In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of the result of living by "Convictions from Above," according to Christ's example, continues:
Was it not reasonable also that Jesus should further enforce the truth of His gospel by practicing what he preached? Did He not do this? What a contrast in this particular between Him and the hypocritical pretenders of that age and this! He not only proclaimed the importance of prayer, fasting, self-denial, and personal work, but faultlessly exemplified these and all other truths which He preached. In these and all other particulars of His wonderful life He was always in harmony with an
enlightened reason. Calm, self-possessed, and luminous with holy light, He shines forth the great central sun in the gospel system, marred by no spots of ridiculous speech or action. May His misguided followers who are prompted to do absurd things in His name study more clearly this phase of His character, and then aim to be like Him.
4. Jesus' Life was Always in Harmony with Providential Events. Providential opportunities to perform the deeds the Spirit prompted Him to do sprang up as by magic before His coming steps.
He came in contact with the occasions and persons essential to His success as naturally as a magnet draws the steel. He never was guilty of the inconsistency of feeling that it was God's will that He should do things which God's providences did not allow Him to do. Forbidding circumstances, such as appall timid souls that know not the secret of God's full grace and guidance, to Him, as to all who will follow in His steps, proved golden chariots to bear Him up the heights of victory. Infuriated fellow-townsmen, ecclesiastical intrigue, and Roman power combined were unable to stop Him in the discharge of a single duty, but each in its way were made to contribute to His glory. He walked so fully in the providential path marked out for Him that there was not a single jar between Him and the events He daily met. Thus His life proves a forceful reminder that the door of providential opportunity always swings open before him whom God leads. May we continue to look to the "Model Man" until, like Him, our lives are thus adjusted to God's providential dealings.
Jesus Always Fully Met the Conditions of Being Divinely Led. His humanity reposed in the lap of the Divine. Dead to the world, saved from self, filled with the Spirit, always putting the interests of the kingdom first, and unhesitatingly following every prompting from above, no matter how great the cost to Himself, the life of Jesus hangs in the gallery of the centuries as "Man's Perfect Model" of meeting the conditions of heavenly guidance.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Musings on science, the Bible, and fantastic literature (and sometimes basketball and other stuff).
God speaks to us through the Bible and the findings of science, and we should listen to both types of revelation.
The title is from Psalm 84:11.
The Wikipedia is usually a pretty good reference. I mostly use the World English Bible (WEB), because it is public domain. I am grateful.
License
I have written an e-book, Does the Bible Really Say That?, which is free to anyone. To download that book, in several formats, go here.
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The posts in this blog are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. You can copy and use this material, as long as you aren't making money from it. If you give me credit, thanks. If not, OK.
Showing posts with label God's guidance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's guidance. Show all posts
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 59
In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of the result of living by "Convictions from Above," according to Christ's example, continues, listing some of the reasons why we should follow that example:
He was the Light of the world; if we follow Him we "Shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
He always knew the Father's will; "All His sheep" may "Know His voice."
He was baptized with the Holy Ghost; we are to tarry until we receive "The promise of the Father."
He was persecuted; the servant is not above His Lord. To be a genuine Christian is to be persecuted.
He engaged in no filthy or injurious habit; we are to "Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit."
He never allied Himself to worldlings; we are to come out from among them and be separate.
He always put the Father's interest first; we, too, are to "Seek first the kingdom."
Jesus was "bold, energetic, decided, courageous;" no one denies that all His followers should be.
In regard to personal matters He was flexible, submissive and yielding. His followers in this respect are exhorted to be kind, tender-hearted, and in honor to prefer one another.
Though He was rich yet for our sakes He became poor. He declared of His followers that "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath he can not be my disciple." Our forsaking all is like emptying our hands of dross that God may fill them with diamonds.
He abounded in good and mighty works. It is written: "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father."
He died; so must all His followers.
He rose again; "As we have borne the image of the earthy we shall also bear the image of the heavenly."
He shall reign forever; He "hath made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign forever and ever."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
He was the Light of the world; if we follow Him we "Shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
He always knew the Father's will; "All His sheep" may "Know His voice."
He was baptized with the Holy Ghost; we are to tarry until we receive "The promise of the Father."
He was persecuted; the servant is not above His Lord. To be a genuine Christian is to be persecuted.
He engaged in no filthy or injurious habit; we are to "Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit."
He never allied Himself to worldlings; we are to come out from among them and be separate.
He always put the Father's interest first; we, too, are to "Seek first the kingdom."
Jesus was "bold, energetic, decided, courageous;" no one denies that all His followers should be.
In regard to personal matters He was flexible, submissive and yielding. His followers in this respect are exhorted to be kind, tender-hearted, and in honor to prefer one another.
Though He was rich yet for our sakes He became poor. He declared of His followers that "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath he can not be my disciple." Our forsaking all is like emptying our hands of dross that God may fill them with diamonds.
He abounded in good and mighty works. It is written: "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father."
He died; so must all His followers.
He rose again; "As we have borne the image of the earthy we shall also bear the image of the heavenly."
He shall reign forever; He "hath made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign forever and ever."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 58
In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of the result of living by "Convictions from Above," according to Christ's example, continues:
(c). It is Our Privilege and Our Duty to be Like Jesus. There are so many ways in which we can not be like Him that this may blind our eyes to the ways in which we can. We can not be like Him, nor does He expect it in many of the incidental circumstances of His life, nor in the possession of divine attributes. Nor can we with our dwarfed physical, mental and spiritual powers be like Him in the keenness of His perceptions and in His ability and promptness in applying the truth to personal experience. His mind could detect an error and leap to a right conclusion in an instant, where ours, hampered by a defective memory, imperfect knowledge, and by many other infirmities which He was free from, must pass through a long, and, perhaps, laborious process. Yet in the following particulars we can and should be like Him:
He was the blameless Son of God; we should be "sons of God's without rebuke."
He was obedient; we should keep His commandments.
He was self-denying; we should deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.
He pleased the Father; we should "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing."
He was tempted on all points like as we are, yet without sin; we, too, must be tempted, and if we resist the devil he will flee from us.
He forgave His enemies; we are to forgive if we would be forgiven.
He loved us while we were in rebellion against Him; we are to love our enemies, and like Him, to pray for them.
He was pure in heart; "He that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as He is pure."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
(c). It is Our Privilege and Our Duty to be Like Jesus. There are so many ways in which we can not be like Him that this may blind our eyes to the ways in which we can. We can not be like Him, nor does He expect it in many of the incidental circumstances of His life, nor in the possession of divine attributes. Nor can we with our dwarfed physical, mental and spiritual powers be like Him in the keenness of His perceptions and in His ability and promptness in applying the truth to personal experience. His mind could detect an error and leap to a right conclusion in an instant, where ours, hampered by a defective memory, imperfect knowledge, and by many other infirmities which He was free from, must pass through a long, and, perhaps, laborious process. Yet in the following particulars we can and should be like Him:
He was the blameless Son of God; we should be "sons of God's without rebuke."
He was obedient; we should keep His commandments.
He was self-denying; we should deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.
He pleased the Father; we should "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing."
He was tempted on all points like as we are, yet without sin; we, too, must be tempted, and if we resist the devil he will flee from us.
He forgave His enemies; we are to forgive if we would be forgiven.
He loved us while we were in rebellion against Him; we are to love our enemies, and like Him, to pray for them.
He was pure in heart; "He that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as He is pure."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Saturday, July 01, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 55
In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of the result of living by "Convictions from Above" continues:
Good Works. All who are led by the Spirit will be "always abounding in the work of the Lord." They will be burdened both for the conversion of sinners and the entire sanctification of believers, and will put forth earnest efforts to this end. Coworkers with God they love His church, and seek to build it up in every rightful way.
Convictions from Above when Followed Always Lead to Success. Other impressions followed may win the favors of friends and temporary satisfaction, but the soul divinely led will have the constant smile of God and of the angels, and "whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." God may lead against armies of opposition and through "Red seas" of difficulty, "lions' dens" of persecution and "fiery furnaces" of affliction, yet it is always on to sure and final victory. For such a Leader, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord."
