Compassion For Souls

Let me beseech you to believe that it is needful as well as justifiable that you should feel compassion for the sons of men. You all desire to glorify Christ by becoming soul-winners—I hope you do—and be it remembered that, other things being equal, he is the fittest in God's hand to win souls who pities souls most. I believe he preaches best who loves best, and in the Sunday-school and in private life each soul-seeker shall have the blessing very much in proportion to his yearning for it. Paul becomes a savior of many because his heart's desire and prayer to God is that they may be saved. If you can live without souls being converted, you shall live without their being converted; but if your soul breaks for the longing that it has towards Christ's glory and the conversion of the ungodly, if like her of old you say, "Give me children, or I die," your insatiable hunger shall be satisfied, the craving of your spirit shall be gratified. Oh! I would to God there should come upon us a divine hunger which cannot stay itself except men yield themselves to Jesus; an intense, earnest, longing, panting desire that men should submit themselves to the gospel of Jesus. This will teach you better than the best college training how to deal with human hearts. This will give the stammering tongue the ready word; the hot heart shall burn the cords which held fast the tongue. You shall become wise to win souls, even though you never exhibit the brilliance of eloquence or the force of logic.

R A Torrey Christ is God Systematic Theology

* As Jehovah
Isaiah 40:3 ; Matthew 3:3

* As Jehovah of glory
Psalms 24:7 Psalms 24:10 ; 1 Corinthians 2:8 ; James 2:1

* As Jehovah, our RIGHTEOUSNESS
Jeremiah 23:5 Jeremiah 23:6 ; 1 Corinthians 1:30

* As Jehovah, above all
Psalms 97:9 ; John 3:31

* As Jehovah, the First and the Last
Isaiah 44:6 ; Revelation 1:17 ; Isaiah 48:12-16 ; Revelation 22:13

* As Jehovahs Fellow and Equal
Zechariah 13:7 ; Philippians 2:6

* As Jehovah of Hosts
Isaiah 6:1-3 ; John 12:41 ; Isaiah 8:13 Isaiah 8:14 ; 1 Peter 2:8

* As Jehovah, the Shepherd
Isaiah 40:11 ; Hebrews 13:20

* As Jehovah, for whose glory all things were created
Proverbs 16:4 ; Colossians 1:16

* As Jehovah, the Messenger of the covenant
Malachi 3:1 ; Mark 1:2 ; Luke 2:27

* Invoked as Jehovah
Joel 2:32 ; Acts 2:21 ; 1 Corinthians 1:2

* As the Eternal God and Creator
Psalms 102:24-27 ; Hebrews 1:8 Hebrews 1:10-12

* As the mighty God
Isaiah 9:6

* As the Great God and Saviour
Hosea 1:7 ; Titus 2:13

* As God over all
Psalms 45:6 Psalms 45:7 ; Romans 9:5

* As the true God
Jeremiah 10:10 ; 1 John 5:20

* As God the Word
John 1:1

* As God, the judge
Ecclesiastes 12:14 ; 1 Corinthians 4:5 ; 2 Corinthians 5:10 ; 2 Timothy 4:1

* As Emmanuel
Isaiah 7:14 ; Matthew 1:23

* As King of kings and Lord of lords
Deuteronomy 10:17 ; Revelation 1:5; 17:14

* As the Holy One
1 Samuel 2:2 ; Acts 3:14

* As the Lord from heaven
1 Corinthians 15:47

* As Lord of the Sabbath
Genesis 2:3 ; Matthew 12:8

* As Lord of all
Acts 10:36 ; Romans 10:11-13

* As Son of God
Matthew 26:63-67

* As the Only-begotten Son of the Father
John 1:14 John 1:18 ; John 3:16 John 3:18 ; 1 John 4:9

* His blood is called the blood of God
Acts 20:28

* As one with the Father
John 10:30 John 10:38; 12:45; 14:7-10; 17:10

* As sending the Spirit, equally with the Father
John 14:16; 15:26

* As entitled to equal honour with the Father
John 5:23

* As Owner of all things, equally with the Father
John 16:15

* As unrestricted by the law of the sabbath, equally with the Father
John 5:17

* As the Source of grace, equally with the Father
1 Thessalonians 3:11 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:16 2 Thessalonians 2:17

* As unsearchable, equally with the Father
Proverbs 30:4 ; Matthew 11:27

* As Creator of all things
Isaiah 40:28 ; John 1:3 ; Colossians 1:16 ; Hebrews 1:2

* As Supporter and Preserver of all things
Nehemiah 9:6 ; Colossians 1:17 ; Hebrews 1:3

* As possessed of the fulness of the God head
Colossians 2:9 ; Hebrews 1:3

* As raising the dead
John 5:21 ; John 6:40 John 6:54

* As raising himself from the dead
John 2:19 John 2:21 ; 10:18

* As Eternal
Isaiah 9:6 ; Micah 5:2 ; John 1:1 ; Colossians 1:17 ; Hebrews 1:8-10 ; Revelation 1:8

* As Omnipresent
Matthew 18:20; 28:20; John 3:13

* As Omnipotent
Psalms 45:3 ; Philippians 3:21 ; Revelation 1:8

* As Omniscient
John 16:30; 21:17

* As discerning the thoughts of the heart
1 Kings 8:39 ; Luke 5:22 ; Ezekiel 11:5 ; John 2:24 John 2:25 ; Revelation 2:23

