Timothy Rogers Quote

"God is sometimes angry with His own people. It is indeed paternal castigatory wrath that He sends upon them, but not destroying fury" (Rogers Trouble of Mind and the Disease of Melancholy Pg.5).

Augustine Quote

"'Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet'. ...My old loves, held me back. They tugged at the garment of my flesh and whispered: 'Are you getting rid of us?' And 'from this moment this and that are forbidden to you for ever and ever.' ...They held me back. ...I hesitated to detach myself, to be rid of them, to make the leap to where I was being called. Meanwhile the overwhelming force of habit was saying to me: 'Do you think you can live without them?'" (Augustine Confessions Bk. VIII Pg. 145, 151.

Timothy Rogers Quote

"To be without temptation is the greatest temptation" (Rogers xxxv, Trouble of Mind and the Disease of Melancholy).

Scougal Quote

"Hypocrisy . . . Our design is not to appear better than we are, but that we may really become so." -Scougal The Life of God in the Soul of Man

Prayer

God save me from my greatest enemy-myself!

John Colquhoun Quote

"'For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham' (Hebrews 2:16). Instead of saying that He took on him the seed of Adam, he represents Him as having taken on Him only the seed of Abraham, to intimate that it was only a part of Adam's posterity whom He represented, and for whom He became Surety" ((Colquhoun, Sermons on Important Doctrines 59).

Sinners Among Sinners

I find it a dreadful truth that when I am among people I sin against them and they sin against me. It seems to always be the case, however, that my sin against others is greater in severity and magnitude in offense than any sin I might suffer from someone else whether it be from a stranger, friend, or family member. It is an almost impossible task to love and not offend. Perhaps it is impossible.
But it cannot be disputed that it is much more easy to offend the very ones we are to love. It is second nature even.
I could possibly have some peace of mind on the matter if only my sins were less severe than, or at least equal to, the sins that I myself sustain. Here is the picture of a sad soul. What's worse is that some times I find it a more horrible thought to offend a total stranger than one whom I dearly love. Most abominable though, is that I sin against the Lord and savior who knew no sin but for the sons of Adam. I loath my condition because of this. But were it not for sin debt being paid there would be reason for utter despair. As of now I am just in despair and await the redemption of my body.

Augustine Quote

Woe even to those of praiseworthy life if you put their life under scrutiny and remove mercy. But because you do not search our faults with rigour, we confidently hope for some place with you. If anyone lists his true merits to you, what is he enumerating before you but your gifts? If only human beings would acknowledge themselves to be but human, and that 'he who glories would glory in the Lord' (2 Cor. 10:17)!" (Augustine Confessions Bk. IX Pg. 177)

New Post on Our Adoption Blog

http://kristinasstory.blogspot.com/

True Happiness

It is possible to have a false senses of happiness. There are many roads with signs called "The Happy Life." All have their various allurements promising pleasure and joy that will lead to happiness. What is offered, however, is not true happiness but a base and corrupt form of it. Love only that which can truly make you happy. Love of anything which cannot make us happy is sin against God and consequently misery to us. Love God and what he commands. Hate what he does not allow. This is how true happiness is to be known and where it is to be found.

Psalm 119:71

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy statutes" (Psalm 119:71).

Augustine Quote

"Who has the right to object if a just penalty pursues a sinner" (Augustine Confession Pg.140)?

John Angell James Quote

"Philosophy, then, does not always emancipate the human understanding from the fetters of prejudice (James, The Christian Father's Present to His Children Pg. 151)

Three Themes of Study that I Find Essential to Understanding the Bible

After fifteen years of study, I have found that the study of certain themes lend more light than others to the understanding respecting the overall message of God's word: (1) Covenant Theology (2) The Kingdom of God and (3) Judgmental Wrath versus Fatherly Discipline/Chastening are essential to understanding scripture as a whole. Devoting time in these areas enables one to better understand all other doctrines as well. To truly know God's word is to know God. Let us be found diligent in this enterprise for his glory, the salvation of our souls, the common welfare we share with our neighbors, and the advancement of the Gospel.

John Colquhoun Quote

"To justify is not to make one righteous or just. It does not consist in a real change, but only in a relative one; in a change of state, but not in change of nature. Justification is in the Scriptures opposed to condemnation. 'It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth?' (Romans 8:33-34)....Justification is a forensic or law term borrowed from courts of judicature among men, in which a person accused and arraigned is pronounced righteous, and in court openly absolved by the judge. In court, the judge, instead of making the person just or guilty, according to the evidence on which the judgment is given, only sustains and declares him to be so. This is either to justify or to condemn, and it is always the act of a judge; nor is it the act of a judge simply, but of a judge sitting in judgment. A judge, upon surveying the exculpatory evidence in his chamber by himself, may intentionally and in his own mind absolve a person who is afterwards to be tried before him; and yet he does not absolve him in law until he pronounces the sentence in open court, and orders it to be intimated to the panel....The elect, as well as others, were all laid under a sentence of condemnation in the first Adam; for they were considered as guilty before God....They are all to be considered, then, as condemned already, actually sentenced by the law as a covenant to eternal punishment as due for sin....They only by faith receive the gift of righteousness....Though the elect sinner has no righteousness of his own to produce as the ground of his justification, yet upon his union with Christ he has communion with Him in His righteousness, and on this ground is pronounced righteous in law....Justification is an act passed in the court of heaven upon a believing sinner, and not a work wrought in him. It is an act passed in an instant, never to be repeated, and not a work carried on by degrees. Like the sentence of a judge, it is completed at once, and is as perfect the moment it is passed as ever it will be....If the sinner is not perfectly justified, he is not justified at all....A man is justified before God solely for a perfect righteousness imputed, before men, by an imperfect righteousness inherent (Colquhoun, Sermons on Important Doctrines, Pg. 146-151)."

Augustine Quote

"What then is it in the soul which causes it to take more pleasure in things which it loves when they are found and recovered than if it has always had them" (Augustine Confessions Bk. VIII Pg. 137)?

Faith

How can faith be tested apart from trials? Though our faith may be shaken it is never broken. Having been tested, faith is then strengthened. The apostate, being severely confronted and assaulted, surrenders his profession; while the Christian, though he may waver and falter, never wholeheartedly turns back. What a mystery it is that in what we many times think to be a sure footing is merely the occasion of weakness, which in turn grants occasion for strengthening. Faith when it is so strained, may seem to be pressed under unbearable weight, but is in the end all the more lively through its near death experience.

