COVID and the latest mandate its impact upon the christian and their relationship to the END TIMES. –
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THE RAPTURE: “A MESSAGE OF COMFORT” –
THE RAPTURE: “A MESSAGE OF COMFORT” –
1 Thess 4:14-18
1 Thess 4:14-18
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
By way of Introduction allow me to make some Statements:-
By way of Introduction allow me to make some Statements:-
1] We are living in a very unusual and very unique time.
1] We are living in a very unusual and very unique time.
2. We are seeing are at this time lot of ANGER and Annoyance by People.
2. We are seeing are at this time lot of ANGER and Annoyance by People.
3. This Anger and Annoyance is Mostly directed at Governments and Authorities Moving from Responsible Decision Making to invading and infringing and impeding the peoples personnel rights, And personnel Responsibilities and people ‘s personnel constitutional rights to choice.
3. This Anger and Annoyance is Mostly directed at Governments and Authorities Moving from Responsible Decision Making to invading and infringing and impeding the peoples personnel rights, And personnel Responsibilities and people ‘s personnel constitutional rights to choice.
To quote some people’s thinking, it was said to me in a matter of words
To quote some people’s thinking, it was said to me in a matter of words
“Surely a government with the educated people they have would not do anything that would be wrong or detrimental to the people they government”
“Surely a government with the educated people they have would not do anything that would be wrong or detrimental to the people they government”
My answer to that is easy and simple ;-
My answer to that is easy and simple ;-
“ the most dangerous thing to give anyone is an EDUCATION without GOD in it”
“ the most dangerous thing to give anyone is an EDUCATION without GOD in it”
All Governments Have one goal in mind that Governs their way and direction that is--
All Governments Have one goal in mind that Governs their way and direction that is--
ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT WITHOUT GOD IN IT.
ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT WITHOUT GOD IN IT.
All Christians who believe the bible know that this is coming.
All Christians who believe the bible know that this is coming.
Left wing and ungodly governments cannot and will not do anything good and beneficial to the Godly Cause for those they govern.
Left wing and ungodly governments cannot and will not do anything good and beneficial to the Godly Cause for those they govern.
To say a government would not do anything wrong to those they govern is either naive or blind or may i say may be stupid.
To say a government would not do anything wrong to those they govern is either naive or blind or may i say may be stupid.
History will testify to that.
History will testify to that.
4. As a fundamental bible believing baptist, the most disappointing thing is the shear lack of truth and knowledge concerning mainly the END time EVENTS.
4. As a fundamental bible believing baptist, the most disappointing thing is the shear lack of truth and knowledge concerning mainly the END time EVENTS.
5. the Christian must return to the Absolute confidence in the ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY of the WORD of GOD.
5. the Christian must return to the Absolute confidence in the ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY of the WORD of GOD.
6. The Bible is replete with the INDIVIDUAL CHOICE in LIFE.
6. The Bible is replete with the INDIVIDUAL CHOICE in LIFE.
Now let us Enter the sermon properly.
Now let us Enter the sermon properly.
We wish to look at COVID and the latest mandate its impact upon the christian and their relationship to the END TIMES.
We wish to look at COVID and the latest mandate its impact upon the christian and their relationship to the END TIMES.
SOME QUESTIONS THAT COME TO MIND.
SOME QUESTIONS THAT COME TO MIND.
I}. WHO ARE WE LOOKING TO: -
I}. WHO ARE WE LOOKING TO: -
HEB 12:1-3
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 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.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
a. Author
a. Author
b. Finisher
b. Finisher
II}. WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR .
II}. WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR .
Titus 2:13
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
a. Blessed HOPE
a. Blessed HOPE
b. Glorious Appearing
b. Glorious Appearing
III} WHERE ARE WE TO LOOK.
III} WHERE ARE WE TO LOOK.
James 1:25
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
a. Perfect Law
a. Perfect Law
B. Liberty
B. Liberty
“Looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).
“Looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).
2 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.
Only three words, but in those three words is the whole secret of life.
Only three words, but in those three words is the whole secret of life.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS in the Scriptures,
LOOKING UNTO JESUS in the Scriptures,
to learn there what He is, what He has done, what He gives, what He desires; to find in His character our pattern, in His teachings our instruction, in His precepts our law, in His promises our support, in His person and in His work a full satisfaction provided for every need of our souls.
to learn there what He is, what He has done, what He gives, what He desires; to find in His character our pattern, in His teachings our instruction, in His precepts our law, in His promises our support, in His person and in His work a full satisfaction provided for every need of our souls.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS Crucified,
LOOKING UNTO JESUS Crucified,
to find in His shed blood our ransom, our pardon, our peace.
to find in His shed blood our ransom, our pardon, our peace.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS Risen,
LOOKING UNTO JESUS Risen,
to find in Him the righteousness which alone makes us righteous, and permits us, all unworthy as we are, to draw near with boldness, in His Name, to Him who is His Father and our Father, His God and our God.
to find in Him the righteousness which alone makes us righteous, and permits us, all unworthy as we are, to draw near with boldness, in His Name, to Him who is His Father and our Father, His God and our God.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS Glorified,
LOOKING UNTO JESUS Glorified,
to find in Him our Heavenly Advocate completing by His intercession the work inspired by His lovingkindness for our salvation (I John 2:1);
to find in Him our Heavenly Advocate completing by His intercession the work inspired by His lovingkindness for our salvation (I John 2:1);
Who even now is appearing for us before the face of God (Hebrews 9: 24), the kingly Priest, the spotless Victim, continually representing us before the Heavenly Father.
