(ht:jf)

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(James Smith preceded CH Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850)

“Ye are chosen generation.” 1 Pet 2:9

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 of pure grace; it was to holiness. We were chosen to be redeemed from death; purified from sin; separated from the world; devoted to God; and raised to a state of oneness with Jehovah. Being chosen of God, we choose God in return. He chose us to be His people, we choose Him to be our God. He chose us to be the beloved Bride of Jesus, and we choose Jesus to be our beloved Bridegroom. His election is the cause, our choice is the effect. His choice prevented ours; or else we had chosen death, in the error of our ways. Beloved, if we are the elect of God, we are holy; we are in union with Jesus. Let use endeavour to prove and enjoy this.

(HT:JF)

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No state of soul can be conceived so dangerous as that of the Pharisee. Never are men’s bodies in such desperate plight, as when disease and insensibility set in. Never are men’s hearts in such a hopeless condition, as when they are not sensible of their own sins. He that would not make shipwreck on this rock, must beware of measuring himself by his neighbors. What does it signify that we are more moral than other men? We are all vile and imperfect in the sight of God. “If we contend with Him, we cannot answer him one in a thousand” (Job 9:3). Let us remember this. In all our self-examination let us not try ourselves by comparison with the standard of men. Let us look at nothing but the requirements of God. He that acts on this principle will never be a Pharisee.

~ J.C. Ryle

Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke volume 2 , [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1986], 260, 261. {Luke 18:9-14}

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Jesus has prayed this for us.

How do we pray for ourselves? Are those your deep longings in the private of your crying to God?

How do we pray for others?

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Let us never forget that our feelings about Sundays are sure tests of the state of our souls. The person who can find no pleasure in giving God one day in the week, is manifestly unfit for heaven. Heaven itself is nothing but an eternal Sabbath. If we cannot enjoy a few hours in God’s service once a week in this world, it is plain that we could not enjoy an eternity in His service in the world to come. Happy are those who walk in the steps of her of whom we read today! They shall find Christ and a blessing while they live, and Christ and glory when they die.

~ J.C. Ryle

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When we feel pressure from something/someone we don’t worship love, we despise it/them.

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Then You will need to read this. (This is the full article that we began with Sunday night at our Carol Sing)

Marley and His Message to Scrouge by RC Sproul

The birth of Christ was announced as good news that brings great joy. It should be celebrated that way most by those who know Christ as savior.

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One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime.

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