Grace Gems

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Piety at home

(Arthur Pink, "First Things First")

"Let them first learn--to show piety
 at home." 1 Timothy 5:4

The Christian is first to manifest godliness
in the family circle. We would especially
press this upon the attention of those
who are so anxious to engage in what
they term "service for the Lord."

The "service" which God requires from all
of His people--is not a running about here
and there, asking impertinent questions of
total strangers and prattling to them about
Divine things--but to be in subjection to
Himself, and to walk obediently to His Word.

To talk to other people about Christ, is far
easier than the task which He has assigned
to His people--to deny self, take up our cross,
follow Him, and to show piety at home. For
if there is no piety in our home life--then all
our seeming piety in the Church, and before
the world--is but hypocrisy and self-deceit!

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These forty years in the wilderness

(Arthur Pink, "Last Things Last")

"You shall remember how the Lord your God
 has led you on the entire journey, these forty
 years in the wilderness--so that He might
 humble you and test you to know what was
 in your heart, whether or not you would
 keep His commands." Deuteronomy 8:2

This verse calls for a solemn review of our
life--how far we have redeemed the time
--or to what extent we have trifled it away.

We should be humbled at the recollection of
how frequently we grumbled--because His way
was not the one we desired. We should judge
ourselves unsparingly--because we so often
lagged behind, and sought to turn aside into
forbidden bypaths. We should ponder the
amazing grace of God in condescending to
lead us across this trackless desert; and think,
too, of His infinite forbearance in continuing to
lead us--who are so ungrateful and intractable.

We should praise Him for having kept us in the
Narrow Way--which we would have certainly
forsaken--had we been left to follow the bent
of our own evil lusts. And we also should return
fervent thanks--that we are now a year's march
nearer to our Heavenly Home.

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The sorrow of the world

(Arthur Pink, "Worldly Sorrow")

"The sorrow of the world works death."
    2 Corinthians 7:10

Just as surely as happiness is the attendant of
holiness--so misery is the certain result of sin.

The sorrow of the world is not occasioned
by mourning over sin as sin--but over the
retribution which sin brings.

The sorrow of the world does not arise from
just views of sin, nor does it proceed from any
concern that God has been offended. It does
not lead the soul to God in true penitence, nor
to turn to Him for consolation.

When the worldling's dream of earthly happiness
has been dispelled by misfortune--he feeds only
on the sour bread of self-pity and unblessed woe.

The sorrow of the world debilitates the body,
disturbs peace, impairs the mind, and breaks the
spirit. There is no contrite seeking unto God on
the part of the suffering one--but only a fretting
and murmuring against Him.

"Men gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed
 the God of heaven because of their pains and
 their sores--but they refused to repent of what
 they had done." Revelation 16:10-11

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What tears can quench that fire?

(Thomas Watson)

Sin has . . .
  the devil for its father,
  shame for its companion,
  and death for its wages!

See the evil effects of sin!

Sin has corrupted us. As poison corrupts
the blood--so sin corrupts the soul.

Sin has degraded us of our honor. God made us
in His own image--but sin has made us like devils!
"You are of your father the Devil--and you want
 to carry out your father's desires!" John 8:44.

Sin disquiets the peace of the soul. "There is no
peace, for the wicked." Isaiah 57:21. Whatever
defiles--disturbs. Sin creates fears--and there is
"torment in fear." Sin makes sad convulsions in
the conscience. Judas was so terrified with guilt
and horror--that he hanged himself, to quiet his
conscience. In order to ease his conscience--he
threw himself into hell!

Sin produces all temporal evil. Sin is the Trojan
Horse, which has sword, and famine and pestilence,
in its belly. Sin is a coal, which not only blackens--
but burns. Sin creates all our troubles; it puts gravel
into our bread, and wormwood in our cup. Sin . . .
  rots the name,
  consumes the estate,
  buries loved ones.

Sin unrepented of, brings final damnation. The canker
which breeds in the rose--is the cause of its perishing.
Just so, the corruptions which breed in men's souls--are
the cause of their damning. Sin's pleasure will turn to
sorrow at last. Like the book the prophet ate--sin is
sweet in the mouth--but bitter in the belly. Sin brings
the wrath of God! What tears can quench that fire?

