"A Right Understanding of Sin" by J.C. Ryle

  If we had to pick one subject or doctrine that our modern church neglects the most, it would be sin.  Preaching on sin and it's effects on the believers life has fallen out of fashion as of late and this is very unfortunate, it is also unfortunate that to find any works of the true dangers of sin, at least anything edifying, we need to look to the past, that is where we find the Anglican preacher J.C. Ryle, along with A.W. Pink these two wrote on sin and holiness like no others so it is a great benefit for us modern day believers to have access to the works of Ryle and Pink.  The following is one of the better writings on sin I have ever read, hope you enjoy it and you are blessed to holiness by it.
Be Holy!
Shane


 “Sin is the transgression of the law.”—1 John 3:4

"The Beaten Path That Leads to The Cross of Christ" By Shane C. Montgomery

  "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner."   Luke 18:13 (KJV)


  Have you ever been there?  For me it seems even after all these years of following Christ, I still end each day in the position of the Publican.  Every day I want so much to be holy and to be pleasing to God in how I live my life.  But everyday is the same, everyday I stumble in sin, I let temptation speak too long or I speak without thinking or out of anger.  I might fail to show proper love and support for others or I might find myself being prideful or self-centered in my thinking or actions.  I could go on and on listing sins that still reside all too much inside of me, a man who is suppose to be growing in grace, a man who is suppose to be conforming to a image of Christ.  Yet everyday I still do battle with my old self, the old man in me refuses to lie down in defeat, he just keeps on coming on!

"The Children of the Reformation" Prof. Homer C. Hoeksema

 

Beloved Children of the Reformation!


 In this pamphlet I wish to write not only to you, but about you. This you may have gathered from my subject already. It is not my chief purpose to deal with the Reformation and the Reformers, however necessary and instructive that may be. It is rather my purpose to write about the children, the spiritual children, of the Reformation of the sixteenth century, in the historical line of which all Protestant churches, to one degree or another, stand. And all that I have to say may really be summed up under the one main question: who and what are the Children of the Reformation?

"The Threefold Overthrow of Self" By J.C. Philpot

  "I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until he comes whose right it is; and I will give it to him." – Ezekiel 21:27

Before we enter into the spiritual and experimental meaning of this passage of Holy Writ, it may be desirable to advert for a few minutes to its literal signification, and to the circumstances under which these words were spoken by the Lord through his prophet Ezekiel.

These words were uttered, then, with reference to King Zedekiah, who at that time sat upon the throne of Judah. Nebuchadnezzar had elevated him to the position which he then occupied; he had made him king, and, in making him king, he had exacted of him a solemn oath in the name of Jehovah, that he would be faithful to Nebuchadnezzar 2Ch 36:13.

"We Must Be Holy!" By J. C. Ryle

Reader,

We must be holy on earth before we die—if we desire to go to heaven after death! If we hope to dwell with God forever in the life to come—we must endeavor to be like Him in the life that now is. We must not only admire holiness, and wish for holiness—we must beholy.

Holiness cannot justify and save us. Holiness cannot cover our iniquities, make satisfaction for transgressions, pay our debts to God. Our best works are no better than filthy rags, when tried by the light of God's law. The righteousness which Jesus Christ brought in, must be our only confidence—and the blood of His atonement, our only hope. All this is perfectly true, and yet we must be holy.

"The Hidden Life" Secrets of Contentment By J.R. Miller 1895

"I am glad to think I am not bound to make the world go right, But only to discover, and to do with cheerful heart, The work which God appoints." Someone has said, that if men were to be saved by contentment, instead of faith in Christ, most people would be lost. Yet contentment is a duty. It is also possible.

"The Tract Distributor"

 On a rare Saturday visit to Swansea, which is the second largest city in Wales with a population of 150,000, I had another opportunity to visit Des Roberts at his workplace. Forty years ago he began his lifetime vocation of distributing tracts once a week in the main street. At first he stood outside a shop which sold electrical appliances and on one occasion the annoyed manager told him to move away as he was driving trade from him. Des is not easily intimidated, and told him to produce some figures from his financial accounts to prove that he was suffering because of Des's presence. The policewoman who had been called to the scene by the manager would do nothing as Des had broken no laws. So for years more he stayed there unconcerned with the manager's glares. Then the pattern of trade in Swansea began to change and a new Quadrant of shops and arcades opened up and Des moved to a new pitch under the shelter of the entrance to the famous Swansea market.

