I do not want to be a Christian that speaks generalities that do not dig deep enough (pg 80)
The Spirit strengthens us with supernatural power. He shines into dark places of our hearts and convicts us of sin. He illuminates the Word so we can understand its meaning and grasp its implications. He takes the veil away so we can see the glory of Christ and become what we behold.(82)
The gospel encourages godliness out of a sense of gratitude, it aids our pursuit of holiness by telling us the truth about who we are. REMEMBER there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in me, I am a child of God, nothing can separate me from the love of Christ.
Faith in justification allows me to rest and receive, and faith in sanctification allows me to will and work!
Be Who You Are
-In Christ, we are dead to sin and alive in rightousness
-In Christ, we are new creations so we might live for him and not for ourselves
-In Christ, our sinful flesh is put to death and a new kind of life is at work in us
-In Christ, we are no longer sons of disobedience and children of wrath, but are alive with Christ and able to do the good works prepared for us
-In Christ, we can walk as he did
-In Christ, we are holy and precious and called to live like it
I dont want o compromise my worship for Christ. I desire courage to act on my convictions. I dont want sexual impurity to be normal, entertaining to the point where it doesnt offend or upset me! This is truly opposite of the biblical view! It is incompatible with the kingdom of life. I want to be furious and heartbroken- fleeing from sin, and not testing or messing around it. I dont want this free thing for a man and wife in marriage to enslave me to a point where I can break the habit. Let me remember I am a temple and body of Christ. Glorify God does not mean to get as close to sinning as possible. Do not even have a filthy or vulgar mouth. Do not stir up love before it is time. Being a Christian- we are saints, holy ones declared holy and are children of light.
Union with Christ- the irrevocable work of the Spirit, and once united, nothing can separate us from Christ
Communion- Can be affected by sin and unresponsiveness to God's grace. As this deepens, we enjoy sweeter fellowship and interchange with him. We grow in knowledge of him and affection for him, and we experience more richly his love and affection for us. We pursue communion through prayer, the word of truth, through fellowship with other Christians, through partaking of the Lord's supper.
Progress
Real contrition is hard painful work.
It is not a convenient escape hatch after a weekend of a life of folly. It means admitting specific wrong, recognizing your offensiveness to God, changing course, turning to Christ, and wishing with all your heart you had never made the mistake you now despise. It is godly grief (genuinely sorry for sin, to hate it more and more, to run from it) instead of worldly grief (not allowing to see our offenses against God, self pity, pointless regret). Godly grief is a fruitful and effective emotion to spur into action, for good works and help to flee from sin
True holiness is the most beautiful ornament and the most magnificent beauty which can be found in man
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