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Category Archives: Faith

Africa: Tackling witchcraft and sorcery in the church

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on January 15, 2024

Sangomas, Umthandazeli and Umprofethi are common names used in South Africa for the local go-betweens or witchdoctors that mere mortals need to approach so as to discern the will and favour of God.

In this episode, Blaque Nubon of The Gospel Coalition Africa (TGC Africa) digs deeper into the practice of witchcraft and use of these go-betweens and how ingrained it is in many churches in Africa. Saneliswe Jobodwana tells of her testimony and journey to grace and true freedom in Christ as she speaks about witchcraft in the church.

The degradation of culture due to sin

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on January 15, 2024

Excerpt from Crossing cultures in Scripture:Biblical principles in Mission:

Perhaps up to 800 years of Adam’s 930 (Gen 5: 5) were spent watching human culture deteriorate from the perfection that he and Eve once enjoyed. He experienced the heartbreak of a murdered son and of another being a castaway (Gen 4: 15-16). His heart was grieved as he witnessed his descendants sliding deeper into a culture of “sexual immorality, impurity , sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies” (Gal 5: 19-21). What a contrast to that perfect pre-sin wholesome culture of “love, joy, peace , patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5: 22-23)!

It is therefore no wonder that when one preaches the gospel to the ultra modern millenial or the most savage unreached tribe and they come to a realisation of their helpless state, both are anxious to free themselves from their degraded cultural practices. The light of the gospel brings them hope.
Oh how wonderful it is to hear that even though we like sheep have gone astray, each one in his own way -the Lord has laid on Christ the iniquity of us all.

Amen!

Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality culture, Death, sin

West Nile: The Cost of Reaching a God-Refusing People with the Gospel

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on August 19, 2023

I am really grateful to a friend for a small book ‘The Growth of a Mustard Seed‘. It’s a book wonderfully written by Alison Southall that recounts the intriguing story of how the gospel reached the West Nile region. This region is in the beautiful African country called Uganda; its situated deep inland within reach of two other neighbouring countries – bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south and west, by South Sudan to the north and by the Albert Nile to the east.

The first pioneer missionary couple The Gardners (Alfred and Edith Gardner plus Frank Gardner) had just packed up and left by 1918 when sickness and poor health began to affect Alfred. Meanwhile the indigenous Lugbara speaking people were indifferent in their grass thatched huts. On the surface it appeared as though any missionary efforts were unfruitful.

Meanwhile a great famine fell on the land. Worldwide, the situation was not any better but grim – the flu pandemic was sweeping across different people groups with devastating effect.

During the time after 1919 to 1937 there was also ongoing studying of the local language by the AIM missionaries in Belgian Congo. God used a little unknown Dutch American missionary called John Buyse to water what the Gardners had started.

However tragedy soon befell My Buyse as he later wrote a tearful account:

“When you receive this letter you doubtless have learned from frica Inland Office as the death of my dear little wife and little daughter. We expected the baby about the middle of February. Wife [got sick with a fever and cough] She gave birth to a perfect but dead baby girl…

Wife felt well during the day . At night she took suddenly ill and died peacefully at 8.30p.m….I had buried baby with my own hands that same day, but I took it up again next morning and placed it in the same bamboo coffin with wife. Wish you could have seen them, lying together baby in wife’s arms….

The Lord has taken all that was dear to me on earth. why?

Because He loved us so much that He wanted a gift, a real love gift, the best I had. Should I refuse Him? A thousand times no. He has blessed wonderfully in trial … Just loving submission to His loving will.I never felt Him so near as these past few days.

My dear little wife and baby girl are in glory. their death is going to be used by God to save this wicked, God refusing tribe.”

Excerpt from: The Growth of a Mustard Seed by Alison Southall. As we read stories of tragedy and loss during missionary endeavours we are greatly humbled by the extent of personal sacrifice. May these accounts encourage us as modern day Christians to never give up in being faithful to the hope we hold – for many have gone before us and lovingly given up their best and most dearest of comforts for the sake of the gospel to reach unknown and God refusing wicked people groups – indeed such were some of us.

Christianity, Evangelism, Faith Christianity, missionary diaries

Intriguing story of how the gospel reached the West Nile people.

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on August 17, 2023

Ever wondered how a person gets to become a Christian? Well, they get an encounter with God – an encounter that is planned by God and a conversion that is enabled by him. For He alone though His spirit does a new work in their inner most person.

In 1918 the people of West Nile, a special region in the heart of Africa were first reached by a Christian couple who chose to live among them in the most unusual and quite extraordinary of ways. This special story is still an encouragement more than a hundred years later – even though the beginnings were so modest and seemingly fruitless in the eyes of ordinary men. But God indeed had began a work only he himself would water and nurture.

Alison Southall beautifully recounts the story of the Gardners. These were ordinary people – Frank and Edith Gardner. Frank was a son of a postman and Edith was a daughter of a butcher. They heard of the need to take the gospel to Africa and indeed they responded to the call – unknown to them an intriguing adventure was just beginning. Listen to the story:

The church in West Nile is still alive today, as God has caused that small mustard seed to grow. Frank and Edith Gardner’s great-grandson, the Revd Adrian Beavis, sums up their experiences of 1918-19 so well:

I hope this encourages us never to think fruitfulness and faithfulness are judged by size. That even in pain and seeming failure God is still at work.
No matter how small the seeds we think we are sowing today, God is the Lord of the harvest and can ‘bring forth a fruit hundred-fold’. So ‘don’t despise the day of small beginnings’ and KEEP SOWING!!’

More resources on the story:

How Baptists planted an anglican church

Christianity, Faith, Religion and Spirituality

Should Africa re-think homosexuality?

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on June 15, 2023

Sandala Mwanje from Zambia writes an interesting article on Africa’s position on homosexuality. [Note: This article was first posted in 2014] Most African countries will take the stand against the legalization of homosexuality on the premise that it is against their culture. How about Christians in Africa should they hold to the same mantra? Will this stance stand the test of time? He writes…

Culture is not static—it changes. Therefore if culture is the only basis upon which [Africans] are rejecting the legalization of homosexuality, then we are just postponing the problem. The Kenyan author and self proclaimed gay, Binyavanga Wainaina, is right when he says, “I’m extremely optimistic about rapid transformation and change of things in Africa in general.” In addition Mr. Wainaina says “It’s set off. It cannot stop. It’s going to be turbulent. There’ll be dark bits and there’ll be bright bits, but it’s a speed train.”[1]Part of what is going to make this train move even faster is the pressure from the western countries. On 28^th February 2014, BBC reported that the World Bank postponed 90million dollars in aid because the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni had signed a bill that criminalized homosexuality in Uganda.[2] …Read More!

Christianity, Faith, Religion and Spirituality africa homosexuality, anti gay bill, sandala mwanje, Uganda

Being at peace with indwelling sin.

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on November 5, 2022

Or rather not being at peace with indwelling sin…

Calvinism, Faith indwelling sin, Jc Ryle

Robert Flockhart the soldier who became a passionate open air street preacher.

4 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on November 2, 2022

A Street Preacher…

A remarkable sinner who became a remarkable convert, was an extraordinarily gifted man and fearless street preacher in the Edinburgh of the mid-1800’s. It is said Robert Flockhart (1778-1857) had sinned much, but he had been forgiven much, and so he loved much. Where Robert in Satan’s service had often exposed himself to disgrace, danger, and death itself, but after his conversion, “… If there had been need for it, I believe there was no man in Edinburgh who would have gone to the stake or scaffold for Jesus Christ with a firmer step or nobler bearing than this brave old soldier of the cross.”

Flockhart was converted in India, while a soldier, he became a fearless as a street preacher – often in the face of unruly crowds. In a tribute to Robert Flockhart, Charles Spurgeon said:

I must linger a moment over Robert Flockhart, of Edinburgh, who, though a lesser light, was a constant one, and a fit example to the bulk of Christ’s street witnesses. Every evening, in all weathers and amid many persecutions, did this brave man continue to speak in the street for forty-three years. Think of that, and never be discouraged. When he was tottering to the grave the old soldier was still at his post. “Compassion to the souls of men drove me,” said he, “to the streets and lanes of my native city, to plead with sinners and persuade them to come to Jesus. The love of Christ constrained me.”

Neither the hostility of the police, nor the insults of Papists, Unitarians, and the like could move him; he rebuked error in the plainest terms, and preached salvation by grace with all his might. So lately has he passed away that Edinburgh remembers him still. There is room for such in all our cities and towns, and need for hundreds of his noble order in this huge nation of London—can I call it less?

Lectures to my Students, Charles Spurgeon.

Lectures to My Students Vol One . PDF Download
Autobiography of Robert Flockhart (Amazon)
Q&A: Do Calvinists ask Jesus to ‘come into their heart’? (atwistedcrownofthorns.com)
Charles Spurgeon’s Advice To Preachers (christianlookingglass.wordpress.com)

Calvinism, Church History, Doctrine, Evangelism, Faith, Reformed Theology Charles Spurgeon, Edinburgh, lectures to my students, open air preaching, robert flockhart, scotland, street preachers

SHOULD OUR CHURCH DO OPEN OR CLOSED COMMUNION?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on October 5, 2022

This is a common question especially when a church is beginning to define it’s rules and how things will be conducted. Here is some help:

The Bible’s teaching on Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is found in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 and promotes “open” participation for believers. All those who are true believers in God through personal faith in Jesus Christ, His Son, are worthy to partake of the Lord’s Supper by virtue of the fact they have accepted the death of Christ as payment for their sins (see also Ephesians 1:6-7).

