We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Emotionalism By-Passes Understanding


In the first place emotionalism is generally worked up.  In some shape or form it is artificially produced.  Its second characteristic is that it always lacks the element of understanding.  It is always a direct assault upon the emotions, it by-passes truth.  Emotionalists care little about the source of the feeling as long as they get it.  Hand-clapping, tambourines, anything may be used to work up the feelings and make a person lose himself.  The swaying of the body also in rhythmic fashion may be used.  It is always produced in a way that by-passes understanding.  The third characteristic of emotionalism is that the element of excitement, of rowdiness, of excess is present.  Emotionalism is always characterized by this element of riot and excess.

Another most important fact about emotionalism is that it always leaves you exhausted.  It tires you, it takes energy out of you.  It is the same as alcoholic drink which seems to fill a man with energy, but which in actual fact is sapping his energy, and leaves him with a horrible tiredness, weariness, and exhaustion.  Finally, it never affects the life and the living in a good sense.  Obviously it cannot do so, for it is not based on truth.  Men may have wonderful experiences, and riots of the emotions; but their lives often indicate something very different.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “The Christian Warfare: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10-13,” pg.202-203

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