I came across this article from http://endtimedisciples.wordpress.com/and was convicted by the Spirit; it's as if this article was written about me. I too often fail to see just how serious sin is, how God hates sin, and how I should desire to hack sin to pieces in my own life on a daily basis...
If we understand the gospel in a true and right way, we should understand that we, individually, and mankind as a whole desperately need two things.
First, we need deliverance from the consequences, or penalty, of sin. Second is deliverance from the power, or control, of sin. Unfortunately, in our day and age, both of these desperate needs have been watered down, among unbelievers and among Christians. Generally, if the gospel is preached at all, we hear something like, “Oh, everybody’s a sinner. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. If you will accept Jesus, your sins can be forgiven and you can know you’re going to heaven. Would you like to pray the Sinner’s Prayer with me?”
Most people know that they have done one, two or more really bad, rotten things in their lives, so occasionally, someone will go along with this and then, maybe, start being a Church-goer.
Read this entire article here...
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Being salt and light in a Pagan society-S. Camp
Paul says in Titus 3:1-2, Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
What does Paul offer as a solution to Crete’s unrestrained lasciviousness? Picket them? Boycott them? Try to bring a surface cultural spiritual morality through the political powers that be? No. He encourages Titus to do the unthinkable: evangelize! Bring them the transforming power of the gospel (Titus 2:11-13); call them back to sound doctrine refuting those who contradict (Titus 1:9); and live the transformed life in the marketplace of paganism (Titus 3:1-8). No political legislation could turn back the tide of moral decay; no governmental body would change the human heart and make it pure; no co-belligerent rally around even the most noble of social causes could add one drop of righteousness to please God and regenerate sinful mankind to new life—to moral rightness. Paul would never stoop to such trivial means as these in the struggle for the soul. He only took the spiritual weapons of prayer, the Word, the gospel, and the testimony of righteousness lived out by genuine believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. In short, only through life conversion through Christ Jesus the Lord can there be any real morality whether you reside on Crete, in Corinth, under Nero, in Washington D.C., in Wheaton, in Nashville or even in Colorado Springs. The new life in Christ evidenced by a new way of living is the “salt and light” that impacts our communities and brings glory to God (Matthew 5:13-20).
Read Steve Camp's article here...
What does Paul offer as a solution to Crete’s unrestrained lasciviousness? Picket them? Boycott them? Try to bring a surface cultural spiritual morality through the political powers that be? No. He encourages Titus to do the unthinkable: evangelize! Bring them the transforming power of the gospel (Titus 2:11-13); call them back to sound doctrine refuting those who contradict (Titus 1:9); and live the transformed life in the marketplace of paganism (Titus 3:1-8). No political legislation could turn back the tide of moral decay; no governmental body would change the human heart and make it pure; no co-belligerent rally around even the most noble of social causes could add one drop of righteousness to please God and regenerate sinful mankind to new life—to moral rightness. Paul would never stoop to such trivial means as these in the struggle for the soul. He only took the spiritual weapons of prayer, the Word, the gospel, and the testimony of righteousness lived out by genuine believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. In short, only through life conversion through Christ Jesus the Lord can there be any real morality whether you reside on Crete, in Corinth, under Nero, in Washington D.C., in Wheaton, in Nashville or even in Colorado Springs. The new life in Christ evidenced by a new way of living is the “salt and light” that impacts our communities and brings glory to God (Matthew 5:13-20).
Read Steve Camp's article here...
Monday, January 26, 2009
Profile of a Sinner
by Nathan W. Bingham
Introduction
When Cal.vini.st launched last year, Andrew began with a great series on the importance of Biblical doctrine. One of Andrew’s reasons as to the importance of doctrine was that “right doctrine leads to right practice”. This presupposition has been the impetus for many of our posts here at Cal.vini.st. In order for ministry and the Christian life to honour God, foundational points of doctrine need to be clear and then allowed to guide our practice. For example, my series on What is the Gospel? began as a result of reading gospel presentations that were inconsistent with Biblical doctrine, even when they claimed to have stemmed from a Reformed understanding of the Scriptures. It is this same conviction that has motivated the writing of today’s post...