Who even now is appearing for us before the face of God (Hebrews 9: 24), the kingly Priest, the spotless Victim, continually representing us before the Heavenly Father.
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
LOOKING UNTO JESUS revealed by the Holy Spirit,
LOOKING UNTO JESUS revealed by the Holy Spirit,
to find in constant communion with Him the cleansing of our sin-stained hearts, the illumination of our darkened spirits, the transformation of our rebel wills; enabled by Him to triumph over all attacks of the world and of the evil one, resisting their violence by Jesus our Strength, and overcoming their subtilty by Jesus our Wisdom; upheld by the sympathy of Jesus, Who was spared no temptation, and by the help of Jesus, Who yielded to none.
to find in constant communion with Him the cleansing of our sin-stained hearts, the illumination of our darkened spirits, the transformation of our rebel wills; enabled by Him to triumph over all attacks of the world and of the evil one, resisting their violence by Jesus our Strength, and overcoming their subtilty by Jesus our Wisdom; upheld by the sympathy of Jesus, Who was spared no temptation, and by the help of Jesus, Who yielded to none.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS Who gives repentance
LOOKING UNTO JESUS Who gives repentance
as well as forgiveness of sins (Acts 5:31), because He gives us the grace to recognize, to deplore, to confess, and to forsake our transgressions.
as well as forgiveness of sins (Acts 5:31), because He gives us the grace to recognize, to deplore, to confess, and to forsake our transgressions.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS to receive from Him
LOOKING UNTO JESUS to receive from Him
the task and the cross for each day, with the grace which is sufficient to carry the cross and to accomplish the task; the grace that enables us to be patient with His patience, active with His activity, loving with His love; never asking “What am I able for?” but rather:
the task and the cross for each day, with the grace which is sufficient to carry the cross and to accomplish the task; the grace that enables us to be patient with His patience, active with His activity, loving with His love; never asking “What am I able for?” but rather:
“What is He not able for?” and waiting for His strength which is made perfect in our weakness (II Corinthians 12:9).
“What is He not able for?” and waiting for His strength which is made perfect in our weakness (II Corinthians 12:9).
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS to go forth from ourselves
LOOKING UNTO JESUS to go forth from ourselves
and to forget ourselves; so that our darkness may flee away before the brightness of His face; so that our joys may be holy, and our sorrow restrained; that He may cast us down, and that He may raise us up; that He may afflict us, and that He may comfort us; that He may despoil us, and that He may enrich us; that He may teach us to pray, and that He may answer our prayers; that while leaving us in the world, He may separate us from it, our life being hidden with Him in God, and our behaviour bearing witness to Him before men.
and to forget ourselves; so that our darkness may flee away before the brightness of His face; so that our joys may be holy, and our sorrow restrained; that He may cast us down, and that He may raise us up; that He may afflict us, and that He may comfort us; that He may despoil us, and that He may enrich us; that He may teach us to pray, and that He may answer our prayers; that while leaving us in the world, He may separate us from it, our life being hidden with Him in God, and our behaviour bearing witness to Him before men.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS
LOOKING UNTO JESUS
Who, having returned to the Father’s house, is engaged in preparing a place there for us; so that this joyful prospect may make us live in hope, and prepare us to die in peace, when the day shall come for us to meet this last enemy, whom He has overcome for us, whom we shall overcome through Him-so that what was once the king of terrors is today the harbinger of eternal happiness.
Who, having returned to the Father’s house, is engaged in preparing a place there for us; so that this joyful prospect may make us live in hope, and prepare us to die in peace, when the day shall come for us to meet this last enemy, whom He has overcome for us, whom we shall overcome through Him-so that what was once the king of terrors is today the harbinger of eternal happiness.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS Whose certain return,
LOOKING UNTO JESUS Whose certain return,
at an uncertain time, is from age to age the expectation and the hope of the faithful Church, who is encouraged in her patience, watchfulness, and joy by the thought that the Saviour is at hand (Philippians 4:4,5; I Thessalonians 5:23).
at an uncertain time, is from age to age the expectation and the hope of the faithful Church, who is encouraged in her patience, watchfulness, and joy by the thought that the Saviour is at hand (Philippians 4:4,5; I Thessalonians 5:23).
