Test All Things

The Significance of the Engagement/Signet Ring and It’s Place within Holy Scripture

2011-05-28T17:09:00.003+01:00

Tradition has it when a man seeks to get married to his girlfriend he would properly ask for her hand in marriage and if she says yes, he then places a ring on her hand as a seal of engagement one to another. This means that she solely belongs to him and he solely belongs to her. They are betrothed one to another. They are sealed from anyone else until death do them part.

But giving a wife-to-be a ring for engagement is that based on the tradition of men or does the Holy Bible have more to say and given contexts to offer about this particular type of custom?

You might be surprised at the depth of information that is contained in this short paper written from Holy Scripture by the grace of God.

Follow closely by observing and it is my sincere prayer that God will give you His insight and understanding on the different correlations that will come from this paper dealing with the giving of a ring to a potential spouse. Amen!

The 1st Reference of the giving of a “ring” that is used in the Holy Bible comes from Genesis 41.

Genesis 41:37
And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

(God through Joseph has just finished telling Pharaoh the interpretations of his two dreams of the seven fat cows/seven thin cows and the seven fat ears of corn/seven thin ears of corn in which Joseph tells Pharaoh the dreams are interpreted as one dream in meaning. Egypt was going to have seven plenteous years of harvest followed by seven years of severe famine throughout the whole land).

Genesis 41:38
And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

Genesis 41:39
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all
this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

Genesis 41:40
Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

(Notice, Pharaoh states that only in the throne will I be greater than you. It is Christ who is KING of kings and LORD of lords who sits on the right hand of
God on the throne in Heaven.)

A chosen and faithful wife who is a servant to her husband and who as a woman typifies the church of Christ, responsibilities are to be over the house of her husband who if saved by grace typifies Christ. The servant/church who has the Spirit of God dwelling in their hearts use their heavenly Husband's Word as the only authority and deciding factor to lead the people to safety from the outside world’s danger, which are of Satan and his wiles.

Genesis 41:41
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:42
And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

Genesis 41:43
And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:44
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:45
And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaph’-nath-pa-a-ne’-ah [which means treasury of the glorious rest]; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

Outline of Biblical Usage of the word “ring” in verse 42:

1) ring, signet, signet ring

a) signet ring (as symbol of authority)

b) ring (as ornament)

Strong’s Exhaustive Bible Concordance of the Hebrew word and meaning for “ring”

2885 tabba`athtab-bah'-ath from 2883; properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e. signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind:--ring.

The 2nd Reference of the giving of a “ring” that is used in the Holy Bible comes from the book of Esther.

Esther 8:1
On that day did the king A-has-u-e’-rus give the house of Haman the Jews'
enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told
what he was unto her.

Esther 8:2
And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

And Esther King Ahasuerus gave Haman the ring originally before having full knowledge of the plot to terminate all the Jews in which Haman was planning. It is also note worthy to mention that when the king took off his ring from the hand of Haman, he then was killed by being hanged on the gallows. This is of great significance when reading further down in this short paper where the Holy Scriptures show an interconnection between the signet ring and God the Holy Spirit. Notice when king A-has-u-e’-rus gives Mordecai (the servant) the ring by placing it on his hand, Mordecai (the servant) is now given authority over the house of Haman.

Esther 8:3
And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the A’-gag-ite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.

Esther 8:4
Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,

Esther 8:5
And said, If it please the king, and if I have favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:

Esther 8:6
For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

Esther 8:7
Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.

Esther 8:8
Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.

Strong’s Exhaustive Bible Concordance definition of the Hebrew word for “seal” are as follows:

2856 chatham khaw-tham' a primitive root; to close up; especially to seal:--make an end, mark, seal (up), stop.

I highlighted mark because it has both physical and spiritual implications that will be linked in the book of Revelation towards the end of this paper.

Esther 8:9
Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Si-van, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

Esther 8:10
And he wrote in the king A-has-u-e’-rus' name, and sealed [Hebrew # is 2856 chatham] it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:

The 3rd Reference of the giving of a “ring” that is used in the Holy Bible comes from
the Gospel according to Luke.

Luke 15:1
Then drew near unto him [Christ] all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

Luke 15:2
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

Luke 15:3
And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

We'll mose straight to verse 11 and the beginning of Christ’s second parable: The parable of the lost son.

Luke 15:11
And he [Christ] said, A certain man had two sons:

Luke 15:12
And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

Luke 15:13
And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

Luke 15:14
And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

To be in want of what, physical food or spiritual food?

The answer is Spiritual food!

The lexicon Outline of the biblical usage for the word "famine" in verse above:

1) scarcity of harvest, famine

Strong’s Exhaustive Bible Concordance for the word “famine”:
The Greek number is 3042 limos lee-mos' probably from 3007 (through the idea of destitution); a scarcity of food:--dearth, famine, hunger.

---------------Dictionary trace---------------

(3007) leipo li'-po a primary verb; to leave, i.e. (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent:--be destitute (wanting), lack.

The famine mentioned in verse 14 speaks to the lack of hearing God’s Word, no godliness at all in that land. In Amos 8:11 it was written:

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the
land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. (Amos 8:11)

Luke 15:15
And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. (Spiritually speaking swine (pigs) is referring to the ungodly and evil citizens that resist the truth of God’s Word)

Isaiah 66:17
They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.

Matthew 7:6
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Luke 15:16
And he would fain [gladly] have filled his belly [their god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things (Philippians 3:19)] with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

Notice at the very end of that verse no man gave unto him the husks that the swine ate for he would have gladly filled his belly meaning that no man gave unto him of their evil deeds despite him really wanting to participate.

But why not?

Because God would not allow it to happen and you will see why later on in this parable of the lost son.

We do not want to serve God because it is not in our nature to do so. The Holy Bible states that men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil (John 3:19).

Luke 15:17
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants [The hired servants spiritually points toward the chosen elect of God] of my father's have bread [The body of Jesus (Yahushua) the Christ, He is that bread of life] enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

Luke 15:18
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father [Notice that this Father has a capital “F” which is referring to none other than God the Father], I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

Luke 15:19
And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

This is the true process of eternal salvation for those blessed individuals whom God the Father has chosen to save by first giving that person a measure of faith the size of a grain of mustard seed to recognize his/her sinful nature and to confess their sins before the Father and also giving them the ability to recognize his/her need for Christ as their Savior, for without God humankind is totally hopeless. When God begins to deal with an individual they begin to realize they are not a good person who is deserving of God’s grace (unmerited favor) and mercy. See God has to break us down beyond being nothing, even less than vanity. This process is the only way any person has a chance to live on into the next life.

Isaiah 40:17
All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.

Psalm 62:9
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

Daniel 4:35
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he[God] doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand [Hand denotes will power, the sole will power of God], or say unto him, What doest thou?

Luke 15:20
And he arose [Christ arose from the grave and the Bible states that we have risen up with him into high places. Spiritually speaking it is God who makes sure that His chosen elect is lifted up from being dead to life everlasting], and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off [His father is not even in his sights], his father saw him, and had compassion [showing grace and mercy], and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

This is a perfect illustration spiritually speaking of God the Father having compassion and showing mercy to whom he has chosen by His grace and mercy by placing them in His love which is eternal salvation. Notice that it was his father who saw him and ran to him having compassion and love when the lost son was yet a great way off (didn’t have his father in his sights). Christ is referring to spiritually in this parable that it is of God’s decision on whom He will choose when it comes to His salvation plan by placing those whom He has chosen in His love.

Luke 15:21
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

Luke 15:22
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

Strong’s Exhaustive Bible Concordance definition of the Greek word for “ring” in verse 22:

1146 daktulios dak-too'-lee-os from 1147; a finger-ring:--ring

This verse spiritually is referring to God’s ceremonial marriage of His beloved chosen elect where the ring symbolically speaks to a sealed [engagement], between Christ Yahushua (Jesus) [who is the Husband/Master] and the true chosen believer [wife/servant].

Once the ring (the ring can be used for sealing and the seal which Scripture shows in a few verses further down is also symbolic of God the Holy Spirit) has been placed on the hand of the servant/true believer who is the faithful wife of Christ, and she now belongs solely unto Christ, her heavenly Husband, as being one, and now the servant/true believer/wife has the authority to be able to do her Husband’s will by being submissive in total service unto Him, so in return Christ, her Husband, will be glorified because of His good works being manifested in the believer [servant/wife].

Reference verses dealing with the idea of giving the chosen elect of God the best robes, which are the robes of righteousness and the color of the robes is white.

Revelation 6:10
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Revelation 6:11
And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

The reference to the deceased who died in the faith of Christ who are resting until their fellow servants that should be killed are fulfilled is more in a figurative way. The chosen elect of God’s biggest enemies are not the individuals who are lost in the world but rather it is the individuals who make a profession of faith but are not truly saved from above. These individuals follow mainly after the traditions of men, just like the Pharisees, Scribes, and Sadducees did in Jesus day, than follow from the pure Word of God. They are comprised of the unsaved individuals who are called the "Jerusalem that now is and is in bondage" in Galatians 4:25.

They have not experienced the saving grace of Elohim despite them truly believing in their hearts that they are truly saved. They will fight you tooth and nail over their own eternal salvation plan.

And when someone who truly has the Spirit of God indwelling in their heart comes to them with the pure Word of Christ they are killed left and right by the individual’s tongue who thinks he/she is truly saved and that person gets highly upset and very defensive because their way of salvation has been comprised. These individuals do not want to hear the truth of God’s Word because most of the time the case is they made the choice to be born again, rather than God choosing them unto eternal Salvation.

Revelation 7:9
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

[This verse of Holy Scripture is referring to the blessed and dreadful Judgment day when the chosen elect of God are gathered together unto Christ, the Lamb of God].

Revelation 7:10
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Revelation 7:11
And all the angels [The angels are God’s messengers, people who are the chosen elect - both human and angelic beings] stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

Revelation 7:12
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

(God is the sole reason/purpose why these blessed individuals are able to stand around the throne before Him on Judgment Day. Notice how the chosen elect are able to attribute all things unto God: blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honour, power, and might [ability and/or capability. There is nothing in our own ability separate from God’s power that will enable us to live physically or spiritually)

Revelation 7:13
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

Revelation 7:14
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 7:15
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

Luke 15:23
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

Luke 15:24
For this my son was dead [spiritually], and is alive again; he was lost, and is found [How was the lost son found?]. And they began to be merry.

Reference verses for commentary made after Luke 15:22 that deal with this idea of the believers being sealed unto the LORD by the giving of God the Holy Spirit which indwells the believer giving them the authority to do His will being sold out to Christ.

2 Timothy 2:19
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

In this verse with the giving context of the word “seal,” it is in reference to God the Holy Spirit that indwells the true believer. The signet/engagement ring is interconnected with the Holy Spirit by this seal shown here in this verse. The ring in biblical context is used as a signet ring (a symbol of authority [ownership]) and also used as a seal.

The lexicon Outline of biblical usage for the word “seal” in verse above:

1) A seal

a) The seal placed upon books
b) A signet ring
c) The inscription or impression made by a seal

1) of the name of God and Christ stamped upon their foreheads
d) that by which anything is confirmed, proved, authenticated, as by a seal (a token or proof)

Strong’s Exhaustive Bible Concordance definition of the Greek word for “seal:”

4973. sphragis sfrag-ece' probably strengthened from 5420; a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively:--seal.

1st Reference verse dealing with the idea of the name of God and Christ sealed upon the chosen elect foreheads:

Revelation 7:2
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

[In this given verse “the sea” is referring to large multitudes of people - Revelation 17:15].

Revelation 7:3
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

The true elected body of Christ is not completed at this point. God has not saved His very last person so the angels are told to wait before they destroy the earth until God has saved His very last soul with the seal of God the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13). The final harvest is not yet come to pass because that will happen on Judgment Day.

Revelation 7:4
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

[12 x 12 = 144; 12 biblically symbolize the fullness of God’s rulership; 144 biblically means God’s ultimate in creation.

Put together 1,000 x 144 = 144,000 this number biblically symbolizes God’s completed body.

The number twelve is symbolical of the fullness of God's program. And here He's talking about the number of believers, the fullness of believers.

Sometimes He uses it as twelve plus twelve. And so we have the twenty-four elders in Revelation.

Sometimes He uses it as twelve times twelve. And so we have the 144,000.

Sometimes He uses it as twelve times twelve times twelve. And so we have the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is in size 12,000 stadia by 12,000 stadia by 12,000 Stadia.

And in the Holy City Jerusalem, which is the fullness of all believers, we have twelve foundations, we have twelve gates, and we have walls that are 144 cubits thick. The whole picture, you see, is symbolical.

And so it is with the 144,000. It is the fullness of all believers.

This does not mean just a 144,000 people are going to be saved, this number is symbolic in meaning. The word “sealed” in the above verse means the total number of individuals saved are sealed with God the Holy Spirit indwelling in their hearts and minds.]

The 2nd Reference verse dealing with the name of God and Christ not sealed upon their foreheads:

Revelation 9:3
And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

Revelation 9:4
And it was commanded them that they should, not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

The individuals who do not have the seal of God in their foreheads are not saved from above by God the Father. These are the cursed individuals that the locusts and scorpions have power to administer hurt upon during this period of the great tribulation spoken of by Christ in Matthew 24:21.

The scorpions and the locusts refer or points toward the false prophets and false Christs (Matthew 24) who come into the external corporate churches in the name of Christ, but teach and preach contrary to the truth of God’s Word.

Everything in their lives will start to collapse and crash because they are being spiritually killed by Satan’s ministers of transformed righteousness (II Corinthians 11:13-15). These cursed individuals do not have the truth of God’s Word imbedded in their hearts and it is God who has put in their hearts a strong delusion to believe a lie and to be given over to Satan’s kingdom (II Thessalonians 2:11-12, Revelation 17:11-18).

The chosen elect of God will suffer at times to be refined and purified during this current period of great tribulation leading up to Judgment Day, but they have the seal of God the Holy Spirit dwelling in their hearts and by this they have a greater hope to look forward to and great comfort.

Their hope lies in the promise of God for the New Earth and the New Heavens. They understand that everything in this physical life is nothing more than a set of test to give them a better understanding of their need for God.

Revelation 9:5
And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

Revelation 9:6
And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

The 3rd Reference verses are dealing with the seal restraining Satan from deceiving them who have the seal of God upon their foreheads:

Revelation 20:1
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

Revelation 20:2
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

[The thousand years is in reference to the whole New Testament era].

Revelation 20:3
And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

How can Satan being a spirit be chained and bound by setting a seal upon him?