* As unchangeable
Malachi 3:6 ; Hebrews 1:12; 13:8

* As having power to forgive sins
Colossians 3:13 ; Mark 2:7 Mark 2:10

* As Giver of pastors to the Church
Jeremiah 3:15 ; Ephesians 4:11-13

* As Husband of the Church
Isaiah 54:5 ; Ephesians 5:25-32 ; Isaiah 62:5 ; Revelation 21:2 Revelation 21:9

* As the object of divine worship
Acts 7:59 ; 2 Corinthians 12:8 2 Corinthians 12:9 ; Hebrews 1:6 ; Revelation 5:12

* As the object of faith
Psalms 2:12 ; 1 Peter 2:6 ; Jeremiah 17:5 Jeremiah 17:7 ; John 14:1

* As God, he redeems and purifies the Church to himself
Revelation 5:9 ; Titus 2:14

* As God, he presents the Church to himself
Ephesians 5:27 ; Jude 1:24 Jude 1:25

* Saints live to him as God
Romans 6:11 ; Galatians 2:19 ; 2 Corinthians 5:15

* Acknowledged by his Apostles
John 20:28

* Acknowledged by the Old Testament saints
Genesis 17:1 ; Genesis 48:15 Genesis 48:16; 32:24-30 ; Hosea 12:3-5 ; Judges 6:22-24 ; Judges 13:21 Judges 13:22 ; Job 19:25-27

R A Torrey Wisdom of God Systematic Theology

Wisdom of God, the

* Is one of his attributes
1 Samuel 2:3 ; Job 9:4

* DESCRIBED AS
o Perfect
Job 36:4; 37:16
o Mighty
Job 36:5
o Universal
Job 28:24 ; Daniel 2:22 ; Acts 15:18
o Infinite
Psalms 147:5 ; Romans 11:33
o Unsearchable
Isaiah 40:28 ; Romans 11:33
o Wonderful
Psalms 139:6
o Beyond human comprehension
Psalms 139:6
o Incomparable
Isaiah 44:7 ; Jeremiah 10:7
o Underived
Job 21:22 ; Isaiah 40:14

* The gospel contains treasures of
1 Corinthians 2:7

* Wisdom of saints is derived from
Ezra 7:25

* All human wisdom derived from
Daniel 2:1

* Saints ascribe to him
Daniel 2:20

* EXHIBITED IN
o His works
Job 37:16 ; Psalms 104:24; 136:5 ; Proverbs 3:19 ; Jeremiah 10:12
o His counsels
Isaiah 28:29 ; Jeremiah 32:19
o His foreshadowing events
Isaiah 42:9; 46:10
o Redemption
1 Corinthians 1:24 ; Ephesians 1:8; 3:10
o Searching the heart
1 Chronicles 28:9 ; Revelation 2:23
o Understanding the thoughts
1 Chronicles 28:9 ; Psalms 139:2
# EXHIBITED IN KNOWING

* The heart
Psalms 44:21 ; Proverbs 15:11 ; Luke 16:15

* The actions
Job 34:21 ; Psalms 139:2 Psalms 139:3

* The words
Psalms 139:4

* His saints
2 Samuel 7:20 ; 2 Timothy 2:19

* The way of saints
Job 23:10 ; Psalms 1:6

* The want of saints
Deuteronomy 2:7 ; Matthew 6:8

* The afflictions of saints
Exodus 3:7 ; Psalms 142:3

* The infirmities of saints
Psalms 103:14

* The minutest matters
Matthew 10:29 Matthew 10:30

* The most secret things
Matthew 6:18

* The time of judgment
Matthew 24:36

* The wicked
Nehemiah 9:10 ; Job 11:11

* The works, &c of the wicked
Isaiah 66:18

# Nothing is concealed from
Psalms 139:12

# The wicked question
Psalms 73:11 ; Isaiah 47:10

# Should be magnified
Romans 16:27 ; Jude 1:25

R A Torrey Acess To God Systematic Theology

# Is of God
Psalms 65:4

# Is by Christ
John 10:7 John 10:9; 14:6 ; Romans 5:2 ; Ephesians 2:13; 3:12 ; Hebrews 7:9 Hebrews 7:25; 10:19 ; 1 Peter 3:18

# Is by the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 2:18

# Obtained through faith
Acts 14:27 ; Romans 5:2 ; Ephesians 3:12 ; Hebrews 11:6

# Follows upon reconciliation to God
Colossians 1:21 Colossians 1:22

# In Prayer
Deuteronomy 4:7 ; Matthew 6:6 ; 1 Peter 1:17

* See PRAYER

# In his temple
Psalms 15:1; 27:4; 43:3; 65:4

# To obtain mercy and grace
Hebrews 4:16

# A privilege of saints
Deuteronomy 4:7 ; Psalms 15:1; 23:6; Psalms 24:3 Psalms 24:4

# Saints have, with confidence
Ephesians 3:12 ; Hebrews 4:16 ; Hebrews 10:19 Hebrews 10:20

# Vouchsafed to repenting sinners
Hosea 14:2 ; Joel 2:12

* See REPENTANCE

# Saints earnestly seek
Psalms 27:4 ; Psalms 42:1 Psalms 42:2; 43:3 ; Psalms 84:1 Psalms 84:2

# The wicked commanded to seek
Isaiah 55:6 ; James 4:8

# Urge others to seek
Isaiah 2:3 ; Jeremiah 31:6

# Promises connected with
Psalms 145:18 ; Isaiah 55:3 ; Matthew 6:6 ; James 4:8

# Blessedness connected with
Psalms 16:11; 65:4; 73:28

# Typified
Leviticus 16:12-15 ; Hebrews 10:19-22

# Exemplified

* Moses
Exodus 24:2; 34:4-7

R A Torrey The Anger of God Systematic Theology

# Averted by Christ
Luke 2:11 Luke 2:14 ; Romans 5:9 ; 2 Corinthians 5:18 2 Corinthians 5:19 ; Ephesians 2:14 Ephesians 2:17 ; Colossians 1:20 ; 1 Thessalonians 1:10

