Sanctification: Three Words That Will Help! by Shane C. Montgomery
Sunday, December 26, 2010
"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." Romans 8:29-30 (KJV)
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wishing everyone peace With God this Christmas, may He continue to provide for you, bless you and sanctify you. My wish for us all is more of God this coming year.
In Christ
Shane
"Arminian Doctrine Exposed" by Ralph Erskine (1685-1752)
"Peace and Stupidity" by John Owen
Many love to walk in a very careless, unwise profession. So long as they can hold out in the performance of outward duties, they are very regardless of the greatest evangelical privileges,-of those things which are the marrow of divine promises,-all real endeavours of a vital communion with Christ.
Such are spiritual peace, refreshing consolations, ineffable joys, and the blessed composure of assurance. Without some taste and experience of these things, profession is heartless, lifeless, useless; and religion itself a dead carcass without an animating soul. The peace which some enjoy is a mere stupidity.
They judge not these things to be real which are the substance of Christ's present reward; and a renunciation whereof would deprive the church of its principal supportments and encouragements in all its sufferings. It is a great evidence of the power of unbelief, when we can satisfy ourselves without an experience in our own hearts of the great things, in this kind of joy, peace, consolation, assurance, that are promised in the Gospel.
Such are spiritual peace, refreshing consolations, ineffable joys, and the blessed composure of assurance. Without some taste and experience of these things, profession is heartless, lifeless, useless; and religion itself a dead carcass without an animating soul. The peace which some enjoy is a mere stupidity.
They judge not these things to be real which are the substance of Christ's present reward; and a renunciation whereof would deprive the church of its principal supportments and encouragements in all its sufferings. It is a great evidence of the power of unbelief, when we can satisfy ourselves without an experience in our own hearts of the great things, in this kind of joy, peace, consolation, assurance, that are promised in the Gospel.
"CONTENTMENT:A RARE GRACE" J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have:
for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”—Hebrews 13:5
NOTHING is cheaper than good advice. Everybody fancies he can give his neighbor good counsel and tell him exactly what he ought to do. Yet to practice the lesson that heads this paper is very hard. To talk of contentment in the day of health and prosperity is easy enough; but to be content in the midst of poverty, sickness, trouble, disappointments, and losses is a state of mind to which very few can attain.
"The Best Way To Run The Goats Out Of The Church" by D.J. Ward
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
"Feed My sheep." John 21:17
"Feed the flock of God entrusted to you." 1 Peter 5:2
The best way to purify the church and keep it pure—is to get rid of all the goats! And the best way to run the goats out of the church—is to feed them 'sheep food'. God's sheep will grow in grace under the preaching of grace—but goats will go hungry because they choke on 'sheep food'. They will soon leave and go somewhere else. Preach sovereign grace!
“Now I commit you to God and to the message of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified." Acts 20:32
"The Bible and Homosexuality" Rev. Angus Stewart
It Seems no one wants to preach on the sin of Homosexuality. Maybe it is because it will offend the gay and lesbian people who refuse to repent. I guess pointing out sins to a sinful world is no longer cool, no longer correct, but that is fine, I would rather be obedient to God and offend sinners than please the wicked and offend God. Besides, I did not accept my commission just to make friends, but to preach the Word. Makes sense to me. This sermon is not by me, I have preached on this subject a few months ago, early on in our lectio continua of Romans and if I can find it I will post it as well, I think it was a pretty solid sermon, though I cringe when I read my own sermons, they never seem to do His Word justice to me. This sermon was given by Angus Stewart of Northern Ireland. All complaints should go to me and at me for choosing to post it. It is my choice. Be Holy!
Shane
"Living After the Spirit" Rev. Cornelius Hanko (12 June, 1955)
"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (Rom. 8:12-13).
This “therefore” that introduces our text is very emphatic. We could possibly better translate it as “therefore then,” or “accordingly therefore.”
It refers back, first of all, to the entire foregoing section, verses 1-11, when the apostle broadens out on that jubilant confession of the believer: There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
"The Wisdom of Patience" by Thomas Goodwin
Although I have despatched the subject I first intended, yet I find myself obliged to proceed a little further in the opening ver. 5, in order unto a relieving against a great discouragement, which I know hath, or may have been, in many readers’ hearts, whilst I have been thus discoursing these great things about the perfect
work of patience, &c.; and also to leave behind me the most apposite direction how to obtain this patience, in the perfect work of it: and I will not go out of my text for these things neither.
