JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

I do not mean that Peter intended to deny Jesus. No, he had made holy vows, and he meant to keep them. But when one consents to wrong company, then he has already sealed his lips against protest. A preacher may run with modernists, but may say, "They will put no strings on my message." No, he has already limited his own message when he seeks the association and fellowship of those who are enemies of Christ and the Bible. - John R. Rice

What is the basis of fellowship? Is it brotherly love and fellowship? Is it a denominational program? No! the only center of unity that Paul knew was the Word of God itself, the essentials of the Christian faith. There was no room for two doctrines about the atonement, no room for two plans of salvation, no room for differing opinions about the deity of Jesus Christ, the virgin birth, the bodily resurrection, His atoning death. No! If one should come among the Galatians preaching any other gospel, Paul fervently prayed, "Let him be accursed." - John R. Rice

The Gospel was more important than another apostle, more important than angels, more important than any fellowship or any program. the great center for unity is Jesus Christ and the Bible. As D. L. Moody said at the Northfield conference where he invited Christian workers from many denominations, "Let it be understood that our unity here at Northfield is based on the Bible as it is." - John R. Rice

I do not mean that we who are Christians should never weep. I think we should join in the tears of Jesus for a lost world. I do not even mean that a lost sinner should not weep. Surely one who has sinned so grossly and has so long rejected the Saviour ought to be shamed and heartsick over his own sins. So weep if you must, but do not think that tears do anything to buy Heaven, do not think that you mount one more step of the ladder by your tears. The moment the heart gladly takes what Jesus offers he is saved and on the road to Heaven. The moment you take Jesus you have entered into the gate, for He is the door to Heaven, He is the ladder to Heaven, the Peacemaker between man and God. - John R. Rice

Oh, there are blood and tears on the road to Heaven but they are not my blood nor yours. My sinful blood could never buy anything from God. My tears are from such a naturally corrupt heart that God may pity them, but they do not undo all the failures and heart corruption of which I am guilty. Thank God, the atoning blood of Jesus makes me fit for Heaven through the imputed righteousness of Christ charged to my account. - John R. Rice

If you who read this do not know that your sins are forgiven. If you are not a born again Christian, I beg you that here and now you turn to Christ and let Him settle forever the matter of your soul's salvation. I remind you that all is paid. He loves you. Now you have but to put your trust in Jesus. When you deposit money in a bank, you rely upon the bank. Now deposit your soul with Jesus and your soul will be kept more surely than any bank could keep your money. When you are sick, you rely on a doctor to find the disease, to prescribe the medicine and the treatment to get you well. All right, then turn your case over now to the Great Physician, Jesus Christ and rely upon Him. - John R. Rice

One of the greatest sins among Christians is ingratitude. A lack of praise to God for His mercies shows a wickedness of heart. Discontent, fret about the future, complaining of hardships-- these are the marks of unbelief and ingratitude, the marks of one who does not delight in the Lord. there are people who claim to be Christians who often eat a meal without thanking God. And in some homes where there is a little formal prayer there is often no real praise, no glad acknowledgement of God's blessings. - John R. Rice