May we each follow so fully our divine Guide that we may be "led safely" in "paths of righteousness" here below, and then be among the blood-bought number of whom it is written:
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Good Works. All who are led by the Spirit will be "always abounding in the work of the Lord." They will be burdened both for the conversion of sinners and the entire sanctification of believers, and will put forth earnest efforts to this end. Coworkers with God they love His church, and seek to build it up in every rightful way.
Convictions from Above when Followed Always Lead to Success. Other impressions followed may win the favors of friends and temporary satisfaction, but the soul divinely led will have the constant smile of God and of the angels, and "whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." God may lead against armies of opposition and through "Red seas" of difficulty, "lions' dens" of persecution and "fiery furnaces" of affliction, yet it is always on to sure and final victory. For such a Leader, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord."
May we each follow so fully our divine Guide that we may be "led safely" in "paths of righteousness" here below, and then be among the blood-bought number of whom it is written:
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 54
In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of the result of living by "Convictions from Above" continues:
God's Guidance Comforts in the Dying Hour. It led the psalmist to say: "Though I pass through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." The promise Jesus made never to leave or forsake is sweetly fulfilled in death's trying ordeal. When a dear one in great agony was nearing the last moments on earth, I spoke to her of the inscrutable mystery that God should allow His children thus to suffer. "Oh," said she, "it's all right. We can't see the reason, He can. We are finite, He is infinite;" and thus God upheld, and soon she was in the land where suffering can not come. Hence the Christian triumphantly sings:
"And when my task on earth is done,
When, by Thy grace, the victory's won,
E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me."
Christ Likeness. All who are divinely led will be like Jesus. Though they have many infirmities which He had not, yet in love, patience, boldness, meekness, and all the graces of a Christian life, they are like Him. The Holy Spirit seeks to bring all to be like Jesus. The Word and providences are the chisels He uses to chip us into the likeness of Jesus. Hence all who yield to Him are transformed into characters of such beauty as will make angels to marvel.
It is this that enables an eminent saint to testify: "This joyful boldness is grounded on the assurance of a conformity to the image of the Son of God, and that I am through the transfiguring power of the Spirit, like Him in purity, and that the Judge will not condemn facsimiles of Himself, 'because even as He is so are we in this world."'
Communion with God. They talk with Him and He answers them. Upham, speaking of those who are "truly sanctified," says: "It is not impossible for them to speak, if it is done with a notable degree of reverence, of holding conversation with God, of talking with God. The expression corresponds with the facts. To talk with God, to go to Him familiarly, as children to a parent, to speak to Him in the secrecy of their spirits, and to receive an inward answer, as gracious as it is decisive, is not only a privilege granted them, but a privilege practically realized."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
God's Guidance Comforts in the Dying Hour. It led the psalmist to say: "Though I pass through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." The promise Jesus made never to leave or forsake is sweetly fulfilled in death's trying ordeal. When a dear one in great agony was nearing the last moments on earth, I spoke to her of the inscrutable mystery that God should allow His children thus to suffer. "Oh," said she, "it's all right. We can't see the reason, He can. We are finite, He is infinite;" and thus God upheld, and soon she was in the land where suffering can not come. Hence the Christian triumphantly sings:
"And when my task on earth is done,
When, by Thy grace, the victory's won,
E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me."
Christ Likeness. All who are divinely led will be like Jesus. Though they have many infirmities which He had not, yet in love, patience, boldness, meekness, and all the graces of a Christian life, they are like Him. The Holy Spirit seeks to bring all to be like Jesus. The Word and providences are the chisels He uses to chip us into the likeness of Jesus. Hence all who yield to Him are transformed into characters of such beauty as will make angels to marvel.
It is this that enables an eminent saint to testify: "This joyful boldness is grounded on the assurance of a conformity to the image of the Son of God, and that I am through the transfiguring power of the Spirit, like Him in purity, and that the Judge will not condemn facsimiles of Himself, 'because even as He is so are we in this world."'
Communion with God. They talk with Him and He answers them. Upham, speaking of those who are "truly sanctified," says: "It is not impossible for them to speak, if it is done with a notable degree of reverence, of holding conversation with God, of talking with God. The expression corresponds with the facts. To talk with God, to go to Him familiarly, as children to a parent, to speak to Him in the secrecy of their spirits, and to receive an inward answer, as gracious as it is decisive, is not only a privilege granted them, but a privilege practically realized."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 53
In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of the result of living by "Convictions from Above" continues:
Duty Becomes a Pleasure. Though the feelings may at first shrink back from some of the leadings of the Holy Spirit, yet if compelled to yield, like conquered children, they will soon dry their tears and be inexpressibly glad under the right decisions of the will. Who has not wept for grief at some summons from above, and then a little later been thrilled with joy over the same guidance. For of such God says: "I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow." Men weep when God takes away their coppers, but rejoice when they see that He only did this that He might replace them with rubies.
God never impresses us to give up a Benjamin but He gives us a Joseph, the corn of His kingdom, and Benjamin back again, or something better.
There will be Seasons of Severe Temptation. Satan will not allow God's life plan for His children to be executed without doing all in his power to thwart it. To accomplish this purpose he will come in thousands of artful and seemingly innocent ways, as well as by open and direct assault. So the Christian's only safety is to "watch and pray," lest temptation be fallen into.
The Bible will be Revered and its Teachings Obeyed. The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, and a part of His work is to explain and apply its teachings. Hence He never leads to a course which it condemns, but always in harmony with its instructions. Therefore, all who are fully led by Him will shape their acts according to the teachings of the Word, and their lives, like that of Jesus, will be a fulfillment of the principles of Holy Writ. They realize that all impressions which clash with the Word are wrong and steadfastly resist them.
God Cares for the Consequences. When God's leadings are rightly followed He takes all the responsibility of the results. We march around Jericho, He levels its walls.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Duty Becomes a Pleasure. Though the feelings may at first shrink back from some of the leadings of the Holy Spirit, yet if compelled to yield, like conquered children, they will soon dry their tears and be inexpressibly glad under the right decisions of the will. Who has not wept for grief at some summons from above, and then a little later been thrilled with joy over the same guidance. For of such God says: "I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow." Men weep when God takes away their coppers, but rejoice when they see that He only did this that He might replace them with rubies.
God never impresses us to give up a Benjamin but He gives us a Joseph, the corn of His kingdom, and Benjamin back again, or something better.
There will be Seasons of Severe Temptation. Satan will not allow God's life plan for His children to be executed without doing all in his power to thwart it. To accomplish this purpose he will come in thousands of artful and seemingly innocent ways, as well as by open and direct assault. So the Christian's only safety is to "watch and pray," lest temptation be fallen into.
The Bible will be Revered and its Teachings Obeyed. The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, and a part of His work is to explain and apply its teachings. Hence He never leads to a course which it condemns, but always in harmony with its instructions. Therefore, all who are fully led by Him will shape their acts according to the teachings of the Word, and their lives, like that of Jesus, will be a fulfillment of the principles of Holy Writ. They realize that all impressions which clash with the Word are wrong and steadfastly resist them.
God Cares for the Consequences. When God's leadings are rightly followed He takes all the responsibility of the results. We march around Jericho, He levels its walls.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 52
In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of the result of living by "Convictions from Above" continues:
They Readily Adjust Themselves to God's Providential Dealings. People who are not thus led, like Saul of Tarsus before his conversion, are ever "kicking against the pricks" of opposing providences. Those who are walking in the light of the interpretations which the Spirit gives them, hear God's voice in all His providential dealings with them. Hence when fortune fades, or health fails, or friends betray, or enemies slander, or plans perish, or loved ones die; though pained, yet in perfect peace they can say:
"Yet still I whisper, 'as God will,'
And in His hottest fire hold still."