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The happy man

(Lachlan MacKenzie, "The Happy Man")

The happy man was born in the city of Regeneration
in the parish of Repentance unto Life. He has a large
estate in the county of Christian Contentment.

He was educated at the School of Obedience
--and often does jobs of Self-denial.

He wears the garment of Humility, and has
another suit to put on when he goes to Court,
called the Robe of Christ's Righteousness.

He is necessitated to travel through the world on
his way to heaven--but he walks through it as fast
as he can. All his business along the way--is to
make himself and others happy. He often walks
in the valley of Self-Abasement, and sometimes
climbs the mountains of Heavenly-mindedness.

He breakfasts every morning on Spiritual Prayer,
and sups every evening on the same. He has food
to eat, which the world knows nothing of--and his
drink is the sincere milk of the Word of God.

Thus happy he lives--and happy he dies.

Happy is he who has . . .
  Gospel submission in his will,
  the love of God in his affections,
  true peace in his conscience,
  sincere Divinity in his breast,
  the Redeemer's yoke on his neck,
  the vain world under his feet, and
  a crown of glory over his head!

Happy is the life of that man who . . .
  believes firmly,
  prays fervently,
  walks patiently,
  labors abundantly,
  lives holily,
  dies daily,
  watches his heart,
  guards his senses,
  redeems his time,
  loves Christ, and
  longs for glory!

"Happy is the man who does not walk in the
 counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of
 sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his
 delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his
 law he meditates day and night. He is like a
 tree planted by streams of water, which yields
 its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
 Whatever he does prospers." Psalms 1:1-3

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Subscribers sometimes ask about making
donations--here is our simple financial policy:

    "I will not burden you, for I am not
     seeking what you have--but you."
        2 Corinthians 12:14

    Grace Gems is a Christian ministry,
    therefore we do NOT . . .
      ask for money,
      sell anything,
      carry ads,
      gather personal information,
      or accept donations.

    "Freely you have received--freely give."
        Matthew 10:8

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Sermons without words

(J. R. Miller, "In Green Pastures")

When you are tempted to chafe and repine at
the narrowness of your circumstances, and the
limitations of your sphere--remember that for
thirty years, Jesus found room in a humble
peasant home for worthy living and for service,
not unfitted to His exalted character.

If you can do nothing but live a true Christian
life--patient, gentle, kindly, pure--in your home,
in society, at your daily duty--you will perform
a service of great value, and leave many blessings
in the world. Such a life is a little gospel, telling
in sermons without words--the wonderful story
of the cross of Christ.

"Let your light shine before men--that they
 may see your good deeds and praise your
 Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

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You will have many trials and sorrows

(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)

"You may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will
 have many trials and sorrows." John 16:33

There is no life into which do not come many things
calculated to cause anxiety and disturbance of mind:
  there are great sorrows;
  there are perplexities as to duty;
  there are disappointments and losses;
  there are annoyances and hindrances;
  there are chafings and irritations in ordinary life;
  there are countless petty cares and frets.

All of these tend to break the hearts' peace and to
disturb its quiet. Yet, there is no lesson which is urged
more continuously or more earnestly in the Scriptures,
than that a Christian should never worry, or let anxious
care oppress his heart. He is to live without disturbance
and with unbroken peace--even in the midst of the
most trying experiences.

"The peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
 will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
 Philippians 4:7

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts."
    Colossians 3:15

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Why is it?

(Arthur Pink, "Fearing God in His Sovereign Majesty")

"An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes!" Psalm 36:1

Why is it that, today, the masses are so utterly unconcerned about spiritual and eternal things, and that they are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God? Why is it that defiance of God is becoming more open, more blatant, more daring? The answer is, because "There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Romans 3:18 ).

Again, why is it that the authority of the Scriptures has been lowered so sadly of late? Why is it that even among those who profess to be the Lord's people, that there is so little real subjection to His Word, and that its precepts are so lightly esteemed and so readily set aside?

