This pretty much says it all.
It's About The Cross by Go Fish
http://youtu.be/fr0Khzknt6w
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Jesus a philosopher?
While trying to defend the celebration of Christmas, Bill O'Riley made the claim that Christianity is not a religion, rather that it was a philosophy. Jesus a philosopher?
Bill O'Riley's philosophy is clearly out of whack.
Philosophers are those who seek truth, Jesus does not seek truth, Jesus IS the truth. John 14:6
Bill O'Riley's philosophy is clearly out of whack.
Philosophers are those who seek truth, Jesus does not seek truth, Jesus IS the truth. John 14:6
Monday, December 17, 2012
A Pastoral Response to the Newtown Massacre by John MacArthur
A five minute audio that I believe gets it right.
A Pastoral Response to the Newtown Massacre... http://t.co/bIlwejUt
A Pastoral Response to the Newtown Massacre... http://t.co/bIlwejUt
Are we a violent people?
Insightful article by Trevin Wax in The Gospel Coalition.
Tweet from @TrevinWax Horrified by the slaughter of innocent children in Newtown, but entertained by children killing in Hunger Games. http://t.co/obUS0ZXQ
Tweet from @TrevinWax Horrified by the slaughter of innocent children in Newtown, but entertained by children killing in Hunger Games. http://t.co/obUS0ZXQ
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
The Answer
The answer to all of our problems including government problems is not out of reach, it has been available all along, but our unwillingness to fully submit keeps us from experiencing it.
The vast majority of people we encounter have an opinion on just about everything and most of them are convinced that their opinion is accurate, however, their is only one place where the answer to all of our questions can be found and only one answer that can make a lasting difference.
The answer is THE GOSPEL.
The GOSPEL changes hearts and changed hearts change our thinking; changed thinking changes our desires; changed desires changes or behavior; changed behaviors change our lives; and changed lives change an entire nation.
The GOSPEL is the only thing that can create the change that will make a difference.
Whenever you realize that you don't have the answers and you are willing to forsake your own agenda and submit your life to the one and only true God, then and only then will you see a change that matters.
Read the book of John in the Bible, don't reject the truth.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of this world will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
The vast majority of people we encounter have an opinion on just about everything and most of them are convinced that their opinion is accurate, however, their is only one place where the answer to all of our questions can be found and only one answer that can make a lasting difference.
The answer is THE GOSPEL.
The GOSPEL changes hearts and changed hearts change our thinking; changed thinking changes our desires; changed desires changes or behavior; changed behaviors change our lives; and changed lives change an entire nation.
The GOSPEL is the only thing that can create the change that will make a difference.
Whenever you realize that you don't have the answers and you are willing to forsake your own agenda and submit your life to the one and only true God, then and only then will you see a change that matters.
Read the book of John in the Bible, don't reject the truth.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of this world will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
My eyes are always on the Lord!
My eyes are always on the Lord!
(James Smith, "Comfort for Christians!")
"My eyes are always on the Lord!" Psalm 25:15
The Lord directs us to look to Him for all that we need--and look away from all that we fear and all that troubles us. Looking to man dishonors the Lord--and ends in disappointment. Looking to ourselves fills us with gloom, sadness, doubts, and fears. It was wise, therefore, of the Psalmist to keep his eyes fixed steadily and habitually on the Lord.
Beloved! In all your sufferings, let your eyes be ever on the Lord. Look to Him . . .
for ease in pain,
for strength in weakness,
for comfort in sorrow,
and for relief in distress.
Keep your eye fixed on Him as your Father and your God--who has pledged in His Word to do you good.
Friends may fail you, relatives may neglect or be unkind to you, and those you love most may be unable to help you--but look to the Lord! He will never fail you or neglect you. He will prove Himself both able and willing to help you.
Let nothing divert your attention, then, from the Lord--but carry everything to Him and exercise implicit confidence in Him.
Cast on Him every care,
commit to Him every work,
lay before Him every difficulty.
You will prove that He is not only able, but also willing to do "infinitely more than we might ask or think!" Ephesians 3:20.
Whenever Satan tempts you, or guilty fears torment you--turn your eyes to Calvary and see Jesus, your Savior--suffering, bleeding, and dying for you--and so you will enjoy peace.
Lord, help me to look to You for all my direction in life, so that I might not be led astray by my deceitful heart. Let me praise You and bring glory to Your Name every moment of my life!
