Assurance in Christ
Assurance in Christ25
The Thoughtfulness of Divine Love 1 John 4:16.
By John Nelson Darby0JHN 1:18ROM 5:52CO 5:10EPH 1:6PHP 3:211JN 4:91JN 4:121JN 4:16John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound thoughtfulness of God's love as depicted in 1 John 4:16, illustrating how God has considered humanity's plight from sin to judgment. He explains that God's love is manifested through the sending of His Son, who provides eternal life and serves as the propitiation for our sins, allowing believers to have boldness on the day of judgment. Darby highlights that true knowledge of God comes through love, which is perfected in believers as they dwell in Him and He in them. He reassures that there is no fear in love, as believers are made righteous through Christ, reflecting His image and standing confidently before God. Ultimately, Darby calls Christians to recognize and enjoy the fullness of God's love, which has been thoughtfully extended to them throughout their journey of faith.
Devour Me, Devour Me!
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 116:15ISA 25:8JHN 11:25ROM 6:231CO 15:55PHP 1:231TH 4:142TI 4:7HEB 2:14REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes that assurance in Christ transforms the perception of death from a fearsome enemy into a welcomed friend. He illustrates how assurance sweetens the thoughts of death, making it a desirable release from sin, sorrow, and affliction, while also being a gateway to eternal joy with God. Brooks quotes Nazianzen, who boldly invites death to 'devour' him, highlighting the Christian's hope in the resurrection and the ultimate victory over sin. The assured soul looks forward to death as a day of liberation, where all that burdens them will be left behind. Thus, for the believer, death is not to be feared but embraced as a passage to eternal life with Christ.
These All Died in Faith
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 23:4JHN 14:1ROM 10:17PHP 1:211TH 4:142TI 4:7HEB 11:1HEB 11:131PE 1:8REV 21:4C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the epitaph of the saints who died in faith, emphasizing that their lives were characterized by unwavering faith in God, which provided them comfort, guidance, and support. He notes that these saints did not rely on their own achievements but remained steadfast in their acceptance of God's promises until the end. Dying in faith encompasses belief in past promises, present assurance of God's love, and future hope in the coming Messiah. Spurgeon encourages believers to take courage, recognizing that their journey mirrors that of these faithful saints, and to continually look to Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith.
Romans 8
By John Nelson Darby0ROM 8:1ROM 8:9ROM 8:14ROM 8:28ROM 8:31ROM 8:37GAL 5:16John Nelson Darby expounds on Romans 8, emphasizing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. He outlines three key aspects: our state in Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and God's unwavering support for us. Darby highlights that through Christ's sacrifice, believers are freed from condemnation and empowered to live according to the Spirit, which leads to a life of peace and assurance. He reassures that despite the ongoing struggle with sin, the believer's identity is secure in Christ, and God is always for us, ensuring our ultimate glorification.
The Lord Taketh Pleasure in His People
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 37:23ISA 63:9MAT 10:30ROM 8:15EPH 2:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the all-encompassing love of Jesus for His people, illustrating that every aspect of their lives is important to Him. He reassures believers that Jesus cares deeply for their mortal concerns, as well as their spiritual well-being, highlighting that even the smallest details, like the number of hairs on their heads, are known to Him. Spurgeon encourages Christians to recognize the vastness of Christ's love, which brings justification, adoption, sanctification, and eternal life, and to respond with heartfelt gratitude and devotion. He reminds believers that they are not alone but are cherished children of God, under His watchful care and protection. The sermon calls for a joyful acknowledgment of this divine love and a commitment to reciprocate it wholeheartedly.
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
By C.H. Spurgeon0JOB 19:25ROM 8:38C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound comfort found in the personal relationship with a living Redeemer, as expressed in Job's declaration of faith. He highlights the necessity of claiming Christ as 'my Redeemer' to truly experience His redemptive power and joy. Spurgeon encourages believers to move beyond mere hope to a confident knowledge of Christ's presence and assurance in their lives, asserting that doubts can hinder peace and comfort. He reminds us that even a small amount of faith allows us to claim Christ as ours, and that certainty in our relationship with Him brings light even in the darkest times. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a deep, personal connection with the living Christ, which leads to unspeakable joy.