Without Internet

Since our move, we are without internet. As soon as that is installed, I will post something current.

John Colquhoun Quote

"No sooner is this atonement actually imputed to them than they are legally absolved from condemnation...They are then delivered from the guilt of sin, or from their obligation to endure punishment on account of sin, and have sufficient security afforded them that though they may often incur the guilt of fatherly displeasure, they shall never enter into condemnation, or fall under the guilt of eternal wrath" (Colquhoun, Sermons on Important Doctrines Pg. 221).

Sanctification

The lack of visible sin is not necessarily a sign that one is sanctified. But it can be and it ought to be. Furthermore, visible sin is not a necessary mark that one is unregenerate. This is seen in that the moralist is moral and the Christian sinful. There is this difference, however: the Christian is sanctified while the moralist is not. Consequently, the worst Christian is better than the best moralist.

The Sovereignty of God

You have heard it said that where there is a will there is a way. But where there is a will and a way there is God also.

Theologians and Ministers

All theologians are ministers. And all ministers are theologians. This is true because to truly know theology is to apply theology. Some do this better than others. And some even attempt ministry without theology. But to what end it cannot be known.

My Greatest Fear

It has been said that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself". But I fear nothing in the world but sin. It is my greatest fear and my worst enemy.
I am comforted, however, in this truth: My Greatest hope is God; and my most faithful friend is Christ.

Augustine Quote

"To possess my God, the humble Jesus, I was not yet humble enough" (Augustine Confessions Bk. VII, xvii (24) Pg. 128)

Augustine Quote

"With what mercy you have shown humanity the way of humility in that your 'Word was made flesh and dwelt among' men (Jn. 1:14)....For you have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to babes, that toiling and burdened they should come to him to be restored....But those who, like actors, wear the high boots of a supposedly more sublime teaching do not hear him who says 'Learn of me, that I am meek and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls' (Matt. 11:29). Even if they know 'God, they do not glorify him as God or give thanks, but are lost in their own thought and their foolish heart is obscured; professing themselves wise, they have become fools'(Rom. 1: 21-3)" (Augustine Confessions 121,122).

New Post on the Worldview Ministries Blog: Two Words that Give Us Hope by Don Kistler

I am honored to welcome Dr. Don Kistler, the director of Northampton Press and the founder of Soli Deo Gloria Publications, as a contributing writer to the Worldview Ministries' blog. He is THE modern day expert on the Puritans.
Two Words that Give Us Hope.

Spurgeon Quote

"Christians may sin most when least tempted, and sin least when most tempted" (Spurgeon Salt Cellars Pg. 112)"

Spurgeon Quote

"Carnal men love the God they make, but not the God that made them" (Spurgeon Salt Cellars Pg. 110).

Spurgeon Quote

"Carnal joys breed sorrow, but spiritual sorrows breed joy.
Earth's entertainments are like those of Jael:
Her left hand brings me milk; her right a nail" (Spurgeon Salt Cellars Pg.109)

Spurgeon Quote

"Custom in sin kills conscience of sin.

Wrong can be so often done that the doer thinks he is right" (Spurgeon, Salt Cellars, Pg.109).

Thomas Brooks Quote

"That Christ should come from the eternal bosom of his Father to a region of sorrow and death; that God should be manifested in the flesh, the Creator made a creature; that he that was clothed with glory should be wrapped with rags of flesh; he that filled heaven and earth with his glory should be cradled in a manger; that the power of God should fly from weak man, the God of Israel into Egypt; that the God of the law should be subject to the law, the God of the circumcision circumcised, the God that made the heavens working at Joseph's homely trade; that he that binds the devils in chains should be tempted; that he, whose is the world, and the fullness thereof, should hunger and thirst; that the God of strength should be weary, the Judge of all flesh condemned, the God of life put to death; that he that is one with his Father should cry out of misery, 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' (Matt. 27.46); that he that had the keys of hell and death at his girdle should lie imprisoned in the sepulchre of another, having in his lifetime nowhere to lay his head, nor after death to lay his body; that that head, before which the angels do cast down their crowns, should be crowned with thorns, and those eyes, purer than the sun, put out by the darkness of death; those ears, which hear nothing but hallelujahs of saints and angels, to hear the blasphemies of the multitude; that face, that was fairer than the sons of men, to be spit on by those beastly wretched Jews; that mouth and tongue, that spake as never man spake, accused for blasphemy; those hands, that freely swayed the sceptre of heaven, nailed to the cross for man's sins; each sense annoyed: his feeling or touching, with a spear and nails; his smell, with stinking flavour, being crucified about Golgotha, the place of skulls; his taste, with vinegar and gall; his hearing, with reproaches, and sight of his mother and disciples bemoaning him; his soul, comfortless and forsaken; and all this for those very sins that Satan paints and puts fine colours upon" (Precious Remedies against Satan's devices Brooks Pg.36)!

Semper Reformanda

Semper Reformanda always reforming is our motto. Theological development is just that--development. Those of the reformed tradition boast of the soundness of their theology; and rightly so, for we are much more accurate in our interpretation of scripture than the various alternative and popular opinions. Let not pride enter into our hearts though. There is a great risk for it when one knows a truth while the other remains in ignorance. Did we not all have to crawl before we began to walk? It is God that teaches us in matters of theology. He coaxes us along, feeds us the milk of the word, teaches us the language, and brings meat consistent with growth. It is unfortunate that some are unwilling to try that which is contrary to their natural tastes, already having made up their minds before hand that something is not palatable. Not being open minded, they are obstinately unteachable of God; and are consequently, malnourished and stunted in their spiritual growth respecting the enlightening of the mind and understanding. Friends let us be open to God on the matters of theology laying aside our presuppositions. Do we dare say,"that so and so is not in character with my God!"? Rather let us say, "perhaps I am out of character with God?" and adjust ourselves accordingly.
Never forget that in always moving forward we never arrive in our theology. And however our theology is deficient it is never acceptable for it to be insufficient.

Contentment

"Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1Tim. 6:6)

But let us not be content with our Godliness, always seeking to advance in it.

Augustine Quote

"What tortuous paths! How fearful a fate for 'the rash soul' (Isa. 3:9) which nursed the hope that after it had departed fr0om you, it would find something better! Turned this way and that, on its back, on its side, on its stomach, all positions are uncomfortable. You alone are repose." (Augustine Confessions Bk. VI Pg. 110).

