October 1, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Now may the Lord reveal His grace
And teach our stamm’ring tongues
To make His sovereign, reigning grace
The subject of our songs.
No sweeter subject can invite
A sinner’s heart to sing
Or more display the glorious right
Of our exalted King.
Grace reigns to pardon crimson sins
To melt the hardest hearts
And from the work it once begins
It never once departs.
‘Twas grace that called our souls at first
By grace thus far we’ve come
And grace will bring us through the worst
And grace will take us home.
(Tune: “Begin, My Tongue, Some Heavenly Theme” p.5)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Congratulations to Mark and Jessica Mohr on the birth of their son, Henry James!
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Dinner for Allison Vincent and Henry Williams on Monday, October 9th at 6:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
3rd – Ian Anjos 3rd – Paul Harries 4th – Alex DuFour
4th – Emma Ferrell 5th – Susan Sligh 7th – Sharon Fugate
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.” - Proverbs 17:4
*****
HEREIN IS LOVE
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.”
I realize the natural man finds nothing remarkable in this because he believes God to be obligated to love everybody. But to the believer, this is astounding -“He loved us.” The love of God is not His pity or compassion toward the miserable. Even we possess that! The love God has to every believer is the same love He has toward His Son! The Lord Jesus said in John 17:23, “Thou has loved them as Thou hast loved Me.” How can that be? It is because the union between Christ and His people is so vital, so real, that the love He has toward His Son, He has toward all of those in His Son! When John wanted to define love, he said that our love is not even worth mentioning! “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.”
*****
When the Lord entered the house of Zaccheus, the man who was a greedy, dishonest man stood and said, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold”(Luke 19:8). We do not read where the Lord told him to do any of these things. He did these things because he wanted to! Grace gives you a new want to.
*****
In II Corinthians 1:12, one of the things Paul rejoiced in was simplicity. The word means simple as opposed to complex or compound. We have a simple hope…Christ only. We have a simple object of faith…Christ only. We have a simple righteousness…the righteousness of Christ. We have a simple message…Him. We have a simple motive…His glory. We have a simple way of being saved…Grace. We have a simple ground of assurance…“It is finished.” We have a simple aspiration…to be found in Him. We have a simple doctrine. Christ is All. We have a simple fear…being corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
CHRIST IS ALL
-Colossians 3:11
What does it mean to say, “Christ is all”? It means Christ is the one and only thing needful in this life. Christ is ALL of our salvation. Christ is ALL of our forgiveness. Christ is ALL of our mercy and grace. Christ is ALL of our hope and peace. He is ALL of our righteousness. He is ALL of our redemption. When it comes to everything that a sinner needs – Christ is all!
Christ is all that the Father needs for our acceptance with Him. Christ is all that the law needs for our fulfillment of it. Christ is all that Justice needs to declare us holy before it. Christ is all that Judgment needs to declare our condemnation and punishment complete.
Christ is all that heaven needs for the JOY of it. Christ is all that His kingdom needs for the MAJESTY of it. Christ is all that the Throne needs for the GLORY of it. Christ is all that His marriage union to His bride needs for the LOVE of it. For time and eternity, from this world to the world to come, Christ is (and will forever be) All! Thank God! Amen! - Gabe Stalnaker
*****
COMPLEX BUT NOT COMPLICATED
Complex means consisting of many different and connected parts. God uses the whole Bible to declare His Gospel. It cannot be whittled down to a few phrases or clichés`. But it is not complicated. It is simple. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. God is absolutely sovereign in all things. Men are totally depraved and totally unable to save themselves. God, before time began, chose who He would save. Christ actually saved those people by His life, death, and resurrection. Grace actually saves. The one evidence that God elected you, Christ died for you, and the Holy Spirit has given you life by His grace is if you persevere all the way to the end, looking to Christ only. Every statement is simple and easy to understand. You may not like it, but you understand it. Call any of these statements into question and you fall into a maze of complications and contradictions. I am so thankful for the simplicity of Christ! Christ is All! Complex but not complicated!
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Now may the Lord reveal His grace
And teach our stamm’ring tongues
To make His sovereign, reigning grace
The subject of our songs.
No sweeter subject can invite
A sinner’s heart to sing
Or more display the glorious right
Of our exalted King.
Grace reigns to pardon crimson sins
To melt the hardest hearts
And from the work it once begins
It never once departs.
‘Twas grace that called our souls at first
By grace thus far we’ve come
And grace will bring us through the worst
And grace will take us home.
(Tune: “Begin, My Tongue, Some Heavenly Theme” p.5)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Congratulations to Mark and Jessica Mohr on the birth of their son, Henry James!
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Dinner for Allison Vincent and Henry Williams on Monday, October 9th at 6:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
3rd – Ian Anjos 3rd – Paul Harries 4th – Alex DuFour
4th – Emma Ferrell 5th – Susan Sligh 7th – Sharon Fugate
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.” - Proverbs 17:4
*****
HEREIN IS LOVE
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.”
I realize the natural man finds nothing remarkable in this because he believes God to be obligated to love everybody. But to the believer, this is astounding -“He loved us.” The love of God is not His pity or compassion toward the miserable. Even we possess that! The love God has to every believer is the same love He has toward His Son! The Lord Jesus said in John 17:23, “Thou has loved them as Thou hast loved Me.” How can that be? It is because the union between Christ and His people is so vital, so real, that the love He has toward His Son, He has toward all of those in His Son! When John wanted to define love, he said that our love is not even worth mentioning! “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.”
*****
When the Lord entered the house of Zaccheus, the man who was a greedy, dishonest man stood and said, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold”(Luke 19:8). We do not read where the Lord told him to do any of these things. He did these things because he wanted to! Grace gives you a new want to.
*****
In II Corinthians 1:12, one of the things Paul rejoiced in was simplicity. The word means simple as opposed to complex or compound. We have a simple hope…Christ only. We have a simple object of faith…Christ only. We have a simple righteousness…the righteousness of Christ. We have a simple message…Him. We have a simple motive…His glory. We have a simple way of being saved…Grace. We have a simple ground of assurance…“It is finished.” We have a simple aspiration…to be found in Him. We have a simple doctrine. Christ is All. We have a simple fear…being corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
CHRIST IS ALL
-Colossians 3:11
What does it mean to say, “Christ is all”? It means Christ is the one and only thing needful in this life. Christ is ALL of our salvation. Christ is ALL of our forgiveness. Christ is ALL of our mercy and grace. Christ is ALL of our hope and peace. He is ALL of our righteousness. He is ALL of our redemption. When it comes to everything that a sinner needs – Christ is all!
Christ is all that the Father needs for our acceptance with Him. Christ is all that the law needs for our fulfillment of it. Christ is all that Justice needs to declare us holy before it. Christ is all that Judgment needs to declare our condemnation and punishment complete.
Christ is all that heaven needs for the JOY of it. Christ is all that His kingdom needs for the MAJESTY of it. Christ is all that the Throne needs for the GLORY of it. Christ is all that His marriage union to His bride needs for the LOVE of it. For time and eternity, from this world to the world to come, Christ is (and will forever be) All! Thank God! Amen! - Gabe Stalnaker
*****
COMPLEX BUT NOT COMPLICATED
Complex means consisting of many different and connected parts. God uses the whole Bible to declare His Gospel. It cannot be whittled down to a few phrases or clichés`. But it is not complicated. It is simple. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. God is absolutely sovereign in all things. Men are totally depraved and totally unable to save themselves. God, before time began, chose who He would save. Christ actually saved those people by His life, death, and resurrection. Grace actually saves. The one evidence that God elected you, Christ died for you, and the Holy Spirit has given you life by His grace is if you persevere all the way to the end, looking to Christ only. Every statement is simple and easy to understand. You may not like it, but you understand it. Call any of these statements into question and you fall into a maze of complications and contradictions. I am so thankful for the simplicity of Christ! Christ is All! Complex but not complicated!
September 24, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
God is our refuge, tried and proved
Amid a stormy world
We will not fear though earth be moved
And hills in oceans hurled.
The waves may roar, the mountains shake
Our comfort shall not cease
The Lord His saints will not forsake
The Lord will give us peace.
A gentle stream of hope and love
To us shall ever flow
It issues from His Throne above
It cheers His church below.
Our God, who is the Lord of hosts
Forever on our side
The God of Jacob, our defense
Forever will abide.
(Tune: “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” p. 414)
*****
We express our sincere sympathy to the following families on the death of loved ones this past week. Roscoe Bowling died on September 14th and Eric Dickerson’s father, Delmaine Dickerson, died September 15th. May the Lord comfort these families.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Dinner for Allison Vincent and Henry Williams on Monday, October 9th at 6:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Angus Fisher will bring the message this Wednesday evening.
Birthdays
25th – Janine Kess 25th – Annie Martin 25th – Darrell Williams
26th – Amanda Mohr 27th – Ryleigh DuFour 27th – Gavin Gillespie 27th – Bobby Miller 28th – John Parker
28th – Ben Walmsley 30th – Garrett Gillispie
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
- Proverbs 10:12
*****
SIN IN OTHERS
Sin in others is a sad reality. Sin in others does not glorify God and brings many troubles into our lives. No one is immune to the sin of others. When the emphasis of sin in others becomes a greater emphasis in our thinking than our own personal sin and sins, we have become the judge seeking to remove the splinter in our brother’s eyes while we have a log in our own! Christ said regarding this person, “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Whenever we are publicly bemoaning the sins of others, we act contrary to love! “Love covereth all sins” and “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love.” When we speak of other’s sin, we fail to realize we are the other.
*****
BELIEVE AND PREACH IT ALL
Any church or religion that leaves out of their beliefs, and does not preach any one of the Gospel’s precious doctrines – God the Father electing a people in Christ, eternal justification and sanctification in the Lamb slain in eternity, Christ being made sin on that tree, the total depravity of every human being, or any other doctrine of Christ - is a false church or religion.
If you do not believe it all, you really do not believe at all. If you do not preach it all, you really do nor preach at all. Genesis 1:1 through Revelations 22:21 is all to be believed, and to all be preached…adding nothing to, or taking anything away from the Word of God. “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away His part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19)
- Brian DuFour
UNDER THE BLOOD, BUT WRITTEN IN THE BOOK
The sins of God’s saints are all under the blood of Christ, entirely forgiven by God. Yet, the most glaring sins of God’s most eminent servants are plainly written in the Bible for all men to read. Noah, who found grace in the eyes of the Lord, was found in a drunken stupor. Abraham, the friend of God, fearing he would be slain by the king, was willing to give his wife to Abimelech. Lot, God’s righteous servant, was reduced to incest in his drunkenness. David, the man after God’s own heart, committed adultery and murder. Peter, the bold defender of the faith, trembled and denied the Lord for fear before a little maiden. The list could go on at great length.
Why were these things written? They were not written merely to mar the reputations of good men. They were not written to excuse sin. These sad events in the lives of God’s beloved saints have been recorded in the Word of God to teach us two things: First, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh” (John 3:6). And second, “Salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9).
The best of men are only men at best. We have no righteousness of our own. The only righteousness we have is that which God gives us in Christ. Thank God, He does not impute sin, but only righteousness to His own elect. - Clay Curtis
*****
Anything added to the righteousness of Christ for acceptance with God is distinctly bad news. It destroys the doctrine of grace and removes the possibility of assurance. The cause of peace with God is changed from the accomplishment of Christ to the precarious efforts of man. Since, “Man at his best state is altogether vanity” (Psalm 39:5), the best effort that man can make to establish righteousness is completely empty. - Tim James
*****
God is unchangeable in His essence, nature, and perfections. Isn’t it wonderful that in our experience in a life that is nothing but change, to know that the Lord changes not? “For I am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6). His purpose has never altered and never will. This gives assurance and peace to all who have fled to Christ for refuge.
- David Pledger
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
God is our refuge, tried and proved
Amid a stormy world
We will not fear though earth be moved
And hills in oceans hurled.
The waves may roar, the mountains shake
Our comfort shall not cease
The Lord His saints will not forsake
The Lord will give us peace.
A gentle stream of hope and love
To us shall ever flow
It issues from His Throne above
It cheers His church below.
Our God, who is the Lord of hosts
Forever on our side
The God of Jacob, our defense
Forever will abide.
(Tune: “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” p. 414)
*****
We express our sincere sympathy to the following families on the death of loved ones this past week. Roscoe Bowling died on September 14th and Eric Dickerson’s father, Delmaine Dickerson, died September 15th. May the Lord comfort these families.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Dinner for Allison Vincent and Henry Williams on Monday, October 9th at 6:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Angus Fisher will bring the message this Wednesday evening.
Birthdays
25th – Janine Kess 25th – Annie Martin 25th – Darrell Williams
26th – Amanda Mohr 27th – Ryleigh DuFour 27th – Gavin Gillespie 27th – Bobby Miller 28th – John Parker
28th – Ben Walmsley 30th – Garrett Gillispie
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
- Proverbs 10:12
*****
SIN IN OTHERS
Sin in others is a sad reality. Sin in others does not glorify God and brings many troubles into our lives. No one is immune to the sin of others. When the emphasis of sin in others becomes a greater emphasis in our thinking than our own personal sin and sins, we have become the judge seeking to remove the splinter in our brother’s eyes while we have a log in our own! Christ said regarding this person, “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Whenever we are publicly bemoaning the sins of others, we act contrary to love! “Love covereth all sins” and “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love.” When we speak of other’s sin, we fail to realize we are the other.
*****
BELIEVE AND PREACH IT ALL
Any church or religion that leaves out of their beliefs, and does not preach any one of the Gospel’s precious doctrines – God the Father electing a people in Christ, eternal justification and sanctification in the Lamb slain in eternity, Christ being made sin on that tree, the total depravity of every human being, or any other doctrine of Christ - is a false church or religion.
If you do not believe it all, you really do not believe at all. If you do not preach it all, you really do nor preach at all. Genesis 1:1 through Revelations 22:21 is all to be believed, and to all be preached…adding nothing to, or taking anything away from the Word of God. “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away His part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19)
- Brian DuFour
UNDER THE BLOOD, BUT WRITTEN IN THE BOOK
The sins of God’s saints are all under the blood of Christ, entirely forgiven by God. Yet, the most glaring sins of God’s most eminent servants are plainly written in the Bible for all men to read. Noah, who found grace in the eyes of the Lord, was found in a drunken stupor. Abraham, the friend of God, fearing he would be slain by the king, was willing to give his wife to Abimelech. Lot, God’s righteous servant, was reduced to incest in his drunkenness. David, the man after God’s own heart, committed adultery and murder. Peter, the bold defender of the faith, trembled and denied the Lord for fear before a little maiden. The list could go on at great length.
Why were these things written? They were not written merely to mar the reputations of good men. They were not written to excuse sin. These sad events in the lives of God’s beloved saints have been recorded in the Word of God to teach us two things: First, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh” (John 3:6). And second, “Salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9).
The best of men are only men at best. We have no righteousness of our own. The only righteousness we have is that which God gives us in Christ. Thank God, He does not impute sin, but only righteousness to His own elect. - Clay Curtis
*****
Anything added to the righteousness of Christ for acceptance with God is distinctly bad news. It destroys the doctrine of grace and removes the possibility of assurance. The cause of peace with God is changed from the accomplishment of Christ to the precarious efforts of man. Since, “Man at his best state is altogether vanity” (Psalm 39:5), the best effort that man can make to establish righteousness is completely empty. - Tim James
*****
God is unchangeable in His essence, nature, and perfections. Isn’t it wonderful that in our experience in a life that is nothing but change, to know that the Lord changes not? “For I am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6). His purpose has never altered and never will. This gives assurance and peace to all who have fled to Christ for refuge.
- David Pledger
September 17, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to God on High
Let earth to heav’n reply, “Praise ye His Name!”
Angels, His love adore, Who all our sorrow bore
And saints cry ever more, “Worthy the Lamb!”
All they around the Throne
Cheerfully join in one, Praising His Name!
We who have known His blood, Sealing our peace with God
Sound His dear Name abroad, “Worthy the Lamb!”
Join all ye ransomed race
Our Lord and God to bless, “Praise ye His Name!”
To Him we’ll tribute bring, Hail Him our sovereign King
And without ceasing sing, “Worthy the Lamb!”
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
Our brother, Bert Dunbar died on Friday in Florida. We rejoice he is now in the Lord’s presence. We extend our sincere sympathy to the Dunbar family.
Bible Conferences
Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church September 22-24
College Grove Grace Church October 27-28
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Dinner for Allison Vincent and Henry Williams on Monday, October 9th at 6:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
18th – Heather Ham 19th – Kaitlyn Burton
23rd – Doug Hardin 23rd – Holly Hardin
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1
*****
When the Lord pronounced the sinner as going down to his house justified in Luke 18:13…that means he went down to his house having never committed a sin. But by his own admission he was a sinner. “God be merciful to me the sinner.” How can that be? Because by the death of Christ, his sins were blotted out and he was given the righteousness and merits of Christ. If Christ never sinned, neither did he! Christ gives us a new history! All of this is true in justification. On Judgment day, every believer will be justified, as one having never sinned! As one who kept God’s Holy law perfectly! As one who loved God will all his heart and his neighbor as himself. What a glorious Gospel!
*****
When we enter an airplane for a flight, we know there is a possibility of a crash, but the mathematical probability is very small. There are 100,000 flights daily worldwide, transporting 6 million people a day. I read where the probability of dying in an airplane crash is one in 20 million. But faith in Christ is not mathematical probability. He said, “This is the will of Him that sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me, I should lose none.” It is not possible for one sheep of Christ to fail be saved because He is incapable of failure.
*****
Any time I exercise a judgmental and censorious spirit toward others, I am practicing hypocrisy, seeking to make myself look better than others, disobeying the command of, “Judge not that ye be not judged,” acting contrary to the Gospel of Christ, and making myself the object of scrutiny by those I have been guilty of judging. “Judge not, that ye be not judged.”
The following is an article by Willy Mapote, pastor of the Sovereign Grace Church in Salima, Malawi, Africa. The Lord willing we will send this African church monthly support.
From the bulletin of the Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church…
Gabe Stalnaker writes:
Dear brethren,
The following article was written by brother Willy Maypote, pastor of Salima Sovereign Grace Church in Salima, Malawi. I asked brother Willy if he would write an article for us, and he agreed to do so, but asked me if I would make revisions to his English so it would read properly. I agreed to do that for him, but I am including both his original article and the article that I have revised, so you can read from his own writing the message of his heart.
Original
Dearest brethren here’s a short gospel article from us:
Sinners whom God sovereignly chose in Christ before the world begun. Those sinners, they have nothing to do even a single good work inorder to be saved. God sent His beloved Son to die them and paid the sin-debt in full on the cross (see, John 19:30). In God’s fullness time, God the Father draw them to Christ. “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote up his breast saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13
- Willy Mapote
Revised
“God’s Mercy To His Chosen Sinners”
Sinners, whom God sovereignly chose in Christ before the world began, having nothing to do (not even one single good work) in order to be saved. GOD sent His beloved Son to die for them. HE paid their sin debt in full on the cross – and It Is Finished! (John 19:30) In the fullness of His time, God the Father will draw every single one of them to Christ, and this will be their response… “The publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). – Willy Mapote
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to God on High
Let earth to heav’n reply, “Praise ye His Name!”
Angels, His love adore, Who all our sorrow bore
And saints cry ever more, “Worthy the Lamb!”
All they around the Throne
Cheerfully join in one, Praising His Name!
We who have known His blood, Sealing our peace with God
Sound His dear Name abroad, “Worthy the Lamb!”
Join all ye ransomed race
Our Lord and God to bless, “Praise ye His Name!”
To Him we’ll tribute bring, Hail Him our sovereign King
And without ceasing sing, “Worthy the Lamb!”
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
Our brother, Bert Dunbar died on Friday in Florida. We rejoice he is now in the Lord’s presence. We extend our sincere sympathy to the Dunbar family.
Bible Conferences
Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church September 22-24
College Grove Grace Church October 27-28
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Dinner for Allison Vincent and Henry Williams on Monday, October 9th at 6:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
18th – Heather Ham 19th – Kaitlyn Burton
23rd – Doug Hardin 23rd – Holly Hardin
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1
*****
When the Lord pronounced the sinner as going down to his house justified in Luke 18:13…that means he went down to his house having never committed a sin. But by his own admission he was a sinner. “God be merciful to me the sinner.” How can that be? Because by the death of Christ, his sins were blotted out and he was given the righteousness and merits of Christ. If Christ never sinned, neither did he! Christ gives us a new history! All of this is true in justification. On Judgment day, every believer will be justified, as one having never sinned! As one who kept God’s Holy law perfectly! As one who loved God will all his heart and his neighbor as himself. What a glorious Gospel!
*****
When we enter an airplane for a flight, we know there is a possibility of a crash, but the mathematical probability is very small. There are 100,000 flights daily worldwide, transporting 6 million people a day. I read where the probability of dying in an airplane crash is one in 20 million. But faith in Christ is not mathematical probability. He said, “This is the will of Him that sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me, I should lose none.” It is not possible for one sheep of Christ to fail be saved because He is incapable of failure.
*****
Any time I exercise a judgmental and censorious spirit toward others, I am practicing hypocrisy, seeking to make myself look better than others, disobeying the command of, “Judge not that ye be not judged,” acting contrary to the Gospel of Christ, and making myself the object of scrutiny by those I have been guilty of judging. “Judge not, that ye be not judged.”
The following is an article by Willy Mapote, pastor of the Sovereign Grace Church in Salima, Malawi, Africa. The Lord willing we will send this African church monthly support.
From the bulletin of the Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church…
Gabe Stalnaker writes:
Dear brethren,
The following article was written by brother Willy Maypote, pastor of Salima Sovereign Grace Church in Salima, Malawi. I asked brother Willy if he would write an article for us, and he agreed to do so, but asked me if I would make revisions to his English so it would read properly. I agreed to do that for him, but I am including both his original article and the article that I have revised, so you can read from his own writing the message of his heart.
Original
Dearest brethren here’s a short gospel article from us:
Sinners whom God sovereignly chose in Christ before the world begun. Those sinners, they have nothing to do even a single good work inorder to be saved. God sent His beloved Son to die them and paid the sin-debt in full on the cross (see, John 19:30). In God’s fullness time, God the Father draw them to Christ. “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote up his breast saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13
- Willy Mapote
Revised
“God’s Mercy To His Chosen Sinners”
Sinners, whom God sovereignly chose in Christ before the world began, having nothing to do (not even one single good work) in order to be saved. GOD sent His beloved Son to die for them. HE paid their sin debt in full on the cross – and It Is Finished! (John 19:30) In the fullness of His time, God the Father will draw every single one of them to Christ, and this will be their response… “The publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). – Willy Mapote
September 10, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Brethren, let us join to bless
Christ our Peace and Righteousness
Let our praise to Him be given
High at God’s right hand in Heaven.
Son of God to Thee we bow
Thou art Lord, and only Thou
Thou the woman’s promised seed
Thou, who didst for sinners bleed.
Thee the angels ceaseless sing
Thee we praise, our Priest and King
Worthy is Thy Name of praise
Full of glory, full of grace.
Thou hast the glad tidings brought
Of salvation fully wrought
Wrought, O Lord alone by Thee
Wrought, to set Thy people free.
Thee, our Lord, would we adore
Serve and follow more and more
Praise and bless Thy matchless love
Till we join Thy saints above.
(Tune: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” p. 118)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Dinner for Allison Vincent and Henry Williams on Monday, October 9th at 6:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
15th – Jennifer Rankin 16th – Lyn Covert
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” - Proverbs 27:6
We must never forget that the sovereignty of God’s grace does not prevent anyone from being saved. God’s electing grace and Christ’s redeeming work on their behalf and the life giving work of the Holy Spirit in them does not shut anybody out of the Kingdom of Heaven. The natural man hates God and does not want to be saved on God’s terms. He will continue to willfully reject the Gospel if left to himself. The Gospel does not prevent people like that from being saved. It saves people like that and prevents them from being condemned.
*****
Christ died for the elect, those given Him before the foundation of the world, and they will all most assuredly be saved and only they will be saved. It is equally truth that, “Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved” and, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” These two truths are not contradictory. They are both essential to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
*****
“And they repented not”
“And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God which had power over these plagues, and repented not to give Him glory.” (Rev. 16:9) Every natural man is born into this world evil. This evil is seen clearly in this verse. Even when they are scorched with great heat it brings no repentance. They still refuse to give Him the glory because they hate Him. The carnal mind really is enmity against God. None in hell will have any love for God or sorrow for sin. They will have great sorrow over the consequences of sin, but rather than being sorry for their sin, they will blaspheme God even while they are being scorched. If you are now saved by His grace, there was a time you were just like the people described in Revelation 16:9. God made you to differ!
*****
The distressing, deep-seated evil of the old man in us and the relentless warring of the flesh against the spirit are instruments by which God the Holy Ghost graciously weans us from trusting in ourselves, makes Christ more precious, and causes us to look away from self to Christ alone as all our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption. – Don Fortner
Can a Sinner Perform a Good Work in God’s Eyes?
“And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her: she hath wrought a good work on me” (Mark 14:6)… which answers the question in the title – yes, a sinner can perform a good work in God’s eyes, with one caveat – it must be a saved sinner with two natures…the old nature of sinful flesh, and the new nature of a Holy Spirit.
This woman had poured a bottle of very expensive ointment on the Lord’s head, anointing His body for His approaching death and burial. The very act performed by her in the flesh, in and of itself, was sin… for Scripture tells us that “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” and not acceptable to a Holy God. But the Lord had saved this woman, giving her a new heart, a divine nature. And this new heart loved her Savior, causing her to gladly anoint he Lord with this precious ointment…and since God always looks on the heart, the inward motive behind the outward action, he was looking on the pure heart and motive of this saved sinner…and because the source of the action was good, He could call it a good work. May God give us all this good, new heart…and cause us to, “Not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (I John 3:18). - Brian DuFour
*****
Being dead in trespasses and sin, I must come to Christ that I might obtain life; yet God must give me life so that I can come to Him. I do not understand that, but I certainly believe it. Is not that what faith is? Believing God can do that which we cannot and do not understand? Truly, “How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways are past finding out” (Romans 11:33). - David Eddmenson
*****
Any compromise of the Truth for the sake of peace will always lead to more compromise.
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Brethren, let us join to bless
Christ our Peace and Righteousness
Let our praise to Him be given
High at God’s right hand in Heaven.
Son of God to Thee we bow
Thou art Lord, and only Thou
Thou the woman’s promised seed
Thou, who didst for sinners bleed.
Thee the angels ceaseless sing
Thee we praise, our Priest and King
Worthy is Thy Name of praise
Full of glory, full of grace.
Thou hast the glad tidings brought
Of salvation fully wrought
Wrought, O Lord alone by Thee
Wrought, to set Thy people free.
Thee, our Lord, would we adore
Serve and follow more and more
Praise and bless Thy matchless love
Till we join Thy saints above.
(Tune: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” p. 118)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Dinner for Allison Vincent and Henry Williams on Monday, October 9th at 6:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
15th – Jennifer Rankin 16th – Lyn Covert
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” - Proverbs 27:6
We must never forget that the sovereignty of God’s grace does not prevent anyone from being saved. God’s electing grace and Christ’s redeeming work on their behalf and the life giving work of the Holy Spirit in them does not shut anybody out of the Kingdom of Heaven. The natural man hates God and does not want to be saved on God’s terms. He will continue to willfully reject the Gospel if left to himself. The Gospel does not prevent people like that from being saved. It saves people like that and prevents them from being condemned.
*****
Christ died for the elect, those given Him before the foundation of the world, and they will all most assuredly be saved and only they will be saved. It is equally truth that, “Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved” and, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” These two truths are not contradictory. They are both essential to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
*****
“And they repented not”
“And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God which had power over these plagues, and repented not to give Him glory.” (Rev. 16:9) Every natural man is born into this world evil. This evil is seen clearly in this verse. Even when they are scorched with great heat it brings no repentance. They still refuse to give Him the glory because they hate Him. The carnal mind really is enmity against God. None in hell will have any love for God or sorrow for sin. They will have great sorrow over the consequences of sin, but rather than being sorry for their sin, they will blaspheme God even while they are being scorched. If you are now saved by His grace, there was a time you were just like the people described in Revelation 16:9. God made you to differ!
*****
The distressing, deep-seated evil of the old man in us and the relentless warring of the flesh against the spirit are instruments by which God the Holy Ghost graciously weans us from trusting in ourselves, makes Christ more precious, and causes us to look away from self to Christ alone as all our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption. – Don Fortner
Can a Sinner Perform a Good Work in God’s Eyes?
“And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her: she hath wrought a good work on me” (Mark 14:6)… which answers the question in the title – yes, a sinner can perform a good work in God’s eyes, with one caveat – it must be a saved sinner with two natures…the old nature of sinful flesh, and the new nature of a Holy Spirit.
This woman had poured a bottle of very expensive ointment on the Lord’s head, anointing His body for His approaching death and burial. The very act performed by her in the flesh, in and of itself, was sin… for Scripture tells us that “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” and not acceptable to a Holy God. But the Lord had saved this woman, giving her a new heart, a divine nature. And this new heart loved her Savior, causing her to gladly anoint he Lord with this precious ointment…and since God always looks on the heart, the inward motive behind the outward action, he was looking on the pure heart and motive of this saved sinner…and because the source of the action was good, He could call it a good work. May God give us all this good, new heart…and cause us to, “Not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (I John 3:18). - Brian DuFour
*****
Being dead in trespasses and sin, I must come to Christ that I might obtain life; yet God must give me life so that I can come to Him. I do not understand that, but I certainly believe it. Is not that what faith is? Believing God can do that which we cannot and do not understand? Truly, “How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways are past finding out” (Romans 11:33). - David Eddmenson
*****
Any compromise of the Truth for the sake of peace will always lead to more compromise.
September 3, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Sons we are through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive
Lord, Thy mercy – Lord, Thy mercy
Doth both grace and glory give.
Pause, my soul! Adore and wonder!
Ask, “Oh why such love to me?”
Grace hath put me in the number
Of the Saviour’s family
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Thanks, eternal thanks, to Thee!
“It is finished” – Oh, what pleasure
Do these blessed words afford
Heav’nly blessings without measure
Flow to us through Christ our Lord
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Glory to the reigning Lamb!
(Tune: “Look Ye Saints” p. 141)
*****
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Mark & Jessica Mohr this Saturday, September 9th at 10:30 am. The invitation is in the foyer.
There will be no service this evening.
Birthdays
3rd – Laura Williams 4th – Bob Covert 5th – Shari Greenleaf
5th – Boone Martin 6th – Joy Grubb
6th- Chesney Martin 9th – Todd Nibert
Bible Conferences
Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church September 22-24
College Grove Grace Church October 27-28
Lincoln Wood Baptist October 20-22
“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.” - Proverbs 11:17
*****
FOUR THINGS FALSE FAITH CAN NEVER DO
There are a multitude of varieties of false faith, but here are four things false faith cannot produce.
1. A heart broken over sin. It is quick to spot out the sin of others, but it cannot say with David, “My sin is ever before me.”
2. A false faith cannot be brought to the acknowledgment that I have no righteousness or goodness (Genesis 6:5). It will always find something to brag about.
3. A false faith will never acknowledge that salvation is utterly and completely of the Lord – from election to glorification and everything in- between. “Salvation is of the Lord”
4. False faith cannot look to Christ alone. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. It is always Christ and _________.
True faith is a heart broken over sin, acknowledges it has no goodness, believes “Salvation is of the Lord” and looks to Christ only!
*****
We must never forget that the sovereignty of God’s grace does not prevent anyone from being saved. God’s electing grace and Christ’s redeeming work on their behalf and the life giving work of the Holy Spirit in them does not shut anybody out of the Kingdom of Heaven. The natural man hates God and does not want to be saved on God’s terms. He will continue to willfully reject the Gospel if left to himself. The Gospel does not prevent people like that from being saved. It saves people like that and prevents them from being condemned.
*****
When the Lord said, “New wine must be put into new bottles” (Luke 5:38), He is telling us that the wine of His spirit and grace cannot be put in the heart of the natural man. He must be given a new heart to receive them. “A new heart also I will give you” (Ezekiel 36:26).
IT WAS ALL FOR THE BEST
Every time I think of an event in my past, and wish I could have said or done things very differently, what I am really saying is that I would prefer my will to trump the will of Almighty God, proclaiming along with others, “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14).
The Lord did all of those things out of the goodness of His heart, for my very best interest, in grace and loving-kindness. Why would I even consider changing anything in my past that has all led me to being given saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? His continual preservation of my faith has led me to this very moment in time, where I still believe in and rely on the precious blood and perfect righteousness of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our desire to change past event just reveals the stupidity and depravity of our natural heart, and its selfish way of thinking…that we would want to undo that which was perfectly done, for our eternal good and salvation, and His eternal faithfulness and glory! “It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good” (I Samuel 3:18). -Brian DuFour
*****
THE END IS GREATER THAN THE MEANS
The ultimate end or goal of redemption is not the happiness, well-being, or even conversion of sinners, BUT THE GLORY OF GOD (Eph. 1:6; 12, 14). Man’s comfort and safety is not the supreme goal of God’s glorious Gospel. The supreme goal of our Gospel is the glory of God, the establishment of His rule and reign over a Kingdom of peace and righteousness, the exaltation and manifestation of His character, and the preeminence of His beloved Son. Our salvation will serve that purpose (Phil. 2:6-11). Everything in covenant mercies, in salvation, and in God’s purpose for the sons of men (past, present, and future) turns upon the will of God in Christ. This makes CHRIST THE PRINCIPAL FIGURE in our Gospel, our goals, and our glory. But, if you have salvation and God’s purpose waiting upon the freewill of the creature, then MAN is the principal figure in your landscape and will lead you to compromise divine Truth in order to win man’s approval. The attitude that we must get men converted at any cost and compromise usually winds up costing the very character and Truth of God, which is a price too high to pay. Conversions are never more important than Truth. Truth is always more important than results. “Let God be true and every man a liar!” - Henry Mahan
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Sons we are through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive
Lord, Thy mercy – Lord, Thy mercy
Doth both grace and glory give.
Pause, my soul! Adore and wonder!
Ask, “Oh why such love to me?”
Grace hath put me in the number
Of the Saviour’s family
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Thanks, eternal thanks, to Thee!
“It is finished” – Oh, what pleasure
Do these blessed words afford
Heav’nly blessings without measure
Flow to us through Christ our Lord
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Glory to the reigning Lamb!
(Tune: “Look Ye Saints” p. 141)
*****
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Mark & Jessica Mohr this Saturday, September 9th at 10:30 am. The invitation is in the foyer.
There will be no service this evening.
Birthdays
3rd – Laura Williams 4th – Bob Covert 5th – Shari Greenleaf
5th – Boone Martin 6th – Joy Grubb
6th- Chesney Martin 9th – Todd Nibert
Bible Conferences
Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church September 22-24
College Grove Grace Church October 27-28
Lincoln Wood Baptist October 20-22
“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.” - Proverbs 11:17
*****
FOUR THINGS FALSE FAITH CAN NEVER DO
There are a multitude of varieties of false faith, but here are four things false faith cannot produce.
1. A heart broken over sin. It is quick to spot out the sin of others, but it cannot say with David, “My sin is ever before me.”
2. A false faith cannot be brought to the acknowledgment that I have no righteousness or goodness (Genesis 6:5). It will always find something to brag about.
3. A false faith will never acknowledge that salvation is utterly and completely of the Lord – from election to glorification and everything in- between. “Salvation is of the Lord”
4. False faith cannot look to Christ alone. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. It is always Christ and _________.
True faith is a heart broken over sin, acknowledges it has no goodness, believes “Salvation is of the Lord” and looks to Christ only!
*****
We must never forget that the sovereignty of God’s grace does not prevent anyone from being saved. God’s electing grace and Christ’s redeeming work on their behalf and the life giving work of the Holy Spirit in them does not shut anybody out of the Kingdom of Heaven. The natural man hates God and does not want to be saved on God’s terms. He will continue to willfully reject the Gospel if left to himself. The Gospel does not prevent people like that from being saved. It saves people like that and prevents them from being condemned.
*****
When the Lord said, “New wine must be put into new bottles” (Luke 5:38), He is telling us that the wine of His spirit and grace cannot be put in the heart of the natural man. He must be given a new heart to receive them. “A new heart also I will give you” (Ezekiel 36:26).
IT WAS ALL FOR THE BEST
Every time I think of an event in my past, and wish I could have said or done things very differently, what I am really saying is that I would prefer my will to trump the will of Almighty God, proclaiming along with others, “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14).
The Lord did all of those things out of the goodness of His heart, for my very best interest, in grace and loving-kindness. Why would I even consider changing anything in my past that has all led me to being given saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? His continual preservation of my faith has led me to this very moment in time, where I still believe in and rely on the precious blood and perfect righteousness of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our desire to change past event just reveals the stupidity and depravity of our natural heart, and its selfish way of thinking…that we would want to undo that which was perfectly done, for our eternal good and salvation, and His eternal faithfulness and glory! “It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good” (I Samuel 3:18). -Brian DuFour
*****
THE END IS GREATER THAN THE MEANS
The ultimate end or goal of redemption is not the happiness, well-being, or even conversion of sinners, BUT THE GLORY OF GOD (Eph. 1:6; 12, 14). Man’s comfort and safety is not the supreme goal of God’s glorious Gospel. The supreme goal of our Gospel is the glory of God, the establishment of His rule and reign over a Kingdom of peace and righteousness, the exaltation and manifestation of His character, and the preeminence of His beloved Son. Our salvation will serve that purpose (Phil. 2:6-11). Everything in covenant mercies, in salvation, and in God’s purpose for the sons of men (past, present, and future) turns upon the will of God in Christ. This makes CHRIST THE PRINCIPAL FIGURE in our Gospel, our goals, and our glory. But, if you have salvation and God’s purpose waiting upon the freewill of the creature, then MAN is the principal figure in your landscape and will lead you to compromise divine Truth in order to win man’s approval. The attitude that we must get men converted at any cost and compromise usually winds up costing the very character and Truth of God, which is a price too high to pay. Conversions are never more important than Truth. Truth is always more important than results. “Let God be true and every man a liar!” - Henry Mahan
August 27, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Look upon me, Lord I pray Thee
Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine
Thou hast sought me, Thou hast bought me
Take my heart, and make it Thine.
Naught I ask for, naught I strive for
But Thy grace so rich and free
This Thou givest by the Saviour
He hath all things who hath Thee.
Precious is the Name of Jesus
Who can half its worth unfold?
Far beyond angelic praises
Sweetly sung to harps of gold.
Guide me, Oh Thou great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak, but Thou art mighty
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
Congratulations to Michael and Amanda Mohr on the birth of their son, Jacob Charles Mohr!
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Mark & Jessica Mohr on Saturday, September 9th at 10:30 am. The invitation is in the foyer.
There will be no evening service next Sunday, Sept. 3rd.
Birthdays
27th – Adilene Sligh 28th – Braedan Kelley 29th – Cami Walmsley
30th – Abby Holthaus 1st – Melanie Kelley 1st – Wanda Frye
Bible Conferences
Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church September 22-24
College Grove Grace Church October 27-28
*****
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
*****
Different beliefs carry with them different world views. A world view is the way we interpret the world. The religious person’s world view is that of a raging battle between good and evil. A humanistic world view has man at the center of all things. The atheist’s world view has man as a random chemical reaction in a primordial stew. The Christian world view is, “The Lord reigneth.” He reigns exclusively, constantly, actively, and irresistibly. We interpret everything that happens in the world through this lens… “The Lord reigneth.”
*****
THE SAME EVENT TO ALL
“All things come alike to all: there is one even to the righteous, and to the wicked” (Ecc. 9:2). Even though it is true that the same events happen to all people (believer, unbeliever) alike, yet there is one big difference – that same event is punishment and judgment against the unbeliever, from the hands of a just God…but to the believer, it is mercy and chastisement, from the hands of our loving Father. Just look at the two thieves hanging on the crosses on either side of the Lord. The crucifixion and death of Christ was charged as murder to one of the thieves, judging him guilty, and worthy of eternal damnation. Yet at the same time, the death of Christ put away every sin of the other thief, justifying him, and granting him eternal salvation. Both men right next to our Lord when He died – the same event damned one man, and saved the other. Lord, save me! - Brian DuFour
CHRIST IS ALL
- If you have Christ, that is not merely enough. That is everything.
- Looking to Christ is not what is most important. It is everything.
- Christ is not our first priority. He is everything.
- Christ is not what should be preached the most. He is all that should be preached.
We cannot stress too much… “Christ is All” – Colossians 3:11
*****
MODERATION
“Let your moderation be known unto all” – Philippians 4:5
This is the only time the word “moderation” is used in the Bible and it does not have to do with temperance in food and drink but it has to do with attitude and conduct. The meaning is “mild and gentle.” Let all people in the church and in the world see and recognize you as a gentle and kind person. Be known, not as harsh and demanding (this seems to be the code of the day) but as “kind and tenderhearted” (Ephesians 4:32). - Henry Mahan
*****
There it is! God’s Word! There is our foundation. The Scriptures never instruct us to feel, but to believe. If you do not feel, believe anyway! It does not say, “For by grace are you saved through feelings.” Feelings are a look inward, at ourselves. Faith is a look outward at Christ. Feelings change because they look at a changing object – ourselves. Faith never changes, for it looks at an unchanging object – Christ! May God grant you grace to look to Him.
– Joe Terrell
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Look upon me, Lord I pray Thee
Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine
Thou hast sought me, Thou hast bought me
Take my heart, and make it Thine.
Naught I ask for, naught I strive for
But Thy grace so rich and free
This Thou givest by the Saviour
He hath all things who hath Thee.
Precious is the Name of Jesus
Who can half its worth unfold?
Far beyond angelic praises
Sweetly sung to harps of gold.
Guide me, Oh Thou great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak, but Thou art mighty
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
Congratulations to Michael and Amanda Mohr on the birth of their son, Jacob Charles Mohr!
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Mark & Jessica Mohr on Saturday, September 9th at 10:30 am. The invitation is in the foyer.
There will be no evening service next Sunday, Sept. 3rd.
Birthdays
27th – Adilene Sligh 28th – Braedan Kelley 29th – Cami Walmsley
30th – Abby Holthaus 1st – Melanie Kelley 1st – Wanda Frye
Bible Conferences
Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church September 22-24
College Grove Grace Church October 27-28
*****
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
*****
Different beliefs carry with them different world views. A world view is the way we interpret the world. The religious person’s world view is that of a raging battle between good and evil. A humanistic world view has man at the center of all things. The atheist’s world view has man as a random chemical reaction in a primordial stew. The Christian world view is, “The Lord reigneth.” He reigns exclusively, constantly, actively, and irresistibly. We interpret everything that happens in the world through this lens… “The Lord reigneth.”
*****
THE SAME EVENT TO ALL
“All things come alike to all: there is one even to the righteous, and to the wicked” (Ecc. 9:2). Even though it is true that the same events happen to all people (believer, unbeliever) alike, yet there is one big difference – that same event is punishment and judgment against the unbeliever, from the hands of a just God…but to the believer, it is mercy and chastisement, from the hands of our loving Father. Just look at the two thieves hanging on the crosses on either side of the Lord. The crucifixion and death of Christ was charged as murder to one of the thieves, judging him guilty, and worthy of eternal damnation. Yet at the same time, the death of Christ put away every sin of the other thief, justifying him, and granting him eternal salvation. Both men right next to our Lord when He died – the same event damned one man, and saved the other. Lord, save me! - Brian DuFour
CHRIST IS ALL
- If you have Christ, that is not merely enough. That is everything.
- Looking to Christ is not what is most important. It is everything.
- Christ is not our first priority. He is everything.
- Christ is not what should be preached the most. He is all that should be preached.
We cannot stress too much… “Christ is All” – Colossians 3:11
*****
MODERATION
“Let your moderation be known unto all” – Philippians 4:5
This is the only time the word “moderation” is used in the Bible and it does not have to do with temperance in food and drink but it has to do with attitude and conduct. The meaning is “mild and gentle.” Let all people in the church and in the world see and recognize you as a gentle and kind person. Be known, not as harsh and demanding (this seems to be the code of the day) but as “kind and tenderhearted” (Ephesians 4:32). - Henry Mahan
*****
There it is! God’s Word! There is our foundation. The Scriptures never instruct us to feel, but to believe. If you do not feel, believe anyway! It does not say, “For by grace are you saved through feelings.” Feelings are a look inward, at ourselves. Faith is a look outward at Christ. Feelings change because they look at a changing object – ourselves. Faith never changes, for it looks at an unchanging object – Christ! May God grant you grace to look to Him.
– Joe Terrell
August 20, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Though troubles assail, and dangers affright
Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite
‘Tis one thing secures us whatever betide
His promise assures us, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
The bird without barn or storehouse are fed
From them let us learn to trust for our bread
His saints what is needed shall ne’er be denied
So long as ‘tis written, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
His call we obey like Abram of old
We know not the way, but faith makes us bold
For though we are strangers, we have a sure guide
And know in all dangers, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
No strength of our own, nor goodness we claim
Our trust is all cast on His precious Name
In this our strong refuge for safety we hide
The Lord is our refuge, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
When life is most o’er and death is in view
The Word of His grace will see us safe through
Not fearing nor doubting, with Christ on our side
We hope to die shouting, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
(Tune: “O Worship the King” p. 1)
*****
We rejoice with Becky Kess who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism at the close of the service this morning.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Mark & Jessica Mohr on Saturday, September 9th at 10:30 am. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
21st – Mark Ham 21st – Jalen Whitehead 22nd – Charlie Walmsley
23rd- Rich Byrd 24th – John Greenleaf 24th – Don Willis
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” - Proverbs 17:9
“I knew thee, that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed.” –Matt. 25:24
This was the attitude of the servant who was given one talent by his master. Unlike the other two who traded with the talents given them and they gained more. He demonstrated what he thought of his master! Like the man who distorts the sovereignty of God and uses it as an excuse for inaction. He did nothing with the talent he was given and returns it with no gains, blaming it on the severity of his master. His master met him on the grounds he came! And that wicked and slothful servant was cast into outer darkness! If my view of God is the view of that servant, and my understanding of His sovereignty makes me inactive and fatalistic, I like that servant will be cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
*****
WHAT DO YE MORE THAN OTHERS?
“And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more
than others? Do not even the publican so?” - Matthew 5:47
If I have been saved by the grace of God, I ought to do more than others. Look what He has done for me! He loved me before time began, gave His Son to die for my sin, gave me His very righteousness, and put His Spirit within me. Should I not do more than others? None should be more grateful than me! Certainly none are more indebted to His grace than me. Therefore I ought to do more than others. Sovereign grace is not a reason to do less. It is a reason to do more! The one who really believes grace will do more than the one who believes law. He will love more, forgive more, give more, and do more. Child of God, we ought to do more than others!
*****
In John 17 we have the Lord Jesus praying to His Father as the Great High Priest. Who is He praying for? He tells us in verse 9, “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me: for they are Thine!” The implications of that are far reaching! A man would be a fool to not seek out what those implications are and what they mean! I hope you and I do so at once!
*****
One of the things that I have learned is, hungry people eat, thirsty people drink, and everyone else just picks at it. So it is with the Gospel. - John Chapman
THE SWEET SLEEP OF FAITH
Our Lord had no home, no bed, nowhere to lay His head down at night to sleep, frequently using rocks as pillows while sleeping outside…yet none ever slept as sound and sweet as our Savior slept, for when He laid His head down at night, He would swiftly drift off into the sweet sleep of faith, trusting His Father would watch over Him, controlling everything and everyone around Him.
“And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep” (Matt. 8:24). The disciples are holding on for dear life as the boat rocks violently back and forth, yet they still have to go awaken the Savior from deep sleep as they cry for help! Oh, for faith to sleep like our Savior slept! Even as the waves of life crash down around us all day long, slowly filling us with stress and anxiety as the day wears on, minds still swimming with thoughts as our heads hit the pillow. Lord, cause us to lay down in peaceful sleep, knowing and trusting that all of the day’s events were for our good and Your glory. No need to even worry about what tomorrow will bring, for He will surely take care of us again… “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Ps. 4:8). Lord, increase our faith! Amen.
- Brian DuFour
*****
Scripture, not logic, is our rule of faith; not one or two statements taken out of their context, but the whole analogy of faith. Error is truth perverted, truth distorted, truth out of proportion. To short-sighted human reason there appears to be a clash between Divine justice and Divine mercy, between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility; between law and grace, between faith and good works; but he who is really taught of the Spirit, is enabled to discern their perfect consistency.
- A. W. Pink
*****
Justification, as it is revealed in Holy Scripture, is much more than a mere forensic (legal) standing. It is a state of being (Rom. 5:1-11). It is more than a judicial declaration. Justification is the real emancipation of our souls in Christ. To be justified before God is to be free of guilt in your conscience by the sprinkling of Christ’s blood, that is by the Spirit’s application of Christ’s atonement (Heb. 9:14).
- Don Fortner
*****
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but the Spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. - Robert Hawker
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Though troubles assail, and dangers affright
Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite
‘Tis one thing secures us whatever betide
His promise assures us, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
The bird without barn or storehouse are fed
From them let us learn to trust for our bread
His saints what is needed shall ne’er be denied
So long as ‘tis written, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
His call we obey like Abram of old
We know not the way, but faith makes us bold
For though we are strangers, we have a sure guide
And know in all dangers, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
No strength of our own, nor goodness we claim
Our trust is all cast on His precious Name
In this our strong refuge for safety we hide
The Lord is our refuge, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
When life is most o’er and death is in view
The Word of His grace will see us safe through
Not fearing nor doubting, with Christ on our side
We hope to die shouting, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
(Tune: “O Worship the King” p. 1)
*****
We rejoice with Becky Kess who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism at the close of the service this morning.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Mark & Jessica Mohr on Saturday, September 9th at 10:30 am. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
21st – Mark Ham 21st – Jalen Whitehead 22nd – Charlie Walmsley
23rd- Rich Byrd 24th – John Greenleaf 24th – Don Willis
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” - Proverbs 17:9
“I knew thee, that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed.” –Matt. 25:24
This was the attitude of the servant who was given one talent by his master. Unlike the other two who traded with the talents given them and they gained more. He demonstrated what he thought of his master! Like the man who distorts the sovereignty of God and uses it as an excuse for inaction. He did nothing with the talent he was given and returns it with no gains, blaming it on the severity of his master. His master met him on the grounds he came! And that wicked and slothful servant was cast into outer darkness! If my view of God is the view of that servant, and my understanding of His sovereignty makes me inactive and fatalistic, I like that servant will be cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
*****
WHAT DO YE MORE THAN OTHERS?
“And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more
than others? Do not even the publican so?” - Matthew 5:47
If I have been saved by the grace of God, I ought to do more than others. Look what He has done for me! He loved me before time began, gave His Son to die for my sin, gave me His very righteousness, and put His Spirit within me. Should I not do more than others? None should be more grateful than me! Certainly none are more indebted to His grace than me. Therefore I ought to do more than others. Sovereign grace is not a reason to do less. It is a reason to do more! The one who really believes grace will do more than the one who believes law. He will love more, forgive more, give more, and do more. Child of God, we ought to do more than others!
*****
In John 17 we have the Lord Jesus praying to His Father as the Great High Priest. Who is He praying for? He tells us in verse 9, “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me: for they are Thine!” The implications of that are far reaching! A man would be a fool to not seek out what those implications are and what they mean! I hope you and I do so at once!
