THE IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUALITY
This is greatly lost on us today. With abundance in scholasticism, apologetics, and discernment/rebuking certain groups, it can be easy to get sucked into vain, repetitive arguments. While some of these have a place, we have a severe want of true spirituality in spite of intellectual depth.
GUIDELINES:
- SPIRITUAL CONVERSATION. Talk to Christian friends about the gospel and what God has done for your soul. Be open about your sinfulness and need for grace.
- CORPORATE PRAYER. Prayer meetings have astonishingly low attendance rates. Attend as much as you can! Informal prayer with friends is of great importance and must be valued more.
- READING SCRIPTURES AND COMMENTARIES. Most of us don't understand the basic readings of the Bible all the way through. Use commentaries. Pray that you would understand the Word you read and try to work it out yourself. Ask your pastors and friends for input, too.
I hope to post more points later on, so we will leave it here for now.
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This is greatly lost on us today. With abundance in scholasticism, apologetics, and discernment/rebuking certain groups, it can be easy to get sucked into vain, repetitive arguments. While some of these have a place, we have a severe want of true spirituality in spite of intellectual depth.
GUIDELINES:
- SPIRITUAL CONVERSATION. Talk to Christian friends about the gospel and what God has done for your soul. Be open about your sinfulness and need for grace.
- CORPORATE PRAYER. Prayer meetings have astonishingly low attendance rates. Attend as much as you can! Informal prayer with friends is of great importance and must be valued more.
- READING SCRIPTURES AND COMMENTARIES. Most of us don't understand the basic readings of the Bible all the way through. Use commentaries. Pray that you would understand the Word you read and try to work it out yourself. Ask your pastors and friends for input, too.
I hope to post more points later on, so we will leave it here for now.
1/4
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SECOND DAY OF THE WEEK
- Meditate on the sermons you heard
- Catch up in understanding what you read with a commentary if you didn't get something
- Meditate on the lessons you learned/resolutions you decided for the week ahead—that is, perhaps you noticed an area in which you need to change your ways in your duties
- Remember not to neglect your spiritual duties
- Get on your worldly duties and do not slack into laziness or pursuing vain things
- Re-read the chapters you read in Church some days in the week with new understanding
- Pray for resistance to all your temptations this week and run to God when you fall.
- Meditate on the sermons you heard
- Catch up in understanding what you read with a commentary if you didn't get something
- Meditate on the lessons you learned/resolutions you decided for the week ahead—that is, perhaps you noticed an area in which you need to change your ways in your duties
- Remember not to neglect your spiritual duties
- Get on your worldly duties and do not slack into laziness or pursuing vain things
- Re-read the chapters you read in Church some days in the week with new understanding
- Pray for resistance to all your temptations this week and run to God when you fall.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUALITY — 2/4
I may do another post on a similar topic, but for my current thoughts this is post 2 of 4.
- HUMILITY is a trait we all need more of. Of course, some of us are naturally more humble than others, but it is one of the most common and root sins to be prideful. Go in as a humble man as you read God's Word, and always pray before and during worship so that you understand your Bible.
- AVOID WORLDLY BEHAVIOUR as much as possible. Without giving rules that could become legalistic, we need to be stricter on ourselves. We need to cut out anything that is distracting us from God. This is not just things that reduce our worship time. I mean anything that is too silly or vain can make our dispositions less serious and our desires change. Far more time than is currently spent worshipping and glorifying God could be spent doing so. Spend a little more time in devotion, reading, praying... And if you are unproductive, do your duty. Learn to have self-discipline.
I may do another post on a similar topic, but for my current thoughts this is post 2 of 4.
- HUMILITY is a trait we all need more of. Of course, some of us are naturally more humble than others, but it is one of the most common and root sins to be prideful. Go in as a humble man as you read God's Word, and always pray before and during worship so that you understand your Bible.
