I place this exerpt from Mathew Henry’s commentary on the Bible here, as it is such a stern warning from God to us all.
It is a commentary on Luke 16:19-31 – A wicked rich man and a godly poor man (The Rich man and Lazarus).
As the parable of the prodigal son set before us the grace of the gospel, which is encouraging to us all, so this sets before us the wrath to come, and is designed for our awakening; and very fast asleep those are in sin, that will not be awakened by it. The Pharisees made a jest of Christ’s sermon against worldliness; now this parable was intended to make those mockers serious. The tendency of the gospel of Christ is both to reconcile us to poverty and affliction and to arm us against temptations to worldliness and sensuality.
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God’s inexplicable dealings with His people
– from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford ( 1600-1661)
The godly Scottish preacher Rutherford was forbidden to preach and banished from his home church Anwoth to Aberdeen in Scotland in 1636 by his enemies. Although he did suffer from periods of depression and a feeling of uselessness during this time, above all it was what he called the dumb or silent Sabbaths that distressed him most, remembering his flock left behind at Anwoth like the sheep without a shepherd. God used this time of suffering to draw him very close to Christ and equipped him to write with deep compassion and wisdom to his people, friends and others who were seeking his counsel. Out of the 365 letters written during his lifetime, 220 were penned during his exile and imprisonment in Aberdeen what he called “my kings palace”. This excerpt was from one of these letters.
Continue reading “God’s inexplicable dealings with His people”Alone with God
The importance of a daily time alone with God
By Martin Holdt
Is there a Biblical basis for private devotions? Is it not enough to be fed with truth from a sound pulpit ministry? If there is public praying, does there need to be private praying?
Continue reading “Alone with God”Oorkom Depressie Deel 2
Depressie – deel 2
Skrywer: Wyle Ds Martin Holdt
Korrekte denke
Die apostel Paulus het besef hoe noodsaaklik korrekte denke was.
Hy sê in Fillipense 4 vers 8 dat ons moet dink aan alles wat waar, edel, reg, rein, mooi en lofwaardig is. Hy dring daarop aan dat ons ons gedagtes daarop rig. Daarby bedoel hy dat ons ons moet besig hou met gedagtes wat goed, waar en opbouend is. In die volgende vers sê hy aan sy lesers dat hulle die dinge moet doen wat hulle by
hom gesien het. Dit is betekenisvol dat hy die brief gerig het aan dié mense wat die stad bewoon het waar hy en sy vriend, Silas, geweldig onregverdig behandel is, deurdat hulle onskuldig gevange geneem is en in die openbaar verneder is. Continue reading “Oorkom Depressie Deel 2”
Oorkom Depressie – Deel 1
OORKOM DEPRESSIE
Skrywer – Wyle Dr. MARTIN HOLDT
Inleiding
Dr. I.L. de Villiers, ‘n bekende Nederduits Gereformeerde predikant, het depressie “Die siekte van ons tyd” genoem. Dit is so en te oordeel aan heersende gemoedstoestande, die groeiende behoefte aan berading en sielkundige behandeling, en die toename in die selfmoordsyfer, het depressie byna ‘n epidemie geword. Die feit dat dit ‘n negatiewe uitwerking op so baie Christene het, is net so ontstellend. Alhoewel baie mense van mening is dat depressie nie met die Christelike geloof versoenbaar is nie, word daar in die Bybel duidelik voorsiening gemaak vir hierdie ervaring. Elia het ‘n ernstige insinking in hierdie toestand beleef, so ook Jona. Gesien in die lig van die apostel Paulus se stelling in 2 Korintiërs 1 vers 8: “Ons wil hê, broers, dat julle moet weet van die moeilikhede wat ons in die provinsie Asië ondervind het. Die swaar wat ons moes verduur, het ver bo ons kragte gegaan, sodat ons selfs die hoop om te bly lewe, laat vaar het”, is dit nie onwaarskynlik dat ook hy afgedaal het in ‘n moeras van wanhoop nie. Continue reading “Oorkom Depressie – Deel 1”
