Jesus doesn't demand anything of us that He didn't first demonstrate for us. We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). We serve Him because He demonstrated His love for us through service. He taught us how to pray, how to live under the power of the Holy Spirit, how to overcome temptation, how to deal with arrogant and prideful people... and He taught us by example. In fact, He even taught us how to sing. Worship brings us to a right mind and heart and Spirit.
It is easy to get discouraged about sharing your faith when it doesn’t seem like anyone is responding to it. But do not lose heart. The person who looks like they couldn’t care less may come around later. And the one who seemed so interested today might walk away later. Never the less our purpose is not weigh responses but be willing to speak the words of life to a dieing world.
D. L. Moody, the great evangelist, once said, "Winners of souls must first be weepers of souls." Preacher and evangelist George Whitfield said, "Lord, give me souls or take away my soul." The idea is that we have to care.
While conviction is often uncomfortable for unbelievers and believers alike, it's a beautiful demonstration of God's love. He desires to bring us into the center of His will and keep us there for our good and His glory. The Holy Spirit's work makes that possible, if we choose to follow His promptings.
All the richness of God’s holy character is in His glory. It is the manifestation of His purity and beauty. Jesus Christ is the full expression of God’s immaculate Being. Wherever He is in His fullness, the Godhead is present in fullness. That which has fallen short of the glory of God is brought to its fullness of purity when Jesus Christ is present—from individuals to the world itself. His appearing is the blessed hope of all.
A little man may cast a long shadow.
~C. H. Spurgeon~
In the middle of every difficulty lies an opportunity.
The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. When he was told that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute, he was discouraged. Then the substitute wanted to know what to play.
"Here's a copy of the service," the preacher said impatiently. "You'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances."
During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up."
At that moment, the substitute organist played Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus."
The minister made him the church's permanent organist.
"Each of us is great insofar as we perceive and act on the infinite possibilities which lie undiscovered and unrecognized about us."
~ James Harvey Robinson
"Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others."
~ Danny Thomas
"It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
~ J.K Rowling
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."
~ Albert Einstein
"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."
~ Mother Teresa
More depends on my walk than talk.
~D. L. Moody~
It's only through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross that we have any hope, any righteousness, and any life. When we approach the Lord in selfishness, we miss the point. Yes, God has so much to offer, but if all we're concerned with is "what's in it for us," we'll miss Him.
"What we are often doing is seeing our own faults in others and judging them vicariously. That way we experience the pleasure of self-righteousness without the pain of penitence." The Bible has a word for that: hypocrisy. So be very careful in your judgments. Oftentimes, what seems like a righteous judgment is anything but!~ John Stott
The natural tendency of humanity is to desire privilege and pleasure. These two were certainly available to Moses in Egypt. Yet, he refused Egypt and chose God's people, demonstrating the far reaching impact of trusting in the Lord.
Sometimes you find exactly what you were looking for before you even realized you were looking for it. Stay open and stay positive things can change over night.
"The beautiful thing about today is you get a chance to make it better than yesterday."- Robin Sharma
"Never explain, never complain. Resist the temptation to defend yourself or make excuses."- Brian Tracy
Math would say pay off the lowest interest rate first. But getting out of debt is not about math, it's about behavior.
Fellowship with Christians is for the sake of
fellowship with God.
~J. I. Packer~
Esau wept that he lost the blessing, not that he sold it.
~William Gurnall~
When you don't see friends and family in Christ anymore don't assume they fell away, as is the norm, rather connect and see where they are now. you may be surprised to see they are just up the street at another church doing big thing for Jesus.
God uses Christians who are available to do His labor. When the enemy opposes that work, we should stand our ground! Why? The Bible tells us: No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn… (Isaiah 54:17). Remember, Jesus won the victory over our enemy Satan on the cross, we fight from victory. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:58 encouraged Christians in their service to God: Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Raul Ries
The remaining 20% of yet-to-be fulfilled prophecies have to do with the Last Days in which we are living. Some of them have to do with a system of commerce that requires every citizen to have some type of personal identifier on them or in them. Without this "mark," a person will be unable to buy or sell anything. We don't know what the final form of this "mark" will be, but we find it more than interesting that the technology exits to implement a system like this right now.
