Ep5. The Expulsive Power of a New Affection by Thomas Chalmers

In this fifth episode of the Berean Bookclub we talk though an old lecture or sermon, we're not sure, of Thomas Chalmers called The Expulsive Power of a New Affection.

Thomas Chalmers was a remarkable man that lived in Scotland (1780-1847). After being in the pastorate for a few years he came to faith through the writings of William Wilberforce. After this, he went on to become a professor teaching a whole range of subjects. Though he was influential in geology and astronomy, Christian apologetics, relief for the poor, economics, Calvinistic orthodoxy and church leadership, nevertheless, it was the force of his words that gave effect to all of these engagements.

What we have in The Expulsive Power of a New Affection is a lecture or sermon given to answer a very important question for this Christian: How are we freed from our deep love for the world? He answers this by demonstrating how the understanding of the futility of the world will not go far enough. Rather one's love for the world must be ultimately replaced by a greater love, that is, the love of the God primarily displayed in Jesus. It is here that the power lies, the power of a new affection to displace an old one. This short book will help you as you seek to be obedient to the call of all Christians to be in this world but not of the world.

In this episode we discuss the most effective way to shift the desires of our hearts. Along with Chalmers we think through our heart's inability to love nothing, displacing loves being better than destroying loves, the worthiness of the things we love, the affection ultimately demanded for in Christ and an essential element of effective discipleship and preaching.