Spurgeon's Jan 12 Morning and Evening

MORNING "Ye are Christ's." 1 Corinthians 3:23" YE are Christ's." You are HIs by donation, for the Father gave you to the Son; His by His bloody purchase, for He counted down the price for your redemption; His by dedication, for you to have consecrated yourself to Him; His by relation, for you are named by His name, and made one of His brethren and join-heirs. Labor practically to show the world that you are the servant, the friend, the bride, of Jesus. When tempted to sin, reply, "I cannot do this great wickedness, for I am Christ's. Immortal principles forbid the friend of Christ to sin. When wealth is before you to be won by sin that you are Christ's. Are you placed where others are sitting down idly, doing nothing? Rise to the work with all your powers; and when the sweat stands upon your brow, and you are tempted to loiter, cry, "No, I cannot stop, for I am Christ's. If I were not purchased by blood, I might be like Issachar, crouching between two burdens; but I am Christ's, and cannot loiter." When the siren song of pleasure would tempt you from the path of right, reply, "Your music cannot charm me; I am Christ's." When the cause of God invites you, give yourself to it; when the poor require you, give your goods and yourself away, for you are Christ's. Never belie your profession. Be you ever one of those whose manners are Christian, whose speech is like the Nazarene, whose conduct and conversation are so redolent of heaven, that all who see you may know that you are the Saviour's, recognizing in you His features of love and His countenance of holiness. "I am a Roman!" was of old a reason for integrity; far more, then, let it be your argument for holiness, "I am Christ's!"

EVENING "I have yet to speak on God's behalf." Job 36:2 WE ought not to court publicity for our virtue, or notoriety for our zeal; but at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which God has bestowed upon us for the good of others. A Christian is not to be a village in a valley, but "a city set upon a hill;" he is not to be a candle under a bushel, but a candle in a candlestick, giving light to all. Retirement may be lovely for a season, and to hide one's-self is doubtless modest, but the hiding of Christ in us can never be justified, and the keeping back of truth which is precious to ourselves is a sin against others and an offence against God. If you are of a nervous temperament and of retiring disposition, take care that you do not too much indulge this trembling propensity, lest you should be useless to the church. Seek in the name of Him who was not ashamed of you to do some little violence to your feelings and tell others what Christ has told to you. If you cannot carry on its wings your words, yet say with Peter and John, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, I give you." By Sychar's well talk to the Samaritan woman, if you cannot on the mountain preach a sermon; utter the praises of Jesus in the house, if not in the temple; in the field, if not upon the exchange; in the middle of your own household, if you cannot in the middle of the great family of man. From the hidden springs within let sweetly flowing rivulets of testimony flow forth, giving drink to every passerby. Hide not your talent; trade with it; and you shall bring in good interest to your Lord and Master. To speak for God will be refreshing to ourself, cheering to saints, useful to sinners, and honoring to the Saviour. Dumb children are an affliction to their parents. Lord, loosen all your children's tongues.

1. Invitation to Link to attend online virtual traditional 150+ years old church at 8:45 am CDT every Sunday morning: (Select Live Stream)Live Stream | First Baptist Church, Garland, TX (fbcgarland.org)

2. Invitation to Link to attend online Zoom meeting of FBCG Barnabas Sunday School Department at 10:00 am CDT every Sunday morning: (You will be connected by the Zoom meeting manager)https://us05web.zoom.us/j/2899163560?pwd=UVRqWWtxNlJXRkhXdTBVZzZmNUxLQT09