On the contrary, he charges them with gross and voluntary ignorance, as if he had said that, by their madness, they brought down destruction on themselves. The meaning therefore is, that the people perished because they despised instruction . . . .
Hence we draw a useful doctrine; namely, that the source of all our calamities is, that we do not allow ourselves to be taught by the word of God, and this is what the Prophet chiefly intended that we should observe. . . .
So then it is a true statement, that the reason why the people endure such a variety of afflictions is, that they are ignorant of God, and will not allow themselves to be taught by him. -- John Calvin commenting on Isaiah 5:13Since this resolution was written in 1996, the compiler has realized that what we think of today as "being redneck" is an extreme example of a problem systemic to the human race, a "blunder of the flesh" -- "withholding love to control others."
It may surprise, or even shock, readers to learn that the term "redneck," associated today with the American South and southern culture, is said to have originated from the Scotch-Irish immigrants to America.
"Many words commonly used in America today have their origins in our Celtic roots. . . . . their origins are distinctly Scottish and Ulster-Scottish (Scots-Irish), and date to the mass immigration of Scottish Lowland and Ulster Presbyterians to America during the 1700's. . . .
"The origins of this term [redneck -- compiler] are Scottish and refer to supporters of the National Covenant and The Solemn League and Covenant, or 'Covenanters,' largely Lowland Presbyterians, many of whom would flee Scotland for Ulster (Northern Ireland) during persecutions by the British Crown.
"The Covenanters of 1638 and 1641 signed the documents that stated that Scotland desired the Presbyterian form of church government, and would not accept the Church of England as its official state church. Many Covenanters signed in their own blood and wore red pieces of cloth around their necks as distinctive insignia; hence the term 'red neck,' which became slang for a Scottish dissenter. One Scottish immigrant, interviewed by the author, remembered a Presbyterian minister, one Dr. Coulter, in Glasgow in the 1940's wearing a red clerical collar -- is this symbolic of the 'rednecks?'
"Since many Ulster-Scottish settlers in America (especially the South) were Presbyterian, the term was applied to them, and then, later, their Southern descendants. One of the earliest examples of its use comes from 1830, when an author noted that 'red-neck' was a 'name bestowed upon the Presbyterians.' It makes you wonder if the originators of the ever-present 'redneck' joke are aware of the term's origins?" (accessed 1/5/2014, http://www.electricscotland.com/history/world/scottish_hillbillies.htm)It might be argued, generally, that all of life is a conflict between the opposites of truth and falsehood, light and darkness, love and hate, freedom and bondage, fair and foul, stability and destruction, life and death, eternity and temporal time, and so on, with many subtle variations. Careful observation will show that everywhere love is withheld to control others -- in the family, among children, among adults, in Midwestern society, in the urban centers of the East and West, in government, in business, and so forth, and so on. So, as painful as the facts are, it might be concluded that we all are "rednecks."
Furthermore, mankind's blunder extends vertically to his relationship with the Triune God, the God of our fathers, the source of all wisdom, understanding, truth, and life. Withhold love from God and one is left without wisdom, blinded, in darkness, in bondage, and without hope. That is the redneck dilemma.I am differentiating mean Calvinism from "cage stage" Calvinism. If you're not familiar with that phrase, "cage stage" refers to those who are new to Calvinism and so zealous/passionate about their new knowledge they ought to be locked in a cage for a while until they settle down lest they hurt somebody. A lot of people emerge from the cage stage. The mean Calvinists I'm referring to are the ones who've been Calvinist long enough to have outgrown the cage stage. Also, I'm of the opinion that most people who are new subscribers to any theology tend to go through similar cage stages. I've met plenty of social justice cage-stagers and anti-social justice cage-stagers, "progressive evangelicalism" cage-stagers, etc. You probably have too. In fact, some of the meanest people I've known in church life and online have been angry about my Calvinism. . . . -- User Comment on social media
Whereas, the underlying theme of the Book of Proverbs is,
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7),
Whereas, the fear (respect) of the Lord is the only source of truth, and true knowledge gives wisdom (Proverbs 19:8), and those who are wise become upright and just. (1 Peter 1:3-5),
Whereas, God is eternal (Psalm 90:2), therefore he is associated with life (John 3:16; John 4:14; John 5:21,26; John 10:10,28; John 11:25; John 14:6; John 17:2, and so forth, and so on). (1),
Whereas, absolute truth is interconnected with life, both temporal and eternal. (Ecclesiastes 7:12),
For whoso findeth me findeth life,
and shall obtain favour of the Lord.
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul:
all they that hate me love death. (Proverbs 8:35,36),
Whereas, the corollary is, those who defy God are ignorant of truth, lack wisdom (Proverbs 3:7,8), and are self-destructive. (16),
Whereas, the ignorant have no wisdom, are consequently foolish, and the foolish are wicked. (Romans 1:23-32; Psalm 10:13; Psalm 9:16; Psalm 34:21; Proverbs 17:4; Proverbs 29:27), destructive of society (Psalm 37:32; Proverbs 18:3), and self-destructive (Psalm 34:21; Psalm 9:16,17), (16),
Whereas,
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:
because thou has rejected knowledge,
I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me:
seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God,
I will also forget thy children.
As they were increased,
so they sinned against me:
therefore will I change their glory into shame. (Hosea 4:6-7),
Whereas, whatever we become familiar with (John 3:19), that we begin to love, even unholy spirits, whoredom, and abuse in a dysfunctional family (Proverbs 6:32), (2), and the vicious cycle of repeated behavior in the next generation. (2 Peter 2:22),
Whereas, rednecks may learn to love unholy spirits, abuse (John 3:19), dysfunctional families, and feuding, and may become proud (Proverbs 16:5; Proverbs 40:4; 1 Peter 5:5), of their pagan, "redneck tradition and heritage." (3),
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:15),
Whereas, Satan's strategy is to deceive, to repress and to suppress the truth, and to separate from God. (16),
Whereas, deceit and repression and suppression of truth are mind control,
Whereas, mind control (4), leads to godlessness, ignorance, foolishness, wickedness (Romans 1:25-32), heresy, blasphemy, idolatry, and self-destruction,
Whereas, cults and the occult are a form of mind control and result in idolatry, blasphemy, heresy, and spiritual bondage. (John 16:7-11; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22,23),
Whereas, persons filled with unholy spirits (Ephesians 6:12), hate God and love death,
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul;
all they that hate me love death. (Proverbs 8:36),
Whereas, the occult is, among other things, spiritual whoredom, the invocation of unholy spirits,
Whereas, sexual immorality, whoredom, substance abuse, the occult, and crime, including murder, are often found together in society by law enforcement agencies,
Whereas, whoredom (child molestation, incest, fornication, adultery, prostitution, homosexuality, etc.), is a major cause of violence and murder in society. (Leviticus 19:29; Proverbs 6:32-35; Proverbs 8:36),
Whereas, the opposite of godliness is idolatry, blasphemy, heresy, hatred, abuse, constant strife, separation, broken relationships (Romans 1:28), and violence, and subjects the godless person to all manner of physical sickness, including high rates for heart attack, stroke, cancer, and other diseases. Authorities acknowledge that there is a high level of Satanic activity locally. The local (5) cancer and stroke rates are among the highest in the country and the stroke rate (6) is the highest in the state.
Whereas, victims of unholy spirits and abuse must seek out and give their attention to, that is, have faith in, the evident connection between absolute truth, life (temporal and eternal), moral behavior (law and order, and justice), freedom (religious, political, economic, and individual (the definition of true religion found in the Westminster Standards and the Covenanted Reformation), social stability (peace, security, prosperity, and happiness), justification (9), sanctification (10), personal spiritual growth (8), social transformation (11), education, the arts, scientific discovery, progress, and the realization of the Kingdom of God (12) upon earth. (13),
Whereas, the law of God is altogether for our good, and was given to keep us from destroying ourselves and others,
Whereas, knowledge of, and obedience to, the laws of God is the way we love one another. (1 John 5:2,3), (14),
But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:28),
Whereas, "Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ." (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church,
Whereas, "Although one kind of impurity is alone referred to, it is sufficiently plain, from the principle laid down, that believers are generally exhorted to chastity; for, if the Law be a perfect rule of holy living, it would be more than absurd to give a license for fornication, adultery alone being excepted. Furthermore, it is incontrovertible that God will by no means approve or excuse before this tribunal, what the common sense of mankind declares to be obscene; for, although lewdness has everywhere been rampant in every age, still the opinion could never be utterly extinguished, that fornication is a scandal and a sin. . . . [Titus 2:12; Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 19:17; Romans 13:8]
"Now, if Christ and the Apostles, who are the best interpreters of the Law, declare that God's Law is violated no less by fornication than by theft, we assuredly infer, that in this Commandment the whole genus is comprehended under a single species. . . . [Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 21:14; Deuteronomy 23:17; Hosea 4:11; Hosea 1:2; Numbers 25:9; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5]" -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 and context,
Whereas, to fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
Whereas, the sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3,29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31),
Whereas, the enemies of the eternal souls of the elect are the flesh, Satan, and the world system (James 4:4; Acts 26:18)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:15-17),
Whereas, sexual partners become one with each other emotionally, physically, and spiritually, and a bonding takes place,
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:24),
Whereas, whoredom is, therefore, idolatry (Romans 1:24-25), a deadly sin against the Holy Spirit. (Genesis 39:9),
Whereas, whoredom is also a sin and against mankind, because the idolatry of whoredom casts the eternal soul into the Lake of Fire. (Revelation 19:20), (15),
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour. (1 Thessalonians 4:3,4),Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10),
Whereas, sexual sin is spiritual whoredom (idolatry), because it destroys the covenant relationship with God and unites partners with unholy spirits, when partners should be one with the Holy Spirit. (John 17:11), (16),
Whereas, sexual sin is an ungodly alliance,
Whereas, sexual sin is one of the most rebellious sins a person can commit against God. (Romans 1:23-32),
Whereas, "our first love is our only true love," because promiscuity, ruins the opportunity of knowing perfect union with a spouse, that is intended by God,
Whereas, whoredom may be, in some cases, an attempt to steal the most precious thing in existence, the eternal soul of another person, to possess control over another creation of God,
Whereas, whoredom also defiles the partners and spoils forever their possibilities of experiencing perfect oneness, the ideal of Christian marriage, a foretaste of the saint's relationship with God the Father in heaven,
Whereas, whoredom also destroys human unity, harmonious connectivity, in families, extended families, and society at large,
Whereas, only the indwelling Holy Spirit can empower a person to lead a chaste life, and to possess his body as a sanctified vessel of the Holy Spirit. (John 16:7-11; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22,23),
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16),
Whereas, the world is filled with spiritual beings (Ezekiel 22:26), principalities, and powers, but there is only one Holy Spirit, the third person of The Holy Trinity. (17),
Whereas, adopted sons of God the Father are indwelt with the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 4:6),
Whereas,
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22),
Whereas, because the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian, and because there is only one Holy Spirit, the third person of The Holy Trinity, these facts, among many other facts, make Christianity exclusive, the only true religion, and make the Holy Spirit the only spirit to love, surrender to, worship, trust, and obey,
Whereas, Christ is the lover of the eternal souls of the elect (John 3:16), the Great Physician of the body and the soul, and the giver of life, both temporal and eternal
The thief cometh not, but for to steal; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10),
Whereas, Satan, the unholy spirit, is the destroyer of our bodies and the eternal souls of the elect. (Matthew 10:28; Proverbs 17:4),
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:44),
Whereas, authentic Christians are adopted sons of God the Father and are a part of the family of God. (Romans 8:16,17),
Whereas, adopted sons of God the Father are also brothers to the Son of God (Romans 8:16,17), the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 5:27; Revelation 20:11-15; Acts 17:31), who,
Was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. . . . -- The Apostles' Creed (18),
Whereas, the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer is, among other things, sanctification and glorification,
Whereas, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the authentic Christian (19) enables him to remain sexually chaste, undefiled by unholy spirits, and guides, protects, and enables the individual to be a blessing to the souls of others,
Whereas, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who is altogether concerned with mankind's well-being, both here on earth and in heaven for all eternity, links the Christian to Jesus Christ, and draws a response of loving obedience to God. (John 14:21),
Whereas, the Holy Spirit also provides guidance (John 16:13), in truth, discipleship, loving support, wisdom (Ephesians 1:17,18), encouragement (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), and nurture,
Whereas, Christians are indwelt with the Holy Spirit and are protected from evil by the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit,
Whereas, being with Christians is to be in the presence of the Holy Spirit who restrains evil,
Whereas, childhood sexual abuse drives the Holy Spirit from the victim and from the family. (1 Thessalonians 5:19),
Whereas, fellowship with Christians is strengthening support for victims who have suffered from unholy spirits, whoredom, and childhood abuse,
Whereas, victims of whoredom should get into authentic Christian fellowship (Hebrews 10:25), and read classic Christian literature (20) which brings them into fellowship with the saints who have gone before,
Whereas, the victim of unholy spirits, whoredom, and abuse in a dysfunctional family must be catechized (21), study and learn the duties and responsibilities of a Christian (22), the proper roles and duties of husband and wife, and of father and mother in the Christian family (23), and must learn how to solve problems biblically. (24),
Whereas, for the Christian, real progress in relationships with God and mankind means graduating from pseudo-Christian and secular support groups (25) into authentic Christian fellowship in covenant with the Lord Jesus Christ, including both the local church and the small group (26), where the person is a blessing to his Christian brothers and sisters. (1 Peter 3:9),
Whereas, sometimes the only source of Christian fellowship may be classic Christian literature, where the reader may commune with the saints anytime and anyplace.
