God would not rub so hard -brooks

sermonindex Nov 22, 2006

~~[b]~~God would not rub so hard[/b]

(Thomas Brooks, "The Privy Key of Heaven" 1665)

"I will turn My hand against you and will burn away
your dross completely; I will remove all your impurities."
Isaiah 1:25

Afflictions cleanse and purge away the dross, the filth,
and the scum of the Christian.

All the harm the fire did to the three children, or rather
the three champions--was to burn off their cords. Our
lusts are cords of vanity, but the fire of affliction shall
burn them up. Sharp afflictions are a fire--to purge out
our dross, and to make our graces shine; they are a
potion--to carry away ill humours; they are cold frosts
--to destroy the vermin; they are a tempestuous sea--
to purge the wine from its dregs; they are a sharp
corrosive--to eat out the dead flesh.

Afflictions are compared to washing--which takes away
the filth of the soul, as water does the filth of the body.
God would not rub so hard, were it not to fetch out
the dirt and spots that are in His people's hearts.

Russellshymn Nov 22, 2006

Thank you, and may God bless you in Jesus' name. This message is very encouraging for me. God is chastening me because He loves me, I'm a legitimate son! At the same time I tremble and fear not responding rightly to Him. There is a line that is drawn. Can you believe it, God purges what he cannot purge! - Ezekiel 24:9-14. I can hardly fathom it, God attempts to refine silver He cannot refine! - Jeremiah 6:26-30. He also labors to make a fruit bearing vineyard, and look, only bitter sour grapes!- Isaiah 5. Yes, there comes a sad day where God says,"Cut it down, why does it take space in my garden"-Luke 13:6-9, John 15:1-8. Is it possible, that God looked for something He could not find! Yes- Ezekiel 22:30-31, Isaiah 59:16. I know that most of these scripture references speak of Israel as a whole, in their context. But I believe to take them on at an intimately personal level! Oh, may I be found unto praise of Him!

enid Nov 24, 2006

Affliction, who wants it? We need it but we don't want it, I don't, that's for sure.

But it is God's way, and there is no other way.

Christ said, 'Not My will but Thine', and suffered as His Father willed.

We are to follow in the steps of the Master.

And as Jesus submitted to His Father's will, let us do the same.

God bless.