Monthly Archives: February 2008
“Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.” (Psalm 84:5-7) —————————— The time and circumstances under which this Psalm was written we may fairly gather from the internal evidences of the… Read More
“Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” – Matthew 5:13 So who are the “poor in spirit?” They are those who have been brought, by the life giving power of God the Holy Spirit, to know of their spiritual poverty – to know that they have nothing to pay, nothing to merit or earn them anything before God. They have been convinced of sin by the… Read More
“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ,” Galatians 3:16 —————————— Everything about Abraham and his life was, in God’s sovereign decree and purpose, forward looking to THE SEED (Christ) who should come – Genesis 12:7. Those today who interpret the seed as being national Israel have missed Christ as… Read More
“And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.” (John 6:39) Although many in hearing the message of the cross pass by in unbelief, yet we have this confidence, that the Lord will have every sinner for whom He shed His blood. The fact is that He did not… Read More
Many see the cross of Jesus Christ (His sacrificial death) as a tragedy that shouldn’t have happened, if only the Jewish nation had believed on Him. Such a view is contrary to the Bible teaching as to why the Lord Jesus came into the world and suffered and died. The scripture is clear that it was God Himself who crucified His Son Acts 2:23. Why did He do it? The answer is… Read More
The purpose of Christ’s coming into this world was to save His people from their sins. For this it was essential that He must die in the sinner’s place, bearing his sin and bearing it away. “By one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14) There was no other way. But O the wisdom of God in devising salvation’s plan in which, through the sacrifice of Jesus,… Read More
When it comes to the true obedience of a justified sinner, motive is everything. Think about Saul of Tarsus. What religious activities did he perform while in a state of lostness? Philippians 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Philippians 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the… Read More
Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs… Read More
In clinging to the religion of works (salvation conditioned on the sinner) they demonstrate the reality that they in fact esteem themselves far better than others – for they imagine that some distinction produced by or in them (but not produced by others) makes them accepted and blessed by God. To remain so deceived is to cling to a false gospel which strikes directly at the glory of God by attempting to… Read More
May not the Sovereign LORD on high, Dispense His favours as He will, Choose some to life while others die, And yet be just and gracious still? Shall man reply against the LORD, And call His Maker’s ways unjust, The thunder of whose dreadful word Can crush a thousand worlds to dust? But, O my soul, if truths so bright Should dazzle and confound thy sight, Yet still His written will obey,… Read More
What is your comfort in life? In death? Comfort is something that everyone wants to have in life. To have peace of mind, to be relieved from misery, to possess contentment and inner calm — certainly everyone desires that! But comfort is something few people possess. For some, comfort is when things go well in life, when I have all that I want, good health and few problems. Others would say that… Read More
Behold here a sacred riddle or supposed paradox — “God was manifest in the flesh.” That man should be made in God’s image, was a wonder–but that God should be made in man’s image, is a greater wonder! That the Ancient of Days–should be born; that He who thunders in the heavens–should cry in the cradle; that He who rules the stars–should suck the breast; that Christ should be made of a… Read More
Many of the precious promises of the Gospel suppose troubles and conflicts. As it is written: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when though walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shalt the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. I gave Egypt for… Read More
If Samson’s name were not recorded in the list of the Old Testament saints as one of the Lord’s (Hebrews 11:32), would we consider him so? He loved a harlot, and was so committed to her that he brought on himself the most dreadful evils, even death. What can we learn from this? 1. Grace reigns! Is this an example of sinning that grace may abound? God forbid, Romans 6:1. Yet, the… Read More
To Read This Article Regarding The Life And Theology Of D. L. Moody Please Click Here
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) What a glorious truth to learn that the very Son of God on behalf of His people settled the matter of sin and righteousness upon the cross. So absolute is the work of imputation, (the sinner’s sin to Him and Christ’s righteousness to the… Read More
Divine justice demands a righteousness which the sinner cannot bring. In mercy Christ has wrought out a perfect righteousness, in obedience to the law, with which His Father is satisfied. “When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law.”(Galatians 4:4) “As by one man’s disobedience (Adam) many were made sinners, so by… Read More
