Oil In The Vessel # 1

 Oil In The Vessel # 1

Recently a brother in the Lord wrote calling our attention to the comparisons and contrasts between the wise and foolish virgins of Matthew 25. The substance of his remarks was as follows.

They have seven things in common.

First, all the virgins were in "the kingdom of heaven" - by which we understand, the sphere of Christian profession.

Second, they were all of them "virgins" - not five virgins and five harlots - by which we understand, they all claimed to belong unto Christ.

Third, they all "went forth to meet the Bridegroom" - they were one in purpose, having a single end in view.

Fourth, they all had "lamps," the same sort of lamps.

Fifth, they all "slumbered and slept."

Sixth, they all heard the cry "Behold, the Bridegroom comes."

Seventh, they all "arose and trimmed their lamps."

There are six points of difference between them.

First, five of them were "wise" and five of them were "foolish."

Second, the wise "took oil in their vessels with their lamps" - but the foolish ones did not do so.

Third, at the crucial moment the foolish virgins had to acknowledge "our lamps are (slowly but surely) gone out."

Fourth, the foolish virgins "went to buy" oil, the wise ones had no need to do so.

Fifth, the wise were shut in with the Bridegroom - but the foolish were shut out.

Sixth, the foolish virgins were disowned by the Lord.

Commenting upon the above our friend pointed out that, "There is a certain class today who differe not from the children of God as to their testimony - its purity, its orthodoxy, its sincerity. There are not Spiritists, Russellites, or the daughters of Mother of Harlots - but "virgins." Doctrinally they are pure. They are pictured as going forth to meet the, not one to desert and another to thee secret chambers (Matthew 24:26), seeking a false Christ. The Object of their service was the same Person which the wise virgins were occupied with.

The vital point in their "foolishness" was not that they slumbered and slept but that they had no oil in their vessels. Their was oil in their lamps - their testimony or doctrine - but none in their vessels or souls.

The above has deeply impressed the editor once more with the great importance of making sure individually whether there be oil in my vessel - the "vessel" is the soul, the "oil" is Divine grace in it. Whatever may be the precise signification of behold the Bridegroom comes - whether it refers to the hour of death, the premillennial return of Christ, or the Day of Judgment - one thing is clear - it points to thecrucial testing time.

As our friend further points out - Balaam had oil in his lamp, as also had Judas when Christ sent him forth with the other Apostles to preach (Matthew 10:5-7) - yet their hearts were destitute of the saving grace of God! What a terrible discovery for the foolish virgins to make, "our lamps are gone out" - a discovery made too late to do them any good!

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 2)

Contentment # 2

 Contentment # 2

"Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). Negatively, it delivers from worry and fretfulness, from avarice and selfishness. Positively, it leaves us free to enjoy what God has given us. What a contrast is found in the word which follows, "But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many pains" (1 Timothy 6:9, 10). May the Lord in His grace deliver us from the spirit of this world, and make us to be "content" with such things as we have."

Contentment, then, is the product of a heart resting in God. It is the soul's enjoyment of that peace which passes all understanding. It is the outcome of my will being brought into subjection to the Divine will. It is the blessed assurance that God does all things well, and is, even now, making all things work together for my ultimate good. This experience has to be "learned" by proving what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). 

Contentment is possible only as we cultivate and maintain that attitude of accepting everything which enters our lives, as coming from the hand of Him who is too wise to err, and too loving to cause one of His children a needless tear.

Let our final word be this: real contentment is only possible by being much in the presence of the Lord Jesus. This comes out clearly in the verses which follow our opening text: "I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content - whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:12, 13). It is only by cultivating intimacy with that One who was never discontent, that we shall be delivered from the sin of complaining. It is only by daily fellowship with Him who ever delighted in the Father's will, that we shall learn the secret of contentment. May both writer and reader so behold in the mirror of the Word, the glory of the Lord Jesus, that we shall be "changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18).

