Sunday, October 6, 2019

Reflection - Go, Tell it on the Mountain

Source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Chapter 5, "Go, Tell it on the Mountain", Page 55.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


What 'mountains' will you have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour?
PHOTO: What "mountains" will you have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour?
People just cannot accept the picture that God paints of them in Scripture. They are offended by what He says about them in His word: that they are vile, corrupt, and worthy only to be cast into hell forever. That is the biggest obstacle that the average person has to receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It is pride. It is an unwillingness to accept that they are as worthless as God says they are. For it is only those who recognize their need as sinners, and their utter inability to help themselves or to do anything pleasing to the Creator, which makes them ready to receive the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ the Saviour. The world’s biggest obstacle to receiving the gospel is not a lack of evidence for God or the Bible; It is the pride of humans who think they are good people.

Ebenezer Pemberton, a Congregational minister who served as the pastor of the Old South Church, Boston from 1700-1717, puts it this way,

“The freedom and riches of divine grace to the greatest of sinners is an essential part of the glory that is displayed in the gospel. But we are naturally slow of heart to believe; a self-righteous spirit appears in a variety of forms to obstruct our approaches to God through Jesus Christ.”

The "mountains" we have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour are our self-righteous pride and stubborn willl, and refusing to accept our miserable condition. These make us unwilling and unable to receive Him as He was offered to us as Saviour.

Thanks be to God that for those of us who have embraced Christ when we heard the gospel, the Lord subdued our self-righteous pride and stubborn will, which makes us ready to receive the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ the Saviour.


Make a list of people in your life you want to introduce Christ to, and pray that God will help you find ways to get into action.
List of people in my life I want to introduce Christ to
Family members. My brothers, sister, sister-in-laws, niece (and boyfriend), and nephew (and girlfriend)
Relatives
Neighbours
Ex-colleagues (friends)
PCN (Park Connector Networks) uncles, aunties, and other users
Picture posted by surprisse.com
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http://surprisse.com/muscards/view/2016/04/14/d38f6c2em13suddh6ac248uau91301dl.jpg
http://surprisse.com/muscards/view/2016/04/14/d38f6c2em13suddh6ac248uau91301dl.php
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/06/reflection-intimacy-with-christ_22.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


Refrain
Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching
Over silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light.

The shepherds feared and trembled,
When lo! above the earth,
Rang out the angels chorus
That hailed the Savior's birth.

Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation
That blessèd Christmas morn.

(Source: The United Methodist Hymnal [Nashville: The United Methodist Publishing House, 1989), #251)


Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere that Jesus Christ is born.
Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere that Jesus Christ is born.
PHOTO: Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere that Jesus Christ is born.
Picture posted by TatyanaChe on 21 May 2019 - Spring (Model Janna Prosvirina)
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https://www.deviantart.com/tatyanache/art/Spring-798456712


Go, tell it on the mountain

https://youtu.be/72LE487YZ-U


History of the Carol [1]
John Wesley Work, Jr. (1871-1925), adapted an Afro-American spiritual to the words of this enthusiastic song. Work was born to John Wesley Work, a church choir director, and Samuella in Nashville, Tennessee in America. He was educated at Fisk University (a premier all-black university at that time) and became a linguist and historian, going on to study at Harvard University before returning to teach Latin and Greek at Fisk. He eventually became the chairman of Fisk University's departments of Latin and History. In 1923, he became the president of Roger Williams University in Nashville, and died in 1925 while serving in that office.


John Wesley Work, Jr. (1871-1925) adapted an Afro-American spiritual to the words of this enthusiastic song, 'Go, tell it on the mountain'.
PHOTO: John Wesley Work, Jr. (1871-1925) adapted an Afro-American spiritual to the words of this enthusiastic song, 'Go, tell it on the mountain'.
Courtesy of Fisk University, John Hope and Aurelia Elizabeth Franklin Library Collection
Picture posted by NPR - At Fisk University, A Tradition Of Spirituals
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Work was not only an academic, but also a choral director and songwriter. He led the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a group that began in 1871 at Fisk University. This was an African-American group of a cappella singers who were famous for their traditional spirituals, such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", recorded in 1907. Being an African-American, Work was interested in collecting slave songs and African-American spirituals. Together with his wife, Agnes Haynes, and his brother, Frederick Jerome Work, he collected the songs and published them as New Jubilee Songs as Sung by the Fisk Jubilee Singers (1901) and New Jubilee Songs and Folk Songs of the American Negro (1907). It was in the second book that the hymn "Go, Tell It on the Mountain" was published.

Work led the Fisk Jubilee Singers on annual trips, but because of negative feelings against black folk music at Fisk University, he had to resign and join Roger Williams University.

