Sermon Sunday – J.C. Ryle – Faith and Assurance
October 23, 2011 at 6:30 am | Posted in Sermon Sunday | Leave a commentTags: abortion, America, assurance, ateasetees, baby, Bible, blessed, Christian, church, compromise, contrite, council, death, doubt, drink, evangelism, faith, fear, Gallio, God, grace, heart, hell, holy, hope, horses, Jesus, job, joy, Judas, judgment, justified, land, life, love, malice, meat, mercy, minister, money, murder, pardon, pastor, Paul, peace, Peter, prayer, religion, repent, salvation, Satan, saved, scripture, sin, sink, soul, Stephen, ten commandments, truth
FAITH AND ASSURANCE
by
J. C. Ryle
(1816-1900)
If you are a thoughtless, careless man about your soul, you will take no interest in the subject of this sermon. Faith and assurance are mere names and words to you: they are neither land, nor money, nor horses, nor dress, nor meat, nor drink: like Gallio, you care not for them. Alas, poor soul! I mourn over you. The day will come when you will think differently.
Reader, if you really desire to go to heaven, and to go there in the Bible way, you will find the subject of this sermon of the deepest importance. Believe me, your own comfort in religion, and your peace of conscience, depend exceedingly on understanding the matter about which I am going to speak.
I say then, that faith in Christ, and a full assurance of being saved by Christ, are two distinct things. Continue Reading Sermon Sunday – J.C. Ryle – Faith and Assurance…
Genesis 18:16-33
October 17, 2011 at 6:30 am | Posted in Bible Study | 1 CommentTags: abortion, Abraham, America, angel, ateasetees, Bible, children, Christian, church, city, compromise, criteria, culture, death, destroy, erase, evangelism, faith, God, Gomorrah, gospel, grace, heir, hell, holy, homosexuality, hope, house, Islam, Israel, Jesus, judgment, law, life, lifestyle, Lot, love, marriage, mercy, money, murder, pastor, peace, prayer, repent, righteous, salvation, scripture, sin, Sodom, ten commandments, truth, wicked
Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed? “For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.” And the LORD said, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. “I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the LORD. Continue Reading Genesis 18:16-33…
Sermon Sunday – Charles Spurgeon – Job’s Sure Knowledge
October 16, 2011 at 6:30 am | Posted in Sermon Sunday | Leave a commentTags: abortion, accuser, Advocate, America, ateasetees, avenger, Bible, blood, Boaz, body, bondage, Calvary, certainty, Christian, church, compromise, condition, death, difficult, disease, divine, Eden, evangelism, faith, flesh, glory, God, gospel, grace, grief, hell, holy, Holy Spirit, hope, humble, husband, Israel, Jerusalem, Jesus, Jew, job, judgment, just, kinsman, know, knowledge, law, life, love, marriage, mercy, Messiah, money, mourning, murder, New Testament, pain, paradise, passage, pastor, peace, poverty, prayer, prince, rebuke, Redeemer, repent, reputation, sacrifice, salvation, Satan, scripture, seed, serpent, sin, Spirit, sympathy, ten commandments, toil, trial, truth, Vindicator, wife, worms
Job’s Sure Knowledge
September 10th, 1876
by
C. H. SPURGEON
(1834-1892)
“For I know that my Redeemer liveth,”—Job 19:25.
I daresay you know that there are a great many difficulties about the translation of this passage. It is a very complicated piece of Hebrew, partly, I suppose, owing to its great antiquity, being found in what is, probably, one of the oldest Books of the Bible. Besides that, different persons have tried to translate it according to their own varying views. The Jews stiffly fight against the notion of the Messiah and his resurrection being found in this verve, while many Christian commentators see here everything that we can find in the New Testament, and translate the passage as though Job were as well instructed in this matter as we are now that Christ “hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” Others say that, while there is, no doubt, a reference to the person and the resurrection of Christ, yet it is not so vivid as some seem to think. Continue Reading Sermon Sunday – Charles Spurgeon – Job’s Sure Knowledge…
Persecution Fridays – Iran – Government Takes Child
October 14, 2011 at 6:30 am | Posted in VOM Fridays | Leave a commentTags: abortion, adopted, America, ateasetees, Bible, child, Christian, church, complaint, compromise, convert, death, emotion, evangelism, faith, God, gospel, government, grace, hell, holy, homosexuality, hope, hostage, intelligence, Iran, Islam, Israel, Jesus, judgment, law, life, love, marriage, mercy, Mohabat, money, murder, Muslim, pastor, peace, prayer, pressure, prison, repent, salvation, scripture, sin, stress, ten commandments, threat, truth
For more news on what’s really happening to Christians around the world go to the Voice of the Martyrs website: www.persecution.com
Iran: Government Takes Child
Agents of Iran’s intelligence ministry recently took a Christian couple’s adopted child, demanding that the couple file a complaint against other Christians being held in prison, according to Mohabat News. The couple was taken to the hospital because of emotional stress caused by the loss of their child. “This is the first time I have ever seen this tactic — taking a child hostage,” said a VOM contact. “In the past, it is always the parents.”