Even when God by His providences performs some painful amputation, they can say "He doeth all things well," for they know that He is leading, that the pain is needful for their discipline, and that "all things" are being made to work together for their good.
When called to suffer they have learned:
(a). To hold still in the furnace. That uneasiness hinders the process and mars the work.
(b). Not to question the Refiner too much. He understands His business.
(C). That the purgation, though painful, is worth infinitely more than it costs.
(d). To accept God's discipline without continually making suggestions to Him.
The Spirit of God will never lead people to do what the providences of God make it impossible for them to do. I have known people who were strong in their expressions that it was God's will that they should do certain things, when he was continually and emphatically saying NO to them by His providences.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
They Readily Adjust Themselves to God's Providential Dealings. People who are not thus led, like Saul of Tarsus before his conversion, are ever "kicking against the pricks" of opposing providences. Those who are walking in the light of the interpretations which the Spirit gives them, hear God's voice in all His providential dealings with them. Hence when fortune fades, or health fails, or friends betray, or enemies slander, or plans perish, or loved ones die; though pained, yet in perfect peace they can say:
"Yet still I whisper, 'as God will,'
And in His hottest fire hold still."
Even when God by His providences performs some painful amputation, they can say "He doeth all things well," for they know that He is leading, that the pain is needful for their discipline, and that "all things" are being made to work together for their good.
When called to suffer they have learned:
(a). To hold still in the furnace. That uneasiness hinders the process and mars the work.
(b). Not to question the Refiner too much. He understands His business.
(C). That the purgation, though painful, is worth infinitely more than it costs.
(d). To accept God's discipline without continually making suggestions to Him.
The Spirit of God will never lead people to do what the providences of God make it impossible for them to do. I have known people who were strong in their expressions that it was God's will that they should do certain things, when he was continually and emphatically saying NO to them by His providences.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 50
In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of the result of living by "Convictions from Above" continues:
They Please God. Like Enoch, they walk with God, and have the testimony that they please Him because they "keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." Even when they make mistakes, which through infirmity they are liable to, He does not frown upon them, because He knows they did not mean to, and judges the action by the intention. They prize His smile of approbation more than the plaudits of a universe without it, and this they have. They feel:
"Let the world despise and leave me,
They have left my Savior, too,
Human hearts and looks deceive me,
Thou art not like man, untrue;
And while Thou shalt smile upon me,
God of wisdom, love and might,
Foes may hate and friends may shun me,
Show Thy face and all is bright."
Sometimes the Father calls His children to a course which brings censure from worldings and chiding from friends, and then soothes the pain thus caused by loving caresses which He lavishes upon them when they are all alone with Him. A million fold repaid for their sacrifice, they exclaim:
"Blest Savior, what delightful fare!
How sweet Thine entertainments are!"
They are Inflexible, and Walk by Faith. In nonessentials they are as yielding as air, but in matters where God's will is clearly known they are as firm as granite. They belong to the class of whom it is said: "These are the men of whom martyrs are made. When the day of great tribulation comes, when dungeons are ready and fires are burning, then God permits His children, who are weak in the flesh, to stand aside; then the illuminated Christians, those who live in the region of high emotion rather than of quiet faith, who have been conspicuous in the world of Christian activity, and have been as a pleasant and loud song, and in many things have done nobly, will unfold to the right and to the left, and let this little company of whom the world is ignorant and whom it can not know, come up from their secret places to the great battle of the Lord. To them the prison is as acceptable as the throne; a place of degradation as a place of honor. Ask them how they feel and they will perhaps be startled, because their thoughts are thus turned from God to themselves, and they will answer by saying 'what God wills.' They have no feeling separate from the will of God. . . . Hence, chains and dungeons have no terrors; a bed of fire is as a bed of down."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
They Please God. Like Enoch, they walk with God, and have the testimony that they please Him because they "keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." Even when they make mistakes, which through infirmity they are liable to, He does not frown upon them, because He knows they did not mean to, and judges the action by the intention. They prize His smile of approbation more than the plaudits of a universe without it, and this they have. They feel:
"Let the world despise and leave me,
They have left my Savior, too,
Human hearts and looks deceive me,
Thou art not like man, untrue;
And while Thou shalt smile upon me,
God of wisdom, love and might,
Foes may hate and friends may shun me,
Show Thy face and all is bright."
Sometimes the Father calls His children to a course which brings censure from worldings and chiding from friends, and then soothes the pain thus caused by loving caresses which He lavishes upon them when they are all alone with Him. A million fold repaid for their sacrifice, they exclaim:
"Blest Savior, what delightful fare!
How sweet Thine entertainments are!"
They are Inflexible, and Walk by Faith. In nonessentials they are as yielding as air, but in matters where God's will is clearly known they are as firm as granite. They belong to the class of whom it is said: "These are the men of whom martyrs are made. When the day of great tribulation comes, when dungeons are ready and fires are burning, then God permits His children, who are weak in the flesh, to stand aside; then the illuminated Christians, those who live in the region of high emotion rather than of quiet faith, who have been conspicuous in the world of Christian activity, and have been as a pleasant and loud song, and in many things have done nobly, will unfold to the right and to the left, and let this little company of whom the world is ignorant and whom it can not know, come up from their secret places to the great battle of the Lord. To them the prison is as acceptable as the throne; a place of degradation as a place of honor. Ask them how they feel and they will perhaps be startled, because their thoughts are thus turned from God to themselves, and they will answer by saying 'what God wills.' They have no feeling separate from the will of God. . . . Hence, chains and dungeons have no terrors; a bed of fire is as a bed of down."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 48
In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of "Impressions from Above" continues:
CHAPTER IX
CONVICTIONS FROM ABOVE -- RESULTS OF BEING LED BY THEM
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do all that is written therein; for then thou shalt have thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." -- Joshua 1: 8.
Impressions which are of God ripen into convictions. They are to convictions what the blossom is to the fruit. No impression should be followed until it has thus ripened. When it has it must be obeyed, and God will always bless such obedience with blessed and abundant fruitage.
The results are so sweet and soul-satisfying that simply a review of them is an inspiration.
The following are among the many fruits which abound in all who are thus led.
Calmness. A holy calm possesses the soul which is conscious that God is leading. It may be led contrary to natural inclinations, and like Paul, against the protests of countrymen and bosom friends, yet amid all oppositions, it may be as peaceful as Galilee beneath the Master's silencing command.
Confidence. Righteousness always inspires confidence. The promise that "The Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken," finds in them fruitful fulfillment. Trusting not in self or human help, but in the "living God" alone, they are as "bold as a lion." They can speak to frowning Sanhedrins, or, like Luther, to an angry Diet, if God gives the message, and fearlessly leave the results with Him. They sow the seed that He commands, and expect Him to send the sunshine, the shower and the harvest.
They are Free from Fret. God never leads people to fret and worry. Hence, those who keep all their ways committed to Him, never do. "Anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and thanksgiving," they let their requests be known to God, and thus possess the peace that passeth understanding. If the seed they have sown does not come up the next morning, they do not dig it up to see what is the matter, but having done their best believe that God will do the rest. Instead of fretting and groaning under corroding care, they "cast all their burdens upon the Lord," He sustains them, and they sing:
"This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long."
Blessed salvation that saves from sin, and also from friction and from fret!
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
CHAPTER IX
CONVICTIONS FROM ABOVE -- RESULTS OF BEING LED BY THEM
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do all that is written therein; for then thou shalt have thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." -- Joshua 1: 8.
Impressions which are of God ripen into convictions. They are to convictions what the blossom is to the fruit. No impression should be followed until it has thus ripened. When it has it must be obeyed, and God will always bless such obedience with blessed and abundant fruitage.
The results are so sweet and soul-satisfying that simply a review of them is an inspiration.
The following are among the many fruits which abound in all who are thus led.
Calmness. A holy calm possesses the soul which is conscious that God is leading. It may be led contrary to natural inclinations, and like Paul, against the protests of countrymen and bosom friends, yet amid all oppositions, it may be as peaceful as Galilee beneath the Master's silencing command.
