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Robin
Robin
Lake Park, Georgia USA
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Joined: January 2002
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Recent Posts
"Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines."
by Pilgrim - Sat May 30, 2026 5:23 AM
"Thou hatest wickedness."
by Pilgrim - Fri May 29, 2026 5:16 AM
"Whom He justified, them He also glorified."
by Pilgrim - Thu May 28, 2026 6:27 AM
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."
by Pilgrim - Tue May 26, 2026 7:04 AM
Active Threads | Active Posts | Unanswered Today | Since Yesterday | This Week
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"Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines." Pilgrim Yesterday at 09:23 AM
05/30/AM

"Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines."

—Song of Solomon 2:15 "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes."


A little thorn may cause much suffering. A little cloud may hide the sun. Little foxes spoil the vines; and little sins do mischief to the tender heart. These little sins burrow in the soul, and make it so full of that which is hateful to Christ, that He will hold no comfortable fellowship and communion with us. A great sin cannot destroy a Christian, but a little sin can make him miserable. Jesus will not walk with His people unless they drive out every known sin. He says, "If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." Some Christians very seldom enjoy their Saviour's presence. How is this? Surely it must be an affliction for a tender child to be separated from his father. Art thou a child of God, and yet satisfied to go on without seeing thy Father's face? What! thou the spouse of Christ, and yet content without His company! Surely, thou hast fallen into a sad state, for the chaste spouse of Christ mourns like a dove without her mate, when he has left her. Ask, then, the question, what has driven Christ from thee? He hides His face behind the wall of thy sins. That wall may be built up of little pebbles, as easily as of great stones. The sea is made of drops; the rocks are made of grains: and the sea which divides thee from Christ may be filled with the drops of thy little sins; and the rock which has well nigh wrecked thy barque, may have been made by the daily working of the coral insects of thy little sins. If thou wouldst live with Christ, and walk with Christ, and see Christ, and have fellowship with Christ, take heed of "the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes." Jesus invites you to go with Him and take them. He will surely, like Samson, take the foxes at once and easily. Go with Him to the hunting.

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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"Thou hatest wickedness." Pilgrim Fri May 29, 2026 9:16 AM
05/29/AM

"Thou hatest wickedness."

—Psalm 45:7 "Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows."


"Be ye angry, and sin not." There can hardly be goodness in a man if he be not angry at sin; he who loves truth must hate every false way. How our Lord Jesus hated it when the temptation came! Thrice it assailed Him in different forms, but ever He met it with, "Get thee behind me, Satan." He hated it in others; none the less fervently because He showed His hate oftener in tears of pity than in words of rebuke; yet what language could be more stern, more Elijah-like, than the words, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer." He hated wickedness, so much that He bled to wound it to the heart; He died that it might die; He was buried that He might bury it in His tomb; and He rose that He might for ever trample it beneath His feet. Christ is in the Gospel, and that Gospel is opposed to wickedness in every shape. Wickedness arrays itself in fair garments, and imitates the language of holiness; but the precepts of Jesus, like His famous scourge of small cords, chase it out of the temple, and will not tolerate it in the Church. So, too, in the heart where Jesus reigns, what war there is between Christ and Belial! And when our Redeemer shall come to be our Judge, those thundering words, "Depart, ye cursed" which are, indeed, but a prolongation of His life-teaching concerning sin, shall manifest His abhorrence of iniquity. As warm as is His love to sinners, so hot is His hatred of sin; as perfect as is His righteousness, so complete shall be the destruction of every form of wickedness. O thou glorious champion of right, and destroyer of wrong, for this cause hath God, even Thy God, anointed thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows.

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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"Whom He justified, them He also glorified." Pilgrim Thu May 28, 2026 10:27 AM
05/28/AM

"Whom He justified, them He also glorified."

—Romans 8:29-30 (KJV) "29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."