An Exposition of James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. he discouragement I know is: Oh, how remote are and have our hearts been from this perfect work of patience! which yet some saints have in so great a measure attained, as those great examples given have shewn, both of saints out of the Old and New Testaments.
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Something on Facebook Worth Visiting!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
If you have spent any time at all on facebook you know there are several Christian pages and groups you can be a part of. I am not on the social networks as much as I once was but I still visit from time to time and after searching high and low I found what I believe to be some of the best groups and pages on FB.
The Evangelical Reformation Society
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=130750513634864Rediscovering the Puritans
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=156352211046350
The Protestant Reformation
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Protestant-Reformation/172330966135212?v=wall
GermanReformationProject.Org
http://www.germanreformationproject.org/
If you have any good, Reformed, Puritan, or Reformational facebook pages, let me know, I am always on the look out.
Be Holy!
Shane
"What Do You Desire This Christmas?" by Shane C. Montgomery
"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved."
Romans 10:1 (KJV)
I wonder what might your greatest wish be this Christmas? This is the one time of year where we are allowed to indulge in our dreaming, why even our Christmas cartoons tell our children this is the time of year, a special time, where dreams can and do come true. They say that if we can dream it, it can happen. Many of us have spent the last several weeks listening to our children telling us what they wish for this Christmas, I have a long list from my seven year old son, the list from my teenage son is much, much shorter but by no means cheaper! Video games are high on the list as well as a new Apple Ipad, ouch! Of course we cannot and will not grant every wish for our children, to do so would be to spoil them and teach them wrongly. We do believe in raising our children by the guidelines set forth in Scripture.
"The Small Church Pastor" by Shane C. Montgomery

" For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)
What is the criteria for handling God's Holy Word? How much training is required before a man can expound God's Will?
"CALVARY!" by J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)
Monday, December 20, 2010
You probably know that Calvary was a place close to Jerusalem, where the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified. We know nothing else about Calvary beside this. I call this tract "Calvary," because I am going to speak to you about the sufferings and crucifixion of Christ.
I am afraid that much ignorance prevails among people on the subject of Jesus Christ's sufferings. I suspect that many see no peculiar glory and beauty in the history of the crucifixion: on the contrary; they think it painful, humbling, and degrading. They do not see much profit in the story of Christ's death and sufferings: they rather turn from it as an unpleasant thing.
Now I believe that such persons are quite wrong. I cannot agree with them. I believe it is an excellent thing for us all to be continually dwelling on the crucifixion of Christ.
Ten Reasons Why I Deserve To Go To Hell!.......and One Reason Why I Wont" by Shane C. Montgomery
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Ten Reasons Why I Deserve To Go To Hell!.......and One Reason Why I Wont!
1) I do not Love God Enough.
2) I do not Love My Neighbor Enough.
3) I am Still Me Centered at Times.
4) I am not Christ Centered Enough.
A Puritan Prayer Of Contentment
Heavenly Father, if I should suffer need, and go unclothed, and be in poverty, make my heart prize Thy love, know it, be constrained by it, though I be denied all blessings. It is Thy mercy to afflict and try me with wants, for by these trials I see my sins, and desire severance from them. Let me willingly accept misery, sorrows, temptations, if I can thereby feel sin as the greatest evil, and be delivered from it with gratitude to Thee, acknowledging this as the highest testimony of Thy love.
Alright Denmark!
One of the reasons I like using Blogger so much is that they provide a great stat checking tool and upon checking the stats of this blog I noticed that people from all around the world follow this blog. This is truly a honor for me, and next to the U.S. the country that far and away has the most visitors is the great nation of Denmark! When I was stationed in Northern Germany near the Holland border I was lucky enough to get to spend a little time in Denmark and what a blessing it was, Denmark is such a beautiful country and the people are so nice and friendly. So to everyone in Denmark who visits this blog, a great big thank you and I am honored you spend a small portion of your day with me! Thanks to all my brothers and sisters in Denmark and the rest of the world for helping this site grow so quickly. I would love to hear your comments or advice on this site. I love you all and I do truly appreciate your stopping by for a visit and I pray you are edified but what you have read here, please continue to visit and may God provide for all your needs and continue to sanctify you all!
Be Holy!
Shane C. Montgomery
"How Beautiful Are Your Feet?" by Shane C. Montgomery
Saturday, December 18, 2010
"And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Romans 10:15 (ESV)
I was never one that liked feet, I an not sure why, just that feet sort of gross me out. I have a hard time looking at my own feet and my wife is sometime furious that I avoid looking at her feet. This might not sound normal but then again we all have our own little quirks that make us different, mine is that I have a hard time seeing other peoples bare feet.
