First Corinthians 6 and the Lordship Debate
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Thursday, August 16, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
THE TRUTH ABOUT CALVIN AND SERVETUS
http://fortheloveofhistruth.com/2012/05/22/the-truth-about-calvin-and-servetus/#comment-2608
Friday, March 2, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Grace in Hardships...
2 Corinthians 6:5
These verses are Paul's spiritual diary; they describe the outward hardships which proved the hotbed for the graces of the Spirit -- the working together of outward hardships and inward grace. Imprisonments, tumults, labors -- these are all things in the external life. "In tumults" -- watch a boiling pot and you will know what tumult means; in that condition draw on the grace of God now. Don't say, "I will endure it till I can get away and pray"; draw now; it is the most practical thing on earth.
Whenever you are going through any tribulation that tears, don't pray about it, but draw on the grace of God now. The exercise of prayer is the work of drawing now. (The Quotable Oswald Chambers)
Saturday, February 18, 2012
FAITH IS DELIBERATE CONFIDENCE IN THE CHARACTER OF GOD...
Peter does not say "give an explanation," but a reason of the hope that is in you" -- be ready to say what you base your hope on. Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God Whose ways you cannot understand at the time. "I don't know why God allows what He does, but I will stick to my faith in His character no matter how contradictory things look." Faith is not a conscious thing; it springs from a personal relationship and is the unconscious result of believing someone.
The Quotable Oswald Chambers
Friday, February 17, 2012
EXPERIENCE IS NEVER YOUR GUIDE...
Experience is never your guide; experience is the doorway for you to know the Author of the experience. Get at the knowledge of God for yourself, be a continuous learner, and the truth will open on the right hand and on the left until you find there is not a problem in human life that Jesus Christ cannot deal with.
The Quotable Oswald Chambers
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
MODERN EVANGELISM...Oswald Chambers
Modern evangelism makes the mistake of thinking that a worker must plough his field, sow the seed, and reap the harvest in half-an-hour. Our Lord was never in a hurry with the disciples; He kept on sowing the seed and paid no attention to whether they understood Him or not. He spoke the truth of God, and by His own life produced the right atmosphere for it to grow and then left it alone, because H knew well that the seed had in it all the germinating power of God and would bring forth fruit after its kind once it was put in the right soil. We are never the same after listening to the truth; we may forget it, but we will meet it a gain.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
EVANGELISM
One of the dangers in modern evangelism is that it lays the emphasis on making a decision for Christ instead of on surrender to Jesus Christ. That to me is a grave blunder. When a man decides for Christ he usually puts his confidence in his own honor, not in Christ at all...Oswald Chambers
Thursday, January 26, 2012
SALT AND LIGHTYe are the salt of the earth: so have peace one with another having salt within,
Salt is good but if it has lost its savour it's to be cast out under the foot of men.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
God hates the leaven of discord sown in secret by proud lips having no humility!
God's chastening works a Godly sorrow, but nevertheless:
Afterward, it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness.
While we were yet enemies, Jesus died for the human race;
Legalism has no compassion, not knowing the Way of Grace.
Make straight paths: Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet,
And a Light unto my path;
And be ye soon reconciled to thy brother: do not let the
Sun go down on your wrath.
Self righteous religionists are unmerciful,
A blind, judgmental path they have trod;
The day they see His face they will know:
They have trampled on the Blood Of God!
Jesus said: Go forth and learn mercy as He sent them on their way;
They have so much religious pride without humility when they pray;
Truth learned from other men but Truth from God they did not seek;
If you go seven days without seeking Truth it truly makes one weak!
[For we're not ignorant of his devices:]
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us;
We commit all judgment to The LORD God:
Righteous God decides who to curse or bless.
Pray one for another, that ye may be healed,
Our faults one to another confess;
Abide in Grace and forgive unless in trouble:
Your heart springs into bitterness.
God chastens us that we might follow peace
With men, partaking His Holiness.