- AVOID WORLDLY BEHAVIOUR as much as possible. Without giving rules that could become legalistic, we need to be stricter on ourselves. We need to cut out anything that is distracting us from God. This is not just things that reduce our worship time. I mean anything that is too silly or vain can make our dispositions less serious and our desires change. Far more time than is currently spent worshipping and glorifying God could be spent doing so. Spend a little more time in devotion, reading, praying... And if you are unproductive, do your duty. Learn to have self-discipline.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUALITY — 3/4
- PRIVATE WORSHIP is something most people today forget or have not even heard of, yet it was done by all Christians in our lineage. Private worship is formally split into two: family and secret. If your family is Christian, do family worship or try to encourage it. If not, and they are not interested at all, you may just have to stick to secret worship. Secret worship is effectively the same but in your room, as our Lord Jesus prescribed when talking about shutting your door. The format in my church is: pray, read a chapter, read a commentary and/or family discussion if you want/need to, sing a Psalm, pray. Praying on your knees can be helpful and a more appropriate posture, but it is up to you. One divine of a good commentary is said to have read the Bible on his knees while preparing for the commentary. I think if we pray over every part of Scripture that affects us (in private reading, we should pay attention during formal worship) we will be blessed far more.
- PRIVATE WORSHIP is something most people today forget or have not even heard of, yet it was done by all Christians in our lineage. Private worship is formally split into two: family and secret. If your family is Christian, do family worship or try to encourage it. If not, and they are not interested at all, you may just have to stick to secret worship. Secret worship is effectively the same but in your room, as our Lord Jesus prescribed when talking about shutting your door. The format in my church is: pray, read a chapter, read a commentary and/or family discussion if you want/need to, sing a Psalm, pray. Praying on your knees can be helpful and a more appropriate posture, but it is up to you. One divine of a good commentary is said to have read the Bible on his knees while preparing for the commentary. I think if we pray over every part of Scripture that affects us (in private reading, we should pay attention during formal worship) we will be blessed far more.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUALITY — 4/4
- BE NOT A HYPOCRITE. As obvious as it sounds, this is a great condemnation in the Bible. Yet so many of us go about as theological snobs and use foul language, and say this is to the glory of God. How are we going to bless anyone with this attitude? let alone ourselves! Let us not wander into insulting matches or act as the Bible clearly speaks against. Do not profess to love the Word of God and God Himself without being diligent in the means of grace.
I am watching myself in these as much. I fail all the time. But I really hope people will at least realise their spiritual poverty here and come before God to mourn over their shortcomings. I wish I had more of this too. I pray for more grace and a stronger hatred of my sin. Let us reform ourselves and reform our churches with a holy conversation (behaviour).
FINIS
- BE NOT A HYPOCRITE. As obvious as it sounds, this is a great condemnation in the Bible. Yet so many of us go about as theological snobs and use foul language, and say this is to the glory of God. How are we going to bless anyone with this attitude? let alone ourselves! Let us not wander into insulting matches or act as the Bible clearly speaks against. Do not profess to love the Word of God and God Himself without being diligent in the means of grace.
I am watching myself in these as much. I fail all the time. But I really hope people will at least realise their spiritual poverty here and come before God to mourn over their shortcomings. I wish I had more of this too. I pray for more grace and a stronger hatred of my sin. Let us reform ourselves and reform our churches with a holy conversation (behaviour).
FINIS
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Do you want a book that deals with the comprehensive implications of Christ's redemption? Then go to Exodus. You might have thought that I would say "Go to John." or "Go to Ephesians." And yes, those are marvellous books on redemption. But there is nothing to compare with Exodus.
Do you want a book that highlights the holiness of God as no other book? Then go to Leviticus.
Do you want to understand the causes and cures of backsliding? Then go to Judges.
Do you want to understand fantastic principles of leadership? Go to Nehemiah.
These are not simply books of interest to antiquarians. They are books that God designed to inform our situation and to change us.
- Rev. Philip Kayser
Do you want a book that highlights the holiness of God as no other book? Then go to Leviticus.
Do you want to understand the causes and cures of backsliding? Then go to Judges.
Do you want to understand fantastic principles of leadership? Go to Nehemiah.