Here is a precious truth for thee, believer. Thou mayest be poor, or in suffering, or unknown, but for thine encouragement take a review of thy "calling" and the consequences that flow from it, and especially that blessed result here spoken of. As surely as thou art God's child today, so surely shall all thy trials soon be at an end, and thou shalt be rich to all the intents of bliss. Wait awhile, and that weary head shall wear the crown of glory, and that hand of labour shall grasp the palm-branch of victory. Lament not thy troubles, but rather rejoice that ere long thou wilt be where "there shall be neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." The chariots of fire are at thy door, and a moment will suffice to bear thee to the glorified. The everlasting song is almost on thy lip. The portals of heaven stand open for thee. Think not that thou canst fail of entering into rest. If He hath called thee, nothing can divide thee from His love. Distress cannot sever the bond; the fire of persecution cannot burn the link; the hammer of hell cannot break the chain. Thou art secure; that voice which called thee at first, shall call thee yet again from earth to heaven, from death's dark gloom to immortality's unuttered splendours. Rest assured, the heart of Him who has justified thee beats with infinite love towards thee. Thou shalt soon be with the glorified, where thy portion is; thou art only waiting here to be made meet for the inheritance, and that done, the wings of angels shall waft thee far away, to the mount of peace, and joy, and blessedness, where,

"Far from a world of grief and sin,
With God eternally shut in,"
thou shalt rest for ever and ever.

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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Ours is peculiarly an age of irreverence chestnutmare Wed May 27, 2026 2:02 PM
Ours is peculiarly an age of irreverence, and as the consequence, the spirit of lawlessness, which brooks no restraint and which is desirous of casting off everything which interferes with the free course of self-will, is rapidly engulfing the earth like some giant tidal wave.

~ Arthur Pink
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"So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet." Pilgrim Wed May 27, 2026 9:34 AM
05/27/AM

"So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet."
—2 Samuel 9:13


Mephibosheth was no great ornament to a royal table, yet he had a continual place at David's board, because the king could see in his face the features of the beloved Jonathan. Like Mephibosheth, we may cry unto the King of Glory, "What is Thy servant, that Thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am?" but still the Lord indulges us with most familiar intercourse with Himself, because He sees in our countenances the remembrance of His dearly-beloved Jesus. The Lord's people are dear for another's sake. Such is the love which the Father bears to His only begotten, that for His sake He raises His lowly brethren from poverty and banishment, to courtly companionship, noble rank, and royal provision. Their deformity shall not rob them of their privileges. Lameness is no bar to sonship; the cripple is as much the heir as if he could run like Asahel. Our right does not limp, though our might may. A king's table is a noble hiding-place for lame legs, and at the gospel feast we learn to glory in infirmities, because the power of Christ resteth upon us. Yet grievous disability may mar the persons of the best-loved saints. Here is one feasted by David, and yet so lame in both his feet that he could not go up with the king when he fled from the city, and was therefore maligned and injured by his servant Ziba. Saints whose faith is weak, and whose knowledge is slender, are great losers; they are exposed to many enemies, and cannot follow the king whithersoever he goeth. This disease frequently arises from falls. Bad nursing in their spiritual infancy often causes converts to fall into a despondency from which they never recover, and sin in other cases brings broken bones. Lord, help the lame to leap like an hart, and satisfy all Thy people with the bread of Thy table!

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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Theology Discussion Forum
Re: Years between Niveveh's repentance and the Assyrian invasion of the Northern Kindgom SovereignGrace Tue May 26, 2026 11:23 PM
Originally Posted by Pilgrim
Originally Posted by John_C
What do we make of Nineveh's repentance in Jonah? Was it total or partial? It wasn't that many years between their repentance and their invasion of the Northern Kingdom. Their repentance must not have lasted long.
1. One's repentance does not necessarily equate to a single act which is never repeated. Even Christians can and do repent of some sin and then repeat it again, even many times. But they repent at each offense and beg for God's forgiveness. (cf. Paul's confession of his struggle after conversion in Rom 7 and 1Jh 1:9,10).

2. It is estimated that a period of 38 to 50 years elapsed between Ninevah's repentance and its invasion of the northern kingdom by the Assyrians.
Seems like I read it was about 100 years from their repentance to their demise, but I could be mistaken.
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"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Pilgrim Tue May 26, 2026 11:04 AM
05/26/AM

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."

