Self-examination regarding one’s faith, repentance, and obedience toward God is crucial for the Christian life. Here are ten signs to assess your sincerity, including a genuine desire for holiness, love for God and others, prioritization of heavenly treasures, and a commitment to godly living over worldly pursuits, while trusting in Christ for righteousness.… Read More Signs of Sincere Faith: A Heart Examination Guide
Eight key principles for humbling yourself under God’s sovereignty during challenging circumstances. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)… Read More How To Be Humble Amidst Trials
Seven reasons God appoints sorrows in our lives. These include divine trials to reveal one’s true state, prompting duties, convicting sin, correcting or preventing sin, uncovering hidden corruption, and exercising graces in the Christian. Such afflictions are appointed by God and are essential for spiritual growth and reflection.… Read More Not Without Purpose: God’s Hand in Our Trials
Hypocrisy is the pretense of being religious without true devotion. It manifests in two types: gross hypocrites, who deceive others but not themselves, and close hypocrites, who are self-deceived. Various degrees exist, from general profession of faith to extraordinary displays of piety lacking sincerity. The following practical directions show how authenticity in heart and life is crucial for genuine faith.… Read More How To Avoid Hypocrisy
Many who were raised in a Christian home cannot remember a time when they did not love Jesus. Others were not raised Christian, but had a comparatively radical conversion experience. Must Christians pinpoint the exact moment of their salvation? Are you really born again if you don’t recall the precise moment it occurred? In the following excerpt, Herman Witsius explores how the fruit of regeneration can develop differently from person to person as they grow in grace. While actively and personally embracing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is urgently necessary even for covenant children, is it the case that they will always remember when that decision was initially made? Whether slow or spontaneous, early or late, the fruits of grace and a consistent pattern of walking in newness of life—not the timestamp—are the true evidence of being born again.… Read More Do Christians Need to Recall Their Moment of Salvation?
Richard Baxter’s guidance emphasizes the importance of thoughtful meditation for spiritual growth. He advises selecting meaningful subjects, seeking clarity, and understanding the purpose of each meditation. Engaging with significant truths, connecting smaller matters to greater ones, and bringing doctrine into action are essential for fostering a vibrant and obedient faith unto the glory of God.… Read More Guidelines for Meaningful Christian Meditation
Richard Baxter emphasizes the importance of not overvaluing one’s initial spiritual knowledge or holiness, but instead recognizing the need for growth and maturity in faith. He cautions against the dangers of pride, presumption, and neglecting further learning and humility. These errors can lead to rebellion, contentiousness, hypocrisy, and a distorted understanding of true Christianity.… Read More Avoiding Spiritual Pride: A Guide to Balanced Perception
Thomas Boston exhorts heads of families to propagate religion to their children and families giving, seven motives and ten practical ways to implement Christianity in the home. Motivations include accountability for their souls, the natural bent to sin, and the need for guidance in a world full of snares. Children are urged to make a choice between Christ and the devil, because eternity is at stake.… Read More Seven Motivations for Family Religion
Let a man but deal plainly with his own heart, and he shall find, that, notwithstanding he hath many things, yet there is ever one thing wanting. For indeed man’s soul cannot be satisfied with any creature, no, not with a world of creatures. And the reason is because the desires of man’s soul are infinite, according to that infinite goodness which it once lost in losing God. Yea, and man’s soul is a spirit, and therefore cannot communicate with any corporal thing. So that all creatures, not being that infinite and spiritual fullness which our hearts have lost, and towards the which they do still re-aspire, they cannot give it full contentment. We shall never find a heart’s happiness, and true soul’s rest, until we find it here in the gospel of Jesus Christ alone.… Read More Christ Is The Only True Rest For The Soul
The minister discusses the soul’s search for rest and happiness, emphasizing that true rest can only be found in God through Christ. It highlights how both sensual and rational pursuits can hinder the soul’s rest in God. The minister urges a deep communion with God, surpassing mere rational knowledge and sensual delights. And warns against complacency in religious duties alone, advocating for a deep inner communion with God, beyond mere outward exercises of religion or theological intellectualism. … Read More No Rest For The Soul Apart From Christ
Purely Presbyterian 