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  1000 NEW BIBLE READINGS (OUTLINES) - VOLUME 1
  by Fe Marsh
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Marsh's expanded devotional reference providing one thousand biblical reading
outlines for daily study and spiritual reflection, building on his earlier
collection of five hundred readings for preachers, teachers, and individual
believers.

  Chapters: 98

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  TABLE OF CONTENTS
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    1. 0000.3. Preface
    2. 0000.4. Foreword
    3. 0000.5. Introduction
    4. 0001. The Bible: Seven Facts Concerning Scripture
    5. 0003.     1. “About” of Grace
    6. 0004.     2. “Above”
    7. 0005.     3. Abram’s Journey of Faith
    8. 0006.     4. Abraham’s Intercession
    9. 0007.     5. Abraham’s Vision
   10. 0008.     6. “Agree”
   11. 0009.     7. Abundant Supply
   12. 0010.     8. “According To”
   13. 0011.     9. A Group of Glad Ones
   14. 0012.     10. Activities of God
   15. 0013.     11. “Afar Off”
   16. 0014.     12. Activities of Jesus
   17. 0015.     13. Activities of the Christian Life
   18. 0016.     14. Activities of the Christian Life
   19. 0017.     15. “All” in Romans
   20. 0018.     16. “Again”
   21. 0019.     17. “After That”
   22. 0020.     18. Acts of Christ
   23. 0021.     19. “All Things”
   24. 0022.     20. All-Ness of the Christian Life
   25. 0023.     21. The “All” Psalm
   26. 0024.     22. “Altogether”
   27. 0025.     23. “All That He,” or “She Had”
   28. 0026.     24. Angel’s Resurrection Message
   29. 0027.     25. Anxiety and Committal
   30. 0028.     26. Appreciation
   31. 0029.     27. “Arm of the Lord”
   32. 0030.     28. A Servant of Jesus Christ
   33. 0031.     29. A Sevenfold Exhortation
   34. 0032.     30. “As He Hath Promised”
   35. 0033.     31. “At All Times”
   36. 0034.     32. “As Many”
   37. 0035.     33. At—in Time to Come
   38. 0036.     34. At Certain Places
   39. 0037.     35. “At Hand”
   40. 0038.     36. A Threefold Taking
   41. 0039.     37. Atonement
   42. 0040.     38. Attitudes of the Believer
   43. 0041.     39. Attention of Grace
   44. 0042.     40. Authority
   45. 0044.     41. Bands of Love
   46. 0045.     42. “Be”
   47. 0046.     43. Bags
   48. 0047.     44. Barnabas—Full of the Spirit
   49. 0048.     45. “Bear”
   50. 0049.     46. Believer’s Attitude
   51. 0050.     47. Because
   52. 0051.     48. Becomingness
   53. 0052.     49. “Before God”
   54. 0053.     50. “Began to Be—”
   55. 0054.     51. “Before God”
   56. 0055.     52. Believer’s Calling
   57. 0056.     53. Behold the Christ
   58. 0057.     54. Believers Are
   59. 0058.     55. Believers Are Called
   60. 0059.     56. Believer’s Outlook
   61. 0060.     57. “Be Sober”
   62. 0061.     58. “Be Not Afraid”
   63. 0062.     59. “Be Strong”
   64. 0063.     60. “Beware”
   65. 0064.     61. Bible
   66. 0065.     62. Bible Study
   67. 0066.     63. Blunders
   68. 0067.     64. Blessings of the Upright
   69. 0068.     65. Blessed Ones
   70. 0069.     66. Blessings Which Come to the Meek
   71. 0070.     67. Blind Man’s Confession
   72. 0071.     68. Blindness of Sinners
   73. 0072.     69. Body
   74. 0073.     70. Body of Faith
   75. 0074.     71. “Brought”
   76. 0075.     72. “Born Again All Over”
   77. 0076.     73. Bow of Promise
   78. 0077.     74. “Brotherland”
   79. 0078.     75. “Brought Out”
   80. 0079.     76. Builded, Founded, and Grounded
   81. 0080.     77. Bundle of Blessings
   82. 0081.     78. Bundles
   83. 0082.     79. Business
   84. 0084.     80. Called Out of Egypt
   85. 0085.     81. Calling—Conduct
   86. 0086.     82. “Candles” and “Lamps”
   87. 0087.     83. “Candles”
   88. 0088.     84. “Cannot” Things the Sinner Cannot Do
   89. 0089.     85. “Cannots” in John’s Gospel
   90. 0090.     86. “Cannot”—Some Things God Cannot Do
   91. 0091.     87. “Christian Endeavour”
   92. 0092.     88. Changes
   93. 0093.     89. Chain of Golden Links
   94. 0094.     90. Characters Around the Cross
   95. 0095.     91. Characteristics of a Believer in Christ
   96. 0096.     93. Christ
   97. 0097.     94. Christ and Evil Spirits
   98. 0098.     95. Christ About His Father’s Business

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  CHAPTER 1: 0000.3. PREFACE
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Preface

Through the goodness of our God and Father, the grace of the Lord Jesus, and the
ministry of the Holy Spirit, my 500 Bible Readings have gone through many
editions in Great Britain and America. This volume of 1000 New Bible Readings
does not contain the 500, but is entirely new. I place these readings at the
feet of Him, who is the Author, the Illuminator, and the Applier of the Book,
and pray that He may use them in helping many in the Lord’s service. The themes
are meant to be suggestive to busy workers, and not crutches to lazy shirkers.

I especially call attention to the wise and weighty words found in the helpful
Foreword of beloved and esteemed Dr. F. B. Meyer. Those who know him, love him;
and the more he is loved, the better he is known. I would also ask the student
of God’s Word to carefully ponder the introduction to these readings, and the
article on the Bible. My conviction is, the more the Bible is studied, the more
there is found in it to be studied. Fresh light, assurance, power, joy, help,
grace, and blessing, break out from it. It is like the dawn, ever new in its
light; like the air, ever fresh in its vitality; like the food, ever nourishing
in its feed; like the flowers, ever beautiful in their variety; like the body,
ever unifying in its organism; like the blood, ever pulsating in its energy; and
like the electric current, ever powerful in its movement.

F. E. Marsh

“I adore the plenitude of the Scriptures, in which every letter is a word, and
every word is a verse, and every verse is a chapter, and every chapter is a
book, and every book is a Bible; in which every twig is a branch, and every
branch is a tree, and every tree a forest, in which every drop is a rivulet, and
every rivulet is a river, and every river a bay, and every bay an ocean, and
every ocean all waters.”

—Tertullian


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  CHAPTER 2: 0000.4. FOREWORD
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Foreword

It is a pleasure to write these lines of Foreword to the Bible readings prepared
by my friend, Dr. F. E. Marsh, who has devoted his life to the study of the
Bible, and the unfolding of its treasures to others.

We believe in the plenary inspiration of Scripture. The word “inspiration” is
equivalent to “inbreathed.” There is a quality there which is found to the same
extent and in the same manner nowhere else, and it is self-evident.

One summer’s day, as I was exploring the western coast of Scotland, I came on
what seemed to be a large inland lake, but when I descended to its shores, and
dipped my finger in the water, placing it to my lips, I knew by the saline taste
that the Lough was an inlet from the Atlantic. The quality of the water was
evidence of its origin. So In the Bible There Is a Divine Quality, which the
spiritual mind recognizes as being its exclusive characteristic. “All Scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16). The heart
of Scripture is “the Word of God.” As our Lord became incarnate in human flesh,
with the weakness and needs of human nature, though not its sins, so He is—so to
speak—incarnate in Scripture. There is a sense, therefore, in which we may say
that in the Holy Scripture, the Word has become flesh and tabernacles among us.
The late Hudson Taylor used to kindle his little lamp, and spend two hours at
night reading his Bible, while the Chinese who shared the inn with him lay
around asleep. He said that it was only by the written Word that he could feed
on Him who is the Spirit and Life of Scripture. “The connection between the
written Word and the Incarnate Word is so close and intimate that you can no
more separate them than you can separate body and soul, or soul and spirit.”
This involves the unity of Scripture. Its theme is one, and its Author is one.
The unities of the Bible are specially remarkable, and confirm this thought of
the unity of Scripture. Certain threads of suggestive symbolism may be traced
from Genesis to Revelation—such as the garden, the serpent, the river, the Lamb,
the blood-covenant, redemption, the advent, faith, love, the triune Being of
God. This thought justifies the whole scheme of these Bible readings. To follow
them will resemble The Discovery of New Paths Through the Woods, or on the
hills, and as we follow the track here marked out by an experienced guide, we
shall catch rare glimpses of new and heavenly horizons. In majestic prose, in
lyric poetry, in lovely imagery, in massive argument, there is the same motif
and refrain. Now you sit at the feet of a prophet; again you hear the voice of a
sweet singer; and yet again, as you read the love-epistles of St. John, or the
massive reasonings of St. Paul, you say to yourself: “This is but another
setting of the Old Melody with a delightful variation.” In all Bible study we
must seek the teaching of the Holy Spirit. “The natural man receiveth not the
things of the Spirit of God... because they are spiritually discerned” (1
Corinthians 2:14). A striking illustration of this was presented in the
conversion of one of China’s literati. He had complained to a missionary, who
was at the moment preparing a cup of tea for him, that he did not find the
Chinese Bible, of which he had possessed himself, especially interesting. At
that moment the kettle was near boiling point. “See,” said the missionary, “the
fire is needed to cause the water to boil; so, tonight, if you take up the
Christian Scriptures, you must ask the God of Heaven to give you the Holy Spirit
to enable you to understand them aright, then the Book will become a new book to
you, and it will soon mean more to you than any book in the world.” That night
he asked the Spirit of the Unknown God to turn a dull book into an interesting
one. “O God,” he said, “if Thou be a God, give me thy Holy Spirit, and help me
to understand this Book.” As the evening hours passed he became more and more
engrossed with the Book, and as he turned over its pages a new spirit took
possession of him. The Savior of whom he read became vividly real to his heart.
The words spoken long ago were living and powerful, and brought him peace and
healing.

We should never open our Bibles without first lifting our heart for that Spirit
by whom holy men were led to write.

Beneath His Touch Rocks Will Yield Water, blank pages will become illuminated,
and fountains arise where the soil had seemed sterile. To that Spirit who has
spoken His messages to the hearts of men, as into a dictaphone I commend this
book of Bible study outlines to all students of the Sacred Word, praying that it
may give back to them the holy truth in words that melt and thoughts that burn.

F. B. MEYER


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  CHAPTER 3: 0000.5. INTRODUCTION
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Introduction The best way to prove the truth of the Bible is to study it. As the
Living Word Himself proves His Deity, so the Written Word itself evidences its
Divinity. Theories about Inspiration provoke controversy, but the fact of
Inspiration commands attention. As life in its essence cannot be explained, so
inspiration in its heart is beyond human ken. The living man proves the fact of
life. The Living Book proclaims the Living Author. Men’s books are bushes
without the burning flame; the Word of God is a Bush flaming with the fire of
God. “Inspired of God” is the Word’s claim, and it contains the life of God. It
is God-breathed and God-breathing. As the Creator breathed into man’s body the
breath of life, and thus united man’s body with his created spirit, so God has
taken the body of human language and united to it the Holy Spirit, and breathed
the breath of the Living Christ in its sacred revelation. We do not worship the
Book as a Book, but we worship Him who is revealed in it, and because of Him we
prize the Book. The adaptability of the Book to meet all people is one of the
most cogent proofs of its source and its secret. J. H. Ritson, of the British
and Foreign Bible Society, says:

“It is very wonderful that though the Bible deals with the deepest truths, yet
it is the most translatable book there is. The Koran and other sacred books
remain imprisoned in the languages in which they were written—the power of their
appeal is largely inherent in their original tongue. The Bible is not only the
most translatable book, but it is the Book which suffers least in translation.
Further, when once it is translated it speaks to every human being in his mother
tongue at any moment when he is free and willing to hear. When a man has the
Bible he need not wait for the services of the house of God in order to hear the
truth, he is not limited to the teaching of the Sabbath day; he continues to
feed on the Word when he is remote from any human teacher, and when the
missionary is broken in health and is compelled to go on furlough. The Bible is
free from the limitations which beset the missionary. There is no prison for the
Word of God.”

There are many ways in which we can study God’s Word, some of which I have
indicated in my “Fully Furnished” or “Christian Worker’s Equipment:” in which
will be found, on pages 150-172, ten ways in which the Bible may be studied,
namely:

Geographically

Topically

Concentratingly

Geologically

Comprehensively

Critically

Grammatically

Comparatively

Textually

and Practically

Broadly speaking, if the following seven rules are followed the student will
find himself so full of the truth of God’s Word that he will never be wanting
for a theme.

1. Study the Text in the Light of its Setting. Sometimes the division between
two chapters will mar the beauty of association. We have such an instance in
John’s Gospel. Chapter three begins, “There was a man of the Pharisees named
Nicodemus.” The particle “now” which is supplied in the Revised Version leads
the reader to see what has gone before. In the latter part of the second chapter
we are told Christ did not commit Himself to certain disciples who professed to
believe on Him, but He did commit Himself to Nicodemus, hence, in the
conversation with him, as Sir Stevenson Blackwood once pointed out, Christ
practically revealed to him every truth of the Gospel.

One other instance of the importance of context is the first word of John 3:16.
Illuminated texts generally begin with “God so loved the world,” etc., leaving
out the conjunction “for.” Reading the “For,” we find that Christ showed the
necessity of His death, in that the Son of Man “must be lifted up,” before He
revealed the cause of that death, is the love of God, who gave His only begotten
Son. The setting of a Scripture is as important as the diamond in a ring. When
the diamond is lacking the diamond ring is wanting. The ring is essential to the
diamond’s setting, and the diamond is necessary to give the ring importance and
value.

2. Study Words and Phrases. A phrase of frequent occurrence in the Epistles is
“In Christ.” It will be found in at least three associations. It is an Inclusive
term, for we are blessed by God the Father with all spiritual blessings “in
Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). “In Christ” is an Exclusive term. When Paul would
designate himself, he speaks of himself as “a man in Christ” (2 Corinthians
12:2). Being “in Christ” believers are no longer in sin, in the world, in
condemnation, and in the flesh. Then “In Christ” is a Conclusive word, hence
Peter speaks of “your good manner of life in Christ” (1 Peter 3:16). At once we
see the importance of the association of a phrase. The importance of
distinguishing words is necessary. There are two words rendered “Son” in the New
Testament, namely “Teknon,” and “Whyos,” “Teknon denotes one who is born, from
“Tikto” to bear. Like the Scots, “Bairn” from “Beran” to bear, a child, a
descendant. “Teknon” is never used of Christ for He was not a descendant of God
nor of man, hence, this word is never used of Him as The Son of God nor as the
Son of Man. Yet the word to bear is used of His birth, because as man He was
actually born—Luke 2:7. How accurate was the prophecy about Him, “Unto us a
child is born, a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:6). As the Son He was not born, but
given. As the child He was bora and given. “Teknon” is applied to believers,
because we have a spiritual origin—John 1:12-13, R.V., hence heirship is based
on sonship—Romans 8:16, Romans 8:17.

“Whyos” is used in an adoptive sense, and is always applied to Christ as The Son
of God and The Son of Man. It is written of Him, “Jesus Christ the Son of David,
the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1), and “Jesus Christ the Son of God” (Mark 1:1).
It is written, “She brought forth her Firstborn Son” (Matthew 1:25) on the human
side, but on the Divine side, “God gave His only Begotten Son.” The “Son” Mary
brought forth was actually born, but He was not a descendant of man. He was “the
Only Begotten Son in an official sense for us, and is for us “called the Son of
God” (Luke 1:35). Therefore as to humanity He was not the Son of man, but the
Son of God; and as to His Deity, He was not a descendant of God, but God the
Son. “Adoption of sons” (Whyothesia) is applied because of our identification
with the Son of God, and the glory we are to have with Him. While we are not
waiting for our relationship as children of God, we are waiting for our place as
adopted sons—Romans 8:15, Romans 8:23; Ephesians 1:15; Galatians 4:5.

