|
21
on: April 17, 2019, 03:47:21 PM
|
|
Started by nChrist - Last post by nChrist
|
_______________________________________________
Two Minutes With The Bible
From The Berean Bible Society
Free Email Subscription
For Questions Or Comments: berean@execpc.com
_______________________________________________
The God of All Comfort
by Pastor Paul M. Sadler
(An excerpt from Revelation Volume 3 by Paul M. Sadler)
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God" (2 Cor. 1:3,4).
Whatever trials and sorrows you may encounter in life, God wants you to know that He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. But exactly how does the Lord comfort us in our time of need? He does so in unique ways in this administration of Grace.
It is comforting to know that, because we have a personal relationship with Christ, we can speak with our heavenly Father about all the things that are on our hearts. Prayer is communication with God. It's the channel through which the finite has access to the infinite. Having been accepted in God's beloved Son, we have access to talk with God at any time. Moreover, when we meditate on the Scriptures, God often comforts us through His written Word.
Oftentimes, the Lord consoles us by bringing someone into our lives to encourage us. Many times it is a believer who has experienced the same adversity that we are facing. The world can be unmerciful in its attacks when we faithfully stand for the truth. This accounts for some of the sufferings we endure for the cause of Christ.
Then there are those occasions when we are comforted by the arrival of good news. Perhaps it takes the form of diagnostic tests that come back negative, or an answer to prayer.
It is also comforting to know that the Lord's people are keeping us before the throne of Grace in our hour of need. It's reassuring to realize that we do not need to bear our burdens alone.
When finally we are delivered from our affliction, whatever form it may take, we are given a very special ministry by God. We are now in the position to comfort those who are hurting. The Lord doesn't comfort us merely to be comfortable, but that we might also comfort others. Having passed through affliction ourselves, we are able to relate better to what someone else is facing.
I remember making a hospital visit when one of the brethren from our local assembly stopped by. During the course of the conversation, he shared how, years earlier, he had had the same surgery that the one we were visiting was going to have. Almost immediately he had the patient's undivided attention. Nothing I would've said could have ministered more effectively than the testimony of that dear brother in Christ.
Consider for a moment the greatness of God. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things in heaven and earth. When we peer into the night sky, we see His handiwork; the heavens are immense and reflect His glory (Psa. 19:1). The galaxies of stars that dot the heavens, He created and gave each of them a name. Such power and knowledge, as David said, is beyond our comprehension (Psa. 139:1-6; 147:5). But this same God, who is above all, has taken a personal interest in you and me (Psa. 8:4). That's grace!
Like the weaver who weaves a beautiful tapestry, God is methodically creating for the Church today an image of His divine purpose. Because we are currently on the wrong side of eternity, things can be difficult to understand. But soon all things will be made clear when we are caught up into the glory of His presence and see the finished tapestry of His grace. |
|
|
22
on: April 17, 2019, 03:43:38 PM
|
|
Started by nChrist - Last post by nChrist
|
Devils in their homes!
(Thomas Brooks, "A Cabinet of Choice Jewels" 1669)
A true Christian will endeavor to obey God in home duties. He will not only attend church, and pray, and read Scripture, and meditate, and fast--but he will labor to be godly in domestic relationships.
Remember this forever: What a man is at home--that he is in reality before God. Many make a great profession, and have great abilities and gifts, and can discourse well on any pious subject--whose homes are not little Heavens, but little Hells! Some are very much like . . .
angels in public,
saints in the church, and
devils in their homes!
Domestic graces and duties better demonstrate true piety and godliness, than public or general duties do. For pride, reputation, love of praise, and a hundred other carnal ulterior motives--may cause a man to shine in the general duties of religion. But it argues both heart-sincerity and strength of grace, to be diligent and conscientious in the discharge of domestic duties.
This is the true reason why the apostles in their epistles so frequently, so earnestly, and so strongly, by variety of motives--press Christians to the performance of their home duties.
