An Exposition Of Psalm 119

Thomas Manton’s collections of 158 sermons on Psalm 119 is one of the lasting works of the Puritan era. Here’s what Spurgeon said on Manton’s exposition of Psalm 119: “Fully up to Manton’s highest mark, and he is well known to have been one of the chief of the Puritan brotherhood. The work is long, but that results only from the abundance of matter.” J.C. Ryle championed the republication of Manton’s works in the 19th century. He wrote, “Manton’s chief excellence as a writer, in my judgment, consists in the ease, perspicuousness, and clearness of his style. I find it easier to read fifty pages of Manton’s than ten of some of his brethren’s; and after reading, I feel that I carry more away. Let no one, moreover, suppose that because Manton’s style is easy, his writings show any lack of matter and thought. Nothing of the kind. The fertility of his mind seems to have been truly astonishing. Every page in his books contains many ideas, and gives you plenty to think about. If Manton never soars so high as some writers, he is, at any rate, never trifling, never shallow, never wearisome, and never dull.” On Manton’s practical commentary on James, Spurgeon notes: “In Manton’s best style. An exhaustive work, as far as the information of the period admitted. Few such books are written now.”

The Golden Alphabet is Charles Spurgeon’s exposition on Psalm 119, published originally in The Treasury of David. Upon noting that the seven-volume treasury was too large for individuals to purchase, he decided to publish smaller sections that are easier to read. “[Psalm 119], from its great length, helps us to wonder at the immensity of Scripture. From its keeping to the same subject it helps us to adore the unity of Scripture, for it is but one. Yet, from the many turns it gives to its one thought, it helps us to see the variety of Scripture. How manifold are the words and thoughts of God in his Word! Just as in creation, the wonders of his skill are displayed in many ways.” —Spurgeon Each section of this particular psalm begins with a letter in the Hebrew alphabet, earning it the nickname “The Golden Alphabet.” Readers can now enjoy reading Spurgeon’s personal thoughts and learn from his theological insight, breathing new life into this muchbeloved psalm. Key points and features: • A timeless classic, repackaged for a modern audience • Spurgeon’s exposition on Psalm 119 from his original The Treasury of David • Spurgeon’s commentaries are incredibly popular for their keen theological insights, pastoral care, and devotional nature

It can no longer be assumed that most people--or even most Christians--have a basic understanding of the Bible. Many don't know the difference between the Old and New Testament, and even the more well-known biblical figures are often misunderstood. It is getting harder to talk about Jesus accurately and compellingly because listeners have no proper context with which to understand God's story of redemption. In this basic introduction to faith, D. A. Carson takes seekers, new Christians, and small groups through the big story of Scripture. He helps readers to know what they believe and why they believe it. The companion leader's guide helps evangelistic study groups, small groups, and Sunday school classes make the best use of this book in group settings.

A considerable portion of the Sacred Volume (as the Book of Psalms and Canticles in the Old Testament, and a large part of the several Epistles in the New Testament) is occupied with the interesting subject of Christian Experience; and exhibits its character, under different dispensations of religion, and diversified with an endless variety of circumstances, as ever essentially the same. As the same features of countenance and elevation of stature have always marked the human species in the midst of the creation of God; so an identity of feature and “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” has, in all ages, and under every shade of outward difference, distinguished the family of God, “as the people that should dwell alone, and should not be reckoned among the nations.” This indeed was to have been expected. Human nature has undergone no change since the fall. In its unrenewed state it is still captivated in the same chains of sin; and, when renewed, it is under the influence of the same Spirit of grace. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” The modern believer, therefore, when employed in tracing the records of Patriarchal or Mosaic experience, will mark in the infirmities of the ancient people of God a picture of his own heart, “answering, as in water face answers to face;” and in comparing their gracious exercises with his own, he will be ready to acknowledge—“All these works that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.” In this view, it is the object of this work to exhibit an Old Testament believer in a New Testament garb, as one “walking in the same spirit, and in the same steps” with ourselves; and, in bringing his features of character to the Evangelical standard, it is presumed, that the correspondence will be found to be complete. “Faith which works by love”—the fundamental distinction of the Gospel—pervades the whole man; with at least an implied reference to the One way of access to God (verses 41, 88, 132, 135), and a distinct regard alike to the promises (verses 25, 32, 49, 74, 169, 170), and to the precepts (verses 66, 166), of Divine revelation. Nor are the workings of this principle delineated with less accuracy. In all the variety of Christian feelings and holy conduct, we observe its operations leading the soul into communion with God, and molding every part into a progressive conformity to His image. When we view the “man after God’s own heart,” taking God for his portion, associating with His people, and feeding upon His word; when we mark his zeal for his Master’s glory; his devotedness and self-denial in his Master’s work; when we see him ever ready to confess His name, to bear His reproach, and caring only to answer it by a more steady adherence to His service — do we not in those lineaments of character, recognize the picture of one, who in after times could turn to the churches of Christ, and say — “therefore, I beseech you, be followers of me?” Or can we recollect the Psalmist’s insight into the extent and spirituality of the law of God, and his continual conflict with indwelling sin, awakening in him the spirit of wrestling prayer, and confidence in the God of his salvation; and not be again forcibly reminded of him, who has left upon record the corresponding history of his own experience — “I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. We know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

It feels like our world is moving in new, uncertain directions and in unknown waters where you need a good anchor. In Jesus Christ, who is our Rock, we have hope as an anchor for the soul. To not be set adrift, one needs to stay connected to that anchor. I have found it is only by regular time in God's Word that it happens. We believe the promise recorded in 1 Peter 1:24-25: The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever. Day by day, as we come to God's Enduring Word, He has wisdom, strength, and blessing to give us. We can weather storms and enjoy calm waters. We can grow in seasons of drought and bear a harvest for God's kingdom year-round. For 25 years I have prepared a weekly devotional. Here are 365 selected Scripture passages along with an inspirational, encouraging, and helpful thought. My prayer is that you would know and enjoy more and more of God's enduring word. In Jesus, David Guzik