Confidence. Righteousness always inspires confidence. The promise that "The Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken," finds in them fruitful fulfillment. Trusting not in self or human help, but in the "living God" alone, they are as "bold as a lion." They can speak to frowning Sanhedrins, or, like Luther, to an angry Diet, if God gives the message, and fearlessly leave the results with Him. They sow the seed that He commands, and expect Him to send the sunshine, the shower and the harvest.
They are Free from Fret. God never leads people to fret and worry. Hence, those who keep all their ways committed to Him, never do. "Anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and thanksgiving," they let their requests be known to God, and thus possess the peace that passeth understanding. If the seed they have sown does not come up the next morning, they do not dig it up to see what is the matter, but having done their best believe that God will do the rest. Instead of fretting and groaning under corroding care, they "cast all their burdens upon the Lord," He sustains them, and they sing:
"This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long."
Blessed salvation that saves from sin, and also from friction and from fret!
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 45
In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of "Impressions from Above" continues, going from considering if, and who, to marry, to this topic:
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Every believer soon after conversion feels a heart longing for the blessed baptism of the Holy Spirit, which will fully cleanse from all inbred sin, and thus give complete victory over fear, impatience, unbelief, pride, and all the uprisings which are felt from time to time in the heart which has not accepted the Holy Spirit as its complete sanctifier. This longing may find but incomplete expression, yet a deep heart hunger it is there, and craves satisfaction.
A strong impression soon conies to such a soul that complete victory is provided through the atonement, that God requires entire holiness, and that it should be sought and received as definitely as conversion. Flying to the fourfold tests for light it is found first.
S. That the feeling is Scriptural. God commands: "Be ye holy." The Word also declares: "Be ye filled with the Spirit." "This is the will of God, even your sanctification." "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness but unto holiness."
It also promises cleansing from "All filthiness of the flesh and Spirit," and that "We being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life."
Jesus also promised that He would send the Holy Spirit, and commanded His disciples to tarry until they received Him. The Apostles and members of the early church received this induement and the Word declares that it is for all believers.
Prophets, Apostles and Jesus possessed this experience, and under its influence their lives glowed with holy fire.
Scripture command, precept, promise, experience and prophecy, all combine to show that every believer may claim by faith this precious legacy, and be as conscious that the Holy Spirit fully sanctifies as he is that Jesus fully forgives. Glory be to God for such assurance!
R. In regard to the rightfulness of such an experience there can be no doubt. If it is right to obey God, to be pure, and live a holy life, then this is right.
P. Next, is it attainable? If the conditions of receiving it are such that they can not be met, then all are providentially debarred from this privilege. On the other hand, however, they are simple, plain and practicable. A complete consecration which yields every power and possession entirely to God forever, and then a present faith in the promises which offer the gift of the Holy Ghost, are the sole conditions upon which this priceless boon is granted. These conditions all can meet who will, so that
this voice unites with the two preceding in proclaiming, that the impulse to be filled with the Spirit, is of God.
R. That such an experience is "a reasonable service," is seen from the following facts: God commands it and promises it.
The wisest and most successful saints have claimed it and proclaimed it.
It satisfies the longings of the soul.
It delivers from besetments, and gives new power to work for God and resist the devil.
It convinces the world as nothing else will of the divinity of our religion.
God has given it to all who have met the conditions, and "He is no respecter of persons."
It is the only thing that will enable one to be perfectly holy.
Without it, it is impossible to be free from carnality.
With it growth in grace is greatly facilitated.
Without, our joy can not be full.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Every believer soon after conversion feels a heart longing for the blessed baptism of the Holy Spirit, which will fully cleanse from all inbred sin, and thus give complete victory over fear, impatience, unbelief, pride, and all the uprisings which are felt from time to time in the heart which has not accepted the Holy Spirit as its complete sanctifier. This longing may find but incomplete expression, yet a deep heart hunger it is there, and craves satisfaction.
A strong impression soon conies to such a soul that complete victory is provided through the atonement, that God requires entire holiness, and that it should be sought and received as definitely as conversion. Flying to the fourfold tests for light it is found first.
S. That the feeling is Scriptural. God commands: "Be ye holy." The Word also declares: "Be ye filled with the Spirit." "This is the will of God, even your sanctification." "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness but unto holiness."
It also promises cleansing from "All filthiness of the flesh and Spirit," and that "We being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life."
Jesus also promised that He would send the Holy Spirit, and commanded His disciples to tarry until they received Him. The Apostles and members of the early church received this induement and the Word declares that it is for all believers.
Prophets, Apostles and Jesus possessed this experience, and under its influence their lives glowed with holy fire.
Scripture command, precept, promise, experience and prophecy, all combine to show that every believer may claim by faith this precious legacy, and be as conscious that the Holy Spirit fully sanctifies as he is that Jesus fully forgives. Glory be to God for such assurance!
R. In regard to the rightfulness of such an experience there can be no doubt. If it is right to obey God, to be pure, and live a holy life, then this is right.
P. Next, is it attainable? If the conditions of receiving it are such that they can not be met, then all are providentially debarred from this privilege. On the other hand, however, they are simple, plain and practicable. A complete consecration which yields every power and possession entirely to God forever, and then a present faith in the promises which offer the gift of the Holy Ghost, are the sole conditions upon which this priceless boon is granted. These conditions all can meet who will, so that
this voice unites with the two preceding in proclaiming, that the impulse to be filled with the Spirit, is of God.
R. That such an experience is "a reasonable service," is seen from the following facts: God commands it and promises it.
The wisest and most successful saints have claimed it and proclaimed it.
It satisfies the longings of the soul.
It delivers from besetments, and gives new power to work for God and resist the devil.
It convinces the world as nothing else will of the divinity of our religion.
God has given it to all who have met the conditions, and "He is no respecter of persons."
It is the only thing that will enable one to be perfectly holy.
Without it, it is impossible to be free from carnality.
With it growth in grace is greatly facilitated.
Without, our joy can not be full.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 44
In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of "Impressions from Above" continues, continuing on the subject of marriage, from the previous post:
R. The sanction of Scripture being secured, then comes the test: Is it right? Will it wrong anyone?
Is there any physical or other disability?
At this point the Christian will remember that it is written: "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus," and also further that, "Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
If he finds that he is actuated by some minor motive, like the gratification of self, or bettering his position in society, or gaining wealth, or merely getting a housekeeper, and that God's glory is not his chief aim in the matter, he should wait until he knows that it is.
P. Next, does the way open? Providential barriers at this point have often settled this as well as other questions. If uncontrollable circumstances make the union an impossibility that proves the divine seal is not upon it, or that it must be deferred.
R. Finally, is it reasonable? Tastes may be so different, education so diverse, ambitions so opposed, and temperaments so unfitting, that this alone would show that they are not divinely mated.
But where these tests are all met, and there exists on the part of both persons a conviction that God unites them, and this conviction deepens as the days fly, there can be no doubt as to its divinity.
The careful application of these principles would prevent many hasty, unwise and unscriptural marriages, and hence dry up the fountain which feeds so many divorces.
It would lead to such unions as God delights to own, and families whose days would be as the "days of heaven upon earth."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
R. The sanction of Scripture being secured, then comes the test: Is it right? Will it wrong anyone?
Is there any physical or other disability?
At this point the Christian will remember that it is written: "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus," and also further that, "Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
If he finds that he is actuated by some minor motive, like the gratification of self, or bettering his position in society, or gaining wealth, or merely getting a housekeeper, and that God's glory is not his chief aim in the matter, he should wait until he knows that it is.
P. Next, does the way open? Providential barriers at this point have often settled this as well as other questions. If uncontrollable circumstances make the union an impossibility that proves the divine seal is not upon it, or that it must be deferred.
R. Finally, is it reasonable? Tastes may be so different, education so diverse, ambitions so opposed, and temperaments so unfitting, that this alone would show that they are not divinely mated.