Ah! what needs to be stressed today--is that God is a God to be feared! Happy is the person who has been awed by a view of God's majesty, who has had a vision of . . .
  God's unutterable greatness,
  His ineffable holiness,
  His perfect righteousness,
  His irresistible power,
  His sovereign grace!

Time was, when it was the general custom to speak of a believer as "a God-fearing man". That such an appellation has become extinct--only serves to show where we have drifted. Nevertheless, it still stands written, "Like as a father pities His children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him!" Psalm 103:13

When we speak of godly fear, of course, we do not mean a servile fear, such as prevails among the heathen in connection with their gods. No! We mean that spirit which Jehovah is pledged to bless, that spirit to which the prophet referred when he said, "To this man will I will look--even to him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at My Word." Isaiah 66:2

Nothing will foster this godly fear, like a recognition of the sovereign majesty of God!

"I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you--this is the One to fear!" Luke 12:4-5

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One of the most pathetic sights in this world

(Arthur Pink, "The Rest of Christ")

    "Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden--and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

    "I will give you rest." What a claim to make! To impart rest of soul to another, lies beyond the power of the most exalted creature. Neither Confucius, Buddha, nor Mohammed ever made such a claim as this!

    As Christ is the only One who can bestow rest of soul--so there is no true rest to be found apart from Him. The creature cannot impart it. The world cannot communicate it. We ourselves cannot, by any efforts of our own, manufacture it. One of the most pathetic sights in this world, is to behold the unregenerate, vainly seeking happiness and contentment in the things of time and sense--and finding that these are all broken cisterns which can hold no water. They are like the poor woman mentioned in Mark 5:26, who "had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better--she grew worse!"

    What is the nature of this "rest" which Christ gives to all who truly come to Him? It is a spiritual rest, a satisfying rest, "rest for the soul" as the Savior declares later in this passage. It is such a rest as this world can neither give--nor take away.

    It is a rest from that vain and wearisome quest, which engages and absorbs the sinner, before the Spirit of God opens his eyes to see his folly--and moves him to seek after the true riches. It is indeed pitiful--to behold those who are made for eternity--wasting their time and energies wandering from object to object, searching for that which cannot satisfy them--only to be vexed by repeated and incessant disappointments. And thus it is with all--until they come to Christ, for He has written over all the pursuits and pleasures of this world, "Whoever drinks of this water--shall thirst again!" (John 4:13)

    Forcibly was that fact exemplified by the case of Solomon, who was provided with everything which the carnal heart could desire, and who gratified his lusts to the full, only to find that, "Behold, all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind!" (Eccl. 1:14). It is from this vexation of spirit, that Christ delivers His people, for He declares "whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him--shall never thirst!" (John 4:14)

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I would fly away, and be at rest!

(Arthur Pink, "The Rest of Christ")

    "Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden--and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

    There is also a FUTURE rest beyond any that can be experienced here, though our best conceptions are most inadequate of the glory awaiting the people of God.

    In Heaven, there shall be a perfect resting from all of our sins--for nothing shall ever enter there, which could either defile or disturb our peace. The Christian yearns to be done with sin forever--that there may never again be anything in his heart or life dishonoring unto the One who has redeemed him at such infinite cost. He pants for perfect conformity to the image of Christ, and for unbroken fellowship with Him.

    What it will mean to be delivered from indwelling corruptions--no mortal tongue can tell. The plague of their hearts is a constant occasion of grief to the saints--as long as they are left in this wilderness of sin. It is a burden under which they groan, and from which they long to be delivered. The closer a believer's walk with the Lord, and the more intimate his communion with Him--the more bitterly he bewails that sin within him, which is ever fighting against his endeavors after holiness. Therefore it was, that the Apostle cried out, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of death!" (Romans 7:24) But blessed be God, we shall not carry this burden beyond the grave--the hour of death will free us from all indwelling evil.

