Required reading
The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read the introduction and commence Part First by reading up to Branch Third.
My summary
Today we begin a new work - a mammoth classic from the Puritan, William Gurnall.
Firstly, Gurnall gives a brief overview of the purpose of the book of Ephesians. Then he begins to examine his text, Ephesians 6:11-20.
He focuses on 'Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might' (Eph 6:10) by 'waiving' the first branch of the verse ('my brethren') and expounding the exhortation 'be strong in the Lord'.
His doctrine is that 'The Christian of all men needs courage and resolution' because of the service that the Christian engages in.
What grabbed me
I liked this warning from Gurnall: 'We have known many who have gone into the field, and liked the work of a soldier for a battle or two, but soon have had enough, and come running home again, but few can bear it as a constant trade. Many are soon engaged in holy duties, easily persuaded to take up a profession of religion, and as easily persuaded to lay it down, like the new moon, which shines a little in the first part of the night, but is down before half the night is gone—lightsome professors in their youth, whose old age is wrapped up in thick darkness of sin and wickedness. O, this persevering is a hard word! this taking up the cross daily, this praying always, this watching night and day, and never laying aside our clothes and armour, I mean indulging ourselves, to remit and unbend in our holy waiting on God, and walking with God.'
We must keep up the good fight!
Next week's reading
Continue Part First by reading Branch Third.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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