I Will Help Thee, Saith the Lord
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 46:1PSA 121:2ISA 41:10MAT 7:11JHN 14:13ROM 8:322CO 12:9EPH 3:20PHP 4:19HEB 13:5C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the assurance of God's help, reminding us that the Lord Jesus has already demonstrated His commitment to us through His sacrifice. He argues that if God has done the greater work of redemption, He will certainly provide the lesser help we need in our daily lives. Spurgeon encourages believers to bring their emptiness and needs to God, who is more than capable of supplying all that we require. He reassures us that God's omnipotence, wisdom, and love are always available to assist us. Ultimately, we are reminded that we should not fear, for the Eternal God is our helper.
A Man in the Glory (Hebrews 2:5-12)
By T. Austin-Sparks0HEB 2:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of the incarnation in his sermon 'A Man in the Glory', highlighting that our greatest need as believers is to understand what we have in Christ and the assurance it brings. He discusses the necessity of being rooted and grounded in faith, especially as challenges arise, and the importance of recognizing our covenant relationship with God through Jesus. Sparks explains that Jesus, who took on humanity, is crowned with glory and honor, providing us with the confidence that our humanity can also be exalted. He encourages believers to look beyond their weaknesses and focus on Christ's victory, which serves as a pledge of our future glory. Ultimately, the sermon underscores that understanding the incarnation is central to our faith and spiritual growth.
Cross: Promise at the Cross
By G. Campbell Morgan0ROM 8:31G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound significance of the Cross of Christ, illustrating how it serves as the central channel of redemption, offering pardon, purity, peace, and power to believers. He reflects on the questions posed by Paul in Romans 8, highlighting the assurance that nothing can separate us from God's love, as demonstrated by the sacrificial gift of His Son. Morgan encourages believers to confront their fears and doubts with the confidence that God is for them, and that through the Cross, they are justified and secure in their relationship with God. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the Cross, recognizing it as the source of all hope and promise for both this life and eternity.
The Safest Place
By C.H. Spurgeon0JHN 10:28ROM 8:38C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the eternal security of believers, asserting that those who belong to Christ are forever safe in His hands. He explains that since Christ has purchased the sheep with His blood, they cannot be lost, and the eternal life He grants is truly everlasting. Spurgeon highlights that the promise 'they shall never perish' is unequivocal, ensuring that no force, even the devil, can separate believers from Christ. He encourages the faithful to cast aside fear and trust in the protective grasp of their Savior, finding peace in His assurance.
God for Us
By John Nelson Darby0PSA 56:9ISA 41:10JHN 3:16ROM 5:8ROM 8:312CO 5:17EPH 2:8PHP 4:6HEB 13:51JN 4:19John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound truth that God is for us, despite our sinful nature and the unease it brings to our conscience. He explains that many live in anxiety, fearing that God is against them due to their sins, yet through Christ's sacrifice, we can find peace and assurance that God is indeed on our side. Darby encourages believers to recognize their unworthiness and the grace that allows them to claim God's love, urging them to trust in God's promises and to boldly confess their faith in Christ. The sermon highlights the transformative power of understanding that God, in His mercy, desires a relationship with us, offering hope and comfort amidst life's trials.
Striving After Assurance
By Harry Ironside0ISA 53:4ROM 8:281CO 2:2Harry Ironside emphasizes the importance of resting in Christ for assurance, drawing from his extensive ministry experience. He shares personal anecdotes illustrating how God orchestrates encounters for the purpose of leading souls to salvation, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel. Ironside stresses that the message of Jesus Christ and His crucifixion is the ultimate remedy for spiritual struggles, and he encourages readers to seek assurance through the Scriptures. He believes that God is actively seeking to draw troubled souls to Himself, and that the written word can provide clarity and peace. Ultimately, Ironside's message is one of hope and divine providence in the journey toward faith.
The World and I Am Well Agreed
By Thomas Brooks0HEB 11:24Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of assurance in Christ to keep believers from being overly attached to worldly desires and temptations. He illustrates this through the examples of Moses and Paul, who, grounded in their assurance of God's love and eternal reward, disregarded the fleeting glories of the world. Brooks argues that true assurance leads to a heart that is dead to worldly pursuits, as exemplified by Lazarus, who, after his resurrection, found no joy in earthly things. He calls for Christians to cultivate this assurance to avoid the dishonor of God and the reproach of the gospel. Ultimately, Brooks encourages believers to prioritize their communion with Christ over worldly glory.
