A man whose right hand was withered came to learn from Christ (see Luke 6:6). Whether he had any expectation to be healed by him does not appear. But those that would be cured by the grace of Christ must be willing to learn the doctrine of Christ.
– Matthew Henry –
We cannot have flowers without roots, or fruit without trees. We cannot have the fruit of the Spirit, without vital union with Christ, and a new creation within.
– JC Ryle –
from Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (Volume 2: Luke 6:27-38), 1856
Be earnest, be prayerful, be united. Study the Word, and practice it. Live on Christ, and live for Him.
– Charles Spurgeon –
from Letters of Charles Haddon Spurgeon
The teaching of this and that opinion may please a man’s fancy, but it is only the preaching of Christ that changes the heart, that conquers the heart, that turns the heart. Peter, by preaching a crucified Christ, converts three thousand souls at once.
– Thomas Brooks –
It is a pity when men only think of a dead Savior or of a baby Savior, carried in the Virgin’s arms, as the church of Rome does. It is our joy to have a living Christ, for while He lives we cannot die, and while He pleads we cannot be condemned. Thus, we are led to remember Him as a living Savior and to give Him honor.
– Charles Spurgeon –
from God Loves You
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
– John Milton –
1608 – 1674 AD
Any manipulation of the Scriptures to make them speak peace to the natural man is evil and can only lead to ruin. … The purpose of the Bible is to bring men to Christ, to make them holy and prepare them for heaven. In this it is unique among books, and it always fulfills its purpose when it is read in faith and obedience.
– AW Tozer –
The history of God’s specific movements with the Church is not the history of His adding something, but of His bringing back to the primal fullness with which He filled His Son.
– T. Austin-Sparks –
True repentance will entirely change you; the bias of your souls will be changed, then you will delight in God, in Christ, in His law, and in His people.
– George Whitefield –