"The Blessed Man" By Arthur Pink (1938)

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers" (Psalm 1:1). We have been much impressed by the fact that the wondrous and precious Psalter opens with the word "Blessed," and yet a little reflection shows it could scarcely begin with any other. As most of our readers are doubtless aware, "Psalms" means "Praises," and the key note is here struck at the very outset, for it is only the "Blessed man" who can truly praise God, as it is his praises which are alone acceptable to Him. The word "Blessed" has here, as in so many places in Scripture (like Matt. 5:3-11), a double force: First and primarily, it signifies that the Divine benediction—in contrast from God's curse, rests upon this man. Second and consequently, it denotes that he is a happy man.

"When Greed Replaces Mission" by Shane C. Montgomery

  This blog will no longer endorse, encourage or link to Living Waters ministry.  I will be removing anything related to them.  I do this because they continue to align with Trinity Broadcasting Network (TB) which is a "Pay For Pray" scam and not a legitimate God fearing, Christ serving ministry, they promote their own financial gain over in place of promoting the life giving message of the Gospel.  So, in continuing to promote Living Waters I would be promoting TBN and I cannot in good conscience live with that.

"A New Reformed Idolatry" by Shane C. Montgomery

 The idolatry of the Charismatics has found its way into the Reformed faith.  It sickens me to hear of the rash of Reformed Cruises that have popped up over the last year, bringing this sick TBN type idolatry to our churches.  Is this something that serves a purpose?  Is it a necessity?  Does it edify the believer?  What about the cost? From $599 a person up to $3,218 a person, is this making good use of God's money?  Is this type of frivolous spending, this pampering of the saint in the name of education, is this right?   Could we be putting this money to better use? Say by spreading the Gospel, or feeding the poor.  This is nothing but self-centered adults who have become complacent and spoiled indulgencing their materialistic lusts and all in the name of Jesus Christ.

“Is Seeing Believing?” An Easter Message by Shane C. Montgomery

Scripture Reading: John 20:1-18


Prayer:

Introduction:
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart of our faith. Christianity, is above all, a
religion of Resurrection. The Church is called primarily to be the community of the
Resurrection. We as God's Covenant people are called to be witnesses to the
Resurrection. We might not have been in the tomb with Mary, Peter and John on that
first Easter Sunday, but we know what is true and we bear witness to this truth.
On Easter we celebrate the Resurrection, on this day we come together as believers in
the Resurrection, and we worship and then we celebrate the fact that the Tomb was
empty, that Christ has indeed Risen, that Christ is alive today and sits at the right hand of
God the Father in Heaven, and that Christ is a witness on our behalf of our faith and
love.

"Gospel Fruit the Test of Genuine Discipleship" by J.C. Philpot

 "Herein is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be My disciples." John 15:8

Why does the farmer, at this season of the year, cast into the bosom of the earth so much valuable corn? That at harvest time he may reap a crop. Why does the gardener now transplant fruit trees, and put them by the side of a sunny wall? That those trees, when their bearing season comes, may produce rich and ripe fruit. If the farmer reap no crop, if the gardener gathers no fruit, each is disappointed, and they would conclude, either that the seed was bad and the tree worthless, or that there was something wrong about the soil. So it is in grace. Why does God sow the seed of His Word in the heart of any? or why does He plant any tree of righteousness in His garden here below? That there may spring from the one a crop which may issue in His glory; and that fruit may be found on the other which shall be acceptable in His sight.

