Old Treasures Made New

Shaun Martens
  • 0,0 (0)
  • Christentum
  • Halbwöchentlich

Old Treasures Made New are short devotions that focuses on the Holy Scriptures (the ultimate old treasure) and brings voices from the past to comment on them (lesser treasure, but treasure nonetheless). Whether part of your main diet of Scripture intake or a supplement to it, these episodes are ways to set your mind on the things that are above and to be encouraged in your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

  1. vor 1 Tag

    Matthew 6:1-8

    Matthew 6:1-8 Observe that our Lord takes it for granted, that all who call themselves His disciples will GIVE ALMS.Observe again that our Lord takes it for granted, that all who call themselves His disciples will PRAY.In GIVING, everything pretentiousness is to be abhorred and avoided.In PRAYING, the principal object to be sought, is to be alone with God.In all our duties, whether giving, or praying, the great thing to be kept in mind is, that we have to do with a heart-searching and all-knowing God. "A giving Savior should have giving disciples." "It teaches plainly that prayerless people are not genuine Christians. It is not enough to join in the prayers of the congregation on Sundays, or attend the prayer of a family on week-days. There must be private prayer also. Without this we may be outward members of Christ's church, but we are not living members of Christ." "They flatter themselves that all must be right with their souls, if they only perform a certain amount of "religious duties." They forget that God does not regard the quantity, but the quality of our service. His favor is not to be bought, as many seem to suppose, by the formal repetition of a number of words, or the self-righteous payment of a sum of money to a charitable institution." Questions: In these verses Jesus tells us of two actions he assumes true believers will do, giving and prayer, and speaks to how they are to be done. God takes no account of how much money we give or how many words we use in prayer, but the nature of our motives. The question we need to ask ourselves then is simple: as it pertains to giving, is there a desire in my heart to be generous with what God has given me? In my giving, do I desire for others to see? As Ryle says, "a giving Savior should have giving disciples."It is also assumed in this passage that God's people will pray. So, as it pertains to prayer, do we have a desire to pray? When we pray, do we have a heart that God is the one we are talking to?Now, questions like this tend to produce in most feelings of inadequacy. The truth is that these are important things to consider. Where we fall short - and we all fall short of what we should - the question is: will this produce in us a desire to grow or to give up? Will you simply try harder or look again to Christ and all he has done on your behalf?

    9 Min.

  2. vor 4 Tagen

    Matthew 5:38-48

    Matthew 5:38-48 The Lord Jesus forbids everything like an unforgiving and revengeful spirit.The Lord Jesus enjoins on us a spirit of universal love and charity.If we do not aim at the spirit and temper which are here recommended, we are not yet children of God and are manifestly yet of the world.If the spirit of these ten verses were more continually remembered by true believers, they would recommend Christianity to the world far more than they do.If the spirit of these ten verses had more dominion and power in the world, how much happier the world would be than it is. "We are to put up with much and bear much, rather than hurt another, or give offence. In all things we are to be unselfish. Our thought must never be, "how do others behave to me?" but "what would Christ have me to do?"" "We have here a lovely picture of the Christian as he ought to be. We cannot look at it without painful feelings. We must all allow that it differs widely from the Christian as he is." "Unfailing courtesy, kindness, tenderness, and consideration for others, are some of the greatest ornaments to the character of the child of God. The world can understand these things, if it cannot understand doctrine. There is no religion in rudeness, roughness, bluntness, and incivility. The perfection of practical Christianity consists in attending to the little duties of holiness as well as to the great." "Those who fancy that true religion has any tendency to make men unhappy, are greatly mistaken. It is the absence of it that does this, and not the presence." Questions: Jesus points out two sayings that would have been common - "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" and "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy" - and declares what God desires. The Christian is called to not resist the one who is evil (of which Jesus gives numerous examples) and love our enemies. The standard is high because the standard is found in Jesus himself. And yet, as Ryle points out, we must not aim for anything less because these things are evidence of having the Spirit. And so, he asks some negative diagnostic questions: am I ready to resent hurts against me? Am I quick to be offended by others? Am I quick to quarrel and fight with others? Do I delight to assert my rights? He then asks some positive questions: Do I return good when others do evil to me? Do I bless when cursed? Do I deny myself and take troubles in order to be kind? As Ryle says, these pictures give a lovely picture of what the Christian ought to be. Do we have some semblance of this picture?Ryle, in considering these standards, states that the world would be far happier if the spirit of these verses had more power and dominion in the world. He says, "Those who fancy that true religion has any tendency to make men unhappy, are greatly mistaken. It is the absence of it that does this, and not the presence." Do we believe that loving our enemies and patiently enduring evil are God being a killjoy or actually what will bring joy to us and a lost world?