Read entire article at Nathans website, http://cal.vini.st/2009/01/profile-of-a-sinner/
Introduction
When Cal.vini.st launched last year, Andrew began with a great series on the importance of Biblical doctrine. One of Andrew’s reasons as to the importance of doctrine was that “right doctrine leads to right practice”. This presupposition has been the impetus for many of our posts here at Cal.vini.st. In order for ministry and the Christian life to honour God, foundational points of doctrine need to be clear and then allowed to guide our practice. For example, my series on What is the Gospel? began as a result of reading gospel presentations that were inconsistent with Biblical doctrine, even when they claimed to have stemmed from a Reformed understanding of the Scriptures. It is this same conviction that has motivated the writing of today’s post...
Read entire article at Nathans website, http://cal.vini.st/2009/01/profile-of-a-sinner/
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
"A Nation Abandoned by God"
by John MacArthur
Now I'm going to say something, you're going to have to hold on to your seat a little bit. I'm convinced beyond doubt that in this same sense, God has abandoned America. I know that's a strong thing to say and I'm going to show you why I believe you can see that clearly in Scripture.
The first thing you look for in a society you're trying to discern whether God has abandoned that society is whether or not that society has gone through a sexual revolution so that illicit sex, adultery, every form of immorality is accepted as normal in that society. And we're there.
Read entire transcript here
Now I'm going to say something, you're going to have to hold on to your seat a little bit. I'm convinced beyond doubt that in this same sense, God has abandoned America. I know that's a strong thing to say and I'm going to show you why I believe you can see that clearly in Scripture.
The first thing you look for in a society you're trying to discern whether God has abandoned that society is whether or not that society has gone through a sexual revolution so that illicit sex, adultery, every form of immorality is accepted as normal in that society. And we're there.
Read entire transcript here
The deceitfulness of sin
by Mike Ratliff of Possessing the Treasure
It is not very costly to profess Christ. Anyone can do that. Christianity becomes costly when the professing Christian stands and does not fall away in the face of persecution or pressure to conform to some position or stance that is clearly opposed in some way to God’s clear commands found in His Word. For the Christian to commit this sin will be either to disobey God in an act of commission or omission. In any case, when the professing Christian takes each step in disobedience a layer of scar tissue is burned into their conscious with the searing hot iron of deliberate sin. Over time those professing Christians will each have an inoperable conscious and the processes which caused this will have proven that these compromisers have become victims of the deceitfulness of sin and, therefore, they will become what the Bible refers to as apostate. Some of these will still believe they are Christians, but others will refer to themselves as ‘former Christians.’ The Word tells us though that they “went out” from “us” because they were never in Christ to begin with. All genuine believers “continue” in faithfulness to the end.
read entire post here
It is not very costly to profess Christ. Anyone can do that. Christianity becomes costly when the professing Christian stands and does not fall away in the face of persecution or pressure to conform to some position or stance that is clearly opposed in some way to God’s clear commands found in His Word. For the Christian to commit this sin will be either to disobey God in an act of commission or omission. In any case, when the professing Christian takes each step in disobedience a layer of scar tissue is burned into their conscious with the searing hot iron of deliberate sin. Over time those professing Christians will each have an inoperable conscious and the processes which caused this will have proven that these compromisers have become victims of the deceitfulness of sin and, therefore, they will become what the Bible refers to as apostate. Some of these will still believe they are Christians, but others will refer to themselves as ‘former Christians.’ The Word tells us though that they “went out” from “us” because they were never in Christ to begin with. All genuine believers “continue” in faithfulness to the end.
read entire post here
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
~ A Baby's Hug ~
We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hand s on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.
We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks,
'What do we do?'
Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.
My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.
I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'
Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'
I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity. How did God feel when he put his baby in our arms 2000 years ago.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.'
author unknown to me
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.
We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks,
'What do we do?'
Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.
My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.
I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'
Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'
I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity. How did God feel when he put his baby in our arms 2000 years ago.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.'
author unknown to me
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Gospel by Which We Are Saved
Paul Washer
Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (I Corinthians 15:1-4).
