Resources on Sanctification
Thomas Murphy’s addresses presbyters serving in the church’s higher courts. Nevertheless, his advice is useful to all Christians who find themselves engaged in public controversy: “There are some persons who seem to lose their Christian spirit and temper as soon as they engage in public discussions. They enter upon them in a wrangling and angry manner, and at once render the exercise of calm, Christian wisdom impossible. Such a spirit is utterly inconsistent with the character which should be found Christ’s servants. . . . Each one, as he has opportunity should strive to banish angry strifes. . . . It is like men to resent opposition, but it is like Christ to bear it.”” – Thomas Murphy, Pastoral Theology:…
Read MoreJesus warns, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” William Still comments, “When people are convinced that life consists in the abundance of their possessions, they have completely identified life with material objects, and are, alas, already lost souls. They have virtually cut themselves off from the life of God, and his ultimate verdict will be only to recognize and confirm that.” – David C. Searle, ed. Through the Year with William Still (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2006), 212.
Read MoreThe solitude of night can bring its share of anxiety, and especially when accompanied by regrets of a day misspent. The opposite is also true: “The more we abound in God’s work the more comfort we may expect in him; if the day has been busy for him, the night will be easy in him. Silence and retirement befriend our communion with God.” – Matthew Henry on 1 Kings 3:4-5
Read MoreW.G.T. Shedd encourages pastors to promote serious reading in their congregations: “The studious, thoughtful Christian is always more unworldly and sincere, than the Christian who reads but little and thinks still less. The pastor can employ no means more certain to sanctify his flock, than reading and reflection, upon their part. Just in proportion as he is able to induce the habit of studying the Scriptures, and of perusing doctrinal and religious books, will he spiritualize the church to which he ministers.” – William G.T. Shedd, Homiletics and Pastoral Theology. 11th ed. (Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1902), 326.
Read More“Let a man mercifully correct what he can; let him patiently bear what he cannot correct, and groan and sorrow over it with love.” – Cyprian (c. 200- 258) in Scott M. Manetsch, Calvin’s Company of Pastors: Pastoral Care and the Emerging Reformed Church, 1536-1609 (Oxford: 2013), 189.
Read MoreA warning against worldliness from French Protestant pastor and poet Antoine de Chandieu (1534-1591): Never having and always desiring, Such are the consequences for him who loves the world. The more he abounds in honor and riches, The more he is seen aspiring for more. He does not enjoy what belongs to him: He wants, he values, he adores what other people have. When he has everything, it is then that he has nothing. Because having everything, he desires everything still. – from Scott M. Manetsch, Calvin’s Company of Pastors: Pastoral Care and the Emerging Reformed Church, 1536-1609 (Oxford: 2013), 98.
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