The actual reasoning behind some churches practicing “closed” communion seems to be that they want to make sure everyone partaking is a believer. This is understandable; however, it places church leadership and/or church ushers in a position of determining who is worthy to partake, which is problematic at best. A given church may assume that all of their official members are true believers, but even this is not necessarily always true. …Read More!

Christianity, Doctrine, Faith, Reformed Theology closed table, Communion, open table

Ten Myths of Church Growth.

5 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on July 2, 2022

Church growth strategies have been named many things by many pastors. Others call it “vision casting” others call it being “purpose driven” and others merely call it what it is….pragmatism. I came across these ten interesting myths that made me chuckle:

1. If You’re Not Growing, Something’s Wrong
If growth and a bigger crowd is “always” the result of obedience then some of the OT prophets will have some serious explaining to do.
Of course, if you’re not growing—or you’re declining—I think it is cause to evaluate what you’re doing, but it’s not a given that something is always “wrong.”
God could be doing something different—more Jeremiah and less Peter…
2. The More You Grow, the Healthier You Are
We would love to believe this one. It certainly feels good to have a bigger crowd. There’s a built-in justification for ministry leaders when more people show up, I know. However, just because your church has more people attending doesn’t mean your church is completely healthy. In fact, it might be cause to closely evaluate the message the crowd is hearing…

3. Contemporary Music Will Save Your Church
It can help at times—depending on the community and the people you’re trying to reach—but it’s not always a help. In fact, sometimes it’s an obstacle.
Changing your music and the feel of your worship gathering should have a reason bigger than, “We want to reach young people!” or, “We want to stay hip.” Hopefully, the music you sing is an authentic expression of your distinct makeup as both a church and a community and not a grasp at straws for church growth. …Read More!

Faith, Religion and Spirituality, Satire church, church growth, Church growth strategies, myths, Satire

Why you must pray for the local church when there is a break up or scandal.

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on June 29, 2022

When a believer yields to temptation it brings dishonour to the Lord and sad consequences for the individual and others connected with him. When a church breaks down or departs from the truth it is impossible to judge how far reaching the effects might be. Many a town [and village] seems to have closed to the Gospel for 50 years or more because a once -thriving and influential church in the locality was torn by internal strife or caught up in a public scandal that has become common knowledge. How we must watch and pray over the churches, recognising that we can only really combat the enemy if we understand the scriptures.

Excerpt from Nigel Lacey’s book ‘God’s plan for the Local Church‘

Calvinism, Christianity, Faith church break down, gospel, Local Church, nigel lacey, scandals

How about the believer who falls?

4 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on December 20, 2021

The topic of a believer who falls into sin or renounces his profession is a common one. And from that spring boards the questions Can a believer fall radically? Can a believer fall totally, irretrievably and be lost for all eternity? I hope this post sheds some light on what scripture says…

We may live in a culture that believes everyone will be saved, that we are “justified by death” and all you need to do to go to heaven is die, but God’s Word certainly doesn’t give us the luxury of believing that. Any quick and honest reading of the New Testament shows that the Apostles were convinced that nobody can go to heaven unless they believe in Christ alone for their salvation (John 14:6; Rom. 10:9–10).

Historically, evangelical Christians have largely agreed on this point. Where they have differed has been on the matter of the security of salvation. People who would otherwise agree that only those who trust in Jesus will be saved have disagreed on whether anyone who truly believes in Christ can lose his salvation.

Theologically speaking, what we are talking about here is the concept of apostasy. This term comes from a Greek word that means “to stand away from.” When we talk about those who have become apostate or have committed apostasy, we’re talking about those who have fallen from the faith or at least from the profession of faith in Christ that they once made. …Read More!

Calvinism, Christianity, Faith, Reformed Theology apostacy, believers, fall, rc sproul

God and our tears – He sees our tears!

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on December 15, 2021

The Lord Jesus sees our tears, he has compassion on us and says to us: “Do not weep”! Excerpt from Reformation Italy:

godseesour-tears

Living on a ground full of thorns and thistles because of sin (Genesis 3:17-19), every day many people are living and sowing “weeping” (Psalm 126:6). Every day people shed many tears: the child who is hurt; the teenager in crisis; the young woman distressed; the frustrated adult; the husband who loses his job; the mistreated wife; children with absent parents; the elderly abandoned and alone… Every day there are those who feel like the Psalmist, calling upon God, saying: “My life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing” (Psalm 31:10). Let us pause to think: in the present evil age, in front of the power of death, pain and unbelief that seized humankind, even Jesus – the Son of God – “wept” (John 11:35).

…Read More!

Christian news, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Reformed Theology, Religion and Spirituality comfort, god and tears

Putting a Boom Shakalaka in Acts 2!

4 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on November 16, 2021

Truthinator has been going through the book of Acts. And sure enough he reached Acts 2 and made a discovery. Oh did he?! Well, you see there was a ….

Boom-shakalaka boom-shakalaka … Many of you have heard similar sounds to this from people saying they are speaking in tongues. But are they? Look at scripture. The disciples were gathered together and a rush of sound like the sound of wind entered the room. Something like divided tongues of fire rested upon each disciple. Each was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with other tongues (languages) as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The fire was not literal fire as we usually think of fire but God-sent visual signs that His power was active in that place. This was not the first time God had used fire to indicate His presence. …Read More!

Christianity, Faith acts, Bible Study, Pentecost, truthinator

Mission to Moyo: Why would some one want to reach Africa’s unreached?

3 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on November 9, 2021

[Re-posted from 2017] Jacob Lee is in a village called Afoji in Moyo district in Northern Uganda. Why would some one leave the comfort of his life in America and take his wife along to a place where there is no electricity or running water? Well, in their own words…

Our Mission is to reach Africa’s unreached people groups with the glorious Gospel of Jesus by planting Christ exalting churches in their midst. Furthermore, we will endeavor to strengthen local churches and their leaders through careful exposition of the Scriptures in word and deed.

We believe the greatest need of every person and of every culture is the clear proclamation of the Gospel! Along with this, we are seeking to ultimately serve the community where we are planted in, near Moyo North Uganda and South Sudan, with practical needs such as a medical/dental clinic, an orphan care center, a christian primary and secondary school for children, and a vocational training center for adults. …Read More!

Christianity, Evangelism, Faith facebook, jacob Lee, Missions, Moyo, reaching aftricas unreached, Unreached People Group, william carey

Some days I long for God…

2 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on November 1, 2021

That’s is absolutely true and more so today. I came across a Puritan poem-prayer that articulates this longing a lot better than I could…

My dear Lord, I can but tell Thee that Thou knowest I long for nothing but Thyself, nothing but holiness, nothing but union with Thy will. Thou hast given me these desires, and thou alone canst give me the thing desired. My soul longs for communion with Thee, for mortification of indwelling corruption, especially spiritual pride. …Read More!

Calvinism, Christianity, Faith, Reformed Theology, Religion and Spirituality longing for god, Puritan prayers

Preparing to listen to the preaching of the word

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on October 28, 2021

listening

We are told men ought not to preach without preparation. Granted. But, we add, men ought not to hear without preparation. Which, do you think, needs the most preparation, the sower or the ground? I would have the sower come with clean hands, but I would have the ground well-plowed and harrowed, well-turned over, and the clods broken before the seed comes in. It seems to me that there is more preparation needed by the ground than by the sower, more by the hearer than by the preacher. – Spurgeon

Calvinism, Christianity, Faith Charles Spurgeon, Preaching

Even in death -Christians do not lose sight of what is important.

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on September 20, 2021

[Re-posted from Feb 2016] Talking of Christian Eulogies -Watch Monty Williams, the 44-year-old associate head coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team, bring the gospel to bear on the “loss” of his beloved wife, Ingrid:

For a reflection on Williams’ remarks, see Marshall Segal’s “What Would You Say If Your Wife Was Ripped Away?”

May the Lord make each of us more like this man: even when hurt and in deep pain, he is fixed on God-centered hope, with an eternal perspective, freely offering forgiveness and freed from bitterness and complaint.

HT: Gospel Coalition.

Christian news, Christianity, Doctrine, Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality christian eulogy, death of wife, monty williams

Church membership: Reasons to (or not to become) a member.

2 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on September 8, 2021

Nine Marks has an interesting article on why you should become a church member and even when you have an excuse for not joining one church you must look for another and BECOME A COMMITTED CHURCH MEMBER. Check this out….

REASONS TO JOIN THE CHURCH

These more deliberate conversations veer back and forth between the biblical and the practical. Typically, I generally encourage a person to join the church

# For the sake of the pastors. It lets the pastors know who you are, and makes them responsible for you (see Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17).

# For the sake of obedience to Jesus. Jesus did not give you the keys of the kingdom for binding and loosing. He gave the keys to the apostolic local church (Matt. 16:13-20; 18:15-20). You don’t have the authority to baptize yourself or feed yourself the Lord’s Supper. It requires a church to affirm your profession of faith, which is what membership is at its very heart (see Acts 2:38).

# For the sake of other believers. Joining makes you responsible for one local congregation, and they for you. You now own or have a share in their discipleship to Christ. That is, you are now responsible for their growth and professions of faith, insofar as you are responsible for the church’s faithful gospel preaching (Gal. 1) and that individual’s discipline (Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 5).

…Read More!

Calvinism, Christian news, Christianity, Faith, Reformed Theology church membership, excuses, nine marks, reasons

Remorse – I know. Repentance, I don’t!