The greatest promise of the Gospel is salvation. Every other promise and every other benefit derived from them pales in comparison to this one thing – that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation,16 and whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.17 According to I Peter 1:9, salvation is the very outcome
or goal of the believer’s faith. It is the end or purpose behind all that Christ has done. It is the true believer’s great longing, and the end toward which he strives. God can give no greater gift and the believer can have no greater hope or motivation than that of final salvation through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The gift of salvation is even more greatly magnified when we realize what we were before Christ and what we deserved in that state. We were sinners by nature and deed and were corrupt to the point of depravity. We were lawbreakers and criminals without excuse or plea before the bar of God’s justice. We deserved nothing less than eternal condemnation, but now we are saved through the blood of God’s own Son. While we were helpless sinners and enemies of God, Christ died for the ungodly.18 Through Him, we who were far off have now been brought near.19 In Him, we have redemption through His blood, and the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.20
We have been saved from our sin, reconciled to God, and brought into fellowship with Him as sons! What more could we desire, or what more do we need? Is not the gift of salvation through the blood of God’s own Son enough to fill our hearts to overflowing for an eternity of eternities? Is it not enough to motivate us to live
for Him who died? What need do we have of other promises? Will we live for Him more because He promises us not only salvation, but also healing, ease of life, wealth, and honor? What are any of these things compared to the gift of salvation and of knowing Him? Away with those who would seek to coax us to devotion by
promising us things other than Jesus Christ. If everyone we have every loved was taken from us, and our body lay rotting on a dung heap, and our name was slandered by friend and enemy alike, we should still find all the devotion we need to love, praise, and serve Him in this one thing – He shed His own blood for our souls. Pure and undefiled religion is fueled by this one holy passion.
Why is it that the promise of eternal salvation alone no longer seems to have as much power to attract men to Christ? Why is modern man more interested in how the Gospel can help him in this present life? First, it is because preachers are no longer preaching about the certainty of judgment and the dangers of hell. When
these things are preached biblically and clearly, men begin to see that their greatest need is to be saved from eternal condemnation, and the “more practical” needs of this present age become trivial in comparison. Secondly, we must understand that the great majority of men, on the street and in the pew, are carnal, and carnally
minded men cherish this world above the next. They have little interest in the things of God and eternity.21 Most would sooner attend a conference on self-esteem and self-improvement than listen to one sermon on sanctification, without which no one will see the Lord.22
Although it is true that the Gospel can and often does improve one’s station and condition in life, as stewards of the Gospel, we must shun the temptation to attract hearers and congregants with any promise or prop other than Jesus Christ and eternal life. Although it would be beyond radical in this modern age of evangelism, we would do well to cry out to the masses, “Jesus Christ, promises you two things: an eternal salvation in which to hope and a cross on which to die. The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come’.”
The above is an excerpt of an article entitled "Gospel 101" by Paul Washer. Read the entire article here, http://heartcrymissionary.com/resources/articles#gospel_101%20target=_blank
Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (I Corinthians 15:1-4).
The greatest promise of the Gospel is salvation. Every other promise and every other benefit derived from them pales in comparison to this one thing – that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation,16 and whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.17 According to I Peter 1:9, salvation is the very outcome
or goal of the believer’s faith. It is the end or purpose behind all that Christ has done. It is the true believer’s great longing, and the end toward which he strives. God can give no greater gift and the believer can have no greater hope or motivation than that of final salvation through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The gift of salvation is even more greatly magnified when we realize what we were before Christ and what we deserved in that state. We were sinners by nature and deed and were corrupt to the point of depravity. We were lawbreakers and criminals without excuse or plea before the bar of God’s justice. We deserved nothing less than eternal condemnation, but now we are saved through the blood of God’s own Son. While we were helpless sinners and enemies of God, Christ died for the ungodly.18 Through Him, we who were far off have now been brought near.19 In Him, we have redemption through His blood, and the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.20
We have been saved from our sin, reconciled to God, and brought into fellowship with Him as sons! What more could we desire, or what more do we need? Is not the gift of salvation through the blood of God’s own Son enough to fill our hearts to overflowing for an eternity of eternities? Is it not enough to motivate us to live
for Him who died? What need do we have of other promises? Will we live for Him more because He promises us not only salvation, but also healing, ease of life, wealth, and honor? What are any of these things compared to the gift of salvation and of knowing Him? Away with those who would seek to coax us to devotion by
promising us things other than Jesus Christ. If everyone we have every loved was taken from us, and our body lay rotting on a dung heap, and our name was slandered by friend and enemy alike, we should still find all the devotion we need to love, praise, and serve Him in this one thing – He shed His own blood for our souls. Pure and undefiled religion is fueled by this one holy passion.
