False Christian teachings, trends….
…There was a very clear and cogent lesson from an otherwise confusing chapter: the end will come. Have you ever wondered why the Bible speaks of the last days so often? By one count, nearly 150 chapters in the Bible deal with the end times in some fashion or another. …First, knowing that an end is coming enforces the proper priorities. …Second, knowing that an end is coming encourages a personal piety. …Third, knowing that an end is coming engenders a profound peace.
The Scriptures do not tout our ability to know God but rather God’s ability to reveal Himself to the creatures He has made. Jesus declares, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will” (Matt. 11:25–26). …the agnostic’s claim that we cannot know God even if He exists rests on a claim that is not humble at all, for he proudly asserts what God cannot do (reveal Himself to His creatures)….
There are two 4-minute devotionals in this post by Rev. John Newton; each, talks about a different aspect of the believer’s helplessness apart from the upholding loving care of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am posting them because in my own life I have seen that it is very difficult to walk with the Lord by faith instead of my own fleshly strength; I believe that many other Christians also struggle with this condition. I am sure that the Holy Spirit has revealed this to me in all of my failings. Have you seen this problem in your own walk? If not, then these devotionals may provide a few necessary clues….
Brooks identified 8 devices of Satan to keep saints sad and doubting…. These 8 are below, with only a few ‘remedies.’ He supplied a minimum of 4 remedies with each device, but those were not pasted in to keep the post at an acceptable length. Links to the Kindle and book versions of Brooks’ work are linked; as is a 10-part audio-book reading of his book.
The following are the 12 DEVICES that Satan uses to draw the soul to sin. I included no REMEDIES that Brooks noted in his book, but wanted readers to know these such that they might be moved to read his book. Usually, Brooks provided 4 – 8 remedies about each device, in a few cases, more. Also, part of the table of contents is herein: Satan’s DEVICES to keep souls from holy duties; DEVICES to keep saints in sad condition; DEVICES to destroy and ensnare; Five more of Satan’s DEVICES; Seven characteristics of false teachers; Six propositions concerning Satan and his devices; and, Conclusion: ten special helps and rules
This post contains today’s morning thought from C H Spurgeon’s devotional, Morning and Evening. It is about the role of affliction in the believer’s life. Our lot includes suffering and undergoing various trials that we might be conformed to the image of Christ. No true believer will be excluded. While I was undergoing cancer treatment, my brother gave me a book, The Afflicted Man’s Companion, wherein I learned things that helped comfort me. One point that seemed hard, was that God expects us to feel the pain when we are undergoing afflictions, trials…. It is natural to want to escape it, hence, dependence on Him is necessary. Knowing the aforementioned enabled me to see many such things during my next read of the Bible
The 22-minute video in this post addresses the following: the unity of the covenants of the Bible, Old and New Testaments; why faith is the only way of salvation; why works, obedience to the law, cannot save anyone; and why the doctrines of old-school Dispensationalism, which ascribe to God, two different ways of salvation in the Bible, are erroneous. Sermon highlight points are provided.
The 1-minute video of this post provides foundational biblical information via which one can assess his walk with God; that is, are you coming by faith or by works. Many Christians are coming to God via works and will end in hell. This is a follow-up post to the most recent post by Pastor Ramsey on Faith. There are links herein, to hear Ramsey’s sermons on Faith and Works; also links to Hines’ and Ramsey’s Sermon Audio sermon pages. I noticed that Pastor Hines also has some very relevant recent sermons on this topic.
The following points are from Pastor Ramsey’s sermon conclusion: We are justified by faith in Christ Jesus; and FAITH does not merely believe some facts / truths about Jesus. Faith is trusting Him and depending on Him to save you By MEANS of His Death and Resurrection; and Faith UNITES the believer to Jesus. “IN HIM” we are made right with God. Thus, we are JUSTIFIED by FAITH; and we are JUSTIFIED ‘IN CHRIST.’ In Athens, Paul declared that God had fixed a day in which He will judge the world [see Acts 17]. How might you be found righteous before God [be justified] on that DAY? By FAITH in Jesus Christ because: John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [The contents of this sermon clearly explain why John 14:6 is true]
I was about to type the points for Pastor Ramsey’s sermon, “BY FAITH,” and as I opened my E-sword Bible program, this devotional appeared as usual. Today, it happened to be about faith, so I thought I would post it too, before I post his sermon, as I have yet to type the points. Spurgeon’s two separate messages emphasized biblical faith, Pastor Ramsey’s sermon, the next post, describes, clarifies, emphasizes… the role of faith in the Christian life.