"My eyes are fixed on You, O Sovereign Lord!" Psalm 141:8
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
No book is really worth reading
(J.R. Miller, "Things That Endure")
"Avoid every kind of evil!" 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Much is said in commendation of books. But, as in other matters, there is need for wise discrimination in what one reads. Not all books are worth reading.
There are many which are utterly empty of anything that is noble or worthy. One might read them continually all one's life--and yet be no wiser and no better. A hundred of them do not contain a dozen sentences that it is worthwhile to keep in one's memory, or that can be of any help or cheer or strength in one's life.
Then, there are books which are most pernicious in their influence. There are all grades and degrees of evil in this class. Some of them carry a subtle poison in their atmosphere which is noxious to those who breathe it. We need to keep most careful watch over our heart, so that nothing shall ever tarnish its purity. Any corrupt thought, dallied with even for a moment, leaves a stain upon the mind which may never be effaced.
If we would keep the tender joy of our heart experiences unbroken, we must hold rigid watch over our reading, conscientiously excluding not only whatever is obviously impure--but all in which lurks even a suggestion of evil.
A writer says: "Never read a book which is not worth reading, for some noble end, beyond the short-lived pleasure of a little excitement."
When we think of the influence which our reading has upon our lives, we see at once the importance of selecting only books that are worthwhile. At the best, none of us can read one book in a thousand of those which are within our reach. Surely then, this one book ought to be the best in all the thousand.
Every year, a flood of really worthless publications is poured over the country. People go into ecstasies over trivial works which please or excite them for a day--and are then old and forgotten; while books in every way admirable, are passed by unnoticed.
No book is really worth reading, which does not either impart valuable knowledge; or set before us some ideal of beauty, strength, or nobility of character.
There are enough great books to occupy us during all our short and busy years. If we are wise, we will resolutely avoid all but the richest and the best.
(Editor's note: Reading was the primary media in J.R. Miller's day. The above standards apply to all media today--TV, internet, etc.)
gracegems.org
"Avoid every kind of evil!" 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Much is said in commendation of books. But, as in other matters, there is need for wise discrimination in what one reads. Not all books are worth reading.
There are many which are utterly empty of anything that is noble or worthy. One might read them continually all one's life--and yet be no wiser and no better. A hundred of them do not contain a dozen sentences that it is worthwhile to keep in one's memory, or that can be of any help or cheer or strength in one's life.
Then, there are books which are most pernicious in their influence. There are all grades and degrees of evil in this class. Some of them carry a subtle poison in their atmosphere which is noxious to those who breathe it. We need to keep most careful watch over our heart, so that nothing shall ever tarnish its purity. Any corrupt thought, dallied with even for a moment, leaves a stain upon the mind which may never be effaced.
If we would keep the tender joy of our heart experiences unbroken, we must hold rigid watch over our reading, conscientiously excluding not only whatever is obviously impure--but all in which lurks even a suggestion of evil.
A writer says: "Never read a book which is not worth reading, for some noble end, beyond the short-lived pleasure of a little excitement."
When we think of the influence which our reading has upon our lives, we see at once the importance of selecting only books that are worthwhile. At the best, none of us can read one book in a thousand of those which are within our reach. Surely then, this one book ought to be the best in all the thousand.
Every year, a flood of really worthless publications is poured over the country. People go into ecstasies over trivial works which please or excite them for a day--and are then old and forgotten; while books in every way admirable, are passed by unnoticed.
No book is really worth reading, which does not either impart valuable knowledge; or set before us some ideal of beauty, strength, or nobility of character.
There are enough great books to occupy us during all our short and busy years. If we are wise, we will resolutely avoid all but the richest and the best.
(Editor's note: Reading was the primary media in J.R. Miller's day. The above standards apply to all media today--TV, internet, etc.)
gracegems.org
Thursday, November 22, 2012
He sees countless evils in each one of us!
(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Mark" 1857)
See what a black catalogue of evils the human heart contains!
"For from within, out of a person's heart, come . . .
evil thoughts,
sexual immorality,
theft,
murder,
adultery,
greed,
wickedness,
deceit,
eagerness for lustful pleasure,
envy,
slander,
pride, and
foolishness.
