More Evidences VI-X

Though I think Edwards first 5 evidences are adequate, 6-10 also support the presupposition that true religion is evident in the affections.

Edwards gives biblical examples of David, Paul, and John as men whose affections were set on God and thus their true religion is made known. There is no doubt when I read the Psalms that David's affections were wholly for God. The same is true for Paul, any man who counts all things as rubbish truly grasp the greatness of God.

The greatest example of religious example came from that of Jesus Christ. What an example of affections for God. I had never thought of this until this moment. That Jesus' devotion to Hid father was so great that he was able to truly pray "not my will but thy will"

I pray that many times but fall short of the devotion that Jesus has to the Father! May my religious affections be ever increased as I seek to know the LOVE these great men of faith exhibited!

Many times I feel foreign, like a pilgrim on a journey! It is a refreshing reminder that as Christians our home is not here on this earth.

"All who are truly religious are not of this world; they are strangers here and belong to heaven; they are born from above, heaven is their native country, and the nature which they receive by this heavenly birth, is a heavenly nature, they receive an anointing from above; that principle of true religion which is in them is a communication of the religion of heaven; their grace is the dawn of glory; and God fits them for that world by conforming them to it."

In evidence #9 Edwards addresses the issue of Prayer and Worship. Many times we think prayer is our duty as a Christian but we are reminded that prayer is a means that God uses to affect our hearts! Prayer must be a priority if our heart is to be affected!

Back at SBU I was in a chapel and a speaker said "worship is our response to God" I disagreed at the time and have often thought of that phrase. It seems that Edwards would agree with that to some degree because he alludes that worship is a way for us to express our affections. So what is worship truly and is it a mere response??

While reading Edwards I continually think of this verse "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit." Matthew 12:33 Our affections for God should be such that we are known by them and they are evident in our lives! Lord help my affections to grow so that you are evident in my life!!

Telitha... What do you think he means when he talks about 'animal spirits' and also if you could give me your take on the issue of worship! Cannot wait hear your take on these evidences!