Finally, I am able to bring myself to continue on my series on the doctrines recovered at the time of the reformation. I want to begin this post with a question. "Why bother?" If we are to be perfectly honest with ourselves, these truths are not what you would choose to build a mega church or to start a massive scale campus harvest. This system of theology is not one that would make you extremely popular with the current . . . (Read more at New.Demonstration)
We must hate all sin, as sin, and not just that which troubles us. Love for Christ, because He went to the cross, and hate for sin that sent Him there, is the solid foundation for true spiritual mortification. To seek mortification only because a sin troubles us proceeds from self-love. Why do you with all diligence and earnestness seek to mortify this sin? Because it troubles you and takes away your peace, and fills your heart with sorrow, trouble, and fear, and because you do. . .
Just a while ago, as I was browsing around my Facebook page, I saw Susan Yesner and Doug Eaton post the same video from YouTube. A video with the title: "Shocking Message to Pastors & Churches." I watched it and re-posted it as soon as I was done. In an understatement I would say that it is not only shocking but very, very much sobering as well. Below are my comments on the video, and my exhortation to others: If you are a Christian---a Pastor or just a layperson, I urge. . .
It is a very great fault in any ministry if the doctrine of justification by faith alone is not most clearly taught. I will go further and add that it is not only a great fault, but a fatal one, for souls will never find their way to Heaven by a ministry that is indistinct upon the most fundamental of Gospel truths. We are justified by faith, and not by the works of the Law. The merit by which a soul enters Heaven is not its own—it is the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am quite sure that you will all hold me guiltless of ever. . .
Paul, in speaking to believers, thus challenges the Colossians: 'Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth' (Col. 3:5). Do you mortify? Do you make it your daily work? You must always be at it while you live; do not take a day off from this work; always be killing sin or it will be killing you. Your position in Christ, and the new life that you have in Him, does not excuse you from this work. Our Saviour tells us how His Father deals with every branch in Him that beareth fruit; every. . .
The gospel can be spoiled, though not objectively, for it is an objective reality. Yet it can be spoiled by us and to us. We can modify the gospel, either deliberately or inadvertently, stripping it of its power and its glory. We can bring to people a counterfeit gospel that is no gospel at all. It is the discipline of discernment that God has provided us to guard the purity of the gospel. Discernment, then, is not an end in itself. Rather, discernment is the means to a far greater and nobler. . .
I've been meaning to post this for a while now since the past week. A.W. Pink puts it so plainly and powerfully, what it means to be actually and genuinely converted; what it truly means to be saved; what it means to be a genuine Christian. I commend this short work to... Those who are seeking Christ; Those who are in Christ; Those who are apart from Christ and still are in the world. Dear loved ones, make your calling and election sure if indeed you are in the faith. If not, I pray you be. . .
I'm sick and tired of this "Sinner's Prayer." Just because it's most convenient to use it...because most preachers fail to understand how painstakingly salvation and conversion really is, they relegate the Gospel call into "CHOOSING/DECIDING GOD." Blasphemy. Should we not go to strenuous efforts for the salvation of men souls? Why deceive them that they have (instant) assurance of salvation? No warnings? No telling them of reality that if there is no change of heart, change of mind, change of spirit, then they are still unconverted, . . .
Time Magazine recently ran an article in their online home, Time.com, entitled "10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now." Top one on the list is, "Jobs are the New Assets", where it brings to mind, rather brings back the importance of "Jobs." Next on the list is, "Recycling the Suburbs." In essence it's about salvaging the suburbs, saving it from inevitable death from the absence of commercial infrastructures. Now you may be wondering why do I even bother to write about this? Well, that's 'coz. . .
Earlier this evening I listened to a sermon preached by John Piper entitled, "I Will Not be a Velvet-Mouthed Preacher." It was a sermon centered on the life and preaching of George Whitefield. At first I thought it was a sermon about how a preacher must be straightforward and unapologetic in his sermons. I liked that, I sought for that. But what I heard was completely other. It isn't just about being straightforward, having been convinced of the truth of Scripture. But more than that it is a matter of the preacher being convinced himself! What struck me. . .
Of late I've been falling repeatedly in sin and the wants of my flesh. It's a horrible experience and season to go through. Trying so hard to live a holy life for God, yet I slip again and again in sin. Often times I ask God why He would let me fall into this pit of sin and infidelity of living an unholy life. A hypocritical life. But then I've yet again been brought to face God's sovereignty over all things. The comfort of Romans 8:28 that He does work together all things for the good of those who love God; who are. . .