It's been said, "Christians are a lot like teabags. You don't know what they are made of until you put them in hot water."
In His sovereignty, God orders all the steps of our lives. He never promised us smooth traveling. He allows bumps and twists and turns on the road—even a few dangerous pits. Through these circumstances, He teaches us, molds us, and most importantly, causes us to be more dependent upon Him.
It’s better to be in a storm with Jesus than anywhere else without Him. I would rather be in a fiery furnace with Jesus than in a palace without Him—or in a lion’s den with Jesus, or in a prison, or even shipwrecked. As long as I know the Lord is there, then I can get through it.
Greg Laurie
“We have a responsibility to influence the people in our lives to be the best possible people they can be: ‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up’” (1 Thessalonians 5: 11)
The blindness of unbelievers in no way detracts from the clarity of the gospel; the sun is no less bright because blind men
do not perceive its light.
~John Calvin~
All too often people say, "I'm addicted," yet God says, "You're free!" We say, "I'm hurt, damaged, and beyond repair." God says, "You're as whole as you allow Me to make you." We say, "I need counseling, therapy and prescription drugs to help me cope with life." God says, "You don't need anything except Me."
Many will read those words and say, "That's nice sounding but really impractical. In this day and age, we need greater tools to deal with our problems." Are you sure? Ray Bently
You do not understand Christ until you understand his cross.
~P. T. Forsyth~
Seriously, are you prepared to fight the good fight? As Christians, we need to be daily in the Word, in prayer and in fellowship with other believers. We must pursue God and have Him at the center of our lives. To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love.
~A. W. Tozer~
We do what we do and feel how we feel because we think what we think.
n life, we often find the difference between excellence and mediocrity is not what we believe, but the degree we believe in something. And Paul was fully convinced. (Romans 4:21: “…being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what he had promised.”) One of the reasons some people have difficulty with their faith in strenuous circumstances is because they’ve waited until a “big” problem arose before choosing to believe God. Unfortunately, if we haven’t learned to trust God in the small things of daily living, we’re going to have a great challenge trusting Him if things really go wrong.
I have more trouble with myself than with any other man.
~D.L. Moody~
The best moment of a Christian’s life is his last one because it is the one that is the nearest heaven.
~C. H. Spurgeon~
The Bible is a love story. It is the account of a loving God in pursuit of a love relationship with His creation. It's not about law, logic, or reason. It's about love.
The Bible is a love story. It is the account of a loving God in pursuit of a love relationship with His creation. It's not about law, logic, or reason. It's about love. ~Maurice A. P. Wood~
“He who can tell men what God has done for his soul is the likeliest to bring their souls to God.”
Robert Leighton
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the only baptism that can place us in the body of Christ. No man can do that for us. No amount of water will make that happen. Just as a lack of water won't prevent it. Our faith and trust must be placed in Jesus alone as our Lord and Savior.
Faith in the Lord certainly sustained Joseph and brought him to God's desired place of service and opportunity.
“Repentance" is a hatred of sin; it is a turning from sin and a determination in the strength of God to forsake it.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
Some people will hear the Word of God, and their hearts will remain hardened, others will be cut––pierced through––and ask the same question, “What shall we do?” The answer is simple––repent of your sin and, by faith, receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
Os Guinness writes, “Calling is the truth that God calls us to Himself so decisively that everything we are, everything we do, and everything we have is invested with a special devotion, dynamism, and direction lived out as a response to His summons and service.”
The world today is still a wilderness and God is still directing His people—but the first destination will always be back into fellowship with Him.
...the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.
~C. H. Spurgeon~
Jesus Christ knows the worst about you. Nonetheless, He is the One who loves you the most.
~A. W. Tozer~
“He who can tell men what God has done for his soul is the likeliest to bring their souls to God.” — Robert Leighton
Bless God that there is in us resurrection life and that there awaits us a resurrection.
~J.J. Bonar~
Beware of no man more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us.
The world’s idea of greatness is to rule, but Christian greatness consists of serving. -
JC Ryle
The power of Scripture:
1. It reveals God’s will. 2. It penetrates the heart. 3. It binds the conscience. 4. It reproves the sinner. 5. It divides truth from error. 6. It makes the world foolish. 7. It equips for every good work. 8. It proclaims salvation in Christ.
