Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc00/v01400

Text File | 1994-03-02 | 4KB | 71 lines

01408
 #14-29 The father of the suffering youth reflected on the want
 of power in the disciples; but Christ will have him reckon the
 disappointment to the want of faith. Very much is promised to
 our believing. If thou canst believe, it is possible that thy
 hard heart may be softened, thy spiritual diseases may be cured;
 and, weak as thou art, thou mayest be able to hold out to the
 end. Those that complain of unbelief, must look up to Christ for
 grace to help them against it, and his grace will be sufficient
 for them. Whom Christ cures, he cures effectually. But Satan is
 unwilling to be driven from those that have been long his
 slaves, and, when he cannot deceive or destroy the sinner, he
 will cause him all the terror that he can. The disciples must
 not think to do their work always with the same ease; some
 services call for more than ordinary pains.

01424
 #30-40 The time of Christ's suffering drew nigh. Had he been
 delivered into the hands of devils, and they had done this, it
 had not been so strange; but that men should thus shamefully
 treat the Son of man, who came to redeem and save them, is
 wonderful. Still observe that when Christ spake of his death, he
 always spake of his resurrection, which took the reproach of it
 from himself, and should have taken the grief of it from his
 disciples. Many remain ignorant because they are ashamed to
 inquire. Alas! that while the Saviour teaches so plainly the
 things which belong to his love and grace, men are so blinded
 that they understand not his sayings. We shall be called to
 account about our discourses, and to account for our disputes,
 especially about being greater than others. Those who are most
 humble and self-denying, most resemble Christ, and shall be most
 tenderly owned by him. This Jesus taught them by a sign; whoever
 shall receive one like this child, receives me. Many have been
 like the disciples, ready to silence men who have success in
 preaching to sinners repentance in Christ's name, because they
 follow not with them. Our Lord blamed the apostles, reminding
 them that he who wrought miracles in his name would not be
 likely to hurt his cause. If sinners are brought to repent, to
 believe in the Saviour, and to live sober, righteous, and godly
 lives, we then see that the Lord works by the preacher.

01435
 #41-50 It is repeatedly said of the wicked, Their worm dieth
 not, as well as, The fire is never quenched. Doubtless, remorse
 of conscience and keen self-reflection are this never-dying
 worm. Surely it is beyond compare better to undergo all possible
 pain, hardship, and self-denial here, and to be happy for ever
 hereafter, than to enjoy all kinds of worldly pleasure for a
 season, and to be miserable for ever. Like the sacrifices, we
 must be salted with salt; our corrupt affections must be subdued
 and mortified by the Holy Spirit. Those that have the salt of
 grace, must show they have a living principle of grace in their
 hearts, which works out corrupt dispositions in the soul that
 would offend God, or our own consciences.
01445
 * The Pharisees' question concerning divorce. (1-12) Christ's
 love to little children. (13-16) Christ's discourse with the
 rich young man. (17-22) The hinderance of riches. (23-31) Christ
 foretells his sufferings. (32-45) Bartimaeus healed. (46-52)

 #1-12 Wherever Jesus was, the people flocked after him in
 crowds, and he taught them. Preaching was Christ's constant
 practice. He here shows that the reason why Moses' law allowed
 divorce, was such that they ought not to use the permission; it
 was only for the hardness of their hearts. God himself joined
 man and wife together; he has fitted them to be comforts and
 helps for each other. The bond which God has tied, is not to be
 lightly untied. Let those who are for putting away their wives
 consider what would become of themselves, if God should deal
 with them in like manner.