A Time to Be Bold! Mark 8:34-38

Text: “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto Salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Romans 1:16.

Good morning, obvious Christian!  Your Christian faith is clearly manifest for all to see – both, in your belief in God, and in your sincerity to openly practice what you profess to believe. 

You are not ashamed of your Saviour/Lord nor His words of Gospel truth, and for your boldness we praise God.  Christ NEEDS bold women and men to serve Him in this day of increasing apostasy; when many are turning from the truth of God’s Word to please themselves and the unregenerate multitudes.  Preach on, beloved, preach on! 

“Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

Bold to Call: (V.34) When was the last time you and I boldly called together a meeting in order to tell people about Christ?  Oh, I know it is not considered to be the trendy thing to do these days, and a John Baptist type would be frightfully frowned upon were he/she to suddenly appear to stir up local sleepy, often self-righteous, congregations. 

But we Christians are not called of the Lord to please the world or to adhere to its popular trends.  We are called to preach the Word instantly, and to reprove all that is ungodly via our knowledge of the doctrines of Christ and, of course, by our daily Christian living. 

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Today’s message reveals Christ in His boldness to call His people to come and be saved.  (John 15:16) (Romans 10:8-15)

Bold to Deny Self: (Vs.34-35) Being bold to call folk together, contrary to popular trends, is in itself a self-denial.  Self-image can suffer a blow when once the Christian waxes bold in witness for the Lord.  The world, the flesh; and the Devil’s legions are all immediately up in arms against the outward-going Christian witness.  (Acts 7:51-60) (2 Timothy 3:12)

Oh yes, beloved Christian, being bold for Jesus costs much; many have suffered great physical sufferings, some even death, for being bold in the service of Jesus Christ.         (2 Corinthians 11:16-33)

Today’s Bible reading exhorts us to be bold in denying self.  To be ‘obvious Christians’.

Bold to Feed the Soul: (Vs.36-38) Faith in Christ ALONE saves the sinners’ souls.  (Ephesians 2:8-9) Faith ALONE feeds one’s soul with the Spiritual food necessary for fervent Christian survival and sincere, fearless, service as ‘obvious Christians’.

J.C. Ryle Comments:

“We learn, for one thing, from these verses, the absolute necessity of self-denial, if we would be Christ’s disciples, and be saved. What saith our Lord? “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

“Salvation is undoubtedly all of grace. It is offered freely in the Gospel to the chief of sinners, without money and without price. “By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”          (Ephesians 2:8- 9)

“But all who accept this great salvation, must prove the reality of their faith by carrying the cross after Christ. They must not think to enter heaven without trouble, pain, suffering, and conflict on earth. They must be content to take up the cross of doctrine, and the cross of practice, —the cross of holding a faith which the world despises, and the cross of living a life which the world ridicules as too strict and righteous overmuch. They must be willing to crucify the flesh, to mortify the deeds of the body, to fight daily with the devil, to come out from the world, and to lose their lives, if needful, for Christ’s sake and the Gospel’s. —These are hard sayings, but they admit of no evasion. The words of our Lord are plain and unmistakeable. If we will not carry the cross, we shall never wear the crown.” (J.C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels 1816-1900)

As Bible-believing Christians are well aware, this necessary faith is found in one place only - amidst the pages of the Word of God.  (Psalm 119:11;105)

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

“…I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”  (Job 23:10-12)

God’s Word brings necessary faith, guidance, encouragement; and clear direction to the sinner’s hungry soul.  Therefore, be bold to feed God’s faithful flock. (1 Peter 1:1-5)

In conclusion therefore, let us determine never to be ashamed of the Christ who saved us, nor of speaking His life-giving Word to those perishing all around in their sins.  Bold soul-feeders are what pleases the Lord.  The Christian, unashamed, today - shall be the Christian unashamed in the day of the Lord’s soon return.   “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”  Amen.

Thought:  How many words have YOU spoken for Christ today?  Be bold, brother!

Peter: The Pebble - Jesus: The Rock Mark 8:27-33

Text: “And Philip said, If thou believest (believes, and continues to believe/trust) with all thine heart, thou mayest (be baptised).  And he (the Ethiopian eunuch) answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Acts 8:37.

“...Upon this Rock I will build My Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.”

Matthew 16:18.

Good morning, Christian pebble!  If the visible Church of Christ Jesus be that great ‘Spiritual House’ spoken of by the apostle Peter - then by God’s great grace you and I have the privilege of being built together as lively pebbles by the Master Builder, according to His own Eternal blueprint.  What a privilege!  What an honour!  What a Saviour! 

