Believer, yesterday morning I encouraged you to “walk in Him” (Col. 2:6). But what does it mean to walk in Christ? It is a walk of faith, not being moved by our circumstances, but by knowing the One who is faithful regardless of our situation. And that faith leads to obedience, obedience to that which Christ taught.

One of the most important teachings of Christ to His disciples is recorded for us in John 13:34-35 - “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The love expressed here is God’s ἀγάπη (agape) love. This is not romantic love, nor is it simple brotherly love; this is love that seeks what is best for the object of that love. Unlike the world’s definition of love, which expects that the one being loved should be accepted for whom he or she is, agape love rejoices in truth (1 Cor. 13:6). In this way, agape love is more difficult than worldly love, because it requires of us an honesty that can cut to the bone.

Yet it is to this honest love that we are called. It is not loving to leave someone wallowing in sin. It is not loving to allow someone to run headlong toward destruction, whether immediate or eternal. It is not loving to lie in order to spare someone’s feelings when that lie leaves him at odds with God.

For the unsaved, the most loving thing we can do is preach the gospel.

To our brethren, the most loving thing we can do is be bold in truth. Yet there is more. If we see our brethren in need, we should meet that need, not merely loving in word but in deed (1 Jn. 3:18; Jas. 2:14-17). We should seek to encourage one another, to build one another up in the faith, to “stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24-25). In doing all these things, we will, as Jesus exhorted in Jn. 13:34-35, show ourselves to be His disciples.

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, November 9

"So walk ye in Him." Colossians 2:6

If we have received Christ Himself in our inmost hearts, our new life will manifest its intimate acquaintance with Him by a walk of faith in Him. Walking implies action. Our religion is not to be confined to our closet; we must carry out into practical effect that which we believe. If a man walks in Christ, then he so acts as Christ would act; for Christ being in him, his hope, his love, his joy, his life, he is the reflex of the image of Jesus; and men say of that man, "He is like his Master; he lives like Jesus Christ." Walking signifies progress. "So walk ye in Him"; proceed from grace to grace, run forward until you reach the uttermost degree of knowledge that a man can attain concerning our Beloved. Walking implies continuance. There must be a perpetual abiding in Christ. How many Christians think that in the morning and evening they ought to come into the company of Jesus, and may then give their hearts to the world all the day: but this is poor living; we should always be with Him, treading in His steps and doing His will. Walking also implies habit. When we speak of a man's walk and conversation, we mean his habits, the constant tenour of his life. Now, if we sometimes enjoy Christ, and then forget Him; sometimes call Him ours, and anon lose our hold, that is not a habit; we do not walk in Him. We must keep to Him, cling to Him, never let Him go, but live and have our being in Him. "As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him"; persevere in the same way in which ye have begun, and, as at the first Christ Jesus was the trust of your faith, the source of your life, the principle of your action, and the joy of your spirit, so let Him be the same till life's end; the same when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and enter into the joy and the rest which remain for the people of God. O Holy Spirit, enable us to obey this heavenly precept.

Before His crucifixion, Jesus shared a last passover with His disciples. Prior to the meal’s beginning, those followers were yet unaware what would transpire that night. They knew only that he told them to go find a man carrying a pitcher of water, follow him to the house he entered, and ask the master of the house where the guest room was that Jesus’ might eat this meal with the apostles (Mk. 14:14).

What an honor for the homeowner to host such an event! To have the Lord come personally into one’s house to partake of such an important feast.

That eve was one gravity, but also one we celebrate and imitate. It was on that night that Jesus explained to His disciples that He was instituting a new covenant, one better than the old, signed and sealed with His own blood, as He taught when He passed the cup. It was then that He proclaimed the sacrifice of His own body on the cross as their redemption. It was at that table, that He instituted our practice of remembrance in eating the bread and drinking the cup.

How blessed then the master of the house, for opening the door for the Lord to come in and dine. Many in the Church have shut Jesus out. Yet He stands at the door and knocks, that whosoever opens the door, He will come in and dine with Him (Rev. 3:20).