Open Air Preaching/Witnessing Rights by Shane C. Montgomery
Friday, December 17, 2010
You guessed it, that large bald guy is me! The other large bald guy is my friend and brother in Christ, Mark. I am the goofy looking guy on the left. This picture was taken during one of our Open Air Preachings from last year. It is a good idea to have some knowledge on the Laws and your rights as a street preacher when you are confronted by the local authorities. If you do any open air, it is only a matter of time before you will be confronted by the police, this is not a bad thing but you should know your rights, and I also suggest you contact the local officials and obtain a permit from the city prior to your outreach, and please keep this permit on your body, I cannot stress this enough! The following is a list of rights you have, I have found it to be very helpful and I would encourage you to print this off if you plan to do any witnessing. Keep it nearby and keep in mind, each state and city has different regulations. Be careful and be obedient to your Commission to preach the Gospel!
"Your Commission Or Your Follies, What Will It Be?" by Shane C. Montgomery
"For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" 1 Cor 9:16 (KJV)
"Woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel!" I wonder today if we can relate to these words spoken by the Apostle Paul? Do we find ourselves in despair and anguish on days and even hours that we remain idle? Ah, am I touching upon a sore area now my friend? More than likely, you have stopped reading this article. Why? Maybe it is of little interest to you, have you forgotten your commission so quickly my dear brother or sister in Christ?
"Woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel!" I wonder today if we can relate to these words spoken by the Apostle Paul? Do we find ourselves in despair and anguish on days and even hours that we remain idle? Ah, am I touching upon a sore area now my friend? More than likely, you have stopped reading this article. Why? Maybe it is of little interest to you, have you forgotten your commission so quickly my dear brother or sister in Christ?
"The City" A Classic Sermon on Witnessing by J.C. Ryle
THE CITY.
ACTS XVII. 16, 17.
“Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
“Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.”
Perhaps you live in a town, or city, and see more of bricks and mortar than of green fields. Perhaps you have some relative or friend living in a town, about whom you naturally feel a deep interest. In either case, the verses of Scripture which head this page demand your best attention. Give me that attention for a few short minutes while I try to show you the lessons, which the passage contains.
"Personal Holiness" by Arthur W. Pink
Thursday, December 16, 2010
"That opinion that personal holiness is unnecessary to final glorification is in direct opposition to every dictate of reason; to every declaration of Scripture." -Augustus Toplady
By our fall in Adam we not only lost the favor of God but also the purity of our nature, and therefore we need to be both reconciled to God and renewed in our inner man, for without personal holiness "no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14). "As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (behavior); because it it written, Be ye holy for I am holy" (1 Pet. 1:15, 16). God's nature is such that unless we be sanctified, there can be no communion between Him and us.
"Saving Faith" by John Bunyan
When I write of justification before God, from the dreadful curse of the law, then I must speak of nothing but grace, Christ, the promise, and faith. But when I speak of our justification before men, then I must join to these, good works. For grace, Christ and faith, are things invisible, and so not to be seen by another, otherwise than through a life that becomes so blessed a gospel as has declared unto us the remission of our sins for the sake of Jesus Christ. He then that would have forgiveness of sins, and so be delivered from the curse of God, must believe in the righteousness and blood of Christ: but he that would show to his neighbours that he hath truly received this mercy of God, must do it by good works; for all things else, to them, is but talk. As for example; a tree is known to be what it is, namely, whether of this or that kind, by its fruit. A tree, it is without fruit; but so long as it so abideth, there is ministered occasion to doubt what manner of tree it is.
"How To Spend The Day With God" Richard Baxter
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A holy life is inclined to be made easier when we know the usual sequence and method of our duties - with everything falling into its proper place. Therefore, I shall give some brief directions for spending the day in a holy manner.
Sleep
Measure the time of your sleep appropriately so that you do not waste your precious morning hours sluggishly in your bed. Let the time of your sleep be matched to your health and labour, and not to slothful pleasure.
Glenn Beck to Visit a Broke Town! Is His Visit Selfish? YES!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
the Monkey House
The Mormon blow hard Glenn Beck visits Wilmington, OH, a town that has been completely devastated by the pull out of DHL. Glenn Beck is a Mormon, he believes another gospel and is an active member in a ungodly cult. Read this article from my son's blog, this story just might open your eyes to the dangers of this Fox News blow hard who cares nothing about anyone but himself. Mormonism is not the same as Christianity! Only Christ can save brothers and sisters, only Christ! Not Glenn Beck!
http://themonkeyhousejournal.blogspot.com/2010/12/glenn-beck-steals-from-dieing-town.html
Be Holy!