Why is it that the promise of eternal salvation alone no longer seems to have as much power to attract men to Christ? Why is modern man more interested in how the Gospel can help him in this present life? First, it is because preachers are no longer preaching about the certainty of judgment and the dangers of hell. When
these things are preached biblically and clearly, men begin to see that their greatest need is to be saved from eternal condemnation, and the “more practical” needs of this present age become trivial in comparison. Secondly, we must understand that the great majority of men, on the street and in the pew, are carnal, and carnally
minded men cherish this world above the next. They have little interest in the things of God and eternity.21 Most would sooner attend a conference on self-esteem and self-improvement than listen to one sermon on sanctification, without which no one will see the Lord.22
Although it is true that the Gospel can and often does improve one’s station and condition in life, as stewards of the Gospel, we must shun the temptation to attract hearers and congregants with any promise or prop other than Jesus Christ and eternal life. Although it would be beyond radical in this modern age of evangelism, we would do well to cry out to the masses, “Jesus Christ, promises you two things: an eternal salvation in which to hope and a cross on which to die. The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come’.”
The above is an excerpt of an article entitled "Gospel 101" by Paul Washer. Read the entire article here, http://heartcrymissionary.com/resources/articles#gospel_101%20target=_blank
Monday, January 19, 2009
Those fruits
(J. C. Ryle)
The work of the Holy Spirit, though mysterious,
will always be known by the fruits He produces
in the character and conduct of those in whom
He dwells. The presence of the Spirit is like . . .
light which can be seen,
fire which can be felt, and
wind which causes noticeable results.
Where there are no fruits of the Spirit--there
is no presence of the Spirit. Those fruits, I
need not tell you, are always the same:
conviction of sin,
true repentance,
lively faith in Christ, and
holiness of heart and life.
I am afraid there are myriads of professing
Christians throughout the land, who really
know nothing about the Holy Spirit. They
seem to think that as baptized members of
a great ecclesiastical corporation--that they
possess the Spirit. But of the work of the
Spirit on their own individual hearts--of
conversion, repentance, and faith--they
know nothing at all. They are spiritually
asleep and dead--and unless they awake,
are in great danger!
gracegems.org
Friday, January 16, 2009
to have the heart of Christ
Our brother in the Lord, Josh, has a need. His mother is battling cancer and needs all who are able to come alongside and help, with prayer, and if the Lord leads, financial assistance. here is the link...http://bloodtippedears.blogspot.com/2008/07/prayer-and-help-for-my-mom-carol.html
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
When Augustus Toplady {author of hymn, ‘Rock of Ages’} was near death, he rejoiced and said, "It is my dying avowal that these great and glorious truths, which the Lord in rich mercy has given me to believe and enabled me to preach, are now brought into practical and heartfelt experience. They are the very joy and support of my soul. The consolations flowing from them carry me far above the things of time and sense." Then he said, "Had I wings like a dove, then would I fly away to the bosom of God and be at rest forever." About an hour before he died, he awoke from a gentle slumber and said, "Oh, what delights! Who can fathom the joys of ... Heaven.... I know it cannot be long now till my Saviour will come for me." He then burst into tears and said, "All is light, light, light--the brightness of His own glory! O come, Lord Jesus, come; come quickly!" and he closed his eyes."
From John MacArthur's study guide, 'Comfort for Troubled Hearts, Who Goes When Jesus Comes?'
