tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59958089543653373642024-03-13T11:48:42.388-04:00Reproving the DarknessEphesians. 5:11 - And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-91072330152658480702023-07-01T11:00:00.001-04:002023-07-01T11:00:45.425-04:00God Made Us Male and Female | Dr. Voddie Baucham (Collegiate Reformed Fe...<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/YlY2ro8_L6g" frameborder="0"></iframe>Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-52822897277838745932021-10-24T09:34:00.005-04:002021-10-24T09:34:47.722-04:00A Nation Under God Part A<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C8DDKNy2XWU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-48884134671871734712021-04-16T06:07:00.001-04:002021-04-16T06:07:15.398-04:00The God Who Redeems<a href="https://www.gty.org/library/blog/B210416#.YHlhpvdFU5k.blogger">The God Who Redeems</a>: God’s fullest self-revelation as Savior came in the person of Jesus Christ—God in human flesh. The incarnation itself was an expression of sympathy and identification with our weakness (Hebrews 4:15)...Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-57733727013441825712020-06-20T11:41:00.001-04:002020-06-20T11:41:34.059-04:00Who's To Blame for the Riots<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z2TbhCwBbOg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-48669553880942022272020-03-29T09:07:00.001-04:002020-03-29T09:08:13.625-04:00The Promise of Peace in a Worried World - John MacArthur<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yGTHQ7oC-a4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-53993436622260885782020-03-22T09:25:00.001-04:002020-03-22T09:25:13.299-04:00G3 2020 | Steven Lawson (All Glory to God Alone)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U_wYnzA7NjE?clip=&clipt=EAAYAA%3D%3D" width="480"></iframe>Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-76170285960340519812019-05-04T17:41:00.001-04:002019-05-04T17:41:37.823-04:00Biblical Missions by Paul Washerhttps://youtu.be/fJq1xxk1Go0Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-35054610313066972692018-04-12T15:44:00.000-04:002018-04-12T15:44:25.003-04:00A Social Savior - Reformation21 Blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you ever struggled with the real reason why Jesus came into this world? Please follow link below for an article from Darrell B. Harrison. It is written with clarity and conviction.<br />
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<a href="http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2017/09/a-social-savior.php#sthash.vu0A4y67.cmfs">A Social Savior - Reformation21 Blog</a><br />
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Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-20148616712358823162017-11-24T08:45:00.000-05:002017-11-24T08:45:15.018-05:00Evangelism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is much confusion in the church about evangelism. I found the below quote succinct and refreshing in a day of popular and confusing views. <br />
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"Evangelism is not a making of proselytes; it is not persuading people to make a decision; it is not proving that God exists, or making a good case for the truth of Christianity; it is not inviting someone to a meeting; it is not exposing the contemporary dilemma, or arousing interest in Christianity; it is not wearing a badge saying “Jesus Saves”! Some of these things are right and good in their place, but none of them should be confused with evangelism. To evangelize is to declare on the authority of God what he has done to save sinners, to warn men of their lost condition, to direct them to repent, and to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ". - (John Cheesman, et.al., The Grace of God in the Gospel (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1972, 119. From: Dever, Mark. Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (3rd Edition) (9Marks) (p. 136). Crossway. Kindle Edition.)<br />
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Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-87203739066665202112017-03-22T15:33:00.002-04:002017-03-22T15:43:53.588-04:00"The Need for Reformation in Evangelical Ecclesiology."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2017 G3 Conference — Session 11 — Voddie Baucham</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"There
are those who are called to lead in the church and those who are to
follow. Egalitarianism, reactions to abuse and so on have lead us to
a place where we recoil at any assertion of leadership.... The text
says, obey your leaders and submit to them. Folks I don't write the
mail I just deliver it. You don't have to like that, but you cannot
argue with it. The bible makes it clear that there exist within the
church spiritual leadership. Even within the context of that
leadership, we always see that <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">referred</span> to in the plural... you see
leadership here it is in the plural....the idea is that the church is
lead by a group of men and yes I did say men". -<i> Voddie Baucham</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZur9xIjZpM" width="480"></iframe><br />
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www.G3Conference.com</div>
Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-64488931020641032162017-03-03T20:21:00.001-05:002017-03-03T20:41:51.209-05:00The Importance of the Local Church - Paul Washer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
2017 G3 Conference Session 6 <br />
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"Young people this is a command,<i> 'Hebrews 10:24-25 - 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.' </i>This is not talking about getting together in a coffee shop. It's talking about getting together in a true local church with true biblical leadership. This text is proof positive that if we are not committed to a local congregation of believers we are not walking in the will of God!" - Paul Washer<i><br /></i><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z-NDLxlsmOY?ecver=2" style="height: 75%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 75%;" width="459"></iframe></div> </div>
View more encouraging messages here: <a href="http://www.G3Conference.com">www.G3Conference.com</a> Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-62499398377724868842017-01-07T11:16:00.001-05:002017-01-07T11:16:04.220-05:00God's Glory In Marriage | Paul Washer, John Piper, & Voddie Baucham<iframe width="459" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZACkRe_W4Gg" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br />