~A. W. Pink~

Submission

 Submission

Will any, or will I, pretend to teach the Most High knowledge, seeing He is excellent in all His workings, and perfect in all His ways? Then, since I cannot direct Him, why am I not submissive to His disposal? Can I predict events, or foresee futurities? No! How then can I promise myself serenity from a cloudless sky? or fear storms from an obscured heaven? when, as to the first, the gathering meteors may suspend an unexpected shadow before the sun; or, as to the second, the gathered clouds may scatter, and let the welcome beams refresh the weary world. So, Lord, as from present appearances, future contingencies cannot be discerned - it is my duty, and shall be my study, to be WHOLLY, FULLY, and FOREVER, at Your disposal, to whom all Your works, all my purposes, and all my wanderings, are known from the beginning!

O! how the Christian should glory in God's choosing for him the lot of his inheritance, and be content with that condition which Heaven accounts best for him, though not the grandest or greatest; nor the richest or happiest; nor that state he most desires, I am not my own - for I am bought with a price, and dearly paid for too! Would it not be too daring for me to instruct God how to decorate the heavens, how to set the sun, station the moon, place poles, plant the stars, and guide the wandering planets? Now, I am as much his by right (yes, in the ties of love,) and as much at His disposal, as any of these His other creatures; and if I cannot complain of His conduct with these, why quarrel at His providence toward me?

Another thing which ought to encourage to submission, is, that God's way is not only equitable in itself, but profitable for His people, for the latter end of the righteous is peace;

~James Meikle~

Contentment

Contentment

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11).

Disappointment! Was there ever a time when there was so much discontent and restlessness in the world as there is today? We very much doubt it. Despite our boasted progress, the vast increase of wealth, the time and money expended daily in pleasure - discontent is everywhere! No class is exempt. Everything is in a state of flux, and almost everybody is disatisfied. Many even among God's own people are affected with the evil spirit of this age.

Contentment! Is such a thing realizable, or is it nothing more than a beautiful ideal, a mere dream of the poet? Is it attainable on earth, or is it restricted to the inhabitants of heaven? If feasible here and now, may it be retained, or are a few brief moments or hours of contentment the most that we may expect in this life? Such questions as these find answer, an answer at least, in the words of the apostle Paul: "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

The force of the apostle's statement will be better appreciated if his condition and circumstances at the time he made it, are kept in mind. When the apostle wrote the words, he was not luxuriating in a special suite in the Emperor's palace, nor was he being entertained in some exceptional Christian household, the members of which were marked by unusual piety. Instead, he was "in chains"; "a prisoner", as he says in another Epistle. And yet, notwithstanding, he declared he was content!

Now, there is a vast difference between precept and practice, between the ideal and the realization. But in the case of the apostle Paul contentment was an actual experience, and one that must have been continuous, for he says, "in whatever state I am." How then did Paul enter into this experience, and of what did the experience consist? The reply to the first question is to be found in the word, "I have learned...to be content." The apostle did not say, "I have received the baptism of the Spirit, and therefore contentment is mine." Nor did he attribute this blessing to his perfect "consecration." Equally plain is it that it was not the outcome of natural disposition or temperament. It is something he had learned, in the school of Christian experience. It should be noted, too, that this statement is found in an Epistle which the apostle wrote near the close of his earthly career!

From what has been pointed out it should be apparent that the contentment which Paul enjoyed was not the result of congenial and comfortable surroundings. And this at once dissipates a vulgar conception. Most people suppose that contentment is impossible unless one can have gratified the desires of the carnal heart. A prison is the last place to which they would go if they were seeking a contented man. This much, then, is clear: contentment comes from within not without; it must be sought from God, not in creature comforts.

But let us endeavor to go a little deeper. What is contentment? It is the being satisfied with the sovereign dispensations of God's providence. It is the opposite of murmuring, which is the spirit of rebellion - the clay saying to the Potter, "Why have you made me thus?" Instead of complaining at his lot, a contented man is thankful that his condition and circumstances are no worse than they are. Instead of greedily desiring something more than the supply of his present need, he rejoices that God still cares for him. Such an one is "content" with such as he has. "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5).