This is talking about God the Holy Spirit, which is the power of God restraining Satan from deceiving the nations during the New Testament Era. But just like this verse states however, Satan must be loosed a little season which is referring to very end of time during the great tribulation period where Satan, the king of Babylon (Isaiah 14) shall be revealed who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped: so that he as God sitteth in the organized churches, shewing himself that he is God - 2 Thessalonians 2:4, 2 Thessalonians 4:8).

Strong’s Exhaustive Bible Concordance definition of the Greek word for “seal” in Revelation 20:3:

4972 sphragizo sfrag-id'-zo from 4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest:--(set a, set to) seal up, stop.

---------------Dictionary Trace---------------

4973 sphragis sfrag-ece' probably strengthened from 5420; a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively:--seal.

Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

These blessed souls are the chosen elect of God who do not worship Satan in their minds (mark upon their foreheads) nor fulfill his will (mark in their hands) during the New Testament era (symbolic of a thousand years).

The lexicon Outline of biblical usage for the word “mark” in verse above:

1) a stamp, an imprinted mark

a) of the mark stamped on the forehead or the right hand as the badge of the followers of the Antichrist-Satan.

b) the mark branded upon horses

2) thing carved, sculpture, graven work

a) of idolatrous images

Strong’s Exhaustive Bible Concordance definition of the Greek word for “mark” in Revelation 20:4.

5480. charagma khar'-ag-mah from the same as 5482; a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue):--graven, mark.

Revelation 20:5
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

The first resurrection is referring directly to being resurrected from the spiritually dead being born again with the seal of the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13). When a person is born again from above by the heavenly Father we reign with Christ in heavenly places. For we read this very context in Ephesians 2:5-6 as it was written:

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened [made alive] us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” (Ephesians 2:5-6)

Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

So what does this have to do with a man giving his betrothed wife an engagement ring?

How do these verses of Holy Scripture tie into the custom of placing an engagement/signet ring on the hand of a potential wife with a proposal of marriage?

Well the Holy Bible I believe is where we get the custom of giving a ring to our betrothed wife.

When a man propose marriage unto his girlfriend and she responds by saying yes and he places the ring on her hand she now belongs solely unto Him as his betrothed wife with carrying his name and now she has authority to carry out his will by representing him while he is off providing income for the family.

The Holy Bible states her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land [Proverbs 31:23] because of his wife managing the household and taking care of the children making the husband look good amongst the elders.

In all three references dealing with the idea of the ring being placed on the hand, the Holy Scriptures showed the king who typifies Christ the husband, place the ring on the hand of the servant who typifies the wife and following this exchange of the ring placed on the finger the servant was now given authority over the household.

The Holy Scriptures in a few areas also showed a direct connection between the ring and the Holy Spirit by way of a seal.

The ring is also used for sealing, and the chosen elect of God has the seal of the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13) upon their foreheads which means they always
have a desire/mind to do the will of God, their husband.

Amen Saints!!!

By J. Delbridge

THE WOMAN AND THOSE WHO GIVE SUCK IN THE DARK DAYS OF DESOLATION

2011-05-25T18:25:00.008+01:00

When the word “woman” or the word “child” is found in Holy Scripture some immediately think of literal people when often the truth is something far more relevant to the Gospel message.

A good example of this is found in Revelation chapter twelve. There are many (believe it or not) who actually think that the woman who gives birth to the man-child there is Mary, the actual earthly mother of the Messiah.

Others think that it is the representation of a literal nation in the Middle East.

They are often predisposed to believe this, not because it is logical or Biblical (considering the given context), but because of there preconceived ideas about birth, Israel or the Church. Thus their interpretations have more to do with carelessness because of spiritual discernment being truly unsaved. God always speaks in the spiritual realm in His Holy Word with the use of literal past events, His nature, and often His Word is demonstrated parabolically, allegorically, symbolically, or figuratively in types and foreshadows.

It is only by the Almighty power and grace of God to open eyes and a person’s mind to perceive in the spiritual realm of His Holy Word. As His Elect, we are commanded by God to read and study daily to shew ourselves approved unto Him, a workman that need not be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of truth, John 5:39, II Timothy 2:15.

To interpret Holy Scripture in the physical realm is walking in the broadways
that leadeth in the pathway of eternal damnation. The phrase “sucking child of a woman” does not refer in the least bit to a prophesy of literal nursing babies as some theologians suppose. It is symbolic or spiritual language describing those who are of the Church.

It is we who are spiritually the nursing children. And the “woman” who is nursing us, is a symbolic figure of the blessed Messiah’s Church. It illustrates our spiritual rebirth from our mother above. But please do not take my word for it (because you shouldn’t), be a faithful servant of the LORD and search it out in the Scriptures to see if these things are so, Acts 17:11.

Luke 23:28
But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, Weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Superficial study (as much of the global church does today) of this verse would lead one to believe that Jesus was talking about a time when the literal women of Israel would be happy that they don’t have any children. But by the Holy Spirit only, the chosen Elect should know this is not what the LORD was truly illustrating.

The Messiah is speaking of Jerusalem as the Mother, and the people as “her” daughters.

This is the woman in reference. Jesus is really illustrating Old Jerusalem, and the New Jerusalem, as representing the Old Testament Congregation, and the New Testament Congregation.

The Old Jerusalem, whose children (in part) have been cut off, and the New Jerusalem represented by the spiritual Jerusalem. The congregation in the Messiah’s day (those who give suck) was in trouble, in apostasy, and on the verge of their great fall.

That is why the blessed Lamb said to them, “Behold, your house [meaning soul] is left unto you desolate.” – Matthew 23:38, Luke 13:35.

Isaiah 54:1
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

This is what Jesus was referring to, and it has nothing to do with literal barren women. The truth is, this prophesy is explained further in Galatians 4:22-28. There it plainly tells us that this was an “allegory” or symbolism demonstrated in Sarah (the free Woman or the elect Congregation of the inner courts, Revelation 11:1), verses Hagar (the bondwoman or the unsaved Congregation of the outer courts, Revelation 11:2).

Galatians 4:22
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

Galatians 4:23
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

Galatians 4:24
Which things are an ALLEGORY: for these are the TWO COVENANTS; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

Galatians 4:25
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

Galatians 4:26
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Galatians 4:27
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

Galatians 4:28
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

(The Children of promise are the Elect in the Seed, which is Christ, Galatians 3:16. In these Scriptures there is seen clearly who these two women signify if one truly has the Holy Spirit. One is in bondage with her children, i.e. Israel of the flesh being the unsaved tares within the global church, Romans 9:6-9.)

Now we can better understand Isaiah 54:1, and what Jesus meant when He said, “Blessed are the Barren”.

Who is the desolate woman (who doesn’t give suck) in that verse, which now is blessed and can rejoice because she has many more children?

She is the very same blessed woman Christ talked about in His prophecy. This verse explains who the desolate (barren) are that have more children than Israel, she that was married to God (her husband). They are not literal barren mothers of Jerusalem who now are blessed with children. It is an allegory or “spiritual signification” of the chosen elect of the Gentile world brought into the glorious eternal kingdom and they being more fruitful, while Old Jerusalem (spiritually typifying the unsaved tares within the global church) is barren.

Isaiah 66:10
Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:

Isaiah 60:11
That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.

Isaiah 60:15
Whereas thou has been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.

Isaiah 60:16
Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. (This is a prophecy of the New Testament Age.)

Isaiah 66:12
For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.

Isaiah 66:13
As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. (This is a prophecy of the New Testament Church Age.)

1 Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Now we can understand more plainly by the sweet grace and mercy of the LORD the verse of Matthew 24:19 as it is written:

“And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!” (Matthew 24:19)

This verse is speaking of the very end of the latter days (not to be confused with the Last Days which are the entire New Testament period) when iniquity will increase. Satan is loosed and wickedness abound as false gospels arise like never before to assault the global congregations.

Those who suck or nurse at the breasts are the chosen believers (aswell as those professing) of the New Testament global congregations of Israel as like the Old, which has now became barren, i.e., the children who suck of the New Testament woman.

When unsaved man as Satan’s ambassador has taken his seat (becomes the ruler) within the Temple (the New Testament global congregations) as the abomination of desolation, than God will remove His Holy Spirit out of the way (midst) because there will be no longer that great chain, which is God the Holy Spirit mentioned in Revelation 20:1-2, to restrain Satan and His ministers of unrighteousness from taking the Word of God however faithful the Word is being preached out of the listeners’ hearts.

During those final days of Great Tribulation, only the chosen elect who have the seal of the Holy Spirit will be safe from the wrath of God’s anger as He fearfully judges His unfaithful church body giving them strong delusions in their minds that they shall believe a lie. This is horrible news for the majority who makes a profession of faith calling themselves saints of God despite not truly being saved by His grace alone.

The children in Lamentations 2:12 ask, “Where is the corn and wine?” Corn and wine are words pointing to the pure Gospel of Jesus the Christ. Jesus is the bread of life. He has poured out His righteous blood (the wine) for our eternal salvation. But now there is no corn and no wine, meaning no eternal salvation within the global harlot worship services at the very end of time. It’s woe unto them because at this (appointed) time, there is Great Tribulation and much distress as they depart from the faith, and apostasy rules in the global worship services of all denominations.

There is great deception, just as the Old Testament church was in a great apostate state when Jesus came the first time and threw the buyers and sellers out of the literal Temple because they had made it a den of thieves and robbers. Likewise, God will judge those who buy and sell (who are marked of the beast) in the New Testament Temple being the body of believers who make an profession of faith. It's woe unto them.

Woe unto the congregation of those days. This woman signifies being from above, and her children who give suck are all those who make a profession of faith being of the New Testament Church. And as it was a blessing in the early centuries of the New Testament Age, it will be woe to them in the great tribulation period towards the end as the children faint and wander to and fro outside the Temple in hopes of their thirsty souls finding the pure Gospel waters of Christ Jesus.

I am well aware of the great numbers of professing believers who assume that this refers to literal babies and literal mothers in distress in 70 A.D., but that cannot be biblically validated.

Christ’s words are Spirit (John 6:63), and the elect worships Him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). This woe of Matthew 24 is far greater than any physical hardships of A.D. 70. This refers to the desolation of the global congregations of God by false gospels, i.e., gross apostasy in spiritual idolatry.

Lamentations 4:4
The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread [the pure and true Gospel of Christ], and no man breaketh it unto them.

Those who give suck represents the congregation commissioned to bring the nourishment of the pure Gospel to the children. Those who suck the breasts are those members of the Church, young and old. It’s woe unto the Church because there will be such a great delusion within that it would even deceive the very elect (the chosen), if. that were possible. Praise God and His Grace that it is not possible!

It’s woe to the woman because the children go without milk, corn, and wine.

Ezekiel 3:26
And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house.

Psalm 137:6
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

During the time of the season of the abomination of desolation/Great Tribulation, the candlestick will be completely removed from all global corporate church bodies because of spiritual harlotry and idol worshipping within all denominations in general. As a result, there will be a severe famine of hearing the Word of God and there will be running to and fro trying to find a place that has the pure Gospel waters of eternal Salvation preached, but sadly they "shall not find it". For the LORD gives us a horrifying prophecy about the final days of the last great “spiritual” tribulation in the abomination of desolation through the mouth of the prophet Amos.

In Amos 8:11-12 it was written;

Amos 8:11
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

Amos 8:12
And they shall wander from sea to sea [throughout the world], and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.”

The chosen believers saved by grace alone will have been already guided and lead to come out of the great whore that sits on many waters (Revelation 17:1, Revelation 17:15) by the Holy Spirit that lives within their hearts. The Holy Spirit is no longer working within the midst of these harlot and apostate congregations in these final days of time. The true Gospel may be faithfully preached by the chosen elect, but it might possibly be too late or not effective in saving the lost as the Word of God solemnly declares that "no man buyeth their merchandise any more" during this time. Those of us who are saved shall still experience spiritual blessings, as we continue to grow in the faith because of severe tribulation and affliction by close family members and working associates.

Luke 21:16
And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

Luke 21:17
And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name’s sake.

Luke 21:18
But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

Luke 21:19
In your patience possess ye your souls.

Lamentations 4:5
They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

The word “delicately” means dainties or delight. Those who feed delicately must be the chosen born-again believers.

However, in Lamentations 4:5 they are desolate in the streets, why?

The pure Gospel waters has been desecrated or cut off as a result of the abomination of desolation. The chosen believers are desolate and are in the streets. They have been forced out of the global harlot congregational settings because of the silencing and poisoning within of the true Gospel. They are the true merchants standing afar off from these abominable congregations at the very end of times (Revelation 18:10-11).

The Abomination of desolation spoken of from the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Daniel speaks of complete desolation of the New Testament global visible Church (the Temple - Please note here that we are not speaking of Christ's bride - His eternal Church who's names are written in heaven - Hebrews 12:23) by the spirit of Antichrist, through false gospels.

The man of sin (lawless man) ruling in the Temple as if he was God, silences the true Gospel of eternal salvation. The faithful word of God (bread) is hard to be found (famine) as those in the Church teach the error of false gospels, which cannot save.

There is a famine of bread and water (Amos 8:11), and the deadly poison of wormwood (Revelation 8:10-11) is there. Gone are the spiritual bread/manna and the living waters of life.

The children of the woman who give suck have their tongues cleave or stick to the roof of their mouth, being an illustration of this thirst. The man of sin has taken a seat in the temple replacing the man of God. He is under rule and authority of Satan, and this abomination before God will leave the Temple of God desolate, which is truly all denominations that call upon the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

That’s why we are commanded to flee to the mountains when we see this, which are the spiritual mountains of Zion and not the physical mountains of Israel. We are to flee to the pure Word of God and where the pure Word of God is faithfully preached as scarce as it is in these days of vengenance.

This fifth verse goes on to say “they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.” Those that were brought up in scarlet are God’s chosen elect. God uses the figure or symbol of scarlet to depict His Word of truth. God's elect will be forced out of the worship services, leaving those who remain within spiritual babylon to embrace dunghills.

When we research the Strong's Hebrew translation word and definition for "embrace" and "dunghill." we find the following information as to their meaning:

(embrace) H2263 chabaq khaw-bak' a primitive root; to clasp (the hands or in embrace):--embrace, fold.

(dunghill) H830 'ashpoth ash-pohth' or uashpowth {ash-pohth'}; or (contraction) shphoth {shef-ohth'}; plural of a noun of the same form as 827, from8192 (in the sense of scraping); a heap of rubbish or filth:--dung (hill).

To clasp means a firm grip or a tight embrace, i.e., in a loving embrace. So the verse of Lamentations 4:5(b) in reference to the global corporate bodies who call upon the name of Christ as Lord and Saviour that used to be somewhat faithful in preaching the Word of God (brought up in scarlet in times past), have now became a great spiritual harlot in these final days on earth preaching false words and false doctrines (embracing dunghills/heaps of filth and waste).

The word “dunghill” depicts man’s poor and sorrowful spiritual condition.