All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God." Mark 7:21-23
Let us distinctly understand, when we read these words, that our Lord is speaking of the human heart universally. He is not speaking only of the notorious profligate, or the prisoner in the jail. He is speaking of all mankind. All of us, whether . . .
high or low,
rich or poor,
masters or servants,
old or young,
learned or unlearned
--all of us have by nature such a heart as Jesus here describes! The seeds of all the evils here mentioned, lie hidden within us all. They may lie dormant all our lives. They may be kept down by . . .
the fear of consequences;
the restraint of public opinion;
the dread of discovery; or
the desire to be thought respectable.
But every person has within him, the root of every sin!
How humble we ought to be, when we read these verses! "We are all as an unclean thing" in God's sight. He sees countless evils in each one of us, which the world never sees at all, for He reads our hearts. Surely of all sins to which we are liable, self-righteousness is the most unreasonable.
How thankful we ought to be for the Gospel, when we read these verses! That Gospel contains a complete provision for all the needs of our poor defiled natures. The blood of Christ can "cleanse us from all sin." The Holy Spirit can change even our sinful hearts, and keep them clean, when changed. The man that does not glory in the Gospel, can surely know little of the plague that is within him.
How watchful we ought to be, when we remember these verses! What a careful guard we ought to keep over our imaginations, our tongues, and our daily behavior! At the head of the black list of our heart's contents, stand "evil thoughts." Let us never forget that. Thoughts are the parents of words and deeds! Let us pray daily for grace to keep our thoughts in order, and let us cry earnestly and fervently, "lead us not into temptation!"
gracegems.org
See what a black catalogue of evils the human heart contains!
"For from within, out of a person's heart, come . . .
evil thoughts,
sexual immorality,
theft,
murder,
adultery,
greed,
wickedness,
deceit,
eagerness for lustful pleasure,
envy,
slander,
pride, and
foolishness.
All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God." Mark 7:21-23
Let us distinctly understand, when we read these words, that our Lord is speaking of the human heart universally. He is not speaking only of the notorious profligate, or the prisoner in the jail. He is speaking of all mankind. All of us, whether . . .
high or low,
rich or poor,
masters or servants,
old or young,
learned or unlearned
--all of us have by nature such a heart as Jesus here describes! The seeds of all the evils here mentioned, lie hidden within us all. They may lie dormant all our lives. They may be kept down by . . .
the fear of consequences;
the restraint of public opinion;
the dread of discovery; or
the desire to be thought respectable.
But every person has within him, the root of every sin!
How humble we ought to be, when we read these verses! "We are all as an unclean thing" in God's sight. He sees countless evils in each one of us, which the world never sees at all, for He reads our hearts. Surely of all sins to which we are liable, self-righteousness is the most unreasonable.
How thankful we ought to be for the Gospel, when we read these verses! That Gospel contains a complete provision for all the needs of our poor defiled natures. The blood of Christ can "cleanse us from all sin." The Holy Spirit can change even our sinful hearts, and keep them clean, when changed. The man that does not glory in the Gospel, can surely know little of the plague that is within him.
How watchful we ought to be, when we remember these verses! What a careful guard we ought to keep over our imaginations, our tongues, and our daily behavior! At the head of the black list of our heart's contents, stand "evil thoughts." Let us never forget that. Thoughts are the parents of words and deeds! Let us pray daily for grace to keep our thoughts in order, and let us cry earnestly and fervently, "lead us not into temptation!"
gracegems.org
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
He sees countless evils in each one of us!
(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Mark" 1857)
See what a black catalogue of evils the human heart contains!
"For from within, out of a person's heart, come . . .
evil thoughts,
sexual immorality,
theft,
murder,
adultery,
greed,
wickedness,
deceit,
eagerness for lustful pleasure,
envy,
slander,
pride, and
foolishness.
All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God." Mark 7:21-23
Let us distinctly understand, when we read these words, that our Lord is speaking of the human heart universally. He is not speaking only of the notorious profligate, or the prisoner in the jail. He is speaking of all mankind. All of us, whether . . .
high or low,
rich or poor,
masters or servants,
old or young,
learned or unlearned
--all of us have by nature such a heart as Jesus here describes! The seeds of all the evils here mentioned, lie hidden within us all. They may lie dormant all our lives. They may be kept down by . . .
the fear of consequences;
the restraint of public opinion;
the dread of discovery; or
the desire to be thought respectable.
But every person has within him, the root of every sin!
