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
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
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
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
Richard Baxter cautions against excessive involvement in religious controversies, advising to prioritize essential, biblical truths over divisive debates and unprofitable questions. He warns that premature engagement in controversies can divert one’s attention from greater spiritual needs, corrupt the mind, and lead to pride and erroneous beliefs. Baxter stresses the continual focus on fundamental religious truths as the foundation for spiritual growth.… Read More Caution About Religious Controversies
Richard Baxter’s Rules & Directions for Family Duties. Shewing how every one ought to behave himself in a Christian behaviour, suitable to that Relation in which God hath placed him. Wherein is set forth the duty of Parents (required of God) towards their Children; likewise Children’s duty to their Parents. Husbands to their Wives, and… Read More Rules & Directions for Family Duties
Richard Baxter Practical Works vol. 2, pp. 469-472 Directions against Sinful Dreams. Dreams are neither good nor sinful simply in themselves, because they are not rational and voluntary, nor in our power: but they are often made sinful by some other voluntary act: they may be sinful by participation and consequently. And the acts that… Read More Directions Against Sinful Dreams
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