The title of this article is obviously not meant in a charismatic sense. We offer no advice on how to cast out demons, rather on how to help true believers who have been heavily influenced by charismatic ideas such as tongues, visions, prophecies, ecstasies, dancing, falling down slain etc, and who have come to see them as wrong.
The loss of separation has already led to a weakened, worldly, psychological evangelicalism in Britain, and the situation will grow worse still without a return to former standards of loyalty to Christ and his Word. But the commands to stand clear of false doctrine, immorality and worldliness are still in the Bible.
‘Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.’
‘Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.’
‘While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.’
The duty of separation, whether primary or secondary, is laid upon us in the Bible by the infinite kindness of God. Far from being loveless, it is a Gospel-preserving and a church-protecting duty. It is to keep us from a thousand snares and heartaches.
The apostle is about to unfold the great ‘cycle’ of spiritual experience for Christian workers by teaching the golden chain of pressures (prayer: encouragement: thanksgiving). He wants all Christians to see pressures turn into spiritual encouragements, such as deliverances, provisions, strength and fruitfulness.
‘Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.’
The goodness of God is fully demonstrated in the promises He makes in the Bible. That the Creator and Sovereign God should deign to give promises to us is amazing. Here are the major promises, how Christ makes them possible, and how we receive them.
Isaiah was overwhelmed and convicted by it. The four and twenty elders of Revelation fell down before it. What is it like to sense God’s glory – its perfections and attributes? Here is how it is known through Christ, and how it must be honoured.
Full chapter _____________ 2 Corinthians 5 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so … Continued
‘Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.’ Full chapter _____________ 2 Corinthians 13 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be … Continued
The conscience, originally programmed by God, operates in both Christian and pagan societies. Although damaged and weakened by sin, its underlying standards are dramatically revived in individuals by the power of the Gospel, as we see in these major biblical conversions. You May Be Also Interested in… Sermon: Purging the Conscience Therefore seeing we have … Continued
Paul’s closing counsels set before us the duties of Christian cheerfulness, keeping spiritual perspective and faith alive, being of one mind as a church family and maintaining harmony. Here are the steps to be taken, and the great reward of God’s presence in our midst. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most … Continued
First, the problem when believers reform their behaviour but without any depth of repentance. Here is vital counsel. Then Paul tells us that if Christ is in us, it is fairly plain to see. Here are the signs of His dwelling in true believers. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical … Continued
The apostle discloses how he experienced in mysterious manner entry into paradise, to prepare him for all rigours he must endure. He speaks also of the affliction given him to maintain humility, and to show him and us that every achievement is the Lord’s doing. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most … Continued
Paul’s labours and sufferings 1) added to his authentication 2) revealed his love for Christ and souls 3) showed his human limitations 4) preserved his humility 5) equipped him to comfort others 6) exposed human hostility 7) deepened desire for glory 8) set standards for consecration. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the … Continued
The harrowing list of pains, pressures and trials, endured by Paul as a continuous authentication of his ministry as an apostle, starts at Damascus, with his ignominious escape. Here is the first of the purposes of Paul’s many sufferings and how it applies to us.
Paul speaks reluctantly of his life and work to defend his standing, so attacked by heretics. Here is his level of commitment, contention for the truth, and faithfulness through labours, privation and persecutions. Is our commitment diluted by the affluence, comfort and self-care of our age? Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the … Continued
How superficial the Corinthians were in letting false teachers get in! They only had to claim to be Christian preachers and no questions were asked. When good people lay aside discernment the result is Satanic conquest. A similar war faces sound churches today. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical of … Continued
Beginning with Paul’s apostolic authority, this passage presents his reliance on God’s power rather than human schemes, showing how strongholds of human thought void of biblical foundation may be thrown down by the truth. Here also is the need for true submission to Christ. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical … Continued
The apostle’s instructions for giving have often been found surprising, being chiefly spiritual matters. The priority of the Gospel is emphasised even in relief offerings, and a precious list of aims and attitudes is given, bringing a reward of spiritual not fleshly enrichment. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical of all Paul’s … Continued
Six graces are listed: faith (conviction), witness, knowledge, diligence (earnestness), love for the cause and stewardship. Then follow seven aspects of such graces that challenge the heart and show the spirit in which they are exercised. This passage uniquely defines dedicated spiritual living. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical of … Continued
Believers may, like those of Corinth, make serious mistakes and need to repent and reform. Here the apostle chronicles the Corinthian readiness to change, highlighting seven distinct components of a believer’s repentance, so that restoration to full blessing and fruitfulness may be experienced. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical of … Continued
Fellowship with false teachers nearly ruined the Corinthian church, leading to this passage on the utter incompatibility of believers being united with unbelievers (as churches or as individuals entering into marriage). Here are God’s reasons, and the command to stand apart from apostate churches or denominations. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the … Continued
Paul is a model for all believers, especially preachers. Here he lists our weapons, such as preaching and witness, to be maintained regardless of our reception, even despite great violence, and through lows and highs – making many rich, and though having nothing, yet possessing all things. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily … Continued
The apostle gives inspired and essential conditions for instrumentality in Gospel work. Beginning with a strong plea to avoid fruitlessness, he stresses the necessity of a consistent life, resilience through all hardship, and five positive qualities which must be exhibited, by the Spirit’s help. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical … Continued
These verses reveal first the means by which Paul sustained his unflagging zeal; secondly the radical change of outlook brought about by conversion, and thirdly the compelling obligation for evangelism which is given to every true believer: are we really saved, and are we genuine witnesses? Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the … Continued