Sunday, January 11, 2009
"The way to kill sin in your life is to feed it Scripture. It's a poison. It'll poison sin. Just feed a sinful life Scripture--it will poison it! Whatever really controls your mind, controls your behavior; so you learn to close out the garbage and you feed the sin, the remaining sin, in your life a steady diet of God's glorious truth and it poisons sin. And so you must give yourself to the Word. You must saturate yourself in the Word. You must hear the Word preached and taught. You must learn it yourself and you must meditate on it day and night."
John MacArthur, from 'How to Kill Sin in Your Life', available at http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/9709
Saturday, January 10, 2009
"There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."—2 Timothy 4:8.
DOUBTING one! thou hast often said, "I fear I shall never enter heaven." Fear not! all the people of God shall enter there. I love the quaint saying of a dying man, who exclaimed, "I have no fear of going home; I have sent all before me; God's finger is on the latch of my door, and I am ready for Him to enter." "But," said one, "are you not afraid lest you should miss your inheritance?" "Nay," said he, "nay; there is one crown in heaven which the angel Gabriel could not wear, it will fit no head but mine. There is one throne in heaven which Paul the apostle could not fill; it was made for me, and I shall have it." O Christian, what a joyous thought! thy portion is secure; "there remaineth a rest." "But cannot I forfeit it?" No, it is entailed. If I be a child of God I shall not lose it. It is mine as securely as if I were there. Come with me, believer, and let us sit upon the top of Nebo, and view the goodly land, even Canaan. Seest thou that little river of death glistening in the sunlight, and across it dost thou see the pinnacles of the eternal city? Dost thou mark the pleasant country, and all its joyous inhabitants? Know, then, that if thou couldst fly across thou wouldst see written upon one of its many mansions, "This remaineth for such a one; preserved for him only. He shall be caught up to dwell for ever with God." Poor doubting one, see the fair inheritance; it is thine. If thou believest in the Lord Jesus, if thou hast repented of sin, if thou hast been renewed in heart, thou art one of the Lord's people, and there is a place reserved for thee, a crown laid up for thee, a harp specially provided for thee. No one else shall have thy portion, it is reserved in heaven for thee, and thou shalt have it ere long, for there shall be no vacant thrones in glory when all the chosen are gathered in.
www.spurgeon.org
DOUBTING one! thou hast often said, "I fear I shall never enter heaven." Fear not! all the people of God shall enter there. I love the quaint saying of a dying man, who exclaimed, "I have no fear of going home; I have sent all before me; God's finger is on the latch of my door, and I am ready for Him to enter." "But," said one, "are you not afraid lest you should miss your inheritance?" "Nay," said he, "nay; there is one crown in heaven which the angel Gabriel could not wear, it will fit no head but mine. There is one throne in heaven which Paul the apostle could not fill; it was made for me, and I shall have it." O Christian, what a joyous thought! thy portion is secure; "there remaineth a rest." "But cannot I forfeit it?" No, it is entailed. If I be a child of God I shall not lose it. It is mine as securely as if I were there. Come with me, believer, and let us sit upon the top of Nebo, and view the goodly land, even Canaan. Seest thou that little river of death glistening in the sunlight, and across it dost thou see the pinnacles of the eternal city? Dost thou mark the pleasant country, and all its joyous inhabitants? Know, then, that if thou couldst fly across thou wouldst see written upon one of its many mansions, "This remaineth for such a one; preserved for him only. He shall be caught up to dwell for ever with God." Poor doubting one, see the fair inheritance; it is thine. If thou believest in the Lord Jesus, if thou hast repented of sin, if thou hast been renewed in heart, thou art one of the Lord's people, and there is a place reserved for thee, a crown laid up for thee, a harp specially provided for thee. No one else shall have thy portion, it is reserved in heaven for thee, and thou shalt have it ere long, for there shall be no vacant thrones in glory when all the chosen are gathered in.
www.spurgeon.org
Friday, January 9, 2009
Paul Washer on false prophets
“Their god is their belly, but, they look like sheep; how is that? How is it that they look like sheep? By their flattering, smooth speech that in an age of tolerance makes you think they are men most full of love.