*****
One of the things that I have learned is, hungry people eat, thirsty people drink, and everyone else just picks at it. So it is with the Gospel. - John Chapman
THE SWEET SLEEP OF FAITH
Our Lord had no home, no bed, nowhere to lay His head down at night to sleep, frequently using rocks as pillows while sleeping outside…yet none ever slept as sound and sweet as our Savior slept, for when He laid His head down at night, He would swiftly drift off into the sweet sleep of faith, trusting His Father would watch over Him, controlling everything and everyone around Him.
“And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep” (Matt. 8:24). The disciples are holding on for dear life as the boat rocks violently back and forth, yet they still have to go awaken the Savior from deep sleep as they cry for help! Oh, for faith to sleep like our Savior slept! Even as the waves of life crash down around us all day long, slowly filling us with stress and anxiety as the day wears on, minds still swimming with thoughts as our heads hit the pillow. Lord, cause us to lay down in peaceful sleep, knowing and trusting that all of the day’s events were for our good and Your glory. No need to even worry about what tomorrow will bring, for He will surely take care of us again… “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Ps. 4:8). Lord, increase our faith! Amen.
- Brian DuFour
*****
Scripture, not logic, is our rule of faith; not one or two statements taken out of their context, but the whole analogy of faith. Error is truth perverted, truth distorted, truth out of proportion. To short-sighted human reason there appears to be a clash between Divine justice and Divine mercy, between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility; between law and grace, between faith and good works; but he who is really taught of the Spirit, is enabled to discern their perfect consistency.
- A. W. Pink
*****
Justification, as it is revealed in Holy Scripture, is much more than a mere forensic (legal) standing. It is a state of being (Rom. 5:1-11). It is more than a judicial declaration. Justification is the real emancipation of our souls in Christ. To be justified before God is to be free of guilt in your conscience by the sprinkling of Christ’s blood, that is by the Spirit’s application of Christ’s atonement (Heb. 9:14).
- Don Fortner
*****
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but the Spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. - Robert Hawker
August 13, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
When all Thy mercies, O my God
My grateful soul surveys
Transported with the view, I’m lost
In wonder, love, and praise
In wonder, love, and praise!
When in the slipp’ry paths of youth
With heedless steps I ran
Thine arm unseen, conveyed me safe
And held me in Thy hand
And held me in Thy hand.
When worn with trouble, oft hast Thou
With love revealed Thy grace
And when in sin and sorrow sunk
In mercy took my place
In mercy took my place.
Through all eternity, to Thee
A grateful song I’ll raise
For O, eternity’s too short
To utter all Thy praise
To utter all Thy praise!
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness”)
*****
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Mark & Jessica Mohr on Saturday, September 9th at 10:30 am. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
13th – Sarah Gudowicz 14th – David DuFour 15th – Jan Carver
15th – Delphus Grubb 16th – Lauren Kelly 17th – Olivia Williams
18th – Molly Mohr 19th – Nora Imes 19th – Allison Vincent 19th – Sharon Vincent
“Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.” - Proverbs 25:9-10
*****
Paul said, “Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (II Timothy 2:10). Paul knew all of the elect would most certainly be saved. And he knew it would we through them hearing and believing the Gospel. Paul did not have a fatalistic or indifferent attitude. He said in the previous verse because of his preaching of the Gospel, “Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds.” He said in Acts 20:23 he knew that in every city he went, “bonds and afflictions abide me.” Yet, he was willing to live that life for the “elect’s sake”. Election does not bring with it a fatalistic or indifferent attitude toward the salvation of others. The Lord said, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” A part of following Christ is being a fisher of men. May our first passion be His glory, and the passion that arises from that. “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” If we do not have a zeal for this, may that change today!
*****
“Follow after charity” (I Cor. 14:1). Make love your pursuit and aim. I want to be one who genuinely loves the Lord Jesus Christ and I want that love to increase. I want to genuinely love my brethren in Christ and I want that love to increase. I want to love every man that does not know Christ and see their salvation. Paul ended I Corinthians 13:13….. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity…. Follow after charity.” May the Lord enable us to make that our aim in all we do.
*****
God’s grace is always saving grace. Any kind of grace from God that does not save is not God’s grace. “By grace ye are saved.”
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” - I Peter 3:15
I should have people asking me of the reason for the hope that is in me. The people who see me should be affected by what they see! They should see me as different. Someone without a “holier than thou” attitude. They should see someone with genuine humility that comes from knowing God. They should see someone they do no feel judged or threatened by. They should see someone who treats them kindly and graciously. They should see someone who by faith walks with God amidst all of the turmoil that is in the world. We desire for God to give us grace to walk in that way for them to see, so they will ask the reason for the hope we have that enables us to walk that way! Then we could give them the reason…. All of my hope is found in Christ. Not in my works, but Him keeping the law for me, dying for my sins, and being raised for my justification. That only is the reason for my hope!
*****
THE HARDENED HEART
“And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh” (Ex. 9:12). God cannot sin, and will not cause men to sin, for sin is our own fault – “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:13-14).
Pharaoh could not say his hardened heart was God’s fault, yet at the same time the Lord says that he hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Does Scripture contradict itself? Never! Scripture is perfect, just as God is perfect. And He tells us in Scripture how Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, “So I gave them up unto their own hearts lust: and they walked in their own counsels” (Ps. 81:12). The word “lust” in this verse could just as easily been translated “hardness, obstinate.” That is how Pharaoh’s heart, or anyone’s heart, is hardened – the Lord gives them up, leaves them to themselves, and the hard heart they were born with in the flesh…with the result being that they walk in the way of their own counsels, the way of works, the way of self, the way of the flesh.
May the Lord never leave us to ourselves, a hard heart and eternal death are the sure results. May He cause the following verse to be our prayer and desire…“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh” (Ez. 36:36).
– Brian DuFour
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
When all Thy mercies, O my God
My grateful soul surveys
Transported with the view, I’m lost
In wonder, love, and praise
In wonder, love, and praise!
When in the slipp’ry paths of youth
With heedless steps I ran
Thine arm unseen, conveyed me safe
And held me in Thy hand
And held me in Thy hand.
When worn with trouble, oft hast Thou
With love revealed Thy grace
And when in sin and sorrow sunk
In mercy took my place
In mercy took my place.
Through all eternity, to Thee
A grateful song I’ll raise
For O, eternity’s too short
To utter all Thy praise
To utter all Thy praise!
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness”)
*****
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Mark & Jessica Mohr on Saturday, September 9th at 10:30 am. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
13th – Sarah Gudowicz 14th – David DuFour 15th – Jan Carver
15th – Delphus Grubb 16th – Lauren Kelly 17th – Olivia Williams
18th – Molly Mohr 19th – Nora Imes 19th – Allison Vincent 19th – Sharon Vincent
“Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.” - Proverbs 25:9-10
*****
Paul said, “Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (II Timothy 2:10). Paul knew all of the elect would most certainly be saved. And he knew it would we through them hearing and believing the Gospel. Paul did not have a fatalistic or indifferent attitude. He said in the previous verse because of his preaching of the Gospel, “Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds.” He said in Acts 20:23 he knew that in every city he went, “bonds and afflictions abide me.” Yet, he was willing to live that life for the “elect’s sake”. Election does not bring with it a fatalistic or indifferent attitude toward the salvation of others. The Lord said, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” A part of following Christ is being a fisher of men. May our first passion be His glory, and the passion that arises from that. “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” If we do not have a zeal for this, may that change today!
*****
“Follow after charity” (I Cor. 14:1). Make love your pursuit and aim. I want to be one who genuinely loves the Lord Jesus Christ and I want that love to increase. I want to genuinely love my brethren in Christ and I want that love to increase. I want to love every man that does not know Christ and see their salvation. Paul ended I Corinthians 13:13….. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity…. Follow after charity.” May the Lord enable us to make that our aim in all we do.
*****
God’s grace is always saving grace. Any kind of grace from God that does not save is not God’s grace. “By grace ye are saved.”
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” - I Peter 3:15
I should have people asking me of the reason for the hope that is in me. The people who see me should be affected by what they see! They should see me as different. Someone without a “holier than thou” attitude. They should see someone with genuine humility that comes from knowing God. They should see someone they do no feel judged or threatened by. They should see someone who treats them kindly and graciously. They should see someone who by faith walks with God amidst all of the turmoil that is in the world. We desire for God to give us grace to walk in that way for them to see, so they will ask the reason for the hope we have that enables us to walk that way! Then we could give them the reason…. All of my hope is found in Christ. Not in my works, but Him keeping the law for me, dying for my sins, and being raised for my justification. That only is the reason for my hope!
*****
THE HARDENED HEART
“And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh” (Ex. 9:12). God cannot sin, and will not cause men to sin, for sin is our own fault – “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:13-14).
Pharaoh could not say his hardened heart was God’s fault, yet at the same time the Lord says that he hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Does Scripture contradict itself? Never! Scripture is perfect, just as God is perfect. And He tells us in Scripture how Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, “So I gave them up unto their own hearts lust: and they walked in their own counsels” (Ps. 81:12). The word “lust” in this verse could just as easily been translated “hardness, obstinate.” That is how Pharaoh’s heart, or anyone’s heart, is hardened – the Lord gives them up, leaves them to themselves, and the hard heart they were born with in the flesh…with the result being that they walk in the way of their own counsels, the way of works, the way of self, the way of the flesh.
May the Lord never leave us to ourselves, a hard heart and eternal death are the sure results. May He cause the following verse to be our prayer and desire…“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh” (Ez. 36:36).
– Brian DuFour
August 6, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy mercy, My God, is the theme of my song
The joy of my heart, the boast of my tongue
Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last
Hath won my affection and bound my heart fast.
For unworthy sinners my Lord bowed His head
For unworthy sinners He suffered and bled
My spirit rejoices, the work it is done
My soul is redeemed, and salvation is won!
Great God of mercies, Thy goodness I own
And the covenant of love of Thy glorified Son
All praise to the Saviour whose blood so Divine
Sealed pardon and mercy and righteousness mine.
Great God of Glory, how rich is Thy grace!
What wonderful love is revealed in Thy face!
Lord, Jesus, Beloved, we’re washed in Thy blood
With hope we shall stand at the Throne of our God.
(Tune: “How Firm a Foundation” p.268)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Birthdays
6th- Kristen Hands 6th – Shawn Benton 7th – Leti Anguiano
7th – Lee Anne Walmsley 7th – Isaac Williams 10th – Eric Wilson
“Be thou not envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.” – Proverbs 24:1
“Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). What a Provider our Heavenly Father is! And He already knows what it is we need. We ask Him to give us what He knows we need. Later in the chapter He said in Matthew 6:31, “Therefore take no thought saying, What shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” All we need He already knows and will provide. We are not to worry about these things. That is dishonoring to our Father. Here is what we are to seek first….the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the full assurance that, “All these things shall be added unto you.” Anxiousness prevents us from seeking Him and His righteousness first!
*****
“This persuasion cometh not of Him that calleth you.” This tells us that we can hold something as true and coming form God that did not really come from Him and His Word. Paul went on to say, “A little leaven leaventh the whole lump.” In the context he was speaking to those seeking to add something to Christ (Galatians 5:1-4). If I put one work that I must first do before I can be saved, or if I do one work that I believe makes me more saved; that is the leaven that leaveneth the whole lump. I am foolish if I presumptuously think this could not happen to me!
*****
He that preaches Christ, preaches the Gospel; he who does not preach Christ preaches no gospel. It is no more possible for there to be a gospel without Christ than a day without the sun, or a river without water, or a living man without a head, or quickened human body without a soul. No, Christ Himself is the life, soul, substance, and essence of the mystery of the Gospel of God. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
We did not ask God to elect us. We did not ask God to make a covenant of grace. We did not ask God to redeem us by the blood of His Son. All of these things were done before we were born.
– C. H. Spurgeon
*****
Faith is like an empty, open hand stretched out toward God, with nothing to offer and everything to receive. - John Calvin
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING
There are many things that are important to us; our families, careers, health, etc. However, there is one thing that surpasses all other and it is our union to Christ. Nothing compares to this. It is the one thing needful above all others. Without Christ we are lost, our life on this earth is vanity, useless, but not so in Christ. In Christ we are loved, redeemed, forgiven, accepted, pardoned, and righteous. Let us never lose sight of what really is important. “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). - John Chapman
*****
HIS BLOOD ALONE!
The vital thing to understand about the blood of Christ is this: IT IS ENOUGH! Nothing else is needed to accomplish the salvation of all for whom His blood was shed. Not His blood plus my works; not His blood plus my “decision”; not His blood plus the ordinances; not His blood plus church membership; not even His blood plus my faith – His blood purchased my faith. HIS BLOOD ALONE paid the price required by His justice, and His blood alone can make a sinner clean. “By His own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having OBTAINED (not made possible) eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:12).
– Donnie Bell
*****
Recently I had two conversations about the Gospel with two separate individuals. They both ended the same way. After it was clear that we did not agree on anything concerning the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, both men said; “Well, at least we are brothers in Christ.” Oh, how I wish they had said something else. I had rather they accused me of not being saved. This parting statement revealed two things to me. One, they thought our differences were minor. They could not see that we worshipped two different Gods. Two, they needed my affirmation of their salvation. So it is with those who have a false gospel. They are unable to make righteous judgments and they need the affirmation of men for their assurance. Lord, give us clarity on discerning Truth from error, and allow us not to find comfort anywhere outside of Thee. - Greg Elmquist
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy mercy, My God, is the theme of my song
The joy of my heart, the boast of my tongue
Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last
Hath won my affection and bound my heart fast.
For unworthy sinners my Lord bowed His head
For unworthy sinners He suffered and bled
My spirit rejoices, the work it is done
My soul is redeemed, and salvation is won!
Great God of mercies, Thy goodness I own
And the covenant of love of Thy glorified Son
All praise to the Saviour whose blood so Divine
Sealed pardon and mercy and righteousness mine.
Great God of Glory, how rich is Thy grace!
What wonderful love is revealed in Thy face!
Lord, Jesus, Beloved, we’re washed in Thy blood
With hope we shall stand at the Throne of our God.
(Tune: “How Firm a Foundation” p.268)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Birthdays
6th- Kristen Hands 6th – Shawn Benton 7th – Leti Anguiano
7th – Lee Anne Walmsley 7th – Isaac Williams 10th – Eric Wilson
“Be thou not envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.” – Proverbs 24:1
“Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). What a Provider our Heavenly Father is! And He already knows what it is we need. We ask Him to give us what He knows we need. Later in the chapter He said in Matthew 6:31, “Therefore take no thought saying, What shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” All we need He already knows and will provide. We are not to worry about these things. That is dishonoring to our Father. Here is what we are to seek first….the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the full assurance that, “All these things shall be added unto you.” Anxiousness prevents us from seeking Him and His righteousness first!
*****
“This persuasion cometh not of Him that calleth you.” This tells us that we can hold something as true and coming form God that did not really come from Him and His Word. Paul went on to say, “A little leaven leaventh the whole lump.” In the context he was speaking to those seeking to add something to Christ (Galatians 5:1-4). If I put one work that I must first do before I can be saved, or if I do one work that I believe makes me more saved; that is the leaven that leaveneth the whole lump. I am foolish if I presumptuously think this could not happen to me!
*****
He that preaches Christ, preaches the Gospel; he who does not preach Christ preaches no gospel. It is no more possible for there to be a gospel without Christ than a day without the sun, or a river without water, or a living man without a head, or quickened human body without a soul. No, Christ Himself is the life, soul, substance, and essence of the mystery of the Gospel of God. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
We did not ask God to elect us. We did not ask God to make a covenant of grace. We did not ask God to redeem us by the blood of His Son. All of these things were done before we were born.
– C. H. Spurgeon
*****
Faith is like an empty, open hand stretched out toward God, with nothing to offer and everything to receive. - John Calvin
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING
There are many things that are important to us; our families, careers, health, etc. However, there is one thing that surpasses all other and it is our union to Christ. Nothing compares to this. It is the one thing needful above all others. Without Christ we are lost, our life on this earth is vanity, useless, but not so in Christ. In Christ we are loved, redeemed, forgiven, accepted, pardoned, and righteous. Let us never lose sight of what really is important. “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). - John Chapman
*****
HIS BLOOD ALONE!
The vital thing to understand about the blood of Christ is this: IT IS ENOUGH! Nothing else is needed to accomplish the salvation of all for whom His blood was shed. Not His blood plus my works; not His blood plus my “decision”; not His blood plus the ordinances; not His blood plus church membership; not even His blood plus my faith – His blood purchased my faith. HIS BLOOD ALONE paid the price required by His justice, and His blood alone can make a sinner clean. “By His own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having OBTAINED (not made possible) eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:12).
– Donnie Bell
*****
Recently I had two conversations about the Gospel with two separate individuals. They both ended the same way. After it was clear that we did not agree on anything concerning the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, both men said; “Well, at least we are brothers in Christ.” Oh, how I wish they had said something else. I had rather they accused me of not being saved. This parting statement revealed two things to me. One, they thought our differences were minor. They could not see that we worshipped two different Gods. Two, they needed my affirmation of their salvation. So it is with those who have a false gospel. They are unable to make righteous judgments and they need the affirmation of men for their assurance. Lord, give us clarity on discerning Truth from error, and allow us not to find comfort anywhere outside of Thee. - Greg Elmquist
July 30, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sons we are, through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive
Lord Thy mercy, Lord Thy mercy, Does both grace and glory give!
Every fallen soul, by sinning
Merits everlasting pain
But Thy love, without beginning
Has restored Thy sons again
All Thy people, All Thy people, Shall by grace through Jesus reign.
Pause my soul! Adore and wonder!
Ask, “O why such love to me?”
Grace has put me in the number
Of the Saviour’s family
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Thank, eternal thanks to Thee.
When the Angel sounds the trumpet
When my soul and body join
When my Saviour comes to judgment
Bright in Majesty Divine
Let me triumph, Let me triumph, In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Angels, from the Realms of Glory” p. 99)
*****
Congratulations to Andy and Rachelle Davis on their marriage!
Birthdays
1st – Lilyanna Scifres 4th – Brodi Profitt
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” - Proverbs 26:12
“With the heart man believeth”
“The heart” is not a reference to the physical muscle that pumps blood throughout the body, but the whole man. This includes his consciousness, understanding, affections, and will. I understand that “Christ is All” in my salvation. Not only do I understand this …it is my desire for Christ to be all in my salvation and I love Christ being all in my salvation, and I love Him who is all in my salvation. Only heart faith comprehends the understanding, the affections, and the will. In false religion, it is never heart faith. The appeal of reformed religion is the understanding, the appeal of arminianism is the will, the appeal of the charismatic movement is the affections and emotions. But it is only the Gospel that causes heart faith, which includes the understanding, affections, and will. Truly, “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness.” He understands, loves, and desires Christ as his only righteousness before God!
*****
LUKEWARM
In Isaiah’s times, Israel had once again fallen back into just going through the routine of religion…still outwardly observing ceremonies and sacrifices, but not in faith, not looking to the One these sacrifices pointed to. I fear this happens with us at times…we go through the routine of attending services three times a week, just going through the outward motions of religion, not entering into the joy of the Gospel, without any true heart worship and faith in Christ.
There can be various reasons for this, but the state of luke-warmness is usually behind it all. Things are going good materially and spiritually, I really do not have many needs, it’s all good! And just as the Lord rebuked the church of Laodicea, we now hear the same rebuke – “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17).
In my flesh, am I still the chief of sinners? Is my heart still desperately wicked? Yes, and yes. Therefore, I am always a sinner in need of a Savior, needing to hear the Good News of the Gospel, needing to worship and thank my Heavenly Father for eternally justifying and sanctifying me through the blood and righteousness of His Dear Son. Lord, I cannot make myself needy, but You can…please work in me to will and to do of your good pleasure, and make me to be a poor and needy sinner, in need of the Savior! - Brian DuFour
The believer has the new nature that never sins and the old nature that always sins. This does not provide him with an excuse for sin nor a reason to not battle his sin. But it does explain why he is so sinful. Amazingly and mysteriously, it is the new man that owns and confesses the sins of the old man! Oh that day that I stand before God in judgment, due to my union with Jesus Christ, I will not stand, “Just as if I had never sinned.” I will stand as one, “Who has never sinned.” That is what true justification does for this sinner. - David Eddmenson
*****
Here are a “few words’ that when spoken truthfully, before God with a heart of repentance, prove to be eternally profitable for a sinner.
“Yes, Lord.”
“Lord, help me.”
“Lord, save me.”
“Lord, have mercy on me.”
“Lord, forgive me.”
“Lord, if you will you can make me clean.”
“Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”
“Lord, not my will but Thine be done.”
-David Eddmenson
*****
THERE IS NO “I” IN GRACE
The emphasis of a false profession of faith is always put on what the sinner does. “I” love Jesus. “I” accepted Him. “I” decided and “I” came. “I” let Him have His way. “I” gave Him my heart. “I” made Jesus Lord of my life. There is no “I” in grace. – Rick Warta
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sons we are, through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive
Lord Thy mercy, Lord Thy mercy, Does both grace and glory give!
Every fallen soul, by sinning
Merits everlasting pain
But Thy love, without beginning
Has restored Thy sons again
All Thy people, All Thy people, Shall by grace through Jesus reign.
Pause my soul! Adore and wonder!
Ask, “O why such love to me?”
Grace has put me in the number
Of the Saviour’s family
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Thank, eternal thanks to Thee.
When the Angel sounds the trumpet
When my soul and body join
When my Saviour comes to judgment
Bright in Majesty Divine
Let me triumph, Let me triumph, In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Angels, from the Realms of Glory” p. 99)
*****
Congratulations to Andy and Rachelle Davis on their marriage!
Birthdays
1st – Lilyanna Scifres 4th – Brodi Profitt
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” - Proverbs 26:12
“With the heart man believeth”
“The heart” is not a reference to the physical muscle that pumps blood throughout the body, but the whole man. This includes his consciousness, understanding, affections, and will. I understand that “Christ is All” in my salvation. Not only do I understand this …it is my desire for Christ to be all in my salvation and I love Christ being all in my salvation, and I love Him who is all in my salvation. Only heart faith comprehends the understanding, the affections, and the will. In false religion, it is never heart faith. The appeal of reformed religion is the understanding, the appeal of arminianism is the will, the appeal of the charismatic movement is the affections and emotions. But it is only the Gospel that causes heart faith, which includes the understanding, affections, and will. Truly, “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness.” He understands, loves, and desires Christ as his only righteousness before God!
*****
LUKEWARM
In Isaiah’s times, Israel had once again fallen back into just going through the routine of religion…still outwardly observing ceremonies and sacrifices, but not in faith, not looking to the One these sacrifices pointed to. I fear this happens with us at times…we go through the routine of attending services three times a week, just going through the outward motions of religion, not entering into the joy of the Gospel, without any true heart worship and faith in Christ.
There can be various reasons for this, but the state of luke-warmness is usually behind it all. Things are going good materially and spiritually, I really do not have many needs, it’s all good! And just as the Lord rebuked the church of Laodicea, we now hear the same rebuke – “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17).
In my flesh, am I still the chief of sinners? Is my heart still desperately wicked? Yes, and yes. Therefore, I am always a sinner in need of a Savior, needing to hear the Good News of the Gospel, needing to worship and thank my Heavenly Father for eternally justifying and sanctifying me through the blood and righteousness of His Dear Son. Lord, I cannot make myself needy, but You can…please work in me to will and to do of your good pleasure, and make me to be a poor and needy sinner, in need of the Savior! - Brian DuFour
The believer has the new nature that never sins and the old nature that always sins. This does not provide him with an excuse for sin nor a reason to not battle his sin. But it does explain why he is so sinful. Amazingly and mysteriously, it is the new man that owns and confesses the sins of the old man! Oh that day that I stand before God in judgment, due to my union with Jesus Christ, I will not stand, “Just as if I had never sinned.” I will stand as one, “Who has never sinned.” That is what true justification does for this sinner. - David Eddmenson
*****
Here are a “few words’ that when spoken truthfully, before God with a heart of repentance, prove to be eternally profitable for a sinner.
“Yes, Lord.”
“Lord, help me.”
“Lord, save me.”
“Lord, have mercy on me.”
“Lord, forgive me.”
“Lord, if you will you can make me clean.”
“Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”
“Lord, not my will but Thine be done.”
-David Eddmenson
*****
THERE IS NO “I” IN GRACE
The emphasis of a false profession of faith is always put on what the sinner does. “I” love Jesus. “I” accepted Him. “I” decided and “I” came. “I” let Him have His way. “I” gave Him my heart. “I” made Jesus Lord of my life. There is no “I” in grace. – Rick Warta
July 23, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Behold the Throne of grace
His promise calls us near
There Jesus shows His lovely face
And lives to hear our prayer.
That rich, atoning blood
Which at the cross we see
Provides for those who come to God
And all-sufficient plea.
Thy mercy, Lord, bestow
Thy presence and Thy love
We ask to serve Thee here below
And reign with Thee above.
Abiding in Thy faith
Our will conformed to Thine
Let us victorious be in death
And then in glory shine.
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
Bible Conference July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church - Sellersburg, IN
Birthdays
24th – Brian DuFour 25th – Ellen Willis 26th – James Lynn
27th – Kelli Proffitt 29th – Rachel Clark
“Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom” - Proverbs 23:4
“To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Romans 7:18). I would never sin again! I would be generous, quick to forgive, forget all past injustices toward me, and take the lowest seat in the room. I would be rid of all pride, all bad motives, all sinful and selfish desires. I would never harbor a judgmental thought to anyone again. I would love and pray for those who wish me ill. I would be just like my Lord! To will is present with me. But it is equally true that to perform what I desire, I find not! Not one time have I ever performed the good that I would! The will is the will of the new man! The inability to perform what I would is because of the old man that I still posses. As frustrating as this is, the blessed day is coming when I will no longer have the old man to contend with! That will be when we see Him as He is, and be just like Him! (I John 3:2)
*****
ONE PAYMENT
You can buy most anything these days, and use one of many methods to pay for your purchase – Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Apple Pay, Venmo, Pay Pal, cash, bit coins, and the list goes on and on. This world’s religion takes the same approach, each advocating their own way to earn God’s favor/pay your way into heaven – winning souls, daily prayer and devotion, walking an aisle, reciting the sinner’s prayer, baptism, keeping the ten commandments, victory over sin, mission work, and the list goes on and on. But as always, we must see what Scripture declares, and here it is – “For the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Eternal death is the one payment due for sin, and you must either pay for it yourself by spending eternity in hell, or someone must pay the price for you. And that is exactly what our precious Savior did for His people, when His Father nailed Him to that tree as the sin-bearing substitute – “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13). Full payment has been made, the full price of salvation is paid, salvation’s work is complete, it is finished! Lord, give us grace to simply rest in Christ, come to Christ, run to Christ, believe on Christ…and may we be given grace to rejoice in this precious Truth, that every believer has been “Justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24). – Brian DuFour
T.U.L.I.P
The old truth preached by Spurgeon, Bunyan, the reformers, and the apostles, is the Truth that we must preach today or else be liars to our consciences and to our God. We dare not try to shape Truth or smooth away the sharp edges of the doctrines. Mankind is still DEPRAVED (totally), God has ELECTED a people, Christ sufficiently and EFFECTUALLY REDEEMED the elect, the Holy Spirit will CALL out His sheep through the preaching of the Gospel, and all whom He justifies and calls will PERSEVERE! Some ministers profess to be SOUND in grace, but it does not sound like grace when they preach it.
- Henry Mahan
*****
Nothing can give perfect peace of conscience with God but what can make atonement for sin. And whoever attempts it in any other way but by virtue of Christ’s atonement will never attain it, in this world or hereafter. - John Owen
*****
It was to SAVE sinners that Christ Jesus came into the world. He did not come to help them to save themselves, nor to induce them to save themselves, nor even to enable them to save themselves. He came to SAVE THEM! - William Hendriksen
*****
The strongest inducement for a Christian to obey God is the fact that he has already been graciously pardoned in Christ for having disobeyed. - Unknown
*****
The doctrine of universal atonement is nothing short of universal blasphemy, asserting that Christ died in vain for the multitudes who perish in hell. - Don Fortner
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Behold the Throne of grace
His promise calls us near
There Jesus shows His lovely face
And lives to hear our prayer.
That rich, atoning blood
Which at the cross we see
Provides for those who come to God
And all-sufficient plea.
Thy mercy, Lord, bestow
Thy presence and Thy love
We ask to serve Thee here below
And reign with Thee above.
Abiding in Thy faith
Our will conformed to Thine
Let us victorious be in death
And then in glory shine.
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
Bible Conference July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church - Sellersburg, IN
Birthdays
24th – Brian DuFour 25th – Ellen Willis 26th – James Lynn
27th – Kelli Proffitt 29th – Rachel Clark
“Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom” - Proverbs 23:4
“To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Romans 7:18). I would never sin again! I would be generous, quick to forgive, forget all past injustices toward me, and take the lowest seat in the room. I would be rid of all pride, all bad motives, all sinful and selfish desires. I would never harbor a judgmental thought to anyone again. I would love and pray for those who wish me ill. I would be just like my Lord! To will is present with me. But it is equally true that to perform what I desire, I find not! Not one time have I ever performed the good that I would! The will is the will of the new man! The inability to perform what I would is because of the old man that I still posses. As frustrating as this is, the blessed day is coming when I will no longer have the old man to contend with! That will be when we see Him as He is, and be just like Him! (I John 3:2)
*****
ONE PAYMENT
You can buy most anything these days, and use one of many methods to pay for your purchase – Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Apple Pay, Venmo, Pay Pal, cash, bit coins, and the list goes on and on. This world’s religion takes the same approach, each advocating their own way to earn God’s favor/pay your way into heaven – winning souls, daily prayer and devotion, walking an aisle, reciting the sinner’s prayer, baptism, keeping the ten commandments, victory over sin, mission work, and the list goes on and on. But as always, we must see what Scripture declares, and here it is – “For the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Eternal death is the one payment due for sin, and you must either pay for it yourself by spending eternity in hell, or someone must pay the price for you. And that is exactly what our precious Savior did for His people, when His Father nailed Him to that tree as the sin-bearing substitute – “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13). Full payment has been made, the full price of salvation is paid, salvation’s work is complete, it is finished! Lord, give us grace to simply rest in Christ, come to Christ, run to Christ, believe on Christ…and may we be given grace to rejoice in this precious Truth, that every believer has been “Justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24). – Brian DuFour
T.U.L.I.P
The old truth preached by Spurgeon, Bunyan, the reformers, and the apostles, is the Truth that we must preach today or else be liars to our consciences and to our God. We dare not try to shape Truth or smooth away the sharp edges of the doctrines. Mankind is still DEPRAVED (totally), God has ELECTED a people, Christ sufficiently and EFFECTUALLY REDEEMED the elect, the Holy Spirit will CALL out His sheep through the preaching of the Gospel, and all whom He justifies and calls will PERSEVERE! Some ministers profess to be SOUND in grace, but it does not sound like grace when they preach it.
- Henry Mahan
*****
Nothing can give perfect peace of conscience with God but what can make atonement for sin. And whoever attempts it in any other way but by virtue of Christ’s atonement will never attain it, in this world or hereafter. - John Owen
*****
It was to SAVE sinners that Christ Jesus came into the world. He did not come to help them to save themselves, nor to induce them to save themselves, nor even to enable them to save themselves. He came to SAVE THEM! - William Hendriksen
*****
The strongest inducement for a Christian to obey God is the fact that he has already been graciously pardoned in Christ for having disobeyed. - Unknown
*****
The doctrine of universal atonement is nothing short of universal blasphemy, asserting that Christ died in vain for the multitudes who perish in hell. - Don Fortner
July 16, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its length or breadth can tell
On its glories, On its glories
Let my soul forever dwell, Let my soul forever dwell.
Who from Christ my soul can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Christ, in Him forever
The eternal covenant stands!
None can pluck us, None can pluck us
From the blessed Savior’s hands, From the blessed Savior’s hands.
On such love, my soul, still ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while deep in holy wonder
Why, O Lord, such love to me
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Grace shall reign eternally, Grace shall reign eternally!
(Tune: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” p. 291)
*****
Birthdays
16th – David Vincent 19th – Ida Isaac
Bible Conference July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church - Sellersburg, IN
Kindness is never wrong. Meanness is always wrong! If I am kind to a fallen man, does that mean that I condone his fall? Of course not! It means I know what it is to fall, and I want to help the fallen.
Some attempt to excuse their meanness toward others under the guise of loving the Truth, maintaining church discipline, and reproving sin. But these things never excuse or condone any lack of kindness. Our danger is being self-righteous to the point of meanness. God give me grace to be kind to sinners like myself. Amen! - Don Fortner
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” - Proverbs 26:12
WEAKNESS AND ACCOUNTIBILITY
Aaron is called in Psalm 106:16, “The saint of the Lord.” Without question he was a believer. But he was a weak man. When the children of Israel told him to make them gods which would go before them, Aaron complied and became the chief participant in this great sin (Ex. 32:1-5). Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them” (Ex. 32:22). Aaron refused to take responsibility…he said that the people were set on mischief, so they gave me gold, “And there came out this calf” (Ex. 32:24). He was the one who fashioned the golden calf with a graving tool (Ex. 32:2-4). Yet he would not admit responsibility!
If I blame someone or something else for my wrong behavior, my weakness in not the problem. It is someone or something else’s fault. But when I see it is my fault, because of my sinful weakness, I will cry to the Lord for strength, and He will help me. That is what Paul meant when he said, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (II Cor. 12:10). Wherever you find a person who refuses accountability and personal responsibility, you will find a person who remains a weakling. When somebody sees their sinful weakness is the problem, they will cry to the Lord for strength.
*****
The Proper Order Of Salvation And Faith
Faith does not result in salvation, faith is the result of salvation. Faith is not a work that brings a result, faith is the result of a work already accomplished, Christ living and dying for His people.
Yes, Scripture does say, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31), making it to appear that believing comes before the saving. But let’s think about this in the context of all Scripture, not just one verse. Scripture also says that all men are “Dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1), and a spiritually dead man cannot believe or repent, for “No man can come to me” (John 6:44), no man has the ability to believe and trust on Christ. But thanks be to God, that verse is not finished – “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him”, and now we see the true order. The drawing, the giving of live, the salvation comes first, and then the evidence of this salvation is faith in Christ, for “Faith is the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). The inward, life-giving salvation of a sinner is not seen by man, but the outward evidence of this inward salvation is seen, faith in Christ, relying on Christ, trusting His finished work on that tree. Look at the order here. “Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling” (II Timothy 1:9). The saving comes first, then the calling, then faith. We are saved before we believe, not because we believe. - Brian DuFour
CHRIST OUR GOSPEL
The doctrines we preach and love are not ere teachings of some particular method of plan, but the doctrines of Christ, who is our Gospel; Christ, who is sovereign over all flesh; Christ, whose grace is both sovereign and free. Not to preach a sovereign Christ is to preach another Christ. To preach another Christ is to preach another gospel (“Which is not another” Galatians 1:6-9). It is just that simple. Mark it down: you cannot separate Christ from the Gospel or the Gospel from Christ; for they are one and the same. Christ is sovereign over all things and over all flesh, giving life freely to whom He will. The message of life for poor guilty sinners is the message of the Christ of God, who saves sovereignly and freely, even the chief of sinners. – Maurice Montgomery
*****
Man’s entire apostasy and death in sin, so that he cannot save himself, and God’s entire supremacy, so that He saves whom He will, are doctrines exceedingly distasteful to human pride. But they are Scriptural. Why was one thief saved and the other lost? “Even so Father for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Matt. 11:25-27). God was not bound to save the one and He had power enough to have saved the other, and neither could save himself. What made the difference? The Sovereign Grace of God! - Horatius Bonar
*****
The longer I live, the more I feel that if there were one thing left undone, if the devil were not conquered, sin not expiated, justice not satisfied, the law not honored and magnified, death not overcome, and every burden not carried, I should not have a ray of hope. I used to think I saw this as clear as the noon day thirty or forty years ago; but I saw it very differently then to what I see now; for I see and feel now that if one hair-breadth is left for me to do to merit heaven, or bring as a plea before God, I am undone for ever and ever. But on the Mount of Calvary, the Lord Jesus Christ undertook the cause of His people; and there is not a jot nor a tittle that He left undone, but, “By one offering He perfected for ever them that are sanctified” and “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Here is complete perfection: Saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation. - John Warburton, 1853
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its length or breadth can tell
On its glories, On its glories
Let my soul forever dwell, Let my soul forever dwell.
Who from Christ my soul can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Christ, in Him forever
The eternal covenant stands!
None can pluck us, None can pluck us
From the blessed Savior’s hands, From the blessed Savior’s hands.
On such love, my soul, still ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while deep in holy wonder
Why, O Lord, such love to me
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Grace shall reign eternally, Grace shall reign eternally!
(Tune: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” p. 291)
*****
Birthdays
16th – David Vincent 19th – Ida Isaac
Bible Conference July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church - Sellersburg, IN
Kindness is never wrong. Meanness is always wrong! If I am kind to a fallen man, does that mean that I condone his fall? Of course not! It means I know what it is to fall, and I want to help the fallen.
Some attempt to excuse their meanness toward others under the guise of loving the Truth, maintaining church discipline, and reproving sin. But these things never excuse or condone any lack of kindness. Our danger is being self-righteous to the point of meanness. God give me grace to be kind to sinners like myself. Amen! - Don Fortner
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” - Proverbs 26:12
WEAKNESS AND ACCOUNTIBILITY
Aaron is called in Psalm 106:16, “The saint of the Lord.” Without question he was a believer. But he was a weak man. When the children of Israel told him to make them gods which would go before them, Aaron complied and became the chief participant in this great sin (Ex. 32:1-5). Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them” (Ex. 32:22). Aaron refused to take responsibility…he said that the people were set on mischief, so they gave me gold, “And there came out this calf” (Ex. 32:24). He was the one who fashioned the golden calf with a graving tool (Ex. 32:2-4). Yet he would not admit responsibility!
If I blame someone or something else for my wrong behavior, my weakness in not the problem. It is someone or something else’s fault. But when I see it is my fault, because of my sinful weakness, I will cry to the Lord for strength, and He will help me. That is what Paul meant when he said, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (II Cor. 12:10). Wherever you find a person who refuses accountability and personal responsibility, you will find a person who remains a weakling. When somebody sees their sinful weakness is the problem, they will cry to the Lord for strength.
*****
The Proper Order Of Salvation And Faith
Faith does not result in salvation, faith is the result of salvation. Faith is not a work that brings a result, faith is the result of a work already accomplished, Christ living and dying for His people.
Yes, Scripture does say, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31), making it to appear that believing comes before the saving. But let’s think about this in the context of all Scripture, not just one verse. Scripture also says that all men are “Dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1), and a spiritually dead man cannot believe or repent, for “No man can come to me” (John 6:44), no man has the ability to believe and trust on Christ. But thanks be to God, that verse is not finished – “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him”, and now we see the true order. The drawing, the giving of live, the salvation comes first, and then the evidence of this salvation is faith in Christ, for “Faith is the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). The inward, life-giving salvation of a sinner is not seen by man, but the outward evidence of this inward salvation is seen, faith in Christ, relying on Christ, trusting His finished work on that tree. Look at the order here. “Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling” (II Timothy 1:9). The saving comes first, then the calling, then faith. We are saved before we believe, not because we believe. - Brian DuFour
CHRIST OUR GOSPEL
The doctrines we preach and love are not ere teachings of some particular method of plan, but the doctrines of Christ, who is our Gospel; Christ, who is sovereign over all flesh; Christ, whose grace is both sovereign and free. Not to preach a sovereign Christ is to preach another Christ. To preach another Christ is to preach another gospel (“Which is not another” Galatians 1:6-9). It is just that simple. Mark it down: you cannot separate Christ from the Gospel or the Gospel from Christ; for they are one and the same. Christ is sovereign over all things and over all flesh, giving life freely to whom He will. The message of life for poor guilty sinners is the message of the Christ of God, who saves sovereignly and freely, even the chief of sinners. – Maurice Montgomery
*****
Man’s entire apostasy and death in sin, so that he cannot save himself, and God’s entire supremacy, so that He saves whom He will, are doctrines exceedingly distasteful to human pride. But they are Scriptural. Why was one thief saved and the other lost? “Even so Father for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Matt. 11:25-27). God was not bound to save the one and He had power enough to have saved the other, and neither could save himself. What made the difference? The Sovereign Grace of God! - Horatius Bonar
*****
The longer I live, the more I feel that if there were one thing left undone, if the devil were not conquered, sin not expiated, justice not satisfied, the law not honored and magnified, death not overcome, and every burden not carried, I should not have a ray of hope. I used to think I saw this as clear as the noon day thirty or forty years ago; but I saw it very differently then to what I see now; for I see and feel now that if one hair-breadth is left for me to do to merit heaven, or bring as a plea before God, I am undone for ever and ever. But on the Mount of Calvary, the Lord Jesus Christ undertook the cause of His people; and there is not a jot nor a tittle that He left undone, but, “By one offering He perfected for ever them that are sanctified” and “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Here is complete perfection: Saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation. - John Warburton, 1853
July 9, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Hark, Now the Gospel trumpet sounds
Christ and free grace therein abounds
Free grace to all who sinners be
And if free grace, why not for me?
The blood of Christ, how sweet it sounds
To cleanse and heal the guilty wounds
The streams thereof are rich and free
And why, my soul, why not for me?
Our Lord came down the poor to bless
To clothe them with His righteousness
That robe is spotless, full, and free
And why, my soul, why not for me?
Eternal life by Christ is given
And ruined sinners raised to heaven
They sing of grace so rich and free
And say, my friend, why not for thee?
(Tune: “Doxology)
*****
D Parks passed away on July 3rd. We extend our sympathy to his parents, Daniel and Sandy Parks and his wife, Christy Parks and her children and that family. May the Lord send peace and comfort.
Aaron Greenleaf will preach this Wednesday evening.
Congratulations to Jim and Renata Green on their marriage!
Birthdays
11th – Paula Miller 15th – Betsy Burch 15th –Pam Murphy
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” - Proverbs 24:16
*****
If I fail to preach the cross from any passage in the Bible that I am preaching from, I have failed to understand the meaning of the passage.
*****
“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”
Paul had just made the glorious statement, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Your sin is not the too great or too strong for God’s grace. Grace saves! Grace reigns! Paul then anticipates the objection he knew men would make, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound.” That is like saying, “Lets continue in being sick that health may abound.” We are thankful for salvation by grace. And we want to live lives that reflect His grace toward us. I do not want my life to be seen as a life where sin abounds. I want my life to be seen as a life where grace abounds! I do not want to use grace to excuse my sin, but may grace enable me to live a holy life.
*****
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAW AND GOSPEL
The last words of our Lord from the cross were, “It is finished.” In these precious words we find the main difference between the law and the Gospel. The law says, “It is not finished.” There is something that you must do before you can be saved. The work Christ did for you may be of no avail if you do not do something to activate it. But the Gospel says…’It is finished.” When He died, He did not make salvation possible if we…………He actually saved everybody for whom He died. Their salvation was finished! But we do not have to believe? Most certainly! And we must believe this… “I have glorified Thee on earth. I have finished the work Thou gavest Me to do.” Law says, ‘It is not finished.” Grace says, “It is finished.”
“Remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how He said,
it is more blessed to give than to receive.” - Acts 20:35
When Paul summarized his council to the Ephesian elders, this was his last word to them. It is obvious by the way he spoke that this was a very well-known and often repeated truth the disciples had heard the Lord speak. Since this is the only place these words are found in the Bible, we do not know the exact context in which our Lord spoke them. Paul, however, spoke these words to pastors caring for the needs of the sheep in their flocks. May the love of God constrain us to be givers, not takers as we care for one another. This wonderful liberating truth can only apply in our relationships with other men. As for our relationship with God we are always takers. He is the one giving to our needs. He needs nothing from us. In another place the Lords said, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). – Greg Elmquist
*****
“Study to be quiet.” - I Thessalonians 4:11
The word “study” means… make it your aim: make it your ambition. This is something the believer is commanded to pursue! Make it your ambition….to be quiet? Yes, that is the command of the text. This word is also translated “hold your peace.” What a blessing it would be to ourselves and to others if we would learn when not to speak. Most of the problems I have had in my life have been the product of me saying something when I would have been far wiser to be quiet.
The word quiet is also translated “rest.” It is a peace that arises from within. Really believing God is on the throne, really believing that Christ is all that is needed for salvation – the quiet soul enjoys rest and peace.
This is something for every believer to pursue after and strive for. “Study to be quiet.”
*****
When, by His grace, I know WHO HE IS, I better understand who and what I am!
When I know WHAT HE DID in obedience and death, I realize what I cannot do!
When I understand WHY HE MUST SUFFER, I understand how God can be just and justify me.
When I know WHERE HE IS, I can rest in the blessed hope that I shall one day be there too! - Henry Mahan
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Hark, Now the Gospel trumpet sounds
Christ and free grace therein abounds
Free grace to all who sinners be
And if free grace, why not for me?
The blood of Christ, how sweet it sounds
To cleanse and heal the guilty wounds
The streams thereof are rich and free
And why, my soul, why not for me?
Our Lord came down the poor to bless
To clothe them with His righteousness
That robe is spotless, full, and free
And why, my soul, why not for me?
Eternal life by Christ is given
And ruined sinners raised to heaven
They sing of grace so rich and free
And say, my friend, why not for thee?
(Tune: “Doxology)
*****
D Parks passed away on July 3rd. We extend our sympathy to his parents, Daniel and Sandy Parks and his wife, Christy Parks and her children and that family. May the Lord send peace and comfort.
Aaron Greenleaf will preach this Wednesday evening.
Congratulations to Jim and Renata Green on their marriage!
Birthdays
11th – Paula Miller 15th – Betsy Burch 15th –Pam Murphy
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” - Proverbs 24:16
*****
If I fail to preach the cross from any passage in the Bible that I am preaching from, I have failed to understand the meaning of the passage.
*****
“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”
Paul had just made the glorious statement, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Your sin is not the too great or too strong for God’s grace. Grace saves! Grace reigns! Paul then anticipates the objection he knew men would make, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound.” That is like saying, “Lets continue in being sick that health may abound.” We are thankful for salvation by grace. And we want to live lives that reflect His grace toward us. I do not want my life to be seen as a life where sin abounds. I want my life to be seen as a life where grace abounds! I do not want to use grace to excuse my sin, but may grace enable me to live a holy life.
*****
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAW AND GOSPEL
The last words of our Lord from the cross were, “It is finished.” In these precious words we find the main difference between the law and the Gospel. The law says, “It is not finished.” There is something that you must do before you can be saved. The work Christ did for you may be of no avail if you do not do something to activate it. But the Gospel says…’It is finished.” When He died, He did not make salvation possible if we…………He actually saved everybody for whom He died. Their salvation was finished! But we do not have to believe? Most certainly! And we must believe this… “I have glorified Thee on earth. I have finished the work Thou gavest Me to do.” Law says, ‘It is not finished.” Grace says, “It is finished.”
“Remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how He said,
it is more blessed to give than to receive.” - Acts 20:35
When Paul summarized his council to the Ephesian elders, this was his last word to them. It is obvious by the way he spoke that this was a very well-known and often repeated truth the disciples had heard the Lord speak. Since this is the only place these words are found in the Bible, we do not know the exact context in which our Lord spoke them. Paul, however, spoke these words to pastors caring for the needs of the sheep in their flocks. May the love of God constrain us to be givers, not takers as we care for one another. This wonderful liberating truth can only apply in our relationships with other men. As for our relationship with God we are always takers. He is the one giving to our needs. He needs nothing from us. In another place the Lords said, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). – Greg Elmquist
*****
“Study to be quiet.” - I Thessalonians 4:11
The word “study” means… make it your aim: make it your ambition. This is something the believer is commanded to pursue! Make it your ambition….to be quiet? Yes, that is the command of the text. This word is also translated “hold your peace.” What a blessing it would be to ourselves and to others if we would learn when not to speak. Most of the problems I have had in my life have been the product of me saying something when I would have been far wiser to be quiet.
The word quiet is also translated “rest.” It is a peace that arises from within. Really believing God is on the throne, really believing that Christ is all that is needed for salvation – the quiet soul enjoys rest and peace.
This is something for every believer to pursue after and strive for. “Study to be quiet.”
*****
When, by His grace, I know WHO HE IS, I better understand who and what I am!
When I know WHAT HE DID in obedience and death, I realize what I cannot do!
When I understand WHY HE MUST SUFFER, I understand how God can be just and justify me.
When I know WHERE HE IS, I can rest in the blessed hope that I shall one day be there too! - Henry Mahan
July 2, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
In myself I have no merit
Nothing good have I go give
That a holy, just and perfect
God could ever let me live
Sin defiles my best performance
Guilty, vile and ruined I am
Yet, my heart breaks in repentance
By God’s grace I see the Lamb!
See the Lamb of God, our Savior
Bearing all our sin and shame
By eternal love and favor
Jesus died bearing our blame
Bruised and wounded and forsaken
As our Substitute He died
“It is finished!” Sins forgiven!
Justice now is satisfied!
Here’s my hope and consolation
Jesus died for sinner’s sake
Trusting Him I have salvation
And the cup of blessing take
All is well, I cannot doubt it
God who gave His Son for me
Rules the world and all things in it
For my good eternally!
(Tune: “Come Thou Fount” p. 17)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Amanda Mohr this Saturday, July 8 at 10:30am. The invitation and sign-up are in the foyer.
Birthdays
2nd – Elijah Davis 3rd - Aubrey Nibert 3rd – Eleanor Walmsley
4th – Lowell Johnson 5th – Jackson Dickerson 5th – Jackson Elliott
5th – Bert Dunbar 7th – Caleb Anjos
8th – Jasper Clark 8th – Rob Elliott
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” - Proverbs 15:3
*****
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
JULY 7-9 Sovereign Grace Baptist Church – Ewing, NJ
JULY 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church - Sellersburg, IN
*****
LOGICAL OR NECESSARY?
Without question the doctrine of grace is the doctrine of Holy Scripture. Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the final perseverance of the believer is the teaching of the Word. Some merely see the logic of it. All 5 points stand or fall together. If my understanding goes no further than seeing they are Scriptural and logical, they will fail to move me and become “just doctrine” – as if there is such a thing! But when I believe the first point is what I really am, the doctrine of grace is more than Scriptural and logical. It is necessary for me to be saved! It is not the word of “dry and academic doctrine”, but the Words of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, what is absolutely necessary for me to be saved! If I am not moved by the doctrine of grace, it is a matter of logic and not a matter of necessity.
*****
WHAT GOD HAS SAID TO US IN HIS WORD
“Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.”
What is it to call on the Name of the Lord? It is to call on the Lord Jesus Christ for all of our salvation, start to finish! “Call His Name Jesus: for HE shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
To call upon Him for salvation is to call upon HIM and NOT my religion. It is to call upon HIM, and NOT my devotion as a Christian. It is to call upon HIM, and NOT my good, moral obedience to the law. It is to call on HIS will and purpose in ALL things, and NOT my will or decision in anything! It is to say: “I can’t save myself, YOU must save me! This is not in my hands, this is in YOUR hands alone! I plead YOUR finished work! I beg for YOUR abundant grace and mercy, through the shedding of YOUR own blood!” It is to believe in the heart: “Lord, I can’t even call on You unless You call on me first.” That is calling upon the Name of the Lord. And the word of promise to us from our Lord is, “Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Gabe Stalnaker
ALLOW OR CAUSE?