# Is averted from them that believe
John 3:14-18 ; Romans 3:25; 5:1

# Is averted upon confession of sin and repentance
Job 33:27 Job 33:28 ; Psalms 106:43-45 ; Jeremiah 3:12 Jeremiah 3:13 ; Jeremiah 18:7 Jeremiah 18:8; 31:18-20 ; Joel 2:12-14 ; Luke 15:18-20

# Is slow
Psalms 103:8 ; Isaiah 48:9 ; Jonah 4:2 ; Nahum 1:3

# Is righteous
Psalms 58:10 Psalms 58:11 ; Lamentations 1:18 ; Romans 2:6 Romans 2:8 ; Romans 3:5 Romans 3:6 ; Revelation 16:6 Revelation 16:7

# The justice of, not to be questioned
Romans 9:18 Romans 9:20 Romans 9:22

# Manifested in terrors
Exodus 14:24 ; Psalms 76:6-8 ; Jeremiah 10:10 ; Lamentations 2:20-22

# Manifested in judgments and afflictions
Job 21:17 ; Psalms 78:49-51; 90:7 ; Isaiah 9:19 ; Jeremiah 7:20 ; Ezekiel 7:19 ; Hebrews 3:17

# Cannot be resisted
Job 9:13; 14:13 ; Psalms 76:7 ; Nahum 1:6

# Aggravated by continual provocation
Numbers 32:14

# Specially reserved for the day of wrath
Zephaniah 1:14-18 ; Matthew 25:41 ; Romans 2:5 Romans 2:8 ; 2 Thessalonians 1:8 ; Revelation 6:17; 11:18; 19:15

# AGAINST

* The wicked
Psalms 7:11 ; Psalms 21:8 Psalms 21:9 ; Isaiah 3:8; 13:9 ; Nahum 1:2 Nahum 1:3 ; Romans 1:18 ; 2:8 ; Ephesians 5:6 ; Colossians 3:6

* Those who forsake him
Ezra 8:22 ; Isaiah 1:4

* Unbelief
Psalms 78:21 Psalms 78:22 ; Hebrews 3:18 Hebrews 3:19 ; John 3:36

* Impenitence
Psalms 7:12 ; Proverbs 1:30 Proverbs 1:31 ; Isaiah 9:13 Isaiah 9:14 ; Romans 2:5

* Apostasy
Hebrews 10:26 Hebrews 10:27

* Idolatry
Deuteronomy 29:20 Deuteronomy 29:27 Deuteronomy 29:28 ; Deuteronomy 32:19 Deuteronomy 32:20 Deuteronomy 32:22 ; Joshua 23:16 ; 2 Kings 22:17 ; Psalms 78:58 Psalms 78:59 ; Jeremiah 44:3

* Sin, in saints
Psalms 89:30-32; 90:7-9; 99:8 ; Psalms 102:9 Psalms 102:10 ; Isaiah 47:6

# Extreme, against those who oppose the gospel
Psalms 2:2 Psalms 2:3 Psalms 2:5 ; 1 Thessalonians 2:16

# Folly of provoking
Jeremiah 7:19 ; 1 Corinthians 10:22

# To be dreaded
Psalms 2:12; 76:7; 90:11 ; Matthew 10:28

# To be deprecated
Exodus 32:11 ; Psalms 6:1; 38:1 ; Psalms 74:1 Psalms 74:2 ; Isaiah 64:9

# Removal of, should be prayed for
Psalms 39:10; 79:5; 80:4 ; Daniel 9:16 ; Habakkuk 3:2

# Tempered with mercy to saints
Psalms 30:5 ; Isaiah 26:20; 54:8 ; Isaiah 57:15 Isaiah 57:16 ; Jeremiah 30:11 ; Micah 7:11

# To be born with submission
2 Samuel 24:17 ; Lamentations 3:39 Lamentations 3:43 ; Micah 7:9

# Should lead to repentance
Isaiah 42:24 Isaiah 42:25 ; Jeremiah 4:8

EXEMPLIFIED AGAINST

* The old world
Genesis 7:21-23

* Builders of Babel
Genesis 11:8

* Cities of the plain
Genesis 19:24 Genesis 19:25

* Egyptians
Exodus 7:20 ; Exodus 8:6 Exodus 8:16 Exodus 8:24 ; Exodus 9:3 Exodus 9:9 Exodus 9:23 ; Exodus 10:13 Exodus 10:22; 12:29; 14:27

* Israelites
Exodus 32:35 ; Numbers 11:1 Numbers 11:33; 14:40-45; 21:6; 25:9; 2 Samuel 24:1 2 Samuel 24:15

