Just when I begin to think my life is all about me…. I’m bought with His blood. He rescued me from the precarious position of dangling over hell. (See Jonathan Edwards.) How can I not be content with His perfect provision and timing? Why am I so distracted by the “stuff” of life? He is worthy. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11) Continue reading stop and worship
31. Resolved, Never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of christian honour, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said any thing against any one, to bring it to, and try it strictly by, the test of this Resolution. Continue reading Resolution No. 31
1. Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever. I can’t do this on my own. Period. Thus begins my study of Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions. As … Continue reading Resolution No. 1
Before embarking on his journey to pursue holiness through seventy written goal statements, Edwards determined to set his course right at the outset. Being sensible that I am unable to do any thing without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him, by his grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake. Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week. Dr. Lawson, in his commentary on Edwards’ pursuit of holiness, “The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards,” summarizes the Preamble, dividing it into 5 themes. Personal Inability Divine Enablement … Continue reading Preamble.
In my study of Jonathan Edwards, I came across a biographical section where the town he ministered in experienced a “mini” revival. Edwards wrote: “The town seemed to be full of the presence of God; it never was so full of love, nor so full of joy….There were remarkable tokens of God’s presence in almost every house…everyone [was] earnestly intent on the public worship.” I know I’m far from perfect; even my worship is tainted with sin and selfishness. I also know that God is not finished with me. And I am sure of this, that he who began a … Continue reading Personal (and Corporate) Conviction
I’m taking on a challenge. “The beauty of Christianity is the beauty of holiness.” David Vaughan My problem: I see my life lacking in the pursuit of holiness. My inspiration: Jonathan Edwards. My goal: To glorify God with my life. (The ultimate desire of every believer should be the glory of God.) My action plan: To study and put into practice Edwards’ 70 Resolutions. (As a result of my studies, I plan on jotting down a few thoughts about each resolution; particularly as each one relates to Biblical application, exhortation, and wisdom.) What I am NOT trying to accomplish: Works-based … Continue reading Resolved!
J. Michael Hansen 