This edition of Teaching Resources begins a study of the Beatitudes. In the Beatitudes, we find something of the true nature of a Christian. They are each meant to humble us and show us how great is our constant need of His grace to live a life that pleases Him. In this issue, we will focus on the first two beatitudes. In subsequent issues, we hope to provide articles on two more with each issue. We have included contemporary articles by the editor as well as articles by A. W. Pink and Thomas Watson. Both of these authors have written much on the Beatitudes. We are only able to provide you with some gleanings in this resource.
We have also included J. C. Ryle’s “Suppose an Unholy Man Went to Heaven.” It is our hope that you will read this article carefully if you have any questions about whether a believer needs to be holy in this life. John Calvin put it this way: “It is faith alone that justifies, but faith that justifies is never alone.” William Gurnall’s “The Christian’s Call to Holiness” also speaks to this matter.
This month, we also begin a series of articles form Thomas Watson’s All Things for Good. Many wonder how this could be true. Others question how things like sin and evil in the world can be used by God for good. We hope this series of articles from the pen of Watson will help to answer many of these questions.
We give thanks for all the encouraging letter that have been sent. While our time is short with Jim being in school now and Debbie working, we are encouraged to continue this work that seems to be benefiting many. Continue to pray for us that we may be both faithful and effective in this ministry. Thanks for your prayers, support and letters of encouragement!
By His Grace,
Jim & Debbie