Ryle – Semper Reformanda

IX

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 (ESV)

There is no heart satisfaction in this world, until we believe on Christ. Jesus alone can fill up the empty places of our inward (soul). Jesus alone can give solid, lasting, enduring happiness. The peace that He imparts is a fountain, which, once set flowing within the soul, flows on to all eternity. Its waters may have their ebbing seasons; but they are living waters, and they shall never be completely dried.

Ryle, J. (1857) Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Monergism Books, pg. 1459

V

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43 (ESV)

How is it that under precisely the same circumstances one (criminal) is converted and (the other) remains dead in sins… the (same way) same sermon is heard by one (church-goer) with complete indifference… (yet) sends another (church-goer) home to pray and seek Christ.

Ryle, J. (1857) Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Monergism Books, pg. 1079-80

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