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Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-14321630899393807132016-12-30T08:29:00.000-05:002016-12-30T08:29:00.303-05:00Professor or Possessor?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2>
Daily Devotional December 30, 2016</h2>
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<a data-hs-link-id="0" href="https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/daily-devotionals/12/30/2016/" target="_blank">Professor or Possessor of Faith</a></h3>
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Do you not know that the end will be bitter?<cite><a data-hs-link-id="0" href="https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/2Samuel%202:26/" target="_blank"><br />2 Samuel 2:26</a></cite></div>
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<span style="display: block; font-size: 18px; line-height: 170%; margin-bottom: 1em;">Reader, if you are merely a professor and not a possessor of the faith that is in Christ Jesus, the following lines are a true sketch of your end.</span></div>
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<span style="display: block; font-size: 18px; line-height: 170%; margin-bottom: 1em;">You are a respectable attender at a place of worship; you go because others go, not because your heart is right with God. This is your beginning. I will suppose that for the next twenty or thirty years you will be spared to continue in this way, professing religion by an outward attendance upon the means of grace, but having no heart in the matter. Tread softly, for I must show you the deathbed of someone just like you. Let us gaze upon him gently. A clammy sweat is on his brow, and he wakes up crying, "O God, it is hard to die. Did you send for my pastor?" "Yes, he is coming." The pastor comes. "Sir, I fear that I am dying!" "Have you any hope?" "I cannot say that I have. I fear to stand before my God. Oh, pray for me." The prayer is offered for him with sincere earnestness, and the way of salvation is for the ten-thousandth time put before him, but before he has grasped the rope, I see him sink.</span></div>
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<span style="display: block; font-size: 18px; line-height: 170%; margin-bottom: 1em;">I may put my finger upon those cold eyelids, for they will never see anything here again. But where is the man, and where are the man's true eyes? It is written, "In Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes."<sup>1</sup> Why did he not lift up his eyes before? Because he was so accustomed to hearing the Gospel that his soul slept under it. If you should lift up your eyes in hell, how bitter will be your wailings. Let the Savior's own words reveal the woe: "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame."<sup>2</sup> There is a frightful meaning in those words. May you never have to spell it out by the red light of God's wrath!</span></div>
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<span style="display: block; font-size: 18px; line-height: 170%; margin-bottom: 1em;"><a data-hs-link-id="0" href="https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Luke%2016:23/" target="_blank">1) Luke 16:23</a><br /><a data-hs-link-id="0" href="https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Luke%2016:24/" target="_blank">2) Luke 16:24</a></span></div>
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Family Bible Reading Plan</h3>
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<li><a data-hs-link-id="0" href="https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Malachi+3" target="_blank">Malachi 3</a></li>
<li><a data-hs-link-id="0" href="https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/John+20" target="_blank">John 20</a></li>
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<div class="cite" style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<a data-hs-link-id="0" href="https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/daily-devotionals/" target="_blank">Devotional material</a> is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Good News Publishers and used by Truth For Life with written permission.</div>
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Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-80885144599884681622016-09-16T07:55:00.001-04:002016-09-16T07:55:51.315-04:00The Hopelessness of Hope and Change<a href="http://www.gty.org/Blog/B160915/the-hopelessness-of-hope-and-change#.V9vdvBEjMe4.blogger">The Hopelessness of Hope and Change</a><br /><br />
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Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-77834069482416051492016-08-26T07:52:00.001-04:002016-08-26T07:52:29.722-04:00The Fitting End to Mark's Gospel (Mark 16:9-20) John MacArthur<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NmudwnVPQ7A" width="480"></iframe>Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-47771599433116620492016-07-14T07:41:00.001-04:002016-07-14T07:41:35.575-04:00A Warning to Not Stray from the Gospel - Paul Washer<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U1a6hMAEORA" width="480"></iframe>Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-29252355761392766382016-04-16T21:59:00.001-04:002016-04-23T23:37:18.382-04:00Shepherds' Conference 2016 English (Paul Washer)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-23473434125084910592016-02-20T10:51:00.000-05:002016-02-20T10:52:24.228-05:00Thanksgiving to God!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmjkeCrqTAQpbfAK2UdW16kQT0zcUgU3lG9ekMOXH399mFg2w7X4k2CSICAHi_XIPm2awJzHzjpsPRF7-YkZiIf7MfFhdMwAnScsJnIpsi9GpOoNV399yRDPnGRuVhqTwsa8J2POl5HbY/s1600/Piper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmjkeCrqTAQpbfAK2UdW16kQT0zcUgU3lG9ekMOXH399mFg2w7X4k2CSICAHi_XIPm2awJzHzjpsPRF7-YkZiIf7MfFhdMwAnScsJnIpsi9GpOoNV399yRDPnGRuVhqTwsa8J2POl5HbY/s1600/Piper.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>Quotes from the
Present </b></u></span></span>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do not say, 'But it
is hypocritical to thank God with my tongue when I don't feel
thankful in my heart.' There is such a thing as hypocritical
thanksgiving. Its aim is to conceal ingratitude and get the praise of
men. That is not your aim. Your aim in loosing your tongue with words
of gratitude is that God would be merciful and fill your words with
the emotion of true gratitude. You are not seeking the praise of men;
you are seeing the mercy of God. You are not hiding the hardness of
ingratitude, but hoping for the in-breaking of the Spirit.