Easter Poem

Some of us stay at the cross,
some of us wait at the tomb,
Quickened and raised with Christ
yet lingering still in the gloom.
Some of us 'bide at the Passover feast
with Pentecost all unknown,
The triumphs of grace in the heavenly place
that our Lord has made His own.
If the Christ who died had stopped at the cross,
His work had been incomplete.
If the Christ who was buried had stayed in the tomb,
He had only known defeat,
But the way of the cross never stops at the cross
and the way of the tomb leads on
To victorious grace in the heavenly place
where the risen Lord has gone.

Annie Johnson Flint.

"Is Mankind Lost in Sin?" by J. Gresham Machen

We have spoken of the first sin of man, and we have spoken of the question, "What is sin?" The question now arises what consequences that first sin of man has had for us and for all men. Some people think it had very slight consequences -- if indeed these people think that there ever was a first sin of man at all, in the sense in which it is described in the third chapter of Genesis.

I remember that some years ago, when I was driving home in my car after a summer vacation, I stayed over Sunday in a certain city without any particular reason except that I do not like to travel on that day. Being without any acquaintance with the city, I dropped into what seemed perhaps to be the leading church in the central part of the town.

"Hell" by Dr. Francis Turretin

Is there a hell? And what are its punishments—whether only of loss or also of sense.  We affirm the latter.

I. The execution of the sentence of the Judge will follow its promulgation. This will be carried out with respect to the wicked by casting them down into hell, where they must be tormented for ever with the devils; but with respect to the pious, by their introduction into heaven, to the joys of eternal life. Concern­ing this twofold end of men, of eternal life as well as of eternal death, something must also be said. And in the first place of hell or eternal death:

"Experimental Preaching" by A.W. Pink-Volume 16, No.7 S.I.T.S

The mere quoting of Scripture in the pulpit is not sufficient—people can become familiar with the letter of the Word by reading it at home; it is the expounding of it which is  so much needed today. “And Paul, as his manner was . . . reasoned with them out of the  Scriptures,  opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again  from the dead” (Acts 17:2, 3). But to “open” the Scriptures helpfully to the saints requires  more than a young man who has had a few months’ training in some “Bible Institute” or  a year or two in a theological seminary. None but those who have been personally taught  of God in the hard school of experience are qualified to so “open” up the Word that Divine light has cast upon the perplexing experiences of the believer, for while Scripture  interprets experience, experience is often the best interpreter of Scripture. “The heart of  the wise  teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning  to his lips” (Prov. 16:23), and  that “learning” cannot be acquired in any of man’s schools.

A Review of "Peace for the Troubled Heart" written by the late Herman Hoeksema

Sometimes even the most mature believers fall on hard times and endure suffering. We are not promised “Our Best Life Now” and life will and does remind us of this truth, we endure hardship, we suffer, we fall ill and we at times will fall into poverty, financially and spiritually. There will be times in every believers life where they feel God has removed Himself from an active role in their life. Nobody enjoys suffering, but we can take comfort in that God has not abandoned us and that He can and does use suffering and hardship to grow us as believers, making us more holy and prepared to endure this life and make us ready for eternal life in heaven.

"The Beauty of Holiness" by A.W. Pink

 “Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psa. 29:2). Holiness is the antithesis of sin, and the beauty of holiness is in direct contrast from the ugliness of sin. Sin is a deformity, a monstrosity. Sin is repulsive, repellent to the infinitely pure God: that is why He selected leprosy, the most loathsome and horrible of all diseases, to be its emblem. When the Prophet was Divinely inspired to depict the condition of degenerate Israel it was in these words, “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores” (Isa. 1:6). O that sin were sickening and hateful to us: not merely its grosser forms, but sin itself. At the opposite extreme from the hideousness of sin is “the beauty of holiness.” Holiness is lovely in the sight of God: necessarily so. It is the reflection of His own nature, for He is “glorious in holiness” (Exo. 15:11). O that it may be increasingly attractive to and earnestly sought after by us. Perhaps the simplest way of bringing out the beauty of holiness will be to contrast it from the beauties of time and sense.

"How Can We Be Salt and Light?" J.C. Ryle

  True Christians are to be in the world like salt. Now, salt has a peculiar taste of its own, utterly unlike anything else. When mingled with other substances, it preserves them from corruption. It imparts a portion of its taste to everything it is mixed with. It is useful so long as it preserves its savor, but no longer. Are we true Christians? Then see in this our place and duties!

