Holiness, JC Ryle; Sanctification, second point

In the second chapter, bishop Ryle brings us to Sanctification. He works through three sub-topics and several sub-topics within these three sub-topics. The three are: I. The True Nature of Sanctification; II. The Visible Marks of Sanctification; III. Wherein justification and sanctification agree and are like one another, and wherein they differ and are unlike. In his second point, the visible evidence (marks) of sanctification, the Bishop has 10 sub-points to bring to our attention, which I will provide here but not in detail, so you may "take up and read" further yourself. 1) True Sanctification does not consist in talk about religion (I Jn 3:18). 2) True Sanctification does not consist in temporary religious feelings (Mt. 13:20). "Reaction , after false religious excitement, is a most deadly disease of soul." 3) True Sanctification does not consist in outward formalism and external devoutness. 4) True Sanctification does not consist in retirement from our place in life and the renunciation of our social duties (Jn 17:15). "True holiness does not make a Christian evade difficulties, but face and overcome them." 5) True Sanctification does not consist in the occasional performance of right actions (II Chron. 31:21; Psm. 119:104). 6) Genuine Sanctification will show itself in habitual respect to God's law AND habitual effort to live in obedience to it as the rule of life (I Tim. 1:8; Rm. 7:22). 7) Genuine Sanctification will show itself in an habitual endeavour to do Christ's will, and to live by his practical precepts (Jn. 15:14). 8) Genuine Sanctification will show itself in an habitual desire to live up to the standard which St. Paul sets before the Churches. 9) Genuine Sanctification will show itself in habitual attention to the active graces which our Lord so beautifully exemplified (Jn 13:34-35). "Saving faith and real converting grace will always produce some conformity to the image of Jesus (Col. 3:10). 10) Genuine Sanctification will show itself in habitual attention to the passive graces of Christianity (Gal. 5:22-23). Passive graces would consist of long-suffering, gentleness, and meekness. "The passive graces are no doubt harder to attain than the active ones, BUT they are precisely the graces which have the greatest influence on the world." Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Reformation21 Personal Note from Phil Ryken to Richard Phillips

Football and the Sovereignty of God http://www.reformation21.org/Core/ Phil Ryken As a football fan with a rooting interest for the University of Oregon, I write to ask Rick Phillips whether -- in light of Michigan's disastrous start to the college football season -- he wishes to re-evaluate his position vis-a-vis Calvinism or the End Times. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Okra Strut set for September 28th and 29th

Okra Strut set for September 28th and 29th http://www.irmookrastrut.com/ You could complete an entire study of Southern delicacies by hopscotching the food festivals that sprout across South Carolina each year. There's the boiled peanuts in Pelion, shrimp in Beaufort, peaches in Gaffney and watermelon in Pageland, but for crowd size, it's hard to beat the fall Okra Strut in Irmo. It's a homage to the fuzzy, slimy green pod vegetable. It started in 1973, and by 1980, the festival had grown enough to pay for a town library for Irmo. Over three and a half decades, the Okra Strut has grown and now draws an estimated 50-thousand people to the suburb northwest of the state capital. This year's festival is set for September 28th and 29th. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Muffins (GirlTalk)

The ladies at GirlTalk offer this recipe. Looks like something some in our home would enjoy. Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Muffins (GirlTalk) 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened1/4 cup butter, softened 1 egg, room temperature 1/2 cup cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white sugar (I used 3/4 cup sugar, but we like ours sweet.) 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease 12 muffin cups or use paper liners.Beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Beat in egg, cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir flour mixture into cream cheese mixture until flour is moistened. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups filling them 3/4 full.Bake in preheated oven until tops are golden, about 20 minutes. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

A New Blog, How Kids Think

A new site has just begun called, How Kids Think. It is a team effort, a joint project of God's World Publications (publisher of God's World News and World Magazine) and a married couple, who blog (His / Hers) and author. The Project started "Through the strange but sovereign means of God and Internet networking, Nick Eicher, publisher of WORLD Magazine, discovered Megan’s blog several months ago and began a series of email conversations with her about helping God’s World Publications (the umbrella group over WORLD and God’s World News) research how kids think and how GWP might do a better job publishing to them and to those who teach them." (Read More here) HOW KIDS THINK Grace, mercy and peace be with you!