The real value of an object is that which one who knows its worth will give for it. He who made the eternal soul, knew its worth, and gave His life for it. -- Arthur Jackson,
Whereas, Satan's program is to utterly destroy the eternal soul of man by ruining the relationship between man and God, and by separating man from The Holy Trinity in the Second Death. (Matthew 10:28),
Whereas, whoredom is a sin against the Holy Spirit and against the body and soul of another,
Whereas, whoredom may be just a desire to usurp the power of soul, to steal a soul, and to possess the soul of the victim,
Whereas, whoredom, childhood sexual abuse, incest, homosexuality, fornication, and adultery are violations of the Ten Commandments (27), totally depraved acts of unholy spirits, and mortal, deadly sins against the Holy Spirit,
Whereas, whores therefore dishonor and break God's covenant with man (28), and seal the destiny of their eternal souls, which after the Final Judgment, will be separated from God in the Second Death,
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him [God] which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:28),But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8),
Whereas, partners who engage in whoredom lose forever the possibility of experiencing true oneness with another human being (29), a oneness that mirrors the relationship the Christian will have with Christ in heaven,
Whereas, the whore who damns his own soul to the Lake of Fire is also the enemy of his victim's eternal soul,
Whereas, whoredom also results in domestic violence, physical assault, violent crime, and murder. (Proverbs 18:3), (30),
Thou dost not pollute thy daughter to cause her to go a-whoring, that the land go not a-whoring, and the land hath been full of wickedness. (Leviticus 19:29, YLTHB),
Whereas, whoredom sustains the pagan redneck subcultural phenomena. (31),
Whereas, whoredom, child sexual abuse, incest, rape, homosexuality, pedophilia, prostitution, bestiality, domestic violence, ritual child abuse, and so forth, and so on, are traumatic experiences, and lead to post-traumatic stress disorder,
Whereas, our understanding of relationships is imprinted on our emotions by the experiences of our earliest relationships, particularly those with our parents,
Whereas, the best thing that a man and wife can do for their children is to love their spouse,
Whereas, childhood abuse results in serious emotional confusion in relationships with fellow human beings and with God. (32),
Whereas, children who have been abused find it nearly impossible to trust others or to trust God in adult life,
Whereas, men and women without Christ often sin against God the Father, against God the Son, against God the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and against their partners, by conceiving children in lust, rather than in love. (Genesis 39:9), (33),
Whereas, children conceived in lust often become victims of the unholy spirits, whoredom, and sexual abuse of their parents,
Whereas, childhood abuse ruins the victim's relationships with both God and mankind,
Whereas, childhood sexual abuse deadens the conscience and leaves the victim without common sense, and without practical family experience of morality and traditional life styles,
Whereas, this confusion results in the inability to realisticlly, rationally, and sanely cope with adult life,
Whereas, the influence of the Holy Spirit is essential to success in adult life,
Whereas, the emotional support of parents and family is essential to success in adult life,
Whereas, a person conceived in love and raised in a Christian family will also recognize the love of God in the functional family and in the fellowship of the saints,
Whereas, in a Christian family the love of the father for the child demonstrates the love of God the Father for his children (Ephesians 5:23,24; Ephesians 6:1-3), therefore, Christian children are more likely to trust God and to enter into a personal relationship with God through Christ Jesus, the lover of the eternal souls of the elect,
Whereas, victims of childhood abuse are emotionally deficient and find it extremely difficult in adult life to trust in God and in their fellowman,
Whereas, some foul personality traits of rednecks may, in part, be due to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder,
Childhood Sexual Abuse, Gender, and Depression Among Incarcerated Youth, Angela R. Gover, University of Florida Center for Studies in Criminology and Law
http://ijo.sagepub.com/content/48/6/683.abstract
Depressed Adolescents Face Increased Heart Disease Risk, Will Boggs, MD
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/08/10/us-health-kids-depression-heart-idUSKCN0QF24320150810
Depressive Characteristics of Physically Abused Children, Denise M. Allen, Kenneth J. Tarnowski
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2926018
There is documented research proving the thesis that child abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, or spiritual, etc.) results in disturbances in learning, and disturbances in adjusting emotionally and socially, regardless of "differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status."
In other words, the implications are that abuse has the effect of making it difficult for a child to learn (grow in knowledge of the truth and understanding, have an open mind, be teachable), and of making it difficult to relate to the world (relationships, spouses, family, church, workplace, government), regardless of the child's innate capabilities and gifts. So, even the gifted child, if abused, will in later life suffer, however subtle, learning disabilities, blocks, blind spots, or abnormal behaviour. "If a parent and child love each other, then the parent can teach the child anything." But emotional scars can be as hard to heal as chronic disease.
"Physically abused and nonabused children were compared on child-completed measures of depression, hopelessness, self-esteem, and locus of control. Results indicated that, in comparison with nonabused controls, abused children evidenced more depressive symptoms, heightened externality, lower self-esteem, and greater hopelessness about the future. Group differences in depressive symptomatology were not accounted for on the basis of differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status."
The Effects of Violence in the Home on Children's Emotional, Behavioral, and Social Functioning: A Review of the Literature
"I find this very interesting and think it has application to myself and most everyone I have known over the years. There is documented research proving the thesis that child abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, or spiritual, etc.) results in disturbances in learning, and disturbances in adjusting emotionally and socially, regardless of 'differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status.'
"In other words, the implications are that child abuse has the effect of making it difficult for a child to learn (grow in knowledge of the truth and understanding, have an open mind, be teachable), and of making it difficult to relate to the world (relationships, spouses, family, church, workplace, government), regardless of the child's innate capabilities and gifts. So, even the gifted child, if abused, will in later life suffer, however subtle, learning disabilities/blocks/blind spots or abnormal behavior. 'If a parent and child love each other, then the parent can teach the child anything.' But emotional scars can be as hard to heal as chronic disease.
" 'Physically abused and non-abused children were compared on child-completed measures of depression, hopelessness, self-esteem, and locus of control. Results indicated that, in comparison with non-abused controls, abused children evidenced more depressive symptoms, heightened externality, lower self-esteem, and greater hopelessness about the future. Group differences in depressive symptomatology were not accounted for on the basis of differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status.'
"This thesis certainly is connected with the question of who we associate with and the impact of good and evil on our lives.
"So, it could be of interest, directly or indirectly, to practically every person I know, or have known." -- compiler
http://ebx.sagepub.com/content/6/2/94.abstract
How Abuse Changes a Child's Brain, Brandon Keim
"The brains of children raised in violent families resemble the brains of soldiers exposed to combat, say psychologists."
http://www.wired.com/2011/12/neurology-of-abuse/
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
"The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) is the world's premier trauma organization dedicated to trauma treatment, education, research and prevention. Through this organization, professionals share information about the effects of trauma, seeking to reduce traumatic stressors and their immediate and long-term consequences."
http://www.istss.org/
National Center for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
"The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was created within the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1989, in response to a Congressional mandate to address the needs of veterans with military-related PTSD. Its mission was, and remains: To advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's veterans through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders. This website is provided as an educational resource concerning PTSD and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress."
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness. (Romans 6:16),And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:15),
Whereas, there is a recognizable syndrome associated with victims of unholy spirits: whoredom, abuse, loss of trust in mankind and God, broken relationships, absence of the Holy Spirit and his restraining influence upon evil, sinking to the same depths of human depravity (unholy spirits, whoredom, and abuse), as their assailants in order to defend their own body and soul, being tricked into idolatry, blasphemy, heresy, irrationality, being out of touch with reality, sanity and common sense, believing anything that they hear, disdain for knowledge and education, turning to ungodly alliances for more power, invocation of unholy, demonic spirits in cults (35) and the occult (36), practicing knowingly or unknowingly the basic tenets of Satanism (37), masquerading as Christians, repeating the vicious cycle of abuse and whoredom each generation, alcoholism, drug abuse, violent crime, and loving the depravity they are familiar with,
Whereas, consequently, rednecks lack unique personality, personal progress, and individual accomplishment, individual creativity, and are "cookie cutter" stereotypes of a godless and consequently, ignorant, foolish, wicked, destructive, pagan subculture. (Proverbs 18:3),
Whereas, all will be judged finally by Jesus (Matthew 16:27; Acts 17:31; John 5:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10), (38), the lover of our eternal souls, the giver of eternal life, and the lost will be condemned to the Second Death. (Revelation 19:20), (39),
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15),
Whereas, victims of unholy spirits in dysfunctional families, in the absence of the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit, may out of necessity band together in ungodly alliance to irrationally "defend their own," right or wrong, thwarting justice, repeating the vicious cycle in an irrational "honor among thieves." (Psalm 2), (40),
Whereas, the redneck who claims to be "straight from hell" is ignorant of what hell really is (41), foolish, and should make a study of the Biblical doctrine of hell,
Whereas, "those who hate God, love death," (Proverbs 8:36), but in the Second Death the individual who hates God will not have the option of loving death,
Whereas, sexual abuse is an act of violence against the body and against the soul, a work of Satan and unholy spirits (42) that destroys the victims relationships with God (43), and with mankind, and eventually destroys his eternal soul,
Whereas, whoredom and sexual abuse are mortal, deadly sins against God the Father and against the Holy Spirit. (Revelation 21:8; 1 Corinthian 6:9; Romans 1:18-31),
Whereas, victims of unholy spirits and whoredom are plagued with emotional, physical, sexual, and spiritual problems that become deep-seated and are extremely difficult to shake off in adult life,
Whereas, these deep-seated problems may cause the victim to be antisocial, isolated from God and society, to become blasphemous, to enter into ungodly alliance, secret societies, cults and the occult, to become a sociopathic and violent criminal, and finally to suffer the Second Death,
Whereas, these deep-seated problems may cause the victim, to become depressed, to become mentally ill, to become sick with all manner of physical ailments, to literally lose the will to live, and to become suicidal.
