1 Peter 2:1-25 Niv

We delude ourselves when we try to turn our just punishments into a cross and rejoice over that for which we should rather repent. "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently" but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God" (1 Peter 2:20) . The cross is always in the way of righteousness. We feel the pain of the cross only when we suffer for Christ"s...

For Reading and Meditation:     Philippians 3:7-21

Today we ask: What happens to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness? The answer is clear: they will be filled. Make righteousness your goal and you will be eternally satisfied. If, once again, I might venture upon a paraphrase of my own, I would put it like this: "Congratulations to those who ardently...

For Reading and Meditation:     James 3:1-18

We continue meditating on the meaning of the word "meek" as used by Jesus in His third Beatitude. "Meekness," said one commentator, "is essentially a true view of oneself, expressing itself in attitude and conduct with respect to others." If that is so, then meekness involves two things: (1) our attitudes towards...

For Reading and Meditation:     Romans 13:7-14

We continue considering on the fact that the Beatitudes are the finest prescription for mental and spiritual health that has ever been given. It is helpful to keep in mind at this stage in our meditations that the Beatitudes are be-attitudes, not do-attitudes; the doing comes out of the being. Some ministers and...

For Reading and Meditation:     Acts 10:23-48

If, as the Scripture declares, Jesus is the only way, what about people in other faiths? First, we must be clear that there is no such thing as self-salvation. Nobody can achieve salvation by his or her religion, sincerity, or good works. Second, Jesus Christ is the only way to God and the only Savior. Our Lord Himself...

For Reading and Meditation:     Romans 5:6-21

An ancient theologian - St. Augustine - suggested that "the answer to the mystery of the universe is God and the answer to the mystery of God is Christ." If this is so then I would like to make a further suggestion: the answer to the mystery of Christ is to be found in His sacrificial spirit, the supreme evidence of...

Yes: Jesus is precious to every believer. However Christians may differ upon some points, they all agree in this, JESUS IS PRECIOUS. They cannot always feel towards Him as they wish, but have always one and the same opinion of Him.

He is precious in His person, word, work, blood, righteousness, and intercession: as Prophet, Priest, and King: in every name He wears, every character He bears, every relation He fills, and every office He sustains: so precious that none can be compared...

RELIGION does not originate in chance, but in the purpose of God; it flows not from the nature of man, but from the unalterable decree of the Most High. Every believer is a chosen vessel. The church had its origin in Jehovah's eternal election. Election flows from love; it is the exercise of sovereignty; it secures man's salvation and God's glory. It injures none, but it pours incalculable blessings upon thousands. It was the act of God before time. He chose us in Christ as our Head; it was...

If:-then, this is not a matter to be taken for granted concerning every one of the human race. "If:"-then there is a possibility and a probability that some may not have tasted that the Lord is gracious. "If:"-then this is not a general but a special mercy; and it is needful to enquire whether we know the grace of God by inward experience. There is no spiritual favour which may not be a matter for heart-searching.

But while this should be a matter of earnest and prayerful inquiry,...