Theology of Sleep (Justin Taylor)

Between Two Worlds: Theology of Sleep (Justin Taylor)

National Hunting and Fishing Day to be held Sept. 22 in Columbia

National Hunting and Fishing Day to be held Sept. 22 in Columbia nt to learn more about fly tying, bass fishing, archery, or hunting safety? Wouldn’t it be great if you could learn about all these things in the same day, and in the same place—for free? All of this, and much more, is possible at the Eight Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day "An Adventure in the Outdoors," planned for Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Cohen Campbell Fish Hatchery near Columbia. Thanks to the sponsorship of the Weatherby Foundation, Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund, South CarolinaWildlife Federation and S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR), South Carolina’s National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration is free of charge and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DNR Cohen Campbell Fish Hatchery located at 1528 Fish Hatchery Road in West Columbia. National Hunting and Fishing Day will be celebrated in the Upstate as well this year. Also on Saturday, Sept. 22, Duke Energy’s World of Energy near Seneca will serve as host for a day that includes events such as kayaking, introduction to fishing, archery, air rifle shooting, fly fishing, and much more. For more information on National Hunting and Fishing Day, contact DNR at (803) 734-3886 in Columbia or the South Carolina Wildlife Federation office at (803) 256-0670 in Columbia. National Hunting and Fishing Day is a day for Americans to celebrate their outdoor heritage and participate in wildlife-related outdoor activities. DNR and South Carolina Wildlife Federation always plan this educational event that offers "hands-on" outdoor learning opportunities for every age group, outdoor-oriented people and urbanites alike. From the novice to the experienced angler or outdoor enthusiast, National Hunting and Fishing Day will offer activities that the whole family can enjoy. The day-long event will feature archery, crossbow and air rifle shooting, a children’s casting contest, muzzleloader demonstrations, a wild animal exhibit, shotgun and .22-caliber rifle range shooting, tree stand hunting safety and boating safety demonstrations, fly tying and much more. DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people. From SCDNR Grace, mercy and peace be with you!

Shrimp Season Opens this Friday

Here's what you need to know : WHEN: South Carolina’s 2007 shrimp baiting season begins Friday. The season is 60 days long and ends Nov. 12. COST: Licenses for residents cost $25. Nonresidents pay $500. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Licenses are not required for those using cast nets from shore without bait. Licenses are available at local outfitters and bait shops, or go to www.dnr.sc.gov. LIMITS: The catch limit is 48 quarts of shrimp measured heads-on (29 quarts heads-off) per boat or set of poles per day. Each boat is limited to 10 poles. GETTING STARTED: For more information on how to cast a net for shrimp, go to www.beaufortusa.com//shrimp.htmFor more information on the Lowcountry Estuarium From The State.com Further sites on Shrimping Beaufort USA SCDNR Grace, mercy and peace be with you! (oh yeah, Happy Shrimping and if your freezer gets too full, we have an empty freezer with plenty of space.)

Chivalry and Manners...Do they have a Biblical basis?

I am considering writing a post on Chivalry and Manners. Please hold me accountable. I want to look at the Biblical basis for Chivalry and Manners (if there is any) and how losing these can and will affect our culture. Your suggestions would be helpful. From The Family Room comes a post on "Some 'Everyday News' for Parents". Grace, mercy and peace be with you!

This week on TSS ...

Join The Shepherds Scrapbook as they celebrate John Owen's masterpiece and upcoming release of a new edition. See this post Coming Soon Grace, mercy and peace be with you!

John Calvin Rebukes Those Who Belittle the Priority of the Blessed Calling of the Homemaker (Doug Phillips)

John Calvin Rebukes Those Who Belittle the Priority of the Blessed Calling of the Homemaker "All the chastity they [Nuns] pretend is nothing before God, in comparison of that that he hath appointed, that is to say, that albeit it seem but a vile thing, and a matter of none account, for a woman to take pains about housewifery, to make clean her children when they be arrayed, to kill fleas, and other such like, although this be a thing despised, yea and such, that many will not vouchsafe to look upon it, yet are they sacrifices which GOD accepteth & receiveth, as if they were things of great price and honourable. Therefore let women study this lesson day and night that first of all they may play the housewives: and if women were the most negligent in the world, yet is there here matter enough to awaken them, and to correct this idleness. And how? If we take pains, we serve GOD, and not men. Again, when a man seeth his wife employ herself all the day long to do her duty, let him also consider whereunto God hath called him, that he also for his part may do his duty. For a man is not born to idleness, nor a woman. Therefore...let women cast their eyes hither, for there is occasion enough to correct their slothfulness, when they shall see that the question is of serving God. And how? When they fall to kneading (as the proverb is) and apply themselves to good use, & flee not the subjection which God hath set them in: for this is to strive against GOD, when a man doth not follow his vocation, which is our true rule, that is to say, that that we have to do, & what God appointeth every one of us, according to the state, whereunto he is called. Therefore let women have this mark to shoot at, & say, well, although the world have no regard of me, yet must I find myself occupied here, for so God commandeth me. And thus much touching the first, how women have to take occasion to be diligent: and moreover also they have to consider, that when they do their duty and execute their office, God accepteth well of it, although men despise it." Posted by Doug Phillips on September 8, 2007 | Read more here. Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