<br /><br />Thanksgiving with the Mouth Stirs Up Thankfulness in the
Heart<br /><br />Moreover, we should probably ask the despairing saint,
'Do you know your heart so well that you are sure the words of thanks
have no trace of gratitude in them?' I, for one, distrust my own
assessment of my motives. I doubt that I know my good ones well
enough to see all the traces of contamination. And I doubt that I
know my bad ones well enough to see the traces of grace. Therefore,
it is not folly for a Christian to assume that there is a residue of
gratitude in his heart when he speaks and sings of God's goodness
even though he feels little or nothing. To this should be added that
experience shows that doing the right thing, in the way I have
described, is often the way toward being in the right frame. Hence
Baxter gives this wise counsel to the oppressed Christian:<br /><br />'Resolve
to spend most of your time in thanksgiving and praising God. If you
cannot do it with the joy that you should, yet do it as you can. You
have not the power of your comforts; but have you no power of your
tongues? Say not that you are unfit for thanks and praises unless you
have a praising heart and were the children of God; for every man,
good and bad, is bound to praise God, and to be thankful for all that
he hath received, and to do it as well as he can, rather than leave
it undone.... Doing it as you can is the way to be able to do it
better. Thanksgiving stirreth up thankfulness in the heart.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="quote_book_link_45348"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />―
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/25423.John_Piper">John
Piper</a>, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/247312">When
the Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing What We Can While We Wait for
God--And Joy</a> </span></span></span>
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Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-56182940799138365592016-02-18T08:19:00.000-05:002016-02-18T08:19:12.170-05:00Give Glory to Christ!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH0x8EAQu2NhVP8zljFSw__EnGJsIPMm96icWTHtlSGJEIzzv10r7_oQDtYVhAhWH7t7RiPygcMxyL_I91rFydldibHPwXX8aMX6FEpcxbRC-QLC8NjGOZ3w3TtxGFz1CH93P3IsypmC8/s1600/carey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH0x8EAQu2NhVP8zljFSw__EnGJsIPMm96icWTHtlSGJEIzzv10r7_oQDtYVhAhWH7t7RiPygcMxyL_I91rFydldibHPwXX8aMX6FEpcxbRC-QLC8NjGOZ3w3TtxGFz1CH93P3IsypmC8/s1600/carey.jpg" /></a><u>Quotes from the Past</u><br />
"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."<br />
<br />
After hearing an account of the spiritual needs of India, the
secretary of the meeting remarked: "There is a gold mine
in India, but it seems almost as deep as the center of the earth.
Who will venture to explore it?" "I will venture to
go down," said Carey, "but remember that you must hold
the ropes."<br />
<br />
Shortly before his death, Carey said to a friend: "You have
been saying much about Dr. Carey and his work. When I am gone,
say nothing about Dr. Carey; speak about Dr. Carey's Saviour." <span style="color: blue;">-William Carey Missionary to India</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"> </span> </div>
Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-88049145495533325012016-02-13T18:55:00.003-05:002016-02-13T19:01:29.224-05:00Unity in Worship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFw4Yf4d2Fcbc7Ybv-x7xVJaDZBDRDY-SO4efeJfhDdBD3dj-2d2CmCepvmUqGgv8Txo-gBe7ld-N69BADojZbqt9RYPztPcIkatoMBHNk6NVp02JLmvKNqGEt2mfRruOaCrQgWe2nzszI/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFw4Yf4d2Fcbc7Ybv-x7xVJaDZBDRDY-SO4efeJfhDdBD3dj-2d2CmCepvmUqGgv8Txo-gBe7ld-N69BADojZbqt9RYPztPcIkatoMBHNk6NVp02JLmvKNqGEt2mfRruOaCrQgWe2nzszI/s200/th.jpg" width="146" /></a><u>Classic Quotes from the Past </u><br />
<br />
“Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to
the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one
accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to
which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers met
together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each
other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious
and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship.”<br />
―
<a class="authorOrTitle" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1082290.A_W_Tozer">A.W. Tozer</a>,
<span id="quote_book_link_672493">
<a class="authorOrTitle" href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/203894">The Pursuit of God</a>
</span></div>
Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-80142149584555709192015-12-25T17:12:00.000-05:002015-12-25T17:12:00.758-05:00THE SPIRIT THAT BREATHES LIFE <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZP6z4EZPfYiDDkMBWQkZAbYyAQVPifyXq51jhLgKxMEQ6YVUROrTG5FWH75zGncdfssnA4wKVTvbCP7p9Pq9m0tTjsAEs0rAZa9K3XKdSIw0xk2e36X5VqNfLGxeys3AyUlthqJ2IQGH/s1600/1501_02_10---Sunrise_web%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZP6z4EZPfYiDDkMBWQkZAbYyAQVPifyXq51jhLgKxMEQ6YVUROrTG5FWH75zGncdfssnA4wKVTvbCP7p9Pq9m0tTjsAEs0rAZa9K3XKdSIw0xk2e36X5VqNfLGxeys3AyUlthqJ2IQGH/s320/1501_02_10---Sunrise_web%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Octavius