Positive Thinking

Let me say that I despise the movement, but would love to see a healthy form of "positive thinking" in the church. It will do us all much good. Especially those (and I am one of them) that have a problem with forgiving themselves and letting Satan steal their joy. Let us think along these lines: We are sinners, it is true. We have good reason and it is appropriate as long as we stay in the bounds of scripture, to give serious consideration to our sins. Let us not wallow in our sins, however, making more of them than Christ has done to them. To do so is sinful, the worst form of pride, blasphemous even, but rather let us rejoice in the God of our salvation. We have not began our salvation in the flesh neither can we finish it in the flesh. We have Christ's abounding love towards us, a covenant made in his very blood for our surety, infinite forgiveness, constant intercession, his Spirit sealed in us, sanctifying Word for us, and promise to us of his coming. Rejoice and be glad my friends. We have good reason to. God commands it: "Rejoice always!"

Memory Verse

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1Pet. 5:7).

Augustine Quote

"The authority of the Bible seemed the more to be venerated and more worthy of a holy faith on the ground that it was open to everyone to read, while keeping the dignity of its secret meaning for a profounder interpretation. The Bible offered itself to all in very accessible words and the most humble style of diction, while also exercising the concentration of those who are not 'light of heart' (Ecclus. 19:4). It welcomes all people to its generous embrace, and also brings a few to you through narrow openings (cf. Matt. 7:13-14)" (Augustine Confessions Bk. VI Pg. 96).

God Grew Tired of Us (Movie Review)

This movie documents the pilgrimage of a group of Africans(Sudan) known as "Lost Boys" as they travel from a war torn region to America. They are overwhelmed with their encounter with American life and culture as they both adapt and try to retain their own culture. This is a great movie for people to get a glimpse at what life is like for some outside of the USA. They are shocked to have electricity. They try to connect Santa Clause to Jesus. They cannot understand the lack of a sense of community--why people are so unfriendly in America. They wonder if New Yorkers have to go to the river to get their water. It's a great movie.

Augustine Quote

"You persuaded me that the defect lay not with those who believed your books, which you have established with such authority among almost all nations, but with those who did not believe them" (Augustine Confessions Bk. VI Pg. 95,96).

Thomas Brooks Quote

"It is not hasty reading, but serious meditating upon heavenly truths, that make them prove sweet and profitable to the soul....It is not he that reads most, but he that meditates most, that will prove the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian" (Thomas Brooks Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices Pg. 21,22).

Sanctification

We cannot measure progress in terms of failure. Satan would have us believe that when we fall on the road of spiritual progression and religious duty that we are no longer fit to continue on in it. If we did not get up after having stumbled we would indeed not be fit for that heavenly kingdom that marks the final destiny of our journey. We don't measure our spiritual progress by counting the missteps of this life. Though we fall we press onward. Satan would have us disqualified, but Christ says "Having now thus fallen move forward with more endurance and caution." Consider Luke 22: 31,32. Our faith will never fail though we suffer much temptation and are beaten and battered by the assaults of Satan. Our justification is in Christ. Our sanctification is perfect in Christ. The eternal salvation of our souls are evermore secure--by Christ--not us. The war is won though there are many battles left to be fought. And though it is true that to backslide is to loose a step, we take another, and another, and so progress towards that heavenly city which is our final resting place. We are but pilgrims in a strange land and because of this our happiness is but in part. However, our sanctification is a guarantee and because of this we can have peace with ourselves and God. Yes there is much that is required of us respecting our sanctification, but there is much more in help from God. Satan will do his worse but Christ has done his best. Though it does not look at times as if we are making progress--we are. Outwardly, we may even be wasting away at times but inwardly we progress. In this world we may experience adversity on all levels: our flesh may tempt us, the world entice and harm us, our minds torment us, our bodies fail us, Satan attack us, but it is Christ that will save us. Contrast the happiness of the unbeliever here. He may not seem to suffer under any trials whatsoever in this world and so seem happy beyond measure. The Child of God may have many trials and cannot but barely form a partial smile on his face. Placing the two on worldly scales the balance would be in favor of the unbeliever. But he is without sanctification. The smile he now wears will shine no more when he enters the state of eternal punishment. Whereas the smile the Christian cannot seem to keep consistent will one day never know a frown again. Though we have much to be happy about in this present life we are still subject to a variety of experiences accompanied by a mixed range of emotions. We do not go on what we feel though, but on who we are. We are Christians. Press on my dear friends.

Spurgeon Quote

"Choice flowers bloom in the garden of affliction.
Some of us have there gathered such roses and lilies as grow nowhere else. Sweet herbs of sage, and balm, and a thousand others grow in this garden, whose hedge is of thorns.
He that enjoys a patient mind
Can pleasures in affliction find."

Spurgeon Quote

"Counsel must be followed as well as praised.
There is no use in hearing the gospel and admiring the sermon, unless we put it in practice" (Spurgeon Salt Cellars Pg. 106).

No Excuse

"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth" (Rom. 8:33.
It is a favorite and probably the most popular criticism of unbelievers that we are inconsistent in our profession of faith, accusing us as remaining to be sinners, i.e. obvious hypocrites! They judge rightly. But only partly. They misunderstand the meaning of hypocrite (one who professes to be something he is not) knowing nothing of the justification of God, the imputation of Christ's righteousness, and indwelling sin in the believer. The hypocrite does not believe any of these doctrines. He is a nominal Christian, a professor only, an unbeliever at heart, fearful of being found out for his sins. A true believing Christian is not afraid of being found out in his sins, but is afraid of his sins! We confess our sins and are forgiven of them. If any say they have no sin they are liars (1 Jn.).
Instead of taking the time to learn what the true state of a Christian is, the unbeliever is all too willing to make false accusations against us. Accuse me of being a sinner. I am. I could not be a Christian if I was not. Though it ought not to be the case, I am more sinful than most. God has much to do in my sanctification. Christians are not allowed to sin. Nevertheless, we do sin. The Christian it is said may fall on the ship's deck but will not fall overboard. The rough seas of life bring many a slips. It is a stereotype that the Christian life is a bed of roses. It is a bed of roses with thorns! Don't fall short in your description of me. Describe me as a whole. I am not as the hypocrite who is outside of Christ but I am in Christ. I am not merely a sinner. I am a sinner justified freely by God's grace (Rom. 3:24). This is no "argument" nor do I have a "bone-to-pick. Rather this is a plea to not let my sins nor the sins of another be your excuse to deny the true Christian religion. Harden not your heart any further. Come join us sinners. There is no getting around sin. Either one is a sinner outside of Christ, and is therefore unforgiven, heading for eternal punishment. Or one is a sinner that is forgiven, and can come always for forgiveness, until the day of eternal life. Humble your pride. Away with that moralistic mentality. Come to Christ and receive his righteousness. Yours will not do. It is not enough. Do not deceive yourselves, your righteousness will not save you, but damn you. It falls short of what God requires. God only accepts those in Christ. Will you be saved along with us or be damned because of us?

