THE CONVERSION OF THE GENTILES (_Missionary Sermon._) Isaiah 65:1. _I am sought of them that asked not for Me, &c._ It was God’s design from the beginning to call the Gentile nation into His Church, and, in due time, to admit them to all the blessings and privileges of the Gospel. The Jews, indeed,... [ Continue Reading ]
REPUDIATING THE SOCIETY OF OTHERS Isaiah 65:5. _Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me, &c._ There are few things in which it becomes us to be more careful than in our judgment of others, and in action founded on that judgment. Some relations in which we stand to men involve judgment of... [ Continue Reading ]
DESTROY IT NOT Isaiah 65:8. _Thus saith the Lord, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it, &c._ “Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God.” Let it not, however, be supposed that God delights to destroy men’s lives, or is capricious in the bestowment of rewards and punishments. The goodn... [ Continue Reading ]
INCENTIVES TO RELIGIOUS DECISION Isaiah 65:13. _Behold My servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry, &c._ The principles of God’s conduct are the same in all ages, &c. No temptation is more common than that which arises from the impression that a life of religion is necessarily a life of gloom, &... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WORK AND ENJOYMENT OF GOD’S PEOPLE Isaiah 65:22. _Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands_. Connection of the text— I. THE CHARACTER AND RELATION OF BELIEVERS. They are God’s people by creation, purchase, consecration, and in virtue of the purpose of God. II. THE WORK IN WHICH THEY... [ Continue Reading ]
SPEEDY BLESSING Isaiah 65:24. _Before they call I will answer._ Divine generosity outruns human petitions. The promise here so graciously given is illustrated practically by many instances recorded in Scripture. And many devout Christians can attest a similar readiness. I. _The_ CONDITION _of spee... [ Continue Reading ]