Shane
"Modern Evangelism Unmasked" by W. F. Bell
The so-called "gospel" being preached in our day falls far short of that "glorious gospel" (2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Tim. 1:11) of the New Testament. We are living in a time when preachers are telling sinners that they can be saved without repenting, without forsaking their idols, and without surrendering to the Lordship of Christ. The Bible doctrine of the sinfulness and depravity of man has been thrown to the winds. "Another gospel" and "another Jesus" has gained popularity, and "another spirit" is being received instead of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 11:4).
Evangelism and Witnessing Site of the Day!
Today's Evangelism and Witnessing Site of the Day is
Solomon's Portico
Solomon's Portico is a blog dedicated to the gospel or good news of Jesus Christ.
http://solomonsportico-craig.blogspot.com/
Be Holy!
Shane
"Reading and Searching the Scriptures" by Thomas Boston
Monday, December 13, 2010
1. Follow a regular plan in reading the Scriptures, so that you may become acquainted with the entire Bible; and make this reading a part of your private devotions. Do not always confine yourselves only to read according to your set plan, so as never to read by choice, however, having a plan leads to the most edification. Some parts of the Bible are more difficult, some may seem very dry for an ordinary reader; but if you would look on all of it as being the very Words of God, never to be disregarded, but read with faith and reverence, then without a doubt you will find great gain.
2. Be sure to mark those passages you read, the ones which you find most fitting to your situation, condition, or temptations; or those that you have found which touches your heart more than other passages. It will be most profitable for you to often review these marked passages.
2. Be sure to mark those passages you read, the ones which you find most fitting to your situation, condition, or temptations; or those that you have found which touches your heart more than other passages. It will be most profitable for you to often review these marked passages.
"Issues in Hermeneutics" Prof. Herman C. Hanko

I have read several articles, essays, and books on the subject of Hermeneutics, and in every single one these you will read of the importance of good, solid hermeneutics in the growth of the believer, but this article is different, this article does not deny the importance of Biblical Hermeneutics but rather it clarifies why it exist at all. This is a section of a much larger article that can be found at http://www.prca.org/articles/issues_in_hermeneutics.html it is rather long but well worth the read.
"Born-Againism" by Richard Ochs
Sunday, December 12, 2010
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12-13 (KJV)
There is much talk these days about the rapid growth of the cults. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, Mormonism, the Unification Church, and a host of lesser-known groups are making converts at astounding rates. Yet, the combined effect of all these groups is over-shadowed by a movement that in the last few years has grown to include over 30% of the U.S. population.
There is much talk these days about the rapid growth of the cults. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, Mormonism, the Unification Church, and a host of lesser-known groups are making converts at astounding rates. Yet, the combined effect of all these groups is over-shadowed by a movement that in the last few years has grown to include over 30% of the U.S. population.
"The Incarnation and Birth of Christ" by Charles H. Spurgeon
A Sermon#57Delivered on Sabbath Morning, December 23rd, 1855, by the
REV. C. H. Spurgeon
At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark.
HIS is the season of the year when, whether we wish it or not, we are compelled to think of the birth of Christ.
REV. C. H. Spurgeon
At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark.
"But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."—Micah 5:2.
HIS is the season of the year when, whether we wish it or not, we are compelled to think of the birth of Christ. Evangelism and Witnessing Site of the Day!
I would like to encourage everyone to visit this new blog, this lady has a true heart for "The Glory of God and the Salvation of Souls!" Because we should always encourage and support Reformed Christians in their sharing of the Gospel and the spread of Sound Doctrine!
"Little Miss Wretched"
http://littlemisswretched.blogspot.com/
Be Holy!
Shane
"The Great Battle" by J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)
Saturday, December 11, 2010
All men ought to love peace. War is an immense evil, though it is a necessary evil sometimes. Battles are bloody and distressing events, though sometimes nations cannot maintain their rights without them. But all men ought to love peace. All ought to pray for a quiet life.
All this is very true, and yet there is one war which it is a positive duty to carry on; there is one battle which we ought to be always fighting. The battle I speak of is the battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. With these enemies we never ought to be at peace; from this warfare no man ought ever to seek to be discharged, while he is alive.