John Calvin Quote

"For by his law it pleases him to prescribe for men what is good and right, and thus to hold them to a sure standard that no one may take leave to contrive any sort of worship he pleases" (Calvin Institutes Bk.I Pg.120).

Calvin Quote

"We may gather that man's nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols" (Calvin Institutes Vol. I Pg. 108).

Augustine Quote

"I could believe of him only what my vain imagination could picture" (Augustine Confessions Pg.86).

Spurgeon Quote

"Carry an appetite to God's house and you will be fed.
A notable preacher said: 'The hearer sometimes complains, there was no food for my soul,' when the truth is, there was no soul for the food" (Spurgeon Salt Cellars Pg. 110).

Augustine Quote

"Your mercy is forever, and you deign to make yourself a debtor obliged by your promises to those to whom you forgive all debts" (Augustine Confessions Pg. 83,84).

Memory Verse (1 John 5:3)

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous" (1Jn. 5:3).

Memory Verse (Romans 2:21)

"Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself" (Rom. 2:21a)?

John Calvin Quote

"Those who wish to prove to unbelievers that Scripture is the Word of God are acting foolishly, for only by faith can this be known" (John Calvin Institutes Bk.I Pg. 92).

Jeremiah Burroughs Quote

"When the Lord is bringing public calamity upon a people, He usually makes His 'buts' His exceptions....It's true, sometimes, that godly ones may be taken away in the judgments of a nation, but it is when God has some special work to bring about by their deaths....Lie at the goodness of the Lord to do with us what he pleases. It is for some great work that God has to bring about that yet is kept hidden from us. But this we must be confident of: God will have as much glory from their deaths as He would have had from their lives, and however the ways of God are so dark towards us for the present, yet there is a time when God will make His 'buts,' when there shall be known a difference between him who fears God and him who does not" (Jeremiah Burroughs, Gospel Fear73,74).

Book Review Gospel Fear

Jeremiah Burroughs' book Gospel Fear is a powerful treaties on the right disposition of a Christian's heart before God and his word. The positive response of a heart that comes under the hearing of God's word is that of a Godly fear and trembling, which in turn, so effects the heart that it melts from its natural state of hardness into tenderness. He contrasts the heart that has been changed such by the Spirit of God with that of a hard heart that awaits the judgment of God. Gospel Fear consists of seven sermons and is well worth the read. Burroughs makes the case and argument, i.e. that our hearts are to be hearts that melt before God, so powerful and compelling that one cannot help but to walk away from his subject matter with just such a heart that trembles before God. I am thankful for the puritan Jeremiah Burroughs for writing this book and Don Kistler for the publishing of it for my reading.

"Though the Lord has all the world where He is, and fills heaven and earth, yet the two great places where He keeps His court are in the highest heavens and in the lowest heart" (Jeremiah Burroughs Gospel Fear Pg. 119).

Advice for Pastors

There are three pursuits that one in spiritual leadership must take on wholeheartedly in order to know God more closely and minister more effectively. To be a pastor is to be a theologian. Out of all of scripture the study of the covenant is the most rewarding of all topics in the bible (second to this is the Kingdom of God). Indeed knowledge of the covenant of God is central to having a proper theology. So (1) be a covenant theologian. (2)Make christian fellowship and exhortation a reality. (3) Make yourself available to the people. Granted, there are times for the closet and withdrawing for spiritual replenishment, but do not fail to neglect the tending of your sheep. When pastors become so important that they cannot do ministry what are we to think of them? They have soared above their congregations and live with their heads in the clouds being able to reach none, but themselves, because of their lofty position. Come back down to earth you important pastors and minister to your people! In conclusion, in the working out of these three principles one will find that you know God more fully and intimately, his people are known by you, and you are known by both God and his people. Consider these scriptures:(Heb. 3:13; Lk. 24:28,29; Ps. 25:14).

Jeremiah Burroughs Quote

"A people may be in such a condition that all the reformation and all the repentance in the world shall not keep them from temporal affliction from the hand of God, in the sense of temporal evils....We see what sin is. It may make such a breach between God and us that, let us do what we can, it will not keep us from temporal afflictions here in this world" (Burrough Gospel Fear Pg. 71).

The Theology of Adoption

Here is a new post on the Worldview Ministries Blog.

Theologians and Philosophers

All are theologians and philosophers. Either we are good theologians or bad theologians. The same is true of philosophy. Either we are good philosophers or bad philosophers. The only bank for cashing our checks of knowledge is through The Bank of the Most High God. All other such checks are made of rubber, considered counterfeit, will bounce; nay are stolen currency and at last are nothing but IOU's owed in debt to The Bank of the Most High God. The bank of the Autonomy of Man is no bank at all but an unlawful money laundering racket.

Augustine Quote

"Fine style does not make something true, nor has a man a wise soul because he has a handsome face and well chosen eloquence...He seemed to them prudent and wise because he charmed them by the way he talked. ...None other than you is teacher of the truth, wherever and from whatever source it is manifest. ...Nothing is true merely because it is eloquently said, nor false because the signs coming from the lips make sounds deficient in a sense of style...Whether the words are ornate or not does not decide the issue.

Memory Verse II Corinthians 5:7

"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (II Cor. 5:7 KJV)

Augustine Quote

"I was interested not in the decoration of the vessel in which his discourse was served up but in the knowledge put before me to eat" (Augustine Confessions Bk. v 73).

Jeremiah Burroughs Quote

"It is enough that you may wrangle together when you are among your equals, but know that, though the man who speaks it may be your equal, the Word of God is above you."

