Marriage And Family By Kathryn Jean Lopez

Kathryn Jean Lopez

Kathryn Jean Lopez is an award-winning opinion journalist and editor.  She is the editor of National Review Online and an associate editor at National Review.  The following quote comes from The Patriot Post:

“The reaction of the American Left to John Edwards’s sex scandal is nothing short of flabbergasting. Since when is sex outside of marriage a disqualifier for merely speaking at a political convention? Since when is having sexual relations with that woman in your office anything wrong? Since when do we judge? The difference here seems to be that Elizabeth Edwards has cancer. So only fatal disease makes the bonds of marriage sacred? Although the last thing I want to look to be doing is making excuses for adultery-what he did was wrong-the John Edwards incident begs Americans to look in the mirror. If we think what John Edwards did with Rielle Hunter is wrong, why do we think it’s wrong? Because marriage is at the foundation of our society and we should do what we can to protect every last one? Or simply because having fun while your wife is fighting a fatal disease is a lousy thing to do? I don’t know how we can condemn John Edwards when Americans have been known to cheer for cheaters in movies, watch celebs do it all the time as a form of perverse entertainment, and even insist we’re not sure what exactly ‘marriage’ means.”

Lord Increase My Faith By J. C. Ryle

John Charles Ryle (1816 – 1900) was the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool.  He was born at Macclesfield, and was educated at Eton and at Christ Church, Oxford, where he was Craven Scholar in 1836.  Ryle was a strong supporter of the evangelical school and a critic of Ritualism.  He was thoroughly evangelical in his doctrine and uncompromising in his principles. J.C. Ryle was a prolific writer, vigorous preacher, and faithful pastor.  Below is an excerpt from his great works:

Do you belong to that class of persons who really profess Christian faith and Christian obedience, and are you trying, however weakly, to follow Christ in the midst of an evil world?

I think I know something of what goes on in your heart. You sometimes feel that you will never persevere to the end, and will some day give up your profession of faith. You are sometimes tempted to write bitter things against yourself, and to believe that you have no grace at all.

I am afraid there are myriads of true Christians in this condition, who go trembling and doubting toward heaven. However, in spite of all their groans and doubts and fears, they do not turn back, but press on, though faint.

Now, my advice to all such persons is very simple. Pray every morning and evening of your life, “Lord, increase my faith.” Cultivate the habit of fixing your eyes more simply on Jesus Christ, and try to know more of the fullness there is laid up in Him for every one of His believing people.

Do not be always pouring over the imperfections of your own heart, and dissecting your own sins. Look up! Look more to your risen Head in heaven, and try to realize more and more that the Lord Jesus not only died for you, but that He also rose again, and that He is ever living at God’s right hand as your Priest, your advocate, and your Almighty Friend.