3. Find Out About Eastern Customs. When a corn chandler in this country measures
corn, he puts the corn as lightly as possible in the measure, and then uses a
“strike” to level the corn with the rim; but in the East it is the man who buys
the corn who measures it. It is to this Christ refers when He says, “Give and it
shall be given you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running
over” (Luke 6:38). Geikie describes the process:

“When grain is bought after harvest, for winter use, it is delivered in sacks,
and the quantity in these is always tested by a professional measurer. Sitting
on the ground, this functionary shovels the wheat or barley into the measure,
which is called a tinmeh, using his hands to do so. When it is quite full, he
shakes the tinmeh smartly, that the grain may settle; then fills it to the brim
again, and twists it half round with a swift jerk as it lies on the ground,
repeating both processes till it is once more filled to the top. This done, he
presses the contents with his hands to fill up any vacant space, till at last,
when it will hold no more, he raises a cone on the top, stopping when it begins
to run over at the sides, and this only is thought to be good measure.”

What an illuminating explanation is given in the Eastern custom above,
illustrating as it does the abundant giving of God in return for our giving to
Him. Many more illustrations might be given evidencing the importance of knowing
the customs of the East.

4. Be Sure of Facts. Many a skit has been made about Jonah being swallowed by a
whale! We are sometimes told “a whale has not a gullet big enough to swallow a
man.” That may be true of a Greenland whale, but not so with the Mediterranean
whale.

Frank Bullen, in his book on “The Cruise of ‘The Cachalot,’“ refers to the
blunder which a popular M. P. made some time ago, when he referred to a whale in
the following words: “Science will not hear of a whale with a gullet capable of
admitting anything larger than a man’s fist.” Bullen relates the fact that a
sperm whale, on one occasion in its death agony, vomited a piece of cuttle fish
as big as their hatch house. He says: “For the first time it was possible to
understand, that, contrary to the usual notion of a whale being unable to
swallow a herring, here was a kind of whale that could swallow—well, a block
four or five feet square.” On another occasion Bullen relates: “The ejected
masses of food were of enormous size, one piece of cuttle fish being eight feet
by six feet.”

Another mistake about Jonah is made, namely, that he was alive in the
sea-monster. His body was in the fish, but he cried “from the belly of Hell”
(Jonah 2:2), which proves he was in the place of disembodied spirits, for “Hell”
is the Hebrew “Sheol,” which corresponds to the “Hades” of the New Testament. To
be a perfect type of Christ, Jonah must have died and been raised from the
dead—Matthew 12:40, for this was the “sign” or miracle to the people of
Nineveh—Matthew 12:39, Matthew 12:41.

5. Scripture will Explain Scripture. As the light in the lampstand gave “light
over against it” (Exodus 25:37), so Scripture illuminates and explains
Scripture. In Genesis 37:25-29; Genesis 39:1, there seems to be two parties to
whom Joseph was “sold”—”Ishmaelites” and “Midianites.” Higher Criticism
immediately comes to the conclusion there are two narratives which contradict
each other. “According to J,” he was sold (so we are told) to the “Ishmaelites,”
and “according to E.,” “The Midianites sold Joseph into Egypt to Potiphar.” Then
the critics further say, “If (mark the “if”) the text were a unity the
Midianites would have been the Ishmaelites.” That is just what they were. How do
we know? In Judges 8:24, we are told that the Midianites whom Gideon defeated
were Ishmaelites. All Midianites were not Ishmaelites, but all Ishmaelites were
Midianites; just as all Englishmen are Britishers, but all Britishers are not
Englishmen, as our Scots friends are quick to remind the English when an
Englishman talks about England and he means Great Britain.

Another case where Scripture explains Scripture is in the use of the word
“these” in John 21:15. Some have thought that “these” refers to the fish, but
the remote context shows Christ refers to Peter’s fellow-disciples. In Matthew
26:33, Peter says, “Though all” (“men” is in italics; see Mark 14:29), that is
“all” the rest of the disciples, “shall be offended because of Thee, yet will
not I.” So Christ seems to say, “Lovest Thou Me more than these? You professed
to do so, Peter, but you were no better than the rest, although you professed
more. My Word was true, all of you were offended and proved unfaithful.” This
goes to prove the desirability of comparing Scripture with Scripture, and of
patient reading and study.

6. Benefit of a Correct Translation. Even one who does not know Hebrew and
Greek, with a good concordance and lexicons can get a correct text. Take a
simple illustration. There is the primary particle ei., which Strong in his
concordance called “a particle of conditionality,” but of which Bullinger in his
lexicon says, “But if in the indicative mood, assumes the hypothesis as an
actual fact.” Take a few passages where the particle is rendered “if,” and
instead of “if,” read “since.”

Luke 4:3 : “If Thou art the Son of God.”—”Since Thou art the Son of God.”

Romans 8:31 : “If God be for us.”—”Since God is for us.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14 :
“If we believe.”—”Since we believe.” Colossians 3:1 : “If ye then be risen with
Christ.”—”Since ye then are risen with Christ.”

1 John 4:11 : “If God so loved us.”—”Since God so loved us.” See the importance
of reading “Since” instead of “If” in the case of the temptation of Christ.

Godet says: “If Thou art, expresses something very different from a doubt, this
‘if has almost the force of ‘since’.” This must be, as the context proves. Satan
had just heard Christ was the Son of God, and immediately he says, “Since Thou
art the Son of God, command these stones be made bread.”

7. Essentials to Remember. In the Revelation which God has given of Himself in
Christ and in the Book, we have all the essentials for salvation and godliness,
but we need eyes to see. The Spirit’s inward illumination is essential to
understand the Divine Revelation. There are seven things to remember.

(1) The Bible is a Spiritual Book. Christ declares, “The words that I speak unto
you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63); and further, we are
reminded the Word of God is living—Hebrews 4:12. The Words of Christ and the
Word not only contain life, or a medium of life, but they are life, even as a
tree alive is a living tree.

(2) A Spiritual Mind is essential to understand the spiritual Book. We are told,
“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are
foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). An artist who invited a friend to come and see
a picture, first shut his friend up in a dark room and left him there. The
friend wondered why he was so treated, and afterwards, in answer to the
question, said, “I knew if you came into the studio with the glare of the sun in
your eyes, you could not appreciate the fine colouring of the picture, so I left
you in the dark room till the glare had worn out of your eyes.” When earth
lights are glaring in our eyes we cannot see the deep and hidden meaning of the
things of God.

(3) The Spiritual Teacher is requisite for the spiritually minded to understand
the Spiritual Book. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into
the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But
God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all
things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). A minute form of
life, called a Rotifer, in a drop of water cannot be seen by the naked eye, but
by means of a powerful microscope it can not only be seen, it is revealed in all
the inness of its being, and its heart is manifest in its beating. Through the
light of the Spirit’s microscopic power we can know the minute working of His
grace and the spirituality of His teaching.

(4) The Spiritual Saint. Constant reference is directed to spirituality as a
quality of being to be effective in Christian life, service, and inward
condition. The one who is “spiritual” is the one who is qualified to “restore”
an erring brother—Galatians 6:1, and no other. The one block in the Spirit’s
work in the Church at Corinth was because the many were “carnal” instead of
being spiritual. When the spiritual food—1 Peter 2:2, R.V., is nourishing the
inner life, then the unspiritual things of the old man will be thrown off, even
as the rising sap in the tree will throw off any of the old leaves which may be
clinging to it. A spiritual saint is one who is dominated by the Holy Spirit.
Dominated in the Spirit of his self-consciousness in fellowship with the Lord;
concentrating the soul of his life-consciousness by being attracted to the Lord;
and swayed in the body of his sense-consciousness; and by recognising the body
is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

(5) Spiritual Blessings, or the blessings of the Spirit, are “all” found “in
Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Who can estimate these in their worth, or comprehend
them in their totality? Among those blessings of the Spirit, if the books of the
Bible are pondered in relation to the Holy Spirit, it will be found He is
unveiled in a specific way, giving qualification to meet a special emergency.
Thus in Genesis He is seen as the Spirit of Power, in Exodus as the Spirit of
Wisdom, and in Judges as the Spirit of Victory. Everything is wanting if He is
not acting, but all is met when He is in absolute possession. All blessing is
found in Christ alone, but the Spirit Himself must make them known.

(6) Spiritual Things—1 Corinthians 2:13. At first glance there may seem to be no
difference between “spiritual blessings” and “spiritual things,’ but the setting
of the latter illuminates its importance. We are exhorted to compare “spiritual
things with spiritual,” or, as Darby translates, “Communicating spiritual things
by spiritual means;” or, as Godet, “Appropriating spiritual things to spiritual
men;” by those “spiritual things” are what “the Spirit teacheth,” therefore the
obvious sense, the Spirit is the One who communicates those things. He gives the
spiritual things, and He alone can communicate to those who are spiritually
minded. What those “spiritual things” arc, or some of them, is brought out in
chapters 1 and 2, where we have enumerated the things of God and of Christ, such
as “the will of God,” “the Church of God,” “the Grace of God,” “the Testimony of
Christ,” “the Coming of our Lord,” “the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ,”
“Fellowship in His Son,” “the Name of our Lord,” “the Cross of Christ,” “the
Power of God,” “the Wisdom of God,” “the Foolishness of God,” “the Weakness of
God,” “the testimony of God,” “Deep Things of God,” “the mind of Christ.”

(7) “Spiritual Sacrifices” (1 Peter 2:5). These we are to offer up to God, which
by means of Christ will ascend to Him, like the burnt offering, as a
sweet-smelling savour. The odour of love’s affection, the fragrance of faith’s
reliance, the perfume of life’s consecration, the incense of prayers’
intercession, the savour of praise’s worship, the frankincense of fidelity’s
faithfulness, and the myrrh of help’s ministry, are ever the delight of the
Lord’s appreciation.

After all, the written needs to be incarnated in the experience of a devoted
life. Bengel’s two rules must ever apply: “Apply thyself wholly to the Word, and
apply the Word wholly to thyself.”


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 4: 0001. THE BIBLE: SEVEN FACTS CONCERNING SCRIPTURE
========================================================================

The Bible: Seven Facts Concerning Scripture The word “Bible” is not found in the
Bible. The word simply means “The Book,” so “there was a time,” as Trench says,
“when bible might be applied to any book,” but in our present use of the word we
use it in a restricted sense of the one Book. The Imperial Dictionary says: “The
Bible is the Sacred Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as received by the
Christian Church as a Divine Revelation.”

There are seven things about these Holy Writings.

1. What is It? They claim to be “inspired of God” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The word
“inspired of God” is Theopneustos. Theos is the word for God, and the other part
is a presumed derivation of pneo, which means to breathe or blow hard. It is
rendered “bloweth” in John 3:8, and “wind” in Acts 27:40. Thus the word means to
divinely breathe in. Some would render the sentence, “The Scriptures are the
Divine breathing.” Our English word “inspired” only occurs in one other place,
and that is Job 32:8—”There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the
Almighty giveth them understanding.” As God breathed into man the breath of
life, and he became a living soul, so God has breathed this Book, and it
breathes out what He has breathed in. It breathes life into the spirit, love
into the soul, understanding into the mind, determination into the will, grace
into the heart, beauty into the life, and harmony into the being.

2. Who Inspired It? “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy
Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). The Holy Spirit is the Author and the Interpreter of the
Book. The “men” who were “moved” were men, human beings; but they were not the
common herd of men, they were “men of God,” and not only so, they were “holy men
of God.” These men were in fellowship with God. “Holy men” and “the Holy Spirit”
needed to be in touch with each other to produce holy results. The word “moved”
means to be “borne along,” and is used of a ship being “driven” by the wind—Acts
27:17, of a man being “brought” on a bed—Luke 5:18, and of one who is carrying
another— John 21:18. This at once makes the Bible different from all other
books.

3. Who Were the Instruments Used? “The prophets” (1 Peter 1:10). We naturally
think of a prophet as one through whom events are forecast; but the primary
meaning is a seer, that is, one who sees. “A prophet,” as one has said, is—

“One who speaks forth openly before anyone, a proclaimer of a Divine message;
among the heathen, the interpreter of the oracles. In the Septuagint, it is the
translation of the earlier ‘seer,’ showing what really constituted the prophet,
was immediate intercourse with God. The usage of the word is clear, it signifies
one on whom the Spirit of God rested—Numbers 11:17, Numbers 11:25-26, Numbers
11:29; one to whom and through whom God speaks—Numbers 7:2; one to whom God
makes known His mysteries—Amos 3:7-8; hence it means one to whom God reveals His
truth, and through whom He speaks.... In the Old Testament prophets, their
preaching was a prophesying of a salvation and purposes of grace and glory yet
to be accomplished; while in the New Testament prophets, their prophesying was a
preaching of those purposes of grace already accomplished, and also a
foretelling of the purposes of glory which were still future.”

4. What was the Purpose of the Bible’s Revelation? Christ Himself answers the
question, for He says of the Scriptures: “They are they which testify of Me”
(John 5:39). He is light in the lantern, to show the way; He is the life in the
tree, to make it grow; He is the kernel in the nut, to make it worth; He is the
glory in the temple, to make it beautiful; He is the heart in the body, to cause
it to live; He is the spring in the watch, to make it to go; and He is the power
in the wire, to electrify the machine. The Old Testament characters in the Bible
are types of Him. He is the Last Adam, to quicken; the offering Able, to
sacrifice; the faithful Abram, to separate; the peaceful Isaac, to substitute;
the working Jacob, to secure; the providing Joseph, to store; the leading Moses,
to guide; the priestly Aaron, to represent; the valiant Joshua, to subdue; the
strong David, to conquer; the wise Solomon, to teach; and the Kinsman-Redeemer,
to redeem. The offerings were all foregleams. He is the Passover, to protect;
the Burnt-offering, to please; the Sin-offering, to be judged; the
Trespass-offering, to release; the Peace-offering, to reconcile; the
Drink-offering to rejoice; and the Red Heifer-offering, to cleanse.

All Scripture contains in Him, and He is the contain of all Scripture.

5. What are the Two Fundamental Themes of the Bible? Christ Himself answered the
question to the two disciples as He journeyed with them to Emmaus, and to the
eleven gathered in the upper room—Luke 24:27, Luke 24:36. The sufferings and
glory of Christ are the couplings of God, which couple up everything. Calvary
and Olivet are His viewpoints. The Cross and the Crown are the Alpha and Omega
of Revelation. The Lamb and the Throne are the fulcrum and lever of God’s
purpose. The Passover and the Lamb are His starting point and goal; and the
Altar and the Skekinah are the Genesis and Revelation of everything.

6. What the Bible Imparts? Among the many things to which it is compared is
seed—1 Peter 1:23. There are two things which are characteristic of seed. It
contains life, and produces like to its kind. Faith in the Living Word comes by
means of the Written Word; and when the Living Word, by means of the Written,
operates in a living soul, the character of the Word is reproduced. It is a Holy
Word, to sanctify; a Righteous Word, to rectify; a Living Word, to fructify; a
Wise Word, to edify; a Peace Word, to pacify; a Powerful Word, to electrify; and
a Loving Word, to intensify.

7. What the Bible Does? This raises another question: “What does it not do?” One
has tersely said of the Bible in a general way: “Every hour I read you, it kills
a sin, or lets a virtue in to fight against it.”

