False Christian teachings, trends….
To me, the following scripture passage gives much direction and encouragement about how and why to study the word of God. As we get ready to enter into a new year, these words may be the encouragement you need to more consistently meet with God there. Charles Bridges’ commentary makes this passage very clear: Proverbs 2:1-6 [KJV]
A W Pink considers Hebrews 10:26-31 in discussing the apostate’s doom. He discusses how preachers had watered down that [and all] scripture in his day [he died in 1952]. They promised believers that if they had accepted Christ [signed a card; uttered the sinner’s prayer…] that their eternal future was secure…. He discussed a three erroneous takes on this passage by Arminians, over-zealous Calvinists; he called out the dispensationalists for “trifling with God’s word.” He aimed to present a biblical take on the passage and seemed to do so. It is an important message for all Christians in this day of far greater heresy and apostasy than in the 1950s. I recommend reading the preceding post on the impact of Christian Liberalism on the church before this post. Video is 43 minutes with a long list of highlights beforehand
The following 5-minute devotional says much about repentance and the hindrances to it. The chief obstacle is self, which he addresses in a succinct but thorough manner. [One big problem of the Christian walk is learning to deny self. This culture has made that a huge problem because we are taught from childhood, by TV ads and by observing what the people around us value, that self-gratification is the height of personal freedom.] Sermon highlights precede the 5-minute video
This post contains 3 very brief video excerpts from Thomas Watson’s book The Christian Soldier, or Heaven Taken by Storm. Two excerpts are about the ‘world’ and one is about the ‘flesh.’ Before each video, a significant point from the video and the time is noted.
This post contains a 20-minute reading from A W Pink’s writings about fighting the good fight of faith. His description of the fight is very useful because he boils things down such that one can begin fighting. Sermon points precede the video, so those who do not have 20 minutes to spare, can read the points, which are more than just highlights.
The title of this post does not mean that all prisoners have hit bottom, many will get released and continue in a life of crime; but MacArthur’s church ministry makes literature and ministry available for those who realize they are at a very low point in their lives. Part of the discussion focuses on the need of Christians to be able to present the biblical gospel message of hope to people, also non-prisoners, who are in dire need of it. In these days of mass deception (as evidenced in recent posts herein on the Covid 19 vax), and rapid moral disintegration of our world, everyone needs to be ready to meet God. Christians need to be able to witness Christ and His gospel message to lost family members and neighbors….
The following brief commentary is on Hebrews 13:13 – “Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.” Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp – As if we were going forth with him when he was led away to be crucified. He was put to death as a malefactor. He was the object of contempt and scorn. He was held up to derision, and was taunted and reviled on his way to the place of death, and even on the cross. To be identified with him there; to follow him; to sympathize with him; to be regarded as his friend, would have subjected one to similar shame and reproach…. [This intro is most of Barnes’ commentary; John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible is also included in this post. Together, they provide better understanding]
In the 2-minute, 30-second video of this post, Pastor Jeff Durbin of Apologia Church was confronting Phoenix mayor and city council about their session wherein they sought to ignore a law calling for the protection of the unborn. Durbin compared their actions to those who opposed the Christian abolitionists because they couldn’t give up slavery, therefore, not wanting to offer “our Black brothers and sisters” protection under the law – this is a sterling example for all Christians about standing for Christ regarding issues currently on the forefront of the culture wars
This post contains the Evening portion of C H Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Thoughts for November 10. His words are very needful to the contemporary church because these words reveal their betrayal of Him, whom they falsely profess to be their Master. If you are struggling to carry your cross because it is so difficult due to the maltreatment from the world, then Spurgeon’s words will encourage and comfort you, as this message is woven throughout the Bible. Jesus stated it often, see John 15:18-27 for one example, other texts referenced in the post.
This post contains C H Spurgeon’s thoughts for the Morning of Nov. 8, “As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord.” — Col_2:6; and Joseph Benson comments on Psalm 119:54-56 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage….