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

The Gospel and Authentic  New Testament Ministry , Part IX by D G Miles McKee   Preaching the Gospel and instructing believers how to live are not two separate unrelated things. Mark it down, believers will not be empowered to live as Christians if there is no Gospel ministered to them.   Why not? Simply because the Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation (see Romans 1:16) .   For example, there’s the matter of forgiveness. Have you ever heard a sermon on forgiveness? I wish I had a dollar for every teaching I’ve heard on that subject. However, merely telling people to walk in forgiveness does not make them do so.   Why not? Again, it’s because there is usually no Gospel along with the exhortation. But here’s how the apostle Paul taught on this matter, “ And be kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you"   (Ephesians 4:32.) “--forgiving one another, if any man have a qua...

"And what is death to those that are born of God? It is but another gathering of them unto Christ.  The soul of a saint is gathered from the body as a flower from the stalk; to adorn the court of heaven, and to bloom for ever in the bosom of God.  They who are gathered to Him by grace are, at death, only gathered into glory. Their bodies too shall be gathered from the grave and rescued from the dominion of death; when Shiloh comes, the second time, to renew the face of the earth, and to begin His millennial reign. He whose voice is as the sound of many waters, will say to His angels, when He appears in the clouds of heaven, -- Gather My saints together unto  Me, who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice: who died, trusting in My righteousness, and depending on the merit of My blood, which I shed for the remission of their sins, when I offered Myself up in sacrifice on the cross ."   -preacher Augustus Toplady , ‘The Works of Toplady,’ p.427, Reprint...

"The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity." -Psalm 125:3 [KJV] How shall we draw the line between the righteous and the wicked? How shall we distinguish them, seeing they are both alike the subjects of a wicked nature, derived from Adam the sinner, their father? The Holy Ghost does this. He sets a mark upon the righteous, by which they are essentially distinguished from the wicked, in the first verse of this Psalm: “They trust in the LORD.” The wicked trust in themselves, that they are righteous; trust in their own power, to make and keep themselves so; and hope for God’s favour and heaven, because they are so. They trust in their own wisdom to guide them through life, and to their own goodness to make them happy in death. The righteous are stript of their righteousness: they are convinced of sin: they are poor, hopeless, desperate, and in a forlorn and wretched condition as to th...

"And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me:  for she said,  Have I also here looked after Him that seeth me? Wherefore the well was called *Beer-lahai-roi."   - Genesis 16:13-14 [KJV] * Well of a living One (Strong's Concordance H883) Behold, my soul, what very blessed instructions arise out of this scripture. Beg of God the Holy Ghost to make thy present evening meditation of it sweet. The words themselves are the reflection of Hagar, the handmaid of Sarah, when she fled from her mistress into the wilderness. In a situation of great distress, the Lord manifested Himself to her, and the conclusion she drew from it, was, as is expressed, "Thou God seest me." This indeed, was the name she gave unto the Lord, as if henceforth she would know the Lord in all His mercies by this name. Sweet thought! Jesus is known by His name; and in His name His grace is revealed. But Hagar added another delightful reflection, "for sh...

"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." -John 14:2 [KJV] O That we could lift our eyes to those blest abodes, those mansions of heavenly bliss, where no sorrow intrudes, where sin is unknown, where tears are wiped from off all faces, where there is no languishing body, no wasting sickness, no pining soul, no doubt, fear, darkness or distress; but one unmingled scene of happiness and pleasure, and the whole soul and body are engaged in singing the praises of God and the Lamb! And what crowns the whole, there is the eternal enjoyment of those pleasures which are at the right hand of God for evermore. But how lost are we in the contemplation of these things; and though our imagination may seem to stretch itself beyond the utmost conception of the mind, into the countless ages of a never-ending eternity, yet are we baffled with the thought, though faith embraces the blessed truth. But in...

Sermon under 13 minutes long, by preacher Henry Mahan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8rknE8-XZk

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." -   II John 1:9 [KJV]   15 minute Gospel sermon by preacher Henry Mahan:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTB47umhNfY

"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God." -Philippians 1:11 [KJV] He, who does not see himself stript of righteousness, his eyes were never yet opened, nor his heart convinced of sin by the Spirit of God. He, who imagines that he possesses an inherent righteousness of his own, in which he can stand before God, and answer all the demands of His holy law, deceives his own soul. He, who seeks to be made righteous, to be justified in God’s sight, and to obtain a title to heaven, in any other way than the righteousness of Christ, rejects Christ, and disbelieves the Scripture . He, who does not delight in the fruits of righteousness, and desire to abound in them, and to be filled with them, is a stranger to our righteous Saviour, and destitute of the power of our most holy faith. Mind, (1st.) “The fruits of righteousness.”  Why do we not always speak in scripture phrases, and use words which the Holy Gh...

