Required reading Life and times of George Whitefield by Robert Philip (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Continue reading Chapter Seven up to the paragraph 'After visiting various places, and producing every where a great impression, Whitefield arrived at New York...' (top of page 175 in Banner of Truth edition).
My summary Today we continue hearing of George Whitefield's second visit to America. We are given primarily an account of his time in Georgia, Philadelphia and New York.
Today's reading also includes the first mention of his work with the orphan house in Georgia.
What grabbed me Interesting to read of a rebuke that Whitefield received concerning heaven: 'Whitefield became much attached to William Tennent. It was from him he received the well-known reproof against impatience for heaven. They were dining with Governor Livingston one day, and Whitefield being much exhausted by severe labour, expressed a hope that he should soon enter into his rest. He appealed also to Tennent, if that was not his comfort ? Tennent replied, " What do you think I should say, if I were to send my man Tom into the field to plough, and at noon should find him lounging under a tree, complaining of the heat, and begging to be discharged from his hard service ? What should I say? Why, that he was an idle, lazy fellow, and that his business was to do the work I had appointed him."'
Great stuff! Heaven is definitely worth looking forward to, but we must be diligent to do the work that the Lord has been pleased to appoint us in this life. Not spend our time daydreaming about the future. Next week's reading Read the rest of Chapter Seven.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading Finally alive by John Piper (available from Amazon or free on the internet here) - Read Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen. My summary In Chapter Thirteen Piper looks at how the new birth is the connection between God's love for us and our love for each other. The link is shown in two ways: (i) God's nature is love, so that when we are born again by him we share that nature; (ii) the manifestation of God's nature in history was the sending of his Son.
Then Piper shows that the love we have for others is seen in our: (i) humbly rejoicing in the goodness of others (unlike Cain's reaction to Abel's righteousness); (ii) meeting the needs of others.
In Chapter Fourteen Piper begins a new section answering the question, 'How can we help others be born again?' The answer is 'Tell people the good news of Christ from a heart of love and from a life of service.' Chapter Fourteen focuses on the first part, telling people the gospel. The way to do this is to desire and get drunk on the word of God ourselves.
What grabbed me An important point was made in Chapter Thirteen about rejoicing in others: 'So the lesson for us is: Everywhere you see some growth, some virtue, some spiritual discipline, some good habit, or good attitude, rejoice in it. Give thanks for it. Compliment it. Don’t resent it. Don’t be like Cain. Respond the opposite from Cain. Be inspired by other people’s goodness. Love is humble. Love delights in other people’s good. Love doesn’t protect its own flaws. Love takes steps to change them. What a beautiful fellowship where everyone is rejoicing in each other’s strengths, not resenting them! This is what the love of God looks like when the new birth gives it life in the people of God.'
It is so easy to resent the good we see in others because it shows up our own weaknesses. But if we are truly born again we should delight in any goodness we see. As a minister, that means I must love better ministers, better preachers, better theologians and better authors.
Next week's reading Chapters Fifteen and the Conclusion.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
I've just updated the 'Future titles' sidebar at the blog.
Three new books have been added: Sunday Supermen: The Life and Diary of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards (Available free here) Tuesday Theology: Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner (Available free here) Thursday Theology: Marrow of Modern Divinity by Edward Fisher (Available free here) Two of these titles which were top notch suggestions from one of the club readers, Andrew. I can't wait to get into Fisher's Marrow of Modern Divinity, it is one massive dialogue about the 10 commandments between: - EVANGELISTA, a Minister of the Gospel; - NOMIST, a Legalist; - ANTINOMISTA, an Antinomian; - NEOPHYTUS, a Young Christian.
I'm still trying to choose a 'Monday Major Work'. I'm in no rush as Augustine's City of God will keep us going for almost the entire year. But If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. The conditions are that the title must be: - Around a thousand pages in length; - From a Reformed perspective; - Freely available on the internet.
Required reading Holiness by J C Ryle (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read Chapter 7, 'Assurance'.
My summary In today's reading Ryle examines assurance.
Firstly Ryle shows that an assured hope is a true and scriptural thing.
Secondly, he makes clear that a believer may never arrive at this assured hope, and yet be saved.
Thirdly, Ryle gives four reasons why an assured hope is exceedingly to be desired: (i) because of the present comfort and peace it affords; (ii) because it tends to make a Christian an active working Christian; (iii) because it tends to make a Christian a decided Christian; (iv) because it tends to make the holiest Christians.