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS the Author and the Finisher,
LOOKING UNTO JESUS the Author and the Finisher,
of our faith: that is to say, He Who is its pattern and its source, even as He is its object; and Who from the first step even to the last marches at the head of the believers; so that by Him our faith may be inspired, encouraged, sustained, and led on to its supreme consummation.
of our faith: that is to say, He Who is its pattern and its source, even as He is its object; and Who from the first step even to the last marches at the head of the believers; so that by Him our faith may be inspired, encouraged, sustained, and led on to its supreme consummation.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS and at nothing else,
LOOKING UNTO JESUS and at nothing else,
as our text expresses it in one untranslatable word (aphoroontes), which at the same time directs us to fix our gaze upon Him, and to turn it away from everything else.
as our text expresses it in one untranslatable word (aphoroontes), which at the same time directs us to fix our gaze upon Him, and to turn it away from everything else.
UNTO JESUS and not at ourselves,
UNTO JESUS and not at ourselves,
our thoughts, our reasonings, our imaginings, our inclinations, our wishes, our plans;
our thoughts, our reasonings, our imaginings, our inclinations, our wishes, our plans;
UNTO JESUS and not at the world,
UNTO JESUS and not at the world,
its customs, its example, its rules, its judgments;
its customs, its example, its rules, its judgments;
UNTO JESUS and not at Satan,
UNTO JESUS and not at Satan,
though he seek to terrify us by his fury, or to entice us by his flatteries.
though he seek to terrify us by his fury, or to entice us by his flatteries.
Oh! from how many useless questions we would save ourselves, from how many disturbing scruples, from how much loss of time, dangerous dallyings with evil, waste of energy, empty dreams, bitter disappointments, sorrowful struggles, and distressing falls, by looking steadily unto Jesus, and by following Him wherever He may lead us.
Oh! from how many useless questions we would save ourselves, from how many disturbing scruples, from how much loss of time, dangerous dallyings with evil, waste of energy, empty dreams, bitter disappointments, sorrowful struggles, and distressing falls, by looking steadily unto Jesus, and by following Him wherever He may lead us.
Then we shall be too much occupied with not losing sight of the path which He marks out for us, to waste even a glance on those in which He does not think it suitable to lead us.
Then we shall be too much occupied with not losing sight of the path which He marks out for us, to waste even a glance on those in which He does not think it suitable to lead us.
UNTO JESUS and not at our creeds,
UNTO JESUS and not at our creeds,
no matter how evangelical they may be.
no matter how evangelical they may be.
The faith which saves, which sanctifies, and which comforts, is not giving assent to the doctrine of salvation; it is being united to the person of the Saviour.
The faith which saves, which sanctifies, and which comforts, is not giving assent to the doctrine of salvation; it is being united to the person of the Saviour.
“It is not enough,” said Adolphe Monod, “to know about Jesus Christ, it is necessary to have Jesus Christ.”
“It is not enough,” said Adolphe Monod, “to know about Jesus Christ, it is necessary to have Jesus Christ.”
To this one may add that no one truly knows Him, if he does not first possess Him.
To this one may add that no one truly knows Him, if he does not first possess Him.
According to the profound saying of the beloved disciple, it is in the Life there is Light, and it is in Jesus there is Life (John 1:4).
According to the profound saying of the beloved disciple, it is in the Life there is Light, and it is in Jesus there is Life (John 1:4).
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
UNTO JESUS and not at our meditations
UNTO JESUS and not at our meditations
and our prayers, our pious conversations and our profitable reading, the holy meetings that we attend, nor even to our taking part in the supper of the Lord.
and our prayers, our pious conversations and our profitable reading, the holy meetings that we attend, nor even to our taking part in the supper of the Lord.
Let us faithfully use all these means of grace, but without confusing them with grace itself; and without turning our gaze away from Him Who alone makes them effectual, when, by their means, He reveals Himself to us.
Let us faithfully use all these means of grace, but without confusing them with grace itself; and without turning our gaze away from Him Who alone makes them effectual, when, by their means, He reveals Himself to us.
UNTO JESUS and not to our position
UNTO JESUS and not to our position
in the Christian Church, to the family to which we belong, to our baptism, to the education which we have received, to the doctrine which we profess, to the opinion which others have formed of our piety, or to the opinion which we have formed of it ourselves.
in the Christian Church, to the family to which we belong, to our baptism, to the education which we have received, to the doctrine which we profess, to the opinion which others have formed of our piety, or to the opinion which we have formed of it ourselves.
Some of those who have prophesied in the Name of the Lord Jesus will one day hear Him say: “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:22,23); but He will confess before His Father and before His angels even the most humble of those who have looked unto Him.
