False Christian teachings, trends….
This post lists the major points that describe both Marxists and Christians. It also indicates that these groups are mutually exclusive; that is, one cannot be both a Marxist and a Christian. Which group describes you best, based on your values…behaviors?
J. C. Ryle stated that there is a four-fold cost for being a Christian: 1. your self-righteousness; pride; sense of personal goodness; merit… 2. your sins have to turned from, forsaken; every practice, habit, addiction that is wrong in God’s sight; you must be at war with these… 3. It will cost your love of ease: to fight a battle; to run a race; to watch and pray… and 4. It will cost one the favor of the world; to please God will result in being thought ill of by the world….
This post contains a link to a lecture series by Elisabeth Elliot on Suffering – Suffering is not for nothing. I linked part 4 and recommend parts 5 and 6 also. Additionally, I linked a site that has 40 or more talks by her about life topics, several may be of interest to you. Her purpose was to teach a biblical perspective on suffering, as Christians are called to suffer (those mainstream churches that are about other things, are not biblical).
Pastor Ramsey asked the question, What does it mean to be a Christian? He answered that question with a definition that included explaining our union with Christ and how that occurs. He closed by giving several practical benefits of our union with Christ, that all born-again Christians possess. [I provided written sermon points for his mp4 sermon, and I gave more than highlights because this is such an important, foundational sermon.]
This 28 minute sermon will help you understand the blessings you possess because you are a Christian.
In the Christian’s struggle with sin, they may sometimes wonder whether they truly are born again; actually, it is possible to frequently wonder if one is really born again. Dr. Stephen Nichols provided a biblical answer to that question which was asked by someone at #AskLigonier. I found his answer to be very encouraging and insightful, as he redirected hearers to the only foundation of faith; and clearly cited the reason for fluctuations in assurance
“Augustine compares the human will to a horse preparing to start, and God and the devil to riders. If God mounts, he, like a temperate