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

"The L ORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." - Jeremiah 31:3 [KJV]   There can be no new thought in the mind of God. New thoughts, new feelings, new plans, new resolutions continually occur to our mind; for ours is but a poor, fallen, fickle, changeable nature. But God has no new thoughts, feelings, plans or resolutions; for if He had He would be a changeable Being, not one great, eternal, unchangeable I Am. All His thoughts, therefore, all His plans, all His ways are like Himself, eternal, infinite, unchanging, and unchangeable.   So it is with the love of Christ to the Church. It is eternal, unchanging, unchangeable. And why? Because He loved as God. Never let us lose sight of the glorious Deity of Jesus. He loved her in eternity as the Son of God, prior to His incarnation. That was but the fruit of His love. We can, therefore, assign no beginning to the lo...

" Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." -Jeremiah 3:22 [KJV] Backsliding is a species of apostacy from the faith. Apostacy is the high road to destruction. Total apostacy will certainly end in eternal damnation: for there can neither be repentance, or hope, for such a soul. The Son of God is the only sacrifice for sin : this, the backslider once professed to believe. But now he tramples on His precious blood, wilfully despises and rejects the Saviour; so that now, he has only “a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour every adversary of Christ” (Hebrews 10:26, 27.)   Most striking is the picture of such, drawn by Mr. Bunyan, in his Pilgrim’s Progress, as a man in an iron cage, who thus confesses: “I was once a fair and flourishing professor, both in mine own eyes, and the eyes of others; I was, as I thought, fair for the celestial city, and had even joy at the thoughts that I should get t...

If you and I are among the righteous, it is because we are made so IN CHRIST. The Apostle says, (and it is such a comfort to our souls, because it admits of no contradiction, neither sin nor Satan can overthrow it), He was, "made sin for us, Who knew no sin ; " that, it almost makes me afraid to utter the words, they are full of such grandeur and immortal glory, and shine like a diamond set with all manner of beauty, "we might be made the righteousness of God IN HIM , " (II Corinthians 5:21).  Come, poor child of God, who are cast down by looking at your wanderings of heart, carnality, and daily failings, and who perhaps have come here full of confusion, feeling yourself a helpless and wretched creature, with your head hanging down like a bulrush, look up to Jesus, He is the blessed head for the righteous, the perfect center of all glory and beauty! Look at the perfect work of Christ, He is, "the L ORD our Righteousness!" "Ye are comp...

" If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another; and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin ." -I John 1:7 [KJV] The walk of many professors seems to speak this language: Why cannot we love the world, indulge ourselves in the ways of it, and yet enjoy fellowship with God? Now we have clear notions of the doctrines of grace—of acceptance with God, and justification before Him, why need we be so very precise in our conduct? This seems as though they were desirous to walk as near as possible to the very borders of hell, and yet hope to get safe to heaven at last. Such walk not in the light of truth—in the comfort of love—in fellowship with God.  (1st.) What is fellowship with God? It is a sweet, heart-felt concord, harmony, and agreement between God and our souls; a mutual communion of spirits; a free communication from the Lord to us, and from us to the Lord:—just as two loving friends have between each ...

"Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted?" -Isaiah 2:22 [KJV] This precious text my dear Lord preached to my heart, day after day, upwards of twenty years ago; when it first pleased Him to make me happy in His love: though not then, yet I have seen abundant cause for it. That soul is in good health, that can say, I am sick of sin, sick of men, and sick of myself. The Lord is teaching us this lesson day after day: it is a hard one to flesh and blood. For we are naturally prone to look to, trust in, and depend upon an arm of flesh.  But this is to depart, in heart, from the Lord: a curse is denounced upon this (see Jeremiah 17:5.) Consider, man’s breath is in his nostrils. The best of men are subjects of sin, and liable to the stroke of death: the breath that promises you to-day, ere to-morrow’s drawn, may be vanished into air, and all your hopes blasted: the arm of flesh, which to-day is strong and stretched forth in...

" I will sow her unto Me in the earth, and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy: and I will say to them which were not My people, Thou art My people; and they shall say, Thou art our God ." -Hosea 2:23 [KJV] Declarations of grace depend not on the will of the flesh for their accomplishment. Sovereign power brings sovereign purposes to effect. Human will can neither forward nor frustrate them. So the Lord raises up and forms a people, for His glory on earth, and the Redeemer’s crown in heaven. See the process of it.  (1st.) “I will sow her.” This alludes to the word Jezrael in the last verse, which signifies the seed of God. God’s people are His own precious seed: He sows them in the earth.  (2d.) “Unto Me.” As they are sown by Him, they spring up unto Him. Though they lie long under the clods of nature’s darkness and corruption, and for a while spring up only to the world, the flesh, and the devil, yet there is a set time to favour them; a f...