He Hath Perfected Forever Them That Are Sanctified
By A.B. Simpson0JHN 15:5ROM 8:28ROM 8:311CO 1:302CO 5:17EPH 2:10PHP 4:13COL 3:3HEB 10:141JN 4:4A.B. Simpson emphasizes the promise of sanctification through Jesus, who is our source of obedience, rest, and strength. He reassures believers that with Jesus, no external forces, including temptations and life's challenges, can prevail against them. The presence of Christ deepens their reliance on Him, transforming trials into opportunities for spiritual growth. Simpson encourages listeners to embrace their identity in Christ, reminding them that God is for them, and thus, nothing can stand against them. The sermon culminates in a call to respond to Jesus' invitation to a deeper relationship.
False Hope and Certain Hope
By A.W. Tozer0HEB 6:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true hope is exclusive to Christians, as it is rooted in the power of God and His unchanging promises. He contrasts this with false hopes held by those who lack a relationship with Christ, warning that without the great High Priest, their expectations are baseless. Tozer reassures believers that their hope is secure, anchored in the promises of God, and encourages them to align their anticipations with Scripture. He highlights the importance of recognizing the difference between worldly hopes and the certain hope found in God's love and mercy. Ultimately, he concludes that hope is essential for enduring life's challenges and is a source of joy in the promise of eternal life.
Certainty of Certainties
By Horatius Bonar01JN 5:19Horatius Bonar emphasizes the certainty of faith in his sermon 'Certainty of Certainties,' arguing that early Christians possessed a profound assurance of their relationship with God, rooted in the truth of Christ's coming and the promises of the Gospel. He contrasts this with the uncertainty many modern believers experience, highlighting that true knowledge of God leads to confidence, joy, and holiness. Bonar asserts that this certainty is not based on personal feelings or experiences but on the objective truth of the Gospel, which assures believers of their eternal life and identity as children of God. He encourages Christians to embrace this certainty, which should inspire humility, vigor, and a commitment to holy living. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a return to the apostolic confidence that characterized the early Church.
Whining and Whimpering?
By Thomas Brooks0SNG 2:16ROM 8:38Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound assurance of belonging to Christ, declaring that believers can confidently affirm their relationship with Him as their Head, Husband, and Savior. This assurance fosters patience, courage, and joy, enabling Christians to endure life's challenges with a heart full of hope and gratitude. Brooks encourages believers to remember the immense love and eternal promises of God, which far outweigh their earthly troubles, urging them to focus on rejoicing rather than whining. He reminds Christians that their mercies surpass their miseries, and a moment in Christ's presence will outweigh all earthly suffering.
The Lord, a Wall of Fire
By Octavius Winslow0PSA 34:7PSA 91:1ISA 43:2ZEC 2:5JHN 10:28ROM 8:31COL 3:32TH 1:7HEB 12:291JN 4:4Octavius Winslow emphasizes the comforting truth that God is a protective wall of fire around His people, safeguarding them from spiritual dangers and enemies. He draws parallels to biblical instances where God provided divine protection, assuring believers that they are secure in Christ, who is their ultimate defense. Winslow encourages the faithful to remain vigilant and prayerful, recognizing that while God protects, they must also actively engage in their spiritual walk. He warns the unconverted that without Christ, they face the consuming fire of God's judgment. Ultimately, the sermon reassures believers of their safety in God's presence and the necessity of remaining close to Him.
Election
By Andrew Murray0JHN 15:16EPH 1:4Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound truth of divine election in his sermon 'Election,' explaining that our choice to follow Christ is a response to His prior choice of us. He illustrates this with the metaphor of the vine and branches, asserting that just as branches do not choose the vine, we do not choose Christ without His initiating grace. Murray highlights that our election is not merely a theological concept but a source of assurance and purpose, enabling us to bear fruit and pray effectively. He encourages believers to embrace their identity as chosen branches, relying on Christ for strength and fulfillment of their divine purpose. Ultimately, he calls for a deep understanding of what it means to be chosen by God, leading to humility and dependence on Him.
