One could and likely should spend significant amount of time pondering the words of Jesus as He hung on the cross. There are seven things He said. The first one revealed His love for sinners. He looked out over the mocking crowd, His weeping mother, saddened disciples, and the curious bystanders and said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). In today’s scripture, are the last words He would speak before dying, “It is finished.” Let’s consider two situations we must rely upon the finished work of our Lord Jesus on the cross for our daily walk with Him.
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Romans 11:33 – Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
Theology is the study of the nature of God, such as his attributes, his person, his relationship with humanity, and all spiritual truths which emanate from Him. Here you will find articles and resources to begin to understand the Christian theology which is the basis for our faith and our assurances of salvation.
You can begin to explore the foundation of our theological beliefs by reading our Articles of Faith, our Church Covenant, and the London Baptist Confession of 1689 (external site).
Every Christian knows by their knowledge of God’s Word and personal experience the life of following Christ is a daily spiritual war of great spiritual intensity. Some days more so than others, but the reality of the Christian life is summed up in one word – conflict. It is a conflict that will never cease in this life; will take no vacation or offer any terms of surrender.
It is two days after Christmas. In some homes, the decorations have already been taken down. There will be once brilliantly adorned Christmas trees now lying on their sides at the curb waiting to be hauled away. Or if the “fake tree” was the choice, it might already be boxed up and stowed away for another year. Some people are diehards. They will cling to the last day of the “holiday season”, around January 2nd or so, to start the deconstruction process of the decorations in and outside their homes.
All Christians know they cannot live the Christian life alone. They need the constant help of God’s Spirit to keep them from sin, promote their holiness, and renew their minds toward eternal things. Remove the Spirit and Christians are done. The commands of God are beyond human capacity. The attacks of the devil are no match for us. And the flesh is so strong, we fail every time we try to subdue it in the strength of self.
As the leaves fall, nights get chilly, and autumn settles in, it’s time for our seasonal book recommendation for your encouragement and growth in the Lord. This fall’s selection is titled “SETTING OUR SIGHTS ON HEAVEN: WHY ITS HARD AND WHY ITS WORTH IT.” It is a paperback consisting of 194 pages and published by Banner of Truth. The author is Paul D. Wolfe who currently serves as Associate Pastor of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia.
The simple definition of “amnesia” is “the partial or total loss of memory.” This condition usually occurs due to brain injury, shock, fatigue, repression, or illness. When it comes into the spiritual realm and our walks with the Lord, two conditions of “spiritual amnesia” exist. One is very unhealthy and will stop all growth and joy in the Lord. It depresses, discourages, and labels us “miserable Christians.” The other condition of spiritual amnesia is liberating and energizing. It makes getting out of bed each day worth it. It puts a “spiritual bounce” in our steps. It is the desire of the Lord for us that leads to the abundant life in Him. Let’s explore both forms of spiritual amnesia.