"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."   -II Peter 1:10-11 [KJV] What a very affectionate advice is here given by the apostle; and surely as important as it is tender! Sit down, my soul, this evening, and ponder these words of Peter. The apostle saith, and saith it with great clearness of reason, as well as revelation, that an assurance of being a partaker of grace in this life, becomes as sure and certain an evidence of being made a partaker of glory in another. The question then is, how shall I ascertain, and without the shadow of a doubt, the certainty of my calling and election? Shall I look in the the book of life, to see my name there? That is impossible. "Secret things belong unto the LORD our God; but those that are revealed bel...

"Unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings." -Malachi 4:2 [KJV] Just as the sun rises in the east and gradually mounts up into the meridian sky, dispersing with every ray light, warmth, and gladness; so this blessed Lord Jesus, as the Sun of righteousness, is ever dispersing the beams of His grace and the rays of His favour; and whenever those beams come, and those rays fall, there is light and life, and everything to make the soul holy and happy. Now a man would act very foolishly if, wishing to have light in his room when the sun was shining at noonday, he should shut all the shutters, and strike a match to give him a little light for a few moments. Let us not then be so foolish as to look for happiness or comfort in our own performances when the glorious Sun of righteousness is at the right hand of God, and shining thence upon believing hearts. But when the veil is over the heart, it is like shutters in a room: ...

"Thou God seest me." -Genesis 16:13 [KJV] Why sayest thou, O trembling sinner! "My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?”  The Lord here asks thy reason, and reproaches thy speech (see Isaiah 40:27.) Look at Hagar, and be ashamed of the unbelieving surmises of thy heart. She was a dear child of God: yet she is left to suffer sore distresses. Her mistress treats her cruelly. She flees to a solitary wilderness: here was no eye of pity, no hand to relieve, no friend to comfort her: and, what must add to her sorrow and heighten her distress, she was with child. She fled from her station in providence. But the God of providence follows her,—the angel of the Lord—rather, the Lord, the Angel, the Messenger of the covenant—the Lord Jesus the Saviour. He found her, called her by name, inquires the cause of her distress, and bids her return to her mistress. Hagar knew her Saviour. She sets up a memorial of his sympathizing love for he...

"The waters of Marah." -Exodus 15:23 [KJV] My soul! let thine imagination take wing, and flee thou, this evening, beside "the waters of Marah;"  and while thou sittest down by the stream, see whether thou wilt be able to gather some of the many improving lessons the Holy Ghost brings before the church, concerning that memorable transaction wrought there for Israel. We read in the history of that people, that they had just before sung the song of salvation, on the borders of the Red Sea, when Israel saw that great sight, themselves redeemed, and the enemy swallowed up; and they were now on their march toward the promised land. Three days they had travelled into the wilderness, and found no water; and when they came to Marah, though water was there in abundance, yet they could not drink of it, for it was bitter. In this situation they cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed the people a tree, which when cast into the waters made them sweet. Such are th...

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." -Ephesians 1:3 [KJV] O, could our faith but embrace a little, were it only a little, and O, could we daily come and drink but a few drops of this pure fountain of immortal joy, in the sweet realisation of being blessed, already blessed, fully blessed, unalterably, irreversibly blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ, what strength and consolation would it impart to our often cast-down soul! Look at the words; examine them again and again; think over in your mind, one by one, the spiritual blessings that you most covet. Is it pardon? Is it peace? Is it the love of God shed abroad in your heart? Is it the spirit of adoption, enabling you to cry, "Abba, Father?"  Is it communion with God? Is it the enjoyment of His presence and smiles? Is it deliverance from every doubt and fear? Is it a large measure of His fea...

"That also He should gather together in one, the children of God that were scattered abroad." -John 11:52 [KJV] These words are like Sampson’s riddle, which, some read thus: Food came from the devourer, and sweetness from that which is violent, or fierce (see Judges 14:14.) Caiaphas the high-priest, though a devourer of Jesus, yet holds forth precious food; though violent and fierce against Christ, yet he delivers sweet truth. Truth is truth, though from the tongue of an enemy: yea, it is a double confirmation of truth. If Christ be preached, let us rejoice, though even by bad men, and from bad principles. Judas preached; the Holy Ghost causes this wicked high-priest, to prophecy of Jesus. By these words, the Holy Ghost plainly instructs us in these precious truths.— O that we may receive them in love! (1st.) That though the whole world is become guilty before God, yet He has a peculiar, chosen number, who are here called, “the children of God.” They were not ...

