What's Cooking, Good-looking?

“Pretended grace from natural goodness, fancied grace from priestly hands, or imaginary grace from outward ceremonies will never serve the true child of God; he knows that the Lord would not be pleased with rivers of such oil. He goes to the olive-press of Gethsemane and draws his supplies from Him who was crushed there.” – C.H. Spurgeon

I am not a cook, let alone an accomplished chef. However, I know from reading and talking to others who have outstanding culinary skills that a dish is only as good as its ingredients. That is why so many trained chefs insist on using 100% virgin olive oil in their recipes. No substitutes allowed!

In today’s quote, Charles Spurgeon alludes to the fact that priestly sacrifices of rams, goats, and doves – and our own lame attempts at good works – are not nearly enough to get us into heaven. On the contrary, the only thing that gains us entrance into the Celestial City is the shed blood of Jesus Christ that began flowing in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:44); continued throughout His scourging at the hands of Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:26-31); and culminated on Calvary’s cross (John 19:33-34).

Here is how the “Prince of Preachers” applied that eternal truth…

“The oil of gospel grace is pure and free from sediment and dregs, and so the light that is fed by it is clear and bright. Our churches are the Savior’s golden candelabra, and if they are to be lights in this dark world, they must have plenty of holy oil.”

Start shining for Jesus, my friend… and never stop!

“The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.” Matthew 25:3-4 (BSB)

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President