I briefly mention the beauty and consistency of God’s creation, as observed in nature and the changing seasons. Then I move to the topic: I emphasize that scripture, while sometimes challenging our interpretations, remains clear on sin and the truth of Christ’s love. Civil dialogue should pursue mutual understanding, not ambiguity, as has been the case during the emergent church movement and other movements.
New Christians are so full of zeal and fervor! They run hither and yon, proclaiming and exclaiming the glories and perfections of Christ. Those early days of their grace-filled life are sweet to witness. Do you remember your early days?
As sanctification grows, so does the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).
Grapes in a Tuscan vineyard. EPrata photo
As a bundle of one fruit, the fruit in growing saints sweeps in as a rushing tide, later to settle as a gentle march of steady growth. Knowledge is added to zeal.
But as time passes for the mature saint, does the early zeal grow slack? Does it wane? Does the slow growth sadly reduce to a pace of frozen molasses, inching along only imperceptibly? Let it not be so! Let not the grace filled days of zeal sputter into a distant memory.
Spurgeon said of Christian zeal aimed rightly-
We do little or nothing, the most of us; we fritter away our time. O that we could live while we live; but our existence—that is all we can call it—our existence, what a poor thing it is! … O that we may become inexhaustible and permanent rivers of usefulness, through the abundant springs from whence our supply cometh, even the Spirit of the living God. … We cannot advance so far as the Saviour’s bloody sweat, but to something like it the Christian ought to attain when he sees the tremendous clouds of sin and the tempest of God’s gathering wrath. …
How can I see souls damned, without emotion? How can I hear Christ’s name blasphemed, without a shudder? How can I think of the multitudes who prefer ruin to salvation, without a pang?
I have to close by commending zeal. Let my words be few, but let them be weighty here. In commending zeal, let me say, I think it should commend itself to every Christian man without a word of mine, but if you must have it, remember that God Himself is zealous.
Charles H. Spurgeon, “Zealots” sermon No. 639
If we constantly think back to our beginning days, we can fan the flame of zeal when we remember our former state. We remember His work to deliver grace to our pitiful soul. We remember our joy in the relief of the terrible burden of sin and judgment. John Bunyan wrote:
It is profitable for Christians to be often calling to mind the very beginnings of grace with their souls. … It was Paul’s accustomed manner (Acts 22), and that when tried for his life (Acts 24), even to open, before his judges, the manner of his conversion: he would think of that day, and that hour, in the which he first did meet with grace; for he found it support unto him. When God had brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea, far into the wilderness, yet they must turn quite about thither again, to remember the drowning of their enemies there (Num 14:25). For though they sang his praise before, yet “they soon forgat his works” (Psa 106:11-13).
My dear children, call to mind the former days, “and the years of ancient times: remember also your songs in the night; and commune with your own heart” (Psa 73:5-12). Yea, look diligently, and leave no corner therein unsearched, for there is treasure hid, even the treasure of your first and second experience of the grace of God toward you. Remember, I say, the word that first laid hold upon you; remember your terrors of conscience, and fear of death and hell; remember also your tears and prayers to God; yea, how you sighed under every hedge for mercy.
John Bunyan, Grace Abounding
Saint, remember the early days. Remember all that Jesus has done. Extol His virtues and perfections, His willingness to endure the cross with all its loneliness and wrath. His death and burial, and glorious resurrection. Remember all that, so the grace that He delivered to us in forgiveness of our sins will revive the quieting heart, renew the callousing heart, resound the forgetting heart. Jesus was zealous for His Father’s house. We can gather and be zealous for His house also. Zealous in love and submission and awe and worship.
During a Christmas season you might sing the old hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” The hymn is thought to have originated in the 1100s! The 1861 translation of this ancient hymn from the Latin contains the verse about a Dayspring.
O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel
In this essay, I speak of the importance of small acts of faith and obedience to God. I share my humble perspective as an ordinary individual, asserting that even minor contributions can create significant spiritual impacts, likening these efforts to a domino effect that can influence future generations for the Kingdom.
Today I critique Lori Alexander The Transformed Wife, highlighting her legalistic teachings and their harmful effects on women in faith. I assert that Alexander propagates self-created, unilateral standards about women working outside the home that contradict biblical examples, lack grace, and puts burdens on women. I urge readers to reject Alexander’s burdensome doctrines and instead seek supportive ministries that align with true biblical teachings. Recommendations at the end.
I love to look at the scenery as I drive. I live in a rural area and instead of the waves on the ocean that I used to see in my former state of Maine, I see rolling pastures and waves of wildflowers. As I trundled up the road, I viewed fields embrowned with crunchy grass heated under a southern sun. The horses grazing in the pasture swishing their tails in a synchronized busy back and forth, swatting away the buzzing flies bothering them under the southern sun. Wrinkled balloons tied to a mailbox bobbed hopefully in the heat, welcoming someone to a shower or a graduation or birthday.
The content outlines the history and future of Satan, originally an angel named Lucifer who rebelled against God. It describes his declarations, fall, and ongoing efforts to oppose God. Key events include the Great Tribulation, his temporary power over the earth, and eventual defeat, culminating in eternal torment in the Lake of Fire.
The content explores the origins and fall of Satan, originally known as Lucifer, a beautiful cherub created by God. Due to pride and slander against God, he became evil and was cast down. Despite his fall, Satan continues to have limited access to heaven, operating under God’s authority until a final judgment. Part 2 of 3. Part 1 below
The post contrasts Satan’s five “I will” declarations of ambition against Jesus’ seven “I am” statements of identity. While Satan aims to elevate himself above God, Jesus reveals His nature and role as the bread of life, light of the world, and good shepherd, emphasizing divine truth versus deceitful aspirations.
Thoughts on Psalm 32, highlighting David’s understanding of confession’s importance for spiritual well-being. Unconfessed sin leads to suffering, while repentance restores the relationship with God. I encourage believers to confess consistently and underscores the urgency of prayer.
the-end-time.org 