But where these tests are all met, and there exists on the part of both persons a conviction that God unites them, and this conviction deepens as the days fly, there can be no doubt as to its divinity.
The careful application of these principles would prevent many hasty, unwise and unscriptural marriages, and hence dry up the fountain which feeds so many divorces.
It would lead to such unions as God delights to own, and families whose days would be as the "days of heaven upon earth."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, April 09, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 43
In
a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of
"impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with
good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable.
His discussion of "Impressions from Above" continues:
Marriage. Usefulness and happiness for life may depend upon the rightful settlement of this question. How can people be sure their union is of God? Shall fancy, feeling or infatuation decide the matter, or shall it be submitted to reason, right and God? Let us apply the tests. Two persons are drawn towards each other, and feel that perhaps they should be one.
5. First of all they ask: "Would our union be Scriptural?" They find on general principles that marriage is commended in the Word. God instituted it. He declares that "It is not good for man to be alone," and that "Marriage is honorable to all."
They apply the principles of Scripture to their own peculiar cases. If one proves to be an unconverted person, then the explicit Scripture command: "Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers," makes further testing needless. Many rush blindly over this mandate to regret it when it is too late.
It may be that both are believers, but that one of them is divorced from a former companion for other than the one cause for which Scripture allows divorce, and that, therefore, it would be an adulterous union.
A member of a church, of which I was pastor, once called for me to perform his marriage ceremony. He was a noble Christian man.
I asked him a few questions, and soon learned that his proposed wife had a husband living, and while divorced by the law of the land, he was not sure that the sin on the part of her husband set her free by the law of Christ. I read to him Matt. 5:32 and parallel passages, and explained to him that on account of these Bible truths I was not free to perform the ceremony. "Then," said he, "I am not free to have it performed." He continued, "She is the only woman I ever loved, but I should have thought of this before. I dread to break the news to her, but I must be true to Christ."
He was all broken down, but remained loyal to his Convictions.
It may also be found that one of the persons is breaking sacred betrothal vows. Then the Scriptural rule of "doing as one would be done by" and honesty in paying sacred vows, prohibits the fondling for a moment of a new affection.
When the hearts of a man and woman have been united, and they have acknowledged it to each other, and promised to be one for life, they should hold their union as sacred as if the public ceremony had already been said. They are united in God's sight, and before Him have no more right to allow alienation than if the public seal had been already set. He who tramples upon betrothal vows plays with chain lightning, and will suffer for it.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Marriage. Usefulness and happiness for life may depend upon the rightful settlement of this question. How can people be sure their union is of God? Shall fancy, feeling or infatuation decide the matter, or shall it be submitted to reason, right and God? Let us apply the tests. Two persons are drawn towards each other, and feel that perhaps they should be one.
5. First of all they ask: "Would our union be Scriptural?" They find on general principles that marriage is commended in the Word. God instituted it. He declares that "It is not good for man to be alone," and that "Marriage is honorable to all."
They apply the principles of Scripture to their own peculiar cases. If one proves to be an unconverted person, then the explicit Scripture command: "Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers," makes further testing needless. Many rush blindly over this mandate to regret it when it is too late.
It may be that both are believers, but that one of them is divorced from a former companion for other than the one cause for which Scripture allows divorce, and that, therefore, it would be an adulterous union.
A member of a church, of which I was pastor, once called for me to perform his marriage ceremony. He was a noble Christian man.
I asked him a few questions, and soon learned that his proposed wife had a husband living, and while divorced by the law of the land, he was not sure that the sin on the part of her husband set her free by the law of Christ. I read to him Matt. 5:32 and parallel passages, and explained to him that on account of these Bible truths I was not free to perform the ceremony. "Then," said he, "I am not free to have it performed." He continued, "She is the only woman I ever loved, but I should have thought of this before. I dread to break the news to her, but I must be true to Christ."
He was all broken down, but remained loyal to his Convictions.
It may also be found that one of the persons is breaking sacred betrothal vows. Then the Scriptural rule of "doing as one would be done by" and honesty in paying sacred vows, prohibits the fondling for a moment of a new affection.
When the hearts of a man and woman have been united, and they have acknowledged it to each other, and promised to be one for life, they should hold their union as sacred as if the public ceremony had already been said. They are united in God's sight, and before Him have no more right to allow alienation than if the public seal had been already set. He who tramples upon betrothal vows plays with chain lightning, and will suffer for it.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 40
In a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of "impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable. His discussion of "Impressions from Above" continues:
One Must be Dead. Dead to sin, to self, and dead to the world.
So dead to all voices from sinful and doubtful sources that they will influence our actions no more than if they had been silent. In the stillness of the funeral of self the voices from the skies are clearly heard. Therefore, "likewise reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Be Filled with the Spirit. This is the all important preparation. It includes all of the others. It gives an insight into Satan's devices that can be possessed in no other way. It gives the ears a keen discernment that will detect the slightest deviation of any impression from the four-fold harmony.
"To him who is crucified to self," says Dr. Watson; "The Holy Spirit grants an illumination and direction, incomprehensible to imperfect believers. He can discern in the providence of the Father a special significance and minuteness which others are blind to. He can detect clear indications of God's will in the written Word which others grossly stumble over, and besides these he can hear that inner voice of the Spirit, can know the touches of a divine finger on his soul impelling him along his
God-given orbit."
Fully possessed of the Spirit, the soul becomes a magnet which draws to itself all good impressions, but leaves the dross behind.
It is, therefore, a qualification of being divinely led of such paramount importance that Jesus would allow no preacher, after the opening of the Holy Ghost dispensation, to go forth without it, and the church in its purity as it came fresh from the mind of God selected only those thus filled to oversee her temporal concerns. Acts 6:3.
He who meets the above conditions will be at his best to discern the nature of all impressions. Though like Job he may sometimes be sorely tried, yet God will not permit him to "walk in darkness."
Above all the din of voices which are not divine, he will be able to hear the still small voice saying: "This is the way, walk ye in it." Though Satan may come as an "angel of light," yet his presence will pale before the celestial sunshine which illuminates within, and his icy waves of false light will be lost amid the burning beams of the sun which never sets. Hallelujah!
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
One Must be Dead. Dead to sin, to self, and dead to the world.
So dead to all voices from sinful and doubtful sources that they will influence our actions no more than if they had been silent. In the stillness of the funeral of self the voices from the skies are clearly heard. Therefore, "likewise reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Be Filled with the Spirit. This is the all important preparation. It includes all of the others. It gives an insight into Satan's devices that can be possessed in no other way. It gives the ears a keen discernment that will detect the slightest deviation of any impression from the four-fold harmony.
"To him who is crucified to self," says Dr. Watson; "The Holy Spirit grants an illumination and direction, incomprehensible to imperfect believers. He can discern in the providence of the Father a special significance and minuteness which others are blind to. He can detect clear indications of God's will in the written Word which others grossly stumble over, and besides these he can hear that inner voice of the Spirit, can know the touches of a divine finger on his soul impelling him along his
God-given orbit."
Fully possessed of the Spirit, the soul becomes a magnet which draws to itself all good impressions, but leaves the dross behind.
It is, therefore, a qualification of being divinely led of such paramount importance that Jesus would allow no preacher, after the opening of the Holy Ghost dispensation, to go forth without it, and the church in its purity as it came fresh from the mind of God selected only those thus filled to oversee her temporal concerns. Acts 6:3.
He who meets the above conditions will be at his best to discern the nature of all impressions. Though like Job he may sometimes be sorely tried, yet God will not permit him to "walk in darkness."
Above all the din of voices which are not divine, he will be able to hear the still small voice saying: "This is the way, walk ye in it." Though Satan may come as an "angel of light," yet his presence will pale before the celestial sunshine which illuminates within, and his icy waves of false light will be lost amid the burning beams of the sun which never sets. Hallelujah!
