The Preacher Preaching
from the Past

Psalm 110 Verse 3 "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power"


The doctrine of Christ crucified is called the power of God, because it is the instrument that God employs in pulling down the strongholds of sin and Satan. But yet, my friends, this doctrine is, after all, but an instrument that cannot be effectual unless it is wielded by the almighty Spirit of God.

Often is this great truth demonstrated in the experience of every Christian, and especially of every Christian minister. The truth of the Gospel is often preached with clearness, fulness, earnestness and affection; sinners are taught their ruined and perishing condition under the broken covenant of works, and Christ is freely held out to them and urgently pressed upon them, and yet they remain despisers and rejecters of the Lord from heaven; and the minister of Christ is often found in sadness to exclaim: "Who hath believed our report, and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?" The people hear, and are perhaps attentive, and begin to reform many of these sinful practices in which they formerly indulged, but yet their hearts remain unconvinced of sin, and unenlightened in the glorious knowledge of Christ, and unconverted to God; there is still little seeking of God in secret prayer, little alarm experienced on account of sin, and serious efforts to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as He is freely offered.

But oh, how changed is the scene when the Spirit is outpoured! Then the hearts of God's people become full to overflowing with love to Jesus, and are drawn forth in vehement desires after His glorious appearing to build up Zion. They are much in secret, and much in united prayer …

Then observe the frame of the hearers at such a time. Formerly no terror could awake them from their sleep of death; they still said: "Peace and safety" though sudden destruction was coming upon them … but now, a few words are enough to pierce their innermost heart … Men and women and children retire from the House of God … they have much business to do with God. Their doors are shut, their Bibles are in their hands, or they are crying to God upon their knees as they are conversing with the godly and obtaining the benefit of their counsel to guide them on the way to Jesus.

These then, my friends, are, you know, some of the marks of a day of the power of Jesus...Satan is discomfited, his captives are set free, and God is glorified.

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This Page Title – W.C. Burns on Psalm 110 verse 3 "Preaching from the Past"
The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness".
Internet Edition number 42 – placed on line May 2003
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