Ignorant formal Christianity
(J. C. Ryle, “What Is Needed?” 1895)
I am convinced that one of our grave defects today, is a most serious diminishing of the good old custom of private reading of the Bible. Between the growth of Christian periodicals and books, I have a strong impression that Bibles are not read as much and as carefully as they were two hundred years ago.
I am well aware that there are more Bibles in Great Britain at this moment, than there ever were since the world began! There is more Bible-buying and Bible-selling, more Bible-printing and Bible-distributing, than there ever was! But all this time, I fear we are in danger of forgetting–that to have the Bible is one thing–and to read it privately ourselves quite another!
I am afraid that the Bible of many a man and woman in Great Britain is never read at all. In one house, it lies in a corner–as stiff, cold, glossy and fresh as it was, when it came from the bookseller’s shop! In another house, it lies on a table, with its owner’s name written in it–a silent witness against him day after day! In another house, it lies on some high shelf, neglected and dusty–to be brought down only on grand occasions, such as a birth in the family–like a heathen idol at its yearly festival. In another house, it lies deep down at the bottom of some box or drawer, among the things not wanted, and is never dragged forth into the light of day–until the arrival of sickness, or death! These things are sad and solemn. But they are true. read more…
This post is a companion to my last post title “How Much Must We Believe?” I had a conversation late last year and it has stuck with me. It is a conversation that I have thought about on and off since then. While I don’t recall how the conversation started or how the conversation turned to where it ended up, I thought it was probably one of the more tragic conversations I have had regarding repentance and salvation.
I have changed hosting accounts. After I moved my blog to my new host, I noticed some posts that did not make the move. I also notice a few other glitches. It will probably take about a week or so to work this out and clean up all the glitches.
I decided to move to a new host so that I have more options on this blog that I did not have. I will be loading a few new features that will hopefully make this blog a bit easier to navigate. I also will start posting on a more regular schedule than I have this past year.
Thank you for continuing to read this blog and for your patience. 
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