TFTD - November 2016

[Resource Manager]

01 November 2016 

 

"When we think of Jesus let us strive to realise what he means to us; and ask ourselves, Are we rooted in him? Are we being built up in him? Are we increasing with the increase of God? Are we being filled full in him?"

 

- A. Norris (Senior)

Complete in Him (1938)

[Resource Manager]

02 November 2016

 

"He is faithful that promised. This is at once the foundation of our steadfastness, and the guiding principle of it. The foundation of it, in that we know, with Abraham, that there is a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God, and with Paul that we may look upon the things which are not seen, which are eternal. By faith, therefore, we endure, as seeing Him who is invisible. The guiding principle of it, in that God’s steadfastness does not consist in obstinacy. God’s face sets hard as flint against the obstinate and stiff-necked. But He is gentle and easy to be intreated of the humble, and His steadfastness reveals itself in a purpose which does not fail, a help which is not withdrawn as long as it is asked for, and a bright vision of the goal which can inspire an unflagging onward march by His servants."

 

- A.D. Norris

Steadfastness (1950)

[Resource Manager]

03 November 2016

 

"God’s care for us does not necessarily mean that we shall be given the comforts of life. The way may be difficult—it was so for our Lord—but the disciple should have the unshakable confidence that, however dark or difficult the way, he can never be placed outside the sphere of his heavenly Father’s love and care."

 

- Harry Sheppard

The Moral Teaching of Jesus (1960)

[Resource Manager]

04 November 2016

 

"Doctrine" has first and foremost a moral significance, and we miss its meaning entirely if we make it primarily a theological term. At the same time the teaching was in no sense a mere code of moral precepts: it was teaching of the fact of the risen Christ in whom is God’s salvation which imposed a new discipline on life. When under that discipline men and women develop self-control in every aspect and function of living, they are "of a sound mind."

 

- L.G. Sargent

A Sound Mind

[Resource Manager]

05 November 2016

 

"Two words only, but words which offer both an invitation and a challenge. With one exception these words of Jesus represent no more than an invitation to the would-be disciple; the only occasion when they were a command was the first time Jesus used them.

 

Walking by the Lake, he saw the fishermen at their nets: across the water he called them, “Here! after me”. This call brooked no delay; they responded at once. They were of course already acquainted with Jesus; they had talked with him, and were convinced that he was the promised Messiah, but as yet they knew not that they had a part to play. Not until the call came did they learn that they were needed as fishers of men ..."

 

- Philip Hinde

Follow Me (1970)

[Resource Manager]

06 November 2016

 

"Legalism belongs to the domain of the intellect; and the legalist is an adherent of the law of works by which no flesh is justified. In fact his very way of approach fosters pride and so sin. The legalist if sincere becomes the Pharisee; if insincere the hypocrite; and in either case is not approved of God or a blessing to men. But love introduces another factor on another level of being. Bible love is not merely a sentiment as many seem to think, but it does touch the heart and the emotions. The Biblical love is not a feeling, but something moved by the will, moving the heart in the required direction. Love involves loyalty and is the mark of a personal relationship. How misconceived was the Pharisee’s view of the Law Jesus emphasised when he said that the whole law consisted of two commandments—love of God with soul and heart and strength, and of neighbours as oneself. The Law was kept as God wanted it to be observed when such an attitude to Himself and to men moved all their efforts to keep the commandments. These then define the channels along which love should flow."

 

- John Carter

Epistle to the Galatians

[Resource Manager]

07 November 2016

 

"For Jesus and for his apostles the kingdom of God would not come by the evolution of human thought in society, nor even by the activity of the church in seeking to change human systems of government; for they clearly prophesied that human society would deteriorate, judged by God’s standards, and that true justice would come about in the earth by divine intervention and the second coming of the Lord. The aim of the disciple was to prepare himself and also to prepare others for that great day."

 

- Fred Pearce

Involvement and Concern (1971)

[Resource Manager]

08 November 2016

 

"... He is the living heart who revitalizes the tried members of his body. Through him flows the grace that carries away fatigue of mind and draws upon the unsearchable Source of all power, even the everlasting God, who "fainteth not, neither is weary."

 

- C.A. Macdonald

Ye Shall Find Rest (1947)

[Resource Manager]

09 November 2016

 

"... the Saviour’s love of the name “Son of man” is related to his humility. The key to this is given in his first application of the title to himself: “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head”. This pathetic statement is an index to the true modesty of Jesus. He was content to pursue the course set before him, trusting to find lodging and other necessities when he needed them, but ever presenting to men a true charm, gentility, and friendliness which held all those who came to him in honesty of purpose. Pride and arrogance were foreign to him, and he was always “as one that serveth”. Yet his humility was not in any way cringing or obsequious. Rather did it consist in accepting true things as true and basing his word and work upon them. This is illustrated by an expression which appears to make the most astounding claim side by side with a declaration of complete lowliness: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls”. The greatest thing in life is soul-rest, the feeling of being at peace with God, “godliness with contentment”. If we have that and little else, apart from the necessities of life, we have everything."

