False Christian teachings, trends….
In Dr. Ramsey’s sermon on the 10th commandment titled ‘Desire,’ he defines the Hebrew word covet as desire; he distinguished ‘good’ and ‘illicit’ desire, providing examples of each and suggesting how one might channel desire to make it good. He also explained what the commandment does NOT require, clarification which many will appreciate
Puritan Richard Sibbes’ book, The Bruised Reed, provides a tender-hearted, Christ exalting exposition and application of Isaiah 42:1-3. Dejected sinners and struggling saints alike have found much encouragement in Sibbes’ book, since the early 1600s; you may also, please spend 15 minutes listening to chapter one: The Reed and the Bruising
This post discusses the Word of Faith Fellowship in Spindale NC and several other ministries that diverge from the Bible in similar ways. Four talking points are taken from a secular news report on the Spindale fellowship, of which only the first is discussed in this post – individuals that start churches. In this case, Jane Whaley: she had no Christian education; demanded that she be honored (like cult leaders do); abused congregants….
In the sermon of this post, Dr. MacArthur focused on sanctification, which he called the chief business of our Christian life. That is, after being justified, we must necessarily be concerned with holiness until we are glorified. His core text was Colossians 3:1-9, but he referred to a half dozen other relevant texts; he also used those to define a “pathology of sin,” which should benefit listeners because he identified a sequence of sins, from root to fruit. Knowing these will aid those who practice personal self-observation, self-examination, journaling, assessment of their spiritual walks…like Jonathan Edwards did via his personal diary. So, if you have experienced much failure in your walk with the Lord, and need help in defeating your personal sin, then this sermon has some important information for you
Thomas Smyth’s sermon identifies symptoms of spiritual backsliding; how to discern these and what to do about this state. He also looks at nominal professing Christians, clarifying this condition and its dangers. In the process, he states the characteristics of true believers. [I found it to be a great sermon to enable one to see his own backsliding, his cool affections for Christ; the sermon also offers encouragement and direction about how to return.]
The beauty of Jesus, the excellencies and wonderfulness of Jesus – Jesus is excellent because He is able to save: He is fully God and Man in the same person –
Since He is both divine and human, He is able to bridge the gap between us and God which sin created – An excellency of Jesus is that He has the power to endear Himself to us that we might turn from lesser things and pursue Him – We have many needs (genuine needs, not wants): His life, His strength and salvation – Go to Him now and pray that He might reveal Himself to you – if / when He does, you will mourn for having neglecting Him – He fully satisfies the souls who truly know Him – Pray for the grace to believe and to see His beauty: by grace through faith you can come to know satisfaction of soul that has previously eluded you
Martyn Lloyd-Jones sermon titled: Once saved; Always Saved, with scripture proof texts
It is necessary for Christian maturity, to learn biblical meditation; the word may therein be applied to your life, furthering the sanctification process
Psalm 37:1-5 from C H Spurgeon’s commentary, Treasury of David: for our tumultuous times
What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?