Are you Discerning?

Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right." — Charles Spurgeon

Are New Age practices in your church ? Part 2

Ep 267 | New Age vs. Christianity, Part 2: 'The God of Self' | Guest: Steven Bancarz
Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey

How is New Age spirituality affecting the church today? Yoga, word of faith, karma, enneagrams, and self-love are becoming accepted practices, increasingly, every day. Steven Bancarz and Allie break down how the "god of self" has no comparison to the salvation of Jesus Christ. Steven Bancarz's Website: reasonsforjesus.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000479398375

Are New Age practices in your church? Part 1

Ep 266 | New Age vs. Christianity, Part 1 | Guest: Steven Bancarz
Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey

Steven Bancarz explains how ideas such as astrology, spiritual energy, universalism, psychics, aliens, reincarnation, and self-love are all impacting the church and society as a whole today. He also walks us through his journey from enjoying success as a New Age teacher to transforming into a born-again Christian. Part one of a two-part, jam-packed episode of Relatable. Steven Bancarz's Website: reasonsforjesus.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000479054201

Spiritual Discernment

Spiritual Discernment

The illumination of Scripture through the indwelling Holy Spirit is the fundamental necessity of all discernment, and true discernment requires diligent study of God's Word. Every other tool of discernment is contingent on this reality. No one can be truly discerning apart from mastery of the Word of God. All the desire in the world cannot make you discerning if you don't study Scripture. Prayer for discernment is not enough. Obedience alone will not suffice. Good role models won't do it either. If you really want to be discerning, you must study the Word of God.

Sin Overthrows Kingdoms

Sin overthrows kingdoms. It pulled angels out of heaven, and it pulls men down to hell. Who sees a house on fire and doesn't sound the alarm to warn those who live there? Who sees invaders march into the land without setting the beacons ablaze? Who sees devils like roaring lions continually devouring souls without crying out? Above all, when we see sin swallowing up a nation, sinking a nation, and bringing its inhabitants to worldly, spiritual, and eternal ruin, shouldn't we cry out and say, "They are drunk but not with wine. They stagger, but not with strong drink. They are intoxicated with the deadly poison of sin.

'The Life and Death of Mr. Badman' (Updated, Illustrated): An Analysis of a Wicked Man's Life, as a Warning for Others (Bunyan Updated Classics Book 4)
John Bunyan

What is it to be a Christian?

What is it to be a Christian?

1. To be a Christian--is to depart from iniquity. To this, the name obliges us; and without this we have no right to the name. "Let every one who names the name of Christ, depart from iniquity!" 2 Timothy 2:19. That is, let him depart from iniquity, or not even dare to take that sacred name!

Christ was perfectly free from sin. He was "holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners." His followers also shall be perfectly free from sin, in a little time! Before long, they will enter into the pure regions of perfect holiness, and will drop all their sins, along with their mortal bodies--into the grave!

But this, alas! is not their character in the present state, but the remains of sin still cleave to them! Yet even in the present state, they are laboring after perfection in holiness. Nothing can satisfy them, until they are fully conformed to the image of God's dear Son!

They are hourly conflicting with every temptation, and vigorously resisting every iniquity in its most alluring forms. And, though sin is perpetually struggling for the mastery, and sometimes, in an inadvertent hour, gets an advantage over them--yet, they are assisted with divine grace, so that no sin has any habitual dominion over them. Romans 6:14

Hence they are free from the gross vices of the age, and are men of good morals. This is their habitual, universal character; and to pretend to be Christians without this prerequisite, is the greatest absurdity!

What then shall we think of the debauched, defrauding, worldly, profligate, profane 'Christians', who have overrun the Christian world? Can there be a greater contradiction?

A loyal subject in arms against his sovereign;
an ignorant scholar;
a sober drunkard;
a charitable miser;
an honest thief--
are not greater absurdities, or more direct contradictions!

To depart from iniquity, is essential to Christianity--and without it there can be no such thing as a Christian!