—Psalm 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Care, even though exercised upon legitimate objects, if carried to excess, has in it the nature of sin. The precept to avoid anxious care is earnestly inculcated by our Saviour, again and again; it is reiterated by the apostles; and it is one which cannot be neglected without involving transgression: for the very essence of anxious care is the imagining that we are wiser than God, and the thrusting ourselves into His place to do for Him that which He has undertaken to do for us. We attempt to think of that which we fancy He will forget; we labour to take upon ourselves our weary burden, as if He were unable or unwilling to take it for us. Now this disobedience to His plain precept, this unbelief in His Word, this presumption in intruding upon His province, is all sinful. Yet more than this, anxious care often leads to acts of sin. He who cannot calmly leave his affairs in God's hand, but will carry his own burden, is very likely to be tempted to use wrong means to help himself. This sin leads to a forsaking of God as our counsellor, and resorting instead to human wisdom. This is going to the "broken cistern" instead of to the "fountain;" a sin which was laid against Israel of old. Anxiety makes us doubt God's lovingkindness, and thus our love to Him grows cold; we feel mistrust, and thus grieve the Spirit of God, so that our prayers become hindered, our consistent example marred, and our life one of self-seeking. Thus want of confidence in God leads us to wander far from Him; but if through simple faith in His promise, we cast each burden as it comes upon Him, and are "careful for nothing" because He undertakes to care for us, it will keep us close to Him, and strengthen us against much temptation. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee."

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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In affliction chestnutmare Tue May 26, 2026 10:55 AM
The LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart. Deuteronomy 8:2.

In affliction God reveals the unknown corruptions in the heart of his people what pride, impatience, unbelief, idolatry, distrust of God, murmuring, and unthanktulness. Sin lies very close and deep and is not easily discerned until the fire of affliction comes. The furnace discovers the dross. In the furnace we see more corruption than was ever suspected. What self-love is there boiling and fretting within me, what pride, distrust in God, creature-confidence, discontent, murmuring, rising against the holy and righteous dispensations of God! Woe is me, what a heart I have! Affliction also brings old sins to remembrance: We are guilty concerning our brother (Gen. 42:21). Twenty years after they had sold him into slavery Joseph’s brothers recalled this in their affliction. Suffering times bring sin to mind. In affiction, he empties us of ourselves to make us fly to Jesus Christ for righteousness and strength. He lets us see what is crooked that we may straighten it; what is weak that we may strengthen it; what is lacking that we may supply it; and what is lame that it may not be turned out of the way. Affliction also teaches us to pray. They that have never prayed before, will pray in affliction. They will pray more frequently and fervently. David was always a praying man, but now under persecution he did nothing else (Psa. 109:4). It is sad to consider that in our peace and tranquillity, we pray carelessly by fits and starts, and let every trifle come before prayer. In our affliction, God keeps us upon our knees. Christ himself in agony prayed more intensively (Luke 22:44). So with David (Psa. 22). He gathered up all his strength to pray, and like a true son of Jacob, wrestled with God, and would not let him go until he got the blessing.

~ Thomas Case
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Theology Discussion Forum
Re: Years between Niveveh's repentance and the Assyrian invasion of the Northern Kindgom Robin Tue May 26, 2026 10:42 AM
My goodness, I repent every single day! And often for the same sins that that have become habits. I "preach the gospel to myself" every day as well, to remind me that it is God who is at work in me both to will and to do His good pleasure. Daily repentance - even sometimes minute-by-minute repentance - is one of the marks of having been born from Above.
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Open Forum
Re: A response to the papal encycylical 'Magnifici Humanitas' on AI Pilgrim Mon May 25, 2026 10:25 PM
The author has done a commendable job and is, IMHO, worth reading. Methinks the average believer should not engage with Rome but dismiss it for it is far too easy to be deceived and led astray. Scholarly, trained and faithful men may engage with such writings as academic exercise and then counsel the church as to the value, demerits and dangers involved. Karl Barth may have uttered some truths concerning God, but he is certainly not recommended reading to one who desires to gather truth and grow in grace. Scripture is the sole and final authority for all matters of faith and life. And so few professing believers, laity and clergy alike, in our day have a rudimentary grasp of what God has revealed in His word, never mind putting it to practice. As the author mentions wisely as has been the perennial question, "Who guards the guardians?" Far too many "intellectual giants" have gone astray and thus wisdom from on high surely should be prayed for an sought after through the contents of divine revelation; the Bible. I have seen too many totally errant results come from AI on items such as politic and morals. The creators of the algorithms have a bias and it is reflected in their creations. In short, my opinion is... BEWARE of AI in matters of morals, justice, etc. which Scripture is most always perspicuous for specific applications and for general application and principles of good, truth and righteousness.
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Theology Discussion Forum
Re: Years between Niveveh's repentance and the Assyrian invasion of the Northern Kindgom Pilgrim Mon May 25, 2026 9:30 PM
Originally Posted by John_C
What do we make of Nineveh's repentance in Jonah? Was it total or partial? It wasn't that many years between their repentance and their invasion of the Northern Kingdom. Their repentance must not have lasted long.
1. One's repentance does not necessarily equate to a single act which is never repeated. Even Christians can and do repent of some sin and then repeat it again, even many times. But they repent at each offense and beg for God's forgiveness. (cf. Paul's confession of his struggle after conversion in Rom 7 and 1Jh 1:9,10).

