The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men…Men of prayer.
E. M. Bounds 1835 - 1913
This is the cardinal point on which the whole of Christianity turns. "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). The nature of that holiness which the true Christian seeks to possess is none other than the restoration of the image of God in his soul. Obtaining it depends entirely on the operation of God's Holy Spirit.
The true Christian knows therefore that this holiness does not precede his reconciliation with God, and then be its cause. But he has to follow, and be its effect. In short, it is by faith in Christ alone, faith marked by repentance of sin.
Taken from the book Real Christianity by William Wilberforce 1797
"Above all, taking the shield of faith." Faith is unbreakable confidence in the personality of God, not in His power. There are some things over which we may lose faith if we have confidence in God's power only. There is so much that looks like the mighty power of God that is not.
We must have confidence in God over and above everything He may do, and stand in confidence that His character is unsullied. Faith stands all tests - "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." When we take the shield of faith, none of these things can get through without breaking the shield. We are protected by the covering shield.
Taken from the book If You Will Ask by Oswald Chambers 1874-1917
If you do not seem to get the fruit from this Tree by faith, shake it by prayer. "Oh!" you say, "I have been praying." Yes, but a tree does not always drop its fruit at the first shake you give it. Shake it again, and then give it another shake! Sometimes, when the tree is loaded and is pretty firm in the earth, you have to shake it to and fro, and finally you have to plant your feet, get a firm hold of it, and shake it with all your might, until you strain every muscle and sinew, in order to get the fruit down. And that is the way to pray. Shake the Tree of Life until mercy drops into your lap.
Taken from the book God Loves You by Charles Spurgeon 1834-1892
Never water down or minimize the mighty Gospel of God by considering that people may be misled by certain statements. Present the Gospel in all its fullness and God will guard His own truth.
Taken from the book The Quotable Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers 1874-1917
Taken from the book The Christians Great Interest by William Guthrie 1658
