For The Lord's Day

“The difference between authentic faith and counterfeit faith must be understood if the assurance we possess is to be valid. In our day, many people have been evangelized with techniques that convince them if they make a profession of faith they are therefore saved. It is critical, however, to understand that justification is not by mere profession of faith, but by the actual possession of that faith we profess. Assurance based merely upon action taken at an evangelistic meeting or upon signing a commitment card is an unstable kind of assurance that must be examined carefully to validate its foundation. Full assurance of faith comes from the Holy Spirit through the Word of God.” 

- R. C. Sproul in the foreword to Assured by God

For The Lord's Day

"The most experienced psychologist or observer of human nature knows infinitely less of the human heart than the simplest Christian who lives beneath the Cross of Jesus.  The greatest psychological insight, ability, and experience cannot grasp this one thing: what sin is."   ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“It costs God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things; but to convert rebellious wills costs Him crucifixion.”  ~ C.S. Lewis

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Pray with us for our brothers and sisters that the might stand fast against  all forms of persecution.

For The Lord's Day

God Substituting Himself for Man

"The concept of substitution may be said to lie at the heart of both sin and salvation. For the essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting Himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices Himself for man and puts Himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives which belong to God alone; God accepts penalties which belong to man alone."                                  John Stott in The Cross of Christ

For The Lord's Day

"In adoption, God takes us into His family and fellowship, and He establishes us as His children and heirs. Closeness, affection, and generosity are at the heart of the relationship. To be right with God the judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the Father is greater.” ~ J.I. Packer

For The Lord's Day

"The Bible is the record of the activity of God. God is the actor. God is the center. Everything is of God and comes from God, and turns to God. It is God who speaks. It is God who acts. It is God who intervenes. It is God who originates, who plans everything everywhere.   

  -- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, 1943

For The Lord's Day

“Our need to be in charge of ourselves, others and situations often makes our relationship with Christ life’s biggest power struggle. We are reluctant to relinquish our control and allow him to run our lives. We may believe in him and be active in the church and Christian causes, but trusting him as Lord of everything in life can be scary. Even though we pray about our challenges and problems, all too often what we really want is strength to accomplish what we’ve already decided is best for ourselves and others. Meanwhile, we press on with our own priorities and plans. We remain the scriptwriter, casting director, choreographer, and producer of the drama of our own lives, in which we are the star performer.”

- -Twelve Steps to Living Without Fear, Lloyd John Ogilvie