Tag Archives: Salvation

I’m Just an Impenetrable Fortress of Unknowability

Posted on by
2

“I’ve received many emails from opinionated folks saying, ‘I have extensively researched this issue,’ by which they mean, ‘I’ve read a lot of blogs.’ Let’s be clear: neither frequent viewership of Fox News nor owning a copy of An Inconvenient Truth makes one ‘an expert.’ ” – Green Like God by Jonathan Merritt, p. 166

“A human being is like a novel: until the last page you don’t know how it will end. Or it wouldn’t be worth reading…” – We by Yevgeny Zamyatin, p. 162

“We realize that we are saved not just to be forgiven of our sins or to be assured of our eternity in heaven, but we are saved to know God.” – Radical by David Platt, p. 39

[girls are] “an impenetrable fortress of unknowability, really.” – An Abundance of Katherines by John Green, p. 76

“Of all the great world religions, Christianity should value the body most. After all, it taught that God had in some sense taken a human body and used it to redeem the world; everything about the physical should have been sacred and sacramental.” – The Spiral Staircase by Karen Armstrong, p. 219

“I’m at a point now where if preachers can’t come up with something other than inspirational speeches, then maybe they should just read from the word for their sermon.” – a college student quoted in Radical by David Platt, p. 40

“Americans are a charitable people, but what we give away is not quite as astounding when seen in proportion to what we keep.” – Green Like God by Jonathan Merritt, p. 130-131

“Poems are short because nobody can keep up that level of stupidness for more than one page.” – Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson

“As for the future, the only way that the world can say no to genocide is to make sure the people of Darfur are returned to their homes and given protection. If the world allows the people of Darfur to be removed forever from their land and their way of life, then genocide will happen elsewhere because it will be seen as something that works.” – The Translator by Daoud Hari, p. X

“For example, you’re probably not expecting me to ask you out for dinner tonight.” – Taub
(immediately)”No thanks.” – House
“You won’t even consider it?”
“I did, just very quickly.” – House episode “The Choice”

“Do you ever wonder whether people would like you more or less if they could see inside you?” – An Abundance of Katherines by John Green, p. 149

Book: Holiness by J.C. Ryle

Posted on by
Reply

The book Holiness by J.C. Ryle is excellent. Ryle was an Anglican Bishop in the 19th century, but there are very few points where that was evident. The issues that he was alarmed with in his day and country are for the most part also present today.

This is a great read for anyone who desires to walk closer to God. Ryle is easy to read and offers much food for thought. Here are a few awesome quotes:
“Many appear to think that, once converted, they have little more to attend to, and that a state of salvation is a kind of easy chair, in which they may just sit still, lie back, and be happy.” – p. 72
“There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough–a cheap Christianity which offends nobody, and is worth nothing.” – p. 89
“Beware of following Christ from any secondary motive–to please relations and friends–to keep in with the custom of the place or family in which you reside–to appear respectable and have the reputation of being religious. Follow Christ for His own sake, if you follow Him at all.” – p. 107
“For my own part, it seems just as easy to argue that we do not exist, as to argue that the Bible does not teach the reality and eternity of hell.” – p. 109
“Take heed, lest you are found at the left hand of Christ at last–a lost Episcopalian or a lost Presbyterian, a lost Baptist or a lost Methodist–lost because, with all your zeal for your own party and your own communion table, you never joined the one true Church.” – p. 141
Ronnica,
NaBloPoMo, Day 16

Thoughts on The Costly Call

Posted on by
Reply

For Christmas, April gave me the book The Costly Call which details the salvation work of God in the lives of former Muslims. The stories are amazing and really made me think about what I was willing to endure for the sake of Christ.

I noticed several commonalities that many of the true stories contained. First of all, in each situation there was the involvement of a Christian, whether a fellow countryman, European, or American. There was always someone who planted the seed, shared the gospel, put the gospel in action, or prayed. The first witness to Christ usually came through godly living, not through a specific gospel presentation. These believers were used by God as they sought to serve Him. While God is capable of saving someone without any human help whatsoever, He lovingly uses His people to bring more sheep into the fold.

Secondly, there was a high place for the Word of God in these testimonies. Many of new believers avidly read or heard the Bible both before and after conversion. We must remember that God’s Word has power beyond our own.

Also, persecution played a large part of many of the conversion stories. It was not pleasant to read, but it was sobering. Often times it was only through the suffering that a believer endured for Christ’s sake that a loved one would understand that their faith was in the only true God.

Finally, most of the believers struggled with whether or not they, as a Muslim, could follow Christ in rejection of their culture, community, and family’s beliefs. This is specifically laid out in the last heart-breaking story. The truth is, God’s truth is true for all people, regardless of the background. May this spur us on in prayer for those yet without the Gospel!

The Costly Call is an easy read and engaging which makes it for good break fare. I suggest that you pick up a copy and allow God to speak through these testimonies! I look forward to reading the second book…