Does the LORD God allow events, good or bad, to happen with His permissive will…or is He the first cause of every event, good or bad, according to His eternal purpose and will? And just to be clear, we may experience the events as good or bad, but in reality, they are all good, for our God is good, and can only do good! And as always, we must go to Scripture for the truth concerning any matter, and not to our own thoughts, ideas, or opinions – “Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). The following verses plainly and clearly declare that our Sovereign God is the first cause of all events in this world and the universe, heaven and hell included.
“Then will I cause to cease….” – Jeremiah 7:34
“I also will do this unto…and cause sorrow of heart…” - Leviticus 26:16
“He will cause him to come near unto him…” –Numbers 16:5
“The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten…” –Deuteronomy 28:25
“The King hearkened not unto the people
for the cause was from the LORD…” –I Kings 12:15
“Cause me to hear…cause me to know the way…” – Psalms 143:8
“I will cause him to fall by the sword…” – Isaiah 37:7
“There I will cause thee to hear My words…” – Jeremiah 18:2
“But though he cause grief, yet…” – Lamentations 3:32
“And I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God… –Ezekiel 34:15
It truly does bring the believer great comfort to know that we, all people, and all things, are in the hands of God our Savior…including the salvation of the sinner writing this article, and every sinner the Lord has saved… “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment” (Zechariah 3:4).
– Brian DuFour
*****
IS SALVATION A CHOICE?
Yes, salvation is a choice. Salvation is the choice of God. “For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy (Romans 9:15-16). God the Father elected a people who He would save by the obedience and sacrifice of His Son. God the Son came in the flesh to willingly suffer and die to put the sin of His people away. God the Holy Spirit moves when and where He will to give life and faith to God’s elect through the preaching of the Gospel. Salvation is all by the will (the choosing), the doing, and the application of God. – Tom Harding
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
In myself I have no merit
Nothing good have I go give
That a holy, just and perfect
God could ever let me live
Sin defiles my best performance
Guilty, vile and ruined I am
Yet, my heart breaks in repentance
By God’s grace I see the Lamb!
See the Lamb of God, our Savior
Bearing all our sin and shame
By eternal love and favor
Jesus died bearing our blame
Bruised and wounded and forsaken
As our Substitute He died
“It is finished!” Sins forgiven!
Justice now is satisfied!
Here’s my hope and consolation
Jesus died for sinner’s sake
Trusting Him I have salvation
And the cup of blessing take
All is well, I cannot doubt it
God who gave His Son for me
Rules the world and all things in it
For my good eternally!
(Tune: “Come Thou Fount” p. 17)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Amanda Mohr this Saturday, July 8 at 10:30am. The invitation and sign-up are in the foyer.
Birthdays
2nd – Elijah Davis 3rd - Aubrey Nibert 3rd – Eleanor Walmsley
4th – Lowell Johnson 5th – Jackson Dickerson 5th – Jackson Elliott
5th – Bert Dunbar 7th – Caleb Anjos
8th – Jasper Clark 8th – Rob Elliott
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” - Proverbs 15:3
*****
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
JULY 7-9 Sovereign Grace Baptist Church – Ewing, NJ
JULY 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church - Sellersburg, IN
*****
LOGICAL OR NECESSARY?
Without question the doctrine of grace is the doctrine of Holy Scripture. Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the final perseverance of the believer is the teaching of the Word. Some merely see the logic of it. All 5 points stand or fall together. If my understanding goes no further than seeing they are Scriptural and logical, they will fail to move me and become “just doctrine” – as if there is such a thing! But when I believe the first point is what I really am, the doctrine of grace is more than Scriptural and logical. It is necessary for me to be saved! It is not the word of “dry and academic doctrine”, but the Words of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, what is absolutely necessary for me to be saved! If I am not moved by the doctrine of grace, it is a matter of logic and not a matter of necessity.
*****
WHAT GOD HAS SAID TO US IN HIS WORD
“Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.”
What is it to call on the Name of the Lord? It is to call on the Lord Jesus Christ for all of our salvation, start to finish! “Call His Name Jesus: for HE shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
To call upon Him for salvation is to call upon HIM and NOT my religion. It is to call upon HIM, and NOT my devotion as a Christian. It is to call upon HIM, and NOT my good, moral obedience to the law. It is to call on HIS will and purpose in ALL things, and NOT my will or decision in anything! It is to say: “I can’t save myself, YOU must save me! This is not in my hands, this is in YOUR hands alone! I plead YOUR finished work! I beg for YOUR abundant grace and mercy, through the shedding of YOUR own blood!” It is to believe in the heart: “Lord, I can’t even call on You unless You call on me first.” That is calling upon the Name of the Lord. And the word of promise to us from our Lord is, “Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Gabe Stalnaker
ALLOW OR CAUSE?
Does the LORD God allow events, good or bad, to happen with His permissive will…or is He the first cause of every event, good or bad, according to His eternal purpose and will? And just to be clear, we may experience the events as good or bad, but in reality, they are all good, for our God is good, and can only do good! And as always, we must go to Scripture for the truth concerning any matter, and not to our own thoughts, ideas, or opinions – “Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). The following verses plainly and clearly declare that our Sovereign God is the first cause of all events in this world and the universe, heaven and hell included.
“Then will I cause to cease….” – Jeremiah 7:34
“I also will do this unto…and cause sorrow of heart…” - Leviticus 26:16
“He will cause him to come near unto him…” –Numbers 16:5
“The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten…” –Deuteronomy 28:25
“The King hearkened not unto the people
for the cause was from the LORD…” –I Kings 12:15
“Cause me to hear…cause me to know the way…” – Psalms 143:8
“I will cause him to fall by the sword…” – Isaiah 37:7
“There I will cause thee to hear My words…” – Jeremiah 18:2
“But though he cause grief, yet…” – Lamentations 3:32
“And I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God… –Ezekiel 34:15
It truly does bring the believer great comfort to know that we, all people, and all things, are in the hands of God our Savior…including the salvation of the sinner writing this article, and every sinner the Lord has saved… “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment” (Zechariah 3:4).
– Brian DuFour
*****
IS SALVATION A CHOICE?
Yes, salvation is a choice. Salvation is the choice of God. “For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy (Romans 9:15-16). God the Father elected a people who He would save by the obedience and sacrifice of His Son. God the Son came in the flesh to willingly suffer and die to put the sin of His people away. God the Holy Spirit moves when and where He will to give life and faith to God’s elect through the preaching of the Gospel. Salvation is all by the will (the choosing), the doing, and the application of God. – Tom Harding
June 25, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
I bless the Christ of God, I rest on love Divine
And with unfaltering lip and heart, I call the Savior mine
His cross dispels each doubt; I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear
Each lingering shade of gloom.
I praise the God of peace, I trust His truth and might
He call me His, I call Him mine, my God, my Joy, my Light
In Him is only good, in me is only ill
My ill but draws His goodness forth
And me He loveth still.
‘Tis He who saveth me, and freely pardon gives
I love because He loveth me; I live because He lives
My life with Him is hid, my death has passed away
My clouds have melted into Light
My midnight into day.
(Tune: “This is my Father’s World”)
*****
Thank you to everyone who helped in our VSB this week - your time and efforts are greatly appreciated! May the Lord be pleased to speak to the hearts of our children and save them by His grace.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Amanda Mohr on Saturday, July 8 at 10:30am. The invitation and sign-up are in the foyer.
Birthdays
27th – Paul David Daniel 28th – Lissie McGuire 28th – David Parker
28th – Jessica Scifres 28th – Sophia Wilson
29th – Emily Dickerson 29th – Hannah Dickerson
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” - Proverbs 12:25
*****
PRIDE
Pride could be called the original sin. It made Satan want to exalt his throne above God’s (Isaiah 14:13-14). It was the sin he used to tempt Eve. “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, that your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis3:5). Pride would take God’s place if it could. Pride is a groundless sin. “What do you have that ye did not receive.” Pride is a senseless sin. Other sins may give us something we think we need, but all pride does is render us more like the devil. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Creator of the universe was not proud! He said of Himself, “I am meek and lowly in heart.” Amazingly, every one of us are full of pride! God hates pride! Pride of race, face, place, and most especially, pride of grace! May the Lord deliver us from this sin of our fallen human nature…Pride! “God resists the proud and giveth grace to the humble.”
*****
The Permissive will of God?
When something takes place that men think would be contrary to the will of God, they will place it under the umbrella of “the permissive will of God.” God permitted it to happen, it being a part of His sovereign purpose. If by that men mean that God for sees an event taking place that was not part of His will, but He permits it to take place, that would make something taking place before God’s sovereign will, and God responding to that! God does not respond! God decrees. “Known to God are all His works from the beginning.” While our puny minds cannot comprehensively comprehend the irrevocable decrees of God, we know that God is good all the time and He always does what only He can do: bring good out of evil! We have the assurance, “Shall not the Judge of the earth do right.” He does not do it because it is right, it is right because He does it.
*****
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
If there is no salvation in any other but Jesus Christ, and if there is no other name under heaven by which sinners can be saved, then why would our message be anything more, anything less, or anything other than, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified”? - David Eddmenson
I CAN’T MESS IT UP!
A dear friend was talking about how blessed the Gospel of Christ’s grace was. I cannot remember all the details we talked about. I suppose we talked about electing love and redeeming grace and how the Lord in tender mercy called us out of darkness with a call we could not resist, and has kept us till that very day, and refused to let us go. When saints get to talking about spiritual things they often talk about such subjects as these. When our discussion was almost over, my dear friend put the icing on the cake, as it were. “And the best thing about this Gospel,” he said, “I can’t mess it up!” The Lord Jesus Christ has finished the work, it is already done, so, “I can’t mess it up.” I am in Christ accepted and complete, and sealed unto the day of redemption; in Christ now and in Christ forever so, “I can’t mess it up.” I feel like I have messed up everything else but, thanks be unto God I can’t mess this up. I can’t mess this up. It is un-messed-up-able. - Bruce Crabtree
*****
How little we understand of God’s dealings with us! If we suffer the slightest set-back in this world’s goods or pleasures, we take it as a sign of God’s judgment and disfavor. If we prosper in this world, we believe that it is evidence of God’s pleasure with us. But, it is likely the opposite. When God would visit a man with judgment aimed at his destruction, He withholds not the worldly goods, but the spiritual ones; and the one He truly loves is often deprived of worldly goods so that he will more readily seek spiritual goods. Which would you rather suffer, blindness of eyes or blindness of heart? Which would you rather have, riches in gold or riches in grace? Then, let each of us learn to not judge God’s ETERNAL dealings with us by His TEMPORAL dealings with us. I know that this is hard to do; but it is the essence of living faith to judge, not by what is seen, but by what is not seen, to live by faith in God’s promises, not by sight. - Joe Terrell
*****
“Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? (Matthew 25:37). The only people that think they do not bear any fruit are the people who bear it. - Donnie Bell
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
I bless the Christ of God, I rest on love Divine
And with unfaltering lip and heart, I call the Savior mine
His cross dispels each doubt; I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear
Each lingering shade of gloom.
I praise the God of peace, I trust His truth and might
He call me His, I call Him mine, my God, my Joy, my Light
In Him is only good, in me is only ill
My ill but draws His goodness forth
And me He loveth still.
‘Tis He who saveth me, and freely pardon gives
I love because He loveth me; I live because He lives
My life with Him is hid, my death has passed away
My clouds have melted into Light
My midnight into day.
(Tune: “This is my Father’s World”)
*****
Thank you to everyone who helped in our VSB this week - your time and efforts are greatly appreciated! May the Lord be pleased to speak to the hearts of our children and save them by His grace.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Amanda Mohr on Saturday, July 8 at 10:30am. The invitation and sign-up are in the foyer.
Birthdays
27th – Paul David Daniel 28th – Lissie McGuire 28th – David Parker
28th – Jessica Scifres 28th – Sophia Wilson
29th – Emily Dickerson 29th – Hannah Dickerson
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” - Proverbs 12:25
*****
PRIDE
Pride could be called the original sin. It made Satan want to exalt his throne above God’s (Isaiah 14:13-14). It was the sin he used to tempt Eve. “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, that your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis3:5). Pride would take God’s place if it could. Pride is a groundless sin. “What do you have that ye did not receive.” Pride is a senseless sin. Other sins may give us something we think we need, but all pride does is render us more like the devil. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Creator of the universe was not proud! He said of Himself, “I am meek and lowly in heart.” Amazingly, every one of us are full of pride! God hates pride! Pride of race, face, place, and most especially, pride of grace! May the Lord deliver us from this sin of our fallen human nature…Pride! “God resists the proud and giveth grace to the humble.”
*****
The Permissive will of God?
When something takes place that men think would be contrary to the will of God, they will place it under the umbrella of “the permissive will of God.” God permitted it to happen, it being a part of His sovereign purpose. If by that men mean that God for sees an event taking place that was not part of His will, but He permits it to take place, that would make something taking place before God’s sovereign will, and God responding to that! God does not respond! God decrees. “Known to God are all His works from the beginning.” While our puny minds cannot comprehensively comprehend the irrevocable decrees of God, we know that God is good all the time and He always does what only He can do: bring good out of evil! We have the assurance, “Shall not the Judge of the earth do right.” He does not do it because it is right, it is right because He does it.
*****
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
If there is no salvation in any other but Jesus Christ, and if there is no other name under heaven by which sinners can be saved, then why would our message be anything more, anything less, or anything other than, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified”? - David Eddmenson
I CAN’T MESS IT UP!
A dear friend was talking about how blessed the Gospel of Christ’s grace was. I cannot remember all the details we talked about. I suppose we talked about electing love and redeeming grace and how the Lord in tender mercy called us out of darkness with a call we could not resist, and has kept us till that very day, and refused to let us go. When saints get to talking about spiritual things they often talk about such subjects as these. When our discussion was almost over, my dear friend put the icing on the cake, as it were. “And the best thing about this Gospel,” he said, “I can’t mess it up!” The Lord Jesus Christ has finished the work, it is already done, so, “I can’t mess it up.” I am in Christ accepted and complete, and sealed unto the day of redemption; in Christ now and in Christ forever so, “I can’t mess it up.” I feel like I have messed up everything else but, thanks be unto God I can’t mess this up. I can’t mess this up. It is un-messed-up-able. - Bruce Crabtree
*****
How little we understand of God’s dealings with us! If we suffer the slightest set-back in this world’s goods or pleasures, we take it as a sign of God’s judgment and disfavor. If we prosper in this world, we believe that it is evidence of God’s pleasure with us. But, it is likely the opposite. When God would visit a man with judgment aimed at his destruction, He withholds not the worldly goods, but the spiritual ones; and the one He truly loves is often deprived of worldly goods so that he will more readily seek spiritual goods. Which would you rather suffer, blindness of eyes or blindness of heart? Which would you rather have, riches in gold or riches in grace? Then, let each of us learn to not judge God’s ETERNAL dealings with us by His TEMPORAL dealings with us. I know that this is hard to do; but it is the essence of living faith to judge, not by what is seen, but by what is not seen, to live by faith in God’s promises, not by sight. - Joe Terrell
*****
“Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? (Matthew 25:37). The only people that think they do not bear any fruit are the people who bear it. - Donnie Bell
June 18, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
I was conceived and born in sin
Corrupt without, corrupt within
Estranged from God, a sinner lost
My heart as cold as winter frost.
I wandered ‘round in darkest night
And shied away from Christ and Light
I never would have turned around
But by the Saviour I was found.
He shined the light into my heart
And made my guilty soul to smart
Convinced of sin and self-condemned
I knew that I must learn of Him.
He drew me and I followed near
His face to see, His words to hear
Now to my soul He’s been revealed
His sovereign grace I know and feel.
Praise God who chose a wretch like me
Praise Christ who lived and died for me
Praise God the Spirit who did call
My soul to Christ my ALL IN ALL!
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
VSB is this week Tuesday –Thursday (10:30am – 2:00pm)
(There will be no Wednesday evening service this week)
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Amanda Mohr on Saturday, July 8 at 10:30am. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
12th – Rick Williams 13th – Matt Vincent 14th – Lauren Harries
15th- Silas Benton 16th – Andrea Bryan 16th – Monica Sparks
24th – Kristy Burton 24th – David Morris 24th – Haley Small
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. ” - Proverbs 17:4
*****
The Gospel is not an offer. An offer presupposes a man’s ability to accept or reject the offer. To offer life to one who is dead in sins would be absurd and insincere. God does not offer life. He gives it! “And you hath He quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Did Christ offer life to Lazarus? Of course not! “Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth.”
*****
We read in Scripture of believing in Christ and believing on Christ. We believe in Christ when we believe His Is-ness. We believe He is as the Bible says He is. We believe on Christ when we are relying on Him in His Is-ness to save us. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”
*****
Any objection to God’s sovereignty is in reality denying God’s goodness in the point of our objection. When we bow to His sovereignty in all things we confess He is good all the time!
*****
SAME NAME, SAME FAMILY
As in an earthly marriage, when the bride takes the name of the groom’s family, so it is in the heavenly marriage of Christ and His church. In Jeremiah 23:6, we read of the name given the groom, the husband, the Saviour – “And this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jehovah Tsidkenu).” In Jeremiah 33:16, we read of the name given the bride, the wife, every elect child of God – “And this is the name wherewith she shall be called, the LORD our righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu).” What grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior, to take a bunch of sinners, with names such as evil, wicked, ungodly wretches – and give us the name of a saint – Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness! Same name, same family! - Brian DuFour
Many years ago a young man delivered a sermon in a Welch chapel. After he finished the sermon he remarked to an old gentleman, “What did you think of my sermon?” The old man replied, “It was a very poor sermon.” “A poor sermon? My friend it took me a long to time to prepare it.” “I’m sure that it did,” said the old man, “but it was still a poor sermon.” “Was my delivery poor, or were my illustrations poorly applied?” “Oh, no,” said the old man, “Your delivery was excellent and your arguments and illustrations were very good.” “Then why do you say that I preached a very poor sermon?” The old man paused and slowly said, “There was no Christ in your sermon.” The young man replied, “Christ was not the text, we must preach what is in the text.” “My young friend, in every text there is a road to Christ. Your business, as a minister of the Gospel, is to find that road which leads to Christ and get on it as quickly as you can! For no sermon will do a sinner good if it does not lead him to Christ. The best sermon is that sermon which is fullest of Christ.”
I believe that every sermon we preach should contain the Three R’s – Ruin by the fall, Redemption by the blood of Christ and Regeneration by the Holy Spirit. If our hearers learn these in their hearts they will not go far wrong on other matters, but if they have not learned these, it will matter very little what else they learn. They will be like those who are “Ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the Truth.”
And while the ages roll, I’ll keep on praising Him
And my voice will never tire or grow old
And my song shall ever be, Praise the Lamb who died
And I’ll sing it while ages shall roll.
- Henry Mahan
*****
There is no grace but free and sovereign grace, no election but eternal and unconditional election, no redemption but particular and effectual redemption, no salvation but by the irresistible grace and omnipotent power of God the Holy Spirit, and no security but by the absolute preservation of God’s immutable goodness. And any pretended gospel that does not proclaim these things is, as Paul says, “another gospel” that is damning to the souls of man. - Copied
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
I was conceived and born in sin
Corrupt without, corrupt within
Estranged from God, a sinner lost
My heart as cold as winter frost.
I wandered ‘round in darkest night
And shied away from Christ and Light
I never would have turned around
But by the Saviour I was found.
He shined the light into my heart
And made my guilty soul to smart
Convinced of sin and self-condemned
I knew that I must learn of Him.
He drew me and I followed near
His face to see, His words to hear
Now to my soul He’s been revealed
His sovereign grace I know and feel.
Praise God who chose a wretch like me
Praise Christ who lived and died for me
Praise God the Spirit who did call
My soul to Christ my ALL IN ALL!
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
VSB is this week Tuesday –Thursday (10:30am – 2:00pm)
(There will be no Wednesday evening service this week)
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Amanda Mohr on Saturday, July 8 at 10:30am. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
12th – Rick Williams 13th – Matt Vincent 14th – Lauren Harries
15th- Silas Benton 16th – Andrea Bryan 16th – Monica Sparks
24th – Kristy Burton 24th – David Morris 24th – Haley Small
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. ” - Proverbs 17:4
*****
The Gospel is not an offer. An offer presupposes a man’s ability to accept or reject the offer. To offer life to one who is dead in sins would be absurd and insincere. God does not offer life. He gives it! “And you hath He quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Did Christ offer life to Lazarus? Of course not! “Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth.”
*****
We read in Scripture of believing in Christ and believing on Christ. We believe in Christ when we believe His Is-ness. We believe He is as the Bible says He is. We believe on Christ when we are relying on Him in His Is-ness to save us. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”
*****
Any objection to God’s sovereignty is in reality denying God’s goodness in the point of our objection. When we bow to His sovereignty in all things we confess He is good all the time!
*****
SAME NAME, SAME FAMILY
As in an earthly marriage, when the bride takes the name of the groom’s family, so it is in the heavenly marriage of Christ and His church. In Jeremiah 23:6, we read of the name given the groom, the husband, the Saviour – “And this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jehovah Tsidkenu).” In Jeremiah 33:16, we read of the name given the bride, the wife, every elect child of God – “And this is the name wherewith she shall be called, the LORD our righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu).” What grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior, to take a bunch of sinners, with names such as evil, wicked, ungodly wretches – and give us the name of a saint – Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness! Same name, same family! - Brian DuFour
Many years ago a young man delivered a sermon in a Welch chapel. After he finished the sermon he remarked to an old gentleman, “What did you think of my sermon?” The old man replied, “It was a very poor sermon.” “A poor sermon? My friend it took me a long to time to prepare it.” “I’m sure that it did,” said the old man, “but it was still a poor sermon.” “Was my delivery poor, or were my illustrations poorly applied?” “Oh, no,” said the old man, “Your delivery was excellent and your arguments and illustrations were very good.” “Then why do you say that I preached a very poor sermon?” The old man paused and slowly said, “There was no Christ in your sermon.” The young man replied, “Christ was not the text, we must preach what is in the text.” “My young friend, in every text there is a road to Christ. Your business, as a minister of the Gospel, is to find that road which leads to Christ and get on it as quickly as you can! For no sermon will do a sinner good if it does not lead him to Christ. The best sermon is that sermon which is fullest of Christ.”
I believe that every sermon we preach should contain the Three R’s – Ruin by the fall, Redemption by the blood of Christ and Regeneration by the Holy Spirit. If our hearers learn these in their hearts they will not go far wrong on other matters, but if they have not learned these, it will matter very little what else they learn. They will be like those who are “Ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the Truth.”
And while the ages roll, I’ll keep on praising Him
And my voice will never tire or grow old
And my song shall ever be, Praise the Lamb who died
And I’ll sing it while ages shall roll.
- Henry Mahan
*****
There is no grace but free and sovereign grace, no election but eternal and unconditional election, no redemption but particular and effectual redemption, no salvation but by the irresistible grace and omnipotent power of God the Holy Spirit, and no security but by the absolute preservation of God’s immutable goodness. And any pretended gospel that does not proclaim these things is, as Paul says, “another gospel” that is damning to the souls of man. - Copied
June 11, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
I was conceived and born in sin
Corrupt without, corrupt within
Estranged from God, a sinner lost
My heart as cold as winter frost.
I wandered ‘round in darkest night
And shied away from Christ and Light
I never would have turned around
But by the Saviour I was found.
He shined the light into my heart
And made my guilty soul to smart
Convinced of sin and self-condemned
I knew that I must learn of Him.
He drew me and I followed near
His face to see, His words to hear
Now to my soul He’s been revealed
His sovereign grace I know and feel.
Praise God who chose a wretch like me
Praise Christ who lived and died for me
Praise God the Spirit who did call
My soul to Christ my ALL IN ALL!
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22. There is a sign up sheet in the foyer for volunteers to help. There will be no Wednesday evening service on June 21st.
We have an opportunity to purchase a nice used baby grand piano. If you would like to contribute, please mark your donation accordingly.
Birthdays
12th – Rick Williams 13th – Matt Vincent 14th – Lauren Harries
15th- Silas Benton 16th – Andrea Bryan 16th – Monica Sparks
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. ” - Proverbs 17:4
*****
The Gospel is not an offer. An offer presupposes a man’s ability to accept or reject the offer. To offer life to one who is dead in sins would be absurd and insincere. God does not offer life. He gives it! “And you hath He quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Did Christ offer life to Lazarus? Of course not! “Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth.”
*****
We read in Scripture of believing in Christ and believing on Christ. We believe in Christ when we believe His Is-ness. We believe He is as the Bible says He is. We believe on Christ when we are relying on Him in His Is-ness to save us. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”
*****
Any objection to God’s sovereignty is in reality denying God’s goodness in the point of our objection. When we bow to His sovereignty in all things we confess He is good all the time!
*****
SAME NAME, SAME FAMILY
As in an earthly marriage, when the bride takes the name of the groom’s family, so it is in the heavenly marriage of Christ and His church. In Jeremiah 23:6, we read of the name given the groom, the husband, the Saviour – “And this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jehovah Tsidkenu).” In Jeremiah 33:16, we read of the name given the bride, the wife, every elect child of God – “And this is the name wherewith she shall be called, the LORD our righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu).” What grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior, to take a bunch of sinners, with names such as evil, wicked, ungodly wretches – and give us the name of a saint – Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness! Same name, same family! - Brian DuFour
Many years ago a young man delivered a sermon in a Welch chapel. After he finished the sermon he remarked to an old gentleman, “What did you think of my sermon?” The old man replied, “It was a very poor sermon.” “A poor sermon? My friend it took me a long to time to prepare it.” “I’m sure that it did,” said the old man, “but it was still a poor sermon.” “Was my delivery poor, or were my illustrations poorly applied?” “Oh, no,” said the old man, “Your delivery was excellent and your arguments and illustrations were very good.” “Then why do you say that I preached a very poor sermon?” The old man paused and slowly said, “There was no Christ in your sermon.” The young man replied, “Christ was not the text, we must preach what is in the text.” “My young friend, in every text there is a road to Christ. Your business, as a minister of the Gospel, is to find that road which leads to Christ and get on it as quickly as you can! For no sermon will do a sinner good if it does not lead him to Christ. The best sermon is that sermon which is fullest of Christ.”
I believe that every sermon we preach should contain the Three R’s – Ruin by the fall, Redemption by the blood of Christ and Regeneration by the Holy Spirit. If our hearers learn these in their hearts they will not go far wrong on other matters, but if they have not learned these, it will matter very little what else they learn. They will be like those who are “Ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the Truth.”
And while the ages roll, I’ll keep on praising Him
And my voice will never tire or grow old
And my song shall ever be, Praise the Lamb who died
And I’ll sing it while ages shall roll.
- Henry Mahan
*****
There is no grace but free and sovereign grace, no election but eternal and unconditional election, no redemption but particular and effectual redemption, no salvation but by the irresistible grace and omnipotent power of God the Holy Spirit, and no security but by the absolute preservation of God’s immutable goodness. And any pretended gospel that does not proclaim these things is, as Paul says, “another gospel” that is damning to the souls of man. - Copied
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
I was conceived and born in sin
Corrupt without, corrupt within
Estranged from God, a sinner lost
My heart as cold as winter frost.
I wandered ‘round in darkest night
And shied away from Christ and Light
I never would have turned around
But by the Saviour I was found.
He shined the light into my heart
And made my guilty soul to smart
Convinced of sin and self-condemned
I knew that I must learn of Him.
He drew me and I followed near
His face to see, His words to hear
Now to my soul He’s been revealed
His sovereign grace I know and feel.
Praise God who chose a wretch like me
Praise Christ who lived and died for me
Praise God the Spirit who did call
My soul to Christ my ALL IN ALL!
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22. There is a sign up sheet in the foyer for volunteers to help. There will be no Wednesday evening service on June 21st.
We have an opportunity to purchase a nice used baby grand piano. If you would like to contribute, please mark your donation accordingly.
Birthdays
12th – Rick Williams 13th – Matt Vincent 14th – Lauren Harries
15th- Silas Benton 16th – Andrea Bryan 16th – Monica Sparks
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. ” - Proverbs 17:4
*****
The Gospel is not an offer. An offer presupposes a man’s ability to accept or reject the offer. To offer life to one who is dead in sins would be absurd and insincere. God does not offer life. He gives it! “And you hath He quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Did Christ offer life to Lazarus? Of course not! “Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth.”
*****
We read in Scripture of believing in Christ and believing on Christ. We believe in Christ when we believe His Is-ness. We believe He is as the Bible says He is. We believe on Christ when we are relying on Him in His Is-ness to save us. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”
*****
Any objection to God’s sovereignty is in reality denying God’s goodness in the point of our objection. When we bow to His sovereignty in all things we confess He is good all the time!
*****
SAME NAME, SAME FAMILY
As in an earthly marriage, when the bride takes the name of the groom’s family, so it is in the heavenly marriage of Christ and His church. In Jeremiah 23:6, we read of the name given the groom, the husband, the Saviour – “And this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jehovah Tsidkenu).” In Jeremiah 33:16, we read of the name given the bride, the wife, every elect child of God – “And this is the name wherewith she shall be called, the LORD our righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu).” What grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior, to take a bunch of sinners, with names such as evil, wicked, ungodly wretches – and give us the name of a saint – Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness! Same name, same family! - Brian DuFour
Many years ago a young man delivered a sermon in a Welch chapel. After he finished the sermon he remarked to an old gentleman, “What did you think of my sermon?” The old man replied, “It was a very poor sermon.” “A poor sermon? My friend it took me a long to time to prepare it.” “I’m sure that it did,” said the old man, “but it was still a poor sermon.” “Was my delivery poor, or were my illustrations poorly applied?” “Oh, no,” said the old man, “Your delivery was excellent and your arguments and illustrations were very good.” “Then why do you say that I preached a very poor sermon?” The old man paused and slowly said, “There was no Christ in your sermon.” The young man replied, “Christ was not the text, we must preach what is in the text.” “My young friend, in every text there is a road to Christ. Your business, as a minister of the Gospel, is to find that road which leads to Christ and get on it as quickly as you can! For no sermon will do a sinner good if it does not lead him to Christ. The best sermon is that sermon which is fullest of Christ.”
I believe that every sermon we preach should contain the Three R’s – Ruin by the fall, Redemption by the blood of Christ and Regeneration by the Holy Spirit. If our hearers learn these in their hearts they will not go far wrong on other matters, but if they have not learned these, it will matter very little what else they learn. They will be like those who are “Ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the Truth.”
And while the ages roll, I’ll keep on praising Him
And my voice will never tire or grow old
And my song shall ever be, Praise the Lamb who died
And I’ll sing it while ages shall roll.
- Henry Mahan
*****
There is no grace but free and sovereign grace, no election but eternal and unconditional election, no redemption but particular and effectual redemption, no salvation but by the irresistible grace and omnipotent power of God the Holy Spirit, and no security but by the absolute preservation of God’s immutable goodness. And any pretended gospel that does not proclaim these things is, as Paul says, “another gospel” that is damning to the souls of man. - Copied
June 4, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Just as thou art, without one trace
Of love, or joy, or inward grace
Or meetness of the heavenly place
O guilty sinner, Come! O, come!
Thy sins I bore on Calvary’s tree
The stripes, thy due, were laid on me
That peace and pardon might be free
O wretched sinner, come! O come!
Burden’d with guilt, wouldst thou be blest?
Trust not the world; it gives no rest
I bring relief to hearts oppressed
O weary sinner, come! O come!
Come leave thy burdens at the cross
Count all thy gains but empty dross
My grace repays all earthly loss
O needy sinner, come! O come!
Come, hither bring thy boding fears
Thy aching heart, thy bursting tears
‘Tis mercy’s voice salutes thine ears
O trembling sinner, come! O come!
The Spirit and bride say, come
Rejoicing saints re-echo “come”
Who faints, who thirsts, who will may come
Thy Saviour bids thee come! O come!
(Tune: “Just As I Am”)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Congratulations to Daniel and Emma Hubbs on their marriage!
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22. There is a sign up sheet in the foyer for volunteers to help.
Birthday
4th – Debbie Williams 6th – Brad Clark
7th – Avery Summers 9th – Linda Ferrell
*****
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” - Proverbs 10:18
*****
If I know God, even as the thief on the cross knew Him, I know all of His attributes, even if I cannot articulate them, because I know Him! There is not one attribute of God that any believer would deny! As soon as they hear them they know they are true for this one reason….they know Him…..truly, what we believe is determined by Who we believe!
*****
If I believe that Christ died for all men without exception, and some of those people for whom He died will be in hell, what I believe violates every attribute of God, makes Christ fail in His intention, and makes salvation dependent upon what the sinner does and not what Christ did. If that is what I believe, I certainly do not believe THE GOSPEL.
*****
LIVING IN SIN
“Living in sin” is used to describe people who are openly living in immoral behavior. Sin in any form is never acceptable, admissible, or o.k. But the phrase “Living in sin” implies there are some who do live in sin and some who do not live in sin. My question is; when are you not living in sin? John tells us that if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and if we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar! (I John 1:8,10) That kind of language is incongruent to one who believes himself to be a sinner in the present tense! Paul said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (I Tim 1:15). Not of whom I was chief, but of whom I AM chief.
*****
To worship God in the Old Testament you had to have a priest to offer a sacrifice upon an alter. It is no different in the New Testament. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Priest who offers Himself as the sacrifice on the altar of His humanity. He is the Priest, the Altar, and the Sacrifice.
TWO WORDS
Even though every believer is holy, righteous, and loved by God the Father, it is still hard, at least for me, to say or even think these things about myself. I am still a sinner, with a sinfull nature…and for me to declare to anyone that I am holy, righteous, and loved of God just does not feel right. But when I add two words to these descriptions, I can confidently and accurately declare these things about myself….
In Christ, I am holy – “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” – I Peter 1:16
In Christ, I am righteous – “That we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” – II Corinthians 5:21
In Christ, I am loved of God – “And hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” - John 17:23
This can all be summed up in one verse – “Because as He is, so are we in this world” (I John 4:17). God has made His people one with Christ, so perfectly united to Him, that when God looks on His precious Son, who is holy, righteous, and loved of God – He is also looking on every child of God, who is holy, righteous, and loved of God – In Christ! - Brian DuFour
*****
Christ Came To Save Sinners
The real problem men have in believing the Gospel is that they do not see themselves as sinners. The only reason men do not believe themselves to be sinners is because they have not met Christ. Men by nature compare themselves to themselves, and being deceived believe themselves to be getting better. Or, they compare themselves to others and proudly conclude themselves to be better. If the One who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and higher than the heavens (Hebrews 7:26) ever shines His lovely face on them, they will agree with Job, “Behold I am vile” (Job 40:4). This is why we must always preach Christ and Him crucified. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so must the Son of Man be lifted up. Oh, for the grace to join our voice with John the Baptist in declaring, “Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). – Greg Elmquist
*****
WEAK faith is TRUE faith; for the Author and Finisher is the same as the Object – Our Lord Jesus Christ.
A weak and frail hand can put food in the mouth as well as if it were a strong hand, seeing the body is not nourished by the hand at all but by the meat. It is not faith that justifies, sanctifies, and redeems – IT IS CHRIST! - John Rogers
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Just as thou art, without one trace
Of love, or joy, or inward grace
Or meetness of the heavenly place
O guilty sinner, Come! O, come!
Thy sins I bore on Calvary’s tree
The stripes, thy due, were laid on me
That peace and pardon might be free
O wretched sinner, come! O come!
Burden’d with guilt, wouldst thou be blest?
Trust not the world; it gives no rest
I bring relief to hearts oppressed
O weary sinner, come! O come!
Come leave thy burdens at the cross
Count all thy gains but empty dross
My grace repays all earthly loss
O needy sinner, come! O come!
Come, hither bring thy boding fears
Thy aching heart, thy bursting tears
‘Tis mercy’s voice salutes thine ears
O trembling sinner, come! O come!
The Spirit and bride say, come
Rejoicing saints re-echo “come”
Who faints, who thirsts, who will may come
Thy Saviour bids thee come! O come!
(Tune: “Just As I Am”)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Congratulations to Daniel and Emma Hubbs on their marriage!
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22. There is a sign up sheet in the foyer for volunteers to help.
Birthday
4th – Debbie Williams 6th – Brad Clark
7th – Avery Summers 9th – Linda Ferrell
*****
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” - Proverbs 10:18
*****
If I know God, even as the thief on the cross knew Him, I know all of His attributes, even if I cannot articulate them, because I know Him! There is not one attribute of God that any believer would deny! As soon as they hear them they know they are true for this one reason….they know Him…..truly, what we believe is determined by Who we believe!
*****
If I believe that Christ died for all men without exception, and some of those people for whom He died will be in hell, what I believe violates every attribute of God, makes Christ fail in His intention, and makes salvation dependent upon what the sinner does and not what Christ did. If that is what I believe, I certainly do not believe THE GOSPEL.
*****
LIVING IN SIN
“Living in sin” is used to describe people who are openly living in immoral behavior. Sin in any form is never acceptable, admissible, or o.k. But the phrase “Living in sin” implies there are some who do live in sin and some who do not live in sin. My question is; when are you not living in sin? John tells us that if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and if we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar! (I John 1:8,10) That kind of language is incongruent to one who believes himself to be a sinner in the present tense! Paul said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (I Tim 1:15). Not of whom I was chief, but of whom I AM chief.
*****
To worship God in the Old Testament you had to have a priest to offer a sacrifice upon an alter. It is no different in the New Testament. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Priest who offers Himself as the sacrifice on the altar of His humanity. He is the Priest, the Altar, and the Sacrifice.
TWO WORDS
Even though every believer is holy, righteous, and loved by God the Father, it is still hard, at least for me, to say or even think these things about myself. I am still a sinner, with a sinfull nature…and for me to declare to anyone that I am holy, righteous, and loved of God just does not feel right. But when I add two words to these descriptions, I can confidently and accurately declare these things about myself….
In Christ, I am holy – “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” – I Peter 1:16
In Christ, I am righteous – “That we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” – II Corinthians 5:21
In Christ, I am loved of God – “And hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” - John 17:23
This can all be summed up in one verse – “Because as He is, so are we in this world” (I John 4:17). God has made His people one with Christ, so perfectly united to Him, that when God looks on His precious Son, who is holy, righteous, and loved of God – He is also looking on every child of God, who is holy, righteous, and loved of God – In Christ! - Brian DuFour
*****
Christ Came To Save Sinners
The real problem men have in believing the Gospel is that they do not see themselves as sinners. The only reason men do not believe themselves to be sinners is because they have not met Christ. Men by nature compare themselves to themselves, and being deceived believe themselves to be getting better. Or, they compare themselves to others and proudly conclude themselves to be better. If the One who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and higher than the heavens (Hebrews 7:26) ever shines His lovely face on them, they will agree with Job, “Behold I am vile” (Job 40:4). This is why we must always preach Christ and Him crucified. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so must the Son of Man be lifted up. Oh, for the grace to join our voice with John the Baptist in declaring, “Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). – Greg Elmquist
*****
WEAK faith is TRUE faith; for the Author and Finisher is the same as the Object – Our Lord Jesus Christ.
A weak and frail hand can put food in the mouth as well as if it were a strong hand, seeing the body is not nourished by the hand at all but by the meat. It is not faith that justifies, sanctifies, and redeems – IT IS CHRIST! - John Rogers
May 28, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Precious Savior, friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Our Great Savior” p. 49)
*****
Congratulations to our High School Graduates Kate Hands, Lauren Harries, and Thomas Kincer! We will honor them after the service this evening - bring an appetizer or dessert.
Congratulations to Mark and Jessica Mohr on their marriage!
Daniel Hubbs and Emmas Steeves will be married this Friday, June 2nd at 5:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22. There is a sign up sheet in the foyer for volunteers to help.
Birthdays
28th – David Walmsley 28th – Stephen Walmsley 31st – Cora Clark
31st – Julianna Daniel 31st – Scott Rutledge 1st – Rebekah Vincent
2nd – Audrey Grace Hacker 2nd – Jacob Rigsby
2nd – Alexis Sligh 2nd – John Walmsley
“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” - Proverbs 16:18
*****
Where there is a clear statement regarding anything in the Word of God, to want a sign to validate it is unbelief. Where there is a clear command in the Word of God, to need a sign as to whether or not it should be obeyed is disobedience.
*****
Once in the Old Testament and twice in the New Testament God is said to write His laws in our mind and heart. The mind is the knowledge of the Truth. The heart is the love of the Truth. Where you have the one you have the other. When you only have the one, in reality, you have neither.
*****
“They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save” (Isaiah 45:20). If my god cannot save me unless I do something that will enable him to, my god is nothing more than an idol, I have no knowledge of the Living God, and I myself will not be saved.
*****
The wicked King Jeroboam said, “It is too much to you to go up to Jerusalem.” Jerusalem was the place God ordained, but Jeroboam made it more convenient by setting up a place in Bethel and Dan. This is what is known as “The sin of Jeroboam”. He started a religion of convenience. May we never fall into the sin of Jeroboam. If personal convenience enters our thinking in the worship of God, it is evil. It tells what our attitude about worship is. God is not interested in us squeezing in some time for Him in life’s busy schedule. David said, “I will not offer to God that which costs me nothing.” If personal sacrifice is not involved in all of our acts of worship, it shows how little we value worship. But be sure of this, God values it even less.
*****
There is nothing that keeps a man out of heaven but his own will. But, there is nothing that will keep a man out of hell but God’s will. Eternal life is by God’s will, God’s gift, and God’s work (Romans 9:16; 6:23; II Timothy 1:9). But eternal death is the result of man’s will, man’s work, and man’s merit (Proverbs 1:23-26; Romans 6:23; 10:21).
- Don Fortner
PERFECTION REQUIRED AND PROVIDED
God is holy, and if anything or anyone is to come into His presence, they must also be holy, sinless, and perfectly spotless, without one blemish – “And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the Lord to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein” (Lev. 22:21).
So how can an unholy, imperfect sinner, that burns their toast, trips on their own shoe laces, and takes 2-3 minutes to find the book of Haggai in Scripture, even conceive that they could provide perfection to a Holy God? As sinners, everything we think, say, or do is polluted with sin, rendering it imperfect, and not acceptable to a Holy God. Therefore, we cannot provide the perfection that God requires, but Christ can and Christ did, when He offered Himself as the sin-bearing substitute on that tree for His people…. “For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” (Heb. 10:14). Every believer has been eternally perfected through the blood and righteousness of the spotless Lamb of God. His death on that tree paid the price of redemption, suffering and consuming the wrath of God, putting away every single sin of His people. But before He died, He lived sinlessly for 33 years to “Bring in everlasting righteousness” (Dan 9:24)… which He freely gives to everyone of His people, making them to be “Perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God” (Ez. 16:14). Perfection required by God the Father, perfection provided by God the Son – a perfect salvation for any sinner looking to Christ alone!
- Brian DuFour
*****
The ancient Greeks told us to be moderate by knowing our inclinations. The Romans told us to be strong by ordering our lives. Buddhism tells us to be disillusioned by annihilating our consciousness. Hinduism tells us to be absorbed by merging ours souls. Islam tells us to be submissive by subjecting our wills. Agnosticism tells us to be at peace by ignoring out doubts. Moralism tells us to be good by discharging our obligations. Only the Gospel tells us to be free by acknowledging our failures. Christianity is the un-religion because it is the one faith whose founder tells us to bring not our doing, but our need. – Dane Orlund
*****
It remains true, that in ourselves we have no resting place. It is the quality of the work without, not the quality of that within, which satisfies us. “No confidence in the flesh” must be our motto, as it is the foundation of God’s Gospel. - Horatius Bonar
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Precious Savior, friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Our Great Savior” p. 49)
*****
Congratulations to our High School Graduates Kate Hands, Lauren Harries, and Thomas Kincer! We will honor them after the service this evening - bring an appetizer or dessert.
Congratulations to Mark and Jessica Mohr on their marriage!
Daniel Hubbs and Emmas Steeves will be married this Friday, June 2nd at 5:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22. There is a sign up sheet in the foyer for volunteers to help.
Birthdays
28th – David Walmsley 28th – Stephen Walmsley 31st – Cora Clark
31st – Julianna Daniel 31st – Scott Rutledge 1st – Rebekah Vincent
2nd – Audrey Grace Hacker 2nd – Jacob Rigsby
2nd – Alexis Sligh 2nd – John Walmsley
“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” - Proverbs 16:18
*****
Where there is a clear statement regarding anything in the Word of God, to want a sign to validate it is unbelief. Where there is a clear command in the Word of God, to need a sign as to whether or not it should be obeyed is disobedience.
*****
Once in the Old Testament and twice in the New Testament God is said to write His laws in our mind and heart. The mind is the knowledge of the Truth. The heart is the love of the Truth. Where you have the one you have the other. When you only have the one, in reality, you have neither.
*****
“They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save” (Isaiah 45:20). If my god cannot save me unless I do something that will enable him to, my god is nothing more than an idol, I have no knowledge of the Living God, and I myself will not be saved.
*****
The wicked King Jeroboam said, “It is too much to you to go up to Jerusalem.” Jerusalem was the place God ordained, but Jeroboam made it more convenient by setting up a place in Bethel and Dan. This is what is known as “The sin of Jeroboam”. He started a religion of convenience. May we never fall into the sin of Jeroboam. If personal convenience enters our thinking in the worship of God, it is evil. It tells what our attitude about worship is. God is not interested in us squeezing in some time for Him in life’s busy schedule. David said, “I will not offer to God that which costs me nothing.” If personal sacrifice is not involved in all of our acts of worship, it shows how little we value worship. But be sure of this, God values it even less.
*****
There is nothing that keeps a man out of heaven but his own will. But, there is nothing that will keep a man out of hell but God’s will. Eternal life is by God’s will, God’s gift, and God’s work (Romans 9:16; 6:23; II Timothy 1:9). But eternal death is the result of man’s will, man’s work, and man’s merit (Proverbs 1:23-26; Romans 6:23; 10:21).
- Don Fortner
PERFECTION REQUIRED AND PROVIDED
God is holy, and if anything or anyone is to come into His presence, they must also be holy, sinless, and perfectly spotless, without one blemish – “And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the Lord to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein” (Lev. 22:21).
So how can an unholy, imperfect sinner, that burns their toast, trips on their own shoe laces, and takes 2-3 minutes to find the book of Haggai in Scripture, even conceive that they could provide perfection to a Holy God? As sinners, everything we think, say, or do is polluted with sin, rendering it imperfect, and not acceptable to a Holy God. Therefore, we cannot provide the perfection that God requires, but Christ can and Christ did, when He offered Himself as the sin-bearing substitute on that tree for His people…. “For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” (Heb. 10:14). Every believer has been eternally perfected through the blood and righteousness of the spotless Lamb of God. His death on that tree paid the price of redemption, suffering and consuming the wrath of God, putting away every single sin of His people. But before He died, He lived sinlessly for 33 years to “Bring in everlasting righteousness” (Dan 9:24)… which He freely gives to everyone of His people, making them to be “Perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God” (Ez. 16:14). Perfection required by God the Father, perfection provided by God the Son – a perfect salvation for any sinner looking to Christ alone!
- Brian DuFour
*****
The ancient Greeks told us to be moderate by knowing our inclinations. The Romans told us to be strong by ordering our lives. Buddhism tells us to be disillusioned by annihilating our consciousness. Hinduism tells us to be absorbed by merging ours souls. Islam tells us to be submissive by subjecting our wills. Agnosticism tells us to be at peace by ignoring out doubts. Moralism tells us to be good by discharging our obligations. Only the Gospel tells us to be free by acknowledging our failures. Christianity is the un-religion because it is the one faith whose founder tells us to bring not our doing, but our need. – Dane Orlund
*****
It remains true, that in ourselves we have no resting place. It is the quality of the work without, not the quality of that within, which satisfies us. “No confidence in the flesh” must be our motto, as it is the foundation of God’s Gospel. - Horatius Bonar
May 21, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee for Lord that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee Had’st Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me that I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning, no cause in me was found
That you should choose to save me, a sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought; for Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me and taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me to heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee for Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee, Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: “The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
*****
I am preaching for the Oley Grace Church in Oley, PA today. Aaron Greenleaf will preach this morning and Rex Bartley from Grace Baptist in Danville will bring the evening message.
We will honor our High School graduating seniors Kate Hands, Lauren Harries, and Thomas Kincer next Sunday evening, May 28th. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
Birthdays
23rd – Adam Clark 25th – Elizabeth Wright 27th – Thomas Kincer
“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but the that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” - Proverbs 14:29
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
June 30-2nd Rescue Baptist Church Rescue, CA
July 7-9 Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Ewing, NJ
July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church Sellersburg, IN
October 27-29 Grace Baptist Church Lewisville, AR
*****
The Christ I believe will be equal with the God I believe. If the God I believe can have his intentions thwarted by man’s free will, that is the Christ I believe. If the God I believe has a will which is not always done, that is the Christ I believe. If the God I believe can be manipulated, that is the Christ I believe. If the God I believe is absolutely sovereign, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, immutable, eternal, independent, and holy, that is the Christ I believe. If the God I believe is incapable of failure, that is the Christ I believe. If the God I believe is the God described in Scripture, the Christ I believe is the Christ of Scripture. If the God I believe is not the God of Scripture, the god I believe is non-existent. If the Christ I believe is not the Christ of Scripture, he is a non-existent Christ. The Christ I believe will be equal with and correspond to the God I believe. The God I believe is the Christ I will believe! The Christ I believe is the One in whom, “Dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9).
*****
THE APPEAL OF TRUTH
“You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Most of what goes under the name of preaching is an appeal to the flesh ….how to get your perceived needs met. The appeal of the Gospel is simply the Truth. The preaching of the Gospel is from the Truth of God’s Word which declares the Truth regarding God’s character, man’s character, and the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. Christ said, “For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the Truth. Everyone that is of the Truth heareth my voice.” To be “of the Truth” is to be “of God” … “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God” (John 8:47). This is not to say we are unconcerned about the meeting of our needs, but that all takes a backseat to Him Who is the TRUTH.
O WHAT A WRETCHED THING THIS FLESH IS!
“O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 7:24-25).” “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:17).
Oh what a wretched thing this flesh is! It is the residence of corruption, unbelief, hate, deceit, and every other evil known to man. Who would want such neighbors living next to them? Yet, these vile tenants are not mere neighbors to the believer. No, they are much closer than mere neighbors: they occupy the same duplex. The believer is of two natures joined into one flesh: flesh and spirit. Spiritually, he is a new man, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. But he still possesses the same flesh he was born with, and the same “people” live there. These occupants of the fleshly side of our “duplex” are not considerate at all, having no respect whatsoever for the occupants of the spiritual side of the duplex. No sooner does the spirit mow the grass and weed the flower bed than the flesh dumps a bag of stinking garbage on the lawn. No sooner does the spirit sit down for an evening of quiet reflection and prayer than the flesh will throw a party, turning up the stereo of vile thoughts. Neither side of the duplex will ever find full satisfaction, nor will there be any compromise. It will be a constant state of war for as long as the believer lives in this flesh. No wonder Paul wrote, “O, wretched man that I am.” Thanks to God through Christ, He shall someday throw out the occupants on the other side, knock down the wall that separates the two sides, and the fruit of the Spirit, the occupants of the believer’s soul, shall reside in BOTH sides, in one harmonious household! - Joe Terrell
*****
One of the main objectives of the ministry of the Gospel is to convince sinners of their sin and misery without Christ. Men will not come to Christ Jesus until they are so convinced. “The well do not need a physician.” If you love your soul, seriously meditate upon the fact and do not allow pride to rob you of the TROUBLING but PLEASANT realization that YOU ARE A SINNER! Christ is the friend of sinners.