Kenneth Copeland stands today as one of the Faith Movement’s leading spokesmen. His numerous materials, combined with his crusades and international outreach centres, attest to his vast influence. Copeland is responsible for spreading many of the Faith Movement’s unbiblical teachings. The Force of Faith Of the multiple views of faith held by Faith teachers, Copeland focuses primarily on an understanding of faith as a force. “Faith is a power force,” he claims…. Read More
1. Marriage is the “one flesh” union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24) “until death us do part” (Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39) such that remarriage when one’s spouse is living is adultery (Matthew 5:32; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2-3) This is also the position of the historic Christian church for its first 1500 years or so with barely a dissenting voice. It is the traditional view of Anglicanism… Read More
There is no doubt that the Alpha Course is very popular. Almost every one has heard of it or knows someone who has been to it. It is estimated that 500,000 persons took the course in 1997, and there are people still taking it today. Few, however, seem to be asking whether the course is biblical and teaches biblical truth. This must be done, especially in light of its origins and popularity…. Read More
Mr. Beebe: – In a former letter I requested your views on the absolute predestination of all things. I asked for information, and for nothing else; but I will excuse you for not answering me, for I know that I am not worthy of notice, but I am a poor unworthy worm of the dust.Your unworthy friend.R.S. ——————————————————————————– Reply. – We assure our friend R.S. that our apparent neglect of this request… Read More
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us,” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7) The work of the Spirit of God, by the mercies of God is… Read More
MY soul, no obedience of thine, before faith in Christ, can make thee righteous! Obedience after faith doth not make thee righteous; so then thou art made righteous by the one obedience of Christ. Settle this matter well in thy conscience. The glory of thy God and the comfort of thy soul spring from it, for: (1) it is positively asserted, “By the obedience of One, or the One obedience of Christ,… Read More
God caused the (sinless) Christ to become sin. He caused Him to become what He was not, NOT by imparting sin to Him, or infusing sin in Him, BUT by imputation. Christ bore the imputed sins of His elect as the sacrificial lamb bore the sins of Israel under the Old Covenant. He died “the JUST for the unjust”. (1 Peter 3:18). He “through the eternal spirit offered himself WITHOUT SPOT to… Read More
We are pleased with the communications of our esteemed brother Trott, on this all-important subject; and we do hope that our readers will faithfully examine all his numbers, comparing them with the infallible standard, the bible, with unbiased minds, open for the reception of truth. These numbers we are fully persuaded will bear examination; and certainly the importance of the subject should be a sufficient incentive to lead us to weigh them… Read More
In our last number we promised to notice the request of brother Burson, who desired our views on the subject of the absolute predestination of all things. We have frequently given our views on this subject, and still feel willing to give such views as we have on this and all other scriptural subjects. Although it is common for all wise men to lay out their plans and predetermine, or predestinate what… Read More
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1) We here touch a vital and profound truth. Rich and accumulative as the passages are which offer their aid in its elucidation, we despair of conveying to other than a mind experimentally acquainted with the truth itself, anything like an adequate representation of the imposing magnitude and glory of the condition. To be in Christ may really… Read More
Christ does save those afflicted and distressed souls that come to Him. By His own free act, He has made Himself the surety of such, He has voluntarily put Himself in their stead; and if justice has any thing against them, He has undertaken to answer for them. By His own act, He has engaged to be responsible for them; so that if they have exposed themselves to God’s wrath, and to… Read More
O how Satan would triumph if any saint ever fell out of the embraces of the good Shepherd; if he could point his derisive finger up to heaven’s gate and to its risen King, and say, ‘Thy blood was shed in vain for this wretch; he is mine, he is mine!’ such a boast would fill hell with a yell of triumph. But no, no; it never will be so; the “blood… Read More
This is an audio sermon titled: “Imputation and Impartation” The scripture text is from Psalm 32 and the audio is 51 minutes long.
“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) I shall not enter into the opening of this scripture, but only propose some few things that may be a suitable subject for your present meditation. There are three things concerning God the Father; three things concerning the Son; and three things concerning ourselves,… Read More
Hebrews 13:20 The everlasting covenant of grace is the covenant, of which Christ is the Surety and Mediator (Hebrews 7:22 8:6). This is an “everlasting one.” It commenced from everlasting, as appears from the everlasting love of God, which is the rise and foundation of it; from the counsels of God of old, which issued in it; from Christ’s being set up from everlasting, as the Mediator of it; from the promises… Read More
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 16:25) What is this way of death? It is ANY way but Christ and Him crucified!