Finally Ryle tentatively gives three probable causes why an assured hope is so seldom attained: (i) a defective view of the doctrine of justification; (ii) slothfulness about growth in grace; (iii) an inconsistent walk in life.
What grabbed me I liked the point at the very end of the Chapter that Ryle made about the fact that the most assured believer may still have doubts: '...you must not be surprised if you have occasional doubts after you have got assurance. You must not forget you are on earth, and not yet in heaven. You are still in the body and have indwelling sin; the flesh will lust against the spirit to the very end. The leprosy will never be out of the walls of the old house until death takes it down. And there is a devil, too, and a strong devil—a devil who tempted the Lord Jesus, and gave Peter a fall, and he will take care you know it. Some doubts there always will be. He who never doubts has nothing to lose. He who never fears possesses nothing truly valuable. He who is never jealous knows little of deep love. But be not discouraged: you shall be more than conqueror through Him that loved you.'
This was followed by the words: 'Assurance is a most delicate plant. It needs daily, hourly watching, watering, tending, cherishing. So watch and pray the more when you have got it.'
No one should be neglecting assurance, no matter how much they may have it.
Next week's reading Chapter 8, 'Moses - an example'.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading The Christian's great interest by William Guthrie (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Continue reading Part 1 by reading Chapter Two, 'The various way by which men are drawn to Christ.' My summary Guthrie continues his First Part of the book looking at 'How a person may know if he hath a true and special interest in Christ and whether he doth lay just claim to God's favour and salvation.'
In this Chapter Guthrie outlines the various ways by which men are drawn to Christ.
People can be drawn without a conscious preparatory work of the law in three ways: (i) Some are called from the womb (the Biblical example being John the Baptist); (ii) Some are called in mature life, in a sovereign gospel-way (the Biblical example being Zaccheus) (iii) Some are graciously called as death approaches (the Biblical example being the thief on the cross).
But generally people are prepared for Christ by the work of the law: (i) The Lord lays siege to them; (ii) The Lord overcomes a special stronghold in the garrison - a refuge of lies; (iii) They become careful about their salvation; (iv) The Lord infuses in their mind the possibility of their salvation; (v) Desire is quickened; (vi) They consider in themselves what they must do; (vii) They resolve to pray.
Then to close the Chapter Guthrie looks at the difference between the preparatory work of the law which leads to salvation and the temporary convictions of those who relapse. Hypocrites and reprobates will generally: (i) Confine themselves to a few very gross transgressions; (ii) Do not see themselves as totally corrupt; (iii) Allow other business to distract them from their conviction of sin. What grabbed me I found the section on the difference between convictions of the reprobate and Christians very helpful. Particularly the first point about their fixation only on major sin: 'The convictions of hypocrites and reprobates are usually confined to some few very gross transgressions. Saul grants no more but the persecuting of David. [1 Sam 26:21] Judas grants only the betraying of innocent blood [Matthew 27:4]; but usually those convictions by which the Lord prepareth His own way in the soul, although they may begin at one or more gross particular transgressions, yet they stop not; but the man is led on to see many breaches of the law, and "innumerable evils compassing Him" [Ps 40:12], as David speaketh in the sight of his sin. And withhal, that universal conviction, if I may call it so, is not general, as usually we hear senseless men saying, "that in all things they sin"; but it is particular and condescending, as Paul afterwards spake of himself: he not only is the chief of sinners, but particularly, he was a blasphemer a persecutor. [1 Tim 1:13]' Most insightful. Yes, we are to recognise the big sins we have committed. But it doesn't stop there if we are on the road to salvation. The little sins aggravate us as well. Next week's reading Continue reading Part 1 by reading Chapter 3.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading Christian ministry by Charles Bridges (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Continue reading Part 3 by reading Chapters 4 and 5. My summary Bridges continues his section looking at 'causes of ministerial inefficiency connected with our personal character'.
Chapter Four looks at how a want of Christian self denial can make a minister ineffectual. Self-denial includes yielding time to minister to difficult people and foregoing excessive recreation and amusements.
Chapter Five shows how covetousness (for Bridges this primarily a love of worldly possessions and riches) is a cause of ineffectual ministry. Bridges says that its 'palpable exhibition is seen in a habit of saving - or a watching too closely over what we have, and a rooted reluctance to part with it.'