"For by one offering, He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." -Hebrews 10:14 [KJV] I hope, my soul, thou hast still upon thee the sweet savour of His name, whom in the morning portion thou didst contemplate as wonderful. And if so, here is another view of Jesus, presented to thine evening meditation, to keep alive the blessed fragrancy, and under the Spirit's influence, to preserve both, not only through the night, but to the morning; and every night, and every morning that follows, until the night of death be passed, and that everlasting morning break in upon thee, in which thy sun shall no more go down, but Jesus Himself be thine everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Look, my soul, this evening, at thy Jesus, as this sweet scripture sets Him forth, and behold Him, in His high priestly office, at once the sacrifice, the sacrificer, and the altar, on which He hath offered up that one offering, by which He "hath perfected for ever them ...

"Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." -II Thessalonians 2:16, 17 [KJV] When the Lord is pleased to apply a promise, drop in a word of encouragement, speak home an invitation with power, He administers thereby consolation. It comforts the drooping heart; it speaks peace to a guilty conscience. And this consolation is "everlasting consolation;" for it flows from nothing less than such a source, viz. the eternal love of God ; and flows onward to an everlasting ocean of infinite delight. Any intimation of an interest in the everlasting love of God is a blessing beyond all price; for the Lord never gives any such intimation but as a certain pledge, earnest, and foretaste of immortal bliss. He can neither disappoint nor deceive. Once blest, blest for ever. We may indeed for a...

"He will rest in His love; He will joy over thee with singing." -Zephaniah 3:17 [KJV] Instead of two meditations on this verse, it is worthy the study of our whole lives. Eternity itself will never exhaust the fulness of that rich and glorious grace contained in it. When the vanity of the creature, and the richness of God’s everlasting love and free grace are the subjects, well might the preacher say, “Of making many books there is no end; though much study may be weariness to the flesh”   (Ecclesiastes 12:12.) Yet such study is reviving and refreshing to the spirit. Well, saith the poor sinner, ‘I remember the day of my espousal to Jesus: it was sweet. My heart was filled with peace and joy in believing. But, ah me! I have lost my first love: I am cold, and dark, and dead: I go on heavily, while the enemy oppresses me, and is daily saying to me, Where is now your God, in whom you once delighted, and of whom you formerly made your boast? Thy love is cold to Him: He has tota...

"Having loved His own, which were in the world, He loved them unto the end." -John 13:1 [KJV] Sweet thought, my soul, for thee everlastingly to cherish; thy Jesus is the same, and His love the same, amidst all thy changings: yet He abideth faithful. His love, and not thy merit, was the first cause of thy salvation; and the same love, and not thy undeservings, is the final cause wherefore thou art not lost. But mark in this blessed scripture, how many sweet and lovely things are said. Jesus hath a people, and that people are in the world, and that people are His own. What! had He not a people in the other world? Yes! by creation all are His, in common with the Father. But by redemption He had none, until He had redeemed them from this present evil world. And observe how very graciously they are spoken of. They are His own, His peculiar people, His treasure, His Segullah, His jewels. And how dearly doth He prize them! They were first given to Him by His Father; that made them ...

"God, who is rich in mercy." -Ephesians 2:4 [KJV] Mercy well suits a sensible sinner; and the riches of God's mercy especially suit those who are brought down in real extremity of soul to see and feel how abundant He must be in mercy, how overflowing in the exceeding riches of His grace, that they may venture to entertain a hope of an interest in it, as freely coming down to them in their low and lost estate. We know mercy, feelingly and experimentally, before we know love. Love is first in God, but it is not first in our experience of it; nor do we go to God when made first to feel our need of mercy, as if we were objects of His love, or could venture to entertain the remotest idea that a God so holy could love a sinner so vile; but we go to Him to obtain mercy, as the apostle speaks: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need"   (Hebrews 4:16). Mercy is the first thing sought for at...

"The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty: He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy." -Zephaniah 3:17 [KJV] A truly gracious heart is restless and unhappy, when it experiences distance from the Lord. Notions in the head may satisfy formal, dry professors; but those who are alive to God, cannot rest without enjoying His presence. They will draw nigh to Him, praying Him, “Draw nigh to my soul, and say, I am thy salvation.”  That precious word lives and abides in our heart: Now, in Christ Jesus, we sinners, who, in times past, were far off from God, are made nigh by the blood of Christ   (see Ephesians  2:13.) Hence, we are called upon, “Sing, shout, be glad, rejoice with all the heart.”  Yea, thou God-fearing, soul-trembling sinner! even thou, the Lord has in His eye, and speaks from the love of His heart, “Fear thou not, let not thine hands be slack” (Zephaniah 3:14-16.) Dread not thy mighty, thy many enemies. Put on courage. Lift ...