Many are the things the Bible does; the following will illustrate a few of the
things:

Acquaints us with the theme of the Gospel—1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians
15:4. Blesses us as we obey its precepts—Psalms 119:2. Consecrates us as we
follow its injunctions—Numbers 6:1-7. Defeats the enemy as we use it against
him—Matthew 4:4, Matthew 4:7, Matthew 4:10. Edifies the life as we heed it—Acts
20:32. Fires the heart to a faithful testimony—Jeremiah 1:1; Jeremiah 23:29.
Guides those who follow its light—Psalms 119:105.

Heals the spirit as it is applied—Psalms 107:20.

It forms the mind as to its secrets—1 Corinthians 2:9; Isaiah 64:4.

Judges the conduct and maketh wise—Psalms 19:9-11 Keeps us abiding in Christ’s
love—John 15:10.

Leads to the true and beautiful—Proverbs 6:20-24.

Moulds us like to itself—Romans 6:17.

Nourishes the spiritual life—1 Peter 1:2.

Orders the steps of our life—Psalms 119:133.

Purifies the mind—2 Corinthians 7:1.

Quietens the heart—Isaiah 30:15.

Rewards those who keep it—Psalms 19:11.

Sanctifies those who live in it—John 17:17.

Teaches those who are led by it—Psalms 25:4, Psalms 25:5.

Unites us to the Lord—Psalms 86:11; John 17:8.

Verifies the experience—2 Peter 1:19, 2 Peter 1:20.

Warns the observant—Psalms 19:11.

‘Xamines the heart—Psalms 26:1-3.

Yokes us with Christ—John 17:8.

Zeals the soul—Psalms 69:9; John 2:17. A Prayer Our God and Father in Christ, I
thank Thee that Thou hast given Thy Holy Word for my instruction. enable me in
the grace of the Holy Spirit to love Thy Word supremely, to believe it wholly,
to live it out truly, to follow it earnestly, to rest on it contentedly, to
follow it continually, to practise it consistently, to obey it unhesitatingly,
to witness to it faithfully, to prove its promises fully, to hear its voice
attentively, to see its prophecies minutely, to answer to it lovingly, to handle
it reverently, and to enter into its spirit devotedly:—in His Name, who alone is
worthy, I pray. amen.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 5: 0003.     1. “ABOUT” OF GRACE
========================================================================

1. “About”ofGrace 1. Protection of Grace. “Hast Thou not made an hedge about
him?” (Job 1:10).

2. Pathway of Grace. “God led the people about, through the way of the
wilderness of the Red Sea” (Exodus 13:18).

3. Discipline of Grace. “He led him about and instructed him” (Deuteronomy
32:10).

4. Diligence of Grace. “I must be about My Father’s business” (Luke 2:49).

5. Direction of Grace. “Let your loins be girded about.” “Girt about” (Luke
12:35; Ephesians 6:14).

6. Life of Grace. “Always bearing about in the body,” etc. (2 Corinthians 4:10).

7. Aim of Grace. “Went about doing good” (Acts 10:38).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 6: 0004.     2. “ABOVE”
========================================================================

2. “Above”

“Born From Above” (John 3:3)

1. Christ, who came “from above” did a work for us which was outside in its
merit and worth—John 3:31.

2. Life. The life which qualifies us for the Kingdom of God is “from above”—John
3:3, John 3:5. The word “again” should be “above,” and is so given in John 3:31.

3. Love. The “perfect gift” of God’s love and grace is “from above,” as well as
every good gift of His providence—James 1:17.

4. Wisdom. The wisdom which makes us wise is “from above”—James 3:17.

5. Affection. To set our affection on “things above” is to evidence we need
resources above and beyond us—Colossians 3:1, Colossians 3:2.

6. Protection. We need “above all” the Shield of Faith (Christ) to shield us
from the enemies’ attacks—Ephesians 6:16.

7. Satisfaction. Covering all and in all the Lord Himself, who is above, is the
One who can take out of danger and bring us into untold blessing—Psalms
18:16-19.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 7: 0005.     3. ABRAM’S JOURNEY OF FAITH
========================================================================

3. Abram’s Journey of Faith Genesis 12:4-9;Genesis 13:1-4,Genesis 13:14,Genesis
13:18

There is a path to be found, and God alone can find it; so if we would find the
path we must find God by being found by Him.

1. The Departure of Faith—Genesis 12:4. Abram “departed out of Haran,” the
half-way place of compromise, and this was “as the Lord had spoken to Him.”
Faith’s authority and action is always based upon what God says—Romans 10:17.
Obedience is the act of faith. When we will what God wills, we show our faith.

2. The Destination of Faith—Genesis 12:5; “This land” (Genesis 12:7). “They went
forth” to “Canaan,” and “into the land of Canaan they came,” and there “Jehovah
appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land.” The land
was God’s gift of earthly possession to Abram and his seed. God has given to
faith “all spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). See how many blessings
are mentioned in Ephesians 1, and “name them one by one.”

3. The Worship of Faith. Three times we read of Abram in connection with an
altar, and in three different relations. First, when Jehovah gave Abram the
land—Genesis 12:7; second, when he was restored after his backsliding into
Egypt—Genesis 14:4; and third, as he progressed on his journey—Genesis 14:18.
The altar, in its typical meaning, is worship founded on sacrifice. The Cross of
Christ’s sacrifice is the basis of God’s giving—Romans 8:32, the plea for
restoration—Hebrews 9:13-14, and the spur to progress in Christian life and
service—2 Corinthians 5:14-16. The only place where we can worship God is in and
at the Cross of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. We cannot worship Him if we are in
the Egypt of the world and lack heart separation to Him. The altar and tent are
not mentioned as long as Abram is in Egypt—see Genesis 12:9 to Genesis 13:4.

4. The Declension of Faith. Abram “went down into Egypt,” and when he had “come
into Egypt” he compromised with Sarah, caused Pharaoh pain, told a lie about
Sarah, and was sent away by the Egyptians—Genesis 12:10, Genesis 12:14, Genesis
12:17, Genesis 12:19, Genesis 12:20. When a child of God gets out of communion
with the Lord, he will often do what a man of the world would scorn to do. Our
faith will wane if we are not watchful, even as a plant will languish for want
of attention. A musty room means the exclusion of light, sun, and air, and a
declining faith will cause the whole spiritual life to be lacking in the warmth
of love, the light of knowledge, and the air of the Spirit’s life-imparting
grace.

5. The Vision of Faith—Genesis 13:14-16. The Lord told Abram to “look,” after he
was separated from Lot. Lot was the man who looked on the plains of
Jordan—Genesis 13:10, and soon was in Sodom. He followed the eyes of his
inclination, but Abram followed the direction of the Lord. When we see things at
the Lord’s bidding we always find a blessing; but when we look with the eyes of
self-will we are courting a bane. To see the Lord is to see things in their true
light—Hebrews 11:27. To see things truly there is a needs be for the heart to be
clean, the hands right, the spirit possessed by Christ, and the soul dominated
by the Spirit.

6. The Journey of Faith. There are seven stages in the journeyings of Abram.
From the Ur of idolatry to the Haran of compromise—Genesis 11:31. From the Haran
of compromise to the Canaan of blessing—Genesis 12:4, Genesis 12:5. From the
Canaan of blessing and the “Moreh” of conflict to the Bethel of prayer—Genesis
12:6-8. From the Bethel of prayer to the “going and journeying” (margin) to “the
south” of bordering on the Egypt of the world, and to the Egypt of
straitening—Genesis 12:9-20. From the Egypt of backsliding to the Bethel of
restoration—Genesis 13:1-4. From the Bethel of restoration to the Hebron of
fellowship—Genesis 13:18.

7. The Advance of Faith. When the Haran of compromise is left, the Egypt of the
world is abandoned, and Lot is cut off; then Abram is able to “look” with God
into His purpose for him, and to “walk” through the land, and dwell with the
Lord in the Hebron of fellowship—Genesis 13:14-18. Hindrances gone, faith
advances. When faith advances in the ways of God, it enjoys His word and keeps
on in fellowship with Him.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 8: 0006.     4. ABRAHAM’S INTERCESSION
========================================================================

4. Abraham’s Intercession Genesis 18:18-33

Dr. Joseph Parker, in referring to Sodom, and Abraham’s prayer for it, and God’s
knowledge of its sin, said: “There are four great facts to consider. 1, That God
holds inquest upon the moral condition of cities. 2, That God is accessible to
earnest human appeal. 3, That the few can serve the many. 4, That human prayer
falls below Divine resources.” There are several traits in Abraham’s
intercession.

1. He was confident in spirit, for he stood before the Lord—Genesis 18:22.

2. He was definite in his plea, for he prayed that Sodom might be spared for the
sake of the righteous in it—Genesis 18:23-25.

3. He pleaded what the Lord was, and His righteousness, as arguments for his
prayer to be answered, for he confessed the Judge of all the earth would do
right—Genesis 18:25, Genesis 18:26.

4. His intercession was humble in tone, for he confessed he was but dust and
ashes—Genesis 18:27.

5. And his petition was persistent in spirit—Genesis 18:28. And yet it failed in
its continuance, for he left off in his intercession before the Lord left off in
His giving—Genesis 18:32, Genesis 18:33.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 9: 0007.     5. ABRAHAM’S VISION
========================================================================

5. Abraham’s Vision

Genesis 18:1-2 Fellowship is the soul of friendship, or the common interest that
the one has with the other. The Lord appeared to him—Genesis 18:1, Genesis 18:2.
If the different occasions when God appeared to Abraham are looked up, it will
be found they were crisis points in his history. On this occasion God promised a
son to him. Every true Christian experience begins with a vision of Christ, and
we fail to see anything that is worth seeing till we have seen Him. Recall how
this fact is illustrated in the lives of—

1. Moses, the Leader—Exodus 3:2.

2. Isaiah, the Prophet—Isaiah 6:1.

3. Paul, the Apostle—Acts 9:3-5.

4. Peter, the Fisherman—Luke 5:8.

5. John, the Disciple—Revelation 1:17.

6. Gideon, the Warrior—Judges 6:12.

7. Jacob, the Prince—Genesis 32:24-30.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 10: 0008.     6. “AGREE”
========================================================================

6. “Agree” The Greek word for “agree” in Matthew 18:19, means to symphonise and
suggests a musical harmony, where chords are tuned to the same key, and struck
by a master hand.

1. There is a symphonising which we should avoid, that is, a concert for the
furtherance of evil, like Ananias and Sapphira, when they “agreed together” to
tempt the Holy Spirit—Acts 5:9.

2. There is a symphonisation which we should recognise, namely, when the working
of God’s providence agrees with the fulfilment of God’s Word (see the word
“agree” in Acts 15:15).

3. But the symphony which is specially pleasing to the Lord is when His people
agree in a concert of prayer, as Judah did—2 Chronicles 20:4, as the disciples
did in the upper room—Acts 1:14, as the Church did for Peter—Acts 12:12, and as
Nehemiah and his workers did—Nehemiah 4:9.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 11: 0009.     7. ABUNDANT SUPPLY
========================================================================

7. Abundant Supply “Able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think”
(Ephesians 3:20).

“The principal and most valuable characteristic of the cod is its amazing
fecundity. It has been calculated that a single fish will deposit nine millions
of eggs, a number which in its vastness simply bewilders us, for we cannot at
all realise what such a mighty host means.” What is true in this realm of Nature
is true in every other, and especially in the realm of grace, for the Lord
provides—

1. Abundant Grace to save us—Romans 5:20.

2. Abundant Pardon to forgive us—Isaiah 55:7.

3. Abundant Satisfaction to fill us—Psalms 36:8.

4. Abundant Peace to quieten us—Php 4:7.

5. Abundant Life to equip us—John 10:10.

6. Abundant Joy to gladden us—Php 1:26.

7. Abundant Power to energise us—Colossians 1:11.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 12: 0010.     8. “ACCORDING TO”
========================================================================

8. “According To” In Ephesians 1

1. Predestination. “According to the good pleasure of His will,” He hath
predestinated us to the place of children (Ephesians 6:5).

2. Benediction. “According to the riches of His grace,” He has blessed us in
Christ (Ephesians 6:7).

3. Revelation. “According to His good pleasure,” He hath made known to us the
secret of His will (Ephesians 6:9-10).

4. Inheritance. “According to the purpose” of His counsel, He hath given us an
inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 6:11).

5. Power. “According to the working of His mighty power,” He energises us for
life and labour (Ephesians 6:19).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 13: 0011.     9. A GROUP OF GLAD ONES
========================================================================

9. A Group of Glad Ones The words “Glad,” “Rejoice,” etc., are one and the same
in the Greek.

1. A Glad Saviour—Luke 15:5.

2. A Glad Sinner—Luke 19:6; Acts 8:39.

3. A Glad Servant—Acts 11:23.

4. A Glad Sufferer—Colossians 1:24.

5. A Glad Saint—2 John 1:4.

6. A Glad Surveyor—Colossians 2:5.

7. A Glad Scoffer—Luke 23:8.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 14: 0012.     10. ACTIVITIES OF GOD
========================================================================

10. Activities of God Among the activities of God on behalf of His people, we
have—

1. Hurrying Feet in Grace for our blessing—Luke 15:20.

2. Holding Hands in Power for our security—John 10:29.

3. A Loving Heart in Sympathy for our encouragement—John 16:27.

4. Listening Ears in Attention for our prayers—Psalms 34:15.

5. Watching Eyes in Outlook for our enablement—2 Chronicles 16:9.

6. Gracious Lips in Promise for our faith—Song of Solomon 5:13.

7. Everlasting Arms in Upholding for our sustainment—Deuteronomy 33:27.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 15: 0013.     11. “AFAR OFF”
========================================================================

11. “Afar Off”

There are many characters who are said to be “afar off.”

1. A Demon-Possessed Man, when he “saw Jesus afar off,” ran and worshipped Him
(Mark 5:6).

2. The Women at the Cross were “beholding” Him “afar off” (Matthew 27:55).

3. Peter followed his Lord “afar off” when he ought to have been near (Luke
22:54).

4. The Lepers, conscious of their disease, “stood afar off” (Luke 17:12).

5. The Publican, knowing his sin and unworthiness, stood “afar off” (Luke
18:13).

6. The Gentile Sinners are “afar off” from Jewish blessings and promises (Acts
2:39; Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 2:17).

7. Old Testament Saints did not enjoy to the full the blessings of the Gospel,
but they saw them “afar of” (Hebrews 11:13).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 16: 0014.     12. ACTIVITIES OF JESUS
========================================================================

12. Activities of Jesus In John 11 The Man of men, the greatest Person who ever
lived.

1. The Listening Friend. “Jesus heard” (John 11:4).

2. The Loving Lord. “Jesus loved” (John 11:5).

3. The Gracious Teacher. “Jesus answered” (John 11:9).

4. The Wondrous Speaker. “Jesus saith” and “spake” (John 11:13, John 11:23).

5. The Timely Visitor. “Jesus came” (John 11:17).

6. The Located Saviour. “Jesus was” (John 11:32).

7. The Seeing Helper. “Jesus saw” (John 11:33).

8. The Troubled Groaner. “He groaned and was troubled” (John 11:33, John 11:38).

9. The Weeping Compassionator. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35).

10. The Believing Son. “Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, Father” (John 11:41).

11. The Commanding Life-Giver. “He cried” (John 11:43).

12. The Constant Worker. “Jesus did... done” (John 11:45-46).

13. The Undisputed Witness. “This Man doeth many miracles” (John 11:47).

14. The Delivering Substitute. “Jesus should die” (John 11:51, John 11:53).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 17: 0015.     13. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
========================================================================

13. Activities of the Christian Life 1. Shining. Arising to shine—Ephesians
5:14.

2. Running. Running to win—1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

3. Helping. Helping to succour—Php 4:3.

4. Sowing. Sowing to reap—Galatians 6:7-9.

5. Fighting. Fighting to subdue—1 Timothy 6:12.

6. Praying. Praying to bless—1 Timothy 2:1, 1 Timothy 2:2.

7. Fishing. Fishing to catch—Matthew 4:19.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 18: 0016.     14. ACTIVITIES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
========================================================================

14. Activities of the Christian Life 1. Following to prove—John 10:27.

2. Growing to attain—Ephesians 4:15.

3. Walking to accomplish—Ephesians 5:1, Ephesians 5:2.

4. Working to benefit—Romans 12:6-16.

5. Wrestling to conquer—2 Timothy 2:5.

6. Washing to cleanse—John 13:14.

7. Reaching to gain—Php 3:13, Php 3:14.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 19: 0017.     15. “ALL” IN ROMANS
========================================================================

15. “All” in Romans 1. Sin. “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23).