Believer, are you listening? Do you hear His voice and the rapping of door knocker? Will you be like the homeowner and open the door that you might be blessed to have Him come in and dine with you?

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, November 8

"The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples?" Mark 14:14

Jerusalem at the time of the passover was one great inn; each householder had invited his own friends, but no one had invited the Saviour, and He had no dwelling of His own. It was by His own supernatural power that He found Himself an upper room in which to keep the feast. It is so even to this day- Jesus is not received among the sons of men save only where by His supernatural power and grace He makes the heart anew. All doors are open enough to the prince of darkness, but Jesus must clear a way for Himself or lodge in the streets. It was through the mysterious power exerted by our Lord that the householder raised no question, but at once cheerfully and joyfully opened his guestchamber. Who he was, and what he was, we do not know, but he readily accepted the honour which the Redeemer proposed to confer upon him. In like manner it is still discovered who are the Lord's chosen, and who are not; for when the gospel comes to some, they fight against it, and will not have it, but where men receive it, welcoming it, this is a sure indication that there is a secret work going on in the soul, and that God has chosen them unto eternal life. Are you willing, dear reader, to receive Christ? Then there is no difficulty in the way; Christ will be your guest; His own power is working with you, making you willing. What an honour to entertain the Son of God! The heaven of heavens cannot contain Him, and yet He condescends to find a house within our hearts! We are not worthy that He should come under our roof, but what an unutterable privilege when He condescends to enter! For then He makes a feast, and causes us to feast with Him upon royal dainties, we sit at a banquet where the viands are immortal, and give immortality to those who feed thereon. Blessed among the sons of Adam is he who entertains the angels' Lord.

Believer, do you preach the gospel to the lost? If not, why not? Jesus told His disciples that, when the Holy Spirit came, He would give us power to be witnesses for Jesus (Acts 1:8).

You have the power, and you have the command. For Jesus also said, “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19). This was not directly merely to those in a leadership role of a 501(c)3 corporation. He did not say to invite unbelievers to your gatherings so that they might hear the good news. No! He charged each and every one of His followers with preaching the kingdom of God.

You need no special skill. You need not speak eloquently. As a matter of fact, eloquence of speech may be a hindrance. For even Paul said to the Corinthians that he did not come with “superiority of speech” nor “of wisdom” (1 Cor. 2:1). Instead, he chose to “know nothing” other than “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” so that their “faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God” (1 Cor. 2:2,5).

And what is that power of God? The gospel itself! As Paul also explained, he was not “ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16).

The gospel is simple and straightforward. Paul summarizes it thusly:
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4). He goes on to explain how Jesus appeared to many, but the core of the message is simple and clear.

So, what is holding you back? Are you ashamed? If that is the case, remember Jesus’ words: “whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mk. 8:38).

With what God did for you through His Son, not only should we be unashamed, but bold. For “God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power” (2 Tim. 1:7). Pray for God to give you boldness in witnessing, as Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him (Eph. 6:19). Then go, preach the gospel and make disciples!

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, November 7

"And ye shall be witnesses unto Me." Acts 1:8

In order to learn how to discharge your duty as a witness for Christ, look at His example. He is always witnessing: by the well of Samaria, or in the Temple of Jerusalem: by the lake of Gennesaret, or on the mountain's brow. He is witnessing night and day; His mighty prayers are as vocal to God as His daily services. He witnesses under all circumstances; Scribes and Pharisees cannot shut His mouth; even before Pilate He witnesses a good confession. He witnesses so clearly, and distinctly that there is no mistake in Him. Christian, make your life a clear testimony. Be you as the brook wherein you may see every stone at the bottom- not as the muddy creek, of which you only see the surface- but clear and transparent, so that your heart's love to God and man may be visible to all. You need not say, "I am true:" be true. Boast not of integrity, but be upright. So shall your testimony be such that men cannot help seeing it. Never, for fear of feeble man, restrain your witness. Your lips have been warmed with a coal from off the altar; let them speak as like heaven-touched lips should do. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand." Watch not the clouds, consult not the wind- in season and out of season witness for the Saviour, and if it shall come to pass that for Christ's sake and the gospel's you shall endure suffering in any shape, shrink not, but rejoice in the honour thus conferred upon you, that you are counted worthy to suffer with your Lord; and joy also in this- that your sufferings, your losses, and persecutions shall make you a platform, from which the more vigorously and with greater power you shall witness for Christ Jesus. Study your great Exemplar, and be filled with His Spirit. Remember that you need much teaching, much upholding, much grace, and much humility, if your witnessing is to be to your Master's glory.