Whereas, when unholy spirits and whoredom are present the Holy Spirit is often driven away, and victims may be tricked into idolatry, heresy, and blasphemy, the deception that Satan is God, and God is Satan,
Whereas, blasphemy is an unpardonable sin. (44),
But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 3:29),
Whereas, the victim of unholy spirits and whoredom may sink to the same level of human depravity of their assailant and become abusive in order to stay alive, because the Holy Spirit has been driven away, and no longer restraints evil in his life,
Whereas, by choosing unholy spirits, whoredom, and abuse to cope with abuse suffered, by choosing to "fight fire with fire," the victim drives the Holy Spirit farther away and starts the fatalistic, hopeless decent down the slippery slide of mortal, deadly sin, and self-destruction that requires him to become the meanest, vilest, foulest person around. (Romans 1:28-32), (45),
Whereas, the sin of Satan, usurping the authority of God (blasphemy), is the sin of Eden, the besetting sin of mankind, and is fatalistic, leading to the Second Death. (Revelation 19:20),
Whereas, when the victim turns to blasphemy to cope, he dooms the destiny of his eternal soul, completely rejects the Holy Spirit, and becomes obedient to Satan (Romans 6:16), the deceiver and destroyer (supposedly more powerful to save than Almighty God), and God (supposedly the weaker, unable to save the victim's eternal soul), is seen in the role of Satan, the destroyer of the body and the eternal soul,
Whereas, blasphemy is the ultimate false religion, it results in the absence of the Holy Spirit with his restraining influence upon evil, it is an unforgivable sin, and it precludes salvation,
Whereas, blasphemy leads to ignorance, foolishness, deceit, immorality, lawlessness, bondage, poverty, filth, disease, destruction, and the ultimate self-destruction of the soul in the finality of the Second Death,
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:5),
Whereas, every soul is a source of power,
Whereas, for an ignorant foolish person to give up his eternal soul by submitting to the influence and control of a man, or to a false god, or to worship and obey a man or a false god instead of worshipping The Holy Trinity, is idolatry and is to give away their soul, and their birthright of freedom and Sonship. (Matthew 16:26),
Whereas, to steal a soul in an ungodly alliance is to take the power of soul, and is to rob the person of his birthright of freedom and Sonship with The Holy Trinity,
Whereas, in order to "glorify God and to fully enjoy him forever" (46), the person, including his wife and children, must posses their own souls,
Whereas, ungodly alliance is idolatry, the worship of man (Jeremiah 17:5,6), or false gods (Exodus 20:3), (47) rather than the worship of The Holy Trinity,
Whereas, usurpation of the power of soul by unregenerate men lusting after power, glory, wealth, and sex quenches the Holy Spirit,
Whereas, Godless leadership leads to blasphemy, the quenching of the Holy Spirit, oppression, and lawlessness,
Whereas, to quench the Holy Spirit is to diminish his restraining influence upon evil,
Whereas, when the Holy Spirit is quenched, then lawlessness and crime increase,
Whereas, both individuals and leaders true to Christ could solve America's problems and could restore law and order to society,
Whereas, the wicked demand blind loyalty (steal the soul), and black-ball or shun the person who refuses to be controlled, or who will not sell (give up), his body and soul, and who will not surrender to unholy spirits, and the wicked sink into whoredom, abuse, group vengeance, deceit, destruction, self-destruction, and so forth,
Whereas, while selling one's eternal soul may appear to be an easy way to succeed in the world system, it is the ultimate failure (Matthew 16:26; Matthew 4:8-10; Job 27:8; Luke 12:20; John 2:16), leading to a horrific, unchanging eternity in the flames of hell,
Whereas, anything or anyone to whom we yield the controlling influence in our lives becomes an idol,
Whereas, while the victim may sell his eternal soul and his birthright to life eternal in exchange for greater power and wealth in the world system (Matthew 16:26), in reality he has chosen the Second Death, eternal separation from the righteousness of Almighty God,
Whereas, the victim sells his eternal soul by yielding control of his will and self-determination to ungodly leaders or ungodly corporate entities (Ephesians 6:12), (48), who themselves are being controlled and used by principalities and powers,
Whereas, ungodly alliance perverts justice and results in loss of freedom, bondage, and personal entrapment.
See below: NATIONAL COVENANTING AND CHRIST'S VICTORY OVER THE NATIONS in "Select Bibliography,"
Secret Societies, Ungodly Alliances, Voluntary Associations
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#ssaua
Whereas, victims of unholy spirits, whoredom, childhood abuse, and dysfunctional families may be emotionally deficient, unable to understand their relationships with God and with mankind, ignorant of sane common sense morality and traditional life styles, extremely proud, untrustworthy and worthless to society, and have antisocial attitudes, engage in psychopathic behavior patterns, and become sociopaths/psychopathics and violent criminals,
Whereas, unholy spirits, abuse, whoredom, blasphemy, and ungodly alliance dehumanize a person and may leave him no better than an animal -- emotionally, physically, sexually (50), and spiritually,
Whereas, "childish" behavior, rebellion against authority (1 Samuel 15:23), transgression of law and order, hatred for God, and love of death are spiritual suicide, the selling of ones spiritual birthright,
Whereas, where the Holy Spirit has abandoned a family or a community there is no restraint of evil, and crime and violence become a part of everyday life,
Whereas, the victim of abuse treats his neighbors and community as he has been treated -- with whoredom and abuse, turning to unholy spirits and ungodly alliance, stuck in hopelessness, lacking any conscience, committing mortal, deadly sin, and is a thief, a murderer, an enemy and a criminal of society, a destroyer of eternal souls, and a slave of Satan. (John 8:44), (51),
Whereas, sociopathic/psychopathic criminal behavior is self-destructive (Proverbs 11:5; Psalm 37:9,10; Psalm 9:16), as well as being a crime against society,
Whereas, "no fear" (52) is a satanic slogan, because Satan's deceit is to be feared, as is God's power to cast into hell. (Matthew 10:28), (53),
Whereas, when Satan is attacking an eternal soul he causes his victims to destroy themselves -- or a nation to destroy itself. (54),
Whereas, blasphemy and whoredom are fatalistic and self-destructive, and result in absolute, horrific ruin, the Second Death, eternal separation from The Holy Trinity. (1 John 3:15; John 14:1-4), (55),
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. (Proverbs 25:11),
Whereas, lust is not love, because lust (fornication, adultery, rape, incest, concupiscence, inordinate affection, and so forth), harms the victim,
Whereas, victims of childhood abuse are emotionally deficient and can not trust others, can not see the reality of God's love, and can not trust in the perfect love, righteousness, and justice of Christ. (56),
Whereas, persons who are not able to trust in God or in mankind are themselves untrustworthy and worthless to society. (1 John 3:15), (57),
Whereas, parental abuse of children may "glorify" the parent, but with a vain glory that comes from wickedness,
Whereas, abortion, murder in the mother's womb, is the ultimate child abuse, the ultimate violence to body and eternal soul. (58),
Whereas, the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit upon evil in children, the family, and the community, is a great blessing from God,
Whereas, conflict of will between unholy spirits and the Holy Spirit leads to death,
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:24),
Whereas, the perfect love of Christ does not ignore evil and wickedness (Psalm 33:5; Psalm 45:7; Psalm 99:4; Jeremiah 9:24; Psalm 1:5; Psalm 7:6; Psalm 11:3; Psalm 119:142; Psalm 145:17; Psalm 36:6; Hebrews 1:9; Revelation 15:3,4; Genesis 18:25; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 8:3; Job 34:12; Job 37:23),
Whereas, Christ will finally judge all persons. (Acts 17:31; John 5:27), (59),
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10),And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15),
Whereas, whoredom and blasphemy is really an expression of hatred and rebellion toward God (Romans 1:23-32), and his creation, mankind,
Whereas, victims of unholy spirits, whoredom, and abuse are often ignorant of the character and attributes of God (Acts 17:31; John 5:27; Revelation 20:11-15), (60), his Omnipotence, his Justice, and his Righteousness,
Whereas, victims of blasphemy, whoredom, and abuse, in the absence of the Holy Spirit, are in spiritual darkness, being spiritually inept, and are often ignorant of the reality of the Final Judgment, the Second Death, and Hell. (Acts 17:31; John 5:27; Revelation 20:11-15; Romans 14:10), (61),
But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. (Isaiah 5:16),But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought they brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:10),
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (Revelation 20:11),
Whereas,
For it is written,
As I live, saith the Lord,
every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:11,12),
Whereas, while it may be popular among victims of abuse to "not give a damn," to state "I am straight from hell," this attitude is a sign of spiritual ignorance, utter apathy (ignorance leads to lack of faith, and lack of faith results in apathy), fatalism, and a sign that the victim has committed spiritual suicide, and is doomed to the Second Death,
Whereas, the definition of clinical insanity is being out of touch with reality,
Whereas, the Bible and its best summary, THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH, are God's definition of reality,
Whereas, the Bible associates sanity with repentance, only the repentant are in touch with reality. (Proverbs 1:7; Acts 3:19), (16),
Whereas, in order to know ourselves, to understand reality, and for life to have meaning to us, we first must have knowledge of God, and understanding of his character and attributes. (62),
Whereas, all persons who, by the grace of God, see there is something basically wrong with this world (Romans 3:23), who confess they are a part of the utter depravity of human nature (Romans 3:10), who desire, with the help of God, to turn away from sin, and to stop acting in ways that destroy lives and destabilize society, who ask God for forgiveness of their sin, for Jesus sake, because of his substitutionary suffering and death on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21), believing Christ Jesus is the son of God, sent to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29), will be saved from the utter depravity of human nature, and will be cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5; Ephesians 2:13-22), and be made acceptable to enter into eternal fellowship with our Holy God and Father in Heaven, and to fellowship with the Body of Christ, the invisible church, the family of blood-washed saints,
Whereas, knowing God and his character (63), understanding the Gospel message of salvation and the life to come (64), and repenting of all mortal, deadly sin, blasphemy, whoredom, and, with God's help, turning from wrong behavior, are keys to salvation. (65),
Whereas, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ for the eternal souls of the elect is demonstrated in all of history. (66),
Whereas, "the Cross was Love crucified by sin,"
Whereas, Christ, the Lamb of God, taketh away the sin (blasphemy, whoredom, abuse, fatalism, ungodly alliance, and death), of the world (John 1:29), by the transforming power of his perfect, sacrificial love. (Luke 22:42),
Whereas, there was literally a "death of death in the death of Christ," who arose from the dead (67), and, consequently, temporal life is not the only life that the Christian has. (John 3:15; 10:28; John 17:3; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:13),
Whereas, justification is the central doctrine of Christianity (see below under "Related Weblinks" The Everlasting Righteousness by Horatius Bonar),
Whereas, in the court of God, Christ, by his substitutionary death on the cross, took our penalty of death for our sin, and thereby took away death. (68),
Whereas,
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16),
Whereas, the perfect love of Christ for the eternal souls of the elect is the only means of salvation from unholy spirits, whoredom, and the abuse of utterly depraved human nature,
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6),Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5),
Whereas, things often end the way they begin (Hebrews 13:8), (69), except when they are transformed by the sacrificial love of Christ Jesus (Luke 22:42b), for the eternal souls of his elect. (Revelation 1:8),
Whereas, false Gospels abound and deceive the uninformed with a false assurance of salvation,
Whereas, some of the false Gospels are "You must be born again," "You must be filled with (or baptized by), the Holy Spirit," "You must be good," "You must be baptized," "You must confess your sins to a priest," "You can perform miracles," "Expect a miracle," "You must be saved," "You must have a person relationship (or encounter, or experience), with Jesus Christ," "You must believe what the Church teaches," "Repent of your sins," "Make Jesus Lord of your life," "Put Jesus on the throne of your life," "Jesus was the best man who ever lived," "Jesus set an example for us so that we may follow him to Heaven," "Trust Jesus," "You must attend Mass," "Let go and let God," "Draw near to God," "Christ died for every person and wants everyone to be saved," "Jesus wants you happy, healthy, and rich," "God wants you to be fulfilled," "Tough times don't last, tough people do," "You are a winner," "God is too loving to punish anyone in Hell," "Decide for Christ," "Christians should take dominion over the Earth," and "Jesus in coming again." (70), (71),
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. (Psalm 27:10),
Whereas, by an act of His Sovereign Grace, victims of unholy spirits, whoredom, and abuse, may become members of the privileged family of God. (Galatians 4:6; 1 John 3:1; and Romans 8:23),
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15),The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. (Romans 8:16),
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. (Ephesians 1:5),
Whereas, God's elect are adopted into the family of God, and thereby are saved from the unholy spirits, whoredom, and abuse of dysfunctional families, and from a community devoid of the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit (John 1:29), and by their justification and sanctification, they become a transforming influence on society,
Whereas, by the atoning death of Christ God's elect enjoy privileges even greater than the privilege of regeneration, and justification. (72),
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21),But as it is written,
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man,
the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9),
Whereas, being in the family of God, you come under God's providential care (73), enter into eternal life (74), and begin to experience a touch of heaven right here on earth,
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30),
Whereas, the redneck must put-off the old man and put-on the new man,
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24),
Whereas, the forgiveness of our sins by God, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and our forgiveness of those who have sinned against us, is the basis for the reconciliation of relationships,
Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5),
Whereas, reconciliation of relationships between men on earth (76) is enabled by, Christ's completed life and work, his substitutionary death, and his imputed righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30), by justification (77) of the believer, and the resulting peace between God and man,
Whereas, being filled with the Holy Spirit enables us to love the unlovable. (Romans 5:5),
Whereas, all persons who, by the grace of God, see there is something basically wrong with this world (Romans 3:23), who confess they are a part of the utter depravity of human nature (Romans 3:10), who desire, with the help of God, to turn away from sin, and to stop acting in ways that destroy lives and destabilize society, who ask God for forgiveness from their sin, for Jesus sake, because of his substitutionary suffering and death on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21), believing Christ Jesus is the son of God, sent to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29), will be saved from the utter depravity of human nature, and will be cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5; Ephesians 2:13-22), and be made acceptable to enter into eternal fellowship with our Holy God and Father in Heaven, to fellowship with the Body of Christ and the invisible church, the family of blood-washed saints (see: "Related Weblinks" below, "Book-length Presentations of the Gospel Message of Salvation and of the Life to Come"),
Whereas, reconciled relationships with God and man (2 Corinthians 5:19), are a foretaste of heaven. (Ephesians 2:14),
Whereas, recalcitrant conflict of will leads to death,
Whereas, forgiveness, justifying faith, sanctification, and glorification are the only things that can overcome the deep scares of sexual abuse, dysfunctional families, and broken relationships,
Whereas, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, his sanctification and his empowerment to resist temptation are the only things that can enable the individual to resist sexual temptation,
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29),
Whereas, victims of unholy spirits, whoredom, and abuse can trust authentic Christians, those who are true to Christ, and lead fruitful Christian lives,
Whereas, authentic Christian fellowship may be necessary to break the bondage and entrapment of Satan and his unholy spirits, the principalities and powers in the spiritual warfare surrounding victims of whoredom and abuse. (78),
Whereas, churches that abuse (79) are not true to Christ. (80),
Whereas, there is no lack of classic Christian literature to support the individual in his Christian life. (81),
Whereas, again, "the Cross was Love crucified by sin."
