction, I shall only name one, and that is—earnestness and importunity with God in prayer. A gracious soul may walk with God in close communion, as Enoch, captivated with the glory of his countenance, and lifted above the world by the outlettings of his love. But as this is not the ordinary attainment of the saints in general—it is their mercy to be driven near the throne, and made earnest in their prayers. A godly man may walk in the course of pious duties—but affliction gives a sharper edge to his devotions, importunity to his petitions, and makes him draw nearer to the throne, stay longer, and cry louder.
Key Verse: "And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season."
- Luke 1:20 KJV
The gospel writer Luke described Zacharias and Elizabeth as an elderly couple, both advanced in years, and without children. Elizabeth was barren. Zechariah was a priest who married a woman of priestly descent. “They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord” (Luke 1:6).
Key Verse: "For
ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich,
yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be
rich."
- 2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV
How little do we associate our most costly mercies, and even those which we are accustomed to esteem of a more ordinary character (although every mercy is infinitely great), with the abasement of our Lord! How seldom do we trace our happy moments, and hallowed joys, and high delights, and sacred scenes, and precious privileges, to this dark part of His eventful history! And yet all flow to us through this very channel, and, but for this, would never have been ours. When the ocean of His goodness rolls in upon me, wave on wave- when I feel the cheering warmth of creature smiles beaming sweetly and fondly- when I review, one by one, my personal, domestic, and relative mercies- when even the cup of cold water, presented by the hand of Christian kindness, moistens my lips, what is the thought that forces itself upon my mind? "All this springs from the deepest humiliation of my adorable Christ!"
Key Verse: "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."
- Revelation 2:4 KJV
Ever to be remembered, is that best and brightest of hours, when first we saw the Lord, lost our burden, received the scroll of promise, rejoiced in full salvation, and went on our way in peace. It was springtime in the soul; the winter was past; the mutterings of Sinai's thunders were hushed; the flashings of its lightnings were no more perceived. God was beheld as reconciled; the law threatened no vengeance, justice demanded no punishment.
Key Verse: "And Moses made a serpent of
brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent
had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived."
- Numbers 21:9 KJV
The Book of Numbers, often seen as a record of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, is rich with both history and prophetic insight. Even within this book, hidden among the genealogies, censuses, and accounts of rebellion, the presence of Jesus is evident. From the cloud by day to the pillar of fire by night, God is leading His people, but the subtle glimpses of Christ predict the greater salvation that would come.
Let’s explore how Jesus is revealed in the Book of Numbers.
Key Verse: "But his bow abode in
strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the
mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of
Israel:)"
- Genesis 49:24 KJV
Our ancestors, you know, were celebrated bowmen.
Victories were won at Cressy and Agincourt by the English cavalry, who were
skilled in the use of the bow. Latimer says, in a sermon preached before the
king, that no man could be a good archer who did not learn from his boyhood;
and the custom he tells us was for the father to put his hands upon the
son's hands, to teach him how to shoot, and throw the whole strength of his
body into the bow. When the boy drew the bow, it was not the strength of his
own arm that drew the string, nor was it the keenness of his eye that
directed the arrow to the mark. The child appeared to draw the bow and to
direct the arrow; but the hand of the father was upon the hand of the child,
and the eye of the father was guiding the eye of the child; thus though the
child seemed to draw the bow, it was the strength of the father that really
pulled the string.
Key Verse: "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
- Matthew 7:23 KJV
In this passage, Jesus gave a solemn warning to his own disciples, to those who professed to believe in him, and to those who called him "Lord, Lord." At the beginning of this sermon, he had declared, that except their righteousness should exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, they could not be saved. He had shown that the righteousness of the Pharisees was a mere outward form of religion, and he had warned his own followers against being satisfied with a mere form also. He declared that many would be lost through this sad mistake. "Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name?" and I will profess unto them, "I never knew you." In these words Jesus revealed himself as the Judge of men—even as the Son of God.
Key Verse: "Moses my servant is dead;
now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people,
unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel."
- Joshua 1:1-2 KJV
Sorrow came to you yesterday—and emptied your home. Your first impulse now is to give up and sit down in despair amid the wrecks of your hopes. But you dare not do it. You are in the line of battle, and the crisis is at hand. To falter a moment, would be to imperil some holy interest. Other lives would be harmed by your pausing. Holy interests would suffer—should your hands be folded. You must not linger even to indulge your grief. Sorrows are but incidents in life, and must not interrupt us. We must leave them behind, while we press on to the things that are before.
Key Verse: "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."
