Teaching Resources International

The focus of this issue is on a topic frequently neglected in our age–the blood of Christ. Through a variety of articles, we hope to rekindle appreciation for and an interest in preaching about the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The old hymn puts it poignantly: “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” It is our hope that you will be encouraged by this issue to teach about the “precious blood of Christ” and that you will find that His blood alone is sufficient to pay for all our sins and cleanse us to that we might stand faultless before the throne.

A number of the articles are excerpts from sermons by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Spurgeon may have been the greatest preacher of the modern era. Even before the era of the mega-church, Spurgeon pastored a congregation in London that regularly ministered to over 6000 people each Sunday. Spurgeon was a popular preacher, but he never shied away from preaching the great doctrines of the Bible. One theme on which he often spoke was the blood atonement. Choosing from a few of his sermons was most difficult. Shortening them for this publication was also difficult. We hope that the message of the blood, as preached by C. H. Spurgeon will prove to be a great blessing for you. We have also included a short excerpt from another sermon by Spurgeon that we hope will be a “new year’s” encouragement to all preachers: “Preacher, Keep Your Heart Full!”

Along with the articles by Spurgeon, we have included two by the Puritan theologian, Stephen Charnock. “The Cleansing Virtue of Christ’s Blood” is part of an introduction to an exposition of 1 John 1:9. Although we have only included a short part, the entire message is worth reading if you have access the Works of Charnock. Articles by Horartius Bonar, Andrew Murray, and A. W. Pink round out the theme study on the blood of Christ. Finally, we have included another article by Frank Boreham, this time on Hugh Latimer’s text.

Jim’s teaching ministry will continue to be a priority in the coming months. He is currently scheduled to be teaching in Haiti, Belgium, and the Ukraine this spring. There is also a possibility of teaching in Romania if we can work out the scheduling. Continue to keep us in your prayers regarding these trips and also regarding Jim’s writing and editing ministry. May the Lord bless your efforts for His sake as you serve Him this new year.

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

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Romans the eighth chapter is one of the “crown jewels” for believers to gaze upon in the Word of God. It has been said that the Book of Romans is the “Alps” of the books of the Bible and that the eighth chapter of Romans is like the Matterhorn. Dwight L. Moody once said: “I would rather live in the center of Romans 8 than in the center of the Garden of Eden.” He explained that, even in the Garden, Satan was able to lead Adam and Eve into temptation, but the believer who lives in Romans 8, Moody reasoned, was protected from Satan’s deceptions. While such may be an overstatement, the believer who comes to rest in God’s sovereign control over all things (which is the message of Romans 8) is greatly strengthened against all kinds of difficulties.

If Romans 8 is a “crown jewel” for believers, then Romans 8:28 must be one of the more precious jewels. A. W. Tozer noted that Romans was like a beautiful ring on a woman’s finger, Romans 8 was like unto the jewel set in that ring, and Romans 8:28 was like the sparkle of that great jewel. Analogies aside, Romans 8 is a power chapter that speaks of God’s continuing work, protection, and plan for all believers.

With these thoughts in mind, the focus of this issue is that great chapter. In Romans 8, we find teaching on sanctification (8:1-17), suffering (8:17-25), the role of the Spirit in prayer (8:26-27), and God’s providence and constant love for His children (8:28-39). But most of Romans 8 provides comfort to believers no matter what they are facing in this world. Paul begins with the reminder that, for those who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. He concludes the chapter with a great encouragement: that nothing shall ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Throughout the chapter, great comfort is provided for those who are the children of God.

Because this chapter is so rich in truth and comfort for struggling believers, all of the articles in this issue are related to some aspect of Romans 8. Certainly we could have included many other excellent articles as this great chapter has been preached often by men of old to the edification of the saints. We hope that each one will serve to help you to better “comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height” (Ephesians 3:18) of the love of God which is found in Christ Jesus alone.

