These examples make it plain what organic unity is in any production of the mind whether of God or man. )Converted by the WordIt is well known that the Earl of Rochester was for many years an avowed infidel, and that a large portion of his time was spent in ridiculing the Bible. That creature which neither fire nor sword can overcome, is destroyed at once so soon as, the mirror being set before it, it sees itself and its hideousness. Not in the absence of variety or diversity in the parts. (3) Of prophecy and its fulfilment. Look at this diversity as bringing out the unity by contrast in a striking and impressive light. If it has not this unity, then human reason may take it to pieces, like the useless links of a broken chain, and sit in judgment on each one, and throw any one away, This experiment has long ago been tried, but the Church has held the Bible fast, and kept it one.III. A body will live after amputation. Its practical working shows that it is no cunningly devised fable, but the very truth and power of God. Yet after all it is one Word. I thought it would not be preached in vain." (3) These volumes were produced in states of society utterly dissimilar and appeared at unequal intervals stretching over 1,500 years. And the same splendour of character has been revealed in all generations of Christ's saints. (3) These volumes were produced in states of society utterly dissimilar and appeared at unequal intervals stretching over 1,500 years. No book ever written approaches it in the diversity of its contents. (2) There are more than threescore books with almost as many writers. (5) Of one living Person who harmonizes these arguments in Himself. A young child sees no use in half the things that the grownup world deems quite necessary to keep society safe and strong. The word of man, while it may charm the understanding, is powerless to change the heart. )Converted by the WordIt is well known that the Earl of Rochester was for many years an avowed infidel, and that a large portion of his time was spent in ridiculing the Bible. T. Coleridge.When I read Romans 9-11, to that fine old man, Mr. — , at Ramsgate, he shed tears. One of his biographers has described him as "a great wit, a great sinner, and a great penitent." THE EFFECTS PRODUCED BY IT WHEN THUS RECEIVED. Yet after all it is one Word. Reading Isaiah lift. To you, perhaps, but not to differently constituted persons, nor even to yourself if you sought more prayerfully.(Bp. That creature which neither fire nor sword can overcome, is destroyed at once so soon as, the mirror being set before it, it sees itself and its hideousness. The preacher must be so impressed with the solemnity of his position as to make his own glorification impossible. Could you see as the inspiring Spirit sees you would confess that either to the narrative, or moral impression, or spiritual power, directly or indirectly, to some past, present or future, this very part was an essential contribution.2. Baxendale.There is gold in the rocks which fringe the pass of Splugen, gold even in the stones which mend the roads, but there is too little of it to be worth extracting. T. Central to all this wondrous universe of Scripture signs and symbols stands the Saviour's Cross, with unbroken tables of the broken law leaning against its feet. )Receiving the Scriptures as the Word of ManArchbishop Tait.I remember in Archbishop Magee's book on the Atonement, allusion to a commentary on a very difficult text, which seemed to the person who was handling it certainly to contain the doctrine of our Lord's pre-existence and divinity, The man who found this a hard nut to crack had no other way of solving it except by saying that probably the old apostle had dictated one thing, and his amanuensis had written down another. They claim no inspiration, but if their teaching be founded upon and drawn from the Bible it is "in truth the Word of God.". Alas, how like too many books and sermons! You say that you cannot see the connection of some parts of the Bible with its principal object. WHEN MAY IT BE SAID THAT THE WORD, NOT OF MEN, BUT OF GOD, IS PREACHED —1. (c)Rejoice in its preciousness. Simeon, M. A.I. One portion will tell us about men, places, acts or ceremonies of which we do not see half the significance till we read on to a distant part of the record. 6. This effectual working, this energy which is ascribed to the Divine Word is seen in its revealing to men, both what they are by nature and may be by grace. Watkinson. For the Church's sake.3. These examples make it plain what organic unity is in any production of the mind whether of God or man. (5) Notice the diversities of style, chronicles, biographies, poems, statistics, songs, treatises, predictions, etc. It is authoritative. (5) Of one living Person who harmonizes these arguments in Himself. Having been informed who he was, she went next Sabbath to his own place of worship rehear him. (b)Feel its authority. Listening to it with attention.3. W. Humphreys, M. Hence it is called "the rod of God's strength," a "fire," a "hammer" (Psalm 110:2; Jeremiah 23:29), and the converter of the soul (Psalm 19:7). And the same splendour of character has been revealed in all generations of Christ's saints. (3)Sanctified (John 17:17).2. Hence it is what it is declared to be, the indestructible" Word of God." It is not like the unity of a Doric column, a blade of grass or a single portrait; but rather like the unity of nature in the variety of her manifestations and operations.2. What is true in doctrine and ideal will illustrate itself in nobility of character and life. A. Faith is the vital force that connects the soul with this converting power.IV. On that atonement he rested, and died in humble expectation of heavenly happiness.Experimental evidence to the WordJ. Accepting it with the fullest credence.4. Could you see as the inspiring Spirit sees you would confess that either to the narrative, or moral impression, or spiritual power, directly or indirectly, to some past, present or future, this very part was an essential contribution.2. Those who rest in the great doctrines of Christ share the