"God’s Purpose of Grace" Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)
To make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ; to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God; according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus, our Lord — Ephesians 3:9-11.
According to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began — 2 Timothy 1:9.
"Arminianism: The Golden Idol of Freewill" - Augustus Toplady (1740-1778)
Friday, December 10, 2010

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy Name, give glory for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake" Psalm 115:1
SOME expositors have supposed, that this Psalm was penned by the prophet Daniel; on occasion of the miraculous deliverance of Shadrac, Meshac, and Abednego, when they came out, unhurt, from the burning fiery furnace, into which they had been thrown by the command of king Nebuchadnezzar.
A Message from Bold
Yep, that's me. Spending another Friday night reading and blogging. I would like to wish everyone a great weekend! I know Christmas is only two weeks away and we all have tons to get done, gift buying, wrapping, snow shoveling, and not to mention the extra activities most local churches add to this time of year, youth group plays, soup kitchens and the like but please try to make a little time in all the hustle and bustle of Christmas time to share the Gospel.
Coming Soon from InterVarsity Press!
"Reformation Commentary On Scripture"
Reformation Commentary On Scripture will be a 28 volume work that presents comments by Protestant Reformation figures on the entirety of the Bible, Chapter by Chapter.
Reformation Commentary On Scripture will be a 28 volume work that presents comments by Protestant Reformation figures on the entirety of the Bible, Chapter by Chapter.
A Wealth of Reformation Commentary
The Reformation Commentary on Scripture (RCS) will give you access to a wealth of Reformation-era commentary on Scripture that is largely unknown and for the most part unavailable in English. While the giants of the era, such as Luther and Calvin, will be presented, you will also be introduced to a host of figures with whom you might be unfamiliar, yet who contributed to the Reformation in important ways. In doing so, the RCS will demonstrate both the unity and diversity of thought that characterized this vital period in the history of the Church.
"The True Church" by J.C. Ryle
I want you to belong to the one true Church: to the Church outside of which there is no salvation. I do not ask where you go on a Sunday; I only ask, "Do you belong to the one true Church?"
Where is this one true Church? What is this one true Church like? What are the marks by which this one true Church may be known? You may well ask such questions. Give me your attention, and I will provide you with some answers.
Welcome!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Hello Dear Read,
No, the picture is not of me working on this blog, but I often think this young man might do a better job than me!
I thank you for visiting my blog and I hope you might be encouraged by what you read here to go out into this fallen, pagan world and be a bold witness for Christ! Don't be afraid to speak up for Our Savior, share the Gospel with your lost friends and family and as many strangers as you can as well. Remember, faith comes from hearing and they cannot hear if we do not preach! They wont bite, at least no one has ever bitten me when I've witnessed to them. You might get an angry person from time to time but honestly, they are few and far between, most times people are generally interested in what you have to say and most people actually are pleased that you care enough about them to share with them. Some will be stand offish, but give it a try, it is good to be obedient to our Father in Heaven. Also, I hope you will take some time to read the additional pages located at the upper right hand of the page. The page names are listed here below,
In Defense of Evangelism in the Reformed Faith by Shane C. Montgomery
My heart is often broken by people who are most like me in worship and doctrine. Being a Calvinist and one who adheres to the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Westminster Shorter Catechism, I am confident in my directives to worship based on Scripture and my confession. These same directives also teach on how my walk with Christ should proceed. How I should mature and grow in God's grace. Many people believe and trust in these directives the same as I do......... up to a point.
What is Calvinism?
The great Princeton theologian, Dr. B. B. Warfield, describes Calvinism as follows:
"Calvinism is evangelism in its pure and only stable expression, and when we say evangelism we say sin and salvation. It means utter dependence on God for salvation. It implies therefore, need of salvation and a profound sense of this need, along with an equally profound sense of helplessness in the presence of this need, and utter dependence on God for its satisfaction. Its type is found in the publican who smote his breast and cried, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" No question there of saving himself, or helping God to save him, or of opening the way to God to save him. No question of anything but "I am a sinner, and all my hope is in God, my Saviour!" This is Calvinism, not just something like Calvinism, or an approach to Calvinism, but Calvinism in its vital manifestation. Wherever this attitude of heart is found and is given expression in direct and unambiguous terms, there is Calvinism. Where this attitude of mind and heart is fallen away from it however small a measure, there Calvinism has become impossible."
