April 2022 – Semper Reformanda

IV

… Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:24-30 (NLT)

All have not learning, or gifts, or money. But all can minister to the happiness of those around them, by passive or by active graces. All can be useful, and all can be kind. There is a grand reality in constant kindness.

Ryle, J. (1857) Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Monergism Books, pg. 1142-1143

III

Nation will rise against nation… This will be your opportunity to bear witness… By your endurance you will gain your lives. Luke 21:10-19 (ESV)

Let us cease to expect that missionaries and ministers will ever convert the world, and teach all mankind to love one another. They will do nothing of the kind. They were never intended to do it. They will call out a witnessing people who shall serve Christ in every land, but they will do no more. The bulk of mankind will always refuse to obey the Gospel. The nations will always go on quarrelling, wrangling, and fighting. The last days of the earth shall be its worst days. The last war shall be the most fearful and terrible war that ever desolated the earth.

Ryle, J. (1857) Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Monergism Books, pg. 1115

II

“My house shall be a house of prayer” Luke 19:46 (ESV)

(churches) are places where God’s word is read, where Christ is present, and where the Holy Spirit works on souls. These facts ought to make us grave, reverent, solemn and decorous, whenever we enter them. The man who behaves as carelessly in Church as he would in an inn, or a private dwelling has yet much to learn. He has not the “mind of Christ.

Ryle, J. (1857) Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Monergism Books, pg. 1087