Some of those who have prophesied in the Name of the Lord Jesus will one day hear Him say: “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:22,23); but He will confess before His Father and before His angels even the most humble of those who have looked unto Him.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
UNTO JESUS and not to our brethren,
UNTO JESUS and not to our brethren,
not even to the best among them and the best beloved. In following a man we run the risk of losing our way; in following Jesus we are sure of never losing our way.
not even to the best among them and the best beloved. In following a man we run the risk of losing our way; in following Jesus we are sure of never losing our way.
Besides, in putting a man between Jesus and ourselves, it will come to pass that insensibly the man will increase and Jesus will decrease; soon we no longer know how to find Jesus when we cannot find the man, and if he fails us, all fails.
Besides, in putting a man between Jesus and ourselves, it will come to pass that insensibly the man will increase and Jesus will decrease; soon we no longer know how to find Jesus when we cannot find the man, and if he fails us, all fails.
On the contrary, if Jesus is kept between us and our closest friend, our attachment to the person will be at the same time less enthralling and more deep; less passionate and more tender; less necessary and more useful; an instrument of rich blessing in the hands of God when He is pleased to make use of him; and whose absence will be a further blessing, when it may please God to dispense with him, to draw us even nearer to the only Friend who can be separated from us by “neither death nor life” (Romans 8:38,39).
On the contrary, if Jesus is kept between us and our closest friend, our attachment to the person will be at the same time less enthralling and more deep; less passionate and more tender; less necessary and more useful; an instrument of rich blessing in the hands of God when He is pleased to make use of him; and whose absence will be a further blessing, when it may please God to dispense with him, to draw us even nearer to the only Friend who can be separated from us by “neither death nor life” (Romans 8:38,39).
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
UNTO JESUS and not at His enemies
UNTO JESUS and not at His enemies
or at our own. In place of hating them and fearing them, we shall then know how to love them and to overcome them.
or at our own. In place of hating them and fearing them, we shall then know how to love them and to overcome them.
UNTO JESUS and not at the obstacles
UNTO JESUS and not at the obstacles
which meet us in our path. As soon as we stop to consider them, they amaze us, they confuse us, they overwhelm us, incapable as we are of understanding either the reason why they are permitted, or the means by which we may overcome them.
which meet us in our path. As soon as we stop to consider them, they amaze us, they confuse us, they overwhelm us, incapable as we are of understanding either the reason why they are permitted, or the means by which we may overcome them.
The apostle began to sink as soon as he turned to look at the waves tossed by the storm; it was while he was looking at Jesus that he walked on the waters as on a rock.
The apostle began to sink as soon as he turned to look at the waves tossed by the storm; it was while he was looking at Jesus that he walked on the waters as on a rock.
The more difficult our task, the more terrifying our temptations, the more essential it is that we look only at Jesus.
The more difficult our task, the more terrifying our temptations, the more essential it is that we look only at Jesus.
UNTO JESUS and not at our troubles,
UNTO JESUS and not at our troubles,
to count up their number, to reckon their weight, to find perhaps a certain strange satisfaction in tasting their bitterness.
to count up their number, to reckon their weight, to find perhaps a certain strange satisfaction in tasting their bitterness.
Apart from Jesus trouble does not sanctify, it hardens or it crushes. It produces not patience, but rebellion; not sympathy, but selfishness; not hope (Romans 5:3) but despair.
Apart from Jesus trouble does not sanctify, it hardens or it crushes. It produces not patience, but rebellion; not sympathy, but selfishness; not hope (Romans 5:3) but despair.
It is only under the shadow of the cross that we can appreciate the true weight of our own cross, and accept it each day from His hand, to carry it with love, with gratitude, with joy; and find in it for ourselves and for others a source of blessings.
It is only under the shadow of the cross that we can appreciate the true weight of our own cross, and accept it each day from His hand, to carry it with love, with gratitude, with joy; and find in it for ourselves and for others a source of blessings.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
UNTO JESUS and not at the dearest,
UNTO JESUS and not at the dearest,
the most legitimate of our earthly joys, lest we be so engrossed in them that they deprive us of the sight of the very One Who gives them to us.
the most legitimate of our earthly joys, lest we be so engrossed in them that they deprive us of the sight of the very One Who gives them to us.
If we are looking at Him first of all, then it is from Him we receive these good things, made a thousand times more precious because we possess them as gifts from His loving hand, which we entrust to His keeping, to enjoy them in communion with Him, and to use them for His glory.
If we are looking at Him first of all, then it is from Him we receive these good things, made a thousand times more precious because we possess them as gifts from His loving hand, which we entrust to His keeping, to enjoy them in communion with Him, and to use them for His glory.
UNTO JESUS and not at the instruments,
UNTO JESUS and not at the instruments,
whatever they may be which He employs to form the path which He has appointed for us.
whatever they may be which He employs to form the path which He has appointed for us.
Looking beyond man, beyond circumstances, beyond the thousand causes so rightly called secondary, let us ascend as far as the first cause — His will: let us ascend even to the source of this very will — His love.
