Have I Done Enough For God? (Luther)

Near the end of one of his greatest works, The Bondage of The Will, Martin Luther explained his position on "free will" in personal terms. I highlighted this in my copy way back in September 2001. I still think it's a wonderful passage and I hope you enjoy it as well: For my own part, …

To Christians Who Are Suffering

One thing I try to avoid on this blog is talking about myself. I am somewhat of a private person and I don't like putting much personal information in public places like this blog. But sometimes my blog posts here are directly related to things I'm going through in my own Christian walk (e.g. joy, …

Was Paul Bragging?

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, the Apostle wrote this: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. (2 Tim. 4:7-8 NIV). If one …

Hypocrisy, Grace, and Forgiveness (Newton)

While studying various writings on hypocrisy today I came across this excellent letter John Newton wrote to his wife in 1757. In the letter Newton discussed hypocrisy in a very tender way. This was comforting to me; perhaps it will be a blessing to you as well. If you are really afraid of being an …

The Despair of Unworthiness and the Love of God (Sibbes)

Hosea 14:4 contains a wonderful promise of God: "I will heal their waywardness and love them freely..." (NIV). This two-fold promise can help the Christian who struggles with feelings of unworthiness before God. Richard Sibbes (d. 1635) explained this reality quite well. The quote is rich, but it's not too long. It really is worth …