We Love God!

God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)

There is one kind of man – the man trapped in the total depravity of his sinful nature, inherited from his father Adam (Rom. 5:18). And since there is only one kind of man, there is only one kind of salvation – faith through the second Adam, Jesus Christ.
Tim Challies

Various forms of pride: 1. Self-admiration – “Look at me!” a. Natural - my abilities, talents, assets. b. Spiritual - my spiritual gifts, my ministry. 2. Self-aggrandizement – “Don’t I look good/great?” a. Natural - my looks, my importance. b. Spiritual - my position in the church. 3. Self-attention – “Listen to me!” a. Natural - my understanding and viewpoint. b. Spiritual - my Biblical and theological knowledge. 4. Self-justification – “I am right!” a. Natural - my way is the right way. b. Spiritual - our doctrine and polity is right. 5. Self-sufficiency – “I can do it!” a. Natural - my abilities, my leadership. b. Spiritual - our programs will make it happen. 6. Self-aspiration – “Let me win!” a. Natural - competitive spirit; one-up-manship. b. Spiritual - our statistics will prove us successful. 7. Self-seeking – “Give me mine!” a. Natural - my rights; what I deserve. b. Spiritual - our political rights and physical edifice. 8. Self-exaltation – “Praise me!” a. Natural - my credit, glory, commendation. b. Spiritual - our procedures and success.
James Fowler