Looking beyond man, beyond circumstances, beyond the thousand causes so rightly called secondary, let us ascend as far as the first cause — His will: let us ascend even to the source of this very will — His love.
Then our gratitude, without being less lively towards those who do us good, will not stop at them; then in the testing day, under the most unexpected blow, the most inexplicable, the most overwhelming, we can say with the Psalmist: “I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it” (Psalm 39:9).
Then our gratitude, without being less lively towards those who do us good, will not stop at them; then in the testing day, under the most unexpected blow, the most inexplicable, the most overwhelming, we can say with the Psalmist: “I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it” (Psalm 39:9).
And in the silence of our dumb sorrow the heavenly voice will gently reply: “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter” (John 13:7).
And in the silence of our dumb sorrow the heavenly voice will gently reply: “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter” (John 13:7).
9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; Because thou didst it.
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
UNTO JESUS and not at the interests,
UNTO JESUS and not at the interests,
of our cause, of our party, of our church — still less at our personal interests.
of our cause, of our party, of our church — still less at our personal interests.
The single object of our life is the glory of God; if we do not make it the supreme goal of our efforts, we must deprive ourselves of His help, for His grace is only at the service of His glory.
The single object of our life is the glory of God; if we do not make it the supreme goal of our efforts, we must deprive ourselves of His help, for His grace is only at the service of His glory.
If, on the contrary, it is His glory that we seek above all, we can always count on His grace.
If, on the contrary, it is His glory that we seek above all, we can always count on His grace.
UNTO JESUS and not at the sincerity
UNTO JESUS and not at the sincerity
of our intentions, and at the strength of our resolutions. Alas! how often the most excellent intentions have only prepared the way for the most humiliating falls.
of our intentions, and at the strength of our resolutions. Alas! how often the most excellent intentions have only prepared the way for the most humiliating falls.
Let us stay ourselves, not on our intentions, but on His love; not on our resolutions, but on His promise.
Let us stay ourselves, not on our intentions, but on His love; not on our resolutions, but on His promise.
UNTO JESUS and not at our strength.
UNTO JESUS and not at our strength.
Our strength is good only to glorify ourselves; to glorify God one must have the strength of God.
Our strength is good only to glorify ourselves; to glorify God one must have the strength of God.
UNTO JESUS and not at our weakness.
UNTO JESUS and not at our weakness.
By lamenting our weakness have we ever become more strong?
By lamenting our weakness have we ever become more strong?
Let us look to Jesus, and His strength will communicate itself to our hearts, His praise will break forth from our lips.
Let us look to Jesus, and His strength will communicate itself to our hearts, His praise will break forth from our lips.
UNTO JESUS and not at our sins,
UNTO JESUS and not at our sins,
neither at the source from which they come (Matthew 15:19) nor the chastisement which they deserve.
neither at the source from which they come (Matthew 15:19) nor the chastisement which they deserve.
Let us look at ourselves, only to recognize how much need we have of looking to Him; and looking to Him, certainly not as if we were sinless; but on the contrary, because we are sinners, measuring the very greatness of the offence by the greatness of the sacrifice which has atoned for it, and of the grace which pardons it.
Let us look at ourselves, only to recognize how much need we have of looking to Him; and looking to Him, certainly not as if we were sinless; but on the contrary, because we are sinners, measuring the very greatness of the offence by the greatness of the sacrifice which has atoned for it, and of the grace which pardons it.
“For one look that we turn on ourselves,” said an eminent servant of God (McCheyne) “let us turn ten upon Jesus.” “If it is very sure,” said Vinet, “that one will not lose sight of his wretched state by looking at Jesus Christ crucified — because this wretched state is, as it were, graven upon the cross — it is also very sure that in looking at one’s wretchedness one can lose sight of Jesus Christ; because the cross is not naturally graven upon the image of one’s wretchedness.”
“For one look that we turn on ourselves,” said an eminent servant of God (McCheyne) “let us turn ten upon Jesus.” “If it is very sure,” said Vinet, “that one will not lose sight of his wretched state by looking at Jesus Christ crucified — because this wretched state is, as it were, graven upon the cross — it is also very sure that in looking at one’s wretchedness one can lose sight of Jesus Christ; because the cross is not naturally graven upon the image of one’s wretchedness.”
And he adds, “Look at yourselves, but only in the presence of the cross, only through Jesus Christ.” Looking at the sin only gives death; looking at Jesus gives life. That which healed the Israelite in the wilderness was not considering his wounds, but raising his eyes to the serpent of brass (Numbers 21:9).
And he adds, “Look at yourselves, but only in the presence of the cross, only through Jesus Christ.” Looking at the sin only gives death; looking at Jesus gives life. That which healed the Israelite in the wilderness was not considering his wounds, but raising his eyes to the serpent of brass (Numbers 21:9).
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
9 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.