A great reference verse in dealing with the context of the word “dunghill” depicting man’s poor and sorrowful spiritual condition is in I Samuel 2:8 as it is written:

“He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.”

Luke 21:20
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

Luke 21:21
Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them
which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

Luke 21:22
For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Luke 21:23
But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

Luke 21:24
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles (Revelation 11:2), until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Woe because of the false gospels and false Messiahs deceiving them. We must be ready to come out of her that we are not snared by Satan’s deception.

But it is impossible for any elect soul to be judged because they are in a congregation that is not truthful to the Word of God.

However, we are warned in Scripture to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, and so when unbelievers take a seat to rule in the LORD’s house, we are led to come out of her by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We come out of the global harlot church that has forsaken God, so that we are not partakers with her plagues and sins.

The harlot global church will be judged. Woe unto the woman that give suck in those days, because her children hunger and thirst and there will be no water, milk, or bread (word of God) in that house. God is the same today, yesterday, and forever. The sucking child is symbolic of those of the Church. Those who “give suck” are symbolic of the Church itself, from the slightly different perspective of those leaders in care of the children. In Matthew chapter 21 when all the children were crying in the Temple, saying “Hosanna to the Son of David,” the chief priests and scribes were not happy, and Jesus declared to them:

Matthew 21:16 states, “...Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?”

Is Jesus saying, those who suck the breasts began to talk and say blessed is the Son of David?

No, Jesus is “equating” those who praise Him to babies those who suck the breasts. And make no mistake because that Greek word translated “sucklings” is the exact same word [thelazo] that is translated “those who suck the Breasts.”

Again, Scripture interprets Scripture.

Psalms 8:2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

Is God saying that literally out of those who suck the breasts we will hear words of strength, or is the LORD saying spiritually out of the sucking children’s mouths (the saints), are the words of ordained strength, that the enemy is stilled?

This is the real question. God’s Word has deeper spiritual meaning than just a literal superficial application. No enemy is stilled by a literal sucking baby’s gooings or babblings. However, they have been stilled by those sucklings, which are the children of God.

Moving on to Lamentations chapter 4. Looking at verse 12 of the very same chapter it is written:

“The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary [Satan, the antichrist] and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.” (Lamentations 4:12)

The “gates of Jerusalem” is parabolic language signifying the spiritual gates of heaven. That is to say that the blessed Messiah is the door and the gate to the kingdom of God. He is the head and the cornerstone of the spiritual Temple of all chosen believers. His Church is the earthly gate that leads to heaven.

This 12th verse spiritually is referring to the king of Babylon (Satan) entering and ruling within the corporate worship services of Jesus the blessed Messiah. The LORD’S judgment upon the once faithful house of God takes place directly within the worldwide church body that has now transcended into the great harlot dominated by today’s continual pagan world, which is symbolized by the Old Testament world of Babylon. The fallen church is now called the Mystery Babylon of Holy Scripture in Revelation Chapter Seventeen and Eighteen and as such she has certainly opened wide her doors and alters (the gates of Jerusalem) and has embraced the sinful world of Babylon. We as the chosen believers stand afar off outside the harlot worship services in awe and in great fear for the awful judgment of the LORD against this great spiritual harlot deceiving all nations worldwide (Revelation 18:23).

Lamentations chapter 4 seems to be portraying the end time abomination of desolation in similar language/fashion as the book of Revelation chapters nine, eleven, thirteen, seventeen, and eighteen describes.

Lamentations 4:13
For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her,

Lamentations 4:14
They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood [their own menstrual cloth righteousness], so that men could not touch their garments.

Lamentations 4:15
They cried unto them, Depart ye; it is unclean; depart, depart, touch not: when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn there.

Lamentations 4:16
The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.

Jeremiah was in great affliction [tribulation] during the whole time of his ministry. Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had ravished his beloved Temple, which was located in Jerusalem as well as the surrounding cities of Judah. God commanded all of these horrible actions to take place because of the high places in the hills and mountains where the inhabitants were worshipping false idols and gods. Jeremiah and his brethren were taken forth as captives into Babylon where God would eventually take great care of them despite the terrible feelings and conditions of leaving Jerusalem and the Temple, which was the place of the ceremonial worship. The Israelites studied the Law of God in the synagogues located throughout the whole land of Judah.

Spiritually speaking, this is the final Judgment against the worldwide harlot church bodies by the LORD God. “They shall no more sojourn there” as verse fifteen states because God “will no more regard them” for the iniquities of the church priests and leaders. This was the physical Judgment of the Old Testament state church of Jerusalem and of the places of worship within the cities of Judah. And this is also a prophecy that shall come to pass of the spiritual Judgment of the global organized congregations at the very end of time during the abomination of desolation of the great “spiritual” tribulation period.

This is the ONE HOUR of New Testament eschatology. The Strong’s Greek word and definition that is translated as “hour” in this given context actually means a short season:

G5610 hōra ho'-rah apparently a primary word; an “hour” (literally or figuratively):--day, hour, instant, season, X short, (even-)tide, (high) time.

This “hour” of the LORD’S Judgment is, I truly believe, the "little season" of the abomination of desolation/Great Tribulation, Revelation 6:11.

Revelation 14:7
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Revelation 17:12
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Revelation 18:10
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Revelation 18:17
For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

Revelation 18:19
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. [The end-time Abomination of Desolation of Satan’s short reign].

Scripture tells us that Satan, having been cast down to earth at the cross (Revelation 12:10) will be released for a “little season” at the conclusion of the New Testament Era:

Revelation 20:3
And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

(Keep in mind that this "Little Season" is indeed the time of judgment for the unfaithful corporate church bodies worldwide. This is the purpose for the LORD releasing Satan at the end of time, to allow him to deceive the nations of the world with his counterfeit Christianity, which is the "Abomination of Desolation".)

By Jamaal Delbridge

THE PROBLEM OF DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE IN THE CONGREGATIONS OF OUR DAY

2011-05-25T13:32:00.003+01:00

The Holy Bible clearly commands that the wife is bound by the law to her husband until death.

"The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord."
(1 Corinthians 7:39)

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
(Romans 7:1-3)

Therefore, there is not to be divorce and remarriage under any situation ever.

There are no exceptions!

Passages such as Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9 are being used currently to teach that divorce and remarriage are permissible by fornication.

However, a very close and careful study/analysis of the Holy Bible in passages such a Deuteronomy 22:13-21 and Deuteronomy 24:1-3 shows that this is not the case!

Congregations traditionally in the past have correctly understood this, but especially in recent years, this rule has been completely set aside, and the result is that divorce rates are as high within the church bodies globally as with the lost outside secular world.

Marriage is God’s holiest instutition by far.

Virtually every denomination has made provision(s) for divorce, and the result of this has been grave and severe upon society as a whole.

There are broken homes, mixed-up children, single parents, etc.

The solution is to go back to the Biblical statues and commandments of God pertaining to no divorce and remarriage, but we do not see this happening for a lack of Godly leadership in the most pulpits.

By Jamaal Delbridge

"BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS"

2011-05-25T12:18:00.003+01:00

Thus saith the LORD God of Israel (Galatians 6:16)...

Numbers 33:55
But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

Numbers 33:56
Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.

What are the lessons learned from the above status of the LORD God's stern commandments of the ancient Israelites and their utter failures over and over and over again to come out from the wicked world?

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and WHAT COMMUNION HATH LIGHT WITH DARKNESS?

2 Corinthians 6:15
And WHAT CONCORD [AGREEMENT, PART] hath Christ with Belial? or WHAT PART hath HE THAT BELIEVETH with AN INFIDEL?

2 Corinthians 6:16
And what AGREEMENT hath the TEMPLE OF GOD WITH IDOLS? for YE are the TEMPLE of THE LIVING GOD; as God hath said, I will DWELL IN THEM, and WALK IN THEM; and I will be their God, and THEY SHALL be my people.

2 Corinthians 6:17
Wherefore COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, and BE YE SEPARATE, saith the Lord, and TOUCH NOT THE UNCLEAN THING; and I will RECEIVE YOU.

2 Corinthians 6:18
And WILL be a FATHER UNTO YOU, and YE SHALL be MY SONS and DAUGHTERS, saith the Lord Almighty.

Selah!

THE MARKS OF A TRUE SHEPHERD

2011-05-08T17:21:00.003+01:00

How diligently should they scrutinize their motives, who think of entering the ministry; for thousands have abused this Divine institution through love of ease, desire for authority and reputation, or love of money - and brought upon themselves "greater damnation" (James 3:1).

Thousands have invaded the pastoral office in an unauthorized manner, to fleece sheep rather than feed them, robbing Christ of His honor and starving His people.

Solemn beyond words is it to observe how sternly our Lord denounced these false shepherds of His day (Matthew 23). As [one man] rightly said, "Nothing seemed so offensive to Christ as a false teacher of religion, a false prophet, or a false shepherd. Nothing ought to be so much feared by the Church, be so plainly rebuked, opposed and exposed."

What are the marks of a true shepherd, how are God’s people to identify those called and qualified by Him to minister unto His people?

First, the genuine pastor has the doctrine of Christ on his LIPS. The ministers of the new covenant are described as those who had "renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness." Christendom today is infested with men who are full of deceit and hypocrisy, trimming their sails according to whatever direction the breeze of public opinion is blowing.

We "have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully" (2 Corinthians 4:2). The true servant of Christ holds back nothing which is profitable, no matter how unpalatable it may be unto his hearers. He is one who magnifies not himself, nor his denomination, but Christ - His wondrous Person, His atoning blood, His exacting claims.

Second, the genuine pastor has the Spirit of Christ in his HEART. It is the Spirit who opens to him the mysteries of the Gospel, so that he is "the faithful and wise servant" (Matthew 24:45). It is the Spirit of Christ who gives him a love for His sheep, so that it is his greatest delight to lead them into the green pastures of His Word. It is the Spirit of Christ who enables him to use "great boldness of speech" (2 Corinthians 3:12), so that he shuns not to declare all the counsel of God. It is the Spirit of Christ who makes him to be "prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Timothy 4:2). It is the Spirit of Christ who gives efficacy to his ministry, making it fruitful according to the sovereign pleasure of God.

Third, the genuine pastor has the example of Christ in his LIFE, which is a conforming of him to the image of his Master. It is true, sadly true, that there is not one of them who does not fall far short both of the inward and outward image of Christ. Yet there are some faint tracings of His image visible in all His true servants. The image of Christ is seen in their words, spirit, actions; otherwise we have no warrant to receive them as God’s servants.

Find a man (no easy task today!) who has the doctrine of Christ on his lips, the Spirit of Christ in his heart, and the example of Christ in his life--and you find one of His genuine ministers--all others are but "thieves and robbers."

By A.W. Pink

A REAL ANTINOMIAN

2011-03-11T16:50:00.002Z

An Antinomian, in the sight of God, is one who holds the truth in unrighteousness; who has gospel notions in his head, but no grace in his heart.

He is one that makes a profession of Christ Jesus, but was never purged by his blood, renewed by his Spirit, nor saved by his power.

With him carnal easepasses for gospel peace; a natural assent of the mind for faith; insensibility for liberty; and daring assumption for the grace of assurance.

He is alive without the law, the sentence of the moral law having never been sent home to him. The law of faith was never sealed on him, the law of truth was never received by him, nor the law of liberty proclaimed to him.

He was never arraigned at, nor taken from, the throne of judgment. He was never justified at the throne of grace, nor acquitted at the bar of equity. The tremendous attribute of righteousness was never seen or felt by him. The righteousness of the law was never fulfilled in him; the righteousness of the law was never fulfilled by him; the righteousness of faith was never imputed to him; nor the fruits of righteousness brought forth by him.

He is an enemy to the power of God, to the experience of the just, and to every minister of the Spirit; and is in union with none but hypocrites, whose uniting ties are the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity.

He is one that often changes his opinions, but was never changed in heart. He turns to many sects and parties, but never turns to God. In word he is false to Satan by uttering truth, and false to God by a false profession. He is a false reprover in the world, and in the household of faith a false brother.

He is a child of Satan in the congregation of dissemblers, and a bastard in the congregation of the righteous.

By mouth he contends for a covenant that cannot save him, and in heart he hates the covenant that can. His head is at mount Calvary, his heart and soul at mount Sinai. He is a pharisee at Horeb, and a hypocrite in Zion. He is a transgressor of the law of works, and a rebel to the law of faith; a sinner by the ministry of the letter, and an unbeliever by the ministry of the Spirit. As a wicked servant, he is cursed by the eternal law; and, as an infidel, he is damned by the everlasting gospel.

And this is a real Antinomian in the sight of God.

By William Huntington

WHAT IS THE "UNCLEANNESS" SPOKEN OF IN DEUTERONOMY 24:1

2011-03-09T14:16:00.004Z

Matthew 19:7
They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

A close look at the writing of divorcement which follows will help answer the question (from God’s perspective) posed by these blind leaders of the blind:

Deuteronomy 24:1
When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give [it] in her hand, and send her out of his house.

What is the meaning of the uncleanness that the scriptures speak of in this verse?

Unfortunately the mind of unregenerate mankind has expanded the concept of this word to mean anything that benefits his/her self-centered purpose. But God in His word has given the true believer His meaning of "uncleanness." It just so happens that in the 22nd chapter of this same book (Deuteronomy) God has given the definition of this "uncleanness" (verse 14 specifically):

Deuteronomy 22:13
If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her,

The final event of the wedding ceremony that made the marriage official was the sexual union of the man and the woman. Thus what God had joined together (the two becoming one flesh) by His word during the marriage ceremony the man would complete by going in unto his wife through the process of sexual union. If he found her not to be a virgin prior to penetration he could “put her away” (hate her). This was the "uncleanness" that the law of divorcement speaks to. There must be proof that she was not a virgin (verse 15).

Deuteronomy 22:14
And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid:

The definition of the word maid is as follows:

1331> bethuwliym, beth-oo-leem'; masc. plur. of the same as 1330; (collect. and abstr.) virginity; by impl. and concr. the tokens of it:-X maid, virginity.

------------------ Dictionary Trace ------------------

1330> bethuwlah, beth-oo-law'; fem. pass. part. of an unused root mean. to separate; a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (fig.) a city or state:-maid, virgin.

Deuteronomy 22:15
Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth [
[the tokens of] the damsel's virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate:

There was evidently, as inferred in this verse, a method of proof that was used to prove the virginity of a perspective bride (espoused bride). It could have been some sort of examination made by a physician prior to the wedding night, so that if a question arose on the brides virginity prior to her husband coming into her it could be cleared up by the record of this examination.

Deuteronomy 22:16
And the damsel's father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her;

Deuteronomy 22:17
And, lo, he hath given occasions of speech [against her], saying, I found not thy daughter a maid; and yet these [are the tokens of] my daughter's virginity. And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city.

