Showing results by author "J.C. RYLE" in All Categories

To attain simplicity in preaching is of the utmost importance to every minister who wishes to be useful to souls. Unless you are simple in your sermons, you will never be understood, and unless you are understood, you cannot do good to those who hear you. Of course, the first objective of a minister should be to preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth as it is in Jesus. But the next thing he ought to aim at is for his sermon to be understood, and it will not be understood by most of his congregation if it is not simple.

Solomon says that the glory of young men is their strength (Prov. 20:29). Young men have so much to give the church, but sadly the modern church has taught them nothing about how to exercise their strength in a godly way. This book by 19th-century pastor J.C. Ryle is short, but gives young men what they need: straight talk about being a Christian man. Ryle does not mince words when describing the temptations to pride, lust, laziness, and more. This classic is a powerful reminder from a wise man about how to be strong in the Lord and to give no opportunity to the devil.

It has been a long time since there have been as many ideas and events in our world causing fear and anxiety as there are today. But one thing, in any event, is clear, and that is the duty of Christians to search more diligently than ever the prophetic Scriptures. Let us compare prophecies fulfilled with prophecies unfulfilled and attempt to make the one illustrate the other. Let us strive, above all, to obtain clear views of the things we should be expecting, both in the church and the world, before the end comes and time will be no more.

Although arguably one of the simplest aspects of Christianity, prayer is also perhaps the most neglected, overlooked, and malnourished part of the average Christian’s day and life. While praying quickly before food and with a congregation on Sunday and for an ailing relative may be common enough, J. C. Ryle truly, and with palpable heartfelt and genuine care, pushes those of faith to see their lack of serious prayer for the spiritual health crisis that it is.

This "upper room," we should remember, was the forerunner of every church and cathedral which has been reared in Christendom within the last 18 centuries. St. Paul's, and York, and Lincoln, and all the stately ministers of our own land; St. Sophia at Constantinople, St. Isaac at St. Petersburg, St. Stephen's at Vienna, Notre Dame at Paris, St. Peter's at Rome, all are descendants from this "upper room." Not one can trace its pedigree beyond that little chamber. Here it was that professing Christians, when left alone by their master, first began to pray together, to worship.

"Thoughts for Young Men," by J. C. Ryle, is a short yet passionate appeal that, a hundred years after it was written, remains relevant for today. Replete with warnings, exhortations, and instruction about this life's many trials, temptations, and common pitfalls, Ryle's classic is biblical, practical, timeless, and wise.

I want to tell you what perhaps the greatest Christian who ever lived (the apostle Paul) thought of the cross of Christ. Believe me, the cross is of deepest importance. This is no mere question of controversy; this is not one of those points on which people may agree to differ and feel that differences will not shut them out of heaven. A person must be right on this subject, or he is lost forever. Heaven or hell, happiness or misery, life or death, blessing or cursing in the last day - all hinges on the answer to this question: What do you think about the cross of Christ?

Using his own understanding and study of Scripture, J.C. Ryle consolidates, organizes, and explains this learned wisdom in The Duties of Parents. Broken up into 17 principles, perfect for devotional use, this resource provides advice, guidance, instruction, reminders, and tools for parents who desire to raise children who not only know God but who can also develop their own relationship with Him and live according to His Word. Preparing a Biblical foundation is the desire of all God-fearing parents, and Ryle’s words and Biblical insights help inspire and encourage this exact path.

A friend is one of the greatest blessings on earth. Tell me not of money. Affection is better than gold. Sympathy is better than lands. He is the poor man who has no friends. Have you a friend? This world is full of sorrow, because it is full of sin. It is a dark place. It is a lonely place. It is a dis¬appointing place. The brightest sunbeam in it is a friend. Friendship halves our troubles and dou-bles our joys. Have you a friend? A real friend is scarce and rare. There are many who will eat, and drink, and laugh with us, in the sunshine of prosperity. There are few who will stand by us ...

READER, These were God’s words to Joshua, sometime after he had led Israel into the land of Canaan. I know none more applicable to the subject I want to bring before you this day.—That subject is “Missions to the Heathen, and the Church Missionary Society.” When Joshua spoke these words, something had been done by Israel, but much was left un-done.—Some tribes had received their inheritance;—the greater part were yet without it. Some land was possessed, but much still remained to be possessed.—They had everything to en¬courage them. The Lord of hosts had done great things for...

"True Christianity is a fight," wrote J. C. Ryle in 1877. He argued that from the day of their conversion until the day they die, Christians are called to be soldiers for Christ in a war for their holiness. This inspiring call to action written more than 100 years ago continues to be a source of great encouragement and inspiration for believers today.

John Charles Ryle (1816-1900) was the first bishop of Liverpool and a writer, pastor and an evangelical preacher. His writings on the Gospels are considered by many to be the best practical, devotional and Christ-centered commentaries ever written! He said, 'I am one of those old-fashioned ministers who believe the whole Bible, and everything it contains!'

How much religion among many members of churches consists of nothing but church rituals! They belong to their church. They are baptized, married, buried in at the church, and preached to on Sundays by her ministers, but the great doctrines of truth have no place in their hearts and only a little influence on their lives. Is the religion of these people real Christianity? No, it is Churchianity – and nothing more!

“Hear the Word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar of, and say, He that scat-tered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.” JEREMIAH XXXI. 10. THE text which heads this page is singularly full and comprehensive. It contains both history and prophecy.—It speaks of the scattering of Israel; this is history.—It speaks of the gathering of Israel; this is prophecy.—It demands the attention both of the Jew and the Gentile. To the Jew it holds out a hope;—“Israel,” it says, “shall be gathered.” On the Gentile it lays a command...

You probably know the story of St. Paul’s shipwreck. (Acts 28) You remember how the apostle and his companions were exceedingly tossed with a tempest for thirteen days. Neither sun nor stars in many days appeared. All hope that they should be saved was taken away. But do you recollect that when the fourteenth night was come, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country? They sounded and found it twenty fathoms. When they had gone a little further they sounded again and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest they should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four ...

I do not know into whose hands this tract may fall. But I know there is no living soul, who ought not to feel an interest in its subject. Young men or maidens, old men or children, married or single, gentle or simple, listen to a question;—Shall you be saved? Reader, I entreat you in all affection, to examine the question I put before you. I address you as a dying creature,—an immortal creature,—a creature going to be judged before the bar of God. As ever you would die in peace, rise again with hope, be acquitted in the day of judgment, and live for ever in glory,—give me a hearing ...

This is a primer on raising children and the duties all Christian parents have toward those whom God has entrusted to them.

I HAVE read this little Catechism with much pleasure, and think it deserves to be extensively circulated. It is an admirable compendium of Scriptural information on the Sabbath question, well digested, and arranged in a most simple form. May He who is the Lord of the Sabbath vouchsafe to it an abundant blessing. J. C. RYLE

A widely known preacher in both England and America in the mid-eighteenth century, George Whitefield’s influence has since been buried by those influential men in his time who found his teachings too emotional and experiential. J. C. Ryle seeks to undo that injustice in this work. Laying out in simple and factual ways Whitefield’s life, beliefs, works, and sermons, Ryle encourages a further study of this great Christian man. This biography not only serves to present Whitefield in a more fair light, but also encourages reflection on one’s own Christian walk.

Are you indeed alive unto God? Can you say with truth, “I was dead and am alive again; I was blind, but now I see”? Then accept this word of exhortation and lean your heart toward wisdom.