Believer, are you parched? Do you, as a deer pants for water, long for God?

What is keeping you from drinking out of the everlasting spring Jesus promised? Are you trying to dig your own well? Why, when Jesus promised not only to provide water that you might drink now, but that you may never thirst again (Jn. 4:14)? He has given us water that creates in us a well springing up unto eternal life!

Why then are you thirsty? Do not be mistaken, we all should have an unending thirst for God’s word; however, since it is so readily available, we should never find ourselves dehydrated, parched, longing to have our tongue but touched with a dampened fingertip.

If your spiritual live has become so arid, perhaps it is time to examine why. Are you regularly spending time with the Lord, in His word and in prayer? Are you fellowshipping with other Christians, using your gifts to edify them and being edified by them exercising theirs? Are you preaching the gospel to the lost? This last is not a call for pastors to reach unbelievers invited into the congregation, but an exhortation to all Christians to be bold, unashamed, bearing witness of the Lord as the Holy Spirit empowers us to do (Acts 1:8; Rom. 1:16).

There are many reasons why we may suffer through drought, but it generally comes back to us leaving the well, because the well will not leave us.

Drink deeply, brethren, for He promises to pour out water on the thirsty (Isa. 44:3).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, November 6

"I will pour water upon him that is thirsty." Isaiah 44:3

When a believer has fallen into a low, sad state of feeling, he often tries to lift himself out of it by chastening himself with dark and doleful fears. Such is not the way to rise from the dust, but to continue in it. As well chain the eagle's wing to make it mount, as doubt in order to increase our grace. It is not the law, but the gospel which saves the seeking soul at first; and it is not a legal bondage, but gospel liberty which can restore the fainting believer afterwards. Slavish fear brings not back the backslider to God, but the sweet wooings of love allure him to Jesus' bosom. Are you this morning thirsting for the living God, and unhappy because you cannot find him to the delight of your heart? Have you lost the joy of religion, and is this your prayer, "Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation"? Are you conscious also that you are barren, like the dry ground; that you are not bringing forth the fruit unto God which He has a right to expect of you; that you are not so useful in the Church, or in the world, as your heart desires to be? Then here is exactly the promise which you need, "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty." You shall receive the grace you so much require, and you shall have it to the utmost reach of your needs. Water refreshes the thirsty: you shall be refreshed; your desires shall be gratified. Water quickens sleeping vegetable life: your life shall be quickened by fresh grace. Water swells the buds and makes the fruits ripen; you shall have fructifying grace: you shall be made fruitful in the ways of God. Whatever good quality there is in divine grace, you shall enjoy it to the full. All the riches of divine grace you shall receive in plenty; you shall be as it were drenched with it: and as sometimes the meadows become flooded by the bursting rivers, and the fields are turned into pools, so shall you be- the thirsty land shall be springs of water.

Saints, how blessed we are to have the armor of God for our protection from the wickedness that pervades the world (Eph. 6:10-17).

The righteousness that is our breastplate guards our hearts.

Our salvation envelops our minds as a helmet, a bulwark keeping our thoughts captive to Christ and fending off deceit.

God’s word we take up as a sword, using it for both offense and defense, relying on it as did Christ during His temptation to lead us in truth and to pierce to the heart any evil that comes against us (Heb. 4:12).