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." Colossians 3:20 |
|
|
23
on: April 17, 2019, 03:37:51 PM
|
|
Started by nChrist - Last post by nChrist
|
________________________________
The Patriot Post Digest 4-17-2019
From The Federalist Patriot
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________
TERRORISTS EXPLOIT OUR BORDERS: “According to a report from an organization that focuses on the problems with immigration, both legal and illegal, more than 10,000 illegal immigrants in the United States come from nations designated as terror sponsors. … The report quoted ICE Director Thomas Homan expressing his concern, asserting, ‘My biggest concern isn’t how many terrorists have been arrested entering the country illegally, but how many got through? How many did Border Patrol not catch? That’s what Americans should be thinking about.’” (The Daily Wire22)
CRIMINAL-DEPORTATION STATS: “The Trump administration seized and deported some 145,095 criminal illegal immigrants inside the United States in 2017-2018, about 1.2% of the overall population of 11.3 million illegal immigrants, according to new federal statistics. Some 77,858 were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials under the Secure Communities program and deported in fiscal 2018, nearly a third in Texas. Another 67,237 were arrested in communities and their homes in 2017 through May 2018.” (Washington Examiner23)
NOTRE DAME UPDATE: “Nearly $1 billion in donations have poured in for the vast restoration of the fire-ravaged Notre Dame cathedral24 — but a pledge by French President Emmanuel Macron that it will be completed within five years was facing accusations of being wildly off track. Macron said the renovations to restore iconic 19th century spire, vaulting and two-thirds of the cathedral’s roof would be completed in time for the Paris 2024 Olympics. ‘We will rebuild the cathedral to be even more beautiful and I want it to be finished within five years,’ Macron said. Experts have said, however, that the ambitious timeline appears insufficient for such a massive operation.” (Associated Press25)
PLANNED PARENTHOOD COERCION: “In a case that actually began a few years ago, the California Department of Managed Health Care began forcing religious organizations to pay for elective abortions in their health insurance plans through a seemingly innocuous mandate. The churches sued for their right to remain exempt from providing abortions, something that does not align with their religious conscience, and have been in litigation ever since. Now new emails, revealed in discovery, show that California actually mandated this coverage at Planned Parenthood’s bidding and targeted religious organizations on purpose.” (Washington Examiner26)
UAW IN THE CROSSHAIRS: “A labor watchdog is making the United Auto Workers’ bribery scandal the centerpiece of its campaign urging workers to reject unionization. The UAW is attempting to gain a foothold in right-to-work Tennessee, pushing to organize a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga that rejected a previous union vote. The election will take place just weeks after a top union official pleaded guilty for his role in a bribery scandal at Chrysler. The Center for Union Facts has made it a priority to inform workers of corruption ahead of the vote.” (The Washington Free Beacon27)
JUSTICE IN GOFUNDME SCAM: “Three days after a homeless veteran was sentenced for his role in a GoFundMe campaign that netted $402,706 and defrauded donors with a fake Good Samaritan tale, Katelyn McClure appeared before the same judge in Superior Court in Mount Holly to admit her role in a conspiracy that preyed on people’s sympathies. McClure, 29, of Bordentown, pleaded guilty Monday before Judge Christopher Garrenger as part of an agreement that calls for her to face a four-year prison term.” (The Philadelphia Inquirer28)
HUMOR: Amid criticism, Bernie Sanders vows to be more generous with your money in the future (The Babylon Bee29)
POLICY: Answers to four big questions about sending illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities (The Daily Signal30)
POLICY: Facebook tells us why net-neutrality regulation is a bad idea (American Enterprise Institute31)
For more of today’s editors’ choice headlines, visit In Our Sights32.
https://patriotpost.us/articles/62454-wednesday-top-news-executive-summary
OPINION IN BRIEF
Ben Shapiro: “[Rep. Ilhan] Omar isn’t a victim because she’s being criticized. And speech isn’t incitement. Sen. Bernie Sanders wasn’t responsible for the congressional baseball game shooting. Former President Barack Obama wasn’t responsible for the Dallas police shooting. And Trump isn’t responsible for those who send Omar death threats. He’s responsible for criticizing her — rightly, in this case. Democrats who hide behind the charge of incitement are simply attempting to quash debate. And that’s far more dangerous for the future of America than criticizing a radical politician.”
SHORT CUTS
Friendly fire: “What we’re saying is, have a message that appeals to people in a way that does not menace them — that really does address their concerns. When we win and we have the White House and we have that, then we can expand our exuberances to some other things.” —House Speaker Nancy Pelosi when asked about the “exuberance” of Democrats advocating socialism
Belly laugh of the week: “We have no taint of [anti-Semitism] in the Democratic Party, and just because they want to accuse somebody of that doesn’t mean … that we take that bait.” —Nancy Pelosi
Braying Jackass: “One of the ugly aftermaths of 9/11 that is too often ignored is the codified profiling of Muslim-Americans solely bc of their faith … to fear and suspect all Muslims due to the actions of terrorists is bigotry. Plain & simple.” —Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez responding to the criticism of Rep. Ilhan Omar’s classification of the 9/11 Islamist attack33 as “some people did something” (“You are absolutely clueless when it comes to national security. I am a Muslim Imam, citizen of Australia/Iraq/Iran, and I enter the US without any problems; because I do so legally by declaring all my identities. Border Force don’t care about religion, they care about intentions.” —Imam Mohamad Tiwhidi)
Alpha Jackass: “Deep skepticism exists about the gov’t version of 9/11. Many experts — architects & engineers — say the World Trade Center Towers were destroyed in a controlled demolition.” —Nation of Islam Research Group, which in the same tweet claimed, “3,133 Scientists Back Ilhan Omar on 9/11.”
