Required reading
Today Pink teaches us that we profit from the Word when:
(i) we perceive the great importance of Christian love;
(ii) we learn to detect the sad perversions of Christian love;
(iii) we are taught the true nature of Christian love;
(iv) we discover that Christian love is a Divine communication;
(v) we rightly exercise Christian love;
(vi) we are taught the varied manifestations of Christian love;
(vii) we are taught the proper cultivation of Christian love.
Pink certainly saved the best to last - Christian love. The final chapter made a fitting conclusion to the book.
I particularly enjoyed Pink's point that one of the reasons we love other Christians so much is because we see Christ in them: 'Love for the brethren is far, far more than finding agreeable the society of those whose temperaments are similar to or whose views accord with my own. It pertains not to mere nature, but is a spiritual and supernatural thing. It is the heart being drawn out to those in whom I perceive something of Christ. Thus it is very much more than a party spirit; it embraces all in whom I can see the image of God's Son. It is, therefore, a loving them for Christ's sake, for what I see of Christ in them. It is the Holy Spirit within attracting and alluring me with Christ indwelling my brethren and sisters.' I have many heroes of the Christian faith and love them dearly. But sometimes well-meaning Christians tell me that I shouldn't have heroes, that they can become idols. Yet what is attracting me to them is that I see my God in them!
Final verdict
No-one can study the Bible for very long without feeling the temptation to study the word to puff themselves up with knowledge. Pink reminds us that how you approach the Bible is very important: 'A great deal depends upon the end or aim we have before us when turning to God's Word. If it be simply to familiarize ourselves with its contents and become better versed in its details, it is likely that the garden of our souls will reamin barren; but if with the prayerful desire to be rebuked and corrected by the Word, to be searched by the Spirit, to conform our hearts to its holy requirements, then we may expect a Divine blessing.' Pink's little book provides us with good examples of what dividends a Christian may gain through careful reading of God's word. Recommended to all.
Now it's your turn
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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