The Christian couple legally adopted their child after years of waiting, according to Mohabat News. Security officers reportedly took the child as a way to pressure the Christian family and other Christian converts. Mohabat News reports that the security agents threatened the couple, saying, “If you want your child back, you must file a complaint against your fellow Christians in prison.”
Within the past year, Christians have been arrested, falsely charged and imprisoned for extensive periods of time. House and church raids are common occurrences, and the Christian community faces continual threats and pressure. Please pray that this Christian couple will get their child back soon and that they will rely on God during this time of extreme emotional stress.
Design of the Week – Leaves Change
October 12, 2011 at 6:30 am | Posted in Designs of the Week | Leave a commentTags: abortion, America, ateasetees, autumn, Bible, change, character, Christian, church, compromise, death, design of the week, eternal, evangelism, faith, Fall, frame, God, gospel, grace, hell, holy, hope, Islam, Israel, Jesus, judgment, law, leaves, life, love, Malachi, marriage, mercy, money, murder, old, pastor, peace, prayer, repent, salvation, scripture, season, sin, ten commandments, truth
This week’s design is called Leaves Change.
The design shows a photo of fall leaves that fades out from color to black and white to nothing. You’ll also see that the design has an ornate frame and the phrase “I, the Lord, do not change” which is found in Malachi 3:6.
The basis for the design is the idea that everything we know changes. Time continues on and almost nothing stays the same. People get older, days get shorter/longer, and seasons change. In the fall the leaves of deciduous trees all change colors and fall off in preparation for winter. With all of these changes going on, we get used to it. We also take for granted that things change and expect all things to be like that. This can be difficult when we’re facing problems and need something/someone to be consistent.
There are numerous places in the Bible that talk about God’s unchanging character. He always has been and always will be the just, holy, righteous Creator of the universe. He will also always be the forgiving, merciful God that sent His Son to take our place. The fact that God doesn’t change is something that bring solace to all of those who are Christians. Regardless of the trials and tribulations we face, God doesn’t change. He is always there and always will be…
Genesis 18:1-15
October 10, 2011 at 6:30 am | Posted in Christianity | Leave a commentTags: abortion, Abraham, Abram, America, angel, ateasetees, Bible, blaspheme, cakes, calf, Christian, church, compromise, controversy, covet, death, evangelism, faith, favor, God, Gomorrah, gospel, grace, hell, holy, hope, hospitality, Islam, Israel, Jesus, judgment, just, laugh, law, lie, life, Lord, love, lust, Mamre, marriage, men, mercy, milk, money, murder, Muslim, oak, pastor, peace, prayer, presence, repent, righteous, salvation, Sarah, Sarai, scripture, sin, Sodom, steal, ten commandments, tent, truth, water
Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, and said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by. “Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.” And they said, “So do, as you have said.” So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes.” Continue Reading Genesis 18:1-15…
Sermon Sunday – George Whitefield – The Almost Christian
October 9, 2011 at 6:30 am | Posted in Sermon Sunday | Leave a commentTags: abortion, Agrippa, almost, America, Ananias, apostle, ateasetees, Belial, Bible, brave, Christian, church, compromise, confess, conscience, creator, danger, darkness, death, defense, devil, duty, Elijah, evangelism, exhortation, faith, fate, Festus, fickle, fig, George Whitefield, God, gospel, grace, heaven, hell, holiness, holy, hope, humility, hypocrite, Israel, Jesus, jewel, Judaism, judgment, king, Laodicea, law, life, light, love, mammon, marriage, master, mercy, money, murder, naked, neighbor, pastor, Paul, peace, Peter, piety, prayer, reason, religion, repent, reputation, salvation, Sapphira, scripture, self denial, shipwreck, sin, sober, Solomon, sorrow, temper, ten commandments, trifle, truth, world
The Almost Christian
by
George Whitefield
(1714-1770)
Acts 26:28 – “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
