Slice of Laodicea

I read this passage last night in preparation for today’s Crosstalk interview. It was written in the 17th century, back when Christian men knew what it was to die for something called “truth”. (Note that the term “violent” is not referring to physical violence but the active contending for our faith.)

“Truth is the most glorious thing; the least filling of this gold is precious. What shall we be violent for if not for truth? Truth is ancient; its grey hairs may make it venerable; it comes from Him who is the ancient of days. Truth is unerring; it is the star that leads to Christ. Truth is pure (Psalm 119:140). It is compared to silver refined seven times (Psalm 12:6). There is not the least spot on truth’s face; it breathes nothing but sanctity. Truth is triumphant; it is like a great conqueror; when all his enemies lie dead, it keeps the field and sets up its trophies of victory. Truth may be opposed, but never quite deposed…When the water in the Thames is lowest, a high tide is ready to come in. God is on truth’s side, and so long as there is no fear it will prevail.”

These are the words of Puritan preacher Thomas Watson (1620-1686). When his country passed a law that forced many pastors out of their pulpits in 1662, this godly shepherd opened a private meeting place where he could preach the Word of God. His words have been brought back to life again in a beautiful book of spiritual truth entitled, Heaven Taken By Storm, published by Northampton Press. The publishing and editing of the book was in the able hands of Dr. Don Kistler who has spent his life producing reprints of the Puritans’ important works. Dr. Kistler, always a wonderful Crosstalk guest, will be joining me to discuss this book and another he has published entitled, Sermons on Important Doctrines, by the late 18th-early 19th century Scottish pastor, John Colquhoun (pronounced Col-hoon). I wish I was a millionaire so I could buy large quantities of this book and send them out to any Christian who wanted one. This kind of reading is the ANTIDOTE to the doctrinal ignorance endemic in Christian circles today. Here are the important doctrines addressed by Dr. Colquhoun in his highly readable style.

Sermon 1 – The Incarnation of Christ
Sermon 2 – Christ as His Father’s Servant
Sermon 3 – Christ as Our Surety
Sermon 4 – Christ as the Lord Our Righteousness
Sermon 5 – Union with Christ
Sermon 6 – Justification
Sermon 7 – Sanctification
Sermon 8 – Salvation from Sin

When these biblical doctrines are properly understood, it is impossible to be taken in by evangelical pastors who say that Roman Catholicism’s false teaching on justification is no big deal as long as someone “just loves Jesus”. You can’t be misled by those who say we cannot be absolutely certain of our salvation. You won’t believe Dr. Schuller’s lies about the nature of sin. No, sin is not the lack of self-esteem, friends, not according to the Scriptures. You won’t buy what America’s smiling preacher, Joel Osteen, is selling with his “best life now” philosophy, not when you know what the Scriptures teach.

This fabulous book, also brought back into the hands of Christians by Dr. Kistler, will also be discussed today. I am excited about today’s program and would like to invite Slice readers to join us for the program either by podcast or live at 2pm Central time at our website. These two books served to encourage me and focus my attention on Jesus Christ. You can find these two books at Dr. Kistler’s website. Please pray that he can bring more of these books back into print. They are needed.