“And she (Mary) shall bring forth a son, and thou (Joseph) shalt call His Name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1:21)

How often we hear sincere people in the religious field getting their Spiritual priorities wrong.  They promote Peter to be a ‘rock’ who proclaimed himself to be a mere pebble; “...a lively stone...”; in God’s Spiritual House, the Church. (1 Peter 2:5)

Thus, they encourage us to build our faith on a fallacy; our hopes for Eternity upon Peter, a mere sinner like ourselves.  What a tragedy!  What twisting of a fully recorded apostolic testimony!  (1 Peter 1:18-21) (1 Peter 2:1-9)

The fundamental doctrine of Christ’s Deity is the great Rock upon which the Christian Church must stand.  “All other ground is sinking sand” indeed, as the hymn-writer boldly declares.  (Matthew 7:24-29)

Sinners stand before a Holy God Almighty clothed in Christ’s righteousness - or they do not stand at all.  They perish before God’s wrath like the chaff consigned to the burning fire.  Of ourselves, there is NONE righteous, no not one.  (Matthew 7:15-23) (Romans 3:10)

The word ‘deity’ is dictionary defined as having a Divine nature; Godhood.  Thus, to deify is to exalt a person to the position of God; to regard as God; and this is what Peter had done in our Bible passage for today. (V.29)

By proclaiming the fact that Jesus is indeed “the Christ”; the Messiah; the Anointed of God; God incarnate (i.e., God in bodily form) - Peter, under the guidance of God the Father, was revealing the foundation Rock upon which the Church’s faith is built.  There is no other foundation.  (Matthew 16:15-18)

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:11)

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, is therefore revealed to be the Eternal Son of God and God the Eternal Son - the Word made flesh, as our Scriptures confirm.  (John 1:1-5;10-17)

J.C. Ryle Comments:

“Let us observe the good confession of faith which the apostle Peter witnessed. He replied to our Lord’s question, “Whom say ye that I am?” “Thou art the Christ.”

“This was a noble answer, when the circumstances under which it was made are duly considered. It was made when Jesus was poor in condition, without honour, majesty, wealth, or power. It was made when the heads of the Jewish nation, both in church and state, refused to receive Jesus as the Messiah. Yet even then Simon Peter says, “Thou art the Christ.” His strong faith was not stumbled by our Lord’s poverty and low estate. His confidence was not shaken by the opposition of Scribes and Pharisees, and the contempt of rulers and priests. None of these things moved Simon Peter. He believed that He whom he followed, Jesus of Nazareth, was the promised Saviour, the true Prophet greater than Moses, the long-predicted Messiah. He declared it boldly and unhesitatingly, as the creed of himself and his few companions: “Thou art the Christ.”

“There is much that we may profitably learn from Peter’s conduct on this occasion. Erring and unstable as he sometimes was, —the faith he exhibited in the passage now before us is well worthy of imitation. Such bold confessions as his, are the truest evidence of living faith, and are required in every age, if men will prove themselves to be Christ’s disciples. We too must be ready to confess Christ, even as Peter did. We shall never find our Master and His doctrine popular. We must be prepared to confess Him, with few on our side, and many against us. But let us take courage and walk in Peter’s steps, and we shall not fail of receiving Peter’s reward. Jesus takes notice of those who confess Him before men, and will one day confess them as His servants before an assembled world.” (J.C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels 1816-1900)

Christ’s sinless Deity is thus the Rock of our Salvation, and Salvation can be found in no other, it is exclusively found only in and through Christ Jesus.  Praise God for His revelation to us!  Hallelujah!         (Acts 4:12)

So often in this day of tradition and apostasy we are urged to place God-given faith in beliefs which are not of God.  We are asked to build Eternal hopes upon ephemeral pebbles - pebbles like Peter, and Pastors; and fallible people just like you and me. (Ephesians 2:8-9) (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Let us therefore admire sound Christian people, and Godly Pastors; and other obedient, Peter-like pebbles.  However, let us always seek to trust and to build upon the Rock of Jesus Christ ALONE.  He alone will never let us down. Amen, so be it, Lord Jesus.         (Hebrews 13:8)

Thought:  Stalwart Christian faith is founded on Christ, the only Scriptural Rock.

 

The Bruised Reed & The Smoking Flax Mark 8:22-26

Text: “A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench; He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.”