Non sequitur: “I think the reason we’re having this argument over socialism and capitalism is that capitalism has let a lot of people down.” —Mayor Pete Buttigieg (And socialism — or even “democratic capitalism,” the so-called system that Buttigieg clings to — lets everyone down.)
And last… “When you hear people criticizing Attorney General Barr, check and see how they reacted to Michael Avenatti. That will give you an idea how seriously to take them as judges of lawyers and the law.” —Brit Hume
https://patriotpost.us/articles/62451-wednesday-short-cuts
Join our editors and staff in daily prayer for our Patriots in uniform — Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen — standing in harm’s way in defense of Liberty, and for their families. We also humbly ask prayer for your Patriot team, that our mission would seed and encourage the spirit of Liberty in the hearts and minds of our countrymen.
Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis
Nate Jackson, Managing Editor
Mark Alexander, Publisher |
|
|
24
on: April 17, 2019, 03:36:20 PM
|
|
Started by nChrist - Last post by nChrist
|
________________________________
The Patriot Post Digest 4-17-2019
From The Federalist Patriot
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________
The Patriot Post® · Mid-Day Digest
Apr. 17, 2019
https://patriotpost.us/digests/62457-mid-day-digest
THE FOUNDATION
“Sometimes it is said that man can not be trusted with government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others?” —Thomas Jefferson (1801)
https://patriotpost.us/fqd/62456-founders-quote-daily
IN TODAY’S EDITION
Pelosi is dealing with a rising civil war in the Democrat Party.1
Bernie will only pay what the tax law says, not what he recommends.2
Daily Features: More Analysis3, Columnists4, Headlines5, Opinion in Brief6, Short Cuts7, Memes8, and Cartoons9.
IN BRIEF
Dems Are Approaching Civil War10
A Harvard CAPS/Harris poll from February found that 64% of registered voters believe the Democrat Party supports socialism. That statistic is not surprising given the hard-leftist course Barack Obama set for the party. That leftist course has only become more extreme as Democrats seek to further the resistance against the bombastic and yet unapologetically pro-American President Donald Trump.
The Democrat victory in 2018, winning control of the House, seemed to verify their belief that Americans favored their extreme leftist agenda. This victory included a new freshman class of radical leftist ideologues, chomping at the bit to enact “real” social change. But the politically savvy veteran House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has repeatedly asserted her authority over these young firebrands, trying to whip them into line to keep a united front aimed at obstructing Trump. However, these young leftist zealots have refused to back off their “revolution.” And that’s a problem for Democrats, as socialism is still not favored by the majority of Americans.
As a result, a civil war is brewing within the Democrat Party. It’s a war Pelosi is more and more forcefully attempting to quell. Specifically, Pelosi has recognized that these young leftists are alienating moderate voters, which Democrats cannot lose if they have any hope of winning in 2020. Hence, Pelosi’s recent comments when she was asked about the “exuberance” of Democrats advocating socialism: “What we’re saying is, have a message that appeals to people in a way that does not menace them — that really does address their concerns. When we win and we have the White House and we have that, then we can expand our exuberances to some other things.”
When asked about the more exuberant, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pelosi responded that they won in “districts that are solidly Democratic.” To drive home the point, she picked up a glass of water and stated, “This glass of water would win with a ‘D’ next to its name in those districts. … Not to diminish the personality and the exuberance of the rest of Alexandria and the members…”
A day earlier, when asked in a “60 Minutes” interview about “AOC and her group on one side,” Pelosi attempted to downplay the radical leftist presence and influence within the party, asserting, “That’s like five people.” In reality, the leftist House Progressive Caucus includes more than 90 Democrat representatives — some 41% of the House Democrat membership.
Insisting that she rejects socialism, Pelosi declared, “That is not the view of the Democrat Party.” But as the previously mentioned poll found, Democrat voters are evenly divided — 51% to 49% — when asked about their preference for capitalism or socialism. And the party’s 2020 presidential contenders back Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, punitive wealth taxes, and the like, all after the socialist scams of ObamaCare and Dodd-Frank. In other words, Pelosi’s fight is not merely against “five people” but half her party, and proud socialists like AOC aren’t about to play nice about that fact, either.
https://patriotpost.us/articles/62455-dems-are-approaching-civil-war
Sanders ‘Paid the Taxes I Owe,’ Not Rate He Demands11
Nobody likes paying taxes, even the socialist and current front-running Democrat presidential candidate Bernie Sanders12. Sanders appeared Monday on a Fox News town hall in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where host Bret Baier asked him why he personally filed taxes using the lower Republican tax rates that he had voted against. After all, Sanders regularly and repeatedly derides wealthy Americans for “not paying their fair share.” Sanders, the socialist that capitalism made a millionaire13, clearly felt the burn of his hypocrisy being exposed. He responded smugly, “Pfft… Come on. … I am — I paid the taxes that I owe. … Why don’t you get Donald Trump up here and ask him how much he pays in taxes?”
But that wasn’t the end of Sanders being challenged over his failure to live up to his own leftist “tax the wealthy” mantra. Baier’s cohost, Martha MacCallum, came back to the issue, asking Sanders if he would be willing to abide by his call for a 52% tax on the wealthy and voluntarily give it up to the government. Rejecting the notion, Sanders argued, “You can volunteer, too. … Martha, why don’t you give? You make more money than I do.” But MacCallum quickly countered, “I didn’t suggest a wealth tax.” And Baier astutely added, “And she’s not running for president.”
Like many politicians, Sanders talks a big game, while at the same time being unwilling to live by his own loudly proclaimed principles. This gross hypocrisy is especially true for proponents of big-government solutions — the snake-oil salesmen of the political world.
A final note: Sanders gave just 3% of his income to charity in 2017. Where Bernie really wants to be “generous” is with your money.
https://patriotpost.us/articles/62435-sanders-paid-the-taxes-i-owe-not-rate-he-demands
ON OUR WEBSITE TODAY
Featured Analysis: Dems Enraged at Trump’s Plan to Send Illegals to Sanctuary Cities14 — Regardless of whether this threat is enacted, it exposes the Left’s rank hypocrisy.
Keep the Coast Guard Close to Home15 — While the Navy is short on ships, a USCG cutter is in the Taiwan Strait for exercises.
Grassroots Perspective: Political Schizophrenia16 — The black community votes for the very platform, policies, and political party abusing it.
Video: Greetings From the Sanctuary State17 — Wonderful people on one hand, and criminal resource hogs on the other.
Video: Jobless Claims Plunge Near 50-Year Low18 — GOP tax cuts spark an economic recovery. Democrats are hardest hit.
TOP NEWS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TRUMP VETO: “President Trump on Tuesday vetoed a joint resolution calling on the U.S. to end military assistance to Saudi-led forces fighting in Yemen’s ongoing civil war, calling it ‘an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities, endangering the lives of American citizens and brave service members, both today and in the future.’ It was just the second veto of Trump’s presidency and Congress lacks the votes to override him.” (Fox News20)
YUMA UNDER SIEGE: “Yuma, a city on the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona, declared a state of emergency Tuesday, saying it cannot handle the crush of illegal immigrants the government is being forced to release onto its streets. Mayor Douglas Nicholls said the migrants are being released by the Border Patrol into his community faster than they can leave, and local shelters are already at capacity. He warned of mobs of people ‘roaming the streets looking to satisfy basic human needs,’ clashing with citizens looking to protect their own property.” (The Washington Times21) |
|
|
25
on: April 17, 2019, 03:33:49 PM
|
|
Started by nChrist - Last post by nChrist
|
________________________________
The Patriot Post - Alexander's Column 4-17-2019
From The Federalist Patriot
Free Email Subscription
_______________________________
The Patriot Post® · Democrat Party Socialists Are a Threat to Freedom
By Mark Alexander · Apr. 17, 2019 · https://patriotpost.us/alexander/62461-democrat-party-socialists-are-a-threat-to-freedom
“Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition.” —Thomas Jefferson (1781)
Editor’s Note: Mark Alexander has a family commitment today, so standing in for him is his friend Mark Green, U.S. representative from Tennessee’s 7th congressional district. A former Army special operations flight surgeon, Rep. Green offers some timely perspective on the emerging Democrat Party socialists1. His perspective is that of an American Patriot who has put his life on the line2 in defense of Liberty and has honored his oath “to support and defend3” our Constitution — an oath too often ignored by those in the Beltway political class.
On a December night in 2003, as the emergency medicine physician assigned to an elite special operations team, I had the unique opportunity to interview Saddam Hussein on the night of his capture.
Over the course of almost six hours with the reviled dictator, I was reminded of Lord Acton’s old adage, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” It’s hard to imagine what has to happen in a man’s heart to blacken it to the extent of Saddam Hussein’s. However, a clear contributor was the lack of accountability, or as our Founders put it, checks and balances. Without that system, freedom was only a dream in Saddam’s Iraq.
The idea that is America centers on that word: freedom. Our Founding Fathers understood that with freedom, citizens are released to innovate, create, and expand prosperity greater than any other form of government. Influenced by the French philosopher Montesquieu, our Founders built a government where power was dispersed as much as humanly possible — a government where one person could operate independently of the other.
Thus, we have three equal but separate branches of government. Perhaps more importantly, we have some power enumerated in the Constitution set aside for a federal government, with the remaining powers divested to the states. With the freedom that resulted from this arrangement, Americans have created a prosperity unprecedented in human history.