These are not simply books of interest to antiquarians. They are books that God designed to inform our situation and to change us.
- Rev. Philip Kayser
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2ND DAY OF THE WEEK
- Meditate on the sermons you heard
- Meditate on what you read in the Bible
- Meditate on any good books you read and what they told you
- Have a look at some historical documents/writers
- Prepare for the week and get ready to do what you must
- Remember that idleness leads to temptation and take heed!
- Meditate on the sermons you heard
- Meditate on what you read in the Bible
- Meditate on any good books you read and what they told you
- Have a look at some historical documents/writers
- Prepare for the week and get ready to do what you must
- Remember that idleness leads to temptation and take heed!
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"You mourned over the transgressions of your neighbours: their deficiencies you deemed your own."
-Clement of Rome to Corinth
Clement of Rome wrote to the Corinthians in a time where there was strife sown by wolves; yet, he thanked God for the Corinthians' godly behaviour before the wicked leaven leavened the whole lump. Let us take this particular example of the Corinthian congregation in these times, when there is a lot of conflict between brethren and spiritual warfare. Remember that having mercy when possible, especially when it is a sin against you personally, is a godly thing to do, although it does not mean to not execute justice.
-Clement of Rome to Corinth
Clement of Rome wrote to the Corinthians in a time where there was strife sown by wolves; yet, he thanked God for the Corinthians' godly behaviour before the wicked leaven leavened the whole lump. Let us take this particular example of the Corinthian congregation in these times, when there is a lot of conflict between brethren and spiritual warfare. Remember that having mercy when possible, especially when it is a sin against you personally, is a godly thing to do, although it does not mean to not execute justice.
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"Seeing that the glorious bloodshed of Christ is not so impotent, as being of force to save the greatest sins and sinners, it should not be able to purge the smaller infirmities of the Saints, and if any think their prayers and obedience all but in fashion, this sense with grief showeth that it is not altogether in fashion, and the sense of this imperfection doth more please the Lord, then the imperfection doth displease him."
-Rev. Ezekiel Culverwell
-Rev. Ezekiel Culverwell
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PRAYER REMINDER
"Pray then like this:
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.' "
-Matthew 6:9-13
Some people I was talking to recently were asking for advice on how to pray longer and better, because they felt as though they were not talking to God as much as they should. It seemed right to tell them about how the Lord's Prayer is a pattern for our prayers. If you are Confessionally Reformed especially you will know this, but even so, I think it is a timely reminder for us all.
Review Qs 100-107 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism to see how to apply the Lord's Prayer so that your prayers are aligned with how Jesus teaches us to pray.
"Pray then like this:
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.' "
-Matthew 6:9-13
Some people I was talking to recently were asking for advice on how to pray longer and better, because they felt as though they were not talking to God as much as they should. It seemed right to tell them about how the Lord's Prayer is a pattern for our prayers. If you are Confessionally Reformed especially you will know this, but even so, I think it is a timely reminder for us all.
Review Qs 100-107 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism to see how to apply the Lord's Prayer so that your prayers are aligned with how Jesus teaches us to pray.
TYPOLOGICAL CONCEPT
Christ as our effective Neighbour. The only One who is our true Neighbour.
He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’
-Luke 10:34-35
Christ as our effective Neighbour. The only One who is our true Neighbour.
He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’
-Luke 10:34-35
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https://youtu.be/mXyv8fxcXL0?si=QV9anUU2kcvH9JiI
REFLECTIVE SERMON
Although we do not agree with Spurgeon on some things, a brother sent this to one of my groups. Listening to it was very impactful and the tone is very in tune with one of this group's themes – not being a hypocrite.
I have not posted for ages, but DV I will get back to posting snippets to meditate on.
God bless
REFLECTIVE SERMON
Although we do not agree with Spurgeon on some things, a brother sent this to one of my groups. Listening to it was very impactful and the tone is very in tune with one of this group's themes – not being a hypocrite.
I have not posted for ages, but DV I will get back to posting snippets to meditate on.
