False Christian teachings, trends….
The problem of life is to keep the heart warm and kindly amid all injustice and wrong; to keep the spirit brave and cheerful in the midst of the difficulties of life; to be true and strong in all moral purpose and deed however others may act towards us [I found this 3 minute devotional by J.R. Miller to be very encouraging, partly because it reminded me that brothers and sisters also have to find a way through these things, I am not alone]
J C Philpot explains what the Lord’s bounty is; how it is obtained; how His Spirit works in us, enabling us to seek His bounty and to walk with Him. Sermon points accompany this 58 minute mp4 sermon, for those who do not have that much time to sample Philpot’s preaching
The following 2 minute devotional by J. C. Philpot talks about the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s work in the born-again believer. He describes the Spirit’s work by stating contrasting states that occur in us. This devotional is closely related to the preceding devotional by Philpot.
This post contains an 8 minute devotional by J. C. Philpot that describes the work of the Holy Spirit in the born-again believer whereby idols and the self are smashed, usurped…and Christ is installed as ruler. This painful process is accomplished on an experiential level
Jesus made His followers the special care of His Father in John 17:11. The world, to the believer, is a place of trial, every principle as well as his profession will be tried here…. [Smith’s devotional is gentle encouragement to keep us looking to Jesus]
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841 until 1850. Early on, Smith’s readings were even more popular than Spurgeon’s! This post is related to the preceding one, Walking in the Spirit; it provides a few insights about how the Spirit works in the born-again believer. …Although I have written about that topic a lot, especially the beatitude posts, I have only scratched the surface. And since contemporary Christianity seemingly understands nothing of the matter, this post is to help believers who seek answers to such questions.
There are several posts from this blog linked to this post because they are directly related to the last post about how the Holy Spirit helps the weak. These linked posts are about the following: the five stage struggle of faith developed by Jonathan Edwards; instruction about self-observation, examination, journaling…from Jonathan Edwards; instruction in basic doctrines such as justification and faith; and lastly, some basic instruction on God’s purpose in affliction; and spiritual disciplines that help Christians deal with the aforementioned
Via 5 and 7 minute videos, Dr. Jeff Mayfield explains a portion of the works of John Owen, from his book Communion with God; his explanation enables listeners to understand Owen’s complex writings: topic of the 5 minute video – how the Holy Spirit intercedes for weak followers of Christ who have backslidden, or wandered knowingly or unknowingly; topic of the 7 minute video is about restoring one’s delight in Christ. [These are problems that every Christian will experience at some point in their walk with the Lord]
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.
This post contains a section of Jeremiah Burroughs’ book, Rare Jewel Of Christian Contentment; therein, he provided many insights that encourage instead of discourage one who perceives himself to have a low, insignificant calling from God. His book is all about how Christians should receive (unavoidable) afflictions from the hand of God – without murmuring, without rebelling, seeking pleasurable escape…because thereby, they bring chastisement upon themselves; furthermore, they dishonor God and Christ by murmuring….