Counsels, Encouragement, and Promises
By Mrs. M. E. Steward
“THANKS be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15. The foundation of the Christian’s hope:—
1. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. 2. “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8. 3. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.” Rom. 8:32. The Lord speaks to the sinner:—
1. “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. . . . Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:5, 6, 16-18. 2. “Come out from among them [unbelievers] and be ye separate, saith the6and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor. 6:17, 18. 3. “Why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” Eze. 18:31, 32. God encourages the penitent:—
1. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17. 2. “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. 3. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12. Admonitions to believers:—
1. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Matt. 26:41. 2. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23. 3. “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Tim. 4:12. Encouragement to Christians:—
1. “Ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7. Marvelous words! No limit can be set to them! But there are conditions: “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you.” We abide in Christ by faith, and by keeping his commandments. John 15:10. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:6. Christ made no compromise with evil. The Saviour’s words abide in us when we live up to the teachings of the Bible. 2. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7. 1. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” Mark 12:30. We are to render all to God in loving service. 2. “Through the knowledge of him . . . are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3, 4. 3. “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Eph. 6:10. “In everything give thanks.” 1 Thess. 5:18. “Rejoice evermore.” Verse 16. So shall we make the service of God desirable to others. 1. “Do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Gal. 6:10. 2. “All power is given unto me. . . . Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, . . . and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matt. 28:18-20. 3. “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” Matt. 24:45, 46. This scripture has a special application. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Eccl. 12:13, 14. “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thess. 5:23, 24.