2. Subjection. “All under sin” (Romans 3:9).

3. Sacrifice. “Gave Him up for us all” (Romans 8:32).

4. Supply. “Freely give us all things” (Romans 8:32).

5. Supplication. “All who call upon Him” (Romans 10:12).

6. Superintendence. “Lord over all” (Romans 10:12).

7. Support. “The God of Peace be with you all” (Romans 15:33).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 20: 0018.     16. “AGAIN”
========================================================================

16. “Again” The importance, intensity, and repetition of a given act, or the
statement of a truth, is seen in the word palin, rendered “again.” The
importance of distinguishing words given “again” is seen if we contrast two
other words. “Again” should be “above” in the sentence, “Born from above” (John
3 is given “above” in John 3:31). Another word, “again,” is the word associated
with Christ rising “again” from the dead. It means to stand up. Strictly
speaking, “again” can only be applied to a second act. Christ did rise the
second time. He was standing in life before He died, and He stood up again in
resurrection; but in the instances where palin is used of Christ, it means a
repetition.

1. Life Given and Taken. “I lay down My life, that I may take it again” (John
10:17-18). Here is the double purpose of deliberate action. His death and
resurrection were no accident.

2. “Written” and “Written Again.” To Satan’s partial quotation of Scripture,
Christ gave him an utterance of full statement. “Jesus said to him, It is
written again” (Matthew 4:7).

3. Hands Upon Eyes and Again. There was a double touch with Christ in His
healing of the blind man—Mark 8:23-25.

4. Christ’s Repeated Statement. The disciples were astonished at Christ’s
teaching about riches, but He emphasised His statement by repeating it—Mark
10:23, Mark 10:24.

5. Peace and Peace. “Jesus saith to them again” (John 20:21). He gives a double
peace. The peace of the Cross and the peace of Himself—John 14:27.

6. Prayer and Prayer. “He went away again” (Matthew 26:42, Matthew 26:44). To
pray again is to get into the heart of things.

7. Coming and Coming. “I will come again” (John 14:3). His future coming is
associated with His first.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 21: 0019.     17. “AFTER THAT”
========================================================================

17. “After That”

1. Trusting after hearing—Ephesians 1:13.

2. Communion after cleansing—Leviticus 14:8.

3. Revelation after separation—Genesis 13:14.

4. Service after consecration—Numbers 8:15, Numbers 8:22.

5. Power after the Spirit’s coming—Acts 1:8.

6. Thanksgiving after blessing—Deuteronomy 16:13-17.

7. Glory after suffering—1 Peter 5:10.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 22: 0020.     18. ACTS OF CHRIST
========================================================================

18. Acts of Christ The acts of Christ are frequently referred to in connection
with the word “Forth.”

1. His Power to Heal. “Put forth His Hand” (Matthew 8:3).

2. His Power to Send. “Jesus sent forth” (Matthew 10:5).

3. His Power to Sow. “Sower went forth to sow” (Matthew 13:3).

4. His Power to Manifest. “Manifested forth His glory” (John 2:11).

5. His Power to Direct. “Putteth forth His own sheep” (John 10:4).

6. His Power to Evidence. “Jesus Christ might shew forth” (1 Timothy 1:16).

7. His Power to Return and Reward. “Will come forth and serve” (Luke 12:37).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 23: 0021.     19. “ALL THINGS”
========================================================================

19. “All Things”

“All things” occurs 221 times in the Bible.

1. They are of God as to their Source. “All things are of God” (2 Corinthians
5:18).

2. Are for the sake of the believer as to their Object. “All things” are yours—1
Corinthians 3:21.

3. Work together for good as to their Purpose. “All things work together for
good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28).

4. Christ Head over the Church as to their Arrangement. “Head over all things to
the Church” (Ephesians 1:22).

5. The believer may know, hence his Privilege. “Teacheth you of all things” (1
John 2:27).

6. The believer can do, hence his Power. “Do all things through Christ which
strengthened” (Php 4:13).

7. Granted in answer to Prayer, hence his dependence. “All things, whatsoever ye
shall ask in prayer” (Matthew 21:22).

8. Only possible to Faith, hence his responsibility. “All things are possible to
him that believeth” (Mark 9:23).

9. Are to be Proved, hence his diligence. “Prove all things” (1 Thessalonians
5:21).

10. Thanks to be given for, hence his gratitude. “Giving thanks for all things”
(Ephesians 5:20).

11. Their End at hand, hence his watchfulness. “The end of all things is at
hand” (1 Peter 4:7).

12. To be Inherited by the believer, hence his hope. “Inherit all things”
(Revelation 21:7).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 24: 0022.     20. ALL-NESS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
========================================================================

20. All-Ness of the Christian Life

How many of God’s saints know the fullness of blessing found in connection with
the little word “all” in the following Scriptures.

1. God has blessed us with “all spiritual blessings in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

2. He has “given all things that pertain to life and holiness” (2 Peter 1:3).

3. He is able to make “all grace abound toward you” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

1.”All the promises of God are yea and amen in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

5. He desires we should be filled into “all” His fullness —Ephesians 3:19.

6. He can supply “all” our need, according to His riches in Christ Jesus—Php
4:19.

7. He assures us “all things” are ours—1 Corinthians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 3:22.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 25: 0023.     21. THE “ALL” PSALM
========================================================================

21. The “All” Psalm

Psalms 34, R.V.

1. A Joyful Chorister. “I will bless Jehovah at all times” (Psalms 34:1).

2. A Delivered Suppliant. “Jehovah... delivered me from all my fears” (Psalms
34:4).

3. A Saved Saint. “Jehovah... saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalms 34:6).

4. A Confident Witness—Psalms 34:17. “Jehovah heard, and delivered out of all
troubles.”

5. Escaped Believer—Psalms 34:19. “Afflictions... Jehovah delivereth him out of
them all.”

6. A Preserved Servant—Psalms 34:20. “He keepeth all his bones.”


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 26: 0024.     22. “ALTOGETHER”
========================================================================

22. “Altogether”

1. What man is. “Every man at his best is altogether vanity” (Psalms 39:5).

2. What man has become. “Altogether become filthy” (Psalms 53:3).

3. What God’s Word is. “The judgments of Jehovah are true and righteous
altogether” (Psalms 19:9).

4. What God thinks about man’s thinking about Himself. “Thou thoughtest that I
was altogether such a one as thyself” (Ps 1. 21).

5. What the convicted saint knows God knows. “There is not a word in my tongue,
but, lo, O Jehovah, Thou knowest it altogether” (Psalms 139:4).

6. God’s other blessing of His people. “Thou hast altogether blessed them these
three times... what the Lord saith, that will I speak” (Numbers 23:11, Numbers
23:26; Numbers 24:1, Numbers 24:10, Numbers 24:13).

7. The secret of blessing. “That which is altogether just shalt thou follow,
that thou mayest live and inherit the land” (Deuteronomy 16:20).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 27: 0025.     23. “ALL THAT HE,” OR “SHE HAD”
========================================================================

23. “All That He,” or “She Had”

1. A Clean Separation. “Abram went up out of Egypt... and all that he had”
(Genesis 13:1).

2. A Beautiful Type. “Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac” (Genesis 25:5;
John 3:35).

3. A Worthy Ruler. “All that he had he put into his hand” (Genesis 39:4, Genesis
39:6).

4. A Prosperous Man. “The blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had”
(Genesis 39:5).

5. A Bankrupt Servant. “Commanded him to be sold... and all that he had”
(Matthew 18:25).

6. A Weary Quest. “Spent all that she had, nothing bettered” (Mark 5:26).

7. A Magnificent Gift. “Cast in all that she had” (Mark 12:44).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 28: 0026.     24. ANGEL’S RESURRECTION MESSAGE
========================================================================

24. Angel’s Resurrection Message Matthew 28:1-10,Matthew 28:18-20 The angel’s
message is full of the grace and glow of the Gospel. Weigh his sevenfold
message.

1. The “Fear not” (Matthew 28:5) of Love. The earthquake caused the keepers to
shake and quake; we are therefore not surprised that the lightning countenance
of the angel should fill the women with consternation.

2. The “I know” of Appreciation. The angel knew the loving quest of the women.
He knew they wanted to see the loved form that they had last seen on the cruel
Cross. Faith’s memory always centres in the Cross.

3. The “He is not here” of Reminder. He had said He would not remain in the
grave. We do not always find what we expect, but we discover the unexpected to
our joy and comfort.

4. The “He is risen” of Joy. He travelled through the realm of Hades, and
preached the Gospel to the spirits in prison—1 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 4:6; and now
He is risen triumphant over death, Hell, the grave, and the Devil—Hebrews 2:14;
Revelation 1:18.

5. The “See the place” of Observation. The place of expiation was Calvary—Luke
23:33; the place of glory will be in the Father’s mansions—John 14:2-3; and the
place of resurrection was an empty tomb.

6. The “Go quickly” of Commission. To go and “tell” others that “He was risen
from the dead” when they expected still to find Him lifeless, gave wings to
their feet and a glow in their hearts.

7. The “Ye shall see Him” of Expectation. To hear He was risen was good, but to
have the assurance of seeing Him was better.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 29: 0027.     25. ANXIETY AND COMMITTAL
========================================================================

25. Anxiety and Committal “Be Not Anxious”Matthew 6:25, R.V.

“Glass, with anxiety!” Strange expression this! What does it mean? These words
accompanied a parcel sent from Norway to England, and they were intended to
indicate that the sender feared, from the fragile nature of the contents, that
some mishap might befall it. Is there not a lesson here for Christians? Might
not some of us be rightly labelled, “Christians with anxiety?” In many instances
there is no need for a label, as anxiety is only too plainly stamped upon the
countenance, although the apostolic injunction is, “In nothing be anxious” (Php
4:6. R.V.). Some obey this command in certain circumstances only, while others
reverse the reading, and live as though they were to be anxious for everything.
The Lord wishes His children to carry their worries and anxieties to Him; and to
leave them with Him. Here are seven things which He bids us cast upon Him, or
commit unto Him.

1. Commit Yourself unto Him. “He is able to keep that which I have committed
unto Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul deposited himself in the hands
of the Heavenly Banker; and, as the money in the Bank of England is kept safe in
the strong-rooms within and by the guard without, so was the apostle, for he was
kept by the Holy Spirit within, and by the Lord who encamped round about him.

2. Commit Your Soul unto Him. “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the
will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing, as unto a
faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:19). Suffering we shall have, but if we commit the
keeping of our souls unto the Lord in well-doing, as the three Hebrew young men
did, we shall, like them, cut loose our bonds, and gain the company of Jesus.

3. Commit Your Spirit unto Him. “Into Thine hand I commit my spirit” (Psalms
31:5). If the Lord has the control of our spirit, He will control us altogether.

4. Commit Your Way unto Him. “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him;
and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalms 37:5). If we commit our way unto Him, we
shall never stray from Him.

5. Commit Your Works unto Him. “Commit thy works unto the Lord” (Proverbs 16:3).
If the Lord controls the works and the workers, there will be no clashing in the
working.

6. Commit Your Burden unto Him. “Cast thy burden upon the Lord” (Psalms 55:22).
If the Lord is our Burden-bearer, we shall be free to bear one another’s
burdens.

7. Commit Your Care unto Him. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for
you” (1 Peter 5:7). One, John Careless, a martyr, in writing to a friend, said:
“Now my soul is turned to her old rest again, and has taken a sweet nap in
Christ’s lap. I have cast my care upon the Lord, who careth for me, and will be
careless, according to my name.” If we cast all our cares upon Him, He will take
all care of us.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 30: 0028.     26. APPRECIATION
========================================================================

26. Appreciation

Many appreciations were given of the Right Hon. John Morley. Mr. A. G. Gardiner,
writing in the Nation, says of him: “In an active life that covered nearly half
a century of history, he played a part as disinterested, as elevated, and as
free from blemish as that of any man in our public annals. Neither as
journalist, author, nor statesman, did he fall on any great issue below the high
standards which he professed, and by which he lived. He never trimmed his sails
to the popular breeze, never deserted a cause which he believed to be just,
never put truth in the balance against any private end. To his essay ‘On
Compromise’ he affixed this motto: ‘It makes all the difference in the world
whether we put truth in the first place or in the second place.’ It may, I
think, be said with confidence that no man in our public life ever lived more
steadily and unfalteringly by the lamp of truth than John Morley.”

Thus says one of the great statesmen, as viewed from the outside. Sometimes we
lack in appreciating each other as believers in Christ. We need to follow Paul’s
example, and record what we see in others.

1. Of the Nameless Brother, he said his praises were in all the churches—2
Corinthians 8:18.

2. Of Epaphras, he said, “He laboured fervently in prayer” (Colossians 4:12).

3. Of Epaphroditus, he said, “He ministered to my wants” (Php 2:25).

4. Of Onesimus, the slave, he said, He is “a faithful and beloved brother”
(Colossians 4:9).

5. Of the Women in Philippi, he said, “They laboured with me” (Php 4:3).

6. Of the Thessalonian Saints he said, “From you sounded out the Word of the
Lord” (1 Thessalonians 1:8).

7. Of Onesiphorus, he said, “He oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my
chain” (2 Timothy 1:16).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 31: 0029.     27. “ARM OF THE LORD”
========================================================================

27. “Arm of the Lord”

Isaiah 53:1 1. Redeeming Arm to Deliver—Exodus 6:6.

2. Great Arm to Achieve—Exodus 15:16; Psalms 98:1.

3. Persistent Arm to Accomplish—Deuteronomy 4:34.

4. Promising Arm to Overthrow—Deuteronomy 7:18, Deuteronomy 7:19.

5. Powerful Arm to Overawe—Deuteronomy 26:8.

6. Strong Arm to Scatter—Psalms 89:10, Psalms 89:13.

7. Strengthening Arm to Empower—Psalms 89:21.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 32: 0030.     28. A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST
========================================================================

28. A Servant of Jesus Christ The Greek word for “servant,” in the Book of
Revelation, means a slave, and is rendered “bondman” and “bond”—Revelation 6:15;
Revelation 13:16; Revelation 19:18. It occurs fourteen times, and in eleven
instances indicates a servant of God, or of Christ.

1. Revelation. “Shew unto His servants” (11; Revelation 22:6). God reveals to
His servants what He does not make known to the world.

2. Possession. “His servant John” (Revelation 1:1). We are the Lord’s by
creation, calling, purchase, and possession.

3. Opposition. “Seduce My servants” (Revelation 2:20). Satan and his emissaries
do not trouble those who are his, but he and they are always at work to beguile
and blast the Lord’s.

4. Preservation. “Sealed the servants of our God” (Revelation 7:3). Things are
sealed for security and secrecy, so the Lord hides and preserves His own.

5. Completion. “As He hath declared to His servants” (Revelation 10:7). God will
fill to the full all He has declared shall be.

6. Compensation “Shouldest give reward unto thy servants” (Revelation 11:18).
The Lord has eyes to see, a heart to appreciate any service done to Him, and a
reward is in His hands for those who have served.