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20),
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17:28),Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6),
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1,2),
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22),
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2),
Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man?
Answer: Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him forever. (see: The Westminster Confession of Faith, Larger Catechism, Question 1).
The Westminster Confession of Faith (The Westminster Standards) and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/suggest.html
*Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), The Existence and Attributes of God. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK, VOL. 4: THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"When the essence and attributes of God are called into question, to whom else can we better go than to Stephen Charnock? . . . the study of God's attributes is not dry-as-dust theology, but is practical; that is, it leads to righteousness." -- Gordon H. Clark
Discourses Upon the Existence and Attributes of God (1853), Charnock and Symington,
http://archive.org/details/discoursesupone00symigoog
The Works of the Late Rev. Stephen Charnock (1815), volume 1 of 9.
http://archive.org/details/worksoflaterevst01char
2. Gratuitous Sex
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#gsacov
Sexual Relationship
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#sex
3. Being the meanest, vilest, foulest son-of-a-bitch in the valley, quenches the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19), and drives the Holy Spirit from persons, families, and communities.
4. Mind Control, Intimidation, and Coercion
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#mindcic
5. Rockingham County, Virginia.
6. See: "Adjusted Death Rates by HSA, 1988-92, Stroke, White Male," Atlas of United States Mortality (Atlanta, GA: Center for Disease Control).
7. Justifying Faith
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#justfaith
8. Discipleship
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/bcrr6ch.html
9. Justification
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/bcrr6ch.html#jstfctn
10. Sanctification
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/bcrr6ch.html#snctfctn
11. Corporate Faithfulness and Sanctification
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html
12. Christ's Kingdom
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#ckingd
13. Preface, The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/prefacew.html
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born? The Positive Impact of Christianity in History.
Hospitals, universities, literacy and education, capitalism and free-enterprise, representative government, separation of political powers, justice and common law, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, and so forth can all be attributed to Christianity.
14. Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Saint and the Law, a booklet. From GOD'S WAY OF HOLINESS by Horatius Bonar.
Mount Zion Bible Church
http://www.chapellibrary.org/broadcaster/fgb-index/
15. The Ten Commandments
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#tcmdnts
16. Frederick S. Leahy, Satan Cast out: A Study in Biblical Demonology.
"It is often said that wherever there is a rejection of faith in the living God a corresponding upsurge of the demonic will eventually appear. That is true not only in the pages of the Bible and in the annals of Christian missions; it has also become a striking feature of the life in our materialistic, post-Christian society. . . . Full of sane exposition and wise counsel, his work has been widely appreciated since its first publication in 1975." -- Publisher
"Probably one of the best, most Scriptural books written today on the subject of demonology." -- Presbyterian Journal
"Cornelius Van Til makes the theologically valid point that 'irrationality in the mind of man, that is, insanity, must be the result of a deflection of man from the source of absolute rationality,' God, and consequently 'all men have merited insanity because of their departure from God.' [Or, not until man repents is he truly sane. -- compiler]. Eternal punishment is 'the abyss of irrationalism,' and what we call rational or normative experience is a gift of God's common grace. No man is worth of it'." -- Frederick Leahy
When under psychic attack, often the Adversary's strategy is to cause the victim to harm themselves. This may occur through partial loss of the victim's reason or power of will. Under oppression or possession the unholy spirit attempts to usurp the mind and body of the victim, "so that self-destruction sets in. . ."
17. Ibid.
18. The Apostles' Creed.
See also: The Westminster Confession of Faith (The Westminster Standards) and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/suggest.html
19. Overall, the current research [2009] revealed that only 9 percent of all American adults have a biblical worldview. Among the sixty subgroups of respondents that the survey explored was one defined by those who said they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is important in their life today, and that they are certain that they will go to Heaven after they die only because they confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their savior. Labeled 'born again Christians,' the study discovered that they were twice as likely as the average adult to possess a biblical worldview. However, that meant that even among born again Christians, less than one out of every five (19 percent), had such an outlook on life.
The same questions were asked of respondents in national surveys by Barna in 1995, 2000 and 2005. The results indicate that the percentage of adults with a biblical worldview, as defined above, has remained unchanged for more than a decade. The numbers show that 7 percent had such a worldview in 1995, compared to 10 percent in 2000, 11 percent in 2005, and 9 percent now [2009]. Even among born again adults, the statistics have remained flat: 18 percent in 1995, 22 percent in 2000, 21 percent in 2005, and 19 percent today. -- "Barna Survey Examines Changes in Worldview Among Christians Over the Past 13 Years," March 6, 2009.
That means, hypothetically, applying this statistic for purposes of general illustration, that if a born again individual with a Biblical worldview sits down in the middle of an Evangelical congregation, then the four persons seated around him, left, right, front, back, statistically do not have a Biblical worldview, which raises doubts that they really have a changed life, and are really true to Christ.
The truth hurts! But these facts need to be known, especially by the new believer, who can be so buffeted about initially by the Adversary, and who can be so susceptible to discouragement.
See also:
"Barna Lists the 12 Most Significant Religious Findings"
"A Biblical Worldview has a Radical Effect on a Person's Life," December 1, 2003
"What People Experience in Church," and
Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affection.
21. Creeds, Confessions, and Catechism
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#ccac
22. Perkins, William (1558-1602), The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience, 1632. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
23. See: Family Life, Education, Church, and Work
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr7ch.html
24. See: Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/Lettermen2/bcrrhome.html
25. Such as Alcoholics Anonymous and other integrationist, 10-step recovery plans and support groups.
26. Small Groups
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#sgroups
27. VII Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:3-17)
From The Shorter Catechism, With the Assembly's Proof Texts.
Q. 71. What is required in the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbor's chastity, in heart, speech, and behavior.
28. God made a covenant with man and gave the Ten Commandments as the conditions that must be met by man to keep the covenant with God (Exodus 19).
29. Our first love is our only love because, by definition, a man can become one flesh (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20) with only one woman, and visa versa. Men and women have only ONE CHANCE to become one flesh. Promiscuity then is a hopelessly impossible attempt to again know that oneness which has been lost. One man, for one woman, for one lifetime, is God's standard.
30. As recently as the 1950s half of the homicides in the United States involved one spouse murdering the other and undoubtedly a large percentage of the remaining homicides were single lovers who were not true to each other. Increases in the statistics for violent crime have coincided with the "sexual revolution" and the moral decline of America.
31. Roebuck, Julian B., and Marcus L. Hickson, The Southern Redneck: A Phenomenalogical Class Study.
Not pejorative. Includes extensive bibliography.
"The Redneck's chief problem remains false consciousness." -- Julian Roebuck
32. Tanya Flint Vega interview, December 12, 1997, "Truths That Transform," a radio program of Coral Ridge Ministries, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
33. Lust and love are opposites and can not coexist. Lust is sexual abuse (Matthew 5:28). If a man lusts for a woman, then he is not loving her. If a man loves a woman, then he does not lust after her. Genuine love overwhelms lust and would do no harm to the other.
34. Jacquie Balodis, Soul Stealing: An Overview of Satanic and Black Witchcraft Ritual Abuse and Brainwashing. Apparently this work was removed from the market.
Instead see: Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616-1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
35. Pseudo-Christian Movements: A Selection of Works
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html
36. Leahy, Frederick S., Satan Cast out: A Study in Biblical Demonology.
37. Johnston, Jerry, with Bill Stern, The Edge of Evil: The Rise of Satanism in North America.
38. See: "Of the Last Judgment," THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH, Chapter XXXIII.
39. The Second Death is God's ultimate divorce, God's ultimate firing, God's ultimate termination, the ultimate ruin of the eternal soul. God's perfect love for our eternal soul can not ignore unholy spirits, evil (Genuine love does not ignore injustice or evil. [Psalm 33:5; Psalm 45:7; Psalm 99:4; Jeremiah 9:24; Psalm 1:5; Psalm 7:6; Psalm 11:3; Psalm 119:142; Psalm 145:17; Psalm 36:6; Hebrews 1:9; Revelation 15:3, 4; Genesis 18:25; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 8:3; Job 34:12; Job 37:23]), and wickedness, therefore he visits negative sanctions (Deuteronomy 28:15-68), there will be eternal consequences for our actions, and Jesus will finally judge all of us. Those who hate him and love death (Proverbs 8:36), will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 19:20), the Second Death, where there will no longer be opportunity to love death, the ultimate self-destruction.
40. Secret societies are cults in themselves and thwart justice. See: Frank Peretti, The Oath, didactic fiction.
41. See: Hell, in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal, and Arthur W. Pink, Eternal Punishment, a booklet.
42. Frederick S., Leahy, Satan Cast out: A Study in Biblical Demonology.
43. Sexual sin destroys the potential of both the assailant and the victim to experience real oneness with another person, a oneness that is meant to reflect the oneness between God and the saint in heaven. Besides this, it is a violation of the Second Commandment, thou shalt not commit adultery. Therefore, adultery breaks the covenant between God and man. Furthermore, surveys have proven Christian women experience the deepest sexual fulfillment.
44. Forgiveness comes through the atoning work of Christ. If a man denies Christ, then forgiveness is not available to him.
45. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for I am the meanest, vilest, foulest son-of-a-bitch in that valley," The redneck version of the Psalm 23.
46. Westminster Confession, Larger Catechism, Question 1.
47. The Ten Commandments
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#tcmdnts
48. Ungodly leadership, cults, principalities and powers ruling corporate entities such as governments, organizations, businesses, churches, and families.
49. Children born into abusive, dysfunctional families often do not become Christians until they are able to get away from the family.
50. Engaging in barnyard sex.
51. See: Hell, in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal,
52. "Bad to the bone," "bad boys," "straight from Hell," "no fear."
53. See: Hell, in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal,
54. Gurnall, William (1617-1679), and John Charles Ryle (contributor), The Christian in Complete Armor: A Treatise of the Saint's war Against the Devil, complete and unabridged. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Peerless and priceless; every line full of wisdom." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"If I might read only one book beside the Bible, I would choose THE CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOUR." -- John Newton
Also praised by John Flavel and Richard Baxter.
Said to be among the 10 greatest Christian books.
"A beautiful feature in Gurnall's book is its richness in pithy, pointed, and epigrammatical sayings. You will often find in a line and a half some great truth, put so concisely, and yet so fully, that you really marvel how so much thought could be got into so few words.
"Solid scriptural theology, like that contained in these pages, should be valued and studied in the church. Books in which Scripture is reverently regarded as the only rule of faith and practice -- books in which Christ and the Holy Ghost have their rightful office -- books in which justification, and sanctification, and regeneration, and faith, and grace, and holiness are clearly, distinctly, and accurately delineated and exhibited -- these are the only books which do real good. Few things need reviving more than a taste for such books as these among readers." -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
The Christian in Complete Armour, William Gurnall
http://www.ccel.org/g/gurnall/armour/home.htm
The Christian in Complete Armour
http://archive.org/details/christianincomp00unkngoog
Quotes From The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall
http://www.puritansermons.com/reformed/gurnquot.htm
55. Scripture teaches that there is a continuum from hatred to murder. What begins as hatred moves to emotional and physical violence, and finally to murder.
