Works (Vol 4) - Newton - L - Sermon L (The universal chorus)

Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) of John Newton (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon L (The universal chorus).

My summary
This week Newton preaches on: 'And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.' (Rev 5:13)

Newton remarks:
(i) the Lord Jesus is not only the head of the church redeemed from among men, but of the whole intelligent creation that is in willing subjection to God;
(ii) from hence (the verse above) we may form some judgement of the true nature and high honour of that spiritual worship, which is the privilege and glory of the church of God under the Gospel dispensation;
(iii) though the Lamb is worthy of all blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, there is a distinct ascription of praise to him that sitteth upon the throne;
(iv) this solemn worship and praise is referred ultimately to Him who sitteth upon the throne - to the great and glorious God, thus known and manifested in, and by, and with, the Lamb that was slain.

What grabbed me
I liked Newton's closing paragraphs to the book: 'I would humbly hope, that some persons, who were strangers to the power and grace of Messiah when I entered upon this service, are now desirous of seeking him with their whole hearts. Yes, I trust I have not laboured wholly in vain. The Gospel is 'the rod of his strength,' which, when accompanied by the power of his Spirit, produces greater effects than the wonder-working rod of Moses. It causes the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the dead to live. A faithful minister will account a single instance of success a rich recompense for the labour of a life. May this joy be mine! May the Lord encourage you to go on seeking him ! Then he will surely be found of you. An open door is set before you ;t and if you are truly willing to enter, none shall be able to shut it. '

Amen.

Next week's reading
There is no reading next week.  

We have now concluded Friday Focus in the Book Club.

For more information see 'Reformed Book Club Closing'.

Now it's your turn
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