Music ran in the family, for not only were Work and his father music directors, his son John Wesley Work III (1901-1967) was also a well-known music director (like his father, he led the Fisk Jubilee Singers), collector of African-American spirituals, and a composer.


John Wesley Work III (1901-1967) was also a well-known music director (like his father, he led the Fisk Jubilee Singers), collector of African-American spirituals, and a composer.
PHOTO: John Wesley Work III (1901-1967) was also a well-known music director (like his father, he led the Fisk Jubilee Singers), collector of African-American spirituals, and a composer.
Picture posted by wowpictur.pw
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Biblical Insights from the Carol [1]
The refrain dominates the hymn, both in terms of the lyrics and the music. In fact, the song begins with the refrain, which is repeated after each stanza. The news that Christ the Saviour of the world has been born is such history-changing news that it cannot be kept to oneself. It must be broadcast widely.


Biblical Insights from the Carol
PHOTO: Biblical Insights from the Carol
The news that Christ the Saviour of the world has been born is such history-changing news that it cannot be kept to oneself. It must be broadcast widely.
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https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-the-caption-for-this-illustration-readsunto-you-is-born-this-day-in-100815018.html


We have already seen how the shepherds spread the good news to others after seeing the Christ child in the manger (Luke 2:17). It is in this spirit that we are also to spread the glad tidings to those around us. The reference to the mountains comes from Isaiah 52:7: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" The context of that verse is the return of the Lord to Zion (Jerusalem), a city that was suffering from defeat and shame. Now Jerusalem has been redeemed (Isaiah 52:9), and "all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God" (Isaiah 52:10).


How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'
PHOTO: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" (Isaiah 52:7).
Picture posted by @Johnkamau7 on 19 May 2018 at 05:19 PM - GOD HEAL OUR LAND
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https://twitter.com/johnkamau7/status/997995099404595200


The messenger of this good news will have to climb the mountain surrounding Jerusalem (either to bring it the news, or to bring the news from it to the rest of the nation and the world). The bearer of good news must be willing to climb any mountain and cross any hill to bring the good news. No obstacle may stand in the way of the desire to tell the good news to a needy world.


The bearer of good news must be willing to climb any mountain and cross any hill to bring the good news.
PHOTO: The bearer of good news must be willing to climb any mountain and cross any hill to bring the good news. No obstacle may stand in the way of the desire to tell the good news to a needy world.
Picture posted by Traveldudes on 12 October 2018
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https://www.traveldudes.org/travel-videos/hiking-path-gods-italy-bologna-florence/143405


The three stanzas of the song tell the Christmas story as recorded in Luke's gospel. The shepherds of Bethlehem were visited by angels who brought the good news from heaven - that the long-awaited Messiah had come. The Saviour of the world had been born in Bethlehem. The dark night was filled with heaven's glory and the shepherds were "terrified" (Luke 2:9). But the angel told them not to be afraid, for he had brought good news that needs to ring out across the world.


The three stanzas of the song tell the Christmas story as recorded in Luke's gospel.
PHOTO: The three stanzas of the song tell the Christmas story as recorded in Luke's gospel. The shepherds of Bethlehem were visited by angels who brought the good news from heaven - that the long-awaited Messiah had come. The Saviour of the world had been born in Bethlehem.
Picture posted by Red Rose Alley on Sunday, 23 December 2018 at 12:01 PM https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFixvJO3VA_SQOoPAqkCenLcJtRO1KlYsTz70QuETZVeCj8S7SpkdAnC9Z4aL0NglYmK8hNbuHoJhWNeFZ9CDXOAD10Bc6i-CaKjy7o-Ue_8RStTw_uUU8MAu981PAktrmMGbcy6iZPxo/s1600/angel+and+harp.jpeghttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajSKoA-enDTeGjon9vqTkfrfaxoziDeLYCGvWfuPrc-RoAWmZXRD3K9Y8m0nnxmYGCVkplofyA4YFESIvXkoBtNLcFBkTw8LbhUaEWAN0tetZxfx7GqbD7puuN6X4O-3QP_9tnWFRBEGc/s1600/angel+and+harp.jpeg - (angel and harp.jpeg) 
https://redrosealley.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-angel-said-unto-them_23.html


The good news is explained in the final stanza. God has sent us salvation through the newly born Jesus, His only Son. Though Jesus was God, He "made himself nothing" and "humbled himself" to become a man and a servant so that He could die on the cross for us (Philippians 2:6-8). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and in doing He saves us. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

The Bible asks us, "How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him" (Hebrews 2:3). It is good news that must be passed on from person to person, nation to nation, and generation to generation.