* Enemies of Israel
1 Samuel 5:6; 7:10

* Nadab, &c
Leviticus 10:2

* The Spies
Numbers 14:37

* Korah, &c
Numbers 16:31 Numbers 16:35

* Aaron and Miriam
Numbers 12:9 Numbers 12:10

* Five Kings
Joshua 10:25

* Abimelech
Judges 9:56

* Men of Bethshemesh
1 Samuel 6:19

* Saul
1 Samuel 31:6

* Uzzah
2 Samuel 6:7

* Sauls family
2 Samuel 21:1

* Sennacherib
2 Kings 19:28 2 Kings 19:35 2 Kings 19:37

R A Torrey Trinity Systematic Theology

Trinity, the

* Doctrine of proved from Scripture
Matthew 3:16 Matthew 3:17; 28:19 ; Romans 8:9 ; 1 Corinthians 12:3-6 ; 2 Corinthians 13:14 ; Ephesians 4:4-6 ; 1 Peter 1:2 ; Jude 1:20 Jude 1:21 ; Revelation 1:4 Revelation 1:5

* Divine titles applied to the three persons in
Exodus 20:2 ; John 20:28 ; Acts 5:3 Acts 5:4

* EACH PERSON IN, DESCRIBED AS
o Eternal
Romans 16:26 ; Revelation 22:13 ; Hebrews 9:14
o Holy
Revelation 4:8; 15:4 ; Acts 3:14 ; 1 John 2:20
o True
John 7:28 ; Revelation 3:7
o Omnipresent
Jeremiah 23:24 ; Ephesians 1:23 ; Psalms 139:7
o Omnipotent
Genesis 17:1 ; Revelation 1:8 ; Romans 15:19 ; Jeremiah 32:17 ; Hebrews 1:3 ; Luke 1:35
o Omniscient
Acts 15:18 ; John 21:17 ; 1 Corinthians 2:10 1 Corinthians 2:11
o Creator
Genesis 1:1 ; Colossians 1:16 ; Job 33:4 ; Psalms 148:5 ; John 1:3 ; Job 26:13
o Sanctifier
Jude 1:1 ; Hebrews 2:11 ; 1 Peter 1:2
o Author of all spiritual operations
Hebrews 13:21 ; Colossians 1:29 ; 1 Corinthians 12:11
o Source of eternal life
Romans 6:23 ; John 10:28 ; Galatians 6:8
o Teacher
Isaiah 54:13 ; Luke 21:15 ; John 14:26 ; Isaiah 48:17 ; Galatians 1:12 ; 1 John 2:20
o Raising Christ from the dead
1 Corinthians 6:14 ; John 2:19 ; 1 Peter 3:18
o Inspiring the prophets, &c
Hebrews 1:1 ; 2 Corinthians 13:3 ; Mark 13:11
o Supplying ministers to the Church
Jeremiah 3:15 ; Ephesians 4:11 ; Acts 20:28 ; Jeremiah 26:5 ; Matthew 10:5 ; Acts 13:2

* Salvation the work of
2 Thessalonians 2:13 2 Thessalonians 2:14 ; Titus 3:4-6 ; 1 Peter 1:2

* Baptism administered in name of
Matthew 28:19

* Benediction given in name of
2 Corinthians 13:14

R A Torrey Counsels and purposes of God, the Systematic Theology

Counsels and purposes of God, the

* Are great
Jeremiah 32:19

* Are wonderful
Isaiah 28:29

* Are immutable
Psalms 33:11 ; Proverbs 19:21 ; Jeremiah 4:28 ; Romans 9:11 ; Hebrews 6:17

* Are sovereign
Isaiah 40:13 Isaiah 40:14; Daniel 4:35

* Are eternal
Ephesians 3:11

* Are faithfulness and truth
Isaiah 25:1

* None can disannul
Isaiah 14:27

* Shall be performed
Isaiah 14:24; 46:11

* The sufferings and death of Christ were according to
Acts 2:23; 4:28

* Saints called and save according to
Romans 8:28 ; 2 Timothy 1:9

* The union of all saints in Christ, is according to
Ephesians 1:9 Ephesians 1:10

* The works of God according to
Ephesians 1:11

* Should be declared by ministers
Acts 20:27

* Attend to
Jeremiah 49:20; 50:45

* Secret not to be searched into
Deuteronomy 29:29 ; Matthew 24:36 ; Acts 1:7

* THE WICKED
o Understand not
Micah 4:12
o Despise
Isaiah 5:19
o Reject
Luke 7:30

The Goodness of God By R A Torrey Systematic Theology

Goodness of God, the

* Is part of his character
Psalms 25:8 ; Nahum 1:7 ; Matthew 19:17

* DECLARED TO BE
o Great
Nehemiah 9:35 ; Zechariah 9:17
o Rich
Psalms 104:24 ; Romans 2:4
o Abundant
Exodus 34:6 ; Psalms 33:5
o Satisfying
Psalms 65:4 ; Jeremiah 31:12 Jeremiah 31:14
o Enduring
Psalms 23:6 ; Psalms 52:1
o Universal
Psalms 145:9 ; Matthew 5:45

* MANIFESTED
o To his Church
Psalms 31:19 ; Lamentations 3:25
o In doing good
Psalms 119:68 ; Psalms 145:9
o In supplying temporal wants
Acts 14:17
o In providing for the poor
Psalms 68:10
o In forgiving sins
2 Chronicles 30:18 ; Psalms 86:5
o Leads to repentance
Romans 2:4
o Recognize, in his dealings
Ezra 8:18 ; Nehemiah 2:18
o Pray for the manifestation of
2 Thessalonians 1:11
o Despise not
Romans 2:4
o Reverence
Jeremiah 33:9 ; Hosea 3:5
o Magnify
Psalms 107:8 ; Jeremiah 33:11
o Urge others to confide in
Psalms 34:8
o The wicked disregard
Nehemiah 9:35