Winslow (1808-1878)</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
is the spirit that quickeneth.”—John 6:6 </span></span></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
will be perceived that, in unfolding His work, we commence with the
Spirit’s first gracious and Divine act—the breathing of spiritual
life in the soul. This must be regarded as an operation preceding all
others. The Spirit’s work as a Quickener must ever precede His work
as a Sanctifier and a Comforter. If we look for Him in any of His
offices before we have received Him as the Author of Divine life in
the soul, we reverse His own order and cover ourselves with
disappointment. We enter upon the discussion of this subject the more
readily and, we trust, prayerfully, from the conviction that the
modern views of the doctrine of regeneration, as held and preached by
many, are not only widely different from the old standards of
doctrinal truth, but, which is more serious and deeply to be
deplored, are such as the Word of God clearly and distinctly disowns,
and upon which there rests the darkness of its frown. Regeneration,
as taught by many in the present day, differs widely from the
doctrine as preached in the days of the Apostles and Reformers. In
their writings and discourses, the basis was deeply and broadly laid
in the original and total depravity of man. This doctrine is now by
many greatly modified, if not absolutely denied. In the days of
primitive Christianity, the utter helplessness of the creature and
the absolute and indispensable necessity of the Holy Spirit’s
influences in the regeneration of the soul were distinctly and
rigidly enforced. Sentiments the reverse of these, subversive of the
Scripture doctrine of regeneration and destructive of the best
interests of the soul, are now zealously and widely promulgated.
Surely this is a cause of deep humiliation before God. May He restore
to His ministers and people a pure language, and graciously revive
the precious, soul-humbling, Christ-honoring truths once the
safeguard and the glory of our land. We propose…a simple and
Scriptural delineation of the doctrine of regeneration, the office of
the Holy Spirit in its production, and some of the holy effects as
traced in the life of a believer. May there descend on the reader the
anointing of the Holy One, and may the truth empty, sanctify, and
comfort the heart. Regeneration is a work standing alone and distinct
from all the other operations of the Divine Spirit. It is to be
carefully distinguished from conversion, adoption, justification, and
sanctification, and yet must be regarded as forming the basis and the
spring head of them all. For instance, there can be no conversion
without a principle of life in the soul, for conversion is the
exercise of a spiritual power implanted in man. There can be no sense
of adoption apart from a renewed nature, for adoption confers the
privilege only, not the nature, of sons. There can be no comforting
sense of acceptance in the Beloved until the mind has passed from
death unto life, nor can there be the smallest advance in a
conformity of the will and of the affections to the image of God
while there is wanting in the soul the very root of holiness. Faith
is a purifying grace, but faith is only found in the heart created
anew in Christ Jesus. There must necessarily be the spiritual renewal
of the whole man before the soul can pass into an adopted, justified,
and sanctified state. Reader, ponder seriously this solemn truth. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From
The Work of the Holy Spirit, reprinted by The Banner of Truth Trust.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Octavius
Winslow (1808--1878): Nonconformist pastor, ordained in 1833 in New
York, but later moved to England, where he became one of the most
valued ministers of the nineteenth century. Preached at the opening
of C. H. Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle in 1861; author of more
than forty books, in which he promoted an experimental knowledge of
the precious truths of God. Buried in Abbey Cemetery, Bath, England. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Published
by Chapel Library 2603 West Wright St, Pensacola, Florida 32505 USA
- www.mountzion.org</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">____________________________________________________________ </span></span></div>
</div>
Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-89011177678830007962015-11-14T11:26:00.000-05:002015-11-14T11:28:53.384-05:00PRAYER <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakjrKC5zxYq65VDNVMDxc0r7lrcbpcVw3SjPEhfRkuZtKWg_4HZe469JLgItXM_GzDPB-oOyW7AOp_rqmcRWtsvoKUUnzONem1uqIWJBhaoH3WMakthQ2Q71q3dnpLx0w8lNSdQ-rbemx/s1600/prayer-warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakjrKC5zxYq65VDNVMDxc0r7lrcbpcVw3SjPEhfRkuZtKWg_4HZe469JLgItXM_GzDPB-oOyW7AOp_rqmcRWtsvoKUUnzONem1uqIWJBhaoH3WMakthQ2Q71q3dnpLx0w8lNSdQ-rbemx/s200/prayer-warrior.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">by Arthur
W. Pink </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">WHAT
THINGS SOEVER YE DESIRE WHEN YE PRAY BELIEVE THAT
YE RECEIVE THEM, AND YE SHALL HAVE THEM”</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> (Mark11:24).
