Does His Spirit Dwell In You?

Quoting John Owen:

“The Scripture abounds in commands and cautions for our utmost diligence in our search and inquiry as to whether we are made partakers of Christ or not, or whether His Spirit dwells in us or not-which argue both the difficulty of attaining an assured confidence herein, as also the danger of our being mistaken, and yet the certainty of a good issue upon the diligent and regular use of means to that purpose.”

Blinded By Envy And Ignorance

Quoting Ludwig von Mises:

“[P]eople do not ask for socialism because they know that socialism will improve their conditions, and they do not reject capitalism because they know that it is a system prejudicial to their interests. They are socialists because they believe that socialism will improve their conditions, and they hate capitalism because they believe that it harms them. They are socialists because they are blinded by envy and ignorance.”

A Nation’s Moral Crisis

Star Parker

Quoting Star Parker:

A travesty of justice has occurred in Oakland, California. But realities surrounding this local issue point to how the economic crisis in our nation is symptomatic of and flows from a deeper fundamental moral crisis.

A black pastor awaits sentencing, which could amount to two years in prison and $4,000 in fines, for standing outside an inner city abortion clinic holding a sign saying “Jesus Loves You & Your Baby, Let Us Help You,” and offering pro-life literature.

Walter Hoye, founder and chairman of the Issues4Life Foundation, was found guilty of “unlawful approach” under the “Access to Reproductive Health Care Facilities Ordinance” enacted in Oakland in 2008.

Under the ordinance, it is prohibited, within 100 feet of the entrance to a “reproductive health facility,” to approach within eight feet of a client “for the purpose of counseling, harassing, or interfering” with that person.

“Harassing” means holding up a sign, passing out literature or offering counseling.

The “reproductive health care facility” in question is Family Planning Specialists in Oakland. Looking over their Web site, it’s clear that there is only one kind of reproductive health care they provide: Abortions. . . .

Pastor Hoye’s conviction is strange in that no “victim” testified against him — there was only testimony from those with an interest in the clinic — employees and volunteers, no specific incident was cited, videotape showed Hoye standing peacefully holding his sign and materials, and the convicting jury was given no instructions regarding the definition of “approach.”

Nevertheless, Hoye has been convicted and may wind up in jail and liable for thousands of dollars in fines.

But beyond the troubling details of this trial and conviction, circumstances surrounding the case convey the realities of our deeply confused and lost nation.

Abortion clinics such as Family Planning Specialists strategically locate to optimize their deadly business. This means in poor black neighborhoods. . . .

Read more. . . .

Not Hearers Only

One day – as you stand before God – how will you account for the use of your time during your life? The words “Christian duty” are not often used today, but what do they mean for the Christian in practical experience? Christ means for us to be “doers” in our Christianity and not merely hearers. We prove the reality of our love for Christ by keeping his commandments. Each one of us is given the opportunity of glorifying Him in some way.

The poorest as well as the richest among us have a sphere of influence through which we may act to our Lord’s praise. Whether our health, our intelligence, our profession, our example or wealth, we should use all to the glory of God. We are to live as one who knows his Lord is coming tomorrow and that we shall have to give an account of our time’s use. Are you prepared to do so?

We must ask ourselves if we are living as those who look vigilantly for the return of Christ. The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ in a moment of time. Are you ready? All men (and some to their terror) will know the Lord of lords and King of kings. Are you prepared for the kingdom of Jesus Christ?

The purpose of our Bible and the work of the Holy Spirit is to prepare us to meet our God. If anything is preventing the progress of this work within you, it should be cast aside. Commit yourself to conformity with the mind of Christ. Practice holiness. Labor for the health of your soul. Provoke others to love and good works. There is no greater “Christian duty” than living your Christian faith before an unconverted people to the glory of God.