The faith we wield acts as a shield against the attacks of Satan and those allegiant to him.

And God therefore promises, “no weapon that is formed against you will prosper” (Isa. 54:17).

Our lot is not to sit idle and watch as the world goes by. We are called as soldiers into battle, braving the spiritual forces that war against us in this world. And we need not fear, for God is with us (Isa. 41:10). We should have no fear of man; for what can man do to us but kill the flesh? No, let is always be bold in the face of evil, as the only right fear is that of God who can destroy both body and soul in the fires of hell (Mt. 10:28), because this fear, the fear of God, is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm. 111:10; Pr. 1:7, 9:10).

Let us then don our armor, take up arms, and enter the war against evil to which we were called. For we know in the end, victory belongs to the Lord (Pr. 21:31; 1 Cor. 15:57; 1 Jn. 5:4; Rev. 17:14)!

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, November 5

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper." Isaiah 54:17

This day is notable in English history for two great deliverances wrought by God for us. On this day the plot of the Papists to destroy our Houses of Parliament was discovered, 1605.

While for our princes they prepare
In caverns deep a burning snare,
He shot from heaven a piercing ray,
And the dark treachery brought to day.
And secondly - today is the anniversary of the landing of King William III, at Torbay, by which the hope of Popish ascendancy was quashed, and religious liberty was secured, 1688.

This day ought to be celebrated, not by the saturnalia of striplings, but by the songs of saints. Our Puritan forefathers most devoutly made it a special time of thanksgiving. There is extant a record of the annual sermons preached by Matthew Henry on this day. Our Protestant feeling, and our love of liberty, should make us regard its anniversary with holy gratitude. Let our hearts and lips exclaim, "We have heard with our ears, and our fathers have told us the wondrous things which Thou didst in their day, and in the old time before them." Thou hast made this nation the home of the gospel; and when the foe has risen against her, Thou hast shielded her. Help us to offer repeated songs for repeated deliverances. Grant us more and more a hatred of Antichrist, and hasten on the day of her entire extinction. Till then and ever, we believe the promise, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper." Should it not be laid upon the heart of every lover of the gospel of Jesus on this day to plead for the overturning of false doctrines and the extension of divine truth? Would it not be well to search our own hearts, and turn out any of the Popish lumber of self-righteousness which may lie concealed therein?

Believer, when Saul was blinded on the road to Damascus, there are so many ways in which he could have reacted. But for Saul, later to become Paul, the proper response was prayer. He fasted, and he prayed. And God heard his prayer.

God spoke to a man from Damascus named Ananias and told him to go to Saul, “for he is praying.” In response to his prayer, God gave Saul a vision of Ananias coming to restore his sight.

Saul had been blinded not only by the bright light in which Christ appeared to him, but before that, by hatred and misdirected zeal. When God through Ananias opened Saul’s eyes, it wasn’t just sight that Saul received, but insight. His eyes were opened to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, after having been blinded to it by the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4).

God answered Saul’s prayer, and he, as a result, proclaimed the gospel of Christ boldly, becoming the most prolific writer among the apostles and a powerful preacher of God’s kingdom.

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, November 3

"Behold, he prayeth." Acts 9:11

Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. Oftentimes a poor broken-hearted one bends his knee, but can only utter his wailing in the language of sighs and tears; yet that groan has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music; that tear has been caught by God and treasured in the lachrymatory of heaven. "Thou puttest my tears into thy bottle," implies that they are caught as they flow. The suppliant, whose fears prevent his words, will be well understood by the Most High. He may only look up with misty eye; but "prayer is the falling of a tear." Tears are the diamonds of heaven; sighs are a part of the music of Jehovah's court, and are numbered with "the sublimest strains that reach the majesty on high." Think not that your prayer, however weak or trembling, will be unregarded. Jacob's ladder is lofty, but our prayers shall lean upon the Angel of the covenant and so climb its starry rounds. Our God not only hears prayer but also loves to hear it. "He forgetteth not the cry of the humble." True, He regards not high looks and lofty words; He cares not for the pomp and pageantry of kings; He listens not to the swell of martial music; He regards not the triumph and pride of man; but wherever there is a heart big with sorrow, or a lip quivering with agony, or a deep groan, or a penitential sigh, the heart of Jehovah is open; He marks it down in the registry of His memory; He puts our prayers, like rose leaves, between the pages of His book of remembrance, and when the volume is opened at last, there shall be a precious fragrance springing up therefrom.