The good news is explained in the final stanza.
PHOTO: The good news is explained in the final stanza. God has sent us salvation through the newly born Jesus, His only Son. Though Jesus was God, He "made himself nothing" and "humbled himself" to become a man and a servant so that He could die on the cross for us (Philippians 2:6-8).
Picture posted by Glow Decor
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We are reminded of what Paul wrote about the importance of bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to others. "'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" (Romans 10:13-15). Paul quoted Isaiah 52:7, which is the background for the refrain of the song.


We are reminded of what Paul wrote about the importance of bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to others.
PHOTO: We are reminded of what Paul wrote about the importance of bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to others. 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'  (Romans 10:13-15).
Picture posted by Doodle Through The Bible  on Monday, 13 June 2016
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http://www.doodlethroughthebible.com/2016/06/romans-1013-for-everyone-who-calls-on.html


Messengers of the gospel, such as Paul, crossed big mountains to bring the good news to many nations. Missionaries crossed seas and oceans to do the same. Mountain and sea could not stop them from carrying out the holy task of telling others about the good news of Jesus Christ. It may require self-sacrifice to carry out the Great Commission, but it is more important than our own comfort and even safety. We may not have to cross mountains and seas to bring the good news to others. All that may be needed is to cross the office to talk to your colleague, or cross the street to tell your neighbour the good news. We must go and tell.


Messengers of the gospel, such as Paul, crossed big mountains to bring the good news to many nations.
PHOTO: Messengers of the gospel, such as Paul, crossed big mountains to bring the good news to many nations. Missionaries crossed seas and oceans to do the same. Mountain and sea could not stop them from carrying out the holy task of telling others about the good news of Jesus Christ.
Picture posted by SuzieKatz on 19 July 2015 - The Gift
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https://www.deviantart.com/suziekatz/art/The-Gift-547415077


There are Christians who live as if the good news of Jesus is unimportant, like some minor article in the paper, easily missed by those looking for important news and major headlines. In contrast, the shepherds who went to see Jesus in the manger inspire us to be like them. "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about the child" (Luke 2:17). The early Christians did the same. Though there were scattered by severe persecution, they "preached the word whenever they went" (Acts 8:4). We must taste the salvation in Christ deeply and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) to become Christ's witnesses.

It is not possible to celebrate Christmas without having a desire to tell others about Christ our Saviour. This song speaks to our heart, feet, and lips: "God and tell."


The shepherds who went to see Jesus in the manger inspire us to be like them.
PHOTO: The shepherds who went to see Jesus in the manger inspire us to be like them. "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about the child" (Luke 2:17).
It is not possible to celebrate Christmas without having a desire to tell others about Christ our Saviour. This song speaks to our heart, feet, and lips: "God and tell."
Picture posted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
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https://assets.ldscdn.org/40/89/40890e866675c3794301df4f1fe202d202ace4c5/shepherds_tell_jesus_birth_mann.jpeg
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/new-testament-stories/chapter-5-jesus-christ-is-born?lang=eng


What "mountains" will you have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour? Make a list of people in your life you want to introduce Christ to, and pray that God will help you find ways to get into action.

What "mountains" will you have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour?
People just cannot accept the picture that God paints of them in Scripture. They are offended by what He says about them in His word: that they are vile, corrupt, and worthy only to be cast into hell forever. That is the biggest obstacle that the average person has to receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It is pride. It is an unwillingness to accept that they are as worthless as God says they are. For it is only those who recognize their need as sinners, and their utter inability to help themselves or to do anything pleasing to the Creator, which makes them ready to receive the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ the Saviour. The world’s biggest obstacle to receiving the gospel is not a lack of evidence for God or the Bible; It is the pride of humans who think they are good people. [2]
 

The biggest obstacle that the average person has to receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
PHOTO:  The biggest obstacle that the average person has to receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It is pride. It is an unwillingness to accept that they are as worthless as God says they are. The world’s biggest obstacle to receiving the gospel is not a lack of evidence for God or the Bible; It is the pride of humans who think they are good people.
Picture posted by MonsterIna on 28 March 2012 - Seven Deadly Sins - Pride
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMw2Ke_sWsRO-RMFQbERRgxQT9XLPevjKTTEJrzM5DTeVv92plysAhxYZs1cbjFdXBxva2tM5dBttk4uZHI4mOtPtiphbkz9N2qhCollJHctJZRTmyxVeMG4M8W8M12dFH2Eg6m1kg8g/s1600/seven_deadly_sins___pride_by_monsterina_d4uaix4-fullview.jpg
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https://www.deviantart.com/monsterina/art/Seven-Deadly-Sins-Pride-292744264


Ebenezer Pemberton, a Congregational minister who served as the pastor of the Old South Church, Boston from 1700-1717, puts it this way,

“The freedom and riches of divine grace to the greatest of sinners is an essential part of the glory that is displayed in the gospel. But we are naturally slow of heart to believe; a self-righteous spirit appears in a variety of forms to obstruct our approaches to God through Jesus Christ.” [3]

