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2 months ago | 
theaquilareport.com | Jonathan Landry Cruse
The wisdom of the world will enslave you, but what appears to the world to be the foolishness of the cross of Christ will set you free: For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). Part of always following Jesus means a call to exclusivity—that is, not only must you always follow Jesus, you must only follow Jesus.
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Jan 13, 2025 | 
banneroftruth.org | Jeremy Walker |Jonathan Landry Cruse |David MacKinnon |Richard Sibbes
Jeremy Walker, pastor at Maidenbower Baptist Church, surveys a number of recent Banner titles. The republication of Puritan volumes has gathered pace in recent decades. That very proliferation brings a challenge: where to begin? Which Puritans wrote about which topics? Where can I at least dip into the writings of such men about pertinent and pressing issues? How might they help me with this sermon or series?
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Jan 11, 2025 | 
theaquilareport.com | Jonathan Landry Cruse
Whether we are consciously aware of it or not, we are all on a search for “the good life.” We are all after that person, place, or thing that will make us satisfied, someone or something that will give us meaning in this world. And since that’s what we’re all looking for, that’s what everyone else is trying to sell us. Someone may claim that the good life is entertainment or that the good life is found in riches or religiosity.
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Oct 29, 2024 | 
heidelblog.net | Jonathan Landry Cruse
For four years I was privileged to live in the heart of one of America’s most historic cities: Philadelphia. It is home to the country’s first zoo, hospital, public library, mint, and bank. As I often commuted by places like Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell, I could not easily forget that I was living in the birthplace of democratic freedom.
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Oct 7, 2024 | 
theaquilareport.com | Jonathan Landry Cruse
Not only is it a biblical doctrine and a big doctrine, but it is also a beautiful doctrine. It can so often be caricatured as nothing more than a cold and lifeless calculus. But what does Paul say in Ephesians 1? That it was in love he predestined us (Eph. 1:4-5)! Thus, it has been said that election is based on affection. It is God’s love for us that causes him to ordain us to everlasting life.
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Sep 4, 2024 | 
thegospelcoalition.org | Jonathan Landry Cruse
Have you ever been surprised by the fine print? Maybe your internet bill skyrocketed and you learned the deal you agreed to was only good for a few months. Or the sudden barrage of emails from the online retailer means you accidentally signed up for their promotions list when you made a recent purchase. Church should never be like that. Those who join a local church ought never to feel, months or even years in, that they’ve signed up for something they don’t believe in fully.
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Jun 19, 2024 | 
heidelblog.net | Jonathan Landry Cruse
What does it mean to be a member of a local church? Those who take church membership seriously recognize it comes with a lot of responsibilities. The faithful church member attends worship regularly and engages meaningfully in the divine service. They pray for the needs of the flock and volunteer their time, talents, and money to support the church’s various ministries. But joining a church also entails the responsibility to see others join, too.
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May 1, 2024 | 
theaquilareport.com | Jonathan Landry Cruse
In prayer the Spirit perfects our requests, petitions, and praises and brings them to the Son, who in his authority as the righteous Son of God has access to the throne of the Father, where he makes our prayers his own. Prayer is an essential means by which we can commune (fellowship) with God—and not just God as an abstract being, but God as a personal Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each member of the Trinity gives himself to us in the work of prayer.
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Apr 30, 2024 | 
heidelblog.net | Jonathan Landry Cruse
On the subject of preaching, the apostle Paul says the proof of true preaching is that it centers on Christ crucified (1 Cor 1:23; 2:2). Interestingly, Paul is not merely content to say we must preach Christ, but that we must preach a Christ who is crucified. Many preachers do the former; doing the latter is more difficult.
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Mar 19, 2024 | 
heidelblog.net | Jonathan Landry Cruse
1 Samuel 14 contains a breathtaking, action-packed story, one that would make any modern blockbuster seem tame in comparison. But the most exciting part of the story might not be where you expect it. It is not in nail-biting suspense (though there is that) or in an underdog victory (and there is that, too). It is in the simple act of faith of one of God’s people. Faith is always exciting, even thrilling, because it believes in a God with whom there are endless possibilities.