Deuteronomy 22:18
And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him;

Deuteronomy 22:19
And they shall amerce him in an hundred [shekels] of silver, and give [them] unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.

Deuteronomy 22:20
But if this thing be true, [and the tokens of] virginity be not found for the damsel:

Deuteronomy 22:21
Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.

This is a very important law for it ultimately speaks to the virginity of the bride of Christ that He will take unto Himself after the judgement of the last day.

This bride that he takes unto himself will have been made a virgin by His righteousness that cleanses His elect of all their adulteress sins.

All believers have been espoused (engaged) to Christ, but on judgement day he will examine all who make a profession of faith and if that faith proves to be false, they will stand before Him naked in the fullness of their sins. There will be found no token of virginity (His righteousness). They will be cast into outer darkness.

God has, in Matthew’s gospel, given the child of God a historical view of how this law was to be understood and properly adhered to. Notice how Joseph responded to the circumstances of Mary’s pregnancy based on this law of divorcement:

Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:19
Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Joseph knew that Mary was pregnant and he knew that it was not his child. Although Joseph had the right, according to the law of divorcement referenced in Deuteronomy 24 and 22, to put Mary away publicly, he chose not to do so. As the next verse states he did not know that this was the work of God and not the results of some man who had been with Mary.

Matthew 1:20
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:22
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1:24
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

Matthew 1:25
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

To seek for a divorce for any reason other than that which Deuteronomy 22:13-12 speaks to is strictly prohibited by the word of God. Thus to seek for a divorce for adultery after the man has come in unto this wife is sin, whether he divorces her or she divorces him.

The permanence of this relationship is completed after intercourse, the two are now one and forgiveness must be the course of action for all that love God by being obedient to His command, “What God has joined together, let not man put asunder”.

By Roy Dean

The Epistle of James Does Not Contradict The Writings of Paul

2011-03-03T17:00:00.003Z

I've often pointed the following out relative to the "supposed" contradictions between James and Paul - which so-called contradition is nothing short of one not paying attention to what HE is reading! When Paul insisted the believer is "justified by faith only," he particularly notes that it was at the time that Abraham BELIEVED GOD relative to the promise of the birth of Isaac.

When James says we are "NOT justified by faith only," he says "We see HOW Abraham was justified by works when he OFFERED ISAAC."

When Abraham believed the promise, Isaac was not yet born; when he was justified by works when HE OFFERED Isaac, Isaac was old enough to carry his own wood for the offering - quite some times latter.

There is no contradition in James vs. Paul.

By Stanley Phillips

FAMILY PRAYER

2011-02-16T21:16:00.002Z

Family prayer should be constantly attended to. The worship of God ought to be maintained in all the families of the saints.

It cannot but be thought a duty incumbent on matters of families, to pray with, and for their children and servants, whom providence has put under their care and inspection; a faithful attendance hereon may, at least, strike their minds with an awe of God, and lay such a check upon them, which may prevent their sinning as others do. I doubt not but many can attest to the truth of this by their experience.

Besides, as we ought to endeavour the conviction of those under our immediate notice, we can’t tell how far God may please to succeed the discharge of our duty in this particular that way; however, whether or not the effect follows, which we should desire, that is to say, the spiritual good of those about us, we shall keep clear of their blood, if we are found in the practice of our duty towards them. It is not improbable but some may say, they are convinced it is their duty to pray in their families, but that they are not furnished with suitable gifts, and therefore they are obliged to omit it; such I would ask, if they have at all attempted it? If they have not they must allow me to say, it is trifling to urge their want of proper furniture, as an excuse for this neglect.

Besides, it can hardly be thought, that a person sensible, of himself, his state by nature, his need of Christ, and of his suitableness as a Saviour, can be utterly unable to perform this branch of religious worship in his own family, where strict method, proper coherence, and fluency of expression, are not absolutely necessary to the useful discharge of it. Again, gifts improve by using: I have known some who were not eminently furnished for such a work, that upon the exercise of the abilities they had, a blessing has attended, and their improvement has been very visible. I add, that since family prayer is a duty, we ought to be careful, lest we render ourselves unfit for it, or incapable of it, by conversation, or otherwise, when we are abroad.

By John Brine (1703–1765)

"LET US DRAW NEAR"

2010-12-25T16:21:00.003Z

In Hebrews 10:19-22 We find there encouraging words for those who have been saved.

Hebrews 10:19
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:20
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Hebrews 10:21
And having an high priest over the house of God;

Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

The Lord says that we should have boldness to come before Him in prayer, because that is one of the privileges we have received. The Lord Jesus said: "Ask, and ye shall receive" (John 16:24).

Do we have to ask for everything?

No! God already knows what our needs are.

Can we change God's plans by our petitions?

No! God knows what we are going to ask Him, even before we were born.

But that is no reason to keep silent. That is no reason to be bashful before God, excusing ourselves that we do not know how to pray. We should pray to God when we get up in the morning, and when we go to bed in the evening and all the time in between. Through prayer and Bible study we establish an ongoing communication with God.

For example, if we do not know how to pray, we can tell the Father that we do not know how to pray. Then we can ask Him to teach us how to pray. This is one of the requests that God will fill, because it brings glory to God. And God will teach us what it means "to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). It is a privilege to come before the throne of Almighty God and He always hears us.

Which other person in the world do you know who will always lend a willing ear, and who always understands what we mean?

We can ask God to give us light when we read the Bible. We can ask God to keep us faithful in His Word. We can ask God to teach us what it means to give Him all the honor and the glory. That is not a small request. We can ask God to give us a hatred for certain sins that we still embrace. We can ask God to give us a free and extrovert spirit and ability of speech when we speak with others. We can ask God to make other people receptive to the Word of God when we speak to them. We can ask God that He give us guidance and wisdom that we conduct ourselves as children of the Most High. We can ask God that our children may grow up fearing Him and honoring Him. We can ask God that He take away our fears concerning the future of our children, and that we will learn to give it all into His hand. We can ask God to teach us how to thank Him for everything that He sends our way, even those things that we do not like. We can ask God to give us a job in this church so that we will be fruitful in the furtherance of His Kingdom. We can ask God to give us boldness to step forward to offer our services for this church. As you know, we are a small congregation that is not growing. It may be God's will that we remain small, but we can ask God what we can do to help our congregation to grow. All these petitions, and many more, we may bring boldly before the throne of grace.

Do we hear Him?

If God the Son, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead, has been willing to lay down His life for us, and He has been willing to suffer the torment of the equivalent of an eternity in Hell for our sins, and we see in our life the reality of this great gift of faith He has given us, why then are we so timid?

If we truly hear Him, we will have more confidence to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith".

If God is with us, who can be against us?

By Alfred J. Chompff

Christians in The Army?

2010-11-18T17:33:00.002Z

Dear Sir,

I have often wondered how a gracious person can live in the army, and, along with wicked soldiers, enter into severe engagements with the enemy.

Is he not a murderer according to Galatians 5:21?

Does he not deliberately act contrary to the Saviour's instructions as recorded in Matthew 5:44?

Is it right or scriptural for a gracious person to take up arms at all against his fellow creatures?

A gracious soldier, in time of war and in engagements with the enemy, must be in a very deplorable situation. An answer will oblige Yours,

J.H.

------------------------------------------------------------

Answer by J.C. Philpot

Beyond all question, war, viewed in itself, is inconsistent with the gospel of peace and righteousness, and there is necessarily in the very profession of a soldier that which must shock every truly Christian heart.

So far we are fully agreed with our correspondent; but he seems to have confused two things, which we cannot but consider very different.

It surely is one thing, being a Christian, to go into the army, and another, being a Christian, to continue in the army.

We can hardly think that any man possessed of a tender conscience and the life of God in his soul would deliberately enlist as a private soldier, or purchase a commission as an officer.

But take the first case, with which we seem- more immediately concerned, that of a soldier in the ranks. A wild, reckless youth, in a moment of excitement, perhaps half drunk, or driven to it by poverty and destitution, enlists into a marching regiment.

After he has been some time in the ranks, the Lord is pleased to quicken his soul into spiritual life; and to doubt this is ever the case is to doubt the sovereignty of grace, and to deny positive facts.

Besides the burden of a guilty conscience, our poor unhappy youth has now to endure all the misery and wretchedness, the filth and wickedness, and probably the persecution of a barrack life, which has been called by those who know it, "A hell upon earth."

But what is the poor man to do?

He is like a mouse in a trap; he is in, but how is he to get out?

There are but two ways out; one he must not take, and the other he most probably cannot. These two ways are desertion or discharge. Surely J. H. would not recommend the former—at best a most terrible and perilous experiment, and subjecting a man to the disgrace and punishment of a felon.

This way, then, being thoroughly blocked out, can he avail himself of the second?

His discharge will cost him at least £40; and if he be a thoroughly good soldier, the probability is that the colonel will not part with him at any price. It is calculated that every soldier landed in India is worth to Government £100, and has probably cost twice that sum.

How will the commanding officer let that man purchase his discharge for £40?

But suppose the colonel were willing to let him go, can he always or often raise the
sum required for his discharge?

Then what alternative has he but to stay in his regiment?

Now, suppose the regiment is ordered off to India, and suppose it is sent on to Delhi or Lucknow, and suppose, as is most probable, it has to go into action against the sepoys, what is our Christian soldier to do?

Is he to refuse to march in the ranks, or not fire his Enfield rifle when the word is given to fire, or lie down on the ground when his fellow soldiers are rushing on to the charge?

It is fearful to think that he has to shed blood, but he has no alternative; and apart from his general duty as a soldier, if his comrade is about to be cut down by a sepoy, is he not to protect him, though in doing so he take the life of the enemy?

But examine the matter upon scriptural grounds.

Have we no instances of godly soldiers in the New Testament?

What was the centurion, (Matthew 8) of whom the Lord himself testified that He "had not found so great faith, no, not in Israel," but a soldier, or
rather what we should call a captain, in the Roman army, then occupying Judaea, as our troops are stationed in India?

And that this centurion was a saved man is evident from what the Lord added:

"And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven."

He had come from the west to sit first at the Redeemer's feet, and will sit down hereafter to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

And who was the first Gentile to whose house salvation came after the Lord had risen from the dead but Cornelius, "a centurion of the band called the Italian band?" — just as we might say, however odd it may sound to the ear, " A Captain in the Scotch Greys," or "A Lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards."

On this Roman captain, whom J. H. would almost call "a murderer," and if so he could not have "eternal life abiding in him," (1 John 3:15,) the Holy Ghost fell, and he was baptized in the name of the Lord, being the first Gentile Baptist.

It appears also that he was not alone in the Italian band, for "a devout soldier waited on him continually," being what we should now call "the orderly" of this gracious, God-fearing captain.

Now, suppose that this godly captain had lived for about thirty years after his baptism, which might easily have been the case, it would have found him in the very heat of that tremendous war which ended in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army under Titus; and suppose he was at - the siege of that city, as Baker might have been at the siege of Delhi; now, if there had been what is called a "sortie," that is, a rush from the city of the besieged Jews, and our godly captain had been at the head of his troop, must he have fought or fled?

And if the devout soldier who waited on him, his "orderly," had been at his side, and seen a Jewish desperado aiming a blow at his captain's head, might he save his life, even though he had to kill the Jewish soldier?

And would, in this case, this devout soldier have been "a murderer," and so been cut off from eternal life?"

Nor do we want modern instances. Colonel Gardner, a man favored with one of the most remarkable experiences on record, continued in the army after his call by grace, and, in fact, died with his sword in his hand, for he was cut down at the battle of Preston Pans by the scythe of a Highlander, when fighting bravely in defence of his king, his country, and, we may add, his religion; for Pope and Pretender had conspired to rob England both of liberty and religion.

Was Colonel Gardener "a murderer," and is he now in hell?

If so, he was awfully deceived; for, if we remember right, he had a most blessed visit from his dear Lord a night or two before the battle, and a sweet assurance from his own lips that he should shortly be with him.

Though we have thus written, let it not be supposed that we are vindicating war, or justifying a godly man for going into the army.

We are merely taking up the question, whether it be possible for a man to be in such a position, and yet be a partaker of grace.

At the present moment, the question assumes to us a greater degree of interest, as, from the letter which we inserted in the October No., from a soldier in India, and another to be found in our present pages, we have every reason to believe there are a few who fear God in our Indian army.

"JESUS WEPT"

2010-11-18T16:44:00.003Z

Did Christ o'er sinners weep?
And shall our cheeks be dry?
Let floods of penitential grief
Burst forth from every eye.

The Son of God in tears
The angels wondering see;
Hast thou no wonder, O my soul?
He shed those tears for thee!

He wept that we might weep,
Might weep our sin and shame;
He wept to show his love for us,
And bid us love the same.

Then tender be our hearts,
Our eyes in sorrow dim,
Till every tear from every eye
Is wiped away by him.

ARE ALL AFFLICTIONS CHASTISEMENTS?

2010-11-18T16:42:00.003Z

Are trials and afflictions necessarily chastisements for sin; in other words, are they always visitations for some particular disobedience?

Heavenly wisdom, holy caution, and spiritual experience, we feel, are deeply needed to handle these two subjects scripturally and experimentally, so as to clear God in all his dealings, not to darken counsel by words without knowledge, or advance anything inconsistent with the truth of God as revealed in the scripture, or made
known in the hearts of his people. We, therefore, crave the kind consideration of our readers if we fall short of handling them to their full satisfaction, as they are by no means so clear as most points of doctrine or experience.

1. The first point is, "How far trials and afflictions are necessarily chastisements for sin; in other words, whether they are always visitations for some particular disobedience?"

To clear up this point we offer the following considerations:

1. Would there be any trials and afflictions if there were no sin?

Were there any, could there have been any, in Paradise, in man's primitive, unfallen state?

Certainly not.

Then trials and afflictions imply sin, and the continuance of afflictions implies the continuance of sin.

Apply this general truth to particular cases.

1. Here is a child of God afflicted in mind, or body, or family, or circumstances, under the hidings of God's face, assaulted and buffeted by Satan, in heavy bondage, much cast down and distressed in his soul, or tried in any of those various ways which make up tribulation's rough and thorny path.

Now, in most cases, he will not have far to look for the cause of this rod; for in very many instances, the affliction will either so follow upon the heels of the sin, or be so specially marked by circumstances for it, that there will be almost as if there were a voice in the trial declaring what it is sent for.

In this case, therefore, the matter is plain enough that the rod is for some slip, or fall, or departure from the right ways of the Lord.

There is no difficulty here. If the rod be not heard, it is not because the rod has no voice, but because the conscience has as yet no ear.