The Calvinist, in a word, is the man who sees God. He has caught sight of the ineffable Vision, and he will not let it fade for a moment from his eyes--God in nature, God in history, God in grace. Everywhere he sees God in His mighty stepping, everywhere he feels the working of His mighty arm, the throbbing of His mighty heart...Calvinism is just Christianity. The super-naturalism for which Calvinism stands is the very breath of the nostrils of Christianity; without it Christianity cannot exist...Calvinism thus emerges to our sight as nothing more or less than the hope of the world.
"Confessions of a Theology Geek" by Shane C. Montgomery
Wednesday, December 8, 2010

In my house you will find a mess. This I must confess, is nobodies fault but mine. My wife is a very neat and orderly person, she hates when anything is out of place and she will not and cannot relax until every thing is in its proper place. Even my two children are neat, at 15 and 7 years old respectively, you would not think this to be the case, but they are. I know they take this from their mother, they know to put something back in its place when they are finished with it, and for the most part she has trained me to do the same over the past 24 years of marriage. God has truly blessed me with a loving wife who puts up with me and two great sons that at times appear to be more mature than I am.
" Assurance and Humility" by A. A. Hodge
I think the first essential mark of the difference between true and false assurance is to be found in the fact that the true works humility. There is nothing in the world that works such satanic, profound, God-defiant pride as false assurance; nothing works such utter humility, or brings to such utter self-emptiness, as the child-like spirit of true assurance. Surely this can be known. If a person is self-confident, there is self-assurance; if there is any evidence of pride in connection with his claim, it is a most deadly mark- it is the plague-spot which marks death and corruption. But if there is utter humility, you have the sign of the true spirit.
"Suppose An Unholy Man Went To Heaven" by J. C. Ryle
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Suppose for a moment that you were allowed to enter heaven without holiness. What would you do? What possible enjoyment could you feel there? To which of all the saints would you join yourself and by whose side would you sit? Their pleasures are not your pleasures, their tastes are not your tastes, their character not your character. How could you possibly be happy, if you had not been holy on earth?
"The Fundamental Principle of Calvinism" by Henry Meeter
CALVINISM A UNIFIED, ALL-COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF THOUGHT
The significance of John Calvin for the modern era is vividly described in these words: “The sixteenth was a great century. It was the century of Raphael and Michelangelo, of Spenser and Shakespeare, of Erasmus and Rabelais, of Copernicus and Galileo, of Luther and Calvin. Of all the figures that gave greatness to this century, none left a more lasting heritage than Calvin.1 To the investigation of the heritage of Calvin, the following pages are devoted.
"Pride" by J.C. Philpot
"I hate pride and arrogance." Proverbs 8:13
"The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished." Prov. 16:5
Of all sins pride seems most deeply imbedded in the very heart of man. Unbelief, sensuality, covetousness, rebellion, presumption, contempt of God's holy will and word, hatred and enmity against the saints of the Most High, deceit and falsehood, cruelty and wrath, violence and murder--these, and a forest of other sins have indeed struck deep roots into the black and noxious soil of our fallen nature;
"Faith and Assurance" by J.C. Ryle
Monday, December 6, 2010
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” (2 Tim 4:7-8)
AN assured hope, such as Paul expresses in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, is a true and Scriptural thing. I would lay it down fully and broadly, that a true Christian, a converted man, may reach that comfortable degree of faith in Christ, that in general he shall feel entirely confident as to the pardon and safety of his soul, — shall seldom be troubled with doubts, — seldom be distracted with hesitation, — seldom be distressed by anxious questionings, — and, in short, though vexed by many an inward conflict with sin, shall look forward to death without trembling, and to judgment without dismay.
"A Witness or a Hindrance?" by Shane C. Montgomery
Because we live the way we do while claiming to be God's people, we are guilty of blaspheme. By our false profession, we destroy the credibility of God. Anytime we live in a manner that is inconsistent with what we claim to be, we are guilty of blaspheming the name of the Lord. We have taken His name in vain and we have testified before the world that our God is not worthy of our love and steadfast devotion. When we hide our light under a bushel and cease to be salt in the world, we become no better than the religious Jews who boasted about their Law and their relationship with God, but had no spiritual reality to back up their claims.
"COMPASSION FOR THE LOST" by Charles Bridges (1794-1869)
“Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” —Psalms 119:136
IF the Lord teaches us the privileges of his statutes, he will teach us compassion for those who keep them not.
This was the mind of Jesus. His life exhibited one, whose “heart was made of tenderness.”











































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