Today, however, that freedom — and the system that ensures it — is under massive attack. Socialism is a system of government where power shifts from the people to a monolithic, centralized bureaucracy that promises to take care of its citizens equally. It is a system that ignores the diversity of the population and administers blanket, one-size-fits-all solutions to every problem in life.
Rather than self-organizing, socialism offers a direct and complete relationship between the individual and the federal government. And more consequentially, it concentrates power in the hands of a few elites.
Leftists are openly supporting socialism. With their “Medicare for All” plan, the federal government takes control of all health care away from the states. Power is concentrated, and freedom in the health care markets and freedom of choice are lost. The proposed Green New Deal seizes control of state and local government housing and building codes, and worse, a version of the plan even pays people unwilling to work a salary, gives them a home, free health care, and education.
Perhaps, in the future, your freedom to take a vacation will be lost to a tax that allows someone else to sit at home. The vacation you worked hard for has to wait. Socialism is freedom lost.
In what she hopes will be her crowning achievement, Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced House Resolution 1 on the day the 116th Congress gaveled into session.
Usually the majority party makes whatever bill they introduce as HR-1 their priority initiative. The Democrats HR-1 legislation4 for the 116th Congress, is an exceptionally dangerous measure to seize control of state elections, telling states they essentially have to conduct their elections in the same fraudulent manner as California. So much for federalism, as states lose the freedom to run their own elections.
Some might argue that as power is shifted to Washington and further concentrated there, benevolent leaders will provide better care for the American people. Assuming for the moment that our current leaders truly are benevolent, history has shown us repeatedly that without the dispersed power outlined above, tyranny is the eventual and inevitable result. And the road that tyranny leads down is dire.
We needn’t look far for a modern-day example of such tyranny. To our south, in the once-prosperous oil-rich country of Venezuela, we just saw its president block relief supplies from entering the country while protesters were shot.
Concentrating power into fewer and fewer hands leads to tyranny. And absolute power corrupts absolutely.
As it concentrates power into the hands of fewer and fewer people, it’s time we see socialism for what it is: a threat to the founding principles of this nation, a threat to freedom.
(A version of this op/ed also appeared in The Tennessean.)
Fellow Patriots: Friday is the deadline to meet The Patriot Post’s 2019 Patriots’ Day Campaign goal, and we need your help. Now in our 23rd year, The Patriot Post is the Web’s most influential grassroots journal dedicated to the preservation of Liberty. And the voluntary generosity of Patriots like you has made it possible. Please support our 2019 Patriots’ Day Campaign today — any amount, large or small, makes a difference!
Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis
Pro Deo et Libertate — 1776 |
|
|
26
on: April 17, 2019, 09:35:50 AM
|
|
Started by Soldier4Christ - Last post by Soldier4Christ
|
|
Christ Our Passover
“And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:13)
The Jews of the world have been keeping their annual Feast of the Passover for almost 3,500 years, fulfilling the ancient prophecy: “And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever” (Exodus 12:24). This was the beginning of the nation of Israel, when they left Egyptian slavery behind and started their trek to the Promised Land. The lamb had been slain and eaten, its blood placed on the door posts, and the Lord had spared all their firstborn sons when the Destroyer passed through the land of Egypt.
The feast was intended not only to memorialize the ancient deliverance, but also to anticipate the coming day when the “Lamb of God” would take “away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The night before Christ was crucified, He told His disciples, “With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God” (Luke 22:15-16).
Thereupon, the Lord established His Supper, which Christians will continue to observe to “shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26). He fulfilled all that the Passover prophesied when He shed His blood on the cross, “for even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, . . . with . . . sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).
Now we look forward to an even greater supper when Christ returns, for the promise is this to all who believe: “Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). HMM
|
|
|
27
on: April 16, 2019, 04:19:32 PM
|
|
Started by nChrist - Last post by nChrist
|
__________________________________________
From Grace Gems - Free and Public Domain:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
http://www.gracegems.org/19/literature.htm
___________________________________________
THE SCRIPTURES AND THE WORLD
Arthur Pink, 1932
4. We profit from the Word when our hearts are weaned from it. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world" (1 John 2:15). "What the stumbling-block is to the traveler in the way, the weight to the runner, the lime twigs to the bird in its flight, so is the love of the world to a Christian in his course—either wholly diverting him from, greatly enticing him in, or forcibly turning him out of it" (Nathaniel Hardy, 1660). The truth is that until the heart is purged from this corruption the ear will be deaf to Divine instruction. Not until we are lifted above the things of time and sense can we be subdued unto obedience to God. Heavenly truth glides off a carnal mind as water from a spherical body.
The world has turned its back upon Christ, and though His name is professed in many places, yet will it have nothing to do with Him. All the desires and designs of worldlings are for the gratification of self. Let their aims and pursuits be as varied as they may, self being supreme, everything is subordinated to the pleasing of self. Now Christians are in the world, and cannot get out of it; they have to live their Lord’s appointed time in it. While here they have to earn their living, support their families, and attend to their worldly business. But they are forbidden to love the world, as though it could make them happy. Their "treasure" and "portion" are to be found elsewhere.