True Christians are to be in the world like light. Now, it is the property of light to be utterly distinct from darkness. The least spark in a dark room can be seen at once. Of all things created, light is the most useful. It makes things grow. It guides. It cheers. It was the first thing called into being. Without it the world would be a gloomy blank. Are we true Christians? Then see again our position and responsibilities!

"Bible Study" by A. W. Pink

  (From Studies in the Scriptures Publication: July, 1939)

      From our correspondence we gather that in these strenuous days, there are not a few who deplore the fact that they do not now have the time available for serious reading which they once had. Working conditions are so exacting, competition is so keen and ruthless, the pace has become so feverish, that the majority are too exhausted at the close of the day to apply themselves in the evening to anything which involves much effort. We sympathize with these weary toilers, and would offer to them the following remarks. First, God is no Egyptian taskmaster, laying upon us a burden grievous to be borne. Second, there is nothing more restful to the nerves and relief-bringing to an over-taxed mind than half an hour spent alone with God; say five minutes in reading a Psalm or a portion from the Gospels, 15 or 20 minutes at the Throne of Grace--thanking God for the mercies of the day, pouring out to Him our troubles, seeking fresh supplies of grace: and then reading a chapter from the Epistles. Third, retire to rest half an hour sooner than you have been doing, and rise that much earlier in the morning, so as to spend it with God, preparing yourself for the demands of the day. Fourth, be most particular in seeing to it that you spend several hours on the Sabbath over God's Word and reading edifying books. It is not honouring to the Lord for you to rush from one meeting to another and leave yourself little opportunity for private devotions.

"The Reformed View of Education" by Cornelius Van Til

Only upon a Reformed basis can God really be made central in education. This is true because only in the Reformed system are Christ and the Holy Spirit really central in education. The Reformed view is based exclusively upon the Bible. The doctrines of creation and providence imply that God originates and arranges all the facts of the universe according to a “logic” that is above man. Man’s systems must therefore be consciously analogical to the system of God.

"Man's Utter Inability to Rescue Himself" by Thomas Boston

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him. John 6.44

We have now had a view of the total corruption of man’s nature, and that load of wrath which lies on him, that gulf of misery into which he is plunged in his natural state. But there is one part of his misery that deserves particular consideration; namely, his utter inability to recover himself, the knowledge of which is necessary for the due humiliation of a sinner. What I design here, is only to propose a few things, whereby to convince the unregenerate man of this his inability, that he may see an absolute need of Christ and of the power of His grace.

"THE COVENANT ALLEGORY" by Arthur W. Pink

---

The last eleven verses of Galatians 4 are far from being free of difficulties appears from the diverse expositions of the commentators. Nor will the limited space now at our disposal allow us to enter into as full an elucidation as could be wished, nor permit the pausing now and again to furnish collateral proofs for what is advanced, as would be our desire. Brevity has its advantages, but it does not always make for clarity. We must, however, content ourselves now with a comparatively terse running comment on this passage, and that, according to the limited light which we have therefrom,

"Introduction: On Covenant Theology" by J. I. Packer

I
The name of Herman Wits (Witsius, 1636-1 708) has been unjustly forgotten. He was a masterful Dutch Reformed theologian, learned, wise, mighty in the Scriptures, practical and "experimental" (to use the Puritan label for that which furthers heart-religion). On paper he was calm, judicious, systematic, clear and free from personal oddities and animosities. He was a man whose work stands comparison for substance and thrust with that of his younger British contemporary John Owen, and this writer, for one, knows no praise higher than that! To Witsius it was given, in the treatise here reprinted, to integrate and adjudicate explorations of covenant theology carried out by a long line of theological giants stretching back over more than century and a half to the earliest days of the Reformation. On this major matter Witsius's work has landmark status as summing up a whole era, which is why it is appropriate to reprint it today. However, in modern Christendom covenant theology has been unjustly forgotten, just as Witsius himself has, and it will not therefore be amiss to spend a little time reintroducing it, in order to prepare readers' minds for what is to come.

