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Dependence Upon God, January 9
For without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:5
, last part.
The first lesson to be taught ... is the lesson of dependence upon God.... As a
flower of the field has its root in the soil; as it must receive air, dew, showers, and
sunshine, so must we receive from God that which ministers to the life of the soul.
The presence of God is guaranteed to the Christian. This Rock of faith is
the living presence of God. The weakest may depend upon it. Those who think
themselves the strongest may become the weakest unless they depend on Christ
as their efficiency, their worthiness. This is the Rock upon which we may build
successfully. God is near in Christ’s atoning sacrifice, in His intercession, His
loving, tender ruling power over the church. Seated by the eternal throne, He
watches them with intense interest. As long as the members of the church shall
through faith draw sap and nourishment from Jesus Christ, and not from man’s
opinions and devisings, and methods; if having a conviction of the nearness of
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God in Christ, they put their entire trust in Him, they will have a vital connection
with Christ as the branch has connection with the parent stock. The church is
established not on theories of men, on long-drawn-out plans and forms. It depends
upon Christ their righteousness. It is built on faith in Christ, “and the gates of hell
shall not prevail against it.” ...
The strength of every soul is in God and not in man. Quietness and confidence
is to be the strength of all who give their hearts to God. Christ has not a casual
interest in us but an interest stronger than a mother for her child.... Our Saviour has
purchased us by human suffering and sorrow, by insult, reproach, abuse, mockery,
rejection and death. He is watching over you, trembling child of God. He will
make you secure under His protection.... Our weakness in human nature will not
bar our access to the heavenly Father, for He [Christ]died to make intercession for
us.
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