Charles Spurgeon lived in the 1800s. Almost every morning, Ken and I read Morning Evening which was written by him and a chapter in the Bible. We read the one for August 20th on the morning after the Josh Duggar affair and it reminded us of the fact that nothing is new under the sun. Many in the church have always flirted with the world’s ways, yet it all seems to be getting worse and coming closer to the day of Christ’s return. Therefore, we must stay faithful and believe until the end, as Hebrews exhorts us over and over again. This is possible since Christ lives mightily within us! Here is Charles Spurgeon’s exhortation to the church which is still as relevant today as it was back then.
Cities well fortified have broad walls, and so had Jerusalem in her
glory. The New Jerusalem must, in like manner, be surrounded and preserved by a
broad wall of nonconformity to the world, and separation from its customs and spirit. The tendency of
these days break down the holy barrier, and make the distinction between the
church and the world merely nominal. Professors are no longer strict and
Puritanical, questionable literature is read on all hands, frivolous pastimes
are currently indulged, and a general laxity threatens to deprive the Lord's
peculiar people of those sacred singularities which separate them from sinners.
It will be an ill day for the church and the world when the proposed
amalgamation shall be complete, and the sons of God and the daughters of men
shall be as one: then shall another deluge of wrath be ushered in. Beloved
reader, be it your aim in heart, in word, in dress, in action to maintain the
broad wall, remembering that the friendship of this world is enmity against
God.
The broad wall afforded a pleasant place of resort for the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
from which they could command prospects of the surrounding country. This
reminds us of the Lord's exceeding broad commandments, in which we walk at
liberty in communion with Jesus, overlooking the scenes of earth, and looking
out towards the glories of heaven. Separated from the world, and denying
ourselves all ungodliness and fleshly lusts, we are nevertheless not in prison,
nor restricted within narrow bounds; nay, we walk at liberty, because we keep
His precepts. Come, reader, this evening walk with God in His statutes. As
friend met friend upon the city wall, so meet thou thy God in the way of holy
prayer and meditation. The bulwarks of salvation thou hast a right to traverse,
for thou art a freeman of the royal burgh, a citizen of the metropolis of the
universe.
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be;
and that which is done is that which shall be done:
and there is no new thing under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 1:9
and that which is done is that which shall be done:
and there is no new thing under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 1:9
Logging you in...
thejoyfilledwife 62p · 501 weeks ago
Wow, that went straight to the gut this morning. How quickly we see the church deny its Holy God at first sight of the world's displeasure that we even know Him. In the New Testament, we see Peter, a pillar of the faith, deny his beloved Jesus three times in the face of intimidation and the prospect of physical punishment for his association with Christ. But Peter finally came around and his remorse filled him with a renewed strength and love for Jesus that became unshakable. Our generation, though...how much less pressure it takes for denial of Christ to so effortlessly escape our lips. It takes not a threat of death, nor the prospect of torturous acts; I takes a mere scowl of displeasure or an artfully timed silence and we are all but ready to say we never knew Him. Coincidentally, those are the words that many will hear Christ say to them on Judgement Day. Oh, that none of those we have found fellowship with would choose that fate in exchange for the approval of a world that is bound for eternal damnation.
Lori Alexander 122p · 501 weeks ago
Rob · 501 weeks ago
Your posts about Josh were very well written and very thoughtful!! Lori, you and Ken always find such encouraging words for us to help us through are days!!!!
Ken · 500 weeks ago
What far too many critics, haters and even liberal Christians want to do is to say that adhering to what the Bible actually teaches is a thing of the past, and the modern age somehow has a much higher ability and intelligence to determine who God is and what He really wants than that Bible. That is the same arguments made in Paul's days on Mars Hill, and in the middle ages, 200 years ago in Spurgeon's age, and now the modern age. It never changes that mankind will want to exult its own wisdom over God's wisdom. Sounds like the sin of the garden all over again.
If you want to change our minds about an issue, use God's Word as found in the Bible. If you want to discard what the Bible says and say it is passé, then our circles of understanding will never intersect, because apart from God's Word I have no basis for knowing what is truth except my own knowledge and experiences, and mine will differ greatly from yours and all others. It is God's Word that can unite us in our discussions as we all search for truth.
Lori Alexander 122p · 500 weeks ago
2happy4 66p · 500 weeks ago
Lori Alexander 122p · 500 weeks ago
Rob · 500 weeks ago
Also Ken, I have been a Christian for 6 years. I am very sincere when I say that this blog and our conversations have helped me grow into a better Christian husband, father and leader of my home!!!!!
I feel so blessed to have found this blog because its such a breathe of fresh air on my journey through my Christian walk!!!! Thank you
Ken · 500 weeks ago
The greatest gift you can give us in return is to always remain faithful to your calling as a godly Christian husband and father, treating those around you with the highest respect and care, just like I know you do. The proof of a transformed life is our ablity to "believe to gthe end." Many a Christian makes a great start and burns out, or blows out, but those who reamin to the end keeping King Jesus on the throne of their lives, it is they who inherit the Kingdom of God.
May the Lord take your marriage and make it into an example of love, and doing things God's ways, for others to follow as you teach them the lessons that God is teaching you.
Tracy · 500 weeks ago
I suppose it is our failing (or maybe my failing, or one of many of my failings, sigh) that we judge others when they fall, but God wants us to leave that to Him. We as a family (Christian family) tend to lash out at those who fail quite intensely. Imagine if all we ever extended was grace, as the Lord extends grace to us! What a different world, and what a different witness that would present to the world.
God bless
Tracy
Linda · 500 weeks ago