The Scirptures By R A Torrey Systematic Theology

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

Scriptures, the

Given by inspiration of God — 2Ti 3:16.
Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit — Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21.
Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them — Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; John 7:42.
Christ taught out of — Lk 24:27.
Are called the
Word. — Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2.
Word of God. — Luke 11:28; Heb 4:12.
Word of Christ. — Col 3:16.
Word of truth. — Jas 1:18.
Holy Scriptures. — Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15.
Scripture of truth. — Da 10:21.
Book. — Ps 40:7; Re 22:19.
Book of the Lord. — Isa 34:16.
Book of the law. — Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10.
Law of the Lord. — Ps 1:2; Isa 30:9.
Sword of the Spirit. — Eph 6:17.
Oracles of God. — Ro 3:2; 1Pe 4:11.
Contain the promises of the gospel — Ro 1:2.
Reveal the laws, statutes, and judgments of God — Dt 4:5,14; Ex 24:3,4.
Record divine prophecies — 2Pe 1:19-21.
Testify of Christ — John 5:39; Ac 10:43; 18:28; 1Co 15:3.
Are full and sufficient — Lk 16:29,31.
Are an unerring guide — Pr 6:23; 2Pe 1:19.
Are able to make wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus — 2Ti 3:15.
Are profitable both for doctrine and practice — 2Ti 3:16,17.
Described as
Pure. — Ps 12:6; Psalm (NKJV)119:140; Pr 30:5.
True. — Ps 119:160; John 17:17.
Perfect. — Ps 19:7.
Precious. — Ps 19:10.
Quick and powerful. — Heb 4:12.
Written for our instruction — Ro 15:4.
Intended for the use of all men — Ro 16:26.
Nothing to be taken from, or added to — Dt 4:2; 12:32.
One portion of, to be compared with another — 1Co 2:13.
Designed for
Regenerating. — Jas 1:18; 1Pe 1:23.
Quickening. — Ps 119:50,93.
Illuminating. — Ps 119:130.
Converting the soul. — Ps 19:7.
Making wise the simple. — Ps 19:7.
Sanctifying. — John 17:17; Eph 5:26.
Producing faith. — John 20:31.
Producing hope. — Ps 119:49; Ro 15:4.
Producing obedience. — Dt 17:19,20.
Cleansing the heart. — John 15:3; Eph 5:26.
Cleansing the ways. — Ps 119:9.
Keeping from destructive paths. — Ps 17:4.
Supporting life. — Dt 8:3; Mt 4:4.
Promoting growth in grace. — 1Pe 2:2.
Building up in the faith. — Ac 20:32.
Admonishing. — Ps 19:11; 1Co 10:11.
Comforting. — Ps 119:82; Ro 15:4.
Rejoicing the heart. — Ps 19:8; 119:111.
Work effectually in them that believe — 1Th 2:13.
The letter of, without the spirit, killeth — John 6:63; 2Co 3:6.
Ignorance of, a source of error — Mt 22:29; Ac 13:27.
Christ enables us to understand — Lk 24:45.
The Holy Spirit enable us to understand — Johk 16:13; 1Co 2:10-14.
No prophecy of, is of any private interpretation — 2Pe 1:20.
Everything should be tried by — Isa 8:20; Ac 17:11.
Should be
The standard of teaching. — 1Pe 4:11.
Believed. — Johk 2:22.
Appealed to. — 1Co 1:31; 1Pe 1:16.
Read. — De 17:19; Isa 34:16.
Read publicly to ALL. — Dt 31:11-13; Ne 8:3; Jer 36:6; Ac 13:15.
Known. — 2Ti 3:15.
Received, not as the word of men, but as the word of God. — 1Th 2:13.
Received with meekness. — Jas 1:21.
Searched. — John 5:39; 7:52.
Searched daily. — Ac 17:11.
Laid up in the heart. — Dt 6:6; 11:18.
Taught to children. — Dt 6:7; 11:19; 2Ti 3:15.
Taught to ALL. — 2Ch 17:7-9; Ne 8:7,8.
Talked of continually. — Dt 6:7.
Not handled deceitfully. — 2Co 4:2.
Not only heard, but obeyed. — Mt 7:24; Lk 11:28; Jas 1:22.
Used against our spiritual enemies. — Mt 4:4,7,10; Eph 6:11,17.
All should desire to hear — Ne 8:1.
Mere hearers of, deceive themselves — Jas 1:22.
Advantage of possessing — Ro 3:2.
Saints
Love exceedingly. — Ps 119:97,113,159,167.
Delight in. — Ps 1:2.
Regard, as sweet. — Ps 119:103.
Esteem, above all things. — Job 23:12.
Long after. — Ps 119:82.
Stand in awe of. — Ps 119:161; Isa 66:2.
Keep, in remembrance. — Ps 119:16.
Grieve when men disobey. — Ps 119:158.
Hide, in their hearts. — Ps 119:11.
Hope in. — Ps 119:74,81,147.
Meditate in. — Ps 1:2; 119:99,148.
Rejoice in. — Ps 119:162; Jer 15:16.
Trust in. — Ps 119:42.
Obey. — Ps 119:67; Lk 8:21; John 17:6.
Speak of. — Ps 119:172.
Esteem, as a light. — Ps 119:105.
Pray to be taught. — Ps 119:12,13,33,66.
Pray to be conformed to. — Ps 119:133.
Plead the promises of, in prayer. — Ps 119:25,28,41,76,169.
They who search, are truly noble — Ac 17:11.
Blessedness of hearing and obeying — Lk 11:28; Jas 1:25.
Let them dwell richly in you — Col 3:16.
The wicked
Corrupt. — 2Co 2:17.
Make, of none effect through their traditions. — Mr 7:9-13.
Reject. — Jer 8:9.
Stumble at. — 1Pe 2:8.
Obey not. — Ps 119:158.
Frequently wrest, to their own destruction. — 2Pe 3:16.
Denunciations against those who add to, or take from — Re 22:18,19.
Destruction of, punished — Jer 36:29-31.