“… the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) A highly respected and very influential preacher stated in one of his sermons… “The forgiveness of sin always comes at the cost of repentance.” This may sound right to most people, but it is a very deadly and serious error that is opposed to the Gospel of God’s grace and mercy in Christ Jesus. The forgiveness… Read More
“But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for Himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto Him.” (Psalm 4:3) Who are the godly, and who are the ungodly? A “godly” person is not one who is sinlessly perfect within himself. The godly person sees himself as a sinner and that his only perfection is in Christ. The godly person is a sinner saved by the grace… Read More
“For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.” (Isaiah 14:1) —————————— God’s continual mercy upon the nation Israel throughout the time of the Old Covenant, even in the midst of their sinfulness and disobedience, is a great picture and illustration of His continual… Read More
There are many warnings in scripture against taking unto ourselves any glory due to Christ alone. The most deadly, soul damning teaching in religion today is that which exalts man, his will, his works, his righteousness. Salvation is all of Jesus Christ Himself. He saves by His will, His work, and His righteousness alone (1 Corinthians 1:30). Without question, the scriptures point to Christ alone as the author, finisher and the one… Read More
Those who imagine they can keep the law of God well enough to attain or maintain salvation are sadly deceived and deluded by their own self-righteousness and pride. God’s Word is plain on this subject — “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20). How well must one keep the law to be… Read More
Colossians 1:20“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.”Christ established peace between God and sinners when He died on the cross to put away the sins of His people. This is why He is called the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). He accomplished this peace as He was… Read More
Men have pursued joy in every avenue imaginable. Some have successfully found it while others have not. Perhaps it would be easier to describe where joy cannot be found and as you read the list allow the Spirit to search your heart to see if there be any hurtful way in it — — Not in Unbelief — Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote: “I wish I… Read More
Read the following carefully — “Once you and I pined in the wilderness, and sighed after God from a barren land. All around us was the wilderness of this world, a howling wilderness of danger, and need, and disorder. We said of the world at its very best, “Vanity of Vanities, All Is Vanity.” Do you remember how you roamed, seeking rest and finding none? Your way was the path of darkness,… Read More
True faith is assurance of personal salvation. Because assurance is certainty—absolute certainty (to be redundant)—true faith is certainty of one’s own salvation. It is certainty of deliverance from sin, death, and hell. It is certainty of acceptance into the fellowship of God, which is life eternal. Faith is assurance of salvation by the blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ according to the electing love of God in eternity. True faith is assurance…. Read More
Assurance of salvation is an aspect of true faith. Assurance belongs to the very nature of saving faith. Faith in Jesus Christ according to the gospel of the Scriptures is assurance. Faith is certainty of salvation. A believer can doubt his salvation. He ought not doubt, but it is possible that he does. But doubt is not part of his faith. His doubt of his salvation is his corrupt, unbelieving nature getting… Read More
The assurance of which Scripture speaks and which believers and their children have, and ought to have, is certainty. It is certainty about God, about the spiritual things made known in the Bible, and about salvation. Another word for this spiritual state of the soul of the believer and child of believer is confidence. This certainty is absolutely sure. There are no degrees of certainty, as though there can be certainty that… Read More
For a long time, I have wanted to write on the assurance of salvation. God willing, this editorial is the beginning of a series of articles on Scripture’s precious doctrine of assurance and, based on this doctrine, the Christian’s precious experience of assurance. Assurance is a prominent teaching in Holy Scripture. The apostle teaches the assurance of the elect believer in Hebrews 10:19. We have “boldness” to enter the holiest. We are… Read More
For one who is acquainted with Scripture the importance of the subject of this pamphlet, the Gospel, will be self-evident. The subject is of the greatest import in itself, and not merely in the light of the consideration that there always was and still is a good deal of misunderstanding with regard to the question what is the gospel and how it ought to be preached. Just a few references from the… Read More
