It is most significant that whenever spiritual awakenings have occurred throughout the Christian centuries, they have always been accompanied by a restoration of koinonia, of the confession of faults, and the bearing of one another’s burdens. During the Wesleyan awakening in eighteenth-century England, the great evangelist George Whitefield wrote to his converts: “My brethren, let … Continue reading “HOME BIBLE STUDIES”
Author: Administrador
HOLY SPIRIT, FILLING OF
What God chooses, He cleanses. What God cleanses, He molds. What God molds, He fills. What God fills, He uses. J. S. Baxter662 A. J. Gordon, one of the founders of Gordon Conwell Divinity School, told of being out walking and looking across a field at a house. There beside the house was what looked … Continue reading “HOLY SPIRIT, FILLING OF”
HOLY SPIRIT, MINISTRY OF
On a particularly rough airplane flight, a lady became very airsick. Her shoulders drooped, and her head slumped forward—she was totally wiped out. The stewardess came by to help her. “Come, come now,” she said, “buck up and get control of yourself. Sit up and take courage.” She put her arm under the lady’s arm … Continue reading “HOLY SPIRIT, MINISTRY OF”
HOLIDAYS
During the holiday season, people become greatly concerned about what they are going to eat. Of course, there is nothing wrong with eating such favorite traditional foods as special cakes, cookies, meats, and so forth. But for some of us there is a tendency to let it get out of hand—and into the stomach! Perhaps … Continue reading “HOLIDAYS”
HELL, REALITY OF
Walter Hooper, who was C. S. Lewis’s personal secretary, laughed when he read the following grave inscription: Here lies an atheist, All dressed up with no place to go. Lewis, however, did not completely share in his laughter. He responded soberly, “I’m sure he wishes now that were true.” Hell is a sobering reality for … Continue reading “HELL, REALITY OF”
GUILT, UNIVERSAL
“It is indeed amazing that in as fundamentally an irreligious culture as ours, the sense of guilt should be so widespread and deep-rooted as it is.” (Erich Fromm, The Sane Society, [New York: Fawcett, 1977], p. 181).629
GREAT COMMISSION
When Jesus ascended to heaven after his mission on earth, the angels asked him: “Did you accomplish your task?” “Yes, all is finished,” the Lord replied. “We have a second question,” said the angels. “Has the whole world heard of you?” “No,” said Jesus. The angels next asked, “Then what is your plan?” Jesus said, … Continue reading “GREAT COMMISSION”
GRACE, EXAMPLE OF
An old Indian, after living many years in sin, was led to Christ by a missionary. Friends asked him to explain the change in his life. Reaching down, he picked up a little worm and placed it on a pile of leaves. Then, touching a match to the leaves, he watched them smolder and burst … Continue reading “GRACE, EXAMPLE OF”
GRACE, FALSE
An elderly woman was standing in the checkout line ready to pay for her merchandise: a quart of milk and a loaf of bread. She opened her purse. No money was there; neither was her checkbook. As she was about to ask the clerk to put her things back, suddenly a gentle voice said, “It … Continue reading “GRACE, FALSE”
GRACE VS. JUSTICE AND MERCY
Grace is getting what we do not deserve. Justice is getting what we do deserve. Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.614