The world appeals to every instinct of fallen man. It contains a thousand objects to charm him: they attract his attention, the attention creates a desire for and love of them, and insensibly yet surely they make deeper and deeper impressions on his heart. It has the same fatal influence on all classes. But attractive and appealing as its varied objects may be, all the pursuits and pleasures of the world are designed and adapted to promote the happiness of this life only therefore, "What shall it profit a man if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" The Christian is taught by the Spirit, and through His presenting of Christ to the soul his thoughts are diverted from the world. Just as a little child will readily drop a dirty object when something more pleasing is offered to it, so the heart which is in communion with God will say, "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord... and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ" (Phil. 3:8).
5. We profit from the Word when we walk in separation from the world. "Know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (James 4:4). Such a verse as this ought to search every one of us through and through, and make us tremble. How can I fraternize with or seek my pleasure in that which condemned the Son of God? If I do, that at once identifies me with His enemies. Oh, my reader, make no mistake upon this point. It is written, "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15).
Of old it was said of the people of God that they "shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations" (Num. 23:9). Surely the disparity of character and conduct, the desires and pursuits, which distinguish the regenerate from the unregenerate must separate the one from the other. We who profess to have our citizenship in another world, to be guided by another Spirit, to be directed by another rule, and to be journeying to another country, cannot go arm in arm with those who despise all such things! Then let everything in and about us exhibit the character of Christian pilgrims. May we indeed be "men wondered at" (Zech. 3:8) because "not conformed to this world" (Rom. 12:2).
6. We profit from the Word when we evoke the hatred of the world. What pains are taken in the world to save appearances and keep up a seemly and good state! Its conventionalities and civilities, its courtesies and charities, are so many contrivances to give an air of respectability to it. So too its churches and cathedrals, its priests and prelates, are needed to gloss over the corruption which seethes beneath the surface. And to make good weight "Christianity" is added, and the holy name of Christ is taken upon the lips by thousands who have never taken His "yoke" upon them. Of them God says, "This people draws near unto me with their mouth and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me" (Matt. 15:8).
And what is to be the attitude of all real Christians toward such? The answer of Scripture is plain: "From such turn away" (2 Tim. 3:5), "Come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord" (2 Cor. 6:17). And what will follow when this Divine command is obeyed? Why, then we shall prove the truth of those words of Christ: "If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you (John 15:19). Which "world" is specifically in view here? Let the previous verse answer: "If the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you."
What "world" hated Christ and hounded Him to death? The religious world, those who pretended to be most zealous for God’s glory. So it is now. Let the Christian turn his back upon a Christ—dishonoring Christendom, and his fiercest foes and most relentless and unscrupulous enemies will be those who claim to be Christians themselves! But "Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you ... for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad" (Matt. 5:11,12). Ah, my brother, it is a healthy sign, a sure mark that you are profiting from the Word, when the religious world hates you. But if, on the other hand, you still have a "good standing" in the "churches" or "assemblies" there is grave reason to fear that you love the praise of men more than that of God!
7. We profit from the Word when we are elevated above the world. First, above its customs and fashions. The worldling is a slave to the prevailing habits and styles of the day. Not so the one who is walking with God: his chief concern is to be "conformed to the image of his Son." Second, above its cares and sorrows: of old it was said of the saints that they took joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing that they had "in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (Heb. 10:34). Third, above its temptations: what attraction has the glare and glitter of the world for those who are "delighting themselves in the Lord?" None whatever! Fourth, above its opinions and approvals. Have you learned to be independent of and defy the world? If your whole heart is set upon pleasing God, you will be quite unconcerned about the frowns of the godless.
Now, my reader, do you really wish to measure yourself by the contents of this chapter? Then seek honest answers to the following questions. First, what are the objects before your mind in times of recreation? What do your thoughts most run upon? Second, what are the objects of your choice? When you have to decide how to spend an evening or the Sabbath afternoon, what do you select? Third, which occasions you the most sorrow, the loss of earthly things, or lack of communion with God? Which causes greater grief (or chagrin), the spoiling of your plans, or the coldness of your heart to Christ? Fourth, what is your favorite topic of conversation? Do you hanker after the news of the day, or to meet with those who talk of the "altogether lovely" One? Fifth, do your "good intentions" materialize, or are they nothing but empty dreams? Are you spending more or less time than formerly on your knees? Is the Word sweeter to your taste, or has your soul lost its relish for it? |
|
|
28
on: April 16, 2019, 04:17:32 PM
|
|
Started by nChrist - Last post by nChrist
|
__________________________________________
From Grace Gems - Free and Public Domain:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
http://www.gracegems.org/19/literature.htm
___________________________________________
THE SCRIPTURES AND THE WORLD
Arthur Pink, 1932
Not a little is written to the Christian in the New Testament about "the world" and his attitude towards it. Its real nature is plainly defined, and the believer is solemnly warned against it. God’s holy Word is a light from heaven, shining here "in a dark place" (2 Pet. 1:19). Its Divine rays exhibit things in their true colors, penetrating and exposing the false veneer and glamour by which many objects are cloaked. That world upon which so much labor is bestowed and money spent, and which is so highly extolled and admired by its blinded dupes, is declared to be "the enemy of God"; therefore are His children forbidden to be "conformed" to it and to have their affections set upon it.