By His Grace,

Jim & Debbie Ehrhard

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Perhaps no doctrine is of greater importance than justifying faith. Should we fail to properly understand what faith is and on what it rests, we might mislead many into an eternity apart from Christ. The Reformers placed great weight on a proper understanding of faith. They declared that justification by faith alone was the doctrine on which the church stands or falls. They defined faith carefully so that what the faith which they preached and taught might not be confused with the faith that was normally taught by Rome.

They labored to make certain that “faith” could never be construed as a “work” that one performed or as a “merit” whereby one gained forgiveness of sins. Conversely, they argued against Roman claims of antinomianism by teaching that true faith was accompanied by good works. In other words, those who had faith were changed in their lives.

Today there is a need to be especially clear in our teaching about faith. Most view faith as an act they do. Wrapped up in such an assumption is the idea that “a profession of faith” is identical with faith. If they have made a “decision,” that’s all that matters, even if there is no change in their lives. Biblical faith, however, is different. It is evidenced by a trusting Christ, a following Christ, and a new love for Christ. One who has true saving faith is not the same—he is new, he is changed.

It is our hope that the articles in this issue might help you to sharpen your thinking about “faith.” Read each carefully, repeatedly, and always in light of the Scriptures. Included are articles by Thomas Watson, a 17^th century puritan; Solomon Stoddard, and Joseph Bellamy from 18^th century America, Jonathan Edwards, C. H. Spurgeon from 19^th Century England, and A.W. Pink from 20^th England. Although their writing span four centuries, their teachings on faith are in accord. We pray that each will provide insights to increase your understanding of faith that saves.

Also, we have included another article about three characters found in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. Thank you for your prayers for us and for your support of this ministry. Jim will be teaching mainly in the Ukraine this year (3 times) and once in Belgium. Continue to pray for his effectiveness in teaching and preaching.

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

Copyright Jim Ehrhard, 1999. You are permitted to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that: (1) you credit the author; (2) any modifications are clearly marked; (3) you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction; and (4) you do not make more than 100 copies without permission. If you would like to post this material to your web site or make any use other than as defined above, please contact Teaching Resources International

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This issue of Teaching Resources completes our theme study in the Beatitudes. Most of the articles in the Theme Section are related to various aspects of handling suffering. Thomas Watson, and Jeremiah Burroughs provide helps for being patient during suffering. The articles from Charles Spurgeon and A. W. Pink set forth a Christian perspective on the whole issue of suffering.

We have also included a number of other studies that we hope will prove helpful. Thomas Boston’s How We Ought to Think about God’s Providence warns about some dangerous attitudes that one might be tempted to adopt during times of suffering. In the series on the Holy Spirit by A. W. Pink, we see something of the role that God the Spirit plays in our lives while we suffer.

In this issue, we also continue a study begun in our last issue. This quarter, we have included Frank Boreham’s study of C. H. Spurgeon’s favorite text. This story of Spurgeon’s conversion bears reading time and time again. It provides a powerful testimony to the converting power of the simplest message from the Word of God. It also serves as a wonderful reminder that numbers do not matter. The small congregation that you preach to each week may have great impact in God’s plan for this world. It reminds us of the importance of the conversion of even one soul. Finally, we have concluded this issue with a Puritan prayer from The Valley of Vision.

As to our own lives, the Lord has continued to bless us in many ways. This past May, Jim graduated with his Ph.D. from Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary. In the process of seeking the Lord’s leading for our lives, we felt the leading of the Lord to become involved with some teaching work overseas. We will continue to live in Little Rock and Jim will travel to Europe to teach 2-3 week modules in seminaries and Bible institutes. In addition to teaching overseas, Jim will also be available to teach occasionally for churches and at conferences here in the United States. We will begin this new ministry this fall and especially appreciate your prayers as we move to work with this ministry as full-time missionaries. May the Lord bless you in your service for Him and may you be a testimony for our Lord as you “rejoice and be exceedingly glad” when trials come your way.

By His Grace,

Jim & Debbie

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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

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