Pride, Humility, and the Devil's Reach

By: Dr. Jimmy Young

It was Jonathan Edwards who once said, “Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility.” I guess it would then be fair to deduce the corollary: nothing puts me closer to the devil’s reach as does pride.

This morning while reading Daniel 4 once again, I was stopped abruptly in my tracks by the closing line in the chapter: “…those who walk in pride He is able to humble.” Is there anyone reading this that doesn’t believe that? Then why are we ever guilty of what C. S. Lewis called “the complete anti-God state of mind”?

It occurred to me that never is there ever an occasion where pride is appropriate, while humility is welcome at all times and in all places. Can’t say that I’ve mastered this, but by His grace I’m working on it.

They Devoted Themselves

By: Johnny Coggin


Pastor Ray Ortlund, on biblical Christian devotion:

“And they devoted themselves . . .” Acts 2:42

When the early believers converted to Christ, it never occurred to them to fit him into the margins of their busy lives. They redefined themselves around a new, immovable center. He was not an optional weekend activity, along with the kids’ soccer practices. They put him and his church and his cause first in their hearts, first in their schedules, first in their budgets, first in their reputations, first in their very lives. They devoted themselves.

Unmistakable evidence that the Holy Spirit was being poured out.

May the Holy Spirit pour out such devotion among us!

The Book of Phillipians as a Sermon

By: Johnny Coggin

In a recent sermon, pastor John Piper modeled scripture memory by reciting the entire book of Philippians to his congregation. I encourage you to watch the video below (or HERE for email/RSS subscribers) and take in the Word of God in a fresh way - spoken out loud to a congregation. God sanctifies us by the truth, and his Word is truth (John 17:17).