Godward Thoughts

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I read an excellent article this morning by J. B. Buffington. I’m not that familiar with the author, but this article is full of excellent advice and was posted by David Cloud at Way of Life Literature. I’ve posted several videos of Bro. Cloud teaching on the Charismatic movement lately so he should be familiar to you by no.w

Here’s a link to the original article & some excerpts: Read more »

The following is written by C. H. Macintosh:

If I allow my work to get between my heart and the Master, it will be of little worth. We can only effectually serve Christ as we are enjoying Him. It is while the heart dwells upon His powerful attractions that the hands perform the most acceptable service to His name; nor is there anyone who can minister Christ with unction, freshness, and power to others, if he is not feeding upon Christ in the secret of his own soul. True, he may preach a sermon, deliver a lecture, utter prayers, write a book, and go through the entire routine of outward service, and yet not minister Christ. The man who will present Christ to others must be occupied with Christ for himself.

Happy is the man who minsters thus, whatever be the success or reception of his ministry. For should his ministry fail to attract attention, to command influence, or to produce apparent results, he has his sweet retreat and his unfailing portion in Christ, of which nothing can deprive him. Whereas the man who is merely feeding upon the fruits of his ministry, who delights in the gratification which it affords, or the attention and interest which it commands, is like a mere pipe, conveying water to others, and retaining only rust itself. This is a most deplorable condition to be in and yet it is the actual condition of every servant who is more occupied with his work and its results than with the Master and His glory.

Currently, I am preaching through Ephesians in our Wednesday night services. This morning I read a great quote while doing a little reading on the chapter I am preaching from over the last month or so (ch. 4):

a minister may fill his pews, his communion roll, the mouths of the public, but what that minister is on his knees in secret before God Almighty, that he is and no more. – John Owen

quoted in The Ephesian Church, p. 64 of the pdf available here: http://www.febc.edu.sg/assets/pdfs/febc_press/The%20Ephesian%20Church.pdf

May God help me to be much on my knees before God!

Pastor Kent Brandenburg reviews a recent book on wordliness and gives a brief explanation of what God’s grace does in the believer. The book, written by C.J. Mahaney, emphasizes “internal” worldliness in opposition to “external” worldliness. Worldliness cannot be confined to either of these areas; it really can permeate both our hearts and our conduct. Here are a few excerpts:

“The pagan, anti-God philosophy of this world weaves its way into every part of a culture. For this reason, everything must be judged (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and that which associates itself with a humanistic or depraved way of thinking must be eschewed (1 Thessalonians 5:22). This applies to piercings, modern art, tattoos, extreme hair styles, rock, rap, and country. In other words, we are not to “[fashion ourselves] according to the former lusts in [our] ignorance: but as he which hath called [us] is holy, so be [we] holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:14-15). Every aspect of our conduct or behavior is to be distinct. In no way should our externals reflect the old unregenerate life.”

“The truth is that the new definers of worldliness emphasize conduct. It’s just that it is, and ironically, the loose conduct appealing to the lust of the flesh. And they’re judging externals. They will judge your standards (which they do have) to be more strict than theirs, so you must be the legalist and the moralist. Even in writing style they work hard to make it as easy as possible to understand. Even in the dress down style of the sovereign grace ministries, something strategic is going on with their urban chic and soul patches. They are working at attracting or making comfortable a certain demographic. Something is driving all that, but it isn’t the gospel.”

“The grace of God that works in believers “denies ungodliness and worldly lusts” (Titus 2:12). As God is working in both to will and do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13), true Christians are working out their own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).”

Read the rest at Jackhammer