Jeremiah Burroughs Quote

"This disposition of your heart in trembling at God's Word is accepted instead of obedience. Though you cannot obey God's word as you would, yet the Lord will spare you. That soul who finds many weaknesses, and is not able to obey many truths of God that it hears revealed in the Word, yet, if it trembles at it, peace be to that soul. I say, the Lord accepts this trembling disposition instead of obedience and, indeed, rather than obedience. The very act of obedience does not have so much in it as this. For a hypocrite may perform the act of obedience, but he has none of this trembling. A learned man said...'There's more godliness in the trembling of the heart than in the work of the hand.' God accepts it, and therefore you can be comforted in this"(Gospel Fear Pg. 54,55).

Jeremiah Burrroughs Quote

"You must not think ill of a minister who preaches things that seem dreadful to you, whereas he only preaches against such things you should account as your enemies" (Gospel Fear Pg. 40).

John Calvin Quote

"Now this power which is peculiar to Scripture is clear from the fact that of human writings, however artfully polished, there is none capable of affecting us at all comparably. Read Demosthenes or Cicero; read Plato, Aristotle, and others of that tribe. They will, I admit, allure you, delight you, move you, enrapture you in wonderful measure. but betake yourself from them to this sacred reading. Then, in spite of yourself, so deeply will it affect you, so penetrate your heart, so fix itself in your very marrow, that, compared with its deep impression, such vigor as the orators and philosophers have will nearly vanish. Consequently, it is easy to see that the scared Scriptures, which so far surpass all gifts and graces of human endeavor, breath something divine" (John Calvin, Institutes Pg. 82).

John Calvin Quote

"God, the Artificer of the universe, is made manifest to us in Scripture, and that what we ought to think of him is set forth there, lest we seek some uncertain deity by devious paths...For by his word, God rendered faith unambiguous forever, a faith that should be superior to all opinion" (John Calvin, Inst. Vol. I Pg. 71).

Guilt

What does the world of lost sinners do with their guilt? They "let it go" as one prominent talk show host said last night. It is an amazing display of self-deception that convinces one deep down in their soul that guilt can simply be annihilated or abolished from ones life at will. Such a notion finds its warrant from having a healthy self esteem, understanding of self respect, dignity, and proper value of life; all of this being contrary to what God's word has to say on the matter of guilt. This secular notion of letting guilt go is in essence an attack against the conscience, and in turn though more seriously, such a hardening of the heart that it is a sinful display of rebellion from God. That this is such an insult to God we can see in that nature itself condemns man of his guilt, but more so God's word; and the contrast of his holy character to ours unmistakably condemns man for his guilt.
What a terrible day it will be when all the guilt of the sinner is poured out into the soul with all its fury, the conscience not being able to sever itself from the torment of this guilt. This thought in itself ought to be terrible enough to turn one to Christ, but to add the eternal punishment of God to it is a thought most dreadful, an ordeal beyond comprehension!
According to his word God will call into account before us all, on the day of his judgment, deeds done in this life both good and bad. Woe to the ones that have not brought their guilt to be washed in the blood of Christ on that day. If you have not done this now is the time of salvation for you. Christ receives sinners. Guilt that has not been forgiven by Christ will be charged to the sinner, and that without appeal on his part. No objection will be raised in God's court room, and no defense will be launched. The guilty will be charged and he will be without excuse. There will be no exoneration. There will be no denying, rationalizing, explaining away, exceptions given or any such reasoning that will stand before God as leverage for mitigation and the commuting of the sentence of death. To be convinced in ones own mind that he or she is free of guilt and does not deserve to be punished will not be a possibility. God will remove all delusions and possibility for confusion that could lead to reasonable doubt. God will confront the sinner in such a way that it will be self-evident to the mind and soul that he is guilty, all mouths being stopped on the matter, as God is proven true and just, the evidence being irrefutable. This will be a case unlike in the case of a child that does not want to admit his guilt; but would rather have it covered up, over looked, or altogether undiscovered. His attempts to avoid the issue and trying to turn from correction with lies and pleas of exoneration, using justifications such as: "It wasn't me I didn't do it." It wasn't my fault." "You don't understand." "But so and so did the same thing." "What I did wasn't as bad." It's different for me in my case". "He did this or that to me." "Why do I have to anyhow?" "I didn't know." will not be heard. It will not be possible to cloud the facts in that the whole matter is not known or latitude is given as in the instance where a child has been given unlawful liberties, by parents claiming to love their children though with a love that is not of the same sort of love as that of Christian love. Such will not hold up in this court. God's commands and liberties are pure while these are not. This will all be striped of the sinner.
Our worldly contracts that are made for the prevention of confusion are fallible and open for dispute but the infallible word of God will not be up for dispute. The only claim to justification that will be accepted by God is justification that has been freely given by faith in Christ.
There will be no hope apart from this. Worse yet there will be no hope of forgiveness in that the time of repentance will have passed if one delays too long. And consider this, that if the world can "let their guilt go" on the grounds of a lie, how much more ought we who have so graciously been enlightened bring our guilt to Christ, the only place that we might truly and legitimately rid ourselves of guilt, or more precisely be forgiven for it?

Proverbs 19:11

"The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression" (Prov. 19:11 KJV).

Thomas Watson Quote

"Though an adopted heir of heaven cannot obey every precept perfectly, yet he does evangelically. He approves of every command. 'I consent to the law, that it is good.' Rom vII 16. He delights in every command. 'O how love I thy law!' Psalm cxix 97. His desire is to obey every command. 'O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!' Psalm cxix 5. Wherein he comes short, he looks up to Christ's blood to supply his defects. This is evangelical obedience; which, though it be not to satisfaction, it is to acceptation" (Watson, A Body of Divinity Pg. 238.

Thomas Watson Quote

Great was the work of creation; but greater the work of redemption. It cost more to redeem us than to make us. In the one, there was only the speaking a word (Psalm 148:5); in the other, the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22)" (Heaven Taken by Storm Pg.43).

