Invitation from God: Click | View Series

Isaiah 1:18—"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

The sinful condition of men is terrible in the extreme... God himself interposes to produce a change. The proposal of peace is always from his side. He urges that a conference be held at once, "Come, and let us reason together."

GOD ANTICIPATES ALL THE OBSTACLES

1. The singular greatness of your sins, "red like crimson." This is met by a great atonement, which cleanses from all sin.
2. The long continuance of your sins. Cloth dyed scarlet has lain long in the dye vat. The blood of Jesus cleanses at once.
3. The light against which your sins were committed. This puts a glaring color upon them. But "every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people."
4. The grieving of the Holy Spirit. Even this is removed by Jesus.
5. The failure of your attempts to whiten your soul. Crimson and scarlet cannot be removed by the art of man; but the Lord says, "I have blotted out your sins."
6. The despair which your sins create: they are so glaring that they are ever before you, yet they shall be washed out by the blood of the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.
   • Come now. Your minister pleads with you on God's behalf.
   • Can it be right to slight God's invitation?
   • What harm can come of a conference with him?
   • Must it not be right to be reconciled with your Maker?
   • What if this day should see you made "white as snow"?

Adapted from Charles Spurgeon's sermon notes.

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Invitation from God: Click | View Series

Isaiah 1:18—"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

The sinful condition of men is terrible in the extreme... God himself interposes to produce a change. The proposal of peace is always from his side. He urges that a conference be held at once, "Come, and let us reason together."

GOD'S REASONS TO MEET WITH US

1. The one main ground of difference is honestly mentioned, "though your sins are like scarlet." God calls the most glaring sinners to come to him, knowing them to be such.
2. This ground of difference God himself will remove, "they shall be as white as snow." He will forgive, and so end the quarrel.
3. He will remove the offense perfectly, "as snow—as wool."
   • He will remove forever the guilt of sin.
   • He will discharge the penalty of sin.
   • He will destroy the dominion of sin.
   • He will prevent the return of sin.
4. He explains by his own Word how this is done.
   • Free forgiveness obliterating guilt.
   • Full atonement averting punishment.
   • Regeneration by the Spirit breaking the power of sin.
   • Constant sanctification forbidding its return.
   • See, then, the way of your return to God made easy.
   • Consider it carefully, and talk with God about it at once.

Adapted from Charles Spurgeon's sermon notes.

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Invitation from God: Click | View Series

Isaiah 1:18—"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

The sinful condition of men is terrible in the extreme. This is set forth vividly in previous verses of the chapter. They are altogether alienated from their God.

God himself interposes to produce a change. The proposal of peace is always from his side.

He urges that a conference be held at once, "Come, and let us reason together."

That conference is to be held at once: "Come now" for the danger is too great to admit of a moment's delay. God is urgent; let us not procrastinate.

GOD INVITES YOU TO MEET

Sinful men do not care to think, consider, and look matters in the face; yet to this distasteful duty they are urged. If they reason, they rather reason against God than together with him; but here the proposal is not to discuss, but to treat with a view to reconciliation. Ungodly hearts also decline this.

1. They prefer to attend to ceremonial observances. Outward performances are easier, and do not require thought
2. Yet the matter is one which demands most serious discussion, and deserves it; for God, the soul, heaven, and hell are involved in it. Never was wise counsel more desirable.
3. No good can come of neglecting to consider it. It is one of those matters which will never drift the right way of itself.
4. It is most gracious on the Lord's part to suggest a conference. Kings do not often invite criminals to reason with them.
5. The invitation is a pledge that he desires peace, is willing to forgive, and anxious to set us right.
6. The appointment of the immediate present as the time for the reasoning together is a proof of generous wisdom. "Just as you are," come to God in Christ, just as he is. Love invites you in all your sin and misery.

Adapted from Charles Spurgeon's sermon notes, which are in the public domain.

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Walk in the Light: Click | View Series

Isaiah 2:5—"O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord."