Isaiah 42:3.

Good morning, Christian beacon!  Praise God for your constant Spiritual glow.  You have been an encouragement and a challenge to many in the church; a winner of sinner’s souls as well.  May the Lord God continue to use you so mightily in His service.  Amen. 

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he/she that winneth (wins, and continues to win) souls is wise.”  (Proverbs 11:30)

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”  (Matthew 5:16)

However, remember, in all your Spiritual victory, to spare a thought and a prayer for the many who come the way of “the bruised reed”.  Be patient to pour Spiritual ‘oil’ upon those merely smouldering in their God-given faith. Quench not the weary spirits of weaker saints. 

“Brethren, if a man/woman be overtaken in a fault, ye which are Spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering they self, lest thou also be tempted.  Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-3)

This morning’s Bible passage finds Christ giving sight to the blind - an act of Supernatural power and healing towards the plight of a mere natural man.  What Godly compassion!  What grace indeed!

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”  (Luke 4:18-19)

This Supernatural act of God the Son can be fitly compared to the Supernatural act of regeneration: God’s gift of a new nature within; a dead spirit quickened to life; what we call the new birth.  “Ye must be born again!”.  (John 3:3-8) (Ezekiel 37:1-10)

As we are well aware, it is by God’s grace and power we are SAVED; it is by that same Sovereign grace and Almighty power we are Eternally KEPT.  Christ Jesus gives Spiritual sight to the sinfully blind, then keeps, forever, those whom He has made to see. Hallelujah! Amen.  We have God’s Word on the matter. (1 Peter 1:3-5) (John 10:27-30)

Spiritual Progression: However, our selected study for this morning portrays a PROGRESSION of Christ’s Supernatural work of grace in the life of the blind sinner.  He did a miraculous thing to the man’s eyes; examined the result; then made a few miraculous adjustments to the work He had initially done in the man.  (Vs.23-25)

At first the blind man could merely see “...men as trees walking...”.  Yet, it was certainly a miracle that the once blind man could see at all!  Sight WAS given to him by the Lord God!

Similarly, when God the Holy Spirit regenerates us, in the Spiritual sense, this causes us to ‘see’.  It causes us to see: our sins; Christ’s absolute righteous standard for admission into Heaven; and the Eternal judgment which must, as a result, come upon all unrighteousness.  (John 16:8-11)

We are saved, but we must progress in Spiritual sight, and practice Christlikeness (to the very best of our limited abilities); growing “…in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.”  (2 Peter 3:18)

Until the day Christ comes for us, or Death escorts us into His Holy Presence, we are thus, saved to serve the Lord God.  There can be no turning back.  “No man/woman having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.”  (Luke 9:62)

Consider now the ‘...bruised reeds...’; those who resemble ‘...the smoking flax...’; within Christ’s church.  These believers are defined thus because they are most definitely saved, yet seem to be experiencing great difficulties in Christian growth, and what we theologians call ‘Progressive Sanctification’- basically, becoming more like Jesus, day by day. 

Too often the church at large expects perfection and maturity instantly; and if it is not promptly evidenced, the ‘bruised reeds’ are carelessly broken off; the ‘smoking flax’ is quickly quenched.  What presumptuous impatience!  What utter self-righteousness!  “Pride cometh before a fall!” Sin’s effects have bruised us all since Adam’s Fall from grace in Eden. “There is none righteous, no not one.”   (Romans 3:10) (Psalm 14:1-3)

J.C. Ryle Comments:

“Finally, let us see in the gradual cure of this blind man, a striking picture of the present position of Christ’s believing people in the world, compared with that which is to come. We see in part and know in part in the present dispensation. We are like those that travel by night. We know not the meaning of much that is passing around us. In the providential dealings of God with His children, and in the conduct of many of God’s saints, we see much that we cannot understand, —and cannot alter. In short, we are like him that saw “men as trees walking.” (J.C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels 1816-1900)

Christ’s grace ALONE has lightened our Eternal darkness; cleansed us from our total depravity and sin.  So, as we seek to glow, and stand like straight and mighty oaks in Christ’s service - let’s always spare time and show compassion, love, and encouragement to those of slower, less obvious, progress in the Christian faith.  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

Thought:  Spiritual lamps are not lit with waters of cold, self-righteous contempt - show a little love to some fellow Christian brother/sister today.

Jehovah Jireh Mark 8:1-21

Text: “...Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him.”

Matthew 6:8.

