Faith

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" background="054fd5a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Tyler - Longview Christadelphian Ecclesia</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tyler Longview Christadelphian Ecclesia"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who We Are">Who We Are</A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="News and Events">News and Events</A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id64.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ecclesial Statements">Ecclesial Statements</A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daily Bible Readings">Daily Bible Readings</A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   · 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</td> <td valign="top" height=390 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFCC" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <B>Faith</B></div> <bR> <div> To believe and do -</div> <div> is the only evidence a man can give that he does not cast</div> <div> Yahweh's words behind his back.</div> <div> "...for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."</div> <div> Ps 138:2</div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <div> Eureka vol. 1</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Next to the reception of the Truth,</div> <div> the most important duty is the building up in it.</div> <div> <I>The Christadelphian 1867</I></div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Let not our faith die.</div> <div> The grimy and oppressive surroundings of the present dispensation,</div> <div> though they seem so permanent,</div> <div> are as transient as the disturbed dreams of the night.</div> <div> The hour will come when they will have disappeared from our view,</div> <div> and when nothing will be visible on earth but the blessedness in Abraham and his seed -</div> <div> long promised and come at last -</div> <div> Brother Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Letting Christ dwell in our hearts by faith,</div> <div> our darkness is dispelled,</div> <div> our coldness ended,</div> <div> our waywardness corrected,</div> <div> our loves purified,</div> <div> our whole lives cleansed and redeemed</div> <div> from ultimate corrupting and abortiveness of mere natural power.</div> <div> He becomes our light and our life</div> <div> to whom we grow as the thriving plant before the sun,</div> <div> seeking more and more,</div> <div> "to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge,"</div> <div> "counting all things but dung for the excellency of knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord,"</div> <div> "in whom is filled up all the fullness of the God-head bodily."</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Character is greater and higher</div> <div> than money, intellect, or love-</div> <div> because it determines the use and direction of these three.</div> <div> It is the character of the rich man which determines whether he shall be a</div> <div> benefactor or a curse.</div> <div> It is character which determines whether the learned man shall</div> <div> use his knowledge as a destructive or a constructive force in society.</div> <div> It is character which determines whether love shall be a passion-</div> <div> working havoc in human life,</div> <div> or a grace beautifying and ennobling life.</div> <div> Character is the determining force behind</div> <div> money, talent, love;</div> <div> and so it is the greatest force in human life-</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The work of the truth will be done<I>,</I></div> <div> whatever frets or oppositions arise among men. </div> <div> The very frets and oppositions are part of its machinery. </div> <div> Its great and solid and excellent power will quietly work its work</div> <div>  among the good and honest-hearted, </div> <div> not only in spite of, but partly by means of the troubles that arise. </div> <div> “All that the Father hath given to me shall come to me.”</div> <div>  Here lies the strength of the righteous. </div> <div> Let those who wish to be of their number use it. </div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1890</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> When bitterness and wrath and anger and evil-speaking arise like a storm </div> <div> that threatens to carry every thing before it, </div> <div> let us remember these are all on the surface of things, </div> <div> and that the truth is the great rock on which we shall find rest</div> <div> -the great power that will outstand all human failures</div> <div>  and prevail in the midst of all the experiences of men. </div> <div> When men are overthrown by evil,</div> <div> it is because they are not built here.</div> <div>  It is lamentable to see how small a thing the truth seems to some </div> <div> in the hour of stress, </div> <div> when in reality it is the only everlasting and omnipotent thing in he affairs of men.</div> <div>  It is encouraging, at the same time, </div> <div> to see how successfully the real mission goes on among the right class everywhere,</div> <div> whatever steamings and turmoils arise about human things.</div> <div> It brings to mind what God has said.</div> <div> “My word shall not return unto Me void: </div> <div> it shall accomplish that whereunto I sent it.”</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts </div> <div>     1890</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> There is a time for God to place the seal of his open reprobation upon wickedness,</div> <div> so that men may have a basis of test in other times and matters.</div> <div> But there is a time when the false is allowed to flourish with the absolute impunity and even with prosperity,</div> <div> and when the true is allowed to be under a cloud,</div> <div> in order that the minds of the faithful men may be exercised and proved-</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1887</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> We know there is a tomorrow,</div> <div> and it is inevitable that we take it to some extent into account.