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 39
In a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that
there are four features of "impressions" from God. These are
Scriptural; Right (consistent with good morals); Providential (in
harmony with God's will); and Reasonable. His discussion of "Impressions
from Above" continues:
Humility. The proud, self-willed man seeks not to know God's voice. Voices from below with him drown out all others. Not the haughty but "the meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek will He teach His way." From the wise and prudent and self-sufficient, God's guidance is hid, but "revealed unto babes," the teachable, humble, Christlike.
Dependence on God. It is fatal to divine guidance to trust unduly in self, or friends, or books. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding."
Human understanding is finite and errs. God's is infinite and can not err. Hence the "whole heart" of him who would be divinely led must go out to God for the knowledge of His perfect will.
Guidance Must be Claimed. Jesus says of this as of all His priceless gifts: "Ask, and ye shall receive."
Must be Sought with Pure Motives. Of those who seek for selfish ends it is written: "Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss."
Be Prepared for Surprises. God very probably will not decide as you expect.
"You must remember," writes the author of The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, "that our God has all knowledge and all wisdom, and that, therefore, it is very possible He may guide you into paths wherein He knows great blessings are awaiting you, but which to the short-sighted human eyes around you seem sure to result in confusion and loss. You must recognize the fact that God's thoughts are not as man's thoughts, nor his ways as man's ways; and that He who knows the end of things from the beginning, alone can judge of what the results of any course of action may be."
When Saul of Tarsus cried out: "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" the answer was doubtless as surprising to him as a stroke of lightning from a clear sky; but he was ready for the surprise and welcomed it.
When I asked God to reveal His will to me concerning my life-work, I had no more idea of many things that have since been revealed than a heathen has of holiness or heaven.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Humility. The proud, self-willed man seeks not to know God's voice. Voices from below with him drown out all others. Not the haughty but "the meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek will He teach His way." From the wise and prudent and self-sufficient, God's guidance is hid, but "revealed unto babes," the teachable, humble, Christlike.
Dependence on God. It is fatal to divine guidance to trust unduly in self, or friends, or books. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding."
Human understanding is finite and errs. God's is infinite and can not err. Hence the "whole heart" of him who would be divinely led must go out to God for the knowledge of His perfect will.
Guidance Must be Claimed. Jesus says of this as of all His priceless gifts: "Ask, and ye shall receive."
Must be Sought with Pure Motives. Of those who seek for selfish ends it is written: "Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss."
Be Prepared for Surprises. God very probably will not decide as you expect.
"You must remember," writes the author of The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, "that our God has all knowledge and all wisdom, and that, therefore, it is very possible He may guide you into paths wherein He knows great blessings are awaiting you, but which to the short-sighted human eyes around you seem sure to result in confusion and loss. You must recognize the fact that God's thoughts are not as man's thoughts, nor his ways as man's ways; and that He who knows the end of things from the beginning, alone can judge of what the results of any course of action may be."
When Saul of Tarsus cried out: "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" the answer was doubtless as surprising to him as a stroke of lightning from a clear sky; but he was ready for the surprise and welcomed it.
When I asked God to reveal His will to me concerning my life-work, I had no more idea of many things that have since been revealed than a heathen has of holiness or heaven.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, March 05, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 38
In a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that
there are four features of "impressions" from God. These are
Scriptural; Right (consistent with good morals); Providential (in
harmony with God's will); and Reasonable. His discussion of "Impressions
from Above" continues:
Patience. "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him." Jesus never seemed hurried, and yet how busy!
He who tramples beneath his feet the great Scriptural truth that "He that believeth shall not make haste," and is too hurried to candidly canvass the matter, and closes his eyes to reason and God's providences, is "too much possessed of self or Satanic influences" to be led by holy influences. In order to be divinely led we must, says Upham, "cease from self and from its turbulent and deceitful elements; cease to place ourselves and our personal interests foremost and keep our own plans, purposes and aims in entire subjection. For instance, when we ask God to guide us, we must not at the same time cherish in our hearts a secret determination and hope to guide ourselves. . . . The existence of undue eagerness of spirit is an evidence that we are in some degree afraid to trust God, and that we are still too much under the life of nature."
God says:" Be still and know that I am God," and such stillness is frequently necessary to enable one to discern the harmony of the four voices through which God speaks to the soul.
All who can say with the psalmist, "I waited patiently for the Lord," will soon with him be able to add: "And He inclined unto me and heard my cry."
He who attempts to test impressions in a nervous and hurried way, is as unwise as he who would listen to a response from a telephone in that manner. In both cases confusion instead of satisfaction will be the result.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Patience. "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him." Jesus never seemed hurried, and yet how busy!
He who tramples beneath his feet the great Scriptural truth that "He that believeth shall not make haste," and is too hurried to candidly canvass the matter, and closes his eyes to reason and God's providences, is "too much possessed of self or Satanic influences" to be led by holy influences. In order to be divinely led we must, says Upham, "cease from self and from its turbulent and deceitful elements; cease to place ourselves and our personal interests foremost and keep our own plans, purposes and aims in entire subjection. For instance, when we ask God to guide us, we must not at the same time cherish in our hearts a secret determination and hope to guide ourselves. . . . The existence of undue eagerness of spirit is an evidence that we are in some degree afraid to trust God, and that we are still too much under the life of nature."
God says:" Be still and know that I am God," and such stillness is frequently necessary to enable one to discern the harmony of the four voices through which God speaks to the soul.
All who can say with the psalmist, "I waited patiently for the Lord," will soon with him be able to add: "And He inclined unto me and heard my cry."
He who attempts to test impressions in a nervous and hurried way, is as unwise as he who would listen to a response from a telephone in that manner. In both cases confusion instead of satisfaction will be the result.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 37
In a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that
there are four features of "impressions" from God. These are
Scriptural; Right (consistent with good morals); Providential (in
harmony with God's will); and Reasonable. His discussion of "Impressions
from Above" continues:
Acknowledgment. Another divinely decreed condition of guidance is acknowledgment. "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.[*]" As justification is conditioned on an acknowledgment of Jesus as a personal Savior, and entire sanctification, an acknowledgment of the Holy Ghost as a personal sanctifier, so divine guidance is conditioned on the acknowledgment of the Spirit as a personal Guide. Nor will a wholesale theoretical acknowledgment answer this purpose.
[*Proverbs 3:6]
"In all thy ways" implies claiming His counsels in things small as well as great. We have Scripture warrant for acknowledging God in everything that is of as much concern to us as one of the hairs of our heads.
To withhold this hearty specific acknowledgment is as if a patient should decline to counsel with his physician on minor matters relating to disease, and refuse to own the complete committal of his case into his physician's hands. God will not honor those who would avail themselves of the advantages of His counsels, but are ashamed to own that they are thus' divinely directed. "In all thy ways" means business "ways," home "ways," church "ways," private "ways," public "ways," all "ways." May we each meet this condition, and test the blessedness of the promise, and whether we need wisdom to find a "lost key" or to prepare a revival sermon, verily, it will be given.
Goodness. "The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord, and He delighteth in his way." The bad follow their own counsels and suffer the consequences, but the "good" man meets all the conditions whereby he is enabled to distinguish between impressions from below and voices from above, and hence his very "steps," as well as the path of his life, are ordered by God. No "step" should be taken which is not thus ordered. In the light of this bright and blessed promise there need not be. This is one of the special favors which God lavishes upon the "good."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Acknowledgment. Another divinely decreed condition of guidance is acknowledgment. "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.[*]" As justification is conditioned on an acknowledgment of Jesus as a personal Savior, and entire sanctification, an acknowledgment of the Holy Ghost as a personal sanctifier, so divine guidance is conditioned on the acknowledgment of the Spirit as a personal Guide. Nor will a wholesale theoretical acknowledgment answer this purpose.
[*Proverbs 3:6]
"In all thy ways" implies claiming His counsels in things small as well as great. We have Scripture warrant for acknowledging God in everything that is of as much concern to us as one of the hairs of our heads.