Sexual rituals are an integral part of Satanism. To be a whore is to be a slave of Satan, because whoredom is a sin against God and the Holy Spirit -- our bodies are to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
56. From Question 4, Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
Q. 4. What is God?
A. God is a Spirit,[7] infinite,[8] eternal,[9] and unchangeable,[10] in his being,[11] wisdom,[12] power,[13] holiness,[14] justice,[15] goodness,[16] and truth.[17]
Scripture proofs:
[7] Deuteronomy 4:15-19. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. Luke 24:39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. John 1:18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Acts 17:29. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
[8] 1 Kings 8:27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? Psalm 139:7-10. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 145:3. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 147:5. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Jeremiah 23:24. Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. Romans 11:33-36. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
[9] Deuteronomy 33:27. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. Psalm 90:2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psalm 102:12,24-27. But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. . . . I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. Revelation 1:4,8. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne. . . . I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
[10] Psalm 33:11. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Malachi 3:6. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Hebrews 1:12. And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. Hebrews 6:17-18. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. James 1:17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
[11] Exodus 3:14. And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Psalm 115:2-3. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. 1 Timothy 1:17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:15-16. Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
[12] Psalm 104:24. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Romans 11:33-34. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Hebrews 4:13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 1 John 3:20. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
[13] Genesis 17:1. And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Psalm 62:11. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Jeremiah 32:17. Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: Matthew 19:26. But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Revelation 1:8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
[14] Hebrews 1:13. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 1 Peter 1:15-16. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 John 3:3,5. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. . . . And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Revelation 15:4. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
[15] Genesis 18:25. That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Exodus 34:6-7. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Psalm 96:13. Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. Romans 3:5,26. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man). . . . To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
[16] Psalm 103:5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 107:8. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Matthew 19:7. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? Romans 2:4. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
[17] Exodus 34:6. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Psalm 86:15. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalm 117:2. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. Hebrews 6:18. That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. -- Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
57. Clinical insanity is defined as being out of touch with reality. To follow the law of hatred is to be out of touch with reality, because hatred is just part of a continuum that ultimately results in murder, or destruction of others, and eventual destruction of oneself in Hell. To hate is to be a sociopath/psychopath.
58. Children conceived in lust may be unwanted and therefore are aborted.
59. "Of the Last Judgment," The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter XXXIII
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/indexf.html
60. Stephen Charnock (1628-1680), The Existence and Attributes of God, and the Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 7.
61. See: Hell, in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal,
62. "The Knowledge of God and That of Ourselves Are Connected," John Calvin, Institutes of The Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 1.
Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/instituteschrist01calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 2
http://archive.org/details/institutesofreli02calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Beveridge translation
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vii.html
63. It is possible to come to know God by reading books, for example, J.I. Packer, KNOWING GOD, or Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, OR HOW SHALL MAN BE JUST WITH GOD?
64. See: Book-length Presentations of the Free Offer of the Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life to Come: The Means of Grace
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#blpoftf
65. See: Repentance the Key to Salvation and Change
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#rtktsac
66. God's redemptive plan for mankind and freedom are two of the underlying theme of the Holy Bible. See: D. James Kennedy (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born? The Positive Impact of Christianity in History.
67. See: *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Death of Christ, volume 10 of WORKS. Alternate title: SALUS ELECTORUM, SANGUIS JESU: OR THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST. BEING A TREATISE OF THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION THAT IS IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST; WHEREIN THE WHOLE CONTROVERSY ABOUT UNIVERSAL REDEMPTION IS FULLY DISCUSSED: IN FOUR PARTS; . . . BY JOHN OWEN, D.D. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
"Greatest Biblical apologetic on the specific and limited nature of the atoning work of Christ in print. Contains discussions on Arminianism, the death of death in the death of Christ, Divine justice, and also discusses, in detail, many views of the atonement that certain men and groups held (and still hold)." -- Publisher
"THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST is a polemical work, designed to show, among other things, that the doctrine of universal redemption is unscriptural and destructive of the gospel. . . . Those who see no need for doctrinal exactness and have no time for theological debates which show up divisions between so-called Evangelicals may well regret its reappearance. Some may find the very sound of Owen's thesis so shocking that they will refuse to read his book at all. . . . But . . . there are signs today of a new upsurge of interest in the theology of the Bible: a new readiness to test traditions, to search the Scriptures and to think through the faith. It is to those who share this readiness that Owen's treatise is now offered, in the belief that it will help us in one of the most urgent tasks facing evangelical Christendom today -- the recovery of the Gospel.
"It is safe to say that no comparable exposition of the work of redemption as planned and executed by the Triune Jehovah has ever been done since Owen published his in 1684. None has been needed.
"Owen's interpretation of the texts . . . is sure; his power of theological construction is superb; nothing that needs discussing is omitted, and . . . no arguments for or against his position have been used since his day which he has not himself noted and dealt with. . . . Owen's work is a constructive, broad-based biblical analysis of the heart of the gospel, and must be taken seriously as such. . . Nobody has a right to dismiss the doctrine of the limitedness . . . of the atonement as a monstrosity of Calvinistic logic until he has refuted Owen's proof that it is part of the uniform biblical presentation of redemption, clearly taught in plain text after plain text. And nobody has done that yet." -- J.I. Packer, from the Introduction
"Packer's well balanced definition of Calvinism in the introduction to that volume [John Owen's THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST], is by far the best we have seen in 42 years of intensive reading." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/owen/deathofdeath
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Being a Treatise of the Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ; Wherein the whole controversy about universal redemption is fully discussed: In four parts (1792)
http://archive.org/details/deathofdeathinde00owen
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, including J.I. Packer's Introduction by John Owen
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
Owen, John, The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ (Limited Atonement), 1 of 33, [audio file]
An audio file reading by Still Waters Revival Books from THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Currently (October 2018), there are 77 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone, mobile phones, and MPE players.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=47081639571
68. See: Horatius Bonar, (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God?
69. All manner of blasphemy, whoredom, and abuse end in the Second Death.
70. Counterfeit Gospels, a tract by John W. Robbins
http://trinityfoundation.org/ammo/tract_view.asp?ID=tract03.html
71. See: Book-length Presentations of the Free Offer of the Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life to Come: The Means of Grace
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#blpoftf
72. See: Heaven
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#heaven
73. See: The Overruling Providence of God
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#provogod
74. See: Book-length Presentations of the Free Offer of the Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life to Come: The Means of Grace
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#blpoftf
75. Ibid.
76. See: Reconciliation of Relationships
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#reconorel
The most important relationship is, of course, vertical, between the individual and God.
The second most important relationship is horizontal, between the individual and society.
How the individual handles these relationships determines the outcome of their life, both temporal and eternal, and is interrelated with all other spheres of life. Learn more about these interrelationships at the following website.
Repentance the key to Salvation and Change
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#rtktsac
Justification
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr6ch.html#jstfctn
The Shorter Catechism With Scripture Proofs, (Carlisle, PA [P.O. Box 621, Carlisle 17013, USA]: The Banner of Truth Trust).
Arguably the greatest tract ever created, all factors considered.
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project: Body of Divinity Contained in Sermons Upon the Assembly's Catechism by the Rev. Thomas Watson
http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/vincent/wsc_vi_001.html?page_id=205
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
See also: The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards) and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
77. "I. Those whom God effectually calls, He also freely justifies; not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their person as righteous; not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; nor by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God.
"II. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and His righteousness is the alone instrument of justification: yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but works by love.
"III. Christ, by His obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real and full satisfaction to His Father's justice in their behalf. Yet, in as much as He was given by the Father for them; and His obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead; and both, freely, not for any thing in them; their justification is only of free grace; that both the exact justice, and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners.
"IV. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did, in the fullness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification: nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit does, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them.
"V. God does continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified; and although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of His countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.
"VI. The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament." From Chapter XI: Of Justification, The Westminster Confession of Faith.
78. See: Spiritual Warfare
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#swarf
79. See: Churches That Abuse
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr7ch.html#ctabs
80. Gregory Barrow, The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #19, #23, #27.
"A primer for the Covenanted Reformation, this is the best starting point for the new reader. It organizes the hundreds of Covenanted Reformation reprints into a logical defense of the theological landmarks established by our forefathers, with copious bibliographic references, many to e-text. An extraordinary document." -- Publisher
The Covenanted Reformation Defended
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovRefGB.htm
See also: **Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons [audio files] by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting
81. See: The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/Lettermen2/bcrrhome.html
82. See: Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God?
83. Ibid.
84. See: Book-length Presentations of the Free Offer of the Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life to Come: The Means of Grace
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#blpoftf
85. See: The Westminster Confession of Faith (The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/suggest.html
86. See: Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#ccac
87. See: The Example and Teachings of The Lord Jesus Christ
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/teach.html
88. See: Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#ccac
89. See: A Resolution to Combat Mind Control With Truth
http://www.lettermen2.com/combat.html
90. From the Preface, The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/preface.html
and
Preface to The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/prefacew.html
and
Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born? The Positive Impact of Christianity in History.
Hospitals, universities, literacy and education, capitalism and free-enterprise, representative government, separation of political powers, justice and common law, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, and so forth can all be attributed to Christianity.
91. J.I. Packer, Knowing God, 20th anniversary edition.
and
Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/instituteschrist01calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 2
http://archive.org/details/institutesofreli02calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Beveridge translation
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vii.html
and
One Hundred Aphorisms, Containing, Within a Narrow Compass, the Substance and Order of the Four Books of The Institutes of the Christian Religion
http://www.lettermen2.com/pringle.html
and
The Westminster Confession of Faith (The Westminster Standards) and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/suggest.html
92. See: Book-length Presentations of the Free Offer of the Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life to Come: The Means of Grace
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#blpoftf
93. See: Pseudo-Christian Movements: A Selection of Works
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html
94. See: David Kyle Foster, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness.
This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
Includes bibliography and index.
Mastering Life Ministries
http://www.MasteringLife.org
95. See: Family Life, Education, Church, and Work
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr7ch.html
96. See: The Example and Teachings of The Lord Jesus Christ
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/teach.html
97. See: The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrhome.html
98. See: Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness, Horatius Bonar
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
99. Ethics, Computer Ethics, Cyberethics
http://www.lettermen2.com//bcrr2chb.html#ethic
and
Christianity in the Workplace
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr7ch.html#citwrkpc
100. Romans 1:17.
People have different styles of working. The Christian lives by faith. The non-Christian aims to "succeed at any cost."
See: "Christianity in the Workplace
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr7ch.html#citwrkpc
101. See: The Occult and Spiritism
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#occspir
102. See: Intercessory Prayer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#intercp
103. *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Saint's Everlasting Rest: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 3. A Christian classic.
"Third in the four-volume set. Includes The Saint's Everlasting Rest; Treatise of Self-Denial; The Life of Faith; Obedient Patience, and many more. Over 1000 pages." -- GCB
"This is the greatest treatment on Heaven ever to appear! . . ." -- Wilbur M. Smith.
The Saints' Everlasting Rest, (singly) Richard Baxter, edited by Benjamin Fawcett.
"Discusses the nature, excellencies, design, rejection, necessity, of the Saints' rest. Calls us to live the heavenly life now." -- GCB
http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html
104. "God is the author of freedom" and "freedom" are major underlying themes of the entire Bible.
See: Freedom: A Gift of the Grace of God
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#fagofgog
105. See: Hope
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#hope
106. Gregory Barrow, The Covenanted Reformation Defended
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovRefGB.htm
107. See: Churches That Abuse
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr7ch.html#ctabs
108. See: Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#ccac
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Evil, the problem of avoiding, eschewing, shunning, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, substance abuse, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, The inspiration and infallibility of scripture (the doctrine of revelation, the doctrine of plenary inspiration, the doctrine of divine inspiration, the doctrine of verbal inspiration, theopneustia, sufficiency of scripture), The ten commandments: the moral law, Trusting god, Idolatry, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Knowledge of god and virtue, Education, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, The occult, Alcoholism, Drug abuse and addiction, Fatalism, Self-destruction, Alcoholics anonymous and other 12 step recovery programs, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Justifying faith, Forgiveness, Sanctification, The covenant faithfulness of god, The all-sufficiency of christ, Lordship of jesus christ, Christ's kingdom, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The one and the many, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Politics, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Hell, Heaven, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 383, 384, 788, 805, 843, 955, 957, 1341, 1522, 1542, 1545, 1574, 1608, 1637, 1682, 1689, 1796, 1814, 1982, 2139, 2164, 2353, 2545-2548, 2873, 2874, 3047, 3048, 3074, 3217, 3340, 3348, 3350, 3352-3356, 3423, 3995, 4171 (see also: "Sin" in the General Index of TCRB5), and so forth, and so on.
