The similar phrase 'Worldly Christianity' is one used by Bonhoeffer. It's J Gresham Machen that I want to line up most closely with. See his Christianity and culture here. Having done commentaries on Proverbs (Heavenly Wisdom) and Song of Songs (Heavenly Love), a matching title for Ecclesiastes would be Heavenly Worldliness. For my stance on worldliness, see 3 posts here.

10 excuses for not coming to Christ highlighted by Benjamin Beddome


In a sermon on Luke 14:18 They all with one consent began to make excuse Benjamin Beddome lists eight excuses people give. We have stretched his sub points under the third excuse - pre-engagement  -to make it 10.

1. Some men will say they have no need to come to Christ
2. Others imagine they are already come to Christ; and the act being performed, they have no need to repeat it.
3. Pre-engagement is another excuse which sinners make for not coming to Christ - a hurry of business
    4. Pre-engagement - the necessary occupations of life, and consequently a want of time
    5. Pre-engagement - feasting, dressing, unedifying visits and unnecessary recreations, etc
6. Some say they have tried but cannot come to Christ
7. Others who are deeply bowed down in spirit, do not so much plead their inability, as their unfitness and unworthiness
8. Some stumble at the austerities of religion, and the dangers to which it will expose them.
9. It is the fear of some that if they do come to Christ, they shall either be rejected, or dishonour him.
10. Many who do not come to Christ now, purpose to do so hereafter

No comments: