More Than Words

Even the Gospel has no effect upon me
until his hand is stretched out.
Spurgeon.

God never intended to send his servants forth
into the world with words alone.
No, there are two witnesses that come from heaven-
the Word and the Spirit.

And these two are always found working in conjunction.
They could no more be separated in their working
than the light could come forth from the sun without heat.

...nothing is hidden from its heat.
Psalm 19.6

The most respected Charles Spurgeon bears witness
that words alone don't cut it.
The good news must be accompanied
with the right hand of God's own strength.

For the kingdom Of god is not in word
but in power.
1 Corinthians 4.20


He asks and answers the question,

"Is not what we need...
...the Holy Spirit that dwells within us..."

David cried out to the Lord-
My soul clings to the dust.
Psalm 119.25


And there is another respected and notable
tabernacle of witness, Andrew Murray, that speaks to us.
When writing in his book,The Two Covenants,
he poses the question,

"Do we not need something more than
words and thoughts?”

'
...the flesh profits you nothing'. John 6.63

His soul, he found, was often drawn
to that which is worldly and sensual
and his flesh was bogged down as in a mire.

He knew that he needed a touch from God
and therefore he cried for the remedy.

Quicken me according to your word. Psalm 119


Jesus came recognizing the need of all mankind
and especially that of his servants to fulfill their work
according to their high and holy calling.

Murray cautioned-

The flesh and the spirit are mutually exclusive.
They are oil and water-they do not mix.
One does not help the other.
In fact one will crucify the other.


If we follow the Lord the flesh will be crucified.

And he said to them all,
If any man will come after me,
let him deny himself,
and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 9.23


If we walk after the flesh the Lord will be.

....seeing they crucify to themselves
the Son of God afresh...
Hebrews 6.6


But God gives great grace to those who follow Jesus –
to those who set their hearts to keep his word.

Quicken me after thy lovingkindness;
so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
Psalm 119.88


His testimonies are kept as we learn to receive
and walk in his grace and power.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up
Jesus from the dead dwell in you,
he that raised up Christ from the dead
shall also quicken your mortal bodies
by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Romans 8.11