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on September 7, 2021

A couple of years ago there was a Japanese minister who caught the eye of mainstream media when he lamented on his behaviour of not accounting for public funds. He publicly wept and brought a press conference to an unprecedented pause. I keep wondering what happened to Mr Ryutoro Nonomura there after – was he being remorseful or was he repentant? So, whats the difference?

I came across this article from a blog from the yester years that tries to explain alittle more by going into a bible story….

And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. (1 Kings 21:27)
Ahab was a wicked king, as anyone familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures will know. From the beginning of his reign until the end he defied the Lord God of Israel, in whose stead he reigned. Two verses earlier it is written: “But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.” (1 Kings 21:25)
After King Ahab took possession of the murdered Naboth’s vineyard, God sent Elijah to prophesy against him. Elijah told Ahab that Jezebel would be eaten by dogs, that he himself would have his blood licked up by dogs where Naboth had died, that God would cut off his posterity and all his descendants would have ignominious deaths. Upon hearing this, Ahab humbled himself before God by tearing his clothes, putting on sackcloth garments, fasting, and mourning.
How long all of this went on we are not told. We are told that God honored his self-humiliation and postponed the fulfillment of the prophecy until after Ahab’s death.

I asked God for strength…

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on August 22, 2020

“I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn to obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. …Read More!

Christianity, Doctrine, Faith, Religion and Spirituality chester nimitz, Quotes

Does the prosperity gospel have any red flags?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on July 9, 2020

Costi Hinn discusses when he started to see red flags growing up in the Prosperity Gospel movement. How did God open his eyes to the true gospel? Costi Hinn is the nephew of Benny Hinn, a prosperity televangelist. He has been saved out of the Prosperity Gospel and now embraces the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Read more of this post

Charismania, Christianity, Doctrine, Faith, Religion and Spirituality

Basic Christian Doctrine Quiz

8 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on May 12, 2020

A friend of mine posted these basic doctrine questions on Facebook and I thought they are interesting. Try and see how many you can answer and then scroll to the bottom of the page for the answers:

Questions About God and Christ (Answer True or False)

1. Jesus was God, but only appeared to be human.

2. Jesus was the first of all God’s created beings.

3. Jesus had a human body and divine soul.

4. In the Old Testament, God was known as the Father, in the New Testament, as the Son, and after Pentecost, as the Holy Spirit.

5. Mary is the mother of God.

6. God chooses people because he knows in advance they will choose him. …Read More!

Christianity, Doctrine, Faith, Reformed Theology Christian Doctrine, Heresy, quiz

Dad, should Christians celebrate Christmas?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on December 8, 2019

It’s coming to that time of the year and Christmas is in the air as they say. From movies to merchandising ads every one seems to have the same Christmas thought. Or do they? Say, your little ankle biters walk over to you and this year tell you they are not going to celebrate Christmas. What will you tell them are your reasons for celebrating or not? Here is a good link with resourceful answers…

The debate [reports Got Questions] about whether or not Christians should celebrate Christmas has been raging for centuries. There are equally sincere and committed Christians on both sides of the issue, each with multiple reasons why or why not Christmas should be celebrated in Christian homes. But what does the Bible say? Does the Bible give clear direction as to whether Christmas is a holiday to be celebrated by Christians?

First, let’s look at the reasons why some Christians do not celebrate Christmas. One argument against Christmas is that the traditions surrounding the holiday have origins in paganism.

…Read more!

Christianity, Faith, Religion and Spirituality celebrating, Christmas, got questions

An Easter thought on Christmas!

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on December 5, 2019

At Christmas the time of the year when most people are setting up nativity scenes not many set up a bloodied cross or an empty tomb to celebrate the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ yet his birth goes hand in hand with his death. Only true Christians know the immense and infinite significance of Christ’s death…He came as a lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. He came to die!
Imagine Christ, the sin bearer, approaching that hour…the hour of his appointed death. Is that a “Christmasy” thought? You bet! It gets better when you understand the reason why his death was was necessary.
Horatius Bonar puts it this way…

The feelings of the trembling sinner, when awakened under the terrors of the divine law, and made alive to the hell of sin within him, may help to give us some faint idea of the way in which the burden of our sins pressed upon Christ. It is true He had no sin—not the shadow of sin upon Him, for He was the Holy One; yet He speaks always of our sins as if they were His own, as if He had committed them. He felt under them just as if they were His own. He was perfectly holy, yet so closely were our sins bound upon Him by God, that He felt the pressure just as if they were His own.

Being our substitute, God dealt with Him as such—as if the sins He bore had really been His, not ours. Being thus in the eye of the law identified with those whose sins He bore, He was made to feel what they would have been doomed to feel, had God left them to reap themselves the fruit of their own transgressions. This awful burden He bore alone. He had none to aid Him; none to relieve Him of any part of its overwhelming pressure. There was none that could assist Him. There was none to divide the burden with Him; nor to uphold Him under it. “My lovers and my friends stand aloof…and my kinsmen stand afar off.” They all forsook Him and fled. And, as He bare it alone, so He bare it fully. …Read More!

Calvinism, Christian news, Christianity, Doctrine, Faith Christmas, horatius bonar, the sin bearer

Preparing for a (Humorous) Reformed Baptist Christmas!

4 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on December 2, 2019

This is an old humorous clip. It features a Baptist Church singing about Christmas (Er, plus 12 Doctrines that their pastor taught them). The kids seem to learn an earful in one seating…Please, sing along! 🙂

Christianity, Faith, Religion and Spirituality, Satire 12 days of christmas, humor, reformed baptist

Jim Elliot on Missions

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on September 5, 2019

“You wonder why people choose fields away from the States when young people at home are drifting because no one wants to take time to listen to their problems. Ill tell you why I left. Because those Stateside young people have every opportunity to study, hear, and understand the Word of God in their own language, and these Indians have no opportunity whatsoever. I have had to make a cross of two logs, and lie down on it, to show the Indians what it means to crucify a man. When there is that much ignorance over here and so much knowledge and opportunity over there, I have no question in my mind why God sent me here. Those whimpering Stateside young people will wake up on the Day of Judgment condemned to worse fates than these demon-fearing Indians, because, having a Bible, they were bored with it—while these never heard of such a thing as writing.”
Jim Elliot

YWAM Publishing: Jim Elliot Book and Study Guide Review (wecanhackett.wordpress.com)
“Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose” Review (finchnwren.wordpress.com)

Calvinism, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality Bible, Jim Elliot, Missions, Youth

William Booth on Missions

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on September 3, 2019

“‘Not called!’ did you say? ‘Not heard the call,’ I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father’s house and bid their brothers and sisters, and servants and masters not to come there. And then look Christ in the face, whose mercy you have professed to obey, and tell him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish his mercy to the world.” – William Booth

Quote By William Booth (stomson2001.wordpress.com)
William Booth on the secret for success (genebrooks.blogspot.com)

Christianity, Doctrine, Evangelism, Faith Bible, Christianity, god, Salvation Army, William Booth

Jesus is mighty to save those who repent…

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on August 26, 2019

“Mighty to save.” -Isaiah 63:1

By the words “to save” we understand the whole of the great work of salvation, from the first holy desire onward to complete sanctification. The words are multum in parro: indeed, here is all mercy in one word. Christ is not only “mighty to save” those who repent, but He is able to make men repent. He will carry those to heaven who believe; but He is, moreover, mighty to give men new hearts and to work faith in them. He is mighty to make the man who hates holiness love it, and to constrain the despiser of His name to bend the knee before Him.

…Read More!

Calvinism, Doctrine, Faith, Reformed Theology, Religion and Spirituality Charles Spurgeon, mighty to save, morning and evening

The missionary’s wife and the “Veggie tale”!

3 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on August 22, 2019

M and J were a missionary couple who were working in Uganda. (Story was first posted in Feb 2013) Every week they sent updates on their progress with evangelism in the community or the growth of the local church and new orphanage that they are setting up. Some times there were moments of deep heart ache (especially when the gospel was rejected) but nothing lightened up my heart with a good old laugh than this particular week’s ‘veggie tale’. Apparently not every thing that is green and leafy is lettuce:

The Mistake – (J writing) While at the trading center on Saturday, I saw two ladies sitting on the veranda of a little restaurant with bags of green leaves for sale. The leaves were a lovely shade of green, and I thought I should buy some of them and take them back for our orphan children to eat. I asked the ladies how much one bag would cost, and they replied, “It is seven hundred shillings.” That seemed a little high to me for greens so I went into the little restaurant and gave out some more tracts and asked the owner (who happened to be a lady that I knew quite well) how much a little bag should cost. She said that 700 shillings was the usual price. So I went back outside and started digging in my purse for the money. I was going to buy 7 bags to take home so there would be enough for all of the children to enjoy. As I was digging in my purse, the lady inside the restaurant called out, “Who are you buying that for?” I replied that I wanted to take it back for the children at home. “What children?” she asked. …Read More!

Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality africa, Children, humor, Missionaries, Uganda

John Flavel: You are indebted to God

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on August 21, 2019

In nothing does Providence shine forth more gloriously in this world than in ordering the occasions, instruments and means of conversion of the people of God. However skillfully its hand had moulded your bodies, however tenderly it had preserved them and however bountifully it had provided for them; if it had not also ordered some means or other for your conversion, all the former favours and benefits it had done for you had meant little. This, O this, is the most excellent benefit you ever received from its hand. You are more indebted to it for this, than for all your other mercies. ~ John Flavel

Calvinism, Christianity, Doctrine, Faith John Flavel, Providence, Puritan quotes

Isn’t God’s purpose ruined by the unbelief of the masses?