2. But let us assume that there has been no slip, no foolish action, inconsistent conduct, unbecoming words, hastiness of temper, strife or contention, no unkindness to a brother or sister in the Lord, no indulgence in pride, worldliness, and covetousness, no secret rebellion, fretfulness, or unthankfulness; assume there has been a freedom from these things, (and how many are free or for any length of
time?) may not afflictions yet come as a rod for sins that lie deeper still?

How often, where there has been no open breach made in conscience by the guilt of the above evils, there has been perhaps for weeks or months a coldness and deadness, a lukewarmness and barrenness in the things of God, a backsliding in heart and affection, a worldliness and carelessness, an ease and a self-indulgence, which for a time conscience may not loudly testify against, but which are all very contrary to the life and spirit of vital godliness.

A man may keep up all the form of private prayer, reading the scriptures with diligence and attention, attending the preached word at every available opportunity, and even at times have a few softenings and meltings, some transient feelings of sorrow and compunction for his comness and deadness, and yet be for the most part in a very barren and unhealthy state of soul.

Now, to chastise us for this backsliding in heart, as well as to bring us out of it, the Lord often sends some trial and affliction. Why it comes we may not see at first, and that it is sent as a scourge for our carnality and carelessness; but after a time, as the medicine works and the rod produces the peaceable fruits of righteousness, we are brought, as it were, to our senses by it; and, as the blessed Spirit works more sensibly and powerfully in and by it, we are led to see and feel more clearly and deeply into what a cold, carnal, lifeless, miserable spot we had got.

This feeling softening the heart brings forth confession, humiliation, penitence, and self-reproach; and when any sense of the Lord's mercy is manifested, godly sorrow, self loathing, earnestness, looking upon Him whom we have pierced, and, through all these working together to one aim and end, the blessed Spirit brings about a revival of faith, hope, and love, and a deliverance from the barrenness and death before experienced. In this case also we see that afflictions and trials bespeak the rod for sin, as well as instrumentally bring out of it.

3. But assume a third case, that the soul has been earnest, careful, and diligent, perhaps more favored with watchfulness and tenderness than usual, more spiritual, prayerful, and humble, and still affliction comes, and trials press more heavily than ever.

Can this be a rod now when there seems to be no cause for it?

But do we see things as God sees them?

Because matters are so far right and straight, may there still not be much underneath, much still lurking unseen?

The silver has to be "purified seven times" in the fire. (Psalm 12:
6.) The first or second time is not enough, no, nor the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth, to separate the dross and tin, so deeply are they hid, so intimately mixed with the pure ore. There may be much spiritual pride and self righteousness in the best of men, the most eminent for a godly life and conversation; nay, not only may there be, but there is sure to be, unless they have been in hot furnaces.

Do we want an instance?

Look at the case of Job. The Lord's own testimony of him was that there was not such another upon earth as a man who feared God and avoided evil.

Why then had Job such heavy afflictions?

Was not he watchful and prayerful, godly and upright, and all that we have assumed, the Christian to be whose case we are now describing?

But because Job was all this and more, who does not see that there was that secret spiritual pride lurking and working within, hidden indeed from Job himself, but seen by that all-seeing eye which reads all the thoughts and intents of the heart?

In this eminent saint and servant of God there was a fund of self righteousness hidden in the depths of his heart which called for the rod.

And yet there is evidently another side to the question. It would seem hardly scriptural to say that all trials and afflictions are chastisements for sin. Look at the afflictions of Jacob and the afflictions of Joseph. The former were plainly rods for transgression, but we could not say so of the latter. It was not a self righteous speech of Joseph when he said, "I have done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon."

Compare again the afflictions of David when persecuted by Saul, and his afflictions when driven from Jerusalem by Absalom. The latter were chastisements, but it would be hard to say the same of the former. Compare again the afflictions of Jonah with those of Heman (Psalm 138); or the trials of Jeremiah with those of Daniel. In Jonah and Jeremiah we can see that their backs called for strokes; but it is not so plain in the sorrows of Heman and the casting of Daniel into the den of lions.

When we come to the gospel dispensation we see this more plainly still. There is a suffering under the gospel "for Christ's sake," (Philippians 1:29); a "filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ" (Colossians 1:24); a having "fellowship with him in his sufferings,"
(Philippians 3:10); "a rejoicing in being counted worthy to suffer shame for his name," (Acts 5:41); a "glorying in tribulation," (Romans 5:3); a being afflicted for the consolation and salvation of our brethren. (2 Corinthians 1:6.)

When we read the long catalogue of the trials and afflictions of Paul (2 Corinthians 6:4-10, 11:23-29), and that the sufferings of Christ abounded in him (2 Corinthians 1:5); when we hear him say, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong," we cannot surely call these afflictions chastisements in the strict sense of the word.

When again the Lord told the two sons of Zebedee that they "should drink of his cup and be baptized with his baptism," (Matthew 20:23); when he said to Ananias of Paul, "I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake," (Acts 9:16); when "the Holy Ghost witnessed in every city to the same servant of God that bonds and afflictions abode him," (Acts 20:23); when we read of "receiving the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost," (1 Thessalonians 1:6); when Paul bids Timothy "be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God" (2 Timothy 1:8); and when we read of the saints before the throne who "came out of great tribulation" (Revelation 7:14); it certainly would seem very harsh, legal, and foreign to the spirit of the gospel, to say that all these afflictions and sufferings were rods for sin.

We seem, therefore, brought to this conclusion that though many, perhaps the great majority, of our afflictions are chastening rods, yet that all are not so, and that, distinct from the chastisement which they procure for themselves, there is a path of tribulation and sorrow appointed for the children of God whereby they become conformed to the suffering image of Jesus, drink of his cup, partake of his baptism, and suffer with him here that they may be glorified with him hereafter.

II. The other question need not occupy us so long. Grace effectually excludes merit. Whatever in us is good, and as such well pleasing and acceptable to God, is his own work in our hearts, for he "worketh in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

Nor indeed, though there is a connection between our disobedience and the Lord's frown, for if we walk contrary to him he will walk contrary to us, and so also between our obedience and his smile, yet we must beware lest in avoiding Antinomianism we run headlong into Arminianism.

In all his dealings and ways he is a sovereign.

He will sometimes smile into obedience, break down the heart with love, come over all the mountains and hills of sin and shame, and by a sense of his goodness and mercy lead to repentance. Nor must we, on the other hand, think that our obedience will necessarily draw down his smile. At the best, it is but poor and imperfect, mingled with sin and infirmity, and he may have to teach us more clearly and impress it more deeply on our hearts, that all our fresh springs are in him, and that there is no hope or help for us but in the blood and obedience of the Son of his love.

By J.C. Philpot

DEAD THINGS

2010-09-16T17:49:00.002+01:00

Under the law it was so easy for a person to become ceremonially unclean. If he touched a dead body, or a grave, or a bone, he became unclean, and was cut off from Israel. It was for this reason that graves were often painted a dazzling white, especially at the time of the Passover when multitudes would visit Jerusalem.

A grave must be easily seen so that no one might stumble against it, and so be unclean. (Hence the remarks of the Lord Jesus concerning "whited sepulchres.")

We, too, continually have to do with dead things. We meet them day by day. Sometimes, inadvertently, we stumble upon them.

We hear some blasphemous remark.
We see some indecorous poster.
We overhear some filthy conversation.

There are a multitude of "dead things."

But what a contaminating effect they have upon us!

How we have to cry out, "Unclean! unclean!"

But under the law, God in His mercy made special provision for those who were ceremonially defiled. In Numbers chapter 19 we have an account of this merciful provision — the red heifer slain; the body burned; the ashes kept; the mingling with running water; the sprinkling; the purification.

If God was thus merciful under the law, is He less so under the gospel?

O our daily need of cleansing from daily defilement!

"Daily I'd repent of sin,
Daily wash in Calvary's blood."

And what a sacred passage is that which gives us the glorious antitype, the gospel fulfilment of Numbers 19; "For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh; HOW MUCH MORE shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:13-14)!

Then there is the other side — not only the defilement but also the deadening effect.

What a deadening effect the things of the world have on us, even lawful things!

What deadness they bring upon our spirit!

How they hinder us in prayer!

How they harden our hearts!

Dead things!

We have to pray, "My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken Thou me according to Thy word" (Psalm 119:25).

It is the same remedy for spiritual dryness and deadness as for defilement — the blood of Christ. It is "the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." A little sacred sense of it will make all the difference.

Thank God that "something yet can do the deed."

What power, what life, what efficacy in the blood!

No wonder the apostle says, "How much more!"

By B.A. Ramsbottom

CHRISTIAN COURTESY

2010-09-16T12:52:00.002+01:00

"...Be courteous."
(1 Peter 3:8)

Christian courtesy is an important subject. It is embraced in the well-known text:

"This people have I formed for myself they shall shew forth my praise"
(Isaiah 43:21)

God's people are called to be different. They should stand out from the world. And that not only in dress, chapel attendance, separation from wordliness, etc., but their behaviour should be seen to be different.

The world cannot understand some of the deep doctrines, but it does understand Christian courtesy.

The world does not read the Bible, but it does read God's people:

"Ye are our epistle written in our hearts known and read of all men".
(II Corinthians 3:2)

There is no excuse for a professing Christian to be rude, or ill-mannered, or impolite. A former generation set a most gracious example; many of them poor, uneducated, even illiterate, they were "nature's gentlemen."

Above all, the Lord Jesus was always courteous.

The sullen, unfriendly attitude of modern youth has nothing to commend it; our own young people must watch against it.

Some people pride themselves in being blunt, open, straightforward; whereas, in fact, they are downright rude.

Quite recently, in one of our towns, the roadsweeper went out of his way to sweep snow off the drives of three of the houses in one road. (They were all Strict Baptists.) When asked why just those three, he said, "They treat me in a different way from all the others in the road." They were courteous to him.

J.C. Philpot, in his obituary of Lady Lucy Smith, a member of one of the oldest families of the nobility, remarked that she was equally respectful whether in speaking to a beggar or to a nobleman.

We need to be courteous in speech. To say, "Thank you," costs nothing.

In going into a shop, why cannot we be different from the generality of people?

If we have a complaint to make — for instance, at school — let us be courteous. We gain nothing by rudeness, and certainly do not honour the Lord.

What about letter writing?

How deeply appreciated a kind note is!

How long is it since you wrote a letter of sympathy?

We remember an old lady who always noticed which people were not at chapel on the Lord's day. She made enquiries, and if they were unwell (whether old or little children), she sent a short note on the Monday morning.

In illness, a loving visit can be of such help. Don't stay long! And, if inconvenient, don't stay at all! And don't stare at the sick person or ask questions so you can tell everyone!

In trouble, likewise, a phone call, a card, a letter, a visit can mean so much. People usually say, "I just didn't think!" In Scripture thoughtlessness is not an excuse; it is a sin.

Be courteous to visitors (and entertain them if necessary). We once had a stranger come to our house, so shabby and rough-looking we only reluctantly (we must confess) asked him in. We are so pleased we were not impolite. He proved to be a most
godly man.

Parents need to reprove and correct their children; may courtesy never be lacking.

Children need to be very careful lest they are discourteous to their parents — and to their teachers.

Husbands and wives must never allow their relationship so to degenerate that (though having a real, deep love underneath) politeness is lacking. "Even as Christ loved the church," is the standard.

In dealing with very old people whose minds have gone, we need to be careful that we are not discourteous; certainly they must not be laughed at. They were once respected men and women, in their own homes, with their own friends and associates. Above all, if they are the Lord's, He dearly loves them; they are still "the apple of His eye."

Especially in the church of God, there is need of loving courtesy. We must remember that God's people are the members of His mystical body. What we do (or say) to them must be "as unto the Lord."

Where controversy arises, may it be carried on quietly and in a right spirit. How many have marred their cause by doing the right thing in a wrong way! There was much unnecessary bitterness and hatred in some of the controversies which racked the church of God, especially in the eighteenth century. Good John Brine was an outstanding controversialist. No one could be stronger for the truth; but he was so courteous with his opponents and, if he felt his opponent had grace, he would reason with him as a beloved brother.

It may be said that some have not had the upbringing, the background. Neither had John Kershaw.

How do you think he fitted in when staying at the home of Lady Lucy Smith?

Or being entertained by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh?

Where there is much of the love of Christ and with it true humility, however roughly brought up, a child of God will not do anything out of place. Why, the fear of God has an influence here; and seeking to honour the Lord, fearing to put self forward, there will be the meekness and kindness which are the essence of Christian courtesy.

One area where courtesy seems specially lacking today is on the road. And how sad it is when those who profess God's name set such a bad example — breaking the speed limit, showing no consideration for others!

It was remarked to us recently that many can hear the most solemn sermon, and then drive home in a way which disgraces their Christian profession!

In the Word of God we have two people specially mentioned for courtesy — both, strangely, having no knowledge of the truth.

In Acts 27:3 we read: "And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself."

In Acts 28:7 we read: "In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously."

So Christian courtesy is a real blessing. It certainly has a unifying effect within the church of God; it certainly is a witness to those without.

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous."
(1 Peter 3:8)

"Make us of one heart and mind.
Courteous, pitiful, and kind;
Lowly, meek, in thought and word,
Altogether like our Lord."

By B.A. Ramsbottom

SOME WISE SAYINGS OF WILLIAM TIPTAFT

2010-09-03T17:20:00.002+01:00

I stand before you this evening as the servant of Christ, or the servant of the devil.

The gospel is a fan that will separate the chaff from the wheat. The Pharisees and philosophers get but little hope from me, and will, therefore, seek more flattering preaching elsewhere.

It will avail nothing to assent to this or that doctrine, unless the Lord writes it on the heart.

The more you know of the truth in a spiritual way, the humbler you will be.

The Bible to most is a sealed book.

When the Lord teaches, we must learn.

I cut down false religion, and exalted Christ, to the great offence of the pious Pharisees. Flesh and blood are not changed, and where the gospel is faithfully preached there will be the same consequences as in the time of our Savior and the apostles.

I am offensive in my preaching; I do not try to smooth it and make it palatable.

Do not cavil and reason with the carnal-minded. What advantage will it be if you persuade them to adopt your sentiments? If they are not born again of the Spirit of God, they will receive the doctrines carnally and not spiritually, which will only make them proud and licentious.

You cannot convince the natural man.

I come off with a good share of abuse as a fool, a madman, a deceiver. But Paul says, "As deceivers, and yet true."

We could as soon make a new world as begin a spiritual work in our souls. It is this doctrine that lays man so low in the dust.

"The preaching of the Cross is to those who perish foolishness." If what I preach is not foolishness to the natural man, know assuredly that I preach not the gospel. It troubles exceedingly the Pharisees; they are very unwilling to cast away their false idols.

Your zeal must be in the strength of the Lord.