" If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." -Galatians 5:25 [KJV] These two things the enemy of souls works powerfully against. (1st.) To keep sinners from coming to Christ for salvation. (2d.) When they are come, to prevent their enjoying the comfortable knowledge that Christ is their Saviour. And our own legal hearts, and wicked natures, join the enemy of our peace and salvation in both. But love lives and reigns above. Our Saviour sees how it is with us, and sends the power of His Spirit to help, relieve, and comfort us.  The dear Spirit, when dead in sin, quickens us: then He guides us in our walk. What need we then of exhortations? Much, very much; for, consider, The walk is ours: to order our steps aright, is the work of the Holy Spirit. (3d.) Our comfortable enjoyment of our interest in Christ, is experienced in a holy walk, or walking in the Spirit. The battle is the Lord’s. Yet David was to engage and conquer Goliath. “The L ORD gave h...

The Wonderful Meaning of Easter   by D.G. Miles McKee   Acts 2:32-36 …  “ This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” A few years ago, a petition was raised to force the closure of a noisy and exuberant group of Christians who met in a certain neighbourhood. A Jewish man, who lived nearby, refused to sign the petition saying, ¨If I believed what they believe about the Messiah being crucified and risen from the dead I´d make more noise about it than all of them put together.” Because of what happened 2000 years ago in the Christ event we believers have so much to make a noise about. By the way, the day we call Easter has nothing whatsoever to do with Bunnies and Painted Eggs. The Bible knows nothing of such man-made things.  Easter is the day when we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus. In addition, the name Easter comes from pagan origins so why don´t we just call Easter Sunday “Resurrection Day”?  However, let´s see if we ...

" When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do ." -Luke 17:10 [KJV] This is a fatal stab to human merit: this is a deadly blow to sinless perfection. O! flee from the idea of any merit in thee or thy works, as from the face of the devil: it is of the pride of Satan. Avoid the thought of being perfect in thyself, as thou wouldest the most damnable lie: it ariseth from self-deceit, and is established through ignorance of God’s holy law. Our dear Lord here instructs us to be active, yet humble, to be obedient, yet self-abased; to do all things, yet own our unprofitableness after all.  Beware you do not learn to decry that word, duty. It is very common for many so to do, as implying nothing but what is legal. Thy Lord here uses it. Be not wiser than thy Master. True, thou art freed from all slavish duty and legal bondage, in order to be justified and saved thereby. B...

"Behold, the skin of the face of Moses shone, and they were afraid to come nigh unto him. " -Exodus 34:30 [KJV] Here see the glorious effects of being on the mount with God; of having free access to and holy converse with Him. When we draw nigh to God, and He draws nigh to us, our souls catch the splendour and glory of His grace. This revives our countenance, and makes our face to shine. Here is somewhat worthy our attention; for the holy inspirer calls upon us, behold. Lord! give us to behold this to our edification and comfort.  (1st.) “When Moses came down from the mount his face shone, but he knew it not.” O! it, is well for us, when we are so wholly taken up with the majesty and glory of our Lord, and see such splendour of grace and love shine on His countenance, as not to be looking at ourselves, and admiring our own gifts and graces. It is to imitate fops and fribbles in nature, to look in a glass to admire ourselves. To fall in love with our own beauty, ...

" Thy loving kindness is before mine eyes." -Psalm 26:3 [KJV] This causes a peaceful conscience, a happy heart, and a holy life. What is meant by loving kindness? it is love expressed by action: the affection of the heart, manifested by acts of kindness. Thus the Lord speaks of His church in general, and of every individual member of it in particular, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” What then? This love manifests itself in time thus, “Therefore, with loving kindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3.) “I will betroth thee unto Me for ever in loving kindness” (Hosea 2:19.)   Being thus betrothed and drawn to the Lord, our souls have a sight and sense of His loving kindness. What is meant by its being “before our eyes?” Its engaging the attention of our mind, captivating the affection of our heart, seeing our interest in it, feeling the refreshments of it, and rejoicing on account of it; knowing there is no separation from it. Thus, everlasting...

