Satan gives Adam an apple, and takes away paradise. Therefore in all temptations consider not what he offers, but what we shall lose. — Richard Sibbes (1577–1635)

Thankful to have Dr. Owen Strachan here on the Compass Bible Institute campus this weekend teaching on Theological Anthropology. Learn more about CBI's visiting faculty and weekend intensives at compassbibleinstitute.org

I loved my time at Compass Bible Institute and Compass Bible Church. A thriving work of God in Orange Country—grateful to the Lord for Mike Fabarez, Mark Kelley, John Goodrich, Kellen Allen, and the team. God is so good, and Christ’s body is such a blessing.

I think these are very wise words

“The pride of your heart has deceived you, who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’” Obadiah 1:3 The great deception of pride is: There will be no pain for this sinful pleasure. It is a double delusion: 1) Sin tastes best. 2) Sin is not punished.

One of the most subtle sins you and I must identify and kill is the sin of entitlement: believing we deserve all sorts of things. No, we deserve nothing whatsoever. Every good thing we enjoy is a gift rooted in the kind character of our gracious God.

'Perfect holiness is the aim of the saints on earth, and it is the reward of the saints in Heaven.' — Joseph Caryl

Since Satan can't destroy the gospel, he has too often neutralized its usefulness by addition, subtraction or substitution.

Looking forward to reading it!

True virtue never appears so lovely, as when it is most oppressed; & the divine excellency of real Christianity, is never exhibited with such advantage, as when under the greatest trials... upon this account is “found to praise, & honor, & glory.” Edwards, Religious Affections

A part of what it means to desire heaven is to understand that there and there alone will our satisfaction be found.

A forthcoming book which I pray will prove helpful. amazon.com/Envy-Big-Probl…

It was great to see all the fruitful ministry that continues to go on Compass Bible Church

Check out this review by challies of Mike Fabarez's new book on Envy:

"There will be three effects of nearness to Jesus: 1. Humility 2. Happiness 3. Holiness." - Charles Spurgeon

The absence of blessings—rejection, vanity, reviling, illness, poverty—often is the crucible in which we learn to love God for who he is. In our idolatry we make gifts out to be gods, and make the Giver into the errand boy of our desires. — David Powlison

"A pastor has three great loves. He loves his God, he loves his wife and family, and he loves his church." – Alex Montoya

This quote is why Ryle is one of the best, commenting on the two thieves crucified with Christ: "One thief was saved that no sinner might despair, but only one, that no sinner might presume" Sobering wisdom stated in profound simplicity!

Beware of both undevotional theology and untheological devotion.

"One of the mightiest things we can say while praying is, 'Do as you have said.'" — Charles Spurgeon