Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

By John Bramhall

This is a 3-part series, and all 3 parts are in this one Video/Audio.

Paul’s pastoral epistles to Timothy and Titus possess valuable instruction for young believers, both for individual encouragement and also in guidance as to assembly responsibility. 1 Timothy reveals our great responsibilities toward the corporate testimony of God’s assembly. The key verse is 1 Tim. 3:15 — “that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

https://plymouthbrethren.org/author/29

By John Bramhall

“The greatest mission in the world is SUB-mission.” These words are attributed to J. Hudson Taylor, one of the greatest missionaries to China. There is a searching and challenging truth in them for each of our hearts. The life that proves this truth will be lived for the glory of God. The Word of God exemplifies the statement in the life of our Lord and also in the lives of His servants.

https://plymouthbrethren.org/author/29

By John Bramhall

When the Saviour said to His disciples, “It is expedient for you that I go away” (John 16:7), it was difficult for them to accept its truthfulness. His constant companionship during His earthly ministry with them, and their immediate expectation of His Kingdom, made His words appear incredible and impossible! How could His departure be for their profit? Nevertheless, subsequent history proved the truth of His words in a conclusive manner, not alone for them but for all of His own through the Christian age; it was expedient for us that He should leave this world and go to His Father! Why?

https://plymouthbrethren.org/author/29

By John Bramhall

The terminal of our earthly pilgrimage is suitably described in the

Song of Solomon, chapter 8 and verse 5, saying—"Who is this that cometh up

out of the wilderness leaning on her beloved?" Some believers have a deep

realization of this being near for them when they will be "with Christ—which is far better." (Phil. 1:23) Our text describes the manner in which the

pilgrimage should end by leaning on our Beloved!

https://plymouthbrethren.org/author/29

By John Bramhall

Romans 8:18-30

The doctrinal section of Romans extends from chapter 1 through chapter 8. Two distinct themes are given by the Spirit of God: God’s justification of a sinner — Chapter 1 through 5:11. God’s deliverance of a saint — 5:12 through 8:39. The last section can be subdivided as follows: Deliverance of a saint from sin’s power — 5:12-6:23. Deliverance of a saint from the law — 7:1-8:10. The complete deliverance of a saint from sin’s presence — at death or at Rapture by the “redemption of the body” —8:11-30. The blessed conclusion for our eternal praise — 8:31-39. Until final deliverance, the groans of Creation will be heard on every hand, but when the Lord comes, then.

https://plymouthbrethren.org/author/29

By John Bramhall

One of the greatest crossroads of the Christian experience is the last one in the normal course of events. The apostle Paul describes it when writing his own farewell to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand” (2 Tim. 4:6). His faithful devotion to his blessed Master had brought him through many crucial experiences safely, but now the final one was “at hand” — his departure into eternity. The word “departure” is of special significance in the Greek text and is the word “analuo.” It means “to unloose, or release; a metaphor that either is nautical, from loosing moorings preparatory to setting sail, or military, from breaking up an encampment.”

https://plymouthbrethren.org/author/29

By John Bramhall

“I, Jesus, have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”—Revelation 22:16.

In this passage of Holy Writ, there is a threefold presentation of Christ, a presentation that reveals the glorious titles of our Lord in relation to the world, Israel, and the Church.

https://plymouthbrethren.org/article/6804

By John Bramhall

Over the triple doorways of Milan Cathedral, there are three inscriptions spanning the splendid arches. Above one is carved a wreath of roses, and underneath is the legend: “All that Pleases is but for a Moment.” Over the Second is sculptured a cross, and underneath are the words: “All that Troubles is but for a Moment.” While underneath the great central entrance to the main aisle of the Cathedral is the inscription: “That Only is Important which is Eternal.” The brevity of life, in contrast to eternal things, should constantly be realized. The Bible states:

https://plymouthbrethren.org/article/9496

By John W. Bramhall

Mr. John W. Bramhall, a resident of Charlotte, N. C., and an esteemed servant of the Lord, is a frequent contributor to Focus. In this helpful article, he reminds us of the rich spiritual blessings which are ours as a result of Christ having enshrined Himself invisibly at the right hand of God the Father.

Have we fully appreciated the meaning of our Saviour’s words when He said to His disciples, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you” (John 16:7)? The announcement of His departure to the Father in preceding chapters had produced great sorrow of heart to the disciples. His coming absence troubled them greatly, and now He tells them it would be more profitable for them to be without His bodily presence on the earth. Do we have greater blessings because of this today? Let us consider in quiet meditation some reasons for His absence.

https://plymouthbrethren.org/article/9703

By John Bramhall

“The waters of Marah were bitter… the waters were made sweet” (Exod. 15:23-25).

The slavery of Egypt was over. Pharaoh’s evil host was drowned in the sea. A song of triumph rose from joyous hearts. The Israelites were well on their way to the promised land (Exod. 12-15).

For three days they travelled before finding water — only to discover that the water was bitter and unfit for drinking! How discouraging! How disappointing! (Exod. 15:22-25).

https://plymouthbrethren.org/article/7103