A new form of Calvinism took the shape of a movement from about 2005, but it differed from the original in its acceptance of ‘the world’. This critique written in 2009 was sharply attacked by new Calvinistic preachers but strongly endorsed by conservative preachers worldwide.

Is our continuing sanctification impeded by worldliness? Has the ‘moral resurrection’ of which Paul speaks come to a halt? Here is how we may rediscover the secret power.

Is it wrong to seek advancement, or to possess wealth as a Christian? Believers face career decisions, and need to know if there are clear standards in the Bible governing advancement in the world. Where should the line be drawn between justifiable, legitimate advance in wealth and authority on the one hand, and covetousness on the other?

‘..if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?’ In these words our Lord established at the beginning the distinctness and separateness of the church. If the sharp distinction is ever broken down between the church and the world, then the power of the church is gone.

The Things in the World

1 John 2.15

Surely we are moving into the last age end-phase of licence and lawlessness. Here we briefly review history since the 1960s, and then consider a gulf between church and world, then study the command to love not the world and its things. What are these?

What Exactly Is Worldliness?

1 John 2.15

‘Love not the world’ texts are frequently twisted to mean – be worldly as long as you don’t sin. Past believers always saw the world as a complex evil campaign orchestrated by Satan. Here are passages proving this view and defining worldliness.

The Things in the World (2)

Luke 5.11

The ‘principles’ contained in key Scripture texts that decide whether a pursuit is of the world; plus an examination of dancing, with special attention to David’s dancing before the Lord, and the impossibility of this justifying modern dancing either in worship or in the world. 

Worldliness

James 4.1

James employs the imagery of two natures in the believer in showing how not to yield to worldly desires, but to resist the devil. Here praying ‘amiss’ is defined, and prayer priorities listed. Here also – how the Spirit gives far superior favours than those of the world.

Worship or Entertainment?

Peter Masters

Where will your church be five or ten years from now? – asks the author. With the adoption of contemporary music worship many have already changed beyond recognition. Yet more will do so.

Here are four essential principles which Jesus Christ laid down for worship, and by which every new idea must be judged.

Here also is a fascinating view of how they worshipped in Bible times, including their rules for the use of instruments, and the question is answered – What does the Bible teach about the content and order of a service of worship today?

Sacrifice

Howard Guinness

How much we need the challenging call of Howard Guinness’s Sacrifice! Only this level of commitment will take us through life’s journey used by God, and rejoicing in his power and love.

Howard Guinness was a true soulwinner in the steps of his grandfather Henry Grattan Guinness, a leading preacher of the 19th-century revival. From his time as a medical student at Bart’s, London, through his years as a worldwide student evangelist, and during his long ministry in Sydney, Dr Guinness lived the message of this book, and a multitude of readers have caught it from him. May we do so also, to the glory of God.