2 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on August 18, 2019

seed Many ask that isn’t God’s purpose in mission and evangelism ruined by unbelief; especially when the gospel is taken to villages and hard hearted people groups who refuse to be receptive and responsive to the message?

It isn’t “The Parable of the Soils” in Matthew 13:1-23, but The Parable of the Sower, as Jesus himself called it (v. 18). The importance of this title is to show that it was Christ’s word, or the gospel, that is sown and that it is His intention to sow seed on the soil (people) who will not believe, as well as on those who would. Jesus is unambiguous. He clarifies that the gospel is able to be understood by a subset of those who hear (“to you it has been granted,” v. 11), “but to them [the rest] it has not been granted.” This surely had a special impact meant for the Jewish audience, as we see by reading Christ’s long quote in Isaiah 6.
The evangelism/mission cause can never be thwarted by the unbelief of the masses who will “keep on hearing but will not understand,” any more than Jesus’ own earthly evangelism was hindered by it. It has always been part of the plan that people will not understand. If a missionary hacks his way through jungle and finds no reception in some villages, it isn’t defeat. …Read More!

Christian news, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality Missions, Unbelief

Imperia statue of Constance and John Huss

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on February 13, 2019

In 2012 well, I went to Constance (Konstanz) in the South West corner of Germany to visit sites of historical importance to the Reformation. My plan was to of course visit the impeccable Constance munster (cathedral), John Huss (Jan Hus) museum and memorial stone. Or so I thought. As you may imagine the city of Constance always has its jaw dropping surprises and humorous detours. No wonder John Huss was short changed in that infamous Council of Constance by the Emperor Sigismund.

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As I took in the nostalgic natural and ancient delights of this mesmerizing lake side University city guess who I stumbled upon again? Yup, that controversial Emperor Sigismund has had a statue of himself made. Well believe me it’s not a flattering one though. It is as controversial as it’s own colorful infamy.

Imagine walking down a peaceful foot path with park benches lining the sides of a clear lake harbor. A flower garden gives you a warm bear like hug from behind and thrusting you forward to catch the hue of the sun hidden behind the Spring time cloud line over the Lake Constance. There as you are intoxicated by the glory of the natural beauty of creation with no care in the world and just as you are about to take a nice cool sip of juice. There just before you can say “John Huss” There before you even can say “gesundheit”. There as you …Read More!

Christianity, Church History, Faith Council of Constance, Jan Hus, John Huss, Konstanz, Lake Constance, Peter Lenk, Protestant Reformation

If only my prayers made people fall over like that!

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on September 13, 2018

There is a video clip of a pastor who seems to be unleashing extra ordinary waves of powers into an emotionally charged congregation with a slight swing of a finger and a swerve of an arm. In some circles such a man is given the almighty title ‘mighty man of God’ placing him above any pastor in the land and becomes the linch pin for any ‘revival service’. For it is then believed that he has reached a higher echelon of power. The preacher’s worthiness becomes the virtue on to which the congregation clings to so as to per chance swing the pendulum of fate and fortune in their own lives.
Such preachers are suave and charismatic and very winsome and convincing in their trade. Once they have amassed a sizeable congregation, they sneakily put their bibles far aside as they go to great lengths to mesmerise and entertain. But once they make you their convert you become seven times worse emotionally, financially and spiritually – you sadly become more faithful and dependant on them for answers to your prayers than to God.
Martin Luther once said on prayer that:

Some say, “I would feel better about God hearing my prayer if I were more worthy and lived a better life.” I simply answer: If you don’t want to pray before you feel that you are worthy or qualified, then you will never pray again. Prayer must not be based on or depend on your personal worthiness or the quality of the prayer itself; rather, it must be based on the unchanging truth of God’s promise. If the prayer is based on itself or on anything else besides God’s promise, then it’s a false prayer that deceives you—even if your heart is breaking with intense devotion and you are weeping drops of blood.
We pray because we are unworthy to pray. Our prayers are heard precisely because we believe that we are unworthy. We become worthy to pray when we risk everything on God’s faithfulness alone.
So go ahead and feel unworthy. But know in your heart that it’s a thousand times more important to honor God’s truthfulness.

…Read More!

Charismania, Doctrine, Faith martin luther, prayer, slain in spirit

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood…

2 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on September 11, 2018

saving drowning man Oh how the words of some hymns just linger in the recesses of your mind and nourish you with rich spiritual truths. Today I will feature the first two verses and the last verse of William Cowper’s hymn ‘There is a fountain filled with blood’

There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains…

The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I, though vile as he,
Wash all my sins away… …Read More!

Calvinism, Christian news, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Reformed Theology, Religion and Spirituality Hymns, there is a fountain filled with blood, william cowper

Young father to be rescues his baby from abortion after a chat with stranger

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on September 7, 2018

This is an interesting clip outside an abortion clinic involving a young man who has just dropped off his wife. He then has a short conversation with a stranger called ‘Todd’:

Christianity, Faith, Religion and Spirituality abortion, moral dilemmas, rescued from clinic

Error always lures the Heart away from Christ.

3 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on September 5, 2018

Why do so-called Christians forsake the pure wine of Gospel joy for the adulterated poison which the whore of the world smilingly holds out to them in her golden chalice? Is it because the message of the Gospel, which once sparkled in the preached Word, and furnished comfort to mourners, has now gone stale? Or has that stream of spiritual joy which has run through the lives of saints for so many generations, without mingling with the world’s polluted pleasures, at last fallen into them and lost its divine nature? No, the Gospel stays the same. . . and the joy it brings is as refreshing and restoring as it has always been. It will be lovely as long as God and Christ continue to be life, for it flows and is fed from their heart.

The problem is not in the Scripture; it lies in those who say they hold to it. Those who insist that they obey this Gospel are not like holy men and women of earlier times. The world has grown callous, and men’s priorities and affections have chilled and become cold. Our palate is no longer chaste; it no longer prefers the heavenly foods served in the Gospel. The cheer is as lively as ever but the guests are as deadened by constant contact with the world. We have grown debauched in our judgments and corrupt in our principles; no wonder that our joys are carnal.

Error is a whore that lures the heart away from Christ and His spiritual joys. Once the mind is confused by error and begins to malign the truth, it affects the heart, poisoning it with carnal joys. Here, then, is the root of the misery of our times. ..Read More!

Christianity, Faith, Heresy, Religion and Spirituality Christ, Christianity, error, gospel, Heresy, Religion & Spirituality, william gurnall

John Flavel on Providence

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on September 3, 2018

Look around in the world, and you may see some in every place who are objects of pity, bereaved by sad accidents of all the comforts of life, while in the meantime Providence has tenderly preserved you .- John Flavel

John Flavel (c.1627 – 1691): What is Keeping the Heart? (deovivendiperchristum.wordpress.com)
John Flavel, The Method of Grace.7 (memoirandremains.wordpress.com)
John Flavel (Puritan) – The Christian View of Death (godschildren58.wordpress.com)
Instructing your Children in the way of Holiness – John Flavel (mydelightandmycounsellors.wordpress.com)

Christianity, Faith, Religion and Spirituality Christ, Christianity, John Flavel, Providence, Puritan quotes

What God begins, he finishes…

2 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on August 31, 2018

On the perseverance of the saints…

Psa 138:8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Ecc 3:14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.
Isa 46:4 even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
Jer 32:40 I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Phi 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
2Ti 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safety into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Of all whom he has called and brought to Christ, none will be lost
Joh 6:39-40 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.
Joh 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
Rom 8:28-31 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? …Read More!

Calvinism, Christianity, Faith, Reformed Theology Christ, Christ Jesus, god, Lord Jesus Christ, monergism, nathan pitchford, perseverance of the saints

Why do missionaries check on Sparrows every morning?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on August 27, 2018

Many missionaries learn of God’s wonderful providence in times of difficulty and more so in financial difficulty. David Sitton shares in his free book on how to pray and support missionaries Warfare Prayer:

Financial anxiety increases with the sudden drop of support. Every missionary has gotten the “Dear John” letter explaining why support is being discontinued. One such letter I received had a final check and a hand scribbled note explaining that it was no longer financially feasible to invest in the ministry, as the parking lot of the church building needed re-paving.
My missionary mentor, Joe Cannon, encouraged us during tough financial times by saying: “Check and see if the sparrows have eaten today. As long as they eat, we eat. When God quits feeding the sparrows, missionaries will become extinct.” How true that is. Yet, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Dependence upon God and his daily provision is a wonderful way to live. ~David Sitton

Luke 12:6-7: Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Calvinism, Christian news, Evangelism, Faith david sitton, Missionaries

Christ can soften the hearts which seem hard…

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on June 1, 2018

“Christ can soften hearts which seem as hard as the millstone. He can bend stubborn wills which have long been set on self-pleasing, sin and the world. He can create, transform, renew, break down, build and quicken with irresistible power. There are no incurable cases with Christ. Let us never despair about the salvation of others for as long as we live. Let us name them before the Lord day and night and cry to Him on their behalf.” J.C. Ryle

Christianity, Faith, Reformed Theology, Religion and Spirituality Christ softens hearts, J.c Ryle

When a man came to Spurgeon with a “brand new revelation”.

