The self-sins are these: self-righteousness, self-pity, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-love and a host of others like them. They dwell too deep within us and are too much a part of our natures to come to our attention till the light of God is focused upon them. The grosser manifestations of these sins, egotism, exhibitionism, self-promotion, are strangely tolerated in Christian leaders even in circles of impeccable orthodoxy.
– A.W. Tozer
1897 – 1963
Yup! It says “Jesus Loves Me” right on the kazoo so that settles it; it must be “Christian.” Who are you to say it’s not? “Judge not the kazoo lest you be judged!“
I trust it is not a cynical observation to say [the self-sins] appear these days to be a requisite for popularity in some sections of the Church visible. Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to excite little notice.
– A.W. Tozer
1897 – 1963
More “Christianized” junk to appease your children.
Truth itself does not change just because our point of view does. As we mature in our ability to perceive truth, truth itself remains fixed. Our duty is to conform all our thoughts to the truth (Psalm 19:14); we are not entitled to redefine “truth” to fit our own personal viewpoints, preferences, or desires. We must not ignore or discard selected truths just because we might find them hard to receive or difficult to fathom. Above all, we can’t get apathetic or lazy about the truth when the price of understanding or defending the truth turns out to be demanding or costly. Such a self-willed approach to the truth is tantamount to usurping God (Psalm 12:4). People who take that route guarantee their own destruction (Romans 2:8-9).
– John MacArthur
Now your child can dress like the happy, won’t-condemn-anyone, non-judgmental, non-demanding, unholy, “best-buddy” Jesus that he’s been taught that the Lord is.
Why wait till your Halloween Harvest Parties to show off this apparel? Adorn your little sweetheart in this costume for your upcoming Easter party celebrating bunnies and colored eggs the risen Lord!
Nothing says shallow Christianity like a Jesus costume!
When people talk of having received “such a blessing,” and of having found “the higher life,” after hearing some earnest advocate of “holiness by faith and self-consecration,” while their families and friends see no improvement and no increased sanctity in their daily tempers and behavior, immense harm is done to the cause of Christ.
– J.C. Ryle
1816 – 1900
Joseph Smith called it the most correct of any book on earth. He said it was the keystone of the Mormon religion, that it contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel and a man would get nearer to God by abiding its precepts than by any other book. Yet, the Book of Mormon has undergone 3,913 documented changes, alterations, and corrections since its first printing.
These changes to the most correct book on earth can be reviewed in the book 3,913 Changes in the Book of Mormon published by Utah Lighthouse Ministries. This book reproduces (via photocopy) the 1830 Book of Mormon page-by-page along with the modern version showing all the changes. This is a must-have for those serious about studying Mormonism.
The Book of Mormon can and should be tested. It invites criticism. Hugh Nibley, An Approach to the Book of Mormon, Page 13
This book [Book of Mormon] must be either true or false. . . . If false, it is one of the most cunning, wicked, bold, deep-laid impositions ever palmed upon the world, calculated to deceive and ruin millions who will sincerely receive it as the word of God. Orson Pratt, Divine Authenticity of the Book of Mormon, Page 1
I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.
– Charles Spurgeon
1834 – 1892
HT: Bororean
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy for I am holy.”
– The Apostle Peter
1 Peter 1:14-15
On Wednesday, March 5th, this blog obtained its 100,000th hit in less than seven months since it began last August 10th. I want to thank all of my readers and especially those who have supported and encouraged me; even those who have contacted me via e-mail with their sincere words of encouragement and thankfulness to this blog’s tenacious defense of the gospel in the face of all variations of error so prevalent in the church today. Many times discouragement set in and contemplations of ending Reformation Nation were entertained. But the correspondences I have received have encouraged me to keep on contending for the faith. Thank you all, you know who you are.
– The Pilgrim
Truth is never determined by looking at God’s Word and asking, “What does this mean to me?” Whenever I hear someone talk like that, I’m inclined to ask, “What did the Bible mean before you existed? What does God mean by what He says?” Those are the proper questions to be asking. Truth and meaning are not determined by our intuition, experience, or desire. The true meaning of Scripture–or anything else, for that matter–has already been determined and fixed by the mind of God. The task of an interpreter is to discern that meaning. And proper interpretation must proceed application.
– John MacArthur
This week’s sermon is entitled The Vine and the (True) Branches by Paul Washer. It is yet another powerful and convicting call for professing Christians to reexamine themselves to make sure they’re in the Faith. This is another must-have for your Paul Washer collection.
Click on the link to listen streaming, or right click on the link and click “Save As” (Internet Explorer) or “Save Link As” (Mozilla) to save to your computer. From there you can burn this to a CD or upload it to your MP3 player.
It is thoroughly scriptural and right to say , “Faith alone justifies.” But it is not equally scriptural and right to say, “Faith alone sanctifies.”
– J. C. Ryle
1816 – 1900
For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Hebrews 9:13-14
Be freed from the “American Dream.”
HT: Fide-O
There is a trend today that would put a new robe on the prodigal son while he is still feeding hogs. Some would put the ring on his finger while he’s still in the pigsty. Others would paint the pigsty and advocate bigger and better hog pens.
– Vance Havner
1901 – 1986
HT: Fide-O
Using the proverbial seven deadly sins, Forbes Magazine recently rated the most sinful cities in America. Below I have listed the city that ranked first in each category. You can click on the respective links to find out what other cities made the top ten (and how Forbes judged their sinfulness). I am certain you will be surprised at who ranked first in each category and who made the top ten.
Most lustful city: Denver
Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.
Most greedy city: San Jose
Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.
Most jealous city: Memphis
Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.
Most wrathful city: Detroit
Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.
Most gluttonous city: Memphis
Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.
Most slothful city: Memphis
Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.
Most prideful city: Salt Lake City
Click here to see the other cities that made the top ten and how they were judged.
We have been given a clear message for the purpose of confronting the world’s unbelief. That is what we are called, commanded, and commissioned to do (1 Corinthians 1:17-31). Faithfulness to Christ demands it. The honor of God requires it. We cannot sit by and do nothing while worldly, revisionist, and skeptical attitudes about truth are infiltrating the church. We must not embrace such confusion in the name of charity, collegiality, or unity. We have to stand and fight for the truth–and be prepared to die for it–as faithful Christians always have.
– John MacArthur
Although this video is purely satirical, it’s teeming with truth.
Christ Alone Wyoming 