I just discovered a weblog called Of First Importance. Its purpose is simple and highly focused–to produce a new quote each day from a noted writer to help Christians live for the good of the gospel.
One quote a day.
Always about the gospel.
This is a wonderful idea and an excellent use of blogging. Here is the quote for August 31 by the 19th-century Anglican leader J. C. Ryle:
"Would I gather arguments for hoping that I shall never be cast away? Where shall I go to find them? Shall I look at my own graces and gifts? Shall I take comfort in my own faith and love, and penitence and zeal, and prayer? Shall I turn to my own heart, and say, ‘This same heart will never be false and cold’?
Oh, no! God forbid! I will look at Calvary and the crucifixion. This is my grand argument: this is my mainstay. I cannot think that He who went through such sufferings to redeem my soul, will let that soul perish after all, when it has once cast itself on Him. Oh, no! What Jesus paid for Jesus will surely keep. He paid dearly for it: He will not let it easily be lost. He died for me when I was yet a dark sinner: He will never forsake me after I have believed.
Ah, reader, when Satan tempts you to doubt whether Christ’s people will be kept from falling, you should tell Satan that you cannot despair when you look at the cross."
This is the sort of weblog that you should bookmark and check every day as a means of grounding your heart in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
You can reach the author at ray@keepbelieving.com. Click here to sign up for the free weekly email sermon.