The question of the propriety of pictorial representations of the Saviour is one that merits examination. It must be granted that the worship of Christ is central in our holy faith, and the thought of the Saviour must in every instance be accompanied with that reverence which belongs to his worship. We cannot think of him without the apprehension of the majesty that is his. If we do not entertain the sense… Read More
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation… Read More
What does God say about Rewards? Well, God has said a great deal about rewards. There are more than 100 verses in the Bible containing the noun “reward”, or the verb “to reward”, and there are many more verses that speak about rewards without actually using the word “reward” in them. Just in the Old Testament alone there are 27 different words that have been translated by the noun “reward” or by… Read More
We reject common grace on the basis of the Word of God. Common grace teaches that God loves the reprobate, but the Scriptures proclaim that “the Lord abhorreth” “the covetous” (Psalm 10:4). The Psalmist declares of God: “thou hatest all workers of iniquity” (Psalm 5:5). God does not hate the sin but love the sinner! Moreover, “the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth” (Psalm 11:5). Here is the intensity… Read More
Reprobate Cain was a child “of the devil” (1 John 3:10), who “slew his brother” because his “works were evil” (1 John 3:12). Thus Cain was an “abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 3:32; Proverbs 11:20; Proverbs 16:5), as was everything about him: his “hands” (Proverbs 6:16-17), his “lying lips” (Proverbs 12:22), his “thoughts” (Proverbs 15:26), his “sacrifice” and his “way” (Proverbs 15:8-9). God spoke with Cain (Genesis 4:6-7, Genesis 4:9-15) — a… Read More
God’s “tender mercies are over all his works,” according to Psalm 145:9. Advocates of “common grace” reckon that “all [God’s] works” here refer to everybody head for head, including the reprobate. But immediately the next verse declares, “All thy works shall praise thee” (Psalm 10a). The reprobate do not praise God, and so they cannot be the objects of God’s “tender mercies” (Verse 9). According to Hebrew parallelism, “thy saints shall bless… Read More
“We have often been asked during the past months why we did not proceed with all haste to produce a translation of the papyri the moment they came into our possession. Well, for one thing others are far better equipped to do the job than we are, and some of those early expressed a willingness to undertake it. But, more important, it is doubtful whether any translation could do as much good… Read More
“One life-long defender of Joseph Smith [Ferguson] made his own independent investigation of Joseph’s ability as a translator of Egyptian records, utilizing recognized Egyptologists without telling them a word about the issues that were at stake. Their verdict agreed with the findings of Mr. Nelson and Dr. Baer. Consequently, he came to reject the Book of Abraham and the claims put forth by Joseph Smith as a translator of ancient languages.” (Wesley… Read More
“And he [Joseph Smith, Jr.] has a gift to translate the book [of Mormon], and I have commanded him that he shall pretend to no other gift, for I will grant him no other gift.” (Book of Commandments – Chapter 10) This was then changed to…. “And you have a gift to translate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you; and I have commanded that you… Read More
“In more recent times the half-dozen leading Egyptologists who have been asked to examine the facsimiles agree that they were ordinary funeral documents such as can be found on thousands of Egyptian graves.” (No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith – Fawn Brodie – Page 175) “It is difficult to deal seriously with Joseph Smith’s impudent fraud…. Smith has turned the Goddess [in Facsimile No. 1] into a king… Read More
“The revelations in the Book of Commandments up to June, 1829, were given through the ‘stone,’ through which the Book of Mormon was translated.” (David Whitmer – one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon – An Address to All Believers in Christ – 1887 – Page 53) “[The] revelations … were printed in the Book of Commandments correctly… just exactly as they were arranged by Brother Joseph and the… Read More
Jedediah M. Grant wrote: “When Peter came to Antioch,” says Paul, “I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed,” & c. Paul does not gain much credit with the Mormons for taking this course. We know he had no right to rebuke Peter; but some man said he was like Almon Babbit, he wanted to boast of rebuking Peter. He thought it was a feather in his cap… Read More
The following animals did not exist in the americas at the time that the book of mormon claims they were. 1) Cow 2) Domestic Goat 3) Calf 4) Horse 5) Ass 6) Bull 7) Cattle “The terms cattle, horses, sheep and so on are mentioned at several points in the Nephite record. And it is dismaying to some who wish to be dismayed, I believe and a few others who (honestly) wish… Read More
“After the Book was published, I frequently bantered him [Martin Harris] for a copy. He asked fourteen shillings a piece for them; I told them I would not give so much; he told me [they] had had a revelation that they must be sold at that price. Sometime afterwards I talked with Martin Harris about buying one of the Books and he told me they had had a new revelation, that they… Read More