We are Salt and Light! In this world filled with hate and crime!
We thank God and give to God glory in all of our life so Divine!
Meekly bringing Hope to others for The Word makes us shine!
Be not afraid! Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:
And be ready always to give an answer to every man
That asketh you a reason of The Hope that is in you
with meekness and fear: [Preaching Salvation's plan!]
written by Bruce R Allbright
Friday, January 6, 2012
Grace
The blessings of salvation are freely given to us by God; therefore, they are not a temporary loan that is one day to be recalled. (Charles Spurgeon)
Saturday, July 30, 2011
When I read the book of Revelation it kind of reminds me of a big jigsaw puzzle written by God. At first glance it kind of looks like this. But as I really start reading it and studying it in proper context, a beautiful picture starts to take shape and I say to myself, oh, wow, now I can see what a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ and what He has done for us and what He continues to do for His church and what the future holds for His church!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Incomparable Rock!
James Smith, 1860
"There is no Rock like our God!" 1 Samuel 2:2
As creatures, we all need . . .
an object of trust,
one on whom we can lean,
one in whom we can confide,
one to whom we may look for defense and safety.
As lost sinners, we need more. Every creature has some rock, some object of dependence and trust; for without this, there would be recklessness or despair.
Some make a rock of their wealth,
some of their talents,
some of their station,
some of their friends,
some of their good deeds,
some of their religious observances,
some of their name or fame.
But the Christian's rock is his God, that is — God in Christ. Yes, Jesus is . . .
the foundation of his hopes,
the source of his strength,
the anchor of his safety, and
the fountain that supplies him!
In Christ, his Rock — he finds honey, and this rock pours out rivers of oil for him, "He nourished him with honey from the rock, and with oil from the flinty crag." Deuteronomy 32:13. This rock, Christ — is the rock of his salvation. This rock of ages — is the rock of his strength. Of this rock, he can sing, "The Lord is my Rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my Rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior!" 2 Samuel 22:2-3
Looking around upon all others he can say, "But their 'rock' is not like our Rock; even our enemies concede." Deuteronomy 32:31.
There is no rock like our rock:
none so great,
none so ancient,
none so durable,
none so suited to meet all a sinner's needs!
On this rock we build for eternity! We have no doubt that our immortal interests are safe. To this rock we run for safety, and smile at the opposition of all our foes. In this rock we hide, and are safe from the sword of divine justice, as well as the rage of infernal hell. In this rock we take shelter, and are uninjured by the windy storm and tempest.
From this rock we look for all our supplies — and we are not, cannot be disappointed. Beneath its shade — we enjoy peace and comfort! In its cleft — we are safe for evermore!
How gracious, how condescending is our God, to compare himself to such a natural object, on purpose to . . .
inspire us with confidence,
arm us with courage, and
fill us with comfort!
How safe, how happy is the believer — having God for his ROCK; for . . .
he builds on a foundation that can never decay,
he trusts in a stronghold that can never be taken,
he hides in a refuge from which he can never be expelled!
How foolish is the lost sinner . . .
to build on the SAND — with a rock so near;
to trust in himself — with such a defense at hand;
to expose himself to his foes — with such a refuge within reach!
Lost sinner! Jesus, in his person, obedience, and blood — is a firm foundation for you to build on! Jesus in his offices, relations, and engagements — is a hiding-place where you may find safety, in life and death, in time and eternity. Come then to Jesus, and build your immortal hopes on him. Believe in Jesus, and be saved perfectly and eternally by him. Hide yourself in Jesus, and then, let what will happen — you can have no cause of fear, no reason to be alarmed — for the eternal God is your strength and your portion forever!
"The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!" 2 Samuel 22:47
Great Rock for weary sinners made,
When storms of sin infest the soul;
Here let me rest my weary head,
When lightnings blaze, and thunders roll!
Within the clefts of his dear side,
There all his saints in safety dwell;
And what, from Jesus, shall divide?