"The Great Duty of Family Religion" by George Whitefield

Joshua 24:15 — "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

 These words contain the holy resolution of pious Joshua, who having in a most moving, affectionate discourse recounted to the Israelites what great things God had done for them, in the verse immediately preceding the text, comes to draw a proper inference from what he had been delivering; and acquaints them, in the most pressing terms, that since God had been so exceeding gracious unto them, they could do not less, than out of gratitude for such uncommon favors and mercies, dedicate both themselves and families to his service. "Now therefore, fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and truth, and put away the Gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood." And by the same engaging motive does the prophet Samuel afterwards enforce their obedience to the commandments of God, 1 Sam. 12:24, "Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth, with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you."

"Reformed Blog of the Week"

  I want to take a moment to tell you about a very well done and thought provoking blog I have been following for a few months now.  Mike Andrews out of Somewherewayupnorththere, Canada. (AKA Manitoba) has put together a very decent reformed blog.  He is not afraid to speak his mind and say what needs to be said.  Every week we are seeing more and more reformed blogs hitting the internet, and this is a good thing, this blog is most definitely  one to check out.  Mike writes clearly on the providence and sovereignty of our great God and reminds us that we are all sinners deserving of Hell, but offered forgiveness in Christ.   Keep up the good work Pastor Andrews and thank you for your blog.   http://pastormikescorner.blogspot.com/

The State of Christianity Today!" By Shane C. Montgomery

   It saddens me to see the state of Christianity today.  We have drifted way off course and we do not seem to mine.  You might disagree, you might even respond back that "the Church is better than ever" but can you say that with a straight face?  I know I am not able to.  I am  not one of those doom and gloom people who sees black helicopters everywhere I go.  No, I am rationale in what I so clearly  witness and that is a divorce from the early Church, the true Church and the Church the way Christ intended it to be.  We have veered off to such a degree that we cannot even recognize the danger we are in.  The danger we put ourselves in is one thing, but to jeopardize our own children is foolishness and nothing but criminal negligence on our parts.

A Letter On Sin and Unsaved Friends" By John Newton 1764

by John Newton

July 1764.

My dear Madam,

The complaints you make are inseparable from a spiritual acquaintance with our own hearts: I would not wish you to be less affected with a sense of in-dwelling sin. It becomes us to be humbled into the dust: yet our grief, though it cannot be too great, may be under a wrong direction; and if it leads us to impatience or distrust it certainly is so.

So, Which is it? "Go" or "Preach?"

Just what is being emphasized in this verse?
              Is it "GO" or "Preach?"


 "And he said unto them, Go (1) ye into all the world, and preach (2) the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15 KJV



(1) Greek- πορεύομαι
English Spelling-poreuomai
Pronounced-por-yoo'-om-ahee

Definition- Middle voice from a derivative of the same as G3984; to traverse, that is, travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove [figuratively die],
live, etc.): - depart, go (away, forth, one’s way, up), (make a, take a) journey, walk.

" Why We Need the Puritans" by J. I. Packer

I    Horse Racing is said to be the sport of kings. The sport of slinging mud has, however, a wider following. Pillorying the Puritans, in particular, has long been a popular pastime both sides of the Atlantic, and most people's image of Puritanism still has on it much disfiguring dirt that needs to be scraped off. 

"How To Fill Your Church" By Charles H. Spurgeon

I believe that the best, surest, and most permanent way to fill
a place of worship is to preach the gospel, and to preach it in
a natural, simple, interesting, earnest way. The gospel itself
has a singularly fascinating power about it, and unless impeded
by an unworthy delivery, or by some other great evil, it will win
its own way. It certainly did so at the first, and what is to hinder
it now? Like the angels, it flew upon its own wings; like the dew,
it tarried not for man, neither waited for the sons of men.