MGTP: Spirit (Holy), Rebellion Against Authority, Sin (extensive listing), Sin (Original), Sin (the Unpardonable), Drunkenness, Demons, Depravity (Man's Natural Total), Judgment (Last), Justification, Poverty (Spiritual), Knowledge, Weakness (Spiritual), Wicked Men, Hell, and so forth, and so on.
Selfishness and pride will blind even the gifted and learned to the truth. Lust for power and the will to play God will blind us to the truth. Never having been taught to love learning and knowledge, and consequent contempt for learning and knowledge, intense nationalistic pride, political bent, alienation during secular schooling, or personal ambitions blind us to the "evident connection between Absolute Truth, sovereign authority, holiness, life, loving obedience, moral behavior, sanctification, justice, freedom (political, economic, and individual), social stability, and real progress. -- Preface to The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal.Soul-violence begins when one individual tries to usurping authority over another, to control and possess them. The means of control may be either outward or occult: possessiveness, deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, soul stealing, attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice, denial of freedom, indebtedness, whoredom, and so forth. Abuse of the soul quenches the Holy Spirit.
If either side is immovable, then death is the result of the conflict of will. How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the absolute truth of God's word. These observations bear a strain of the Gospel.
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Winning the war Within: A Biblical Strategy for Spiritual Warfare. Alternate title: THE WAR WITHIN: A BIBLICAL STRATEGY FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
"The Christian life is war. The holy war between God and Satan gets played out within ourselves in the conflict between the Holy Spirit and the flesh. 'It is to the enemy within that Satan, the world, and the demons must make their appeal.' Describes Satan's tactics and power, and then the strategies for victory: the Spirit's sword, prayer, faith, the help of believers. 'The prime purpose of this book is to encourage faltering Christians'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours) (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673). Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
"The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
"Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer
Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
"There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
"We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
"The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
"Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
"Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
"Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Saint's Everlasting Rest: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 3. A Christian classic.
"Third in the four-volume set. Includes The Saint's Everlasting Rest; Treatise of Self-Denial; The Life of Faith; Obedient Patience, and many more. Over 1000 pages." -- GCB
"This is the greatest treatment on Heaven ever to appear! . . ." -- Wilbur M. Smith.
The Saints' Everlasting Rest, (singly) Richard Baxter, edited by Benjamin Fawcett.
"Discusses the nature, excellencies, design, rejection, necessity, of the Saints' rest. Calls us to live the heavenly life now." -- GCB
http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html
*Bickersteth, Edward, The Trinity: The Classic Study of Biblical Trinitarianism. A Christian classic.
"A must for gaining a grasp of the doctrine of the Trinity." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Bickersteth, The Trinity by E.H. Bickersteth
http://archive.org/details/TheTrinityByEHBickersteth
*Bolton, Robert (1572-1631), and Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680), Bolton, Robert, The Carnal Professor and Thomas Goodwin, Christ Set Forth. Alternate title: CHRIST SET FORTH IN HIS DEATH, RESURRECTION, ASCENSION, SITTING AT GOD'S RIGHT HAND, AND INTERCESSION / BY THOMAS GOODWIN. Available (CHRIST SET FORTH), in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN, VOL. 1.
The Works of Thomas Goodwin
http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good
"The first 156 pages is a heart-searching treatise directed at those who profess Christianity without necessarily possessing it. Goodwin's 384 pages is directed toward those who have embraced the principles of Christ, but have neglected Christ Himself in all of His glory. Both authors are Puritans of great renown." -- CBD
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness, Horatius Bonar
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), God's Way of Holiness.
"He describes the new life; the indwelling of Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Then he clarifies what is the root and soil of holiness. He shows us the Cross and its power, and expounds how the saint is not under the law, but under grace. Then a look at Romans 7 shows us how far we must go after we have the new life. We must have a true creed in our true life. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Covers such things as: the new life, the Spirit in us, root and soil of holiness, strength against sin, the cross and its power, the saint and the law, the saint and Romans 7, and more." -- GCB
God's Way of Holiness, by Horatius Bonar
http://www.pionet.net/~cultrsch/bgwhtoc.htm
Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Saint and the Law (Pensacola, FL: Mt. Zion Bible Church), a booklet. From GOD'S WAY OF HOLINESS by Horatius Bonar.
Mount Zion Bible Church
http://www.mountzion.org/
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 volumes. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. A Christian classic.
"Edited by John McNeill and translated by Ford Lewis Battles, this is the definitive English language edition of one of the monumental works of the Christian church -- Calvin's INSTITUTES.
"Still considered by many to be the finest explanation and defense of the Protestant Reformation available.
"The work is divided into four books: I. The Knowledge of God the Creator, II. The Knowledge of God the Redeemer in Christ, III. The Mode of Obtaining the Grace of Christ, IV. The External Means or Helps by Which God Allures us Into Fellowship With Christ and Keeps us in it. . . . THE INSTITUTES is praised by the secular philosopher, Will Durant, as one of the ten books that shook the world." -- GCB
Calvin spent a lifetime writing and perfecting INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION. His Prefatory Address makes it clear that he intended the work to be a defense of Christianity to the King of France.
Therefore, plainly stated, one of the most influential works ever published in the English language is a defense of Christianity to leaders of State.
Prefatory Address to His Most Christian Majesty, The Most Mighty and Illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French, His Sovereign, John Calvin. Available in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
"Indeed, this consideration makes a true king: to recognize himself a minister of God in governing his kingdom. Now, that king, who in ruling over his realm does not serve God's glory, exercises not kingly rule but brigandage. [Footnote: 'Nec iam regnum ille sed latrocinium exercet.' An echo of Augustine's famous phrase: 'When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms [[regna]] but a vast banditry [[magna latocinia]]?' City of God, IV. iv (MPL [[Migne, J.P., Patrologiae cursus completus, series Latina]], 41. 115; tr. NPNF [[A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series]], II. 66)]. Furthermore, he is deceived who looks for enduring prosperity in his kingdom when it is not ruled by God's scepter, that is, his Holy Word; for the heavenly oracle that proclaims that where prophecy fails the people are scattered [Prov. 29:18 (Proverbs 29:18)], cannot lie." (Battles translation)
"The characteristic of a true sovereign is, to acknowledge that, in the administration of his kingdom, he is a minister of God. He who does not make his reign subservient to the divine glory, acts the part not of a king, but a robber. He, moreover, deceives himself who anticipates long prosperity to any kingdom which is not ruled by the sceptre of God, that is, by his divine word. For the heavenly oracle is infallible which has declared, that where there is no vision the people perish (Proverbs 29:18), (Beveridge translation)."
See the entire Prefatory Address, Beveridge translation. Considered to be one of the greatest prefaces ever written.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.ii.viii.html
"The doctrines of covenant liberty were rediscovered in the Reformation. John Calvin went further than anyone else in defining liberty and what Christians need to do to maintain it. Includes bibliographies."
It is recommended that INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION be used for daily devotions and may be used in combination with Ford Lewis Battles and John Walchenbach, AN ANALYSIS OF THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION OF JOHN CALVIN and with CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES.
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries, complete
From the Calvin Translation Society edition.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/commentaries.i.html
One Hundred Aphorisms, Containing, Within a Narrow Compass, the Substance and Order of the Four Books of The Institutes of the Christian Religion
http://www.lettermen2.com/pringle.html
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/instituteschrist01calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 2
http://archive.org/details/institutesofreli02calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Beveridge translation
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vii.html
Monergism: Commentaries
From Mongergism.com search "commentaries."
http://www.monergism.com
Case, Thomas (1598-1682), Spiritual Whoredom, Discovered in a Sermon Preached Before the Honorable House of Commons Assembled in Parliament Upon a Solemn day of Humiliation, May 26, 1647. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), The Existence and Attributes of God. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK, VOL. 4: THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"When the essence and attributes of God are called into question, to whom else can we better go than to Stephen Charnock? . . . the study of God's attributes is not dry-as-dust theology, but is practical; that is, it leads to righteousness." -- Gordon H. Clark
Discourses Upon the Existence and Attributes of God (1853), Charnock and Symington,
http://archive.org/details/discoursesupone00symigoog
The Works of the Late Rev. Stephen Charnock (1815), volume 1 of 9.
http://archive.org/details/worksoflaterevst01char
*Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness.
This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
Includes bibliography and index.
Mastering Life Ministries
http://www.MasteringLife.org
Gelet, James, Eric Holmberg, Jerry Johnson, and the Apologetics Group, The Marks of a Cult: A Biblical Analysis, DVD.
"Just why are Baptists properly considered Christians, but Mormons are not? Or why is the Jehovah's Witness religion classified as an anti-Christian cult, while Presbyterians, Wesleyans and Pentecostals are simply seen as denominations within the Christian faith? With the explosion of different sects that claim to honor and follow Jesus, how does one differentiate between true Biblical Christianity and an aberrant religious movement? Just what are the marks of a cult? . . . The video gives clear guidelines on how to distinguish truth from error in principle as well as carefully documented instructions on the particular errors of prominent cults." -- Publisher
*Gurnall, William (1617-1679), and John Charles Ryle (contributor), The Christian in Complete Armor: A Treatise of the Saint's war Against the Devil, complete and unabridged. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Peerless and priceless; every line full of wisdom." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"If I might read only one book beside the Bible, I would choose THE CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOUR." -- John Newton
Also praised by John Flavel and Richard Baxter.
Said to be among the 10 greatest Christian books.
"A beautiful feature in Gurnall's book is its richness in pithy, pointed, and epigrammatical sayings. You will often find in a line and a half some great truth, put so concisely, and yet so fully, that you really marvel how so much thought could be got into so few words.
"Solid scriptural theology, like that contained in these pages, should be valued and studied in the church. Books in which Scripture is reverently regarded as the only rule of faith and practice -- books in which Christ and the Holy Ghost have their rightful office -- books in which justification, and sanctification, and regeneration, and faith, and grace, and holiness are clearly, distinctly, and accurately delineated and exhibited -- these are the only books which do real good. Few things need reviving more than a taste for such books as these among readers." -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
The Christian in Complete Armour, William Gurnall
http://www.ccel.org/g/gurnall/armour/home.htm
The Christian in Complete Armour
http://archive.org/details/christianincomp00unkngoog
Quotes From The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall
http://www.puritansermons.com/reformed/gurnquot.htm
*Johnston, Jerry, with Bill Stern, The Edge of Evil: The Rise of Satanism in North America.
"Amid the hoopla and shock of occult mysteries and Jerry Johnston's trans-continental investigation he ferrets out the truth. The intoxication of satanic power, the mind-warping of Satan's new children isn't easy reading, but it is must reading for every parent, educator, and teenager desiring to be protected. . . . Jerry Johnston's profound impact on young people and their parents has been acclaimed by educators, clergy, mayors, media personalities, politicians, and President Reagan coast-to-coast. . . . Johnston is considered an expert on youth culture and trends. . . ." -- Publisher
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born? The Positive Impact of Christianity in History.
Hospitals, universities, literacy and education, capitalism and free-enterprise, representative government, separation of political powers, justice and common law, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, and so forth can all be attributed to Christianity.
*Kettler, Steven C. (compiler), Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal. An Annotated Topical Bibliography of Works Containing Biblical Counsel for Persons Seeking Lasting Solutions to Life's Problems.
A book-length annotated bibliography containing over 5700 citations by 2550 authors cross-referenced under 440 topic headings. Includes author and title, scripture, and subject indexes.
An edited version of the 1993 edition of BIBLICAL COUNSEL: RESOURCES FOR RENEWAL (1997), is available on CD-ROM in Logos Library System (LLS), format.