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By
the words “believe that ye receive them”: we understand, expect
God to give them to you. But it is at this point that so many of
God’s people fail oftenest in</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> their
prayer-lives. There are three chief things to be attended to in
prayer. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">FIRST,
make sure that you are asking for something which is in accordance
with God’s Word: see 1 John 5:14. But right here the Devil will
foil you unless you are upon your guard. He will come as an “angel
of light” and preach a sermon to you on submission to God’s holy
will. O yes, the Devil is quite capable even of that! It is our
privilege and duty to know what God’s will is! “Wherefore be ye
not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph.
5:17). It is the REVEALED WILL of God which is in view in these
passages, for with His “SECRET” will we have nothing to do; that
is none of our business </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">God’s
revealed will is made known in His WORD. Fix this in your mind, and
never allow Satan to inject a thought (Eph. 4:27) to shake you
thereon, that</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> everything
God has commanded you to do, every precept and exhortation addressed
to you, is “GOD’S WILL” for you, and is to be turned into
prayer for enabling grace. It is God’s will that you should be
“sanctified” (1 Thess. 4:3), that you should “rejoice” (Phil.
4:4), that you should “make your calling and election sure”<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span>(2
Peter 1:10),<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span>that you should “grow in grace and in the knowledge of
the<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span>Lord”
(2 Peter 3:18). </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">SECOND,
having made sure that what you are praying for is according to God’s
revealed will, then PLEAD His promises, such as Matthew 7:7,
Philippians 4:19, etc. Plead them in the Name of Christ, asking God
to give you the “desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4) for
Christ’s sake, that HE may be honored in and by a godly walk from
you, and that His people may be helped and encouraged by your
example. Those are “pleas” which God cannot deny. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">THIRD,
and this is what we would earnestly and lovingly press upon the
Christian reader: EXPECT God to do as you have asked. Unless there is
this expectancy, faith is not fully in exercise. It is this expecting
from Him which honors and pleases God, and which always draws down
from Him answers of peace. There may be some difficulty, problem,
trial, looming ahead of you, which assumes the proportions of a
mountain. Never mind that: do not let it depress, discourage, or
dismay you. Praise God it stands written in the eternal WORD OF
TRUTH, “Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith and doubt not... ye
shall say unto this mountain be thou removed, and be thou cast into
the sea; It shall be done” (Matt. 21:21). Notice carefully that it
is not “If thou doubt not and hast faith,” but “If ye have
faith” and then (while you are awaiting God’s answer) “doubt
not,” but continue to expect the fulfillment of His promise. When
you first get down on your knees beg God in the name of Christ and
for His own glory’s sake, to work in you by His Spirit that
expectancy of faith which will not take “NO” from Him; which
reverently but confidently says, “I will not let Thee go, except
Thou bless me” (Gen. 32:26). That is what honors God, that is what
pleases Him, that is what answers from Him. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A
friend at court!” No doubt that expression is more or less familiar
to the older readers, but it has almost dropped out of use in this
generation. It denoted that one had a friend possessing influence
with another in authority, and using it on my behalf. How unspeakably
blessed to know that the Christian has a Friend at Court, the Court
of Heaven; “A Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” He has
the ear of God, for on earth He declared “Thou hearest Me always”
(John 11:42). Then, make use of Him, fellow saints. Bring thy
petitions to Him, and ask Him to present them to His Father and your
Father, accompanied by His own all-prevailing merits; and, if they
are for God’s glory and thy (real) good, be fully assured that they
shall be granted. Thus will Christ be honored and your faith
strengthened.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Available
in tract form from: <a href="http://www.mountzion.org./">www.mountzion.org.</a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">__________________________________________________________________ </span></span></div>
</div>
Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-37122076908927046442015-10-31T11:45:00.000-04:002015-10-31T11:54:30.159-04:00The Importance of Faith Alone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
light of the the event that took place 498 years ago today, the birth of
the Protestant Reformation, we offer these thoughts by L. R.
Shelton, Jr., on faith. Taken from the Free Grace Broadcaster # 157
on the subject of Faith. For other articles like this one, please
visit: <a href="http://www.chapellibrary.org/">www.chapellibrary.org</a>.
Please enjoy and ponder the implication of this article. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brother Pat</span></span>
</div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CONCLUDING THOUGHTS ON FAITH </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">L.
R. Shelton Jr.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">SOME
CONCLUDING THROUGHTS as we close these articles on <i>Faith.</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1.
