From the category archives:

Theology

Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices: A Word to the Reader

March 7, 2010

The book Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks contains this word to the reader:
Dear Friend!
Solomon bids us buy the truth (Prov. 23:23), but doth not tell us what it must cost, because we must get it through it be never so dear. We must love it both shining and scorching. Every parcel of [...]

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A Worthwhile Prayer

February 28, 2010

I am working on some personal theological studies which I hope to publish in part soon.
In the mean time, I shall share some existing content I consider worth reading.
While I am not in a habit of using written prayers, this one fosters wholesome contemplation:
Lord high and holy, meek and lowly,
Thou hast brought me to the [...]

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A Lesson from 1 John 4:7,8

February 21, 2010

These are partial notes from the primary sermon given at the morning meeting of Grace Bible Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma today.
1 John 4:7,8
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God [...]

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A Timely Warning on Delayed Repentance

February 14, 2010

Another gem from Spurgeon’s collected sayings of Thomas Brooks:
The conversion of the thief upon the cross is an example without a promise.  It is an example of late repentance, but where is there a promise to late repentance?  O sinner, remember it is not examples, but promises, that are foundations for faith to rest on.  [...]

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Secret Prayer and Worldly Difficulties

February 8, 2010

Thomas Brooks was not the only important Puritan, but his sayings remain particularly useful:
He who will attend closet prayer without distraction or disturbance, must not slip out of the world into his closet, but he must first slip into his closet before he be compassed about with a crowd of worldly employments.
A good name is [...]

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Sin and Grace

February 7, 2010

Another relevant thought from Thomas Brooks, as recorded by Charles Spurgeon:
By nature we are as full of hard thoughts of God as hell is full of sin; and where the heart is not mightily overawed by the Spirit of God, and overpowered by grace of God, there all manner of dark and dismal apprehensions of [...]

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Fidelity to Truth

February 4, 2010

These words of J. C. Philpot (1802-1869) are worth considering:
The ancient landmarks which the word of truth has set up have almost by general consent been removed, and a religious right of common has become established, by means of which truth and error have been thrown into one wide field, where any may roam and feed [...]

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A Timely Warning on Rashness

February 4, 2010

Rashness will admit of nought for reason, but what unreasonable self shall dictate for reason.
As sloth seldom brings actions to a good birth, so rashness makes them always abortive ere well formed.
— Thomas Brooks

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Selected Scriptures on Speech

January 31, 2010

Proverbs 12:17
Whoever speaks the truth gives honest advice, but a false witness utters deceit.
Proverbs 12:19
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
Proverbs 16:28
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:20
A [...]

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A Wedding in Virginia

January 30, 2010

I participated in a wedding today (along with my sister) by providing violin music.
Weddings are festive and solemn occasions. They form new families and usher in tremendous duties and responsibilities. Marriage fundamentally alters one’s own position and profoundly influences one’s family.
Christian weddings are important and enjoyable. They are important because they feature a proclamation of [...]

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