- Henry Mahan
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee for Lord that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee Had’st Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me that I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning, no cause in me was found
That you should choose to save me, a sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought; for Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me and taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me to heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee for Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee, Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: “The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
*****
I am preaching for the Oley Grace Church in Oley, PA today. Aaron Greenleaf will preach this morning and Rex Bartley from Grace Baptist in Danville will bring the evening message.
We will honor our High School graduating seniors Kate Hands, Lauren Harries, and Thomas Kincer next Sunday evening, May 28th. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
Birthdays
23rd – Adam Clark 25th – Elizabeth Wright 27th – Thomas Kincer
“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but the that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” - Proverbs 14:29
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
June 30-2nd Rescue Baptist Church Rescue, CA
July 7-9 Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Ewing, NJ
July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church Sellersburg, IN
October 27-29 Grace Baptist Church Lewisville, AR
*****
The Christ I believe will be equal with the God I believe. If the God I believe can have his intentions thwarted by man’s free will, that is the Christ I believe. If the God I believe has a will which is not always done, that is the Christ I believe. If the God I believe can be manipulated, that is the Christ I believe. If the God I believe is absolutely sovereign, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, immutable, eternal, independent, and holy, that is the Christ I believe. If the God I believe is incapable of failure, that is the Christ I believe. If the God I believe is the God described in Scripture, the Christ I believe is the Christ of Scripture. If the God I believe is not the God of Scripture, the god I believe is non-existent. If the Christ I believe is not the Christ of Scripture, he is a non-existent Christ. The Christ I believe will be equal with and correspond to the God I believe. The God I believe is the Christ I will believe! The Christ I believe is the One in whom, “Dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9).
*****
THE APPEAL OF TRUTH
“You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Most of what goes under the name of preaching is an appeal to the flesh ….how to get your perceived needs met. The appeal of the Gospel is simply the Truth. The preaching of the Gospel is from the Truth of God’s Word which declares the Truth regarding God’s character, man’s character, and the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. Christ said, “For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the Truth. Everyone that is of the Truth heareth my voice.” To be “of the Truth” is to be “of God” … “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God” (John 8:47). This is not to say we are unconcerned about the meeting of our needs, but that all takes a backseat to Him Who is the TRUTH.
O WHAT A WRETCHED THING THIS FLESH IS!
“O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 7:24-25).” “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:17).
Oh what a wretched thing this flesh is! It is the residence of corruption, unbelief, hate, deceit, and every other evil known to man. Who would want such neighbors living next to them? Yet, these vile tenants are not mere neighbors to the believer. No, they are much closer than mere neighbors: they occupy the same duplex. The believer is of two natures joined into one flesh: flesh and spirit. Spiritually, he is a new man, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. But he still possesses the same flesh he was born with, and the same “people” live there. These occupants of the fleshly side of our “duplex” are not considerate at all, having no respect whatsoever for the occupants of the spiritual side of the duplex. No sooner does the spirit mow the grass and weed the flower bed than the flesh dumps a bag of stinking garbage on the lawn. No sooner does the spirit sit down for an evening of quiet reflection and prayer than the flesh will throw a party, turning up the stereo of vile thoughts. Neither side of the duplex will ever find full satisfaction, nor will there be any compromise. It will be a constant state of war for as long as the believer lives in this flesh. No wonder Paul wrote, “O, wretched man that I am.” Thanks to God through Christ, He shall someday throw out the occupants on the other side, knock down the wall that separates the two sides, and the fruit of the Spirit, the occupants of the believer’s soul, shall reside in BOTH sides, in one harmonious household! - Joe Terrell
*****
One of the main objectives of the ministry of the Gospel is to convince sinners of their sin and misery without Christ. Men will not come to Christ Jesus until they are so convinced. “The well do not need a physician.” If you love your soul, seriously meditate upon the fact and do not allow pride to rob you of the TROUBLING but PLEASANT realization that YOU ARE A SINNER! Christ is the friend of sinners.
- Henry Mahan
May 14, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Prepare me, gracious God
To stand before Thy face
Thy Spirit must the work perform
For it is all of grace.
In Christ’s obedience clothe
And wash me in His blood
So shall I lift my head with joy
Among the sons of God.
Do Thou my sin subdue
Thy Sovereign love make known
The Spirit of my mind renew
And save me in Thy Son.
Let me attest Thy power
Let me Thy goodness prove
Till my full soul can hold no more
Of everlasting love!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
We will honor our High School graduating seniors Sunday evening, May 28th. Bring an appetizer or dessert and plan now to attend!
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
Birthdays
18th – David Burton 19th – Dylan Daniel 20th – Isabella Thompson
“He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favor than the that flattereth with the tongue.” - Proverbs 28:23
“The Gospel is the Good News for the no good.”
Only God can make the way for Him to be just and yet justify the ungodly (Romans 4:5). When God justifies a man, their sins are so thoroughly put away by the blood of Christ that in God’s sight they have never sinned. They have never done anything wrong and have always done that which is perfectly right. When they are in heaven they will be there as men and women who have never sinned. Those who sing the new song in heaven are described in terms of perfection. “In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the Throne of God” (Rev. 14:5).
*****
“All their works they do to be seen of men….verily I say unto you, they have their reward.” This is the Lord’s estimation of the religious works of the religious hypocrite. In Matthew 6:1-18, He speaks of the motive for their almsgiving, prayers, and fasting was to be seen of men. When they announce it to others, they are seen of men, and have their reward! Every believer should give alms, pray, and fast, but if I let others know about my works of charity (alms), prayer (devotion), and fasting (self-denial), that is my reward and a worthless reward it is. We are to seek to do good and avoid evil, but when we tell others of our intentions we are seeking to promote ourselves and not avoiding evil!
*****
“I delight in the law of God after the inner man.” We are free from the law as a covenant of works and if we are justified that means we stand before the law having kept it perfectly – no reason for fear! We delight in the law but we know we have not kept one commandment in ourselves. We never look at our freedom from the law as a license to disobey it. We honor God’s holy law when we look to Christ only as the end of the law for righteousness. “Do we make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”
*****
Life is a journey – not a home. Life is a road – not a city of habitation. The enjoyments and blessings we have, are but little inns on the roadside of life, where we may be refreshed for a moment, that we may with new strength press onto the end – yet to the rest that remains for the people of God. - Horatius Bonar
*****
Everything that God requires, God must provide; and God only accepts that which He provides. - Greg Elmquist
When the Gospel is preached, there are two things always taking place (even though most are unaware of it); some are being prepared for glory, others are being hardened. Some are being brought to the light; some are left sitting in darkness. Some see Christ and His glory; others see no beauty about Him. Some who hear the Gospel have their hearts made tender towards sin; others have their hearts hardened in sin. No wonder we say, “Who is sufficient for these things?” The question we should all be asking is, “How is the preaching of the Gospel affecting me?” - Donnie Bell
*****
Is that which is broken good for anything? One cannot see in a broken mirror; one cannot drink from a broken glass, one cannot work with a broken arm; one cannot walk with a broken leg. Only the heart is at its best state when it is broken! “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart” (Psalm 34:18). - Henry Mahan
*****
If my salvation is by the sovereign grace and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ alone, and not by any work (righteousness) that I do, then I have absolutely no reason to worry or fret over doing anything that might cause me to be lost. God has accepted Christ’s work and God has accepted me in Christ. - David Eddmenson
GRACE and WORKS of any kind, in the point of acceptance with God are mentioned by the apostle not only as opposites, or as contraries, but as absolutely contradictory to each other, like fire and water, light and darkness; so that the affirmation of the one is the denial of the other (Romans 4:5; 11:5-6). God justifies freely, justifies the ungodly, and him that worketh not. - John Newton
*****
Since God is pleased by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe, should we not be continually urging our lost ones to come hear the Gospel? May God be pleased to open doors for us to go to this dying world and compel men and women to come in.
– David Eddmenson
*****
When we confess our sins, we justify God in condemning us. When the Lord Jesus died for our sins, He justified God in saving us.
- Joe Terrell
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Prepare me, gracious God
To stand before Thy face
Thy Spirit must the work perform
For it is all of grace.
In Christ’s obedience clothe
And wash me in His blood
So shall I lift my head with joy
Among the sons of God.
Do Thou my sin subdue
Thy Sovereign love make known
The Spirit of my mind renew
And save me in Thy Son.
Let me attest Thy power
Let me Thy goodness prove
Till my full soul can hold no more
Of everlasting love!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
We will honor our High School graduating seniors Sunday evening, May 28th. Bring an appetizer or dessert and plan now to attend!
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
Birthdays
18th – David Burton 19th – Dylan Daniel 20th – Isabella Thompson
“He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favor than the that flattereth with the tongue.” - Proverbs 28:23
“The Gospel is the Good News for the no good.”
Only God can make the way for Him to be just and yet justify the ungodly (Romans 4:5). When God justifies a man, their sins are so thoroughly put away by the blood of Christ that in God’s sight they have never sinned. They have never done anything wrong and have always done that which is perfectly right. When they are in heaven they will be there as men and women who have never sinned. Those who sing the new song in heaven are described in terms of perfection. “In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the Throne of God” (Rev. 14:5).
*****
“All their works they do to be seen of men….verily I say unto you, they have their reward.” This is the Lord’s estimation of the religious works of the religious hypocrite. In Matthew 6:1-18, He speaks of the motive for their almsgiving, prayers, and fasting was to be seen of men. When they announce it to others, they are seen of men, and have their reward! Every believer should give alms, pray, and fast, but if I let others know about my works of charity (alms), prayer (devotion), and fasting (self-denial), that is my reward and a worthless reward it is. We are to seek to do good and avoid evil, but when we tell others of our intentions we are seeking to promote ourselves and not avoiding evil!
*****
“I delight in the law of God after the inner man.” We are free from the law as a covenant of works and if we are justified that means we stand before the law having kept it perfectly – no reason for fear! We delight in the law but we know we have not kept one commandment in ourselves. We never look at our freedom from the law as a license to disobey it. We honor God’s holy law when we look to Christ only as the end of the law for righteousness. “Do we make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”
*****
Life is a journey – not a home. Life is a road – not a city of habitation. The enjoyments and blessings we have, are but little inns on the roadside of life, where we may be refreshed for a moment, that we may with new strength press onto the end – yet to the rest that remains for the people of God. - Horatius Bonar
*****
Everything that God requires, God must provide; and God only accepts that which He provides. - Greg Elmquist
When the Gospel is preached, there are two things always taking place (even though most are unaware of it); some are being prepared for glory, others are being hardened. Some are being brought to the light; some are left sitting in darkness. Some see Christ and His glory; others see no beauty about Him. Some who hear the Gospel have their hearts made tender towards sin; others have their hearts hardened in sin. No wonder we say, “Who is sufficient for these things?” The question we should all be asking is, “How is the preaching of the Gospel affecting me?” - Donnie Bell
*****
Is that which is broken good for anything? One cannot see in a broken mirror; one cannot drink from a broken glass, one cannot work with a broken arm; one cannot walk with a broken leg. Only the heart is at its best state when it is broken! “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart” (Psalm 34:18). - Henry Mahan
*****
If my salvation is by the sovereign grace and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ alone, and not by any work (righteousness) that I do, then I have absolutely no reason to worry or fret over doing anything that might cause me to be lost. God has accepted Christ’s work and God has accepted me in Christ. - David Eddmenson
GRACE and WORKS of any kind, in the point of acceptance with God are mentioned by the apostle not only as opposites, or as contraries, but as absolutely contradictory to each other, like fire and water, light and darkness; so that the affirmation of the one is the denial of the other (Romans 4:5; 11:5-6). God justifies freely, justifies the ungodly, and him that worketh not. - John Newton
*****
Since God is pleased by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe, should we not be continually urging our lost ones to come hear the Gospel? May God be pleased to open doors for us to go to this dying world and compel men and women to come in.
– David Eddmenson
*****
When we confess our sins, we justify God in condemning us. When the Lord Jesus died for our sins, He justified God in saving us.
- Joe Terrell
May 7, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Wherewith shall we approach the Lord
And bow before His Throne?
By trusting in His faithful Word
And pleading Christ alone.
The blood, the righteousness, and love
Of Jesus will we plead
He lives within the veil above
For us to intercede.
Sure ground and sure foundation, too
We find in His Dear Name
Herein we ev’ry blessing view
And ev’ry favor claim.
Then let His Name forever be
To us supremely Dear
Our only, all-prevailing plea
For all our hope is there!
(Tune: “O God Our Help” p.10)
*****
I am preaching today for the Bethel Baptist Church in Spring Lake, NC. Aaron Greenleaf will preach this morning and Frank Tate will bring the evening message.
Birthdays
7th – Kyle Willis 8th – Kim DuFour 9th – Flora Scifres
10th – Will Hacker 11th - Della Grace Frye 11th – Kate Hands
11th – Fred Tuttle 12th - April Frye
12th – Courtney Ortz 13th – Annie Charron
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
June 30-2nd Rescue Baptist Church Rescue, CA
July 7-9 Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Ewing, NJ
July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church Sellersburg, IN
October 27-29 Grace Baptist Church Lewisville, AK
*****
FALSE DOCTRINE AND SIN
Any doctrine believed that is not according to the Word of God and any doctrine not believed that is in the Word of God is more than not intellectually grasping it. There is a sinful motive behind failure to believe the Truth…. every time. “If any man will do His will, he shall know the doctrine” (John 7:17). Not knowing the doctrine is rooted in an unwillingness to do His will.
*****
While God is three distinct Persons in one God - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, the unity of the Trinity is such that all three Persons of the Godhead have only one will. The will of the Father is the will of the Son and the will of the Spirit. The will of the Son is the will of the Father and the Spirit. The will of the Spirit is the will of the Father and the Son. Truly, “These Three are One.” (I John 5:7).
*****
TO DIE IS GAIN
Paul said, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). What assurance Paul had that would cause him to look upon his own death as gain! Question – Is there any reason why any believer should not speak with this same confidence? Since we are all saved the same way Paul was, by the righteousness, shed blood, and sovereign grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have no reason to have any less confidence then he did! Did Paul look to Christ alone? Of course he did, you say. Do you? If you do, you can say with Paul….. “To die is gain.” Remember, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
THE BELIEVER’S RULE OF LIFE
I left the pulpit one night and a fellow asked me, “Do you believe the law to be a believer’s rule of life?” He seemed surprised when I told him I did not. His very next question was, “How do you know how to live?” I told him immediately that I lived just as the Apostle Paul, “The life that I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God” (Gal. 2:30). This was the rule of life for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Abel and all others who have nothing but Jesus Christ to live upon. Someone would say, “You mean you live as you want to?” I wish I could…. I would be filled with the Spirit, I would never sin again, all my motives would be pure, I would be delivered from the body of this death. Oh, I wish I could live just like I want to. The closest thing I have found to living just like I would like to, is living by faith upon Jesus Christ the Dear and Blessed Son of God. - Bruce Crabtree
*****
PARTICULAR REDEMPTION – “WHO DIED?”
When thinking about or discussing the atonement, the question of importance is not – “For whom did Christ die?” The only question of importance is – “Who died?” Is Jesus Christ God? If He is, all for whom He died are redeemed, and all He intended to accomplish in His death He accomplished. To think or say otherwise is both a denial of the blessed Gospel doctrine of Limited Atonement and the utter repudiation of our Savior’s very Godhead! - Don Fortner
*****
There is a magnificent simplicity and singularity in the Gospel. How merciful is our God to take such wondrous things and bring them to a succinct point, thereby making misunderstanding an impossibility. There is one way, one truth, one life, one faith, one Lord, one baptism. A person cannot claim that he does not understand, he can only admit that he does not believe. - Tim James
*****
GRACE AND HOLINESS
“By grace are ye saved.” Not merely exempt from the punishment due to sin, but saved from sin! Yes, saved from the penalty of sin. But saved from the power of sin also! “Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.” If our view of grace merely leaves us feeling o.k. with sin, because salvation is by grace, we have not understood grace. Grace is not exemption from holiness. It is the cause of holiness. Where there is no holiness, there is no grace!
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Wherewith shall we approach the Lord
And bow before His Throne?
By trusting in His faithful Word
And pleading Christ alone.
The blood, the righteousness, and love
Of Jesus will we plead
He lives within the veil above
For us to intercede.
Sure ground and sure foundation, too
We find in His Dear Name
Herein we ev’ry blessing view
And ev’ry favor claim.
Then let His Name forever be
To us supremely Dear
Our only, all-prevailing plea
For all our hope is there!
(Tune: “O God Our Help” p.10)
*****
I am preaching today for the Bethel Baptist Church in Spring Lake, NC. Aaron Greenleaf will preach this morning and Frank Tate will bring the evening message.
Birthdays
7th – Kyle Willis 8th – Kim DuFour 9th – Flora Scifres
10th – Will Hacker 11th - Della Grace Frye 11th – Kate Hands
11th – Fred Tuttle 12th - April Frye
12th – Courtney Ortz 13th – Annie Charron
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
June 30-2nd Rescue Baptist Church Rescue, CA
July 7-9 Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Ewing, NJ
July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church Sellersburg, IN
October 27-29 Grace Baptist Church Lewisville, AK
*****
FALSE DOCTRINE AND SIN
Any doctrine believed that is not according to the Word of God and any doctrine not believed that is in the Word of God is more than not intellectually grasping it. There is a sinful motive behind failure to believe the Truth…. every time. “If any man will do His will, he shall know the doctrine” (John 7:17). Not knowing the doctrine is rooted in an unwillingness to do His will.
*****
While God is three distinct Persons in one God - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, the unity of the Trinity is such that all three Persons of the Godhead have only one will. The will of the Father is the will of the Son and the will of the Spirit. The will of the Son is the will of the Father and the Spirit. The will of the Spirit is the will of the Father and the Son. Truly, “These Three are One.” (I John 5:7).
*****
TO DIE IS GAIN
Paul said, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). What assurance Paul had that would cause him to look upon his own death as gain! Question – Is there any reason why any believer should not speak with this same confidence? Since we are all saved the same way Paul was, by the righteousness, shed blood, and sovereign grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have no reason to have any less confidence then he did! Did Paul look to Christ alone? Of course he did, you say. Do you? If you do, you can say with Paul….. “To die is gain.” Remember, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
THE BELIEVER’S RULE OF LIFE
I left the pulpit one night and a fellow asked me, “Do you believe the law to be a believer’s rule of life?” He seemed surprised when I told him I did not. His very next question was, “How do you know how to live?” I told him immediately that I lived just as the Apostle Paul, “The life that I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God” (Gal. 2:30). This was the rule of life for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Abel and all others who have nothing but Jesus Christ to live upon. Someone would say, “You mean you live as you want to?” I wish I could…. I would be filled with the Spirit, I would never sin again, all my motives would be pure, I would be delivered from the body of this death. Oh, I wish I could live just like I want to. The closest thing I have found to living just like I would like to, is living by faith upon Jesus Christ the Dear and Blessed Son of God. - Bruce Crabtree
*****
PARTICULAR REDEMPTION – “WHO DIED?”
When thinking about or discussing the atonement, the question of importance is not – “For whom did Christ die?” The only question of importance is – “Who died?” Is Jesus Christ God? If He is, all for whom He died are redeemed, and all He intended to accomplish in His death He accomplished. To think or say otherwise is both a denial of the blessed Gospel doctrine of Limited Atonement and the utter repudiation of our Savior’s very Godhead! - Don Fortner
*****
There is a magnificent simplicity and singularity in the Gospel. How merciful is our God to take such wondrous things and bring them to a succinct point, thereby making misunderstanding an impossibility. There is one way, one truth, one life, one faith, one Lord, one baptism. A person cannot claim that he does not understand, he can only admit that he does not believe. - Tim James
*****
GRACE AND HOLINESS
“By grace are ye saved.” Not merely exempt from the punishment due to sin, but saved from sin! Yes, saved from the penalty of sin. But saved from the power of sin also! “Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.” If our view of grace merely leaves us feeling o.k. with sin, because salvation is by grace, we have not understood grace. Grace is not exemption from holiness. It is the cause of holiness. Where there is no holiness, there is no grace!
April 30, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Praise the Lord, ye heav’ns adore Him
Praise Him, angels in the height
Sun and moon, rejoice before Him
Praise Him, all ye stars of light.
Praise the Lord, for He hath spoken
Worlds His mighty voice obeyed
Words that never shall be broken
For our guidance He hath made.
Praise the Lord, for He is glorious
Never shall His promise fail
God hath made His sheep victorious
Sin and death shall not prevail.
Praise the God of our salvation
Hosts on High His grace proclaim
Heav’n and earth and all creation
Laud and magnify His Name!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
Congratulations to Jeffery & Sarah Gudowicz on their marriage!
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church Sellersburg, IN
Birthdays
2nd - Mitchell Bryan 2nd – Gretta Daniel 4th – Jeffrey Imes
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and tongue keepth his soul from troubles.” - Proverb 21:23
HARSH?
“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.” Anathema Maranatha means cursed, the Lord comes. Is that sentiment harsh and unloving on Paul’s part? The very fact that we could think something like that betrays an ignorance of the enormity of this sin! To fail to love Him who is Altogether Lovely is the fruit of a desperately wicked heart. If a man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, hell is the only fit place for him. To all who love Christ, there was a time when we did not love Him. Being dead in sins we could not see His beauty, and actually hated Him! What grace that He would take someone who hated Him and graciously cause them to love Him! While we believe anyone who refuses to love the Lord Jesus Christ ought to be in hell, we also now that would be us if not for His saving love toward us! “We love Him because He first loved us.”
*****
“The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy” (Psalm 147:11). The Living God actually takes pleasure in and delights in this person. Those who fear God have such reverence for His character that they are afraid to look anywhere but Christ alone for all of their acceptance with Him. Only those who fear Him hope only in His mercy. Those who hope in His mercy are those who fear Him. This fear and hope is always found together! Wherever there is a man that fears Him and hopes in His mercy, there is a man that the Lord Himself takes pleasure in!
*****
I would like to say I never worry, but I do. Worry is nothing less than unbelief and mistrust. We know this, but we need to be reminded. The Lord said, ”Which of you by taking thought (worrying) can add one cubit to your stature (one moment to the length of your life).” We all know that worrying actually accomplishes nothing. “If ye then be not able to do that which is least, why take ye thought for the rest.” Worrying is really very stupid. I do not worry about things that I have no control over. I realize it is fruitless. But in reality, I do not have ultimate control over anything. But God does! Since He does, we should not worry! Worry is mistrust of Him! Since He is in control, there is really nothing to worry about.
IS IT ESSENTIAL?
How often have people made this statement after hearing some truth from the Word of God. Some doctrine or ordinance from the Scripture is taught, like election or believer’s baptism, and someone will say…. “Yes, I see that, but is it essential?” That comment is nothing more than an excuse for disobedience. If you were explaining the job responsibilities to a person interviewing for a job and he said to you, “Yes, I see what you are saying, but is it essential that I do those things?” You would know immediately that you did not want to hire that person! This is a question that should not be asked concerning anything that God reveals. If God reveals it in His Word, it is essential!
*****
Why did the dove return to the ark and the raven never return? Because the raven could live off the dead, decaying animals drowned in the flood. But the dove could not. It had to return to the ark for its food. The raven represents the religious man who does not know Christ. He is satisfied with the dead, rotting works of the flesh. But the true believer must return to Christ, his ark, for food. The mark of a true believer is that he is continually coming to Christ for the same thing! Mercy and grace! He cannot be satisfied with anything less.
*****
If there be anything plainly taught in Scripture, it is that the sacrifice of Christ was made for those only who shall eventually be saved by it. If the wisdom of men cannot reconcile this with their views of what is right, let them be prepared to dispute the matter with the Almighty in the Day of Judgment. - Alexander Carson
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Praise the Lord, ye heav’ns adore Him
Praise Him, angels in the height
Sun and moon, rejoice before Him
Praise Him, all ye stars of light.
Praise the Lord, for He hath spoken
Worlds His mighty voice obeyed
Words that never shall be broken
For our guidance He hath made.
Praise the Lord, for He is glorious
Never shall His promise fail
God hath made His sheep victorious
Sin and death shall not prevail.
Praise the God of our salvation
Hosts on High His grace proclaim
Heav’n and earth and all creation
Laud and magnify His Name!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
Congratulations to Jeffery & Sarah Gudowicz on their marriage!
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church Sellersburg, IN
Birthdays
2nd - Mitchell Bryan 2nd – Gretta Daniel 4th – Jeffrey Imes
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and tongue keepth his soul from troubles.” - Proverb 21:23
HARSH?
“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.” Anathema Maranatha means cursed, the Lord comes. Is that sentiment harsh and unloving on Paul’s part? The very fact that we could think something like that betrays an ignorance of the enormity of this sin! To fail to love Him who is Altogether Lovely is the fruit of a desperately wicked heart. If a man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, hell is the only fit place for him. To all who love Christ, there was a time when we did not love Him. Being dead in sins we could not see His beauty, and actually hated Him! What grace that He would take someone who hated Him and graciously cause them to love Him! While we believe anyone who refuses to love the Lord Jesus Christ ought to be in hell, we also now that would be us if not for His saving love toward us! “We love Him because He first loved us.”
*****
“The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy” (Psalm 147:11). The Living God actually takes pleasure in and delights in this person. Those who fear God have such reverence for His character that they are afraid to look anywhere but Christ alone for all of their acceptance with Him. Only those who fear Him hope only in His mercy. Those who hope in His mercy are those who fear Him. This fear and hope is always found together! Wherever there is a man that fears Him and hopes in His mercy, there is a man that the Lord Himself takes pleasure in!
*****
I would like to say I never worry, but I do. Worry is nothing less than unbelief and mistrust. We know this, but we need to be reminded. The Lord said, ”Which of you by taking thought (worrying) can add one cubit to your stature (one moment to the length of your life).” We all know that worrying actually accomplishes nothing. “If ye then be not able to do that which is least, why take ye thought for the rest.” Worrying is really very stupid. I do not worry about things that I have no control over. I realize it is fruitless. But in reality, I do not have ultimate control over anything. But God does! Since He does, we should not worry! Worry is mistrust of Him! Since He is in control, there is really nothing to worry about.
IS IT ESSENTIAL?
How often have people made this statement after hearing some truth from the Word of God. Some doctrine or ordinance from the Scripture is taught, like election or believer’s baptism, and someone will say…. “Yes, I see that, but is it essential?” That comment is nothing more than an excuse for disobedience. If you were explaining the job responsibilities to a person interviewing for a job and he said to you, “Yes, I see what you are saying, but is it essential that I do those things?” You would know immediately that you did not want to hire that person! This is a question that should not be asked concerning anything that God reveals. If God reveals it in His Word, it is essential!
*****
Why did the dove return to the ark and the raven never return? Because the raven could live off the dead, decaying animals drowned in the flood. But the dove could not. It had to return to the ark for its food. The raven represents the religious man who does not know Christ. He is satisfied with the dead, rotting works of the flesh. But the true believer must return to Christ, his ark, for food. The mark of a true believer is that he is continually coming to Christ for the same thing! Mercy and grace! He cannot be satisfied with anything less.
*****
If there be anything plainly taught in Scripture, it is that the sacrifice of Christ was made for those only who shall eventually be saved by it. If the wisdom of men cannot reconcile this with their views of what is right, let them be prepared to dispute the matter with the Almighty in the Day of Judgment. - Alexander Carson
April 23, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
He comes, the Saviour full of grace
By ancient prophets sung
The light of glory on His face
And Truth upon His tongue.
In Him the world no beauty sees
No form nor comeliness
Rejected and despised He is
And died in deep distress.
But there’s a people taught by God
To know His matchless worth
They own Him as the Lord of all
And shout His praises forth.
Through all the changing scenes of life
In trouble or in joy
The praises of our God shall still
My heart and songs employ.
(Tune: “O For A Thousand Tongues” p.46)
*****
Congratulations to Clark and Savannah Grubb on the birth of their son, Grayson Clark!
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church Sellersburg, IN
Birthdays
23rd – Samantha Daniel 24th – Don Martin 28th – Jim Murphy
28th – Theodore Summers 29th – Eric Dickerson
“Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
- Proverbs 27: 5-6
*****
THE PERSON AND THE WORK OF CHRIST
“We preach Christ crucified.” We preach His Person –“Christ.” We preach His Work – “Crucified.” That comprehends everything He did! The Person of Christ cannot be separated from the Work of Christ. The Work of Christ defines the Person of Christ. There is no knowledge of His Person without a knowledge of What He did! There is no understanding of His Work (what He did), without an understanding of His Person (who He is). When who He is is known, whatever it was He did must be completely successful. This is why Paul said, “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” The Person and Work of Christ is the only thing to preach. Anything preached that does not have the Person and Work of Christ as its foundation is error. A mistake on the Person of Christ necessitates a mistake on the Work of Christ. A mistake on the Work of Christ arises from a mistake on the Person of Christ. The whole Gospel is summarized by this statement, “We preach Christ crucified.”
*****
“Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me: it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my hand.”
- Psalm 141:5
When I read this, I asked myself this question: Is this my prayer? Or would I be offended? If I would be offended by the correction of the righteous, I am a great fool filled with pride, and I miss out on a valuable blessing I would have otherwise had. “Rebuke a wise man and he will love thee.” If I fail to love a man for a needful rebuke, I prove myself unwise! Oh for the humility to receive a rebuke with thankfulness!
*****
When it is difficult to fit public worship into life’s busy schedule… I am too busy!
MERCY BEFORE MERCY
We love the story of the Canaanite woman begging mercy from the Lord for her child, she just would not stop until the Lord showed her mercy, even if it was just a crumb. But let’s always remember, from the time she first pleaded for mercy, until the time she was granted mercy, she was only carrying out what the Lord had laid on her heart and mind to say and do – for, “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:1).
With every believer, as with this woman, before you ever ask for mercy, He has shown you mercy by causing you to come to Him for mercy. We would never ask for mercy of our own will and desire, unless He first puts that will and desire in our heart, for, “Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power” (Ps. 110:3). This is why Scripture declares that salvation is of the Lord…from the covenant of grace settled in eternity, to Christ taking on flesh, and living and dying for His people, to His providence keeping them alive and guiding them to the place where they would hear the Gospel, to the secret working and implanting of a new heart that then cries for mercy – it is ALL of our gracious Lord from beginning to end, and everything in between. When a sinner truly asks for mercy from the hands of the Almighty God, it is simply evidence that the Lord has already extended mercy to that sinner giving them the heart, will, and desire to even ask for mercy in the first place. Our Lord and God truly delights and enjoys showing mercy to sinners!
- Brian DuFour
*****
“EXHORT ONE ANOTHER” - Hebrews 3:13
All those adopted into God’s family should cultivate a continual care and concern for each family member. How can we do this? Look at what the Scriptures say!
I Corinthians 12:25 “Care one for another”
John 13:34 “Love one another”
James 5:16 “Pray for one another”
I Thessalonians 4:18 “Comfort one another”
Romans 15:14 “Admonish one another”
I Thessalonians 5:11 “Edify one another”
Mark 9:50 “To be at peace with one another”
Ephesians 4:32 “Forgive one another”
- Tom Harding
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
He comes, the Saviour full of grace
By ancient prophets sung
The light of glory on His face
And Truth upon His tongue.
In Him the world no beauty sees
No form nor comeliness
Rejected and despised He is
And died in deep distress.
But there’s a people taught by God
To know His matchless worth
They own Him as the Lord of all
And shout His praises forth.
Through all the changing scenes of life
In trouble or in joy
The praises of our God shall still
My heart and songs employ.
(Tune: “O For A Thousand Tongues” p.46)
*****
Congratulations to Clark and Savannah Grubb on the birth of their son, Grayson Clark!
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
July 28-30 Redeemer Grace Church Sellersburg, IN
Birthdays
23rd – Samantha Daniel 24th – Don Martin 28th – Jim Murphy
28th – Theodore Summers 29th – Eric Dickerson
“Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
- Proverbs 27: 5-6
*****
THE PERSON AND THE WORK OF CHRIST
“We preach Christ crucified.” We preach His Person –“Christ.” We preach His Work – “Crucified.” That comprehends everything He did! The Person of Christ cannot be separated from the Work of Christ. The Work of Christ defines the Person of Christ. There is no knowledge of His Person without a knowledge of What He did! There is no understanding of His Work (what He did), without an understanding of His Person (who He is). When who He is is known, whatever it was He did must be completely successful. This is why Paul said, “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” The Person and Work of Christ is the only thing to preach. Anything preached that does not have the Person and Work of Christ as its foundation is error. A mistake on the Person of Christ necessitates a mistake on the Work of Christ. A mistake on the Work of Christ arises from a mistake on the Person of Christ. The whole Gospel is summarized by this statement, “We preach Christ crucified.”
*****
“Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me: it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my hand.”
- Psalm 141:5
When I read this, I asked myself this question: Is this my prayer? Or would I be offended? If I would be offended by the correction of the righteous, I am a great fool filled with pride, and I miss out on a valuable blessing I would have otherwise had. “Rebuke a wise man and he will love thee.” If I fail to love a man for a needful rebuke, I prove myself unwise! Oh for the humility to receive a rebuke with thankfulness!
*****
When it is difficult to fit public worship into life’s busy schedule… I am too busy!
MERCY BEFORE MERCY
We love the story of the Canaanite woman begging mercy from the Lord for her child, she just would not stop until the Lord showed her mercy, even if it was just a crumb. But let’s always remember, from the time she first pleaded for mercy, until the time she was granted mercy, she was only carrying out what the Lord had laid on her heart and mind to say and do – for, “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:1).
With every believer, as with this woman, before you ever ask for mercy, He has shown you mercy by causing you to come to Him for mercy. We would never ask for mercy of our own will and desire, unless He first puts that will and desire in our heart, for, “Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power” (Ps. 110:3). This is why Scripture declares that salvation is of the Lord…from the covenant of grace settled in eternity, to Christ taking on flesh, and living and dying for His people, to His providence keeping them alive and guiding them to the place where they would hear the Gospel, to the secret working and implanting of a new heart that then cries for mercy – it is ALL of our gracious Lord from beginning to end, and everything in between. When a sinner truly asks for mercy from the hands of the Almighty God, it is simply evidence that the Lord has already extended mercy to that sinner giving them the heart, will, and desire to even ask for mercy in the first place. Our Lord and God truly delights and enjoys showing mercy to sinners!
- Brian DuFour
*****
“EXHORT ONE ANOTHER” - Hebrews 3:13
All those adopted into God’s family should cultivate a continual care and concern for each family member. How can we do this? Look at what the Scriptures say!
I Corinthians 12:25 “Care one for another”
John 13:34 “Love one another”
James 5:16 “Pray for one another”
I Thessalonians 4:18 “Comfort one another”
Romans 15:14 “Admonish one another”
I Thessalonians 5:11 “Edify one another”
Mark 9:50 “To be at peace with one another”
Ephesians 4:32 “Forgive one another”
- Tom Harding
April 16, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
‘Tis not by works of righteousness
Which our own hands have done
But we are saved by sovereign grace
Abounding through the Son.
‘Tis from the mercy of our God
That all our hopes begin
‘Tis by the water and the blood
Our souls are washed from sin.
‘Tis through the merits of His death
Who hung upon the tree
The Spirit is sent down to breathe
On such dry bone as we.
Raised from the dead, we live anew
And justified by grace
We shall appear in glory too
And see our Father’s face.
(Tune: “O God Our Help” p. 10)
*****
We extend our sympathy to Mitch Bryan and family on the death of his mother, Thelma Bryan.
Birthdays
16th – Sherry Johnson 16th – Ann Schuyler 17th Kyle Bicknell
20th – Kim Daniel 20th – Becky Rigsby
22nd- Vade Carroll 22nd – Rick Kess
“Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” - Proverbs 20:17
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Does that mean that water baptism is necessary for salvation? Was the thief on the cross baptized? No. Was he saved? Yes. That answers that question! So why did the Lord say this? In making that statement He tells us the requirement for baptism: faith! “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Only those who believe are to be baptized. Not only does this deny infant baptism, but it says if I went through the ceremony of baptism before I really believed the Gospel, it was not true baptism, but a meaningless religious ritual. The requirement for baptism is faith in Christ. If we believe the Gospel, we are to be baptized!
*****
GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE
This was Paul’s desire for both Timothy, Titus, and every other believer! It has been said that grace is God giving us what we do not deserve and mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve. Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve because of our sinfulness. Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve because of our guiltiness. The only hope a man has who is evil is grace, and if my evil is all my fault, the only, my only, hope is that He will have mercy on me. Only if salvation is by the sheer grace and mercy of God in Christ can a man have a well grounded peace.
*****
God is one God in three distinct Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father is the One who elected us before time began to be saved. God the Son saved us by His redeeming work on the cross. We experience this salvation when God the Holy Spirit gives us life from the dead. Hence it is all three persons of the God-head who save us, and the work of each One is absolutely necessary for the salvation of the sinner.
*****
FOR CHRIST’S SAKE
“For Christ’s sake.” I counted 40 times in the New Testament alone where this phrase is used. What God does for Christ’s sake! He takes those who are evil and rebellious toward Him and He saves them for Christ’s sake. Salvation is 100% for Christ’s sake. Salvation is not God’s response to us. Salvation is God’s response to Christ. “For Christ’s sake.” Men have lost their lives for Christ’s sake, and counted it a blessed privilege to do so. “For Christ’s sake.” What power this has with God! What power this has with men! What power does it have with you?
WHAT DID ABRAHAM FIND?
“What shall we say then that Abraham our father as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?” These are the words the Holy Spirit uses to begin Romans 4, the chapter that defines to us what faith is. And the question He asks is, “What did Abraham find?” Did he find out that he would be saved if he met certain conditions that would lead to his salvation? Did he find out that salvation was available to him if he complied to certain terms, but it was ultimately dependent upon him first complying to the terms? No! He found out that he had been justified by what Christ did. You cannot find what was not already there before you found it!
No sinner has the right to even suspect that God loves them or Christ died for them unless they believe the Gospel. There is no salvation apart from faith! When you believe, you rely on the fact that your salvation was accomplished when Christ said, “It is finished.” You find out that your salvation was completely accomplished by Christ. You find out that Christ saved you on the cross. You find out that your entire acceptance with God was worked out by what Christ actually did when He lived and died for you. What Abraham found is what every believer finds in hearing the Gospel. “In Whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation”(Ephesians 1:13).
*****
TRUE DOCTRINE
On true doctrine rests the worship of the true and living God. From error in doctrine springs the worship of a false god. There is a tendency among many religious people to undervalue true doctrine, to exalt morality at the expense of the character of God and the teachings of our Lord, and to deny the importance of a sound creed. I do not doubt that a sound creed has often covered an unsound life. But when I hear it said, “Such and such do not believe the doctrines of sovereign grace and substitution, but they love the Lord and are saved,” I wonder and ask, “What then was the Bible written for?” Is it no infallible expression of the mind of God? Is it no standard of Truth? Are we to believe what appeals to us and deny the rest? God forbid! God’s Word declares the oneness of Truth and condemns EVERY DEPARTURE FROM THE TRUTH AS A DIRECT ATTACK ON GOD HIMSELF! Do not tell me that a man’s heart is right with God when his head contains a creed of error and denies the Person and Word of the Redeemer.
– Horatius Bonar
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
‘Tis not by works of righteousness
Which our own hands have done
But we are saved by sovereign grace
Abounding through the Son.
‘Tis from the mercy of our God
That all our hopes begin
‘Tis by the water and the blood
Our souls are washed from sin.
‘Tis through the merits of His death
Who hung upon the tree
The Spirit is sent down to breathe
On such dry bone as we.
Raised from the dead, we live anew
And justified by grace
We shall appear in glory too
And see our Father’s face.
(Tune: “O God Our Help” p. 10)
*****
We extend our sympathy to Mitch Bryan and family on the death of his mother, Thelma Bryan.
Birthdays
16th – Sherry Johnson 16th – Ann Schuyler 17th Kyle Bicknell
20th – Kim Daniel 20th – Becky Rigsby
22nd- Vade Carroll 22nd – Rick Kess
“Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” - Proverbs 20:17
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Does that mean that water baptism is necessary for salvation? Was the thief on the cross baptized? No. Was he saved? Yes. That answers that question! So why did the Lord say this? In making that statement He tells us the requirement for baptism: faith! “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Only those who believe are to be baptized. Not only does this deny infant baptism, but it says if I went through the ceremony of baptism before I really believed the Gospel, it was not true baptism, but a meaningless religious ritual. The requirement for baptism is faith in Christ. If we believe the Gospel, we are to be baptized!
*****
GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE
This was Paul’s desire for both Timothy, Titus, and every other believer! It has been said that grace is God giving us what we do not deserve and mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve. Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve because of our sinfulness. Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve because of our guiltiness. The only hope a man has who is evil is grace, and if my evil is all my fault, the only, my only, hope is that He will have mercy on me. Only if salvation is by the sheer grace and mercy of God in Christ can a man have a well grounded peace.
*****
God is one God in three distinct Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father is the One who elected us before time began to be saved. God the Son saved us by His redeeming work on the cross. We experience this salvation when God the Holy Spirit gives us life from the dead. Hence it is all three persons of the God-head who save us, and the work of each One is absolutely necessary for the salvation of the sinner.
*****
FOR CHRIST’S SAKE
“For Christ’s sake.” I counted 40 times in the New Testament alone where this phrase is used. What God does for Christ’s sake! He takes those who are evil and rebellious toward Him and He saves them for Christ’s sake. Salvation is 100% for Christ’s sake. Salvation is not God’s response to us. Salvation is God’s response to Christ. “For Christ’s sake.” Men have lost their lives for Christ’s sake, and counted it a blessed privilege to do so. “For Christ’s sake.” What power this has with God! What power this has with men! What power does it have with you?
WHAT DID ABRAHAM FIND?
“What shall we say then that Abraham our father as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?” These are the words the Holy Spirit uses to begin Romans 4, the chapter that defines to us what faith is. And the question He asks is, “What did Abraham find?” Did he find out that he would be saved if he met certain conditions that would lead to his salvation? Did he find out that salvation was available to him if he complied to certain terms, but it was ultimately dependent upon him first complying to the terms? No! He found out that he had been justified by what Christ did. You cannot find what was not already there before you found it!
No sinner has the right to even suspect that God loves them or Christ died for them unless they believe the Gospel. There is no salvation apart from faith! When you believe, you rely on the fact that your salvation was accomplished when Christ said, “It is finished.” You find out that your salvation was completely accomplished by Christ. You find out that Christ saved you on the cross. You find out that your entire acceptance with God was worked out by what Christ actually did when He lived and died for you. What Abraham found is what every believer finds in hearing the Gospel. “In Whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation”(Ephesians 1:13).
*****
TRUE DOCTRINE
On true doctrine rests the worship of the true and living God. From error in doctrine springs the worship of a false god. There is a tendency among many religious people to undervalue true doctrine, to exalt morality at the expense of the character of God and the teachings of our Lord, and to deny the importance of a sound creed. I do not doubt that a sound creed has often covered an unsound life. But when I hear it said, “Such and such do not believe the doctrines of sovereign grace and substitution, but they love the Lord and are saved,” I wonder and ask, “What then was the Bible written for?” Is it no infallible expression of the mind of God? Is it no standard of Truth? Are we to believe what appeals to us and deny the rest? God forbid! God’s Word declares the oneness of Truth and condemns EVERY DEPARTURE FROM THE TRUTH AS A DIRECT ATTACK ON GOD HIMSELF! Do not tell me that a man’s heart is right with God when his head contains a creed of error and denies the Person and Word of the Redeemer.
– Horatius Bonar
April 9, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No beauty can I see
The one thing needful, Dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All-in all, I pray.
Less then Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I can not crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “According To Thy Gracious Word” p.192)
*****
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch this Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am for Emma Steeves & Daniel Hubbs. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
Everyone is invited to the wedding of Sarah Ferrell and Jeffrey Gudowicz on Friday, April 28th at 3:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
9th – Rick Anjos 11th – Lillian Daniel 12th – Jason Gillispie
13th – Sarah Byrd 15th – Jaiden Wilson
“Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
- Proverbs 23:4-5
“It is Christ that died”
Who Christ died for is an issue because Christ makes it an issue. “I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” “I lay down My life for the sheep.” “Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it.” “I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me.” That being said, the greater issue is WHO died? The One who died is incapable of failure. What He intended to do, that is precisely what He did! To think of the atonement of Christ in any other way than absolute success is to fail to believe who He is! We are not ashamed to say He died only for the elect. But the most important aspect of His atoning death is ….Who died? “It is Christ that died.” Because of who He is, all that He died for must be saved. To say that He can pay for somebody’s sins and they can still go to hell is degrading to, and falsely presenting the Person of Christ and is a denial of the justice of God. If Christ paid the debt, the sinner He died for will never have to pay it again!
*****
BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S TABLE
The Lord has given two ordinances that He has commanded the church to observe - Baptism and the Lord’s Table. There is no saving efficacy in them, nor are they means through which grace is conveyed. The thief on the cross was never baptized, nor did he ever take the Lord’s Table, and he was saved! But they are both ordinances that He commands us to observe. They both depict the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If a man refuses to be baptized or does not attend when the Lord’s Table is being observed, he is directly disobeying the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you believe the Gospel and have not been baptized, do so! If the Lord’s Table is being observed and you are a believer, you should be present! While there is no saving efficacy in these ordinances, that does not take away from their importance!
*****
“My grace is sufficient for you.” This is the promise of Christ to every believer! For some reason it is easier for me to believe that it is sufficient for somebody else than it is for me. But all that is, is unbelief! If salvation is all by grace, then His grace is sufficient for me to have full assurance of salvation. When I lack this, I am not really believing that His grace is sufficient for me. Unbelief is failure to believe the Truth. Oh, my soul, believe that His grace is sufficient for thee.
THE KEY TO KNOWING THE TRUTH
“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). Many believe error. Few believe the Truth. What is the key to knowing and believing the Truth? First, we have to hear the Truth. You cannot believe what you have never heard. But equally important is a desire to do God’s will. If that is our desire, the Lord will not let us be deceived. When error is believed and received, there is a sinful reason behind it. It is to protect something that we should not or enable us to justify our sin in some way. False doctrine is not an intellectual problem, but a sin problem. Whenever false doctrine is believed and received, there is an unwillingness to do His will.
*****
CONTENTMENT
“I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Contentment is satisfaction with whatever God does. It is not envious at the blessings others have. It does not fret over circumstances. It does not covet what it does not have. It is humble, being content with anything because it knows it deserves nothing. It is not ambitious for greater recognition. It believes all of God’s providence is good. Contentment arises from trust. God is too wise to err, too kind to be cruel, and too powerful to not be the first cause of all things. A content person is a happy person. A discontent person is a dissatisfied, envious, covetous, proud, ambitious, mistrusting, unhappy person.
*****
AN EVERLASTING SAVLATION
“But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation” (Isaiah 45:17). Salvation is eternal. If the Lord has saved you in time, it is only because you have always been saved in eternity… for when Christ, in the eternal covenant of grace, agreed to come to this earth, and live and die for His people, He did so as, “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8). Before any one of God’s elect had ever committed a sin in time, that sin was paid for and put away by the Lamb slain in eternity. In God’s salvation, you must still be given spiritual life to look to Christ alone in faith during your time on this earth, but that is only the evidence that Christ has already saved you in eternity, before the earth was even created. True salvation does not “get you saved”… it reveals you have “always been saved” in the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. – Brian DuFour
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No beauty can I see
The one thing needful, Dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All-in all, I pray.
Less then Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I can not crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “According To Thy Gracious Word” p.192)
*****
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch this Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am for Emma Steeves & Daniel Hubbs. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
Everyone is invited to the wedding of Sarah Ferrell and Jeffrey Gudowicz on Friday, April 28th at 3:00pm. The invitation is in the foyer.
Birthdays
9th – Rick Anjos 11th – Lillian Daniel 12th – Jason Gillispie
13th – Sarah Byrd 15th – Jaiden Wilson
“Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
- Proverbs 23:4-5
“It is Christ that died”
Who Christ died for is an issue because Christ makes it an issue. “I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” “I lay down My life for the sheep.” “Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it.” “I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me.” That being said, the greater issue is WHO died? The One who died is incapable of failure. What He intended to do, that is precisely what He did! To think of the atonement of Christ in any other way than absolute success is to fail to believe who He is! We are not ashamed to say He died only for the elect. But the most important aspect of His atoning death is ….Who died? “It is Christ that died.” Because of who He is, all that He died for must be saved. To say that He can pay for somebody’s sins and they can still go to hell is degrading to, and falsely presenting the Person of Christ and is a denial of the justice of God. If Christ paid the debt, the sinner He died for will never have to pay it again!
*****
BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S TABLE
The Lord has given two ordinances that He has commanded the church to observe - Baptism and the Lord’s Table. There is no saving efficacy in them, nor are they means through which grace is conveyed. The thief on the cross was never baptized, nor did he ever take the Lord’s Table, and he was saved! But they are both ordinances that He commands us to observe. They both depict the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If a man refuses to be baptized or does not attend when the Lord’s Table is being observed, he is directly disobeying the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you believe the Gospel and have not been baptized, do so! If the Lord’s Table is being observed and you are a believer, you should be present! While there is no saving efficacy in these ordinances, that does not take away from their importance!
*****
“My grace is sufficient for you.” This is the promise of Christ to every believer! For some reason it is easier for me to believe that it is sufficient for somebody else than it is for me. But all that is, is unbelief! If salvation is all by grace, then His grace is sufficient for me to have full assurance of salvation. When I lack this, I am not really believing that His grace is sufficient for me. Unbelief is failure to believe the Truth. Oh, my soul, believe that His grace is sufficient for thee.
THE KEY TO KNOWING THE TRUTH
“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). Many believe error. Few believe the Truth. What is the key to knowing and believing the Truth? First, we have to hear the Truth. You cannot believe what you have never heard. But equally important is a desire to do God’s will. If that is our desire, the Lord will not let us be deceived. When error is believed and received, there is a sinful reason behind it. It is to protect something that we should not or enable us to justify our sin in some way. False doctrine is not an intellectual problem, but a sin problem. Whenever false doctrine is believed and received, there is an unwillingness to do His will.
*****
CONTENTMENT
“I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Contentment is satisfaction with whatever God does. It is not envious at the blessings others have. It does not fret over circumstances. It does not covet what it does not have. It is humble, being content with anything because it knows it deserves nothing. It is not ambitious for greater recognition. It believes all of God’s providence is good. Contentment arises from trust. God is too wise to err, too kind to be cruel, and too powerful to not be the first cause of all things. A content person is a happy person. A discontent person is a dissatisfied, envious, covetous, proud, ambitious, mistrusting, unhappy person.
*****
AN EVERLASTING SAVLATION
“But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation” (Isaiah 45:17). Salvation is eternal. If the Lord has saved you in time, it is only because you have always been saved in eternity… for when Christ, in the eternal covenant of grace, agreed to come to this earth, and live and die for His people, He did so as, “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8). Before any one of God’s elect had ever committed a sin in time, that sin was paid for and put away by the Lamb slain in eternity. In God’s salvation, you must still be given spiritual life to look to Christ alone in faith during your time on this earth, but that is only the evidence that Christ has already saved you in eternity, before the earth was even created. True salvation does not “get you saved”… it reveals you have “always been saved” in the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. – Brian DuFour
April 2, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to the Holy Father
Fountain of eternal love
Who, His wandering sheep to gather
Sent the Saviour from above.