7. Recognition. “Moses, the servant of God” (Revelation 15:3). The Lord knows
each of His servants by name.

8. Retribution. “Avenge the blood of His servants” (Revelation 19:2). The saints
who are saintly do not vindicate themselves, but the Lord does.

9. Ascription. “Praise our God, all ye His servants” (Revelation 19:5). Worship
is the out-going of the heart in praise, gratitude, and adoration to the Lord.

10. Consecration. “His servants shall serve Him” (Revelation 22:3). “Serve Him.”
To serve Him means loyalty, affection, thoroughness, and disinterestedness.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 33: 0031.     29. A SEVENFOLD EXHORTATION
========================================================================

29. A Sevenfold Exhortation

Hebrews 12

1. Stripped Bodies. “Lay aside every weight,” etc. (Hebrews 12:1). The simile
used is the putting off of a garment, as the athlete who lays aside every
encumbrance before he runs in the race.

2. Looking Eyes. “Looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). The figure indicates the
looking away from one object to another. Christ is the Leader and Completer of
faith. We have a Perfect Example of faith to follow, and a Perfect Indweller to
impart the faith He requires.

3. Lifting Hands. “Lift up the hands,” etc. (Hebrews 12:12). A loving heart to
Christ in remembering how He lifted us up from sin to Himself, will prompt us to
have hands for Christ in helping others in need.

4. Straight Paths. “Make straight paths,” etc. (Hebrews 12:13). The best way to
restore others is to be perfectly sure we are right with God ourselves. We need
to be straight ourselves if we would straighten others.

5. Pursuing Feet. “Follow peace,” etc. (Hebrews 12:14). Peace is the terminus
which is reached by travelling in the way of holiness.

6. Alert Attention. “Looking diligently,” etc. (Hebrews 12:15). Not to take in
supplies is to be devoid of provender. To fail the grace of God is to fail to
take God in His grace, who never fails.

7. Good Service. “Serve God acceptably,” etc. (Hebrews 12:28). To be
well-pleasing to God is the highest form of service. Acceptable service has love
for its motive, truth for its guide, the Spirit for its power, and God’s glory
for its end.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 34: 0032.     30. “AS HE HATH PROMISED”
========================================================================

30. “As He Hath Promised” The Lord binds Himself to His Word of Promise, and we
command His fulfilment when we obey the conditions attached thereto. Ponder the
words, “as He hath promised,” in the following Scriptures.

1. Bestowment. After Jehovah had brought Israel into the land of Canaan, “as He”
had promised (see seven “I wills” in Exodus 6:6-8), they were to call to mind
God’s giving in redemption by keeping the feast of the Passover. A lively memory
causes the heart to sing in loving praise. To forget His redeeming love, His
saving grace, His liberating, His supplying gifts, His gracious presence, His
guiding Word, and His willing service, is to express the deepest ingratitude.

2. Enlargement. “When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border, as He hath
promised, thou mayest eat flesh” (Deuteronomy 12:20). Previously to this
command, the children of Israel were prohibited from eating only such animal
food as had been offered in sacrifice, but now they could have as much as they
desired; and the reason given is, because they were enlarged, that is, having
greater facilities for production, there was greater provision for supply. An
enlargement of soul always means an enlargement of capacity to appreciate what
the Lord gives.

3. Avouchment. “The Lord hath avouched thee this day to be His peculiar people”
(“a people for His own possession,” R.V.), “as He hath promised thee”
(Deuteronomy 26:18). Israel had avouched the Lord to be their God—Deuteronomy
26:17, and He responds by taking what they gave. Nothing gives the Lord greater
pleasure than to possess us when we want to be possessed; when we love Him well
we are willing to let Him take all. Adam’s sleeping—Genesis 2:21; Abram’s
giving—Genesis 22:16; Rebekah’s going—Genesis 24:58; Moses’ forsaking—Hebrews
11:24-27; Ruth’s clinging—Ruth 1:16; Jonathan’s surrendering—1 Samuel 18:4;
David’s growing—1 Chron. xii; mighty men’s risking—1 Chronicles 11:17-19;
widow’s casting—Luke 12:59; Mary’s anointing—John 12:3, are a few illustrations
of what results when the Lord possesses.

4. Accomplishment. “For the Lord your God fighteth for you, as He hath promised
you” (Joshua 23:10). Israel was an instrument of judgment to repel the
inhabitants of Canaan because of their sins. We who believe in Christ have foes
of a different character to contend with, namely, principalities and powers in
heavenly places. When we walk with the Conqueror we shall surely conquer. Mark
what the “Lord your God” is said to have done all down Joshua 23, and don’t
forget the whole reason is in the “for” of Joshua 23:10. When the Lord drives
out we can chase out our enemies.

5. Fulfilment. “The Gospel of God, which He had promised afore by His prophets
in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans
1:1-3). The Scriptures are meaningless unless we see Christ in them, but they
are meanful if we see Him. Adam, the man; Abel, the shepherd; Noah, the saviour;
Enoch, the godly; Abraham, the giver; Isaac, the offered; Jacob, the toiler; and
Joseph, the provider, foregleam His glory. The offerings are types of the
many-sidedness of His atoning sacrifice; and the messages of the Psalms and the
prophets proclaim His worth and work.

6. Advent. “Now He hath promised... Yet once more I shake not the earth only,
but also Heaven” (Hebrews 12:26). If the passage is pondered from which the
writer to the Hebrew Christians quotes—Haggai 2:5-9, it will be seen it has to
do with the Lord’s Coming in power to set up His Kingdom on the earth. The
nations will then recognise the Lord in Jerusalem, for when He shakes the earth
and the Heavens, and the nations, then the nations will acknowledge the Lord,
for “the precious things of all the nations shall come” (Haggai 2:7, R.V.), that
is, shall be brought as offerings—see Zephaniah 3:10; Zechariah 14:16.

7. Enrichment. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is
tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them
that love Him” (James 1:12; James 2:5). Crown-wearers are first of all
cross-bearers. Those who stand the test of trial take their place among those
who have triumphed.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 35: 0033.     31. “AT ALL TIMES”
========================================================================

31. “At All Times”

1. Trust. “Trust in Him at all times” (Psalms 62:8).

2. Praise. “I will bless the Lord at all times” (Psalms 34:1).

3. Love. “A friend loveth at all times” (Proverbs 17:17).

4. Righteousness. “Blessed... is he that doeth righteousness at all times”
(Psalms 106:3).

5. Desire. “My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto Thy judgments at
all times” (Psalms 119:20).

6. Faithfulness. “It is good to be zealously affected at all times” (Galatians
4:18, R.V.).

7. Concern. “He maintain the cause... of His people at all times” (1 Kings
8:59). “The Lord... give you peace at all times” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, R.V.).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 36: 0034.     32. “AS MANY”
========================================================================

32. “As Many”

1. “As many as were baptised into Jesus Christ” (Romans 6:3).

2. “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans
8:14).

3. “As many as walk according to this rule” (Galatians 6:16).

4. “As many as be perfect” (Php 3:15).

5. “As many as I love, I rebuke” (Revelation 3:19).

6. “As many as received Him,” etc. (John 1:12).

7. “As many as were ordained to eternal life” (Acts 13:48).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 37: 0035.     33. AT—IN TIME TO COME
========================================================================

33. At—in Time to Come The objective of Christ’s Coming is often found
associated with the Greek preposition “en,” which denotes a fixed position, as
being in a place, state, or time.

1. “At His Coming,” those who are “Christ’s” will be claimed by Him—1
Corinthians 15:23.

2. “At the Last Trump, “those who are the Lord’s will be “changed in the
twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:52).

3. “At His Appearing,” Christ will reward those who have endured trial with
“praise, honour, and glory” (1 Peter 1:7).

4. “At His Coming,” we may be “ashamed before Him” if we are not found abiding
in Christ—1 John 2:28.

5. “At the Revelation” (1 Peter 1:13) of Christ we shall have a fresh revelation
of God’s grace.

6. “At that Day” of His appearing, Christ will give those who have loved His
approach a crown of righteousness—2 Timothy 4:8.

7. “At Hand” is the time when the predictions of the Revelation will be
fulfilled—Revelation 1:3; Revelation 22:10.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 38: 0036.     34. AT CERTAIN PLACES
========================================================================

34. At Certain Places Places in which people were found.

1. “At the Beautiful Gate” a poor cripple was found—Acts 3:10. Like many
Christians, he had life, but not liberty.

2. “At the Door” Peter knocked for admittance—Acts 12:13. The saints often need
to be knocked up to have fellowship with them.

3. “At the Sepulchre” Mary Magdalene was found—John 20:11. Where she had last
seen Him dead, she met Him alive.

4. “At His Feet” Mary fell, to find comfort about the death of her brother—John
11:32.

5. “At the Fire” Peter “warmed himself,” when he ought to have been near his
Lord—Mark 14:54.

6. “At Home” is the place to show piety at first—1 Timothy 5:4.

7. “At the Door” the Lord is found when a church is wrong, instead of being
inside—Revelation 3:20.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 39: 0037.     35. “AT HAND”
========================================================================

35. “At Hand” The italicised words in the Scriptures are the same in the Greek.

1. An Hour of Woe. “The hour is at hand” (Matthew 26:45).

2. A Means to an End. “By the which we draw nigh unto God” (Hebrews 7:19).

3. A Reciprocal Action.“Draw nigh unto God, and He will draw nigh unto you”
(James 4:8).

4. A Cheering Lord. “Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them” (Luke 24:15).

5. A Returning Saviour. “The Coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:8).

6. A Near Redemption. “Your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).

7. An Approaching Day. “The Day is at hand” (Romans 13:12; Hebrews 10:25).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 40: 0038.     36. A THREEFOLD TAKING
========================================================================

36. A Threefold Taking

Three times the compound word “paralambano” occurs in John’s Gospel. The word
means to take near to one’s self, hence to have with one the object thus taken.
“Lambano” occurs many times in the aforesaid Gospel, at least forty-five times,
and is generally given “receive” and “took;” but where the prefix “para” is
added to “lambano” it means to take near to one’s self.

1. Rejection. The Spirit’s lament about Christ’s own is, “His own received Him
not” (John 1:11). Being His kinsmen and possessions, they should not only
“receive” (lambano) Him, but receive Him near with glad hearts, surrendered
wills, and communing spirits. What an added touch of meaning is given when the
Spirit goes on to say, “As many as received (lambano) Him, to them gave He the
right to become the children of God” (John 1:12). Those who were not His kinsmen
who receive Him, become His kinsmen. Those who had not the relationship of life,
by the life of relationship enter into a closer bond.

2. Crucifixion. “And they took (paralambano) Jesus and led Him away.” This was
after Pilate had weakly and against his conviction delivered Him to be
crucified. Wicked hands took Him near to themselves and led Him to the “place of
a skull.” Their ill-intent of wickedness carried out the God-intent of
purpose—Acts 2:23. The manner of His death was prophesied—John 19:37; its cause
was sin—Romans 4:25; its power was love—Galatians 2:20; its basis was
grace—Hebrews 2:9; its unfolding is wisdom—1 Corinthians 1:23; its practicality
is separation from self, sin, and the world—Romans 6:6; Galatians 5:24;
Galatians 6:14; and its end is identification with Christ—Matthew 27:44;
Galatians 2:20. The word “crucified with” in these passages signifies
co-crucifixion.

3. Expectation. “I will come again and receive you to Myself,” or, as it might
be given, “I am coming to take you to be near to Myself” (John 14:3). When
Christ returns for His own, He comes as the Saviour to redeem—Romans 8:23; as
the Uniter to gather—1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; as the Blessed Hope to
gladden—Titus 2:13; as the Transformer to glorify—Php 3:20-21; as the Lover to
present—Ephesians 5:27; as the Lord to reward—1 Corinthians 3:14; 1 Corinthians
4:5; and as the Friend to receive to Himself.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 41: 0039.     37. ATONEMENT
========================================================================

37. Atonement The atonement of Christ’s death is—

1. The Sin-cleanser of the sinner’s conscience—1 John 1:7.

2. The Self-annuller of the old life—Galatians 2:20.

3. The Soul-sanctifier of the saint’s life—Hebrews 13:12.

4. The Service-inspirer of the believer’s work—2 Corinthians 5:14.

5. The Victory-giver in the warrior’s conflict—Revelation 12:11.

6. The Magnet-drawer to the Church’s communion—1 Corinthians 10:16.

7. The Song-incentive of Heaven’s praise—Revelation 5:9.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 42: 0040.     38. ATTITUDES OF THE BELIEVER
========================================================================

38. Attitudes of the Believer In Relation to Christ

There are some terms which relate to the Christian life which are of pressing
importance, because of the issues which are involved in relation to them. The
following seven words indicate a few aspects of the Christian’s life, namely,
“Believe,” “Pray,” “Abide,” “Walk,” “Take,” “Stand,” “Watch.”

1. To Believe on Christ is the secret of the Christian life—Galatians 2:20, 2.
To Pray to Christ is the stay of the Christian life-Php 4:6.

3. To Abide in Christ is the strength of the Christian life—John 15:4.

4. To Walk as Christ is the shining out of the Christian life—1 John 2:6-9; 1
Peter 2:21.

5. To Take from Christ is the supply of the Christian life—Isaiah 27:5.

6. To Stand with Christ is the staple of the Christian life—Ephesians 6:14.

7. To Watch for Christ is the standing order of the Christian life—Mark 13:33.
The term watchfulness is a comprehensive one. It signifies far more than merely
holding the truth of the Lord’s Coming. It covers the whole trend of the
spiritual life in the variety of its traits.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 43: 0041.     39. ATTENTION OF GRACE
========================================================================

39. Attention of Grace “Fear Not! Ye Are of More Value Than Many Sparrows” (Luke
12:7) The careful attention of the Lord to details is aptly expressed when we
remember He—

1. Names His sheep—John 10:3.

2. Numbers our hairs—Matthew 10:30.

3. Counts our steps—Job 31:4.

4. Books our thoughts—Malachi 3:16.

5. Bottles our tears—Psalms 56:8.

6. Takes our hands—Isaiah 41:13.

7. Supplies our need—Php 4:19.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 44: 0042.     40. AUTHORITY
========================================================================

40. Authority When we are under the authority of Christ, we have all His
authority behind us. The usage of the word for authority (exousia ) is
instructive and inspiring.

1. Authority to Heal “Power (exousia) to heal sicknesses” (Mark 3:15).

2. Authority over Demons. “Power (exousia) over unclean spirits” (Mark 6:7).

3. Authority to Preach. “Go... all power (exousia) is given unto Me” (Matthew
28:18).

4. Authority to Become. “Power (exousia) to become the children of God” (John
1:12).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 45: 0044.     41. BANDS OF LOVE
========================================================================

41. Bands of Love

Hosea 11:4

1. Christ’s Life Illustrates His Love. See how often He is said to be “moved
with compassion” (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 15:32; Matthew 20:34;
Mark 1:41; Mark 5:19; Luke 7:13). His life, like the sun in its shining, was
beneficent in its ministry.

2. Christ’s Cross Displays His Love. “He gave Himself up” (Galatians 2:20, R.V.;
Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 5:25, R.V.). Think of what He gave up, to what and for
whom He gave Himself, and the outcome of His giving.

3. Christ’s Grace Confirms His Love. Believers are loved, loosed, and
lifted—Revelation 1:5, R.V., and nothing can separate from His love. See the
seven things that ordinarily can separate in Romans 8:35; and the ten things
that would divide in Romans 8:38, Romans 8:39.

4. Christ’s Truth Affirms His Love. The words of truth assure us of the
continuity of His love—John 13:1, as well as the measure and manner of it—John
15:9, John 15:12.

5. Christ’s Friends Testify to His Love. His love is particular in its
affection—John 11:5, sympathetic in its service—John 11:35, and confiding in its
fellowship—John 13:23.

