Pray for the Persecuted Church~!

The Heart of Socialism

Excellent article on why socialism and Christianity are incompatible, by Phillip Holmes.  
"Socialism is trending in the minds of many Americans. Some love it, some hate it, and others are indifferent to it. Some Christians argue that it’s evil, while others argue that it’s morally good or neutral. Those that argue for its wickedness often fail to condemn the crony capitalism and corporate welfare that is widespread in the United States; therefore, their arguments often fall on deaf ears with socialist sympathizers. The arguments for its moral good or neutrality typically appeals to emotion, rather than evidence, which is considered insufficient for those that oppose it." Continue reading

The invasion

One of the things that surprised me when I first read the New Testament seriously was that it talked so much about a Dark Power in the universe—a mighty evil spirit who was held to be the Power behind death and disease, and sin. The difference is that Christianity thinks this Dark Power was created by God, and was good when he was created, and went wrong. Christianity agrees with Dualism that this universe is at war. But it does not think this is a war between independent powers. It thinks it is a civil war, a rebellion, and that we are living in part of the universe occupied by the rebel.
    Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage. When you go to church you are really listening--in to the secret wireless from our friends: that is why the enemy is so anxious to prevent us from going. He does it by playing on our conceit and laziness and intellectual snobbery. I know someone will ask me, ‘Do you really mean, at this time of day, to re-introduce our old friend the devil-—hoofs and horns and all?’ Well, what the time of day has to do with it I do not know. And I am not particular about the hoofs and horns. But in other respects my answer is ‘Yes, I do. I do not claim to know anything about his personal appearance. If anybody really wants to know him better I would say to that person. ‘Don’t worry. If you really want to, you will. Whether you’ll like it when you do is another question.’
Quotes from Mere Christianity, Part 16
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (1952; Harper Collins: 2001) 45

http://merecslewis.blogspot.com/2011/09/invasion.html

Thoughts on Revival by Charles Spurgeon

C.H. Spurgeon was a Calvinist, Baptist preacher in London, England. He was a faithful preacher of God's Word and a great evangelist in his day. He faced opposition from liberals in the Baptist association in what is known as the "Downgrade Controversy."

He regularly published his thoughts in "The Sword and Trowel." Here are a few excerpts from the December, 1887 edition.

------

Oh for a great and general revival of true religion! Not a burst of mere excitement, but a real awakening, a work of the Eternal Spirit. This would be a glorious reply to skepticism, and would act like a strong wind in clearing the air, and driving away the pollutants which lurk in the stagnant atmosphere. Let us pray for such a visitation of the Holy Ghost with our whole souls. It is not only desirable, it is essential; we must either be revived by the Lord himself, or the churches will descend until error and ungodliness swallow them up.

At the same time, we cannot expect a gracious revival till we are clear of complicity with the deadening influences which are all around us. The extent to which sheer frivolity and utterly inane amusement have been carried in connection with some places of worship would almost exceed belief. If any of our churches have been guilty in this respect, how can they expect the divine Spirit to work with them? The Lord our God is holy, and he cannot compromise his own glorious name by working with persons whose groveling tastes lead them to go to Egypt—we had almost said to Sodom—for their recreations. Is this walking with God?

It is a heart-sorrow to have to mention such things, but the work of the Lord must be done faithfully, and this evil must be laid bare. There can be no doubt that all sorts of entertainments, as nearly as possible approximating to stage-plays, have been carried on in connection with places of worship, and are, at this present time, in high favor. Can these things promote holiness, or help in communion with God? Can men come away from such things and plead with God for the salvation of sinners and the sanctification of believers?

Brethren in Christ, in every church let us purge out the things which weaken and pollute. It is clear to every one who is willing to see it that laxity of doctrine is either the parent of worldliness, or is in some other way very near akin to it. Those who would have a blessing from the Lord must avoid all this, and determine to follow the Lord fully. Not only must they quit false doctrine, but they must receive the gospel, not as dogma, but as vital truth. Only as the truth is attended with living faith will it prove its own royal power. Believers must also sweep the house of the leaven of worldliness, and the frivolities of a giddy generation.

Those who through divine grace have not defiled their garments must not content themselves with censuring others, but must arouse themselves to seek a fuller baptism of the Spirit of God. Perhaps these evils are permitted that they may act as a sieve upon the heap gathered on the Lord's threshing-floor. Possibly they are allowed that our apathetic churches may be aroused. We know already of several cases in which true ministers have gone over the foundation truths again with their people, and have preached the saving Word with clearer emphasis. In other cases churches have been summoned to special prayer about this matter. This is a good beginning: let it be carried out on the widest scale. As one man let us cry mightily unto the Lord our God, that he would arise and plead his own cause. Now, if never before, let those who are loyal to Jesus and his Word be up and doing. A boundless blessing is waiting for the asking. We believe in prayer. LET US PRAY LIKE ELIJAHS.

“I Never Talk About Religion or Politics”

Jay Adams has written a blog post that got my attention.  The old saying, "never talk about religion and politics" is not true anymore.  Everyone is talking about politics these days, but not religion.  As Christians, we need to change the subject to the faith, to eternal things and to Jesus Christ. Read the article here to find out what you can do to change the conversation.

His Name Shall Be Called Jesus!

Enjoy this timely message by Rev. Chuck Wilson.  His Name Shall Be Called Jesus!

Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation

These five sermons on the Five Solas of the Reformation were preached recently at Unity Presbyterian Church in Piedmont, SC.

​Reformation Truth # 1: Scripture Alone - 2 Timothy 3:15-17 
​Reformation Truth # 2: Christ Alone - 1 Timothy 2:1-7
Reformation Truth # 3: Faith Alone - Romans 1:15-18
Reformation Truth # 4: Grace Alone - Ephesians 2:1-10
​Reformation Truth # 5: Soli Deo Gloria - Romans 11:33-12:2