How humble we ought to be, when we read these verses! "We are all as an unclean thing" in God's sight. He sees countless evils in each one of us, which the world never sees at all, for He reads our hearts. Surely of all sins to which we are liable, self-righteousness is the most unreasonable.
How thankful we ought to be for the Gospel, when we read these verses! That Gospel contains a complete provision for all the needs of our poor defiled natures. The blood of Christ can "cleanse us from all sin." The Holy Spirit can change even our sinful hearts, and keep them clean, when changed. The man that does not glory in the Gospel, can surely know little of the plague that is within him.
How watchful we ought to be, when we remember these verses! What a careful guard we ought to keep over our imaginations, our tongues, and our daily behavior! At the head of the black list of our heart's contents, stand "evil thoughts." Let us never forget that. Thoughts are the parents of words and deeds! Let us pray daily for grace to keep our thoughts in order, and let us cry earnestly and fervently, "lead us not into temptation!"
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?
"Far be it from You to do such a thing--to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Genesis18:25
Some people worry about thedestiny of the Heathen, and ask if God can be just--and do so and so. A great deal better solution of such perplexities, is Abraham's: "Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Surely we can trust Him with all such things, and leave them in His hands.
Others have perplexity concerning the apparent lack of justness in the allotment of earth. Some holy people have little but trouble here--and some wicked people have very much worldly favor. We have the same truth on which to rest all suchseeming inequities. God will surely do right. What we calltrouble, may have more realblessing in it, than what we callprosperity. Also, the end of life is not here. God has eternity in which to adjust the inequities.
There are other people who think that their own lot is very hard. They complain about their trials and disappointments, and are discontented with what God does for them and gives them. They say that God is good; yet they imply by their petulance, that He is not good. This word of Abraham's should rebuke all such complaints. Sooner might the Heavens fall--than that in any smallest thing, God could do anything but what is absolutely right and just.
"Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him--and He shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5
Sunday, August 26, 2012
A Place in Heaven
One can easily say "I am Christian" or "I believe in God" and not be born again. Jesus says in John 3:3 that "unless a man is born again he will not see the kingdom of God." Is the evidence of a regenerated life found in those who care for others or simply do good deeds? Clearly not. The Bible says that even those whos hearts are far from God have the ability to do good to others.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
The hell of Hell
(Arthur Pink)
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment--but the righteous to eternal life!" Matthew 25:46
After millions of years, the suffering of the lost is no nearer an end, than it was at the outset. "This is the hell of Hell, that, as the torments thereof are without measure--so they are without end!" (Thomas Manton)
The respective eternal portions of the saved and the lost are contrasted at every point:
The utter hopelessness of the lost: "Punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord!" (2 Thessalonians 1:9).
The perpetuity of the saints' bliss: "I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!" (Psalm 23:6).
The wicked enjoy "the pleasures of sin for a season" (Hebrews 11:25);
the godly shall participate in those "pleasures at God's right hand forever" (Psalm 16:11).
Agents of Satan seize the souls of the wicked at death;
the saints souls are carried to Heaven by the angels.
The lost shall be raised "to shame and everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:2);
the godly are raised in "honor and glory" (1 Peter 1:7).
To the wicked it shall be said, "Depart from Me, you who are cursed" (Matthew 25:41);
to the saved, "Come, you who are blessed of My Father" (Matthew 25:34).
The wicked "shall be tormented day and night forever and ever" (Revelation 20:10);
the godly shall "be forever with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 22:5).
Thursday, August 9, 2012
I flee anew to the pavilion of Your love!
(John MacDuff, "Evening Incense" 1856)
Blessed Lord, bend Your pitying eye of love and mercy upon me today. Draw near to me, as I venture once more on praying and on pleading ground.
Alas! O God, how little have I improved the time that is past! I am a wonder to myself, that with all my deep ingratitude and utter vileness--I am yet permitted to approach Your footstool! I have sinned against light and love--warning and mercy--grace and privilege. The retrospect of life--is a retrospect of guilt. I mourn over my manifold shortcomings--the alienation of my heart from You--the fitfulness of my spiritual frames--the ebbings and flowings in the tide of my love. When tried by the lofty and unerring standard of Your Word--how are my best actions and duties marred with defilement! How much self-seeking and self-glorying--and how little animated by the predominating motive of love to You, and singleness of eye to Your service!