    10 Min.

  3. vor 6 Tagen

    Matthew 5:21-37

    Matthew 5:21-37 Jesus expounds the sixth, seventh, and third commandments.It teaches us the exceeding holiness of God.It teaches us the exceeding ignorance of man in spiritual things.It teaches us the exceeding need of the Lord Jesus Christ's atoning blood to save us.It teaches us the exceeding importance of avoiding all occasions of sin. "Ignorance of the real meaning of the law is one plain reason why so many do not value the Gospel, and content themselves with a little formal Christianity. They do not see the strictness and holiness of God's Ten commandments. If they did, they would never rest until they were safe in Christ." "We must labor to crucify our flesh and mortify our members, to make any sacrifice and endure any bodily inconvenience rather than sin." Questions: We see that Jesus speaks to the sixth, seventh, and third commandment and gets to the heart of their meaning. Many in Jesus' day, and in ours as well, may think that because we have never murdered or committed adultery with our actions that we are innocent. Jesus, though, declares that murder and adultery are issues of the heart, which God sees just as clear as we see ourselves in a mirror. Hateful thoughts and lustful glances are not missed by the God who knows all things and is personally offended by each one. Have we read the 10 Commandments and walked away encouraged thinking we are good or have we read them and understood that we fall short of them all? Which of us, getting to the heart of Jesus' meaning, could declare ourselves innocent?Ryle, in light of the severity of the law, calls all Christians to avoid all occasions of sin. He applies this particularly with the use of our tongues, with James tell us is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. He exhorts us to be ready to make up quarrels and disagreements, lest they gradually lead on to greater evils. Stop and consider that for a second. Have you found that to be true in your own life? When he says, "we must make any sacrifice and endure any bodily inconvenience rather than sin" does that sound too harsh? Or does that sound like a foreign idea? What could this look like in your life?

    10 Min.

  4. 25. Mai

    Matthew 5:13-20

    Matthew 5:13-20 True Christians are to be in the world like salt and light.Beware of despising the Old Testament under any pretense whatsoever.Beware of despising the law of the Ten Commandments.Beware of supposing that the Gospel has lowered the standard of personal holiness. "It will never do to idle through life, thinking and living like others, if we mean to be owned by Christ as His people. Have we grace? Then it must be seen. Have we the Spirit? Then there must be fruit. Have we any saving religion? Then there must be a difference of habits, tastes, and turn of mind, between us and those who think only of the world." "The religion of the Old Testament is the embryo of Christianity. The Old Testament is the Gospel in the bud. The New Testament is the Gospel in full flower. The Old Testament is the Gospel in the blade. The New Testament is the Gospel in full ear. The saints in the Old Testament saw many things through a glass darkly. But they all looked by faith to the same Savior, and were led by the same Spirit as ourselves." "The law of the Ten Commandments is God's eternal measure of right and wrong. By it, is the knowledge of sin. By it, the Spirit shows men their need of Christ, and drives them to Him. To it, Christ refers His people as their rule and guide for holy living. In its right place it is just as important as "the glorious Gospel."" "The Christian who is content with a low standard of personal holiness has got much to learn." Questions: The Lord Jesus declares that those who follow him will be salt and light in the world, which Ryle highlights means that Christians must be distinct from the world. He says, "Have we grace? Then it must be seen. Have we the Spirit? Then there must be fruit. Have we any saving religion? Then there must be a difference of habits, tastes, and turn of mind, between us and those who think only of the world." If you are in Christ, what makes you distinct from those around you in your school or workplace or family? In what ways has belonging to Christ changed you?In our day as in Ryle's, there are many who despise or cast aside the Old Testament. One way this is done even in the New Testament is when some consider the 'red letters' that is, the words that are recorded by Jesus, as more authoritative than the rest of Scripture. Yet, Ryle rightly says that "the religion of the Old Testament is the embryo of Christianity." Yes, we need to read the Old Testament rightly in light of the New Testament and it being fulfilled, but Leviticus is no less authoritative than John 3:16. Does this point come to you as shocking or as surprising that anyone would think otherwise? Is this an area you need to consider further?Ryle points out that the 10 Commandments bring knowledge of sin, shows us our need for Christ, and also are the Christians guide for holy living. This is summed up nicely by someone who has said, "The law brings us to Christ for salvation, and then Christ brings us to the law for how to live." Throughout history, there has been a tendency to either try to be saved by obeying the law - legalism - or thinking that in Christ we no longer have anything to do with the law - antinomianism. Which one of these do you tend to side toward and struggle with the most?

