Self-examination / Self-observation – Page 7

Sown Among Thorns! – C. H. Spurgeon

28 Aug 2022 Michael A

I listened to the following sermon a few times over the past week because Spurgeon described the thorny soil of the heart so well. For some reason, I have never read commentaries on this section of scripture even though I have believed it to describe my own heart. In hearing Spurgeon’s specific description of that type of soil from Christ’s parable, I experienced conviction of sin. Highlight points are noted for the initial 24 minutes of this 48-minute sermon. Please take a few moments and read the highlights, you may be moved to hear the entire sermon

Backsliding – Reverend William Macleod

4 Jul 2022 Michael A

This post contains a 36-minute sermon by the Reverend William Macleod on backsliding. He defines it and discusses how it begins and how it can be remedied. Texts used include Hosea 14; and Hebrews 12. The sermon includes a 3-minute singing of Psalm 63. I had to divide the sermon into 3 sections, each is preceded with sermon highlights for those who’d rather read than listen; and for those who like to do both.

Why Are Most People Cowards? Obedience And The Rise Of Authoritarianism – Academy Of Ideas

12 Jun 2022 Michael A

The 12-minute video in this post clearly explains a major problem in America, the struggle between those who conform to social Marxism (subscribing to the political left, bowing to political correctness, blindly accepting their propaganda as truth…) and those who are not conforming. I have been writing about this problem but have not been able to put it in terms that this video uses; it clearly presents the matter and provides a solution.
After listening to the video, you will recognize that the solution is emerging at great cost to those involved; hopefully, more will take up the cause after it is clarified for them.

…Work Out Your Own Salvation With Fear And Trembling…. Philippians 2:12,13

11 May 2022 Michael A

While my friend and I were reading through Philippians yesterday, we looked at a commentary to better understand Philippians 2:12 and 13. The parts that we were interested in understanding better were: work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; and it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. If you’re not clear on the meaning of these statements, then your questions will be answered in this post.

The Valley Of Vision Prayer Book – Reviewed by Pastor Matthew Everhard

17 Jan 2022 Michael A

This review is being posted because the Valley Of Vision is an important Christian book for helping one improve his prayer life and for thinking about the many things that need considered in the Christian walk. Pastor Matt spent 6 minutes discussing the value of the Valley Of Vision to a believer; he read one prayer.

Proverbs 15:19 From Charles Bridges’ Commentary

29 Dec 2021 Michael A

The following commentary on Proverbs 15:19 is from Charles Bridges commentary on Proverbs. A week or so ago, while doing my morning reading, I was moved to explore commentaries on this verse, Bridges had the most meaningful comments on it. I have read over his comments several times since then, because I was convicted by his words and needed to hear them and understand this problem better. Furthermore, Bridges words refocused my attention towards God, and thereby gave hope.

Normal Isn’t Coming Back, But Jesus Is – Good Fight Ministries News

28 Dec 2021 Michael A

This post contains a 30 minute video by Good Fight Ministries about a correct focus for Christians at this time; as he provides that, he discusses wrongheaded perspectives held by many; increasing depression numbers and the sources of that, and more; highlight points are given for the initial half of the Good Fight Ministry video; a song follows the news video, the song helps provide a healthy perspective for this time in history; then a bonus video appeared as I posted Good Fight Ministry’s links, it is one of their series on Bethel church

Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Galatians 3:3

17 Aug 2021 Michael A

The apostle Paul’s comments to the Galatians in 3:3-5, Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? And Proverbs 2:1-5, particularly verse 5, are used, along with a comment from the diary of Jonathan Edwards that provides an experiential comprehension of Gal. 3:3, to discuss that very common problem that Paul confronted so long ago. This post is an isolated moment, or a meditation from my ongoing struggle with sin and learning to walk with the Lord

Idolatry, Why God Hates It; Re: Ezekiel 36:31, by J.D. Davies: Part 4

6 Aug 2021 Michael A

The following description of idolatry is the best I have ever read. The author discusses the passage of scripture surrounding verse 31; his description of idolatry explains fully why God called them to loathe themselves. Furthermore, if you have been wanting a clear definition of ‘repentance,’ then, knowing the contents of this post will enable you to be much closer to that; or if you have been wondering what is wrong with your repentance, then the answer may lie herein. However, if you have read the other 3 parts to this mini series, then you realize that only God can bless you with such repentance. Stay in His means of grace, and do as is stated in Proverb 2:1-10, seek His truth like one seeks gold and silver, and cry out to him for understanding…

Self-Knowledge And Self-Loathing, by J.R. Thompson: Ezekiel 36:31, Part 2

5 Aug 2021 Michael A

This is an 800 word commentary on Ezekiel 36:31, I found it to be of great value in showing how repentance takes one to a place of self-loathing. The following 4 points are the subheads of J. R. Thomson’s comments: I. SIN BLINDS MEN TO THEIR REAL CONDITION, AND FOSTERS UNDUE SELF-SATISFACTION. II. GOD’S CHASTISEMENTS AND GOD’S MERCIES AWAKEN MEN TO REFLECTION AND TO SELF-KNOWLEDGE. III. SELF-KNOWLEDGE, BY REVEALING INIQUITY IN ITS TRUE LIGHT, LEADS TO SELF-LOATHING. IV. THUS SELF-KNOWLEDGE LEADS TO REPENTANCE AND TO A BETTER LIFE. [The last point is profound and worthy of meditating on; all these points indicate that it is absolutely essential to examine your sin for your motives in committing and more that God will reveal to you – see, Categories, Jonathan Edwards, Glimpses into his spiritual life for help in such things]

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