What is a Healthy Church? (Mark Dever) Review by Challies.com

Our friend and blogger Mr. Tim Challies writes a review of Pastor Dever's book here. He provides some quotes from the book also which I have placed here: Choice Quotes (ht: Challies.com) "It's impossible to answer the question what is a Christian? without ending up in a conversation about the church; at least in the Bible it is." "When a person becomes a Christian, he doesn't just join a local church because it's a good habit for growing in spiritual maturity. He joins a local church because it's the expression of what Christ has made him--a member of the body of Christ." "If you have no interest in actually committing yourself to an actual group of gospel-believing, Bible-teaching Christians, you might question whether you belong to the body of Christ at all!" "A healthy church is not a church that's perfect and without sin. It has not figured everything out. Rather, it's a church that continually strives to take God's side in the battle against the ungodly desires and deceits of the world, our flesh, and the devil. It's a church that continually seeks to conform itself to God's Word." "Friend, the church finds its life as it listens to the Word of God. It finds its purpose as it lives out and displays the Word of God. The church's job is to listen and then to echo." Grace, mercy and peace be with you!

Holiness; Chapter 2 "Sanctification"

In the second chapter, bishop Ryle brings us to Sanctification. He works through three sub-topics and several sub-topics within these three sub-topics. The three are: I. The True Nature of Sanctification; II. The Visible Marks of Sanctification; III. Wherein justification and sanctification agree and are like one another, and wherein they differ and are unlike. In just the first section the Bishop brings us 12 connected propositions or statements, drawn from Scripture, to help define the exact nature of sanctification. They are: (1) Sanctification is the invariable result of that vital union with Christ which true faith gives to a Christian (John 15:5). (2) Sanctification is the outcome and inseperable consequence of regeneration (I John 2:29; 3:9-14; 5:4-18). (3) Sanctification is the only certain evidence of that indwelling of the Holy Spirit which is essential to salvation (Romans 8:9). (4) Sanctification is the only sure mark of God's election (I Peter 1:2; II Thess. 2:13; Romans 8:29; Eph. 1:4; I Thess. 1:3, 4). (5) Sanctification is a thing that will always be seen (Luke 6:44). (6) Sanctification is a thing for which every believer is responsible (Matthew 16:26). (7) Sanctification is a thing which admits of growth and degrees (John 17:17; I Thess. 5:23). (8) Sanctification is a thing which depends greatly on a diligent use of Scriptural means. "Means" meaning: Bible-reading, private prayer, regular attendance on public worship, regular hearing of God's Word, regular reception of the Lord's Supper. (9) Sanctification is a thing which does not prevent a man having a great deal of inward spiritual conflict (Gal. 5:17). (10) Sanctification is a thing which cannot justify a man, and yet it pleases God (Romans 3:20-28). (11) Sanctification is a thing which will be found absolutely necessary as a witness to our character in the great day of judgment (John 5:29; II Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:13). (12) Sanctification is absolutely necessary in order to train and prepare us for heaven. Heaven is essentially a holy place; its inhabitants holy; its occupations are all holy. We must be somewhat trained and made ready for heaven while we are on earth. We must be saints before we die, if we are to be saints afterwards in glory. I am not even on to the next section and already feel as if I need to stop right now and do some regurgitating (sp?). Is any of this tempting you to go out and get the book and tolle lege?

