This post contains a 5-minute video from Got Questions Ministries that explains what it means “to take up your cross and follow Jesus.” You will also learn what it does not mean and how you may evaluate your commitment to Jesus.
Category: SANCTIFICATION
Isaiah 40:31 Waiting upon the Lord
This post contains Bible commentary on Isaiah 40:31, about waiting on the Lord. The comments are from Barnes’ Notes on the Bible; but there is a link to commentaries on the verse at Bible Hub, for those who would like to read other commentators. The concept of ‘waiting’ on God is found often in scripture and something that we all need to understand and seek God’s help in doing.
Pastor Patrick Hines Podcast Romans 12:1-2 and Q&A
This post contains an excerpt and the full video from which it derives. It covers some widely misunderstood scriptures regarding ‘calling’ by God and much more that is relevant to the Christian life. Pastor Hines opened with the intention of discussing Romans 12:1-2, but via questions from listeners was led into explaining the phrase ‘God desires all to be saved….’ He explained two passages related to that from 1 Timothy 2 and 2 Peter 3. [Highlight points follow excerpt.]
The Golden Chain of Salvation – Romans 8:28-30 – Derek Thomas
This post contains a 25-minute lesson on Romans 8:28-30 from Ligonier Ministries: “Without exception, all who are justified by faith alone in Christ alone shall one day be glorified in His likeness. In this message, Derek Thomas takes a look at what is known as the golden chain of salvation.” [Highlight points follow the sermon]
How to face trials in life – James 1:2-4 – Bible Munch
In less than 4 minutes, Pastor Nelson, of Bible Munch, makes some very understandable statements about dealing with trials, troubles, pain… something that every Christian needs to know. This post also contains a brief comment on Jesus’ words, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” The comment is from Barnes’ Notes on the Bible. Both work together to provide greater understanding.
ONGOING SIN – Pastor Paul Washer
In the video of this post, Paul Washer calmly communicates important points about ongoing sin in the daily Christian life. I found the video very encouraging and informative, and believe that others can also benefit from his insights on this major matter in the Christian life. [A list of bullet points precedes his video]
The Gospel of Jesus Christ – Booklet – by Paul Washer
This post is for people who aren’t quite clear on the gospel and want to know it better; or for those who have witnessed the gospel and want to also provide material for reviewing discussion points…. The initial couple of minutes of the video explaining Washer’s booklet cover the following points: who is God; what is man – it is essential that believers understand these two points from a biblical perspective; what God has done to satisfy His own justice and to simultaneously be able to show mercy to the wicked; why was the resurrection necessary; what does it mean to believe; how can you know that you believe; what does it mean to repent; how can you know that you actually have repented; what is assurance and how can you grow in it….
ON LUST – PURITAN JOHN OWEN
This post contains a 12-minute video, read by Pastor Mark Fitpatrick of Arann Reformed Baptist Church. Arann Reformed Baptist Church www.arann-reformed.com. It is from Christian Sermons and Audio Books, YouTube. [Owen is still regarded as a foremost authority on the topics of temptation and the mortification of sin. All Christians have to understand this topic and have tools for fighting the good fight….]
Romans 1:8-17 by Pastor Patrick Hines
This post contains an 11-minute video podcast by Pastor Patrick Hines on Romans 1:8-17. Verses 16 and 17 are about the gospel; he spent time speaking about justification by faith alone and trusting in the finished work of Christ. He plans to do podcasts through Romans, so this topic and the various important, related topics will come up numerous times. [However, I have to say that I have spent many years trying to firmly grasp the idea of trusting ‘only’ in Christ’s finished work and that is a very difficult thing to do; that is, to do it, you must clearly see when you are trusting in your performance or in some other thing besides Christ’s work. The Holy Spirit shows one what he/she is placing trust in, rather than Christ. The next post will deal with this topic. Pastor Hines will likely deal with it at some point, but I don’t think a believer can hear to much about this critical topic.]
The Fearful End of Ignorance – Studies in The Pilgrim’s Progress by Thomas Sullivan
This post is about a sermon on The Pilgrim’s Progress, focusing on the character ‘ignorance.’ The contents of the post emphasized how this is relevant to all Christians who are born again and walking in the WAY; in other words, on pilgrimage through the wilderness of this world. Highlight points identify the contents of the 40-minute sermon with some statements from the sermon. Also, there is a link to a post from last week that identifies all the characters in Bunyan’s book and concepts, themes…. Besides the Bible, Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress is the most meaningful book you will read about the Christian walk. It identifies many aspects of the Christian battle, especially diversions temptations, lies, false teachers… that take a believer off the true path. The believer must return to that path after becoming aware of being temporarily duped, deceived, tricked….