Faith asks no signal from the skies,
To show that prayers accepted rise,
Our Priest is in His holy place,
And answers from the throne of grace.

Christian, are you tormented by sin? Not just your own, but that which takes place around you? Are you distraught over the general sinfulness of society?

You should be. Sin should have an impact on all believers, whether personal sin or that of others. Of course, our own sin should be waning as we are sanctified daily by walking in the Spirit. But that of the world will ever surround us.

David lamented the sinfulness of the wicked (Ps. 119:53). Likewise, Lot was tormented by the lawless deeds committed by the “unprincipled men” of Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Pet. 2:7-8). Yet He rescued Lot out of the situation.

In the same way, God will one day rescue us. The lawlessness by which we are daily surrounded will be wiped from the earth, and those committing it will meet a fitting end.

Therefore, while we are yet here, let us pray for strength to be kept from such lawlessness, for eyes to be opened to the truth as we preach the gospel that there might be fewer participating in it, that those who continue in sinfulness despite the gospel will receive their just reward, and that we might receive comfort from the sin abounding while we remain in this fallen world.

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, November 2

"Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake Thy law." Psalm 119:53

My soul, feelest thou this holy shuddering at the sins of others? for otherwise thou lackest inward holiness. David's cheeks were wet with rivers of waters because of prevailing unholiness; Jeremiah desired eyes like fountains that he might lament the iniquities of Israel, and Lot was vexed with the conversation of the men of Sodom. Those upon whom the mark was set in Ezekiel's vision, were those who sighed and cried for the abominations of Jerusalem. It cannot but grieve gracious souls to see what pains men take to go to hell. They know the evil of sin experimentally, and they are alarmed to see others flying like moths into its blaze. Sin makes the righteous shudder, because it violates a holy law, which it is to every man's highest interest to keep; it pulls down the pillars of the commonwealth. Sin in others horrifies a believer, because it puts him in mind of the baseness of his own heart: when he sees a transgressor he cries with the saint mentioned by Bernard, "He fell today, and I may fall tomorrow." Sin to a believer is horrible, because it crucified the Saviour; he sees in every iniquity the nails and spear. How can a saved soul behold that cursed kill-Christ sin without abhorrence? Say, my heart, dost thou sensibly join in all this? It is an awful thing to insult God to His face. The good God deserves better treatment, the great God claims it, the just God will have it, or repay His adversary to his face. An awakened heart trembles at the audacity of sin, and stands alarmed at the contemplation of its punishment. How monstrous a thing is rebellion! How direful a doom is prepared for the ungodly! My soul, never laugh at sin's fooleries, lest thou come to smile at sin itself. It is thine enemy, and thy Lord's enemy- view it with detestation, for so only canst thou evidence the possession of holiness, without which no man can see the Lord.

Courage for the Sake of the Gospel
Pastor Ken Brown
https://youtu.be/W_QQ7z-P5Ys?si=YNwwP4LZZG-YZkwz

Ruth went into the field of Boaz to pick the gleanings after it had been reaped (Ruth 2:3). She sought the leftovers from those reaping, but what she found was so much more - her redeemer himself. Boaz, for Ruth, was a type of Christ; he represented the one who saves us.

Likewise, we should be going out into our Redeemer’s field, not to reap what is left behind, but to bring in His bounty. Jesus informed His disciples, “lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” (Jn. 4:35). This He spoke regarding those whose hearts were prepared to receive the gospel, as He continued, “already he who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for life eternal” (Jn. 4:36).