Not all the rage of earth or hell!
O sacred Covert from the beams
That on the weary traveler beat,
How welcome are your shade and streams,
How blessed, how sacred, and how sweet!
And when that awful storm takes place,
That hurls destruction far and near,
My soul shall refuge in your grace,
And take her glorious shelter there!
To shake this Rock your saints are in.
Tempest or storm shall ne'er prevail
'Twill stand the blast of hell and sin,
And anchor sure within the veil!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
What Makes A Child of God?
A descendent from Abraham, David or any other godly person does not make a man a child of God:
John 1:13: "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
Who were born, not of blood.
Luke 3:8 "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
Matt. 3:9 "and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
John 8:39 They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were
Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham.
John 8:40 "But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this.
Gal 3:6 Just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
Gal 3:7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
Gal 3:29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Nor of the will of the flesh. The efforts and exertions of our own human hearts and natures may reform, but cannot regenerate, the life.
Jhn 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Nor of the will of man. We are not begotten of God by the acts and deeds of our fellow-men no matter how much they may aid us in leading right lives.
But of God.
1Jo 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
1Jo 5:1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Christian Walk
Monday, January 17, 2011
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
Hundreds and hundreds of times I have watched an austere old ewe walk up to a younger one which might have been feeding contentedly or resting quietly in some sheltered spot. She wold arch her neck, tilt her head, dilate her eyes and approach the other with a stiff-legged gait. All of this was saying in unmistakable terms, "Move over! Out of my way! Give ground or else!"
And if the other ewe did not immediately leap to her feet in self-defense she would be butted unmercifully. Or if she did rise to accept the challenge one or two strong thrusts would soon send her scurrying for safety.
This continuous conflict and jealousy within the flock can be a most detrimental thing. The sheep become edgy, tense, discontented and restless. They lose weight and become irritable.
But one point that always interested me very much was that whenever I came into view and my presence attracted their attention, the sheep quicklly forgot their foolish rivalries and stopped their fighting. The shepherd's presence made all the difference in their behavior.
This, to me, has always been a graphic picture of the struggle for status in human society. There is the eternal competition "to keep up with the Joneses" or, as it is now - "to keep up with the Joneses' kids."
In any business firm, any office, any family, any community, any church, any human organization or group, be it large or small, the struggle for self-assertion and recognition goes on. Most of us fight to be "top sheep." We butt and quarrel and compete to "get ahead." And in the process people are hurt.
It is here that much jealousy arises. This is where petty peeves grow into horrible hate. It is where ill-will and contempt come into being, the place where heated rivalry and deep discontent is born. It is here that discontent gradually grows into a covetous way of life, where one has to be forever "standing up" for himself, for his rights, "standing up" just to get ahead of the crowd.
In contrast to this, the picture in the Psalm shows us God's people lying down in quiet contentment.
One of the outstanding marks of a Christian should be a serene sense of gentle contentment.
"Godliness with contentment is great gain."
Paul put it this way, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content," and certainly this applies to my status in society.
The endless unrest generated in the individual who is always trying to "get ahead" of the crowd, who is attempting always to be top man or woman on the totem pole, is pretty formidable to observe.
In His own unique way, Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd, in His earthly life pointed out that the last would be first and the first last. In a sense I am sure He meant first in the area of His own intimate affection. For any shepherd has great compassion for the poor, weak sheep that get butted about by the more domineering ones...(Phillip Keller) To be continued...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Have You Ever Been Alone With God?
The lives of others are examples for us, but God requires us to examine our own souls. It is slow work--so slow that it takes God all of time and eternity to make a man or woman conform to His purpose. We can only be used by God after we allow Him to show us the deep, hidden areas of our own character. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves!
We don't even recognize the envy, laziness, or pride within us when we see it. But Jesus will reveal to us everything we have held within ourselves before His grace began to work. How many of us have learned to look inwardly with courage? (Oswald Chambers)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
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