Glory to the Son be given
Who with love unknown before
Left the bright abode of heaven
And our sins and sorrows bore.
Glory to the Holy Spirit
Let His praise our tongues employ
Author of all saving graces
Source of wisdom, peace, and joy.
Praise the God of our salvation
Host on High His pow’r proclaim
Heav’n and earth and all creation
Laud and magnify His Name!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am for Emma Steeves & Daniel Hubbs. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
April 7-9 Katy Baptist Church Fairmont, WV
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
Birthdays
4th – Evan Wright 5th –Jessica Elliott 7th – Seth Daniel
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” - Proverbs 10:12
*****
JOY AND HAPPINESS
Joy and happiness are two completely different things. The etymology of the word happy comes from the norse word which means chance or luck. It is completely dependent upon circumstances. Even in the Declaration of Independence we read of our right to “the pursuit of happiness.” Men’s pursuit of happiness is usually what is behind much of the misery and injustice in the world. But joy is not dependent upon circumstances. If I have “the joy and peace of believing” terrible circumstances cannot alter that joy. The joy of believing is the joy of believing I have all that God requires of me in Christ, and that all circumstances are working together for my good by Him who called me according to His purpose. Things such as luck and chance are foreign to the thinking of one who knows the One who is the cause of and controls all things (Proverbs 16:33). Happiness is fleeting and it takes very little to lose it. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Happiness is temporary. Joy is eternal!
*****
WHO MAKETH THEE TO DIFFER?
While there is no difference between men in that -“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”- there is also a vast difference between men. Some are raised in privilege and have opportunities others could never dream of. Some are raised in homes where parents care. Others are raised in homes with people who do not care to be parents. Some are born more gifted and intelligent than others. Who made that difference? God did! If I am saved by the grace of God, there is a vast difference between me and the man who is not saved. I have a new nature, given in the new birth that the unsaved man does not have. Because of that, the differences are myriad. But who made that difference? God did! God the Father elected me, God the Son redeemed me, and God the Holy Spirit gave me spiritual life from the dead. While this completely excludes any reason for pride on my part, it gives me every reason to thank the Lord for His infinite grace toward me!
*****
The religious need to be entertained and impressed by spiritual surroundings. The simpler the service and the more preaching (of Christ), the better the believer likes it; for it is Christ he has come to hear about and worship. – Henry Mahan
During the American Civil War fought between the years 1861-1865, over 600,000 soldiers from the south died, but a heartfelt prayer that survived was the Prayer of the Unknown Confederate Solider, a soldier’s unrequited but unsurpassed prayer….
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humble to obey…
I asked for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity that I might do better things….
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise…
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God…
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things….
I got nothing that I asked for – but everything I hoped for,
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men, most richly blessed.
- Copied
*****
The Lord Jesus does not bid the laboring and heavy-laden “go and work.” Those words would carry no comfort to heavy consciences – it would be like requiring labor from an exhausted man. No! He bids them “Come!” He does not say, “Pay Me what you owe.” That demand would drive a broken heart into despair – it would be like claiming a debt from a ruined bankrupt. No! He says, “Come!” He does not say, “Stand still and wait.” That command would only be a mockery – it would be like promising to give medicine at the end of a week to one at the point of death. No – He says, “Come!” Today – at once- without delay, “Come unto Me!” - J. C. Ryle
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to the Holy Father
Fountain of eternal love
Who, His wandering sheep to gather
Sent the Saviour from above.
Glory to the Son be given
Who with love unknown before
Left the bright abode of heaven
And our sins and sorrows bore.
Glory to the Holy Spirit
Let His praise our tongues employ
Author of all saving graces
Source of wisdom, peace, and joy.
Praise the God of our salvation
Host on High His pow’r proclaim
Heav’n and earth and all creation
Laud and magnify His Name!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am for Emma Steeves & Daniel Hubbs. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
April 7-9 Katy Baptist Church Fairmont, WV
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
Birthdays
4th – Evan Wright 5th –Jessica Elliott 7th – Seth Daniel
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” - Proverbs 10:12
*****
JOY AND HAPPINESS
Joy and happiness are two completely different things. The etymology of the word happy comes from the norse word which means chance or luck. It is completely dependent upon circumstances. Even in the Declaration of Independence we read of our right to “the pursuit of happiness.” Men’s pursuit of happiness is usually what is behind much of the misery and injustice in the world. But joy is not dependent upon circumstances. If I have “the joy and peace of believing” terrible circumstances cannot alter that joy. The joy of believing is the joy of believing I have all that God requires of me in Christ, and that all circumstances are working together for my good by Him who called me according to His purpose. Things such as luck and chance are foreign to the thinking of one who knows the One who is the cause of and controls all things (Proverbs 16:33). Happiness is fleeting and it takes very little to lose it. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Happiness is temporary. Joy is eternal!
*****
WHO MAKETH THEE TO DIFFER?
While there is no difference between men in that -“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”- there is also a vast difference between men. Some are raised in privilege and have opportunities others could never dream of. Some are raised in homes where parents care. Others are raised in homes with people who do not care to be parents. Some are born more gifted and intelligent than others. Who made that difference? God did! If I am saved by the grace of God, there is a vast difference between me and the man who is not saved. I have a new nature, given in the new birth that the unsaved man does not have. Because of that, the differences are myriad. But who made that difference? God did! God the Father elected me, God the Son redeemed me, and God the Holy Spirit gave me spiritual life from the dead. While this completely excludes any reason for pride on my part, it gives me every reason to thank the Lord for His infinite grace toward me!
*****
The religious need to be entertained and impressed by spiritual surroundings. The simpler the service and the more preaching (of Christ), the better the believer likes it; for it is Christ he has come to hear about and worship. – Henry Mahan
During the American Civil War fought between the years 1861-1865, over 600,000 soldiers from the south died, but a heartfelt prayer that survived was the Prayer of the Unknown Confederate Solider, a soldier’s unrequited but unsurpassed prayer….
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humble to obey…
I asked for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity that I might do better things….
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise…
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God…
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things….
I got nothing that I asked for – but everything I hoped for,
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men, most richly blessed.
- Copied
*****
The Lord Jesus does not bid the laboring and heavy-laden “go and work.” Those words would carry no comfort to heavy consciences – it would be like requiring labor from an exhausted man. No! He bids them “Come!” He does not say, “Pay Me what you owe.” That demand would drive a broken heart into despair – it would be like claiming a debt from a ruined bankrupt. No! He says, “Come!” He does not say, “Stand still and wait.” That command would only be a mockery – it would be like promising to give medicine at the end of a week to one at the point of death. No – He says, “Come!” Today – at once- without delay, “Come unto Me!” - J. C. Ryle
March 26, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Where God begins His gracious work
That work He will complete
For ‘round the objects of His love
All power and mercy meet. (Repeat)
Man may repent him of his work
And fail in his intent
God is above the power of change
And never can repent. (Repeat)
Each object of His love is sure
To reach the heavenly goal
For neither sin nor Satan can
Destroy the blood washed soul. (Repeat)
The precious blood of God’s dear Son
Shall ne’er be shed in vain
The soul on Christ believing must
With Christ forever reign. (Repeat)
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am for Emma Steeves & Daniel Hubbs. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
April 7-9 Katy Baptist Church Fairmont, WV
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
Birthday
27th – Jessica Clark 29th – Bryant Martin
30th Sherri Morris 1st – Jennifer Anjos
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” - Proverbs 21:23
*****
“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” - Psalm 84:10
David is speaking of public worship. God is glorified in the public worship of the church. Church means “a called out assembly.” What we believe, or who we believe is seen in our public identification. “Whoso confesses Me before men.” Christ promises His presence where, “Two or three gathered together in My Name.” It was, “In the midst of the seven candlesticks” that John saw, “One like unto the Son of Man.” That is when he went on to describe Him. The best private worship takes place in public worship in the hearing of the Gospel preached. “Faith cometh by hearing.” We would not dare take the Lord’s Table by ourselves or baptize ourselves. These are to be done only in public worship. The greatest security against apostasy is to, “Not forsake the assembling of yourselves together.” The worship in heaven is public worship. “Ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands say with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” Of this we can be sure, when public worship is neglected, private worship is neglected even more.
*****
“For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” – Hebrews 3:14
What is the beginning of our confidence? When I first looked to Christ, I did not have any experiences I could look back to and have confidence in. In the beginning of my spiritual life, Christ was my ONLY HOPE. I was nothing but a sinner needing the Saviour. False religion tells us that is fine in the beginning, but you need to progress past that. But I find in my own experience that I have not got an inch past that. You can criticize me for that if you want, but the Word of God tells me that I will be a partake of Christ only if I hold, “The beginning of our confidence, steadfast until the end.” The ONLY peace this sinner ever experiences is that peace of knowing that although I am nothing but a sinner, Christ is all I need! Only those who look only to Christ are made partakers of Him.
*****
I do not understand how a man can be a true believer in whom sin is not the greatest burden, sorrow and trouble. – John Owen
LITTLE ERRORS?
When Satan tempted Eve, he did not begin with open error. He did not begin with an open rejection or denial of what God said. Eve would have never swallowed that. He began with a slight modification of what God said. “Hath God said you shall not eat of every tree.” No, God said there was only one tree which they were forbidden to eat from. But through that slight modification the door was opened for a complete denial of what God said, “Ye shall not surely die.” Big errors always begin with small. And small errors always turn into big ones! The only way to prevent this is to believe exactly what God says and reject even the slightest deviation from it! In reality, little errors are like little sins. There is no such thing!
*****
There is no other Saviour but Christ to look to, no other Mediator between God and men to make use of, no other Physician of value for diseased and sin-sick souls to apply unto, no other Fountain but His blood for polluted souls to wash in and be cleansed, no other City of Refuge or stronghold for souls sensible of danger to flee unto and be safe, no other to come to as Bread of Life where hungry souls may be fed, no other Place of Rest for those who are weary and heavy laden, nor is there any other where there is plenty of all grace and security from every enemy, as in HIM; and therefore, to whom can they recourse, but to HIM? - John Gill
*****
“Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” - John 6:60
From the standpoint of God’s eternal decree, it may be truly said that believing sinners will not turn away from Christ because they CANNOT, but from the standpoint of the believer’s experience, it may just as truly be said that believers cannot turn away from Christ because they WILL NOT. And this is not presumption. It is the simply, saving, childlike faith and trust of a believing sinner, a true believer. The desperate NEED of his soul can only be satisfied in Christ Jesus the Lord! - Maurice Montgomery
*****
It is hard to say which is worse – the atheist who says there is no God or the religionist who maintains that God cannot do as He pleases.
- Scott Richardson
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Where God begins His gracious work
That work He will complete
For ‘round the objects of His love
All power and mercy meet. (Repeat)
Man may repent him of his work
And fail in his intent
God is above the power of change
And never can repent. (Repeat)
Each object of His love is sure
To reach the heavenly goal
For neither sin nor Satan can
Destroy the blood washed soul. (Repeat)
The precious blood of God’s dear Son
Shall ne’er be shed in vain
The soul on Christ believing must
With Christ forever reign. (Repeat)
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am for Emma Steeves & Daniel Hubbs. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
April 7-9 Katy Baptist Church Fairmont, WV
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
Birthday
27th – Jessica Clark 29th – Bryant Martin
30th Sherri Morris 1st – Jennifer Anjos
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” - Proverbs 21:23
*****
“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” - Psalm 84:10
David is speaking of public worship. God is glorified in the public worship of the church. Church means “a called out assembly.” What we believe, or who we believe is seen in our public identification. “Whoso confesses Me before men.” Christ promises His presence where, “Two or three gathered together in My Name.” It was, “In the midst of the seven candlesticks” that John saw, “One like unto the Son of Man.” That is when he went on to describe Him. The best private worship takes place in public worship in the hearing of the Gospel preached. “Faith cometh by hearing.” We would not dare take the Lord’s Table by ourselves or baptize ourselves. These are to be done only in public worship. The greatest security against apostasy is to, “Not forsake the assembling of yourselves together.” The worship in heaven is public worship. “Ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands say with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” Of this we can be sure, when public worship is neglected, private worship is neglected even more.
*****
“For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” – Hebrews 3:14
What is the beginning of our confidence? When I first looked to Christ, I did not have any experiences I could look back to and have confidence in. In the beginning of my spiritual life, Christ was my ONLY HOPE. I was nothing but a sinner needing the Saviour. False religion tells us that is fine in the beginning, but you need to progress past that. But I find in my own experience that I have not got an inch past that. You can criticize me for that if you want, but the Word of God tells me that I will be a partake of Christ only if I hold, “The beginning of our confidence, steadfast until the end.” The ONLY peace this sinner ever experiences is that peace of knowing that although I am nothing but a sinner, Christ is all I need! Only those who look only to Christ are made partakers of Him.
*****
I do not understand how a man can be a true believer in whom sin is not the greatest burden, sorrow and trouble. – John Owen
LITTLE ERRORS?
When Satan tempted Eve, he did not begin with open error. He did not begin with an open rejection or denial of what God said. Eve would have never swallowed that. He began with a slight modification of what God said. “Hath God said you shall not eat of every tree.” No, God said there was only one tree which they were forbidden to eat from. But through that slight modification the door was opened for a complete denial of what God said, “Ye shall not surely die.” Big errors always begin with small. And small errors always turn into big ones! The only way to prevent this is to believe exactly what God says and reject even the slightest deviation from it! In reality, little errors are like little sins. There is no such thing!
*****
There is no other Saviour but Christ to look to, no other Mediator between God and men to make use of, no other Physician of value for diseased and sin-sick souls to apply unto, no other Fountain but His blood for polluted souls to wash in and be cleansed, no other City of Refuge or stronghold for souls sensible of danger to flee unto and be safe, no other to come to as Bread of Life where hungry souls may be fed, no other Place of Rest for those who are weary and heavy laden, nor is there any other where there is plenty of all grace and security from every enemy, as in HIM; and therefore, to whom can they recourse, but to HIM? - John Gill
*****
“Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” - John 6:60
From the standpoint of God’s eternal decree, it may be truly said that believing sinners will not turn away from Christ because they CANNOT, but from the standpoint of the believer’s experience, it may just as truly be said that believers cannot turn away from Christ because they WILL NOT. And this is not presumption. It is the simply, saving, childlike faith and trust of a believing sinner, a true believer. The desperate NEED of his soul can only be satisfied in Christ Jesus the Lord! - Maurice Montgomery
*****
It is hard to say which is worse – the atheist who says there is no God or the religionist who maintains that God cannot do as He pleases.
- Scott Richardson
March 19, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
When all Thy mercies, O my God
My grateful soul surveys
Transported with the view, I’m lost
In wonder, love, and praise
In wonder, love, and praise!
When in the slipp’ry paths of youth
With heedless steps I ran
Thine arm unseen, conveyed me safe
And held me in Thy hand
And held me in Thy hand.
When worn with trouble, oft hast Thou
With love revealed Thy grace
And when in sin and sorrow sunk
In mercy took my place
In mercy took my place.
Through all eternity, to Thee
A grateful song I’ll raise
For O, eternity’s too short
To utter all Thy praise
To utter all Thy praise!
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness”)
*****
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am for Emma Steeves & Daniel Hubbs. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
Birthdays
19th – Rachel Daniel 22nd – Jean Bradford 25th – Zachary Rankin
“Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.” - Proverbs 14:7
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” - I Peter 3:15
I should have people asking me of the reason for the hope that is in me. The people who see me should be affected by what they see! They should see me as different. Someone without a “holier than thou” attitude. They should see someone with genuine humility that comes from knowing God. They should see someone they do no feel judged or threatened by. They should see someone who treats them kindly and graciously. They should see someone who by faith walks with God amidst all of the turmoil that is in the world. We desire for God to give us grace to walk in that way for them to see, so they will ask the reason for the hope we have that enables us to walk that way! Then we could give them the reason…. All of my hope is found in Christ. Not in my works, but Him keeping the law for me, dying for my sins, and being raised for my justification. That only is the reason for my hope!
*****
In John 17 we have the Lord Jesus praying to His Father as the Great High Priest. Who is He praying for? He tells us in verse 9, “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me: for they are Thine!” The implications of that are far reaching! A man would be a fool to not seek out what those implications are and what they mean! I hope you and I do so at once!
*****
Have you ever noticed how believers who have been severely tried under the hand of God become more cautious and humble? They do not speak quite so fast as they used to speak; they do not have a ready solution for every problem; they do not boast of what they have done, will do, or would do under certain circumstances; they are not quite so critical of others who fail; they have little to say about their own doings and much to say about the wonderful grace of our Lord. Afflictions and trials have a way of mellowing believers and creating a certain character which cannot be mistaken or imitated. David wrote in Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn…..”
- Henry Mahan
*****
One of the things that I have learned is, hungry people eat, thirsty people drink, and everyone else just picks at it. So it is with the Gospel. - John Chapman
WANT TO … HOW TO
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good, I find not.” – Romans 7:18
One of the apostle Paul’s greatest desires was to never sin again, yet he knew that every thought, word, and action carried out by his flesh was sin, causing great distress, as it does in every believer. “For to will is present with me” – the desire, the will to do good is present with every believer – we want to never sin again, is the desire of the new holy nature… “But how to perform that which is good I find not” – yet the actions that result are nothing but sin, for they are carried out by the old nature of our sinful flesh.
That is why the believer is in a constant struggle within – our want to (new holy nature) and our how to (old sinful nature) can never work together while we are robed in sinful flesh. But the day is coming when we finally drop this robe of flesh, and we will be seen for who we truly are, holy saints robed in the righteousness of Christ, and finally our want to and how to will work in perfect harmony, for we will only have one nature then, a holy nature… that will want to praise God, and will praise God perfectly …that will want to please God, and will please God perfectly. Until then, may God work in us, “both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). - Brian DuFour
*****
When the church of the Lord Jesus Christ meets, it is not the trifles of this world that should occupy her attention; she has much weightier matters to consider. The Scriptures say in Ecclesiastes 2 that there is a time for everything. There is a time for political concerns; there is a time for social action; there is a time for education and recreation. But the gatherings of the church of the Lord Jesus are a time specifically dedicated to the worship of Jesus Christ! His praise, His Word, His purpose, and His work is our theme. These times must be jealously guarded against any intrusion of mundane matters. Satan, the archenemy of our Lord, will take every opportunity to divert our attention from the blessed Lord. His most effective tactics is to introduce important worldly matters into the worship services of the church. As important as these matters may be, they cannot compare with the heavenly, eternal matters of Jesus Christ and His blood and righteousness. May our gatherings, as well as our minds, be kept pure and sincere toward our Lord Jesus Christ. - Joe Terrell
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
When all Thy mercies, O my God
My grateful soul surveys
Transported with the view, I’m lost
In wonder, love, and praise
In wonder, love, and praise!
When in the slipp’ry paths of youth
With heedless steps I ran
Thine arm unseen, conveyed me safe
And held me in Thy hand
And held me in Thy hand.
When worn with trouble, oft hast Thou
With love revealed Thy grace
And when in sin and sorrow sunk
In mercy took my place
In mercy took my place.
Through all eternity, to Thee
A grateful song I’ll raise
For O, eternity’s too short
To utter all Thy praise
To utter all Thy praise!
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness”)
*****
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am for Emma Steeves & Daniel Hubbs. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
Birthdays
19th – Rachel Daniel 22nd – Jean Bradford 25th – Zachary Rankin
“Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.” - Proverbs 14:7
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” - I Peter 3:15
I should have people asking me of the reason for the hope that is in me. The people who see me should be affected by what they see! They should see me as different. Someone without a “holier than thou” attitude. They should see someone with genuine humility that comes from knowing God. They should see someone they do no feel judged or threatened by. They should see someone who treats them kindly and graciously. They should see someone who by faith walks with God amidst all of the turmoil that is in the world. We desire for God to give us grace to walk in that way for them to see, so they will ask the reason for the hope we have that enables us to walk that way! Then we could give them the reason…. All of my hope is found in Christ. Not in my works, but Him keeping the law for me, dying for my sins, and being raised for my justification. That only is the reason for my hope!
*****
In John 17 we have the Lord Jesus praying to His Father as the Great High Priest. Who is He praying for? He tells us in verse 9, “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me: for they are Thine!” The implications of that are far reaching! A man would be a fool to not seek out what those implications are and what they mean! I hope you and I do so at once!
*****
Have you ever noticed how believers who have been severely tried under the hand of God become more cautious and humble? They do not speak quite so fast as they used to speak; they do not have a ready solution for every problem; they do not boast of what they have done, will do, or would do under certain circumstances; they are not quite so critical of others who fail; they have little to say about their own doings and much to say about the wonderful grace of our Lord. Afflictions and trials have a way of mellowing believers and creating a certain character which cannot be mistaken or imitated. David wrote in Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn…..”
- Henry Mahan
*****
One of the things that I have learned is, hungry people eat, thirsty people drink, and everyone else just picks at it. So it is with the Gospel. - John Chapman
WANT TO … HOW TO
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good, I find not.” – Romans 7:18
One of the apostle Paul’s greatest desires was to never sin again, yet he knew that every thought, word, and action carried out by his flesh was sin, causing great distress, as it does in every believer. “For to will is present with me” – the desire, the will to do good is present with every believer – we want to never sin again, is the desire of the new holy nature… “But how to perform that which is good I find not” – yet the actions that result are nothing but sin, for they are carried out by the old nature of our sinful flesh.
That is why the believer is in a constant struggle within – our want to (new holy nature) and our how to (old sinful nature) can never work together while we are robed in sinful flesh. But the day is coming when we finally drop this robe of flesh, and we will be seen for who we truly are, holy saints robed in the righteousness of Christ, and finally our want to and how to will work in perfect harmony, for we will only have one nature then, a holy nature… that will want to praise God, and will praise God perfectly …that will want to please God, and will please God perfectly. Until then, may God work in us, “both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). - Brian DuFour
*****
When the church of the Lord Jesus Christ meets, it is not the trifles of this world that should occupy her attention; she has much weightier matters to consider. The Scriptures say in Ecclesiastes 2 that there is a time for everything. There is a time for political concerns; there is a time for social action; there is a time for education and recreation. But the gatherings of the church of the Lord Jesus are a time specifically dedicated to the worship of Jesus Christ! His praise, His Word, His purpose, and His work is our theme. These times must be jealously guarded against any intrusion of mundane matters. Satan, the archenemy of our Lord, will take every opportunity to divert our attention from the blessed Lord. His most effective tactics is to introduce important worldly matters into the worship services of the church. As important as these matters may be, they cannot compare with the heavenly, eternal matters of Jesus Christ and His blood and righteousness. May our gatherings, as well as our minds, be kept pure and sincere toward our Lord Jesus Christ. - Joe Terrell
March 12, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
How sweet and blessed is the time
With Christ within this place
When everlasting love reveals
The treasures of His grace.
While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to enjoy the feast
Each of us ask, with thankful hearts
Lord why am I a guest?
Why was I made to hear Thy voice
And come before Thy Throne
While others make a wretched choice
And rather starve than come?
‘Twas the same love that spread the feast
That sweetly called us in
Else we would still refuse to taste
And perish in our sins.
We now desire to bless Thy Name
And in our hearts record
And with our thankful tongues proclaim
The goodness of the Lord!
(Tune: “Am I a soldier of the Cross?” p. 414)
*****
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am for Emma Steeves & Daniel Hubbs. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
Birthdays
12th – Chance Borders 12th – Daniel Clark 13th – Nicholas Creamer
13th – Isaac Hands 14th – Aaron Greenleaf 16th – Jacob Davis
16th – Carson Dent 16th – Emmaline Dent 16th – Jacob Morris
“Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another: lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.” - Proverbs 25:9-10
*****
“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). The failure to from the heart forgive those who have sinned against us is an evidence that we have never been forgiven by God! If I am forgiven, I will forgive. Seeing how God has forgiven me for Christ’s sake, I must forgive! I have not forgiven someone if I continue to punish them by my silence or holding them at a distance. If I am having trouble forgiving someone whom Christ has forgiven, that cannot be justified on any level. If I have trouble and want to continue to punish someone who is not a believer…”Vengeance is mine, I will repay saith the Lord.” It is not my business to punish in the first place. The Lord will take care of all of that. If I am a forgiven sinner it will be seen by me being a forgiving sinner. When we forgive, even forgive when that person is not asking for our forgiveness, that is the most God-like thing we will ever do.
*****
There has never been a sinner who asked for mercy who was denied. I have had many people over the years tell me that they have asked for mercy and their prayer went unheard. The reason their prayer was not heard was they were not really asking for mercy.
When a sinner asks for mercy two things are crystal clear in his heart. First, his sin is all his fault. He cannot blame God’s sovereignty, his circumstances, or someone else. If I do not take complete responsibility for my sin, it is impossible to ask for mercy. Mercy is needed only when my sin is all my fault. Secondly, mercy is God’s to give or withhold. Any objection to God being sovereign in giving His mercy to whom He will is leaving the ground of mercy and entering the ground of entitlement. If I fail to see my sin is all my fault and that mercy is God’s to give or withhold, I have never really asked for mercy. But if I confess before God that my sin is all my fault, and acknowledge His sovereign mercy is His to give or withhold and cry out, “God be merciful to me the sinner,” I will receive mercy. There has never been a sinner who sought mercy who was denied.
James tells us, “The double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Who is this double-minded man? The word means literally, “two sided.” It signifies divided interests. The double minded man seeks to trust Christ and himself. He believes grace and works. He seeks to be justified by Christ’s righteousness combined with his own. He looks to Christ and himself for sanctification. He attempts to serve the Lord and himself. He keeps one foot in the world and the other in heaven.
James tells us that this man will receive NOTHING from the Lord and is unstable in all of his ways. If you start in the wrong direction, you will end up in the wrong place. What should the double minded man do? Become a one-minded man! The place to begin is to look to Christ ONLY. If the double-minded man becomes singular in the object of faith, everything else will follow suit.
*****
I think that very often unbelievers sit under the preaching of the Gospel, waiting and hoping for some kind of experience or feeling of peace and joy before believing the testimony of God concerning His son (I John 5:9-13; John 3:21-36; 8:24). If you are doing this, then you have, to use an old proverb, “Put the cart before the horse,” and are actually looking to yourself rather than to Christ for your soul’s salvation! Believing is the key which opens the door (Christ) through which sinners enter in “Rejoicing”! Thus, the great apostle to the Gentiles writes that we obtain “joy and peace through believing.”
- Maurice Montgomery
*****
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
March 24-26 Hurricane Road Grace Church Ashland, KY
April 7-9 Katy Baptist Church Fairmont, WV
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
How sweet and blessed is the time
With Christ within this place
When everlasting love reveals
The treasures of His grace.
While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to enjoy the feast
Each of us ask, with thankful hearts
Lord why am I a guest?
Why was I made to hear Thy voice
And come before Thy Throne
While others make a wretched choice
And rather starve than come?
‘Twas the same love that spread the feast
That sweetly called us in
Else we would still refuse to taste
And perish in our sins.
We now desire to bless Thy Name
And in our hearts record
And with our thankful tongues proclaim
The goodness of the Lord!
(Tune: “Am I a soldier of the Cross?” p. 414)
*****
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am for Emma Steeves & Daniel Hubbs. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
Birthdays
12th – Chance Borders 12th – Daniel Clark 13th – Nicholas Creamer
13th – Isaac Hands 14th – Aaron Greenleaf 16th – Jacob Davis
16th – Carson Dent 16th – Emmaline Dent 16th – Jacob Morris
“Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another: lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.” - Proverbs 25:9-10
*****
“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). The failure to from the heart forgive those who have sinned against us is an evidence that we have never been forgiven by God! If I am forgiven, I will forgive. Seeing how God has forgiven me for Christ’s sake, I must forgive! I have not forgiven someone if I continue to punish them by my silence or holding them at a distance. If I am having trouble forgiving someone whom Christ has forgiven, that cannot be justified on any level. If I have trouble and want to continue to punish someone who is not a believer…”Vengeance is mine, I will repay saith the Lord.” It is not my business to punish in the first place. The Lord will take care of all of that. If I am a forgiven sinner it will be seen by me being a forgiving sinner. When we forgive, even forgive when that person is not asking for our forgiveness, that is the most God-like thing we will ever do.
*****
There has never been a sinner who asked for mercy who was denied. I have had many people over the years tell me that they have asked for mercy and their prayer went unheard. The reason their prayer was not heard was they were not really asking for mercy.
When a sinner asks for mercy two things are crystal clear in his heart. First, his sin is all his fault. He cannot blame God’s sovereignty, his circumstances, or someone else. If I do not take complete responsibility for my sin, it is impossible to ask for mercy. Mercy is needed only when my sin is all my fault. Secondly, mercy is God’s to give or withhold. Any objection to God being sovereign in giving His mercy to whom He will is leaving the ground of mercy and entering the ground of entitlement. If I fail to see my sin is all my fault and that mercy is God’s to give or withhold, I have never really asked for mercy. But if I confess before God that my sin is all my fault, and acknowledge His sovereign mercy is His to give or withhold and cry out, “God be merciful to me the sinner,” I will receive mercy. There has never been a sinner who sought mercy who was denied.
James tells us, “The double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Who is this double-minded man? The word means literally, “two sided.” It signifies divided interests. The double minded man seeks to trust Christ and himself. He believes grace and works. He seeks to be justified by Christ’s righteousness combined with his own. He looks to Christ and himself for sanctification. He attempts to serve the Lord and himself. He keeps one foot in the world and the other in heaven.
James tells us that this man will receive NOTHING from the Lord and is unstable in all of his ways. If you start in the wrong direction, you will end up in the wrong place. What should the double minded man do? Become a one-minded man! The place to begin is to look to Christ ONLY. If the double-minded man becomes singular in the object of faith, everything else will follow suit.
*****
I think that very often unbelievers sit under the preaching of the Gospel, waiting and hoping for some kind of experience or feeling of peace and joy before believing the testimony of God concerning His son (I John 5:9-13; John 3:21-36; 8:24). If you are doing this, then you have, to use an old proverb, “Put the cart before the horse,” and are actually looking to yourself rather than to Christ for your soul’s salvation! Believing is the key which opens the door (Christ) through which sinners enter in “Rejoicing”! Thus, the great apostle to the Gentiles writes that we obtain “joy and peace through believing.”
- Maurice Montgomery
*****
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
March 24-26 Hurricane Road Grace Church Ashland, KY
April 7-9 Katy Baptist Church Fairmont, WV
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
March 5, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
On its glories, on its glories
Let my soul forever dwell.
What from Christ my soul can sever
Bound by everlasting bands?
Once in Him, in Him forever
Thus th’ eternal covenant stands
None shall pluck me, none shall pluck me
From the strength of Israel’s hands.
Heirs of God, join-heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
Oh! What wonders love hath done!
One with Jesus, One with Jesus
By eternal union One.
On such love, my soul still ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, whilst lost in holy wonder
Why, O Lord, such love to me?
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Grace shall reign eternally!
(Tune: “Come Ye Sinners”)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower brunch this Saturday, March 11th at 10:30am for Clark and Savannah Grubb. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
Birthdays
5th – Michelle Brogle 5th – Savannah Grubb 5th – Allie Foley
6th – Benjamin Clark 7th – Daisy Martin 8th – Clare Charron
11th – Bill Dent 11th – Levi Wright
“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” - Proverbs 20:19
*****
While the unbeliever calls into question what God does, the believer submits to what God does. The unbeliever charges God with injustice; how can it be fair for God to elect some and not all? The believer responds to what God does with Abraham’s words, “Shall not the Judge of the earth do right?” The unbeliever does not know God, he does not know His character and consequently is quick to judge and criticize God. The believer knows God! The believer knows the character of God. He knows whatever God does is right because he knows God. The believer cannot give you the reason God has done certain things. But because he knows God, he knows whatever God does is right. God does not do something because it is right – it is right because He does it. The unbeliever does not know God. The believer does know the Living God.
“And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” - John 17:3
*****
“Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because stait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” - Matthew 7:13-14
I realize that men would rather this say the opposite of what it says, but here it stands. The way to destruction is broad and wide. The reason is there are so many different ways to hell. There is room on this road for the self-righteous religionist and the open rebel. The person who compromises sovereign grace and the person who openly denies it walk on this road together. The man who refuses to leave the world finds room also. The man who thinks he has many good works and the man who does not care at all about good works stroll hand in hand. The boaster of free-will and the antinomian will follow this road. It is a road that most people take. Conversely, there is only one road to life. Christ Himself. Very few walk the road of Christ. But although this road is narrow, it is wide enough for the very chief of sinners. It is broad enough for anybody who is willing to be saved by Christ alone, and on His terms.
RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT
“…and He (the Lord) shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears: but with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth.” - Isaiah 11:3-4 The woman taken in adultery was standing half-naked in front of the Lord, but He did not judge her after the sight of His eyes…He heard all of the accusations of the eyewitnesses, but He did not reprove her after the hearing of His ears… “For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7). So when the Lord looked on her heart, He saw the pure and perfect new heart He had given her in the new birth. She was one of His sheep, forever united to her Savior, having every single sin (including this act of adultery) washed in the eternal blood of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. As our sister heard from the very lips of Christ, may we hear in the preaching of the Gospel – “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). - Brian DuFour
*****
THE END IS GREATER THAN THE MEANS
The ultimate end or goal of redemption is not the happiness, well-being, or even conversion of sinners, BUT THE GLORY OF GOD (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). Man’s comfort and safety is not the supreme goal of God’s glorious Gospel. The supreme goal of our Gospel is the glory of God, the establishment of His rule and reign over a Kingdom of peace and righteousness, the exaltation and manifestation of His character, and the preeminence of His beloved Son. Our salvation will serve that purpose (Phil 2:6-11). Everything in covenant mercies, in salvation, and in God’s purpose for the sons of men (past, present, and future) turns upon the will of God in Christ. This makes CHRIST THE PRINCIPAL FIGURE in our Gospel, our goals, and our glory. But, if you have salvation and God’s purpose waiting upon the freewill of the creature, then MAN is the principal figure in your landscape and will lead you to compromise divine Truth in order to win man’s approval. The attitude that we must get men converted at any cost and compromise usually winds up costing the very character and Truth of God, which is a price too high to pay. Conversions are never more important than Truth. Truth is always more important than results. “Let God be true and every man a liar!” - Henry Mahan
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
On its glories, on its glories
Let my soul forever dwell.
What from Christ my soul can sever
Bound by everlasting bands?
Once in Him, in Him forever
Thus th’ eternal covenant stands
None shall pluck me, none shall pluck me
From the strength of Israel’s hands.
Heirs of God, join-heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
Oh! What wonders love hath done!
One with Jesus, One with Jesus
By eternal union One.
On such love, my soul still ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, whilst lost in holy wonder
Why, O Lord, such love to me?
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Grace shall reign eternally!
(Tune: “Come Ye Sinners”)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower brunch this Saturday, March 11th at 10:30am for Clark and Savannah Grubb. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
Birthdays
5th – Michelle Brogle 5th – Savannah Grubb 5th – Allie Foley
6th – Benjamin Clark 7th – Daisy Martin 8th – Clare Charron
11th – Bill Dent 11th – Levi Wright
“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” - Proverbs 20:19
*****
While the unbeliever calls into question what God does, the believer submits to what God does. The unbeliever charges God with injustice; how can it be fair for God to elect some and not all? The believer responds to what God does with Abraham’s words, “Shall not the Judge of the earth do right?” The unbeliever does not know God, he does not know His character and consequently is quick to judge and criticize God. The believer knows God! The believer knows the character of God. He knows whatever God does is right because he knows God. The believer cannot give you the reason God has done certain things. But because he knows God, he knows whatever God does is right. God does not do something because it is right – it is right because He does it. The unbeliever does not know God. The believer does know the Living God.
“And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” - John 17:3
*****
“Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because stait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” - Matthew 7:13-14
I realize that men would rather this say the opposite of what it says, but here it stands. The way to destruction is broad and wide. The reason is there are so many different ways to hell. There is room on this road for the self-righteous religionist and the open rebel. The person who compromises sovereign grace and the person who openly denies it walk on this road together. The man who refuses to leave the world finds room also. The man who thinks he has many good works and the man who does not care at all about good works stroll hand in hand. The boaster of free-will and the antinomian will follow this road. It is a road that most people take. Conversely, there is only one road to life. Christ Himself. Very few walk the road of Christ. But although this road is narrow, it is wide enough for the very chief of sinners. It is broad enough for anybody who is willing to be saved by Christ alone, and on His terms.
RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT
“…and He (the Lord) shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears: but with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth.” - Isaiah 11:3-4 The woman taken in adultery was standing half-naked in front of the Lord, but He did not judge her after the sight of His eyes…He heard all of the accusations of the eyewitnesses, but He did not reprove her after the hearing of His ears… “For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7). So when the Lord looked on her heart, He saw the pure and perfect new heart He had given her in the new birth. She was one of His sheep, forever united to her Savior, having every single sin (including this act of adultery) washed in the eternal blood of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. As our sister heard from the very lips of Christ, may we hear in the preaching of the Gospel – “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). - Brian DuFour
*****
THE END IS GREATER THAN THE MEANS
The ultimate end or goal of redemption is not the happiness, well-being, or even conversion of sinners, BUT THE GLORY OF GOD (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). Man’s comfort and safety is not the supreme goal of God’s glorious Gospel. The supreme goal of our Gospel is the glory of God, the establishment of His rule and reign over a Kingdom of peace and righteousness, the exaltation and manifestation of His character, and the preeminence of His beloved Son. Our salvation will serve that purpose (Phil 2:6-11). Everything in covenant mercies, in salvation, and in God’s purpose for the sons of men (past, present, and future) turns upon the will of God in Christ. This makes CHRIST THE PRINCIPAL FIGURE in our Gospel, our goals, and our glory. But, if you have salvation and God’s purpose waiting upon the freewill of the creature, then MAN is the principal figure in your landscape and will lead you to compromise divine Truth in order to win man’s approval. The attitude that we must get men converted at any cost and compromise usually winds up costing the very character and Truth of God, which is a price too high to pay. Conversions are never more important than Truth. Truth is always more important than results. “Let God be true and every man a liar!” - Henry Mahan
February 26, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Remember, Lord, the blood and sweat
Of Him Who more than paid my debt
Remember Christ upon the tree
And now be merciful to me.
Remember how that Jesus bled
In this poor, guilty sinners stead
He bore the wrath and curse for me
In His own body on the tree.
A perfect righteousness He wrought
And by His blood my pardon bought
So that His righteousness might be
By grace imputed now to me.
I plead the merits of the blood
Of Jesus Christ the Son of God
The sinner’s Substitute is He
A mighty Substitute for me!
(Tune: “When I Survey” p.118)
*****
All ladies are invited to a baby shower brunch for Clark and Savannah Grubb on Saturday, March 11th at 10:30am. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
(please note date correction for Fairmont, WV)
March 24-26 Hurricane Road Grace Church Ashland, KY
April 7-9 Katy Baptist Church Fairmont, WV
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
Birthdays
1st – Caleb Benton 4th – Hannah Frye
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1
*****
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord impute not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” - Psalms 32:1-2
These blessed people are all given a spirit that has no guile. The spirit of Adam died when he fell. That is why we were born, “dead in trespasses and sins.” When God gives us spiritual life in the new birth, we are given a holy nature that has no guile, no deceit. It is honest before God. It is actually the guileless spirit that sees and acknowledges the sins of the old man, and looks to Christ only. Only the guileless spirit does that. Anything contrary to that is full of deceit!
*****
When the Lord Jesus stood before the tomb of His beloved friend Lazarus (who had been dead four days), did He cry, “Lazarus, I have made life possible for you, will you choose to accept it?” How absurd! Lazarus was dead; he could make no choice or decision, nor could he exert his own will. So, when did Lazarus receive life? Was it when he came forth, and because he came forth, or was life given to him before he came forth? The answer should be obvious!
-David Eddmenson
*****
The problem with sinners is not that we are unwilling to do something to save ourselves but that we are unwilling to do nothing that we might be saved by another (John 3:19-20). Faith takes nothing from you, faith takes nothing done by you, faith demands you add nothing, only believe and continue believing, not in anything you have done or not done. Faith is casting your care, your whole self, your whole eternal salvation into the hands of Jesus Christ. – Clay Curtis
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time
Christ died for the ungodly.” – Romans 5:6
THE BELIEVER’S BEST FRIEND
I really do believe that Christ is the believer’s best friend. Who else can you spill your heart out to without fear of judgment or retribution? Even when you wake up in the middle of the night, stressing, tossing and turning, He is there! Out Lord tells us to cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us (I Peter 5:7).
All through Scripture, our Savior is described as the friend of publicans and sinners (Luke 7:34). He is, “A friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). But I believe the verse that display His true friendship for His people is found here…. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). He established a perfect righteousness for His friends… He took every single sin of every single friend of His, and died on that tree in their place. What great love our Savior has for His children, His brothers and sisters, His friends. He truly is the believer’s best friend!
- Brian DuFour
*****
Christ is the issue, is He not? I find it revealing that the point of Calvinistic theology which is most controverted is “Limited Atonement”, the one point of the five that specifically deals with Christ. No matter what the controversy, it will eventually get back to this point: Is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ enough to redeem the sinner? Christ is never enough in the mind of the unbeliever. But Christ is enough to anyone who has nothing else! - Joe Terrell
****
If a person is near-sighted, he only needs corrective glasses, but if he is blind, he needs the miracle of sight. If a man is sick, he only needs medicinal help, but if he is dead, he needs the miracle of life. If a man has only strayed from the way, he needs directions, but if a man is completely lost, he needs to be found. - Rolfe Barnard
*****
Are God’s actions, like ours, regulated by the change of circumstances, or are they the outcome of His eternal purpose? If God formed a purpose before man was created, then is that purpose going to be executed according to His original designs and is He now working toward that end? What saith the Scriptures? They declare God is One “Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.” (Ephesians 1:11). - A. W. Pink
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Remember, Lord, the blood and sweat
Of Him Who more than paid my debt
Remember Christ upon the tree
And now be merciful to me.
Remember how that Jesus bled
In this poor, guilty sinners stead
He bore the wrath and curse for me
In His own body on the tree.
A perfect righteousness He wrought
And by His blood my pardon bought
So that His righteousness might be
By grace imputed now to me.
I plead the merits of the blood
Of Jesus Christ the Son of God
The sinner’s Substitute is He
A mighty Substitute for me!
(Tune: “When I Survey” p.118)
*****
All ladies are invited to a baby shower brunch for Clark and Savannah Grubb on Saturday, March 11th at 10:30am. Information and sign up are in the foyer.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
(please note date correction for Fairmont, WV)
March 24-26 Hurricane Road Grace Church Ashland, KY
April 7-9 Katy Baptist Church Fairmont, WV
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
Birthdays
1st – Caleb Benton 4th – Hannah Frye
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1
*****
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord impute not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” - Psalms 32:1-2
These blessed people are all given a spirit that has no guile. The spirit of Adam died when he fell. That is why we were born, “dead in trespasses and sins.” When God gives us spiritual life in the new birth, we are given a holy nature that has no guile, no deceit. It is honest before God. It is actually the guileless spirit that sees and acknowledges the sins of the old man, and looks to Christ only. Only the guileless spirit does that. Anything contrary to that is full of deceit!
*****
When the Lord Jesus stood before the tomb of His beloved friend Lazarus (who had been dead four days), did He cry, “Lazarus, I have made life possible for you, will you choose to accept it?” How absurd! Lazarus was dead; he could make no choice or decision, nor could he exert his own will. So, when did Lazarus receive life? Was it when he came forth, and because he came forth, or was life given to him before he came forth? The answer should be obvious!
-David Eddmenson
*****
The problem with sinners is not that we are unwilling to do something to save ourselves but that we are unwilling to do nothing that we might be saved by another (John 3:19-20). Faith takes nothing from you, faith takes nothing done by you, faith demands you add nothing, only believe and continue believing, not in anything you have done or not done. Faith is casting your care, your whole self, your whole eternal salvation into the hands of Jesus Christ. – Clay Curtis
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time
Christ died for the ungodly.” – Romans 5:6
THE BELIEVER’S BEST FRIEND
I really do believe that Christ is the believer’s best friend. Who else can you spill your heart out to without fear of judgment or retribution? Even when you wake up in the middle of the night, stressing, tossing and turning, He is there! Out Lord tells us to cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us (I Peter 5:7).
All through Scripture, our Savior is described as the friend of publicans and sinners (Luke 7:34). He is, “A friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). But I believe the verse that display His true friendship for His people is found here…. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). He established a perfect righteousness for His friends… He took every single sin of every single friend of His, and died on that tree in their place. What great love our Savior has for His children, His brothers and sisters, His friends. He truly is the believer’s best friend!
- Brian DuFour
*****
Christ is the issue, is He not? I find it revealing that the point of Calvinistic theology which is most controverted is “Limited Atonement”, the one point of the five that specifically deals with Christ. No matter what the controversy, it will eventually get back to this point: Is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ enough to redeem the sinner? Christ is never enough in the mind of the unbeliever. But Christ is enough to anyone who has nothing else! - Joe Terrell
****
If a person is near-sighted, he only needs corrective glasses, but if he is blind, he needs the miracle of sight. If a man is sick, he only needs medicinal help, but if he is dead, he needs the miracle of life. If a man has only strayed from the way, he needs directions, but if a man is completely lost, he needs to be found. - Rolfe Barnard
*****
Are God’s actions, like ours, regulated by the change of circumstances, or are they the outcome of His eternal purpose? If God formed a purpose before man was created, then is that purpose going to be executed according to His original designs and is He now working toward that end? What saith the Scriptures? They declare God is One “Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.” (Ephesians 1:11). - A. W. Pink
February 19, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Savior, friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Our Great Savior” p. 49)
*****
All ladies are invited to a baby shower brunch for Clark and Savannah Grubb on Saturday, March 11th. The invitation is in the foyer.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
March 24-26 Hurricane Road Grace Church Ashland, KY
April 14-16 Katy Baptist Church Fairmont, WV
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
Birthdays
20th – Megan Harries 21st – Tim Daniel
22nd Zac Byrd 22nd – Evonne Kincer
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” – Proverbs 10:12
*****
DOES GOD OFFER?
When preachers present the Gospel as something God offers men, they demonstrate an ignorance of the character of God, the character of man, and the character of salvation. God does not offer His salvation, with its outcome dependent on our acceptance or rejection of His offer. That is derogatory toward His character. This elevates man’s acceptance or rejection as the deciding factor in salvation. It denies that salvation is of the Lord and makes it a co-operative effort between God and men. God does not offer salvation. He saves! God does not offer forgiveness. He forgives. God does not offer eternal life. He creates life in the heart of a dead sinner. Anyone who know God, men, and God’s salvation, knows that to speak of God offering something is blasphemous and offensive. “Come let us reason together” is not an offer but a declaration of what He will do. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).
*****
There is a television ad campaign entitle “Jesus gets us.” The emphasis of these ads are our needs and His ability to meet them. I cringe when I see people trying to market the Lord of Glory. He gets us all right! “I know you, that have not the love of God in you.” “You are of your Father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do.” “No man can come to Me except the Father which hath sent Me draw him.” The Jesus of “Jesus gets us” is a false Jesus who cannot save. The Jesus of Scripture is the One who truly knows us and salvation is impossible for us unless He is pleased to save us.
*****
To speak what I do NOT believe is hypocrisy. NOT to speak what I do believe is cowardly. To speak what I believe only when and where I know it will be received is deceitful. – Henry Mahan
A WAY WHICH SEEMETH RIGHT
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). I can personally attest to this verse. When I decided to get “religious” around 30 years old I determined to straighten up my life so that I could be good enough to “get saved.” I stopped drinking beer, stopped smoking cigarettes, gave away all my rock CD’s, just hoping the Lord would be pleased with the sacrifices I was making, and hopefully become good enough to get saved, not knowing the Lord said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matthew 23:25-28).
Humans, starting with me, are completely and utterly spiritually ignorant of what sin is! I may even have read many times that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, yet here I was giving focused and diligent effort to make myself a ‘non-sinner’; ignorant of what sin is and working hard at excluding myself from the very people Christ came to save.
I thank God that He did not leave me to my spiritually stupid and fleshly self, but birthed in me a new man, a new spiritual self, that could see and believe that salvation is all of grace, all in Christ - that I was and still am in the flesh, nothing but wounds, bruises, and putrefying sores from the top of my head to the sole of my feet. That all of the self-righteous good deeds I was trying to perform were nothing but filthy blood-soaked rags in God’s sight…and that my only hope of salvation was that He would have mercy on me for Christ’s sake, cleansing me in the blood of the Lamb, and clothing me in His perfect righteousness. Our natural thoughts of salvation are always wrong. May God give us the mind of Christ, and turn our thoughts to Christ alone.
– Brian DuFour
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Savior, friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Our Great Savior” p. 49)
*****
All ladies are invited to a baby shower brunch for Clark and Savannah Grubb on Saturday, March 11th. The invitation is in the foyer.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
March 24-26 Hurricane Road Grace Church Ashland, KY
April 14-16 Katy Baptist Church Fairmont, WV
May 5-7 Bethel Baptist Church Spring Lake, NC
May 19-21 Oley Grace Church Oley, PA
Birthdays
20th – Megan Harries 21st – Tim Daniel
22nd Zac Byrd 22nd – Evonne Kincer
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” – Proverbs 10:12
*****
DOES GOD OFFER?
When preachers present the Gospel as something God offers men, they demonstrate an ignorance of the character of God, the character of man, and the character of salvation. God does not offer His salvation, with its outcome dependent on our acceptance or rejection of His offer. That is derogatory toward His character. This elevates man’s acceptance or rejection as the deciding factor in salvation. It denies that salvation is of the Lord and makes it a co-operative effort between God and men. God does not offer salvation. He saves! God does not offer forgiveness. He forgives. God does not offer eternal life. He creates life in the heart of a dead sinner. Anyone who know God, men, and God’s salvation, knows that to speak of God offering something is blasphemous and offensive. “Come let us reason together” is not an offer but a declaration of what He will do. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).
*****
There is a television ad campaign entitle “Jesus gets us.” The emphasis of these ads are our needs and His ability to meet them. I cringe when I see people trying to market the Lord of Glory. He gets us all right! “I know you, that have not the love of God in you.” “You are of your Father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do.” “No man can come to Me except the Father which hath sent Me draw him.” The Jesus of “Jesus gets us” is a false Jesus who cannot save. The Jesus of Scripture is the One who truly knows us and salvation is impossible for us unless He is pleased to save us.
*****
To speak what I do NOT believe is hypocrisy. NOT to speak what I do believe is cowardly. To speak what I believe only when and where I know it will be received is deceitful. – Henry Mahan
A WAY WHICH SEEMETH RIGHT
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). I can personally attest to this verse. When I decided to get “religious” around 30 years old I determined to straighten up my life so that I could be good enough to “get saved.” I stopped drinking beer, stopped smoking cigarettes, gave away all my rock CD’s, just hoping the Lord would be pleased with the sacrifices I was making, and hopefully become good enough to get saved, not knowing the Lord said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matthew 23:25-28).
Humans, starting with me, are completely and utterly spiritually ignorant of what sin is! I may even have read many times that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, yet here I was giving focused and diligent effort to make myself a ‘non-sinner’; ignorant of what sin is and working hard at excluding myself from the very people Christ came to save.
