Isaiah 53:3
Brother Ryan brings a strong word from the heart of God of the cost of following the Lord Jesus. He speaks to the current moral climate of our day and calls the Church of Jesus Christ to repentance and obedience.
For more information about the Ministry of Ryan please visit here:
Romans 11:11-14
“I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy” (Romans 11:11).
One commentator, commentating on the above said this: “It is a matter for profound regret that just as Israel refused to accept this salvation when it was offered to them, so the Gentiles have all too often refused to make Israel envious. Instead of showing to God’s ancient people the attractiveness of the Christian way, Christians have characteristically treated the Jews with hatred, prejudice, persecution, malice, and all uncharitableness. Christians should not take this passage calmly”.
Christian, it is our solemn duty, not only to take the gospel to the Jew first by word, through the proclamation of the gospel (Rom. 1:16); it is also our solemn duty to provoke them to jealousy by the gospel of our lives! What did Jesus say?
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mt. 5:14-16).
Well, the focus of Jewish mission has been the word of the Gospel, but if the vessel through which that word comes contradicts the glory being offered, then the one will be the undoing of the other! Will you rise to the challenge and allow the Lord to make you one such tool of provocation through which the glory of His grace and salvation might shine?
This message was shared at the Messianic Testimony West Midlands Rally, in June 2023. For more information about the Ministry of Messianic Testimony to the Jewish people, please visit here:
Psalm 127:1
“Trowel and hammer, saw and plane are instruments of vanity unless the Lord be the Master-builder”. Charles Spurgeon goes on to say: “Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Around the wall the sentinels pace with constant step; but yet the city is betrayed unless the unsleeping Watcher is with them. We are not safe because of watchmen if Jehovah refuses to watch over us. Even if the guards are wakeful, and do their duty, still the place may be surprised if God be not there. “I, the Lord, do keep it,” is better than an army of sleepless guards. Note that the Psalmist does not bid the builder cease from labouring, nor suggest that watchmen should neglect their duty, nor that men should show their trust in God by doing nothing: nay, he supposes that they will do all that they can do, and then he forbids their fixing their trust in what they have done, and assures them that all creature effort will be in vain unless the Creator puts forth his power, to render second causes effectual”
Let him that hath an ear, hear.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Brethren, the longer I journey in this Christian walk, the more I’m made to feel my need for grace. What is grace simply defined? The kindness of God! God’s favourable countenance towards those that can’t help themselves! Brothers and sisters, EVER I want to fall within this category!! Now I understand that to the world, weakness is a BAD thing — a thing to be avoided, something to be scorned and ridiculed. From a child up, we’re told to stand firm, stick out our chests, and fight our way through life!! But as one comes to Christ and allows the Word of God to renew their thinking, and the Holy Spirit to transform their mind, one comes to the place of glorying in weakness.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Daniel 7:25
When the enemy encounters a Christian standing in the armour of God, he knows full well that he can’t just bring him down. He’s too strong!! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:10-11). What’s he going to do? He will attempt to wear out the Saints of God. If the city is too strong to conquer in one swift effort, wear it down over a sustained period and then go up and take it!!!