The apostle says – all will appear at the judgement seat, saved and lost. Will the sins of the saved be revealed? What will be the basis of judgement? What are the ‘good’ deeds referred to? Here also is Paul’s concern for the salvation of souls. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the … Continued
At death the believer’s soul enters its heavenly home, capable of praise, fellowship, love and learning, and awaiting only the resurrection body. Here is the greatest imaginable incentive to holiness and service and how it should always be in the forefront of our minds. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical … Continued
The mighty, glorious paradox of the witnessing Christian life is here seen – in weakness, Christ makes us strong; in hindrances and hardships, He provides the escape; when at the end of our resources, He supplies – a lifelong proving of His power and faithfulness to us. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily … Continued
The glorious nature of Gospel ministry burdens preachers and witnessing believers to reach every form of unbelief and rebellion against God. Here are more forms. Here too is Satan’s chief objective – the obscuring of Christ, and the necessity of the Spirit’s illuminating work in salvation. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the … Continued
The apostle shows where false teachers (promoting Jewish views) went wrong, explaining the veil over their minds and hearts. Then he advances the liberty of true conversion, and here are its components. Finally the question is answered – how does beholding Christ lead to sanctification and glory? Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily … Continued
Learning from contrasts, including that between the law written on stone, and conversion written in the heart; the ministry of the the letter and that of the Spirit; the old and the new covenants; the administration of death and of the Spirit, with the unique glory of the latter. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians … Continued
Paul reveals his great anxiety for the Corinthians, but hastens to show how he looked also at the overall scene and God’s ceaseless blessing in opening doors and making Paul and others the savour of Christ everywhere; truly a model life for us all. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical … Continued
Despite Satan’s drive to establish a hold over God’s people, the Corinthian church purges out grievous sin (here are the purposes of discipline), achieves restoration for the offender, proves its obedience to the Lord, and defeats Satan’s devices (these being named and described here). Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical … Continued
An insight into Paul’s deep sense of the priesthood of all believers. Shared intercession comes first (he needs them), then shared sincerity, then a shared anointing (not just the preacher), finally shared proving of the Lord (the local church needs no external oversight). Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical of … Continued
Beginning with God as a compassionate Father over His children, Paul moves to sufferings incurred for the sake of Christ and the Gospel, especially his own experience of ‘so great a death’, and its spiritual purpose – that of delivering him from self-trust. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians is easily the most biographical of … Continued
‘But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ Full chapter _____________ 2 Corinthians 3 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of … Continued
You May Be Also Interested in… Sermon: The Free Gift of SalvationBook: Steps Towards heaven For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of … Continued
You May Be Also Interested in… Sermon: Peace and ReconciliationBook: Reconciliation And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed … Continued
For many years independent evangelicals kept apart from churches in denominations affiliated to the apostate World Council of Churches, such as Anglican, Baptist Union and Methodist churches. The British Evangelical Council (whose members included the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), Grace Baptist Churches and the Free Church of Scotland) did not admit churches that … Continued
The Bible describes the necessity of conversion to God. In this verse it is presented as something radical, sudden, a complete event accomplished in an instant by God, and not by us. Here are the great features, and how we may come to it.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are … Continued
Far more than ‘sundry’ good wishes, here are Paul’s five conditions for the presence of God: the maintaining of joy; living a full-spectrum Christian life; knowing how to gain comfort in trials; being of one mind with believers; and being a peace-maker.
Paul outlines the teaching that runs through the Bible about Heaven, showing the way to be accepted by God and also the way God confirms to those who believe in Him that they possess everlasting life. There is surely no greater knowledge than this.
The apostle explains his persistence in service, however arduous, as being driven by Christ’s love to him, showing how the power of that love comes from reflecting on it. Here are the elements that awaken and compel our souls, proving also that new life is within.
The Bible is a book of promises. They are the overtures of God to our souls, pointing the way out of alienation from Him and a spiritual living death, and urging us to something infinitely better. Here are God’s promises and how He keeps them.
Many think that Christianity gives a narrow, restricted view of life, when it is a materialistic outlook that imposes a limiting cage. Here is the vastly wider view that comes from listening to God’s Word, and what it means to know and prove Him.
‘Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.’ Full chapter _____________ 2 Corinthians 12 It is not … Continued
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) The deeper things of life are so easily crowded out today. Here at the Metropolitan Tabernacle we cater for the needs of the soul. Permit me, as a pastor … Continued
In the Bible, the ‘natural’ person is incomplete, lacking spiritual life and experience. By contrast, the ‘spiritual’ person has heard the call of Christ, and obtained from Him an understanding of life’s spiritual and eternal context, and a personal relationship with God. Here is how.
The Lord’s binding commands (in a series of texts)to stand apart from doctrinal unbelief and from sinfully conceived aspects of worldly culture. How in the case of worldly methods “the medium the message”. The result of disobedience, and the place of secondary separation.
Aspects of Paul’s God-given example, including his simplicity, courage (only he could reform the church at Jerusalem!), loyalty to his calling, great feelingfulness, and spirit of sacrifice – body, heart and mind. What an inspiration, challenge and aim is his life, yet speaking across the centuries.
A single study showing the nature of Christ’s love for His own, which in turn compels, motivates and energises us to love and serve Him. Illustrated by reference to various miracles of Christ, each highlighting a distinctive, precious and heart-warming aspect of His love.
The most important ‘if’ in the Bible is here – ‘If any man be in Christ’ he is a new creation. How do we come to be ‘in Christ’ – united with Him? And in what way is our life newly created? What exactly do we experience?
A message for those seeking for God, taken from Paul’s great illustration of the body as a temporary tent of the soul. Despite our breaking the terms of the ‘lease’, Christ has made a way of forgiveness and new life
