Sin complicates. Grace simplifies. Jay Adams

When Christ is altogether lovely, shall the children of God be unlovely that carry the image of Christ? Can we love him that begets, and hate them that are begotten of him? Can we love Christ, and hate Christians? It cannot be. Sibbes

William Perkins, 1590, defining theology: "The science of living blessedly forever."

The more we suffer for Christ, the more dear he will be to us. He presents himself in love and comfort most, to those that suffer for his sake. Sibbes

The little I know of Jesus is all my comfort, and the foundation of all my hopes. Cultivate kind thoughts of Him. We never think justly of Him, but when we think kindly of Him; for He is altogether and perfectly a kind being. Thomas Charles

When the Lord afflicts, it is with great tenderness and compassion. When he afflicts, it is not willingly, that is, not from any injustice or cruelty in his nature; no, infinitely far from it. Afflictions proceed from his goodness; and they are ordered by perfect wisdom and the greatest tenderness. Remember, my good friend, he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all! Thomas Charles, letter to a suffering young woman

How much they possess who live the life of faith in the Son of God and believe in Jesus! With all their weaknesses and crosses they have that which the world can neither give nor take away. They have a true Friend while they live, and a true home when they die. J. C. Ryle

Blessed be the Lord, that his mercy is free. Guilt and unworthiness are obstacles which it easily surmounts. Nothing but free mercy could save my soul, or bring me this moment one drop of comfort. I have no comfort in myself; but I can see infinite consolation in God, and I long after a fuller enjoyment of them. I am a burden to myself. But I am happy in looking to that glorious deliverance from self, which Christ hath procured for all his people. Thomas Charles, letter to his wife, 1784

Lord I come to Thee for rest, take possession of my breast; there Thy blood-bought right maintain, and without a rival reign. While I am a pilgrim here, let Thy love my spirit cheer; as my Guide, my Guard, my Friend, lead me to my journey’s end. Newton

His mouth is most sweet. This is the chief lovely thing in Christ. The main lovely thing is that which comes from his heart by his words and his lips; as, indeed, the most excellent thing we can think of is the expression of the heart of God in Christ, and of Christ's love to us. If we leave his speech, we leave our comfort, we leave our life. Sibbes

Really looking forward to being with my friend Sean and other brothers to think together about preaching Nov 2. We would love to have you join us in north Alabama! eventbrite.com/e/feed-my-she…

Speech is but the current of reason from the heart. Therefore Christ's speeches were sweet, because his heart was sweet, full of all love, grace, mercy, and goodness. His heart was a treasure. Sibbes

All o’er those wide extended plains Shines one eternal day There God the Son forever reigns And scatters night away Samuel Stennett, 1787

Release day today. A biblical reflection, with insights from the greatest thinkers across church history, on what Christians are going to experience forever. Such as: A body even more physical than the one reading this post. Perfect harmony with wolves and lions. The reversal into beauty of every wound. The inability to desire to sin. The inner calming of these incessantly frantic RPMs. This planet, meadows and mountains, streams and seas, rinsed clean. And Sonlight has replaced sunlight. Forever. crossway.org/books/finally-h…

". . . he loved them to the end" (John 13:1). Worldly love: "I love you if . . ." Otherworldly love: "I love you even if . . ."

My comfort is, and I doubt not but that it is yours also, that there is one all-sufficient Friend, always and everywhere to be found. He hath all consolation to bestow, consolation answerable to every sorrow. Through mercy I find that communion with God sweetens every thing, makes our comforts more comfortable and every bitter thing sweet. Thomas Charles, 1784 letter to his wife

"His arm is not shortened that he cannot save" (Isa 59:1). It is as long as ever, and as strong as ever. It can reach our misery and lift us out of it. May the Lord help us to pray much, to believe much, and to expect much. According to our prayer, faith, and expectation, so it shall be to us. A proper view of God in the glory of his power and love will much enlarge our hearts and strengthen our faith. We then shall see that we cannot depend too much on him, nor expect too much from him. Infinite power, engaged by infinite love and compassion, and directed by infinite wisdom--what can it not perform! Thomas Charles, 1784 letter

Though I have daily experience of my sins, yet there is more righteousness in Christ, who is mine, than there is sin in me. Sibbes