2. It is estimated that a period of 38 to 50 years elapsed between Ninevah's repentance and its invasion of the northern kingdom by the Assyrians.
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Open Forum
A response to the papal encycylical 'Magnifici Humanitas' on AI John_C Mon May 25, 2026 7:18 PM
I came across this response to the Pope's declaration on AI. It's a little over my head, but wondering what others may think.

https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/52...nifica%20Humanitas.pdf?ver=1779723270231
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Theology Discussion Forum
Years between Niveveh's repentance and the Assyrian invasion of the Northern Kindgom John_C Mon May 25, 2026 11:48 AM
What do we make of Nineveh's repentance in Jonah? Was it total or partial? It wasn't that many years between their repentance and their invasion of the Northern Kingdom. Their repentance must not have lasted long.
3 580 Read More
Open Forum
Memorial Day Pilgrim Mon May 25, 2026 9:41 AM
Today, in the United States of America we celebrate in remembrance those who have given their very lives in battle and service to our country that freedom may live on and liberty enjoyed by all. It is indeed a time of remembrance of the dead but also of reflection upon those who are currently serving in the military and other first responders so that all here and those elsewhere who likewise are doing what we too often take for granted and that which they risk their lives that we may go about our everyday lives. Take just a moment out of your busy routine today and give thanks to God for the manifest blessings you are enjoying because He has raised up brave men and women to fight and work to keep you free from the evil of this world. And remember the families that have lost their sons and daughters who gave the ultimate price to preserve what we have now and hopefully for many years to come.

In Flanders Fields
John McCrae
1872 –1918


In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
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"Forsake me not, O Lord." Pilgrim Mon May 25, 2026 9:25 AM
05/25/AM

"Forsake me not, O Lord."

—Psalms 38:18-22 (KJV) "18. For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. 19. But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. 20. They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. 21. Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. 22. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation."


Frequently we pray that God would not forsake us in the hour of trial and temptation, but we too much forget that we have need to use this prayer at all times. There is no moment of our life, however holy, in which we can do without His constant upholding. Whether in light or in darkness, in communion or in temptation, we alike need the prayer, "Forsake me not, O Lord." "Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe." A little child, while learning to walk, always needs the nurse's aid. The ship left by the pilot drifts at once from her course. We cannot do without continued aid from above; let it then be your prayer to-day, "Forsake me not. Father, forsake not Thy child, lest he fall by the hand of the enemy. Shepherd, forsake not Thy lamb, lest he wander from the safety of the fold. Great Husbandman, forsake not Thy plant, lest it wither and die. 'Forsake me not, O Lord,' now; and forsake me not at any moment of my life. Forsake me not in my joys, lest they absorb my heart. Forsake me not in my sorrows, lest I murmur against Thee. Forsake me not in the day of my repentance, lest I lose the hope of pardon, and fall into despair; and forsake me not in the day of my strongest faith, lest faith degenerate into presumption. Forsake me not, for without Thee I am weak, but with Thee I am strong. Forsake me not, for my path is dangerous, and full of snares, and I cannot do without Thy guidance. The hen forsakes not her brood, do Thou then evermore cover me with Thy feathers, and permit me under Thy wings to find my refuge. 'Be not far from me, O Lord, for trouble is near, for there is none to help.' 'Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation!'"

