Teaching Resources International

The Doctrine of Sin is certainly one of the most neglected in preaching today. Whereas preachers of old preached the depravity of man and saw many brought to conviction and conversion, preachers today seem content to place emphasis on God’s love and grace and ignore preaching on man’s sinfulness. To do so is a serious mistake. Not only does such an emphasis distort the message of salvation which, of necessity begins with “the bad news,” it also diminishes the greatness and glory of God in salvation. A proper understanding of our dreadful condition and our utter helplessness restores the biblical emphasis on the power of God in making dead men alive and in rescuing men from the kingdom of darkness.

In this issue, we have included a number of articles that address the sin nature of man. In articles from A. W. Pink and Asahel Nettleton, the results of the fall and the depravity of man are discussed. Those by Edwards and Charnock remind us of the greatness of God’s grace. We are not saved because we are better in any way. God’s choice is not determined by anything in us or any act by us, but only because of His great love and mercy toward us. These articles humble us as we remember our condition and God’s grace that rescued us. Finally, we have included two articles (one by A. W. Pink and another by William Gurnall) that speak about the work of the Spirit in bringing dead men to conviction of sin.

One idea has stood out in my mind while researching and editing these articles—the goodness of God. As I have been reminded of how wicked I am, I have been brought anew to see how good God is. I have seen this goodness in a number of areas. First, God’s goodness is revealed in that He has been unbelievably patient toward us all. His justice would not have been questioned had He destroyed everyone one of us. His goodness is especially evident in that He continues to “endure with patience the vessels prepared for destruction.” That is, He continues to bear with those that will never come to saving faith. Second, I am constantly reminded that, even if God never gave me anything else in life but Christ, I would have to say, “God is so good to me.” But the Scriptures (and our experiences) remind us that “He who did not spare His own Son but offered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things” (Romans 8:32)? In light of our sin and rebellion, what more can we say other than “God is so good to us.”

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

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In the last issue of Teaching Resources, we dealt with the theme of sin in the lives of non-believers. In this current issue, we have included articles on the issue of the indwelling sin in the lives of believers. There is little question that believers have an on-going battle with the reality of sin in their lives. Understanding what the Scriptures teach about this reality provides three helps.

First, it becomes an encouragement to those who think their experience is unique. They assume that they alone struggle with sin. This struggle may even cause some to question their salvation. Instead, believers need to be encouraged that such a struggle is evidence that they are believers. The unregenerate man does not struggle with sin—only the regenerate is grieved by its lingering presence.

Second, the Scriptures provide instructions for Christians which will result in an increasing victory over the power of indwelling sin. Such admonitions as “mortify the sinful desires” and “set your affections on things above” are “means” by God in the process of our sanctification.

Finally, proper teaching on this subject avoids using grace as an excuse for sin and avoids moving back into a righteousness established through our own works. Correct teaching places emphasis on God’s grace as the means for overcoming the power of indwelling sin.

Each of the articles selected for this issue is intended for these purposes. Spurgeon’s article on “The Doctrines of Grace Do Not Lead to Sin” does battle with arguments that teaching grace gives license to sin. His second article explains how believers are free from the dominion of sin. The articles by Owen and Baxter show how sin deceives us and give suggestions as to set a guard over our minds. Thomas Watson reminds us how God is able to turn even our sinfulness in to good and A. W. Pink shows how God’s Word is profitable in our battle with sin.

Also included is an edited letter from John Newton that provides sound pastoral encouragements. Finally, the issue closes with a warning from the pen of Thomas Watson on the dangers of only being pretenders.

We hope these articles are an encouragement to you in the Lord. Please continue to keep us in your prayers over the summer months. Much of Jim’s time will be spend setting up our web site and writing and preparing for fall classes. May you continue to grow in Him and in holiness before Him.

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

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In the last issue of Teaching Resources, we dealt with the theme of indwelling sin in the lives of believers. In this current issue, we have included articles on the person and work of Satan, especially as it affects believers.

Spurgeon’s “Blinded by Satan” and A. W. Pink’s “The Gospel of Satan” show something of the effect of Satan on the non-believing. Spurgeon demonstrates the reality of Satan’s blinding of non-believers so that they cannot see the light of the glorious gospel of our Savior. Pink’s article is especially relevant. Here he reminds us about the false gospel that predominates most churches and preaching today. Both articles show often-neglected aspects of “the wiles of the devil.”

The articles by Robert Murray McCheyne and Charles Bridge provide encouragement for believers under the attack of Satan. Both remind us of the differences between the temptations and struggles of believers and those of non-believers. Both should be encouragement to the souls of believers in the midst of spiritual conflict. Likewise my article on “God’s Use of Satan” is designed to remind us that nothing Satan does can frustrate the sovereign plan and purpose of God. Even in spite of Satan’s most evil efforts, God “turns the tables” utilizing those deeds in such a way that God’s perfect will is ultimately accomplished. Such an understanding is essential to prevent discouragement from settling in the hearts of believers.

Finally, Pink’s “Resist the Devil” and Spurgeon’s “An Antidote to Satan’s Devices” give much needed instruction on resisting the enemy. We have also included a final article on the Y2K problem. I’ve read much on this issue and I’m not really sure what will happen. But one thing we must not do as Christians is neglect the greatest problem faced by modern man—sin and judgment. This article does a good job of reminding us of this priority and pointing out the only solution—a saving faith in Jesus Christ. No one but the Lord knows what will happen on January 1, 2000, but one thing is certain: “It is appointed unto every man to die and then comes the judgment.” It is our hope that this small article might be helpful in rescuing some from this clear and present danger.

