Beware of the Counsel of Gamaliel
Whenever wisdom is needed to assess the latest strange idea or movement to penetrate the churches, we hear the ‘counsel of Gamaliel’ quoted – especially when there is no scriptural support for something.
Taking Care of Others
When the Saviour spoke, he spoke volumes. We take a little of his gold and hammer it out into acres of gold leaf, for we cannot talk ingots of gold as he did. His words had infinite meanings which only he could fulfil.
Tabernacle Conversions in 1860
The Tabernacle archives contain hundreds of testimonies of those converted during Spurgeon’s pastorate. Many glorious themes shine through, especially the instrumentality of gospel preaching and Sunday School work.
Anger is a Tender Virtue
He who would be angry without sin must not be angry at anything except sin. Our Saviour was angry with Peter, and angry with the Pharisees for the hardness of their hearts. Moses was filled with holy anger at the people over the golden calf. Equanimity in such circumstances would be no better than complacency or listlessness.
Are there Gossips Among Us?
Gossip has been defined as idle talk or compulsive news-mongering, including the spreading of groundless rumour. Do we indulge in it? To see the ugliness of it and its effect upon the church ought surely to make us think, and put us off. We must neither speak gossip, nor listen to it.
Humility Essential for Blessing
‘Humility of mind’ – what a term! We do not always see this on the evangelical scene today. We see ministers revelling in what they call authority and power and gifts, endlessly expressing their opinions and devising new methods of worship and outreach with huge self-confidence. But the motto of Paul is ‘all humility of mind’.
The Clothing of Humility – Putting on the Garments
‘..be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility..’ What an amazing exhortation this is in these days of assertive self-confidence! As Christian believers we are to be ‘subject one to another’, not assertive, not resistant to advice, but ready to respect the experience and light of others.
Companions of the Apostle Paul
Towards the end of Paul’s remarkable letter to the Colossians, written during his first imprisonment in Rome, he names seven men who assisted him at that time, men whose lives have much to teach us, and who continue to challenge and encourage us today.
Sincerity First and Foremost in the Christian Armour
When several virtues are presented as the Christian’s armour, sincerity is the piece which must be donned first as foundational to all others. If not the ‘greatest’ it is a pivotal virtue. Do we possess it? And do we know how to maintain it?
Joshua’s Sixteen Resolutions
Speaking by divine inspiration, the aged leader Joshua gave the people sixteen profound and heart-searching resolutions that stand to this day as monitors of the committed spiritual life. Although given in the form of exhortations, they are clearly intended to be embraced as personal resolutions or pledges by those who love and serve the Lord.
3. A Defence of the Authenticity of the Woman Taken in Adultery
‘..When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.’ (John 8.10-11)
2. A Defence of the Authenticity of the Traditional Ending of Mark
‘And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.’ (Mark 16:20)
The Surprising Themes of Leviticus
A book of great complexity if approached only for a technical grasp of Mosaic worship, but of ongoing lively application and delight if searched for the spiritual purpose behind each of the ceremonies presented.