"O ever in our cleansed breast,
Bid Thine Eternal Spirit rest;
And make our secret soul to be
A temple pure and worthy Thee."

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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"Blessed be God, which hath nor turned away my prayer." Pilgrim Sun May 24, 2026 10:40 AM
05/24/AM

"Blessed be God, which hath nor turned away my prayer."

—Psalm 66:20 "Blessed be God, Who hath not turned away my prayer, Nor his lovingkindness from me."


In looking back upon the character of our prayers, if we do it honestly, we shall be filled with wonder that God has ever answered them. There may be some who think their I prayers worthy of acceptance--as the Pharisee did; but the true Christian, in a more enlightened retrospect, weeps over his prayers, and if he could retrace his steps he would desire to pray more earnestly. Remember, Christian, how cold thy prayers have been. When in thy closet thou shouldst have wrestled as Jacob did; but instead thereof, thy petitions have been faint and few--far removed from that humble, believing, persevering faith, which cries, "I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me." Yet, wonderful to say, God has heard these cold prayers of thine, and not only heard, but answered them. Reflect also, how infrequent have been thy prayers, unless thou hast been in trouble, and then thou hast gone often to the mercy-seat: but when deliverance has come, where has been thy constant supplication? Yet, notwithstanding thou hast ceased to pray as once thou didst, God has not ceased to bless. When thou hast neglected the mercy-seat, God has not deserted it, but the bright light of the Shekinah has always been visible between the wings of the cherubim. Oh! it is marvellous that the Lord should regard those intermittent spasms of importunity which come and go with our necessities. What a God is He thus to hear the prayers of those who come to Him when they have pressing wants, but neglect Him when they have received a mercy; who approach Him when they are forced to come, but who almost forget to address Him when mercies are plentiful and sorrows are few. Let His gracious kindness in hearing such prayers touch our hearts, so that we may henceforth be found "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit."

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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God is sovereign chestnutmare Sat May 23, 2026 10:45 AM
There can be no progress in Divine things until there is the personal recognition that God is Supreme, that He is to be feared and revered, that He is to be owned and served as Lord.…

To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will.... The sovereignty of the God of Scripture is absolute, irresistible, infinite.” To put it now in its strongest form, we insist that God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases; that whatever takes place in time is but the outworking of that which He decreed in eternity.

~ Arthur Pink, “The Sovereignty of God”

“You are My witnesses,” says the LORD,
“And My servant whom I have chosen,
That you may know and believe Me,
And understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed,
Nor shall there be after Me.
I, even I, am the LORD,
And besides Me there is no savior.
I have declared and saved,
I have proclaimed,
And there was no foreign god among you;
Therefore you are My witnesses,”
Says the LORD, “that I am God.
Indeed before the day was, I am He;
And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand;
I work, and who will reverse it?” Isaiah 43:10-13
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"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me." Pilgrim Sat May 23, 2026 10:06 AM
05/23/AM

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me."

—Psalm 138:8 "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."


Most manifestly the confidence which the Psalmist here expressed was a divine confidence. He did not say, "I have grace enough to perfect that which concerneth me--my faith is so steady that it will not stagger--my love is so warm that it will never grow cold--my resolution is so firm that nothing can move it; no, his dependence was on the Lord alone. If we indulge in any confidence which is not grounded on the Rock of ages, our confidence is worse than a dream, it will fall upon us, and cover us with its ruins, to our sorrow and confusion. All that Nature spins time will unravel, to the eternal confusion of all who are clothed therein. The Psalmist was wise, he rested upon nothing short of the Lord's work. It is the Lord who has begun the good work within us; it is He who has carried it on; and if he does not finish it, it never will be complete. If there be one stitch in the celestial garment of our righteousness which we are to insert ourselves, then we are lost; but this is our confidence, the Lord who began will perfect. He has done it all, must do it all, and will do it all. Our confidence must not be in what we have done, nor in what we have resolved to do, but entirely in what the Lord will do. Unbelief insinuates-- "You will never be able to stand. Look at the evil of your heart, you can never conquer sin; remember the sinful pleasures and temptations of the world that beset you, you will be certainly allured by them and led astray." Ah! yes, we should indeed perish if left to our own strength. If we had alone to navigate our frail vessels over so rough a sea, we might well give up the voyage in despair; but, thanks be to God, He will perfect that which concerneth us, and bring us to the desired haven. We can never be too confident when we confide in Him alone, and never too much concerned to have such a trust.

