January 1, 1970

Why Men Cannot Believe in Christ   “How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?” — John v. 44.   OUR Saviour was addressing himself to Pharisees, who would not receive him, and who, no doubt, pleaded that they could not believe on him. They had just …

John:5:44

January 1, 1970

The Blessings of Following On   “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”— Hosea vi. 3.   I MUST first remove the mouldy piece from the text, and …

Hosea:6:3

January 1, 1970

There Go the Ships   “There go the ships.” — Psalm civ. 26.   I WAS walking the other day by the side of the sea, looking out upon the English Channel. It so happened that there was a bad wind for the vessels going down the Channel, and they were lying in great numbers between the shore and …

Psalms:104:26

January 1, 1970

THE TURNING OF JOB’S CAPTIVITY.   “The Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.”— Job xlii. 10.   SINCE God is immutable he acts always upon the same principles, and hence his course of action in the olden times to a man of …

Job:42:10

January 1, 1970

HOLD FAST YOUR SHIELD.   “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” — Hebrews x. 35.   THE early Christians had to suffer for their faith. They were exposed to great ridicule and enmity: they were, indeed, the by-word, the laughing-stock, and the derision of all mankind. There are still to be seen in Rome, …

Hebrews:10:35

January 1, 1970

The Eternal Truth of God   “His truth endureth to all generations.” — Psalm c. 5.   IT was very solemn work this morning to lay bare the sin of unbelief. It was the burden of the Lord to him who had to speak, and it could have been but very small pleasure to those who had to listen …

Psalms:100:5

January 1, 1970

The Story of a Runaway Slave   “Perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever.”— Philemon 15.   NATURE is selfish, but grace is loving. He who boasts that he cares for nobody, and nobody cares for him, is the reverse of a Christian, for Jesus Christ enlarges the heart when he cleanses …

Philemon:v. 15

January 1, 1970

The New Fashion   “And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” — Mark ii.12.   IT is very natural that there should be many surprising things in the gospel, for it is beyond measure remarkable …

Mark:2:12

January 1, 1970

FAMILY REFORMATION; OR, JACOB’S SECOND VISIT TO BETHEL.   “And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there.” — Genesis xxxv. 1.   THERE are critical times in most families: times when much decision of character will be needed on the part of the father to guide things aright. They say there is a skeleton in every …

Genesis:35:1

January 1, 1970

OFFENDED WITH CHRIST.   “And blessed is be, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” — Matthew xi. 6.   THE connection of the passage assists us in feeling its force. John had sent his disciples to ask the Master whether he was indeed the Messiah, and the Saviour, after giving abundant proof that he was the sent one …

Matthew:6:6