I thank God that He did not leave me to my spiritually stupid and fleshly self, but birthed in me a new man, a new spiritual self, that could see and believe that salvation is all of grace, all in Christ - that I was and still am in the flesh, nothing but wounds, bruises, and putrefying sores from the top of my head to the sole of my feet. That all of the self-righteous good deeds I was trying to perform were nothing but filthy blood-soaked rags in God’s sight…and that my only hope of salvation was that He would have mercy on me for Christ’s sake, cleansing me in the blood of the Lamb, and clothing me in His perfect righteousness. Our natural thoughts of salvation are always wrong. May God give us the mind of Christ, and turn our thoughts to Christ alone.
– Brian DuFour
February 12, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
My beauty art, my glorious dress
Midst flaming worlds in these arrayed
With joy shall I left up my head.
This spotless robe the same appears
When ruined nature sinks in years
No age can change its glorious hue
The robe of Christ is ever new.
When from the dust of death I rise
To join the ransomed in the skies
E’en then shall this be all my plea
That Christ has lived and died for me.
O let the dead now hear Thy voice
Now bid Thy people to rejoice
Our beauty this, our glorious dress
Jesus, the Lord our Righteousness!
(Tune: “Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness” p.217)
*****
Everyone is invited to stay for lunch after the service today. There will be no service this evening.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
Birthdays
13th – Mark Benton 13th – Kathryn Kelley 15th – Joseph Anjos
15th – Amber DuFour 16th – Andrea Vincent 156h – Henry Williams
“The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.” - Proverbs 29:7
NEEDED OR NEEDY?
Individual members of the church are compared to members of the same body. They are all important and all needed! This is apparent in reading I Cor. 12. Because of that, “The members should have the same care one of another.” What a blessing it is to be a member of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, a member of His body! Truly, every member is vital and needed!
That being said, we do not meet with and identify ourselves with a local church because we feel like we are needed. But because we feel needy! We need to hear the Gospel preached and we need that fellowship with God’s children around the Gospel of Christ. There is something supernatural going on in the public assembly of God’s saints, and we feel a great need to be there. The church of Christ does not need the needed. If we go to a church because we feel needed, we go for the wrong reason! We do not unite with a church because we are needed. We unite with the church because we are “needy”.
*****
When God said, “I will by no means clear the guilty,” that tells us what imputation is not. Imputation is not God seeing someone as guilty and then imputing righteousness to them so they are no longer guilty. God only imputes to us what is already there. The elect are eternally justified through the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Christ came in time to put away their sins. The proof that my sins are actually put away is the death of Christ. The proof that I am justified is the resurrection of Christ. Because of the work of Christ, God imputes to me what I am ….the righteousness of God (II Cor. 5:21). This is reality! This is the glory of the achievement of Christ. He made me “not guilty.” This is the great truth of justification!
*****
After listening to the dialog between Job and his friends, it was said of Elihu, “Against Job was his wrath kindled because he justified himself rather then God” (Job 32:2). This will be seen on judgment day. When a man justifies himself rather than God, he will find out God never justified him! When a man justifies God in all that He does, he will also be seen to be one that God has justified!
*****
“If God be for us, who can be against us?” It is equally true, if God be against us, who can be for us? God is either my best friend or my worst enemy.
JESUS CHRIST IS GOD
The same baby that was in virgin Mary’s womb, completely dependent on His mother for sustenance, and His father for protection and shelter, was God Almighty …upon whom His father Joseph and mother Mary were completely dependent upon for their next breath and heartbeat.
For the Lord Jesus Christ is the Almighty God, the sovereign ruler of every atom, molecule, particle, gas, vapor, solid, insect, animal, human, nation, weather event (from the descent speed and angle of every raindrop of every storm, to the individual snow flakes in every blizzard and avalanche), planet, moon, stars, galaxies, and everything in between. You can trust this Savior, for He is God, and He cannot lie. So when He says that He, “Came into the world to save sinners” (I Timothy 1:15), then any sinner who comes to Him for mercy, He will save - He cannot break His promise! - Brian DuFour
*****
SALVATION IS GOD’S WORK
“For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through Thy work: I will triumph in the works of Thy hands.” - Psalm 92:4
Salvation is of the Lord, it is entirely a work of His hands, His purpose, His will being done… from God the Father electing a people, to God the Son redeeming those people, to God the Spirit giving spiritual life and calling those people… our God and Savior has completely finished the work of salvation. There is nothing left for the sinner to do but to rest and rejoice in the complete work of the Triune God!
- Brian DuFour
*****
I do not believe that we can preach the Gospel if we do not preach justification by faith, without works; nor unless we preach the sovereignty of God in the dispensation of grace; not unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal immutable, conquering love of Jehovah: nor do I think we can preach the Gospel, unless we have it upon the peculiar redemption which Christ made for the elect and chosen people; nor can I comprehend a Gospel which lets saints fall away after they are called, and suffers the children of God to be burned in the fires of damnation after having believed. Such a gospel I abhor. The Gospel of the Bible is not such a Gospel as that. We preach Christ and Him crucified in a different fashion, and to all gainsayers we reply, “We have not so learned Christ.” - C. H. Spurgeon
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
My beauty art, my glorious dress
Midst flaming worlds in these arrayed
With joy shall I left up my head.
This spotless robe the same appears
When ruined nature sinks in years
No age can change its glorious hue
The robe of Christ is ever new.
When from the dust of death I rise
To join the ransomed in the skies
E’en then shall this be all my plea
That Christ has lived and died for me.
O let the dead now hear Thy voice
Now bid Thy people to rejoice
Our beauty this, our glorious dress
Jesus, the Lord our Righteousness!
(Tune: “Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness” p.217)
*****
Everyone is invited to stay for lunch after the service today. There will be no service this evening.
Vacation Bible School will be June 20 – 22.
Birthdays
13th – Mark Benton 13th – Kathryn Kelley 15th – Joseph Anjos
15th – Amber DuFour 16th – Andrea Vincent 156h – Henry Williams
“The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.” - Proverbs 29:7
NEEDED OR NEEDY?
Individual members of the church are compared to members of the same body. They are all important and all needed! This is apparent in reading I Cor. 12. Because of that, “The members should have the same care one of another.” What a blessing it is to be a member of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, a member of His body! Truly, every member is vital and needed!
That being said, we do not meet with and identify ourselves with a local church because we feel like we are needed. But because we feel needy! We need to hear the Gospel preached and we need that fellowship with God’s children around the Gospel of Christ. There is something supernatural going on in the public assembly of God’s saints, and we feel a great need to be there. The church of Christ does not need the needed. If we go to a church because we feel needed, we go for the wrong reason! We do not unite with a church because we are needed. We unite with the church because we are “needy”.
*****
When God said, “I will by no means clear the guilty,” that tells us what imputation is not. Imputation is not God seeing someone as guilty and then imputing righteousness to them so they are no longer guilty. God only imputes to us what is already there. The elect are eternally justified through the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Christ came in time to put away their sins. The proof that my sins are actually put away is the death of Christ. The proof that I am justified is the resurrection of Christ. Because of the work of Christ, God imputes to me what I am ….the righteousness of God (II Cor. 5:21). This is reality! This is the glory of the achievement of Christ. He made me “not guilty.” This is the great truth of justification!
*****
After listening to the dialog between Job and his friends, it was said of Elihu, “Against Job was his wrath kindled because he justified himself rather then God” (Job 32:2). This will be seen on judgment day. When a man justifies himself rather than God, he will find out God never justified him! When a man justifies God in all that He does, he will also be seen to be one that God has justified!
*****
“If God be for us, who can be against us?” It is equally true, if God be against us, who can be for us? God is either my best friend or my worst enemy.
JESUS CHRIST IS GOD
The same baby that was in virgin Mary’s womb, completely dependent on His mother for sustenance, and His father for protection and shelter, was God Almighty …upon whom His father Joseph and mother Mary were completely dependent upon for their next breath and heartbeat.
For the Lord Jesus Christ is the Almighty God, the sovereign ruler of every atom, molecule, particle, gas, vapor, solid, insect, animal, human, nation, weather event (from the descent speed and angle of every raindrop of every storm, to the individual snow flakes in every blizzard and avalanche), planet, moon, stars, galaxies, and everything in between. You can trust this Savior, for He is God, and He cannot lie. So when He says that He, “Came into the world to save sinners” (I Timothy 1:15), then any sinner who comes to Him for mercy, He will save - He cannot break His promise! - Brian DuFour
*****
SALVATION IS GOD’S WORK
“For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through Thy work: I will triumph in the works of Thy hands.” - Psalm 92:4
Salvation is of the Lord, it is entirely a work of His hands, His purpose, His will being done… from God the Father electing a people, to God the Son redeeming those people, to God the Spirit giving spiritual life and calling those people… our God and Savior has completely finished the work of salvation. There is nothing left for the sinner to do but to rest and rejoice in the complete work of the Triune God!
- Brian DuFour
*****
I do not believe that we can preach the Gospel if we do not preach justification by faith, without works; nor unless we preach the sovereignty of God in the dispensation of grace; not unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal immutable, conquering love of Jehovah: nor do I think we can preach the Gospel, unless we have it upon the peculiar redemption which Christ made for the elect and chosen people; nor can I comprehend a Gospel which lets saints fall away after they are called, and suffers the children of God to be burned in the fires of damnation after having believed. Such a gospel I abhor. The Gospel of the Bible is not such a Gospel as that. We preach Christ and Him crucified in a different fashion, and to all gainsayers we reply, “We have not so learned Christ.” - C. H. Spurgeon
February 5, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls, the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
Heirs of God, joint-heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
O what wonders love hath done!
Who from Christ our souls can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Him, in Him forever
None can pluck us from His hands.
O such love, my soul, still ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while lost in holy wonder
Why, O Lord, such love to me?
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We will have a church dinner next Sunday, February 12th following the morning service. Bring a dish and make plans to attend! There will be no evening service next Sunday.
Birthdays
5th – Billie Tuttle 6th – Jennifer Dunbar 7th – Annabelle Brogle
7th – Tammy Dickerson 7th – Clark Grubb 7th – Faith Hacker
9th – Rylan Daniel 10th – Lydia Wilson
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
*****
The blood and water that flowed from the pierced side of the Lord testifies to us that not only is His blood the perfect ground for our complete salvation, it also continually cleanses us. “The blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son cleanseth us from all sin.” This speaks of the laver with the water the priests would wash themselves with after the sacrifice was killed and before they entered the Holy place. Not only is the blood our justification as a one-time declaration of God but for our continual cleansing. It is the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness (Zachariah 13:1)!
Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee
Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure.
*****
Those who have been saved are those who are being saved (I Cor. 1:18, Philippians 1:6,2:12,13). Those who have learned of Christ are those who are learning of Him (John 6:45; Matthew 11:29). Those who know the Lord are those who desire to know Him (Philippians 3:7-10). Those who have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 4:6) are those who continue to cry, “Lord, I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory” (Exodus 33:18). These are the people who by the grace of God can say, “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15). - Maurice Montgomery
*****
ELECTION
God prepared a salvation for His elect, chosen by Him not because of any goodness in them, but because He will have mercy on who He will have mercy, and will have compassion on whom He will have compassion. Is this not a salvation that will suit thee, O poor sinner? If God had chosen them out of any merit, or if that choice depended on anything which men did or could do, thou wert a damned soul, for thou hast no goodness, and thou canst do nothing. If God’s election comes to those who are without merit, without hope, without strength, there is hope for thee. - C. H. Spurgeon
ALL OF GRACE
In heaven’s glory we shall forever adore and praise our great God for the wondrous mystery of His grace, by which we are saved. Everything in the great work of salvation sets forth the splendor of the grace of the Most High God. What do we see in election, predestination, redemption, regeneration and preservation, but His grace? The whole work of salvation displays God’s rich, free, almighty, irresistible, sovereign, saving grace in Christ. In salvation, as well as in creation, all things are of God, all things are by God, and all things are for God. He works all our works in us, and in Him alone all praise must be forever! - Maurice Montgomery
*****
If salvation depends upon our being or doing anything, we shall inevitably be lost. Thank God, it does not; for the great fundamental principle of the Gospel is that Christ is All: man is nothing. It is not a mixture of Christ and man – it is all of Christ. The peace of the Gospel does not rest in part on Christ’s work and in part on man’s work; it rests wholly on Christ’s work, because that work is perfect, perfect forever; and it renders all who put their trust in Him as perfect as Himself! Christ must either be a whole Saviour or no Saviour at all. The moment a man says, “Except you be this or that, you cannot be saved,” he totally subverts the Gospel; for in the Gospel I find Christ coming down to me, just as I am – a lost, guilty, self-destroyed sinner; and coming, moreover, with a full remission of all my sins, and a full salvation from my lost estate, all perfectly wrought by Himself on the cross. – C. H. Mackintosh
*****
“Brethren pray for us”
I Thessalonians 5:2
Of all the requests that could be made by a believer in the Lord Jesus unto those who are of like faith and have also been made to see something of their own spiritual weakness and are struggling daily with the trials and temptations from within and without, there is no request greater than, “Brethren pray for us.” How honoring unto the Lord and comforting to the believer that a brother or sister would pray unto Him who, “Is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,” on our behalf. - Marvin Stalnaker
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls, the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
Heirs of God, joint-heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
O what wonders love hath done!
Who from Christ our souls can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Him, in Him forever
None can pluck us from His hands.
O such love, my soul, still ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while lost in holy wonder
Why, O Lord, such love to me?
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We will have a church dinner next Sunday, February 12th following the morning service. Bring a dish and make plans to attend! There will be no evening service next Sunday.
Birthdays
5th – Billie Tuttle 6th – Jennifer Dunbar 7th – Annabelle Brogle
7th – Tammy Dickerson 7th – Clark Grubb 7th – Faith Hacker
9th – Rylan Daniel 10th – Lydia Wilson
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
*****
The blood and water that flowed from the pierced side of the Lord testifies to us that not only is His blood the perfect ground for our complete salvation, it also continually cleanses us. “The blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son cleanseth us from all sin.” This speaks of the laver with the water the priests would wash themselves with after the sacrifice was killed and before they entered the Holy place. Not only is the blood our justification as a one-time declaration of God but for our continual cleansing. It is the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness (Zachariah 13:1)!
Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee
Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure.
*****
Those who have been saved are those who are being saved (I Cor. 1:18, Philippians 1:6,2:12,13). Those who have learned of Christ are those who are learning of Him (John 6:45; Matthew 11:29). Those who know the Lord are those who desire to know Him (Philippians 3:7-10). Those who have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 4:6) are those who continue to cry, “Lord, I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory” (Exodus 33:18). These are the people who by the grace of God can say, “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15). - Maurice Montgomery
*****
ELECTION
God prepared a salvation for His elect, chosen by Him not because of any goodness in them, but because He will have mercy on who He will have mercy, and will have compassion on whom He will have compassion. Is this not a salvation that will suit thee, O poor sinner? If God had chosen them out of any merit, or if that choice depended on anything which men did or could do, thou wert a damned soul, for thou hast no goodness, and thou canst do nothing. If God’s election comes to those who are without merit, without hope, without strength, there is hope for thee. - C. H. Spurgeon
ALL OF GRACE
In heaven’s glory we shall forever adore and praise our great God for the wondrous mystery of His grace, by which we are saved. Everything in the great work of salvation sets forth the splendor of the grace of the Most High God. What do we see in election, predestination, redemption, regeneration and preservation, but His grace? The whole work of salvation displays God’s rich, free, almighty, irresistible, sovereign, saving grace in Christ. In salvation, as well as in creation, all things are of God, all things are by God, and all things are for God. He works all our works in us, and in Him alone all praise must be forever! - Maurice Montgomery
*****
If salvation depends upon our being or doing anything, we shall inevitably be lost. Thank God, it does not; for the great fundamental principle of the Gospel is that Christ is All: man is nothing. It is not a mixture of Christ and man – it is all of Christ. The peace of the Gospel does not rest in part on Christ’s work and in part on man’s work; it rests wholly on Christ’s work, because that work is perfect, perfect forever; and it renders all who put their trust in Him as perfect as Himself! Christ must either be a whole Saviour or no Saviour at all. The moment a man says, “Except you be this or that, you cannot be saved,” he totally subverts the Gospel; for in the Gospel I find Christ coming down to me, just as I am – a lost, guilty, self-destroyed sinner; and coming, moreover, with a full remission of all my sins, and a full salvation from my lost estate, all perfectly wrought by Himself on the cross. – C. H. Mackintosh
*****
“Brethren pray for us”
I Thessalonians 5:2
Of all the requests that could be made by a believer in the Lord Jesus unto those who are of like faith and have also been made to see something of their own spiritual weakness and are struggling daily with the trials and temptations from within and without, there is no request greater than, “Brethren pray for us.” How honoring unto the Lord and comforting to the believer that a brother or sister would pray unto Him who, “Is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,” on our behalf. - Marvin Stalnaker
January 29, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to God on High
Let earth and Heav’n reply
Praise ye His Name!
His love and grace adore
Who all our sorrows bore
Sing aloud evermore, Worthy the Lamb!
Jesus, our Lord and God
Bore sin’s tremendous load
Praise ye His Name!
Tell what His arm has done
What spoils from death He won
Sing His great Name alone, Worthy the Lamb!
While they around the Throne
Cheerfully join in one
Praising His Name!
Ye who have seen His blood
Sealing your peace with God
Sound His dear Name abroad, Worthy the Lamb!
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
We will have a church dinner on Sunday, February 12th following the morning service. Bring a dish and make plans to attend!
Birthdays
30th – Jonathan Holbrook 2nd – Sam Elliott 3rd – James Carver
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
INCREASE OUR FAITH
The Lord told His disciples that even if their brother offends them seven times in a single day, they were to forgive him seven times. They did not reply, increase our ability to forgive, or our ability to love our offending brother but, “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). Faith is the root grace. As our faith is increased, our capacity to forgive will increase, and so will every other grace. If we would grow in grace, this should be our continual prayer, “Increase our faith.”
*****
FAITH ALONE IN CHRIST
Believing is the most wonderful thing in the world! Put anything of your own to it, and you spoil it. Christ will not look on that as believing. When you believe and come to Christ, you must leave behind your own righteousness and bring nothing but your sin (Oh! That is hard!), leaving behind all your holiness, sanctification, and duties or Christ is not fit for you, nor you for Christ. Christ will be a pure Redeemer and Mediator, and you must be an undone sinner, or Christ and you will never agree. - Thomas Wilcox
*****
The Scriptures speak much of things that take place before the foundation of the world. All there was, was the Triune God in His is-ness. Hebrews 4:3 says, “The works were finished from the foundation of the world.” That includes all the works of creation, providence, and salvation. In eternity there was no chronological sequence of events. They are all in the present in the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. But logically, one event preceded them all. “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Election and everything else was for this. Jesus Christ and Him crucified is the whole counsel of God!
*****
The message of God’s saving grace excludes boasting, eliminates despair, and promotes obedience from the heart. The message of salvation by works promotes boasting, creates despair, and destroys true obedience.
FORGIVE EVERY TIME
“Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.” - Matthew 18:21-22
The next time your brother or sister sins grievously against you, and you are having trouble finding the heart to forgive them, just remember the extent of your sin against Almighty God – you and I murdered His Son, for we are born into this world as God-haters… and in God’s eyes, to hate with the heart is to murder with the hands, and yet He has forgiven us for Christ’s sake. Surely that sin against you pales in comparison to murdering the Son of God. That is why the Lord commands us to forgive seventy times seven – EVERY TIME!
- Brian DuFour
*****
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6). While our conversations and talk should be much about the grace of God to us in Christ Jesus, and we should take advantage of every opportunity to talk about the doctrines of grace and salvation by grace alone, not by works and human merit, yet this is NOT what Paul refers to in this Scripture. He is saying that our speech, conversation, and communication with others should be such that it reveals a work of God’s grace within us; that our language and words should show forth the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, humility, and faith; that our speech should reveal to others that we have, indeed, been with Jesus Christ. To speak in love, to speak kindly and pleasantly, and to avoid sewing discord and division. Harsh words reveal a hard heart. Grace is to the speech what salt is to meat. It makes it acceptable, good to the ear, and a blessing to the heart. Grace in the heart will teach us HOW we ought to answer every man! - Henry Mahan
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to God on High
Let earth and Heav’n reply
Praise ye His Name!
His love and grace adore
Who all our sorrows bore
Sing aloud evermore, Worthy the Lamb!
Jesus, our Lord and God
Bore sin’s tremendous load
Praise ye His Name!
Tell what His arm has done
What spoils from death He won
Sing His great Name alone, Worthy the Lamb!
While they around the Throne
Cheerfully join in one
Praising His Name!
Ye who have seen His blood
Sealing your peace with God
Sound His dear Name abroad, Worthy the Lamb!
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
We will have a church dinner on Sunday, February 12th following the morning service. Bring a dish and make plans to attend!
Birthdays
30th – Jonathan Holbrook 2nd – Sam Elliott 3rd – James Carver
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
INCREASE OUR FAITH
The Lord told His disciples that even if their brother offends them seven times in a single day, they were to forgive him seven times. They did not reply, increase our ability to forgive, or our ability to love our offending brother but, “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). Faith is the root grace. As our faith is increased, our capacity to forgive will increase, and so will every other grace. If we would grow in grace, this should be our continual prayer, “Increase our faith.”
*****
FAITH ALONE IN CHRIST
Believing is the most wonderful thing in the world! Put anything of your own to it, and you spoil it. Christ will not look on that as believing. When you believe and come to Christ, you must leave behind your own righteousness and bring nothing but your sin (Oh! That is hard!), leaving behind all your holiness, sanctification, and duties or Christ is not fit for you, nor you for Christ. Christ will be a pure Redeemer and Mediator, and you must be an undone sinner, or Christ and you will never agree. - Thomas Wilcox
*****
The Scriptures speak much of things that take place before the foundation of the world. All there was, was the Triune God in His is-ness. Hebrews 4:3 says, “The works were finished from the foundation of the world.” That includes all the works of creation, providence, and salvation. In eternity there was no chronological sequence of events. They are all in the present in the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. But logically, one event preceded them all. “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Election and everything else was for this. Jesus Christ and Him crucified is the whole counsel of God!
*****
The message of God’s saving grace excludes boasting, eliminates despair, and promotes obedience from the heart. The message of salvation by works promotes boasting, creates despair, and destroys true obedience.
FORGIVE EVERY TIME
“Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.” - Matthew 18:21-22
The next time your brother or sister sins grievously against you, and you are having trouble finding the heart to forgive them, just remember the extent of your sin against Almighty God – you and I murdered His Son, for we are born into this world as God-haters… and in God’s eyes, to hate with the heart is to murder with the hands, and yet He has forgiven us for Christ’s sake. Surely that sin against you pales in comparison to murdering the Son of God. That is why the Lord commands us to forgive seventy times seven – EVERY TIME!
- Brian DuFour
*****
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6). While our conversations and talk should be much about the grace of God to us in Christ Jesus, and we should take advantage of every opportunity to talk about the doctrines of grace and salvation by grace alone, not by works and human merit, yet this is NOT what Paul refers to in this Scripture. He is saying that our speech, conversation, and communication with others should be such that it reveals a work of God’s grace within us; that our language and words should show forth the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, humility, and faith; that our speech should reveal to others that we have, indeed, been with Jesus Christ. To speak in love, to speak kindly and pleasantly, and to avoid sewing discord and division. Harsh words reveal a hard heart. Grace is to the speech what salt is to meat. It makes it acceptable, good to the ear, and a blessing to the heart. Grace in the heart will teach us HOW we ought to answer every man! - Henry Mahan
January 22, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
How rich the depths of love Divine
Of bliss a boundless store
Dear Saviour let me call Thee mine
I could not wish for more – I could not wish for more.
On Thee alone my hope relies
Beneath Thy cross I fall
My Lord, my Life, my Sacrifice
My Saviour and my all – My Saviour and my all.
How great Thy wisdom, power and grace
That in redemption shines
The heavenly hosts with joy confess
The work is all Divine – The work is all Divine.
Before His face they cast their crowns
Those crowns which Jesus gave
And with ten thousand, thousand tongues
Proclaim His power to save – Proclaim His power to save.
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
Birthdays
23rd – Celeste Brown 25th – Lincoln Charron 26th – Emily Elliott
26th – Mike Farmer 26th – Lynn Nibert 28th – Vickie Bowling
“It shall be well with the righteous” - Isaiah 3:10
In spiritual things all your temptation, all your darkness, all your wandering God will overrule. It shall be well with you. There shall never be a night, but that morning shall come; there shall never be a day of trouble, but a day of prosperity shall follow; there shall never be an emptying, but there shall be a filling; there shall never be a bringing down, but that He will raise you up again. Let it be either darkness or light, sorrow or grief, night or day, life or death, time or eternity, “It shall be well with the righteous.” - Scott Richardson
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” - Proverbs 11:2
*****
THE MARK OF A TRUE DISCIPLE
There are many things that come to mind when you think of the marks or evidences of true discipleship…faith, humility, doctrinal understanding, courage, meekness, zeal, just to name a few. But the Lord gives one mark to identify His disciples. “By this shall all men know ye are My disciples, if you have love one to another” (John 13:35). The love that Paul described in I Corinthians 13, the love that is longsuffering and kind, the love that does not envy, promote itself, or is swollen with pride. The love that is not rude, self-seeking, easily offended, and does not keep records of wrongs. The love that does not rejoice in the fall of others, but rejoices in the Truth. The love that covers with silence all things, that believes, that hopes all things, and endures all things - the love that is never reduced to inactivity. Is it any wonder Paul said, “Make love your pursuit” (I Cor. 14:1)? This is the identifying mark the Lord chose as the identifying mark of His disciples!
*****
“FOR WITH THEE IS THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE”
Psalm 36:9
One Wednesday night, before I preached to a handful of Christ-interested sinners, I thought to myself, “If someone was here tonight who claimed and advertised to have found the fountain of youth, some potion that would give eternal youth and life to those who drank it, there would be no empty seats and folks would be lined up for miles to hear and find out where this fountain of life eternal could be found and drank from.
I have found such a “Fountain”, and every time we meet together I labor to point thirsty sinners to that “Water of Life, from which they may freely drink and never thirst again” (John 4:13). Sadly, few seem to be interested in this “Fountain of Life” and the Almighty One Who possesses it. I can only assume that they are not thirsty. Nevertheless, “Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). - David Eddmenson
*****
It is not the absence of sin but the grieving over it which distinguishes the child of God from empty professors. – A. W. Pink
“I KNOW THY WORKS…”
Revelation 2:2
To me, this statement is both awesome and wonderful, fearful and comforting. On the one hand, we may deceive others or even ourselves, but He says, “I know…” – how sobering! On the other hand, we may be misinterpreted, misquoted, disbelieved, and disallowed, but He says to our heart, “I know…” – how comforting! What a majestic and gracious Saviour we have. How God He is, “One with the Father” (John 10:30), and how man He is, “One with His people” (Hebrews 2:11).
When, with trembling heart, I ponder the fact that He knows ME – my sin, my darkness, my unbelief, my unfaithfulness, my weakness, my foolishness, and my emptiness – I “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” that I know HIM – His righteousness, His light, His faith, His faithfulness, His strength, His wisdom, and His fullness. What a full, complete, and wonderful Saviour He is, to otherwise helpless and hopeless sinners! How quickly, swiftly, and gladly my heart flies to HIM when He says to me, “I know….” Though I see as through a dark glass, yet I am so thankful that I know Him (John 17:3), “Or rather are known of God” (Galatians 4:9). – Maurice Montgomery
*****
In Paul’s greeting to every church He says, “Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is God’s Word to every believer! Grace to you! Other than the Name of Christ Himself this is my favorite word….grace! Salvation in every aspect, from election to glorification and everything in between is by the grace of God. “For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.” If salvation really is all of grace, and not of works, I have peace. Grace is the cause of peace, the ground of peace, and the maintenance of peace. We enjoy this peace only as we believe grace. Peter said, “We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they!” By His grace we have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved! That is why we have peace. The ground of our peace is the same ground as God’s - the grace of Christ.
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
How rich the depths of love Divine
Of bliss a boundless store
Dear Saviour let me call Thee mine
I could not wish for more – I could not wish for more.
On Thee alone my hope relies
Beneath Thy cross I fall
My Lord, my Life, my Sacrifice
My Saviour and my all – My Saviour and my all.
How great Thy wisdom, power and grace
That in redemption shines
The heavenly hosts with joy confess
The work is all Divine – The work is all Divine.
Before His face they cast their crowns
Those crowns which Jesus gave
And with ten thousand, thousand tongues
Proclaim His power to save – Proclaim His power to save.
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
Birthdays
23rd – Celeste Brown 25th – Lincoln Charron 26th – Emily Elliott
26th – Mike Farmer 26th – Lynn Nibert 28th – Vickie Bowling
“It shall be well with the righteous” - Isaiah 3:10
In spiritual things all your temptation, all your darkness, all your wandering God will overrule. It shall be well with you. There shall never be a night, but that morning shall come; there shall never be a day of trouble, but a day of prosperity shall follow; there shall never be an emptying, but there shall be a filling; there shall never be a bringing down, but that He will raise you up again. Let it be either darkness or light, sorrow or grief, night or day, life or death, time or eternity, “It shall be well with the righteous.” - Scott Richardson
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” - Proverbs 11:2
*****
THE MARK OF A TRUE DISCIPLE
There are many things that come to mind when you think of the marks or evidences of true discipleship…faith, humility, doctrinal understanding, courage, meekness, zeal, just to name a few. But the Lord gives one mark to identify His disciples. “By this shall all men know ye are My disciples, if you have love one to another” (John 13:35). The love that Paul described in I Corinthians 13, the love that is longsuffering and kind, the love that does not envy, promote itself, or is swollen with pride. The love that is not rude, self-seeking, easily offended, and does not keep records of wrongs. The love that does not rejoice in the fall of others, but rejoices in the Truth. The love that covers with silence all things, that believes, that hopes all things, and endures all things - the love that is never reduced to inactivity. Is it any wonder Paul said, “Make love your pursuit” (I Cor. 14:1)? This is the identifying mark the Lord chose as the identifying mark of His disciples!
*****
“FOR WITH THEE IS THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE”
Psalm 36:9
One Wednesday night, before I preached to a handful of Christ-interested sinners, I thought to myself, “If someone was here tonight who claimed and advertised to have found the fountain of youth, some potion that would give eternal youth and life to those who drank it, there would be no empty seats and folks would be lined up for miles to hear and find out where this fountain of life eternal could be found and drank from.
I have found such a “Fountain”, and every time we meet together I labor to point thirsty sinners to that “Water of Life, from which they may freely drink and never thirst again” (John 4:13). Sadly, few seem to be interested in this “Fountain of Life” and the Almighty One Who possesses it. I can only assume that they are not thirsty. Nevertheless, “Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). - David Eddmenson
*****
It is not the absence of sin but the grieving over it which distinguishes the child of God from empty professors. – A. W. Pink
“I KNOW THY WORKS…”
Revelation 2:2
To me, this statement is both awesome and wonderful, fearful and comforting. On the one hand, we may deceive others or even ourselves, but He says, “I know…” – how sobering! On the other hand, we may be misinterpreted, misquoted, disbelieved, and disallowed, but He says to our heart, “I know…” – how comforting! What a majestic and gracious Saviour we have. How God He is, “One with the Father” (John 10:30), and how man He is, “One with His people” (Hebrews 2:11).
When, with trembling heart, I ponder the fact that He knows ME – my sin, my darkness, my unbelief, my unfaithfulness, my weakness, my foolishness, and my emptiness – I “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” that I know HIM – His righteousness, His light, His faith, His faithfulness, His strength, His wisdom, and His fullness. What a full, complete, and wonderful Saviour He is, to otherwise helpless and hopeless sinners! How quickly, swiftly, and gladly my heart flies to HIM when He says to me, “I know….” Though I see as through a dark glass, yet I am so thankful that I know Him (John 17:3), “Or rather are known of God” (Galatians 4:9). – Maurice Montgomery
*****
In Paul’s greeting to every church He says, “Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is God’s Word to every believer! Grace to you! Other than the Name of Christ Himself this is my favorite word….grace! Salvation in every aspect, from election to glorification and everything in between is by the grace of God. “For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.” If salvation really is all of grace, and not of works, I have peace. Grace is the cause of peace, the ground of peace, and the maintenance of peace. We enjoy this peace only as we believe grace. Peter said, “We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they!” By His grace we have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved! That is why we have peace. The ground of our peace is the same ground as God’s - the grace of Christ.
January 15, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thou, Christ, the great Jehovah art
The Fount of holiness
And, God with us, Thou art become
The Lord our Righteousness.
Oh, wash us with Thy blood and clothe
With Thy pure spotless dress
Oh, hide us in Thyself, and be
The Lord our Righteousness.
Make us by grace to be indeed
What we in word profess
Oh, make us like unto Thyself
The Lord our Righteousness.
Pour on us showers of Thy grace
Increase our fruitfulness
That we may yield Thine own to Thee
The Lord our Righteousness.
So in Thy glorious image raise’d
May we Thy mercy bless
And sing forever praise to Thee
The Lord our Righteousness.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
Aaron Greenleaf will bring the message this morning and Andy Davis this evening. I am preaching in Apopka, FL this weekend.
Birthdays
15th – Mike Rigsby 16th – Kelly Harries
17th – Aiden Carver 19th – Amanda DuFour
“The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing of is of the Lord.” - Proverbs 16:33
*****
“And they repented not”
“And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God which had power over these plagues, and repented not to give Him glory.” (Rev. 16:9) Every natural man is born into this world evil. This evil is seen clearly in this verse. Even when they are scorched with great heat it brings no repentance. They still refuse to give Him the glory because they hate Him. The carnal mind really is enmity against God. None in hell will have any love for God or sorrow for sin. They will have great sorrow over the consequences of sin, but rather than being sorry for their sin, they will blaspheme God even while they are being scorched. If you are now saved by His grace, there was a time you were just like the people described in Revelation 16:9. God made you to differ!
*****
The reason faith sees the Gospel as new is because faith is in the present. When my faith seems old or stale it is because it is not present faith. It becomes faith in past experiences and that is not faith in a present Christ, but in yesterday’s faith, which like yesterday’s manna, breeds worms and stinks. If my faith is in the present, the Gospel is good news indeed for the present. Old, stale faith like yesterday’s mews is no longer new! How much do I need Christ and His Gospel right now? That is how the Gospel will remain new and fresh to me. It is only His grace that will keep us in the present!
*****
The power of God is that ability and strength, by which He can bring to pass whatsoever He pleases. It is His power that gives life and action to what He has purposed from the foundation of the world. How vain would the will of God be without power to carry it out? Without His power His mercy would be feeble pity, His promises empty words.
- Donnie Bell
FAMILY MEMBER CONCERNS
All those adopted into God’s family should cultivate a continual care and concern for each family member. How can we do this? Look at what the Scriptures say:
“Care one for another” – I Corinthians 12:25
“Love one another - John 13:34
“Pray for one another” – James 5:16
“Comfort one another” - I Thessalonians 4:18
“Admonish one another” - Romans 15:14
“Edify one another” – I Thessalonians 5:11
“Be at peace with one another” – Mark 9:5
“Forgive one another” – Ephesian 4:32
- Tom Harding
*****
I NEED A MIRACLE
The more I see of my nature that is dead in sin, the more I see that I need a miracle. I do not need to have a reformed life. I need God to give me the miracle of spiritual life in me. I do not need new and better habits. I need God to give me the miracle of a new nature. I do not need lasik surgery on my eyes so that I see better. I need God to give me the miracle of eyes of faith that see Christ. I do not need to be educated. I need God to give me the miracle of a new mind. I do not need God to give me a chance to be saved. I need God to send His Son to save me. - Frank Tate
*****
Our message is not to propose terms of peace, nor to beg sinners to make peace, but rather to proclaim that peace has been made between God and His people, “Having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself” (Colossians 1:20). - Tom Harding
*****
When I look at myself, I do not see how I can be saved. But when I look at Christ, I do not see how I can be lost. – Martin Luther
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thou, Christ, the great Jehovah art
The Fount of holiness
And, God with us, Thou art become
The Lord our Righteousness.
Oh, wash us with Thy blood and clothe
With Thy pure spotless dress
Oh, hide us in Thyself, and be
The Lord our Righteousness.
Make us by grace to be indeed
What we in word profess
Oh, make us like unto Thyself
The Lord our Righteousness.
Pour on us showers of Thy grace
Increase our fruitfulness
That we may yield Thine own to Thee
The Lord our Righteousness.
So in Thy glorious image raise’d
May we Thy mercy bless
And sing forever praise to Thee
The Lord our Righteousness.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
Aaron Greenleaf will bring the message this morning and Andy Davis this evening. I am preaching in Apopka, FL this weekend.
Birthdays
15th – Mike Rigsby 16th – Kelly Harries
17th – Aiden Carver 19th – Amanda DuFour
“The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing of is of the Lord.” - Proverbs 16:33
*****
“And they repented not”
“And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God which had power over these plagues, and repented not to give Him glory.” (Rev. 16:9) Every natural man is born into this world evil. This evil is seen clearly in this verse. Even when they are scorched with great heat it brings no repentance. They still refuse to give Him the glory because they hate Him. The carnal mind really is enmity against God. None in hell will have any love for God or sorrow for sin. They will have great sorrow over the consequences of sin, but rather than being sorry for their sin, they will blaspheme God even while they are being scorched. If you are now saved by His grace, there was a time you were just like the people described in Revelation 16:9. God made you to differ!
*****
The reason faith sees the Gospel as new is because faith is in the present. When my faith seems old or stale it is because it is not present faith. It becomes faith in past experiences and that is not faith in a present Christ, but in yesterday’s faith, which like yesterday’s manna, breeds worms and stinks. If my faith is in the present, the Gospel is good news indeed for the present. Old, stale faith like yesterday’s mews is no longer new! How much do I need Christ and His Gospel right now? That is how the Gospel will remain new and fresh to me. It is only His grace that will keep us in the present!
*****
The power of God is that ability and strength, by which He can bring to pass whatsoever He pleases. It is His power that gives life and action to what He has purposed from the foundation of the world. How vain would the will of God be without power to carry it out? Without His power His mercy would be feeble pity, His promises empty words.
- Donnie Bell
FAMILY MEMBER CONCERNS
All those adopted into God’s family should cultivate a continual care and concern for each family member. How can we do this? Look at what the Scriptures say:
“Care one for another” – I Corinthians 12:25
“Love one another - John 13:34
“Pray for one another” – James 5:16
“Comfort one another” - I Thessalonians 4:18
“Admonish one another” - Romans 15:14
“Edify one another” – I Thessalonians 5:11
“Be at peace with one another” – Mark 9:5
“Forgive one another” – Ephesian 4:32
- Tom Harding
*****
I NEED A MIRACLE
The more I see of my nature that is dead in sin, the more I see that I need a miracle. I do not need to have a reformed life. I need God to give me the miracle of spiritual life in me. I do not need new and better habits. I need God to give me the miracle of a new nature. I do not need lasik surgery on my eyes so that I see better. I need God to give me the miracle of eyes of faith that see Christ. I do not need to be educated. I need God to give me the miracle of a new mind. I do not need God to give me a chance to be saved. I need God to send His Son to save me. - Frank Tate
*****
Our message is not to propose terms of peace, nor to beg sinners to make peace, but rather to proclaim that peace has been made between God and His people, “Having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself” (Colossians 1:20). - Tom Harding
*****
When I look at myself, I do not see how I can be saved. But when I look at Christ, I do not see how I can be lost. – Martin Luther
January 8, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Hark! How the Gospel trumpet sounds
Christ in free grace therein abounds
Free grace to all, since death He slew
And if free grace – why not for you?
The Saviour died, and by His blood
Brings rebel sinners home to God
He died to free the captive who
Was bound by sin – why not for you?
The blood of Christ! How sweet it sounds
To cleanse and heal the sinner’s wounds
The streams there of are rich and true
And why, dear soul – why not for you?
Thus Jesus came the poor to bless
To clothe them in God’s righteousness
This robe is spotless, ever new
And why, dear soul – why not for you?
Eternal life by Christ is given
And ruined rebels saved for heaven
Then sing of grace and life anew
Rejoice dear soul – ‘tis all for you!
(Tune: “Jesus Shall Reign” p, 142)
*****
There will be a Bible Conference this weekend the 13th – 15th at Grace Gospel Church in Apopka, FL.
Congratulations of Erik & Elizabeth Charron on the birth of their son Woodford who was born January 2nd!
Birthdays
8th – Nancy Benton 8th – Thom Schuyler 8th – Rachel Whitehead
9th – Emily Burba 11th – Shelby Rutledge 12th – Aaron Sligh
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” - Proverbs 1:7
*****
THE OBTAINING OF MERCY
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
To obtain mercy, we begin by asking for mercy. To ask for mercy presupposes these three things. (1) I have no merit. (2) My sin is all my fault. If I do not take complete responsibility for my sin, I cannot really ask for mercy. (3) Mercy is in His hands to give or withhold. If the Lord passes me by, I cannot complain of unfairness. Once again, if I do, I am no longer asking for mercy, but demanding my right. And we are told to come to the Throne of grace with boldness, cheerful confidence, to obtain this mercy! How can we do that without being presumptuous? “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace (free, unmerited favor), that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Those who truly come obtain mercy!
*****
We must never forget that the sovereignty of God’s grace does not prevent anyone from being saved. God’s electing grace and Christ’s redeeming work on their behalf and the life giving work of the Holy Spirit in them does not shut anybody out of the Kingdom of Heaven. The natural man hates God and does not want to be saved on God’s terms. He will continue to willfully reject the Gospel if left to himself. The Gospel does not prevent people like that from being saved. It saves people like that and prevents them from being condemned.
*****
“Man at his best state is altogether vanity.” - Psalm 39:5
This describes the best person we know. The best of men are men at best. Solomon was the wisest man to ever live and often acted as the most foolish man to ever live. All of us without exception have feet of clay. Who is man at his best state? The Lord Jesus Christ – the sinless One! Perfect manhood. But, He made Himself of no reputation when He was made sin and was made to cry, “I am a worm, and no man.” He was made vanity that we might be made like His perfect humanity. Oh that we might spend eternity in perfect conformity to His perfect manhood.
WEAKNESS AND ACCOUNTIBILITY
Aaron is called in Psalm 106:16, “The saint of the Lord.” Without question he was a believer. But he was a weak man. When the children of Israel told him to make them gods which would go before them, Aaron complied and became the chief participant in this great sin (Ex. 32:1-5). Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them” (Ex. 32:22). Aaron refused to take responsibility…he said that the people were set on mischief, so they gave me gold, “And there came out this calf” (Ex. 32:24). He was the one who fashioned the golden calf with a graving tool (Ex. 32:2-4). Yet he would not admit responsibility!
If I blame someone or something else for my wrong behavior, my weakness in not the problem. It is someone or something else’s fault. But when I see it is my fault, because of my sinful weakness, I will cry to the Lord for strength, and He will help me. That is what Paul meant when he said, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (II Cor. 12:10). Wherever you find a person who refuses accountability and personal responsibility, you will find a person who remains a weakling. When somebody sees their sinful weakness is the problem, they will cry to the Lord for strength.
*****
Many times over the years I have heard of preachers and churches that seek to make the Bible relevant for today. The Bible is the Word of God! When men attempt to make the Bible relevant for today, it is neither more nor less than not really believing it is the Word of God. It is a watering down of the message of the Bible. When a man attempts to make the Holy Scriptures relevant, that man becomes irrelevant. God will not use that man’s attempt to make the Gospel more palatable to the flesh. That man manifests himself to be very ignorant and very arrogant. The job of the preacher is to preach the Word! Not attempt to make it relevant.
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Hark! How the Gospel trumpet sounds
Christ in free grace therein abounds
Free grace to all, since death He slew
And if free grace – why not for you?
The Saviour died, and by His blood
Brings rebel sinners home to God
He died to free the captive who
Was bound by sin – why not for you?
The blood of Christ! How sweet it sounds
To cleanse and heal the sinner’s wounds
The streams there of are rich and true
And why, dear soul – why not for you?
Thus Jesus came the poor to bless
To clothe them in God’s righteousness
This robe is spotless, ever new
And why, dear soul – why not for you?
Eternal life by Christ is given
And ruined rebels saved for heaven
Then sing of grace and life anew
Rejoice dear soul – ‘tis all for you!
(Tune: “Jesus Shall Reign” p, 142)
*****
There will be a Bible Conference this weekend the 13th – 15th at Grace Gospel Church in Apopka, FL.
Congratulations of Erik & Elizabeth Charron on the birth of their son Woodford who was born January 2nd!
Birthdays
8th – Nancy Benton 8th – Thom Schuyler 8th – Rachel Whitehead
9th – Emily Burba 11th – Shelby Rutledge 12th – Aaron Sligh
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” - Proverbs 1:7
*****
THE OBTAINING OF MERCY
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
To obtain mercy, we begin by asking for mercy. To ask for mercy presupposes these three things. (1) I have no merit. (2) My sin is all my fault. If I do not take complete responsibility for my sin, I cannot really ask for mercy. (3) Mercy is in His hands to give or withhold. If the Lord passes me by, I cannot complain of unfairness. Once again, if I do, I am no longer asking for mercy, but demanding my right. And we are told to come to the Throne of grace with boldness, cheerful confidence, to obtain this mercy! How can we do that without being presumptuous? “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace (free, unmerited favor), that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Those who truly come obtain mercy!
*****
We must never forget that the sovereignty of God’s grace does not prevent anyone from being saved. God’s electing grace and Christ’s redeeming work on their behalf and the life giving work of the Holy Spirit in them does not shut anybody out of the Kingdom of Heaven. The natural man hates God and does not want to be saved on God’s terms. He will continue to willfully reject the Gospel if left to himself. The Gospel does not prevent people like that from being saved. It saves people like that and prevents them from being condemned.
*****
“Man at his best state is altogether vanity.” - Psalm 39:5
This describes the best person we know. The best of men are men at best. Solomon was the wisest man to ever live and often acted as the most foolish man to ever live. All of us without exception have feet of clay. Who is man at his best state? The Lord Jesus Christ – the sinless One! Perfect manhood. But, He made Himself of no reputation when He was made sin and was made to cry, “I am a worm, and no man.” He was made vanity that we might be made like His perfect humanity. Oh that we might spend eternity in perfect conformity to His perfect manhood.
WEAKNESS AND ACCOUNTIBILITY
Aaron is called in Psalm 106:16, “The saint of the Lord.” Without question he was a believer. But he was a weak man. When the children of Israel told him to make them gods which would go before them, Aaron complied and became the chief participant in this great sin (Ex. 32:1-5). Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them” (Ex. 32:22). Aaron refused to take responsibility…he said that the people were set on mischief, so they gave me gold, “And there came out this calf” (Ex. 32:24). He was the one who fashioned the golden calf with a graving tool (Ex. 32:2-4). Yet he would not admit responsibility!
If I blame someone or something else for my wrong behavior, my weakness in not the problem. It is someone or something else’s fault. But when I see it is my fault, because of my sinful weakness, I will cry to the Lord for strength, and He will help me. That is what Paul meant when he said, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (II Cor. 12:10). Wherever you find a person who refuses accountability and personal responsibility, you will find a person who remains a weakling. When somebody sees their sinful weakness is the problem, they will cry to the Lord for strength.
*****
Many times over the years I have heard of preachers and churches that seek to make the Bible relevant for today. The Bible is the Word of God! When men attempt to make the Bible relevant for today, it is neither more nor less than not really believing it is the Word of God. It is a watering down of the message of the Bible. When a man attempts to make the Holy Scriptures relevant, that man becomes irrelevant. God will not use that man’s attempt to make the Gospel more palatable to the flesh. That man manifests himself to be very ignorant and very arrogant. The job of the preacher is to preach the Word! Not attempt to make it relevant.
January 1, 2023
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Thou, Christ, the great Jehovah art
The Fount of holiness
And, God with us, Thou art become
The Lord our Righteousness.
Oh, wash us with Thy blood and clothe
With Thy pure spotless dress
Oh, hide us in Thyself, and be
The Lord our Righteousness.
Make us by grace to be indeed
What we in word profess
Oh, make us like unto Thyself
The Lord our Righteousness.
Pour on us showers of Thy grace
Increase our fruitfulness
That we may yield Thine own to Thee
The Lord our Righteousness.
So in Thy glorious image raise’d
May we Thy mercy bless
And sing forever praise to Thee
The Lord our Righteousness.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
We will observe the Lords’ Table at the close of the service.
Birthdays
1st – Wyatt Davis 3rd – Rachel Sullivan 5th – Michael Mohr
6th – Annette DuFour 6th – Nathanial Sligh 7th – Henry Lynn
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” - Proverbs 26:12
I hope we will always be in awe of what only the Bible teaches: How God can be just and justify the ungodly. All of the attributes of God are in full display of this glorious work!
THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR
“Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior” (II Peter 3:18). This is an imperative. This is a command to grow in grace and with the command of God also comes the ability! In the coming year, by grace, we want to grow in grace. We want to grow in our need of grace, love of His grace, understanding of grace, and graciousness. We want to grow in the beatitudes; grow in poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness! We want to grow in being pure in heart, being merciful, a peacemaker and being persecuted for righteousness. We want to grow in our love to the Savior, love to our brethren, and love to all men. We want to grow in the fruit of the Spirit. We want to grown in humility, generosity, and zeal for His glory. We want to grow in being approachable and non-judgmental. We want to grow in being a friend. We want to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior and our ability to preach Him in simplicity and clarity. Since this is all a part of growth in grace, none of us should despair of this but be encouraged. By grace may this new year be a year of growth for us all. Happy New Year!
*****
A NEW NATURE
The person who says, “I am saved by grace alone and it does not matter how I talk, walk, or conduct my life,” is a fool and neither understands nor loves the grace of God. Our union with the Lord Jesus not only justifies and sanctifies us before the law of God and the court of heaven, but that same regenerating union implants within and imparts unto us A NEW NATURE which delights in the principles and actions of holiness.
One cannot separate the blessings of Christ from the indwelling presence of Christ. “He that LOVETH not KNOWETH not!” Learning the doctrine will not produce a new creature, but “learning Christ” will.
- Henry Mahan
*****
When the writer to the Hebrews said that he was persuaded better things of the Hebrews, and things that accompany salvation. He spoke of their “work of faith and labor of love” (Heb. 6:9). Where there is salvation, the work of faith and labour of love accompanies it.
TWO CHURCHES
The church of the Lord Jesus Christ exists in two realms. First, there is the eternal church. This church consist of all the elect of God, chosen in Christ before the world began. Only God knows all the members of this church. It is to us, the “invisible church”. Not one member can be added to this church. Neither can one be detracted from it. It is a perfect church, to which nothing we do here (good or bad) can affect.
Then there is the visible church. Local assemblies that gather for pubic worship. Unlike the perfect, eternal church, this church is far from perfect . Made up of sinners, and impaired with tares, it has proven to be vulnerable, fragile, and individually temporal. Its heath (good or bad) is very much affected by its members. The visible churches of Christ are few in this world and far between. Our gratitude to God for this rare gift will be seen in our efforts to protect and promote the health of this body. It is the closest thing we have in this world to the family we shall spend eternity with in the next. As we look in faith for that eternal city whose builder and maker is God, let us be diligent to labor faithfully with trowel and sword building one another up in the faith of the Lord Jesus.