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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"He led them forth by the right way." Pilgrim Fri May 22, 2026 9:35 AM
05/22/AM

"He led them forth by the right way."

—Psalms 107:6-7 (KJV) "6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he delivered them out of their distresses. 7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation."


Changeful experience often leads the anxious believer to enquire "Why is it thus with me?" I looked for light, but lo, darkness came; for peace, but behold trouble. I said in my heart, my mountain standeth firm, I shall never be moved. Lord, thou dost hide Thy face, and I am troubled. It was but yesterday that I could read my title clear; to-day my evidences are bedimmed, and my hopes are clouded. Yesterday I could climb to Pisgah's top, and view the landscape o'er, and rejoice with confidence in my future inheritance; to-day, my spirit has no hopes, but many fears; no joys, but much distress. Is this part of God's plan with me? Can this be the way in which God would bring me to heaven? Yes, it is even so. The eclipse of your faith, the darkness of your mind, the fainting of your hope, all these things are but parts of God's method of making you ripe for the great inheritance upon which you shall soon enter. These trials are for the testing and strengthening of your faith--they are waves that wash you further upon the rock--they are winds which waft your ship the more swiftly towards the desired haven. According to David's words, so it might be said of you, "so He bringeth them to their desired haven." By honour and dishonour, by evil report and by good report, by plenty and by poverty, by joy and by distress, by persecution and by peace, by all these things is the life of your souls maintained, and by each of these are you helped on your way. Oh, think not, believer, that your sorrows are out of God's plan; they are necessary parts of it. "We must, through much tribulation, enter the kingdom." Learn, then, even to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations."

"O let my trembling soul be still,
And wait Thy wise, Thy holy will!
I cannot, Lord, Thy purpose see,
Yet all is well since ruled by Thee."

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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Open Forum
Re: King of Kings Tom Thu May 21, 2026 8:31 PM
Anthony

That is a lot to think about, and at the moment I don’t have the time to do so.

However, I want to state a few things about 2KT.

I am not a fan of some modern forms of 2KT. You might call that R2KT (Radical Two Kingdom Theology).
R2KT is partly responsible for how many Churches responded during Covid.

The government told the Church they must shut their doors, until further notice. Allowing video Church and small meetings, obeying government health rules.
In Canada, several pastors spent time in jail, for not complying with government orders. They were vindicated in court, when their cases were finally held.

Despite that, many prominent pastors and theologians condemned them, for not “loving their neighbours.”
In the USA, the government was not as bad. But, Grace Community Church (the Church John MacArthur pastored), was taken to court quite a few times by Governor Newsom. Grace Community Church won all their cases.
As a result those who held to RTKT such as ‘The Gospel Coalition’, condemned John MacArthur. Saying he likely destroyed over 50 years of ministry by doing that.
————-

I do however hold to the 2KT, held by the Protestant Reformers. I believe Samuel Waldron articulated this view in one of his books; as well as his sermon series on Romans chapter 13.

Tom
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"If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." Pilgrim Thu May 21, 2026 9:30 AM
05/21/AM

"If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."

—1 Peter 2:2-3 (KJV) " 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord [is] gracious."


If:--then, this is not a matter to be taken for granted concerning every one of the human race. "If:"--then there is a possibility and a probability that some may not have tasted that the Lord is gracious. "If:"--then this is not a general but a special mercy; and it is needful to enquire whether we know the grace of God by inward experience. There is no spiritual favour which may not be a matter for heart-searching.

But while this should be a matter of earnest and prayerful inquiry, no one ought to be content whilst there is any such thing as an "if" about his having tasted that the Lord is gracious. A jealous and holy distrust of self may give rise to the question even in the believer's heart, but the continuance of such a doubt would be an evil indeed. We must not rest without a desperate struggle to clasp the Saviour in the arms of faith, and say, "I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him." Do not rest, O believer, till thou hast a full assurance of thine interest in Jesus. Let nothing satisfy thee till, by the infallible witness of the Holy Spirit bearing witness with thy spirit, thou art certified that thou art a child of God. Oh, trifle not here; let no "perhaps" and "peradventure" and "if" and "maybe" satisfy thy soul. Build on eternal verities, and verily build upon them. Get the sure mercies of David, and surely get them. Let thine anchor be cast into that which is within the veil, and see to it that thy soul be linked to the anchor by a cable that will not break. Advance beyond these dreary "ifs;" abide no more in the wilderness of doubts and fears; cross the Jordan of distrust, and enter the Canaan of peace, where the Canaanite still lingers, but where the land ceaseth not to flow with milk and honey.