Bewaak jou hart resensie (Bewaak Jou Hart – Deel 1)
Onlangs het vriende van ons ‘n boekie in ons hand geplaas wat ons geweldig aangespreek het en nog steeds aanspreek en help. Dis ‘n juweel omdat dit so prakties is en dit handel oor ‘n saak waar ek dink meeste van ons Christene vasval. Die boekie is in Engels en uitgegee deur Focus Publications met die Titel “Keeping the Heart – How to maintain your love for God” en geskrywe deur John Flavel (1627-1691)
“Bewaak jou hart” is ‘n klassieke werk oor ons eenheid en gemeenskap met God. Flavel help ons om te verstaan wat dit beteken om jou hart te bewaak (Spreuke 4:23) en hoekom dit so kardinaal belangrik is. Enigeen wat iets van Flavel se lewe weet, sal weet dat hy geleef het wat hy gepreek het en ‘n geliefde predikant was vir sy gemeente in bitter moeilike tye. J.I.Packer skryf: “Flavel was an English Puritan who became a non-conformist after the ‘Great Ejection’ of 1662. It was 10 years before he was licensed to preach again, and then only in his own home. His writings, when collected in the 19th century, filled 6 volumes and are known for their practical nature.” Continue reading “Bewaak jou hart resensie (Bewaak Jou Hart – Deel 1)”
Having the mind of Christ (The cross and all of life – Part II)
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus”-Phil 2:5
A transcription of a sermon on humility preached by Rev. Martin Holdt.
Read Part 1 of this series here: PART I
Read Philippians 2: 5 – 11
The Mind of Christ
We read in Phil 2:4 “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” The apostle Paul was writing to a church where there was the threat of schism. We read in Philippians 4 verse 2: “I beseech you Iuodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind” It seemed thus that the two women were at loggerheads and it could easily spill over, especially when it is two women, into the rest of the church and there were probably others too. We don’t know. He continue (Phil 2:3) “do nothing from rivalry or conceit”. Why does he say that to a church consisting of Christians ? Continue reading “Having the mind of Christ (The cross and all of life – Part II)”
Beklee jou met die Here Jesus Christus (Meer as oorwinnaars Deel 2A)
Die eerste deel (deel 2A) van ‘n transkripsie van die tweede boodskap uit ‘n reeks getiteld “Meer as Oorwinnaars” deur Nico van der Walt.
Wil jy oorwinning hê oor sonde? Ken dan jou vyand van buite en van buite. Maar hoe kry jy oorwinning oor die vyand van binne. Die geheim lê om jou te beklee met jou ware “Oorwinnaar” – Maar hoe?
Continue reading “Beklee jou met die Here Jesus Christus (Meer as oorwinnaars Deel 2A)”
Christ’s Humility (The cross and all my life Part 1)
A transcription of a sermon on humility preached by Rev. Martin Holdt.
THE CROSS AND ALL MY LIFE Part 1
Read Philippians 2: 5 – 11
Read part II of this series here: Part II
A call to imitate the humility of Christ
It happens to be one of the greatest Christological statements in the New Testament and it follows a plea to Christians to be humble. When the apostle Paul introduced the subject he did so in verses 1 to 4 of chapter 2: “If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the spirit, in the affection and sympathy complete my joy by being of the same mind and having the same love. Being in full accord and of one mind.”
Before I go on to verse 3 and 4, I suggest to you that the actual theme of Philippians is not so much joy, it is unity. I wish I had time to show you that. You read it for yourself and see how often the apostle deals with the whole matter of unity.
Verse 3: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility. Count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others.”