The Believer's Hope
By Major Ian Thomas1157:212CH 20:12ISA 41:10JHN 14:13ROM 8:312CO 12:9EPH 5:20PHP 4:61TH 5:162TI 1:12HEB 11:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the believer's hope in Christ, illustrating how true assurance comes from recognizing our inadequacy and relying on God's sufficiency. He recounts the story of Jehoshaphat, who learned to turn to God in times of crisis, demonstrating that faith involves not just belief but active appropriation of God's promises. Thomas encourages believers to abandon self-reliance and embrace a life led by Christ, who empowers us to face challenges with confidence and praise. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and the transformative power of faith in action.
The Complete Work of Faith
By David Wilkerson0EPH 2:8COL 1:14David Wilkerson emphasizes that the devil's lies about our worthlessness and failure are falsehoods meant to undermine our relationship with God. He reassures believers that through Jesus' sacrifice, we are made worthy and qualified for eternal inheritance, not by our works but by faith. Wilkerson encourages the congregation to reject the enemy's accusations and to trust in the righteousness of Christ, which is obtained through belief and faith. He reminds us that we are saved, sanctified, justified, and healed by faith in what Jesus has accomplished. Ultimately, we can stand confidently before God, assured of His love and acceptance.
The Stability of the Covenant of Grace - Part 2
By John Gill02SA 23:5JHN 17:23John Gill emphasizes the unwavering nature of the Covenant of Grace, which serves as a believer's support amidst both outward and inward troubles. He reflects on David's acknowledgment of his circumstances while affirming his faith in God's everlasting covenant, which is rooted in divine love and secured by Christ as the Mediator. Gill explains that this covenant is ordered in all things, ensuring that all spiritual blessings and provisions are available to believers, regardless of their current state. He encourages believers to find their salvation and desires fully in this covenant, which remains steadfast despite life's challenges. Ultimately, Gill calls for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the covenant's promises and grace.
In His Letters to Timothy
By T. Austin-Sparks0T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature of the gospel as the 'gospel of the glory of the blessed God', highlighting that it reveals God's glory through Jesus Christ. He explains that this glory is not merely about the content of the gospel but about the manifestation of God's unique and tranquil nature, which is fully expressed in Christ. Sparks reassures believers, especially young Timothy, that despite life's challenges and personal struggles, Jesus is the answer and source of satisfaction for God and humanity. The sermon underscores the importance of being 'in Christ' and how this position brings peace and joy, as God sees us through the lens of His Son. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and assurance that God's happiness and satisfaction are available to all who abide in Christ.
A Sermon Occasioned by the Death of Mrs. Mary Fall.
By John Gill0PSA 119:105PRO 4:18ISA 30:21JHN 14:6ROM 1:16EPH 1:7EPH 2:18HEB 10:201PE 1:92PE 1:19John Gill preaches a sermon occasioned by the death of Mrs. Mary Fall, emphasizing the importance of following God's guidance in times of distress. He draws from Isaiah 30:21, illustrating how the Lord directs His people to walk in His ways, especially during trials. Gill reassures the congregation that God's word provides clear direction and comfort, encouraging them to trust in Christ as the only way to salvation and eternal life. He highlights the significance of spiritual nourishment through the word of God, which leads to peace and strength for believers. The sermon serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance found in Christ, even amidst sorrow and loss.
Assurance as to God's Rest and Satisfaction in Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0EPH 1:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the assurance of God's rest and satisfaction in Christ, highlighting that believers are adopted as sons through Jesus, which brings glory to God. He discusses the importance of the exaltation of Christ as the foundation of the Church's assurance and the danger of internal disintegration caused by doubt and suspicion, which the enemy uses to undermine confidence. Sparks illustrates that true assurance comes from recognizing the value of Christ's blood and the rest it provides, leading to a victorious Christian life. He calls for believers to focus on their identity in Christ, as the spiritual house is built upon Him, and to maintain a positive outlook on their fellowship with one another. Ultimately, the Church exists to glorify God, reflecting His grace and the transformative power of Christ in their lives.