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

"Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" -Galatians 3:3  [KJV] While beholding the church of Galatia, which set out upon true gospel principles, and before whose eyes Jesus Christ had been evidently set forth as crucified among them; yet after this, turning aside to seek justification by works; let thine evening meditation, my soul, be directed to this heart-searching inquiry: upon what art thou building thine hopes of salvation? Is it simply on Christ; or art thou mingling with the blood and righteousness of Jesus, somewhat of thine own, by way of justification? The question is exceedingly important; and the clear answer to it, of the first consequence to thy present peace, and everlasting welfare.     See to it then, that there be no reserves, no limitations, nothing to qualify the plain and direct answer to the apostle's words; but that having begun in the Spirit, thou mayest truly say, thou dost not seek to be made perfect by the flesh. If ...

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." - Revelation 2:29 [KJV] These words extend the message beyond the church to which they were spoken, and address themselves to every one to whom the word comes, and to whom an ear is given to hear and receive it. Thus each message sent to the churches becomes a message sent personally to us. If we have a spiritually circumcised ear, if we are willing to listen to the voice of the Lord, He speaks to us in every message as personally and as distinctly as He spoke to each individual church. It is indeed an unspeakable blessing to have this ear given to us that we may receive in humility, simplicity, and godly sincerity what the Lord speaks in the word of His grace. It is by His word that He knocks at the door of our hearts; and what a blessing He has pronounced on the man who hears His voice and opens the door when he hears the knock, like a fond and affectionate wife when she hears the knock of her hus...

Weekend Gospel message to follow for All Hands (04-06MAR22) Heads-Up --- Please find enclosed encouragement in SO GREAT SALVATION by the perfect and finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ in saving poor, needy and wretched sinners by His sovereign free grace - God's unmerited favor - from our sins and from Hell: THE GREAT LOVE OF GOD “ But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us”   (Ephesians 2:4).  The love of God to His chosen people is very great, if it be considered who it is that has loved them, God and not man, who is an infinite, unchangeable, and sovereign Being.  His love is like Himself, for God is love.  It has heights and depths, and lengths and breadths immeasurable.  It admits of no variation nor alteration and is altogether free, arising from Himself and not from any motives and conditions in men.  If the persons themselves are considered who are the objects of it, they are sinful men, unworthy of divine notic...

"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 belong unto us, a...

"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: there is no...

"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 the outlines o...

"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 fear in your he...