 

- F.E. Mitchell

The Son of Man (1951)

[Resource Manager]

10 November 2016

 

"Closely related to the words of Jesus about Light is the reference to a candle and a bushel: “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16) ... Men do not do so absurd a thing as to light a candle and then obscure the light; that would be to undo their own action; neither do they risk setting fire to a bushel. Neither does God do absurd things. Men enlightened by God’s truth are lights: lights to shine, not to be hidden. As all in a house share the blessing of the light, so by the disciple’s shining other men must find it possible to see “good words” and glorify the Father in heaven.

 

What are bushels? They are vessels for measuring, for buying and for selling. These activities have a right and proper use in life, but they must not be allowed to obscure the light of God’s truth. The “cares of this life” can easily be a snare: and, forgetful of the care of the Heavenly Father, His children can act as though He did not exist." 

 

- John Carter

Parables of the Messiah

[Resource Manager]

11 November 2016

 

"However much our fellow men may help us (and they do!) in our pilgrimage, however necessary may be the guidance and resource and love and comfort they afford us, man is not our infallible and unfailing guide to the kingdom of God. If he were, none of us would stand in need of redemption, and the cross need never have been. It is a strange paradox that those our fellows who seem most real and substantial to us are such uncertain and unenduring supports, and that he who seems at times so remote and insubstantial is the only ultimate and abiding reality; but it is so, and it is an aspect of the truth which Paul expresses in his second letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 4:18):

 

“We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

 

We look, that is to say, to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. And though now we see but through a glass darkly, that very vision is the assurance that we shall one day see him face to face, see him as he is, and be like him."

 

- Neville Smart

Looking unto Jesus (1981) 

[Resource Manager]

12 November 2016

 

"He who orders all our circumstances allows sufficient time and room for all that He requires of us, but no more. Of what use are many irons in a fire which is going out? As we stoop to be content with His allowance, so the days of our enrichment will be at hand:

 

“My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

 

Gain will succeed strain for “godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8)."

 

- Claud Lamb

Godliness—Strain or Gain? (1976)

[Resource Manager]

13 November 2016

 

"The Gospel narratives do not present our Lord living in seclusion, content merely to obey the law of the Lord. He is a dramatic preacher and healer, in constant contact with humanity. His unflinching aim was to turn the hearts of the people to God, all the while fearlessly condemning hypocrisy. His unceasing activity inevitably brought temptation, trial and physical danger to his person.

 

It is upon the stage of this human drama that the excellency of Jesus shines forth. In the changing scenes of life he is the master of every situation. Ignorance, hypocrisy and envy are the effective backcloth on which his supremacy is projected in sharp relief. One gets the impression that much of the record is designed to make this contrast, in order to reveal the distinctive features of our Lord’s righteousness and authority ..."

 

- I.T. Rees

The Supremacy of Christ (1997)

[Resource Manager]

14 November 2016

 

"Above all things, let simplicity and sincerity, with mutual love, joy and humility, be laid by every means as a sort of foundation among the brotherhood, that we may not, by setting up ourselves above others, and by murmuring, prove unprofitable labourers."

 

Simplicity, Sincerity and Humility

The Christadelphian Magazine (1935)

[Resource Manager]

15 November 2016

 

"... their remaining with Jesus gave him the opportunity to reveal himself increasingly to them, so that their eyes and ears and hearts were increasingly opened to the truth about him and the truth about themselves, and they came (albeit haltingly) ever nearer to that unalloyed, uncomplicated, unsophisticated singleness of eye and vision, of mind and heart and motive that constitutes the simplicity that is in Christ. And so it must be and will be with us if we remain with Jesus and live with him, in the words that speak to us of him and as he makes his presence known in our own hearts in moments of special grace. But if this is indeed to happen, we must listen to him with ears not dull of hearing but open and ready to receive and try to understand whatever unwelcome truths, whatever “hard sayings”, he may have to tell us either about himself or about ourselves."

 

- Neville Smart

The Simplicity that is in Christ (1965)

[Resource Manager]

16 November 2016

 

"It is possible to have a double standard in our judgments.

 

In the wider sphere of human relationships, and especially in matters relating to the Truth, “diverse weights and diverse measures” are equally, or even more, reprehensible. “Integrity” is the word we need to look at. We may be absolutely scrupulous in material matters, and yet quite unscrupulous in our dealings with other people’s views or arguments. Especially is this to be found in matters of controversy requiring the exercise of personal judgment. “It is not good to have respect of persons” (Proverbs 24:23), but it is all too easy for poor, weak human nature to do so.

