Learning about Sanctification from Groundhog Day
Phil is not consigned to live out the failures of the previous day. Neither are we in Jesus Christ.
You can’t script change. Growth in Christ is not formulaic. Although God has ordained means of grace such as his Word and prayer, there is no fail-safe algorithm that gets you to the finish line each day. You can’t simply replicate today’s triumphs tomorrow. We recently celebrated that oddest of American traditions, Groundhog Day.... Continue Reading
The Korean Revival and Following Persecution
"Before the meetings closed, the Spirit showed us plainly that the way of victory for us would be a way of confession, of broken hearts, and bitter tears,”
A second wave of persecution came in 1919, when the end of World War I gave Korea an opportunity to declare its independence. A declaration was drafted. This time, many Christian leaders agreed to sign it on condition that the acquisition of independence would not require violence. The Japanese government reacted ruthlessly. Peaceful demonstrations... Continue Reading
5 Ways God Uses Sickness for Good – J.C. Ryle
Many a creed looks well on the smooth waters of health, which turns out utterly unsound and useless on the rough waves of the sick bed.
The natural heart is as hard as a stone. It can see no good in anything which is not of this life, and no happiness excepting in this world. A long illness sometimes goes far to correct these ideas. It exposes the emptiness and hollowness of what the world calls “good” things, and teaches us... Continue Reading
Everything Is Providential: C.S. Lewis on the Symphony of History
Every stroke of the brush, including the fall of every sparrow, accomplishes precisely what the Maker desires.
As creatures, we have to operate this way; we throw crumbs to the birds and end up incidentally providing a breakfast for the rats as well (53). Imagine the rats appearing before us in order to express their gratitude for our providence and provision. “But we didn’t have you in mind at all.” Finite creatures... Continue Reading
The Cost of Covetousness
There is a real temptation to seek security and satisfaction in wealth. And this is something the Christian is to be on guard against. We have a higher calling.
The man was not a fool when it came to running his business. It’s wise to plan for your financial future. But this man was foolish for His reliance on things instead of God. His life was about things instead of God. And when you see the thirst we can have for things, it’s easy... Continue Reading
The Church Gathering is the Best Way to Love Your Neighbor
There better be churches meeting in your city or it will end up being like Sodom and Gomorrah.
Jesus tells the disciples the same thing when he calls them the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13. He is telling them that they are the agent that is keeping the world from decaying as fast as it would were they not there. In fact, the whole point of losing your saltiness is that Christians... Continue Reading
Spiritual Adultery
If you are truly in Christ then you will be part of that eternal worship in Heaven.
This is the disciple’s life. It is not one of doing something to get something from God. It is simply a life of obedience as a δοῦλος of Christ who lives for eternity. This life is simply that part of salvation that we call our sanctification. By the way, a δοῦλος is a slave or... Continue Reading
The Signs of John
Learning about Jesus is what we need today.
Ask the Lord to minister to you. Ask him to confirm and increase your faith. And then ask him to help you make it a practice of fixing your eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. Disciplines and vocations have access points. When you enter college as an economics major... Continue Reading
Rise Early and Be Alone with God: Wise Counsel from an Old Divine
“But, above all, one certain benefit from this method you will be sure of having; it will best fit and prepare you for the reception of the Holy Spirit."
“When you thus begin the day in the spirit of religion, renouncing sleep, because you are to renounce softness and redeem your time; this disposition, as it puts your heart into a good state so it will procure the assistance of the Holy Spirit; what is so planted and watered will certainly have an increase... Continue Reading
Psalm 130:1-5 (Quick Devotional)
We who stand in a deep hole of our own making, we can serve the great and holy God because with him, there is forgiveness.
We can not only serve God, but we can serve him reverently! We can respect God’s Word, His Ways and His people! We who were once in a great pit are able to see the wide open spaces that God has called us to go. No longer are we surrounded by the all too close... Continue Reading
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