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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"Marvellous lovingkindness." Pilgrim Wed May 20, 2026 1:09 PM
05/20/AM

"Marvellous lovingkindness."

—Psalm 17:7 "Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them."


When we give our hearts with our alms, we give well, but we must often plead to a failure in this respect. Not so our Master and our Lord. His favours are always performed with the love of His heart. He does not send to us the cold meat and the broken pieces from the table of His luxury, but He dips our morsel in His own dish, and seasons our provisions with the spices of His fragrant affections. When He puts the golden tokens of His grace into our palms, He accompanies the gift with such a warm pressure of our hand, that the manner of His giving is as precious as the boon itself. He will come into our houses upon His errands of kindness, and He will not act as some austere visitors do in the poor man's cottage, but He sits by our side, not despising our poverty, nor blaming our weakness. Beloved, with what smiles does He speak! What golden sentences drop from His gracious lips! What embraces of affection does He bestow upon us! If He had but given us farthings, the way of His giving would have gilded them; but as it is, the costly alms are set in a golden basket by His pleasant carriage. It is impossible to doubt the sincerity of His charity, for there is a bleeding heart stamped upon the face of all His benefactions. He giveth liberally and upbraideth not. Not one hint that we are burdensome to Him; not one cold look for His poor pensioners; but He rejoices in His mercy, and presses us to His bosom while He is pouring out His life for us. There is a fragrance in His spikenard which nothing but His heart could produce; there is a sweetness in His honey-comb which could not be in it unless the very essence of His soul's affection had been mingled with it. Oh! the rare communion which such singular heartiness effecteth! May we continually taste and know the blessedness of it!

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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"I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth." Pilgrim Tue May 19, 2026 10:31 AM
05/19/AM

—Ecclesiastes 10:7 (KJV) "7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth."


Upstarts frequently usurp the highest places, while the truly great pine in obscurity. This is a riddle in providence whose solution will one day gladden the hearts of the upright; but it is so common a fact, that none of us should murmur if it should fall to our own lot. When our Lord was upon earth, although He is the Prince of the kings of the earth, yet He walked the footpath of weariness and service as the Servant of servants: what wonder is it if His followers, who are princes of the blood, should also be looked down upon as inferior and contemptible persons? The world is upside down, and therefore, the first are last and the last first. See how the servile sons of Satan lord it in the earth! What a high horse they ride! How they lift up their horn on high! Haman is in the court, while Mordecai sits in the gate; David wanders on the mountains, while Saul reigns in state; Elijah is complaining in the cave while Jezebel is boasting in the palace; yet who would wish to take the places of the proud rebels? and who, on the other hand, might not envy the despised saints? When the wheel turns, those who are lowest rise, and the highest sink. Patience, then, believer, eternity will right the wrongs of time.

Let us not fall into the error of letting our passions and carnal appetites ride in triumph, while our nobler powers walk in the dust. Grace must reign as a prince, and make the members of the body instruments of righteousness. The Holy Spirit loves order, and He therefore sets our powers and faculties in due rank and place, giving the highest room to those spiritual faculties which link us with the great King; let us not disturb the divine arrangement, but ask for grace that we may keep under our body and bring it into subjection. We were not new created to allow our passions to rule over us, but that we, as kings, may reign in Christ Jesus over the triple kingdom of spirit, soul, and body, to the glory of God the Father.

- Charles H. Spurgeon
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Open Forum
Re: King of Kings Anthony C. Mon May 18, 2026 6:22 PM
Interesting book review… a few insights/sentiments worth sharing… what I summarize as (Christian) natural law - presuppositions for religious freedom. Obviously, we are entering a period that is more defined by the antithesis between those guided by the True Light and those stumbling in darkness, so the relevance of these words are probably a century behind….