 

Controversy and argument tend to bring out the “false balances” which are “an abomination to the Lord; and we too easily find ourselves favouring our own opinions and loading the scales against our opponents in the discussions. Sometimes a man may realize how unfair he is being, but more often than not he will blind himself to the fact. Yet there can be no doubt what Jesus would think of such conduct:

 

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get” (Matthew 7:1-2)."

 

- L.W. Richardson

Divine Weights and Measures (1971)

[Resource Manager]

17 November 2016

 

"... With our hearts uplifted with the knowledge that it is our faith that gives us victory over the world, we walk in the light that brings us into fellowship with the Father and His beloved Son, and with one another."

 

- Stuart Cowlishaw

The Trial of Our Faith (1985)

[Resource Manager]

18 November 2016

 

"We rejoice God’s heart when we go to His word for light; when we go to His throne for grace; when we go into His world as His servants to minister His gospel to His creatures; above all, when we carry His love within our own."

 

- A.D. Norris

My Son, Be Wise, and Make My Heart Glad (1947)

[Resource Manager]

19 November 2016

 

"It is in the nature of God to save and the coming of Christ into the world was the manifestation of that salvation. But “after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared” (Titus 3:4), its effectiveness towards the individual depends upon a man’s personal acceptance of it. Should not all men be eager to accept it and to accept it all? And should not a community built upon faith in Christ live quiet and peaceable lives “in all godliness and honesty”? “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:2). And finally, in an age when we too need the exhortation to hold fast the form of sound teaching and distinguish between the vital and the unprofitable question, we would do well to remember that the important theological points are those which affect us personally and have the power to change our lives as completely as does the faithful saying that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners."

 

- Alfred Nicholls

Sound Words for Ecclesias Under Pressure (1977)

[Resource Manager]

20 November 2016

 

"Showing compassion is a necessary part of that nature which God is anxious to share with His children. If we cannot feel the desire, the compulsion to show kindness where needed, we cannot claim to be true children of God: there is no real family resemblance. But Jesus assures us that if we do try to reflect in our lives the mercy of God, then in His grace—He is under no compulsion; we are still “unprofitable servants” (Luke 17:10)—He is prepared to overlook our failures and extend to us freely that nature, His own merciful nature, for which we have been striving. It is this wonder of forgiveness, God’s compassion and grace extended to us through Christ, that we remember as we celebrate our memorial feast."

 

- Rob Woodall

Grace, Compassion, Kindness (1989)

[Resource Manager]

21 November 2016

 

"We are a very diverse group of people differing greatly in all our natural characteristics. In the ordinary course few of us would probably be associated together. What is it that can unite such different personalities? It must be something that overrides our differences. The apostle Jude puts his finger on the spot when he says: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” That common salvation, the great faith and hope which we all share, that is the bond that brings us together."

 

- A.L. Galbraith

Redemption (1960)

[Resource Manager]

22 November 2016

 

"He that has clean hands, and a pure heart" (Psalm 24:4)   

 

"Hands doing good are clean hands, and these are the hands which will merit for us the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of our salvation in that day when our Lord comes to reward his servants according to their works."

 

- Arthur Mallinder

He That Hath Clean Hands (1958)

[Resource Manager]

23 November 2016

 

"We cannot read the account of this sacred experience without a sense of gratitude that we have been allowed a glimpse of that night of destiny. Our reverence and awe should be too deep to allow us to discuss its nature. We have seen what the disciples saw. We dare not seek to know what Jesus saw and heard. With Peter we “wist not what to say”, for the brightness of the glory fills our hearts. But we can understand the effect of this night of wonder. For Jesus surely it was an experience of the joy that was set before him. It was a renewed anointing for his death, to the glory of his Father and the redemption of all mankind. The disciples would feel that nothing could ever be the same again ... John would remember that moment as he looked up at the bowed head covered with blood and sweat. Peter would remember it after he had cried, “I never knew him”, and would go out into the night and sob as though his heart must break."

 

- Melva Purkis

A Life of Jesus

[Resource Manager]

24 November 2016

 

"Steadfastness is secured by a complete sense of constant dependence upon God. To be self-confident is to be in danger since God “resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble”. To keep ourselves constantly mindful that “the Lord God omnipotent reigneth” is to be in the road to steadfastness, “walking worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called”. To throw ourselves in our weakness upon God whose grace is always sufficient for us, to know the re-inforcement of a Saviour at our side, to open the inmost recesses of our being to his sweet influences, brings renewed courage and staying power.

 

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” (Ephesians 6:17-18)"

 

- Claud Lamb

Be Ye Stedfast (1984)

[Resource Manager]

25 November 2016

 

"His mercy not only “endureth for ever”, but it is from everlasting to everlasting to those who love and obey Him. The creation of man in His own image bespeaks for man an important place, a definite responsibility. Every detail is important, and man is individually responsible for his conduct, more especially for his bearing the image of the Most High."

 

- Walter F. Blood

The Eternal Mercy of God (1956)