"CHRISTIAN CONVERSATION" (Pastor Tom Henry) ~ 7/22/25

“They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom and talk of thy power.” (Psalm 145:11)

You have only to look at the preceding verse, and you will discover in a moment who “they” are who so “speak” and “talk.” They are “saints.” They are ever talking about the Kingdom of God and the Glory of the King, their King.

God’s children (the saints) distinguish themselves from the children of this world in numerous ways. For example, their dress will be modest and appropriate. Also, they are careful about the company they keep. As saints (holy ones), they “follow peace and holiness,” thus they live separated lives. The Lord says, “Come out from among them and be ye separate.” There are certain things they will not do, and certain places they will not go. The Christian’s manner, conduct, and spirit distinguish him from the general population. These things, however, are not totally fool-proof indicators, for we know that the unregenerate can sometimes closely resemble the believer in these things. It is sometimes very difficult to distinguish between wheat and tares.

Our text contains an identifying characteristic that is a sure indication that one is a true saint of God. God’s people are known by their conversation - by what they inevitably want to talk about. In our text we see their subject matter. They will speak about God’s glorious Kingdom, and the amazing power of the King. They will “make known…his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.” (Vs. 12)

Last week we wrote about Jeremiah’s charge to captive Israelites. He said, “Let Jerusalem come into your mind.” This would prevent these faithful ones from being tempted to settle down in Babylon, and it would keep them ready to return home once the breaker came to deliver them. May we also let our Jerusalem come into our mind. Today we write about letting Jerusalem come out of our mouth. Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good:…for of the abundance of his heart his mouth speaketh.” If Christ and His Kingdom is the abundant treasure of our heart, then surely this will be the chief subject matter of our conversation.

We too often just make small talk when we could be talking about Christ and His Kingdom, His power and His mighty acts. We waste our words trying to match the boasts with worldlings rather than to, like John Jasper, “brag about Jesus.” I’m afraid that we are all deserving of reproach in this matter, in that we do not sufficiently remember the words of Malachi, “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.” (Mal. 3:16)

We have many excuses for our silence. We tell ourselves that it wouldn’t be polite to intrude. The Christian is not to be bashful or backward. As Mr. Spurgeon said, “Christians are to be the aristocrats in this world, for we have the higher authority. Our Master is the law maker, and He is the King of Kings. We make rules for society to live by, and not vice versa.” Christians, by the worth of their principles and the dignity of their character, must have others submit to them. We must never neglect to do right because it isn’t fashionable. “The fashion of the world passeth away.” “He that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

The subject of Christian conversation is twofold: the glory of Christ’s Kingdom, and the glorious power of our King. What a glorious subject! What a wealth of material! Christ’s Kingdom, of which every Christian is a citizen, is established above all earthly kingdoms. (Isa. 2:2) It is not an earthly kingdom, but it covers the whole earth, and all nations flow into it. (Isa. 2:2, 3) Christ the King now sits enthroned at the right hand of the Majesty on High. He is seated on His holy hill of Zion. (Psa. 2:6) He now reigns in Sovereign power, and eventually every knee shall bow to Him and confess that He is Lord. Oh, won’t you bow to Him now, while He extends the golden scepter to you?