It is of my personal opinion that the body of Christ would be greatly served by diligently studying the Word of God as well as the works of our forefathers in the faith. Men such as Edwards, Baxter, Watson, Bunyan, Spurgeon, Ryle, Lloyd-Jones, Henry, Pink and Whitefield (to just mention a few). These men should be studied continuously so that one may grow strong in sound, biblical theology, and the true understanding of God's Word. In addition to these spiritual giants we should also study the lives, writings and the sermons of such giants of faith as Smith Wigglesworth, John G. Lake, Maria Woodworth-Etter, A.B. Simpson, Watchman Nee and F.F. Bosworth. Studying these authors while undergirding oneself with a deep foundation in God's Word will produce mature and healthy, faith-filled Christians. Today's modern "popular" authors are a far cry from the people mentioned above and I do not recommend you wasting your time with them, especially at the expense of reading those authors that I have just mentioned.

I fully understand how one can become literally addicted to hearing and reading only the authors that "tickle" the ears and please the flesh. Today's writers simply don't have the depth or experience of those mentioned above. Worse yet, many are indeed false teachers and prophets! Understand that God does not look favorably upon such "teachers" and those folks who are led astray are of little use in the Body of Christ. Please, read only those things that are worthwhile as held in the light of God's Word...not those things that simply tell you what you may want to hear. Study for spiritual depth!

The following ten marks of a 'flesh-pleaser' were penned some 350 years ago by the Rev. Richard Baxter of Kidderminster. Baxter has been described as "the most outstanding pastor, evangelist and writer on practical and devotional themes that Puritanism produced". Now, on to Rev. Richard Baxter's 10 marks of a flesh-pleaser or sensualist:

1. When a man in his desire to please his appetite, does not do it to please God, but does it only for the delight itself.

2. When a man looks more eagerly after the prosperity of his body than of his soul.

3. When he will not refrain from his pleasures, even when God forbids them and when they hurt his soul. He must have his delight regardless of the cost. He simply cannot deny himself.

4. When the pleasures of his flesh exceed his delights in God, God's Word and God's ways.

5. When provision for the flesh is the first and sweetest of thoughts. Self is at the center.

6. When he had rather talk, hear or read of fleshly pleasures than of spiritual delight.

7. When he loves the company of the world better than the communion of saints.

8. He would rather have things easy and lack nothing in the natural than to be where his soul is strengthened but his flesh is pinched.

9. When he is eager to spend money to please the flesh but not to please God.

10. When he will believe or like no other doctrine but that of easy-believism and hates the talk of sound words, humility, repentance, self-denial and obedience.

One can only wonder what Rev. Baxter would think after watching a night of modern Christian television or by reading a current Christian book bestseller. Times have changed, sin and compromise have not. May God help us all!