Prayer

I am but flesh and you are a most holy God. My sins are ever before me, weighting me down, and causing you to be displeased with me. They retard my spiritual progress. They paralyze me. I am seized with fear because of this condition I am in. My sins prevent me form sweet fellowship with you, and from doing any good to my brethren, as well as to those that are of the lost sheep. My spirit is tormented day and night. My body is as my spirit is, it is as if it is torn to pieces because of my sins. I have felt the heat and flames of this world and of hell upon my body and mind. I bear scares because of this both internally and externally. I shriek back from your presence in horror. Let not this state of mine continue. It would be dreadful for it to be my eternal lot. Such pain is only a small sampling of what is to come for those outside of Christ. Do not hide your face from me any longer. I cannot bear it. I know it will not be for much longer that your presence will be removed from me if you will only remember to look upon me by way of the cross. It is your promise Lord that you will be with me and never utterly forsake me. You will not cast me off forever will you? My anxiety renders me dumbfounded. I am become as Nebuchadnezzar--beside myself. Depression consumes me. Darkness surrounds me.
But I have tasted of your goodness and how sweet it is. Let me now feast upon you. I have learned what it means to be separated from you. And if I must go through all of my life in the valley and not on the mountain, I will gladly do it, as painful as it is, if it brings me into your eternal presence. I will be as Job. Though I am slain yet will I serve you. It would be nice, however, to view things from a high peak again. I bring to memory how good you have been to me in times past, how mighty your hand has been in saving me, in protecting me; how comforting your spirit has been to me, and how you have blessed those closest to me with your presence.
Walk with me closer Lord. Speak to me louder. Teach me. I want to know you. I love you. You love me and gave your life for me. But I am slow in understanding and hard of hearing. Open my eyes to your beauty, love, grace, kindness. Reveal yourself to me in such a way that it would not be possible for me to ever entertain worldliness again, never pursue lusts of the flesh. Turn my attention to you. My mind is easily distracted, my thoughts wonder from you. I must strive to know you. It is my intention to pursue you with more aggression than I have pursued my sins. Give me the strength to do this. Reveal yourself to me. Cause my face to shine like Moses' face shown because I have been in your company. Let others say of me, "he has been with the Lord." Let me see your glory. I am your child. Does a father not wish to spend time with his child? If I ask for bread will you give me a stone or if I ask for a fish will you give me a serpent? Did not you redeem me with your very own blood. I cannot bear these burdens they are too heavy. Lord you will not cast off forever will you? Your mercy does not allow for me to be consumed. who is God like you that pardons iniquity and does not stay angry, but delights in mercy? Turn to me and have compassion on me. Subdue my iniquities. Cast my sins into the depths of the sea.
The world and the flesh promise fullness and satisfaction, but these promises are lies and only lead to bitterness and pain. Every sin that I have committed the devil replays in my mind like a broken record. I have sought life in death and happiness in sorrow. If only I could train my mind to seek you, the spring of eternal life, and mountain top of happiness! If only I would take up your burden for it is lighter than mine. What a fallen degenerate mind I have that prefers pain over true felicity--a form of love to true love. The flesh is a parasite to my soul draining my life's blood out. Substitute this blood with the blood of Christ. Was it not shed on my behalf? Sanctify me Lord with your spirit. I long for the completion of the redemption of my flesh. I would be as Enoch and come into your presence now if you would but make it so. Though Satan would have me do so, I do not worry for my family. I know you would take care of them.
I suffer though Lord under the weight of sin and am despairing unto the point of slighting Christ and his crucifixion. Forgive me. Increase my faith. Have me to mourn my sins but do not let me be consumed under them. You have told me to not be anxious for anything. And so surely this cannot be the lot of one of your redeemed that I can hardly know any peace.
What will you have me do in this world Lord? I have not died an infant or child. I often wonder why? I will have lived thirty seven years next sabbath if it is your will. What shall I do in this life? Do you want me to sell all my worldly possessions for your kingdom? I will gladly do it. They are not many and are truly already yours. I am content with this. Will you have me go to a foreign land? Here am I send me. Will you have me to minister--to preach your word? Give me the knowledge and grace to do so. Shall I continue in manual labor? I will do it. Will you have me write of the things of God. I will. I hope someone will be blessed by reading this prayer. Perhaps they can sympathize with it and you will speak to their heart. There have been many prayers of others that have been of a spiritual help to me. I am glad you allowed them to be preserved. I know we are not to pray proudly and repetitiously for people to see, but Lord I pray in humility and keep a record of this prayer for my own memory and in the case you lead someone to cross paths with it, and be blessed in some way. I don't see how they could though my words become as ash to me. I speak the truth, however. Everything I have said, I said from my heart. This is how I feel.
Lord I desire to be great in your kingdom, but will be happy to be the least. I want to be known, but only that you will be exalted and in knowing me people will know you. But Lord if I am never recognized by anyone in this world I am glad to have been known by you. He that would be greatest must be the least. The one that would be master must be servant of all. What a mystery! Father hear your son's cry for your attention. Holy Spirit sanctify me and bring me into sweet fellowship with you. Lord Jesus take this my burden and the guilt of my sins. Lord hear this prayer of your most humble servant and who is the least of all that is in your kingdom.
And though I see and feel my need to pray further regarding all these things, I cannot find the right words to speak unto you. All of my talk becomes babel in my ears and confusion in mind. So Lord, you speak to me. I will listen.

Jeremiah Burroughs Quote (Gospel Fear)

"If you fear God's word, you need fear nothing else" (Burroughs Pg.21).

Joseph Alleine Quote

"Surley, if the way be so easy as many suppose,that little more is necessary than to be baptized and to cry out, 'Lord have mercy', we need not put ourselves to such seeking, and knocking, and wrestling, as the word requires in order to salvation. Again if this is true, we shall no more say, 'Few there be that find it '; we will rather say, 'Few there be that miss it.' We shall no more say, that of the many that are called only 'few are chosen' (Mat.xxii 14), and that even of the professing Israel but a remnant shall be saved (Rom ix 27). (Joseph Alleiine A sure Guide to Heaven Pg. 20)

Book Review A Sure Guide to Heaven

Joseph Alleine's book A Sure Guide to Heaven is the most powerful call to the Gospel, repentance, and conversion to God that I have ever heard or read. Originally published I think under the title An Alarm to the Unconverted (a title more suitable than the current title), this puritan demonstrates with all clarity the complete corruption of an unsanctified soul, leaving no excuse for impenitence and faith in Christ. If you have not read this book and are a seeker of God, and especially a church leader, you must not wait another minute, but must read it immediately. You will have no doubt of your need of Christ after reading this book. And if your Gospel presentation is a bit cloudy this book will shine so brightly on the understanding that you will never preach the same.