7 Characteristics of the Coming King, Part 1

Confidence in God

O you who are His people, fall back in confidence upon the God who has treasures of snow, and hail, and the dread artillery of storm and tempest! Most of you, my hearers, have never seen a great storm yet, nor heard in its majesty the thunder of God's power. You must be in the tropics to know what these can be, and even then you would have to say, "These are but parts of His ways." Oh, how the Lord can shake the earth, and make it tremble even to its deep foundations when He pleases! He can make what we call "the solid earth" to be as weak as water when He does but lift up His finger. But all the power that God has--and it is boundless-is all in that right hand which has been lifted high to Heaven in the solemn oath that He will save His people. Wherefore, lean upon God without the shadow of a doubt. He may well put all your fears to rest even by the thunder of His power.

The Voice of the Spirit Himself

The law of God is not given to us to be laid by upon the shelf to be obeyed at some future period of life, and the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is not so intended for the eleventh hour as to be lightly trifled with during the first ten. Wherever the Holy Ghost exhorts, he speaks in the present tense, and bids us now repent, or now believe, or now seek the Lord.

I pray you ever remember whenever you read the Bible, that it is the Spirit of the living God who there admonishes you to immediate obedience. The calls of the inspired word are not those of Moses, or David, or Paul, or Peter, but the solemn utterances of the Holy Ghost speaking through them. With what a dignity does this truth invest Holy Scripture, and with what solemnity does it surround our reading of it! Cavilling at Scripture, trifling with it, disputing its doctrines, or neglecting its admonitions, we grieve the Spirit of God; and this is very dangerous ground to trespass on, for although he is longsuffering and pitiful, yet remember it is of the sin against the Holy Ghost that it is said, “It shall never be forgiven.” Not every sin against the Holy Ghost is unpardonable; God be thanked for that; but still there is a sin against the Holy Spirit: which shall never be forgiven: therefore do we tread, I say, on very delicate ground when we vex him, as we do if at any time in reading his word we count his teachings to be light matters.

Beware, I say, ye men of England, who have your Bibles in your houses among whom the word of the Lord is common as wheaten bread, beware how ye treat it; for in rejecting it ye reject not alone the voice of apostles and prophets, but the voice of the Holy Spirit himself.

calvinism

Great stuff to refute calvary chapels hate toward calvinism.
Read it here

Thoughts of Death

Some of you never think of dying, and yet you should. You say you may live long: you may, and you may not. If there were a great number of loaves upon this table, and you were to eat one every day; if you were told that one of those loaves had poison in it, I think you would begin every one with great caution; and knowing that one of them would be your death, you would take each up with silent dread. Now you have so many days, and in one of these days there is the poison of death. I do not know which one. It may be in tomorrow; it may not be until many a day has gone. But I think you ought to handle all your days with holy jealousy.

Art Azurdia Fixing Our Eyes on the Cross

Come to Christ

While I see the foot-tracks of my Master before me, and while I see still more His gracious sanctions following my labors; while I behold His name magnified, His glory increased, and perishing souls saved, (as thanks be to God we have witness everyday;) while this gospel warrants me, while the Spirit of God moves me, and while signs following do multiply the seals of my commission — who am I that I should stay myself for man, or resist the Holy Ghost for any flesh that breaths? Oh then, you chief of sinners, you vilest of the vile, you who are the scum of the city, the refuse of the earth, the dregs of creation, whom no man seeks after, you whose characters are destroyed, and whose inmost souls are polluted, so black that no fuller on earth can whiten you, so debased that you have sunk beyond the hope of any moralist to reclaim you! come--come to Christ. Come at His own invitation. Come, and you shall be surely received with a hearty welcome.

Distribution of Tracts

I well remember distributing them in a town in England where tracts had never been distributed before, and going from house to house, and telling in humble language the things of the kingdom of God. I might have done nothing, if I had not been encouraged by finding myself able to do something . . . [Tracts are] adapted to those persons who have but little power and little ability, but nevertheless, wish to do something for Christ. They have not the tongue of the eloquent, but they may have the hand of the diligent. They cannot stand and preach, but they can stand and distribute here and there these silent preachers . . . They may buy their thousand tracts, and these they can distribute broadcast.

I look upon the giving away of a religious tract as only the first step for action not to be compared with many another deed done for Christ; but were it not for the first step we might never reach to the second, but that first attained, we are encouraged to take another, and so at the last . . . There is a real service of Christ in the distribution of the gospel in its printed form, a service the result of which Heaven alone shall disclose, and the judgment day alone discover. How many thousands have been carried to Heaven instrumentally upon the wings of these tracts, none can tell.

