From the fourth chapter of First John, Jonathan Edwards established five things as essential in a genuine work of God's Holy Spirit. First, a true work of the Spirit raises the "esteem of Jesus that was born of the Virgin, and was crucified outside the gates of Jerusalem; and seems more to confirm and establish … Continue reading Marks of An Authentic Work of the Holy Spirit
Author: 2cherish2commend
Psalm 46 – A Rebuke to a Restless, Turbulent World
Ps. 46:10 declares “Be still and know that I am God.” This injunction is not, in the first place, comfort for the harassed, but a rebuke to a restless and turbulent world. ‘Quiet” in fact… It resembles the command to another raging sea: “Peace! Be still!’ And the end in view is stated in terms … Continue reading Psalm 46 – A Rebuke to a Restless, Turbulent World
Wise Counsel from a Young Pastor
Learn much of your own heart; And when you have learned all you can, Remember you have seen but a few yards into a pit that is unfathomable. “The heart if deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Learn much of the Lord Jesus. For every look at yourself, … Continue reading Wise Counsel from a Young Pastor
Receiving & Giving Neighbor Love
Jesus is the Great Samaritan to whom the Good Samaritan points... Before you can give this neighbor-love, you need to receive it. Only if you see that you have been saved graciously by someone who owes you the opposite will you go out into the world looking to help absolutely anyone in need. — Timothy … Continue reading Receiving & Giving Neighbor Love
Fighting for Survival
A man with his back against the wall, fighting for survival, needs more than moral exhortation and pious entreaty. He must encounter the living Lord Jesus Christ. This was true for the aged Apostle John exiled as an old man on the island of Patmos in the late 90s. This is also true for all … Continue reading Fighting for Survival
Grace – The Fuel for Worship
The people of God gather on the Lord’s Day to worship Him. We do this in the power of the Holy Spirit, out of gratitude to our Almighty God as He is revealed himself in the person and work of Jesus Christ. We humble ourselves before Him by declaring His worth, confessing His lordship,and rendering … Continue reading Grace – The Fuel for Worship
When the Spirit of God Descends Upon Your Heart
The lovely words of the Irish hymn-writer, George Croly serve as a simple reminder of why we desperately need the Holy Spirit poured out upon us: Spirit of God, descend upon my heart, wean it from earth, through all its pulses move; Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art, and make me love Thee … Continue reading When the Spirit of God Descends Upon Your Heart
A Prayer for My Son on His 12th and 21st Birthdays
The below is a part of a letter I wrote my son on his 12th birthday. His 21st birthday is coming soon. My prayers for him have not changed... Son, you are beginning your journey towards manhood. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” … Continue reading A Prayer for My Son on His 12th and 21st Birthdays
May the Lord Unveil His Beauty to You
Holy Father, give me increasing views of the infinite dignity of Jesus' person, work, merit, offices, relations, characters, and in short, everything that relates to one so dear, so lovely, so glorious, and so suited to a poor sinner like me, as the Lord Jesus Christ is in all things. AMEN. - Robert Hawker, The … Continue reading May the Lord Unveil His Beauty to You
Why Worship God with Others?
How easy it is to succumb to the privatized faith syndrome summarized in this statement: "Jesus and I have a good thing going and I don't need the church to mess it up." Certainly the church is always working to match its conduct with its creed. However, we can never give up on gathering together with … Continue reading Why Worship God with Others?
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