"On Perverting the Gospel of Christ" by John Calvin

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Gal. 1:6-8

---

Now we will look more deeply into the subject I touched upon this morning. I said that whereas Paul does not spare the Galatians, neither does he wish to shut the gate of salvation to them completely. He intends to bring them to repentance, and for this reason he speaks of the grace of God into which they had all been called. Yet, he does not flatter them; rather, he rebukes them for their sins. In particular, he rebukes them for their fickleness, for they had listened to deceivers who came in among them distorting the pure doctrine of the gospel. In order to make them better perceive their treachery, Paul says he marvels that they have forsaken their heavenly calling so quickly and easily. He wonders how it is that they have been led astray so swiftly, and how it is that they have remained in that state, given that they had felt and experienced the grace of God in our Lord Jesus Christ. Because he is seeking to restore them, he is not saying at the outset that they have completely turned away from the gospel, but rather that they have been overtaken by temptation through seducers, who sought no less than to pervert the truth of God. There is only one pure gospel, as also there is only one Jesus Christ on whom it is founded. It is not for us to create the gospel anew; indeed, if we seek to add anything to the pure seed which we have received from our Lord Jesus Christ, we are destroying what God has established. This, in sum, is what Paul is teaching us in this first verse.

" What is it to Preach the Gospel?" a sermon by Henry Mahan

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 Corinthians 9:16

The greatest man of apostolic times was the apostle Paul — no question about that. Paul was the greatest man in everything he did and if you go back to the time when his life was not lived in Christ, through Christ and for Christ, he was even great in what he did then. Someone said Paul was great in everything he did whether it was good or whether it was bad because he did nothing half way. 

"DO YOU CONFESS?" by J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John i. 9).


The question which forms the title of this tract is at all times deeply important. Among the foundation-stones of saving religion few deserve more serious attention than "confession of sins."
But there are occasions when circumstances give a particular importance to particular doctrines in religion. The assaults of enemies sometimes make it needful to exhibit some special truth with special distinctness. The plausible assertion of some error sometimes requires to be met by more than ordinary carefulness in showing "the thing as it is,' in the Word. A doctrine may perhaps be in the rear-rank to-day, and to-morrow may be thrust forward by the force of events into the very front of the battle. This is the case at the present time with the subject of "confession." Many years have passed away since men thought and talked so much as they do now about" the confession of sins."

"The Nature and Basis of Assurance" by A.W. Pink

At the commencement of Matthew 5 we find the Lord Jesus pronouncing blessed a certain class of people. They are not named as "believers" or saints," but instead are described by their characters; and it is only by comparing ourselves and others with the description that the Lord Jesus there gave, that we are enabled to identify such. First, He said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." To be "poor in spirit" is to have a feeling sense that in me, that is, in my flesh, "there dwelleth no good thing" (Rom. 7:18). It is the realization that 1 am utterly destitute of anything and everything which could commend me favorably to God’s notice. It is to recognize that I am a spiritual bankrupt. It is the consciousness, even now (not years ago, when I was first awakened), that I am without strength and wisdom, and that I am a helpless creature, completely dependent upon the grace and mercy of God. To be "poor in spirit" is the opposite of Laodiceanism, which consists of self-complacency and self-sufficiency, imagining I am "rich, and in need of nothing."

"The Unity of the Trinity Seen in Baptism" By Athanasius

When the Holy Spirit comes to us, the Son and the Father also come to dwell with us.  The Trinity is undivided, and the Godhead is one.  There is one God over all things, through all things and in all things.  This is the faith of the universal church, for the Lord has rooted and grounded it in the Trinity, saying to His disciples, "Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  If the Holy Spirit were a creature, the Lord would not have linked Him to the Father, because that would have led to an imbalance in the Trinity.

From: "Four Letters To Serapion"

Athanasius of Alexandria (born ~293 CE, Alexandria -- died May 2 373 CE, Alexandria)


Saint Athanasius, theologian, ecclesiastical statesman, and Egyptian national leader, was the chief defender of Christian orthodoxy in the 4th-century battle against Arianism, the heresy that the Son of God was a creature of like, but not of the same, substance as God the Father. Athanasius attended the Council of Nicaea (325) and shortly thereafter became bishop of Alexandria (328). For the rest of his life he was engaged in theological and political struggles with the Emperor and with Arian churchmen, being banished from Alexandria several times. He wrote many important works, including his major theological treatises, The Life of St. Antony and Four Orations against the Arians, and a number of letters on theological, pastoral, and administrative topics. A Catholic Encyclopedia article is online at St. Athanasius.