 
The freedom and riches of divine grace to the greatest of sinners is an essential part of the glory that is displayed in the gospel.PHOTO: “The freedom and riches of divine grace to the greatest of sinners is an essential part of the glory that is displayed in the gospel. But we are naturally slow of heart to believe; a self-righteous spirit appears in a variety of forms to obstruct our approaches to God through Jesus Christ.”
Picture posted by Sdith Bath Journal
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2miD-w5d3aRHIleFuce2iPQWzAnF2MjFixZQSmlN_1ya3NMuKnk_A0Eb1vAZlxQAg7eHVupxVrJePkxOXbfUUG2iFfI1yjHRT743xtvE8ai5wkTBbnHGfMywcSuulGWpfqxpTOkFloWY/s1600/4031372e5622663f3c468659237eba2c.jpg
http://edithbathjournal.thewhitestyle.ru/591512-trendy-bath-tub-pictures-water-64-ideas.html


The "mountains" we have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour are our self-righteous pride and stubborn willl, and refusing to accept our miserable condition. These make us unwilling and unable to receive Him as He was offered to us as Saviour.


The 'mountains' we have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour are our self-righteous pride and stubborn willl, and refusing to accept our miserable condition.
PHOTO: The "mountains" we have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour are our self-righteous pride and stubborn willl, and refusing to accept our miserable condition. These make us unwilling and unable to receive Him as He was offered to us as Saviour.
Picture posted by Apexnewsdaily.com - Sometimes It’s Hard To Open Your Hand
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsILPkhP1f9fFdtVAp0nK7Ibmaznm_QfKpT7RMSRallYqH0ZROW0fUFjFR8k8ulX-J6gXjT9E8lRmxk8UoVKR0n8qfYb4z11AN1dEV1yTWY1y-xdOZzkKrgRn8Oi3jj5rDOQDmrwoznWA/s1600/18.jpg
http://i2.wp.com/cdn-media-2.lifehack.org/wp-content/files/2016/04/22213929/18.jpg?resize=777%2C879
http://apexnewsdaily.com/43-truths-about-people-relationships-and-the-rollercoaster-of-life/
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/11/reflection-jesus-our-creator-physician.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-epilogue-response-to-jesus.html


Thanks be to God that for those of us who have embraced Christ when we heard the gospel, the Lord subdued our self-righteous pride and stubborn will, which makes us ready to receive the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ the Saviour.


Make a list of people in your life you want to introduce Christ to, and pray that God will help you find ways to get into action.
List of people in my life I want to introduce Christ to
Family members. My brothers, sister, sister-in-laws, niece (and boyfriend), and nephew (and girlfriend)
Relatives
Neighbours
Ex-colleagues (friends)
PCN (Park Connector Networks) uncles, aunties, and other users


List of people in my life I want to introduce Christ to
List of people in my life I want to introduce Christ to
PHOTO: List of people in my life I want to introduce Christ to
Family members. My brothers, sister, sister-in-laws, niece (and boyfriend), and nephew (and girlfriend)
Relatives
Neighbours
Ex-colleagues (friends)
PCN (Park Connector Networks) uncles, aunties, and other users
Picture posted by Looking through the looking glass
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
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https://ok.ru/vzglyadvza/topic/66471657832568


Dear Lord, Please subdued our 'mountains' (self-righteous pride and stubborn will), so that we are ready to receive the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ the Saviour.
Dear Lord, Please subdued our 'mountains' (self-righteous pride and stubborn will), so that we are ready to receive the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ the Saviour.
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, Please subdued our 'mountains' (self-righteous pride and stubborn will), so that we are ready to receive the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ the Saviour.

We pray for your help to introduce Christ to the list of people in my life.

Heavenly Father, even though I am stress, I may not understand how everything will work out, but I trust you. I don't see a way, but I know you will make a way. I have faith at this very moment you are touching my heart, removing doubt and working in me. Things may look dark and bleak now, But I have faith that my dawn is coming!

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen!"
Picture posted by Watanska on 14 February 2019 - Charming melody
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https://www.deviantart.com/watanska/art/Charming-melody-785586433

Reflection - Go, Tell it on the Mountain
Question from source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Chapter 5, "Go, Tell it on the Mountain", Page 55.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012




Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
Reference
[1] From "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Copyright © 2017 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-11-6752-2, Chapter 5, "Go, Tell it on the Mountain", Page 49-55.

[2] highplainsparson, The Biggest Obstacle to Faith in Christ the Savior, posted on 22 October 2013, https://highplainsparson.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/the-biggest-obstacle-to-faith-in-christ-the-savior/

[3] Ebenezer Pemberton, Don Kistler, ed., The Puritan Pulpit, Orlando, FL: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 2006, p. 207.


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