False Christian teachings, trends….
Until we come to saving faith in Christ, we remain lost in the darkness of sin and condemnation. Today, Sinclair Ferguson reflects on the verses of Scripture that were instrumental in opening his eyes to the light of the world. [Ferguson talks about personal realizations that every born-again Christian experiences during his / her pilgrimage; these are worked in us by the Spirit via the word.]
This post contains two videos: a 3-minute John MacArthur video on true worship that serves as an overview of the full sermon by Martyn Lloyd-Jones. The text of Lloyd-Jones’ sermon is Romans 6:17, he titled it, “Mind, Heart, and Will,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows that the Christian message involves the whole person, and the whole person is to be affected by it. Christians cannot rejoice in the gospel if their doctrine is unbalanced or lopsided. Some Christians emphasize merely the morality of the Christian message. Others believe Christianity is only about forgiveness of sins. This is due to the fact that many preachers embrace doctrine that lacks balance. Converts often look like the people God used in their conversion, picking up their characteristics. Thus, for many, their understanding of the Christian message is lacking. …As a Christian battles spiritual depression, it is imperative that they know the whole gospel and have been affected by it. In this way, one may, once again, experience the joy of their salvation.””
Dr. MacArthur opens this message by explaining the different kinds of wrath of God that are apparent in Romans 1: eschatological wrath (end times); sowing and reaping wrath which is dealt out as consequences for the sin a person sows; cataclysmic wrath, God unleashes this type of wrath via miraculous use of the natural order, such as the flood or any other massive disaster that catapults souls into eternity; eternal wrath, as in those who suffer hell; but the wrath referred to in Romans 1 is different, it is the wrath of abandonment. …This type of judgment is, per the text: Romans 1:18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. …When man abandons God as revealed in creation, in conscience, in holy scripture; suppressing the truth, God judges that society. Even though that society considers themselves to be wise, that society is the ultimate ship of fools….
The 2-minute C H Spurgeon devotional of this post has a lot to say about trials, offering thoughts to consider that will provide stability in the midst of a turbulence; and to refocus one on what truly matters.
This post contains a brief article by The Christian Institute about a Finnish politican’s 5-year battle against charges of hate speech. If you’re a Christian or just a person who is sick of the woke culture and its attempts to silence those who do not comply with its demands, then you will find reason to be encouraged by the stance Dr Räsänen has taken for the Bible and free speech.
The video of this post provides great insight into the biggest problem a Christian has, the sin problem. It is stated from the perspective of the biblical Christian, one who is working to understand scripture and to follow Christ. It provides useful insight into resting in Christ. Those words are easy to say but very difficult to comprehend in an experiential manner. [A list of bullet point highlights has been written for those who would rather read than spend 5 minutes listening]
[In his weekly video] Curtis explains why the perverted display of Jesus at the Olympics was the most recent offense from global elites and secular entertainers to mock God and twist reality at every available opportunity. There was only one purpose behind this display: to please their Lord Lucifer. The spiritual battle against evil has emerged from the shadows, and is parading down our streets. It is time for Christians to stand boldly against this evil, expose the lies, and protect the innocent.
This post contains the lyrics of John Newton’s hymn, I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow, to emphasize two things: 1- that his perspective is on the level of human experience; and, 2- he wrongly views God’s work in seeing it as something to be escaped (this hymn is so relevant because that is how humans typically view affliction, testing from God’s hand). Afterwards, scripture verses are used to convey God’s purposes in the work of refining. Then two versions of the song are provided, the first is a Country / pop version; the second, traditional hymnal version.
Today, the world was once again jolted by a “shot heard round the world”—a lone gunman’s attempt to assassinate President Donald J. Trump. The attack, reminiscent of pivotal moments in history, underscores a timeless narrative of resilience and divine protection that has echoed through the annals of American history….
Topics covered in this month’s newsletter include: Our Only Infallible Source for Truth on Earth; Every Religion Has Its Own Authority; There is No Higher Authority than God and His Word; The Internal Testimony of Scripture; Religion Is What Man Says God Says; Unity With Rome Is Meeting Little Resistance [ecumenism places unity over truth]; People Held in Bondage Don’t Even Know It; Letters to Equip and Encourage the Saints; Epochs of Time Reveal God’s Wrath on Sin [depicted on chart]; and, Pope Embraces Married Transgenders. There are links to the Gendron’s store to purchase books and pamphlets and other resources….