Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc03/v04150

Text File | 1994-03-01 | 8KB | 134 lines

04159
 #44-48 The Holy Ghost fell upon others after they were baptized,
 to confirm them in the faith; but upon these Gentiles before
 they were baptized, to show that God does not confine himself to
 outward signs. The Holy Ghost fell upon those who were neither
 circumcised nor baptized; it is the Spirit that quickeneth, the
 flesh profiteth nothing. They magnified God, and spake of Christ
 and the benefits of redemption. Whatever gift we are endued
 with, we ought to honour God with it. The believing Jews who
 were present, were astonished that the gift of the Holy Ghost
 was poured out upon the Gentiles also. By mistaken notions of
 things, we make difficulties for ourselves as to the methods of
 Divine providence and grace. As they were undeniably baptized
 with the Holy Ghost, Peter concluded they were not to be refused
 the baptism of water, and the ordinance was administered. The
 argument is conclusive; can we deny the sign to those who have
 received the things signified? Those who have some acquaintance
 with Christ, cannot but desire more. Even those who have
 received the Holy Ghost, must see their need of daily learning
 more of the truth.
04164
 * Peter's defence. (1-18) The success of the gospel at Antioch.
 (19-24) The disciples named Christians, Relief sent to Judea.
 (25-30)

 #1-18 The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when
 godly persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God
 has been received, because their own system has not been
 attended to. And we are too apt to despair of doing good to
 those who yet, when tried, prove very teachable. It is the bane
 and damage of the church, to shut out those from it, and from
 the benefit of the means of grace, who are not in every thing as
 we are. Peter stated the whole affair. We should at all times
 bear with the infirmities of our brethren; and instead of taking
 offence, or answering with warmth, we should explain our
 motives, and show the nature of our proceedings. That preaching
 is certainly right, with which the Holy Ghost is given. While
 men are very zealous for their own regulations, they should take
 care that they do not withstand God; and those who love the Lord
 will glorify him, when made sure that he has given repentance to
 life to any fellow-sinners. Repentance is God's gift; not only
 his free grace accepts it, but his mighty grace works it in us,
 grace takes away the heart of stone, and gives us a heart of
 flesh. The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit.

04182
 #19-24 The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch, were
 dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus what was meant to
 hurt the church, was made to work for its good. The wrath of man
 is made to praise God. What should the ministers of Christ
 preach, but Christ? Christ, and him crucified? Christ, and him
 glorified? And their preaching was accompanied with the Divine
 power. The hand of the Lord was with them, to bring that home to
 the hearts and consciences of men, which they could but speak to
 the outward ear. They believed; they were convinced of the truth
 of the gospel. They turned from a careless, carnal way of
 living, to live a holy, heavenly, spiritual life. They turned
 from worshipping God in show and ceremony, to worship him in the
 Spirit and in truth. They turned to the Lord Jesus, and he
 became all in all with them. This was the work of conversion
 wrought upon them, and it must be wrought upon every one of us.
 It was the fruit of their faith; all who sincerely believe, will
 turn to the Lord, When the Lord Jesus is preached in simplicity,
 and according to the Scriptures, he will give success; and when
 sinners are thus brought to the Lord, really good men, who are
 full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, will admire and rejoice in
 the grace of God bestowed on them. Barnabas was full of faith;
 full of the grace of faith, and full of the fruits of the faith
 that works by love.

04188
 #25-30 Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples,
 that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called
 Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of
 Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the
 religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his
 chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example.
 Hence it is plain that multitudes take the name of Christian to
 whom it does not rightly belong. But the name without the
 reality will only add to our guilt. While the bare profession
 will bestow neither profit nor delight, the possession of it
 will give both the promise of the life that now is, and of that
 which is to come. Grant, Lord, that Christians may forget other
 names and distinctions, and love one another as the followers of
 Christ ought to do. True Christians will feel for their brethren
 under afflictions. Thus will fruit be brought forth to the
 praise and glory of God. If all mankind were true Christians,
 how cheerfully would they help one another! The whole earth
 would be like one large family, every member of which would
 strive to be dutiful and kind.
04194
 * The martyrdom of James, and the imprisonment of Peter. (1-5)
 He is delivered from prison by an angel. (6-11) Peter departs,
 Herod's rage. (12-19) The death of Herod. (20-25)

 #1-5 James was one of the sons of Zebedee, whom Christ told that
 they should drink of the cup that he was to drink of, and be
 baptized with the baptism that he was to be baptized with, #Mt
 20:23|. Now the words of Christ were made good in him; and if we
 suffer with Christ, we shall reign with him. Herod imprisoned
 Peter: the way of persecution, as of other sins, is downhill;
 when men are in it, they cannot easily stop. Those make
 themselves an easy prey to Satan, who make it their business to
 please men. Thus James finished his course. But Peter, being
 designed for further services, was safe; though he seemed now
 marked out for a speedy sacrifice. We that live in a cold,
 prayerless generation, can hardly form an idea of the
 earnestness of these holy men of old. But if the Lord should
 bring on the church an awful persecution like this of Herod, the
 faithful in Christ would learn what soul-felt prayer is.

04199
 #6-11 A peaceful conscience, a lively hope, and the consolations
 of the Holy Spirit, can keep men calm in the full prospect of
 death; even those very persons who have been most distracted
 with terrors on that account. God's time to help, is when things
 are brought to the last extremity. Peter was assured that the
 Lord would cause this trial to end in the way that should be
 most for his glory. Those who are delivered out of spiritual
 imprisonment must follow their Deliverer, like the Israelites
 when they went out of the house of bondage. They knew not
 whither they went, but knew whom they followed. When God will
 work salvation for his people, all difficulties in their way
 will be overcome, even gates of iron are made to open of their
 own accord. This deliverance of Peter represents our redemption
 by Christ, which not only proclaims liberty to the captives, but
 brings them out of the prison-house. Peter, when he recollected
 himself, perceived what great things God had done for him. Thus
 souls delivered out of spiritual bondage, are not at first aware
 what God has wrought in them; many have the truth of grace, that
 want evidence of it. But when the Comforter comes, whom the
 Father will send, sooner or later, he will let them know what a
 blessed change is wrought.