I am going through some tough times right now,
and you know who helps me when I am like this? reading Richard Sibbes.

When we are foiled, let us believe we shall overcome; when we have fallen, let us believe we shall rise again. Jacob, after he received a blow which made him lame, yet would not give over wrestling (Gen. 32:25) till he had obtained the blessing. So let us never give up, but, in our thoughts knit the beginning, progress and end together, and then we shall see ourselves in heaven out of the reach of all enemies. —Richard Sibbes

I recommend reading “The Bruised Reed” .. I am half way through it right now..

Reference http://www.eternallifeministries.org/prayers.htm#Refuge

http://www.ReformationChurchTX.com

This is a prayer from the back of the 1599 Geneva Bible. It was most likely written by one of the translators and reformers in Geneva Switzerland in the early 16th century. I pray this among a few others from time to time. We forget about these long beautiful prayers some times.. The Puritans and early reformers would have pretty lengthy prayers. This was the shortest one there. some are 2 pages long.

Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate, pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God has promised, or according to His Word, for the good of the church, with submission in faith to the will of God. – John Bunyan

I pray God gives me more desire to worship and talk to Him like the puritans.

Here are some questions you should ask the pastor. All questions anticipate a “yes” answer. If he cannot give you a flat “yes,” and instead talks around the question, or says that the question is too complicated for a yes or no answer, or some other such evasive nonsense, find another church.

Warning: You will find very few churches in which the pastor will answer “yes” to every one of these questions. Even if he answers “yes” to all the others, the question with which he will most likely take issue is the one about worship. Sadly, there are very few churches that conform to virtually all elements of Biblical worship. And of course there is no perfect church on this earth, because they are administered by imperfect men.

However, that does not mean one has to avoid a church simply because there are elements of its worship that are lacking. For example, it is very difficult to find a church that sings out of the Lord’s songbook, the Psalms, exclusively. (most Christians are unaware that the opposite has almost always been true — there were no churches that sang hymns composed by men until relatively recently in church history. Our Christian forefathers would ask us, “Why do you want to sing words written by uninspired men and women when you have 150 songs written by God and given by Him for us to sing?”)

And many of those that do even go so far as singing those 150 songs, the Psalms, have serious problems with other aspects of their doctrine (legalism, for example). Remember, too, that most pastors have never heard the case for Biblical worship, and the Lord may use you in putting a good book in their hands. E-mail me and I will be glad to recommend some.

That said, here are some questions for the pastor of a church you are considering:

* Do you believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God, the authoritative rule of faith and practice?
If he says the Bible “contains” the Word of God, run the other way. That’s a liberal theological code word that reveals he does not believe the Bible to be authored by the Holy Spirit.

* Do you believe the Bible to be without error in matters of science and history as well as in faith and doctrine?

* As the pastor, do you see it as your primary duty in preaching to explain and apply to your hearers the message of the text of Scripture?

* Do you believe the sinner is justified by faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from all good works?

* Do you believe in a literal hell or lake of fire in which all those who reject Jesus Christ will be punished eternally?

* Do you believe that there is no salvation for any person apart from faith in Jesus Christ?

* Did Christ’s death on the cross actually save His people, past, present and future, at that moment He died?
Background to this question: The Bible says that Jesus Christ died to “save His people from their sins,” (Mt. 1:21; Lk. 1:68, 77; Lk. 7:16) the “elect” (Mt. 24:22, 24, 31; Mk. 13:12, 22, 27; Lk. 18:7; Rom 8:31; Col. 3:12; II Tim. 2:10; Titus 1:1; I Pet. 1:2; II Jn. 1:1). From the beginning, God chose all who would believe in Him out of everyone who would ever be born (II Thes.. 2:13; I Thes. 1:4; Rom. 11:7; Jn. 15:16; Jn. 6:37, 44, 65; Jn. 13:18; Ps. 105:6; Rom. 8:33; Rom. 9:23). When Christ died on the cross, His death satisfied the punishment for their sins, saving them from hell.

But those who do not understand the Bible’s teaching say that His death on the cross only made it possible for people to be saved if they make a decision for Christ. His death didn’t actually save anyone. By that unbiblical reasoning if no one ever chose Christ His torture and death would have been meaningless.

* Do you believe that God created all things out of nothing in six literal 24-hour days?

* Do you believe in the virgin birth and miracles of Jesus Christ?

* Must God’s people in this age keep the Ten Commandments in obedience to our Lord (not to be saved, but to live the Christian life and please our Father)?

* Must God’s people in this age observe the Christian sabbath in obedience to Christ, the Lord of the sabbath?

* Do you believe that the purpose of worship is to glorify God by doing only those things that He has appointed in His Word?
The biblical elements of worship are prayer, Scripture reading, singing Psalms, giving tithes and offerings, preaching, the proper administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, lawful vows (membership, baptism, ordination, marriage, etc.) and fastings upon special occasions; man is not free to add elements of human innovation such as made-up songs, choirs, musical instruments, solo performances, drama, puppet shows, fog machines, and other performances appropriate to the circus.

* Does this church discipline members who persist in living in disobedience to Jesus Christ, the King and Head of the church?