To withhold this hearty specific acknowledgment is as if a patient should decline to counsel with his physician on minor matters relating to disease, and refuse to own the complete committal of his case into his physician's hands. God will not honor those who would avail themselves of the advantages of His counsels, but are ashamed to own that they are thus' divinely directed. "In all thy ways" means business "ways," home "ways," church "ways," private "ways," public "ways," all "ways." May we each meet this condition, and test the blessedness of the promise, and whether we need wisdom to find a "lost key" or to prepare a revival sermon, verily, it will be given.
Goodness. "The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord, and He delighteth in his way." The bad follow their own counsels and suffer the consequences, but the "good" man meets all the conditions whereby he is enabled to distinguish between impressions from below and voices from above, and hence his very "steps," as well as the path of his life, are ordered by God. No "step" should be taken which is not thus ordered. In the light of this bright and blessed promise there need not be. This is one of the special favors which God lavishes upon the "good."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 36
In a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of "impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable. His discussion of "Impressions from Above" continues:
Unless it is a settled question with us that we will follow God's guidance when it is clearly revealed, at any cost, we can never know it, but will be a prey of impressions from below.
I heard a minister say that there had been times when he would pray for light on certain subjects, and then get up and hurry away lest he would get an answer that he would not like. Such seekers arise from their knees but to stumble on in darkness.
We must not only "commit our ways" unto God, but also the time and manner of them. "God," says an eminent minister, "not only requires us to obey and serve Him, but to obey and serve Him in His own time and way. In the eye of God voluntary disobedience in the manner of a thing, is the same as disobedience in the thing itself."
He who consents to obey God, but seeks to dictate the time of so doing, is as unwise as a blacksmith that would hammer the iron either before it is heated or after it cools off instead of when it is hot and flexible. Had Joshua dictated as to the time and manner of taking Jericho, Israel doubtless would have been defeated, and his own name have sunk into oblivion. For transgression in the manner of obedience, Moses was debarred from the promised land.
God said to David: "When thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the Lord go out before thee, to smite the Philistines."
There is a mighty significance in the two "thens" in the preceding paragraph. "THEN thou shalt bestir thyself, for THEN shalt the Lord go out before thee."
Confusion ever comes to all who say now when God says "tomorrow," and who say "tomorrow" when God says "now."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Unless it is a settled question with us that we will follow God's guidance when it is clearly revealed, at any cost, we can never know it, but will be a prey of impressions from below.
I heard a minister say that there had been times when he would pray for light on certain subjects, and then get up and hurry away lest he would get an answer that he would not like. Such seekers arise from their knees but to stumble on in darkness.
We must not only "commit our ways" unto God, but also the time and manner of them. "God," says an eminent minister, "not only requires us to obey and serve Him, but to obey and serve Him in His own time and way. In the eye of God voluntary disobedience in the manner of a thing, is the same as disobedience in the thing itself."
He who consents to obey God, but seeks to dictate the time of so doing, is as unwise as a blacksmith that would hammer the iron either before it is heated or after it cools off instead of when it is hot and flexible. Had Joshua dictated as to the time and manner of taking Jericho, Israel doubtless would have been defeated, and his own name have sunk into oblivion. For transgression in the manner of obedience, Moses was debarred from the promised land.
God said to David: "When thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the Lord go out before thee, to smite the Philistines."
There is a mighty significance in the two "thens" in the preceding paragraph. "THEN thou shalt bestir thyself, for THEN shalt the Lord go out before thee."
Confusion ever comes to all who say now when God says "tomorrow," and who say "tomorrow" when God says "now."
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 32
In a previous excerpt, Knapp stated
that there are four features of "impressions" from God. These are
Scriptural; Right (consistent with good morals); Providential (in
harmony with God's will); and Reasonable. His discussion continues:
"The Living God," says George Muller, "is my partner." I have not sufficient wisdom to meet these difficulties, so as to be able to know what steps to take, but He is able to direct me. What I have therefore to do is this: in simplicity to spread my case before my heavenly Father and my Lord Jesus. They are my partners. I have to tell out my heart to God, and as I have no wisdom in myself to meet all the many difficulties which continually occur in my business, I ask Him that He would be pleased to guide and direct me, and supply me with the needful wisdom. Then I have to believe that God will do so, and go with good courage to my business, and expect help from Him in the next difficulty that may come before me. I have to look out for guidance; I have to expect counsel from the Lord, and as assuredly as I do so, I shall have it; I shall find that I am not nominally but really in partnership with the Father and with the Son."
By claiming this guidance Mr. Muller has been enabled to "remove mountains" of difficulty, and God through him has wrought marvels which will inspire the faith and zeal of His children while the world stands.
Frances Ridley Havergal, whose songs and books have thrilled the Christian world, in all things claimed this blessed privilege. Making mention of it in its application to the use of means she says:
"We look up to our Lord for guidance to lay out His money prudently and rightly, and as He would have us lay it out. The gift or garment is selected under His eye, and with conscious reference to Him as our dear Master, for whose sake we shall give it, or in whose service we shall wear it, and whose own silver and gold we shall pay for it, and then it is all right."
Numberless living witnesses join their testimony to the many who have gone before, that God is a true, sure, constant and wonderful Counselor, and that His guidance is accessible to all who meet the conditions upon which it is promised.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
"The Living God," says George Muller, "is my partner." I have not sufficient wisdom to meet these difficulties, so as to be able to know what steps to take, but He is able to direct me. What I have therefore to do is this: in simplicity to spread my case before my heavenly Father and my Lord Jesus. They are my partners. I have to tell out my heart to God, and as I have no wisdom in myself to meet all the many difficulties which continually occur in my business, I ask Him that He would be pleased to guide and direct me, and supply me with the needful wisdom. Then I have to believe that God will do so, and go with good courage to my business, and expect help from Him in the next difficulty that may come before me. I have to look out for guidance; I have to expect counsel from the Lord, and as assuredly as I do so, I shall have it; I shall find that I am not nominally but really in partnership with the Father and with the Son."
By claiming this guidance Mr. Muller has been enabled to "remove mountains" of difficulty, and God through him has wrought marvels which will inspire the faith and zeal of His children while the world stands.
Frances Ridley Havergal, whose songs and books have thrilled the Christian world, in all things claimed this blessed privilege. Making mention of it in its application to the use of means she says:
"We look up to our Lord for guidance to lay out His money prudently and rightly, and as He would have us lay it out. The gift or garment is selected under His eye, and with conscious reference to Him as our dear Master, for whose sake we shall give it, or in whose service we shall wear it, and whose own silver and gold we shall pay for it, and then it is all right."
Numberless living witnesses join their testimony to the many who have gone before, that God is a true, sure, constant and wonderful Counselor, and that His guidance is accessible to all who meet the conditions upon which it is promised.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 31
In a previous excerpt, Knapp stated
that there are four features of "impressions" from God. These are
Scriptural; Right (consistent with good morals); Providential (in
harmony with God's will); and Reasonable. His discussion continues:
3. Inspired Experiences. In addition to the inspired examples recorded in the Word, mention of which has just been made, there is also the experiences of all of God's children who "abide under the shadow of the Almighty," attesting the same truth.
Among the many remarkable instances of guidance recorded in the Life of Madam Guyon, who shone amid the darkness of papal superstition like the sun through a thunder cloud, we quote the following. It relates to a complex business matter, which unaided, she could not have handled. She says:
"The day when the trial was to come on, after prayer I felt myself strongly pressed to go to the judges. I was wonderfully assisted therein, even so as to discover and unravel all the turns and artifices of this affair, without knowing how I could have been able to do it. . . . . God enabled me to manifest the truth in so clear a light, and give me such power to my words that the intendant thanked me for having so seasonably come to undeceive, and set him right in the affair. Had I not have done this he assured me the cause had been lost."