And then the introduction to about what he has to say about Jesus Christ: “Have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
Then the verses that we are going to be looking at. It is a call to imitate the humility of Jesus Christ, which none of us will ever do as much as we ought to. But it is there for us, it is there to challenge us. There is nothing so like Jesus Christ as true godly humility. If you would be like Him, you need to be humble. Continue reading “Christ’s Humility (The cross and all my life Part 1)”
Vlees of Ou Natuur (Meer as Oorwinnaars Deel 1B)
Die tweede deel (deel 1B) van ‘n transkripsie van die eerste boodskap uit ‘n reeks getiteld “Meer as Oorwinnaars” deur Nico van der Walt.
Die tiperende van ‘n Christen se lewe is dat die nuwe herskepde, Goddelike natuur heers oor die vlees of die ou natuur, maar dit kom nie maklik nie. Die Stryd teen die ou sondige of vleeslike natuur van binne en die satan van buite is ‘n bloedige stryd
(Deel1B van ‘n transkripsie uit die “Meer as Oorwinnaars” reeks deur Nico van der Walt)
Soos twee honde wat baklei
Jare gelede toe preek ek hier in Pretoria by ‘n plek. Die aand, na die preek, kom ‘n man na my en sê vir my: “Ek het vanaand niks verstaan van wat jy vir ons wou sê nie”. Wonder bo wonder nooi hulle my om weer te gaan preek. En die aand besluit ek ek sal baie eenvoudiger preek en ek sal baie meer prakties wees. Toe gebruik ek onder andere ‘n bekende beeld van twee honde wat in ‘n sak baklei. Dis nou as jy twee staffies in ‘n sak toemaak, en daardie twee manne spring aanmekaar, binne in die sak. Destyds was dit nog nie polities verkeerd om te praat van ‘n wit hond en ‘n swart hond nie.
Die mense kon sien hoe baklei die honde, want ek het daar voor hulle net so te kere gegaan om hierdie ding tuis te bring by hulle. Toe vra ek watter hond wen en ek dink die een ou het toe vir my gesê: “die hond wat die meeste kos kry!” Dit was ‘n wyse antwoord. Die aand het ek agtergekom die mense geniet en verstaan die beeld, en hulle nooi my weer om daar te gaan preek. Toe ek ‘n paar maande later instap in die saal was daar ‘n plakkaat met ‘n tekening van twee honde wat baklei, ‘n witte en ‘n swarte, en die witte is bo op die swarte! Toe weet ek, ek het deurgekom.
Continue reading “Vlees of Ou Natuur (Meer as Oorwinnaars Deel 1B)”Substitute in My Place (He died for me – Part II)
Give Me a Body (Substitute)
(Part II of a transcript of a sermon about atonement by Dr. Martin Holdt)
Heb 10:3-12 “ in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. When Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God “
There you have it “Substitutionary Atonement”, Christ giving His own body as a sacrifice in your place for your sin.
We live in a day and an age when, even within the Christian church, there is far too little of a brokenness of heart and a mourning over sin. May God give it back to us, because when He does, we might be a step closer to revival. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. I find the above verses the most moving in the whole Bible. Continue reading “Substitute in My Place (He died for me – Part II)”
Stryd van Binne en Buite (Meer as oorwinnaars Deel 1A)
Die eerste deel (deel 1A) van ‘n transkripsie van die eerste boodskap uit ‘n reeks getiteld “Meer as Oorwinnaars” deur Nico van der Walt.
Die Christen se Stryd
Efes 6:10-20 (Nuwe vertaling)
“Verder nog dit: soek julle krag in die Here en in Sy groot mag. Trek die volle wapenrusting aan wat God julle gee, sodat julle op julle pos kan bly ondanks die listige aanslae van die duiwel.
