Showing results by author "Richard Sibbes" in All Categories

Taking a phrase from Matthew 12:20, Sibbes explains what it means to be a "bruised reed". It is a metaphor that exemplifies the way in which God humbles sinners by allowing them to see sin in the way that he sees it - the lesson being that God sometimes wounds before healing but with the ultimate goal of deepening our love for Christ.

Bruising is needed so that reeds may know they are reeds, not oaks. Reeds need to be bruised because of the pride in our nature, the removal of which lets us live by mercy and faith. It is a difficult thing to bring a dull heart to cry for mercy. Our hearts, like malefactors, until they are beaten from all sides, never naturally cry for mercy from the Judge. But this bruising makes us set a high price upon Christ. It makes us more thankful and more fruitful in our lives.

A Heavenly Conference is Richard Sibbes' exposition of the memorable meeting that took place on the first Easter Sunday when the risen Christ met Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. Though only a few words were exchanged between the Lord and Mary, Sibbes saw in them the gospel in a nutshell. A Heavenly Conference is a wonderfully original treatment of the doctrine of the believer's union with Christ. It is written by a loving and tender-hearted pastor whose main aim is to help believers enjoy the comfort that comes from knowing that Jesus' God and Father is our God and Father too.

In this profound sermon delivered following the devastating plague of 1625-1626 in London, Richard Sibbes reflects on the mercy shown to a city that once faced overwhelming loss—where the death toll dropped from over five thousand a week to just three individuals. With heartfelt gratitude, he acknowledges the restoration of peace and the ability to gather freely for worship and work. Drawing from Psalm 10717, he emphasizes the shared responsibility of sin that led to their affliction, likening the citys suffering to a body afflicted by a disease. Sibbes marvels at the miraculous cessation of...

The Bruised Reed walks Christians through Christ’s consistent and unconditional love for his children. Richard Sibbes elaborates on the metaphor of a humble reed that may be bent or bruised as a result of life’s errors and the consequences of sin.

Puritan Richard Sibbes first published The Bruised Reed in 1630. Known among his contemporaries as "the sweet dropper", many religious communities still take comfort in his words. They are generally perceived as a balm rather than a strict outlining of religious rites and beliefs.

Dive into the profound insights of Richard Sibbs, a revered theologian and master at Katherine Hall in Cambridge, as he delivers two impactful sermons based on Genesis 177. In Faithful Covenanter, explore the essence of covenant and mercy through the lens of Nehemiah 15, where we encounter the great and awe-inspiring God who remains faithful to those who love Him. Join us on this spiritual journey that promises to deepen your understanding of faith and commitment.

The Tender Heart demands a true and honest reflection of faith. While so many seek only to soothe the superficial issues of the heart and mind, Richard Sibbes dives into the true core of one’s behavior and into the real heart of Christianity. Those who truly love God do not feel called to follow him under a sense of guilt-ridden commitment or burdened duty. Sibbes discusses how truly loving the Lord is the only way to enjoy communion with God and to be driven farther from sin.