by J.C. Ryle
Take advice this day, and resolve to possess the realities of Christianity, as well as the name, and the substance, as well as the form. Do not be content until you know something of the peace, hope, joy, and consolation which Christians enjoyed in former times. Ask yourself what is the reason that you are a stranger to the feelings which men and women experienced in the days of the Apostles: ask yourself why you do not “joy in the Lord,” and feel “peace with God,” like the Romans and Philippians, to whom Paul wrote. Religious feelings, no doubt, are often deceptive; but surely the religion which produces no feelings at all is not the religion of the New Testament. The religion which gives a person no inward comfort can never be a religion from God. Reader, take heed to yourself. Never be satisfied until you know something of the rest that is in Christ.
by J.C. Ryle
by Nathan Jones
I was all prepared for a firestorm of protest from the pro-gay lobby when we published Dr. Reagan’s article on homosexuality as an end times sign in our e-newsletter and blog. What I wasn’t prepared for was how the primary opposition didn’t turn out to be gays, but instead were fellow Christians who "love Jesus more than anything in this world."
These professing Christians inundated our email box and the comments section claiming we were "throwing stones" by "condemning others." We were "very cruel" and "hostile," leaving them with a "bitter taste." We were "complete ignoramuses" who were spewing "lies spread by bigots." And, of course, we were what now has become the stereotype of anyone who says homosexuality is a sin — "hateful homophobes." These last two labels are the world’s buzz words wielded effectively to bludgeon any opposition into quiet submission. And these were the brethren!
Continue Reading »
by A.W. Tozer
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9
As we move farther on and mount higher up in the Christian life we may expect to encounter greater difficulties in the way and meet increased hostility from the enemy of our souls. Though this is seldom presented to Christians as a fact of life it is a very solid fact indeed as every experienced Christian knows, and one we shall learn how to handle or stumble over to our own undoing. Satan hates the true Christian for several reasons. One is that God loves him, and whatever is loved by God is sure to be hated by the devil. Another is that the Christian, being a child of God, bears a family resemblance to the Father and to the household of faith. Satan’s ancient jealousy has not abated nor his hatred for God diminished in the slightest. Whatever reminds him of God is without other reason the object of his malignant hate.
Continue Reading »
by J.C. Ryle
Christians no longer look forward to death with silent dismay, as a horrible thing which they don’t like to think about. Through Christ they can look this last enemy calmly in the face, and say, “You cannot harm me.” They can look forward to all that comes after death – decay, resurrection, judgment, and eternity – and yet not be the least concerned. They can stand by the side of an open grave, and say, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” They can lay down on their deathbeds, and say, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” “Not a hair of my head will perish.” This is true liberty. This is to be truly free. Best of all, those set free by Christ are free forever.
by J.C. Ryle
by Terry James
It seems the prophetic moment has arrived that the apostle Paul warned about in more than one epistle:
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13);
and
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
Unfolding events of recent days make clear the accuracy of God’s Word in foretelling things to come. Paul, in his perilous times prophecy of 2 Timothy, speaks to some very specific characteristics of end-times mankind that will mark the very end of the Age of Grace–the time just before Christ calls His church into Heaven (John 14:6; Revelation 4:1).
Continue Reading »
by Vance Havner
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Matthew 12:30
Our Lord here joins position with practice. We are first with Him – not just for Him – and out of that grows duty: we gather with Him. “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” – there again He joins relationship with results, fellowship with fruitfulness: “Abide in me…much fruit.”
Our business is to become better Christians ourselves, help others to be better Christians, and win still others to become Christians. It grows naturally out of being a believer and disciple that one should also be a witness. Andrew did not have to take a study course in soul-winning to send him after his brother Peter, nor did Philip have to be urged during an annual “revival” before he did “personal work” with Nathanael.
Continue Reading »
by Oswald Chambers
We are God’s fellow workers . . . —1 Corinthians 3:9
Beware of any work for God that causes or allows you to avoid concentrating on Him. A great number of Christian workers worship their work. The only concern of Christian workers should be their concentration on God. This will mean that all the other boundaries of life, whether they are mental, moral, or spiritual limits, are completely free with the freedom God gives His child; that is, a worshiping child, not a wayward one. A worker who lacks this serious controlling emphasis of concentration on God is apt to become overly burdened by his work. He is a slave to his own limits, having no freedom of his body, mind, or spirit. Consequently, he becomes burned out and defeated. There is no freedom and no delight in life at all. His nerves, mind, and heart are so overwhelmed that God’s blessing cannot rest on him.
Continue Reading »
by J.C. Ryle