"This unique book-length bibliography enables the reader to bring known Biblical counselors into the home via book, audio cassette [audio file], video cassette, and the World Wide Web. Painstakingly researched over a 15-year period, it is a gold mine of Biblical wisdom. The 5,700 titles by 2,300 authors include little known and hard to find books, for example, 273 Reformed classics. The breadth of the collection evidences the interrelationship of absolute truth, life, moral behavior, the law, freedom, obedience, social stability, and the positive sanctions of God. Therefore, it is a strong apologetic for the Biblical Christianity of our forefathers, that aimed to be true to Christ." -- Publisher
Logos Research Systems
http://www.logos.com
The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrhome.html
The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://books.google.com/books?id=j4vzqat_dqEC&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Some Complementary Works
http://www.lettermen2.com/somecomp.html
*Leahy, Frederick S., Satan Cast out: A Study in Biblical Demonology.
"It is often said that wherever there is a rejection of faith in the living God a corresponding upsurge of the demonic will eventually appear. That is true not only in the pages of the Bible and in the annals of Christian missions; it has also become a striking feature of the life in our materialistic, post-Christian society. . . . Full of sane exposition and wise counsel, his work has been widely appreciated since its first publication in 1975." -- Publisher
"Probably one of the best, most Scriptural books written today on the subject of demonology." -- Presbyterian Journal
Love, Christopher (1618-1651), Wrath and Mercy. Alternate title: A CHRISTIAN'S DIRECTORY. Contains: THE ZEALOUS CHRISTIAN TAKING HEAVEN BY HOLY VIOLENCE: TENDING TO DIRECT MEN HOW TO HEAR WITH ZEAL, TO PRAY WITH IMPORTUNITY. TO WHICH IS ADDED, THE CHRISTIAN'S DIRECTORY . . . BEING IN ALL, THE SUMME AND SUBSTANCE OF XXXII SERMONS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Sixty pages of Puritan exposition on 1 Thessalonians 5:9, For God hath not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. Love was a member of the Westminster Assembly and an English Covenanter." -- Publisher
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
"This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
"The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
Morey, Robert A., Death and the Afterlife.
"Coming with recommendations by Walter Martin, Vernon Grounds, and Roger Nicole, this is the most comprehensive modern treatment to be found. Since the beginning of time the doctrine of eternal punishment has been fiercely attacked. This study provides answers to just about every question on the subject." -- GCB
*Nave, Orville (1841-1917), and Edward Viening (revised and compiled), The New Nave's Topical Bible, new and enlarged (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986), 1114 pages. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
NAVE'S is a way of finding what the Bible teaches on any subject. Unlike a concordance it has the verses printed right within the book.
Formerly THE ZONDERVAN TOPICAL BIBLE. Edward Viening was responsible for the compilation and revision of this 1969 work. This revised edition has 21,000 subject-heads rather than 20,000, but does not have the extensive Scripture references which still appear only in the Hendrickson edition. Nearly 6500 listings with more than 100,000 Scripture references and 1114 pages. Very useful in counseling also.
Dr. D. James Kennedy says he has used it for 30 years and considers it an indispensable aid. Billy Graham has said he uses it more than any other book except the Bible in the preparation of his sermons.
Nave's Topical Bible
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/
What the Bible Says About (WBSA)
"What The Bible Says About (WBSA), [a website where the NEW NAVES TOPICAL BIBLE may be searched -- compiler], is based on the NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE, a revision of the classic reference work, NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE, which was written in the later part of the 19th century by Dr. Orville Nave. The original NAVE'S was revised and expanded by James Swanson. The resulting NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE is Copyright 1997 Logos Research Systems, Inc."
https://wbsa.logos.com/Home
Nave's Topical Bible: A Digest of the Holy Scriptures (1903)
http://archive.org/details/navestopicalbibl00nave
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Death of Christ, volume 10 of WORKS. Alternate title: SALUS ELECTORUM, SANGUIS JESU: OR THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST. BEING A TREATISE OF THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION THAT IS IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST; WHEREIN THE WHOLE CONTROVERSY ABOUT UNIVERSAL REDEMPTION IS FULLY DISCUSSED: IN FOUR PARTS; . . . BY JOHN OWEN, D.D. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
"Greatest Biblical apologetic on the specific and limited nature of the atoning work of Christ in print. Contains discussions on Arminianism, the death of death in the death of Christ, Divine justice, and also discusses, in detail, many views of the atonement that certain men and groups held (and still hold)." -- Publisher
"THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST is a polemical work, designed to show, among other things, that the doctrine of universal redemption is unscriptural and destructive of the gospel. . . . Those who see no need for doctrinal exactness and have no time for theological debates which show up divisions between so-called Evangelicals may well regret its reappearance. Some may find the very sound of Owen's thesis so shocking that they will refuse to read his book at all. . . . But . . . there are signs today of a new upsurge of interest in the theology of the Bible: a new readiness to test traditions, to search the Scriptures and to think through the faith. It is to those who share this readiness that Owen's treatise is now offered, in the belief that it will help us in one of the most urgent tasks facing evangelical Christendom today -- the recovery of the Gospel.
"It is safe to say that no comparable exposition of the work of redemption as planned and executed by the Triune Jehovah has ever been done since Owen published his in 1684. None has been needed.
"Owen's interpretation of the texts . . . is sure; his power of theological construction is superb; nothing that needs discussing is omitted, and . . . no arguments for or against his position have been used since his day which he has not himself noted and dealt with. . . . Owen's work is a constructive, broad-based biblical analysis of the heart of the gospel, and must be taken seriously as such. . . Nobody has a right to dismiss the doctrine of the limitedness . . . of the atonement as a monstrosity of Calvinistic logic until he has refuted Owen's proof that it is part of the uniform biblical presentation of redemption, clearly taught in plain text after plain text. And nobody has done that yet." -- J.I. Packer, from the Introduction
"Packer's well balanced definition of Calvinism in the introduction to that volume [John Owen's THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST], is by far the best we have seen in 42 years of intensive reading." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/owen/deathofdeath
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Being a Treatise of the Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ; Wherein the whole controversy about universal redemption is fully discussed: In four parts (1792)
http://archive.org/details/deathofdeathinde00owen
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, including J.I. Packer's Introduction by John Owen
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
Owen, John, The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ (Limited Atonement), 1 of 33, [audio file]
An audio file reading by Still Waters Revival Books from THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Currently (October 2018), there are 77 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone, mobile phones, and MPE players.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=47081639571
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of Sin in Believers: Containing the Necessity, Nature, and Means of it. With a Resolution of Sundry Cases of Conscience Thereunto Belonging. By John Owen, D.D.. Available (THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN in MP3 files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, VOLUME 6: TEMPTATION AND SIN,
The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6 (including THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, Goold edition, 1862)
https://archive.org/details/theworksofowen06owenuoft
On the Mortification of sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), [audio file].
An audio file reading. Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628
*Owen, John (1616-1683), God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him. Alternate title: "GOD'S PRESENCE WITH A PEOPLE, THE SPRING OF THEIR PROSPERITY; WITH THEIR SPECIALL INTEREST IN ABIDING WITH HIM. A SERMON, PREACHED TO THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND IRELAND, AT WESTMINSTER, OCTOB. 30. 1656. A DAY OF SOLEMN HUMILIATION. BY JOHN OWEN, D.D. A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST, IN THE WORK OF THE GOSPEL. PRINTED BY ORDER OF PARLIAMENT, 1656. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25. Available in various editions of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, VOL. 8, SERMONS TO THE NATION, sermon 11.
http://johnowenquotes.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/johnowenvol-8.pdf
Owen preaches at length, 21 pages, on God's presence with a people, both individually and corporately, in a sermon on the text And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you, 2 Chronicles 15:2, delivered to Parliament October 30, 1656.
"The great concernment of any people or nation is, to know that all their prosperity is from the presence of God amongst them, and to attend to that which will give continuance thereunto. . . .
"There is a presence of God in respect of providential dispensations. . . . -- attended with peculiar love, favor, good-will, special care towards them with whom he is so present. So Abimelech observed that he was with Abraham, Genesis 21:22, God is with thee in all that thou doest, -- with thee to guide thee, bless thee, preserve thee, as we shall see afterward. So he promised to be with Joshua, I will be with thee, Joshua 1:5; and so he was with Gideon, The LORD is with thee, Judges 6:12, -- to bless him in his great undertaking; and so with Jeremiah, I am with thee, Jeremiah 15:20. This is fully expressed, Isaiah 43:1,2, I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee. And this is the presence of God here intimated, -- his presence with the people as to special providential dispensations, as is manifest from the whole discourse of the prophet; and wherein this consists, shall be afterward at large declared. . . .
"There is an abiding with God in national administrations; -- this is a fruit of the other, in those who are called to them. And that this is principally here intended is evident from that use that Asa made of this information and exhortation of the prophet. He did not only look to his personal walking thereupon, but also immediately set upon the work of ordering the whole affairs of the kingdom so as God might be glorified thereby. How this may be effected, shall at large afterward be declared. What hath already been spoken may suffice for a foundation of that proposition which I shall this day insist upon; and it is this, --
"The presence of God with a people, in special providential dispensations for their good, depends on their obediential presence with him in national administrations to his glory: The Lord is with you, while ye be with him. . . .
"What is the rule and measure of God's continuance with his people in the covenant of grace? Plainly this, -- that he will never forsake them; and, on that account, will take care that they shall never forsake him, but abide with him forever. It is not whilst they do so and so, he will abide with them; and when they cease so to do, he will forsake them, as to his federal and covenant presence; -- there is not such a sandy foundation left us of our abiding with God in Christ. See the tenor of the covenant, Jeremiah 31:33; 32:38-40 [Jeremiah 32:38-40]. The sum is, that God will be with them, and take care that they always abide with him; and therefore hath he provided for all interveniences imaginable, that nothing shall violate this union. God lays his unchangeableness as the foundation of the covenant, Malachi 3:6, and he therein makes us unchangeable; -- not absolutely so, for we change every moment; but with respect to the terms and bounds of the covenant, he hath undertaken that we shall never leave him. The law of God's presence in respect of providential dispensations, and all special privileges attending it, is quite of another importance: it is purely conditional, as you may see in my text. The tenor of it is expressed to the height, 1 Samuel 2:30, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me forever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. Here is no alteration of counsel or purpose in God; but merely an explanation of the rule, law, and tenor of providential dispensations; -- no interpretation of the covenant of grace (Eli held not the priesthood by that covenant); but an explication of the tenor of a privilege given in special providence, Psalm 89:32,33. Hence is that variety of God's dealings with men mentioned in the Scripture; which yet are always righteous, according to one or other of these rules and laws. . . .
"I suppose I need not go for proof beyond the observation of the constant tenor of God's proceedings with his people of old. When did he not deal thus with them? What instance can be given of transgressing this rule? Is the whole story of the nation of the Jews any thing but the illustration of this proposition? Some ruled well, and sought the Lord; and the Lord was with them, and prospered them in all their ways; -- some fell from him, and walked according to their own imaginations; and the Lord cut them short on that account; -- yea, sometimes the same man, as Solomon, Asa, Uzziah, experienced both these states and conditions. Hath not the state of all nations, since they came into the power of men professing the knowledge of him, been the same? Look on the Roman empire; did it not flourish under the hand of men who ruled with God, and were faithful with the saints? Is not the present distraction of it, under the fury and cruelty of Turk and Pope, the issue of the violence, unrighteousness, idolatry, luxury, and persecution of ill governors? Doth not the demonstration of all God's people in the world -- the consideration whereof, in particular, might be insisted on as the ground and reason of the truth insisted on -- require that it should be thus Leviticus 26:1, and almost the whole book of Deuteronomy, are sermons on this text; and every verse, almost, in them would afford a new confirmation of the truth in hand. . . .
"The second use of this pillar was, to give them protection and defense in their ways; so Exodus 14:19,20,24. This protected them from the Egyptians; -- and from thence God troubled their enemies out of the pillar; that is, from his especial presence. This use of it is insisted on, Isaiah 4:5,6. The cloud, that was as smoke by day, and as fire by night, was also a shadow, a place of refuge, and a covert; in one word, a protection or a defense. And this is a second thing which is in God's special presence, -- he will protect or defend them with whom he is so present. He is their dwelling place, Psalm 90:1, then, when in this world they have none; their refuge in the time of trouble: so Isaiah 25:4, 26:1 [Isaiah 26:1], 31:4 [Isaiah 31:4]. Promises and instances to make this good abound; -- they are known to all; the time would fail me to insist upon them. I might go over all the causes, means, and ways of the fears, dangers, ruin of such a people, and show you how a defense is provided against them all. Are their fears from themselves, because of their folly, weakness, and division? or from pretended friends, because of their envy and desertion? or from open enemies, because of their power, cruelty, malice, and revenge? A defense is provided on every account. Heat, rain, tempests, storms, adversity, prosperity, -- all are provided against, where God is present, Isaiah 32:1,2.
