The Problem With Protestants

... of which I am one ...
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"The diversity of belief within even so small a segment of Christianity ... illustrates one of the frustrating aspects of Protestantism in general. No one agrees with anyone else, becasue there is no final authority. This has led to the formation of literally hundreds of denominations, with more being added continually."

-- David B. Currie

A Religious Man

From Thomas A Kempis
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"A religious man who exercises himself seriously and devoutly in the most holy life and passion of our Lord shall find there abundantly all things that are profitable and necessary for him, neither is there need that he shall seek anything better beyond Jesus. Oh! If Jesus crucified would come into our hearts, how quickly and completely should be have learned all that we need to know!"

A third way

From Simon Ponsonby:

"It strikes me that the charismatic and Pentecostal tradition has the right experience but a flawed doctrine, while the conservative evangelicals have the right doctrine but often a flawed doctrine. All Christians, by faith in the finished work of Christ, have drunk of that living water and have ben baptized in the Spirit, into Christ ... The Pentecostals and charismatics may have expressed what they have experienced wrongly, but at least they have experienced it. Many evangelical Christians know biblically that they have been na[tized in the Spirit, but do not know it existentially."

Augustine on our suffering

I love it when church fathers show such wisdom. Reading this, it is humbling to know that 1600+ years ago, St. Augustine was preaching a sermon that could just as well be preached today.
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"Our Holy Scriptures themselves do not promise us peace, security, and rest. On the contrary, the Gospel makes no secret of the troubles and temptations that await us. But it also says that he who perseveres to the end will be saved. What good has there ever been in this life since the time when the first man received the just sentence of death and the curse from which Christ our Lord has delivered us? Is there any affliction now endured by mankind that was not endured by our fathers before us? What sufferings of ours even bear comparison with what we know of their sufferings? And yet you hear people complaining of this present age because things were so much better in former times."

Tozer's teachings on the Cross

"The cross is rough, and it is deadly, but it is effective. It does not keep its victim hanging there forever. There comes a moment when its work is finished and the suffering victim dies.

After that is resurrection glory and power, and the pain is forgotten for joy that the veil is taken away and we have entered in actual spiritual experience the Presence of the living God."

The Absurdity of the Passion

From Tertullian:

"The Son of God was crucified. I am not ashamed because mankind must be ashamed of it. And the Son of God died. It is, by all means, to be believed because it is absurd. And He was buried and rose again. The fact is certain, because it is impossible. But how will all this be true if He wasn't true Himself, if He hadn't had within Himself that which might be crucified, might die, might be buried, and might rise again?

Jesus vs. Pharisees

From Simon Ponsonby:

The Pharisees' holiness made much of rule -- Jesus' holiness made much of God.

The Pharisees' holiness made much of themselves -- Jesus' holiness made much of others.

The Pharisees' holiness kept company with the scrupulously clean -- Jesus' holiness kept company with the notoriously wicked.

The Pharisees' holiness viewed God primarily as a lawgiver -- Jesus' holiness depicted God primarily as a love giver.

The Pharisees' holiness led them to be murderers -- Jesus' holiness led him to martyrdom.

Pascal's fire

This is the revelation of God's Spirit to Pascal, that was discovered after his death, sewn into his doublet, next to his heart:
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Fire
God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob.

Not of the philosophers and scientists
Certitude, certitude. Feeling. Joy. Peace.
My God and your God.

You shall be my God.

Becoming Holy

From Simon Ponsonby:

"Sanctification is an internal work evidenced externally through personal Christlike character and good works to the benefit of others. It becomes a holy habit through the habitation of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is a journey, as we know in practice what we are called to be when we first believe. Entire sanctification, though only realized at the end of like or the end of history, must be the passionate aim and tenacious work of every believer."

from Origen

"Jesus, however, is continually attacked by false witnesses and, while wickedness remains in the world, is continually exposed to accusation. Yet, even now, He remains silent in the presence of these things and makes no audible answer. Instead, He places His defense in the lives of His genuine disciples. They are an outstanding testimony, one superior to all false witnesses, that refutes and overthrows all unfounded accusations and charges."