"New Testiment Puritanism" by Benjiman B. Warfield

2 Cor. 6:11-7:1. - 'Our mouth is open unto you, 0 Corinthians, our heart is enlarged. Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own affections. Now for a recompense in like kind (I speak as unto my children), be ye also enlarged. Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be to you a Father, and ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse' ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'

"Christ the Desire of All Nations" by John Flavel

"And the desire of all nations shall come." Haggai 2:7.

The first chapter of Haggai is mainly spent in reproving the negligence of the Jews, who, being discouraged from time to time, had delayed the rebuilding of the temple. In the meantime they employed their care and cost in building and adorning their own houses: but, at last, being persuaded to set about the work, they met with this discouragement, that such was the poverty of the present time, that the second structure would not match the magnificence and splendor of the first. In Solomon's days the nation was wealthy, but now it was drained; so that there would be no comparison between the second and the first. To this great discouragement the prophet applies this relief: that whatsoever should be lacking in external pomp and glory, should be more than recompensed by the presence of Jesus Christ in this second temple.

"How the Spirit Enables Us to Pray" by Thomas Boston

It is by the help of the Holy Spirit that we are able to pray, Gal 4:6, "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Rom 8:26, "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

"Signs of Living to Please God" by Richard Baxter

See therefore that you live upon God's approval as that which you chiefly seek, and will suffice you: which you may discover by these signs.

1. You will be most careful to understand the Scripture, to know what doth please and displease God.
2. You will be more careful in the doing of every duty, to fit it to the pleasing of God than men.
3. You will look to your hearts, and not only to your actions; to your ends, and thoughts, and the inward manner and degree.
4. You will look to secret duties as well as public and to that which men see not, as well as unto that which they see.
5. You will reverence your consciences, and have much to do with them, and will not slight them: when they tell you of God's displeasure, it will disquiet you; when they tell you of his approval, it will comfort you.
6. Your pleasing men will be charitable for their good, and pious in order to the pleasing of God, and not proud and ambitious for your honour with them, nor impious against the pleasing of God.
7. Whether men be pleased or displeased, or how they judge of you, or what they call you, will seem a small matter to you, as their own interest, in comparison to God's judgment. You live not on them. You can bear their displeasure, censures, and reproaches, if God be but pleased. These will be your evidences.

"Making Disciples, the True Purpose of the Church" By Shane C. Montgomery

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.              Matt 28:18-20 (KJV)

 When reading the Great Commission we are confronted with a responsibility.  Fairly straight forward, "Go", "Teach" and "Baptize."   and verse 20 follows up with this... "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you....." and ends with a reminder that Christ will be with us all the way if we are faithful.  "...and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."   Better words of comfort have never been spoken, I can assure you friends.

Be Sure

“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied  in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.”  —Matthew 7:21-23

WHAT a terrible awakening it will be for those who are going on in this life thinking all is well with them, and then in that day as they stand before the Lord of Glory hear these words, “I never knew you.”

"The Wrath of God" By A.W. Pink

IT IS SAD INDEED TO FIND SO MANY PROFESSING Christians who appear to regard the wrath of

God as something for which they need to make an apology, or who at least wish there were no such thing.
While some who would not go so far as to openly admit that they consider it a blemish on the Divine character, yet they are far from regarding it with delight; they like not to think about it, and they rarely hear it mentioned without a secret resentment rising up in their hearts  against it. Even with those who are more sober in their judgment, not a few seem to imagine that there is a severity about the Divine wrath that makes it too terrifying to form a theme for profitable contemplation. Others harbor the delusion that God's wrath is not consistent with his goodness, and so seek to banish it from their thoughts.