Through prayer and faith God thus gave wisdom to this illustrious saint, and it was this wisdom which made her illustrious. She followed the divine voice so fully that she could say:
"It seemed to me that my soul became like the New Jerusalem spoken of in the Apocalypse, prepared as a bride for her husband, and where there is no woe, sorrow or sighing.
"I had a union so great with the good will of God that my own will seemed entirely lost. My soul could not incline itself on one side or the other, since another will had taken the place of its own, but only nourished itself with the daily providences of God."
Thus led by the Word, the Spirit and daily providences, she continued to glow with increasing splendor until she passed to her celestial home.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
3. Inspired Experiences. In addition to the inspired examples recorded in the Word, mention of which has just been made, there is also the experiences of all of God's children who "abide under the shadow of the Almighty," attesting the same truth.
Among the many remarkable instances of guidance recorded in the Life of Madam Guyon, who shone amid the darkness of papal superstition like the sun through a thunder cloud, we quote the following. It relates to a complex business matter, which unaided, she could not have handled. She says:
"The day when the trial was to come on, after prayer I felt myself strongly pressed to go to the judges. I was wonderfully assisted therein, even so as to discover and unravel all the turns and artifices of this affair, without knowing how I could have been able to do it. . . . . God enabled me to manifest the truth in so clear a light, and give me such power to my words that the intendant thanked me for having so seasonably come to undeceive, and set him right in the affair. Had I not have done this he assured me the cause had been lost."
Through prayer and faith God thus gave wisdom to this illustrious saint, and it was this wisdom which made her illustrious. She followed the divine voice so fully that she could say:
"It seemed to me that my soul became like the New Jerusalem spoken of in the Apocalypse, prepared as a bride for her husband, and where there is no woe, sorrow or sighing.
"I had a union so great with the good will of God that my own will seemed entirely lost. My soul could not incline itself on one side or the other, since another will had taken the place of its own, but only nourished itself with the daily providences of God."
Thus led by the Word, the Spirit and daily providences, she continued to glow with increasing splendor until she passed to her celestial home.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
Sunday, January 08, 2017
Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 30
In a previous excerpt, Knapp stated
that there are four features of "impressions" from God. These are
Scriptural; Right (consistent with good morals); Providential (in
harmony with God's will); and Reasonable. His discussion continues:
The revelation of the Christian's privilege and his wealth in these promises, opened up to my own mind a vision of wonderful possibilities which had hitherto been hid.
It is just as glorious a privilege to trust these promises for guidance as it is to trust other promises for salvation.
Glory be to God for the abundant provision He has made, not only to cover all our sin but to supply all our need.
2. Inspired Examples. Enoch was so divinely led that he continually "walked with God," and followed His counsels so fully that there is no record of his slightest deviation.
Abraham not only received great spiritual blessings, but appropriated God's guidance so
completely that he was divinely directed in his travels, in choosing' his homestead, in his knowledge of the doom of Sodom, and in accumulating an immense fortune.
The stories of Jacob, of Joseph, of Moses, of a nation led by a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, are replete with illustrations of how God's people have looked to and been marvelously led by Him.
All the mistakes, the wanderings and the captivity of His people came, because they failed to hear and heed His voice; but whenever they listened He revealed Himself and granted the needed wisdom.
The explicit directions which He unfolded for the construction of the Tabernacle and afterwards of the Temple, are but illustrations of His ability and willingness to give minute directions at every needed point, no matter how small it may be, to all who are "workers together with Him."
Joshua must have been fully instructed, or he could not have fully followed. Daniel, divinely directed, was meet for every emergency, and his wisdom was a wonder to the world.
Not only were the illustrious lights of Old Testament history thus divinely led, but there were also numberless stars of lesser magnitude whose beams were hid in the obscurity of the humbler walks of life; yet who, guided by God's hand, moved and shone "as the sun when he goeth forth in his might."
They were so firm in their convictions that their actions were prompted by the Unseen One, that rather than do violence to their divine instructions they submitted to be "stoned," "sawn asunder," and "slain with the sword." Oh, for an army of such heroes. Souls so possessed of the idea that they are actuated in all things by the power that upholds suns and systems, that they will die rather than turn traitor to it.
The New Testament firmament is no less resplendent with stars, whose orbits are divinely made, than is the Old. It opens with Joseph, Mary, Simeon and the wise men from the East, who will ever beam brightly as examples of those who have tested God's promises to fully guide. The Gospels shine with the dazzling splendor of Him who, in His humanity as our example, ever so fully learned the Father's will that He always said and did those things, and those only that were "pleasing in His sight."
The Acts of the Apostles teems with telling incidents illustrating this principle. The Apostles were "filled with the Spirit" and "led by the Spirit." They could not have been led by Him had they not first have learned His leadings.
The promise which Jesus gave them that He would teach them how to answer their enemies, and that the Spirit of the Father should speak through them, found such fruitful fulfillment that all their adversaries "were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit" by which they spake.
They were gifted with such divine wisdom that they outwitted both ecclesiastical intrigue and Roman power, and while the cry "crucify Him" was still echoing from Mount Calvary, they had established a kingdom which will flourish when Jerusalem and Rome are forgotten -- even forever.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
The revelation of the Christian's privilege and his wealth in these promises, opened up to my own mind a vision of wonderful possibilities which had hitherto been hid.
It is just as glorious a privilege to trust these promises for guidance as it is to trust other promises for salvation.
Glory be to God for the abundant provision He has made, not only to cover all our sin but to supply all our need.
2. Inspired Examples. Enoch was so divinely led that he continually "walked with God," and followed His counsels so fully that there is no record of his slightest deviation.
Abraham not only received great spiritual blessings, but appropriated God's guidance so
completely that he was divinely directed in his travels, in choosing' his homestead, in his knowledge of the doom of Sodom, and in accumulating an immense fortune.
The stories of Jacob, of Joseph, of Moses, of a nation led by a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, are replete with illustrations of how God's people have looked to and been marvelously led by Him.
All the mistakes, the wanderings and the captivity of His people came, because they failed to hear and heed His voice; but whenever they listened He revealed Himself and granted the needed wisdom.
The explicit directions which He unfolded for the construction of the Tabernacle and afterwards of the Temple, are but illustrations of His ability and willingness to give minute directions at every needed point, no matter how small it may be, to all who are "workers together with Him."
Joshua must have been fully instructed, or he could not have fully followed. Daniel, divinely directed, was meet for every emergency, and his wisdom was a wonder to the world.
Not only were the illustrious lights of Old Testament history thus divinely led, but there were also numberless stars of lesser magnitude whose beams were hid in the obscurity of the humbler walks of life; yet who, guided by God's hand, moved and shone "as the sun when he goeth forth in his might."
They were so firm in their convictions that their actions were prompted by the Unseen One, that rather than do violence to their divine instructions they submitted to be "stoned," "sawn asunder," and "slain with the sword." Oh, for an army of such heroes. Souls so possessed of the idea that they are actuated in all things by the power that upholds suns and systems, that they will die rather than turn traitor to it.
The New Testament firmament is no less resplendent with stars, whose orbits are divinely made, than is the Old. It opens with Joseph, Mary, Simeon and the wise men from the East, who will ever beam brightly as examples of those who have tested God's promises to fully guide. The Gospels shine with the dazzling splendor of Him who, in His humanity as our example, ever so fully learned the Father's will that He always said and did those things, and those only that were "pleasing in His sight."
The Acts of the Apostles teems with telling incidents illustrating this principle. The Apostles were "filled with the Spirit" and "led by the Spirit." They could not have been led by Him had they not first have learned His leadings.
The promise which Jesus gave them that He would teach them how to answer their enemies, and that the Spirit of the Father should speak through them, found such fruitful fulfillment that all their adversaries "were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit" by which they spake.
They were gifted with such divine wisdom that they outwitted both ecclesiastical intrigue and Roman power, and while the cry "crucify Him" was still echoing from Mount Calvary, they had established a kingdom which will flourish when Jerusalem and Rome are forgotten -- even forever.
Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.
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