</b>There is no salvation in Christ apart from faith, and no
instrumental means other than faith as these Scriptures bring out so
clearly: "For by grace are ye saved <i>through faith" </i>(Eph.
2:8). "The just shall live <i>by faith" </i>(Rom. 1:17);
and <i>"without faith </i>it is impossible to please God"
(Heb. 11:6).</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2.
</b>Saving faith must of a necessity be a <i>gift </i>of God because
it comes to us <i>by grace </i>through the effectual working of the
Holy Spirit in our hearts by the Word of God: "For <i>by grace
</i>are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the
<i>gift </i>of God: not of works, lest any man should boast"
(Eph. 2:8-9). When Apollos had come to Achaia, he "helped them
much which <i>had believed through grace" </i>(Acts 18:27).
"When ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye
received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word
of God, which <i>effectually worketh </i>also in you that believe"
(I Thess. 2:13). "That our God would count you worthy of this
calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness,
and <i>the work of faith with power" </i>(II Thess. 1:11). "And
my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your
faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but <i>in the power of
God" </i>(I Cor. 2:4-5).</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3.
</b>Even though the Scriptures show plainly that true saving faith is
a gift of God, worked in us by the Holy Spirit which comes to us by
grace, yet in no place do they teach that the Holy Spirit believes
FOR US; the Holy Spirit frees our wills and
enables us to believe. Therefore the act of faith, the coming to
Christ as THE OBJECT of our faith, is spoken of in Scripture as the
sinner abandoning all hope in himself to merit salvation, the going
outside of himself to Another for help, and the looking <i>only </i>to
Jesus, the Christ of the Bible Whom he has personally trusted and
obeyed. This is clearly shown in II Tim. 1:12 in these words: "For
I <i>know </i>whom I have believed, and <i>am persuaded </i>that He
is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that
day."</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4.
</b>Saving faith is not an isolated act, but is <i>continuous </i>all
the days of our lives. The Amplified brings this out in such a
blessed way in Rom. 1:17—"For in the Gospel a righteousness
which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading
to faith—disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more
faith. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and
upright shall live, and shall live by faith." The eleventh
chapter of Hebrews tells us that the Old Testament saints were saved
by faith, lived and worked by faith, and died in faith, as does every
soul whom God saves. As it was at conversion, so it is every day of
our lives: the impulse to faith is a felt need, the motion of faith
is always from self to another, and THE OBJECT of faith is always
Christ Himself.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
we came then, empty-handed to receive of Him (John 1:11, 12; Col.
2:6), so we do now. As we came then, hungering and thirsting after
Christ Who is the Water of Life and the Bread of Life (Isa. 55:1;
Matt. 5:6; John 6:35, 50-56; 7:37), so we do now. As we came then,
casting our heavy burden of sin and all of our ways and works upon
Him (Matt. 11:28-30; I Pet. 5:7), so we do now. As we came then,
turning our weary eyes upon Him Who alone could save us, forgive us,
and cleanse us (Isa. 45:22; John 1:29; 3:14-15 with Num. 21:8; Zech.
12:10 & Heb. 12:2), so we do now. As we came then, fleeing to Him
as our Refuge and our Hiding Place (Heb. 6:18), so we do now. As we
came then, to receive all our needs from Him (John 6:35, 37; Phil.
4:19), so we do now. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Surely
the child of God follows the Lamb "whithersoever He goeth"
(Rev. 14:4) all the days of his life.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5.
</b>Therefore, since "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by
the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17), how important it is for us to
heed our blessed Lord's admonition: <i>"Search </i>the
Scriptures... for they testify of me" (John 5:39). "And
beginning at Moses
and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures
the things concerning Himself" (Luke 24:27). Search the
Scriptures, for we find in them the Foundation of our hope: it is the
Word that testifies of Christ and His ability to save.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then,
when we have searched them, how important it is <i>to believe </i>what
we read and the witness God gives of His Son. As I John 5:9-12 tells
us, "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is
greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of
his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in
himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he
believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the
record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in
His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son
of God hath not life."</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
question is asked, "What is the record that God has given us
that testifies of His Son's ability and willingness to save?"
