Extravagant Grace - Scandal of the Gospel. This idea forms a chapter in The Gospel-Shaped Life by Ian Hamilton. The gospel is so gracious in mercy; some may actually be scandalized by it. Do you find it hard to pray for some people, say certain politicians and activists who incite violence? I do. I confess to … [Read more...]
Man was Originally Made to Rejoice
Man was originally made to rejoice. He was not made to mourn. Charles Spurgeon was a man who suffered from ill health and quite often depression. Yet he wrote about joy and hope. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 Christ's Joy and … [Read more...]
The Incomparable Holiness of God
Not only do we worship a Boundless Infinite and a Merciful God, He is also Incomparably Holy. In his book The Blessed and Boundless God, George Swinnock wrote: God is universally holy in His name, nature, works, and law (Psalm 145:17; Hab 1:13; Luke 1:49; Rom 7:12). He is the original of all holiness in humans and … [Read more...]
What Should Our Vision Be?
What Should Our Vision Be? Better still, who should our vision be directed to? The question is always an important one, especially in troublesome times. Of course, the Christian's vision should always be on Christ. Christ is our Savior, Comforter and Rest. The problem is we live in a fast-moving sound bite world … [Read more...]
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Today is Resurrection Sunday - This is the day of The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ's resurrection is the sealing of His promise to all who place their faith in Him. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did … [Read more...]
Praise to the Redeemer – Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Praise to the Redeemer - Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, amen. This hymn by Robert Robinson (1778) appears in Spurgeon's Own Hymn Book. Don't let the archaic language put you off. Praise to the Redeemer MIGHTY God! While angels bless Thee,May an infant lisp Thy name?Lord of men as well as angels, Thou art … [Read more...]
Sometimes God Pays the Christian a Visit
Sometimes God Pays the Christian a Visit. Moses and Isaiah were Old Testament examples, but there are many more recent ones. Why does God do it? Well, the reasons vary and He is sovereign after all. Years ago, when I was experiencing bouts of sadness and depression over various concerns, I'd occasionally feel a … [Read more...]
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer to the Holy Spirit. This prayer by Richard Baxter is taken from the book, Piercing Heaven- Prayers of the Puritans. Paul wrote: Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which … [Read more...]
Facing Death With Faith
What if you discovered that you only had a short time to live? How would you react? Would you face the prospect of death with dread and horror? Would your faith in the Lord give you comfort? I'd like to think that I would follow my mother's example. She was hospitalized when her lungs began to fail. Her body had … [Read more...]
Praying from God’s Word
Praying from God's Word... In "Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans" there's a prayer titled "Show me the Way from your Word." Puritan prayers and hymns were driven by Scripture though they didn't generally note the texts. This was true of so many devotions by Charles Spurgeon. The more I read him the more I … [Read more...]