6. Christ’s Spirit Imparts His Love—Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:16. He leads to the
love that saves, imparts the love that sanctifies, and is the secret of the
sacrificing love that serves.

7. Christ’s Operation through us Demonstrates His Love—2 Corinthians 5:14. The
constraining power of His love is the moving force to impel in holy service and
lowly sacrifice.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 46: 0045.     42. “BE”
========================================================================

42. “Be” The commands of the Lord are always imperative. They leave no choice
with us, but to choose His choice.

1. “Be Holy.” “Be ye holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:15-16), and
the reasons are, “Because” God is “Holy,” and because He calls us to this
devoted life in separation to Him.

2. “Be Perfect.” (2 Corinthians 13:11). “Perfect” means to be in joint, to be
adjusted, and is used of nets being mended—Matthew 4:21, of being “joined
together” (1 Corinthians 1:10), and of one being restored to what he was
before—Galatians 6:1.

3. “Be Still” (Psalms 46:10). The secret of knowing God is to be still in
humbleness before Him, and let every voice but His be hushed.

4. “Be Sober.” “Be sober,” that is, hold oneself in hand, so that others shall
not take us unawares—1 Peter 5:8.

5. “Be Faithful” (Revelation 2:10). When faith and love burn within the temple
of our being, faithfulness will characterise the life.

6. “Be Glean.” “Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord” (Isaiah 52:11).
If the heart of the inner life is clean the hand of outward service will
correspond.

7. “Be Filled” in the Spirit—Ephesians 5:18. This is the most essential, for
when the Spirit pervades the being, the atmosphere of His presence will be
known.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 47: 0046.     43. BAGS
========================================================================

43. Bags 1. Weights in a bag—Deuteronomy 25:13.

2. Stones in a bag—1 Samuel 17:40, 1 Samuel 17:49.

3. Transgressions in a bag—Job 14:17.

4. Holes in a bag—Haggai 1:6.

5. Gold in a bag—Isaiah 46:6.

6. Covetousness in a bag—John 12:6; John 13:29.

7. A Hand in a bag—1 Samuel 17:49.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 48: 0047.     44. BARNABAS—FULL OF THE SPIRIT
========================================================================

44. Barnabas—Full of the Spirit

Acts 11:22-24 Evidences of being full of the Spirit.

1. A Seeing Eye. “Had seen the grace of God.”

2. A Glad Heart. “Was glad.”

3. A Ready Foot. “He came.”

4. A Helpful Tongue. “Exhorted them all.”

5. A True Character. “He was a good man.”

6. A Consecrated Man. “Full of Holy Spirit” (see Acts 4:36-37).

7. A Believing Soul. “Full of faith.”


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 49: 0048.     45. “BEAR”
========================================================================

45. “Bear”

Christ bore our sins on the Cross, and bears the iniquity of our holy things.

1. Personally, when anyone sinned he was liable to bear the consequence of his
act, whether he knew his sin or not. “If a soul sin... though he wist it not,
yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity” (Leviticus 5:17).

2. Substitutionary, atonement for sin was only made by the shedding of blood.
The blood of the bullock and the goat on the great day of atonement was
specifically to “make an atonement. “No less than sixteen times does the verb
occur in Leviticus 16 After the blood of the goat had been shed, by a priestly
act of transference, he is said to place the sins of the children of Israel
“upon the head of the live goat,” and he shall “bear upon him all their
iniquities” (Leviticus 16:21-22).

3. Representatively, Aaron being the representative of Israel, he appeared
before the Lord to act for them, and wore the priestly garments that he might
“bear the iniquity” of their holy things (Exodus 28:12, Exodus 28:29-30, Exodus
28:38).

4. Typically, the sin-offering was essentially “to bear the iniquity of the
congregation, to make atonement for them before the Lord” (Leviticus 10:17).
This was its counterpart in John’s message about the Lamb of God, who “taketh”
(beareth) away the sin of the world.

5. Prophetically, in the unfolding of the Spirit’s utterance, Christ is said to
have “borne our grief,” and to “bear the sin of many” (Isaiah 53:4, Isaiah
53:12).

6. Dogmatically, the Holy Spirit declares that Christ was “manifested to take
away our sins” (1 John 3:5). The meaning of “take away” is to bear by taking up
the load upon one’s self, and thus to take away the load of guilt resting upon
others.

7. Practically, the sins and their consequence are removed for the believer, for
it was for “our sins” He was manifested; and now we are dead to the sins that
put out Lord to death—1 Peter 2:24.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 50: 0049.     46. BELIEVER’S ATTITUDE
========================================================================

46. Believer’s Attitude To the Doctrine (Teaching) of the Holy Spirit 1.
Continue in it stedfastly as wholehearted believers in Christ—Acts 2:42.

2. Be shaped by it continually as pliable saints—Romans 6:17.

3. Feed upon it personally as dependant disciples—1 Timothy 4:16.

4. Attend to it regularly as diligent scholars—1 Timothy 4:13.

5. Take heed to it thoroughly as earnest stewards—1 Timothy 4:16.

6. Teach it faithfully as consistent doers—1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 2:7, Titus 2:10.

7. Preach it tenaciously as zealous workers—2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:1.

8. Hold it firmly as convinced witnesses—Titus 1:9; 2 John 1:10.

9. Abide in it as satisfied servants—2 John 1:9.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 51: 0050.     47. BECAUSE
========================================================================

47. Because 1. The Exciter of Wrath. Sin. “Because of these things (sins) cometh
the wrath of God” (Ephesians 5:6).

2. The Reason of Love. God’s love. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1
John 4:19).

3. The Cause of Failure. Want of faith. “Because of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:19).

4. The Evidence of Life. Love to others. “Because we love the brethren” (1 John
3:14).

5. The Secret of Preservation. Christ’s livingness. “Because I live, ye shall
live also” (John 14:19).

6. The Power of Quickening. The Holy Spirit. “The Spirit is life because of
righteousness” (Romans 8:10).

7. The Prompter of Kindness. Christ’s ownership. “Because ye belong to Christ”
(Mark 9:41).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 52: 0051.     48. BECOMINGNESS
========================================================================

48. Becomingness The word in italics in the texts is one and the same in the
Greek.

1. A Subjective Saviour. “Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness”
(Matthew 3:15).

2. A Suffering Kinsman. “It became Him,” etc. (Hebrews 2:10).

3. A Holy Priest. “Such an high priest became us” (Hebrews 7:26).

4. A Woman’s Attitude. “Is it comely (becoming) that a woman?” (1 Corinthians
11:13).

5. A Saintly Walk. “As becometh saints” (Ephesians 5:3).

6. A Corresponding Act. “Which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).

7. An Answering Life. “Which becometh women professing godliness” (1 Timothy
2:10).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 53: 0052.     49. “BEFORE GOD”
========================================================================

49. “Before God” In the Book of Revelation 1. “Stood before God” (Revelation
8:2).

2. “Ascended up before God” (Revelation 8:4).

3. “Voice... before God” (Revelation 9:13).

4. “Witnesses... before the God of the earth” (Revelation 11:3-4).

5. “Elders... sat before God” (Revelation 11:16).

6. “Accused before God” (Revelation 12:10).

7. “Remembrance before God” (Revelation 16:19).

8. “Stand before God” (Revelation 20:12).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 54: 0053.     50. “BEGAN TO BE—”
========================================================================

50. “Began to Be—”

1. A Mighty Hunter. “Began to be a mighty hunter” (Genesis 10:8).

2. An Amazed Saviour. “Began to be sore amazed” (Mark 14:33).

3. A Perplexed Band. “Began to be sorrowful, and to say... Is it I?” (Mark
14:19).

4. A Wilful Bankrupt. “Began to be in want” (Luke 15:14) 5. A Mutual Joy. “They
began to be merry” (Luke 15:24).

6. A Glorious Theme. “Great salvation; which began to be spoken by the Lord”
(Hebrews 2:3).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 55: 0054.     51. “BEFORE GOD”
========================================================================

51. “Before God”

1. “Righteous before God” (Luke 1:6).

2. “Favour before God” (Acts 7:46).

3. “Memorial before God” (Acts 10:4).

4. “Present before God” (Acts 10:33).

5. Truth “before God” (Galatians 1:20).

6. “Acceptable before God” (1 Timothy 5:4).

7. Charged “before God” (1 Timothy 5:21).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 56: 0055.     52. BELIEVER’S CALLING
========================================================================

52. Believer’s Calling

God called Abram from the land of idolatry to go with Himself to a land of
promise—Hebrews 11:8. See from Deuteronomy 8 what kind of land it was. Those who
believe in Christ are called—

1. From the darkness of sin and ignorance, to the knowledge and light of God—1
Peter 2:9.

2. From the bondage of legalism (doing things because we ought) to the liberty
of the Gospel—Galatians 5:13.

3. From the turmoil of unrest and disquietude, to the peace and quietness of
reconciliation with God—Colossians 3:15.

4. From the death of spiritual death of trespasses and sins, unto eternal
life—John 5:24.

5. From the unholiness of the self life to the holiness of fellowship with God—1
Peter 1:15.

6. From the wrangling of self-interest, to partnership with Christ’s
sufferings—1 Peter 2:21; 1 Peter 3:9.

7. From the uncertainty of the future, to the “eternal glory” in Christ—1 Peter
5:10.

Let us walk worthy of our calling—Ephesians 4:1; and make it “sure” by our
obedience—2 Peter 1:10.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 57: 0056.     53. BEHOLD THE CHRIST
========================================================================

53. Behold the Christ 1. “Behold My Servant” (Matthew 12:18). See Him in His
life, labour, and love.

2. “Behold the Lamb” (John 1:29, John 1:36). See Him in His sinlessness and
sacrifice.

3. “Behold the Man” (John 19:5). See Him in His beauty and sympathy.

4. “Behold the Sower” (Matthew 13:3). See Him in words, works, and faithfulness.

5. “Behold your King” (John 19:14). See Him in His might, majesty, and
authority.

6. “Behold the Greater” (Matthew 12:41-42). See Him in supremacy, pre-eminence,
and glory.

7. “Behold your God” (Isaiah 40:9). See Him in His Deity, dignity, and giving.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 58: 0057.     54. BELIEVERS ARE
========================================================================

54. Believers Are 1. Saved from condemnation—Romans 8:1.

2. Accepted in the Beloved—Ephesians 1:6.

3. Made meet for the inheritance—Colossians 1:12.

4. Sanctified in Christ—1 Corinthians 1:2.

5. Sealed with the Holy Spirit—Ephesians 1:13, R.V.

6. Possessors of eternal life—1 John 5:12.

7. Blessed in Christ with all spiritual blessings—Ephesians 1:3. Here are riches
indeed!


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 59: 0058.     55. BELIEVERS ARE CALLED
========================================================================

55. Believers Are Called 1. “Children” for kinship—1 John 3:1-2, R.V.

2. “Saints” for holiness—1 Corinthians 1:2.

3. “Christians” for identification—Acts 11:26.

4. “Brethren” for fellowship—Hebrews 2:11.

5. “Sheep” for character—John 10:3.

6. “Servants” for employment—Matt. xxv 14 7. “Friends” for companionship—John
15:15. When we are called anything, we are supposed to be true to what we are
called.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 60: 0059.     56. BELIEVER’S OUTLOOK
========================================================================

56. Believer’s Outlook Briefly summarised, we may say there is a sevenfold
outlook of blessing before the believer.

1. We shall “meet” Christ—1 Thessalonians 4:17, and that means, as the word
“meet” suggests, we shall be caught up to meet Him in the air, and come back
with Him to the earth.

2. We shall “see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2), not as He was in humiliation and
death, but as He is in glory and incorruptibility.

3. We shall be received by Him—John 14:3, as He promised, “I will receive you to
Myself,” which means He will take us to His heart.

4. We shall stand before Him that our life and service may be tested, and our
conduct towards our fellow-believers scrutinised—Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians
3:12-15; 1 Corinthians 9:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10.

5. We shall be rewarded by Him, for when we stand before the judgment seat of
Christ it is that each may have his praise from God—1 Corinthians 4:5.

6. We shall be “like” Him in all the beauty of His manhood, and body of glory—1
John 3:2; Php 3:20, Php 3:21.

7. We shall be with Him, and have the joy of His companionship for ever—1
Thessalonians 4:17.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 61: 0060.     57. “BE SOBER”
========================================================================

57. “Be Sober”

Frequently we are exhorted to “be sober,” to “think soberly” (Romans 12:3), and
to “live soberly” (Titus 2:12).

1. “Be... Sober” in all the spheres of life, that the office filled may be
commended—1 Timothy 3:2.

2. “Be Sober” in wakefulness, and not allow the sleep of slothfulness to mar
us—1 Thessalonians 5:6.

3. “Be Sober,” and put on the armour of faith, love, and hope, and thus be
prepared for the assaults of the enemy—1 Thessalonians 5:8.

4. “Be Sober,” and thus be vigilant to qualify against the assaults of the
Devil, and overcome his devices—1 Peter 5:8.

5. “Be Sober,” and “watch unto prayer,” for the end of all things is at hand—1
Peter 4:7.

6. “Be Sober,” is the command to young and old—Titus 2:2, Titus 2:4, Titus 2:6,
for unless we watch we shall be worried.

7. “Be Sober,” and “hope to the end”—1 Peter 1:13, for the Coming of the Lord
draweth nigh.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 62: 0061.     58. “BE NOT AFRAID”
========================================================================

58. “Be Not Afraid”

1. “Be not afraid” when Christ says, “It is I” (Matthew 14:27).

2. “Be not afraid” when He says, “Arise” (Matthew 17:7).

3. “Be not afraid” when told to “go” and “tell” (Matthew 28:10).

4. “Be not afraid “when Christ says, “Believe” (Mark 5:36).

5. “Be not afraid” of what may happen, provided God is feared—Luke 12:4-7.

6. “Be not afraid” when God commands us to “speak” (Acts 18:9).

7. “Be not afraid” when ungodly men are a “terror” (1 Peter 3:14).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 63: 0062.     59. “BE STRONG”
========================================================================

59. “Be Strong”

God’s commands are His promises, which enable us to carry out His precepts.

1. “Be strong” to possess God’s possessions, as He urged upon Joshua—Joshua 1:6.

2. “Be strong” to obey Jehovah’s commands, by unfaltering response to
them—Joshua 1:7.

3. “Be strong” in the face of difficulties, because the Lord is with us to see
us through them—Joshua 1:9.

4. “Be strong” in the face of the declension of others, for the Lord bids us to
be of “good courage”—Joshua 1:18.

5. Pass on His Word, “Be strong,” to others, as Joshua did to the children of
Israel, and overcome all your enemies—Joshua 10:25.

6. “Be strong,” for the Lord bids thee “fear not” those who oppose us, for He
pledges Himself not to fail us—Deuteronomy 31:6.

7. “Be strong,” for the Lord hath sworn to give what He has promised—Deuteronomy
31:7.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 64: 0063.     60. “BEWARE”
========================================================================

60. “Beware”

God’s commands remind us of our responsibilities. Beware of—

1. The Bane of Covetousness. “Beware of covetousness” (Luke 12:15).

2. The Dogs of Evil. “Beware of evil workers” (Php 3:2).

3. The Traditions of Men. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and
vain deceit, after the traditions of men” (Colossians 2:8).

4. The Leaven of Self-righteousness. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees”
(Luke 12:1).

5. The Blight of Forgetfulness. “Beware lest thou forget the Lord” (Deuteronomy
6:12).

6. The Concision of Judaism. “Beware of the concision” (Php 3:2).

7. The Error of the Wicked. “Beware lest ye also be led by the error of the
wicked” (2 Peter 3:17).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 65: 0064.     61. BIBLE
========================================================================

61. Bible B Beautiful in its language—Psalms 23.

I Incorruptible in its nature—1 Peter 1:23.

