Ryle: It is a real misfortune to Christianity when a Christian cannot smile.

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. —John 2:1 (verses 1-11 in our reading plan today.) J.C. Ryle: The Christian who withdraws entirely from the society of his fellow-men, and walks the earth with a face as melancholy as if he was always … More Ryle: It is a real misfortune to Christianity when a Christian cannot smile.

Pray for eyes to see

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. —Luke 24:45-47 (part of our … More Pray for eyes to see

Ryle: events may bring out grace in quarters where at present we do not expect it

Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. … More Ryle: events may bring out grace in quarters where at present we do not expect it

Our gracious Intercessor

J.C. Ryle on Jesus’ gracious words of intercession from the cross: (Luke 23:32-37) We read that when He was crucified, His first words were, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” His own racking agony of body did not make Him forget others. The first of His seven sayings on the cross was … More Our gracious Intercessor

Satan’s favorite weapons

 J.C. Ryle on Luke 23:1-12, part of our Bible reading plan today. Let us observe, for one thing, in this passage, what false accusations were laid to our Lord Jesus Christ’s charge. We are told that the Jews accused Him of “subverting the nation, forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and stirring up the people.” … More Satan’s favorite weapons

Ryle: Jesus stood before the Pilate, but now sits upon a throne of glory

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you … More Ryle: Jesus stood before the Pilate, but now sits upon a throne of glory

Ryle: a passage which is deeply humbling to the pride of man

Today we come to the passage in Luke 22:54-62 where Peter denies Jesus.  This incident is recorded in all 4 Gospel accounts.  J.C. Ryle comments: It is a passage which is deeply humbling to the pride of man, but singularly instructive to true Christians. The fall of Peter has been a beacon to the Church, … More Ryle: a passage which is deeply humbling to the pride of man

Prayer is the remedy

    And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, … More Prayer is the remedy