Ruth did not sow, but she received of the harvest, and also received redemption. So too, we who have received redemption should be going out to harvest that which we did not sow (Jn. 4:37-38).

Brethren, are you working to harvest the Lord’s field? Or even to reap the gleanings? If not, why not? Are you ashamed of the gospel? Is it not God’s power for salvation? (Rom. 1:16) Did not God choose “the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21)?

Let us then, as His workers, work to bring in His harvest as He commanded those who would follow (Mt. 28:18-20).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, October 25

"She gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech." Ruth 2:3

Her hap was. Yes, it seemed nothing but an accident, but how divinely was it overruled! Ruth had gone forth with her mother's blessing, under the care of her mother's God, to humble but honourable toil, and the providence of God was guiding her every step. Little did she know that amid the sheaves she would find a husband, that he should make her the joint owner of all those broad acres, and that she a poor foreigner should become one of the progenitors of the great Messiah. God is very good to those who trust in Him, and often surprises them with unlooked for blessings. Little do we know what may happen to us tomorrow, but this sweet fact may cheer us, that no good thing shall be withheld. Chance is banished from the faith of Christians, for they see the hand of God in everything. The trivial events of today or tomorrow may involve consequences of the highest importance. O Lord, deal as graciously with Thy servants as Thou didst with Ruth.

How blessed would it be, if, in wandering in the field of meditation tonight, our hap should be to light upon the place where our next Kinsman will reveal Himself to us! O Spirit of God, guide us to Him. We would sooner glean in His field than bear away the whole harvest from any other. O for the footsteps of His flock, which may conduct us to the green pastures where He dwells! This is a weary world when Jesus is away- we could better do without sun and moon that without Him- but how divinely fair all things become in the glory of His presence! Our souls know the virtue which dwells in Jesus, and can never be content without Him. We will wait in prayer this night until our hap shall be to light on a part of the field belonging to Jesus wherein He will manifest Himself to us.

Brethren, Jesus told us that He would be with us always, even to the end of the age (Mt. 28:20). As such, the truth also is with us, and shall be forever (2 Jn. 2).

Remember, the truth isn’t simply facts we know or something we tell, as opposed to a lie - no, the Truth is a Person, and that Person is our Lord Jesus Christ. As He explained to His disciples, He is the way, and the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6). And His Spirit dwells in us (1 Cor. 3:16), to draw us close, and to lead us into all truth (Jn. 16:3).

Therefore, we are to walk in truth, and in love, for Jesus’ sake. If anyone claims to know Jesus but does not keep Jesus commandments, such as to love one another, then he is a liar and the truth is not in him (1 Jn. 2:4). If we say we have no sin, the truth is not in us (1 Jn. 1:8).

Let us then walk in truth, and love in truth, as He commanded that those who love God should love one another (1 Jn. 4:21). This is how the world will know we are His disciples (Jn. 13:35).

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, October 25

"For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever." 2 John 2

Once let the truth of God obtain an entrance into the human heart and subdue the whole man unto itself, no power human or infernal can dislodge it. We entertain it not as a guest but as the master of the house- this is a Christian necessity, he is no Christian who doth not thus believe. Those who feel the vital power of the gospel, and know the might of the Holy Ghost as He opens, applies, and seals the Lord's Word, would sooner be torn to pieces than be rent away from the gospel of their salvation. What a thousand mercies are wrapt up in the assurance that the truth will be with us for ever; will be our living support, our dying comfort, our rising song, our eternal glory; this is Christian privilege, without it our faith were little worth. Some truths we outgrow and leave behind, for they are but rudiments and lessons for beginners, but we cannot thus deal with Divine truth, for though it is sweet food for babes, it is in the highest sense strong meat for men. The truth that we are sinners is painfully with us to humble and make us watchful; the more blessed truth that whosoever believeth on the Lord Jesus shall be saved, abides with us as our hope and joy. Experience, so far from loosening our hold of the doctrines of grace, has knit us to them more and more firmly; our grounds and motives for believing are now more strong, more numerous than ever, and we have reason to expect that it will be so till in death we clasp the Saviour in our arms.