What grabbed me Chapter Four on self-denial was excellent. Bridges clearly acknowledges that there is a place for recreation: 'Some total diversion will however occasionally be needed. And let him not suppose, that his Master requires labour, when both his body and spirits demand rest. A wise management of diversion will tend rather to strengthen, than to enervate, the tone of his spiritual character, and the power of his Minister.'
But what Bridges is against is recreation that distracts the minister from his task: 'Mr Cecil cut the strings of his violin, and threw aside his painting brush, when he detected his indulgence diverting his mind from present duty.'
The other helpful point was that when we read any book (or watch any television etc) we cannot switch off. Bridge's quote from Scott is well worth noting: 'All our reading ought to be subservient to the immediate object of instruction. We may read any book, anicent or modern, sacred or profane, infidel, heretical, or what not; but always as Ministers, to note such things, as may the better enable us to defend and plead for the "truth as it is in Jesus;" never merely for amusement or curiosity, or love of learning, simply for its own sake, or for the credit or advantages derived from it.'
Next week's reading
Continue reading Part 3 by reading Chapters 6, 7 and 8.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading Sinfulness of sin by Ralph Venning (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example).Continue reading Section 3 by reading Points 4, 5 and 6.
My summary Venning continues his section on the witnesses against sin by looking at the witness of creation, the law and the gospel.
Creation witnesses against sin by: (i) the fact that sin has injured creation; (ii) teaching man about his sin; (iii) punishing sinners.
The law witnesses against sin both before sin is committed and after it is committed.
The gospel witnesses against sin through its doctrinal, mandatory, promising, menacing, exemplary and experimental parts.
What grabbed me I liked the point that creatures shame man for being lazy: 'Man was not to be idle in paradise, and every man should have a calling to follow and should follow his calling. The apostle says, he that will not labour must not eat. From idleness comes no good, yet alas how many busy-bodies there are who do nothing but idle away their days! To these the creatures speak by their industry, and Solomon refers the sluggard to the ant to learn (Proverbs 6.6-11). It is not only, Go to the infidel (for he that provides not for his family is worse than an infidel); but it is, Go to the ant. Perhaps your wife and children lack certain conveniences, even necessities, while you are idle. Go to the ant, thou sluggard!'
Because of sin dumb animals are more industrious than man who has been granted greater wisdom. We must do everything we can to redeem time from sin's clutches!
(Did I find a typo today in one of Venning's headings? Venning says '2. The law takes occasion by the commandment to deceive us. The Apostle says that it did so to him (Romans 7.11).' But Paul says sin deceived him and the rest of the headings in the section begin with a 'Sin...'. Is it a typo or can the law deceive us?)
Next week's reading Finish reading Section 3 by reading Point 7.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading City of God by Augustine (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Begin reading Book 4 (Chapters 1-16). My summary At the beginning of Book Four Augustine summarises Books One, Two and Three and how they relate to his defence that Christ cannot be blamed for Rome's fall. In Book One Augustine proved from Roman authors that history demonstrates 'that the false gods whom they used to worship openly and still worship secretly, are really unclean spirits.' In Books Two and Three Augustine showed that there were disasters in Rome before Christianity arrived, particularly moral evils (Book Two) and physical disasters (Book Three).
Then Augustine continues with Book Four making further mockery of Roman gods. Firstly he asks how the Assyrian empire worshipped non-Roman gods and was more successful than Rome. Then the rest of today's reading is taken up with looking at how the polytheistic Romans have too many gods and so cannot worship any supreme god and credit the empire's success. He also critiques pantheism and calling humans gods.
What grabbed me Augustine is great at showing how illogical it is to worship multiple gods - a polytheist cannot hope to be successful: 'since there are so many [gods] that they cannot all be recognised and worshipped.' One of the examples he gives is classic: 'Each man appoints one door-keeper for his house and that one, being a man, is enough. But the Romans appointed three gods; Forculus to guard the doors (fores); Cardea the hinges (cardo); Limentinus the threshold (limen). So Forculus could not guard both hinges and threshold at the same time.' To keep your doorway safe you have to keep three gods on side, not just one. And this is just the door, let alone the house, the city or the empire!
How wonderful it is to be a Christian and know that there is only one God who reigns supreme. When I am worried about the door, I pray to the LORD. When I am worried about money, I pray to the LORD. When I am worried about the city, I pray to the LORD. So much peace for the monotheist! Next week's reading Finish Book 4 (Chapters 17-34)
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading Life and times of George Whitefield by Robert Philip (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read Chapter Seven up to the paragraph that begins 'When Whitefield saw the first-fruits of this harvest, he wisely pressed into the field, as his successor, Gilbert Tennent' (page 156 in the Banner of Truth edition).