Among the evil tendencies of our age that are destructive to the church of Christ and subversive of sound doctrine, I consider the rapidly growing practice of hawking Jesus and the spiritual blessings of salvation one of the most sinister. Salvation-hucksters, pretending to be profoundly concerned with the salvation of sinners, traverse our land, know how to draw the masses in gigantic evangelistic or revival meetings by their emotional preaching, frequently of… Read More
“I am a companion of all that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.” (Psalm 119:63) ————— In the above verse we have a description of God’s people according to the course of their lives and conduct. They are a people marked by two things: fear and submission, the latter being the fruit of the former. Regenerated souls obey God conscientiously out of reverence to His majesty and goodness, and… Read More
In our last number we promised to notice the request of brother Burson, who desired our views on the subject of the absolute predestination of all things. We have frequently given our views on this subject, and still feel willing to give such views as we have on this and all other scriptural subjects. Although it is common for all wise men to lay out their plans and predetermine, or predestinate what… Read More
“And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth…” (Doctrine and Covenants: Section 1 – Verse 30) “My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that… Read More
“I sometimes say to my brethren, ‘I have been your dictator for twenty-seven years-over a quarter of a century I have dictated this people; that ought to be some evidence that my course is onward and upward.’” (Brigham Young – Journal of Discourses – Verse 14 – Page 205- August 13th, 1871) ———————————————————— “As formerly, I present myself before you this morning in the capacity Providence has lead me to occupy, acknowledged… Read More
A Study on James 2:14-26 James 2:14 My brothers, what [is] the gain if anyone says he has faith, but he does not have works? Is the faith able to save him? James 2:15 But if a brother or a sister is naked and may be lacking in daily food, James 2:16 and any one of you say to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, but does not give them… Read More
It is no secret that many false and vain and foolish things are being taught in the sectarian world even among us about our need to gain a special relationship with the Lord Jesus. . . . In an attempt to be truer than true [Christians] devote themselves to gaining a special, personal relationship with Christ that is both improper and perilous. . . . Another peril is that those involved begin… Read More
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13) “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5) Of all sins pride seems most deeply imbedded in the very heart of man. Unbelief, sensuality, covetousness, rebellion, presumption, contempt of God’s… Read More
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8) This light of life, if we have it, will be shown in those checks and convictions telling us of things that are wrong and lame. These are the convictions of the Spirit, that we may not pass over those evils, but bear them in mind and confess them; so that not even… Read More
My husband and I are LDS but hope to be officially informed soon that we have been removed from the rolls. A brief background: Although we had a lot of reservations about the factuality of what we were being taught when we were investigating the church last year, we were urged by the missionaries and our best friends – also Mormon – to just go on our feelings. We liked a lot… Read More
A Sixth Generation Latter-day Saint, an Unfulfilled Hunger for Jesus Led Her to Question the Faith In Which She Was Raised. My name is Patricia Bunnell. I was born and raised in Provo, Utah. I was a 6th generation Mormon. When I was 21 I was called to go on a mission to Hong Kong, but developed some health problems in the Missionary Training Center and was released to recover. I never… Read More
“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-43) This chapter clearly shows the resurrection of the dead, and arguments are brought forward to prove it which are of the greatest force. Paul brings forward the objections that an unbelieving… Read More
A warning given by J.K. Popham in a sermon in 1900 on the wise and foolish virgins. ———————————– “They all slumbered and slept.” Ah, there is much in that word of Solomon; the sluggard calls for a little more sleep and a little more slumber, a little more folding the hands to sleep (Proverbs 6:9-10). And what follows? So his poverty cometh like an armed man, as one that travelleth (Proverbs 6:11)…. Read More
“Brigham Young said if you went to Heaven and saw God it would be Adam and Eve. I don’t know what he meant by that.” Pointing to a grim-faced portrait of the Lion of the Lord, as Young was called, Hinckley said, “There he is, right there. I’m not going to worry about what he said about those things.” I asked whether Mormon theology was a form of polytheism. “I don’t have… Read More
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