I might say, if it were right to quote such a Scripture, "The leaves were for the healing of the nations"—verily they are so. Scattered where the whole tree could scarcely be carried, the very leaves have had a medicinal and a healing virtue in them and the real word of truth, the simple statement of a Savior crucified and of a sinner who shall be saved by simply trusting in the Savior, has been greatly blessed, and many thousand souls have been led into the kingdom of Heaven by this simple means. Let each one of us, if we have done nothing for Christ, begin to do something now. The distribution of tracts is the first thing.

Theology and Ministry: An Interview with John MacArthur

The darling child whom we love so much, lies dead in our arms!

The darling child whom we love so much, lies dead in our arms!

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat!" Matthew 8:23-24

Had the disciples put out sea without Christ's bidding--they would not have had the same reason to expect His protection and deliverance.

The lesson we learn here is, that storms may arise, even when we are in the plain line of Christian duty. We should not be discouraged by the difficulty or trouble which comes--and conclude that we are in the wrong path.

We see, also, that Christ's presence with His disciples, does not keep the storms away. There are no promises in the Bible that Christian people shall not have trials. The Gospel builds no high walls around us--to break the force of the stormy winds. Troubles come to the Christian--just as surely as to the worldly man.

There are the storms of temptation--these sweep down with sudden and terrific power from the cold mountains of this world! Then, there are storms of sickness, of disappointment and adversity, of sorrow--which make the waves and billows to roll over the soul.

On the Sea or Galilee, travelers say that a boat will be gliding along smoothly over the glassy surface, unbroken by a ripple--when suddenly, without a moment's warning--a tempest will sweep down, and almost instantly, the boat will be tossed upon the angry waves.

Just so, do many of life's storms come. Great troubles come when we least expect them. We may be at peace in a happy home. At an hour when we all is calm, without warning--the darling child whom we love so much, lies dead in our arms! The friend we trusted, and who we thought would never fail us--proves false! The hopes cherished for years--wither in our hands, like flowers when the frost comes!

The storms of life are nearly all sudden surprises. They do not hang out danger-signals days before, to warn us. The only way to be ready for them--is to have Jesus with us in our boat.

With the eye of tenderest love!

With the eye of tenderest love!

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them." Mark 6:48

Jesus always sees our toils and distresses in this world. We do not see Him--and sometimes we think that He has forgotten us; but that is never true. He never forgets us, nor is He indifferent for a moment.

On the heights, while the battle was in progress, stood a group of men watching the struggling armies on the plain below. In this group was the American general Sheridan, who watched the mighty strife with the keen eye of a soldier. King William was also there; but his interest was different from Sheridan's. His son was in the thick of the fight--and he watched the battle with the eye of a father, as well as of a king.

Just so, Christ looks down upon our struggles in this world. He sees us straining and toiling; He beholds all our battles and strifes. He sees us in the waves and in the storm. He sees us, not merely with the eye of the calm spectator--but with the eye of tenderest love!

This is a great thought! If we can only get it into our hearts--it will give us wondrous courage in the hour of toil, sorrow, or struggle. Jesus knows . . .
when the battle is hard,
when the night is dark,
when the temptation is more than we can bear.

The winds were against His disciples--even though Christ sent them out to sea. We learn here, that even when we are doing the things God which has bidden us do--we may encounter great opposition and difficulty. We may even be beaten back, and find the trial too great for our strength. Many of the Lord's disciples have to make their voyage over very stormy seas--on their way to glory. For some, duty is often very hard. Indeed, a true, noble, courageous, holy life--must always exist in the face of opposition and contrary winds.

My Lord and my God

And first, dear friends, we ought to say to Jesus, “Lord, Lord,” in reference to his divinity. How can we be saved if we do not? Jesus Christ of Nazareth is to us Lord and God. We do not hesitate to use the language of Thomas when he put his finger into the print of the nails, and to say to him, “My Lord and my God.” Let others say of him what they will, and make him to be a mere man, or a prophet, or a delegated God, such talk is nothing to the point with us; we believe him to be very God of very God, and worship him this day as he is enthroned in the highest heavens, believing him to be worthy of the adoration which is due to God alone....

Compromise must always be impossible where the truth is essential and fundamental. There are some points in which we may agree to differ, but these are points in which there can be no mutual concessions or tonings down of statement. Christ Jesus is either God or he is not, and if he be God, as we believe he is, then those who reject his deity cannot be true believers in him, and, therefore, must miss the benefits which he promises to those who receive him. I cannot conceive any man to be right in religion if he be not right in reference to the person of the Redeemer. “You cannot be right in the rest unless you think rightly of him.” If you will not have him to be your God, neither will he save you. Let his abundant miracles, his divine teaching, his unique character, and his resurrection convince you that “the Word was God,” and is in all respects equally divine with the Father and the Spirit.

No Hiding From God

But oh! sinner, there is no hiding from God. The mountains cannot cover you from Him, even if they would, neither can the rocks conceal you. See, then, at the very outset how this throne should awe our minds with terror. Founded in right, sustained by might, and universal in its dominion, look and see the throne which John of old beheld.

Our fondest connection

What if I have to rend some fond connection? Jesus, thou art better to me than husband, wife, or child. If it must be so that she who lies in my bosom shall count me for her enemy thou shalt be in my heart, my Savior, better than a Rachel, or a Rebekah. Yes, if it must be so that the father shall say, “You shall never darken my doors again if you follow Christ,” he must say it, for when father and mother forsake me the Lord will take me up. The immediate joy will recompense for the immediate loss, yea, doubtless you may count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus your Lord, and yet remain a gainer.

