Self-examination and Resolutions

While some may scoff at a New Year’s Resolutions, I embrace them. The scriptures are filled with various challenges to examine ourselves, and to see where we fall short God’s standards. Introspection is a healthy part of our relationship with the Lord.

Before a believer takes communion, he is to “examine himself” (1 Corinthians 11:28). Paul, in a rebuke to the Corinthians, told them to “examine yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Colossians 3 presents a pattern of putting off sin and putting on conduct becoming of those who love the Messiah. And in Colossians 3, Paul culminates his description of sanctification with this charge: “whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).

Normative Christian living contains self-examination. There is a morbid introspection that goes too far; we all know those who are Christian Eeyores, moping about, striving to uncover any hidden motive behind every action. That sort of spiritual depression is not what I am talking about. But there is a healthy self-examination that should be part of the Christian life. Self-assessment can be extremely beneficial in our quest for godliness.  Keep Reading >>>

Comparing the Confessions

For those who would like to examine the differences between the 1646 Westminster Confession of Faith and the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, a very helpful tabular comparison can be found at this link. 

HT: Effectual Grace

Many have Misunderstood Communion

When I was a young boy, two main things entered my mind on the Sundays our church gathered around the communion table. First, I knew it would be a long service because the pastor was not about to give up sermon time. This meant Church would end no earlier than 12:15 — instead of 12 noon.

The second thing I recall is a strange sense of fear. With his deep voice, the pastor would always read and make a strong point from I Corinthians 11:27-30 (the King James Version):

“Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”

Who wants to get sick or die?

Like most protestant pastors (following the lead of most commentaries on I Corinthians), he stressed the need to be careful not to come to the table with unconfessed sin. Thus the call to “examine ourselves” lest we eat and drink “unworthily.” With this emphasis, the focus turned inward as each person searched his or her soul for unconfessed sins.  Keep Reading >>>

Global Warming - Examine the Issue Carefully

Examine Yourself!

How many professors of Christian religion today have lulled themselves to sleep of the state of their own souls? The great majority of professors are content to have grasped a certain degree of spirituality as to not give the slightest care about true and genuine conversion, true saving faith. Whether or not they really have saving, regenerating faith in Christ.

What a frightening reality would it be, come judgment day when many a professor on earth who professed the name of Christ: “Lord, Lord! Have I not prophesied in Your name? Cast out demons in Your name? Done wonderful works in Your name?” Yet the reply they would get is: “I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of iniquity.” (Matt 7:22-23) Read the rest HERE