“Saving faith is the desperate thrust of a helpless soul upon the arms of an Almighty Savior.”
With these introductory words, Al Martin sent CHILLS down my spine after listening to this incredibly convicting clip. Martin’s entire sermon can be heard at SermonAudio.com.
HT: P.J. Miller
Categories: Christ · Preaching
Tagged: Albert N. Martin
This classic hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Issac Watts (written in 1707), sung by Kathryn Scott and combined with this short clip of Christ’s crucifixion, brought tears to my eyes as I remember, once again, the intense sacrifice of Christ for my sins.
________________________________________________
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
by Issac Watts (1707)
***
1. When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
***
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.
***
3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.
***
4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
***
Categories: Christ
Tagged: Hymns, Issac Watts, When I Survey
“86 years have I served him and he has done me no wrong.
How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”
~ Polycarp, 156 A.D., moments before being martyred.
“Faith, if it is to be sure and steadfast, must lay hold upon nothing else but Christ alone, and in the conflict and terrors of conscience it has nothing else to lean on but this precious pearl Christ Jesus. So, he who apprehends Christ by faith, although he be terrified with the law and oppressed with the weight of his sins, yet he may be bold to glory that he is righteous. How? Even by that precious jewel Christ Jesus, whom he possesses by faith.”
~Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians, page 99.
HT: Ray Ortlund
Categories: Christ
Tagged: Martin Luther
Categories: Christ · Preaching
Tagged: Josh Harris
Our local deity is not Jesus. He goes by the name Jesus. But in reality, our local deity is Jesus Jr.
Our little Jesus is popular because he is useful. He makes us feel better while conveniently fitting into the margins of our busy lives. But he is not terrifying or compelling or thrilling. When we hear the gospel of Jesus Jr., our casual response is “Yeah, that’s what I believe.”
Jesus Jr. does not confront us, surprise us, stun us. He looks down on us with a benign, all-approving grin. He tells us how wonderful we really are, how entitled we really are, how wounded we really are, and it feels good.
Jesus Jr. appeals to the flesh. He does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him. He is not able to understand them, much less impart them, because Jesus Jr. is the magnification of Self, the idealization of Self, the absolutization of Self turning around and validating Self, flattering Self, reinforcing Self.
Jesus Jr. does not change us, because he is a projection of us.
It is time to tear down Jesus Jr.
It is time to rediscover the real Jesus.
Still today, even to us, his invitation stands: “Come to me” (Matthew 11:28).
HT: Ray Ortlund
Categories: Christ
Tagged: False Jesus
“Penal substitution lies at the heart of the gospel.” – Sinclair Ferguson
The 1:13 part of this video clip is the practical, daily outworking of penal substitution in the life a Christian when Ferguson states:
“One of the ways in which we are energized to deal with lingering, ongoing sin in our lives is by exposing it to the cross…drag your sin and expose it to the cross.”
Categories: Christ
Tagged: Penal Substitution, Sinclair Ferguson
“The imputed righteousness of Christ is the simple glory of the gospel that God counts to us the righteousness of Jesus Christ. “ – Sinclair Ferguson
HT: Josh Harris
Categories: Christ
Tagged: Righteousness, Sinclair Ferguson
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My name is Erik Kowalker. I am a husband, father, diaper changer...(more)
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