False conversion

The Almost Christian

George Whitefield: An almost Christian, if we consider him in respect to his duty to God, is one that halts between two opinions; that wavers between Christ and the world; that would reconcile God and Mammon, light and darkness, Christ and Belial. It is true, he has an inclination to religion, but then he is very cautious lest he go too far in it: his false heart is always crying out, Spare thyself, do thyself no harm. He prays indeed that ‘God’s will may be done on earth, as it is in heaven.’ But notwithstanding, he is very partial in his obedience, and fondly hopes that God will not be extreme to mark every thing that he willfully does amiss; though an inspired apostle has told him, that ‘he who offends in one point is guilty of all.’ But chiefly, he is one that depends much on outward ordinances, and on that account looks upon himself as righteous, and despises

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Ortlund and Storms: “The Convergence of Doctrine and Delight”

The audio from the May 2009 Clarus Conference is now online: Ray Ortlund: “True Spirituality: Delighting in Truth” (Psa. 1) Sam Storms: “Jonathan Edwards on Religious Affections: The Soul Set on Fire for God” Ray Ortlund: “False Spirituality: Flirting Around” (2 Cor. 11:1-4) Sam Storms: “Enjoying Election: Finding Delight in God’s Decree” Panel Discussion 1 Ray Ortlund: “Dangerous Moderation: The Nausea of Christ” (Rev. 3:14-22) Panel Discussion 2 Ray Ortlund: “Break Through: No Other Desire” (Psa. 73) Sam Storms: “Delighting Ourselves in the Lord: Why Joy in God Matters” (Psa. 37:4) Audio from previous Clarus conferences is here. (HT: Justin Taylor)

Mark Dever at Desiring God Pastors Conference

Abraham Piper blogs these helpful summaries of Mark Dever’s messages on evangelism at the DG Pastors’ Conference. 3 Reasons to Share the Gospel 1. A Desire to Be Obedient to God’s Commands Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. That is exactly what the early disciples did. Paul spoke of a compulsion to share the gospel. To evangelize is to obey. In Acts 8:4, we see that those who had been scattered preached the gospel wherever they went. One of the clearest examples of evangelism being commanded is in 1 Peter 3, where Peter commands believers to “always be…prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Our silence is not a matter of neutrality. You need to tell yourself that. Our silence is a matter of guilt and sin. Obedience is definitely a biblical reason to evangelize. 2. A Love for the Lost

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