Quote
“Deagon feels justified in speaking of a “Christian natural law,” which is rooted in Christian theological convictions and yet is also accessible to non-Christians since it is revealed in nature. Chapter 3 examines the work of several writers—both Christians and non-Christians—who present natural-law theories allegedly independent of whether God exists. Deagon argues that such attempts are ultimately impossible and that these writers have not avoided theology. Natural law theory, he claims, is intrinsically theological and thus never “theologically neutral” (62). In chapter 4, Deagon proposes that the foundational theological principles of love, the true, and the good form the content of Christian natural law….
Part 2 argues that Christian natural law is foundational for religious freedom, understood through these ideas of the good, truth, and love, respectively. In chapter 5, Deagon claims that religious freedom encourages people to pursue the good of religion, whose ultimate end is the beatific vision, that is, intimate eschatological communion with God. Religious freedom, Deagon says, also promotes the common good of our earthly societies by respecting and promoting inherent human dignity. Chapter 6 argues that religious freedom is good because its goal is pursuit of truth, and more specifically of true religion, which is knowledge of God and reconciliation with him. Finally, chapter 7 contends for religious freedom because love does not try to compel people to belief. “Coerced religion is not true or good religion”

Deagon is correct about a number of important big-picture issues, in my judgment. He is right to insist that natural-law theorists cannot avoid certain kinds of theological judgments, even if they avoid speaking about God. God is the creator and upholder of the natural order, after all, and the law it communicates is his. We can be grateful that the content of the natural law—such as the immorality of murder and theft—impresses itself upon non-Christians, and Christians do well to take advantage of that as they participate in moral conversations in public life. But no one can really understand any law without accounting for the authority behind it. One might consider how ridiculous it would be to develop a comprehensive account of American law while trying to remain neutral on whether the United States Congress and Supreme Court actually exist.

Deagon is also correct to note the many important continuities in the natural-law theologies of different Christian traditions. With respect to the medieval theological inheritance, the way early Protestant writers viewed natural law was more similar to how they viewed the doctrine of Christ’s two natures in one person than to how they viewed the doctrine of justification. That is, they thought natural law was a Christian idea they could largely embrace from the earlier tradition without need for major reform. Whether Deagon has too quickly elided Roman Catholic and Reformed versions of natural law, however, is a valid question.

Perhaps most important is that Deagon is correct to defend religious liberty and deserves commendation for taking up the cause.

Nevertheless, several drawbacks impede the book’s overall effectiveness…”

https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=1247
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"In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him." Pilgrim Mon May 18, 2026 10:49 AM
05/18/AM

"In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him."

—Colossians 2:9-12 (KJV) 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.


All the attributes of Christ, as God and man, are at our disposal. All the fulness of the Godhead, whatever that marvellous term may comprehend, is ours to make us complete. He cannot endow us with the attributes of Deity; but He has done all that can be done, for He has made even His divine power and Godhead subservient to our salvation. His omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, immutability and infallibility, are all combined for our defence. Arise, believer, and behold the Lord Jesus yoking the whole of His divine Godhead to the chariot of salvation! How vast His grace, how firm His faithfulness, how unswerving His immutability, how infinite His power, how limitless His knowledge! All these are by the Lord Jesus made the pillars of the temple of salvation; and all, without diminution of their infinity, are covenanted to us as our perpetual inheritance. The fathomless love of the Saviour's heart is every drop of it ours; every sinew in the arm of might, every jewel in the crown of majesty, the immensity of divine knowledge, and the sternness of divine justice, all are ours, and shall be employed for us. The whole of Christ, in His adorable character as the Son of God, is by Himself made over to us most richly to enjoy. His wisdom is our direction, His knowledge our instruction, His power our protection, His justice our surety, His love our comfort, His mercy our solace, and His immutability our trust. He makes no reserve, but opens the recesses of the Mount of God and bids us dig in its mines for the hidden treasures. "All, all, all are yours," saith He, "be ye satisfied with favour and full of the goodness of the Lord." Oh! how sweet thus to behold Jesus, and to call upon Him with the certain confidence that in seeking the interposition of His love or power, we are but asking for that which He has already faithfully promised.

-Charles H. Spurgeon
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