A Christian Defined – Page 16

Holiness, by J C Ryle, Sanctification, Part 3A

30 Nov 2021 Michael A

This post is the first of two about sanctification; it consists of passages copied and pasted from chapter 3 of J C Ryle’s book, Holiness. The contemporary evangelical church errs greatly in its understanding of basic doctrines of the faith: regeneration, repentance, faith, justification and sanctification. This mini series based on Ryle’s book will provide information about those topics for Christians who want to walk in the narrow way. Most of the church today is on the broad way, according to, for example, what Jesus taught in Matthew; and what Paul taught in Romans and Galatians. Ryle’s book is biblical.

Holiness, by J C Ryle, SIN, Part 2

29 Nov 2021 Michael A

The purpose of this post is to provide a biblical definition of sin. I believe this is important because mainstream Christianity focuses on grace, believing they can ignore the Old Testament, sin, hell-fire preaching…. If you have read through the Bible, then you know that they are making up their way as they go along. They are on the wide road that leads to destruction, according to Jesus in Matthew 7. When Jesus opened His ministry in Matthew 4, His first words were, Repent and believe the gospel. To repent of known sin, one must know how to define it first of all….

Holiness by J C Ryle, Introduction, Part 1

28 Nov 2021 Michael A

“I ask, in the first place, whether it is wise to speak of faith as the one thing needful and the only thing required, as many seem to do nowadays in handling the doctrine of sanctification. Is it wise to proclaim in such a direct, blatant, and absolute way, as many do, that the holiness of converted people is by faith only, and not at all by personal exertion? Is it in harmony with God’s Word? I doubt it.” [If you do not know that holiness is required by the Lord; or what that looks like in practical, real life, then this book is a requirement for you to enable you to walk the Christian pilgrimage through this vanity fair we live in.]

[The Basis Of The Christmas Celebration ] God’s Purposes For Jesus’ Incarnation

20 Nov 2021 Michael A

I know many people who celebrate Christmas and love the season…but don’t go to church, read the Bible, believe in Christ; I also know people who adhere to the teachings of other world religions and celebrate Christmas. That is easy in this culture, because Christ has been removed from this celebration which used to bear His name but is called “The holidays” presently. So, this post has two purposes, to enable readers to understand the very reasons of Christ’s incarnation; and to help readers value Christ and being part of His kingdom rather than continuing on in their culturally conditioned oblivion and soul-killing lives.

What Christ Calls His Followers To Do – John Piper

18 Nov 2021 Michael A

What does it mean to “believe” in Christ, to pick up your cross and follow Him? Pastor Piper explains these words biblically. His sermon is extremely valuable because Christian culture gets these things very wrong. This post contains a 12 minute excerpt of his 64 minute sermon; it also contains the entire sermon for those who want to know the foundation he laid before he got to the crux of the text that is stated in excerpt; and the application he proposed after the excerpt. Hopefully, the excerpt will whet your appetite to hear the entire sermon, it is valuable in this time of false gospel messages and short cuts to the Christian life

Christian Growth, Part Two – It Is Real And Expected By God

14 Nov 2021 Michael A

Do we make progress in our Christian lives? Do we grow? These questions are always useful, but especially so at certain times. A Saturday night, a communion Sunday, a birthday, the end of a year – all these are seasons that should cause us to think and make us look within. Time is flying quickly. Life is quickly fleeing away. The hour is daily drawing nearer when the reality of our Christianity will be tested and it will be seen whether we have built on the rock or on the sand (Matthew 7:24-27). Certainly it is wise for us to examine ourselves from time to time and take account of our souls. Are we progressing in spiritual things? Are we growing in holiness?

Christian Growth, Part One – What Does It Look Like?

10 Nov 2021 Michael A

I am beginning a short series on Christian growth from J C Ryle’s book on holiness. He covered that topic in chapter five; I will probably take 3-4 posts to cover it. The 3 minute video excerpt herein is an introduction to Ryle and more than that: Pastor John Piper was teaching a group of pastors about J C Ryle and recommending aspects of his ministry style to them. Piper’s message derives from the ninth chapter of Ryle’s book, titled: Lot – A Beacon. Therein Ryle explained why the scriptural account of Lot’s life should be a warning beacon to us.

Leonard Ravenhill – Will You Stay on the Cross? (Sermon Jam)

7 Nov 2021 Michael A

The following 14 minute Leonard Ravenhill sermon excerpt is about the true Christian life wherein one bears his cross, separates from the world, denies himself and follows Christ. A picture of the true Christian life is contrasted with the counterfeit Christian life which most are living. Ravenhill illustrated the process of the true Christian life by talking about wheat being planted, bearing fruit, and harvested. He talked about separation in a very memorable way; his illustrations enable one to see the pain of living that kind of live, that pain would likely only be experienced during the transition from leading a worldly life to leading a godly life and dying to self….

A Picture Of Repentance

2 Nov 2021 Michael A

The sermon excerpt in this post paints a picture of repentance that includes examining specific sins; defining and illustrating repentance; discussing forgiveness and the consequences of sin. As I was listening to the sermon, I realized that he described repentance more fully than I have heard it described in most instances. If you are not sure you are repenting correctly; this message will benefit you. This post covers very foundational aspects of the Christian faith, things that everyone must comprehend and apply. If you know someone who thinks they are too sinful to be a Christian, then this message will be of great use to you, as you share with them the hope of forgiveness.

Sanctification, The Believer’s Transformation, Part 2 – Dr. John MacArthur

31 Oct 2021 Michael A

This sermon is about sanctification; the born-again believer lives his entire Christian life between the events of justification and glorification, being progressively sanctified, or made holy. The believer’s chief identity is to be found ‘in Christ.’ Dr. MacArthur’s main text is from Colossians 3, but he also uses Hebrews 12; 2 Corinthians; Ephesians 2. He never stated that this sermon undermines anyone attempting to justify CRT in the church, but it does. I linked a post from this blog wherein Dr. Voddie Baucham spoke about the SBC adopting CRT.

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