It is an instructive and solemn fact, brought out in the history of more than one revival, that when a whole neighborhood had been well watered with the showers of grace, no drop of blessing has descended there where a spirit of controversy and strife had obtained a footing. The Spirit of God hovered around but fled from the scene of discord as from a doomed region where his dove-like temper could find no resting-place… Ever remember that “His work is sown in peace of them that make peace,” and no dwelling can be more distasteful, no vessel more unsuitable to Him, than a heart which delights itself with matters that provoke contention and strife… Labor with all diligence to keep your own minds in the peace of God, and in your intercourse and connection with others ever to strive for “the things which make for peace.”
Unknown Author

PUBLICANS

PUBLICANS

PUBLICANS

  1. The collectors of the public taxes # Lu 5:27
  2. Suspected of extortion # Lu 3:13
  3. Often guilty of extortion # Lu 19:8
  4. Chiefs of, were very rich # Lu 19:2
  5. THE JEWS 5a) Despised

    # Lu 18:11

5b) Classed with the most infamous characters # Mt 11:19 21:32 5c) Despised our Lord for associating with # Mt 9:11 11:19 6) Often kind to their friends # Mt 5:46,47 7) Often hospitable # Lu 5:29 19:6 8) MANY OF 8a) Believed the preaching of John # Mt 21:32 8b) Received John’s baptism # Lu 3:12 7:29 8c) Attended the preaching of Christ # Mr 2:15 Lu 15:1 8d) Embraced the gospel # Mt 21:31 9) Matthew the apostle was of # Mt 10:3