    In Heaven, there will be perpetual rest from all our afflictions. Though afflictions are needful for us in this present scene, and when sanctified to us are also profitable; nevertheless they are grievous to bear. But a day is coming when such tribulations will no longer be necessary, for all the dross shall have been purged from the gold. The storms of life will all be behind, and an unbroken calm shall be the believer's portion forever and ever!

    Where there shall be no more sin--there shall be no more sorrow! "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes! And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever!" Revelation 21:4

    "Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then I would fly away, and be at rest!" Psalm 55:6

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The advantages and blessings of family worship

(Arthur Pink, "Family Worship")

    "Pour out Your wrath on the heathen that do not acknowledge You--and on the families that do not call upon Your name!" Jeremiah 10:25

    We wonder how many of our readers have seriously pondered these awe-inspiring words! Observe what fearful threatenings are pronounced against those who disregard family worship! How unspeakably solemn to find that prayerless families are here coupled with the heathen, who do not acknowledge the Lord.

    How loudly should these words speak to us! It is not enough that we pray as private individuals; we are required to honor God in our families as well. Each day, the whole household should be gathered together to bow before the Lord--to confess their sins, to give thanks for God's mercies, to seek His help and blessing. Nothing must be allowed to interfere with this duty--all other domestic arrangements are to bend to it. The head of the house is the one to lead the devotions. If he is absent--or seriously ill--or an unbeliever, then the wife should take his place. But under no circumstances, should family worship be omitted. If we would enjoy the blessing of God upon our family--then let its members gather together daily for praise and prayer. "Those who honor Me--I will honor" is His promise.

    All our domestic comforts and temporal mercies, issue from the loving-kindness of the Lord. The least we can do in return, is to gratefully acknowledge together, His goodness to us as a family. Excuses against the discharge of this sacred duty--are idle and worthless! Of what avail will it be when we render an account to God for the stewardship of our families--to say that we had no time available? The more pressing are our temporal duties--the greater our need of seeking divine help. Nor may any Christian plead that he is not qualified for such a work--gifts and talents are developed by use--and not by neglect.

    Family worship should be conducted reverently, earnestly and simply. It is then, that the little ones will receive their first impressions, and form their initial conceptions of the Lord God. Great care needs to be taken, lest a false idea of the Divine Character be given to them.

    The advantages and blessings of family worship are incalculable! First, family worship will prevent much sin. Daily prayer in the home, is a blessed means of grace for allaying those unhappy passions to which our common nature is subject. It awes the soul, conveys a sense of God's majesty and authority, and sets solemn truths before the mind. How can those who neglect the worship of God in their families--look for peace and comfort therein?

    Personal piety in the home is the most influential means, under God, of conveying piety to the little ones. Children are largely creatures of imitation, loving to copy what they see in others.

    Finally, family prayer gains for us the presence and blessing of the Lord. There is a promise of His presence which is peculiarly applicable to this duty, "Where two or three are gathered together in My name--I am there among them." Matthew 18:20. Many have found in family worship, that help and communion with God--which they sought for with less effect in private prayer.

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A perfect pattern for us to follow

(Arthur Pink, "The Example of Christ")

"Learn of Me--for I am gentle and humble in heart."
Matthew 11:29

    "Learn of Me." Christ is not only the great Teacher of His Church--but He is also the grand Exemplar set before His people. Christ did more than proclaim the Truth--He Himself was the living embodiment of it. He did more than utter the will of God--He was the personal exemplification of it. The Divine requirements were perfectly set forth in the very character and conduct of the Lord Jesus.

    Not only was there no error whatever in His teaching--but there was not the slightest blemish in His character--or flaw in His conduct. Thus, the very life that He lived, presents to us a perfect standard of holiness--a perfect pattern for us to follow. "He has left us an example--that we should follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21

    The best of men--are but men at the best. They all have their errors and defects, and therefore, wherein they differ from Christ--it is our duty to differ from them. No mere man, however wise or holy he may be--is a perfect rule for other men. The standard of perfection is found in Christ alone. He alone, is the rule of every Christian's way and walk.

    "Learn of Me." Christ, then, teaches His disciples not only by precept--but by example; not only by word of mouth--but chiefly by His own perfect life of obedience and submission to the Father's will.