Oh that the literal "house of Jacob" would walk in the light of Jehovah by acknowledging Jesus, who is the Dayspring from on high! Alas, they refuse the light, for the veil is upon their hearts! Let us pray for the assembling of the tribes of Israel. Surely "it shall come to pass in the latter days." (Verse 2)

Accept This Invitation.

"Let us walk in the light of the Lord."

• No other light is comparable to it; especially for the Lord's own people. Jehovah should be the light of Jacob.
• No other walking is so safe, so cheerful.
• No other people are so able to walk in the light of God: their eyes are opened, their feet are strengthened, their hearts are purified, their actions suit the day.

1. In this light we find certainty for the mind.

• Reason makes guesses, or confesses that she knows nothing.
• Fanaticism dotes on dreams and superstitions.
• Human authority blunders.
• Revelation alone is sure, infallible, unalterable. All other light is darkness when compared with it.

2. In this light we find rest for the conscience.

• We see Jesus, his blood, and the perfect pardon which it procures.
• We see his perfect righteousness covering us, and making us comely before God.

3. In this light we find direction for the judgment.

• We see sin, love, providence, the future, etc., in their true colors, and know how to act in reference to them.
• We learn to know the right way, and the wise course.
• We discover the hidden snares, and are led to avoid them.

4. In this light we find delight for the soul.

• In the purposes of the Lord. "Predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son."
• In our personal condition in Christ. "Complete in him."
• In the dealings of our Father's hand. "For those who love God all things work together for good," etc.
• In the struggling which goes on within, which as a symptom of grace yields us comfortable hope.
• In the future of death and eternity, which else would distress us.

5. In this light we find communion for the heart.

• We see God, and feel perfect peace.
• We see grace within, and enjoy full assurance.
• We see Jesus, and are in conscious union with him.
• We feel the Spirit of God, and are workers with him.
• We see the saints, and delight in their graces.

Beloved hearers, may the Holy Spirit lead you:

• To enter into the light of God.
• To remain in it, walking therein quietly from day to day.
• To make progress in it, walking onward toward perfection.

Come, and let us even now walk together in this light.

It shines perpetually, and we are the children of light.

Living in it here will prepare us for enjoying it in all its glorious brightness, where "the Lamb is the light."

Adapted from Charles Spurgeon's sermon notes, which are in the public domain.

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Walk in the Light: Click | View Series

Isaiah 2:5—"O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord."

Oh that the literal "house of Jacob" would walk in the light of Jehovah by acknowledging Jesus, who is the Dayspring from on high! Alas, they refuse the light, for the veil is upon their hearts! Let us pray for the ingathering of the tribes of Israel. Surely "it shall come to pass in the latter days." (Verse 2)

An Invitation

"Come, let us walk in the light of Jehovah."

It is odd that the people of Jehovah should need such an invitation, for it seems natural that they should live in him, rejoice in him, and learn of him, seeing he is their own God.

It is a still more peculiar invitation in that it comes from the nations to the house of Jacob. The word of the Lord goes forth from Jerusalem, converts the nations, and then returns to the people from whom it first came. The parallel is found when the invitation comes to those of us who are believers:

1. From those to whom we have ministered. How it rewards and encourages us to hear such a call from those who once refused the invitations of the gospel! When there is a move among the dry bones, we hope for the best results.
2. From new converts, who in their burning zeal urge on older saints, and thus create joy, and hint a gentle rebuke.
3. From saints bent on mutual edification. "Come, let us." Here are willing brethren calling to others who are equally willing. Would God we had more of this!

Such invitations as these are healthy signs. We should encourage their production by mutual intercourse upon holy things.

Adapted from Charles Spurgeon's sermon notes, which are in the public domain.

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The King's Word: Click | View Series

Ecclesiastes 8:4—"For the word of the king is supreme."

God alone is rightfully sovereign without limit. He is King in the most absolute sense...
Even in his least word there is omnipotence.