peace and joy of Christ. So is theological discussion, as she gets older. Even this man was converted by the Holy Spirit in the use of His Word. Jesus is its inward life — making it the Book of Life to us — as much as the blood in the veins is the life of the body. Some sceptic said of Sister Dora, "She's a noble woman, but she'd have been that without her Christianity." A. It is a name to be specially valued because it carries with it the doctrine that the Bible is one whole, has one Author, subject and object, and as the text states, works with like power in all who receive it.I. If the promises and comforts of the gospel are preached, faith is to them as induction to a minister; and gives him actual possession of them, making them his own. who was the Truth was the Beauty. "We" — Paul, Silas, and Timothy — "we hold a fraternal meeting of joy when God blesses us among our beloved people.". (John 14:27). IN CHARACTER THE TEST OF TRUTH IS BEAUTY. Its practical working shows that it is no cunningly devised fable, but the very truth and power of God. But we cannot accept that. THE GROUND WHICH MINISTERS HAVE FOR THANKFULNESS WHOSE LABOURS ARE SO BLEST.1. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Sermons: For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as a human word, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe. A. He. ; but you cannot take away a bone or vein, etc., without effecting the unity of the body. Its practical working shows that it is no cunningly devised fable, but the very truth and power of God. Now, the logic of life once more accredits the faith of Christ — it makes its disciples truly happy. (2) There are more than threescore books with almost as many writers. I. Hence it is what it is declared to be, the indestructible" Word of God." (5) Notice the diversities of style, chronicles, biographies, poems, statistics, songs, treatises, predictions, etc. Cumming, D. D.In order to appreciate this come with me to some sequestered glen amid the hills of Scotland, to the patriarchal occupant of a lonely cabin, where you may behold the grey-headed man, amid intermingling smiles and tears, bending morning, noon and night, over one book, "the big ha' Bible." The bearing of the text on the doctrine of the inspiration of the spoken Word of the apostles is very evident. Each author has a stamp of his own, clearly defined from the rest.2. This is just what might have been expected in a message sent by God to a short-lived and ignorant child, but meant also to be for all time, lands and conditions. But cut the tree down, saw and split it, and then lay the pieces together, no matter how regularly — the unity is lost. The doctor was struck to the heart. Their speech could not convey to the heart of man the hidden thought of the gospel, "But the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.". Men are employed as instruments for making it known, but it is not a "cunningly devised fable" of theirs. )Converted by the WordIt is well known that the Earl of Rochester was for many years an avowed infidel, and that a large portion of his time was spent in ridiculing the Bible. Paul refers to the danger of listening to the gospel as if it were the word of men. — it works faith; obedience? He wrote it around 52 A.D. He’d come to Thessalonica from Philippi, where he and Silas had been put in jail. If a man's faith gives him joy of the very highest kind — a joy altogether pure and unselfish, a joy that is intelligent, a joy that promotes the growth of the moral nature, a joy that persists through change and sorrow — I say that in such gladness he finds one of the strongest proofs of the divinity of his creed. Truly the want of this hearing is one main cause why the Word of God doth so little good. This needs illustration. THE MANNER IN WHICH IT OUGHT TO BE RECEIVED.1. The Word is a salve of sovereign virtue. Hence it is what it is declared to be, the indestructible" Word of God." Mere human teaching has always wanted this: but the Word like its Author "speaks with authority, not as the Scribes."II. Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me The sermon was preached with great effect, and he came down from the pulpit full of hope. The manner in which it operated in —(1)Their conversion. THE THANKFULNESS. Some talk of the weapon salve that it heals at a distance: but the Word will not; it must be applied to the sore, or it will never cure. A body will live after amputation. )God's Word and man's; their relative effectW. )God's Word and man's; their relative valueW. Such an all transforming energy pertains to God's Word in the experience of all who believe.(J. It was of a social character. A young child sees no use in half the things that the grownup world deems quite necessary to keep society safe and strong. A young child sees no use in half the things that the grownup world deems quite necessary to keep society safe and strong. You say that some parts are unedifying. Take away one or twenty of these separate grains, you make the heap smaller, that is all. (2) When it is evidently scriptural, and therefore true, important, and of particular concern to those to whom it is declared. Its transforming power is continually demonstrated. Every part has vital connection with every other and with that design. A young child sees no use in half the things that the grownup world deems quite necessary to keep society safe and strong. Yet after all it is one Word. IN CIRCUMSTANCES THE TEST OF TRUTH IS UTILITY. who was the Truth was the Beauty. Not that the word even of man may not be attended to and heard with much respect, belief, and obedience; but if what is really the Word of God be not attended to, believed, and obeyed, it is evident it is received only as the word of man.2. Not all receive it as did the Thessalonians, for —. It only makes sense to build your life around those things that will last forever. You never read the 'Evidences' of Paley, the 'Analogy' of Butler, the 'Credibility' of Lardner, the eloquent 'Demonstrations' of Chalmers; how came you to believe it?" This is just what might have been expected in a message sent by God to a short-lived and ignorant child, but meant also to be for all time, lands and conditions. What is true in doctrine and ideal will illustrate itself in nobility of character and life. Amongst its happy effects, are repentance, viz., illumination, conviction, humiliation, hatred of sin, and change of life (Acts 2:37; 1 Corinthians 14:24, 25; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Are we bringing forth its fruits?