The 50 Worst Cars

Time provides an article of the 50 Worst Cars Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

All-Local Farmers' Market Saturday, 8am-Noon

FRESH SC SHRIMP, SUNFLOWERS, TOMATOES-IN SEASON! All-Local Farmers' Market Saturday, 8am-Noon Gervais & Vine-across from Publix in The Vista The weather's cooler but the summertime produce is still coming off the vine. Inside, sit down to a hot breakfast plate with market ingredients. Outside, try a French crepe made fresh while you wait. Thanks for helping us spread the word- forward this to your friends. Fresh at the market: Produce-from SCF Organics, Heritage Fields, the Eleazers & Five Leaves Farm Free Range Chicken, Lamb, Eggs, Dairy -from Wil-Moore Farm Cut Flowers, Bouquets-from Floral & Hardy SC Shrimp-Wild Carolina Sustainable Seafood brings it fresh from the coast Burgers, Steaks, Roasts -grass-fed beef from Eubank Farm Chops, Sausages, Bacon, Ribs-from Caw Caw Creek Award-Winning Hot Sauces-from Palmetto Pepper Potions Baked Goods-Heather's Artisan Breads Stone-Cut Oats, Grits, Carolina Gold Rice-from Anson Mills Goat's milk soaps and lotions-made locally at Backcountry Farm Crepes-cooked to order by M. Emmanuel Courbon. Plus... Lola's Homebaked Doggy Delights, hand crafted items & gourmet local pickles, gumbos and jams! We operate rain or shine-if the clouds roll in, we move indoors. The All-Local Farmers' Market operates every 2nd Saturday in The Vista at Gervais & Vine and every 4th Saturday in Shandon at Yo Burrito. If you would like to be added to The All Local Farmers' Market's email list, please email AllLocalFarmersMarket@gmail.com Joshua Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

JMEjr Has a New Look in His Room

JMEjr Has a New Look in His Room My precious WLW went to Gaffney several weeks ago with Dah and came home with two sets of these bedspreads and doodads that go along with these blankets. She was soo pleased at the price that the Lord had allowed these to be sold for. Grace, mercy and peace be with you!

A New Aunt?

Our boys are probably the only ones who have soo many honorary uncles and aunts. We may have, if she would have it, have another honorary aunt. It will really only work-out well if she were to take up a position in Columbia though. If she ends up not taking a job here, she can be an aunt but only on visitations. She, whom we are writing of is, Megan or "Doc Doc Doc Meg Meg" as jmejr refers to her as. She is so great with the children. By the end of Spring 2008, she will have additional letters added to the end of her name which already has some lettering. She has a P.H.D. in something and will be getting some kind of special needs lettering in dentistry. Doc Doc Doc Meg Meg was a roommate of Aunt Annies while A.A. was in Charleston. She was a maid of honor in the Pages wedding. When she graduates in Spring she will have been in post graduate studies for nine years. Crazy. I'm not ev en sure I was in elementary, jr and senior high combined for that long, but may have been working at my college undergrad studies had I not gone into full-time work. Doc Doc Meg Meg, we welcome you as a honorary Aunt (ant) into our family. Birthdays are as follows: JME - 2/19; LKE - 3/2; JMEjr - 6/1 (was suppose to be 5/31 but due to a previous engagement we changed the date, ask us about it sometime); CJE - 1/12. Our anniversary is 7/6. Oh yeah, my WLW loves to celebrate half-birthdays. You can ask her to explain those to you. Tonight when our family left, jmejr wanted to take a shower. First time he ever initiated that. He seemed to enjoy it immensley. Grace, mercy and peace be with you!

Where's JMEjr?

Where's JMEjr? Thank you Lonons for these bricks. They have become definite favorites of our boys. A wall of bricks it is. I wonder where jmejr is? Who is this I see peeping out the window looking at me? Out comes he with a ginormous smile. Grace, mercy and peace be with you!

Looking Up

Grace, mercy and peace be with you!

Have You Heard...The Eusey is Going to be in Town

Have You Heard...The Eusey is Going to be in Town M.chickabowB. writes: "Hi Friends, We are excited to have a visit next week from Matt and Karyn Eusey! They are preparing to join Andre and Heidi Lewis in Seattle as part of the Redeemer Redmond Church Plant. Please join us next Thursday, September 13th at 7:00 pm at our house for dessert and coffee. We will spend some time catching up and hearing more about what the Lord has in store for the Euseys and Redeemer Redmond. For the address and contact information of the hostess, please send an email or a comment. Hope to see you soon!" Mary Beth and Scott Grace, mercy and peace be with you!