The record we are to believe is that the Lord Jesus Christ <i>came
voluntarily </i>from heaven's heights to earth's depths to
be born of a virgin, to take upon Himself the nature of man, that
through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that
is the devil, that He might deliver them who through the fear of
death were all their lifetime subject to bondage
(Heb. 2:14-15).</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
record we are to believe is that the Lord Jesus Christ <i>emptied
himself </i>so He could manifest the glory of the Father here upon
earth, doing the will of the Father so He might pay our sin-debt in
full by the giving up of Himself upon the cross
as God's Substitute for sinners. It is that He died, the Just for the
unjust, the Godly for the ungodly, the Righteous for the unrighteous,
that He might bring many sons into glory, and by the shedding of His
blood, satisfy God's holy law and justice.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
record we are to believe is that in His death, burial and
resurrection, our blessed Lord has <i>opened the way </i>for poor
sinners to come back to God in repentance and faith, and that God can
be just in justifying every poor sinner who comes unto Him through
Christ.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My
dear friend, my prayer is that as you read the Scriptures, you will
<i>meditate </i>upon them and <i>cry </i>unto the living God of the
Bible that He, by His Spirit, will make the promises, which are
beacons that lead us to Christ, real to your heart, so your faith
will rest in Christ Himself Who is the very life of the promises, the
very marrow and sweetness of the promise, Who alone can be our
Resting Place, our Refuge, our Mediator, our Salvation and our
Standing before God for time and eternity.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Willing
to take the cross was He,</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Willing
to suffer misery,</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Willing
to go to Calvary,</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Laying
His glory aside;</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Willing
to hang there on the tree,</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Willing
to bear the agony,</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Willing
to die for you and me;</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Jesus
the Crucified.</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
—<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">F.
W. Hawkins</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Taken
from the booklet: <i>Christ the Object of True Saving Faith,
</i>available from Chapel Library.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">__________________________________________________________________ </span></span></div>
</div>
Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-84034679116834634522015-07-28T22:25:00.001-04:002015-07-28T22:44:03.161-04:00The Significance of the Church<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h1 class="global">
</h1>
<img alt="John MacArthur" src="http://www.gty.org/media/images/johnatdesk.jpg" style="float: right; height: 216px; padding: 0 0 20px 20px; width: 324px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">From the desk of John MacArthur </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dear Friend,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you hear the word <i>church</i>, what comes to mind? How you answer that question says more about you than you might realize. It speaks volumes about your relationship to the Lord, your understanding of and obedience to Scripture, and how likely you are to effectively fight temptation, grow spiritually, and thrive in the ministry God has given you.</span><br />
<div class="monthly-letter-content" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_SubMain_divContent">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, all Christians have a love for the Bible and a desire to grow. They need pastoral care and counsel. They want biblical support and encouragement. Every true Christian has a God-given love, hunger, and need for divine truth—and a desire to be useful to the Lord.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s just that many people do not connect all that to either the church universal or their own local congregation. They don’t adequately associate their relationship with the Lord, the meeting of their spiritual needs, or the use of their spiritual gifts, with the church.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yet the church is the one institution the Lord promised to build and to bless. An abiding love for His church is a hallmark of true conversion; indifference to the church is tantamount to indifference to the Person and work of Jesus Christ. What’s more, membership and involvement in a local church is inseparable from a Christian’s spiritual health and growth. Scripture knows nothing of a Christian who is not connected to a local congregation, even if the only one available is struggling and weak.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whatever misconceptions there are in this world about the church, and whatever weaknesses exist within the true body, that doesn’t diminish the Savior’s commitment to His bride, nor does it derail His promises. There is no plan B and there are no substitutes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">By God’s design, the church is the center of every believer’s spiritual life. It is where we study, feed, grow, train, correct, comfort, partake in the ordinances, and minister the “one anothers.” The church was given for our protection, instruction, discipline, and equipping. It is lighthouse, greenhouse, hospital, classroom, and crucible. It is not an optional path among many, nor is it merely an aid to our spiritual life—it is central.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a ministry, Grace to You has no delusions about its place in God’s economy. It is not somehow doing what the church cannot, it is not a competitor, and it is not a viable alternative. Grace to You is part of the church, serving you as a way of supporting the church.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">A commitment to the church runs deep in our ministry. Decades ago, Grace to You wrote a purpose statement that spells out our long-term goals and priorities. We refer to it often; we filter decisions through it; we live by it. Every staff member reads the document every year and affirms it by signature. It puts in black and white our relationship to the church.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span>