- John 7:37 KJV
This is one of the most gracious "words" which ever "proceeded out of the mouth of God!" The time that it was uttered was an impressive one; it was on "the last, the great day" of the Feast of Tabernacles, when a denser multitude than on any of the seven preceding ones were assembled together. The golden bowl, according to custom, had probably just been filled with the waters of Siloam, and was being carried up to the Temple amid the acclamations of the crowd, when the Savior of the world seized the opportunity of speaking to them some truths of momentous import. Many, doubtless, were the "words of Jesus" uttered on the previous days — but the most important is reserved for the last. What, then, is the great closing theme on which He rivets the attention of this vast auditory, and which He would have them carry away to their distant homes? It is, The freeness of His own great Salvation, "If any man thirsts — let him come unto Me, and drink."
Key Verse: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"
- Galatians 5:22 KJV
Sometimes, indeed, I am amazed at the joy of sinners, while those who have the greatest cause of exultation are rather too sad. Yes, I wonder that, on due consideration, joy of soul bursts not my mortal frame. Though I should never think highly of myself, yet I should never think lowly or basely of the manifestations of the love and favor of God. What shall I, then, think of this quiet of mind, this peace of God which passes understanding—pouring into my soul, and giving me the life of a prince—while one would be ready to conclude that I lived like a prisoner? What of this dwelling under the smile of Heaven? this joy that I have in believing these transforming glances of glory, which give a sweet promise of the fruition to come, and make me long for the day of perfect communion with God? What of my daily allowance from the table of the King, yes, sometimes my being allowed to eat at the King's table of the hidden manna, and bread of life—and to behold his glory with the eye of faith.
Key Verse: "Knowing that a man is not
justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ,
even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the
faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of
the law shall no flesh be justified."
- Galatians 2:16 KJV
Upon close examination there is only one way to explain the dramatic changes and resultant attitudes and motivations of the Jewish rabbi, Saul of Tarsus. He was a conquered man. He was in his own words, “a servant of Christ Jesus . . . and set apart for the gospel of God.” The most powerful, transforming force in his life was an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Key Verse: "And when all things
shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject
unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."
- 1 Corinthians 15:28 KJV
In the Bible, there are numerous verses that describe who God is. One such passage is from John 4:24, which states, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." This verse emphasizes that God is a spirit, meaning, He is not confined to a physical form and exists beyond the material world.
Key Verse: "Looking unto Jesus the
author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before
him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right
hand of the throne of God."
- Hebrews 12:2 KJV
If Jesus is especially glorified in the faith of His people, let yours be a life of faith in all its minute detail. Live upon Him for spiritual supplies; live upon Him for temporal supplies. Go to Him in dark providences, that you may be kept from sinking: go to Him in bright providences, that you may be kept from falling. Go to Him when the path is rough, that you may walk in it contentedly: go to Him when the path is smooth, that you may walk in it surely. Let your daily history be a traveling to Jesus empty, and a coming from Jesus filled.
Key Verse: "Now when they saw the
boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and
ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they
had been with Jesus."
- Acts 4:13 KJV
A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. You have read 'lives of Christ', beautifully and eloquently written—but the best life of Christ is His living biography, written out in the words and actions of His people. If we were what we profess to be—and what we should be—we would be pictures of Christ! Yes, such striking likenesses of Him, that the world would not have say, "Well, it seems somewhat of a likeness;" but they would, when they once beheld us, exclaim, "He has been with Jesus! He has been taught of Him—he is like Him! He has caught the very idea of the holy Man of Nazareth, and he works it out in his life and every-day actions!"
Key Verse: "And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord
thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give
ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of
these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I
am the Lord that healeth thee."
- Exodus 15:26 KJV
How does God heal the diseases of his people? He heals them chiefly by subduing them; for in this life they are never thoroughly healed. The promise runs--"He will subdue our iniquities" (Micah 7:19). To subdue them is to restrain their power. Thus he sees one suffering under the power of unbelief. He gives him faith--this subdues his unbelief.
Key Verse: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
- Matthew 7:15 KJV
Our Savior had been showing his disciples the necessity
of walking in the narrow way to heaven. He knew that many false teachers
would arise, who would point out an easier way; and the Pharisees at that
very time encouraged people, by their instructions and example, to walk in
the broad road which leads to destruction.
Key Verse: "And die in the mount
whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy
brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:"
- Deuteronomy 32:50 KJV
To each of us the summons will sometime come: "Go away from your farm, your store, your desk, your books, your pleasure, into the silence of your own room—and die." We may not hear the voice, when we lay down our work at nightfall, nor be conscious that we are going away to die; but this will not alter the fact. We will come to our last hour—when the voice none can resist will call us from earth.
Key Verse: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
- John 10:27 KJV
The music of the Shepherd's voice again! Another comforting "word," and how tender! His flock, a little flock, a feeble flock, a fearful flock — but a beloved flock — loved of the Father, enjoying His "good pleasure," and soon to be a glorified flock — safe in the fold, secure within the kingdom! How does He quiet their fears and misgivings? As they stand panting on the bleak mountainside, He points His crook upwards to the bright and shining gates of glory, and says, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you these!" What gentle words! what a blessed consummation! Gracious Savior, Your gentleness has made me great!