You will find much opposition, both within and without, against a spiritual work; but if it is the Lord's work, it will surely be carried on.

Knowledge does not profit, unless it is given by God the Holy Spirit. "The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." All knowledge avails but little, if there is not a knowledge of Christ Jesus. It is not receiving the gospel in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, which saves.

It is an inestimable blessing to be taught the value of God's word, so as to prize it, and to give much time to reading and meditating upon it.

Remember, Satan has millions of devices, of which a young convert knows but little.

All knowledge without the knowledge of Jesus will avail nothing. You are a poor dark, miserable, bewildered, deluded creature, if you know not Christ Jesus.

Seeing yourself lost and helpless will lead you to pray to God frequently and fervently to keep you from falling. You will feel troubled and distressed at your cold and lukewarm state, and be grieved that covetousness, pride, and diverse lusts are waging such strong war against your soul. But do not forget that we are soldiers, and have a continual warfare.

Some have a clear knowledge of the doctrines, but are evidently void of grace.

The power of godliness is but little known. Satan is well pleased with the state of religion in our day, or he would roar a little more loudly.

If we are too much liked by the world, and too well spoken of, it would not be so, if we lived godly in Christ Jesus. God forbid that we should rest in a form of godliness.

"Sell that you have, and give to the poor" is a harder lesson to learn than election.

The least work of grace in the heart is worth a thousand worlds!

I am daily a debtor to sovereign grace. We need holding up in all our goings out and comings in.

There is nothing worth living for in this vain world. Vanity is stamped upon all created good.

May the Lord break down your self-will and free-will, and make you a humble man; for if the dross be taken away from the silver, there comes forth a vessel for the refiner. It is a painful process to pass through the furnace; but the best religion is bought the dearest, and what we get cheap we do not much value.

It is a great mercy that we are out of hell.

Prosperity in worldly things will dampen the desire of eternal things.

I find that nothing but true religion will satisfy me.

I know myself to be a vile sinner, and Jesus Christ as a precious Saviour.

On what minute points do the most important matters sometimes hang, and how good it is to see in them the hand of God, who numbers the very hairs of our head, and without whom, not a sparrow can fall to the ground!

There is but very little true religion anywhere. It is a very narrow way to heaven, and if we enter in, it will be entirely by the grace of God.

Much covetousness lurks in man's nature. From the prophet to the priest they all went after it in former days; and as it was then, so it is now.

The cross is not to be escaped, if we are to enter into glory.

Deliver us from everything that may entangle our affections, and harden our hearts.

If the way to heaven is so narrow, and so few find it, what will become of those who never seek it?

Has your religion cost you anything? If it has cost you nothing, it is worth nothing.

When the Lord finds His rod, His people find their knees.

Children take more notice of what their parents do, than to what they say.

Make us more dead to the world, and separate in spirit from it.

Dead fish go with the stream, living ones against it.

Real religion is to be severed from the world, to be married to Christ, and to bring forth fruit unto God.

Grant that we may hold the world with a loose hand.

We come into the world crying, we go through it complaining, and go out of it groaning.

If we are brought to consider what Christ sacrificed for us, and how little we sacrifice for Him, we might blush!

HE IS A FOOL!

2010-09-03T17:13:00.002+01:00

"No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also."
(John 15:20)

You will not be persecuted for holding doctrinal truths in the head; but for having grace in your heart; for the former will not cause you to differ from the world.

When the fruits of the Spirit manifest themselves in your life; when you are blind to your own interest in this world; when you are deaf to the advice of the worldly-wise, then it will be said of you, "He is a changed man; he is a fool!"

Now, my dear brother, be assured of this, as God works in your soul, such changes as these will be caused; so that instead of panting after the riches of this world, you will pant after the unsearchable riches of Christ!

'Human nature' cannot and will not make great sacrifices; but as you have a knowledge given to you by the Spirit of the exceeding great and precious promises laid up in Christ for God's chosen few, you will be led to see the nothingness and vanity of all things here below, and you will with joy cry out, "We have a kingdom which cannot be moved!"

God, by His Spirit, quickens, and He alone can enable you to separate from your old companions and the world, and so make great sacrifices for Christ's sake, who has died that you might live; who became poor that you through His poverty might be made rich!

By William Tiptaft

IT WAS GOOD FOR ME TO BE AFFLICTED

2010-09-03T17:06:00.002+01:00

"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word."
(Psalm 119:67)

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."
(Psalm 119:71)

The children of God almost always flourish more in trials and difficulties, than in the sunshine of health and prosperity.

"I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me."
(Psalm 119:75)

By William Tiptaft

SATAN'S MOST SUBTLE DEVICE

2010-09-03T16:53:00.002+01:00

Satan is a very subtle enemy, and never spreads his snare in your sight. I hope you will not be induced to value any knowledge which does not cause you to love Christ more, and to live more decidedly as a member of His kingdom.

Satan does not care how much knowledge you have in your head, so long as he can keep possession of the citadel of your heart. Consequently, he will change his position a thousand times, before he will surrender his hold. But God's grace must and will dethrone him, and set up the kingdom of Christ in your heart, so that you will serve a new Master, and for very different wages.

All that Satan can tempt us with, are perishable things of time, that will soon vanish away. But though we profess to despise the riches and honors of this life, none but those who are taught of God will view them in their proper light.

Satan is the god of this world, and he blinds the minds of those who do not believe. If one device will not succeed, he will try another; and every unregenerate man will be led captive by him, in some way or other.

Many may think they have outwitted him by a knowledge of doctrinal truths in the head, while their heart is devoid of grace. I feel this is Satan's most subtle device.

It matters little what a man knows, if Christ is not the pearl of great price to him.

Is Jesus Christ precious to you?

Do you love Him so that you would die for Him?

Do you count all you lose for His sake gain?

By William Tiptaft

A DAILY CROSS

2010-09-03T16:02:00.003+01:00

"If anyone would be My follower, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
(Luke 9:23)

The power of godliness is but little known.

There is a daily cross, and you must bear it, or there will be no crown.

"And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple."
(Luke 14:27)

By William Tiptaft

FALSE PROFESSORS

2010-09-03T15:49:00.002+01:00

He is not a Christian who differs only in 'sentiment' from the world, but in 'practice'.

By William Tiptaft

A LITTLE PLAIN FOOD AND PLAIN CLOTHING

2010-09-03T15:41:00.002+01:00

A little plain food and plain clothing are quite good enough for our vile bodies.

"After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction."
(1 Timothy 6:7-9)

By William Tiptaft

PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GET RICH

2010-09-03T15:28:00.002+01:00

The way to heaven is strait and narrow, and Satan is an unwearied adversary, in disputing every inch of the way.

You will be much despised and cast out for Christ's sake, and nothing will offend more than separating yourself as much as possible from carnal people.

It is 'the life' which condemns the professing world.

When the world sees you unmoved by the riches and the pleasures which it so much adores; when you are led by the Spirit "to count all things but rubbish for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ"; you must expect then to bear reproaches
from the Hagar race!

There is but very little true religion anywhere.

It is a very narrow way to heaven, and if we enter in, it will be entirely by the grace of God.

It is very plain that the world is too much in the hearts of (some who profess to know Christ), and Satan covers over covetousness under the name of prudence.

How (some professors) compare themselves one with another, instead of with the word of God.

But God has a people, whom He will separate from the world.

I am not heaping up treasures upon earth for moth and rust to corrupt. I feel thankful to the Lord I am so provided with every comfort in this world. I hope that He will teach me self-denial, that I may more liberally assist the poor and
afflicted brethren who lack even the necessities of life. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

As a Christian, your mind will be much more easy the less you have to do with the world. Having food and clothing, be content therewith.

Riches and cares choke the seed, and keep you from communion with God.

"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many
foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction."
(1 Timothy 6:9)

Your kingdom is not of this world.

If I love my money more than Christ, woe is me!

By William Tiptaft

WHEN THE LORD OPENS YOUR EYES WIDER

2010-09-03T14:38:00.003+01:00

When the Lord opens your eyes wider, you will see how much worldly-mindedness there is, in one shape or other, among the professors around you.

"If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
(1 John 2:15)

A day will soon arrive when it will be made known how much we have spent in the gratification of our own lusts; and how little for Christ. When He lived in this world 'self', was out of the question.

True knowledge of Christ alone will avail; they must be taught of God what riches they have in Christ, to make them despise the world and all its wealth and honors.

By Willam Tiptaft

TAKE MY ADVICE!

2010-09-03T14:24:00.003+01:00

We can spend everything upon that vile monster - self!

Pray for each other that the Lord may cause us to give freely for His sake; for "there is one who scatters, and yet increases."

Take my advice and have as little to do with the world as you can help.

How very little we really need in this life!

By William Tiptaft

IF WE ARE CHRIST'S MINISTERS...

2010-09-03T14:00:00.002+01:00

Before a man can preach the spirit of the gospel, his life and conduct must be according to it; and most gospel preachers fall short in this respect.

It is the cross we are inclined to shun. But we shall bear it, if we are Christ's ministers, and then our walk will be quite contrary to the world.

By William Tiptaft

DO NOT MAKE OF YOUR CHILDREN PHARISEES AND HYPOCRITES

2010-09-03T13:47:00.002+01:00

"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
(John 3:3)

It seems very cutting to parents when I warn them against making children Pharisees and hypocrites.

But the truth is cutting to flesh and blood, for it is sharper than any two-edged sword. We strongly oppose what the professing world calls true religion.

Much of the religion of the present day, is nothing but the work of Satan. It is very near and dear to the flesh, and the lost feel very loath to give it up; as unwilling as the Jews were to leave their religion for Christ.

The whole work of salvation is Christ's, and Christ's alone.

By William Tiptaft

THE DROSS WHICH GATHERS SO VERY FAST

2010-09-03T13:40:00.003+01:00

God's children need much humbling and stripping; and frequently a "furnace", to take away the dross which gathers so very fast.

"I have refined you but not in the way silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering."
(Isaiah 48:10)

By William Tiptaft

TRUE RELIGION

2010-09-03T13:23:00.002+01:00

What a mockery is a mere profession of religion which costs a man nothing!

There is no more true religion than what is felt, known, and experienced in the soul.

Real religion will find its way to the heart, and its effect will be manifest in the life.

When the Lord has taken a poor sinner in hand He will never leave him, but will surely purge away his dross and tin. He will slay his idols, and tear him from those things he so much loves.

The more God's children are taught spiritually, the greater fools do they become in their own eyes, and the more astonished they are that God should show mercy to such poor worms of the earth.

By William Tiptaft

THE SOUL IN ITS BEST STATE WHEN MOST HUMBLED

2010-09-03T12:36:00.003+01:00

The soul is in its best state when most humbled.

Lowliness of mind and contrition of spirit are the best evidences of the effects of grace wrought in the soul. The promises are nearly all for...

The humble,
The lowly,
The broken-hearted,
The tempted,
The tempest-tossed,
The devil-harassed,
The afflicted children of God.

For the Lord will revive the humble and the contrite.

He will give grace to the lowly, and feed the hungry with good things.

By William Tiptaft

TO SEPARATE US FROM WORLDY THINGS

2010-09-03T12:25:00.002+01:00

There is nothing worth living for in this vain world.

Vanity is stamped upon all created good.

All dealings with the world are of a deadening nature; therefore, whatever unnecessarily brings us into contact with the world should be avoided.

"No man can serve two masters."

That great truth is a continual cross to many.

"O wretched man that I am!" says the great apostle.

And so says every child of God needs stripes, scourges, rods, and afflictions, besides various other crosses to separate us from worldly things. Our souls so very much cleave to the dust.

By William Tiptaft

DO WE HAVE CHARITY?

2010-08-16T18:07:00.006+01:00

The first three verses of 1st Corinthians 13 make it clear that if we do not have “agape”, or if we do not have the love of God that is shed abroad in the hearts and souls of those who are truly children of God, then we have a clear sign that we are not saved. Let us begin there today, and let us review the necessity of Agape.

The necessity of Agape (1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Ephesians 1:4-6)

1 Corinthians 13:1
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:4
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

1 Corinthians 13:5
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

1 Corinthians 13:6
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

1 Corinthians 13:7
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1 Corinthians 13:8
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

1 Corinthians 13:9
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

1 Corinthians 13:10
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

1 Corinthians 13:13
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Now the question remains, “Do we have charity?” and thus let us dig into the following four verses and find out if we do have that charity that the Bible speaks about.

Therefore the title of today’s article is, “Do We Have Charity?”

Let me state up front that the word that is translated “charity” in 1st Corinthians 13 is the Greek word agape The English word “to love” comes out of two Greek words: agapao and phileo. Whenever a love comes out of the will of man it is the word agape. Whenever a love comes out of the feelings of man it is the word phileo. For example, to love our neighbor as ourselves by giving him a gospel tract is “agapao”, whereas to have pity on a beggar and give him alms is “phileo”.

And even though throughout the entire chapter 13 the translators chose to use the word charity, we want to take note that throughout the entire chapter 13 the Greek word agape is used, which never has the meaning of almsgiving.

What is it that we must absolutely have, or else we evidence that we have not been regenerated?

It is agape, whereas phileo is optional.

For example, when God commands us to love our fellow man in the church, it is conceivable that we do not love him with our feelings, for we are repulsed by something of his personality. But we have made a decision to love him and to do him good, for that is what we are commanded to do. Nevertheless, this does not remain a coldhearted action on our part, for God also commands us to pray for our brethren in the church. And when we pray for someone, and pray sincerely, the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost for this person, and we are growing in love for our fellow brethren. This is the love shown in 1st Corinthians 13.

We can take as our example the love, agape, that Christ has for us, which is a love that was an impulse of His will. Every single individual of the entire human race looks repulsive in the eyes of God, for God is repulsed by the multitude of our sins. But in eternity past the Father chose a bride for His Son out of this repulsive human race, and therefore He chose a certain number of people (Ephesians 1:4) whom He chose to love with an unconditional agape, for He chose to love us according to the good pleasure of His will (Ephesians 1:5). It had to be an unconditional love, for if God would have made it conditional, any condition would have become a law, then no one of those He chose would have made it, NO NOT ONE, for man is not able to obey any law of God perfectly.

And so He washed us from our sins by having Christ pay for our sins on the cross, and He made us accepted in His Beloved, which refers to Christ, to the glory of His grace (Ephesians 1:6).

It means that He would have to give us the status of adopted sons and daughters freely, for as the bride of Christ we enter into His family. We were drafted to come into His family, and therefore He made us joint heirs with Christ, joint heirs of the New Heaven & New Earth.