    12 Min.

  5. 22. Mai

    Matthew 5:1-12

    Matthew 5:1-12 "Would we know what kind of people Christians ought to be? Would we know the character at which Christians ought to aim? Would we know the outward walk and inward habit of mind which become a follower of Jesus? Then let us often study the sermon on the mount." "Christianity is eminently a practical religion. Sound doctrine is its root and foundation, but holy living should always be its fruit." Questions: We have here the opening to the sermon on the mount, which consists of 8 characteristics that Jesus calls blessed. As you listened to them, I trust you will agree with the pastor who said that we need to be told these things are blessed because it certainly doesn't feel like it! Ryle declares that these are the things we should compare ourselves to, that the world utterly rejects, and that many professing Christians are ignorant of. As you consider being poor in spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, being pure in heart, peacemaking and persecution, which ones do you struggle with the most? Why? Which ones do you need to go to God with for more grace?

    10 Min.

  6. 20. Mai

    Matthew 4:12-25

    Matthew 4:12-25 Let us notice the way in which our Lord commenced His mighty work.Let us notice the first doctrine which the Lord Jesus proclaimed to the world.Let us notice the class of men whom the Lord Jesus chose to be His disciples.Let us notice the general character of the miracles by which our Lord confirmed His mission. "The brightest days of the Church have been those when preaching has been honored. The darkest days of the Church have been those when it has been lightly esteemed." "No Christian teaching can be called sound, which does not constantly bring forward "repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."" "Is a man humble? Does he feel his sins? Is he willing to hear Christ's voice and follow Him? If this be so, he may be the poorest of the poor, but he shall be found as high as any in the kingdom of heaven. Intellect and money are worth nothing without grace." "He rejected no one who came to Him. He refused no one, however loathsome and diseased. He had an ear to hear all, and a hand to help all, and a heart to feel for all. There is no kindness like His. His compassions fail not." Questions: These verses tell us of the beginning of Jesus' ministry, and we learn that the office Jesus fulfilled was that of preacher. In fact, if we just read through the gospels, we might sometimes think that Jesus is primarily a healer, but here and in Mark 1:38 we learn he is primarily a preacher who stops to heal as he goes. Does this surprise you? Ryle highlights the importance of preaching from this as well. He tells us to use the means of worship reverently but never to place them above preaching. Do we value preaching like this?We see, also, that the first doctrine Christ proclaimed was that of repentance. Ryle says that repentance lies at the bottom of Christianity, that it is essential for salvation, and that no Christian teaching can be healthy without it. So much preaching in the West today sadly cares more about one's self-esteem and feeling good about ourselves instead of calling us to repentance (which can then lead to a God-esteem). In the list of doctrines you know, does repentance have the same importance to you as it does to Jesus?Ryle points out three general characteristics of his miracles. First, he says that they were meant to teach us His power, which should encourage us in his ability. Second, he says the are types and emblems of his skill as a spiritual physician. If no physical ailment was too difficult for Jesus, then clearly our broken hearts, wounded consciences, and sin-infected lives are not too hard for him to heal either. And third, they also show us his heart of compassion. Ryle says, "He had an ear to hear all, and a hand to help all, and a heart to feel for all." Which of these is new to you? Which one will you take some time to consider more about our Savior?

