Little Flock
" Fear not little flock ; for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom . - Luke 12 : 32
How am I to know whether I am of the number or not ? .The Word of God supplies us with evidences as to who are of the number , and who are not . All who are are called effectually by the gospel , they know the voice of Christ and they follow Him; they love one another ; they are poor in spirit and afflicted ; they are the praying ones , and they are pilgrims and strangers here below ; they hate sin , and delight in holiness , and they are aware of the Shepherds care and protection . They need to be fed by the Word of God , for nothing else is suited to their necessities ; they search and try themselves , and ask God that he would show them their secret faults . They are willing to know the worst , and they prefer this to being deceived and perishing in their delusion
If you cannot find any of these evidences in yourself , let it be your daily concern to be made one of this little flock ; for though few in number , mean and generally poor and obscure , ill used by the world , hated by Satan , tried by God and burdened by sin , yet they are the only blessed , the only happy ones . If you be led to cast in your lot with them , you will forever praise the distinguishing grace of God . But if you neglect this now , you will have cause and time enough to lament your folly . The Gospel Shepherd still receives into His fold lost sheep ; there is room still . He is abroad by His Word and Spirit , in search of the stray ones . O, put yourself in His way ,plead with Him to come to you and restore you and put you among His flock , and then yours shall be this kingdom . In no other way is it to be obtained , and he that will not enter it in this manner , shall be shut out forever .
How am I to know whether I am of the number or not ? .The Word of God supplies us with evidences as to who are of the number , and who are not . All who are are called effectually by the gospel , they know the voice of Christ and they follow Him; they love one another ; they are poor in spirit and afflicted ; they are the praying ones , and they are pilgrims and strangers here below ; they hate sin , and delight in holiness , and they are aware of the Shepherds care and protection . They need to be fed by the Word of God , for nothing else is suited to their necessities ; they search and try themselves , and ask God that he would show them their secret faults . They are willing to know the worst , and they prefer this to being deceived and perishing in their delusion
If you cannot find any of these evidences in yourself , let it be your daily concern to be made one of this little flock ; for though few in number , mean and generally poor and obscure , ill used by the world , hated by Satan , tried by God and burdened by sin , yet they are the only blessed , the only happy ones . If you be led to cast in your lot with them , you will forever praise the distinguishing grace of God . But if you neglect this now , you will have cause and time enough to lament your folly . The Gospel Shepherd still receives into His fold lost sheep ; there is room still . He is abroad by His Word and Spirit , in search of the stray ones . O, put yourself in His way ,plead with Him to come to you and restore you and put you among His flock , and then yours shall be this kingdom . In no other way is it to be obtained , and he that will not enter it in this manner , shall be shut out forever .
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