- Greg Elmquist
*****
THE WORLD – THE GOSPEL
The world bears the Gospel a grudge because the Gospel condemns the religious wisdom of the world. Jealous for its own religious views, the world in turn charges the Gospel with being a subversive and licentious doctrine, offensive to God and man, a doctrine to be persecuted as the worst plague on earth. As a result we have this paradoxical situation: The Gospel supplies the world with the salvation of Jesus Christ, peace of conscience, and every blessing. Just for that the world abhors the Gospel. - Martin Luther
*****
So great is the depravity of unregenerate man that, although there is nothing the he needs more than the Gospel, there is nothing that he desires less. - Copied
Sundays 9:00am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Thou, Christ, the great Jehovah art
The Fount of holiness
And, God with us, Thou art become
The Lord our Righteousness.
Oh, wash us with Thy blood and clothe
With Thy pure spotless dress
Oh, hide us in Thyself, and be
The Lord our Righteousness.
Make us by grace to be indeed
What we in word profess
Oh, make us like unto Thyself
The Lord our Righteousness.
Pour on us showers of Thy grace
Increase our fruitfulness
That we may yield Thine own to Thee
The Lord our Righteousness.
So in Thy glorious image raise’d
May we Thy mercy bless
And sing forever praise to Thee
The Lord our Righteousness.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
We will observe the Lords’ Table at the close of the service.
Birthdays
1st – Wyatt Davis 3rd – Rachel Sullivan 5th – Michael Mohr
6th – Annette DuFour 6th – Nathanial Sligh 7th – Henry Lynn
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” - Proverbs 26:12
I hope we will always be in awe of what only the Bible teaches: How God can be just and justify the ungodly. All of the attributes of God are in full display of this glorious work!
THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR
“Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior” (II Peter 3:18). This is an imperative. This is a command to grow in grace and with the command of God also comes the ability! In the coming year, by grace, we want to grow in grace. We want to grow in our need of grace, love of His grace, understanding of grace, and graciousness. We want to grow in the beatitudes; grow in poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness! We want to grow in being pure in heart, being merciful, a peacemaker and being persecuted for righteousness. We want to grow in our love to the Savior, love to our brethren, and love to all men. We want to grow in the fruit of the Spirit. We want to grown in humility, generosity, and zeal for His glory. We want to grow in being approachable and non-judgmental. We want to grow in being a friend. We want to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior and our ability to preach Him in simplicity and clarity. Since this is all a part of growth in grace, none of us should despair of this but be encouraged. By grace may this new year be a year of growth for us all. Happy New Year!
*****
A NEW NATURE
The person who says, “I am saved by grace alone and it does not matter how I talk, walk, or conduct my life,” is a fool and neither understands nor loves the grace of God. Our union with the Lord Jesus not only justifies and sanctifies us before the law of God and the court of heaven, but that same regenerating union implants within and imparts unto us A NEW NATURE which delights in the principles and actions of holiness.
One cannot separate the blessings of Christ from the indwelling presence of Christ. “He that LOVETH not KNOWETH not!” Learning the doctrine will not produce a new creature, but “learning Christ” will.
- Henry Mahan
*****
When the writer to the Hebrews said that he was persuaded better things of the Hebrews, and things that accompany salvation. He spoke of their “work of faith and labor of love” (Heb. 6:9). Where there is salvation, the work of faith and labour of love accompanies it.
TWO CHURCHES
The church of the Lord Jesus Christ exists in two realms. First, there is the eternal church. This church consist of all the elect of God, chosen in Christ before the world began. Only God knows all the members of this church. It is to us, the “invisible church”. Not one member can be added to this church. Neither can one be detracted from it. It is a perfect church, to which nothing we do here (good or bad) can affect.
Then there is the visible church. Local assemblies that gather for pubic worship. Unlike the perfect, eternal church, this church is far from perfect . Made up of sinners, and impaired with tares, it has proven to be vulnerable, fragile, and individually temporal. Its heath (good or bad) is very much affected by its members. The visible churches of Christ are few in this world and far between. Our gratitude to God for this rare gift will be seen in our efforts to protect and promote the health of this body. It is the closest thing we have in this world to the family we shall spend eternity with in the next. As we look in faith for that eternal city whose builder and maker is God, let us be diligent to labor faithfully with trowel and sword building one another up in the faith of the Lord Jesus.
- Greg Elmquist
*****
THE WORLD – THE GOSPEL
The world bears the Gospel a grudge because the Gospel condemns the religious wisdom of the world. Jealous for its own religious views, the world in turn charges the Gospel with being a subversive and licentious doctrine, offensive to God and man, a doctrine to be persecuted as the worst plague on earth. As a result we have this paradoxical situation: The Gospel supplies the world with the salvation of Jesus Christ, peace of conscience, and every blessing. Just for that the world abhors the Gospel. - Martin Luther
*****
So great is the depravity of unregenerate man that, although there is nothing the he needs more than the Gospel, there is nothing that he desires less. - Copied
December 25, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee for Lord that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee hadst Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me that I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning, no cause in me was found
That you should choose to save me, a sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought, for Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me and taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me to heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee for Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee, Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: “The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
*****
Merry Christmas to everyone - may you enjoy the day with family and friends! There will be no service this evening. Next Sunday on New Year’s Day we will have one service at 11:00 am.
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, FL, will have a Bible conference January 13-15.
Birthdays
25th – Paul Daniel 26th – Jake Murphy 26th – Paul Walmsley 29th – Amanda Frye 29th – Alan Kincer 30th – Will Hands 31st – Ken Bissell 31st – Donna Wooten
The first link between my soul and Christ is, not my goodness, but my badness; not my merit, but my misery; not my standing, but my falling; not my riches, but my need. He comes to visit His people, yet not to admire their beauties, but to remove their deformities, not to reward their virtues, but to forgive their sins. – C. H. Spurgeon
“Every word of God is Pure: He is a shied unto them that put their trust in Him.” – Proverbs 30:5
BORN THIS DAY
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2:11
While it is impossible to determine the birth date of the Lord, He was born on a specific day. He is the child born and the Son given. To say He is so significant that our calendar is determined by the year of His birth would be to diminish rather than clearly set forth His significance and glory. He is the uncreated Creator. He is the One who controls all. But what thrilling words the angel uses to describe Him on the day of His birth. He is the Saviour. That is what I need. He is the Christ. He saves me as a Prophet, Priest, and King. He is Lord. That is why He is able to save me. His will must be done! This is why the angel said, “I bring you good tidings of great joy!” The day of the Lord’s birth is indeed, “Good tidings of great joy!” That is why and how we can say Merry Christmas.
*****
I was listening to a man object to Romans 9:20, “Nay but O man, who are you to reply against God.” I have heard that objection many times. God is not giving a sufficient answer to, “Why does He yet find fault, for who has resisted His will.” Simply answering that question with, “Who are you to reply against God” is not an answer but an authoritarian reply. My answer to the man’s objection was this. There is one difference between you and me that makes our response so different. I believe myself to be a sinner who deserves to be damned. You do not believe that about yourself, therefore you believe God owes some kind of account to you.
*****
God described David as, “A man after mine own heart.” No higher commendation could be given a man. To be a man after God’s own heart is to see things as God sees them. It is to be in agreement with God. It is to love what God loves and hate what God hates. It is to believe what God believes. It is to trust whom God trusts. God trusted Christ to save us. We trust Christ to save us. God gives all glory to His Son. We give all glory to His Son. God is pleased with His Son and all in Him. We are pleased with His Son and all in Him. While it may be seen more clearly in some than others, all believers are men and women after His own heart.
ELECTION
God prepared a salvation for His elect, chosen by Him not because of any goodness in them, but because He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy, and will have compassion on whom He will have compassion. Is this not a salvation that will suit thee, O poor sinner? If God had chosen them out of any merit, or if that choice depended on anything which men did or could do, thou wert a damned soul, for thou hast no goodness, and thou canst do nothing. If God’s election comes to those who are without merit, without hope, without strength, there is hope for thee. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
Faith in Christ is always alone and is never alone. Faith in Christ is always alone. It is never faith and _______. Faith does not look to evidences in my life to give me assurance that I am saved. Faith looks to Christ only. My only hope is that all God requires of me He looks to His Son for. And the faith that is in Christ alone is never alone. It is always “Faith that worketh by love.” It always has the fruit of the Spirit, “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.” It is always poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, a peacemaker who is persecuted for righteousness sake. If it is not alone, it is not genuine. If it is alone, it is not real. How can both of these statements be true? Because they both are true!
*****
Religion is to know Biblical facts; life is to know God (I John 5:20). Religion is to know what I believe; life is to know Whom I believe (II Timothy 1:12). Religion is to be baptized into the church; Life is to be baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3). Religion is to be reformed, life is to be regenerated (John 3:3). Religion is to be a new convert; life is to be a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). A man was asked, “And what is your religious persuasion?” He replied, “I am persuaded that nothing can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). – Henry Mahan
*****
Upon a life I did not live, upon a death I did not die; another’s life, another’s death, I stake my whole eternity. – Horatius Bonar
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee for Lord that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee hadst Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me that I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning, no cause in me was found
That you should choose to save me, a sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought, for Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me and taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me to heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee for Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee, Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: “The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
*****
Merry Christmas to everyone - may you enjoy the day with family and friends! There will be no service this evening. Next Sunday on New Year’s Day we will have one service at 11:00 am.
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, FL, will have a Bible conference January 13-15.
Birthdays
25th – Paul Daniel 26th – Jake Murphy 26th – Paul Walmsley 29th – Amanda Frye 29th – Alan Kincer 30th – Will Hands 31st – Ken Bissell 31st – Donna Wooten
The first link between my soul and Christ is, not my goodness, but my badness; not my merit, but my misery; not my standing, but my falling; not my riches, but my need. He comes to visit His people, yet not to admire their beauties, but to remove their deformities, not to reward their virtues, but to forgive their sins. – C. H. Spurgeon
“Every word of God is Pure: He is a shied unto them that put their trust in Him.” – Proverbs 30:5
BORN THIS DAY
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2:11
While it is impossible to determine the birth date of the Lord, He was born on a specific day. He is the child born and the Son given. To say He is so significant that our calendar is determined by the year of His birth would be to diminish rather than clearly set forth His significance and glory. He is the uncreated Creator. He is the One who controls all. But what thrilling words the angel uses to describe Him on the day of His birth. He is the Saviour. That is what I need. He is the Christ. He saves me as a Prophet, Priest, and King. He is Lord. That is why He is able to save me. His will must be done! This is why the angel said, “I bring you good tidings of great joy!” The day of the Lord’s birth is indeed, “Good tidings of great joy!” That is why and how we can say Merry Christmas.
*****
I was listening to a man object to Romans 9:20, “Nay but O man, who are you to reply against God.” I have heard that objection many times. God is not giving a sufficient answer to, “Why does He yet find fault, for who has resisted His will.” Simply answering that question with, “Who are you to reply against God” is not an answer but an authoritarian reply. My answer to the man’s objection was this. There is one difference between you and me that makes our response so different. I believe myself to be a sinner who deserves to be damned. You do not believe that about yourself, therefore you believe God owes some kind of account to you.
*****
God described David as, “A man after mine own heart.” No higher commendation could be given a man. To be a man after God’s own heart is to see things as God sees them. It is to be in agreement with God. It is to love what God loves and hate what God hates. It is to believe what God believes. It is to trust whom God trusts. God trusted Christ to save us. We trust Christ to save us. God gives all glory to His Son. We give all glory to His Son. God is pleased with His Son and all in Him. We are pleased with His Son and all in Him. While it may be seen more clearly in some than others, all believers are men and women after His own heart.
ELECTION
God prepared a salvation for His elect, chosen by Him not because of any goodness in them, but because He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy, and will have compassion on whom He will have compassion. Is this not a salvation that will suit thee, O poor sinner? If God had chosen them out of any merit, or if that choice depended on anything which men did or could do, thou wert a damned soul, for thou hast no goodness, and thou canst do nothing. If God’s election comes to those who are without merit, without hope, without strength, there is hope for thee. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
Faith in Christ is always alone and is never alone. Faith in Christ is always alone. It is never faith and _______. Faith does not look to evidences in my life to give me assurance that I am saved. Faith looks to Christ only. My only hope is that all God requires of me He looks to His Son for. And the faith that is in Christ alone is never alone. It is always “Faith that worketh by love.” It always has the fruit of the Spirit, “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.” It is always poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, a peacemaker who is persecuted for righteousness sake. If it is not alone, it is not genuine. If it is alone, it is not real. How can both of these statements be true? Because they both are true!
*****
Religion is to know Biblical facts; life is to know God (I John 5:20). Religion is to know what I believe; life is to know Whom I believe (II Timothy 1:12). Religion is to be baptized into the church; Life is to be baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3). Religion is to be reformed, life is to be regenerated (John 3:3). Religion is to be a new convert; life is to be a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). A man was asked, “And what is your religious persuasion?” He replied, “I am persuaded that nothing can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). – Henry Mahan
*****
Upon a life I did not live, upon a death I did not die; another’s life, another’s death, I stake my whole eternity. – Horatius Bonar
December 18, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
We have Thy promise, gracious Lord
O then fulfill Thy precious Word
Thou wilt be where Thy people meet
To make our joyfulness complete.
We ask Thy gracious presence here
From worldly thoughts, O keep us clear
And set our hearts on things above
With sweet enjoyment of Thy love.
We ask from our great living Head
Give us Thy Holy Spirit’s aid
While we engage in prayer and praise
To be supplied with every grace.
‘Tis Thine alone, Almighty Lord
To speak the soul-reviving Word
‘Tis Thine to give the hearing ear
‘Tis Thine to drive away all fear.
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
We will have one service at 11:00am on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, FL, will have a Bible conference January 13-15.
Birthdays
19th – Amanda Janes 21st – Erik Charron
21st – Evelyn Wang 23rd – Rick Kelly
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” - Proverbs 11:30
DO NOT ERR
“Do not err, my beloved brethren.” – James 1:16
Preceding and following this verse are two ways of erring. Preceding this verse, “Let no may say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God.” All of my sin is all of my fault. I certainly cannot lay the blame at God’s door for allowing me to be tempted. I was tempted because I “Was drawn away by my own lust, and enticed.” Never vindicate yourself in your sin and shift the blame. When we shift the blame we ultimately blame God! Following the verse it says, “Every good gift and perfect gift is from above.” What a grievous error when we do not ascribe every aspect of salvation to God Himself. My sin is all my fault. My salvation is all God’s fault. “Do not err, my beloved brethren.”
*****
“The wisdom that is from above…”
James 3:17
The wisdom that is from above is so beautiful. It is first “Pure”. If is not pure first, it cannot fit these other descriptions. It is then, “Peaceable” - derived from the Gospel of peace. “Gentle” - mild, not insisting on the letter of the law, humane. “Easy to be entreated” - approachable and compliant. “Full of mercy and good fruits.” “Without partiality” - not showing favoritism or respect of person. “Without hypocrisy”, it never is an act! How beautifully this describes the Lord Jesus Christ!
*****
“The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit.” - Hebrews 4:12
This tells us there is a difference between soul and spirit. The natural man has a soul but he does not have a spirit. That is what died in the fall of Adam. When a man is born again, he now has a spirit, which is evidenced by spiritual life. A believer has two natures. One is his fallen soul. The other is the spiritual nature given in the new birth. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). While both of these came through one consciousness, we cannot discern them clearly. Only the Word of God makes that discernment.
ALL OF GRACE
In heaven’s glory we shall forever adore and praise our great God for the wondrous mystery of His grace, by which we are saved. Everything in the great Word of salvation sets forth the splendor of the grace of the Most High God. What do we see in election, predestination, redemption, regeneration and preservation, but His grace? The whole work of salvation displays God’s rich, free, almighty, irresistible, sovereign, saving grace in Christ. In salvation, as well as in creation, all things are of God, all things are by God, and all things are for God. He works all our works in us, and in Him alone all praise must be forever!
- Maurice Montgomery
*****
God knows we have nothing of ourselves, therefore in the covenant of grace He requires no more than He gives, but gives what He requires, and accepts what He gives. - Richard Sibbes
*****
Sin is a noun. It is what I am. Sin is a verb. It is what I do. Sin is an adjective. It describes me. Sin is an adverb. It describes what I do. Thank God for the promise of the Gospel, “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
*****
When I get to heaven there are three things that will amaze me more than anything else. 1) I am going to see some people in glory that I did not expect to see. 2) I am going to miss some people that I surely thought would be there. 3) The most amazing thing of all will be to find John Newton in the presence of the Lord; that will amaze me more than anything else. - John Newton
*****
If we could see the sunshine and the dark in the believer’s life, we would know that it is for our growth and good. There is an order to it. It is not haphazard. The same hand that orders this universe orders all the details of our life for our good and His glory. It is day, then it is night, and bless God, it is day again, but then it will be night again, and then daylight will come. - Milton Howard
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
We have Thy promise, gracious Lord
O then fulfill Thy precious Word
Thou wilt be where Thy people meet
To make our joyfulness complete.
We ask Thy gracious presence here
From worldly thoughts, O keep us clear
And set our hearts on things above
With sweet enjoyment of Thy love.
We ask from our great living Head
Give us Thy Holy Spirit’s aid
While we engage in prayer and praise
To be supplied with every grace.
‘Tis Thine alone, Almighty Lord
To speak the soul-reviving Word
‘Tis Thine to give the hearing ear
‘Tis Thine to drive away all fear.
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
We will have one service at 11:00am on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, FL, will have a Bible conference January 13-15.
Birthdays
19th – Amanda Janes 21st – Erik Charron
21st – Evelyn Wang 23rd – Rick Kelly
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” - Proverbs 11:30
DO NOT ERR
“Do not err, my beloved brethren.” – James 1:16
Preceding and following this verse are two ways of erring. Preceding this verse, “Let no may say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God.” All of my sin is all of my fault. I certainly cannot lay the blame at God’s door for allowing me to be tempted. I was tempted because I “Was drawn away by my own lust, and enticed.” Never vindicate yourself in your sin and shift the blame. When we shift the blame we ultimately blame God! Following the verse it says, “Every good gift and perfect gift is from above.” What a grievous error when we do not ascribe every aspect of salvation to God Himself. My sin is all my fault. My salvation is all God’s fault. “Do not err, my beloved brethren.”
*****
“The wisdom that is from above…”
James 3:17
The wisdom that is from above is so beautiful. It is first “Pure”. If is not pure first, it cannot fit these other descriptions. It is then, “Peaceable” - derived from the Gospel of peace. “Gentle” - mild, not insisting on the letter of the law, humane. “Easy to be entreated” - approachable and compliant. “Full of mercy and good fruits.” “Without partiality” - not showing favoritism or respect of person. “Without hypocrisy”, it never is an act! How beautifully this describes the Lord Jesus Christ!
*****
“The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit.” - Hebrews 4:12
This tells us there is a difference between soul and spirit. The natural man has a soul but he does not have a spirit. That is what died in the fall of Adam. When a man is born again, he now has a spirit, which is evidenced by spiritual life. A believer has two natures. One is his fallen soul. The other is the spiritual nature given in the new birth. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). While both of these came through one consciousness, we cannot discern them clearly. Only the Word of God makes that discernment.
ALL OF GRACE
In heaven’s glory we shall forever adore and praise our great God for the wondrous mystery of His grace, by which we are saved. Everything in the great Word of salvation sets forth the splendor of the grace of the Most High God. What do we see in election, predestination, redemption, regeneration and preservation, but His grace? The whole work of salvation displays God’s rich, free, almighty, irresistible, sovereign, saving grace in Christ. In salvation, as well as in creation, all things are of God, all things are by God, and all things are for God. He works all our works in us, and in Him alone all praise must be forever!
- Maurice Montgomery
*****
God knows we have nothing of ourselves, therefore in the covenant of grace He requires no more than He gives, but gives what He requires, and accepts what He gives. - Richard Sibbes
*****
Sin is a noun. It is what I am. Sin is a verb. It is what I do. Sin is an adjective. It describes me. Sin is an adverb. It describes what I do. Thank God for the promise of the Gospel, “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
*****
When I get to heaven there are three things that will amaze me more than anything else. 1) I am going to see some people in glory that I did not expect to see. 2) I am going to miss some people that I surely thought would be there. 3) The most amazing thing of all will be to find John Newton in the presence of the Lord; that will amaze me more than anything else. - John Newton
*****
If we could see the sunshine and the dark in the believer’s life, we would know that it is for our growth and good. There is an order to it. It is not haphazard. The same hand that orders this universe orders all the details of our life for our good and His glory. It is day, then it is night, and bless God, it is day again, but then it will be night again, and then daylight will come. - Milton Howard
December 11, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Join every tongue to sing
The mercies of the Lord
The love of Christ, our King
Let every heart record
He saved us from the wrath of God
And paid our ransom with His blood. (Repeat)
What wondrous grace was this!
We sinned, and Jesus died
He wrought the righteousness
And we were justified
We ran the score to lengths extreme
And all the debt was charged on Him. (Repeat)
A monument of grace
A sinner saved by blood
The streams of love I trace
Up to the fountain, God
And in His wondrous mercy see
Eternal thoughts of love to me. (Repeat)
(Tune: “Arise, My Soul, Arise”)
*****
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home this Friday, Dec. 16th at 7pm.
We will have one Sunday morning service at 11:00am on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, FL, will have a Bible conference January 13-15.
Birthdays
12th – Lisa Gillispie 14th – Miles Elliott
14th – Christie Small 16th – Cindy Farmer
“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” - Proverbs 13:7
*****
THE GOSPEL OF GOD OR ANOTHER GOSPEL?
We read numerous times in Scripture of “The Gospel of God.” Is my gospel the Gospel of God? The Gospel of God is the Gospel that lines up with the Old Testament Scriptures, gives God all the glory in salvation, gives the pre-eminence to Jesus Christ in all things, does not violate or contradict any of the attributes of God, actually honors the law’s demand for perfect obedience and punishment for disobedience, meets the sinner where he is…dead in sins…and gives him life, saves the very chief of sinners, provides all God requires, keeps a man saved, enables a man to face death and judgment with perfect peace, conforms a sinner to perfect likeness to Christ, and enables him to rest in Christ’s finished work. If it fails to do any of those things, it is not the Gospel of God, but another gospel that will not save!
*****
WILLFUL SIN
“If we sin willfully, after that we have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin” (Hebrews 10:26). We sin willfully when we receive the knowledge of the Truth of how God saves sinners, and turn away from it. There are three things we are said to do when we turn away. (1) We have trodden under foot the Son of God. (2) We have counted the blood of the covenant an unholy (common, that which is general to all as opposed to that which is peculiar to the few) thing. (3) And hath done despite to the Spirit of grace. This is the sin for which there is no remedy. This is the unpardonable sin. This is the dog returning to his vomit and the pig that was washed to its wallowing in the mire (II Peter 2:20-22). May the Lord keep us looking to Christ only, and cause us to never willfully turn away from the knowledge of the Truth! “Christ is All in All” (Col. 3:11).
NECESSARY OR SUFFICIENT?
One of the biggest issues in the New Testament was the issue of circumcision. There was a large group of people who professed to believe the Gospel of Christ, but also believed it was needful to be circumcised (Acts 15:1-11; Gal. 5:1-6). They did not deny the necessity of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Indeed, they professed that salvation could not be possible without it. However, they did deny the sufficiency of Christ. They believed there was something that needed to be done along with the person and work of Christ. They did not deny the necessity of Christ’s atonement. But they did deny its sufficiency! They did not deny salvation by grace. But they did deny salvation by grace alone! They did not deny that salvation comes through faith in Christ. But they did deny faith alone! That was the issue then. And that is the issue now. The message preached by “the circumcision” in our day is, “Christ died for all, but there is something you need to do to make this blood work for you.” Faith is looked upon as a work the sinner performs in order to make the blood of Christ effectual. But the answer to this is still the same. “If ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.”(Galatians 5:2).
*****
When the Lord confronted some people with the doctrine of election in Luke 4, they turned into an angry mob. The Scripture says, “When they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up, and thrust Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill where on the city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong.” According to some, these people may have actually loved God, but their hearts were much better than their heads. They simply did not understand the doctrine of election and that is why they opposed Christ. Their hearts were right, but they were befuddled in their doctrine. If this were brought to court, do you believe a judge would make that kind of judgment? I do not think so!
*****
When Paul closed his epistle to the Romans, his last words were, “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever, Amen.” Since God only is wise, what reverence and submission is due Him! Since God only is wise, men should never presume to question what He has revealed in His Word, nor consider themselves competent to sit in judgment regarding the Truth, the necessity, or the wisdom of what His Word declares. Since God only is wise, the wisest thing we can do is bow in reverence and submission to all He says in His Word.
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Join every tongue to sing
The mercies of the Lord
The love of Christ, our King
Let every heart record
He saved us from the wrath of God
And paid our ransom with His blood. (Repeat)
What wondrous grace was this!
We sinned, and Jesus died
He wrought the righteousness
And we were justified
We ran the score to lengths extreme
And all the debt was charged on Him. (Repeat)
A monument of grace
A sinner saved by blood
The streams of love I trace
Up to the fountain, God
And in His wondrous mercy see
Eternal thoughts of love to me. (Repeat)
(Tune: “Arise, My Soul, Arise”)
*****
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home this Friday, Dec. 16th at 7pm.
We will have one Sunday morning service at 11:00am on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, FL, will have a Bible conference January 13-15.
Birthdays
12th – Lisa Gillispie 14th – Miles Elliott
14th – Christie Small 16th – Cindy Farmer
“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” - Proverbs 13:7
*****
THE GOSPEL OF GOD OR ANOTHER GOSPEL?
We read numerous times in Scripture of “The Gospel of God.” Is my gospel the Gospel of God? The Gospel of God is the Gospel that lines up with the Old Testament Scriptures, gives God all the glory in salvation, gives the pre-eminence to Jesus Christ in all things, does not violate or contradict any of the attributes of God, actually honors the law’s demand for perfect obedience and punishment for disobedience, meets the sinner where he is…dead in sins…and gives him life, saves the very chief of sinners, provides all God requires, keeps a man saved, enables a man to face death and judgment with perfect peace, conforms a sinner to perfect likeness to Christ, and enables him to rest in Christ’s finished work. If it fails to do any of those things, it is not the Gospel of God, but another gospel that will not save!
*****
WILLFUL SIN
“If we sin willfully, after that we have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin” (Hebrews 10:26). We sin willfully when we receive the knowledge of the Truth of how God saves sinners, and turn away from it. There are three things we are said to do when we turn away. (1) We have trodden under foot the Son of God. (2) We have counted the blood of the covenant an unholy (common, that which is general to all as opposed to that which is peculiar to the few) thing. (3) And hath done despite to the Spirit of grace. This is the sin for which there is no remedy. This is the unpardonable sin. This is the dog returning to his vomit and the pig that was washed to its wallowing in the mire (II Peter 2:20-22). May the Lord keep us looking to Christ only, and cause us to never willfully turn away from the knowledge of the Truth! “Christ is All in All” (Col. 3:11).
NECESSARY OR SUFFICIENT?
One of the biggest issues in the New Testament was the issue of circumcision. There was a large group of people who professed to believe the Gospel of Christ, but also believed it was needful to be circumcised (Acts 15:1-11; Gal. 5:1-6). They did not deny the necessity of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Indeed, they professed that salvation could not be possible without it. However, they did deny the sufficiency of Christ. They believed there was something that needed to be done along with the person and work of Christ. They did not deny the necessity of Christ’s atonement. But they did deny its sufficiency! They did not deny salvation by grace. But they did deny salvation by grace alone! They did not deny that salvation comes through faith in Christ. But they did deny faith alone! That was the issue then. And that is the issue now. The message preached by “the circumcision” in our day is, “Christ died for all, but there is something you need to do to make this blood work for you.” Faith is looked upon as a work the sinner performs in order to make the blood of Christ effectual. But the answer to this is still the same. “If ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.”(Galatians 5:2).
*****
When the Lord confronted some people with the doctrine of election in Luke 4, they turned into an angry mob. The Scripture says, “When they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up, and thrust Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill where on the city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong.” According to some, these people may have actually loved God, but their hearts were much better than their heads. They simply did not understand the doctrine of election and that is why they opposed Christ. Their hearts were right, but they were befuddled in their doctrine. If this were brought to court, do you believe a judge would make that kind of judgment? I do not think so!
*****
When Paul closed his epistle to the Romans, his last words were, “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever, Amen.” Since God only is wise, what reverence and submission is due Him! Since God only is wise, men should never presume to question what He has revealed in His Word, nor consider themselves competent to sit in judgment regarding the Truth, the necessity, or the wisdom of what His Word declares. Since God only is wise, the wisest thing we can do is bow in reverence and submission to all He says in His Word.
December 4, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Sovereign Ruler of the skies
Every gracious, ever wise
All our times are in Thy hand
All events at Thy command
His decree who formed the earth
Fixed my first and second birth.
He that formed me in the womb
He shall guide me to the tomb
All my times shall ever be
Ordered by His wise decree
O, Thou gracious wise and just
In Thy hands my soul I trust.
Plagues and death around me fly
Till He wills I cannot die
Not a single shaft can hit
Till the God of love thinks fit
Thou art God, and Thou alone
I and mine are all Thine own.
(Tune: “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” p. 303)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Frank Tate will bring the message this evening.
We will have one Sunday morning service at 11:00am on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 16th at 7pm.
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, FL, will have a Bible conference January 13-15.
Birthdays
4th – Jennifer Dent 4th – Eden Steeves 5th – Andy Davis
8th – Mike Brumfield 8th – Camden Proffitt
9th – Chuck Mohr 9th – Ben Small
“He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the tongue.” - Proverbs 28:23
*****
THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION
“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shown toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” - Hebrews 6:9-10
Salvation is being saved from sin. “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sin” (Matt. 1:21). And there are always things that accompany that salvation. Where one has passed from death to life, from condemnation to justification, there will always be “Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” There will be the fruit of the Spirit and an embodiment of the Beatitudes. There will be love to God and men. There will be humility and a forgiving spirit. There will be a desire to glorify Him in my life. In the context it is called “Your work and labour of love.” While faith is always alone or it is not faith, it is never alone. There are always “things that accompany salvation.”
*****
HOW I LOVE THE LAW!
“If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.” - Exodus 23:4
How beautiful is God’s law that requires such treatment to our enemies. God’s law reflects the character of God Himself. “He maketh His sun to rise upon the evil and the good, and sendeth rain upon the just and the unjust” (Matt. 5:45). In reading through Exodus 21-23, God’s law regarding how we are to treat our fellow man, we are struck, with the impartial justice, the fairness, and the mercy of God. Truly, His Holy law reflects His Holy character. And His Holy law reflects the character of man. How evil must men be that makes such laws necessary in the first place! Remember, “The law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient” (I Timothy 1:9).
Truly, we “Delight in the law of God after the inward man.” The law reflects God’s beautiful character, our sinful character, and shows us our need of Christ, and is our school-master to bring us to Christ. Every believer stands righteous before the law and is not under the law. So every believer can say with conviction, “Oh, how I love Thou law! (Psalm 119:97).
TWO NATURES OF EVERY BELIEVER
Every believer has two separate, distinct and opposite natures – one is perfectly holy, and one is perfectly sinful.
This is put forth plainly in Scripture – “There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (I Cor. 15:44). So then, if I carry out an act of kindness toward my brother or sister in Christ, which nature, or which man carried it out? Both.
The motive behind the act is of the new man, a holy motive, out of perfect love to God – but in putting the motive into action, it is carried out by the old man, a sinner, and therefore sinful.
So in the one same act, we have the pure motive of love from the new man, and a sinful action in it’s carrying out by the old man. The Scriptures once again put this forth plainly – “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind (the motive of the new man) I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh (the actions of the old man) the law of sin” (Romans 7:25). - Brian DuFour
*****
Salvation by grace is a doctrine that is true, must be preached, and should be believed. But, like the doctrine of God’s existence, just believing that salvation is of the Lord and by His grace does not save! This grace must be experienced in the heart and received by faith! I will never get across a river by simply believing that a certain bridge can take me across, or that others have been successful in using it. I must experience the bridge’s deliverance and power. Depravity is not a doctrine to the redeemed, it is an experience. Christ the Savior is not a doctrine to the redeemed: He is the One who has delivered us!
- Henry Mahan
*****
O, that the Lord would send forth real power in our midst! We need not great talents or intense excitements; with what we already have the battle may be won if the Lord will put His Spirit in us. The ox-goad, the jawbone, the sling-and-stone, and the ram’s horn trumpet have each been made an irresistible weapon; with God, the instrument is little. His might is everything. Only let us be strong in faith, full of zeal, and very courageous for the Lord and our God, and the Lord will bless us.
- C. H. Spurgeon
*****
Faith is not an achievement; it is a gift. Yet it comes only through the hearing and study of the Word. - Martin Luther
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Sovereign Ruler of the skies
Every gracious, ever wise
All our times are in Thy hand
All events at Thy command
His decree who formed the earth
Fixed my first and second birth.
He that formed me in the womb
He shall guide me to the tomb
All my times shall ever be
Ordered by His wise decree
O, Thou gracious wise and just
In Thy hands my soul I trust.
Plagues and death around me fly
Till He wills I cannot die
Not a single shaft can hit
Till the God of love thinks fit
Thou art God, and Thou alone
I and mine are all Thine own.
(Tune: “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” p. 303)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Frank Tate will bring the message this evening.
We will have one Sunday morning service at 11:00am on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 16th at 7pm.
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, FL, will have a Bible conference January 13-15.
Birthdays
4th – Jennifer Dent 4th – Eden Steeves 5th – Andy Davis
8th – Mike Brumfield 8th – Camden Proffitt
9th – Chuck Mohr 9th – Ben Small
“He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the tongue.” - Proverbs 28:23
*****
THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION
“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shown toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” - Hebrews 6:9-10
Salvation is being saved from sin. “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sin” (Matt. 1:21). And there are always things that accompany that salvation. Where one has passed from death to life, from condemnation to justification, there will always be “Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” There will be the fruit of the Spirit and an embodiment of the Beatitudes. There will be love to God and men. There will be humility and a forgiving spirit. There will be a desire to glorify Him in my life. In the context it is called “Your work and labour of love.” While faith is always alone or it is not faith, it is never alone. There are always “things that accompany salvation.”
*****
HOW I LOVE THE LAW!
“If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.” - Exodus 23:4
How beautiful is God’s law that requires such treatment to our enemies. God’s law reflects the character of God Himself. “He maketh His sun to rise upon the evil and the good, and sendeth rain upon the just and the unjust” (Matt. 5:45). In reading through Exodus 21-23, God’s law regarding how we are to treat our fellow man, we are struck, with the impartial justice, the fairness, and the mercy of God. Truly, His Holy law reflects His Holy character. And His Holy law reflects the character of man. How evil must men be that makes such laws necessary in the first place! Remember, “The law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient” (I Timothy 1:9).
Truly, we “Delight in the law of God after the inward man.” The law reflects God’s beautiful character, our sinful character, and shows us our need of Christ, and is our school-master to bring us to Christ. Every believer stands righteous before the law and is not under the law. So every believer can say with conviction, “Oh, how I love Thou law! (Psalm 119:97).
TWO NATURES OF EVERY BELIEVER
Every believer has two separate, distinct and opposite natures – one is perfectly holy, and one is perfectly sinful.
This is put forth plainly in Scripture – “There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (I Cor. 15:44). So then, if I carry out an act of kindness toward my brother or sister in Christ, which nature, or which man carried it out? Both.
The motive behind the act is of the new man, a holy motive, out of perfect love to God – but in putting the motive into action, it is carried out by the old man, a sinner, and therefore sinful.
So in the one same act, we have the pure motive of love from the new man, and a sinful action in it’s carrying out by the old man. The Scriptures once again put this forth plainly – “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind (the motive of the new man) I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh (the actions of the old man) the law of sin” (Romans 7:25). - Brian DuFour
*****
Salvation by grace is a doctrine that is true, must be preached, and should be believed. But, like the doctrine of God’s existence, just believing that salvation is of the Lord and by His grace does not save! This grace must be experienced in the heart and received by faith! I will never get across a river by simply believing that a certain bridge can take me across, or that others have been successful in using it. I must experience the bridge’s deliverance and power. Depravity is not a doctrine to the redeemed, it is an experience. Christ the Savior is not a doctrine to the redeemed: He is the One who has delivered us!
- Henry Mahan
*****
O, that the Lord would send forth real power in our midst! We need not great talents or intense excitements; with what we already have the battle may be won if the Lord will put His Spirit in us. The ox-goad, the jawbone, the sling-and-stone, and the ram’s horn trumpet have each been made an irresistible weapon; with God, the instrument is little. His might is everything. Only let us be strong in faith, full of zeal, and very courageous for the Lord and our God, and the Lord will bless us.
- C. H. Spurgeon
*****
Faith is not an achievement; it is a gift. Yet it comes only through the hearing and study of the Word. - Martin Luther
November 27, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Jesus, Thy Name I love, All other names above
Jesus, my Lord
O Thou art All to me, Nothing to please I see
Nothing apart from Thee, Jesus my Lord.
Thou blessed Son of God, Hast bought me with Thy blood
Jesus, my Lord
O how great is Thy love, All other loves above
Love that I daily prove, Jesus my Lord.
When unto Thee I flee, Thou wilt my Refuge be
Jesus my Lord
What need I now to fear, What earthly grief or care
Since Thou art ever near? Jesus my Lord.
Soon Thou wilt come again, I shall be happy then
Jesus my Lord
Then Thine own face I’ll see, Then I shall like Thee be
Then ever more with Thee, Jesus my Lord.
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
Eden Steeves is home recovering from her accident if anyone would like to send her a card, her address is 5012 Bob White Drive Richmond, KY 40475.
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 16th at 7pm.
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, FL, will have a Bible conference January 13-15.
Birthdays
28th – Lydia Lynn 30th – Bryleigh Carroll 30th – Isaac Steeves
30th – Mitch Steeves 2nd – Susan Holthaus 2nd – Kara Imes
3rd – Tucker Brogle 3rd – Kelly Byrd
“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” - Proverbs 27:1
*****
SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS
While it is true that when comparing men, some are more righteous than others; that is an undeniable fact. Judah said concerning Tamar, “She is more righteous than I.” There are countless examples of this we have all seen in each of our lives. However, this is not how God sees. “All things are naked and open to Him with whom we have to do.” God sees things as they are. “And God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” That being the case, self-righteousness is a contradiction in terms. Self-righteousness is the greatest oxy-moron imaginable. It is only when a man sees who God is that he sees this about himself. When a man sees this about himself, he will trust the righteousness of Christ as his righteousness before God. He knows his self-righteousness to be nothing but filthy rags before God.
*****
“The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
Exodus 14:14
When I am tempted to defend myself against accusations men make concerning me, I would do well to remember this verse. Two things come to mind. (1) Even if I am not guilty of what I am being accused of, I am guilty of far worse! (2) I have this promise that the Lord will fight for me. If I need defended, the Lord shall defend me. All I need to do is hold my peace.
*****
Now God, who sees through all deceptions, knows that there is no goodness whatever in us. He says that, “There is none righteous, no not one.” He knows that, “All our righteousness are as filthy rags” and therefore, the Lord Jesus did not come into the world to look after goodness and righteousness among men, but to bring goodness and righteousness with Him and to bestow them upon persons who have none of them. He comes, not because we ARE just, but to make us so. He justifies the ungodly! - C. H. Spurgeon
From time to time there arises a debate on what constitutes “another gospel”. We all know that there are differences among true and honest believers over various doctrines. When do these differences cross the line from mere differences to heresy? When must we cry, “That is another gospel!”? The answer is so simple that there should never again be a debate on the issue. It is “another gospel” when the message is of “another Jesus!” This is the only issue worth dividing over, and on this issue we must divide with all who disagree. Who is the true Jesus? Of all the adjectives I could use to describe our Lord in the Gospel, the one that seems most fitting to me is “the successful Jesus”. The true Jesus is the One who, “By Himself (actually did) purged our sins” (Heb. 1:3). The One in whose hand the will of Jehovah prospered (Isaiah 53:10). The One who is the Word from God that does not return to God empty but actually accomplishes what God sent Him to do (Isaiah 55:11). The One who has already successfully “Obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12). That Jesus, and only that Jesus is the Jesus of the Gospel! Other Jesus’s maybe very nice and kind; they may fill your heart with warmth and your eyes with tears, but they cannot save your soul! Only the Jesus of definite, successful, and therefore, particular redemption can deliver your soul to God without spot and blemish. Trust Him, and tolerate no other! Fix your soul fast to Him and your soul shall live! Trust any other Jesus and you shall perish. – Joe Terrell
*****
If I did not believe the Scriptural teaching of election unto salvation, I would not bother to ever preach again. But since God has a people chosen unto salvation and redeemed by Christ, I am encouraged to preach, “Christ and Him crucified.” I am assured that the Holy Spirit will cause His people to hear the Gospel and believe on the Son.
-Copied
*****
We must be careful that we always make Scripture the master of our theology, and not the servant. We do not go to the Scriptures to prove our theology but to find God’s theology. We must not twist the statements of Scripture to fit what we believe, but must always alter what we believe to fit the Scriptures. - Joe Terrell
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Jesus, Thy Name I love, All other names above
Jesus, my Lord
O Thou art All to me, Nothing to please I see
Nothing apart from Thee, Jesus my Lord.
Thou blessed Son of God, Hast bought me with Thy blood
Jesus, my Lord
O how great is Thy love, All other loves above
Love that I daily prove, Jesus my Lord.
When unto Thee I flee, Thou wilt my Refuge be
Jesus my Lord
What need I now to fear, What earthly grief or care
Since Thou art ever near? Jesus my Lord.
Soon Thou wilt come again, I shall be happy then
Jesus my Lord
Then Thine own face I’ll see, Then I shall like Thee be
Then ever more with Thee, Jesus my Lord.
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
Eden Steeves is home recovering from her accident if anyone would like to send her a card, her address is 5012 Bob White Drive Richmond, KY 40475.
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 16th at 7pm.
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, FL, will have a Bible conference January 13-15.
Birthdays
28th – Lydia Lynn 30th – Bryleigh Carroll 30th – Isaac Steeves
30th – Mitch Steeves 2nd – Susan Holthaus 2nd – Kara Imes
3rd – Tucker Brogle 3rd – Kelly Byrd
“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” - Proverbs 27:1
*****
SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS
While it is true that when comparing men, some are more righteous than others; that is an undeniable fact. Judah said concerning Tamar, “She is more righteous than I.” There are countless examples of this we have all seen in each of our lives. However, this is not how God sees. “All things are naked and open to Him with whom we have to do.” God sees things as they are. “And God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” That being the case, self-righteousness is a contradiction in terms. Self-righteousness is the greatest oxy-moron imaginable. It is only when a man sees who God is that he sees this about himself. When a man sees this about himself, he will trust the righteousness of Christ as his righteousness before God. He knows his self-righteousness to be nothing but filthy rags before God.
*****
“The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
Exodus 14:14
When I am tempted to defend myself against accusations men make concerning me, I would do well to remember this verse. Two things come to mind. (1) Even if I am not guilty of what I am being accused of, I am guilty of far worse! (2) I have this promise that the Lord will fight for me. If I need defended, the Lord shall defend me. All I need to do is hold my peace.
*****
Now God, who sees through all deceptions, knows that there is no goodness whatever in us. He says that, “There is none righteous, no not one.” He knows that, “All our righteousness are as filthy rags” and therefore, the Lord Jesus did not come into the world to look after goodness and righteousness among men, but to bring goodness and righteousness with Him and to bestow them upon persons who have none of them. He comes, not because we ARE just, but to make us so. He justifies the ungodly! - C. H. Spurgeon
From time to time there arises a debate on what constitutes “another gospel”. We all know that there are differences among true and honest believers over various doctrines. When do these differences cross the line from mere differences to heresy? When must we cry, “That is another gospel!”? The answer is so simple that there should never again be a debate on the issue. It is “another gospel” when the message is of “another Jesus!” This is the only issue worth dividing over, and on this issue we must divide with all who disagree. Who is the true Jesus? Of all the adjectives I could use to describe our Lord in the Gospel, the one that seems most fitting to me is “the successful Jesus”. The true Jesus is the One who, “By Himself (actually did) purged our sins” (Heb. 1:3). The One in whose hand the will of Jehovah prospered (Isaiah 53:10). The One who is the Word from God that does not return to God empty but actually accomplishes what God sent Him to do (Isaiah 55:11). The One who has already successfully “Obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12). That Jesus, and only that Jesus is the Jesus of the Gospel! Other Jesus’s maybe very nice and kind; they may fill your heart with warmth and your eyes with tears, but they cannot save your soul! Only the Jesus of definite, successful, and therefore, particular redemption can deliver your soul to God without spot and blemish. Trust Him, and tolerate no other! Fix your soul fast to Him and your soul shall live! Trust any other Jesus and you shall perish. – Joe Terrell
*****
If I did not believe the Scriptural teaching of election unto salvation, I would not bother to ever preach again. But since God has a people chosen unto salvation and redeemed by Christ, I am encouraged to preach, “Christ and Him crucified.” I am assured that the Holy Spirit will cause His people to hear the Gospel and believe on the Son.
-Copied
*****
We must be careful that we always make Scripture the master of our theology, and not the servant. We do not go to the Scriptures to prove our theology but to find God’s theology. We must not twist the statements of Scripture to fit what we believe, but must always alter what we believe to fit the Scriptures. - Joe Terrell
November 20, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Where God begins His gracious work
That work He will complete
For ‘round the objects of His love
All power and mercy meet. (Repeat)
Man may repent him of his work
And fail in his intent
God is above the power of change
And never can repent. (Repeat)
Each object of His love is sure
To reach the heavenly goal
For neither sin nor Satan can
Destroy the blood-washed soul. (Repeat)
The precious blood of God’s dear Son
Shall ne’er be shed in vain
The soul on Christ believing must
With Christ forever reign. (Repeat)
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
There will be no Wednesday service this week. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 16th at 7pm.
Birthdays
21st –Zack Murphy 23rd – Evan Ferrell 25th – Sarah Lynn
26th – Adam Charron 26th – John Frye 26th – Max Murphy
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” - Proverbs 11:2
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” - Acts 16:31
If you asked professing Christians if they believed in “faith alone”, the overwhelming majority would say yes. The reason they would say yes is they do not really understand what “faith alone” means. It comes out in their preaching, “Trust Christ and …” If an and is added, it is not “faith alone.” It is seen in their ground of assurance. There must be more evidence than faith alone. After all, “faith without works is dead, being alone.” When that argument is used against it, it betrays an ignorance of what “faith alone” means. There is also a fear that “faith alone” will be a deterrent to a life of good works, which also is rooted in an ignorance of what “faith alone” means. What is “faith alone”? “What shall we do that we might work the works of God?” Jesus answered, “This is the work of God that you believe on Him whom He hath sent.” (John 6:28-29).
*****
TRUTH AND LIFE
“Of His own will begat He us with the Word of Truth.” – James 1:18
“Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth.” – John 17:17
We are greatly mistaken if we believe that God works apart from the Truth. Spiritual birth and sanctification come only through the Truth. To suppose that God is bigger than the Truth and can use error to bring His children to Himself is to dishonor God. God is a God of Truth. Christ came to bear witness to the Truth. Why do men want to cloud this issue? There is only one reason. They disobey the Truth! Remember, the Truth is more than accurate data. The Truth is a Person. To seek to go around the Truth is to disregard the Truth and disobey the Truth. As John said, “No lie is of the Truth” (I John 2:21).
*****
The Lord gave us a beautiful illustration of faith always being in the present with the manna that came down from heaven. If you ate the manna that fell yesterday, it would breed worms and stink. If you saved some of today’s manna for tomorrow, it would breed worms and stink. Yesterday I looked to Christ only. But I am not relying on yesterday’s faith. Today I look to Christ alone. Tomorrow and every day after that I want to look to Christ only. May my last breath before I died be looking to Christ only, even then. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, by His grace, my cry is, “Nothing in my hands I bring; simply to Thy cross I cling.”
GOD’S THOUGHTS
“How precious are Thy thoughts unto me, O God.”
God never had a new thought. His thoughts are eternal. Being infinite, He has all of His thoughts before Him at all times. There has never been a time when His children were not in His conscious thoughts - thoughts of love, joy, peace, complacency, and satisfaction. Thoughts that never had a beginning and thoughts that will never end. And God’s thoughts are immutable. They never change. He said, “I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” And what is that end? Perfect conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. “For Whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren.” Truly, “How precious are also Thy thoughts unto me, O God. If I count them they are more than the number of the sand: When I awake I am still with thee.”
*****
If being a sinner is the qualification of those whom Christ came to save, no one is more qualified than me; the chief of sinners. If being poor and needy is the qualification of those whom Christ came to save, who is in more spiritual poverty and in need of mercy more than me? If it is true that God hath chosen the foolish, the weak, the base, and the things which are not, that no flesh should glory in His presence; who has less reason to glory in themselves than me? Are you qualified?
- Greg Elmquist
*****
When the dust of division settles, those who are true followers of Christ will be made manifest. They may waver in the confusion, but God’s saints will not be moved away from the hope of the Gospel. When the sowers of discord have had their last fling, the cause of Christ will not be hindered, and believers will still cling to Christ with stronger faith than ever before. - Don Fortner
*****
God’s elect worship and serve Him with willing hearts. We willingly believe, willingly worship, willingly give, and willingly do what we can for the glory of God. It is God who, by effectual grace, makes us willing; but we are willing servants of the Most High God! Any worship, service, or gifts offered to God that is not done with a willing heart is an abomination to Him. – Scott Richardson
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Where God begins His gracious work
That work He will complete
For ‘round the objects of His love
All power and mercy meet. (Repeat)
Man may repent him of his work
And fail in his intent
God is above the power of change
And never can repent. (Repeat)
Each object of His love is sure
To reach the heavenly goal
For neither sin nor Satan can
Destroy the blood-washed soul. (Repeat)
The precious blood of God’s dear Son
Shall ne’er be shed in vain
The soul on Christ believing must
With Christ forever reign. (Repeat)
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
There will be no Wednesday service this week. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 16th at 7pm.
Birthdays
21st –Zack Murphy 23rd – Evan Ferrell 25th – Sarah Lynn
26th – Adam Charron 26th – John Frye 26th – Max Murphy
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” - Proverbs 11:2
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” - Acts 16:31
If you asked professing Christians if they believed in “faith alone”, the overwhelming majority would say yes. The reason they would say yes is they do not really understand what “faith alone” means. It comes out in their preaching, “Trust Christ and …” If an and is added, it is not “faith alone.” It is seen in their ground of assurance. There must be more evidence than faith alone. After all, “faith without works is dead, being alone.” When that argument is used against it, it betrays an ignorance of what “faith alone” means. There is also a fear that “faith alone” will be a deterrent to a life of good works, which also is rooted in an ignorance of what “faith alone” means. What is “faith alone”? “What shall we do that we might work the works of God?” Jesus answered, “This is the work of God that you believe on Him whom He hath sent.” (John 6:28-29).
*****
TRUTH AND LIFE
“Of His own will begat He us with the Word of Truth.” – James 1:18
“Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth.” – John 17:17
We are greatly mistaken if we believe that God works apart from the Truth. Spiritual birth and sanctification come only through the Truth. To suppose that God is bigger than the Truth and can use error to bring His children to Himself is to dishonor God. God is a God of Truth. Christ came to bear witness to the Truth. Why do men want to cloud this issue? There is only one reason. They disobey the Truth! Remember, the Truth is more than accurate data. The Truth is a Person. To seek to go around the Truth is to disregard the Truth and disobey the Truth. As John said, “No lie is of the Truth” (I John 2:21).