Ons stryd is nie teen vlees en bloed nie, maar teen die bose magte van hierdie sondige wêreld, teen die bose geeste in die lug. Trek daarom die wapenrusting aan wat God julle gee, sodat julle weerstand kan bied in die dag van onheil en, nadat julle die stryd tot die einde toe gevoer het, nog op julle pos kan bly staan. Bly dan op julle pos, toegerus met die waarheid as gordel om julle heupe, die vryspraak deur God as borsharnas, en die bereidheid om die evangelie van vrede te verkondig as skoene aan die voete. Daarby moet julle altyd geloof as skild in die hand hê, want daarmee sal julle al die brandpyle van die Bose kan afweer. Sit verlossing as helm op en vat die swaard van die Gees, dit is die woord van God. Doen dit alles biddend en smeek God by elke geleentheid deur die Gees. Wees waaksaam en bid gedurig vir al die gelowiges. Bid ook vir my dat wanneer ek preek, God my die woorde gee dat ek die geheimenis van die evangelie met vrymoedigheid kan bekend maak. Ter wille van hierdie evangelie is ek ‘n gesant in boeie. Bid dat ek dit met vrymoedigheid kan verkondig soos dit my opgelê is.”
Skewe Idees
Efesiërs 6 is seker een van die bekendste gedeeltes in die Nuwe Testament, maar dit is terselfdertyd een van die gedeeltes wat ek dink, waaroor mense die meeste skewe idees oor het, besonderlik in ons dag. Continue reading “Stryd van Binne en Buite (Meer as oorwinnaars Deel 1A)”
He died for Me – Part 1 (Atonement)
Transcript of a sermon about atonement preached by Dr. Martin Holdt
Based on: Isaiah 53; and 1 Peter chapter 3, verse 8 – 22.
Well beloved, on this glorious theme of the cross of Christ, may God give me the grace to share with you something that will elevate your soul and move you to worship Him who died for our sins.
You all know what Paul said in that crisp, wonderful, glorious statement in
1 Corinthians 15 verse 3. ‘I delivered to you as the first importance what I also received (now notice, of first importance, it is paramount, it is crucial, its vital He says) that Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the Scriptures. And that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures.’
Substitutionary Atonement
This morning we are going to pause and think about this statement, that Christ died for our sins. I think you know this doctrine of substitutionary penal atonement is under attack today, but it has been under attack before. We have, amongst others, professors in the theological faculty of the University of Pretoria, who say that to teach that or to preach that is to suggest and imply that God is guilty of child abuse. For a mother wouldn’t do that to her child. Why should God do that to His beloved Son? For of course it is things we know, we don’t expect better from that faculty. Continue reading “He died for Me – Part 1 (Atonement)”
Ligon Duncan on Hope Holiness and Perseverence
Did you pray for years for revival but it did not come, or preached your heart out with little fruit, or as a lay christian you see your church dying while you laboured and prayed for change that did not come. Well there is hope, Elijah had a similar experience. Although God revealed himself in a mighty way on mount Carmel, Ahab did not repent thereafter and neither did the people, and on top of that he had to flee for Jezebel
God used His servant Ligon Duncan in an extraordinary way to deliver a message “Hope for the depressed in heart” on Elijah which will greatly encourage you. What happened in his flight and thereafter. God’s grace in the chariots of fire and what happened on the mount of transfiguration – don’t miss this and his other messages below.
Dr . Ligon Duncan III is the Chancellor & CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary and God especially uses him to encourage Pastors and Lay Christians alike. Through this series of messages you will be greatly encouraged. It was delivered at the Grace Ministers Conference which we recorded in South Africa in 2015
To download Right Click on the player and select “save as” and choose a place on your hard disk where you want to save the mp3 file.
1. K0096-01 Hope for the depressed in heart
2. K0096-02 Hope and the Holiness of heart
3. K0096-03 Hope and the perseverance through trials
4. K0096-04 Hope and the return of Christ
If you want to own these messages on CD, DVD or mp4 download our catalogues and order by snailmail ( we will have to quote for postage depending where you live). Don’t forget to browse our other 2200 sermons. To start with, listen to those in Afrikaans by Nico van der Walt and in English – Joel Beeke, Martin Holdt, Stuart Olyott, Steven Lawson, Don Theobald, Brian Edwards. Enjoy! Don’t forget to ‘like’ this and to recommend our site to others.