There was nothing that Christ was so remote from--as sin! And therefore, for those that indulge themselves in sin--and yet to wear His name, is just as absurd and ridiculous as for an illiterate dunce to call himself a university professor!

Therefore, if you will not renounce iniquity--then renounce the Christian name! You cannot consistently retain both!

Alexander the Great had a fellow in his army who had his same name--but was a mere coward. "Either be like me," said Alexander to him, "or lay aside my name!"

You servants of sin, it is in vain for you to wear the name of Christ! It renders you the more ridiculous, and only aggravates your guilt! You may with as much propriety call yourselves 'princes' or 'kings'; as 'Christians'--while you are so unlike Christ!

You are a scandal to His precious name!

2. To be a Christian--is to deny yourselves, and take up the cross, and follow Christ.

These are the terms of discipleship fixed by Christ Himself:
"He said to them all: If any man will come after Me, let him
  deny himself, and
  take up his cross daily,
  and follow Me!" Luke 9:23

To deny ourselves, is to abstain from the pleasures of sin, to moderate our sensual appetites, to deny our own interest for the sake of Christ. In short, it is to sacrifice everything inconsistent with our duty to Him, when these come in competition.

To take up our cross, is to bear sufferings, to encounter difficulties, and break through them all--in imitation of Jesus Christ, and for His sake.

To follow Christ, is to trace His steps, and imitate His example--whatever it costs us.

This is the essential character of every true Christian.

What then shall we think of those crowds among us, who retain the Christian name--and yet will not deny themselves of their sensual pleasures, nor part with their temporal interests, for the sake of Christ? Who are so far from being willing to lay down their lives, that they cannot stand the force of a laugh or a sneer for the cause of Christ--but immediately stumble and fall away?

Are they Christians, whom the commands of Christ cannot restrain from what their depraved hearts desire? No! A Christian, without self-denial, mortification, and a supreme love to Jesus Christ--is as great a contradiction as . . .
  fire without heat,
  a sun without light,
  a hero without courage,
  or a friend without love!

Does not this strip some of you of the Christian name, and prove that you have no right at all to it?

3. To be a Christian--is to be a follower or imitator of Christ.

"He left us an example, that we should follow His steps!" 1 Peter 2:21

Christ is the model for every Christian.

Paul tells us that believers will be conformed to His image, Romans 8:29; and that the same mind must be in us, which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5

Christ's heart glowed with love to His Father! He delighted in universal obedience to Him; it was His food and drink to do the Father's will, even in the most painful and self-denying instances! He abounded in devotion, in prayer, meditation and every pious duty.

He was also full of every grace and virtue towards mankind! He was . . .
  meek and humble,
  kind and benevolent,
  just and charitable,
  merciful and compassionate,
towards all. Beneficence to the souls and bodies of men was the business of His life, for He went about doing good. Acts 10:38

In regard to Himself--He was patient and resigned, and yet undaunted and brave under sufferings. He had all His appetites and passions under proper government. He was heavenly-minded--above this world in heart, while He dwelt in it.

This is an imperfect sketch of His amiable character; and in these things every one who deserves to be called after His name, does in some measure resemble and imitate Him. This is not only his earnest endeavor--but what he actually attains, though in a much inferior degree; and his imperfections are the grief of his heart.

This resemblance and imitation of Christ is essential to the very being of a Christian, and without it, all profession is a vain pretense!

Does your Christianity, my friends, stand this test? May one know that you belong to Christ--by your living like Him, and manifesting the same temper and spirit?

Alas! would not some of you with more propriety be called:
  Epicureans--from Epicurus, the sensual atheistic philosopher; or
  Mammonites--from Mammon, the imaginary god of riches; or
  Bacchanalians--from Bacchus, the god of wine;
rather than Christians--from Christ, the most perfect pattern of living holiness and virtue that was ever exhibited in the world!

If you claim the name of Christians, then where is . . .
  that ardent devotion,
  that affectionate love to God,
  that zeal for His glory,
  that alacrity in His service,
  that resignation to His will,
  that generous benevolence to mankind,
  that zeal to promote their best interests,
  that meekness and forbearance under ill usage,
  that unwearied activity in doing good to all,
  that self-denial and heavenly-mindedness
which shone so conspicuous in Christ, whose holy name you bear?

Alas! while you are destitute of those graces, and yet wear his name--you only mock it, and turn it into a reproach both to Him and yourselves!

"Whoever claims to live in Him, must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

Grace Gems!

Better To Have Never Been Born

It will be better at the last day never to have been born than to have had Christ "standing among us" and not to have known Him. (JC Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John)

Is Sound Doctrine Important?

It is sound doctrine that makes you healthy spiritually, and it's the unsound ignorance that we have, as Christians, that makes us sick spiritually - S. Lewis Johnson

God’s Word Fails Not

Scripture was instrumental in our salvation, and it continues to perform God's work in us. Moreover, we know it accomplishes God's work without fail.

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10–11)

If we want to experience God's supernatural work in our lives, we must understand that the Holy Spirit accomplishes it only through His Word. He has ordained no other means, no momentary emotional or existential experience that can catapult us to some greater spiritual maturity. We cannot set aside our Bibles and expect His sanctifying work to continue uninterrupted. God saved us through the power of His Word, and its work is not finished. We must increase our hunger for His truth, knowing it is the sole source of our spiritual lives and the only means by which the Spirit conforms us into the image of His Son. (paraphrased from John MacArthur)

There is a limit to our sickness!

There is a limit to our sickness!(Charles Spurgeon)



"This sickness is not unto death." John 11:4



From our Lord's words, we learn that there is a limit to our sickness. In all sickness, the Lord says to the waves of pain, "Hitherto shall you go--but no further!" His fixed purpose is not the destruction of His people--but the instruction of His people. Divine wisdom hangs up the thermometer at the furnace mouth, and regulates the heat.

1. The limit is encouragingly comprehensive. 

The God of providence has limited the time, manner, intensity and effects of all our sicknesses. 
Each painful throb is calculated, 
each sleepless hour is predestined, and 
each sanctifying result is eternally decreed. 
Nothing great or small, escapes the ordaining hand of Him who numbers the hairs of our head!

2. This limit is wisely adjusted to our strength, to the designed end, and to the grace apportioned. 

Affliction does not come by chance--the weight of every stroke of the rod is accurately measured. He who made no mistakes in balancing the clouds and measuring out the heavens, commits no errors in measuring out the ingredients which compose the medicine of souls. We cannot suffer too much--nor be relieved too late!

3. The limit is tenderly appointed. 

The knife of the heavenly Surgeon never cuts deeper than is absolutely necessary. "He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." A mother's heart cries, "Spare my child!" but no mother is more compassionate than our gracious God. When we consider how self-willed we are, it is a wonder that we are not chastised more severely! 



The thought is full of consolation, that He who has fixed the bounds of our habitation, has also fixed the bounds of our tribulation.

O what a sweet and pleasant life you would have!

O what a sweet and pleasant life you would have!

(Thomas Boston)



"Affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble spring from the ground!" Job 5:6

"I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things!" Isaiah 45:7

"The LORD brings death, and makes alive; He brings down to the grave, and raises up. 
 The LORD sends poverty, and wealth; He humbles, and He exalts." 1 Samuel 2:6-7 

Affliction does not rise out of the dust or come to us by chance. 

It is the Lord who sends affliction, and we should own and reverence His hand in it.

Let the people of God comfort themselves at all times by the doctrine of divine sovereignty. Amidst whatever befalls them, they should rest quietly and submissively in the bosom of God, considering that whatever comes to pass proceeds from the decree of their gracious Friend and reconciled Father, who knows what is best for them, and will make all things work together for their good.O what a sweet and pleasant life you would have under the heaviest pressures of affliction, and what heavenly serenity and tranquility of mind you would enjoy--if you would cheerfully acquiesce in the good will and pleasure of God, and embrace every dispensation, however sharp it may be, because it is determined and appointed for you by the eternal counsel of His will!See here the evil of murmuring and complaining at our lot in the world. How apt are you to quarrel with God, as if He were in the wrong in His dealings with you, and not according to your own desires and wishes! 

You demand a reason, and call God to an account: "Why am I thus? Why so much afflicted and distressed? Why so long afflicted? Why such a severe affliction rather than a lighter one? Why am I so poor, needy and afflicted?" 

Thus your hearts rise up against God. But you should remember that this is to defame the counsels of infinite wisdom, as if God had not ordered your affairs wisely enough in His eternal counsel. 

Our attitude should be that of Job's, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart.

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." Job 1:21

GraceGems.org

The Christian Religion and Government

No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people. - Noah Webster (Webster's 1928 American Dictionary of the English Language)

The Hell of Hell

Have you ever heard someone say, "If I end up in Hell at least I'll be there with all my friends having a party"? I was one of those many years ago!

The things that seem to dominate the thoughts of many are freedom, friends, and fun. Freedom to do whatever you want, with whoever you want, however you want, whenever you want. No worries about tomorrow just live for the day. Some call it the ME SYNDROME. If you want to know if someone has this condition just oppose their ideas, tell them that they could be wrong or simply question their motives. This will often cause a rage within them that manifests itself in a variety of ways such as profane language, slander, hate speech and even threats of physical violence.
The Bible shows us that selfish pride leads to destruction (Hell).

So, what is Hell REALLY like anyway?
Will Hell really be a non-stop party only without the benefit of air conditioning?

Let's look at the benefits of Hell for a moment.

Yes, many of your friends may be in Hell but if you end up there with them you will not be experiencing pleasant company with them, you will perceive you are alone.

Yes, Hell will be forever but in utter darkness, terrible anguish, and constant torment.

Yes, Hell will be fun if you like grinding your teeth in horrible non-stop pain.

It also seems that this party will be complete with it's own pool (a lake of fire).

What is absent in Hell?

Ecclesiastes 9:10 NASB
[10] Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

I remember when I was younger bragging about going to Hell until I really understood what it was like and what it's purpose was. I was foolish to believe the lie for so long.

A correct understanding of Hell is what makes God's grace so amazing.

All the Hell that ever you shall have!

Christian! Consider this: The trials and troubles, the calamities and miseries, the crosses and losses that you meet with in this world--are all the Hell that ever you shall have! - Thomas Brooks

Christ came to save those who are lost at last in Hell

Christ came to save those who are lost at last in Hell

(Don Fortner)

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He shall save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

The promise here given is that the Lord Jesus Christ "shall save His people from their sins." Who are His people? Who are these people specifically designated "His people," whom He came into this world specifically to save?

Paul's three-word description of what sin does to all people

             "People will be lovers of themselves" 2 Timothy 3:2

   It's the inescapable, destructive commitment of every person that was ever born. It marches down a pathway of separation from God and our ultimate doom. None of us successfully avoid it. We see it in others and it bothers us, but somehow we are blind to it in ourselves. It shapes what we think, desire, say, and do. It shapes our unwritten law for the people we live with and a host of unrealistic expectations for the situations we live in. It explains why we are so often irritated and impatient. It describes why some of us are perennially unhappy and some of us trudge through life depressed. It causes us to want what we will never, ever have and to demand what we do not deserve. It puts us at odds with one another and in endless fights with God. It is one of the deep diseases of our sin nature and a core reason for the birth of Jesus.

When the bird of thought was let go!

When the bird of thought was let go!

(A.W. Tozer)

Anyone who wishes to check on his true spiritual condition may do so, by noting what his voluntary thoughts have been over the last hours or days. 

What has he thought about, when free to think of whatever he pleased? 

Toward what has his inner heart turned, when it was free to turn wherever it desired?

When the bird of thought was let go, did it fly out like the raven to settle upon floating carcasses--or did it like the dove circle and return again to the ark of God? 

Such a test is easy to run, and if we are honest with ourselves--we can discover not only what we are, but what we are going tobecome. We will soon be the sum of our voluntary thoughts!

gracegems.org

Morality without Christ

(Charles Spurgeon)
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

You moral and upright people without Christ--you are as surely lost as the despicable reprobate!