When you find a church that teaches the Word of God, try going to that church for at least four weeks before eliminating it as a possibility. After prayerful consideration, if on balance you think that’s the church the Lord is calling you to, then don’t “date” it — make a commitment to it by your faithful attendance and supporting it financially and in other ways you can exercise your spiritual gifts.

Finally, bathe the whole effort in concerted prayer before the throne of grace. The matter of choosing a home church is of vital importance to your spiritual health and eternal happiness. Pray and seek God’s will in the matter.

Finally:

Listen to “What Is Biblical Worship?”: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=122605161821

“I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=51407161528

5. “I believe that because God has completed His revelation in Jesus Christ, the former ways of revealing His will are now ceased; and because the final and manifest establishment of His kingdom is yet to come, God does not now choose to publicly display His miraculous power. Nevertheless I believe that God is directly upholding and governing His creation, moment by moment; that God faithfully supplies the needs of His people through His constant providential care; and that He often blesses them with special providences wherein He strengthens their faith and displays His special love for them to the world.” - B.B. Warfield

I used to be a avid believer in extra-biblical revelation. It was a major part of my religion. We would have some one speak in what we thought were “tongues”  and then some one would speak what they felt was God speaking to the congregation. What I have learned from reformed Biblical theology is that if extra-Biblical revelation does not line up with scripture then it is not of God. If it lines up with Scripture then you do not need it because that is what the Scripture is for. Extra-Biblical revelation comes in many forms. Some people say that they get messages from Christ, or Mary, or the Patron Saints. Some people see visions, have dreams, and also, of course, modern “tongues” and interpretation. There are also written “revelations” like the Book of Mormon, the Urantia book and the Koran.

The Scripture is very clear about this topic. This post will have a lot of scripture. Please do not just over look it. It is the very Word of God.

Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

The book of Deuteronomy was written in 1410 BC. Note the emphasis on not adding or subtracting from God’s “word”. As Matthew Henry’s commentary states, this was God’s written Word, that had been revealed to them up to that point in history. Matthew Henry commentary on this verse: John Gill’s commentary on this verse

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Revelation 22:18-19 ¹⁸For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  ¹⁹And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book

Galatians 1:6-12 – I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. John Calvin’s commentary on Galations 6-9:

The Westminster Confession of Faith states, Chapter I “Of the Holy Scripture” Section I. [6]

[1] Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable;

[2] yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of His will, which is necessary unto salvation. 

[3] Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal Himself, and to declare that His will unto His Church; 

[4] and afterwards for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; 

[5] which makes the Holy Scripture to be most necessary; 

[6] those former ways of God’s revealing His will unto His people being now ceased.

And the Scripture that the WCF reference in this statement:

[1]
ROM 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;

ROM 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

PSA 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

ROM 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

ROM 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

[2]
1CO 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1CO 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

[3]
HEB 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.

[4]
PRO 22:19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

LUK 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

ROM 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

MAT 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

ISA 8:19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? 20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

[5]
2TI 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2PE 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.

[6]
HEB 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.

Well to me this really clears everything up. Getting private messages from God that was not in the Scripture is not God a all. Please pray upon this and read the scriptures and God will show you the truth.

Aurelius Augustinus (354 – 430) is often simply referred to as St. Augustine or Augustine Bishop of Hippo (the ancient name of the modern city of Annaba in Algeria). He is the pre-eminent “Doctor of the Church”

and is considered by Evangelical Protestants to be in the tradition of the Apostle Paul as the theological fountainhead of the Reformation teaching on salvation and grace.

The soteriological teachings of John Calvin and the reformation of the church were founded in the teachings of Augustine. We can all learn something from him.  Saint Augustine is called the Professor of Grace (Doctor_Gratiae in Latin).  This was because of his great work against the Pelagians who practically denied the need of grace for reaching eternal life. In this, Augustine showed very well the total dependence of human beings on God.  Augustine is forced to conclude that the only way for a human being to escape sin is through the grace (gratia in Latin) of God.

Praise God for Godly men like him.

[9]
- 2TI 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
- TIT 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
- EPH 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
- ROM 9:11 For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth.

[10]
- 1CO 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
- ROM 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
- EPH 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).

[11]
- JOH 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
- EZE 36:37 Thus saith the Lord God; I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.
- JOH 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

This is something that means a lot to me. I have truly experienced the Quickening of the Holy Spirit, I know that the Faith that is in me is the Faith of Christ, for if it wasn’t of Him, I would have no interest in serving Him. (ROM 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God) .. But The Holy Spirit, man oh man, he put the Faith and love of Christ in me, He made me able to hear the Call… (JOH 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.)

Praise God.

There is no other way in which God can be known but through Christ, who is the image and pattern of his substance…  Although Jews, Turks, and other infidels boast that they worship God the Creator of heaven and earth, yet they worship an imaginary God: however obstinate they may be, they follow vague and uncertain opinions instead of truth; they grope in the dark and worship their own imagination instead of God.  In short, outside of Christ, all religion is deceitful and transitory and every kind of worship ought to be abhorred and condemned. ~ John Calvin (Commentary, Isaiah 25:9)

in the authority of Christ, Jesus… amen.