"Salvation is of the LORD." -Jonah 2:9

"Jesus wept." - John 11:35 [KJV]   My soul! look at thy Redeemer in this account of Him. Was there ever a more interesting portrait than what the evangelist hath here drawn of the Son of God? If the imagination were to be employed forever in forming an interesting scene of the miseries of human nature, what could furnish so complete a picture as these two words give of Christ, at the sight of them? "Jesus wept." Here we have at once the evidence how much the miseries of our nature affected the heart of Jesus; and here we have the most convincing testimony, that He partook of all the sinless infirmities of our nature, and was truly, and in all points, man, as well as God.    We are told by one of the ancient writers (as well as I recollect, it was St. Chrysostom) that some weak but injudicious christians in his days, were so rash as to strike this verse out of their bibles, from an idea, that it was unsuitable and unbecoming in the Son of God to weep...

"For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him? Will he delight himself in the Almighty? Will he always call upon God?" -Job 27:8-10 [KJV]   Many of God's people are at times exercised as to their hypocrisy, and sometimes they may think themselves the most consummate hypocrites that ever stood in a profession. But if you are exercised with these painful surmises, these doubts and fears, just see (and the Lord enable you to bring it to the light of His countenance) these two features of a spiritual character. Do not talk about your hope; it may be "a spider's web." Do not boast of your gifts; they may be altogether in the flesh. Do not bring forward the good opinion of men; they may be deceived in you. But just see if, with the Lord's blessing, you can feel these two tests in your soul, as written there by His own hand.    If so, you are not ...

"Give diligence to make your calling and election sure."   -II Peter 1:10 [KJV]   Without election there had been no Saviour given: no salvation wrought out: no promises made: no Spirit sent: no sinners effectually called to be saints: no love from God to comfort them; nor any heaven open to receive them. O how do poor sinners fight against their own mercies, when they call in question and reject the electing love of God. But, says one, I tremble to think, if I should not be one of the elect, what a dreadful thing would that be? Not at all more dreadful, but just the same, as if there had been no election. But what kind of argument is this, against any truth? Suppose a profane sinner says, if there is a hell, and I should be one of the damned, what a dreadful thing would that be? What does this prove? People are apt to stand in nature and self, and judge of the truths of God. Hence they have hard thoughts of a God of love.    Behold, I shew unto you a mor...

"A sheaf of the first-fruits." -Leviticus 23:10 [KJV]   This was a most interesting service in the Jewish church, and full of gospel mercies; When the Lord appointed "a sheaf of the first-fruits" of their harvest to be brought before Him, and waved towards heaven, as a token that all fruits were of the Lord, and that He was both the giver and proprietor of all. And it hath reference to the person of Christ, both in His death and resurrection. For "a lamb of the first year, without blemish," was to be offered as a burnt-offering with it, to testify that the death of Jesus sanctifies and sweetens all; and Christ Himself, in His resurrection, is the "first-fruits of them that sleep."    My soul! dost thou observe this Jewish service in a gospel dress? Surely, the service is a reasonable service, and, if possible, more heightened now than then. When this law was given, the Israelite had no power to perform it; neither indeed was it inte...

"Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." -I Peter 1:21 [KJV]   Observe the special mark which is here given of those for whom Christ was manifested. It is said of them that "by Him they believe in God." If this be their distinctive mark, we may well inquire what is intended by it. It must surely be a very great thing to believe in God with a faith that brings salvation with it. It is easy to believe that there is a God in nature, or a God in providence, or a God in grace, according to the mere letter of the word, and this is what thousands do who have no manifested interest in redeeming love and atoning blood.    In fact, it is the great delusion of the day, the religion of that religious multitude who know neither God nor themselves, neither law nor gospel, neither sin nor salvation. All this is a believing about God, or a believing of God, such as that He exists, ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc8tPTYn9j4   -by preacher Henry Mahan (27 minutes) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In this powerful Bible message, discover why Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is the eternal Savior and the only way to God throughout every generation. This sermon walks through key passages including Hebrews 13:8, John 14:6, Acts 4:12 , Isaiah 53, Genesis 3:15 , Romans 1, Hebrews 10, Luke 24, and many others, showing that salvation has always been by God’s grace through Christ—not by the law, prophets, religious ceremonies, or human works. Throughout the message, you’ll learn: Why Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. How the entire Bible points to Christ as the promised Redeemer. Why salvation has always been through Jesus Christ alone. The significance of the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. How Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed Christ’s atoning work. Why faith in Christ—not religiou...