Romans chapter 5:4-8

…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

What an amazing depth of devotion! I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you this weekend! Meanwhile, I have stolen today’s Thought from the famous preacher Charles Spurgeon. I modified it a bit for our use in South Beach. Please read it prayerfully, and have a blessed and fruitful day today!

“Even you were as one of them.” Obadiah 1:11

Brotherly kindness was due from Edom to Israel in the time of need, but instead of assisting their brothers, the men of Esau joined forces with Israel’s foes. Special stress in the sentence before us is laid upon the word you; as when Caesar cried to Brutus, “and thou Brutus”; a bad action may be all the worse, because of the person who has committed it.

When we sin, who are the chosen favourites of heaven, we sin with an emphasis; ours is a crying offense, because we are so peculiarly indulged. If an angel should lay his hand upon us when we are doing evil, he need not use any other rebuke than the question, “What are YOU doing here?” Much forgiven, much delivered, much instructed, much enriched, much blessed, shall we dare to put forth our hand unto evil? God forbid!

A few minutes of confession may be beneficial to you this morning. Have you never been as the wicked? At an evening party certain men laughed at uncleanness, and the joke was not disgusting to your ears, even you were as one of them. When the Word was ridiculed and Christianity berated, you were bashfully silent; and so, to on-lookers, you were as one of them. When business & profit was being exalted above holiness at work, were you not as one of them? When they were pursuing vanity like a hunter, were you not as greedy for gain as they were? Could any difference be discerned between you and them? Is there any difference? Here we come to close quarters. Be honest with your own soul, and make sure that you are indeed a new creature in Christ Jesus; but when this is sure, walk jealously, lest any should again be able to say, “Even you were as one of them.” You wouldn’t desire to share their eternal doom, why then be like them here? Come not into their secret, lest you come into their ruin. Side with the afflicted people of God, and not with the world.

Love you all,

Pastor Robert Fountain