The Preparation And Prelude To Faith
What precedes faith? Certainly, it is the working of God to draw out the heart of man to Himself. But the awakening comes when He reveals Himself to the heart by His word, which He quickens, and makes alive. With the revelation of Himself, there comes the grace of God for the individual to respond in a right manner to it. That response is repentance and faith. God will not fail to both to the truly seeking heart.
The Judge Of All The Earth
God alone is just, for He is not a sinner. He is holy and perfect, in power, authority, and compassion. He alone knows all that is true, for all is open before Him. Thus, since He alone knows the heart, He alone is capable to judge sin, and save the sinner. As He will not fail in His compassions, so He will not fail in His judgments, for they are right and true.
The Greatest Calling
What is the greatest calling, and privilege of man? It is communion with the living, and everlasting God, Christ by the Spirit, and the Father. Herein is the basic reason for man's existence, to have fellowship with God. Out of that fellowship is to flow immeasurable blessing for others, and above all, reveal the glory of God.
The Expectancy Of Great Things
What is expectancy and hope? These are two words which express anticipation of realization, or intervention. As they apply to the faithfulness of God, they are those cords of God's faithfulness, declared by His word, which the believer clings to for the full accomplishment of God's promises for His glory, and man's highest blessing.
God's Rod Of Authority
What is it that makes a common rod, mentioned in the Bible, to be a symbol and means by which the authority and power of God are revealed. The answer lies in the word, "attributed." There is in that word the commitment of God to reveal His power and will in a manner that man will see His glory, and in turn give Him the glory.
Despise Not The Day Of Small Things
God works in the great things and small. Both are the same for Him. The problem is finding someone who will not be deterred by what appears small, when God has declared that great things are in store. From loaves and fishes, to the plain foundations of the second temple, God defies appearance in order to reveal that He is sovereign, and the God of glory, to whom all glory will be given.
The Written Living Word
There is power in the spoken word of God, a power that changes circumstances, and meets the needs of the lowliest, and neediest sinner. And there is power in the written word of God when the Spirit of God takes that word and speaks to the heart. When His word is spoken, faith is given to believe it. The believer is quickened to lay hold of God for its accomplishment as a testimony of the mercy and grace of God.
The Preaching And Teaching Of Christ
No one has ever spoken like Christ, both by the solemnity of His words, but also, by the power of their effect. From the declaring of the Gospel in its power such that many souls are saved, to the healing of diseases, and casting out of devils, Christ's words are the means of great blessings of comfort, strength, hope, and salvation.
The Lovingkindness Of God
One of the most beautiful words of Scripture is the word, "lovingkindness." It speaks of love that is perpetual, and an application of that love in God's tenderness, and infinite thoughtfulness. In this word is the beautiful application of the love of God, applied to sinners such as we, in a manner that is both specific, gracious, gentle, and merciful. What a wonderful God we have.
The Declaration Of Dependence
What is true freedom? Is it not the singular independence from all things and people, to be entirely dependent upon God, specifically Christ our life by the Spirit. The believer is called upon to be a person of faith, one where faith's object is Christ, and the outworking of that faith, the obedience to Christ's commands, and the relying upon Him wholly according to the promises.