"And if any people in the world have experience of this truth, we have it this day. Had not the Lord been with us, who had not destroyed us? Enemies, friends, abroad, at home, our own follies, -- all, any of them, had done the work, had not the Lord himself been with us. . . .
"That we may abide with God, this is indispensably required, -- that we may have peace with him in Jesus Christ. If we are never with him, we cannot abide with him; no man can abide where he never come. The acceptance of our persons lies at the bottom of the acceptance of our duties. As the special presence of God with any, is in and by Christ, and no otherwise, so is our abiding with God in and through him. God with us is the name of Christ: our being with God is in him who is our peace. Two cannot walk together, unless they be agreed, Amos 3:3.
"Now, because this is not to be expected from all the individuals of a nation, yet this thing is to be endeavored, -- that the rulers of it be such as have this interest. I do not divest of a share in government, those who have no share in Christ, if lawfully called thereunto; but I say, when God gives governors whom he intends to make a blessing unto a people, they shall be such as are blessed of him in Christ. And if ever the government of this nation, in this present constitution, -- suppose it the most exactly framed and balanced, in the several parts of it, for the furtherance of public good, -- be devolved into the hands of men not interested in God by Christ, though the constitution may be absolutely good, yet the government will not be blessed, and the nation will be ruined; for God and his glory will depart, Micah 5:5,6. It is Christ that is our peace, even in outward troubles. . . .
"This, then, I say, is pre-required, as a qualification of any person to the performance of this duty of abiding with God. It is the psalmist's advice, Psalm 2:11,12. Let this principle be always owned amongst you; by it honor Christ in the world. Give him the pre-eminence; it is the Father's will he should have it in all things. Expect not the presence of God, but upon this account. Bear testimony herein against the world of profane men, who despise these things. Seeing, then, it cannot be expected to have this qualification diffused universally, as yet, through the body of the people, let the rulers take care that they be not the cause of God's departure from us. . . ." -- John Owen
*Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Knowing God, 20th anniversary edition. A Christian classic.
A classic work by one of the foremost theologians of our day. Offsets erroneous ideas about God. A group study guide is also available.
A bestselling book. Contains material useful in counseling.
*Peretti, Frank, The Oath, didactic fiction.
"An ancient sin. An ancient oath. A town with a deadly secret . . . Once again bestselling author Frank Peretti has crafted a spellbinding novel filled with tension and suspense crescending to a peak of raw-edged terror that will keep you breathless. This is masterful story telling at its very best." -- Publisher
*Perkins, William (1558-1602), The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience, 1632.
"Called 'the principal architect of Elizabethan Puritanism' and 'the most important Puritan writer,' Perkins was the first theologian of the Reformed English church to gain an international reputation. His preaching manual, THE ART OF PROPHESYING (recently reprinted by the Banner of Truth Trust -- RB), is found on nearly every seventeenth century New England book list. . . . Perkin's theological legacy extended through his Cambridge students, most prominently William Ames . . . Perkins's Calvinist theology was presented according to the logic and method of Peter Ramus . . . Ramism helped Perkins maintain the unity of theology and ethics, provided an educational tool by streamlining logic, fostered plain-style preaching, enhanced the art of memory, provided a tool for biblical interpretation as well as supplying a secure philosophical base on which to build theology," notes the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE REFORMED FAITH, (p. 274). This book is no exception and beautifully illustrates the usefulness of the Ramist method. 'Several of Perkins' works have been translated into Latin, French, Dutch, and Spanish'." (Cyclopaedia Bibliographica, p. 2337) -- Publisher
Pink, Authur W., The Doctrine of Justification.
The Doctrine of Justification by Authur W. Pink
http://www.ccel.org/p/pink/justification/justification.htm
*Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), The Law and the Saint.
"This 37-page booklet takes the position that the Ten Commandments are an expression of the unchanging character and will of God and are binding upon every Christian." -- CBD
The Law and the Saint by Arthur Pink
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/pink/law
Roebuck, Julian B. and Wolfgang Frese, The Rendezvous: A Case Study of an After-hours Club.
Roebuck, Julian B., and Marcus L. Hickson, The Southern Redneck: A Phenomenalogical Class Study.
"The Redneck's chief problem remains false consciousness." -- Julian Roebuck
Not pejorative. Includes extensive bibliography.
Roebuck, Julian B., and Komanduri S. Murty, The Southern Subculture of Drinking and Driving: A Generalized Deviance Model for the Southern White Male..
*Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons [audio files] by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting
Sowell, Thomas, Black Rednecks and White Liberals.
"This book challenges many assumptions about blacks, Jews, Germans, slavery, and education. Plainly written and backed with documented facts, it takes on not only the trendy intellectuals of our times but also such historic interpreters of American life as Alexis de Tocqueville and Frederick Law Olmsted. In a series of long essays, Sowell presents an in-depth look at key beliefs behind many mistaken and dangerous actions, policies, and trends, and presents insights into the historical development of the ghetto culture that is today wrongly seen as a unique black identity -- a culture cheered on toward self-destruction by white liberals who consider themselves 'friends' of blacks. One essay presents a jolting re-examination of the tragic institution of slavery and the narrow and distorted way it is too often seen today. Another explores the reasons for the venomous hatred of Jews, and of other groups like them in countries around the world. . . .
"BLACK REDNECKS AND WHITE LIBERALS is the capstone of decades of outstanding research and writing on racial and cultural issues by Thomas Sowell.
"Dr. Sowell is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and the recipient of many awards and prizes. His previous books include ETHNIC AMERICA, BASIC ECONOMICS, A CONFLICT OF VISIONS and THE QUEST FOR COSMIC JUSTICE." -- Publisher
*Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), [completed and first printed in 1646, approved by the Assembly, August 27, 1647, Session 23 -- compiler] (Glasgow, Scotland: Free Presbyterian Publication [133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6LE], 1994), ISBN: 0902506080 (case-bound), and ISBN: 0902506358 (paperback). Among the ten greatest works in the English language. Available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
The Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, With the Scripture Proofs at Large: Together With The sum of Saving Knowledge (contained in the Holy Scriptures, and held forth in the said Confession and Catechisms), and Practical use Thereof, Covenants National and Solemn League, Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, Directories, Form of Church-government, &c. of Public Authority in the Church of Scotland, With Acts of Assembly and Parliament, Relative to, and Approbative of the Same (1757) [the original version of 1646, prior to the changes of the "American Version" of 1789 -- compiler]
http://archive.org/details/confessionofscot00chur
" 'The product of Puritan conflict,' stated Shedd, reaching 'a perfection of statement never elsewhere achieved.' All that learning the most profound and extensive, intellect the most acute and searching, and piety the most sincere and earnest, could accomplish, was thus concentrated in the Westminster Assembly's Confession of Faith, which may be safely termed the most perfect statement of Systematic Theology ever framed by the Christian Church,' writes Hetherington. (The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, p. 345).
"Concerning The Shorter Catechism, which is one of the items also included in this book, Mitchell notes: 'it is a thoroughly Calvinistic and Puritan catechism, the ripest fruit of the Assembly's thought and experience, maturing and finally fixing the definitions of theological terms to which Puritanism for half a century had been leading up and gradually coming closer and closer to in its legion of catechisms.' (Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards, p. 431).
"THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) is the greatest of all the creeds of the Christian church. The church of Christ cannot be creedless and live. Especially in an age of doubt and confusion, it is her duty to define and proclaim the one true faith. Nowhere has the Reformed church done this so effectively as in the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION, and family of documents. This book represents Reformed thinking at its purest and best. It was intended, as part of the Covenanted Reformation taking place during its compilation, to be adopted as the binding confessional standard for every individual, family, court, church, and legislature in the British Isles." -- Publisher
This is considered to be the definitive publication of the Westminster family of documents. It includes the following:
*Williamson, G.I. (Gerald Irvin), The Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] for Study Classes. A Christian classic.
"The most thorough work on the Confession since A.A. Hodge." -- William Grier
"Describes the Christian faith. You will also find this treatment excellent in coverage and application to contemporary living. Examples of divergent doctrine, problems with other philosophy and cultural standards are presented. The arguments and Q&A after each section makes it practical for knowing and living a Christian life. This is not feel-good theology, but how intelligent and responsible people can seek to understand the breadth of scripture in a concise book." -- Publisher
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation, 1996).
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
Book-length Presentations of the Free Offer of the Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life to Come: The Means of Grace
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#blpoftf
Books Considered to be Among the ten Greatest in the English Language
http://www.lettermen2.com/lettermen2/tengreat.html
Child Abuse
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#cabuse
Combined Interactive Contents for The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/combtoc.html
The Haunting Spectre of Guilt (part 1 of 2)
http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/the-haunting-spectre-of-guilt-part-1-of-3
The Haunting Spectre of Guilt, (part 2 of 2)
http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/the-haunting-spectre-of-guilt-part-2-of-2
Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering? Ravi Zacharias
"Ravi debates the difficult question, 'Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering' at the Faith and Science Lecture Forum. Ravi's address is followed by a rebuttal from three panelists: Dr. Bernard Leikind, a plasma physicist, senior editor at Skeptic Magazine and a renowned atheist; Dr. Jitendra Mohanty, one of India's most noted Hindu philosophers and a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta; and William Lane Craig, a noted author, Christian philosopher and apologist. After the rebuttals and Ravi's response, the audience asks questions."
https://www.christianbook.com/is-there-meaning-in-evil-suffering/ravi-zacharias/pd/DA20808-CP?event=ESRCG
Justification in Chapter 6: "Discipleship,"
http://www.lettermen2.com/Lettermen2/bcrr6ch.html#jstfctn
Mastering Life Ministries
http://www.MasteringLife.org
The Mirror of Evil, an essay by Eleonore Stump
"Eleonore Stump is The Robert J. Henle Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University, where she has taught since 1992. She received a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies and Medieval Philosophy from Cornell University in 1975." Caveat: Saint Louis University is a Jesuit school. See her curriculum vitae.
The essay comes from WANDERING IN DARKNESS: NARRATIVE AND THE PROBLEM OF SUFFERING.
http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/fellenm/Handouts_files/215/Stump.pdf
J.I. Packer's Introduction to The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen
http://www.efn.org/~davidc/index.html
Reconciliation of Relationships
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#reconorel
The most important relationship is, of course, vertical, between the individual and God.
The second most important relationship is horizontal, between the individual and society.
How the individual handles these relationships determines the outcome of their life, both temporal and eternal, and is interrelated with all other spheres of life. Learn more about these interrelationships at the following website.
Repentance the key to Salvation and Change
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#rtktsac
Justification
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr6ch.html#jstfctn
A Rednecks Resolution Against Self-destruction
http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html
A Resolution to Combat Mind Control With Truth
http://www.lettermen2.com/combat.html
Sex Ethics, Sex Education
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#sethic
Sharing Christ With Your Children
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr7ch.html#scwyc
Stockholm Syndrome
"Stockholm syndrome has been defined as a condition in which hostages develop a psychological alliance with their captors during captivity." -- Wikipedia article
This psychological term has been criticized in the academic world. However, we suggest that it offers a secular explanation for why children, youth in public education, college students, susceptible females, and young adults 'taken in by cults and non-Christian systems,' Jihadists, Antifa, Black Lives Matter, Radical "Progressives," Marxist front organizations, and socialist/communist Democrats, and so forth, and so on, are overcome by the evil worldview of those who control them (Psalm 125:3,4).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_syndrome
Warning Signs of Destructive Cults and Satanism
http://www.lettermen2.com/warncult.html
Spiritual Abuse
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_abuse
Spiritual Abuse -- Resources
Extensive resources.
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/8006-spiritual-abuse
The Teachings of The Lord Jesus Christ
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#teachljc
The Westminster Confession of Faith (The Westminster Standards) and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/Lettermen2/bcrrhome.html
Disclaimer: Weblinks and related resources listed are given only for purposes of research.
Views and opinion expressed at other web sites do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of this webmaster.
Arrangement of weblinks does not in any way indicate that independent authors or webmasters hold similar views and opinions.
Researchers are urged to exercise the utmost discernment in navigating the World Wide Web. See: the topical listing "Spiritual Discernment."
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Updated -- May 22, 2023, Lettermen Associates