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on March 26, 2018

Is the truth that which I imagine to be revealed to me by some private communication? Am I to fancy that I enjoy some special Revelation and am I to order my life by voices, dreams and impressions? Brothers and Sisters, fall not into this common delusion! God’s Word to us is in Holy Scripture. All the Truth that sanctifies men is in God’s Word! Do not listen to those who cry, “Lo here!” and, “Lo there!” I am plucked by the sleeve almost every day by crazy persons and pretenders who think that they have Revelations from God. One man tells me that God has sent a message to me by him—and I reply, “No, Sir, the Lord knows where I dwell and He is so near to me that He would not need to send to me by you.” Another man announces, in God’s name, a dogma which, on the face of it, is a lie against the Holy Spirit. He says the Spirit of God told him so-and-so, but we know that the Holy Spirit never contradicts Himself. If your imaginary Revelation is not according to this Word of God, it has no weight with us! And if it is according to this Word, it is no new thing! …Read More!

Christianity, Doctrine, Faith, Reformed Theology, Religion and Spirituality cessassionism, Charles Spurgeon, closed canon, new revelation

Quote of the day: Ulrich Zwingli…

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on March 14, 2018

“The Christian life, then, is a battle, so sharp and full of danger that effort can nowhere be relaxed without loss…” -Ulrich Zwingli, 16th Century Swiss Reformer

Calvinism, Christianity, Faith, Reformed Theology Quotes, reformers, Ulrich Zwingli

Saint Augustine’s fruitless joys…

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on March 9, 2018

HT The Old Guys via FB.

Calvinism, Christianity, Doctrine, Faith Augustine Of Hippo, saint augustine

Knowing the God of all Comfort

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on March 7, 2018

God brings different seasons in our lives to teach us different lessons. There are times of joy, plentifulness and happiness and there are also times of difficulty and trials where our most immediate cry is almost”Lord, how long?”

This is an excerpt from an article of a man who learnt of the comfort that only comes from the God of all comfort when he and his family went through a very tough time:

I had known throughout my ministry, of course, that God comforts His own. I had taught about the ministry of the Holy Spirit, our paraclete, who was sent by Christ to help us. And I had seen that the reading of the Bible brings solace to sorrowing hearts and peace to those in great turmoil.

But now my wife and I are experiencing God’s comfort for ourselves. In the months since Elsie’s stroke, we have known daily the comfort of the Savior, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the precious Word of God…

The faith of the Christian should grow stronger in times of trial and trouble. Trials have a way of digging up the soil of our hearts and turning up weeds. That is good for us, for it is not in the sunshine but in the storm that we discover the depth of our need. Someone has said, Great soldiers are not made in the barracks nor on the parade ground, but on the battlefield where the going is tough.

Trials provide opportunities for us to get to know God better. In his epistle to the Colossians, Paul assured the Christians that he was praying for them on a regular basis. Included in the list of things for which he prayed was the request that they might be increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10). Paul knew that one of the secrets to a full and blessed life is getting to know God better.

…Read More!

Christianity, Faith, Reformed Theology, Religion and Spirituality 2 corinthians, god of comfort, lehman strauss

7 tips on starting out in ministry

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on March 5, 2018

starting-out-in-ministry A few words of encouragement from a man who has seen many days go by. So, when Jim Sayers stops to give you a few tips on starting out in ministry then you had better take notes.

Here are seven of Jim’s fifteen tips for starting well as a pastor:

Preach within your range. The Bible is like a mountain range, and some peaks are a lot higher than others, so don’t set out to preach beyond your capabilities. We grow into the task of preaching, so don’t set out to preach through revelation as your first series, or John 14-17 or 2 Cor. 10-13. (I tried the latter, and am still scarred by the experience.) Preach what your congregation needs to hear most, and what you can make clear and apply well. Your preaching will reach first class standard after about five years, and test match standard….maybe! meantime, know your limits. John Chapman says ‘Preaching’s not that hard. It’s just the first forty years that’s the worst!’ After twenty four years I am starting to appreciate that quip more and more.

Make a preaching plan for your first few years that takes you to a different genre of Scripture in each ‘term’ of the year. I watched my pastor in Abingdon, Simon Hutton, do this in his early years in Abingdon, and it is a great plan (which had never occurred to me). So we had Exodus 1-15, Colossians, some of Mark, Job (the best early series), Amos and Micah, and so on. As he tackled each series, so he became used to handling that Scripture genre ready for whenever he handled a similar book in future. See your early years in preaching as developing your skills gradually.

Do not be discouraged at the difficulties…

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on March 1, 2018

If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31

Do not be discouraged at the difficulties and oppositions that will rise up before you when you begin resolvedly to walk with God. Discouragements turn multitudes from religion, and provide a great temptation for many young beginners to turn back. Israel in the wilderness was ready to retreat to Egypt. God himself will have his servants and his graces tried and exercised by difficulties, and Satan, will quickly raise up storms before us, as soon as we are set out to sea.

But God is on your side and has all your enemies in his hand, and can rebuke them, or destroy them in a moment. O what is the breath or
fury of dust or devils, against the Lord Almighty! In the day you entered into a covenant with God, and he with you, you entered into the most impregnable rock and fortress, and covered yourself in a castle of defence, where you may (modestly) defy all adverse powers of earth
or hell. If God cannot save you, he is not God. …Read More!

Calvinism, Christianity, Faith, Religion and Spirituality devotional, difficulties, Quotes, richard baxter

What were The Effects of the 1904 Welsh Revival?

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on January 22, 2018

The Blaenannerch Church.

It’s the 21st century now and it’s been awhile since we heard of nation wide outpourings of a sense of conviction over sin and a turning to the Lord in revival. It almost feels like no body prays for revival any more.

Speaking of which I recently went to Wales. Yes … the land of the Welsh revival of 1904! Oh yes again… I also had an opportunity to visit a church with an interesting historical root – the church at Blaenannerch. It’s pronounced differently by the Welsh and markedly differently by the English – Pahaha. Please just don’t ask me to explain.

Well, it is quite sobering what happened in that year in Wales. Listen to this account…

Thousands of people were saved. Public houses became almost empty. Men and women who used to waste their money getting drunk were now saving it and giving it to the church. They were using their money to buy clothes and food for their families.

Stealing and other offences became less and less. Often a magistrate came to court and found that there were no cases for him to try.

Men who blasphemed learned to talk purely. The miners put in a better day’s work but the pit ponies could not understand what had happened to the miners as they spoke to them more kindly. They were so used to being sworn at that they became disobedient!

People who had been careless about paying their bills or paying back money they had borrowed gave back all they owed.

…Read More!

Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality 1904 revival, evan roberts, Revival, seth joshua, welsh revival

David Livingstone: Going to Africa ON MISSION was no sacrifice. It was a PRIVILEDGE!

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on January 22, 2018

livingstone7 David Livingstone gave his life to serve Christ in the exploration of Africa for the sake of the access of the gospel.
Here is what Livingstone said to the Cambridge students about his “leaving” the benefits of England:

For my own part, I have never ceased to rejoice that God has appointed me to such an office. People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. . . . Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? …Read More!

Calvinism, Christian news, Christianity, Church History, Faith, Religion and Spirituality david livingstone, gospel, mission, priviledge

Sermons of a man called George Whitefield.

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on October 12, 2017

Some one once said George Whitefield preached a pure gospel, a powerful gospel and a passionate gospel. He was a man of deep prayer, tremendous spiritual fortitude with a burdened heart, burning lips and brimming eyes. A contemporary of Jonathan Edwards and John Wesley, he was an English Anglican preacher who spent most of his life spreading the gospel by preaching in open air and was one of the major instruments of God used in the Great Awakening in Britain and the United States.

He drew great crowds when he preached to people from all walks of life. From a lordly chamber heavy with the pungent aroma of costly perfumes, Whitefield would race off to a street meeting. Catch his joy as he says, “There I was honored with having stones, dirt, rotten eggs, and pieces of dead cats thrown at me.”

Now it’s possible to download read and study atleast 59 George Whitefield sermons either as a kindle ebook, pdf or EPub.

Calvinism, Christianity, Faith, Reformed Theology George Whitefield, Sermons

Spurgeon: A godly mother…can any man estimate what he owes her?

2 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on October 11, 2017

“Fathers and mothers are the most natural agents for God to use in the salvation of their children. I am sure that, in my early youth, no teaching ever made such an impression upon my mind as the instruction of my mother. Neither can I conceive that, to any child, there can be one who will have such influence over the young heart as the mother who has so tenderly cared for her offspring. A man with a soul so dead as not to be moved by the sacred name of ‘mother’ is creation’s blot. Never could it be possible for any man to estimate what he owes to a godly mother. Certainly I have not the powers of speech with which to set forth my valuation of the choice blessing which the Lord bestowed on me in making me the son of one who prayed for me, and prayed with me. How can I ever forget her tearful eye when she warned me to escape the wrath to come? Read more of this post

Christian news, Doctrine, Faith, Interviews, Religion and Spirituality mothers, mothersday, sons, Spurgeon

Heinrich Bullinger: The Day Zwingli Died

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on October 11, 2017

So, did Pastor Ulrich Zwingli (the Reformer) die hacking and water boarding enemy soldiers in battle as some snidely suggest? I will leave that bit of history for the urban myth busters to refute. However today we will go through the Heinrich Bullinger’s account of the day Zwingli died.

On the battlefield, not far from the line of attack, Mr. Ulrich Zwingli lay under the dead and wounded. While men were looting . . . he was still alive, lying on his back, with his hands together as if he was praying, and his eyes looking upwards to heaven. So some approached who did not know him and asked him, since he was so weak and close to death (for he had fallen in combat and was stricken with a mortal wound), whether a priest should be fetched to hear his confession. …Read More!