UNTO JESUS
UNTO JESUS
and not — do we need to say it? — at our pretence of righteousness. Ill above all who are ill is he who believes himself in health; blind above the blind he who thinks that he sees (John 9:41).
and not — do we need to say it? — at our pretence of righteousness. Ill above all who are ill is he who believes himself in health; blind above the blind he who thinks that he sees (John 9:41).
If it is dangerous to look long at our wretchedness which, is, alas! too real; it is much more dangerous to rest complacently on imaginary merits.
If it is dangerous to look long at our wretchedness which, is, alas! too real; it is much more dangerous to rest complacently on imaginary merits.
41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
UNTO JESUS and not at the law.
UNTO JESUS and not at the law.
The law gives commands, and gives no strength to carry them out; the law always condemns, and never pardons.
The law gives commands, and gives no strength to carry them out; the law always condemns, and never pardons.
If we put ourselves back under the law, we take ourselves away from grace. In so far as we make our obedience the means of our salvation, we lose our peace, our joy, our strength; for we have forgotten that Jesus is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth (Romans 10:4).
If we put ourselves back under the law, we take ourselves away from grace. In so far as we make our obedience the means of our salvation, we lose our peace, our joy, our strength; for we have forgotten that Jesus is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth (Romans 10:4).
As soon as the law has constrained us to seek in Him our only Saviour, then also to Him only belongs the right to command our obedience; an obedience which includes nothing less than our whole heart, and our most secret thoughts, but which has ceased from being an iron yoke, and an insupportable burden, to become an easy yoke and a light burden (Matthew 11:30).
As soon as the law has constrained us to seek in Him our only Saviour, then also to Him only belongs the right to command our obedience; an obedience which includes nothing less than our whole heart, and our most secret thoughts, but which has ceased from being an iron yoke, and an insupportable burden, to become an easy yoke and a light burden (Matthew 11:30).
It is an obedience which He makes as delightful as it is binding, an obedience which He inspires, at the same time as He requires it, and which in very truth, is less a consequence of our salvation than it is a part of this very salvation — and, like all the rest, a free gift.
It is an obedience which He makes as delightful as it is binding, an obedience which He inspires, at the same time as He requires it, and which in very truth, is less a consequence of our salvation than it is a part of this very salvation — and, like all the rest, a free gift.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
UNTO JESUS and not at what we are doing for Him.
UNTO JESUS and not at what we are doing for Him.
Too much occupied with our work, we can forget our Master — it is possible to have the hands full and the heart empty. When occupied with our Master, we cannot forget our work; if the heart is filled with His love, how can the hands fail to be active in His service?
Too much occupied with our work, we can forget our Master — it is possible to have the hands full and the heart empty. When occupied with our Master, we cannot forget our work; if the heart is filled with His love, how can the hands fail to be active in His service?
UNTO JESUS and not to the apparent success
UNTO JESUS and not to the apparent success
of our efforts. The apparent success is not the measure of the real success; and besides, God has not told us to succeed, but to work; it is of our work that He requires an account, and not of our success — why then concern ourselves with it?
of our efforts. The apparent success is not the measure of the real success; and besides, God has not told us to succeed, but to work; it is of our work that He requires an account, and not of our success — why then concern ourselves with it?
It is for us to scatter the seed, for God to gather the fruit; if not today, then it will be tomorrow; if He does not employ us to gather it, then He will employ others.
It is for us to scatter the seed, for God to gather the fruit; if not today, then it will be tomorrow; if He does not employ us to gather it, then He will employ others.
Even when success is granted to us, it is always dangerous to fix our attention on it: on the one hand we are tempted to take some of the credit of it to ourselves; on the other hand we thus accustom ourselves to abate our zeal when we cease to perceive its result, that is to say, at the very time when we should redouble our energy.
Even when success is granted to us, it is always dangerous to fix our attention on it: on the one hand we are tempted to take some of the credit of it to ourselves; on the other hand we thus accustom ourselves to abate our zeal when we cease to perceive its result, that is to say, at the very time when we should redouble our energy.
To look at the success is to walk by sight; to look at Jesus, and to persevere in following Him and serving Him, in spite of all discouragements, is to walk by faith.
To look at the success is to walk by sight; to look at Jesus, and to persevere in following Him and serving Him, in spite of all discouragements, is to walk by faith.
UNTO JESUS and not to the spiritual gifts
UNTO JESUS and not to the spiritual gifts
which we have already received, or which we are now receiving from Him. As to yesterday’s grace, it has passed with yesterday’s work; we can no longer make use of it, we should no longer linger over it.
which we have already received, or which we are now receiving from Him. As to yesterday’s grace, it has passed with yesterday’s work; we can no longer make use of it, we should no longer linger over it.
As to today’s grace given for today’s work, it is entrusted to us, not to be looked at, but to be used. We are not to gloat over it as a treasure, counting up our riches, but to spend it immediately, and remain poor, “Looking unto Jesus.”