</div> <div> But it is so uncertain whether it exists for us</div> <div> that it is wise to concentrate the chief effort on today.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> …Belief ought to be of the easy character which Jesus attributes to his yoke. </div> <div> Belief is the result of evidence, in every matter. It is an inevitable, an involuntary result.</div> <div>  You cannot help it, when sufficient evidence is before you, </div> <div> if there is nothing to “blind your eyes” to its nature and its force. </div> <div> If ever there was a case of sufficient evidence, it is the case of Christ and the Bible, </div> <div> and all that is involved in them. </div> <div> There is no ancient testimony half so self-evidently true on the face of it. </div> <div> There is no matter, ancient or modern, </div> <div> so powerfully confirmed by collateral supports of all kinds, </div> <div> as the history and prophecy of the word of God with Israel, contained in the Bible. </div> <div> But, of course, the evidence must be before the mind before this can be felt and seen. </div> <div> And here is the principal source of weakness and difficulty with most men. </div> <div> They do not familiarize their minds with the subject.</div> <div>  “The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches and the lust of other things” </div> <div> so engross their minds as to prevent them from giving that amount of attention to the facts of the case that is necessary.</div> <div>  The belief, which ought to be easy and gladdening,</div> <div>  is often difficult and sometimes impossible.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> The Christadelphian 1898</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> <I>“Beware lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.”</I></div> <div>  How are we to beware of unbelief? </div> <div> By being on our guard against that which leads to it.</div> <div>  Unbelief is the result of ignorance or partial knowledge in any matter. </div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1883</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Wisdom is constructive - and construction is slow.</div> <div>  and her work is liable to be spoiled with haste.</div> <div>  The Christadelphian </div> <div> 1894</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Love <I>always </I>conforms to the will and wishes of its object. </div> <div> See if it is not so. </div> <div> If the love of Christ is a distinct enthusiasm of the mind,</div> <div> the doing of his commandments is inevitable </div> <div> by the laws that govern the mental operations of every human being.</div> <div>  Brother Robert Roberts<I> </I></div> <div> <I>1883</I></div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> I have no anxieties.</div> <div> The Truth will accomplish its destiny,</div> <div> for this is God's decree.</div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <div> The Herald</div> <div> 1851</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The future is a brilliant inspiration to the believer;</div> <div> but dark and ominous, and terrific </div> <div> to those whose horizon is bounded by the empirical and unstable policy</div> <div> of " the powers that be."</div> <div> The destiny of our race is glorious,</div> <div> but the probation of the nations in advancing to that consummation </div> <div> calamitous and severe.</div> <div>  Brother John Thomas</div> <div> The Herald </div> <div> 1851</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <div>  </div> <div> THE </div> <div> praise of man, which is of little worth, is much valued. </div> <div> The praise of God,</div> <div>  which is of priceless moment, is little set by.</div> <div>  What is the explanation?</div> <div>  Want of faith. </div> <div> The  Christadelphian</div> <div>  1889</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> <I>“The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”</I></div> <div>  If this was suitable language for saints of the first century,</div> <div>  how is it unsuitable now? It cannot be so.</div> <div>  It can only be a saintship having a name to live but is dead,</div> <div>  that finds such language awkward. </div> <div> Of course, there is such a thing as can't: no righteous man would advocate that;</div> <div> but there is such a thing as the other extreme. </div> <div> There is such a thing as being proud before God;</div> <div> not broken and contrite in heart; not humble under His mighty hand; ashamed to acknowledge our dependence on Him. </div> <div> This is the natural man, who is pretty strong with us all to start with.</div> <div> But we have put on the new man, if we be Christ's; and the language of the new man is a different thing from that of the old. </div> <div> The language of the new man is to be learnt in the Word.</div> <div>  The Spirit of the new man is to be drunk-in there. </div> <div> Let this Word dwell richly in us, and we shall soon be at home in those pure, lofty, dignified forms of speech in which it finds expression. </div> <div> If we fail to read the Word continually, </div> <div> we shall fail in this matter of salt-seasoned speech.</div> <div>  Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> One of the great weaknesses among brethren today, generally,</div> <div> is fear of their reputation in the sight of man rather that in the sight of God. </div> <div> Consequently, they will scarcely ever admit mistake in case this should lower their "standing", quite forgetting that the only "honor" worth having </div> <div> is that which "comes from God".</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Faith is designed for use.</div> <div> Its duties are generally painful - and its services extremely arduous.