There are few things at which people enact greater farces!

There are few things at which people enact greater farces!

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"Then Jesus said to His disciples: If anyone would come after Me--he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me!" Matthew 16:24

There are few things at which people enact greater farces--than in their feeble and foolish efforts at self-denial. Very few seem to have the remotest conception of what self-denial is!

One does without meat on Fridays, eating fish instead--and thinks that he has denied himself in a most commendable way.

Another gives up candy or a certain amusement for forty days in Lent--and is proud of over his great self-denial.

Others make themselves miserable in various ways: inflicting pain, making useless and uncalled-for sacrifices--as if God were somehow pleased when they suffer!

But none of these things constitute self-denial. There is no merit or virtue in . . .
giving up anything,
suffering any loss or pain, or
making any sacrifice--merely for its own sake.

True self-denial is the renouncing of SELF--and the yielding of the whole life to the will of Christ. It is SELF--coming down from the heart's throne, laying crown and scepter at the Master's feet--and thenceforth submitting the whole life to His sway.

True self-denial is living--not to please ourselves, not to advance our own personal interests--but to please our Lord and do His work. It is denying ourselves anything which is sinful in His sight. It is the glad making of any sacrifice which loyalty to Him requires. It is the giving up of any pleasure or comfort for the good of others--which the living out of His gospel may demand. The essential thing is that SELF gives way altogether to CHRIST--as the purpose and end of life.

True self-denial, like all other traits of Christlikeness, is unconscious of itself. We deny ourselves when we follow Christ with joy and gladness, through cost and danger and suffering--wherever He leads!

Surely there could be no truer picture taken of Jesus!

Surely there could be no truer picture taken of Jesus!

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"Blessed . . . Blessed . . . Blessed . . . Blessed . . . " Matthew 5:3-10

The Blesseds of the Scriptures shine all over the inspired pages--like stars in the midnight sky! The Bible is a book of beatitudes and blessings. God's mercy lies everywhere. Wherever we see Christ--He is imparting blessings, as the sun imparts light and warmth.

While He was here on earth--He was always reaching out His hand to give a benediction to some life which sorely needed it. Now it was on the children's heads, now on the leper, now on the blind eyes, now on the sick, now on the dead--that He laid those gracious hands, and always He left some rich gift of blessing!

Then we remember one day, when those gentle hands were stretched out by brutal enemies--and with iron nails, were fastened to the cruel cross! Yet even then--it was in blessing that they were extended--for it was for our sins that they were thus transfixed on Calvary's cross. As we see them thus stretched out as wide as they could reach--the posture suggests the wideness of divine mercy. Thus the arms of Christ are open to the utmost--to receive all who will come to seek refuge. There is room for the worst of sinners within those blessed arms!

Finally, it is a striking fact that the last glimpse we have of the Savior in this world--shows Him in the attitude of blessing. He had been talking with His disciples as He led them out, and then "He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them--He left them and was taken up into Heaven!" Luke 24:50-51. Surely there could be no truer picture taken of Jesus at any point in His life--than as He appeared in that last view of Him which this world enjoyed.

In Heaven now, He is still a blessing Savior--holding up His pierced hands before God in intercession, and reaching down gracious hands full of blessings for our sad, sinful earth.

If any life goes unblessed with such a Savior--it can be only because of sinful unbelief and willful rejection.

When He comes to us in the garb of pain or sorrow

When He comes to us in the garb of pain or sorrow

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"He came unto His own--but His own did not receive Him." John 1:11

We say that the Jews, "His own," were very ungrateful to treat their Messiah in this way; and also that their rejection was a terrible wrong to themselves, for they thrust away in Christ, the most glorious things of Heaven and eternity!

But how is it with ourselves? Christ comes to us. He is continually coming. His hands are full of blessings. Do we really take from the hand of Christ--all that He offers to us? Do we not daily grieve Him and rob ourselves of blessings--by declining what He brings?

Especially do we reject Christ often--when He comes to us in the garb of pain or sorrow. Many times the blessings which He brings to us then--are the very richest and the most precious in all His treasury of grace!

But how many of us receive Christ as gladly, and take the gifts from His hand as cheerfully and gratefully, when He comes in grief or suffering--as when He comes in the garb of joy or worldly prosperity?

Why should we not do so? Can we not trust His love and wisdom?

He never sends pain--unless pain is best for us.

He never chastens us--unless there is a blessing in the chastening.

The Scepter Belongs To Christ

The scepter belongs to Christ. All sceptres belong to him. He will come by-and-by and verify his title to them. Have you not seen the picture that represents Nelson on board a French man-of-war, receiving the swords of the various captains he has conquered, while there stands an old tar at his side putting all these swords underneath his arm as they are brought up. I have often pictured to myself our great Commander, the only King by divine right, coming back to this our earth, and gathering up the sceptres of the kings in sheaves, and putting them on one side, and collecting their crowns; for he alone shall reign King of kings and Lord of lords.

When the last and greatest of all monarchs shall come a second time, “without a sin-offering unto salvation” — oh, the glory of his triumph! He has a right to reign. If ever there was a king by nature, and by birth, it is the Son of David; if ever there was one who would be elected to the monarchy by the suffrages* of all his subjects, it is Jesus.