This, in a nutshell, is the entire Gospel of grace. This is the good news for all those whom God has chosen from eternity past. And this is the love, agape, that God has for us, and that Christ has for us, and this is the love that initially was an impulse of His will, but eventually it included His pity for us, who are bankrupt and poor beggars, for we were unable to help ourselves. This is the love, agape, that we must have for the brethren in church as much as we must have it for our wife, as I have already explained last week.

Now we have to find the answer to the question:

Do we have this agape?

Do we have this charity?

God helps us along to the answer by defining for us what He means by charity, or agape.

"Charity Suffereth Long" (1 Corinthians 13:4, Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 17:9, 1 Peter 4:8)

1 Corinthians 13:4
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Charity suffereth long and is kind. Of all the characteristics of agape that are mentioned here in 1st Corinthians 13 here are the two characteristics that stand out with head and shoulders that describe the nature of charity. Let us think of the context. There were contentions and strifes at the church of Corinth; there were suspicions, and jealousies, and heart burnings; there would be unkind judging, and imputation of improper motives, and selfishness; there was also envy, and pride, and boasting, and all of these were inconsistent with love.

And in this environment God, through the hand of the apostle Paul, designed to correct these evils, and to produce a different state within the church by exercising love. Thus, when God says here “charity suffereth long”, He uses a word here which means: slowness to anger, or slowness to passion, or long suffering, or patient endurance, or forbearance. It is opposed to “haste”, and to passionate expressions, and to irritability.

And thus, when God says, “charity suffereth long”, He refers to the state of mind which can bear long when we are oppressed, or when we are provoked, or when we are gossiped about, or when someone seeks to do us harm.

In these matters of interpersonal relationships we find that the Prophecy of Proverbs is a goldmine. For example, we must hold back and not lash out in anger trying to defend ourselves, for God is our defender. God says in Proverbs 10:12, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”

What did God mean thereby?

If in the course of a discussion we are being attacked, or we are being provoked, or the subject of a gossip about us is being brought up as a matter of accusation, then if we try to defend ourselves we are risking that the discussion turns into an atmosphere of hatred, and God says that hatred does not solve anything but stirs up strifes.

God will defend us, and in time we shall be vindicated.

On the other hand, when we are attacked and we respond with love, God says that “love covereth all sins”.

Whose sins are covered?

The sins of the attacker are his sins, and God will deal with him; we are no mediator in his sins. But our sins, which are many, will be covered, and will not be laid out for all to see. Remember that true atonement of our sins can only be done by Christ on the cross. The covering of our sins in the eyes of God can only occur on the cross, but our sins in the eyes of the world will be covered when we respond in love.

God teaches us exactly the same thing in Proverbs 15:1, where He says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

And so, the subject of longsuffering must be foremost in our minds when we are dealing with our fellow man. We must constantly remind ourselves what we preach, and what the Word of God says. It does not mean that from now on our dealings with others will be smooth and without any wrath. We are human, and we are subject to many temptations, and we are not always responding to other people’s accusations as true saints, but sometimes we to can respond in ways that are not good.

Let me bring up two other examples of longsuffering. God says in Proverbs 17:9, “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”

If we cover a transgression, or an accusation, or a matter in which we are being provoked, by passing it over, we will find that the discussion turns into loving one another. But if we repeat the matter of the accusation, or we repeat the matter in which we are being provoked, we run the risk that we are losing friends, or worse, that our friends will side with our enemies.

In the first Epistle of Peter we find many nuggets of interpersonal relationships, such as: Christ is our example, and guidance for husbands and wives, and be of one mind toward one another, and how a Christian should act in this world, and rejoicing in trials, and cast your care upon Him. But today we will look only at 1 Peter 4:8, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

Whose sins are being covered?

Our sins are covered for the world.

Only the atonement of Christ on the cross can cover our sins in the sight of God. No action on our part can contribute one iota to the actual covering of our sins before God. But we can make our lives on this earth more pleasant by having fervent charity among the brethren. And by fervent charity is meant that we not only extend our love to the brethren because we were commanded to do so, not only extend our love to the brethren because we have to, but because we want to.

We fervently want to have a loving relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, even though they live far away. We realize that this might be a problem in our congregation, because some of us live 100 miles away from others whom we want to befriend. This is a problem, but not an insurmountable problem. What we need is some initiatives in this direction.

But the question that we are facing today is this:

Do we have charity?

Are we longsuffering toward our fellow man?

When we talk with our brethren of the church, are we slow to anger, or slow to passion, and passing over points of friction, and can we bear long with them knowing that God ultimately will set the record straight?

Or are we immediately on fire, and want to win the debate, and want to have the last word. Think about this now, and see what our behavior was in the past, and if we have to change our attitude, and if we perhaps have to change our style of discussion.

For Christ has not called us to be His debaters, but His witnesses. When we witness that we are the children of God, we must show with our actions that the love of God was indeed shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, and this would show up in our speech as well.

"Charity is Kind" (1 Corinthians 13:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:14-15)

1 Corinthians 13:4
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Be kind toward one another.

Here is another characteristic of charity, or agape, that shows up in our speech.

Are we kind towards one another when we speak?

Are we making friends?

Are we accepting one another as equals, not trying to dominate a discussion?

Believe me, nobody likes a man who knows it all, for the simple reason that such a man does not exist. If we have studied long and hard in the past, then let us share our knowledge in a non-threatening way, in love accepting one another as Christ has commanded us. This is the way to make friends. And be at peace when others do not believe us, for most of the time it is not life threatening to us if we do not win the debate. Let us now look at a couple verses, and see if we can make this subject matter a little clearer.

The church in Thessalonica were a congregation who from the beginning were full of love towards one another. We can read that in 1 Thessalonians 4:9, where we read, “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.”

And although this verse speaks of brotherly love, we should be aware that the word agape is used, not the word phileo. We read here in 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all (men).”

Here is a very good example of being kind. It does not mean that we must become a push-over, but that we are firm toward them that are unruly. This means that we must be firm toward them who try to lord it over the rest of the congregation. They are the ones that are unruly, because they hate the present rules and want to establish their own rules. In other words, by being stern with those that are unruly we are kind to the rest of the congregation. And we are also kind to the congregation when we are kind to the feeble minded, which means to those who have not had the opportunity of gaining a knowledge of the Word of God. Be kind to them, for the Father loves them as much as He loves us. Comfort the feeble minded, and support those that are weak in the faith, such as little children and those that are new in the faith. Perhaps in time they will be as strong in the faith as we are.

And “be patient to all”. The word men is in italics, and was added by the translators. Be patient with the children, for they must still learn the gravity of worshipping God. Be patient with the teenagers, for they must still learn the gravity of the Judgment of God. Be patient with the young adults, for they must learn that to be a successful parent we must raise our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Be patient with the old men and the old women, for they have missed the opportunity to be taught, and now is their opportunity to get to know the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father who sent Him. Be patient with elders and deacons who are supposed to know, for now is their opportunity to learn to be teachers of the Word of God and to learn how to teach the sovereignty of God in the church and in the world, and to learn how to be kind and compassionate towards our fellow man. And be patient with all those who seem to have no love for their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. They too can be redeemed if the Lord wills.

When we look at 1 Corinthians 13:4, and we read, “Charity is kind” we realize that the word for “kind” means to be good-natured, gentle, tender, and affectionate. Love wishes well to our neighbor. It is not harsh, or sour, or morose, or ill-natured. Tindal writes “love is courteous”. The idea is that under all provocations and confrontations love is gentle and mild. But hatred results in harshness, severity, unkindness of expression, anger, and a desire of revenge. Watch out for those symptoms. But love is the reverse of all these. A man who truly loves another will be kind to him, and desires to do him good; he will be gentle, not severe and harsh; he will be courteous because he desires his happiness and does not want to hurt his feelings.

Let us hear what God says how we should behave in the church when we claim that we are Christians, which means of the family of Christ, when we claim that we are the Bride of Christ, and when we claim that we love one another.

God says in Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Now, this was the reason why the Lord Jesus after the last Passover meal washed the disciple’s feet. Ceremonially it meant that the disciples should wash one another’s feet, meaning that they should forgive one another their sins. Their conscience had become dirty in walking through this world, which is symbolized by their dirty feet.

And thus while they washed one another’s feet they forgave each other their little annoyances, for Christ had already washed their souls clean.

Therefore, God says in Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Tenderhearted means that mutual forgiveness must be guaranteed within the body of Christ. It cannot be that one member of the family of Christ cannot forgive another member. If this kind of unforgiveness shows up, it means that one of the parties, or perhaps both parties, are not saved, because they do not have the love of God in their hearts. Therefore it is absolutely mandatory that within the body of Christ we will forgive one another, for the Lord Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15,

Matthew 6:14
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Matthew 6:15
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

By forgiving one another we do not let the other party off the hook. They still have to answer to God for their own sins. But we let ourselves off the hook, for by forgiving them their trespasses we in turn receive peace in our hearts, and we can put the offending party and their offense out of our mind.

"Charity Envieth Not" (1 Corinthians 13:4, Mark 15:10, Galatians 5:26)

1 Corinthians 13:4
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

“Charity envieth not” because if we love one another then we rejoice with one another. We would not envy someone else because of God’s favor resting upon him. If God considers that person and decides that out of God’s providence that person should get a little more than most other people do, then we should appreciate the wisdom of God to do such a thing.

Remember that envy is a grievous sin.

If covetousness is a deadly sin, for it is synonymous with idolatry, then envy, which is worse than covetousness, is even more of a grevious sin.

We can see the effects of this terrible sin in the lives of the scribes and Pharisees at the time the Lord Jesus walked on this earth, for we read that Pilate saw their envy. We read in Mark 15:10, “For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.”

They were envious that the Lord Jesus would draw all people to Himself, and thus He had to go. But their hatred of Him was so great that they resorted to murder, and thus the Lord Jesus was captured before they had an accusation to blame Him off.

This is what envy does.

It leads to hatred and even to murder. We also see it in the lives of Cain and Abel how envy leads to murder. Make sure we understand that we can actually have murder in our heart before we resort to the actual act of killing someone.

Envy usually lies in the same line of business, or occupation, or rank. We do not usually envy a head of state, or a conqueror, unless we are aspiring to the same rank. The farmer envies another farmer. The teacher envies another teacher. The physician envies another physician who is more successful than he is.

The correction of all these is love, or agape. If we loved others, we would not envy them, but we would be thankful to God that He has blessed them with some extra gifts.

After listing 18 works of the flesh, and 9 fruits of the Spirit, God gave us a last push on the matter of envy. Even though He had already stated this work of the flesh in verse 21, the Lord counted it worthy to repeat this warning concerning envy. He says in Galatians 5:26 “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” We see here that to envy one another is part of the desire for vain glory, which is a desire to be rich in the world and to have many things with which we can parade before others; but it is all vain glory. And this matter of vain glory is related to the following two items on the list.

"Charity Vaunteth Not Itself" (1 Corinthians 13:4)

1 Corinthians 13:4
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

The Greek word translated “vaunteth” occurs only in this place, and nowhere else in the New Testament. The idea is that of boasting, or bragging, or vaunting. It has the notion of boasting or of vaunting of our own excellencies or gifts. The definition of the verb “to vaunt” is “to make a vain display of our own worth or accomplishments.” And thus it is related to pride, or boasting, or being puffed up.

Charity does not boast of itself; and that is obvious. Charity does not brag about how good and lovely we are. And instead of claiming how good and lovely we are, we need to ask ourselves if we do have charity for one another.

Do we love our brothers and sisters in Christ?

Is that so, or is it not?

Where is the evidence?

Remember that our love for one another will show itself in our actions. Let us then look at our actions and see how little we do for one another, and ask ourselves if perhaps we can do more for one another. You may reply that you are already doing a great deal for the community at large. That is fine, but that is not where your priorities lie.

Your priorities are your brothers and sisters in Christ in the church.

And is our concern for one another flowing over to our children?

This, I believe, is the weakest link in our interpersonal relationships. Pray to God that we as a church may grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord, and that we may look at Jesus as our example.

And pray to God that He will strengthen our love for one another, for we need it.

But God, for us, His people, in His infinite wisdom and love for us has kept us in the faith, and has counted us worthy to remain standing faithfully in this world full of apostacy and idolatry. Show God our gratitude for His unspeakable love and grace.

Amen.

By Alfred J. Chompff

HUSBANDS AND WIVES

2010-08-13T12:33:00.002+01:00

Christian husbands are bidden (Ephesians 5:25-33) to love their wives. The whole of the exhortation is somewhat too long to quote fully, but we will give one verse: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25).

Now look at the foundation of this exhortation.

Why should a Christian husband, according to this precept, love his wife?

Because it is his duty, or because conducive to his happiness, or because it is what she has a right to as his partner in life?

None of these grounds is named, or even alluded to. But this is the foundation of the precept. Christ loved the Church as His mystical body, and gave Himself for it. Therefore as the believing husband holds to the believing wife as her natural head, the same relative position which Christ holds to the church as her spiritual head, he is bound to love her for Christ's sake and after Christ's example. Christ and His Church are one; she is His own flesh which He nourisheth and cherisheth. So a man and his wife are one flesh. When, then, he loves her he loves himself; and to nourish and cherish her is to nourish and cherish his own body, as Christ does the church.

Is not this noble gospel ground full of the sublimest and deepest truth?

Is it not a spiritual, heavenly and holy view of Christian marriage, and does it not baptize that social tie as with the very spirit and love of Christ?

What a sanctity it throws round the marriage of Christians!

How it elevates it above all worldliness and carnality, and brings down upon conjugal love the pure breath of heaven, more than reinstating it to what it was in Paradise in the days of man's primeval innocence!

Now take, as a counterpart, the precept to Christian wives:

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church; and He is the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything."
(Ephesians 5:22-24)

This precept, perhaps, may be less palatable to those to whom it is addressed, for no wife minds how much her husband gives her of his love, but she has not always the same pleasure in giving him her obedience. But let her like it or not, the submission and subjection of a wife to her husband are here inculcated as one of the precepts of the gospel.

But on what high, holy and spiritual ground it is placed. How the precept is based upon and connected with the glorious gospel doctrine of the headship of Christ and the church's subjection and submission to Him as such.

When, then, a Christian wife seeks not her own will but her husband's, when she submits to his desires and wishes (and of course the apostle assumes that as a Christian man these would be in harmony with the gospel), her very submission is her glory as well as her happiness.

Is it not so in our submission to Christ?

Is it not our glory and happiness to know no will but His, and to yield to Him the obedience of love?

Thus ye Christian wives, when you submit yourselves to your husbands in love and affection, you do so after the example of the church. There is no loss of dignity or position in this, no giving up of your rights. When you can respect and love your husband as a Christian man as well as a Christian partner, and you can walk together not only in conjugal but spiritual love, as he will require nothing from you which you may not safely and scripturally yield to him, so will it be your pleasure as well as your privilege to walk with him as his equal in Christ, but now subordinate in present position.

