Gems for the Week
August 15 - 20
"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11,12)
It is not a question of taking upon us much or little, but of doing our appointed work and filling our appointed places. It is by the effectual working of all the members, according to the measure of every part, that the edification of the whole body is promoted. (Selected)
N.J. Hiebert # 2341
"For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (1 John 4:6)
Beware of being satisfied with "clear views" of scriptural subjects. It is no doubt most needful to "hold fast the form of sound words"; but then a form of sound words without realized companionship with Christ will leave the heart as cold as an icicle. We must remember that, in nature, the clearest nights are often the coldest. Thus it is with professing Christians. A sound creed in the head, without Christ in the heart, is a poor, cold, dead, worthless, soul-deceiving thing.
The true way of obtaining clear views of the gospel, is to look "in the face of Jesus Christ." The true way to obtain a knowledge of sound doctrine, is to feel by the touch of faith the very pulsations of the heart of Jesus. One reason why so many Christians lack abiding peace, is that they make peace their object, instead of cultivating a closer walk with God. It is impossible to be in the presence of God and not have peace, because perfect love makes every one within its range feel perfectly at home. This is one of the precious effects of love. (Christian Truth - Vol. 22)
N.J. Hiebert # 2342
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." (Romans 11:36)
It is marvellous grace, most surely, that can stoop to take up such poor things as we are and use us in that blessed work which our God is carrying on, whether in gathering or feeding the flock of Christ; but the work is His, not ours; we are instruments, not doers. When a gardener waters his drooping plants, and causes them to emit their fragrance, who thinks of praising the watering pot? And yet the watering pot has its place. Truly so; but it is a watering pot, not a gardener - an instrument, not a doer. (C.H. Mackintosh)
N.J. Hiebert # 2343
"He looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10)
He looked for a city and lived in a tent . . . A pilgrim to glory right onward he went . . .
God's promise his solace, so royal his birth . . . No wonder he sought not the glories of earth.
He looked for a city his God should prepare . . . No mansion on earth could he covet or share . . .
For had not God told him that royal abode . . . Awaited His coming on ending the road?
He looked for a city; if sometimes he sighed . . . To be trudging the road, all earth's glory denied . . .
The thought of that city changed sighing to song . . . For the road might be rough,
but it could not be long.
He looked for a city; his hope, Lord, we share . . . And know that bright city,
which Thou dost prepare . . .
We'll dwell in forever, since willing to be . . . Just pilgrims with Jesus, our roof a tent-tree.
(Anon)
N.J. Hiebert # 2344
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
If you have Christ at all, you have Christ not only for atonement, but as your life. He that believes on the Son has everlasting life; and the everlasting life is Christ, just as truly as by being born into the world from Adam I have got an old natural life that loves evil, and which, as it grows in strength, grows in capacity for self-will. Even so, If I believe in Christ, there is this new life produced, which is developed in proportion as Christ is fed upon and looked to, and as Christ's words and ways are pondered over by the soul. (William Kelly)
N.J. Hiebert # 2345
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)
We are urged in the scriptures to a life of continuance. We are to continue in the grace of God (Acts 13:43); in the faith (Acts 14:22); in the Apostle's doctrine, or teaching (Acts 2:42; 1 Timothy 4:16); in His Word (John 8:31); in His love (John 15:9); in prayer (Colossians 4:2; Acts 1:14); and in praise (Hebrews 13:15).
It is as we go on in these things, that the gift of continuance shall be ours. God's desire is that His people shall be "steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." (A.P.G.)
N.J. Hiebert # 2346