The chapter, out of which the text is taken, contains an admirable account which the great St. Paul gave of his wonderful conversion from Judaism to Christianity, when he was called to make his defense before Festus a Gentile governor, and king Agrippa. Our blessed Lord had long since foretold, that when the Son of man should be lifted up, “his disciples should be brought before kings and rulers, for his name’s sake, for a testimony unto them.” And very good was the design of infinite wisdom in thus ordaining it; for Christianity being, from the beginning, a doctrine of the Cross, the princes and rulers of the earth thought themselves too high to be instructed by such mean teachers, or too happy to be disturbed b such unwelcome truths; and therefore would have always continued strangers to Jesus Christ, and him crucified, had not the apostles, by being arraigned before them, gained opportunities of preaching to them “Jesus and the resurrection.” St. Paul knew full well that this was the main reason, why his blessed Master permitted his enemies at this time to arraign him at a public bar; and therefore, in compliance with the divine will, thinks it not sufficient, barely to make his defense, but endeavors at the same time to convert his judges. And this he did with such demonstration of the spirit, and of power, that Festus, unwilling to be convinced by the strongest evidence, cries out with a loud voice, “Paul, much earning doth make thee mad.” To which the brave apostle (like a true follower of the holy Jesus) meekly replies, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.” But in all probability, seeing king Agrippa more affected with his discourse, and observing in him an inclination to know the truth, he applies himself more particularly to him. “The king knoweth of these things; before whom also I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him.” And then, that if possible he might complete his wished-for conversion, he with an inimitable strain of oratory, addresses himself still more closely, “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest them.” At which the passions of the king began to work so strongly, that he was obliged in open court, to own himself affected by the prisoner’s preaching, and ingenuously to cry out, “Paul, almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Continue Reading Sermon Sunday – George Whitefield – The Almost Christian…
Persecution Fridays – Nigeria – Attacks in Plateau State
October 7, 2011 at 6:30 am | Posted in VOM Fridays | Leave a commentTags: abortion, America, Andre Allahmagani, ateasetees, Bible, Christian, church, Compass Direct, compromise, council, cutlass, Dachung Dagai, death, Eid, evangelism, Fadiya Bakut, faith, God, gospel, government, grace, gun, hell, holy, homosexuality, hope, Islam, Israel, law, life, love, marriage, mercy, military, money, murder, Muslim, pastor, peace, plateau, prayer, pregnant, Ramadan, repent, salvation, scripture, sin, ten commandments, truth, village, Vwang Fwil, Vwang Kogot, weapon
For more news on what’s really happening to Christians around the world go to the Voice of the Martyrs website: www.persecution.com
Nigeria: Attacks in Plateau State
Muslim extremists carried out new attacks on villages in Nigeria’s Plateau state in September, killing more than 100 Christians, including entire families, according to Compass Direct News.
On Sept. 10, 2011, Muslim extremists stormed Vwang Fwil village at 3 a.m., killing 13 Christians. Attackers killed 14 more Christians, including one pregnant woman, when they attacked the Christian community of Vwang Kogot on Sept. 9. And on Sept. 8, 10 Christians from one family were killed in an attack on Tsohom Foron village.
Compass Direct reports that some of the attackers were wearing Nigerian Army military uniforms. “What is the government doing about the soldiers?” asked Dachung Dagai, a pastor of a Nigerian church. “In some places, enough evidence has been found against these Muslim soldiers and nothing has been done. The government officials have always said they will look into the problems, but nothing has been done.”
In another attack, on Aug. 21, Muslim extremists entered Fadiya Bakut village and attacked Andre Allahmagani’s home. They killed his 10-year-old son and injured his 70-year-old mother. Allahmagani told Compass Direct News that the assailants were armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.
“This is becoming too much to bear,” said Emmanuel Dachollom Loman, chairman of the Barkin Ladi Local Government Council. “The government should help us before Muslims come and wipe out all of us one day.”
According to Release International, the recent violence broke out after a number of Muslims moved into the largely Christian area to celebrate the Islamic religious festival Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan.
Please pray for Christians in Nigeria’s Plateau state as they continue to face daily dangers.
Genesis 17:15-27
October 3, 2011 at 11:39 am | Posted in Bible Study | Leave a commentTags: abortion, Abraham, Abram, America, ateasetees, Bible, Christ, Christian, church, circumcise, compromise, covenant, death, evangelism, faith, gospel, grace, hell, holy, hope, Isaac, Ishmael, Islam, Israel, Jesus, judgment, king, laugh, law, life, love, marriage, mercy, money, murder, nation, pastor, peace, prayer, prince, promise, repent, salvation, Sarah, Sarai, scripture, sin, substitution, ten commandments, truth
Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. “I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before You!” But God said, “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. “As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. “But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this season next year.” Continue Reading Genesis 17:15-27…
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