</div> <div> Moses found them so. </div> <div> It required great faith to encounter pharaoh, and withstand a superstitious priesthood;</div> <div> to brave the wrath of a despot, and be unintimidated by a whole people;</div> <div> but faith is invincible:</div> <div> and "By faith, Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king:</div> <div> for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible."</div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <div> The Hypostasis and The Elenchos</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> Faith in what God has said will keep us straight; </div> <div> but the memory of what He has said, must be kept constantly bright, or faith cannot act.</div> <div>  Knowledge is the foundation, and this too must grow.</div> <div>  If we trust to the little stock we may have, we shall fall short.</div> <div>  Never trust a single day to yesterday's supply. </div> <div> The substance of our whole being is continually on the move. </div> <div> The food we take today is used up in the activities of today. </div> <bR> <div> This is true physically and mentally, carnally and spiritually; </div> <div> therefore we must keep up the supply, </div> <div> if we wish to preserve our power, and escape running to nothing.</div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1869</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is light, or knowledge, which makes accountable men responsible. </div> <div> By this light accountable and responsible men are subdivided into <I>three orders</I>: </div> <div> first, those who would not receive the light; </div> <div> second, those who receive and continue in it; </div> <div> and, third, those who having received it, turn from it.</div> <div> <I>Brother John Thomas</I> </div> <div> 1847</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The more we understand of what we profess to believe,</div> <div> the stronger is our faith therein; </div> <div> and the nearer we approach its development, the more necessary is it, that a lively interest be kindled in us, </div> <div> that our lamps be well trimmed, </div> <div> and our lights be found brightly burning.</div> <div> Brother  John Thomas</div> <div> 1866</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> The character of a man's faith, whether it be living or dead, </div> <div> may be determined by the hope he assuredly entertains.</div> <div>  Brother John Thomas</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> It is what we <I>DO</I> that reveals where our faith really is,</div> <div> and who we really believe - </div> <div> our own hearts and possessions, or God.</div> <div> Where we put our life's efforts and interests </div> <div> exposes<I> WHAT</I> our faith is really in.</div> <div> We can easily add it up for ourselves.</div> <div> Let's face it:</div> <div> time for present things; time for God's things.</div> <div> Set them beside each other -</div> <div> and draw your own conclusions.</div> <div> Brother Gilbert V. Growcott</div> <div> <I>Matt 6:21</I></div> <div> <I> For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>~</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Rev 3:3</I></div> <div> <I>.. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.  </I></div> <div> <I> </I>“On February 23, 1848, the unclean spirits of devils, like frogs, left their native mud, and gained the malarial surface of the European marsh. In Paris, the subaqueous slime of its stagnant waters foamed upwards, and disengaged the most suffocating effluvia.  Nothing less than a `great earthquake,' of surpassing mightiness, heaved up the fetid sediment, and myriads of frogs into the very secret chambers of the kings.  Society was convulsed to its foundation; and its most hideous dregs in a fearful crisis, constituted the arbiters of its fate.  For the moment, the dissolution of the social fabric seemed imminent; but its entire wreck was delayed by the present influence of Lamartine.  As the hand of Providence, he controlled the outbreak from transcending its mission, which has regard to time as well as to events. It would have reduced France to an elemental chaos and forthwith have established an armed propagandism in behalf of `Liberty, Fraternity, and Equality' But the time for the establishment of this social trinity among the nations has not yet arrived…” </div> <div> Brother John Thomas</div> <div> "The Destiny of the Nations in Light of Scripture"</div> <div> 1853</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> We read in Isaiah, </div> <div> “Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil.” </div> <div> There is more of this offence in modern times than the world dreams of.</div> <div> Defer extremely to human prejudices; show unconcern for what God has said of a thing, </div> <div> and you have a <I>fine </I>catholic spirit.</div> <div> Show scruples as to whether a matter is right in His sight, and you are bigoted! </div> <div> be zealous to maintain Bible principles, Bible ways, Bible speech, and you are hypocritical and canting. </div> <div> A face of flint is indispensable in such a situation.</div> <div> There are even those professing allegiance to Christ who cry “Goody, goody!” </div> <div> Shame!</div> <div> The Christadelphian</div> <div> 1891</div> <bR> <div> ~</div> <bR> <div> When we have done all, we have only obtained access to a <I>favor</I>. </div> <div> Men who talk of “claiming” eternal life as a right,</div> <div>  have not learnt the way of God. </div> <div> “By <I>grace</I> we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God.” </div> <div> By <I>grace </I>we rejoice in hope of the glory of God, </div> <div> to be manifested upon the earth when </div> <div> <I>“the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with him.”</I></div> <div> Brother Robert Roberts</div> <div> 1893</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>