_Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward_ GOD THE SHIELD OF THE RIGHTEOUS I. THE RIGHTEOUS REQUIRE A SHIELD. II. IN WHAT RESPECTS GOD IS THEIR SHIELD. 1. He is the shield of their substance. 2. He is the shield of their bodies. 3. He is the shield of their souls. III.... [ Continue Reading ]
_To me Thou hast given no seed_ ABRAM’S FEAR God had given Abram everything but a child, and therefore it seemed to him that all this flow of God’s love was running into a pool where it could only stand still. And Abram told God his fear in plain words. How true it is that we can say things in the... [ Continue Reading ]
_And He brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be._ And he believed in the Lord, and He counted it to him for righteousness ABRAM’S FAITH These two verses lie close together on one pag... [ Continue Reading ]
_Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?_ THE CONFIRMATION OF FAITH I. FAITH IS CONFIRMED BY THE REMEMBRANCE OF GOD’S PAST DEALINGS. 1. We should call to mind what God is. 2. We should consider the steps by which we have arrived at what we are already. 3. We should keep that pur... [ Continue Reading ]
_When the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away_ ABRAM AND THE RAVENOUS BIRDS I. MENTION SOME OF THOSE WELL-KNOWN INTRUDERS WHICH ARE PERPETUALLY MOLESTING OUR PEACE AND DISTURBING OUR SERVICE. 1. Wicked thoughts--the sons of Satan. 2. Worldly thoughts, which spring from the f... [ Continue Reading ]
_An horror of great darkness fell upon him_ ABRAM’S HORROR IN THE NIGHT Abram’s condition here may be looked upon in two aspects. 1. As indicating the chequered experience of the good. 2. As suggesting solemn facts in man’s existence. I. MAN HAS A SOUL. II. MAN’S SOUL IS IN A FALLEN CONDITION.... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full_ WHY THE WICKED ARE SPARED FOR A SEASON I. This passage, taken in connection with its attending circumstances, teaches us the following important truth: GOD WAITS UNTIL SINNERS NAVE FILLED UP A CERTAIN MEASURE OF INIQUITY, BEFORE HE EXECUTES THE SEN... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces_ THE FURNACE AND THE LAMP In this whole striking and impressive narrative there are teachings of the utmost interest and value; and I would fain extract alike from the sacrifice, the furnace, and the lamp, guiding light... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord made a covenant with Abram_ GOD’S COVENANT 1_._ The time of saints’ sacrifice amidst their troubles may be the season of God’s making covenant with them. 2. Not only promise but covenant hath God made to His Church for their consolation. 3. Word and sign, promise and pledge, make up G... [ Continue Reading ]