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Quote by the late Vance Havner

  [7/25/2011]
07/25/2011 4:33 pm
By Dees, Brandon

In light of our recent series of studies from Ephesians, i want to share with you these thoughts written by a great preacher from last century named Vance Havner:

Revelation 2:1

Nothing could be clearer than our Lord’s dealing with the church at Ephesus, and it is just as fit in our case today. He first commended them for what they had. “But this thou hast…” He knew their works and labor and patience and their hatred of false doctrine. Our Lord Himself hates the deeds of the Nicolaitanes. Don’t forget that. He said so.

Then He pointed out what they did not have. They had left their first love. You will notice how commendable a church may be and yet be without love. And without that we are but sounding brass and clanging cymbal.

Then Jesus tells them what to do. Remember, Repent, Repeat. It is very hard for Ephesus to remember from whence she has fallen. Usually, Ephesus does not think she has had a fall. The books may show a “rise” in membership and financial intake. It is tough going trying to show such churches that they have fallen. And of course repentance and a return to first works are out of the question until Ephesus remembers.

Finally, there is the alternative, what Christ will do if they obey not. “Or else…” It is revival or removal.

When will we submit to the Divine Diagnosis?

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Just the Gospel

  [New Beginings]
02/24/2011 3:49 pm
By Dees, Brandon

A favorite author of mine is J. R. Ryle. He wrote over 100 years ago. I recommend highly his books Holiness and Thoughts for Young Men. Here is something he wrote is his commentary on the Gospel of John:
“Let us never doubt for a moment, that the preaching of Christ crucified – the old story of His blood, righteousness, and substitution – is enough for all the spiritual necessities of all mankind. It is not worn out. It is not obsolete. It has not lost its power. We need nothing new – nothing more broad and kind – nothing more intellectual – nothing more effectual.
We need nothing but the true bread of life, distributed faithfully among starving souls. Let men sneer or ridicule as they will. Nothing else can do good in this sinful world. No other teaching can fill hungry consciences, and give them peace. We are all in a wilderness. We must feed on Christ crucified, and the atonement made by His death, or we shall die in our sins.”
I like what one of my seminary professors said: “You were not called to preach. You were called to preach the Gospel.” I fully believe it is fully sufficient!


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