Christianity, Church History, Faith, Reformed Theology Captain Fuckinger of Unterwalden, death of zwingli, Heinrich Bullinger, Ulrich Zwingli

A letter from Spurgeon to his wife when attacked by Mosquitos in Venice.

3 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on September 25, 2017

godseesour-tears This note was written while Charles Spurgeon was in Venice. We all love Spurgeon for his impeccable use of the English vocabulary. This note to his wife when he was being plagued by mosquitoes will make you see the human and mortal side of the Spurgeon as he battles the mundane. This should be a light hearted read for you…please do not laugh (well enjoy it whichever way)

6 a.m.—I awake grateful for another night’s peaceful rest, only to find myself very badly bitten by mosquitoes. A mosquito is the most terrible of beasts. A lion delights in blood, but he does not suck it from living animals; he does not carefully prolong their tortures. A viper poisons, but he is generally content with one use of his fangs; but these small-winged serpents bite in scores of places in succession.
My hands are a series of burning mountains. The creatures are as nearly omnipresent as Satan, which means that, though a mosquito cannot be everywhere, yet no mortal can be sure that he is not near him, or tell where he is not. Curtains are a delusion, pastilles are a snare; the little enemies are irritated by such attempts to escape their malice, and give you double punishment. O Italy! I have shed my blood for thy sake, and feel a love of thee (or something else) burning in my veins!

…Read More!

Christianity, Faith, Religion and Spirituality Charles Spurgeon, letter, venice

Modesty: It’s for both women and (yup)….

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on April 7, 2017

bow ties When we have young children going into teenage or young adults at church it’s not un often that the topic of modesty comes up. Some say women must dress modestly so as not to stumble the weaker ones (read brothers). Either way – its good you are reading this article as this is a good opportunity to reflect on a couple of things. Modesty is an issue that should be looked at with alot of seriousness and thoughtfulness both by women and men.

Tom Hicks when writing about this prickly issue actually highlights 5 important points as he cautions on modesty.

He says:

I recently read an article about modesty that prompted me to write this post. The article says that women, particularly young women, should dress modestly to keep their brothers from stumbling into sin. I’ve talked that way in the past, and I’ve even taught it, but I’ve come to believe that it’s not helpful. Biblical modesty is really about humility and the glory of God.

1. Modesty as Humility. Often when Christians speak of modesty, they speak in terms of dress, but in reality, modesty is about not “showing off” any of your attractive qualities in words or deeds. It’s about refusing to set yourself above others and refusing to draw attention to yourself as an end. Modesty means not bragging about our work accomplishments, not showing off how intelligent we are, or even how “godly” we are, and it also means not showing off our physical bodies. Modesty means that we regard others as more important than ourselves and refuse to make ourselves out to look better than others.

2. Modesty is a Matter of the Gospel. Because of Christ’s imputed righteousness, we don’t have anything to prove to anyone. We are clothed in His holy robes of perfect obedience, which means we don’t have to grasp for the high opinions of men, the attraction of others, or for feelings of superiority over them. As believers in Jesus, we already have Him and all things in Him. Jesus says we will inherit the earth. We are seated in the heavenly places with Christ. God says we are “righteous” and that we are His “sons.” It really doesn’t matter what others say or think about us and it doesn’t matter whether others desire us. God wants us. He accepts us freely. Therefore, we can be modest.

…Read More!

Christianity, Doctrine, Faith, Religion and Spirituality gospel, humilty, modesty

O Lord, I need a personal revival

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on March 20, 2017

Quoting John Newton:

Do you ask how it is with me? Just as the weather is this morning. My heart is cold as the snow under foot, and cloudy as the sky over my head. Not a beam of sunshine, but it is a mercy to have daylight. It will not be always winter, though it has been a long winter with me. We want a revival at Olney both for the shepherd and the sheep. Yet my mouth is not stopped. I can sometimes talk loud and look big in the pulpit, but how different a creature am I behind the scenes! Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord!

Christian news, Christianity, Faith, Modern Church Pragmatism, Religion and Spirituality Christianity, john newton revival

Spurgeon and those in pulpits who waste people’s time

2 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on March 13, 2017

“I had sooner die than live to be such a being as many who stand up in the pulpit wholly to waste people’s time and not to win souls!” – Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – It May Be Yet (theoldguys.org)
Who Has the Majority? (Spurgeon’s Faith’s Checkbook) (forhisgloryandpraise.wordpress.com)

Christianity, Faith Charles Spurgeon, christian, Jesus

When sin shall be unmasked.

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on March 8, 2017

Ah, souls! when you shall lie upon a dying bed, and stand before a judgment-seat, sin shall be unmasked, and its dress and robes shall then be taken off, and then it shall appear more vile, filthy, and terrible than hell itself; then, that which formerly appeared most sweet will appear most bitter, and that which appeared most beautiful will appear most ugly, and that which appeared most delightful will then appear most dreadful to the soul.

~ Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices

HT Reformed Quotes.

Calvinism, Christianity, Faith puritans, reformed quotes, thomas brook

Holding the feet of televangelists and faith healers to the fire of Scripture.

2 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on February 27, 2017

It is not that often that televangelists and faith healers open their doors and have their theology and doctrinal practices tested against the standard of scripture. More often than not these offices always come shrouded in mystery and sadly mysticism. However a brave Chris Rosebrough managed to get an interview with Brian Powers a popular televangelist and faith healer and they decided to go through some honest doctrinal issues.

Listen to link here.

Tony-Allen Cucolo writes an interesting summary of common responses when most of these “hyper” anointed men are confronted with scripture.

A complete and utter inability to answer any direct question (here especially regarding the Trinity, his personal sin, etc.), usually going off on another tangent instead.

A double standard in regards to accusing someone of harping on doctrine (eg., Trinity), while at the same time accusing others of violating Christian doctrine (eg., Charismatic Gifts of the Spirit).

Almost zero knowledge of church history.

…Read More!

Charismania, Christianity, Doctrine, Faith, Religion and Spirituality brian powers, Chris Rosebrough, faith healers, Televangelists

People never reject the Bible because they don’t understand it…. Au Contraire!

3 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on February 24, 2017

“Be very sure of this–people never reject the Bible because they cannot understand it. They understand it too well; they understand that it condemns their own behavior; they understand that it witnesses against their own sins, and summons them to judgment. They try to believe it is false and useless, because they don’t like to believe it is true. An evil lifestyle must always raise an objection to this book. Men question the truth of Christianity because they hate the practice of it.” – J. C. Ryle

Christianity, Doctrine, Evangelism, Faith Bible, Christianity, J.c Ryle, Rejection

Bruising is required before conversion

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on February 20, 2017

hope Quoting Richard Sibbes:

This bruising is required before conversion that so the Spirit may make way for himself into the heart by leveling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what indeed we are by nature. We love to wander from ourselves and to be strangers at home, till God bruises us by one cross or other, and then we `begin to think’, and come home to ourselves with the prodigal (Luke 15:17). It is a very hard thing to bring a dull and an evasive heart to cry with feeling for mercy. Our hearts, like criminals, until they be beaten from all evasions, never cry for the mercy of the judge. …Read More!

Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Reformed Theology afflictions, apostacy, Conversion, richard sibbes

The neglected duty of private prayer

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on February 16, 2017

Quoting J.C Ryle on prayer…

We live in days of abounding religious profession. There are more places of public worship than there ever was before. There are more people attending them than there ever was before. And yet in spite of all this public religion, I believe there is a vast neglect of private prayer. It is one of those private transcripts between God and our souls which no eye sees, and therefore one which people are tempted to pass over and leave undone.
I believe that hundreds of thousands never utter a word of prayer at all. They eat. They drink. They sleep. They rise. They go forth to their work. They return to their homes. They breathe God’s air. They travel on God’s earth. They enjoy God’s mercies. They have dying bodies. They have judgment and eternity before them. But they never speak to God. They live like the animals that perish. They behave like creatures without souls. They have not one word to say to Him in whose hand are their life and breath, and all things, and from whose mouth they must one day receive their everlasting sentence. How dreadful this seems; but if the secrets of men were only known, how common.

Christianity, Faith, Reformed Theology, Religion and Spirituality J.c Ryle, Private Prayer

Adonirom Judson’s letter to his prospective father in law Mr Hasseltine.

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on February 15, 2017

Adoniram Judson, Jr. (August 9, 1788 – April 12, 1850) was the first Protestant missionary sent from North America to preach in Burma. Judson is remembered as the first significant missionary in Burma, as well as one of the very first missionaries from America to travel overseas. The story of his biography has touched many people, however I will just dig into a small bit here and it’s his letter to his prospective father in law shines some light into the kind of person he was and his passion for missions and evangelism of the dangerous heathen lands:

“I have now to ask whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world ? Whether you can consent to her departure to a heathen land, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life? Whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death? Can you consent to all this, for the sake of Him who left His heavenly home and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with a crown of righteousness brightened by the acclamations of praise which shall resound to her Saviour from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?”

HT J.D Greer

Adoniram Judson ended up spending his missionary career not in India, but in Burma. During his thirty-seven years of service there, he persevered through seventeen months of brutal imprisonment, several bouts of life-threatening illness, and the death of two wives and six children. He succeeded in translating the Bible into Burmese and compiling an English-Burmese dictionary. He waited six years for his first Burmese convert, but by the time of his death in 1850, there were a hundred Burmese churches and over 8,000 Burmese Christians. A very readable biography, To the Golden Shore by Courtney Anderson, recounts the epic story of his remarkable life.

