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
Active engagement and proselytizing the lost is at the core of Christianity, from which no servant of Christ is exempt. All believers are called to evangelize others and share the everlasting gospel. The work is extensive, aimed at enlightening the world’s ignorance, culminating in a future where we are assured that all will know the LORD.… Read More The Aggressive Nature of Christianity
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
Are Christians obligated to forgive everyone who sins against us without exception? What about those who remain hostile and unrepentant towards us? Several scriptures seem to indicate that we ought to forgive those who sin against us unconditionally (Matthew 6:12, 14-15; 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:32). Other scriptures seem to indicate that we are only obligated to forgive those who express repentance or seem to be genuinely repentant (Luke 17:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:4). How do we reconcile these seemingly contradictory texts?… Read More Must We Forgive The Unrepentant?
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?
John Calvin distinguishes between ordinary and extraordinary church offices, asserting that Pastors and Teachers are permanent, while Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists were temporary. He argues that while the latter were essential for the church’s foundation, God may still raise them up in special circumstances, emphasizing the Reformers’ roles in restoring purity during crises, analogous to the Apostolic mission.… Read More Protestant Reformers: Apostles or Not?
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
We discuss the characteristics of flesh-pleasers, highlighting their prioritization of physical pleasures over spiritual well-being. We warn against self-deception in identifying sensuality and provide strategies to combat flesh-pleasing. We emphasize the need for self-denial and the pursuit of eternal delights through Jesus Christ over temporary & worldly gratifications for spiritual growth and salvation.… Read More Biblical Strategies to Combat Flesh-Pleasing
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