BROWSE QUOTES BY TOPIC:
Living by the Bible, Mark of True Christian
"Every scribe who is instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a householder, who brings forth from his treasure things new and old."
Matthew 13:52
"These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
Acts 17:11
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QUOTATIONS: WORDS OF WISDOM by James Waddel Alexander
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James Waddel Alexander (1804-1859)
James Waddel Alexander, D.D., or James W. Alexander, 1804-1859, was a Presbyterian Christian Pastor of the Duane Street Church in New York. The following quotations are selected from the writings of James W. Alexander.
On the Christian Soldier
James W. Alexander quote on the Christian Soldier and distrusting the Sword of the Spirit:
"It is true of [many] who are engaged in the Christian warfare, that they are distrustful of their own weapons. For a soldier, there could hardly be a more unfortunate prepossession. His blows must be half-delivered, and his disposition to parley or to flee, exceedingly subversive of bold fighting. The grand weapon of the Christian soldier is ... 'the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.' This is the great instrument of assault against the world; ... the truth of God ... is the name of our whole offensive armor. This truth ... is precisely what the Captain of Salvation has put into our hands, to be used against the adversary. It is a firm confidence in the temper, strength, and edge of these weapons, which makes the brave combatant." – James W. Alexander
Quotation from "Distrust of the Word," a sermon by James W. Alexander.
On Christian Warfare
James W. Alexander quote on the Christian's internal warfare against the power of indwelling sin:
"It is a peculiarity of our warfare, that some of our most obstinate battles take place within the walls." – James W. Alexander
Quotation from: "Distrust of the Word," a sermon by J. W. Alexander.
James W. Alexander quote on the Christian warfare, faith in the sword of the Word, and diligence leading unto skill:
"The soldier who has a favorite weapon is apt to be very much engaged in exercising it, and preparing to wield it. We have read of the knights in the days of chivalry, and of their trusty swords, ... many were the hours spent in sharpening and polishing these blades; many more in brandishing them by way of preparation, so as to learn their qualities, and how to make them effectual. All this proved how truly they valued their arms, and it tended towards valorous conflict and easy victory. But we have a sword which we treat after a different fashion. It lies on our pulpits, perhaps on our tables. We bring it forth on special occasions, ... we enshrine it, and praise it—would fight for it, but not with it. ... The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, requires to be taken up in the way of daily exercise. It will be so handled by those who rely on it; ... for while we neglect our chief weapon, we plainly tell the world that we have no confidence in its [powers]." – James W. Alexander
Quotation from: "Distrust of the Word," a sermon by J. W. Alexander.
On Personal Study of the Bible
James W. Alexander quote on the personal studying and reading of Scripture, an evidence of a Christian's practical belief in Scripture's power:
"The Scriptures, ... available for all the demands of life, will be resorted to in serious meditation by every man who is convinced that his own life and salvation, and the life and salvation of millions, depend on it; and he who is little engaged in close examination of the Bible, gives the best evidence possible that he has little practical belief in its amazing power. It is vain ... for anyone to avow his supreme reverence for the Scriptures as the means of regenerating society and opening heaven, when he spends hours over the daily journal, or the book of gaiety, for minutes bestowed on prophets and apostles, and the words of Jesus, the Son of God." – James W. Alexander
Quotation from: "Distrust of the Word," a sermon by J. W. Alexander.
On Diluting or Adding to the Bible
James W. Alexander quote on diluting or adding to God's Word, as an evidence of distrust and unbelief. "Whatsoever I command you, observe to do it: you shall not add to it, nor take away from it." (Deuteronomy 12:32). "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Do not add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar." (Proverbs 30:5-6). "Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I have not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For truly I say to you, till heaven and earth pass, not one jot or one tittle shall in any wise pass from the law, until all is fulfilled." (Matthew 5:17-18). "If any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18-19).
"Men have thought themselves more prudent than the All-Wise. The Law has been lowered lest sinners should call it hard; the way has been hedged up, lest the blind, and the halt, and the lame, should find it too easy; the church has been barricaded with walls of ceremony, and garrisoned with ranks of officials, ... and the blessed Gospel, free as the air of Paradise, has been laden with conditions and restrictions, lest faith should be too simple. In every one of these, and in a thousand like ways, men show their distrust of divine revelation." – James W. Alexander
Quotation from: "Distrust of the Word," a sermon by J. W. Alexander.
On Living by the Bible – Mark of a True Christian
James W. Alexander quote on how true Christians are contantly engaged in applying God's Word to their lives and everything they do:
"He who trusts in God's Word as an infallible directory, will never find a day in which he can live without its guidance. He cannot rise from his sleep, without query how the day's plan may be laid so as to find him ... walking with God; or take his early meal, without a purpose that it be sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. He cannot receive his dues, without considering how much he owes to the Lord. ... He cannot meet a friend, without casting about for a Scripture maxim which may sanctify their union; or an enemy, without guarding his temper by the precept of forgiveness. ... And the fact that all this is unknown in the days of any professing Christians, is too conclusive an argument." – James W. Alexander
Quotation from: "Distrust of the Word," a sermon by J. W. Alexander.