Blessed Jesus! I flee anew to the pavilion of Your love! I have no other hope, no other refuge--but in Your finished work--Your matchless atonement--Your spotless righteousness! There is in You, an all-sufficiency for every need. Finite necessities cannot exhaust Infinite fullness. Let me hear Your voice saying, "Your sins, which are many--are all forgiven!"
Transform me more and more into Your own image. May I know more and more, the happiness of true holiness--that I am really blessed in seeking to walk so as to please You. May the power of grace wax stronger and stronger--and the power of sin wax weaker and weaker. May trials and crosses become light and easy to me--when borne in a spirit of meek, unrepining submission to Your Divine will. May this quiet every doubt and misgiving: "Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things!"
gracegems.org
Blessed Lord, bend Your pitying eye of love and mercy upon me today. Draw near to me, as I venture once more on praying and on pleading ground.
Alas! O God, how little have I improved the time that is past! I am a wonder to myself, that with all my deep ingratitude and utter vileness--I am yet permitted to approach Your footstool! I have sinned against light and love--warning and mercy--grace and privilege. The retrospect of life--is a retrospect of guilt. I mourn over my manifold shortcomings--the alienation of my heart from You--the fitfulness of my spiritual frames--the ebbings and flowings in the tide of my love. When tried by the lofty and unerring standard of Your Word--how are my best actions and duties marred with defilement! How much self-seeking and self-glorying--and how little animated by the predominating motive of love to You, and singleness of eye to Your service!
Blessed Jesus! I flee anew to the pavilion of Your love! I have no other hope, no other refuge--but in Your finished work--Your matchless atonement--Your spotless righteousness! There is in You, an all-sufficiency for every need. Finite necessities cannot exhaust Infinite fullness. Let me hear Your voice saying, "Your sins, which are many--are all forgiven!"
Transform me more and more into Your own image. May I know more and more, the happiness of true holiness--that I am really blessed in seeking to walk so as to please You. May the power of grace wax stronger and stronger--and the power of sin wax weaker and weaker. May trials and crosses become light and easy to me--when borne in a spirit of meek, unrepining submission to Your Divine will. May this quiet every doubt and misgiving: "Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things!"
gracegems.org
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Pornography and the Soul
The false believer is not concerned about the pornography in their life.
The false believer takes great pleasure in viewing pictures of those who are barely dressed.
The false believer struggles not, when undressing others with their eyes.
The false believer brags about their lustful thoughts.
The false believer is foolish to think this is acceptable.
The false believer is deceived when thinking there is no harm in this type of behavior.
The false believer is without God and has no assurance of salvation.
The false believer has no power in and of theirselves to resist this alone.
Think about your sin, let it crush you then think about the Savior who died to save you. Repent and turn from sin, put your COMPLETE trust in Christ to rescue you from this grievous trap.
He alone can save your soul from everlasting punishment in a lake of fire.
He will give you a new heart with new desires that will despise the wickedness of this world.
The false believer takes great pleasure in viewing pictures of those who are barely dressed.
The false believer struggles not, when undressing others with their eyes.
The false believer brags about their lustful thoughts.
The false believer is foolish to think this is acceptable.
The false believer is deceived when thinking there is no harm in this type of behavior.
The false believer is without God and has no assurance of salvation.
The false believer has no power in and of theirselves to resist this alone.
Think about your sin, let it crush you then think about the Savior who died to save you. Repent and turn from sin, put your COMPLETE trust in Christ to rescue you from this grievous trap.
He alone can save your soul from everlasting punishment in a lake of fire.
He will give you a new heart with new desires that will despise the wickedness of this world.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Take these three spears!
(Thomas Watson, "The Mischief of Sin")
Do with your sin--as Joab did with Absalom. He took three spears and thrust them through the heart of Absalom! 2 Samuel 18:14. Just so, take these three spears--the Word of God, prayer, and mortification--and strike through the heart of your lusts, so that they die!
What is the end of all a Christian's duties, praying, and hearing--but to weaken and mortify lust! Why is this spiritual medicine taken--but to kill the child of sin! Sin will insinuate itself and plead for a reprieve--but show it no mercy!
Saul's sparing Agag lost him the kingdom--and your sparing sin will lose you the kingdom of Heaven. Do with your sin, what Samuel did to Agag, "He hacked Agag to pieces before the Lord at Gilgal." 1 Samuel 15:33
gracegems.org
Do with your sin--as Joab did with Absalom. He took three spears and thrust them through the heart of Absalom! 2 Samuel 18:14. Just so, take these three spears--the Word of God, prayer, and mortification--and strike through the heart of your lusts, so that they die!