God bless
YouTube
Self-Examination! - Charles Spurgeon / Christian Audio Sermons
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Self-Examination! - Charles Spurgeon / Christian Audio Sermons
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in…
Self-Examination! - Charles Spurgeon / Christian Audio Sermons
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in…
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SECOND DAY OF THE WEEK
Don't forget what you heard yesterday. Revise your notes or relisten to the sermon when you can (if it is recorded). Take lessons from it, for both your outward and inward actions.
WSC Q90: How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?
A90: That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer[1]; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.[2]
Refs.: [1] Deut. 6:6, Ps. 119:18, 1 Pet 2:1-2
[2] Ps. 119:11, 2 Thess. 2:10, Heb. 4:2, Jas. 1:22-25.
Don't forget what you heard yesterday. Revise your notes or relisten to the sermon when you can (if it is recorded). Take lessons from it, for both your outward and inward actions.
WSC Q90: How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?
A90: That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer[1]; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.[2]
Refs.: [1] Deut. 6:6, Ps. 119:18, 1 Pet 2:1-2
[2] Ps. 119:11, 2 Thess. 2:10, Heb. 4:2, Jas. 1:22-25.
MINISTER QUOTE - HYPER THEOLOGICALISM
It is inspiring to see a wave of theological revival overcome mere emotional "evangelicalism". However, as often occurs, there are movements who have thrust themselves into a full pendulum swing. Many are focused on theological facts instead of spiritual growth towards and with God.
Princetonian Archibald Alexander (1772-1851) reminds us of a very important truth:
"Be much in the perusal of the Holy Scriptures, and strive to obtain clear and consistent views of the plan of redemption. Learn to contemplate the truth in its true nature, simply, devoutly, and long at a time, that you may receive on your soul the impression which it is calculated to make. Avoid curious and abstruse speculations respecting things unrevealed, and do not indulge a spirit of controversy. Many lose the benefit of the good impression which the truth is calculated to make, because they do not view it simply in its own nature, but as related to some dispute, or as bearing on some other point."
It is inspiring to see a wave of theological revival overcome mere emotional "evangelicalism". However, as often occurs, there are movements who have thrust themselves into a full pendulum swing. Many are focused on theological facts instead of spiritual growth towards and with God.
Princetonian Archibald Alexander (1772-1851) reminds us of a very important truth:
"Be much in the perusal of the Holy Scriptures, and strive to obtain clear and consistent views of the plan of redemption. Learn to contemplate the truth in its true nature, simply, devoutly, and long at a time, that you may receive on your soul the impression which it is calculated to make. Avoid curious and abstruse speculations respecting things unrevealed, and do not indulge a spirit of controversy. Many lose the benefit of the good impression which the truth is calculated to make, because they do not view it simply in its own nature, but as related to some dispute, or as bearing on some other point."
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LORD'S DAY
- The Lord's Day is a HOLY REST
- The Lord's Day is ENJOYMENT IN GOD
- The Lord's Day is for HEARING THE WORD
- The Lord's Day is for PRIVATE MEDITATION
- The Lord's Day is for FELLOWSHIP AND MUTUAL EDIFICATION
- The Lord's Day is for UNDIVIDED LOOKING TO GOD
- The Lord's Day is for CATECHESIS
- The Lord's Day is for PRAYER
- The Lord's Day is for READING THE WORD
- The Lord's Day is for REVIEWING SERMONS
- The Lord's Day is THE MARKET DAY OF THE SOUL.
- The Lord's Day is a HOLY REST
- The Lord's Day is ENJOYMENT IN GOD
- The Lord's Day is for HEARING THE WORD
- The Lord's Day is for PRIVATE MEDITATION
- The Lord's Day is for FELLOWSHIP AND MUTUAL EDIFICATION
- The Lord's Day is for UNDIVIDED LOOKING TO GOD
- The Lord's Day is for CATECHESIS
- The Lord's Day is for PRAYER
- The Lord's Day is for READING THE WORD
- The Lord's Day is for REVIEWING SERMONS
- The Lord's Day is THE MARKET DAY OF THE SOUL.