Yesterday I quoted the book “Worldliness” concerning the fact that the church today is wounded and weak, struggling to separate itself from the worlds ways. Yes many times you can’t even tell the difference between a so-called Christian and the rest of the world. We are called as God’s redeemed people to abstain from the fleshly lusts that war against us. We are called to crucify the flesh. We are called to sanctified lives; set apart in holiness toward God Almighty. So how should the church fight, and thus fulfill its call? What is the remedy? The Cross of Christ ! The Gospel of Jesus Christ!
I will quote once again C. J. Mahaney who in turn quotes John Owen.
“If you want to begin immediately to weaken the influence of worldliness in your life, take the sound advice from the great physician of the soul, John Owen:
‘When someone sets his affections upon the cross and the love of Christ, he crucifies the world as a dead and undesirable thing. The baits of sin lose their attraction and disappear. Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin’”
This is what every Christian must decide in his heart to do daily. To fill his affections with the cross of Christ. Doing this will crucify the cares of this world. In and of ourselves it is impossible but as Phil 4:13 says, “I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me.”
Amen! May this be the truth of our lives! may we be dead to world and the world be dead to us! But i can most certainly say i need to set my affections more on Christ!
Amen Brother. In my life, I live like the past. To me, addiction is the world.
The new life which I have just started to live is following God again. The process as you describe is just to starting to begin. The mortification of sin in my live is just beginning.
It a takes a lifetime to learn to know God and live like his standards.
I must live among the world but learn live not like the world. To be alien and stranger in this world. And one of place on earth is alien and stranger is being believer at Burning Man.
“Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever!” Tonight I sang these words of Luther to my kids and I believe they are appropriate for this fantastic post. When we as believer’s are granted life through Christ’s death, we enjoy the privilege of dying to this world and living for our Father’s eternal kingdom. Oh how wealth, health, and the passing pleasures of sin pale in comparison to the fullness of joy that comes with our Lords presence.
Levy, I rejoice to hear that you desire to follow God. His Grace is sufficient for all your needs. Keep your eyes on Jesus!
“Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin”
We are praying for you… Sorry we never got to hook up while we were in the States.
Derrick – Yeah the power to “let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also” is the fact that His “truth abideth still” and “His kingdom is forever.”
May our hearts and minds be ruled by these Gospel truths…
Thanks for your comment… and by the way… You have a good voice!!!
Joey – Don’t lie to Derick about his voice. It makes his head bigger, then his lego hair no longer looks perfect!
Great post, what an encouragement to me. Work is rough and life can seem out of control at times. May the things of this world grow strangely dim, Lord! For Christ’s sake!!
Hey Shea, Don’t be dissin’ Big D’s voice… He put his daughters and us to sleep every night with those hymns of his for a whole week… If he knew how to play some kinda instrument he could lead worship (in song) and pastor… The guy’s got skills!!!