By J.C. Philpot

GOD'S ELECT - STRANGERS IN THE WORLD

2010-08-12T12:37:00.002+01:00

"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers..."
(1 Peter 1:1)

Strangers!

What makes the children of God so strange?

The grace of God which calls them out of this wretched world. Every man who carries the grace of God in his bosom is necessarily, as regards the world, a stranger in heart, as well as in profession, and life.

As Abraham was a stranger in the land of Canaan; as Joseph was a stranger in the palace of Pharaoh; as Moses was a stranger in the land of Egypt; as Daniel was a stranger in the court of Babylon; so every child of God is separated by grace, to be a stranger in this ungodly world.

And if indeed we are to come out from it and to be separate, the world must be as much a strange place to us; for we are strangers to...

its views,
its thoughts,
its desires,
its prospects,
its anticipations,
in our daily walk,
in our speech,
in our mind,
in our spirit,
in our judgment,
in our affections.

We will be strangers from...

the world's company,
the world's maxims,
the world's fashions,
the world's spirit.

"They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."
(Hebrews 11:13)

J.C. Philpot - "The Precious Trial of Faith" - 1865

THOUGHTS FROM J.C. PHILPOT

2010-08-11T16:03:00.002+01:00

Unless the trumpet give a certain sound, who is to prepare himself for the battle?

I want no new doctrines, nor any new religion, as I want no fresh Bible and no new Lord; all I want is to live more daily in the sweet enjoyment of them, and to manifest more of their power in heart, lip and life.

We are no longer young. Life is, as it were, slipping from under our feet, and therefore I desire to spend the rest of my days, be they few or many, in serving the Lord, walking in His fear, enjoying His presence, preaching His gospel, contending for His truth and living to His glory.

It is a poor life to live to sin, self and the world, but it is a blessed life to live unto the Lord. I only wish that I could do so more and more, but I have to find that the good I would I do not, and the evil I would not that I do.

How soon we sink down into carnality and death, and like a rower plying against the stream, at once fall down with the current when we cease to ply our oars. These oars are prayer, reading, meditation and heart examination, and without them too soon we slip away from the harbour to which we hope we are bending our course.

And yet we daily find that we cannot use these oars to purpose except the Lord be pleased to put strength into us. We may indeed attempt to use them, and should not cease to do so. But alas, of how little avail are they unless He who teaches the hands to war and the fingers to fight, teach us also their use, and give us power to use them in His strength, not our own.

I am not one bit stronger in myself with all my long profession and, I hope, possession of the life of God; but on the contrary, have a more sensible feeling of my weakness, sinfulness and helplessness than ever I had before. At the same time I hope I have learned more deeply and thoroughly whence all my strength, wisdom, righteousness and sanctification are to come, and thus to look more to the Lord and less to self.

May our lot, living and dying, be with the saints of God whom He has redeemed with the precious blood of His dear Son, whom He has called and quickened by His grace, and to whom He has made known the blessed mysteries of His kingdom as set up in the heart by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Time and life are fast passing away with us, but we hope that through distinguishing grace we have not lived altogether to sin and self, but have endeavoured, very weakly, indeed, and imperfectly, yet in the main sincerely, to serve God in our day and generation, to seek the good of His people, to be blessed and be made a blessing.

To live a life of faith upon the Son of God is indeed a blessing beyond all price, and such a life here will prepare for a life of eternal and unalloyed enjoyment hereafter.

But though we thus seem to get sick of earth, sin and self, yet we feel the need of divine communications of life, light, liberty and love to raise up the heart and draw the affections heavenward.

Hunger is not food, weariness not rest, and sickness not cure. How we need the blessed Lord to appear for us and in us, that we may find in Him that rest and peace, that happiness and consolation, which none but He can bestow.

It is an inestimable mercy when in the absence of suspension of mental energy, the soul can quietly and softly repose on the bosom of mercy. And indeed, this is one of the choicest blessings of the covenant of grace, that it gives rest and peace, quietness and stillness in the assurance that the work of Christ is a finished work, that nothing remains to be done, and that all is secured in the Person of the Son of God, in whom the Father is ever well pleased.

Blessed Lord!

May our desire and delight be to exalt Thy worthy name; for Thou art our All in all!

All divine truth is in Jesus, comes from Him and leads to Him. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOUR

2010-08-11T16:01:00.002+01:00

Holiness of practice, what is it?

It is not a set of feelings.

It is a course of conduct, and it comprises several particulars, as first, abstention from the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Mix not with what appears to be wrong; ask not how far you can go in that which even the world blames.

What moral, worldly men blame, should it not be eschewed by professing Christians?

Where the worldling would not go, should the Christian think of going?

Just think of it – “the appearance” that which looks wrong.

You may say, “O but my conscience does not accuse me; my motives are not bad.”

That rule is not permitted you. No man has a right, professing the name of Jesus Christ, to go on that ground. It is ungracious ground; it is false ground, unholy, untender ground.

It is the excuse of the flesh; it is the deception of the heart, the hypocrisy of the mind, the pollution of Satan. It is not good ground.

Whether your conscience accuses you or not is not the question (though, by the way, I might say that perhaps the reason why your conscience does not accuse you is that it is very much hardened; and if so, then your case is much worse). O “follow holiness” by keeping from the appearance of sin.

Let me repeat it: what the world condemns, do not touch.

Secondly, abstention from actual wrong.

“Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?”
(Proverbs 6:27)

Can you touch pitch and not be defiled?

Can you walk in what God forbids and be innocent?

Can you join yourself to any wrong thing, anything that appears wrong to the world, that the world would condemn, and be innocent in that union?

No. And think of the effect upon others. Think of the effect upon your brethren if you walk in wrong. Why, it stumbles them, it stumbles tender people; it reproaches the church of Christ and brings evil.

Therefore, abstain from every evil. Be jealous of God’s honour, of His Christ. Be jealous of His holy gospel, of His holy promise, and walk so as that the finger of reproach shall never be justly pointed at you, and unjustly at the gospel through your conduct.

If you are spoken against, let it be falsely; then a blessing shall attend you according to Christ’s Word. But if it be justly, woe to you, for if you be the Lord’s child, then you will smart for what you do. His rod shall make you know what an evil thing and bitter it is to go where He has told you not to go, to walk in what He has forbidden.

What? will you touch that which is sin?

Will you knowingly do that which you know the LORD has forbidden?

Would you do that?

Then you are not following holiness, and if a child of God, O what is before you God only knows.

You are not walking as the Lord commands you to do.

Follow holiness, leave off everything that is evil – all lying:

“Putting away lying...”
(Ephesians 4:25)

“Lie not one to another.”
Colossians 3:9)

“..Speak every man truth with his neighbour.”
(Ephesians 4:25)

“...Love the truth and peace.”
(Zechariah 8:19)

These things are not for nothing spoken; dear friends, they are not given to us for nothing. The Lord knew well our base, false nature, the hypocrisy and lying that we have in it; and therefore He said to His saints, Do not practise that; speak the truth; let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay.

Walk so; follow this holiness – separation from the world that lieth in wickedness.

Follow holiness in those particulars. Follow holiness in all your dealings with men, so that if they know your religion, if they know your strict and particular belief and hate it, and express their hatred of it, there yet may be extorted from their unwilling lips a testimony of the goodness and uprightness of your life.

Happy the man whose dealings with men are equal to his profession before God!

It ought to be so. I touched upon this important subject just now, in speaking of masters and servants.

Then come also to closer relationships in life.

What of the husband?

The Scripture tells him what to do, that he is to cherish his wife and give her the honour that is due to the weaker vessel; that he and she are one flesh; that he is in all faithfulness to attend to her, leaving all others, leaving his father and his mother and being “joined unto his wife; and they two shall be one flesh” (Ephesians 5:31).

And says Paul, “No man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church” (verse 29).

That is the Scripture, and he who breaks it, if he be a child of God, will get = broken for his breaking of it, in some way.

And what of the wife?

Yes, it is said to her that she is to obey her husband in all things in the Lord. She in her wifely duties has the Word of God to teach her. She must behave herself, comport herself consistently with that relationship that is the nearest, and dearest, and sweetest of all the relationships the earth knows. Husband and wife are to follow holiness, as when the wife prays to be enabled to fulfil her duties, and the husband begs for grace to enable him to do that which is enjoined upon him in the Scriptures.

What sorrow of heart has the breach of this precept occasioned some good men for many years after the sin has been forgiven!

It is godly sorrow that “worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of” (2 Corinthians 7:10). The shame, the carefulness, the indignation, the vehement desire, the zeal, the revenge, which follow a breach of this branch of holiness they, through grace, have had.

Follow holiness, too, in that external conduct which attaches or should attach to every professor of the name of the holy child Jesus.

“Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
(2 Timothy 2. 19)

Parents are addressed. The father, he is not to provoke his children lest they be discouraged, but he is to tell his children about the Lord’s goodness; he is to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, admonishing them in that great, that good commandment, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12).

That belongs to us who are parents, and in very substance belongs to all children. You children who are still with your parents, do tenderly regard God’s Word. It is a solemn thing for children to disregard parents.

Disobedience to parents is one of the crying sins of today, and it is one that the Apostle Paul mentions. Disobedience to parents is mentioned together with unthankfulness and unholiness. O children, regard your parents tenderly; obey them constantly. Obey them because the Lord has told you to do so, and do not forget that disobedience to parents is a sin which God will punish; and where He forgives it by the blood of Christ, there are often times and things which make the child in later days (perhaps when he himself is a parent) remember the sins of his youth.

Often he may have to say to his heavenly Father, “Remember not the sins of my youth” (Psalm 25:7); remember not against me former transgressions. Here I speak out of a painful experience. It is a bitter thing to sin against God and transgress His holy Word.

And then in the next place, follow holiness in all your conduct in the church as professors. Follow holiness – separation from every evil thing; as for instance, obeying them that have the rule over you, for they admonish you, and “they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).

That is God’s word, and although I speak as a pastor of this church, I would say to you, “Mind that word.”

I do not say it because I have had any reason to smart under any disregard of it amongst you. I would bless God with humility that He has been so kind to me, a weak, unworthy pastor.

But who knows what I may come into?

May I be kept from giving any occasion of stumbling.

Do not forget that scripture: “Obey them that have the rule over you.”

No pastor’s rule lies in an external rule over the mind, will, judgment, conscience or estates of his people. It lies in this: the unction of the ministry, which will bring them to the obedience of Christ. It lies thus in God’s power. I would not give a straw for the external authority of a minister, if he should not possess also, and chiefly, the authority that the affection of the people willingly gives him, from the power and unction of the Word in their hearts. Other than that I never sought, as far as I know myself.

Follow holiness in this also: be careful one of another, be tender one
for another, mind each other’s wealth.

“Look not ... on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Follow holiness in obedience to the precepts. One of them is:

“Exhort one another daily, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
(Hebrews 10:25)

And again, “Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him” (Leviticus 19:17).

Remember those things. They come fromheaven and are not to be disregarded. You are to look on the wealth of your friend, your brother, your neighbour, to look after his growth in grace. If you see him wrong, walking in any wrong thing, go to him and tell him; if he shall offend you, tell him his fault privately. Do these things; follow these things. Because the world goes otherwise, you must be separate. God has called you to holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7), to act from other principles than the world’s and with other ends.

Follow this holiness. We are to treat each other with all uprightness and all purity. The aged men and deacons are to be grave; the elder women are to be treated as mothers, and the younger as sisters in the Lord, with all purity. These things God has enjoined on us, and he who disregards them at all walks improperly, walks against the Lord, and the Lord will walk against him in some way sooner or later for doing so.

And how shall you enter heaven without a proper walk?

Though not by the merit of a proper walk, yet by the testimony of a good work your faith will be justified. Abraham was justified by works (James 2:20-23).

Think of it, dear friends.

Do you complain of bondage?

Do you complain that you are walking in darkness, that God hides His face notwithstanding your confessions and your prayers to Him?

Now examine your conduct; go into your soul, and say to it, “What are you doing? How are you living?”

Then go to your walk.

What is it?

Is it such as even the world would disapprove?

Then ask no longer why the former days were better than these, for therein you do not enquire wisely.

Rather charge yourself no longer to walk in that which dishonours God’s truth, and name, and church, and brings bondage and wounding to your soul, and guilt and defilement on your conscience.

Without a gracious walk, what is a profession?

Without straight feet, what is a glib tongue?

What are prayers, if the conduct is not right?

No man shall see the Lord without his heart, his spirit, his mind and his conduct being all of a piece. Grace saves from sin.

“Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?”

And “how shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
(Romans 6:1-3).

Dear friends, if you live in sin, you are not dead to it – you are its servants.

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
(Romans 6:16)

Three things must accord: heart, lip, life; these make up a man.

Now take this exhortation by God’s help to yourselves, as I would take it to myself. Let us examine not only what we believe, but how we are living. Let us continually seek to abstain from the appearance of evil, and to turn away from all wrong things; things which not only God condemns, but which appearance may condemn, and which men if they saw would condemn.

Only thus living have we any right to talk of experience in divine things or to mention Jesus Christ.

Therefore, the Lord help us, help us individually, help us as a church to hate evil, to hate the garment spotted by the flesh, and to fear doing anything that would bring a reproach to Christ, to His church, anything that would bring the frown of God, that would bring it danger.

The good Lord make us fear where we should fear, help us where we need help, strengthen us where we need strengthening, purge us, cleanse and save us, and grant us His smile and His presence.

By J.K. Popham - 1911

HOW CAN THEY ESCAPE?

2010-08-08T18:13:00.002+01:00

"He will keep the feet of His saints."
(1 Samuel 2:9)

The Lord sees His poor scattered pilgrims traveling through a valley of tears journeying through a waste - howling wilderness — a path beset with baits, traps, and snares in every direction.

How can they escape?

Why, the Lord 'keeps their feet'. He carries them through every rough place — as a tender parent carries a little child. When about to fall — He graciously lays His everlasting arms underneath them. And when tottering and stumbling, and their feet ready to slip — He mercifully upholds them from falling altogether.

But do you think that He has not different ways for different feet?

The God of creation has not made two flowers, nor two leaves upon a tree alike — and will He cause all His people to walk in precisely the same path?

No. We have . . .
each our path,
each our troubles,
each our trials,
each peculiar traps and snares laid for our feet.

And the wisdom of the all-wise God is shown by His eyes being in every place — marking the footsteps of every pilgrim — suiting His remedies to meet their individual case and necessity — appearing for them when nobody else could do them any good — watching so tenderly over them, as though the eyes of His affection were bent on one individual and carefully noting the goings of each, as though all the powers of the Godhead were concentrated on that one person to keep him from harm!

By J.C. Philpot