Warm greetings dear one's in Christ JESUS, "The LORD our righteousness , " please find enclosed a link to a 28 minute Gospel message entitled, "The Believer's Comfort" from preacher Henry Mahan. A sound, Christ-honoring and comforting Gospel message, dear saints of God Most High. The LORD JESUS CHRIST be magnified for ever and ever! https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=1708193924

" Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice." -Psalm 51:8 [KJV] Of all the sad consequences of sin, good Lord! deliver us from Antinomian licentiousness; which consists in being so hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, as to make light of it. Though David had been awfully licentious in his practice, yet we see the grace of the saint shine forth, in his brokenness of heart, sorrow of soul, and contrition of spirit for his sins. Never quote David’s dreadful fall, without his deep, soul-afflicted, heart-broken, sorrow and repentance. Never think of one without the other; lest you think slightly of the most cursed evil of evils, wilful sin against a gracious God.  O! who can tell the horrors of soul, and terrors of conscience, David felt, when he uttered these words? Consider them, O my soul! The Lord make sin more dreadful to thy view, and hateful in thy sight.  (1st.) Spiritual joy and gladness of soul in the Lord had fors...

" The Father seeketh such to worship Him." -John 4:23 [KJV] Error is natural to fallen man. He sets his face against truth, and turns his back upon it with contempt. The more error abounds with pride and self-sufficiency, so much the more it is suited to our corrupt nature. Hence, we are naturally Pelagians: we cannot think Adam’s sin has hurt us. Or else, Semi-pelagians: though we confess our souls are wounded by Adam’s sin, yet we cannot think we are totally dead to God thereby; but, as it were, only half dead: so that we still possess some power and ability, to seek God and to please Him, if we will but exert ourselves.  This is the popular doctrine of our day: it is suited to man’s pride, and keeps up his self-importance. Hence, this dry, shriveled comment is put upon our Lord’s words: “That, if we will but stir up ourselves to seek God, possess our minds with an habitual sense of religion, and worship Him in spirit and truth, He then will seek us, and deli...

" Of late years there has been a very visible decline, and a night is coming on, which we are entered into; the shadows of the evening are stretching out apace upon us, and the signs of the eventide are very manifest, and will shortly appear yet more and more: coldness and indifference in spiritual things, a want of affection to God, Christ, His people, truths and ordinances, may easily be observed; the first love is left; iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold; and it will wax yet colder and colder, and will issue in a general forsaking of assembling together, and in an entire neglect of the ministers of the gospel; when such who have been professors themselves will be shy of them, and carefully shun them.   -preacher John Gill, 1697 – 1771 A.D.

" And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? " -II Samuel 9:8 [KJV] Old love cannot be forgotten: it makes such deep, and leaves such lasting impressions on the mind, which time itself cannot efface. This was verified in David and Jonathan. The latter is dead; yet love to his memory lives in David’s heart. Hence, he enquires after the remains of his family, to shew kindness unto them. Mephibosheth, the lame son of Jonathan, is introduced to the king: he thus expresses the affection of his royal heart to him, “Fear not; I will surely shew kindness to thee, for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father, and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.”   Had any of David’s subjects a right to arraign, and call him to an account, for this sovereign act of favour? Which of them would dare to say unto him, What doest thou? But yet proud hearts rise with indignati...

" The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." -I Corinthians 4:20 [KJV] It is the wisdom of a Christian to improve from the various objects he meets with. See we an open, profane sinner? beware of looking down upon him with Pharisaic pride, and supercilious contempt: behold in him your wicked nature! Remember, grace alone made the difference: be humble: adore the God of grace. See we only the form of godliness in any? St. Paul tells us how to act: “From such turn away” (II Timothy 3:5.) You will get no good from them. There is little hope of doing good to them: leave them.  Why so? Because they are strangers to the vital power of godliness, and destitute of the inward experience of the grace of Christ upon their souls. True, they may make a great shew; have vast zeal for the interest of a party; be very warm and violent for the form of sound words, a consistent plan of doctrine, and a set of Scripture notions. But, yet, after all, it is but the notion and...

Selfish Salvation?   by D.G. Miles McKee   1 Corinthians 10:31 ¨ do all to the glory of God.¨ Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm concerned about the motives that led me to Christ. They were very selfish. They were not seeking the glory of God." Selfish? Not seeking the glory of God? Yes indeed, that’s probably true. Most if not all of us were like that, we were concerned only for ourselves when we first trusted Christ for mercy. When we saw our wretched lostness, neutral feelings about our condition tended to melt away. Through the gospel, the Holy Spirit often imparts a sense of impending and imminent trouble that causes us to turn to God. Although these motives for self-preservation do not qualify us for salvation, they most certainly do not disqualify us from the same. Our first trusting in Christ is usually motivated by self-interest. But is this wrong? Some might say that a man who fled from a burning house was selfish or self-centred, yet others of...