As to today’s grace given for today’s work, it is entrusted to us, not to be looked at, but to be used. We are not to gloat over it as a treasure, counting up our riches, but to spend it immediately, and remain poor, “Looking unto Jesus.”
UNTO JESUS and not at the amount of sorrow
UNTO JESUS and not at the amount of sorrow
that our sins make us experience, or the amount of humiliation which they produce in us. If only we are humiliated by them enough to make us no longer complacent with ourselves; if only we are troubled by them enough to make us look to Jesus, so that He may deliver us from them, that is all that He asks from us; and it is also this look which more than anything else will make our tears spring and our pride fall. And when it is given to us as to Peter, to weep bitterly (Luke 22:62), oh! then may our tear-dimmed eyes remain more than ever directed unto Jesus; for even our repentance will become a snare to us, if we think to blot out in some measure by our tears those sins which nothing can blot out, except the blood of the Lamb of God.
that our sins make us experience, or the amount of humiliation which they produce in us. If only we are humiliated by them enough to make us no longer complacent with ourselves; if only we are troubled by them enough to make us look to Jesus, so that He may deliver us from them, that is all that He asks from us; and it is also this look which more than anything else will make our tears spring and our pride fall. And when it is given to us as to Peter, to weep bitterly (Luke 22:62), oh! then may our tear-dimmed eyes remain more than ever directed unto Jesus; for even our repentance will become a snare to us, if we think to blot out in some measure by our tears those sins which nothing can blot out, except the blood of the Lamb of God.
62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
UNTO JESUS and not at the brightness of our joy,
UNTO JESUS and not at the brightness of our joy,
the strength of our assurance, or the warmth of our love. Otherwise, when for a little time this love seems to have grown cold, this assurance to have vanished, this joy to have failed us — either as the result of our own faithlessness, or for the trial of our faith-immediately, having lost our feelings, we think that we have lost our strength, and we allow ourselves to fall into an abyss of sorrow, even into cowardly idleness, or perhaps sinful complaints. Ah! rather let us remember that if the feelings with their sweetness, are absent, the faith with its strength remains with us. To be able always to be “abounding in the work of the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58) let us look steadily, not at our ever changeful hearts, but at Jesus, who is always the same.
the strength of our assurance, or the warmth of our love. Otherwise, when for a little time this love seems to have grown cold, this assurance to have vanished, this joy to have failed us — either as the result of our own faithlessness, or for the trial of our faith-immediately, having lost our feelings, we think that we have lost our strength, and we allow ourselves to fall into an abyss of sorrow, even into cowardly idleness, or perhaps sinful complaints. Ah! rather let us remember that if the feelings with their sweetness, are absent, the faith with its strength remains with us. To be able always to be “abounding in the work of the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58) let us look steadily, not at our ever changeful hearts, but at Jesus, who is always the same.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
UNTO JESUS and not at the heights of holiness
UNTO JESUS and not at the heights of holiness
to which we have attained. If no one may believe himself a child of God so long as he still finds stains in his heart, and stumblings in his life, who could taste the joy of salvation?
to which we have attained. If no one may believe himself a child of God so long as he still finds stains in his heart, and stumblings in his life, who could taste the joy of salvation?
But this joy is not bought with a price. Holiness is the fruit, not the root of our redemption. It is the work of Jesus Christ for us which reconciles us unto God; it is the work of the Holy Spirit in us which renews us in His likeness.
But this joy is not bought with a price. Holiness is the fruit, not the root of our redemption. It is the work of Jesus Christ for us which reconciles us unto God; it is the work of the Holy Spirit in us which renews us in His likeness.
The shortcomings of a faith which is true, but not yet fully established, and bearing but little fruit, in no way lessens the fullness of the perfect work of the Saviour, nor the certainty of His unchanging promise, guaranteeing life eternal unto whomsoever trusts in Him.
The shortcomings of a faith which is true, but not yet fully established, and bearing but little fruit, in no way lessens the fullness of the perfect work of the Saviour, nor the certainty of His unchanging promise, guaranteeing life eternal unto whomsoever trusts in Him.
And so to rest in the Redeemer is the true way to obey Him; and it is only when enjoying the peace of forgiveness that the soul is strong for the conflict.
And so to rest in the Redeemer is the true way to obey Him; and it is only when enjoying the peace of forgiveness that the soul is strong for the conflict.
If there are any who abuse this blessed truth by giving themselves over unscrupulously to spiritual idleness, imagining that they can let the faith which they think they have take the place of the holiness which they have not, they should remember this solemn warning of the Apostle Paul: “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24); and that of the Apostle John: “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (I John 2:4) and that of the Lord Jesus Himself, “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matthew 7:19).
If there are any who abuse this blessed truth by giving themselves over unscrupulously to spiritual idleness, imagining that they can let the faith which they think they have take the place of the holiness which they have not, they should remember this solemn warning of the Apostle Paul: “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24); and that of the Apostle John: “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (I John 2:4) and that of the Lord Jesus Himself, “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matthew 7:19).