B Blessed in its bestowments—Psalms 22 L Loving in its message—John 3:16.

E Enlightening in its guidance—Psalms 119:105.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 66: 0065.     62. BIBLE STUDY
========================================================================

62. Bible Study OnHebrews 13:20-21 This is one of the green pastures, and the
provendor is thick, sweet, and nourishing. Every word is weighted with intrinsic
worth and holy wealth.

1. Personal Title of God. “The God of Peace.” The God of Peace proclaims the
calm of His holiness, the quiet of His love, the stillness of His rest, the
power of His Word, the resources of His grace, the steadiness of His purpose,
the harbour of His care, the beauty of His character, and the glory of His
nature.

2. Powerful Act of God. “That brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus.”
Without disturbing swathing bands, weight of spices, heavy stone, God brought
Christ through them all. Hades could not hold Him, nor the grave detain Him, nor
Hell hinder Him. The resurrection of Christ proclaims the greatness of God’s
power, and also its might.

3. Pastoral Character of Christ. “That great Shepherd of the sheep.” His sheep
are blood-bought, hand-kept, spirit-led, grace-guarded, word-sanctified,
divinely-marked, and promise-fed. He is great to do all these things, and loves
to serve them. He lives to bless them, as He died to purchase them.

4. Propitiating Blood of the Covenant. “Through the blood of the everlasting
covenant.” By means of (as “through” signifies) Christ’s Blood, Heaven is
satisfied, justice is magnified, law is gratified, Hell is stultified, saints
are sanctified, sinners are vivified, Christian workers are intensified, and
believers will be glorified. The covenant was made between Father and Son, and
we get the benefit, and that benefit is eternal in its blessing.

5. Perfecting of the Saints. “Make you perfect in every good work to do His
will.” To answer to God’s will by being thoroughly adjusted to His Word, is to
be perfect. For this perfection we need the Perfect One. The will of God,
nothing less, nothing more, nothing else. When God has His way with us we get
our way with Him, because we only want what He gives. To be God-made is to be
God-stayed.

6. Performance of the Lord. “Working (margin, “doing”) in you.” Mark the present
tense, “working.” Not “did work” nor “will work,” but is “working.” When the
Lord puts His hand to the plough He never looks back. There is no looking back
with Jehovah. When He takes up, He never gives up. When He begins He completes.

7. Pleasing to the Lord. “That which is well-pleasing in His sight.” The
consciousness of the Lord’s presence is the soul of consecration. To please the
Lord always produces a pleasure to the one who does it. Here again the Lord is
the end, as well as the beginning and centre. The Leviticus of His pleasure is
reached by the Exodus of His redemptive leading; and the Genesis of His grace.

8. Preposition of Grace. “Through Jesus Christ.” The preposition “through”
means, by means of the active agency of our Lord. His activities did not cease
at the Cross; they began there with a new purpose and power. He is still the
active agent by means of whom all blessing flows to us. We never can get beyond
the sphere of His grace. Any and everything we need as saints and servants, as
well as sinners, is “through Jesus Christ” our Lord.

9. Praise to the Lord. “To whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen.” We may well
bless Him with our praises, since He has blessed us with His mercies. A
thankless man is a disgrace and a dishonour, but a thankful man is a delight and
an honour.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 67: 0066.     63. BLUNDERS
========================================================================

63. Blunders The blunders of God’s saints, as recorded in His Word, are meant to
be beacons to tell us to keep off the rocks upon which they went.

1. David’s laziness, and his consequent fall—2 Samuel 11:1-4.

2. Solomon’s lustfulness, and the consequent backsliding—1 Kings 11:1-6.

3. Hezekiah’s pride, and its resultant captivity—Isaiah 39:1-8.

4. Miriam’s jealousy, and the leprosy which came to her as punishment—Numbers
12:1-10.

5. Lot’s selfishness, and his humiliating rebuke from the Sodomites—Genesis
13:11; Genesis 19:9.

6. Peter’s self-confidence, and his consequent downward course—Luke 22:33.

7. The self-exultation of the Church at Corinth, and the resultant
chastisement—1 Corinthians 11:30, are all recorded that we may avoid their
mistakes and escape their punishments.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 68: 0067.     64. BLESSINGS OF THE UPRIGHT
========================================================================

64. Blessings of the Upright

One said of a devoted Christian man in his business, “He commands my custom, for
all his goods are Christian;” and of another, “He sells a Christian shovel.”
When we are “upright in heart and life and business, we need no recommendation.”
The upright man, and not the leaner, is ever the blessed one. If the Book of
Proverbs is carefully studied, it will be found there are many blessings which
come to the upright.

1. The upright “dwell in the land” of promised blessing—Proverbs 2:21.

2. The upright have Jehovah as their strength—Proverbs 10:29.

3. The integrity and righteousness of the upright bring guidance and
deliverance—Proverbs 11:3, Proverbs 11:6, Proverbs 11:11.

4. The upright are a joy to the Lord, and He delights to answer their
prayer—Proverbs 11:20; Proverbs 15:8.

5. The upright find that the Lord keeps them, causes them to flourish, and
obtain definite direction—Proverbs 13:6; Proverbs 14:11; Proverbs 21:29.

6. They find “good things in possession” (Proverbs 28:10). “No good will Jehovah
withhold from them who walk uprightly” (Psalms 84:11).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 69: 0068.     65. BLESSED ONES
========================================================================

65. Blessed Ones The word “blessed” in the following passages means “happy.” The
soul of happiness may be summarised as contentment, peace, and joy. The blessed
or happy ones are those:

1. “Whose robes are washed in the Blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:14, R.V.).

2. Whose iniquities are forgiven through God’s grace—Romans 4:7, Romans 4:8.

3. Who obey Christ’s Word to minister to others—John 13:17.

4. Who endure temptation by getting the victory—James 1:12.

5. Who give of their substance rather than receive—Acts 20:35.

6. Who have not seen Christ, and yet believe in Him—John 20:29.

7. Who fulfil the conditions embodied in the twelve Blesseds of Christ found in
Matthew’s Gospel—Matthew 5:3-11; Matthew 11:6; Matthew 13:16; Matthew 24:46,


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 70: 0069.     66. BLESSINGS WHICH COME TO THE MEEK
========================================================================

66. Blessings Which Come to the Meek 1. Satisfaction. “The meek shall eat and be
satisfied” (Psalms 22:26).

2. Discretion. “The meek will He guide in judgment” (Psalms 25:9).

3. Instruction. “The meek will He teach His way” (Psalms 25:9).

4. Salvation. “Save all the meek of the earth” (Psalms 76:9).

5. Exaltation. “The Lord lifteth up the meek” (Psalms 147:6).

6. Beautification. “He will beautify the meek” (Psalms 149:4).

7. Valuation. “A meek and quiet Spirit” (1 Peter 3:4).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 71: 0070.     67. BLIND MAN’S CONFESSION
========================================================================

67. Blind Man’s Confession

John 9 To truly confess Christ is to stand with Him, and tell what one knows
experimentally. Mark the use of the personal pronoun “I.”

1. The “I am” of personality—John 9:9.

2. The “I went” of obedience—John 9:11.

3. The “I received” of blessing—John 9:11.

4. The “I know not” of ignorance—John 9:12.

5. The “I washed” of cleansing—John 9:15.

6. The “I know” of experience—John 9:25.

7. The “I see” of sight—John 9:25.

8. The “I have told you” of emphasis—John 9:27.

9. The “I might” of desire—John 9:36.

10. The “I believe” of faith—John 9:38.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 72: 0071.     68. BLINDNESS OF SINNERS
========================================================================

68. Blindness of Sinners Naturally we are—

1. Blind to our condition before God—Romans 3:11.

2. Blind to the beauty of Christ—Isaiah 53:1.

3. Blind to the grace of God—Romans 11:8.

4. Blind to the things of the Lord—1 Corinthians 2:9-14.

5. Blind to the presence of Christ—Revelation 3:18, Revelation 3:19.

6. Blind to the need of the new birth—John 3:3-7.

7. Blind to the evil around—Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 2:3.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 73: 0072.     69. BODY
========================================================================

69. Body

1. A Sacrificing Priest—Romans 6:13; Romans 12:1. The words “yield” and
“present” are the same.

2. A Sacred Temple—1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 3:16. Faith recognises what
we have in Christ, and makes it true in the experience by the Holy Spirit.

3. A Possessed House—1 Corinthians 6:13, 1 Corinthians 6:15. The Lordship of
Christ is an essential truth which is sadly neglected.

4. A Preserved Saint—1 Thessalonians 5:23. The Lord expects us to be blameless,
and He can keep us so if we trust Him.

5. A Diligent Keeper—1 Corinthians 9:27. If the body has the uppermost place, it
will retard and injure the spiritual life.

6. An Obedient Slave—1 Corinthians 6:20. The believer, as a slave, is
responsible to recognise the Lord’s claim, and to allow Him to have absolute
control of the entire being.

7. A Saved Believer—Romans 8:23; Php 3:20, Php 3:21. Believers are waiting for
their glorified bodies. When they have them their salvation will be complete.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 74: 0073.     70. BODY OF FAITH
========================================================================

70. Body of Faith 1. Eyes of faith, to see—Hebrews 11:1.

2. Ears of faith, to listen—John 5:24.

3. Hands of faith, to grip—John 1:12.

4. Feet of faith, to walk—John 10:27.

5. Mind of faith, to think—Php 2:5.

6. Heart of faith, to love—Romans 10:9.

7. Taste of faith, to appreciate—1 Peter 2:3.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 75: 0074.     71. “BROUGHT”
========================================================================

71. “Brought”

1. Brought Out. “The Lord hath brought him out of prison” (Acts 12:17).

2. Brought Forth. “He brought Jesus forth” (John 19:13).

3. Brought To. “He brought him to Jesus” (John 1:42).

4. Brought Up. “Brought again from the dead” (Hebrews 13:20).

5. Brought Low. “Brought low for their iniquity” (Psalms 106:43).

6. Brought Near. “Brought thee near to Him” (Numbers 16:10).

7. Brought Home. “The Lord hath brought me home” (Ruth 1:21).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 76: 0075.     72. “BORN AGAIN ALL OVER”
========================================================================

72. “Born Again All Over”

“When I was born again, I was born again all over.” I am afraid there are some,
who, while they are born again—that is, have life in Christ—are not born again
“all over;” but they are like one who, when he was asked if he was religious,
said, “Yes, in parts.” To be wanting in any department of the Christian life is
like the children of Israel, of whom it is said, they “came short” (Hebrews
4:1). Of Mephibosheth we read, he was “lame on both his feet. “The Lord does not
want any of His children—

1. To be lame in their experience—Hebrews 12:13.

2. To be puffed up with the big head of pride—1 Corinthians 4:6, 1 Corinthians
4:18, 1 Corinthians 4:19.

3. To have the twist of sectarianism—1 Corinthians 1:10-12.

4. The swelling of conceit—Romans 11:25.

5. The listless hand of sloth—Proverbs 20:4.

6. The feeble knees of a decrepit experience—Hebrews 12:12.

7. The hard heart of unbelief—Hebrews 3:12.

8. The coming short of His purpose—2 Peter 1:4-11.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 77: 0076.     73. BOW OF PROMISE
========================================================================

73. Bow of Promise

Genesis 9:13 There is a sevenfold bow of promise. He promises—

1. Help in need—Hebrews 13:5, Hebrews 13:6.

2. Strength in weakness—Isaiah 41:10.

3. Cheer in despondency—Matthew 14:27.

4. Guidance in perplexity—Psalms 32:8.

5. Peace in trouble—Isaiah 66:12.

6. Joy in sorrow—Isaiah 61:3.

7. Power in service—Acts 1:4-8.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 78: 0077.     74. “BROTHERLAND”
========================================================================

74. “Brotherland”

“All one in Christ.” If we are in Christ, we share a common brotherhood in Him.
One relates how, in the days of the war, “I was at the front in the early days,
and after a bad bit of an engagement I came upon a German officer in a
shell-hole. He was in a terrible state, poor fellow, and we couldn’t take him
in, so I decided to stay with him. His mind was perfectly clear, and he said,
‘Colonel, don’t you think this is strange?’ ‘What’s strange?’ I asked. ‘Well,’
said he, ‘if you and I had met in the trenches, I suppose you would have tried
to kill me for the sake of the Motherland, and I should have tried to kill you
for the sake of Fatherland; yet here you are trying to save me for the sake
of—Brotherland.’ More of the same kind he said in those last hours, and when the
end came he was in my arms and his head was on my breast, and I don’t mind
telling you I—I kissed him.” The Brotherhood of Believers in Christ—

1. Christ Himself is the Centre of brotherhood—John 17:6.

2. Faith in Christ is the Beginning of Brotherhood—John 1:12.

3. The Holy Spirit is the Power of Brotherhood—1 Corinthians 12:13.

4. The Word of God is the Guide of Brotherhood—Colossians 3:11.

5. Love is the Evidence of Brotherhood—John 13:34, John 13:35.

6. The recognition of Christ is the Responsibility of Brotherhood—1 Corinthians
12:1-27.

7. The witness of Christ to the World is the Business of Brotherhood—John 17:21.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 79: 0078.     75. “BROUGHT OUT”
========================================================================

75. “Brought Out” The word Exago is rendered “led out,” “brought out,” and
“fetch out.”

1. Separation. “Led him out of the town” (Mark 8:23).

2. Crucifixion. “Led Him out to crucify Him” (Mark 15:20).

3. Benediction. “Led them out as far as Bethany” (Luke 24:50).

4. Destination. “Leadeth them out” (John 10:3).

5. Liberation. “The Lord brought him out” (Acts 12:17).

6. Redemption. “Brought out”... “lead out” (Acts 7:36; Acts 13:17; Hebrews 8:9).

7. Expulsion. “Brought them out, and desired them to depart” (Acts 16:37, Acts
16:39).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 80: 0079.     76. BUILDED, FOUNDED, AND GROUNDED
========================================================================

76. Builded, Founded, and Grounded To build a true and lasting character.

1. We need to rest on the ground work of Christ’s atonement for safety—Galatians
2:20.

2. To be united to the living rock of Christ’s personality for life—Matthew
16:18.

3. To be empowered by the power of Christ’s Spirit for ability—Acts 1:8.

4 To be fused and fired by the love of Christ’s nature for practical love—2
Corinthians 5:14.

5. To be dominated by the truth of Christ’s Word for sanctity—John 17:17.

6. To be held in the grip of Christ’s keeping for security—John 10:28.

7. To be swayed by Christ’s aim to please God in the life—Romans 15:3.

8. To have Christ Himself dwelling in the heart of the will—Ephesians 3:17.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 81: 0080.     77. BUNDLE OF BLESSINGS
========================================================================

77. Bundle of Blessings In2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 1. “Loved” by the Lord and
“beloved.”

2. “Chosen” by the Lord and saved.

3. Sanctified by the Spirit and The Truth.

4. Called by the Gospel to the glory.

5. Given by Christ and The Father “everlasting consolation and good hope through
grace.”

6. Comforted hearts, stablished feet, and holding hands “in every good word and
work,” and to “hold fast” the things taught.

7. Specification. Mark the centre flowers. “Loved,” “salvation,”
“sanctification,” “truth,” “gospel,” “glory,” “consolation,” “hope,” “grace,”
“comfort,” and “good.”