They will never contradict, they will never create a scandal, they will never be offensive, they will never speak forth things to anger men. They have the smooth tongue of a serpent, and they flatter men, and they give carnal men exactly what they want.
Let me tell you something about false teachers, you think so many times that people fall prey to false teachers, and that, in a sense, can be true, at times. But, I think the dominant theme in scripture is just the opposite. False teachers are God’s judgment on people who don’t want God…but, in the name of religion, plan on getting everything their carnal heart desires.
That’s why a Joel Osteen is raised up; those people who sit under him are not victims of him, he is the judgment of God upon them…because they want exactly what he wants, and it’s not God!”
Paul Washer, from his sermon, ‘the gift nobody wants’ available at http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1226081553368
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Modern Evangelism: Decorating The Portals Of Hell
From Well-Meaning Gentlemen With Different Ideas:
Having grown up in church and being exposed to “modern evangelicalism” my whole life, I guess, like many, I have become numbed to the gradual slide from orthodoxy and have grown tolerant of the heretical, feel-good, man-centered gospel that permeates much of modern Christianity.
That became evident to me not long ago in a memorial service for one of our former residents in the home for the elderly.
Tom had been a resident for a few years. Several members of his family are currently serving as pastors and church leaders in various ministries. Over the years they and we have made several unsuccessful attempts to bring him to an understanding of his need for a savior. He was an intelligent, educated man but, to the frustration of his family, Tom had rejected the gospel his whole life.
Then I heard the news that, in his last few days, he “accepted the Lord.” At the memorial service there was much celebrating as everyone comforted themselves with the assurance that their beloved patriarch “slipped peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus” as he expired his final breath and that they would all see him again in that great “reunion in the sky by and by.”
It was during that service that I was suddenly shocked by the accounting of his alleged bedside “profession of faith.” One of the family members described how he appealed to Tom to consider his late wife and others in the family who had gone on before and who would follow him. They were all Christians and were all going to heaven. “Tom,” he said, “this is your last chance. Don’t you want to see your wife again when you die?” Don’t you want to spend eternity with your family in heaven?”
“Yes, I do,” Tom replied.
“Then why don’t you just ask Jesus into your life right now? Would you like to do that?” he asked.
“Yes,” said Tom.
Then he invited Tom to repeat this prayer. “Dear Jesus, I believe in you. Thank you for dying for me. I accept you into my life. Amen.”
That was it. On the basis of that prayer, Tom slipped into eternity with a false hope.
During this Christmas season, in another place, I heard a similar “gospel invitation” described like this;
Salvation is a decision that each one of us must make and it is as simple as saying a simple prayer. Then, in a typical Rick Warrenesque style prayer the pastor led the congregation in a similar version of “the sinners prayer.”
“Dear Lord Jesus, Come into my life; forgive me of my sins. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins. I want to make you Lord of my life.”
At that point, he asked his audience if anyone had prayed that simple prayer for the first time, to let him know so that he could welcome them into the family of God.
I thought about the gospel appeal as described at Tom's memorial service. What was the object? What was the compelling argument for faith? It was just the hope of heaven and the reunion of the family. There was nothing about Jesus or the forgiveness of sin or his need for a savior. As I looked around the room, I noticed that there were several who had never heard the gospel and this memorial service was a lost opportunity.
From time to time, as administrator, I am asked to officiate memorial services. And I am always mindful of the threefold purpose of those events; to honor the memory of the deceased, to comfort those who grieve, and, most importantly, to proclaim our hope in the living Savior. All of that should be done with love and sensitivity but it must be done in TRUTH.
from http://notallowed2laff.blogspot.com/2009/01/modern-evangelism-decorating-portals-of.html
Monday, January 5, 2009
"And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness."—Genesis 1:4.