The present phase of our subject is by no means the least important of those that we have set out to consider, and the serious reader will do well to seek Divine grace to measure himself or herself by it. One of the exhortations which God has addressed to His children runs, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2), and it behooves each one of them honestly and diligently to examine himself so as to discover whether or not this be the case with him. Nor are we to be content with an increase of mere head-knowledge of Scripture: what we need to be most concerned about is our practical growth, our experimental conformity to the image of Christ. And one point at which we may test ourselves is, Does my reading and study of God’s Word make me less worldly?
1. We profit from the Word when our eyes are opened to discern the true character of the world. One of the poets wrote, "God’s in His heaven—all’s right with the world". From one standpoint that is blessedly true, but from another it is radically wrong, for "the whole world lies in wickedness" (1 John 5:19). But it is only as the heart is supernaturally enlightened by the Holy Spirit that we are enabled to perceive that that which is highly esteemed among men is really "abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15). It is much to be thankful for when the soul is able to see that the "world" is a gigantic fraud, a hollow bauble, a vile thing, which must one day be burned up.
Before we go further, let us define that "world" which the Christian is forbidden to love. There are few words found upon the pages of Holy Writ used with a greater variety of meanings than this one. Yet careful attention to the context will usually determine its scope. The "world" is a system or order of things, complete in itself. No foreign element is suffered to intrude, or if it does it is speedily accommodated or assimilated to itself. The "world" is fallen human nature acting itself out in the human family, fashioning the framework of human society in accord with its own tendencies. It is the organized kingdom of the "carnal mind" which is "enmity against God" and which is "not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Rom. 8:7). Wherever the "carnal mind" is, there is "the world"; so that worldliness is the world without God.
2. We profit from the Word when we learn that the world is an enemy to be resisted and overcome. The Christian is bidden to "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12), which implies that there are foes to be met and vanquished. As there is the Holy Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—so also is there an evil trinity—the flesh, the world, and the Devil. The child of God is called to engage in a mortal combat with them; "mortal", we say, for either they will destroy him or he will get the victory over them. Settle it, then, in your mind, my reader, that the world is a deadly enemy, and if you do not vanquish it in your heart then you are no child of God, for it is written "Whatever is born of God overcomes the world" (1 John 5:4).
Out of many, the following reasons may be given as to why the world must be "overcome." First, all its alluring objects tend to divert the attention and alienate the affections of the soul from God. Necessarily so, for it is the tendency of things seen to turn the heart away from things unseen. Second, the spirit of the world is diametrically opposed to the Spirit of Christ; therefore did the apostle write, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God" (1 Cor. 2:12). The Son of God came into the world, but "the world knew him not" (John 1:10); therefore did its "princes" and rulers crucify Him (1 Cor. 2:8). Third, its concerns and cares are hostile to a devout and heavenly life. Christians, like the rest of mankind, are required by God to labor six days in the week; but while so employed they need to be constantly on their guard, lest covetous interests govern them rather than the performance of duty.
"This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4). Nothing but a God-given faith can overcome the world. But as the heart is occupied with invisible yet eternal realities, it is delivered from the corrupting influence of worldly objects. The eyes of faith discern the things of sense in their real colors, and see that they are empty and vain, and not worthy to be compared with the great and glorious objects of eternity. A felt sense of the perfections and presence of God makes the world appear less than nothing. When the Christian views the Divine Redeemer dying for his sins, living to intercede for his perseverance, reigning and overruling things for his final salvation, he exclaims, "There is none upon earth that I desire beside you."
And how is it with you as you read these lines? You may cordially assent to what has just been said in the last paragraph, but how is it with you actually? Do the things which are so highly valued by the unregenerate charm and enthral you? Take away from the worldling those things in which he delights, and he is wretched: is this so with you? Or, are your present joy and satisfaction found in objects which can never be taken from you? Treat not these questions lightly, we beseech you, but ponder them seriously in the presence of God. The honest answer to them will be an index to the real state of your soul, and will indicate whether or not you are deceived in supposing yourself to be "a new creature in Christ Jesus."