My summary Today's reading is the beginning of a chapter on Whitefield's work in America again.
Most of the first part of the Chapter is concerned with giving a 'brief sktech of the character and principles of the founders of the first American churches'. This sketch includes some of the work of Jonathan Edwards and his encounters with revival. This then leads into an account of Whitefield's experience of revival in America as well.
What grabbed me Wonderful description of the revival under Edwards: 'The chief characteristics of this work, at its commencement, were, - a melting down of all classes and ages in overwhelming solicitude about salvation; an absorbing sense of eternal realities, which banished all vain and useless conversation; a self-abasement and self-condemnation, which acquitted God of all severity, whatever he might do; a spirit of secret and social prayer, which redeemed time for itself under all circumstances; and a concern for the souls of others, which watched for all opportunities of doing good.'
Now that's what I want in my suburb!
Next week's reading Continue reading Chapter Seven up to the paragraph 'After visiting various places, and producing every where a great impression, Whitefield arrived at New York...' (top of page 175 in Banner of Truth edition).
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading Finally alive by John Piper (available from Amazon or free on the internet here) - Read Chapters Eleven and Twelve. My summary In Chapter Eleven Piper explores the relationship between regeneration, faith and love. His conclusion is that regeneration causes faith and faith then causes love for others.
In Chapter Twelve Piper looks at how Christians deal with sin while living in full assurance of salvation. The answer is not to disengage the spiritual from the physical - you are still meant to behave righteously. But when you do sin, fly to your advocate - Jesus Christ.
What grabbed me I liked how Piper turned around the statement from 1 John that God's commands are not burdensome to reflect the positive meaning, they are desirable: 'And if the commandments are not burdensome, what are they? They are desirable. What you desire to do with your whole heart is not burdensome to do. Listen to the psalmist. Psalm 40:8: “I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 119:24: “Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.” Psalm 119:35: “Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.” Psalm 119:92: “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Loving God means admiring and valuing and treasuring and desiring him with such ardency and authenticity that his will is our delight and is not burdensome.'
We should delight in the law, not despise it.
Next week's reading Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Required reading Holiness by J C Ryle (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read Chapter , 'Growth'.
My summary Now Ryle turns to the subject of the growth of the Christian.
Firstly he demonstrates that growth is a reality and should be seen.
Secondly, Ryle gives marks of religious growth, increased: (i) humility; (ii) faith and love towards Jesus; (iii) holiness of life and conversation; (iv) spirituality of taste and mind; (v) charity; (vi) zeal and diligence in trying to do good to souls.
Finally Ryle looks at the means of religious growth: (i) diligence in the use of private means of grace (e.g. private prayer, Bible reading, meditation, self examination); (ii) carefulness in the use of public means of grace (e.g. involvement with a visible church); (iii) watchfulness over conduct in the little matters of everyday life; (iv) caution about the company we keep; (v) regular and habitual communion with Jesus.
What grabbed me I was most struck by the point about an increase of spirituality of taste and mind as a mark of growth: 'The man whose soul is growing takes more interest in spiritual things every year. He does not neglect his duty in the world. He discharges faithfully, diligently and conscientiously every relation of life, whether at home or abroad. But the things he loves best are spiritual things. The ways and fashions and amusements and recreations of the world have a continually decreasing place in his heart. He does not condemn them as downright sinful, nor say that those who have anything to do with them are going to hell. He only feels that they have a constantly diminishing hold on his own affections and gradually seem smaller and more trifling in his eyes. Spiritual companions, spiritual occupations, spiritual conversation appear of ever–increasing value to him. Would anyone know if he is growing in grace? Then let him look within for increasing spirituality of taste.'
Without trying to sound pious, this is one point that I have observed in my own life. There has been a gradual disinterestedness in things that used to amuse me greatly. For example, at one point you couldn't get me away from the Nintendo 64, then the Gamecube and then the Xbox. Now, I have no desire (absolutely none) to play any of them. Not because I condemned them as sinful and made a decision to not play them. But, as Ryle says, my tastes have changed.
Thanks be to God and may it continue happening!
Next week's reading Chapter 7, 'Assurance'.
Now it's your turn Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