IGHT might well be good since it sprang from that fiat of goodness, "Let there be light." We who enjoy it should be more grateful for it than we are, and see more of God in it and by it. Light physical is said by Solomon to be sweet, but gospel light is infinitely more precious, for it reveals eternal things, and ministers to our immortal natures. When the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual light, and opens our eyes to behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, we behold sin in its true colours, and ourselves in our real position; we see the Most Holy God as He reveals Himself, the plan of mercy as He propounds it, and the world to come as the Word describes it. Spiritual light has many beams and prismatic colours, but whether they be knowledge, joy, holiness, or life, all are divinely good. If the light received be thus good, what must the essential light be, and how glorious must be the place where He reveals Himself. O Lord, since light is so good, give us more of it, and more of Thyself, the true light.
No sooner is there a good thing in the world, than a division is necessary. Light and darkness have no communion; God has divided them, let us not confound them. Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds, doctrines, or deceits of darkness. The children of the day must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord's work, leaving the works of darkness to those who shall dwell in it for ever. Our Churches should by discipline divide the light from the darkness, and we should by our distinct separation from the world do the same. In judgment, in action, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction which the Lord made upon the world's first day. O Lord Jesus, be Thou our light throughout the whole of this day, for Thy light is the light of men.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
When they awake in hell!
(Arthur Pink, "Present Day Evangelism")
If "modern evangelism" is weighed in the balances of Holy Writ, it will be found lacking; lacking that which is vital to genuine conversion, lacking what is essential if sinners are to be shown their need of a Savior, lacking that which will produce the transformed lives of new creatures in Christ Jesus.
The "evangelism" of the day is not only superficial to the last degree--but it is radically defective. It is utterly lacking a foundation on which to base an appeal for sinners to come to Christ. There is not only a lamentable lack of proportion (the mercy of God being made far more prominent than His holiness, His love than His wrath)--but there is a fatal omission of that which God has given for the purpose of imparting a knowledge of sin. There is not only a reprehensible introducing of humorous witticisms and entertaining anecdotes--but there is a studied omission of dark background upon which alone the Gospel can effectively shine forth.
In twentieth-century evangelism, there has been a woeful ignoring of the solemn truth of the total depravity of man. There has been a complete underrating of the desperate case and condition of the sinner. Very few indeed have faced the unpalatable fact--that every man is thoroughly corrupt by nature, that he is completely unaware of his own wretchedness, blind and helpless, and dead in trespasses and sins! Because such is his case, because his heart is filled with enmity against God--it follows that no man can be saved without the special and supernatural intervention of God.
The teaching of Holy Writ on this point is unmistakable: man's plight is such that his salvation is impossible, unless God puts forth His almighty power. No stirring of the emotions by anecdotes, no regaling of the senses by music, no oratory of the preacher, no persuasive appeals--are of the slightest avail. None but the Holy Spirit can make him willing in the day of His power (Psalm 110:3). He alone can produce godly sorrow for sin, and saving faith in the Gospel. He alone can make us not love ourselves first and foremost, and bring us into subjection to the Lordship of Christ.
But serious indeed as is the above indictment, worse still is that which is being retailed by the cheap-jack evangelists of the day. The positive content of their message is nothing but a throwing of dust in the eyes of the sinner. His soul is put to sleep by the devil's opiate, ministered in a most unsuspecting form. Those who really receive the "message" which is now being given out from most of the "orthodox" pulpits and platforms today--are being fatally deceived. It is a way which seems right unto a man--but unless God sovereignly intervenes by a miracle of grace, all who follow it will surely find, that the ends thereof are the ways of death! Tens of thousands who confidently imagine that they are bound for heaven--will get a terrible disillusionment, when they awake in hell!
What is the Gospel? Is the Gospel a message of glad tidings from heaven to make God-defying rebels at ease in their wickedness? Is it given for the purpose of assuring the pleasure-crazy young people that, providing they only "believe," there is nothing for them to fear in the future? One would certainly think so, from the way in which the Gospel is presented--or rather perverted, by most of today's 'evangelists'! And the more so, when we look at the lives of their 'converts'! Surely those with any degree of spiritual discernment, must perceive that to assure such 'converts' that God loves them and His Son died for them, and that a full pardon for all their sins (past, present and future) can be obtained by simply 'accepting Christ as their personal Savior'--is but a casting of pearls before swine! Because the churches are so largely filled with these 'converts', explains why they are so unspiritual and worldly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)