You chaste and respectable people without Christ--you will be as surely damned as the vile prostitute who walks the streets at midnight!

"Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish!" Luke 13:3

"This is all the comfort that can be given to a moral man--that he shall have a cooler Hell than others." Thomas Brooks

Trials are medicinal!

(John Newton)

Trials are medicinal. They are designed by God to correct or to restrain or to cure--the maladies of our souls.

Though He puts forth His hand, and seems to threaten our dearest comforts--yet when we remember that it is His hand, when we consider that it is His design, His love, His wisdom, and His power--we cannot refuse to trust Him!

Every affliction in the life of the believer--is designed by God and sovereignly implemented by Him.

"Before I was afflicted I went astray--but now I obey Your Word!" Psalm 119:67

"It was good for me to be afflicted--so that I might learn Your decrees." Psalm 119:71

"I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me." Psalm 119:75

Christ's suffering was punitive--the Christian's suffering is restorative. 

The cup which Christ drank, was filled with Divine wrath--the cup of suffering which God calls His children to drink, is only medicinal to promote their chief good.

Like heavy weights on a grandfather clock--trials are necessary for the Christian life to operate properly. 

God will allow nothing to grieve us--but what He intends to employ as means for our greater advantage.

(grace gems.org)

The sufferings of this present time!

Indeed, when we experience suffering it seems overwhelming, it feels unbearable; it burdens, it crushes, it scars, and it strengthens our feelings of hopelessness. But God.

The sufferings of this present time!

(gracegems.org)

(James Smith, "No Comparison!" 1862)

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time--are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us!" Romans 8:18

Paul compares present sufferings--with future glory. 

Believers are exposed to all kinds of suffering, and instead of obtaining an exemption from afflictions--they are assured that it is through much tribulation that they must enter into the kingdom of God.

Some endure inward suffering, with which no one is fully acquainted but God Himself. They have such darkness, gloom, distress, agitation, trouble, and sorrow--as would not be easy to describe. 

Some suffer much in body, from the stressed and disordered state of the nervous system, from chronic diseases, or deformities in the physical frame. They seldom move without suffering, and for years together have but little freedom from weakness and pain. They live a life of suffering, a kind of dying life--and think much of Heaven as of a place where there is no more pain.

Some suffer much financially. Scarcely anything seems to prosper with them--losses, crosses, and opposition meet them at every turn. And though they live honestly, and conduct their business honorably--they are thwarted, hindered, and filled with perplexity. No one can tell what they suffer from financial trials and difficulties.

Others suffer from reproach, misrepresentation, strife, and persecution in the world, or in the Church--or both! No one seems to understand them, or is prepared to sympathize with them; they are like "a sparrow alone upon the house-top." False friends and open enemies unite to trouble and distress them, so that they often sigh, and say, "O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away and be at rest!"

Others in the domestic circle, or from some of therelationships of life--are called to suffer long and seriously.

But whether from trouble of mind, sickness of body, trials in business, family difficulties, or persecution for Christ's sake--all suffer, and most believers suffer much!

But compare their present sufferings--with their future glory:

Glory which will exclude all pain and suffering, all sin and sorrow! 

Glory beyond the reach of all foes and the cause of all trouble! 

Glory which includes happiness--perfect, perpetual, never-ending happiness! 

Glory which includes honor--the highest, holiest, and most satisfying honor! 

Glory, or splendor--which will fill the soul, clothe the body, and dignify the entire person forever!

Filled with light, peace, and joy; clothed with beauty, brightness, and magnificence--they will appear with Christ in glory--filling them with wonder and unutterable delight!

This glory will be possessed by us--as part of our marriage portion and inalienable inheritance. But we can form no adequate idea of that glory, for "No eye has seen, no earhas heard, and no mind has imagined--what God has prepared for those who love Him!" 1 Corinthians 2:9

   ~  ~  ~  ~

You may want to read the whole of James Smith's insightful article, "No Comparison!"