Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Your Amusements

Your amusements

(J. R. Miller, "In Green Pastures")

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever
you do--do it all for the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31

Amusements are proper, both as to kind and
degree--just so far as they make us better
Christians. Whenever they become hindrances
to us in our Christian living or in our holy walk
--they are harmful, however innocent they
may be in themselves.

How do your amusements influence your
spiritual life? They may be very pleasing to you.
They may afford great gratification. But what is
their effect on you, as a Christian? Are they
hindering your love for Christ, and your growth
in grace? We ought to be honest enough with
ourselves, to answer these questions truthfully,
and then act accordingly.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Where the world reigns in the heart...

Where the world reigns in the heart

(J. C. Ryle, "Faith")

"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes
the world. And this is the victory that has overcome
the world--our faith." 1 John 5:4

He who truly believes on Christ, overcomes the world.

A true believer is not ruled by the world's
standards of right or wrong, of truth or error.

He is independent of the world's opinion.

He cares little for the world's praise.

He is not moved by the world's blame.

He does not seek for the world's pleasures.

He is not ambitious of the world's rewards.

He looks at things unseen. He sees an invisible
Savior, a coming judgment, and a crown of glory
which never fades away. The sight of these
objects makes him think comparatively little
of this glittering world.

Where the world reigns in the heart, there
is no saving faith. A man who is habitually
conformed to the world, has no right to regard
himself as a believer!

"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes
the world. And this is the victory that has overcome
the world--our faith." 1 John 5:4