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Quotes by Sinclair Ferguson

101

The foundation of worship in the heart is not emotional (“I feel full of worship” or “The atmosphere is so worshipful”). Actually, it is theological. Worship is not something we “work up,” it is something that “comes down” to us, from the character of God.

102

It is God who gives us the spirit of worship (Psalm 133:3), and it is what we know of God that produces this spirit of worship. We might say that worship is simply theology, doctrine, what we think about God, going into top gear! Instead of merely thinking about Him, we tell Him, in prayer and praise and song, how great and glorious we believe Him to be!

103

The whole of the Christian life is centered on Jesus Christ. Like Paul the contemporary Christian can say: “To me to live is Christ.” But often, in Christian experience, we are tempted to look elsewhere for direction, example, counsel and guidance. We lose sight of the fact that everything we need to live the Christian life is to be found exclusively in Christ. For this reason when we begin thinking about spiritual growth we must think first of all about Christ.

104

Do I learn through dark providences, or simply seem relieved when they are over?

105

When Paul preached “the cross” he preached a message which explained that this instrument of rejection had been used by God as His instrument of reconciliation. Man’s means of bringing death to Jesus was God’s means to bring life to the world. Man’s symbol of rejecting Christ was God’s symbol of forgiveness for man. This is why Paul boasted about the cross!

106

All other things derive being – their ‘is-ness’ is secondary. But God did not derive His being from any other – His ‘is-ness’ is underived, original, eternal! He was, and is, and is to come, the eternal ‘I Am.’ Rather than concealing His identity, this Name reveals the deepest mystery of His being, and rocks our minds with the discovery that we cannot begin to fathom the mind and life of this eternal God.

107

The spiritual life is lived between two polarities: our sin and God’s grace. The discovery of the former brings us to seek the latter; the work of the latter illuminates the depths of the former and causes us to seek yet more grace… The heart-conviction of sin is the way grace prepares the heart for more grace.

108

There is nothing more important to learn about Christian growth than this: Growing in grace means becoming like Christ.

109

We must never forget – if we are to grow in grace, and therefore grow like Christ – that the One we trust, love, and serve is a crucified Savior. To follow Him means taking up the cross, as well as denying ourselves. It means a crucified life.

110

There is a difference between going to a service “for the worship” and going to a service “to worship the Lord.” The distinction appears to be a minor one, but it may imply the difference between the worship of God and the worship of music!

Recommended Books

Love Came Down at Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent

Sinclair Ferguson

Grow in Grace

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Heart for God

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In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life

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The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction

Sinclair Ferguson