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Man is so prone to sinful ways, that without maintaining a constant strict watch over himself, no other can be expected than, that he will walk in some way of sin. Jonathan Edwards
Recent Entries
Making Sense Of It AllJanuary 30, 2012
Where are things headed? Is there rhyme and reason to the endless cycle of summer, fall, winter and spring? Is there a plan in place, or is randomness the explanation?
Suffering Saints
January 25, 2012
We get nervous thinking about it - suffering for the sake of Christ. How necessary is it, and what does it produce in us?
George Herbert on Prayer Meetings
January 21, 2012
Prayer Meetings are a thing of the past. Or so it seems. What has been lost? Maybe more than we realize.
When Fear Is Good
January 7, 2012
NO FEAR, we are told. And the point is well taken. But fear can be healthy, at least when it comes to eternal matters.
Happy, Happy, Happy
January 4, 2012
The declaration of independence holds up the pursuit of happiness as a right. Did you ever consider the reading the bible might be the one source that will never let you down?
The Twelve Signs Of Grace
December 22, 2011
Self-examination is not easy to do. The tendency is to let ourselves off easy. But examine we must, for eternity is at stake.
"Ouch!!"
July 22, 2011
Spiritual pride is hard to detect. Jonathan Edwards gives some tips. The process can be painful, but necessary.
Examine Yourself
October 4, 2008
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do your not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5
Very wise men in the faith have seen this verse as worth paying attention to. George Whitfield, for instance, unknowingly preached this text at what ended up being his final sermon. Or consider John Calvin:
"As long as we live in this world, let us learn to profit and go forward more and more, resting assured that there is still always very much that is blameworthy in us. For they that imagine any perfection are as good as bewitched by hypocricy and pride, or rather, have no feeling or fear of God in them, but they are far-gone mockers. For he that examines himself shall always find such a store of vices that he shall be ashamed of them if he seriously consider them." (Ephesians sermon #3)
Octavious Winslow: "Lukewarmness is most abhorrent to God, and grieving to the Holy Spirit....and yet....who pauses to examine himself, to ascertain what real progress his soul is making - what grace is enfolded, what part of the Spirit's work is decayed, what spot of his soul is barren and unfruitful, and how far is he secretly and effectively grieving the Holy Spirit by a known, allowed and cherished state of spiritual declension?"
Winslow ponders how our cold state pains the Holy Spirit, as "the temple he has erected at such a cost falls into decay, and recedes into a state of coldness and formality in its spiritual duties and affections." PERSONAL DECLENSION AND REVIVAL
Remember Peter's reassurance to Jesus that he was "just fine, thank you very much," and Jesus could count on him? "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." Luke 22:33 We all know how that turned out, as the cock crowed three times.
The church at Laodicea got this rebuke from Jesus - "You say 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, bllnd and naked." Revelation 3:17
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for thy courts above
COME THOU FOUNT
Very wise men in the faith have seen this verse as worth paying attention to. George Whitfield, for instance, unknowingly preached this text at what ended up being his final sermon. Or consider John Calvin:
"As long as we live in this world, let us learn to profit and go forward more and more, resting assured that there is still always very much that is blameworthy in us. For they that imagine any perfection are as good as bewitched by hypocricy and pride, or rather, have no feeling or fear of God in them, but they are far-gone mockers. For he that examines himself shall always find such a store of vices that he shall be ashamed of them if he seriously consider them." (Ephesians sermon #3)
Octavious Winslow: "Lukewarmness is most abhorrent to God, and grieving to the Holy Spirit....and yet....who pauses to examine himself, to ascertain what real progress his soul is making - what grace is enfolded, what part of the Spirit's work is decayed, what spot of his soul is barren and unfruitful, and how far is he secretly and effectively grieving the Holy Spirit by a known, allowed and cherished state of spiritual declension?"
Winslow ponders how our cold state pains the Holy Spirit, as "the temple he has erected at such a cost falls into decay, and recedes into a state of coldness and formality in its spiritual duties and affections." PERSONAL DECLENSION AND REVIVAL
Remember Peter's reassurance to Jesus that he was "just fine, thank you very much," and Jesus could count on him? "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." Luke 22:33 We all know how that turned out, as the cock crowed three times.
The church at Laodicea got this rebuke from Jesus - "You say 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, bllnd and naked." Revelation 3:17
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for thy courts above
COME THOU FOUNT
