THE CROSS, by JC Ryle “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Galatians vi. 14. Reader, What do you think and feel about the cross of Christ? You live in a Christian land. You probably attend the worship of a Christian Church. You have perhaps been baptized in the name of Christ. You profess and …
Fasting, Calling, and Managing the Naaman Complex
Fasting? Fasting? Why? Do I desire a close personal connection with God? Do I desire a relationship with my Lord like no other I experience? A fasting day dedicated to seeking a close connection with God and a greater understanding of my need for Him provides a perfect time to reflect upon my calling and the condition of our relationship. …
Fear of Death
The fear of death drove most cultural thought, behavior, life, and religion before the crucifixion of Christ. There were no alternatives but a joyless stoic acceptance or a wishful attempt to delay or avoid. When Jesus conquered death on the cross, this changed. As a result, Christianity expanded. The Gospel message of freedom from the fear of death enthusiastically liberated …
Assurance: Defeating Fear Daily
Assurance: Defeating Fear Daily, Bible Verses Fear interweaves and originates most negative thoughts, emotions, and reactions. For assurance, defeating fear daily, I read over these passages two or three times each, out loud at least once, when I feel down. Before reading, I pray, “Lord, I feel discouraged and down. Lift me up in your time. Help me to be …
The Unforgivable Sin? What is It?
The Unforgivable Sin The unforgivable sin? We come across the concept of the unforgivable sin in Mark 3. Mark 3:29-30 ESV – 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”– 30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” We also encounter the unforgivable sin …
Am I Earnest?
Am I Earnest? ‘And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.’ Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) He rewards those who earnestly seek him? The root origin of earnest implies a pledge and serious intent. This earnestness means I must oppose a …
Forgive in Advance
This section about “forgive in advance” is from Chapter 3: Forgive of Food in God’s Place. (Currently out of publication. If you would like notification of when it will be republished, follow on Twitter and let me know.) “As you grow, I want you to embrace a way of thinking about yourself and others that enables you to jump over …
Jesus What Do I Do? – Correct Question
Jesus What Do I Do? Jesus what do I do is the correct question not what would Jesus do? I’ve never been fond of religious jewelry and trinkets, except for an occasional classic cross. When WWJD became popular, I conceived some value in the phrase as a reminder of what we are to be about, but I didn’t run out …