    12 Min.

  7. 18. Mai

    Matthew 4:1-11

    Matthew 4:1-11 Let us learn what a real and mighty enemy we have in the devil.Let us learn that we must not count temptation a strange thing.Let us learn that the chief weapon we ought to use in resisting Satan is the Bible.Let us learn what a sympathizing Savior the Lord Jesus Christ is. "Let us remember every day, that if we would be saved, we must not only crucify the flesh, and overcome the world, but also "resist the devil." "Let [Christians] remember there is a devil, and not be surprised to find him near them. To be tempted is in itself no sin. It is the yielding to the temptation, and giving it a place in our hearts, which we must fear." "Knowledge of the Bible never comes by intuition. It can only be obtained by diligent, regular, daily, attentive, wakeful reading." "Are they ever tempted by Satan to distrust God's care and goodness? So was Jesus. Are they ever tempted to presume on God's mercy, and run into danger without warrant? So also was Jesus. Are they ever tempted to commit some one great private sin for the sake of some great seeming advantage? So also was Jesus. Are they ever tempted to listen to some misapplication of Scripture, as an excuse for doing wrong? So also was Jesus. He is just the Savior that a tempted people require." Questions: These verses tell the account of Jesus being tempted by the Devil in the wilderness. Three temptations are met with three faithful responses. Ryle points out, in light of these verses, just how real and mighty an enemy Satan is. Do we pray, as Jesus instructs us, that we would be kept from the evil one? Or does our prayerlessness regarding this expose a light-heartedness toward Satan?Ryle informs us that temptation should not surprise us and to forget this can rob us of joy and peace. Are we often tempted and then discouraged just because we had such an evil thought or serious doubt? If so, have we forgotten that temptation is to be expected in this world? Have we forgotten that it is not a sin to be tempted but only when we yield to the temptation? Let us fear giving into temptation than to being tempted itself.Ryle reminds us that even Jesus, the Son of God, could only repel Satan's attacks by knowing the Word of God. Ryle fears in his day, and so we in ours, that there is not enough Bible reading amongst us. He warns that it is not sufficient to have the Book and that it will do no good if it sits closed at home. In order to yield the Sword of God's Word in battle, we need to diligent, regular, daily, attentive, and wakeful in our reading of the Bible. How are we doing in this area? Does God's Word dwell richly in us? Are we taking steps today that will make us 'mighty in the Scriptures' tomorrow? Ryle warns that if we grudge the time and trouble this will cost us that we are not yet fit for the kingdom of God. If this is true, how will you change this starting today?

    10 Min.

  8. 15. Mai

    Matthew 3:13-17

    Matthew 3:13-17 Let us learn to regard the sacrament of baptism with reverence.We are told of the presence of all three people of the blessed Trinity. "We are told of "a voice from heaven" at our Lord's baptism. This was a circumstance of singular solemnity. We read of no voice from heaven before this, except at the giving of the law on Sinai. Both occasions were of peculiar importance. It therefore seemed good to our Father in heaven to mark both with peculiar honor. At the introduction both of the law and Gospel, He Himself speaks." Questions: These verses speak of the baptism of Jesus at the beginning of his ministry. Ryle, while exhorting us to regard baptism with reverence, also gives two cautions. First, he warns against attaching superstitious importance to baptism, which is seen when people think that all get benefit whether they come in faith and prayer or not. Second, he also warns about those who dishonor baptism by ignoring or keeping it from the public eye. Today, at least in the West, I think the superstitious part happens a lot when people think the act of baptism will save them or get them a step closer to God. As for treating it lightly, we don't keep it out of sight as much as baptize without discipling people in understanding the significance of what they are doing. Where do we stand with these two cautions?We also read of one of the rare occasions where God speaks from heaven, the other being at Mt. Sinai when the law is given. Ryle declares that these words should be deeply encouraging to all who have committed their souls to God for salvation. He gives a few reasons: first, it declares who Jesus is: the Son who carries out the work of redemption. Second, it declares that the Father accepts Jesus as the mediator between Him and man. Third, being well pleasing to him, it declares that the Father is satisfied with the sacrifice that His Son will make for sinful mankind. Have you considered the importance of these words of the Father to the Son? Which of these reasons will you thank God for right now?

    9 Min.
Alle anzeigen (339)

Trailer

Info

Old Treasures Made New are short devotions that focuses on the Holy Scriptures (the ultimate old treasure) and brings voices from the past to comment on them (lesser treasure, but treasure nonetheless). Whether part of your main diet of Scripture intake or a supplement to it, these episodes are ways to set your mind on the things that are above and to be encouraged in your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Informationen

  • Erstellt von
    Shaun Martens
  • Jahre aktiv
    2022 - 2026
  • Folgen
    339
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Shaun Martens
  • Sendungswebsite
    Old Treasures Made New

Das gefällt dir vielleicht auch