We make these mp3’s available for free but want to ask that if you were blessed through it, please consider supporting this full time ministry by donating to cover our costs in rent, living, recording, editing and maintaining two websites.
Phil 4:15,17 “15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”
[sharify]
True Preaching – by J.C. Ryle
The instrumentality by which the spiritual reforms of the eighteenth century carried on their operations, was of the simplest description. It was neither more nor less than the old apostolic weapon of preaching. The sword which the apostle Paul wielded with such mighty effect, when he assaulted the strongholds of heathenism eighteen hundred years ago—was the same sword by which they won their victories. Continue reading “True Preaching – by J.C. Ryle”
Gebed (Deel 2) – Raad vir die wat Bid en wie nie Bid nie.
vertaal en verkort uit ‘n skrywe van JC Ryle (1816-1900)
1. Aan die wat nie bid nie
Vriend is jy iemand wat glad nie bid nie ?. Indien wel dan moet ek jou ongelukkig waarsku met al die erns waartoe ek beskik. Jy is in ernstige gevaar. As jy in hierdie toestand sterwe is jy ‘n verlore siel en jy sal ongelukkig opstaan in ‘n ewig misrabele toestand in die hel. Hoekom? – wel alle christene bid. As jy dus nie bid nie is jy nie ‘n christen nie.
- Jy sê jy weet nie hoe om te bid nie.
Tog is dit die eenvoudigste handeling. Dit is eenvoudig om net met God te praat. Dit vereis nie geleerdheid, wysheid of boek kennis nie, dit vra net jou hart en wil. ‘n Swak babatjie huil as hy honger is. Die armste bedelaar hou sy hand uit vir ‘n aalmoes en wag nie om verfynde woorde te vind nie. So, die mees onkundige persoon sal iets vind om vir God te sê as hy bedeeld is met verstand. Continue reading “Gebed (Deel 2) – Raad vir die wat Bid en wie nie Bid nie.”
It’s winter in my soul
Do you experience gloomy winter times when the presence of Jesus seems far off and His voice seems bitter ? Oh may Jesus lift up your soul and encourage you through this hymn/poem of John Newton. Continue reading “It’s winter in my soul”
Gebed (Deel 1)
‘n vertaling, verwerking en opsomming van ‘n skrywe van JC Ryle oor gebed
Continue reading “Gebed (Deel 1)”“n mens gedurig moet bid” – Lukas 18:1
“Ek wil dan hê dat die manne op elke plek moet bid” – 1 Timotheus 2:8
The False Reality of Social Media
“We live in a world of false realities. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest all offer an alternate view of who we are as individuals. We can tweet spiritual tweets and show off our immaculate houses or perfectly cooked food on Instagram. We can either judge or feel judged as we scan our Facebook timelines, and Pinterest shows us how far we fall from perfection.”
Read the rest of This article by Elizabeth Wann its worth it.
Jelly-Fish Christianity and Affection for the Flock
Quotes from JC Ryle
Jelly-fish Christianity
There is a jelly-fish Christianity in the land; that is a Christianity without bone or muscle or power…of which the leading principle is “no dogma, no distinct tenets, no positive doctrine”. We have hundreds of jelly-fish clergymen, who seem not to have a single bone in their body of divinity…We have thousands of jelly-fish sermons preached every year – sermons without an edge, or a point, or a corner, smooth as billiard balls, awakening no sinner and edifying no saint…and last, and worst of all, we have myriads of jelly-fish worshippers – respectable, church-going people who have no distinct and definite views about any point in theology…they think everybody is right and nobody is wrong, everything is true and nothing is false, all sermons are good and none are bad, every clergyman is sound and none is unsound. Continue reading “Jelly-Fish Christianity and Affection for the Flock”