Calvinism, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality adoniram judson, letter to father inlaw, mr hasseltine

How do the deaf hear the gospel?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on February 4, 2017

That is a good question to ask a lady called Jean. I have had a really wonderful evening hearing of the missions work among the deaf in Austria. I must say any day I hear of God’s glorious works in the salvation of any soul I am always intrigued and amazed. This time I was glad to hear of how the gospel is spreading among the deaf in Klagenfurt, Austria. Jean Ellis has given over thirty years of her life to work in Austria. Her ministry in affiliation with Grace Baptist Mission (GBM) has almost been exclusively among the deaf and their families. By God’s grace some have come to repentance and faith in Christ and by the grace of God the number of deaf believers is growing who are now led by local sign language using pastors grounded in sound Biblical teaching. The work in Austria has been blessed with conversions and even baptisms.

The work among the deaf:

There have been many challenges in the work; part of the challenges were to translate the Bible into Austrian sign language, prayers of the leaders and new believers. Much prayer is still needed for missionaries to this community group (as well as to many missionaries to deaf people around the world). More missionaries are needed to special needs people whether deaf, blind or mute. Why? Because we as believers have an obligation and a commission from the Lord to spread the gospel. Besides…

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? [Rom 10:14]

May God send workers in to the harvest. May the Lord equip the workers for the harvest. May the glory go to Him alone.

Calvinism, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality Austria, Bible, Christ, Deafness, GBM, Hearing impairment, jean ellis, Klagenfurt, Sign language

Why Do We Say Grace Before Meals?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on January 31, 2017

Isn’t it rather odd in it self that we have different meanings for “Grace” these days? Just saying… 🙂

[HT to Facebook Friends]

Faith, Satire grace before meals, humor, Satire

Breakthrough: The documentary of Missionary James O. Fraser and the Lisu people

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on January 25, 2017

Above is a trailer of documentary of James Fraser:

James Fraser was only 22 years old when he left his engineering career and went to China. From the very first time he saw the Lisu tribespeople of Yunnan Province, he was filled with God’s love for them. He spent the rest of his life laboring to bring them the gospel. Breakthrough came only after his partners back home took up the challenge to pray. …Read More!

Calvinism, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality docudrama, Evangelism, james fraser, lisu people, Missionaries

So, allow me to (re) introduce Jesus Christ to you

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on January 24, 2017

Blair Wingo Linne the wife of Christian musician Shai Linne minces no words as a spoken word artist in her poem as she re introduces Christ… Here is the transcript:

Allow me to reintroduce the Christ…

We got a false Jesus being portrayed
As seen on TV, acting cool, you see He’s changed
A different Jesus from the Bible so
Allow me to bring the real Christ on stage
Not that whack Jesus, the one not based on fact Jesus, too often displayed
The Christ in glory, not the one on your chain
Cause He is the real Jesus peace that only dwells in the saved …Read More!

Christianity, Contemporary Christian Music, Faith blair wingo, Christianity, jesus christ, re introducing christ, Shai Linne, spoken word artist

Do I need Jesus?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on January 22, 2017

Do I need the Lord Jesus Christ? Yes, infinitely, but chiefly on two accounts. The guilt of sin on me is mountainous; none but he can remove it. The power of sin in me is marvellous, none but he can subdue it.

But am I willing to have the Lord Jesus Christ? Yes, most heartily: for there is a dreadful necessity that the miseries of my soul should be relieved; he, and none but he, can relieve them. ~ Cotton Mather

Calvinism, Christianity, Faith cotton mather, jesus christ

Puritan Devotionals: Voices From The Past.

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on December 26, 2016

If you are looking for a daily devotional as a Christmas or New year present or even birthday gift then look for one that is deep with theology and will spur you to delve deeper into the scriptures. The Puritan devotional Voices From the Past by Richard Rushing should be high on your list and this is why:

1 Timothy 4:2 … “Whose consciences are seared.”
“Get and keep a tender conscience. Be sensible of the least sin. Some men’s consciences are like the stomach of the ostrich that can digest iron: they can swallow the most notorious sins without regret. A good conscience is very delicate. It feels the least touch of known sin, and is grieved at the thought of grieving God’s Spirit. It will choose the greatest of suffering before the least of sinning.

However, the jeering Ishmaels of the world are ready to reproach and laugh it to scorn for its precise scruples. Daily train all your graces for battle. Live in a military posture, both defensive and offensive. Stand constantly by your weapons. Admit no peace with sin. The soldier of Christ must never lay down his arms. Satan never ceases his wiles and stratagems. He will tell you that sin is pleasant. Ask yourself if the gripping of conscience is also pleasant? Ask yourself if it is pleasant to be in hell, and be under the wrath of God? Ask yourself if the pleasures of sin for a season compare with the rivers of God’s pleasures? How do they compare to a weight of glory, an incorruptible crown, and a heavenly kingdom?

Read more of this post

Christianity, Faith, Reformed Theology Puritan Devotionals, puritans, Richard Rushing, voices from the past

What are the origins of Word of Faith?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on September 8, 2016

Here is a good educational video on the origins of Word of faith…
…Read More!

Christian news, Christianity, Doctrine, Faith, Religion and Spirituality claim it, joel osteen, name it, origins, word of faith

Jesus: He lived among us

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on September 3, 2016

It’s not that often that I recommend a movie on the life of Jesus but this link was sent to me by an old friend and I must say it is evangelistic as well as interesting both for adults and children. The story goes through the gospel as told by the Apostle John on the isle of Patmos (see below for further info):

…Continue here for further links!!!

Christian news, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality evangelistic movies, jesus he lived among us, jesus the movie, voice of the martyrs

“Do not linger!” by J.C. Ryle

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on June 26, 2016

“‘He lingered.’ (Genesis 19:16) Do not be a lingering soul.

Would you know what the times demand?—The shaking of nations,—the uprooting of ancient things,—the overturning of kingdoms,—the stir and restlessness of men’s minds—what do they say? They all cry aloud,—Christian! do not linger!

Would you be found ready for Christ at His second appearing,—your loins girded,—your lamp burning. yourself bold, and prepared to meet Him? Then do not linger!

Would you enjoy much sensible comfort in your religion,—feel the witness of the Spirit within you,—know whom you have believed,—and not be a gloomy, complaining, sour, downcast, and melancholy Christian? Then do not linger! …Read More!

Calvinism, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality do not linger, J.c Ryle

Three reasons why kids should sit with parents on Sunday

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on June 4, 2016

tantrum in church Jared Bridges gives three reasons….okay plus one more to make it four good ones why you should sit with your kids on Sunday.

I bet you must be asking under your breath, Oh Jared, have you ever seen your own flesh and blood save the biggest and fattest tantrum for that one solemn moment – just to give mum and dad a red face? But give him a moment he seems to be honest in his discussion:

Taking your child to a Sunday worship service can be jarring. Trust me, I know. It once gave me a concussion.

Years ago, we began introducing our four-year-old son to the worship service, with all the potential misbehavior that entails. During corporate prayer he decided to lay down on the floor. Like a good dad I knelt over and told him to get up. Like a good son he obeyed, immediately and enthusiastically. A little too enthusiastically.

As he jumped up, the full weight of his 95th-percentile-sized head drove directly into my semi-opened jaw….
The incident (indeed) gave me a new perspective on impactful worship.

Not every instance of bringing our kids to the worship service is like that, of course, but it can be a difficult transition, both for our little ones and for us. So if it’s that hard, why would a church encourage kids (not necessarily babies) to sit in worship with their families? Here are four areas why I believe this is helpful: discipleship, education, tradition, and opportunity.

1. Discipleship

At the core of Jesus’s Great Commission to his disciples (Matt. 28:18–20) is the call to make disciples of all nations—that is, all people groups. The “all” includes the very people within our own families, and the commission is not restricted to age. An making of disciples is never an abbreviated event.

Hearing the gospel preached and seeing its effects in the worship of a local church family is a powerful way to make disciples. What better way for a child to be introduced to what it means to be a disciple than to experience life with disciples of all ages and levels of maturity?

2. Education

Moses tells God’s people, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deut. 6:6–7).

The words of God should be taught to our own children today. A corporate worship service in which Scripture is read, sung, prayed, and preached helps us as we educate our kids. …Read More!

Christian news, Christianity, Doctrine, Faith, Religion and Spirituality Children, gospel coalition, jared bridges, Sunday School, sunday worship

How should we forgive fallen pastors?

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on May 5, 2016

praying It’s not that rare now to see Christian leaders sin grossly and within a few months after the publicity has died down to see the very same leaders being restored into public ministry and leadership. Does that mean sinners can never be restored or forgiven? Actually on the contrary – restoration to fellowship is what church discipline is all about but this shouldn’t be confused with restoration into office. Conservative Christians have a strong legacy of battling for doctrinal purity. But are we now at a point in time when we are losing the battle for moral purity? Should the church lower the standard to accommodate the moral malaise of leaders in our generation?

Grace to You has an interesting article on the issue of restoration and Christian leadership…

Gross sin among Christian leaders is a signal that something is seriously wrong within the contemporary church. But an even greater problem is the lowering of standards to accommodate a leader’s sin. That churches are so eager to bring these men back into leadership—and to do so relatively quickly—is a symptom of rottenness to the core.

Christians must not regard leadership in the church lightly. The foremost requirement of a leader is that he “must be above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2, 10; Titus 1:7). That is a difficult prerequisite, and not everyone can meet it.