HIS WORD GUIDES OUR ACTIONS

1. In all we do we should respect the King's word. Churches should own Christ's headship, obey his laws, and acknowledge no other lawgiver. This would be a source of power, as the opposite is the cause of weakness.
2. We must look nowhere else for power. Education, oratory, music, wealth, ceremonialism, are weakness itself, if depended on.
3. We must rely upon the word of our King as the instrument of power whenever we seek to do works in his name.
   • Preach it: for nothing else will break hard hearts, comfort the despairing, bring about faith, or produce holiness.
   • Plead it in prayer: for the Lord will surely keep his own promises, and put forth his power to make them good.
   • Receive it into our mind and heart: for where divine truth is treasured, there will be a wealth of spiritual power.
   • Practice it: for none can oppose a life which is ordered according to the precepts of the Lord. An obedient life is full of a power before which men and devils do homage.
4. We shall see its power in various ways.
   • Gathering congregations. After all, the many do not go to listen to mere human teachings, but the cross attracts everywhere.
   • Gaining true converts. No conversion is worth anything unless it is wrought by the word of truth.
   • Keeping such converts to the end. The incorruptible seed alone produces an incorruptible life.
   • Order is created and preserved in the church by God's word.
   • Saints are instructed, edified, sanctified, and fed by the word.
   • Love, joy, peace, and every grace are produced and fostered by the word.
   • Read much the royal word.
   • Speak more than ever the King's word, which is the gospel of peace.
   • Believe in the word of King Jesus, and be bold to defend it.
   • Bow before it, and be patient and happy.

Adapted from Charles Spurgeon's sermon notes, which are in the public domain.

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The King's Word series: Click | View Series

Ecclesiastes 8:4—"For the word of the king is supreme."

God alone is rightfully sovereign without limit. He is King in the most absolute sense...
Even in his least word there is omnipotence.

HIS WORD INSPIRES OUR CONFIDENCE

1. That he is able to give to the penitent, pardon; for he has promised in his word to do so.
2. That he will give to the believing, power to renew their lives. "He sent his word, and healed them," is true, spiritually.
3. That he will give to the tempted, power to overcome temptation. God ensures the believer's victory over every assault of Satan through the word. This weapon Jesus used in the wilderness.
4. That he will give to the suffering, power to endure with patience, and to gather profit from the trial.
5. That he will give to the dying, hope, peace, beatific vision, etc. One word from the Lord of life robs death of its sting.

Adapted from Charles Spurgeon's sermon notes, which are in the public domain.

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The King's Word series: Click | View Series

Ecclesiastes 8:4—"For the word of the king is supreme."

God alone is rightfully sovereign without limit. He is King in the most absolute sense...
Even in his least word there is omnipotence.

HIS WORD ENSURES OUR OBEDIENCE

1. No divine command is to be treated as nonessential, for it is the word of Jehovah, the King. See verses 2 and 3.
2. Each precept is to be obeyed at once, heartily, to the full, by everyone, since the King commands.
3. His service must not be shunned, for that were to rebel against our Sovereign. Jonah's disobedience did not turn out well: for the Lord will not be trifled with, and will make runaways know that his arm is long.
4. Disobedience is to be repented of. If we have fallen into sin, let the King's word have a gracious power to subdue us to hearty grief.

Adapted from Charles Spurgeon's sermon notes, which are in the public domain.

The King's Word: Click | View Series

Ecclesiastes 8:4—"For the word of the king is supreme."

God alone is rightfully sovereign without limit. He is King in the most absolute sense; and so it should be; for he is supremely good, wise, just, holy, etc.

As he is Maker of all, dominion over his creatures is a matter of natural right.

He has infinite power by which to carry out his royal will.

Even in his least word there is omnipotence.

HIS WORD PROVOKES AWE

Let us carefully think of:

1. His creating word, by which all things arose out of nothing.
2. His preserving word, by which all things abide.
3. His destroying word, by which he will shake earth and heaven.
4. His word of prerogative by which he kills and makes alive.
5. His word of everlasting promise, which is our comfort.
6. His word of terrible threatening, which is our warning.
7. His word of prophecy and foreordination, which is a great deep, full of solemn teaching to the lowly in heart.

Who can stand before any of these without trembling adoration? Power attends them to the fullest degree, for each one is the word of a King.

Adapted from Charles Spurgeon's sermon notes, which are in the public domain.

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