Wherever this abiding love of truth can be discovered, we are bound to exercise our love. No narrow circle can contain our gracious sympathies, wide as the election of grace must be our communion of heart. Much of error may be mingled with truth received, let us war with the error but still love the brother for the measure of truth which we see in Him; above all let us love and spread the truth ourselves.

Share the Gospel With Someone Today!
https://buymeacoffee.com/abiblicalworldview/share-the-gospel-with-someone-today

Believer, imagine the thoughts that ran through the minds of Christ’s disciples, when He asked, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” (Jn. 6:67). Jesus had just spoken of Himself as the bread of life, saying that His body was true bread and His blood true drink, and the Jews, taking Him literally, were dumbfounded. They could not comprehend how they could possibly eat Jesus flesh and drink His blood. Their eyes were not able to see, nor were there ears able to hear, so they turned and left.

Thus, Jesus questioned His close associates, “do you want to leave too?” But they had eyes to see and ears to hear. Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68).

What a wonderful recognition. It is not, however, simply recognition, but revelation! Jesus explained, again (Jn. 6:65), to His apostles, when many walked away, that this was why He had told them earlier no one could come to Him unless the Father first draws him (Jn. 6:44). He even goes on to say that those who were with Him were with Him, not because they chose Him, but because He chose them (Jn. 6:70).

How humbling a situation! The author of life, the one who came to lay His down as a ransom (Mk. 10:45), chose and opened the eyes of those who walked with Him. Jesus affirms this when He tells Peter that flesh and blood did not reveal to Peter that Jesus is the Son of the living God, but that God Himself revealed it to Peter (Mt. 16:15-17).

No one can receive the gospel unless God first opens their heart. All others have been blinded to the truth of the gospel by the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4), and such natural men can neither receive nor understand the things of God because they do not have His Spirit (1 Cor. 2:14).

Christian, be grateful and humbled that the God who created you did so with a vision to save you and adopt you into His family, calling you a child of God (Eph. 1:3-6). There is no room for boasting or arrogance; for we have nothing that we did not receive (1 Cor. 4:6-7).

Therefore, with humility of mind, remember the condition in which you were when Christ called you, and turn not away from the One who affected your salvation, but instead, preach Him boldly, that others He calls might also come and not be turned away.

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Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, October 23

"Will ye also go away?" John 6:67

Many have forsaken Christ, and have walked no more with Him; but what reason have YOU to make a change? Has there been any reason for it in the past? Has not Jesus proved Himself all-sufficient? He appeals to you this morning- "Have I been a wilderness unto you?" When your soul has simply trusted Jesus, have you ever been confounded? Have you not up till now found your Lord to be a compassionate and generous friend to you, and has not simple faith in Him given you all the peace your spirit could desire? Can you so much as dream of a better friend than He has been to you? Then change not the old and tried for new and false. As for the present, can that compel you to leave Christ? When we are hard beset with this world, or with the severer trials within the Church, we find it a most blessed thing to pillow our head upon the bosom of our Saviour. This is the joy we have today that we are saved in Him; and if this joy be satisfying, wherefore should we think of changing? Who barters gold for dross? We will not forswear the sun till we find a better light, nor leave our Lord until a brighter lover shall appear; and, since this can never be, we will hold Him with a grasp immortal, and bind His name as a seal upon our arm. As for the future, can you suggest anything which can arise that shall render it necessary for you to mutiny, or desert the old flag to serve under another captain? We think not. If life be long- He changes not. If we are poor, what better than to have Christ who can make us rich? When we are sick, what more do we want than Jesus to make our bed in our sickness? When we die, is it not written that "neither death, nor life, nor things present, nor things to come, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord!" We say with Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go?"