Good morning, provided for Christian!  Anxieties as to where your next meal is coming from; the clothes on your back; or how you shall meet your weekly household budget costs should not cause you to fret.  Our Heavenly Father knows our every requirement even before we ask.  What a comforting truth in the materialistic world in which we live.  Our needs shall be provided for by God’s Omnipotent hand.  Hallelujah! 

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”   (Philippians 4:19)

Old Abraham knew the reality of this great Scripture assurance from a very personal experience he had upon Mount Moriah; and a reading of his experience will do the Christian’s soul good, especially in times of material need.  (Genesis 22:1-14)

After Abraham’s traumatic experience of God’ Providence, he called the place of his experience Jehovah Jireh - which literally, in the English tongue, means – “…the Lord will see afar of and provide.”; just as our New Testament text teaches! 

“Sanctify them though Thy truth: Thy Word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Today’s Bible story reveals Christ’s Supernatural provision via an act of re-creation - He took a quantity of materials and re-created from them provisions to feed the hungry masses.  This should be no surprise to us who know Christ Jesus as both Saviour and Creator Lord God.  Praise His gracious and generous Name!  (Hebrews 1:1-2) (John 1:1-12) (Psalm 33:6) (1 Corinthians 8:6)

However, what does seem to surprise us is the depth of unbelief manifested by the disciples just a short time after seeing Christ perform a similarly miraculous feeding of thousands - they actually believed Christ was rebuking them for failing to bring bread along to eat on the sea trip! (Vs.13-21)

Yet, how very like those disciples are WE latter day believers?   “...There is no difference...”.  As we have taught so many times before: within the realm of depraved human nature there is NO DIFFERENCE. Faithlessness, unbelief, and doubt dwell within each of us.   (Romans 3:22-23)

How often throughout our Christian lives have we been openly provided for by a loving Heavenly Father?  How frequently we take the Lord’s providence for granted and fret about, often petty, daily needs.

The host of Israel were no different as they wandered in the wilderness.  (Exodus 16:11-18)

We too frequently murmur and desire more.  We are no different, therefore, than the disciples of old.  They indeed SAW the miracles of Christ with their own eyes - but we have the historical, God-breathed, Gospel records written in our Bibles, and yet we, too, are still often so very unbelieving!  (Mark 5:36b)

J.C. Ryle Comments:

“Let us never doubt Christ’s providential care for the temporal wants of all His people. He knows their cir­cumstances. He is acquainted with all their necessities. He will never allow them to lack anything that is really for their good. His heart is not changed since He ascended up on high, and sat down on the right hand of God. He still lives who had compassion on the hungry crowd in the wilderness, and supplied their need. How much more, may we suppose, will He supply the need of those who trust Him? He will supply them without fail. Their faith may occasionally be tried. They may sometimes be kept waiting, and be brought very low. But the believer shall never be left entirely destitute. “Bread shall be given him; his water shall be sure.” (Isaiah 33:16) (J.C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels 1816-1900)

Think now, beloved Christian!  Who provides the very air we breathe?  Who commanded the sun to rise this morning?  Whose gracious hand gives us rain, and sun, and crops to grow?  Thanks be to God, He has done all things well, and provided more than we shall ever need.  Who then will say an “Amen!” to that?  Yes, and hallelujah!  Away, unbelief!

J.C. Ryle Comments:

“Let us leave the passage with solemn self-inquiry. Do we know anything of likeness to Christ, and fellow-feeling with Him? Do we feel hurt, and pained, and sorrowful, when we see men continuing in sin and unbelief? Do we feel grieved and concerned about the state of the un­converted? These are heart-searching questions, and demand serious consideration. There are few surer marks of an unconverted heart, than carelessness and indiffer­ence about the souls of others.

“Finally, let us never forget that unbelief and sin are just as great a cause of grief to our Lord now, as they were eighteen hundred years ago. Let us strive and pray that we may not add to that grief by any act or deed of ours. The sin of grieving Christ is one which many commit continually without thought or reflection. He that sighed over the unbelief of the Pharisees is still unchanged. Can we doubt that when He sees some persisting in unbelief at the present day, He is grieved? From such sin may we be delivered!” (J.C. Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels 1816-1900)

He who has given us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer on a cruel Cross and die in our place, and for our every sin - will never withhold any other need from us.  What a Lord God!  What a Saviour!  Thank you, dear Father Lord, Amen. (Romans 8:32)

Thought:  To thank God for His daily providence is mankind’s greatest need.