One of the fatal hindrances to contentment is covetousness, which is a canker eating into and destroying present satisfaction. It was not, therefore, without good reason, that our Lord gave the solemn commandment to His followers - "Take heed, and beware of covetousness." (Luke 12:15). Few things are more insidious. Often it poses under the fair name of "thrift," or the wise safeguarding of the future - present economy so as to lay up for a "rainy day." The Scripture says, "covetousness is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5) - the affections of the heart being set upon material things rather than upon God. The language of a covetous heart is that of the horseleech's daughter, "Give, Give!" The covetous man is always desirous of more, whether he has little or much. How vastly different the words of the apostle - "If we have food and clothing we will be content with these" (1  Timothy 6:8). 

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 2)

What Are The Biblical Weights and Measures in Modern Terms?

What Are The Biblical Weights and Measures in Modern Terms?

Coming across unfamiliar terms describing weights and measurements while reading the Bible can prevent the reader from fully understanding what is being described. Just as we use measurements today in our daily interactions, whether it be in making a recipe, following driving directions, or determining prices, all peoples throughout history have used measurements in their own cultures. Knowing modern-day equivalents to the measurements in the Bible will help the readers understand and relate to the biblical account.

Measurements can be divided into weight (often used for money), distance, dry capacity, and liquid capacity. Here is a list of some biblical measurements and their approximate US and Metric equivalents.

Weight:

Talent (60 minas) is 75 pounds or 34 kilograms.

Mina (50 shekels) is 1.25 pounds or .6 kilograms (600 grams).

Shekel (2 bekas) is 2/5 of an ounce or 11.5 grams.

Pim (10 gerahs) is 1/5 of an ounce or 5.7 grams.

Beka (10 gerahs) is 1/5 of an ounce or 5.7 grams.

Gerah is 1/50 of an ounce or .6 grams (600 milligrams).

Money:

Shekel is a silver Hebrew coin that is 11.5 grams of silver.

Gerah is a silver Hebrew coin that is .6 grams of silver and is sometimes referred to as "ma'ah" meaning "money."

Prutah is a copper Hebrew coin that is .22 grams of copper.

A talent of gold is 3000 silver shekels.

Silver dinar is a silver Roman coin that is 4.26 grams of silver and is called a Zuz in Hebrew. The silver dinar was equal to one days' wages.

Mina is a silver Roman coin that is 425 grams of silver (or 100 Zuz/Dinarii).

Gold dinar is a gold Roman coin that is 8 grams of gold.

Issar is a copper Roman coin that is .177 grams of copper.'

Pundion is a copper Roman coin that is .349 grams of copper.

Distance:

Cubit is 18 inches or .5 meters.

Span is 9 inches or 23 centimeters.

Handbreadth is 3 inches or 8 centimeters.

Finger is 3/4 of an inch or 1.8 centimeters.

Yoke is the amount of land a pair of yoked oxen could plow in a single day or about 1/3 of an acre.

Dry Capacity:

Homer (or Cor) (10 ephahs) comes from the Hebrew word for donkey or ass, so this measurement was approximately one donkey-load or a little over 5 bushels (200 quarts or 220 liters.

Lethek (5 ephahs) is 2.7 bushels or 110 liters.

Ephah (10 comers) or 3/5 of a bushel or 22 liters.

Seah (1/3 ephah) is 7 quarts or 2 liters.

Omer (1.10 ephah) is 2 quarts or 2 liters.

Cab (1/18 ephah) is 1 quart or 1 liter.

Liquid Capacity:

Bath is the liquid equivalent of 1 Ephah or 5.5 gallons or 22 liters.

Hin ((1/6 bath) is 1 gallon (4 quarts) or 4 liters.

Log (1/72 bath) is 1/3 of a quart (11 ounces) or 3 liters.

The previous measurements are approximate and not intended to be mathematically precise. It's also important to note that measurements differed at various times and places throughout the Bible. There were often royal measurements and common measurements by the same name which differed slightly. The cubits in the book of Ezekiel are 1/6 longer than the cubits mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. However, the previous list of approximate measurements should help the reader have an idea of the basic measurements being described in the Bible.

~Compelling Truth~ 

John Bunyan's Dying Words # 4

John Bunyan's Dying Words # 4

A man would be counted a fool to slight a judge, before whom he is to have a trial of his whole estate. The trial we have before God is of otherwise importance, it concerns our eternal happiness or misery; and yet dare we affront Him?

