During their day, Puritans would play musical instruments in their homes but never in the church. It just wasn’t done that way. The psalm book that they sang from did not have musical notes or notations but the tune was chosen by the presenter and then the congregation followed. Or at least was supposed to. [...]
Entries Categorized as 'Christian'
Church Music in the Days of The Puritians
July 4, 2009
Time Is Urgent
July 3, 2009
There are several warnings in the Bible to take seriously the urgency of the gospel and the shortness of time. None of us know how long we have or how long those we meet may have. Just yesterday reading in our little county newspaper, I happened to notice that there were two 22 year olds [...]
Dangerous Friendships
July 2, 2009
In the study I’ve done lately about friendships, the Bible has repeatedly warned about friendships with the world.
The tragic news about the Governor of South Carolina serves as warning to those who flaunt the Bible’s warnings. Even if your friend is not of the opposite sex, the world cannot help but try to pull believers [...]
Titus 2 – Parenting & Homeschooling
July 1, 2009
~Bren~ At Pieces from Me has written a very wise and thoughtful look at her second chance at parenting, this time her adopted children.
Parenting…The Advanced Course
Another change in this round of parenting, is the social scene for our children. We spend time as a family more than when we were raising the boys. Bud was [...]
That’s Not Loving !?!
June 30, 2009
Ever heard any of the quotes below?
Especially when sharing what the Bible says on a certain issue?
“This isn’t unconditional love, we are supposed to love unconditionally.”
“I am appalled by the unchristian tone of this … “
“Who gave you the right to judge these people?”
“Can’t we just focus on what we have in common?”
“Don’t be so [...]
For The Sake Of The Lord’s Name
June 28, 2009
Why share the gospel? For the sake of the unbelieving? Or For Christ’s Sake?
Philippians 2:8-11
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so [...]
Friendships – Bad Company Ruining Good Morals or Iron Sharpening Iron?
June 27, 2009
We need to be careful of how we relate to the world and unbelievers. Although we are called to share the gospel, we are still warned repeatedly about how we are to use caution when we interact with the world. If we are not careful, unbelieving worldly people will lead us astray.
Even those that claim [...]
Gospel Healing for Hurting Marriages by Voddie Baucham
June 19, 2009
Gospel Healing for Hurting Marriages by Voddie Baucham
In an age when Christians seek therapy before the seek the Lord, it is important to be reminded that God is a primary, not a secondary source when it comes to healing hurting marriages. Far from being silent on the issue of conflict resolution, the Bible has [...]
The Music Wars in the Church Are Not New
June 11, 2009
Over the past few months I have been studying the “Regulative Principle” verses the “Normative Principle” especially as it deals with music and singing in the church. I had never even heard those terms before but I have a great concern for the music that our “Christian” youth are listening to and that the churches [...]
Taking A Stand In the Small Things
June 8, 2009
400 Students Defy ACLU and Stand to Recite Lord’s Prayer at Graduation
Leading up to the graduation ceremony, the ACLU demanded that Pace High School censor students from offering prayers or saying anything religious. In the end, members of the student body were not permitted to speak at the graduation.
The graduating class at the school, however, [...]
When Ball Becomes Baal
June 3, 2009
When Ball Becomes Baal
By Jim Elliff
It’s rare to see kids playing sports in the neighborhood anymore. We’re now organized and “professionalized”—including uniforms, state-of-the-art facilities, endless trips to the field, competitive coaches, equally competitive parents, and the after-season tournaments designed to give parents “bleacher bottom.” In addition, you’ve got to pay to play—and when you’ve [...]
What Should a Christian Wife Do When Her Husband is Unsaved?
June 1, 2009
“What should a Christian wife do when her husband is unsaved? What if he won’t support homeschooling, won’t go to church, etc?”
Christians should not marry non-Christians under any circumstances. When Christians willingly become unequally yoked, they have disobeyed the Lord and will suffer the consequences of disobedience. Nevertheless, the Lord is merciful, forgiving and [...]
The Necessity of the Holy Spirit in Salvation
May 29, 2009
The Necessity of the Work of the Holy Spirit to Man’s Salvation by J.C. Ryle
… The necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit arises from the total corruption of human nature. We are all by nature “dead in sins.” (Eph. 2:1.) However shrewd, and clever, and wise in the things of this world, we [...]
Meditate on God’s Word
May 26, 2009
“Remember that it is not hasty reading but serious meditation on holy and heavenly truths, which makes them prove sweet and profitable to the soul. It is not the mere touching of the flower by the bee which gathers honey but her abiding for a time on the flower which draws out the sweet. It [...]
Election and Predestination Precede Salvation by Spurgeon
May 25, 2009
Things That Accompany Salvation
September 20, 1857
by C. H. SPURGEON
… Before Salvation came into this world, Election marched in the very forefront, and it had for its work the billeting of Salvation. Election went through the world and marked the houses to which Salvation should come and the hearts in which the treasure should be deposited. [...]
Evangelizing Children – MacArthur
May 24, 2009
Grace Community Church, John MacArthur’s church, has the following recommendations for evangelizing children. Follow the links to read more about each topic.
Evangelizing Children (Part 1)
Common Pitfalls in Evangelizing Children
1. Oversimplifying the Gospel of Christ
2. Coercing a Profession of Faith
3. Assuming the Reality of Regeneration
4. Assuring the Child of Salvation
5. Rushing the Ordinance of Baptism
Evangelizing Children [...]
The Truth of God – MacArthur
May 23, 2009
“The truth of God does not tickle our ears, it boxes them. It burns them.
It reproves, rebukes, convicts–then it exhorts and encourages.
Preachers of the Word must be careful to maintain that balance.”
~~~~~~
John MacArthur
This quote is from Why I Am Committed to Teaching the Bible on the Grace to You website.
HT: Donna
Hearing But Not Hearing
May 22, 2009
No matter how many times someone hears the preaching of God’s Word it will do them no good and have no effect unless the Lord grants them the Faith to believe and understand the Word. Until God shows Mercy and Grace by granting faith to believe, that person will never understand. They can hear all [...]
Shooting Arrows
May 21, 2009
Psalms 127:4-5
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. ESV
It is hard to imagine that today technically wraps up years of [...]
Love Not The World…
May 20, 2009
1 John 2:15-16
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but [...]