Charity and Its Fruits

I have recently been reading Jonathan Edwards excellent book, Charity and Its Fruits. Edwards has taken I Corinthians 13 and challenged me at the core to consider the motivation behind every action. For those who believe Edwards is nothing more than a strange,fire-breathing out-dated theologian who has nothing to say to modern culture, read this tidbit:

"The work of redemption which the gospel makes known, above all things affords motives to love; for that work was the most glorious and wonderful exhibition of love that was ever seen or heard of. Love is the principal thing that the gospel dwells on when speaking of God, and of Christ. It brings to light the love eternally existing between the Father and the Son, and declares how that same love has been manifested in many things; how that Christ is God's well-beloved Son, in whom he is ever well-pleased; how he so loved him, that he has raised him to the throne of the mediatorial kingdom, and appointed him to be the judge of the world, and ordained that all mankind should stand before him in judgment. In the gospel, too, is revealed the love that Christ has to the Father, and the wonderful fruits of that love, particularly in his doing such great things, and suffering such great things in obedience to the Father's will; and for the honour of his justice, and law, and authority, as the great moral governor. There it is revealed how the Father and Son are one in love, that we might be induced, in like spirit, to be one with them..."

Despite what your fallen eyes and mind tell you, this is reality. The reality that seems so real to you (the hot summer day, the doldrums or joys of your job, the money you have) hinge on this ultimate reality. Christ sits enthroned and has won a people for Himself on the cross. I pray the Lord continually astonishes me by the infinite grace He has shown me in Christ. What are invincible realities now will all too soon become visilble realities. Until then, may our hearts be captivated by the love God has for his Son and his people through Christ.

I am very grateful to the pastor of the church of Northampton.

II Timothy

The good reverend Michael Lawrence has preached amazing sermons on II Timothy since the begining of July. Michael's infusion of his understanding of culture with the revelation contained within Biblical text makes any of these sermons worth your time. Be challenged by the apostle Paul as he instructs his trusted mentor in the faith.

You can listen here... http://chbcaudio.org/