Micah 7:18

"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy" Micah 7:18).

Thomas Watson Quote

"When we consider how dearly our sins cost Christ, how should we shed the blood of our sins that shed Christ's blood" (Heaven Taken by Storm Pg.29)?

Book Review (Heaven Taken by Storm)

Heaven Taken by Storm by the puritan Thomas Watson is a must read. This is a new publication by The Northampton Press, the new ministry of Don Kistler. The message of the book is that entering into heaven is no easy matter, but that we must take great pains to see to it that we arrive at last to our final resting place. We must fight the good fight of faith and violently strive to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. This is a foreign concept for the church of our day which for the most part has distorted the true Christian experience making it out to be a state of pacifism when it is not.

"Though we do not have the power to save ourselves, yet we must pursue after salvation because God has made a promise of grace as well as to grace" (Pg.83).

The Bible and the Future (Book Review)

Anthony A. Hoekema's book The Bible and the Future is a text book type description and defence of amillennialism. This book is for the serious student of eschatology. He discusses such topics as the kingdom of God, death, immortality, the intermediate state, the second coming, the signs of the times, the major millennium views, the resurrection of the body, the final judgement, eternal punishment, and the new earth. Eschatology is a complicated topic of theology, and Hoekema sheds much light on the subject. This is a scholarly work and takes quite a bit of effort to read through, but all serious theologians (and laity that are looking for answers) must put this on their list of required reading.

Thomas Watson Quote

"The flesh inclines us more to believe a temptation than a promise. There needs no wind to blow to sin when this tide within is so strong to carry us there....Bernard said that great sins are scratched at, but are not eradicated....In the best of saints there is something that needs mortifying--much pride, envy, and passion....They who pray that they may not be led into temptation must not lead themselves into temptation" (Thomas Watson, Heaven Taken by Storm Pg.11-13).

Thomas Watson Quote Heaven Taken by Storm

"Truth may be opposed, but never quite deposed....Truth is the seal that leaves the print of its own holiness upon us; it is both a glass to show us our blemishes and a laver to wash them away....Take away truth and our faith is fancy" (Thomas Watson Heaven Taken by Storm Pg.7,8).

Thomas Watson Quote (Heaven Taken by Storm)

"John did not so much preach to please as to profit; he chose rather to discover men's sins than to show his own eloquence....That preaching is to be preferred that makes the truest discovery of men's sins and shows them their hearts. John the Baptist was a burning and shining light; he burned in his doctrine and shined in his life; and therefore men pressed into heaven" (Thomas Watson, Heaven Taken by Storm Pg.3).

Spurgeon Quote

"Better nail your heart to the cross than your ears to the pulpit."
"That is to say, true love to Jesus is better than slavishly following any human preacher, and accepting all that he may say" (Spurgeon, Salt Cellars Pg.93).

Self Examination

To be introspectively concerned that one cannot "get it right" is a mark that one has "gotten it right." To be overly scrutinizing at this point is to get it wrong.

Spurgeon Quote

"Behind a frowning providence God hides a smiling face (Spurgeon, Salt Cellars Pg. 91).

Pride

Riding on a high horse increases the distance of a fall. Also both neck and spiritual problems may result in posturing one's nose at a forty five degree angle for long periods of time. A good indicator as to if one is at risk for such problems is the company one keeps, or rather doesn't keep.

Mercy and Justice

Let us ask ourselves: Do our hearts swell with mercy or does our blood boil hot for justice? I fear that we are too swift to pursue justice because we do not see our own selves as we ought--in comparison to God's holiness--as the true sinners we are. We too often compare ourselves to whatever offence is before us and seems to be above our own. Those that are unbalanced on the matter of mercy and justice are so because they have not felt the weight or fear of justice in their own souls. To only know justice is to have never known mercy. Mercy has a high respect for justice. And much trembling ought to accompany the call for justices. I am glad that God is slower in his anger than we are. And that in wrath he remembers mercy. Many well meaning Christians would have the world condemned while God would have it saved.

New Post on the World View Ministries Blog on Forgiveness

Forgiveness.

Psalm 73:25

"...earth has nothing I desire besides you" (Psalm 73:25 NIV).

Joseph Alleine Quote

"I am not baiting my hook with rhetoric, nor fishing for your applause, but for your souls. My work is not to please you, but to save you" (Joseph Alleine, A Sure Guide to Heaven Pg.16).

Book Review The Life of Go in the Soul of Man

I highly recommend everyone concerned with true religion to read Henry Scougal's The Life of God in the Soul of Man. I rank it up there with Thomas a Kempis' The Imitation of Christ. Faith, love, charity, and humility are the themes of the book. One cannot help but to feel the love Scougal had for God while reading the book, and one will never be the same after reading it. If you truly desire to know, love God more, and be more accurately devoted to his service, read this book!

Scougal Quote

"That which makes any body esteem us, is their knowledge or apprehension of some little good, and their ignorance of a great deal of evil that may be in us; were they thoroughly acquainted with us, they would quickly change their opinion. The thoughts that pass in our heart in the best and most serious day of our life, being exposed unto public view, would render us either hateful or ridiculous (Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man Pg. 129.

Scougal Quote

"However we hate the vices, we shall not cease to love the man (Scougal The Life of God in the Soul of Man Pg. 126)."

Scougal Quote

"The humble person hath the advantage, when he is despised, that none can think more meanly of him than he doth of himself; and therefroe he is not troubled at the matter, but can easily bear those reproaches which wound the other to the soul" (Henry Scougal The Life of God in the Soul of Man Pg. 81).

Scougal Quote

"There is no slavery so base as that whereby a man becomes a drudge to his own lusts, or any victory so glorious as that which is obtained over them" Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man Pg. 77).

Communio Sanctorum

Communio Sanctorum - Latin for the communion of saints. We are made holy (sanctus) by Christ and in Christ. We, therefore, share a common bond which manifests in fellowship with one another and with God. What a sweet fellowship it is! We share the Lord's table. We are united in a common baptism. Filled with one Spirit. As one family, we share together true love, fellowship, and happiness. We are vitally connected with one another, we bless one another, encourage one another, strengthen one another, bear one another's burdens, sharpen one another in the things of God.