3. We profit from the Word when we learn that Christ died to deliver us from "this present evil world" (Gal. 1:4). The Son of God came here, not only to "fulfill" the requirements of the law (Matt. 5:17), to "destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8), to deliver us "from the wrath to come" (1 Thess. 1:10), to save us from our sins (Matt. 1:21), but also to free us from the bondage of this world, to deliver the soul from its enthralling influence. This was foreshadowed of old in God’s dealings with Israel. They were slaves in Egypt, and "Egypt" is a figure of the world. They were in cruel bondage, spending their time in making bricks for Pharaoh. They were unable to free themselves. But Jehovah, by His mighty power, emancipated them, and brought them forth out of the "iron furnace." Thus does Christ with His own. He breaks the power of the world over their hearts. He makes them independent of it, that they neither court its favors nor fear its frowns.
Christ gave Himself a sacrifice for the sins of His people that, in consequence thereof, they might be delivered from the damning power and governing influence of all that is evil in this present world: from Satan, who is its prince; from the lusts which predominate in it; from the vain conversation of the men who belong to it. And the Holy Spirit indwelling the saints co-operates with Christ in this blessed work. He turns their thoughts and affections away from earthly things to heavenly. By the working of His power, lie frees them from the demoralizing influence which surrounds them, and conforms them to the heavenly standard. And as the Christian grows in grace he recognizes this, and acts accordingly. He seeks yet fuller deliverance from this "present evil world," and begs God to free him from it completely. That which once charmed him now nauseates. He longs for the time when he shall be taken out of this scene where his blessed Lord is so grievously dishonored. |
|
|
29
on: April 16, 2019, 04:15:40 PM
|
|
Started by nChrist - Last post by nChrist
|
_______________________________________________
Two Minutes With The Bible
From The Berean Bible Society
Free Email Subscription
For Questions Or Comments: berean@execpc.com
_______________________________________________
Washed, Sanctified And Justified
by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam
“And such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (I Cor. 6:11).
The preceding verses of I Cor. 6 contain a long list of vile sins and vices into which men have fallen, and the Apostle adds:
“And such were some of you.” God’s Church is not made up of “good people” who have never fallen into sin. It is rather made up of sinners, saved by grace, through the infinite payment made for sin by Christ on Calvary’s cross.
“And such were some of you.” Had the Apostle included the more “refined” sins, such as pride, self-righteousness, etc., he would have had to say: “And such were all of you.”
Note further, however, that the Apostle says: “And such were some of you.” Thank God, he goes on to say of those who had been thus stained with sin: “But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
How beautiful these three phrases: “But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified”! The word “but” appearing before each phrase indicates that each should be considered separately. Such vile creatures were some of you, “but ye are washed,” cleansed from the sins that contaminated you. “But ye are sanctified.” Having been cleansed you are now set apart as sacred for His glory. “But ye are justified.” When God justifies us, who can condemn?
“Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth; who is he that condemneth?”
All this is done for the believing sinner, as our verse says, “in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” |
|
|
30
on: April 16, 2019, 04:13:07 PM
|
|
Started by nChrist - Last post by nChrist
|
Glued to their lusts!
(Thomas Brooks, "A Cabinet of Choice Jewels" 1669)
Sinners' hearts are so glued to their lusts, that they will rather part with their nearest, dearest, and choicest enjoyments--than part with their sins! Yes, they will rather part with God, Christ, and all the glory of Heaven--than they will part with some darling lust!
"When He comes, He will convict the world about sin." John 16:8
The first work of the Spirit upon the soul, is to make a man . . .
look upon sin as an enemy,
deal with sin as an enemy,
loathe sin as an enemy,
fear sin as an enemy, and
fight against sin as an enemy.
Of all the vile things in the world, sin is the most defiling thing.
Sin makes us red with guilt, and black with filth.
Inward corruptions grieve the gracious soul.
"Oh," says the gracious soul, "that I were but rid of . . .
this proud heart,
this hard heart,
this unbelieving heart,
this filthy heart,
this rebellious heart,
this earthly heart of mine!"
The Christian has a sincere willingness to be rid of all sin.
The enmity which grace works in the heart, is against all sin:
profitable sins,
pleasurable sins,
secret sins,
disgracing sins,
darling sins,
small sins,
great sins.
It is certain that sin is more afflictive to a gracious soul, than all the losses, crosses, troubles, and trials that he meets with in the world.
True grace would not have one Canaanite left in the holy land.
He would have every Egyptian drowned in the red sea of Christ's blood!
"I hate every false way." Psalm 139:24
Saving grace makes a man as willing to leave his beloved lusts,
as a slave is willing to leave his chains,
or a prisoner longs to leave his dungeon,
or a beggar desires to leave his rags.
A sincere heart had much rather be rid of his sins, than of his sufferings.
Yes, he would rather be rid the least sins, than of the greatest sufferings. |
|
|
