Thursday, March 19, 2015

PRACTICING GRACE


Charles Spurgeon & Joseph Parker both had churches in London in the 19th century.

On one occasion, Parker commented on the poor condition of children admitted to Spurgeon’s orphanage. It was reported to Spurgeon however, that Parker had criticized the orphanage itself.

Spurgeon blasted Parker the next week from the pulpit. The attack was printed in the newspapers & became the talk of the town.

People flocked to Parker’s church the next Sunday to hear his rebuttal. “I understand Dr. Spurgeon is not in his pulpit today & this is the Sunday they use to take an offering for the orphanage. I suggest we take a love offering here instead.”

The crowd was delighted. The ushers had to empty the collection plates three times.

Later that week there was a knock at Parker’s study. It was Spurgeon. “You know Parker, you have practiced grace on me. You have given me not what I deserved; you have given me what I needed.” - Charles Angell (ministry127.com)

“Grace is the very opposite of merit. Grace is not only undeserved favor, but it is favor, shown to the one who has deserved the very opposite.” - Harry Ironside.

Heb 12:15 (GNB): “Guard against turning back from the grace of God. Let no one become like a bitter plant that grows up and causes many troubles with its poison.”

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