Key Verse: "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
- Proverbs 31:10 KJV
Proverbs 31 provides a detailed description of a virtuous woman, emphasizing her value and the importance of her character. In the Bible, Godly women are celebrated for their qualities, and exemplify faith, obedience, and courage. Each woman's story offers profound lessons and inspiration to all women.
Key Verse: "For the word of God is
quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even
to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
- Hebrews 4:12 KJV
An entertaining history, or a striking description of some famous battle will challenge our attention, and cause us to light another candle. But a small portion of the scriptures suffices us; yes, some are more occupied with a well-written romance, than with all the interesting truths of the word of God. This is my lamentation.
Key Verse: “I
thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself
serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”
- Romans 7:25-8:1 KJV
It is very unfortunate that there is a chapter division separating Romans 7:25 and 8:1. C. H. Spurgeon observes correctly: “We once heard a friend say, ‘I have gone out of seventh of Romans into the eighth.’ Nonsense! There is no getting out of one into the other, for they are one. I thank God with all my heart that since my conversion I have never known what it is to be out of the seventh of Romans, nor out of the eighth of Romans either. The whole passage has been solid truth to my experience. I have struggled against inward sin, and rejoiced in complete justification at the same time” (Sermons Preached in 1886 by C. H. Spurgeon, vol. xvii, p. 274).
Key Verse: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
- Psalm 116:15 KJV
It is solemnly true that there is a "time to die." Ah!
affecting thought- a "time to die!" A time when this mortal conflict will be
over- when this heart will cease to feel, alike insensible to joy or sorrow-
when this head will ache and these eyes will weep no more- best and holiest
of all- a time "when this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this
mortal shall put on immortality," and we shall "see Christ as He is, and be
like Him."
Key Verse: "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee."
- Isaiah 44:22 KJV
Attentively observe the INSTRUCTIVE SIMILITUDE:
our sins are like a cloud. As clouds are of many shapes and
shades, so are our transgressions. As clouds obscure the light of the sun,
and darken the landscape beneath, so do our sins hide from us the light of
Jehovah's face, and cause us to sit in the shadow of death. They are
earth-born things, and rise from the miry places of our nature; and when so
collected that their measure is full, they threaten us with storm and
tempest. Alas! that, unlike clouds, our sins yield us no genial showers—but
rather threaten to deluge us with a fiery flood of destruction. O you black
clouds of sin, how can it be fair weather with our souls while you remain?
Key Verse: "I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living."
- Psalm 116:9 KJV
There is a distinction between walking before God
and walking with God. To walk before God is to walk with an
abiding sense of God's eye being upon us; to walk with a desire to do those
things which are pleasing in his sight; to walk in his ordinances blameless;
to walk before his people with our garments unspotted by the world; in a
word, to walk before him in private as in public, alone and in company,
before the Church and the world, by day and by night, as we should walk if
we had a personal view of his glorious majesty in heaven before our eyes.
Key Verse: "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
- Matthew 12-14 KJV
Who can hear our Savior's golden rule without
approving it! And who can hear it without condemning himself! "Do for others
what you would like them to do for you." He who has kept the same is a
perfect man, and has done all the law and prophets taught. We must confess
with sorrow that we have broken it a thousand times, and that we need pardon
through the Savior's blood for these manifold transgressions. But though we
have transgressed, yet if we desire to please God, we shall find this rule
an admirable guide. God knows our ignorance, and has graciously furnished
us with a rule that will apply to every circumstance in which we can be
placed. On every occasion we should imagine ourselves to be in the place
of our neighbor, and say, (for instance,) "If I were a parent, how would I
expect my child to behave towards me; if I were a child, my parent; if I
were a master, how would I require my servant to conduct himself; if I were
a servant, how would I wish my master to deal with me; if I were suffering
pain, what would I desire the healthy to do to alleviate my misery; if I
were sunk in poverty, what would I think the rich ought to do, when they
beheld my destitution?"
Key Verse: "And be not conformed to
this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye
may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
- Romans 12:2 KJV
The world we live in today celebrates what God calls sin. What was once shameful is now flaunted; what was once condemned is now praised. Society may legalize it, normalize it, and even call it “progress,” but God’s Word has not changed. Just because society accepts it, that does not make it right. Sin is still sin in God’s eyes.
Key Verse: "And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel:"
- Deuteronomy 32:45 KJV
So we all shall do some day. Moses knew it was the end
for him; we may not know when our end is at hand. Any word of ours, spoken
amid glee and merriment, may be our last!! If we always thought of
this—would it not make us more careful? Would we ever say an unkind word to
a friend, if we felt that we may never have an opportunity to unsay it or
repent of it? Would we ever utter an angry, untrue, or unclean word—if we
only remembered that it may be the last utterance our lips shall give
forth?
Bible Reading: Luke 7:11-18 KJV Key Verse: " And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. ...
