Growing worse? (John Angell James, “Christian Progress” 1853) One of the last lessons we effectually learn, is that true godliness is a constant conflict in a believer’s heart–between sin and holiness. Some sincere believers mistake a clearer view, and deeper sense of their depravity, for an actual increase of sin. The Christian seems sometimes to […]
FREE AT LAST Our freedom from slavery under sin is as sure as our justification from sin because it is by Christ Jesus and not us. Romans 6: 4: Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, […]
Smokin’,Drinkin’,and Cussin’ People love to be preached to about their sins and told to quit smoking, drinking, cussing, and to be kind to their neighbor, tithe, and go to church, etc. It’s because when they are able to manage these outward things, they can feel good about themselves. If I am only a sinner because […]
Is there any real hope for Real Sinners? Is there any real hope for real sinners? I know that men and women who think of themselves as good moral people have no problem in this matter. They think they are okay. They look upon their good works, their religious devotion, and their moral integrity with […]
And what is his religion but vanity? (adapted from Winslow’s, “The Earnest Expectation of the Renewed Creature”) “We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing, ends in nothing.” Man’s origin, the earth; his birth, degenerate; his rank, a bauble; his wealth, but glittering dust; his pomp, an empty pageant; his beauty, a fading […]
The flesh (J. C. Philpot) “That which is born of the flesh is flesh.” John 3:6 There is no promise made that in this life, we shall be set free from the indwelling and the in-working of sin. Many think that their flesh is to become “progressively holier and holier”–that sin after sin is to be removed […]
For Sinners Only! from Spurgeon’s, “THE SINNER’S FRIEND” Jesus Christ is come to seek and to save SINNERS. Electing love has selected some of the worst to be made the best. Redeeming love has bought, specially bought, many of the worst to be the reward of the Savior’s passion. Effectual grace calls out and compels […]
The Spirit’s work in salvation by Spurgeon The Holy Spirit lays bare his heart, lets him see the loathsome cancer that is there eating away his life, uncovers to him all the blackness and defilement of that sink of hell– the human heart; and then the man stands aghast– “I never thought I was like […]
Consider Jesus– as Receiving Sinners- Winslow “This man receives sinners!” –Luke 15:2 Nothing gave greater offence to the scribes and Pharisees than the divine mission of Jesus to save sinners. No greater and more virulent accusation could they allege against Him, than that, He extended His compassionate regards to the vile and the wretched, admitting […]
He puts us in our right place! (J. C. Ryle, “Having the Spirit“) “When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment.” (John 16:8) All who have the Spirit are convinced by Him of sin. He alone can open a man’s eyes to the real extent of his guilt and corruption before […]