Miserable Counselors

I find that most religious people are all too eager to help one along in afflictions where sin is the topic of concern. But it is quite mysterious to me that they are not the least bit interested in having the favor returned.

Truly it takes a keen eye to see dust in another eye, especially from afar off, when that self same kindred optical organ plays host to a log itself!

But a gracious soul takes what one can get.

Obadiah Sedgwick Quote (Sin)

"... though the heart and nature have surrendered themselves to Christ as the only Lord, and to his will as the only law yet, in many particulars, sin gets the better over grace. Though it cannot be said to rule, yet it may be said to conquer. It makes the man to fall down; it is too strong and prevalent for all the actual improvements and particular resistances of grace and prayer at that time, and for that fact" (The Anatomy of Secret Sins Sedgwick Pg. 150 SDG Publications).

Thomas Brooks Quote (Sin angainst Mercy Devilish)

"To render good for evil is divine, to render good for good is human, to render evil for evil is brutish: but to render evil for good is devilish..." (Brooks Precious remedies against Satan's devices Banner of Truth Pg. 73).

Thomas Brooks Quote (Sin)

"In a strict sense, there is no sin little, because there is no little God to sin against (Brooks Precious remedies against Satan's devices Pg. 45 (Note 32) Banner of Truth Trust 1993 Italics Mine).

Jeremiah Burroughs Quote (The Goodness/Sin of Unbelievers)

"Sin in a wicked man defiles all his actions, so as to make his very actions, the best of his actions, to be turned into sin. While you are an unregenerate man, your sin is of such a contagious nature, that it makes all your actions sin. Even your best actions turn to sin. In Psalm 109:7 the text says, 'Let his prayer become sin.'" (Burroughs Spots of the Godly and of the Wicked Second Sermon Pg. 125).

Misdemeanors and Felons

There are many "good" Christians (hypocrites too) that view themselves in their own eyes as merely misdemeanors while viewing others as felons--treating them as such. But there is a fundamental doctrinal error here, that is, in the eyes of God there are no misdemeanors, but we are all felons having committed high treason against God. Perhaps compared to others some of us might be quite the criminal, but compared to God we are all guilty of a capital offence. Some fine Christians have need of a fresh understanding of this having drifted far away from their own impressions of guilt while undergoing their conversion experience. Consider this and let us treat one another as equals respecting our sinful conditions; sympathizing with one another: seeing that we all truly suffer under the harshness of that remaining law of sin, as we await our final day of redemption. Some are suffering more than others. Don't add to the pain! Remember how Jesus treated the moral elite compared to the "sinner." The one was treated with contempt while the other received a more mitigated and gracious demeanor from the Lord. Let us be cautious that we do not prove to be such as were the Pharisees, Scribes, and Lawyers of old, but as Christ who says "Your sins are forgiven."

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.

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.

Spurgeon Quote

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

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).