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

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January 1^st, 2000, could be the worst day in modern history. The year 200 bug, or Y2K, affects computer systems that control everything from heart monitors to air traffic control. The problem stems from the use in computers of two digits to represent the year in dates. While this does not sound like a very big problem, when the calendar reaches the year 2000, many computers will not know what day it is, and systems that control the flow of electricity in power grids, the interest on your loans, or the service schedule for industrial equipment may grind to a halt.

Are you afraid of Y2K? A lot of experts who have been studying the problem for many years now, while not advocating panic, are recommending a healthy dose of caution, because this is a problem that has the potential to have devastating effects in nearly every area of our lives.

Why did this happen and what is being done about it? Many years ago computer resources were much more limited than they are today, and every effort was made to conserve those resources; using two digits for the year was one of those efforts. Many programmers knew there would be a problem in the year 2000, but they did not think their programs would still be in use today. As a result, businesses and governments are now spending billions of dollars and devoting countless hours in an effort to find and fix all instances of the problem. This is certainly not an easy job, as there are billions of lines of computer code that must be checked and corrected, much of it manually compounding the problem is the fact that many computer chips, such as those found in telecommunications satellites, security systems, home computers, and machinery of all kinds will not be able to recognize the turn of the century. The search is on to find and fix these chips.

One of the greatest fears regarding Y2K is that public utilities, including water, gas, telephone, and electricity suppliers may suffer disruptions or total collapses of their service. Power outages are possible, but the size and scope of these blackouts is impossible to predict, because of the complexity of the power production network and the difficulties involved with finding and fixing all of the affected chips and programs.

The banking and securities industries are also affected, since computers deal with everything from deposit and withdrawal dates to interest calculations. While most banks expect to have their own problems fixed in time, many services relying on the transfer of accurate information from one bank to another, including ATM transactions, the clearing of checks, and so on, may be affected as corrupted data invades the systems. The global economy, which has proven itself to be delicate and volatile, could also feel the impact of Y2K.

While the world begins to realize and deal with the problem of Y2K, an even larger problem looms. It is a problem that will not go away, threatens more than the loss of power and heat, and will bring loss greater than the loss of all the wealth in the world. It is the problem of sin and the judgment of sin by a holy and righteous God. Just as programmers didn’t think their actions would affect the future, do you mistakenly believe that when your life is over that that’s the end? You have a never-dying soul. God’s Word says, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Are you afraid of losing power and heat in the middle of winter? You should be more afraid of spending eternity in the “blackness of darkness for ever” (Jude 1:13), in the “fire that never shall be quenched” (Mark 9:43). Jesus said, “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Are you afraid that your money might be misplaced or lost, or that a global depression might affect your life? You should be more afraid of losing your soul. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Even if you lost the wealth of the entire world, this would not compare to losing your soul.

Are you waiting for someone to step forward with a solution to Y2K? Those who understand the enormous scope of the problem know that this is impossible. But with the problem of sin—a much larger problem already affecting everyone in the world—Someone has already provided the solution. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, stepped forward “to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). When Jesus was crucified, He “bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). The problem has been identified and the answer has been provided. “He that believes on the Son has everlasting life, and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36). Have you received Jesus Christ as your lord and Savior? Do you believe that His blood is able to wash away all of your sins? (1 John 1:7). Have you trusted Him, and Him alone, for the safety and salvation of your immortal soul?

Then, no matter what the year 2000 brings, you will have peace within knowing that you are prepared for eternity and that your future is secure in Christ.

NOTE: Much has been written about the Y2K problem, often describing apocalyptic scenarios. We have included this article, not as a commentary on what may or may not happen as a result of Y2K, but as a sober means of reminding one another of a far more important problem facing modern man—the problem of sin and judgment.

This article comes from a tract published by a missionary in Dominica, West Indies (Daniel Shanks). We are not sure if Daniel is the author or not, but we certainly appreciate the timeliness of the message.

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No book in the modern or ancient world compares with the Bible in terms of circulation, translation, or impact. No book has influenced the number of lives that the Bible has.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” The Psalmist said to the Lord: “You, through your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies … I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation; I understand more than the ancients, because I keep your precepts” (Psalm 119:98-100).

This issue provides a number of articles related to the Word of God. Some of the articles are doctrinal. A. W. Pink’s “The Unity of the Bible” and Charles Spurgeon’s “The Infallible Word of God” lay some foundations for understanding the unique treasure that the Bible is. Pink’s other article, “A Presumption in Favor of the Bible,” logically demonstrates our need for a clear revelation from God.

Two articles provide some practical helps. Boston’s “Directions for Reading the Word” gives some important helps for all readers. And, although William Gouge’s “Preaching God’s Word” is most specifically for preachers, it also contains some helps for rightly hearing God’s Word as it is preached.

Charles Spurgeon’s “Christ’s Indwelling Word” is his exposition on Colossians 3:16 and includes many insights and helps related our letting the Word dwell in us. Finally, we encourage you to read Watson’s “The Godly Man is a Lover of God’s Word.” This comes from his The Godly Man’s Picture. This is an excellent book that is currently in print from Banner of Truth. We highly recommend it. We have also included some insights from a message Jim preached on “The Sword of the Spirit” from Ephesians 6 in a series on spiritual warfare.

We continue to hope and pray that these articles are helpful to our readers. Most of all, we pray that the Word of God would be the foundation of you life as you enter this new year and new millennium!

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

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