    "Learn of Me--for I am gentle and humble in heart." He Himself was giving a personal exemplification of gentleness and humility. O what a perfect Teacher, showing us in His own utter selflessness, what these lovely graces really are! Gentleness and humility revealed themselves in all that the Redeemer said and did.

    Those heavenly graces, which are the roots from which all other spiritual excellencies spring--can only be learned from Christ. The colleges and seminaries cannot impart them; preachers and churches cannot bestow them; no self-culture can attain unto them. They can only be learned experimentally and vitally--at the feet of Christ, as we take our proper place in the dust before Him. They can only be learned as we commune with Him day by day, and drink more deeply of His spirit. They can only be learned as we ponder the details of His recorded life, and then follow the example which He has left us. They can only be learned as we turn those pondering into earnest prayers that we may be more fully conformed unto His holy image.

    "Learn of Me." It is not merely to an intellectual learning of Him, which Christ here calls us--but to an experimental, practical, effectual, and transforming learning. Christianity is far more than an orthodox creed and ethical code--it is a being practically conformed to the image of God's Son. The gentleness and humility of Christ, must be the pattern of our character and conduct.

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A saving 'coming to Christ'

(Arthur Pink, "The Call of Christ")

    "Come unto Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden--and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

    What did our Lord here signify, when He bade all the weary and heavy laden to come unto Him?

    It is quite evident that coming to Christ is something more than a physical act. Coming to Christ in the sense He here invited, is a going out of the soul after Him, a desire for Him, a seeking after Him, a personal embracing of and trusting in Him. It is the heart turning from the love of sin--to the love of holiness; from SELF--to the Savior!

    A saving coming to Christ denotes a turning our backs upon the world--and turning our hearts unto Him as our only Hope and Portion. It is the abandoning of every idol--and the surrendering of ourselves to His Lordship. It is the repudiation of our own righteousness and every dependency, and the heart going out to Him in loving submission and trustful confidence. It is the entire going out of SELF with all its resolutions and performances, to cast ourselves upon His grace and mercy. It is the will yielding itself up to His authority to be molded by Him, and to follow Him wherever He may lead.

    In short, coming to Christ is the whole soul of a guilty and self-condemned sinner--turning unto a whole Christ, in the exercise of all our facilities, responding to His claims upon us, prepared to unreservedly trust, sincerely love, and devotedly serve Him.

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The breakdown and breakup of "Civilization"

(Arthur Pink, "The Destruction of Dagon" 1943)

    The "march of progress" from 1920 onwards, was, if measured by the standards of righteousness and decency, steadily downwards. Those with the least sense of decency were determined to drag the whole of the rising generation, down into the gutter. An orgy of licentiousness was widely entered into. Night-clubs were multiplied, gambling spread like wild fire, and debauchery abounded on every side. The beaches lowered their bathing restrictions--and modesty became a thing of the past. Youth was allowed to have its fling, unrestrained.

    The novels and magazines of the last decade have been filled with obscenities and blasphemies. A friend of ours in the publishing business recently wrote to us, "Today we have shops stacked with books which, had they been published when we were boys--the authors and publishers would have been put in jail!" Censorship has long since been reduced to a farce. The great majority of our children have their ideas  formed by the pictures they saw at the "movies" and the debasing productions of a degenerate press. As a recent writer said, "The best-sellers of today, are often books whose morals are of the barnyard, whose language is of the sewer and whose ethics are of the pit!"

    The breakdown and breakup of "Civilization" appears in such things as the decay of the sanctity of marriage--as evidenced by the multiplication of divorces, and the abandonment of large numbers of babies; juvenile delinquency and immorality among the young; the vandalism which is now so rife; such widespread pilfering--and the flimsy efforts of the authorities to deal with such evils! Thousands of culprits who ought to be sent to prison, are given nominal fines. Law and order is almost reduced to a farce!

    We do what we do--because we are what we are. There is always a rigid consistency between character and conduct. The thin coating of "civilized" varnish has worn off, and twentieth-century character stands exposed.