Some kinds of sin irreparably shatter a man’s reputation and disqualify him from a ministry of leadership forever—because he can no longer be above reproach. Even Paul, man of God that he was, said he feared such a possibility: “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

…Read More!

Christian news, Christianity, Doctrine, Faith, Reformed Theology, Religion and Spirituality Christianity, fallen pastors, restoration

Who is an angry Calvinist?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on March 22, 2016

John Newton, Memoirs of the Life of the Late Rev. William Grimshaw (London: 1799), pages 86–87:

They who avow the doctrines distinguished by the name of Calvinism, ought, if consistent with their own principles, to be the most gentle and forbearing of all men, in meekness instructing them that oppose. With us, it is a fundamental maxim, that a man can receive nothing but what is given him from heaven (John 3:27). If, therefore, it has pleased God to give us the knowledge of some truths, which are hidden from others, who have the same outward means of information; it is a just reason for thankfulness to him, but will not justify our being angry with them; for we are no better or wiser than they in ourselves, and might have opposed the truths which we now prize, with the same eagerness and obstinacy, if his grace had not made us to differ. If the man, mentioned in John 9, who was born blind, on whom our Lord graciously bestowed the blessing of sight, had taken a cudgel and beat all the blind men he met, because they would not see, his conduct would have greatly resembled that of an angry Calvinist.

Excerpt from Tony Reinke.

Do you miss men in Church and at home?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on January 5, 2016

Conrad Mbewe from Zambia reports men are missing in many places not only in the work place but also at homes and even church. No, not that he can’t see any of the male species in all these spheres but what is irking is that so few of them seem to be rising to the calling that God has given to them as men in society. Furthermore on the missing men….

Look at the family, for instance. Many men are as good as absent. They seem to be content to being served rather than playing their God-given roles of presider, protector, and provider. There is little effort at leading family devotions, home maintenance, and discipling the kids.

In society where men were once dominant, the trend is also fast reversing. Apart from the push from the West to kick women out of the kitchen and put them at par with men in the business world, men seem to see the workplace as a place where you only go to make money. …Read More!

Christian news, Christianity, Doctrine, Faith, Religion and Spirituality conrad mbewe, men

Seven (7) things your church should not do in missions

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on December 29, 2015

The Great Commission is a clear command of Jesus to his church. By and large, part of what it means to be an evangelical church is to support the spread of the gospel to those who have never heard it. Based on decades of experience on the other side of the equation (Zane Pratt as a field worker living overseas), has a list of 7 things your church should NOT do as it considers its involvement in fulfilling the Great Commission:

1. You should not ignore the missionary imperative.
Lots of excuses can be given for doing nothing about global missions other than, perhaps, an occasional missions offering. Taking the gospel to the unreached is expensive, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and sometimes even unhealthy or dangerous. There are so many lost people right around you where you live. You have so many needs within your own church. The list could go on. …Read More!

Christian news, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality 9 marks, Evangelism, great commission, zane pratt

How then can we pray for France?

2 Comments Posted by The Cidrìe on November 15, 2015

mosul monastery Following the recent acts of terrorism and religious extremism on the streets of that ever serene city of Paris, Mike Evans asks a question, How do we pray for Paris? He then goes ahead and outlines four important points:

In the case of the attacks in Paris the intent was to shock and, by shocking, to stimulate nationwide fear and alarm. Even more importantly, terrorism, as practiced by Islamic State, recognizes no difference between civilians and military personnel, because their war is not primarily against a specific nation or state but against a culture.

How should we react as Christians?

1. Mourn with those who mourn.

Families have lost loved ones; many have been seriously or permanently injured and face an uncertain future. Pray for the churches in the Paris area as they reach out to families, neighbors, and friends who have been victims of these attacks that they may not only help them rebuild their lives but also be signposts to the gospel of Jesus Christ. …Read More!

Christian news, Christianity, Doctrine, Faith Christians, mega churches, paris attacks, pray, terrorism

J.I Packer: In his own words [Video]

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on November 8, 2015

Who is J. I. Packer?

He once described himself as “English by birth, Canadian by choice, Christian by conversion, and Calvinist by conviction, I speak as an evangelical who finds his home in the worldwide Anglican church family.”

Note in particular Dr. Packer’s moving closing words, when asked how he would like to be remembered: …Read More!

Calvinism, Christianity, Church History, Doctrine, Evangelism, Faith biography, calvinism, ji packer

It’s October…Reformation day is upon us again!

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on October 31, 2015

On 31 October 1517, Martin Luther wrote to Albrecht, Archbishop of Mainz and Magdeburg, protesting against the sale of indulgences. He enclosed in his letter a copy of his “Disputation of Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences,” which came to be known as The 95 Theses. So what else was enshrined in the Theses? Here we go:

1. When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said “Repent”, He called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.

2. The word cannot be properly understood as referring to the sacrament of penance, i.e. confession and satisfaction, as administered by the clergy.

3. Yet its meaning is not restricted to repentance in one’s heart; for such repentance is null unless it produces outward signs in various mortifications of the flesh.

4. As long as hatred of self abides (i.e. true inward repentance) the penalty of sin abides, viz., until we enter the kingdom of heaven.

5. The pope has neither the will nor the power to remit any penalties beyond those imposed either at his own discretion or by canon law. …Read More!

Calvinism, Christianity, Faith, Reformed Theology 95 theses, Lutherans, martin luther, Protestants, reformation day

An App that lets you whizz through the Bible in 60 secs (Or get your money back)!?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on September 14, 2015

download app In the modern world we live in we like quick fixes. Microwave ovens, fast food restaurants, instant coffee and the list goes on. And so you have come to this post expecting to get a quick bible fix too. No?

Well I would like you to consider a bible study method that lets you understand a text of scripture and study the word of God with enthusiasm. It lets you mine deep rather than skim on the surface. Below is a mid week (actually week two session) of an Inductive Bible study session. If you love it have a look at session one. Its all free!

Sorry there’s no substitute for studying and whizzing thru the bible in 60 seconds sounds more of just a tick box exercise to make yourself feel good. …Read More!

Christianity, Doctrine, Faith Bible Study, inductive bible study

Do you know what ‘Inductive Bible Study’ is?

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on September 10, 2015

To help those who love reading the bible or even those who struggle with reading to move to the mature practice of

Study(ing) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim 2:15)

Well if you don’t know how to begin bible study please watch this inductive study session:

Special thanks to the team that has kept all their 10 weeks of study material online since 2012.

Are these your feelings about sin? If not, you should doubt whether your religion is “authentic.”

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on August 28, 2015

If I came across Osteen’s sermon notes and they read something like this I would be somewhat encouraged:

“Christianity which is from the Holy Spirit will always have a very deep view of the sinfulness of sin. It will not merely regard sin as a blemish and misfortune, which makes men and women objects of pity, and compassion. It will see in sin the abominable thing which God hates, the thing which makes man guilty and lost in his Maker’s sight, the thing which deserves God’s wrath and condemnation. It will look on sin as the cause of all sorrow and unhappiness, of strife and wars, of quarrels and contentions, of sickness and death–the curse which cursed God’s beautiful creation, the cursed thing which makes the whole earth groan and struggle in pain. Above all, it will see in sin the thing which will ruin us eternally, unless we can find a ransom,–lead us captive, except we can get its chains broken,–and destroy our happiness, both here and hereafter, except we fight against it, even unto death. Is this your religion? Are these your feelings about sin? If not, you should doubt whether your religion is “authentic.” – J. C. Ryle

HT Friends on FB for this quote.

John Charles Ryle Wrote His Farewell Message (calvinistview.com)
J.C Ryle on the condition of men’s hearts all over the world. (atwistedcrownofthorns.com)

Charismania, Christianity, Faith, Religion and Spirituality Christianity, HolySpirit, J.c Ryle, Religion and Spirituality, sin

Why don’t men come to Christ -because they will not or cannot?

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on August 26, 2015

On man’s moral responsibility…

Scripture invariably treats us as morally responsible agents. It lays upon us the necessity of choice… Why is it that people do not come to Christ. Is it that they cannot, or is it that they will not? Jesus taught both. And in this ‘cannot’ and ‘will not’ lies the ultimate antinomy between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. But however we state it, we must not eliminate either part. Our responsibility before God is an inalienable aspect of our human dignity. Its final expression will be on the day of judgment.~John R. W. Stott & Timothy Dudley-Smith (Authentic Christianity)

Calvinism, Faith, Reformed Theology antimony, Authentic Christianity, john stott, moral responsibility, soveignty

Unlikely converts: A Former Lesbian Professor’s Journey to Faith

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on July 13, 2015

Interesting testimony of Professor Butterfield :

As a tenured lesbian professor at Syracuse University, Dr. Butterfield had no desire to become part of the heterosexist, patriarchal culture that she perceived to be the identity of Christianity. …Read More!

Christian news, Evangelism, Faith Christianity, conversion to faith, former lesbian, prof butterfield

John Bunyan: SIN is the dare of God’s justice…

1 Comment Posted by The Cidrìe on June 1, 2015

“Sin is the dare of God’s justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power, and the contempt of His love”~ John Bunyan

Calvinism, Faith, Religion and Spirituality bunyan, John, Quotes

Easter in pictures…

Leave a comment Posted by The Cidrìe on April 6, 2015

On a lighter note this is why Christians are excited about Easter….

HT Jim West via FB.

Calvinism, Christian news, Christianity, Faith Easter, pictures, Resurrection

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