Book Review True and False Worship by John Knox

The booklet True and False Worship by John Knox is a powerful argument in support of the regulative principle in worship. Knox was arguing against the Catholic version of the Lord's supper. His arguments against the Catholic mass and in support of the biblical prescription of it are powerful and irrefutable. One can kill two birds with one stone by reading this booklet, i.e. the regulative principle is effectively demonstrated and defended and also the falsehood of the Catholic mass is brought to light.

John Calvin Quote On the Pious Mind

"The pious mind does not dream up for itself any god it pleases, but contemplates the one and only true God. And it does not attach to him whatever it pleases, but is content to hold him to be as he manifests himself" (John Calvin Institutes Bk. I Ch. ii.).

John Knox Quote

"All worshiping, honouring, or service invented by the brain of man in the religion of God, without his own express commandment, is idolatry. We may not think us so free nor wise, that we may do unto God, and unto his honour, what we think expedient." (John Knox True and False Worship Pg. 23,26 PHP).

Prayer

It is my only desire to know you. All other affections in my life are nothing more than distractions. They are lusts of the flesh and temptations of the world. These are a burden to my soul, distraction from true knowledge of you and intimacy with you. In my innermost self which is in accordance to and bears witness with your spirit, I long to fellowship with you. Sometimes your presence is so overwhelming that it seems as if my earthly body cannot contain you. There are also seasons of despair and depression because I cannot sense your presence. I know, however, that you never leave nor forsake those whom you love. May my depression turn to rejoicing! Whether in times of trials, temptations, or sufferings that accompany this unredeemed flesh, visitations of your presence or abandonment, I will never deny you in my heart of hearts, but by your spirit I will say "Jesus is Lord." The lips that have cursed you will now praise you in light of your grace and mercy. Through the good times and the bad you are my God for evermore. Forgive me for grumbling when it seemed as if you had departed from me, such grumbling that is similar to that of what your people of old when they were delivered from the bondage of Egypt. Fearing that Pharaoh would again overtake them they sinfully complained. I too have been guilty of raising my voice in desperation saying, "have you brought me out of this land only to be destroyed in another?" Forgive me for cursing my circumstances and exhibiting such lack of faith. I will never curse you and die in such a state--an apostate to the faith. Though you would slay me yet will I serve you. I realize now that it is according to your good will, for your glory, and to my benefit, that your providence governs the affairs and circumstances in and of my life. I will do nothing but eat, drink, sleep and live my life according to your word setting my eyes on things heavenly: when I lay down, I will turn my ear to your word; when I awake during the night, I will turn my ear to your word; when I take on the labor of the day, I will turn my ear to you; when I worship you, I will eat of your body and drink of your blood in your sacrament, tasting to see that you are good; in my planning of life, I will look to you and enquire what it is that you will have me to do. I wish for you to be great in me. I do not want to be great but in you. I aim to be a man of great judgment of things spiritual, not simply judged to be great. I want to be last in your kingdom, and accept this wisdom, but Lord I desire to be first as well. Do not forget me in this matter. Not that I am first as men would count it to be first, but first in knowing you. It cannot be wrong in desiring be such for your kingdom, and in you, can it? If we hunger and thirst after righteousness we will be filled. It is your promise. I desire to be rich, not with the currency of this world, but according the treasures of your spiritual blessings. I want to be popular, but not in the eyes of the world, rather, to be such in your eyes and in the eyes of your people. If I am known I want to be known as a man of God. Those that I think are famous the world does not. The fame I desire comes only from being in tune with you. Such popularity as to be named with you is what I seek. And if no man know my name in this life and the ages to come it is no disappoint to me. All that matters is that I am known of you. The title of Christian is good enough for me.

Scougal Quote: True Religion

"True religion is a union of the soul with God, a real participation of the Divine nature, the very image of God drawn upon the soul, or, in the apostle's phrase 'it is Christ formed within us.' I know not how the nature of religion can be more fully expressed, than by calling it a divine life" (The Life of God in the Soul of Man Henry Scougal).

Book Review The Imitation of Christ

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis is the best devotional type book that I have ever read. I took a long time reading it, mostly as a daily devotion, so that I could digest every thought. One must be cautioned, however, in that he was a Catholic monk and every so often some tenants of Catholic theology surface. But not so much that the book is completely vitiated. On the contrary it is orthodox and a very powerful display of spiritual maturity for the most part. The small amount of error that is in the book can be taken with a grain of salt for a discerning reader. His love for God and his desire to implement practical theology to life as regarding how we ought to live one towards another is infectious.

Phamplet Review Why Do We Baptize Infants?

This pamphlet by Bryan Chapell is a very good survey of infant baptism. It is not a technical read, rather it is most elementary. It is very informative and definitive nevertheless. If one has questions regarding infant baptism I highly recommend this booklet. I can scarcely imagine any objections or lingering doubts in the mind of one that approaches this booklet in the spirit of an honest search for truth on the matter.

Book Review Of True Religion

I have just finished reading Augustine's Of True Religion. What can I say? Augustine is one of the greats. One can never go wrong in reading Augustine. Of True Religion is a powerful apologetic for the Christian faith. It is above refutation; it cannot be countered with any argument; and rebuttal on the part of an unbeliever would at best be disgraceful. I cannot do it justice. You simply have to read it. His mastery of presuppositional apologetics is second to none, and his talent for demonstrating how the natural universe testifies of God is captivating to the soul. This is no elementary read, however. A little bit of historical and theological context regarding the occasion of the work is necessary for an accurate understanding of the work.

Spurgeon Quote

"Brevity is a fine thing in a speech."
"Want of study, and want of really knowing what one is driving at, must bear the blame of many a long and weary talk. Hence a short speech is usually of better quality than a long one; and if it is not, it is all the better that it is short" (Spurgeon, Salt Cellars Pg.87).

My father used to say: "I realize that God spoke through an ass one time, but must we always be subjected to so many of these braying jackasses?!"

New Post on the Worldview Ministries Blog (Infant Baptism)

A Deafening Silence: The Argument from Silence and Infant Baptism

a kempis Quote

"Although I am always making good resolutions, yet through lack of grace to help my weakness, I recoil in failure at the least sigh of opposition. Lord your grace is absolutely necessary for me for starting off some good act, for improving it, for making it perfect. Without it I can do nothing; in you, and with the support of your grace, I can do anything. Ah yes grace is something from heaven; without it, our own merits are nothing, our natural gifts of no account whatever" (Thomas a Kempis, Imitation Pg. 206).

Here is a late happy new year.