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
UNTO JESUS and not at our defeats or victories.
UNTO JESUS and not at our defeats or victories.
If we look at our defeats we shall be cast down; if we look at our victories we shall be puffed up. And neither will help us to fight the good fight of faith (I Timothy 6:12). Like all our blessings, the victory, with the faith which wins it, is the gift of God through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15: 57), and to Him is all the glory.
If we look at our defeats we shall be cast down; if we look at our victories we shall be puffed up. And neither will help us to fight the good fight of faith (I Timothy 6:12). Like all our blessings, the victory, with the faith which wins it, is the gift of God through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15: 57), and to Him is all the glory.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
UNTO JESUS and not at our doubts.
UNTO JESUS and not at our doubts.
The more we look at them the larger they appear, until they can swallow up all our faith, our strength, and our joy. But if we look away from them to our Lord Jesus, Who is the Truth (John 14:6), the doubts will scatter in the light of His presence like clouds before the sun.
The more we look at them the larger they appear, until they can swallow up all our faith, our strength, and our joy. But if we look away from them to our Lord Jesus, Who is the Truth (John 14:6), the doubts will scatter in the light of His presence like clouds before the sun.
UNTO JESUS and not at our faith.
UNTO JESUS and not at our faith.
The last device of the adversary, when he cannot make us look elsewhere, is to turn our eyes from our Saviour to our faith, and thus to discourage us if it is weak, to fill us with pride if it is strong: and either way to weaken us. For power does not come from the faith, but from the Saviour by faith. It is not looking at our look, it is “looking unto Jesus.”
The last device of the adversary, when he cannot make us look elsewhere, is to turn our eyes from our Saviour to our faith, and thus to discourage us if it is weak, to fill us with pride if it is strong: and either way to weaken us. For power does not come from the faith, but from the Saviour by faith. It is not looking at our look, it is “looking unto Jesus.”
UNTO JESUS and it is from Him and in Him
UNTO JESUS and it is from Him and in Him
that we learn to know, not only without danger, but for the well-being of our souls, what it is good for us to know about the world and about ourselves, our sorrows and our dangers, our resources and our victories: seeing everything in its true light, because it is He who shows them to us, and that only at the time and in the proportion in which this knowledge will produce in us the fruits of humility and wisdom, gratitude and courage, watchfulness and prayer. All that it is desirable for us to know, the Lord Jesus will teach us; all that we do not learn from Him, it is better for us not to know.
that we learn to know, not only without danger, but for the well-being of our souls, what it is good for us to know about the world and about ourselves, our sorrows and our dangers, our resources and our victories: seeing everything in its true light, because it is He who shows them to us, and that only at the time and in the proportion in which this knowledge will produce in us the fruits of humility and wisdom, gratitude and courage, watchfulness and prayer. All that it is desirable for us to know, the Lord Jesus will teach us; all that we do not learn from Him, it is better for us not to know.
LOOKING UNTO JESUS as long as we remain on the earth —
LOOKING UNTO JESUS as long as we remain on the earth —
unto Jesus from moment to moment, without allowing ourselves to be distracted by memories of a past which we should leave behind us, nor by occupation with a future of which we know nothing.
unto Jesus from moment to moment, without allowing ourselves to be distracted by memories of a past which we should leave behind us, nor by occupation with a future of which we know nothing.
UNTO JESUS NOW,
UNTO JESUS NOW,
if we have never looked unto Him
if we have never looked unto Him
UNTO JESUS AFRESH,
UNTO JESUS AFRESH,
if we have ceased doing so
if we have ceased doing so
UNTO JESUS ONLY,
UNTO JESUS ONLY,
UNTO JESUS STILL,
UNTO JESUS STILL,
UNTO JESUS ALWAYS —
UNTO JESUS ALWAYS —
with a gaze more and more constant, more and more confident, “changed into the same image from glory to glory” (II Corinthians 3:18). Thus we await the hour when He will call us to pass from earth to Heaven, and from time to eternity —
with a gaze more and more constant, more and more confident, “changed into the same image from glory to glory” (II Corinthians 3:18). Thus we await the hour when He will call us to pass from earth to Heaven, and from time to eternity —
18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
The promised hour,
the blessed hour
when at last “we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (I John 3:2).
The promised hour,
the blessed hour
when at last “we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (I John 3:2).
2 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.
Oh, the bitter pain and sorrow
That a time could ever be
When I proudly said to Jesus
“All of self and none of Thee.”
Yet He found me; I beheld Him
Bleeding on th’ accursed tree;
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self and some of Thee.”
Day by day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Brought me lower, while I whispered
“Less of self, and more of Thee!”
Higher than the highest heavens,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
“Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
“None of self and ALL of Thee!”
— Theodore Monod