Ben Zornes

Living and Dying to Show the Preciousness of Christ

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Ben Zornes

Beware Erasmus

Beware Erasmus

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Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (27 October 1466 – 12 July 1536)

Beware Erasmus.
In a recent foray through David Daniell’s meticulous biography of William Tyndale, I have been stirred more than once by this simple warning: “Beware Erasmus.” It has become a slogan I have begun to frequently whisper to my soul, (for reasons that shall soon become clear) to provoke me to stay on guard against the enchanting fumes of pride. We recognize the perceived deadness of the previous generation and we refuse to follow in that path; we, instead, want a robust and living spirituality. I’ve seen my peers pursue this healthy desire in two very unhealthy ways.
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Inward Trials: God’s Means for Growth in Grace

Inward Trials: God’s Means for Growth in Grace

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John Newton well knew what it was to be humbled before a Thrice Holy God. We often times long for the testimony of holiness and divine power to mark our lives, but we withdraw from the rose of God’s grace, simply because the thorns of purgation and tribulation surround it. Newton, a man with a mighty testimony, staunch abolitionist, famous hymnodist, and mighty Gospel preacher was often plagued with ten thousand ghosts of his former sins. Though he had indeed found the Amazing Grace of God to cover all his many sins, he found that that amazing grace is brought to us by means of inward trials of God’s purging, threshing, and sanctifying.

If we would grow in grace, we must also see that God will afflict every last vestige of pride and selfishness within; if we desire the mercy of the cross, we will also taste the unrelenting agenda of the cross: conformity to Christ. Thus, the old man must die, so that Christ life alone remains.

Enjoy this gem by Newton. And may it be a servant of grace unto your soul, though it means wrestling with the God-man until daybreak.

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Waving Magic Wands

Waving Magic Wands

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This world is a messy place (in case your name is Rip Van Winkle and you’re just now waking up).  Humans have endeavored to wave magic wands over the problems that face us and then claim, “voilà, it’s all better!” Band aids do little good for corpses. Elections fail to change human nature. Airbags don’t prevent drunk drivers from careening wildly down the highway the wrong way. Immunizations, GMO-free foods, anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, and electric cars do not change the fact that you and I will, sooner or later, die. [Read more…] about Waving Magic Wands

The Horsepower of Olive Oil

The Horsepower of Olive Oil

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David’s words from the 20th Psalm speak just as forcefully today as they did all those long centuries ago: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses.” The ancient empires often measured their greatness and power in horses and chariots. Horses and chariots equated to strength in battle, mobility, and superiority of resource and wealth. Thus, it is no wonder that the Psalmist points out that some place their confidence in their horsepower; we haven’t come very far have we?

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Preaching by Proxy

Preaching by Proxy

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Around two millennia ago, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church and reminded them of something that we, as believers, are all too often ready to forget: “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Cor. 4:20).” The first century was marked with the mightiest works of God this world has ever seen: the life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension and outpouringof the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the old had gone, the new has come. Yet, 19 centuries later, we find ourselves in an age of spiritual malaise, where it appears secularism has Christianity on the ropes.

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The Standard of the Cross: Hudson Taylor’s Blazing Passion

The Standard of the Cross: Hudson Taylor’s Blazing Passion

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It is hard to peer through the haze of decades and centuries and discern the motives, intents, desires, longings, and passions of great men of history. When Washington crossed the Delaware, what feelings were truly beating within Him? As Alexander the Great marched from kingdom to kingdom, what thoughts motivated his every move, and flittered through every dream? When William Wallace fought upon the fields of Bannockburn, what creed genuinely coursed through his soul? When Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door of All Saints Church in Wittenberg, what spurred him onward and what affections swelled his breast? It is hard to know. However, the annals of history, the letters, correspondences, personal writings, journals, testimonies from friends, acquaintances and enemies, and other numerous witness give us a structure whereby we can sort of squint our eyes and make out the personality, characteristics, and motives of these persons of renown.

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