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 82: 0081.     78. BUNDLES
========================================================================

78. Bundles 1. A Bundle of Money which brought trouble—Genesis 42:35.

2. A Bundle of Life which brings blessing—1 Samuel 25:29.

3. A Bundle of Myrrh which speaks of love—Cant. 1 Samuel 1:13.

4. A Bundle of Sticks which contained a viper—Acts 28:3.

5. A Bundle of Tares which foretells judgment—Matthew 13:30.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 83: 0082.     79. BUSINESS
========================================================================

79. Business “Not Slothful in Business” (Romans 12:11)

There is a story related of a great English nobleman of the last century (Lord
Palmerston), who witnessed an accident in London, when a little girl fell down
and smashed a pitcher with a quart of milk in it. Lord Palmerston said to her:
“My dear, don’t cry, don’t cry! I have not any change with me now, but I will
meet you here tomorrow at twelve o’clock on this bridge, and I will give you a
shilling to buy another pitcher and some more milk.” The next day Lord
Palmerston was in a business meeting with a large company of gentlemen, and when
the hour came to meet the little girl he said, “Gentlemen, I have an
engagement.” “Oh!” was the reply, “but there is important business going on,
sir.” “I cannot help it. I have a previous engagement made yesterday. I must
keep the word of my promise to meet the individual.” In all our business it is
well that we mind the Lord’s business. His injunction to us as His servants is:
“Do business till I come,” for when He returns He will want to know “what
business” we have “done” (Rotherham’s Translation of Luke 19:13, Luke 19:15).
The word for “business” in Romans 12:11, is rendered “haste,” “diligence,”
“carefulness,” “forwardness,” and “earnest care.” Our business for the Lord
should be done—

1. With a set purpose, as Mary when she went with “haste” into the hill
country—Luke 1:39.

2. With “diligence,” as he who “ruleth” is exhorted to do—Romans 12:8.

3. With “care,” as in the sight of God—2 Corinthians 7:12.

4. With attention to detail, as Paul recognised, when he spoke of the
“carefulness” of the saints’ repentance in Corinth—2 Corinthians 7:11.

5. With earnestness, as in the case of Titus, when the apostle recognised the
“earnest care” in him—2 Corinthians 8:16.

6. With specific aim, as the Spirit enjoins believers to give “diligence” to add
to their faith—2 Peter 1:5.

7. With the main object in all “business” to be serving the Lord—Romans 12:11.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 84: 0084.     80. CALLED OUT OF EGYPT
========================================================================

80. Called Out of Egypt

Exodus 9:1 The call has a double application. It was a call to Pharaoh: “Let My
people go that they may serve Me,” and it was a call to the Israelites to get
out of Egypt.

1. It was a call based upon God’s covenant with Abraham, to give to him and his
seed the promised land—Exodus 6:2-4.

2. It was a call of deliverance, for Jehovah had determined to deliver Israel
from the burden and bondage of Egypt—Exodus 6:5, Exodus 6:6.

3. It was a call based on sacrifice, as the whole of Exodus 12 depicts in the
Passover ordinance.

4. It was a call based on promise, for Jehovah had said, “I will take you to Me
for a people, and I will be to you a God” (Exodus 6:7).

5. It was a call associated with what Jehovah calls “a difference” which He put
“between the Egyptians and Israel” (Exodus 11:7).

6. It was a call illustrating power, for the night of Israel’s deliverance was
an exhibition of the right hand of God’s delivering grace for Israel, and His
outstretched arm of judgment against the Egyptians—Exodus 12:42.

7. It was a call associated with a memorial feast to remind Israel of what
Jehovah had done in bringing them out of Egyptian bondage—Exodus 12:43-51.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 85: 0085.     81. CALLING—CONDUCT
========================================================================

81. Calling—Conduct Remember what you are called, and be what you are—

1. As a Saint. Be holy—Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2.

2. As a Christian. Be Christlike—Acts 11:26.

3. As Salt. Be pungent—Matthew 5:13.

4. As a Light. Be true—Matthew 5:14.

5. As an Epistle. Be legible—2 Corinthians 3:2.

6. As a Soldier. Be valiant—2 Timothy 2:3.

7. As a Child. Be obedient—1 Peter 1:14, 1 Peter 1:15.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 86: 0086.     82. “CANDLES” AND “LAMPS”
========================================================================

82. “Candles” and “Lamps” The word for “candle” is rendered “lamp” (Exodus
27:20) and “light” (2 Samuel 21:17).

1. A Lighted Candle. “Thou wilt light my candle” (Psalms 18:28).

2. A Supplied Lamp. “Oil to cause the lamp to burn” (Exodus 27:20).

3. An Ordained Lamp. “I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed” (Psalms 132:17).

4. A Constant Lamp. “Her lamp goeth not out” (Proverbs 31:18).

5. A Protected Lamp. “That thou quench not the light of Israel” (2 Samuel
21:17).

6. A Used Lamp. “Search Jerusalem with candles” (Zephaniah 1:12).

7. An Extinguished Lamp. “The lamp of the wicked shall be put out” (Proverbs
13:9).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 87: 0087.     83. “CANDLES”
========================================================================

83. “Candles”

1. A Lighted Candle. “Light a candle” (Matthew 5:15).

2. An Essential Candle. “The light of the body is the eye” (Matthew 6:22).

3. A Useful Candle. “Light a candle, and sweep,” etc. (Luke 15:8).

4. A Shining Candle. “He was a burning and a shining light” (John 5:35).

5. A Burning Candle. “Your lights burning” (Luke 12:35).

6. A Necessary Candle. “sure Word... a light that shineth,” etc. (2 Peter 1:19).

7. A Glorious Candle. “The Lamb is the Light thereof” (Revelation 21:23).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 88: 0088.     84. “CANNOT” THINGS THE SINNER CANNOT DO
========================================================================

84. “Cannot” Things the Sinner Cannot Do 1. Cannot reverse what God does. “I
cannot go beyond the Word of the Lord” (Numbers 22:18).

2. Cannot find God by Himself. “I cannot perceive Him” (Job 23:8-9).

3. Cannot supply what is lacking. “What is crooked cannot be made straight”
(Ecclesiastes 1:15).

4. Cannot please God—Romans 8:8.

5. Cannot see or enter the Kingdom of God—John 3:3, John 3:5.

6. Cannot be where Christ is. “Whither I go ye cannot come” (John 8:21-22, John
8:43).

7. Cannot pass the gulf which divides the saved from the unsaved in the next
life—Luke 16:26.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 89: 0089.     85. “CANNOTS” IN JOHN’S GOSPEL
========================================================================

85. “Cannots” in John’s Gospel 1. The natural man “cannot see” or “enter the
Kingdom of God” (John 3:3, John 3:5).

2. The sinner “cannot come” or “go” where Christ is, as long as he is
unsaved—John 7:34, John 7:36; John 8:21, John 8:22.

3. The unregenerate “cannot hear” Christ’s Word (John 8:43).

4. The “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).

5. The world “cannot receive” the Holy Spirit (John 14:17).

6. The believer “cannot bear fruit” of himself (John 15:4).

7. Conditions often limit Christ’s revelation to us, so He has said, “Ye cannot
bear them now” (John 16:12).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 90: 0090.     86. “CANNOT”—SOME THINGS GOD CANNOT DO
========================================================================

86. “Cannot”—Some Things God Cannot Do 1. He cannot break His Word. “Scripture
cannot be broken” (John 10:35).

2. “God cannot lie” (Titus 1:2).

3. “God cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

4. “God cannot be tempted of evil” (James 1:13).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 91: 0091.     87. “CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR”
========================================================================

87. “Christian Endeavour”

“We Endeavoured”Acts 16:10 A good Christian endeavourer is—

1. Christ Encircled. “In Christ” (2 Corinthians 12:2).

2. Christ Enthroned. “Christ sanctified as Lord in the heart” (1 Peter 3:15,
R.V.).

3. Christ Empowered. “Can do all things in Christ” (Php 4:13).

4. Christ Enlightened. “Christ shall give thee light” (Ephesians 5:14).

5. Christ Enjoyed. “I rejoice in the Lord greatly” (Php 4:10).

6. Christ Experienced. “Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20).

7. Christ Expanded. “Grow up into Him in all things” (Ephesians 4:15).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 92: 0092.     88. CHANGES
========================================================================

88. Changes 1. Repentance is a change of purpose—Luke 15:18; 1 Thessalonians
1:9.

2. Salvation is a change of position—Ephesians 2:6-8.

3. Justification is a change of state—Romans 5:1.

4. Adoption is a change of family—Ephesians 1:5.

5. Redemption is a change of masters—Ephesians 1:7.

6. Sanctification is a change of life—1 Thessalonians 5:23, 1 Thessalonians
5:24.

7. Consecration is a change of will—Romans 12:1, Romans 12:2.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 93: 0093.     89. CHAIN OF GOLDEN LINKS
========================================================================

89. Chain of Golden Links 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

1. Divine Origin. “If any man be in Christ Jesus he is a new creation” (margin).
The Christian life is an implantation of the Divine, a translation into the
Divine, and a reproduction of the Divine.

2. Divine Operation. “All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself
by Jesus Christ.” Three things are stated here—the worker, the means, and the
blessing. The Worker is God. We are God-called, saved, justified, kept, used,
filled, and sanctified. The means of our blessing is “by,” or more correctly,
“by means of Jesus Christ;” and the blessing mentioned is, “we are reconciled to
Himself.”

3. Divine Ordination. “Given to us the ministry of reconciliation... committed
unto us the word of reconciliation.” All believers have this ministry and word
committed and given to them. The word is that “God was in Christ, reconciling
the world unto Himself,” and the end and aim of all ministry, to get men
reconciled to God and each other.

4. Divine Office. “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” The counterpart of
Christ for us is, we are for Christ. As lights to shine for Him, as witnesses to
testify for Him, and as an embassage to be on service for Him.

5. Divine Opportunity. “We pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”
As the priests of old acted for God and the people, so believers act for God and
others. We pray to men for God, and we pray to God for men.

6. Divine Offering. “For He hath made Him to be sin for us.” He is a Message
that has in it the melody of Heaven’s music, and yet how deep its meaning and
mystery! “Made sin!” Made what I was and did! Yes, and that’s the reason He can
make us other than what we are.

7. Divine Obtainment. “That we might be made,” or become, “the righteousness of
God in Him!” Being “in Him,” who is the Righteousness of God, we must be what He
is, even as the ingrafted shoot is part of the tree.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 94: 0094.     90. CHARACTERS AROUND THE CROSS
========================================================================

90. Characters Around the Cross

Luke 23 In the scene of scenes many characters are seen. Heaven’s greatest
giving, and man’s greatest sin. If the chapter is read through it will be
observed how many people are seen in their different relations to Christ—

1. The Accusing Multitude

2. Weak Pilate 3. Smiling Herod 4. Murderous Barabbas 5. The Cruel Rabble 6.
Bearing Simon 7. Weeping Women 8. Sinful Malefactors 9. The Loving Father 10.
The Deriding Rulers 11. The Mocking Soldiers 12. The Praying Thief 13. The
Believing Centurion 14. The Beholding Relatives 15. The Mourning People 16. The
Religious Authorities 17. Thoughtful Joseph


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 95: 0095.     91. CHARACTERISTICS OF A BELIEVER IN CHRIST
========================================================================

91. Characteristics of a Believer in Christ As Revealed in John 15 Every
metaphor and simile of the Christian life elucidates some trait of the character
of a Christian.

1. A Branch for Fruitfulness—John 15:5. A branch in a vine is the outcome of the
productive quality of the root and stem, and is dependent for its fruitfulness
from them. Through the branch the vine manifests itself in fruit. It needs to be
cleansed, and pruned to bring its fruit to perfection. Being united to Christ,
we bring forth fruit, and as we allow the Vine-dresser to develop us, we bring
forth the “more fruit,” yea, “much fruit,” and the fruit that remains—John 15:2,
John 15:8, John 15:16. The fruit is “love” (Galatians 5:22).

2. A Disciple for Faithfulness—John 15:8-10. Discipleship is evidenced by
fruitfulness. Being a disciple, we “learn” of Christ, we follow Him, and we are
obedient to Him—Matthew 11:29; Luke 9:23; John 13:34.

3. A Friend for Communion—John 15:15. Three things evidence friendship, namely,
confidence, sympathy, and fellowship. We might call these love in exercise, like
the love of Jonathan for David.

4. A Chosen One for Holiness—John 15:16. When anyone or anything is set apart
for a given purpose, and that purpose is achieved, the election is seen. We
prove our election by selecting the things that faith adds to itself—2 Peter
1:10.

5. An Ordained One for Benefit—John 15:16. Fruit is produced for another’s
benefit, is lasting in its blessing, and is a forerunner of answered prayer. See
the “that” in John 15:16.

6. A Servant for Employment—John 15:20. To serve such a Master is a privilege,
even though we may have to suffer because of our association with Him. He has
saved us to serve, and we save ourselves from many things in serving.

7. A Witness for Testimony—John 15:27. A witness is one who knows, and is able
to tell out what he has seen and heard. The thing that gave power and brought
conviction in the early days was what was evidenced in the disciples—Acts 1:8;
Acts 2:37; Acts 4:13.

92. CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S WORD The following characteristics of the Word will
indicate in some measure what it means to preach it.

1. “The Word of God” to reveal (Hebrews 4:12).

2. “The Word of the Lord” to command (1 Thessalonians 1:8).

3. “The Word of Christ” to inspire (Colossians 3:16).

4. “The Word of the Gospel” to gladden (Acts 15:7).

5. “The Word of Salvation” to deliver (Acts 13:26).

6. “The Word of Reconciliation” to preach (2 Corinthians 5:19).

7. “The Word of Grace” to build up (Acts 20:32).

8. “The Word of Faith” to assure (Romans 10:8).

9. “The Word of Truth” to arm (2 Corinthians 6:7).

10. “The Word of Righteousness” to feed (Hebrews 5:13).

11. “The Word of Life” to attract (Php 2:16).

12. “The Word” in its exclusiveness (Matthew 13:19-20, Matthew 13:21-22, Matthew
13:23).

13. “The Faithful Word” to instruct (Titus 1:9).

14. “The Engrafted Word” to save (James 1:21).

15. “The Sincere Milk” to feed (1 Peter 2:2).

16. “The Sure Word of Prophecy” to enlighten (2 Peter 1:19).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 96: 0096.     93. CHRIST
========================================================================

93. Christ

Jesus as the Christ was the Messiah, the Sent One of God to do a work for us
(see the 43 times in John’s Gospel He is spoken of as the One who was “sent,”
and the purpose why He was sent—John 20:31). As the Christ He has—

1. “Died for us”—Romans 5:8.

2. He was raised for us—Romans 6:9.

3. He lives in us—Galatians 2:20.

4. He has redeemed us—Galatians 3:13.

5. He brings us near to God—Ephesians 2:13.

6. He strengthens us—Php 4:13.

7. He is the Object for our concentration in life—Php 1:21.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 97: 0097.     94. CHRIST AND EVIL SPIRITS
========================================================================

94. Christ and Evil Spirits There are many who are possessed by evil spirits
still.

1. The evil spirits of the greed of covetousness—1 Timothy 6:10.

2. The love of the world—2 Timothy 4:10.

3. The inflation of pride—1 Timothy 3:6.

4. The exaltation of self—3 John 1:9.

5. The blight of error—1 Timothy 1:19, 1 Timothy 1:20.

6. The division of sectarianism—1 Corinthians 1:11-13.

7. The demon of envy—Acts 7:9. These are some of the evil spirits around. Christ
can expel these, and cure from the ill effects, as He did of old—Luke 8:2.


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  CHAPTER 98: 0098.     95. CHRIST ABOUT HIS FATHER’S BUSINESS
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95. Christ About His Father’s Business What was His Father’s business?

1. To do the Father’s work—John 10:37.

2. To proclaim the Father’s words—John 17:8.

3. To reveal the Father’s character—John 1:14, John 1:18.

4. To glorify the Father’s Name—John 12:28.

5. To carry out the Father’s will—Luke 22:42.

6. To unfold the Father’s love—John 16:27.

7. To bring to the Father’s house—John 14:2.


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Source: https://sermonindex.net/books/marsh-fe-1000-new-bible-readings-outlines-volume-1/
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