(E. Now, I am bold to affirm that the faith of Christ will bear this test. If a man's faith gives him joy of the very highest kind — a joy altogether pure and unselfish, a joy that is intelligent, a joy that promotes the growth of the moral nature, a joy that persists through change and sorrow — I say that in such gladness he finds one of the strongest proofs of the divinity of his creed. The bearing of the text on the doctrine of the inspiration of the spoken Word of the apostles is very evident. As the working of physic kindly and well commendeth both the physician and body of the patient, so the powerful operation of the Word doth highly applaud both the skill of the Saviour and the state of the soul. "Word of God" is one of the most common, ancient, and accurate titles of the Bible. Huntington. The bearing of the text on the doctrine of the inspiration of the spoken Word of the apostles is very evident. Jesus is its inward life — making it the Book of Life to us — as much as the blood in the veins is the life of the body. This is just what might have been expected in a message sent by God to a short-lived and ignorant child, but meant also to be for all time, lands and conditions. Coleridge. who was the Truth was the Beauty. Coleridge. Any Jew of sensibility must be deeply impressed by them.(S. Then to the woman "What part of the sermon struck you most, the beginning or the ending?" It reveals to us His will in the salvation of ruined man.3. The Mind that created it made every smallest part with reference to every other part. For the people's sake.2. Click here for more information. Yet after all it is one Word. He. Not until a man accepts Christ as his Redeemer and Righteousness is the gospel received. 2. Central to all this wondrous universe of Scripture signs and symbols stands the Saviour's Cross, with unbroken tables of the broken law leaning against its feet. On that atonement he rested, and died in humble expectation of heavenly happiness.Experimental evidence to the WordJ. — it works faith; obedience? But we cannot accept that. — it works faith; obedience? A SUBSCRIBER SAYS: “The sermons are great but the exegesis is incredible, and saves me so much time. Alas, how like too many books and sermons! It is, as it were, the mirror which, as legend has it, can alone stay the basilisk. If the threatenings and curses of the Law are preached, faith is to them as the powder is to the bullet, causing them to make great havoc upon the lusts of a man. This is just what might have been expected in a message sent by God to a short-lived and ignorant child, but meant also to be for all time, lands and conditions. There is nothing to add, nothing to subtract. W. Humphreys, M. A.I. Look at this diversity as bringing out the unity by contrast in a striking and impressive light. I am convinced of it as I am that I am here a living man."(J. Hearing is not receiving it, nor an intelligent comprehension of its nature and relationships. Not so the Scriptures; they are much fine gold; their very dust is precious.(W. (4) The history covers between three and four thousand years, is in three distinct languages, all dead. Here we have unity again, though not of life. (Archbishop Tait. In proportion to our faith will be our profit from the Word.III. IN WHAT DOES THE UNITY OF THE BIBLE CONSIST.1. This is the only way in which it can be received. They received it in faith, "Also in you that believe." It will have an effect, but what each must choose.1. Here we have unity again, though not of life. It is, as it were, the mirror which, as legend has it, can alone stay the basilisk. Faith in the threatenings causeth humiliation; faith in the precepts causeth subjection; and faith in the promises worketh consolation. This is just what might have been expected in a message sent by God to a short-lived and ignorant child, but meant also to be for all time, lands and conditions. This needs illustration. (5) Notice the diversities of style, chronicles, biographies, poems, statistics, songs, treatises, predictions, etc. Look at this diversity as bringing out the unity by contrast in a striking and impressive light. THE BIBLE HAS THIS UNITY. Man yearns for certainty, and is unhappy till he find it. Yet after all it is one Word. )The power of the WordS. The explanation of this effectual working — because they believed (Hebrews 4:2). (2) All the parts are not of equal importance.II. A belief is not shown to be true because it works to the profit of one man or a few men, or because it works to the profit of many men during a limited period; but a belief is shown to be true if it works to the profit of vast masses of men, in all kinds of conditions, through one generation after another. A. Shall not the creature attend when the Creator, Preserver, and Redeemer speaks, and we know that He speaks to us? As to the being, personality and providence of God the Father; as to the history, character and offices of God the Son; as to the nature, gifts and works of God the Holy Ghost; as to man's origin, sin, recovery and destiny; as to his regeneration, redemption and retribution; as to the constitution and glory of the Church; as to holiness of life and the communion of saints, this book teaches by all its voices, substantially the same thing everywhere. Whatever the Divine Word prescribes, that it works in us. Not so the Scriptures; they are much fine gold; their very dust is precious.(W. THE EFFICACY OF THE WORD WHEN RIGHTLY RECEIVED. Beauty is the splendour of truth. There are passages and even books so apparently detached from the main drift that you cannot trace the links which join them with the rest. L. 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