Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God… I. We find many excellent people whose GOODNESS IS OF A NEGATIVE KIND. By judicious management and advice of parents and teachers, they have grown up free from the grossest sins. II. Another class of persons are fitted by the character of their minds, and the nature of their studies, TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN CHRISTIANITY AND THE CHURCH FROM AN INTELLECTUAL POINT OF VIEW. But let such remember that religion is something more than correctness of intellect; it is a life-giving principle, regulating the will, as well as directing the creed. III. A third class who, in disposition and habits are not far from the kingdom of God, may be described as THE AMIABLE. IV. One other class which I shall speak of, as embracing many "not far from the kingdom of God," is that of THE GENEROUS AND LIBERAL SPIRITED. (J. N. Norton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. |
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