<br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our role is not to supplant the local church’s ministry, but to support it by providing additional resources for those hungering for the truth of God’s Word. Media ministries can never substitute for involvement in a biblical church, group Bible study, or interaction with a teacher. Yet we sense the need for more in-depth resources, evidenced by the many Christians and Christian leaders worldwide who depend on our ministry to supplement their own study.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">That brings me to your part in the ministry we fulfill. I hope you’re taking full advantage of all we have to offer you: the sermon library, the “Grace to You” broadcasts on radio and television, the GTY blog, the daily devotionals and articles on our website, and all our other resources that exist to strengthen your faith and stimulate your spiritual growth. And know that when you support this ministry, you’re helping extend those same resources to others in your area and beyond.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s a joy and privilege to serve you, and to serve God’s people with you. His richest blessings to you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love in the Truth,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img src="http://www.gty.org/media/images/Signature-John.png" height="41" width="193" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">John MacArthur</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pastor-Teacher</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_SubMain_lblContent">“This article originally appeared<a href="http://www.gty.org/connect/johns-desk"> here</a> at <a href="http://www.gty.org/">Grace to You</a>.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<a href="http://www.gty.org/connect/johns-desk#.Vbg2g0JulaA.blogger"> </a></div>
Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995808954365337364.post-45338630462429388972015-07-21T09:03:00.001-04:002015-07-21T09:03:28.675-04:00Voices from the Past<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">THE
BLOOD OF JESUS: THE FOUNDATION OF OUR PEACE AND JOY</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">William
Reid (1814-1896)</span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">IF
the Holy Ghost be awakening you to a true apprehension of your
danger as a</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> rebel
against God’s authority—a guilty, polluted, hell-deserving
sinner—you</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> must
be in a deeply anxious state of mind, and such questions as these
must be ever
present with you: What must I do to be saved? What is the true
ground of a sinner’s
peace with God? What am I to believe in order to be saved? Well, in
so far as laying the foundation of your reconciliation is concerned,
I wish you to observe that you have nothing to do; for the almighty
Surety of sinners said on Calvary, “It is finished,” (Joh
19:30). Jesus has done all that the holy Jehovah deemed necessary to
be done to insure complete pardon, acceptance, and salvation to all
who believe in His name. If you take Jesus as your Savior, you will
build securely for eternity. “For other foundation can no man lay
than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1Co3:11). He is the
foundation-stone of salvation laid by God Himself, and on His
finished atoning work alone you are instructed to rest the salvation
of your soul, and not on anything accomplished by you, wrought in
you, felt by you, or proceeding from you.</span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
is of the utmost importance to be clear as to the fact that it is
the work of Christ</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> without
you, and not the work of the Spirit within you, that must form the
sole ground
of your deliverance from guilt and wrath, and of peace with God. You
must beware of resting your peace on your feelings, convictions,
tears, repentance, prayers, duties, or resolutions. You must begin
with receiving Christ, and not make that the termination of a course
of fancied preparation. Christ must be the Alpha and Omega. He must
be everything in our salvation, or He will be nothing. Beware lest
you fall into the common mistake of supposing that you will be more
welcome and accepted of Christ if you are brought through a terrible
process of “law-work.” You are as welcome to Christ now as you
will ever be. Wait not for deeper convictions of sin, for why should
you prefer conviction to Christ? And you would not have one iota
more safety though you had deeper convictions of sin than any sinner
ever had. Convictions of sin are precious; but they bring no safety,
no peace, no salvation, no security; but war, and storm, and
trouble. It is well to be awakened from sleep when danger is hanging
over us; but to awake from sleep is not to escape from danger. It is
only to be sensible of danger, nothing more.</span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
like manner, to be convinced of your sins is merely to be made
sensible that</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> your
soul is in danger. It is no more. It is not deliverance. Of itself,
it can bring no deliverance;
it tells of no Savior. It merely tells us that we need one. Yet
there are</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">many
who, when they have had deep convictions of sin, strong terrors of
the law, congratulate themselves as if all were well. They say, “Ah,
I have been convinced of sin; I have been under terrors; it is well
with me; I am safe.” Well with you? Safe? Is it well with the
seaman when he awakes and finds his vessel going to pieces upon the
rocks amid the fury of the whelming surge? Is it well with the
sleeper when he awakes at midnight amid the flames of his dwelling?
Does he say, “Ah, it is well with me; I have seen the flames?” In
this way sinners are not infrequently led to be content with some
resting-place short of the appointed one. Anxiety to have deep
convictions, and contentment with them after they have been
experienced, are too often the means which Satan uses for turning
away the sinner’s eye from the perfect work of Jesus, Who Himself
bore our sins in His own body on the tree. Our peace with God, our
forgiveness, our reconciliation, flow wholly from the sin-atoning
sacrifice of Jesus. </span></span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Behold,
then, O Spirit-convinced soul, the Lamb of God that taketh away the
sin of the world! In His death upon the cross, behold the Lamb of God
that taketh away the sin of the world! In His death upon the cross,
behold the mighty sacrifice, the ransom for the sins of many! See
there the sum of all His obedience and sufferings! Behold the
finished work—a work of stupendous magnitude, which He alone could
have undertaken and accomplished! Behold our sacrifice, our finished
sacrifice, our perfected redemption, the sole foundation of our
peace, and hope, and joy. “He his own self bare our sins in his own
body on the tree” (1Pe 2:24). It is not said that our duties, or
our prayers, or our fastings, or our convictions of sin, or our
repentance, or our honest life, or our alms deeds, or our faith, or
our grace—it is not said that these bore our sins; it was Jesus,
Jesus Himself, Jesus alone, Jesus, and none but Jesus, bore our sins
in His own body on the tree. Rest, then, in nothing short of peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Christ
has done the mighty work; Nothing left for us to do,</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
to enter on His toil, Enter on His triumph too.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His
the labor, ours the rest; His the death, and ours the life;</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ours
the fruits of victory, His the agony and strife.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>From
The Blood of Jesus; booklet available from CHAPEL LIBRARY
(www.chapellibrary.org)</i></span></span></div>
</div>
Patrick Eakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08212734790604941080noreply@blogger.com0