The only way for us to escape that terrible judgment, is to be often passing a sentence of condemnation upon ourselves here!

When the sound of the trumpet shall be heard which shall summon the dead to appear before the tribunal of God - the righteous shall hasten out of their graves with joy to meet their Redeemer in the clouds. The others shall call to the mountains and hills to fall upon them, to cover them from the sight of their Judge! Let us therefore in time be posing ourselves which of the two we shall be.

On the Joys of Heaven.

There is no good in this life but what is mingled with some evil: honors perplex, riches disquiet, and pleasures ruin health.

But in Heaven we shall find blessings in their purity, without any ingredients to embitter, with everything to sweeten them.

O! who is able to conveive the inexpressible, inconceivable joys that are there? None but they who have tasted of them. Lord, help us to put such a value upon them here, that in order to prepare ourselves for them, we may be willing to forego the loss of all those deluding pleasures here.

How will the heavens echo for joy, when the bride, the Lamb's wife, shall come to dwell with her Husband forever!

Christ is the desire of nations, the joy of angels, the delight of the Father! What solace then must that soul be filled with that has the possession of Him to all eternity!

O! what acclamations of joy will there be when all the children of God shall meet together, without fear of being disturbed by the anti-christian!

Of The Torments of Hell.

Heaven and salvation are not surely more promised to the godly - then hell and damnation is threatened to, and executed on the wicked.

O! who knows the power of God's wrath! None but the damned ones!

Sinners' company are the devil and his angels, tormented in everlasting fire with a curse.

Hell would be a kind of paradise, if it were no worse than the worst of this world.

As different as grief is from joy, as torment from rest, as terror from peace - so different is the state of sinners from that of saints in the world to come.

When once a man is damned, he may bid adieu to all pleasures!

~John Bunyan~

John Bunyan's Dying Words # 3

John Bunyan's Dying Words # 3

Of the Love of the World.

Nothing more hinders a soul from coming to Christ, than a vain love of the world; and until a soul is freed from it, it can never have a true love for God.

What are the honors and riches of this world - when compared to the glories of a crown of life?

Love not the world; for it is a moth in a Christian's life.

To despise the world is the way to enjoy Heaven; and bless4ed are they who delight in converse with God by prayer.

What folly can be greater than to labor for the meat that perishs - and neglect the food of eternal life?

God or the world must be neglected at parting time, for then is the time of trial.

To seek yourself in this life, is to be lost; and to be humble is to be exalted.

The epicure that delights in the dainties of this world, little thinks that those very creatures will one day witness against him!

Of Suffering

It is not every suffering that makes a martyr, but suffering for the word of God after a right manner. That is, not only for righteousness, but for righteousness' sake; not only for truth, but out of love to truth; not only for God's Word, but according to it; to wit, in that holy, humble, meek manner, as the Word of God requires.

It is a rare thing to suffer aright, and to have my spirit in suffering bent only against God's enemy, sin; sin in doctrine, sin in worship, sin in life, and sin in conversation.

The devil nor men of the world can kill your righteousness or, love to it, but by your own hand; or separate that and you asunder, without your own act. Nor will he who does indeed suffer for the sake of it, or out of love he bears thereto, be tempted to exchange it for the good will of all the world.

I have often thought that the best of Christians are found in the worst of times. And I have thought again that one reason why we are no better, is because God purges us no more. Noah and Lot - who so holy as they in the time of their afflictions? And yet who so idle as they in the time of their prosperity?

Of Death and Judgment

As the devil labors by all means to keep out other things that are good, so to keep out of the heart as much as in him lies, the thoughts of passing from this life into another world; for he knows if he can but keep them from the serious thoughts of death, he shall the more easily keep them in their sins.

Nothing will make us more earnest in working out the work of our salvation, than a frequent meditation of morality. Nothing has greater influence for the taking off our hearts from vanities,and for the begetting in us desires after holiness.

O sinner, what a condition will you fall into when you depart this world! If you depart unconverted, you had better have been smothered the first hour you were born; you had better have been plucked one limb from another; you had better have been made a dog, a toad, a serpent, if you die unconverted, and this you will find true if you repent not.

~John Bunyan~

(continued with # 4)