Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc03/v04100

Text File | 1994-03-01 | 7KB | 119 lines

04104
 #32-35 Christians are saints, or holy people; not only the
 eminent ones, as Saint Peter and Saint Paul, but every sincere
 professor of the faith of Christ. Christ chose patients whose
 diseases were incurable in the course of nature, to show how
 desperate was the case of fallen mankind. When we were wholly
 without strength, as this poor man, he sent his word to heal us.
 Peter does not pretend to heal by any power of his own, but
 directs Aeneas to look up to Christ for help. Let none say, that
 because it is Christ, who, by the power of his grace, works all
 our works in us, therefore we have no work, no duty to do; for
 though Jesus Christ makes thee whole, yet thou must arise, and
 use the power he gives thee.

04108
 #36-43 Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in
 good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker.
 Christians who have not property to give in charity, may yet be
 able to do acts of charity, working with their hands, or walking
 with their feet, for the good of others. Those are certainly
 best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of
 others do so or not. But such are ungrateful indeed, who have
 kindness shown them, and will not acknowledge it, by showing the
 kindness that is done them. While we live upon the fulness of
 Christ for our whole salvation, we should desire to be full of
 good works, for the honour of his name, and for the benefit of
 his saints. Such characters as Dorcas are useful where they
 dwell, as showing the excellency of the word of truth by their
 lives. How mean then the cares of the numerous females who seek
 no distinction but outward decoration, and who waste their lives
 in the trifling pursuits of dress and vanity! Power went along
 with the word, and Dorcas came to life. Thus in the raising of
 dead souls to spiritual life, the first sign of life is the
 opening of the eyes of the mind. Here we see that the Lord can
 make up every loss; that he overrules every event for the good
 of those who trust in him, and for the glory of his name.
04116
 * Cornelius directed to send for Peter. (1-8) Peter's vision.
 (9-18) He goes to Cornelius. (19-33) His discourse to Cornelius.
 (34-43) The gifts of the Holy Spirit poured out. (44-48)

 #1-8 Hitherto none had been baptized into the Christian church
 but Jews, Samaritans, and those converts who had been
 circumcised and observed the ceremonial law; but now the
 Gentiles were to be called to partake all the privileges of
 God's people, without first becoming Jews. Pure and undefiled
 religion is sometimes found where we least expect it. Wherever
 the fear of God rules in the heart, it will appear both in works
 of charity and of piety, neither will excuse from the other.
 Doubtless Cornelius had true faith in God's word, as far as he
 understood it, though not as yet clear faith in Christ. This was
 the work of the Spirit of God, through the mediation of Jesus,
 even before Cornelius knew him, as is the case with us all when
 we, who before were dead in sin, are made alive. Through Christ
 also his prayers and alms were accepted, which otherwise would
 have been rejected. Without dispute or delay Cornelius was
 obedient to the heavenly vision. In the affairs of our souls,
 let us not lose time.

04124
 #9-18 The prejudices of Peter against the Gentiles, would have
 prevented his going to Cornelius, unless the Lord had prepared
 him for this service. To tell a Jew that God had directed those
 animals to be reckoned clean which were hitherto deemed unclean,
 was in effect saying, that the law of Moses was done away. Peter
 was soon made to know the meaning of it. God knows what services
 are before us, and how to prepare us; and we know the meaning of
 what he has taught us, when we find what occasion we have to
 make use of it.

04134
 #19-33 When we see our call clear to any service, we should not
 be perplexed with doubts and scruples arising from prejudices or
 former ideas. Cornelius had called together his friends, to
 partake with him of the heavenly wisdom he expected from Peter.
 We should not covet to eat our spiritual morsels alone. It ought
 to be both given and taken as kindness and respect to our
 kindred and friends, to invite them to join us in religious
 exercises. Cornelius declared the direction God gave him to send
 for Peter. We are right in our aims in attending a gospel
 ministry, when we do it with regard to the Divine appointment
 requiring us to make use of that ordinance. How seldom ministers
 are called to speak to such companies, however small, in which
 it may be said that they are all present in the sight of God, to
 hear all things that are commanded of God! But these were ready
 to hear what Peter was commanded of God to say.

04149
 #34-43 Acceptance cannot be obtained on any other ground than
 that of the covenant of mercy, through the atonement of Christ;
 but wherever true religion is found, God will accept it without
 regarding names or sects. The fear of God and works of
 righteousness are the substance of true religion, the effects of
 special grace. Though these are not the cause of a man's
 acceptance, yet they show it; and whatever may be wanting in
 knowledge or faith, will in due time be given by Him who has
 begun it. They knew in general the word, that is, the gospel,
 which God sent to the children of Israel. The purport of this
 word was, that God by it published the good tidings of peace by
 Jesus Christ. They knew the several matters of fact relating to
 the gospel. They knew the baptism of repentance which John
 preached. Let them know that this Jesus Christ, by whom peace is
 made between God and man, is Lord of all; not only as over all,
 God blessed for evermore, but as Mediator. All power, both in
 heaven and in earth, is put into his hand, and all judgment
 committed to him. God will go with those whom he anoints; he
 will be with those to whom he has given his Spirit. Peter then
 declares Christ's resurrection from the dead, and the proofs of
 it. Faith has reference to a testimony, and the Christian faith
 is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, on
 the testimony given by them. See what must be believed
 concerning him. That we are all accountable to Christ as our
 Judge; so every one must seek his favour, and to have him as our
 Friend. And if we believe in him, we shall all be justified by
 him as our Righteousness. The remission of sins lays a
 foundation for all other favours and blessings, by taking that
 out of the way which hinders the bestowing of them. If sin be
 pardoned, all is well, and shall end well for ever.