The Word of God is the anvil upon which the opinions of men are smashed.
Charles Spurgeon
"We never outgrow Christ, but we grow to need him more and more."
— Charles Spurgeon
The woman is not cursed with the role of submission; that pre-dated the fall. No, she's cursed with discontent with her role of submission, such that she desires to occupy her husband's role and to rule over him, in a way that will breed conflict.” — Mike Riccardi
One son God hath without sin, but none without sorrow... -John Trapp “The oil of joy is poured chiefly into a broken heart.” — Thomas Watson
"The preacher’s task is...to press the message home, to demonstrate that doctrine is good only as it engages heart and will, moving us to confess the debt of gratitude we owe to God and our desire to please him." –– Robert White
"The church will ever increase under his providential care." –– Stephen Charnock
“Sin has stabbed the sinner to the heart, the wounds are all mortal, eternal death is in his face; Christ has prepared the only [bandage] that can cure his wounds, but he won’t suffer him to apply it. “He acts like one in love w death, [who] judges it sweet to perish.” — Flavel “Christ is the treasure hid in the field of the scriptures, the water in those wells.” — Matthew Henry
Christians are called to live in the world but not live like the world. Christians are called to dine with sinners but not sin with sinners. Rosaria Champagne Butterfield The more you experience His redeeming love, the more you desire it. Joel Beeke Nothing good ever comes out of disobeying God.
The joy of pardon has a voice louder than the voice of sin. God’s voice speaking peace is the sweetest music an ear can hear. Charles Spurgeon Pardon of sin must ever be an act of pure mercy, and therefore to that attribute the awakened sinner flies. Charles Spurgeon
The all-victorious Christ is like a great rock in a weary land — to whose shelter we may flee in every time of sorrow or trial, finding quiet refuge and peace in Him. J.R. Miller I felt and feel no solidarity with people who think their salvation makes them more worthy than others. Rosaria Champagne Butterfield The cross now, the crown tomorrow! Now the bed of languishing, tomorrow the throne of Jesus! William Hewitson
“When you are arguing against God you are arguing against the very power that makes you able to argue at all.” - C.S. Lewis
"We are as clear about God's having forgiven our sin as we are about our having committed it." — Charles Spurgeon "Even while you are lamenting your many transgressions he is hurling them into the depths of the sea." — Charles Spurgeon "A doubt as to our forgiveness is fatal to all joy, for it lets in the dread fear of divine wrath." — Charles Spurgeon "With the words of the Lord as our weapons, Giant Despair will not defeat us." — Charles Spurgeon
“Cannot God, who sent one Reformation, send another? Be of good courage, for brighter days are on the way.” — Charles Spurgeon #ReformationDay “Whatever the doctrine of election may be or may not be, there is a free invitation in the gospel given to needy sinners.” — Charles Spurgeon #ReformationDay “I believe nothing merely because John Calvin taught it, but because I have found his teaching in the Word of God.” — Charles Spurgeon #ReformationDay “Whether Calvinists, or Arminians, or anything else, dear friends, be first and chiefly Christians.” — Charles Spurgeon
“It helps me to read the biographies of servants of Christ, such as martyrs, missionaries, and reformers.” — Charles Spurgeon #ReformationDay “I love to proclaim these strong old doctrines, that are called Calvinism, but which are surely the revealed truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus.” — Charles Spurgeon #ReformationDay “I am never ashamed to avow myself a Calvinist. I do not hesitate to take the name of Baptist. But if I am asked what is my creed, I reply, 'It is Jesus Christ.’” — Charles Spurgeon #ReformationDay “Calvinism did not spring from Calvin. We believe that it sprang from the great Founder of all truth.” — Charles Spurgeon
"A generous God denies nothing to his creatures but that which is harmful." — Charles Spurgeon "If God has a hold of us, then neither death or hell shall ever triumph to our casting down." — Charles Spurgeon "What is the mariner without his compass? What is the Christian without the Bible?" — Charles Spurgeon
"That which glorifies Christ the most of all is the preaching of the gospel to sinners." — Charles Spurgeon
"We shall have the desire of our heart when our heart finds all its desire in God." — Charles Spurgeon
DISCERN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUPPORT AND SURVEILLANCE. SUPPORT CHECKS ON YOU; SURVEILLANCE ONLY CHECKS ON WHAT YOU'RE DOING.
