Interesting Thoughts

A friend of mine, who is an ARP pastor in the upstate of SC, has a blog, and he posted this quotes - interesting thoughts to ponder on ...

Richard Baxter: "All churches either rise or fall as the ministry doth rise or fall, not in riches or worldly grandeur, but in knowledge, zeal, and ability for their work."

Charles Spurgeon: "Today there is not very much Gospel about; the church has given it up; a great many preachers preach everything but the living truth. This is sad; but it is a strong reason why you and I should teach more Gospel than ever. I have often thought to myself -- Other men may teach socialism, deliver lectures, or collect a band of fiddlers, that they may gather a congregation; but I will preach the Gospel. I will preach more Gospel than ever if I can; I will stick more to the one cardinal point. The other brethren can attend to the odds and ends, but I will keep to Christ crucified. To the men of vast ability, who are looking to the events of the day, I would say, 'Allow one poor fool to keep preaching the Gospel.' Beloved teachers, be fools for Christ, and keep to the Gospel. Don't you be afraid; it has life in it, and it will grow: only bring it out and let it grow."

John Calvin: "It is certain that if we come to church we shall not hear only a mortal man speaking but we shall feel (even by his secret power) that God is speaking to our souls, that he is the teacher. He so touches us that the human voice enters into us and so profits us that we are refreshed and nourished by it. God calls us to him as if he had his mouth open and we saw him there in person."