What is the end of all a Christian's duties, praying, and hearing--but to weaken and mortify lust! Why is this spiritual medicine taken--but to kill the child of sin! Sin will insinuate itself and plead for a reprieve--but show it no mercy!
Saul's sparing Agag lost him the kingdom--and your sparing sin will lose you the kingdom of Heaven. Do with your sin, what Samuel did to Agag, "He hacked Agag to pieces before the Lord at Gilgal." 1 Samuel 15:33
gracegems.org
Monday, July 23, 2012
Omnipresence
Omnipresence
(A Collection of Hymns and Sacred Songs)
WHERE can we hide, or whither fly,
Lord, to escape thy piercing eye?
With thee it is not day and night,
But darkness shineth as the light.
Where'er we go, whate'er pursue,
Our ways are open to thy view,
Our motives read, our thoughts explored,
Our hearts revealed to thee, O Lord.
Is there throughout all worlds one spot,
One lonely wild, where thou art not?
The hosts of heaven enjoy thy care,
And those of hell know thou art there.
Awake, asleep, where none intrude,
Or 'midst the thronging multitude,
In every land on every sea,
We are surrounded still with thee.
Search us, O God, and know each heart;
With every idol bid us part;
Make us to keep thy holy ways,
And live to utter forth thy praise.
(A Collection of Hymns and Sacred Songs)
WHERE can we hide, or whither fly,
Lord, to escape thy piercing eye?
With thee it is not day and night,
But darkness shineth as the light.
Where'er we go, whate'er pursue,
Our ways are open to thy view,
Our motives read, our thoughts explored,
Our hearts revealed to thee, O Lord.
Is there throughout all worlds one spot,
One lonely wild, where thou art not?
The hosts of heaven enjoy thy care,
And those of hell know thou art there.
Awake, asleep, where none intrude,
Or 'midst the thronging multitude,
In every land on every sea,
We are surrounded still with thee.
Search us, O God, and know each heart;
With every idol bid us part;
Make us to keep thy holy ways,
And live to utter forth thy praise.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The Child of Satan!
(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God--are children of God!" Romans 8:14
If we are sons of God--we shall be led by the Spirit of God. And if we are led by the Spirit of God--we shall be led in the paths of righteousness and holiness!
The sons of God do not, cannot--love sin, live in sin, or make light of sin! He who loves and lives in sin--is the child of Satan! "You are of your father the Devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires!" John 8:44
The child will resemble its parent, and all God's children resemble Him--in His hatred to sin, and love to holiness. Let us not, therefore, imagine that we are the Lord's--if we live as the world lives . . .
in the lusts of the flesh,
in the lust of the eye,
and in the pride of life!
gracegems.org
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God--are children of God!" Romans 8:14
If we are sons of God--we shall be led by the Spirit of God. And if we are led by the Spirit of God--we shall be led in the paths of righteousness and holiness!
The sons of God do not, cannot--love sin, live in sin, or make light of sin! He who loves and lives in sin--is the child of Satan! "You are of your father the Devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires!" John 8:44
The child will resemble its parent, and all God's children resemble Him--in His hatred to sin, and love to holiness. Let us not, therefore, imagine that we are the Lord's--if we live as the world lives . . .
in the lusts of the flesh,
in the lust of the eye,
and in the pride of life!
gracegems.org
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Are there more gods than one?
Question: Are there more Gods than one?
Answer: There is but one only, the living and true God.
Isaiah 44:6 - Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and His Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last, and there is no God besides me.'
Answer: There is but one only, the living and true God.
Isaiah 44:6 - Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and His Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last, and there is no God besides me.'
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Very distinct from this poor, fallen, degraded world!
From Evernote: |
Very distinct from this poor, fallen, degraded world! |
(James Smith, "Higher Ground")
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ--set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above--not on earthly things!" Colossians 3:1-2
The believer, as one with Christ, as redeemed from among men, as a child of God--ought to bevery distinct from this poor, fallen, degraded world!
But alas, we are too often mixed up with the world--and are too much like the world! We forget the dignity of our high calling, and our glorious destiny--as the heirs of eternal life.
Rise therefore, like the liberated eagle.
Leave the world with all its follies and fascinations!
Set your heart on Heaven and heavenly things!
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