NOT EVERYONE YOU LOSE IS A LOSS.
DON'T TAKE BACK IN PANIC AND FEAR, WHAT YOU GAVE GOD IN PRAYER AND FAITH.
"LET NO ONE BRING YOUR PRESENT DOWN BY BRINGING YOUR PAST UP.
"THOSE WHO ARE STRANGERS TO PRAYER ARE STRANGERS TO POWER."
"My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen." — Martin Luther
"If Christ has shared with us the treasures of his mercy, we will want to spend this same currency on our spouse as well." ― Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn
What a relief that movements of His Spirit don’t depend upon men or men’s opinions. Jesus told us He would build His church. Our only response is to join Him. We don’t lead Jesus we follow Him wherever He goes.
Grace is the alternative to sin, and the only alternative to sin. - Martyn Lloyd-Jones Christ is the sure keeper of all those, whom the Father delivered over to his faithful custody and care. -John Calvin - Courage, dear heart. C. S. Lewis
Those who make laws around God's laws may seem really conservative. But legalists are actually liberal. Legalists go beyond Scripture, binding consciences, making their traditions as if they are the Word of God.
"Every man who loves his country ought to be anxious that the church of God should be revived." -D.L.Moody.
It is contradictory to say that we are biblical counselors and that the Spirit of God uses the Scriptures to change people, if we consistently get the Bible text wrong. – Kevin Carson
Private Prayer is the privilege & practice of every Christian. May it be a constant pleasure & blessing to you. Begin the day with secret prayer. Let not indolence, business, study or anything else tempt you to deprive yourself of the privilege -Hugh Crossley (1895)
We want not so much a Father but a grandfather in heaven, a God who said of anything we happened to like doing, 'What does it matter so long as they are contented?’ C. S. Lewis
There is a living God. He has spoken in the Bible. He means what He says and will do all He has promised. -Hudson Taylor -
Obeying the word of Christ is not a burden; rather, it is the way of freedom from the devious and deceptive delusions of lust and sin. – Gary Hendrix
It is the Bible - not sociology, psychology, or political science - that offers sufficient answers not only on race, but on every ethical issue man has faced, or will ever face. Voddie Baucham
"The great thing about singing worshipful, old hymns is that they carry us far above our petty concerns, trifles, and trivialities. We need to be carried away from ourselves." ~ Elisabeth Elliot
It is an unbearable blasphemy to esteem God’s majesty so little that we rate contempt of it below the loss of a soul. John Calvin
“Therefore when we are fallen, and by falls have gotten a bruise, let us go to Christ presently to bind us up again. Let us know that it is dangerous to look for that from ourselves which we must have from Christ.” - Richard Sibbes. The Bruised Reed, Works 1:94.
‘But sins,’ they say, ‘are only for a time.’ I grant them that, but God’s majesty, which they have offended, is eternal. John Calvin
The voice of God's love and grace is constant-never strident, never compulsive. -A.W. Tozer -
"For pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense." ―C.S. Lewis
We are lacking always and therefore we have need to be praying always. -Thomas Brooks -
A Good Shepherd is not known by how gently he pets the sheep. A Good Shepherd is known by how well he protects them and feeds them. —John MacArthur
It was a brave speech of Luther, when dangers from opposers did threaten him and his associates, ‘Come let us sing the forty-sixth psalm, and then let them do their worst.’ —Thomas Brooks, Works 1:195
A reason God denies assurance, for a time, even to his dearest ones, is, that they may live clearly and fully upon Jesus Christ, that Jesus Christ may be seen to be all in all. —Puritan Thomas Brooks, Works 1:334
"Emotions make a great servant but a poor master. They can serve us in doing the right things, but they cannot be our guide for what we should and shouldn't do." —Alistair Begg
"God’s Word is an indestructible foundation that will stand firm beneath any weight you place on it." — Charles Stanley
"Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation." — D. Elton Trueblood
“To love another person is to help them love God,” said Soren Kierkegaard.
“He who can tell men what God has done for his soul is the likeliest to bring their souls to God.” —Robert Leighton
When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away your ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer. ~ Corrie ten Boom
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