Yes, many there are who turn away from a vision of God's wrath as though they were called to look  upon some blotch in the Divine character or some blot upon the Divine government. But what saith the  Scriptures? As we turn to them we find that God has made no attempt to conceal the facts concerning His  wrath. He is not ashamed to make it known that vengeance and fury belong unto Him. His own challenge is:

From the Early Church Fathers

"To Search the sacred Scripture is very good and most profitable for the soul.  For "like a tree planted near the running waters," so does the soul watered by the sacred Scripture also grow hearty and bear fruit in due season.  This is the orthodox faith.  It is adorned with its evergreen leaves, with actions pleasing to God."

John of Damascus from- "Orthodox Faith"

"Advice On Reading" by Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

"Make careful choice of the books which you read: let the holy scriptures ever have the pre-eminence, and, next to them, those solid, lively, heavenly treatises which best expound and apply the scriptures, and next, credible histories, especially of the Church . . . but take heed of false teachers who would corrupt your understandings."

1. As there is a more excellent appearance of the Spirit of God in the holy scripture, than in any other book whatever, so it has more power and fitness to convey the Spirit, and make us spiritual, by imprinting itself upon our hearts. As there is more of God in it, so it will acquaint us more with God, and bring us nearer Him, and make the reader more reverent, serious and divine. Let scripture be first and most in your hearts and hands and other books be used as subservient to it. The endeavours of the devil and papists to keep it from you, doth shew that it is most necessary and desirable to you.

Quotations from Thomas Brooks

Let those be thy choicest companions who have made Christ their chief companion.

The lives of ministers oftentimes convince more strongly than their words; their tongues may persuade, but their lives command.

Christ choosing solitude for private prayer, doth not only hint to us the danger of distraction and deviation of thoughts in prayer, but how necessary it is for us to choose the most convenient places we can for private prayer. Our own fickleness and Satan's restlessness call upon us to get into such places where we may freely pour out our soul into the bosom of God [Mark 1.35].

Suffering times are sealing times. The primitive Christians found them so, and the suffering saints in Mary's days found them so. When the furnace is seven times hotter than ordinary, the Spirit of the Lord comes and seals up a man's pardon in his bosom, his peace with God, and his title to heaven. Blessed Bradford looked upon his sufferings as an evidence to him that he was on the right way to heaven.

"Christ A Refuge From The Tempest" By Edward Griffin

This prediction, which was uttered in the days of Ahaz, is thought to have had primary reference to Hezekiah, and to the relief from wicked magistrates which would be experienced in his reign. But in the opinion of the best commentators it had ultimate reference to the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the person of our Redeemer, who is very man as well as God, it is fulfilled that "a man shall be as a hiding place from the wind and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land."

In a serene day when no wind is up, when no rain is falling, a man may see by the way-side a shelving rock and may pass by it without emotion.

"Our Conscience Reveals God" By John Chrysostom

"One way of knowing God is through the universal nature of things, but there is another way that is no less important- the way that is provided by conscience.
.....The understanding of good and evil is rooted in us, and our inner conscience makes it all clear to us.  Thus there are two teachers who have been given to us from the beginning, creation and conscience, which have taught the human race without ever uttering a word."
(Sermons on Hannah 1-3)




John Chrysostom (c. 349–407, Greek:   Archbishop of Constantinople, was an important Early Church Father. He is known for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and his ascetic sensibilities. After his death (or, according to some sources, during his life) he was given the Greek surname chrysostomos, meaning "golden mouthed", rendered in English as Chrysostom

"The Call of Christ" from Gleanings in the Godhead by A. W. Pink

"Come Unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"
Matthew 11:28-30

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Familiar as the sound of those words are to professing Christians, there is a pressing need for their careful examination. Few portions of God’s Word have received such superficial treatment. That these verses call for prayerful meditation some will admit, but few realize that such a "simple passage" demands protracted study. Many take it for granted they already understand its meaning, hence they make no diligent inquiry into the significance of its terms. The mere fact a verse is so frequently quoted is no proof that we really see its import; yet, such familiarity has precluded careful examination and renders it far more likely we do not rightly grasp its truth.