*****
The Lord gave us a beautiful illustration of faith always being in the present with the manna that came down from heaven. If you ate the manna that fell yesterday, it would breed worms and stink. If you saved some of today’s manna for tomorrow, it would breed worms and stink. Yesterday I looked to Christ only. But I am not relying on yesterday’s faith. Today I look to Christ alone. Tomorrow and every day after that I want to look to Christ only. May my last breath before I died be looking to Christ only, even then. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, by His grace, my cry is, “Nothing in my hands I bring; simply to Thy cross I cling.”
GOD’S THOUGHTS
“How precious are Thy thoughts unto me, O God.”
God never had a new thought. His thoughts are eternal. Being infinite, He has all of His thoughts before Him at all times. There has never been a time when His children were not in His conscious thoughts - thoughts of love, joy, peace, complacency, and satisfaction. Thoughts that never had a beginning and thoughts that will never end. And God’s thoughts are immutable. They never change. He said, “I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” And what is that end? Perfect conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. “For Whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren.” Truly, “How precious are also Thy thoughts unto me, O God. If I count them they are more than the number of the sand: When I awake I am still with thee.”
*****
If being a sinner is the qualification of those whom Christ came to save, no one is more qualified than me; the chief of sinners. If being poor and needy is the qualification of those whom Christ came to save, who is in more spiritual poverty and in need of mercy more than me? If it is true that God hath chosen the foolish, the weak, the base, and the things which are not, that no flesh should glory in His presence; who has less reason to glory in themselves than me? Are you qualified?
- Greg Elmquist
*****
When the dust of division settles, those who are true followers of Christ will be made manifest. They may waver in the confusion, but God’s saints will not be moved away from the hope of the Gospel. When the sowers of discord have had their last fling, the cause of Christ will not be hindered, and believers will still cling to Christ with stronger faith than ever before. - Don Fortner
*****
God’s elect worship and serve Him with willing hearts. We willingly believe, willingly worship, willingly give, and willingly do what we can for the glory of God. It is God who, by effectual grace, makes us willing; but we are willing servants of the Most High God! Any worship, service, or gifts offered to God that is not done with a willing heart is an abomination to Him. – Scott Richardson
November 13, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No beauty can I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All-in All, I pray.
Less Than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
*****
Birthdays
13th – Roscoe Bowling 15th – Carter Steeves 17th – Joshua Davis
There will be no Wednesday service November 23rd .
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
Lantana Grace Church Crossville, TN Nov. 25-27
Grace Gospel Church Apopka, FL Jan. 13-15
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” - Proverbs 19:21
My spiritual life began in looking to Christ only. The way I persevere in the faith is by continuing to look to Christ only. My desire is that the last breath I take here on earth will be looking to Christ only. The employment of eternity, albeit without this sinful nature, will be looking to Christ only! “We shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (I John 3:2), and will still look to Him only.
*****
YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1
The appeal to present our bodies a living sacrifice is the mercies of God. Not a hope of gain or a fear of loss. But the saving mercies of God which are set forth in the first 11 chapters of Romans. The call is to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Everything we are is housed in our bodies. A failure to present the body is to hold something back. We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. We are not dictating to Him what to do or what we will do. We are saying, “Here I am.” We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Nothing less is a true presentation of our bodies. This is our reasonable service. Anything less is completely unreasonable. The same word is used by Paul in Romans 6:13, “Yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead.” By grace, may we be so moved by the mercies of God that we present ourselves to Him a living sacrifice every day. Anything less is utterly unreasonable.
*****
Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to walk worthy of God. The word worth is used five other times in the New Testament, and we are given a picture of what a worthy walk looks like. In Ephesians 4:1-3, it is ascribed as walking in humility and meekness, and longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, and endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit. In Philippians 1:27 it is, “With one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel.” In Colossians 1:10 it is, “Being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” In Romans 16:2, “Receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints.” In John III 6, it is supporting missionaries. May we all walk worthy of God in all of these particulars!
WILLING AND PERFORMING
“To will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not.” - Romans 7:18
To will is present with me. I would never sin again. But as far as the never sinning again goes, it never happens. I have not been able to carry out my desire to not sin. All I do is sin! Like David said, “My sin is ever (continually) before me.” While it is ever before me, it is not before God! Every believer is “Holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight” (Col. 1:22). And we will experience this when we see Him as He is. “When He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (I John 3:2). One day our desire shall be changed into experience: sinlessness! And my present sinfulness and the sins I commit do not allow me to look anywhere but Christ alone as all my salvation.
*****
“Able to save” means something more than just delivering men from hell. “Able to save” is the whole work of salvation from the first conviction of sin to complete glorification. Christ is not only “Able to save” those who repent, but He is able to make men repent. Christ is not only “Able to save” those who believe, but He is able to give a new heart and work faith in men. Christ is not only “Able to save” those who continue in the faith, but He is able to keep us from falling and give us a holy desire to be like Him. - Henry Mahan
*****
The Bible is a book that records the activity of God, not man. It is not a record of man seeking and searching after God and striving to find Him. It is the exact opposite. It is man going astray and God coming after him. As He came down in the garden of Eden at the beginning when man sinned, so He has been coming down ever since, and He came down supremely in the person of His only begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. - Martin Lloyd-Jones
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No beauty can I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All-in All, I pray.
Less Than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
*****
Birthdays
13th – Roscoe Bowling 15th – Carter Steeves 17th – Joshua Davis
There will be no Wednesday service November 23rd .
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
Lantana Grace Church Crossville, TN Nov. 25-27
Grace Gospel Church Apopka, FL Jan. 13-15
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” - Proverbs 19:21
My spiritual life began in looking to Christ only. The way I persevere in the faith is by continuing to look to Christ only. My desire is that the last breath I take here on earth will be looking to Christ only. The employment of eternity, albeit without this sinful nature, will be looking to Christ only! “We shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (I John 3:2), and will still look to Him only.
*****
YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1
The appeal to present our bodies a living sacrifice is the mercies of God. Not a hope of gain or a fear of loss. But the saving mercies of God which are set forth in the first 11 chapters of Romans. The call is to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Everything we are is housed in our bodies. A failure to present the body is to hold something back. We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. We are not dictating to Him what to do or what we will do. We are saying, “Here I am.” We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Nothing less is a true presentation of our bodies. This is our reasonable service. Anything less is completely unreasonable. The same word is used by Paul in Romans 6:13, “Yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead.” By grace, may we be so moved by the mercies of God that we present ourselves to Him a living sacrifice every day. Anything less is utterly unreasonable.
*****
Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to walk worthy of God. The word worth is used five other times in the New Testament, and we are given a picture of what a worthy walk looks like. In Ephesians 4:1-3, it is ascribed as walking in humility and meekness, and longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, and endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit. In Philippians 1:27 it is, “With one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel.” In Colossians 1:10 it is, “Being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” In Romans 16:2, “Receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints.” In John III 6, it is supporting missionaries. May we all walk worthy of God in all of these particulars!
WILLING AND PERFORMING
“To will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not.” - Romans 7:18
To will is present with me. I would never sin again. But as far as the never sinning again goes, it never happens. I have not been able to carry out my desire to not sin. All I do is sin! Like David said, “My sin is ever (continually) before me.” While it is ever before me, it is not before God! Every believer is “Holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight” (Col. 1:22). And we will experience this when we see Him as He is. “When He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (I John 3:2). One day our desire shall be changed into experience: sinlessness! And my present sinfulness and the sins I commit do not allow me to look anywhere but Christ alone as all my salvation.
*****
“Able to save” means something more than just delivering men from hell. “Able to save” is the whole work of salvation from the first conviction of sin to complete glorification. Christ is not only “Able to save” those who repent, but He is able to make men repent. Christ is not only “Able to save” those who believe, but He is able to give a new heart and work faith in men. Christ is not only “Able to save” those who continue in the faith, but He is able to keep us from falling and give us a holy desire to be like Him. - Henry Mahan
*****
The Bible is a book that records the activity of God, not man. It is not a record of man seeking and searching after God and striving to find Him. It is the exact opposite. It is man going astray and God coming after him. As He came down in the garden of Eden at the beginning when man sinned, so He has been coming down ever since, and He came down supremely in the person of His only begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. - Martin Lloyd-Jones
November 6, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
O, Lamb of God, still keep me, Near to Thy wounded side
‘Tis only there in safety, And peace I can abide
What foes and snares surround me, What lusts and fears within
The grace that sought and found me, Alone can keep me clean.
‘Tis only in Thee hiding, I know my life secure
Only in Thee abiding, I steadfast shall endure
Thine arm the victory gaineth, O’er every hurtful foe
The love my heart sustaineth, In all its care and woe.
Soon shall my eyes behold Thee, With rapture face to face
The half hath not been told me, Of all Thy power and grace
Thy beauty, Lord, and glory, The wonders of Thy love
Shall be the endless story, Of all Thy saints above.
(Tune: “The Church’s One Foundation” p.186)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
The church’s financial statement is sent out monthly by e-mail. A copy is also posted on the bulletin board in the hallway. If you do not receive it via e-mail and would like to, give your information to Susan Sligh.
Congratulations to Jalen and Rachel Whitehead who were married
Friday!
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 16th at 7pm.
Birthdays
6th – Lauren Burton 8th – Daniel Holthaus 9th – Delena Creamer
9th – Ryan Vincent 10th – David Wright 11th – Elizabeth Charron
11th – Peggy Mohr 11th – Hannah Summers 11th – Jenny Williams
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
*****
“And for this cause God shall sent them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned.”
- II Thessalonians 2:11-12
For what cause will God bring this awful judgment on a man that God Himself will send that man strong delusion so that he will believe a lie, so that he will spend eternity in hell? The answer is found in the previous verse. “Because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause….” God did not send them strong delusion because of their failure to acknowledge the Truth that the Bible so clearly teaches. But they failed to, “Receive the love of the Truth.” You love the Truth when what the Truth states is your only hope of being saved. For instance, you love election when you see without God electing you, you would never be saved. The same is true with regard to all the truths of salvation. It is not giving assent to the Truth, but receiving the love of the Truth that is the evidence that you have been saved by the Truth you love.
*****
THE BELIEVER’S RULE OF LIFE
I left the pulpit one night and a fellow asked me, “Do you believe the law to be the believer’s rule of life?” He seemed surprised when I told him I did not. His very next question was, “How do you know how to live?” I told him immediately that I lived just as the apostle Paul, “The life that I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20). This was the rule of life for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Abel and all others who have nothing but Jesus Christ to live upon. Someone would say, “You mean you live as you want to?” I wish I could: I would be filled with the Spirit, I would never sin again, all my motives would be pure, and I would be delivered from the body of this death. Oh, I wish I could live just like I want to. The closest thing I have found to living just like I would like to is living by faith upon Jesus Christ the Dear and Blessed Son of God. - Bruce Crabtree
SAVED BY CHRIST
If salvation depends upon our being or doing anything, we shall inevitably be lost. Thank God, it does not; for the great fundamental principle of the Gospel is that Christ is All: man is nothing. It is not a mixture of Christ and man – it is all of Christ. The peace of the Gospel does not rest in part on Christ’s work and in part on man’s work; it rests wholly on Christ’s work, because that work is perfect, perfect forever; and it renders all who put their trust in Him as perfect as Himself! Christ must either be a whole Saviour or no Saviour at all. The moment a man says, “Except you be this or that, you cannot be saved,” he totally subverts the Gospel; for in the Gospel I find Christ coming down to me, just as I am – a lost, guilty, self-destroyed sinner; and coming, moreover, with a full remission of all my sins, and a full salvation from my lost estate, all perfectly wrought by Himself on the cross.
– C. H. Mackintosh
*****
Avoid the Evil of Diotrephes
“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not.” - III John 9
Beloved, do not imitate evil of any kind, but especially avoid the evil of Diotrephes, which was pride, ambition, and love of preeminence, which led him into inhospitality to other believers, a critical spirit, and careless criticism of those who minister the Word. It is not unusual for men of the world to criticize and find fault with God’s preachers, but it ought not to be done by believers. These critics, for want of real charges, usually take up little matters and exaggerate them, and this is not the Spirit of Christ. - Henry Mahan
*****
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
Lantana Grace Church Crossville, TN Nov. 25-27
Grace Gospel Church Apopka, FL Jan. 13-15
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
O, Lamb of God, still keep me, Near to Thy wounded side
‘Tis only there in safety, And peace I can abide
What foes and snares surround me, What lusts and fears within
The grace that sought and found me, Alone can keep me clean.
‘Tis only in Thee hiding, I know my life secure
Only in Thee abiding, I steadfast shall endure
Thine arm the victory gaineth, O’er every hurtful foe
The love my heart sustaineth, In all its care and woe.
Soon shall my eyes behold Thee, With rapture face to face
The half hath not been told me, Of all Thy power and grace
Thy beauty, Lord, and glory, The wonders of Thy love
Shall be the endless story, Of all Thy saints above.
(Tune: “The Church’s One Foundation” p.186)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
The church’s financial statement is sent out monthly by e-mail. A copy is also posted on the bulletin board in the hallway. If you do not receive it via e-mail and would like to, give your information to Susan Sligh.
Congratulations to Jalen and Rachel Whitehead who were married
Friday!
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 16th at 7pm.
Birthdays
6th – Lauren Burton 8th – Daniel Holthaus 9th – Delena Creamer
9th – Ryan Vincent 10th – David Wright 11th – Elizabeth Charron
11th – Peggy Mohr 11th – Hannah Summers 11th – Jenny Williams
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
*****
“And for this cause God shall sent them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned.”
- II Thessalonians 2:11-12
For what cause will God bring this awful judgment on a man that God Himself will send that man strong delusion so that he will believe a lie, so that he will spend eternity in hell? The answer is found in the previous verse. “Because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause….” God did not send them strong delusion because of their failure to acknowledge the Truth that the Bible so clearly teaches. But they failed to, “Receive the love of the Truth.” You love the Truth when what the Truth states is your only hope of being saved. For instance, you love election when you see without God electing you, you would never be saved. The same is true with regard to all the truths of salvation. It is not giving assent to the Truth, but receiving the love of the Truth that is the evidence that you have been saved by the Truth you love.
*****
THE BELIEVER’S RULE OF LIFE
I left the pulpit one night and a fellow asked me, “Do you believe the law to be the believer’s rule of life?” He seemed surprised when I told him I did not. His very next question was, “How do you know how to live?” I told him immediately that I lived just as the apostle Paul, “The life that I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20). This was the rule of life for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Abel and all others who have nothing but Jesus Christ to live upon. Someone would say, “You mean you live as you want to?” I wish I could: I would be filled with the Spirit, I would never sin again, all my motives would be pure, and I would be delivered from the body of this death. Oh, I wish I could live just like I want to. The closest thing I have found to living just like I would like to is living by faith upon Jesus Christ the Dear and Blessed Son of God. - Bruce Crabtree
SAVED BY CHRIST
If salvation depends upon our being or doing anything, we shall inevitably be lost. Thank God, it does not; for the great fundamental principle of the Gospel is that Christ is All: man is nothing. It is not a mixture of Christ and man – it is all of Christ. The peace of the Gospel does not rest in part on Christ’s work and in part on man’s work; it rests wholly on Christ’s work, because that work is perfect, perfect forever; and it renders all who put their trust in Him as perfect as Himself! Christ must either be a whole Saviour or no Saviour at all. The moment a man says, “Except you be this or that, you cannot be saved,” he totally subverts the Gospel; for in the Gospel I find Christ coming down to me, just as I am – a lost, guilty, self-destroyed sinner; and coming, moreover, with a full remission of all my sins, and a full salvation from my lost estate, all perfectly wrought by Himself on the cross.
– C. H. Mackintosh
*****
Avoid the Evil of Diotrephes
“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not.” - III John 9
Beloved, do not imitate evil of any kind, but especially avoid the evil of Diotrephes, which was pride, ambition, and love of preeminence, which led him into inhospitality to other believers, a critical spirit, and careless criticism of those who minister the Word. It is not unusual for men of the world to criticize and find fault with God’s preachers, but it ought not to be done by believers. These critics, for want of real charges, usually take up little matters and exaggerate them, and this is not the Spirit of Christ. - Henry Mahan
*****
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
Lantana Grace Church Crossville, TN Nov. 25-27
Grace Gospel Church Apopka, FL Jan. 13-15
October 30, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee, for Lord, that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee, hadst Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me, hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me, that I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning, no cause in me was found
That You should choose to save me, a sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for, was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought, for Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me, and taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me, to heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee, for Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee, Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: “The Church’s One foundation” p. 186)
*****
The wedding of Rachel Harries and Jalen Whitehead will be this Friday, November 4th at 4:00 with a reception to follow.
Birthdays
30th – Tucker Greenleaf 1st – Charles McGuire 3rd – Conner Dickerson
3rd – Jeff Sullivan 4th – Laura Benton 4th – Steve Sligh
5th – Michael Burton 5th – Macy Greenleaf 5th- Logan Small
“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine…” (John 7:17). The Gospel has many doctrines which make the doctrine of Christ. How can I know if I am hearing God’s doctrine? If my desire is His will, I will know the doctrine! If I believe something that God’s Word does not teach, there is always an evil motive in believing it. There is some unwillingness on my part to do His will. So I choose to believe something that is false, which is what heresy means, “A choosing.” If a man preaches the Truth from God’s Word, and I oppose it, it is a sin problem on my part. Those who will do His will, will know the doctrine.
“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” - Proverbs 27:2
*****
“Praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” - Colossians 4:3-4
This is what Paul asked the Colossians to pray for - that God would open a door for Him to preach to people who have not heard the mystery of Christ. Pray for me that I might preach plainly, without the “wisdom of words”, in order to make it manifest. That is how I ought to speak! And I am asking you to pray for me, that God would continue to open doors for us to preach to those who have never heard, and that I might preach in a simple way, that those who hear will understand what has been said. Paul was inspired by the Spirit of God to make this request here and other places. Surely, we should be making the same request! Perhaps God will cause someone to hear. I believe He will!
NO GUILE
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile” (Psalm 32:1-2). I have had a tendency in dealing with these two verses to only deal with the forgiveness, covering, and non-imputation of sin, and leave off the last part of the verse, “Blessed is the man …….in whose spirit there is no guile.” But this is just as necessary as having our sins forgiven, covered, and not imputed to us! Remember when the Lord said of Nathanael, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.”
God’s people are honest! They look at the Word of God honestly. They do not use it to prove their beliefs. They go to it to find what they do believe! They are honest about their sin. They see they are nothing but sin in and of themselves, and look to Christ as their all in salvation. Because they are honest they refuse to participate in the hypocrisy of false religion. Because they are honest, they tell the truth of the Gospel! Because they are honest, they live lives of integrity. Where God’s grace brings the blessedness of forgiveness, covering, and non-imputation of sin, He also gives this “spirit in whom there is no guile.” There is no salvation without it! As Rolfe Barnard said, “Honest people don’t go to hell.”
WHAT MANNER OF MAN IS THIS?
All religious reformers and messiahs come to live; He came to die.
All others leave monuments and memorials; no one can find His birthplace, grave, nor one possession.
All others write diaries and memoirs; He wrote on the sand.
All others choose their followers from rich, powerful, and influential; He chose the poor and needy.
All others praise human righteousness; He condemned it.
All others seek those who can help them; He sought those whom He could help.
All others promise success and happiness to their followers; He promised tribulation and suffering.
All others hold their disciples with fear and force; He invited His to leave Him if they would.
All others have palaces, mansions, and headquarters; He had no place to lay His head.
All others reward the most talented with recognition, titles, and honor; He said, “The least shall be the greatest.”
All others say, “Follow me; I will show you the way”; He said, “Come to me, I AM THE WAY.”
All others claim to be messengers of God; He said, “He that hath seen me hath seen God.”
All others stay dead; He arose and all of His claims, works, and promises are true because God raised Him from the dead.
- Henry Mahan
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee, for Lord, that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee, hadst Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me, hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me, that I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning, no cause in me was found
That You should choose to save me, a sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for, was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought, for Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me, and taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me, to heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee, for Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee, Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: “The Church’s One foundation” p. 186)
*****
The wedding of Rachel Harries and Jalen Whitehead will be this Friday, November 4th at 4:00 with a reception to follow.
Birthdays
30th – Tucker Greenleaf 1st – Charles McGuire 3rd – Conner Dickerson
3rd – Jeff Sullivan 4th – Laura Benton 4th – Steve Sligh
5th – Michael Burton 5th – Macy Greenleaf 5th- Logan Small
“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine…” (John 7:17). The Gospel has many doctrines which make the doctrine of Christ. How can I know if I am hearing God’s doctrine? If my desire is His will, I will know the doctrine! If I believe something that God’s Word does not teach, there is always an evil motive in believing it. There is some unwillingness on my part to do His will. So I choose to believe something that is false, which is what heresy means, “A choosing.” If a man preaches the Truth from God’s Word, and I oppose it, it is a sin problem on my part. Those who will do His will, will know the doctrine.
“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” - Proverbs 27:2
*****
“Praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” - Colossians 4:3-4
This is what Paul asked the Colossians to pray for - that God would open a door for Him to preach to people who have not heard the mystery of Christ. Pray for me that I might preach plainly, without the “wisdom of words”, in order to make it manifest. That is how I ought to speak! And I am asking you to pray for me, that God would continue to open doors for us to preach to those who have never heard, and that I might preach in a simple way, that those who hear will understand what has been said. Paul was inspired by the Spirit of God to make this request here and other places. Surely, we should be making the same request! Perhaps God will cause someone to hear. I believe He will!
NO GUILE
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile” (Psalm 32:1-2). I have had a tendency in dealing with these two verses to only deal with the forgiveness, covering, and non-imputation of sin, and leave off the last part of the verse, “Blessed is the man …….in whose spirit there is no guile.” But this is just as necessary as having our sins forgiven, covered, and not imputed to us! Remember when the Lord said of Nathanael, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.”
God’s people are honest! They look at the Word of God honestly. They do not use it to prove their beliefs. They go to it to find what they do believe! They are honest about their sin. They see they are nothing but sin in and of themselves, and look to Christ as their all in salvation. Because they are honest they refuse to participate in the hypocrisy of false religion. Because they are honest, they tell the truth of the Gospel! Because they are honest, they live lives of integrity. Where God’s grace brings the blessedness of forgiveness, covering, and non-imputation of sin, He also gives this “spirit in whom there is no guile.” There is no salvation without it! As Rolfe Barnard said, “Honest people don’t go to hell.”
WHAT MANNER OF MAN IS THIS?
All religious reformers and messiahs come to live; He came to die.
All others leave monuments and memorials; no one can find His birthplace, grave, nor one possession.
All others write diaries and memoirs; He wrote on the sand.
All others choose their followers from rich, powerful, and influential; He chose the poor and needy.
All others praise human righteousness; He condemned it.
All others seek those who can help them; He sought those whom He could help.
All others promise success and happiness to their followers; He promised tribulation and suffering.
All others hold their disciples with fear and force; He invited His to leave Him if they would.
All others have palaces, mansions, and headquarters; He had no place to lay His head.
All others reward the most talented with recognition, titles, and honor; He said, “The least shall be the greatest.”
All others say, “Follow me; I will show you the way”; He said, “Come to me, I AM THE WAY.”
All others claim to be messengers of God; He said, “He that hath seen me hath seen God.”
All others stay dead; He arose and all of His claims, works, and promises are true because God raised Him from the dead.
- Henry Mahan
October 23, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Jesus, our Priest, forever lives
To plead for us above
Jesus, our King, forever gives
The blessings of His love.
Thou hast redeemed our souls with blood
Has set the prisoner free
Hast made us kings and priests to God
And we shall reign with Thee.
The whole creation join in one
To bless the Holy Name
Of Him who sits upon the Throne
And to adore the Lamb.
He breaks the pow’r of reigning sin
He sets the prisoner free
His blood can make the foulest clean
His blood availed for me.
(Tune: “O For A Thousand Tongues” p. 46)
*****
Birthdays
24th – Carla Bryan 24th – Noah Foley 24th – Becky Kess
27th – Mark Mohr 28th – Drew Charron 28th – Emma Steeves
The believer has a new nature that never sins and the old nature that always sins. This does not provide him with an excuse for sin nor a reason to not battle his sin. But it does explain why he is so sinful. Amazingly and mysteriously it is the new man that owns and confesses the sins of the old man!
“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? - Proverbs 20:6
WHAT AM I KNOWN FOR?
There are different aspects of our character that we are known for: what people think of when they think of us. Some things good and some things bad. When the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to tell us what we should be known for by others, he says, “Let your moderation be known to all men” (Phil 4:5). When we think of the word moderation we generally think of avoiding excess or extremes. That is good, but that is not what the Bible means by this word. It is also translated by the words gentle, forbearing, and patient. Vine’s Greek dictionary defines it as equitable, fair, moderate, forbearing, not insisting on the letter of the law. It expresses that consideration that looks humanely and reasonably at the facts of a case, in contrast to contentiousness. How beautiful! If that is not a quality of character recognizable in us, it ought to be. When men see us as representatives of the Gospel, they should see moderation.
*****
I OUGHT
“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.” – I Thessalonians 4:1
I ought to love my God and Savior with all my heart, soul and strength. I ought to love my neighbor as much as I love myself. I ought to prefer my brothers and sisters so much over myself, that I would die for them. I ought to pray more. I ought to study the Scriptures more. I ought to love my wife and children more. I ought to think on my Savior more and share His Gospel with others more. I ought to complain less and praise more. I ought to bow to all things providential. I ought to walk and to please God so I could abound more and more as a child of the Living God. I ought to do all these things out of love, adoration and for the glory of God in the Lord Jesus Christ who loved me and gave Himself for me. Lord, cause me to do as I ought! – David Eddmenson
*****
If there is some condition I must meet before God will save me, two things are true. I will not be saved and salvation is by works – my ability to meet the condition. But thank God, there are no conditions I must first meet before I can be saved. That being true, salvation is by grace, and I can be saved!
SAVING FAITH PRODUCES A CHANGED LIFE
Saul of Tarsus hated Christ and the way of salvation by grace so much that he persecuted and killed those who did trust Christ. After the Lord saved him, Paul became the greatest preacher of salvation by grace through faith the world has ever known with the exception of Christ Himself. Zacchaeus was a dishonest, greedy man until the Lord saved him. After salvation came to his house, Zacchaeus became honest, gracious and generous. The Philippian jailor was a hard, mean man who probably enjoyed the prisoner’s suffering. After the Lord saved him he comforted Paul and Silas in his own house. Onesimus was an unprofitable servant who had stolen from his master. After the Lord saved him Onesimus became profitable to Paul, to Philemon, and to much of the early church.
I know that salvation is in the heart and the only true evidence we have of salvation is faith in Christ. I also know that where there is faith in the heart there is a changed conduct and attitude. I hope and pray that is true of you and me. - Frank Tate
*****
His Truth Marches On
It is to the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ that His cause and His Gospel survive all the sins and follies of His people. Brother Muse once said, “One of the proofs that the Gospel is true is the fact that through the ages it has continued in spite of such poor preaching.” Spurgeon wrote, “Taking ministers all round, I find them more likely to destroy than to build up the cause of Christ.”
The Master’s Kingdom has survived the blunders of His disciples; His wisdom stands in spite of our folly; His power is not lessened by our weakness; and the glory of His righteousness has not been clouded by our unrighteousness.
The King of kings still conquers, using such poor followers and soldiers. - Henry Mahan
*****
God must save us before we will desire to be saved. God must give light before we know we were in darkness, God must give life before we will know that we were dead. God must do everything in our salvation. - John Chapman
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Jesus, our Priest, forever lives
To plead for us above
Jesus, our King, forever gives
The blessings of His love.
Thou hast redeemed our souls with blood
Has set the prisoner free
Hast made us kings and priests to God
And we shall reign with Thee.
The whole creation join in one
To bless the Holy Name
Of Him who sits upon the Throne
And to adore the Lamb.
He breaks the pow’r of reigning sin
He sets the prisoner free
His blood can make the foulest clean
His blood availed for me.
(Tune: “O For A Thousand Tongues” p. 46)
*****
Birthdays
24th – Carla Bryan 24th – Noah Foley 24th – Becky Kess
27th – Mark Mohr 28th – Drew Charron 28th – Emma Steeves
The believer has a new nature that never sins and the old nature that always sins. This does not provide him with an excuse for sin nor a reason to not battle his sin. But it does explain why he is so sinful. Amazingly and mysteriously it is the new man that owns and confesses the sins of the old man!
“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? - Proverbs 20:6
WHAT AM I KNOWN FOR?
There are different aspects of our character that we are known for: what people think of when they think of us. Some things good and some things bad. When the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to tell us what we should be known for by others, he says, “Let your moderation be known to all men” (Phil 4:5). When we think of the word moderation we generally think of avoiding excess or extremes. That is good, but that is not what the Bible means by this word. It is also translated by the words gentle, forbearing, and patient. Vine’s Greek dictionary defines it as equitable, fair, moderate, forbearing, not insisting on the letter of the law. It expresses that consideration that looks humanely and reasonably at the facts of a case, in contrast to contentiousness. How beautiful! If that is not a quality of character recognizable in us, it ought to be. When men see us as representatives of the Gospel, they should see moderation.
*****
I OUGHT
“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.” – I Thessalonians 4:1
I ought to love my God and Savior with all my heart, soul and strength. I ought to love my neighbor as much as I love myself. I ought to prefer my brothers and sisters so much over myself, that I would die for them. I ought to pray more. I ought to study the Scriptures more. I ought to love my wife and children more. I ought to think on my Savior more and share His Gospel with others more. I ought to complain less and praise more. I ought to bow to all things providential. I ought to walk and to please God so I could abound more and more as a child of the Living God. I ought to do all these things out of love, adoration and for the glory of God in the Lord Jesus Christ who loved me and gave Himself for me. Lord, cause me to do as I ought! – David Eddmenson
*****
If there is some condition I must meet before God will save me, two things are true. I will not be saved and salvation is by works – my ability to meet the condition. But thank God, there are no conditions I must first meet before I can be saved. That being true, salvation is by grace, and I can be saved!
SAVING FAITH PRODUCES A CHANGED LIFE
Saul of Tarsus hated Christ and the way of salvation by grace so much that he persecuted and killed those who did trust Christ. After the Lord saved him, Paul became the greatest preacher of salvation by grace through faith the world has ever known with the exception of Christ Himself. Zacchaeus was a dishonest, greedy man until the Lord saved him. After salvation came to his house, Zacchaeus became honest, gracious and generous. The Philippian jailor was a hard, mean man who probably enjoyed the prisoner’s suffering. After the Lord saved him he comforted Paul and Silas in his own house. Onesimus was an unprofitable servant who had stolen from his master. After the Lord saved him Onesimus became profitable to Paul, to Philemon, and to much of the early church.
I know that salvation is in the heart and the only true evidence we have of salvation is faith in Christ. I also know that where there is faith in the heart there is a changed conduct and attitude. I hope and pray that is true of you and me. - Frank Tate
*****
His Truth Marches On
It is to the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ that His cause and His Gospel survive all the sins and follies of His people. Brother Muse once said, “One of the proofs that the Gospel is true is the fact that through the ages it has continued in spite of such poor preaching.” Spurgeon wrote, “Taking ministers all round, I find them more likely to destroy than to build up the cause of Christ.”
The Master’s Kingdom has survived the blunders of His disciples; His wisdom stands in spite of our folly; His power is not lessened by our weakness; and the glory of His righteousness has not been clouded by our unrighteousness.
The King of kings still conquers, using such poor followers and soldiers. - Henry Mahan
*****
God must save us before we will desire to be saved. God must give light before we know we were in darkness, God must give life before we will know that we were dead. God must do everything in our salvation. - John Chapman
October 16, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
When oceans vast their depths reveal
And moons have ceased to wane
The Lamb, who died and rose again
On Zion’s hill shall reign.
His glorious Name must long endure
When suns have ceased to shine
And through eternity the saints
Will sing His praise divine.
As countless as the drops of dew
Or sands upon the shore
Are blessing which the ransomed have
In Him forevermore.
Let ev’ry other name recede
His Name alone extol
In Him reserved there is the grace
To satisfy my soul.
(Tune: “Amazing Grace” p. 236)
*****
Birthdays
17th – Abigail Sullivan 18th – Dwayne Imes 18th – Julianna Rigsby
21st – Tim Scifres 22nd – Samuel Kincer
“Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” “Take heed what ye hear.” “Take heed how ye hear.” “If any man has ears to hear, let him hear!” “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.” These verses all tell us of the importance of hearing. So, rather then me proving hearing is not important to me by my actions or simply feeling guilty and changing temporarily, only to go back to where I was before, may we all say with Samuel, “Speak Lord, Thy servant heareth.”
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” - Proverbs 19:21
ONE THING IS NEEDFUL
There were two sisters named Martha and Mary. They were both loved by Christ. They both believed the Gospel. When Christ came to their house we are given two different pictures. Mary sitting at the Lord’s feet, hearing the Word. Martha cumbered about (distracted) with much serving. Martha becomes frustrated with Mary and told the Lord what she thought He should do – “Command her to help me!” The Lord’s answer, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord loved this woman, “Thou art careful and troubled about many things.” How easily all of us can fall into that trap! “But one thing is needful.” Mary choosing the good part and sitting at His feet to hear His Word was the one thing needful. Am I Martha? Cumbered about, careful and troubled about many things? Being distracted from what Mary was doing. Her heart had been hardened by this. She was critical of her sister and felt like she could tell the Lord what He should do. “Martha, Martha…. One thing is needful ….and Mary hath chosen that good part…..” – hearing His Word. Martha had become too busy for that! What a shame! But that would not be taken from Mary. We know which of these sisters were most happy and content – Mary!
*****
“You know all things” (I John 2:21). Does John mean believers possess omniscience? Certainly not! Does he means we can give an accurate definition to all of the doctrine of Scripture? Certainly not! If I know Christ, I know all things because He is All. I know all the doctrine of Christ because I know Who He is. If what I hear is contrary to who He is, I know it is false. If what I hear lines up with who He is, I know it is true. That is why a believer knows if what he is hearing is the Truth as soon as he hears it. It is a reflection of Who He is, therefore it is the Truth. Knowing Him, we know all things before we even hear them!
*****
A proof of the power and truthfulness of the Gospel is in the fact that the Master’s cause has survived such weak disciples. His wisdom has not been affected by our folly, His power has not been lessened by our weakness, His holiness has not suffered through our un-holiness, and His grace shines in spite of our selfishness. Men who look to Him are never disappointed. - Henry Mahan
FIRST PRIORITY IS NOT ENOUGH
I have observed many who professed to know Christ and believe the Gospel of His grace, and yet they are unhappy and generally speaking miserable people. How can that be? I believe I know why. These people walk around with a dark cloud over their head because they are so taken up with the things of this world. They are always in a strait between Christ and the world, and feel bad because they fear they are not giving Christ their first priority. That is the problem. If Christ is merely your first priority, you have missed Him altogether. He is All to those who know Him, not merely their first priority. I once heard someone say, “Most men have just enough religion to make them miserable.” That is the problem. Most people have religion but they do not have Christ.
*****
The most dangerous counterfeit is the one that most closely resembles the real. Once again, the Gospel of God, the Gospel of Scripture, the Gospel of Truth, is that Gospel that declares the absolute Sovereignty of God, the total depravity of man, God’s eternal choice of His people, the effectual redemption of Christ, and the invincible grace of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, and the perseverance of those God elected, Christ died for, and the Holy Spirit calls. Any deviation from any of this is no longer Gospel, and the closer a deviation is to the Truth, the more dangerous it is!
*****
The spirit of antichrist is not anti-religion; it promotes religion. It is not anti-morality nor anti-law; it promotes both! It is not anti-good works; it encourages good works done in the name of morality and religion. IT IS ANTICHRIST! It is opposed to giving Christ all the glory for our election, our redemption, our calling, our righteousness, our preservation and perseverance, our resurrection, and our eternal glory. The Spirit of God says, “JESUS PAID IT ALL.” The spirit of antichrist says:
Jesus did a part
And I a part, you know
Sin left a crimson stain
But we washed it white as snow.
- Henry Mahan
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
When oceans vast their depths reveal
And moons have ceased to wane
The Lamb, who died and rose again
On Zion’s hill shall reign.
His glorious Name must long endure
When suns have ceased to shine
And through eternity the saints
Will sing His praise divine.
As countless as the drops of dew
Or sands upon the shore
Are blessing which the ransomed have
In Him forevermore.
Let ev’ry other name recede
His Name alone extol
In Him reserved there is the grace
To satisfy my soul.
(Tune: “Amazing Grace” p. 236)
*****
Birthdays
17th – Abigail Sullivan 18th – Dwayne Imes 18th – Julianna Rigsby
21st – Tim Scifres 22nd – Samuel Kincer
“Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” “Take heed what ye hear.” “Take heed how ye hear.” “If any man has ears to hear, let him hear!” “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.” These verses all tell us of the importance of hearing. So, rather then me proving hearing is not important to me by my actions or simply feeling guilty and changing temporarily, only to go back to where I was before, may we all say with Samuel, “Speak Lord, Thy servant heareth.”
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” - Proverbs 19:21
ONE THING IS NEEDFUL
There were two sisters named Martha and Mary. They were both loved by Christ. They both believed the Gospel. When Christ came to their house we are given two different pictures. Mary sitting at the Lord’s feet, hearing the Word. Martha cumbered about (distracted) with much serving. Martha becomes frustrated with Mary and told the Lord what she thought He should do – “Command her to help me!” The Lord’s answer, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord loved this woman, “Thou art careful and troubled about many things.” How easily all of us can fall into that trap! “But one thing is needful.” Mary choosing the good part and sitting at His feet to hear His Word was the one thing needful. Am I Martha? Cumbered about, careful and troubled about many things? Being distracted from what Mary was doing. Her heart had been hardened by this. She was critical of her sister and felt like she could tell the Lord what He should do. “Martha, Martha…. One thing is needful ….and Mary hath chosen that good part…..” – hearing His Word. Martha had become too busy for that! What a shame! But that would not be taken from Mary. We know which of these sisters were most happy and content – Mary!
*****
“You know all things” (I John 2:21). Does John mean believers possess omniscience? Certainly not! Does he means we can give an accurate definition to all of the doctrine of Scripture? Certainly not! If I know Christ, I know all things because He is All. I know all the doctrine of Christ because I know Who He is. If what I hear is contrary to who He is, I know it is false. If what I hear lines up with who He is, I know it is true. That is why a believer knows if what he is hearing is the Truth as soon as he hears it. It is a reflection of Who He is, therefore it is the Truth. Knowing Him, we know all things before we even hear them!
*****
A proof of the power and truthfulness of the Gospel is in the fact that the Master’s cause has survived such weak disciples. His wisdom has not been affected by our folly, His power has not been lessened by our weakness, His holiness has not suffered through our un-holiness, and His grace shines in spite of our selfishness. Men who look to Him are never disappointed. - Henry Mahan
FIRST PRIORITY IS NOT ENOUGH
I have observed many who professed to know Christ and believe the Gospel of His grace, and yet they are unhappy and generally speaking miserable people. How can that be? I believe I know why. These people walk around with a dark cloud over their head because they are so taken up with the things of this world. They are always in a strait between Christ and the world, and feel bad because they fear they are not giving Christ their first priority. That is the problem. If Christ is merely your first priority, you have missed Him altogether. He is All to those who know Him, not merely their first priority. I once heard someone say, “Most men have just enough religion to make them miserable.” That is the problem. Most people have religion but they do not have Christ.
*****
The most dangerous counterfeit is the one that most closely resembles the real. Once again, the Gospel of God, the Gospel of Scripture, the Gospel of Truth, is that Gospel that declares the absolute Sovereignty of God, the total depravity of man, God’s eternal choice of His people, the effectual redemption of Christ, and the invincible grace of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, and the perseverance of those God elected, Christ died for, and the Holy Spirit calls. Any deviation from any of this is no longer Gospel, and the closer a deviation is to the Truth, the more dangerous it is!
*****
The spirit of antichrist is not anti-religion; it promotes religion. It is not anti-morality nor anti-law; it promotes both! It is not anti-good works; it encourages good works done in the name of morality and religion. IT IS ANTICHRIST! It is opposed to giving Christ all the glory for our election, our redemption, our calling, our righteousness, our preservation and perseverance, our resurrection, and our eternal glory. The Spirit of God says, “JESUS PAID IT ALL.” The spirit of antichrist says:
Jesus did a part
And I a part, you know
Sin left a crimson stain
But we washed it white as snow.
- Henry Mahan
October 9, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No comeliness I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All in All I pray.
Less than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
Darvin Pruitt, pastor of the Grace Baptist Church in Lewisville, Arkansas will preach for us this evening.
Birthdays
11th – Hunter Small 12th- Doug Hacker 13th – Jaime Greenleaf
14th – Tom Fitzpatrick 14th – Maybelle Wheeler
“The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.” - Proverbs 16:33
WILLING
“Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power” (Ps. 110:3). That is not the case before the day of His power. An evil nature makes us unwilling in all that pertains to the Gospel. The day of His power causes those who were not willing to be willing! The day of His power causes those who were not voluntary to be volunteers! The day of His power causes them to love what they once hated and to hate what they once loved! Those who are made willing find it a joy to deny self, take up their cross, and follow Christ. Their will is for their will to be completely subject to God’s will. Their will is to be saved by the God of all grace in the way that He saves. This willingness is caused by the saving grace of God. “It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). The Lord said to the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” Not one of them was willing to do that! While we reject “free will”, we know grace makes us willing.
*****
I have never said, nor will I ever say that Todd’s Road Grace Church is the only church in Lexington, Kentucky that preaches the Gospel. I could not say that unless I had attended every church in Lexington and heard their message. But I do say that a church that does not preach the Gospel of God, the Gospel of the Scriptures, the Gospel of grace, the Gospel that declares the electing Work of the Father, the redemption of the elect by the Son, the regenerating Work of the Spirit on those the Father elected and the Son redeemed, is not a church in the first place. A church that shuns to declare the whole counsel of God is not a church, nor should be called one. The issue is what it has always been: What is the Gospel? How does the Bible define it?
*****
When a man asked the Lord if there were only few to be saved, He did not answer him with a yes or no! He said, “Strive to enter the strait gate.” Few or many has no bearing on whether I enter or not. I am called upon to strive to enter! I may see few seeking to enter. I may not find those who are entering an encouragement to me. That is not to hinder me personally from me myself striving to enter in at the strait gate. This is to be the all-consuming passion of my life!
Faith is not life giving, but proof of life. Faith is not a work for salvation, but a work of salvation. Faith is not what saves us but is certain proof God has saved us. Faith is not a condition we meet, but the condition God’s Spirit puts in us to “Make us meet” (Col. 1:12). Is all this important? Do we split theological hairs here? NO! NO! For the Glory of God is at stake! That other (false) gospel says faith is man’s work, man’s will. But no, faith is,“Not of yourselves, but the gift of God.” (Eph. 1:19) Therefore, it is, “To the praise of the glory of His grace” (Eph. 1:6)… and not rather “to the praise of our faith.”
- Paul Mahan
*****
ARTHUR PINK QUOTES
Unbelief is infectious! The unbelief of one strengthens the unbelief of another, just as the faith of one strengthens the faith of another.
It is not the absence of sin but the grieving over it which distinguishes the child of God from empty professors.
The prevailing idea seems to be, that I come to God and ask Him for something that I want, and that I expect Him to give me that which I have asked. But this is a most dishonoring and degrading conception. The popular belief reduces God to a servant, our servant; doing our bidding, performing our pleasure, granting our desires. No, prayer is a coming to God, telling Him my need, committing my way unto the Lord, and leaving Him to deal with it as it seems Him best.
*****
The eye which sees anything good in the creature is a blind eye; that eye which fancies it can discern anything in man, or anything in anything he can do to win the Divine favor, is as yet stone blind to the Truth of God, and needs to be lanced and cut, and the cataract of pride removed from it! - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness. - Martin Luther
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No comeliness I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All in All I pray.
Less than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
Darvin Pruitt, pastor of the Grace Baptist Church in Lewisville, Arkansas will preach for us this evening.
Birthdays
11th – Hunter Small 12th- Doug Hacker 13th – Jaime Greenleaf
14th – Tom Fitzpatrick 14th – Maybelle Wheeler
“The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.” - Proverbs 16:33
WILLING
“Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power” (Ps. 110:3). That is not the case before the day of His power. An evil nature makes us unwilling in all that pertains to the Gospel. The day of His power causes those who were not willing to be willing! The day of His power causes those who were not voluntary to be volunteers! The day of His power causes them to love what they once hated and to hate what they once loved! Those who are made willing find it a joy to deny self, take up their cross, and follow Christ. Their will is for their will to be completely subject to God’s will. Their will is to be saved by the God of all grace in the way that He saves. This willingness is caused by the saving grace of God. “It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). The Lord said to the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” Not one of them was willing to do that! While we reject “free will”, we know grace makes us willing.
*****
I have never said, nor will I ever say that Todd’s Road Grace Church is the only church in Lexington, Kentucky that preaches the Gospel. I could not say that unless I had attended every church in Lexington and heard their message. But I do say that a church that does not preach the Gospel of God, the Gospel of the Scriptures, the Gospel of grace, the Gospel that declares the electing Work of the Father, the redemption of the elect by the Son, the regenerating Work of the Spirit on those the Father elected and the Son redeemed, is not a church in the first place. A church that shuns to declare the whole counsel of God is not a church, nor should be called one. The issue is what it has always been: What is the Gospel? How does the Bible define it?
*****
When a man asked the Lord if there were only few to be saved, He did not answer him with a yes or no! He said, “Strive to enter the strait gate.” Few or many has no bearing on whether I enter or not. I am called upon to strive to enter! I may see few seeking to enter. I may not find those who are entering an encouragement to me. That is not to hinder me personally from me myself striving to enter in at the strait gate. This is to be the all-consuming passion of my life!
Faith is not life giving, but proof of life. Faith is not a work for salvation, but a work of salvation. Faith is not what saves us but is certain proof God has saved us. Faith is not a condition we meet, but the condition God’s Spirit puts in us to “Make us meet” (Col. 1:12). Is all this important? Do we split theological hairs here? NO! NO! For the Glory of God is at stake! That other (false) gospel says faith is man’s work, man’s will. But no, faith is,“Not of yourselves, but the gift of God.” (Eph. 1:19) Therefore, it is, “To the praise of the glory of His grace” (Eph. 1:6)… and not rather “to the praise of our faith.”
- Paul Mahan
*****
ARTHUR PINK QUOTES
Unbelief is infectious! The unbelief of one strengthens the unbelief of another, just as the faith of one strengthens the faith of another.
It is not the absence of sin but the grieving over it which distinguishes the child of God from empty professors.
The prevailing idea seems to be, that I come to God and ask Him for something that I want, and that I expect Him to give me that which I have asked. But this is a most dishonoring and degrading conception. The popular belief reduces God to a servant, our servant; doing our bidding, performing our pleasure, granting our desires. No, prayer is a coming to God, telling Him my need, committing my way unto the Lord, and leaving Him to deal with it as it seems Him best.
*****
The eye which sees anything good in the creature is a blind eye; that eye which fancies it can discern anything in man, or anything in anything he can do to win the Divine favor, is as yet stone blind to the Truth of God, and needs to be lanced and cut, and the cataract of pride removed from it! - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness. - Martin Luther
October 2, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress
Mid flaming worlds, in these arrayed
With joy shall I lift up my head.
Bold shall I stand in Thy great day
For who aught to my charge shall lay
Fully absolved thru these I am
From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.
When from the dust of death I rise
To claim my mansion in the skies
E’ve then shall this be all my plea
Jesus has lived and died for me.
This spotless robe the same appears
When ruined nature sinks in years
No age can change its glorious hue
The robe of Christ is ever new.
O let the dead now hear Thy voice
Now bid Thy wand’ring ones rejoice
Their beauty this, their glorious dress
JESUS THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS!
(Tune: “Jesus, Thy blood and Righteousness” p. 217)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch for Rachel Harries and Jalen Whitehead this Saturday Oct. 8 at 10:30am. The sign up sheet is in foyer. They are registered at Target. Also, if you plan to attend the wedding on Friday, Nov. 4, please RSVP in the foyer.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Dinner for Emily Bryan and Sean Burba on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 6:30pm. The sign up sheet is in the foyer.
Birthdays
3rd – Ian Anjos 3rd – Paul Harries 4th – Alex DuFour
4th – Emma Ferrell 5th – Susan Sligh 7th – Sharon Fugate
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.” - Proverbs 17:15
*****
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” – II Corinthians 7:1
Because, “all the promises of God in Him are yea and amen”, because all of our salvation is founded in the eternal promise of God made before time began (Titus 1:2), this is the only proper response - to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness (stains, pollutions) of the flesh and spirit, perfecting (bringing to an end) holiness, in the fear of God.” That fear that causes you to look to Christ alone in whatever you are doing. Even in this command to cleanse ourselves…we are to do so in the fear of God, afraid to look anywhere but Christ alone as all in our salvation!
*****
I am not satisfied with anything that has my fingerprints on it. I can only find satisfaction in that which God finds satisfaction in. “He shall see the travail of His soul and be satisfied.” God is completely satisfied with the work of His Son. He is perfectly satisfied with all for whom Christ died! Christ is satisfied with what He did in their behalf. That is why He sat down at the right hand of God. He left nothing undone! The Spirit is satisfied with the work of the Son. “By one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified, whereof also the Holy Ghost is a witness to us.” If the Father, Son, and Spirit are completely satisfied with what Christ did, I am too!
*****
“Praise waiteth for Thee, O God.” - Psalm 65:1
The word waiteth means silence. Praise is silent before Thee. “Be still and know that I am God.” While we ought to praise Him audibly, when the multitude was praising Him with “Hosanna”, and the Pharisees told the Lord to rebuke them for it, He replied, “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” That being said, silence is a form of praise. He indeed is so glorious, that any words we use fall infinitely short. Paul realized this when he said, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” John Bunyan said, “Let your heart be without words before you let your words be without heart.”
JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED
“For I determined not to know any thing among you,
save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” - I Corinthians 2:2
There is only one message to preach and to hear because there is only one message in all of the Scripture – “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Every page, every story, every commandment, every word speaks of “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What is the only remedy for sin? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What is the only message of comfort and rest? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message breaks a hard heart? And what message binds the broken heart again? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message instructs, and motivates the heart of a sinner to obedience? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message produces true love, unity, and forgiveness among brethren? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Just preach “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” and husbands will love their wives “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it” (Eph. 5:25); wives will submit to the leadership and direction of their “loving” husbands, and children will “obey (their) parents in the Lord” as Christ submitted and obeyed to the loving will of His Father. Everything that a child of God needs for growth in grace, and growth into the image of his Lord is produced through the preaching of “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified”. Christ is ALL! All we preach, all we hear, all we believe, all we have! By God’s grace, all of His people say with Paul: “We are determined to know nothing among us, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” - Gabe Stalnaker
*****
THE POWER OF GOD
The power of God is that ability and strength whereby He can bring to pass whatsoever He pleases, whatsoever His infinite wisdom may direct, and whatsoever the infinite purity of His will may resolve…as holiness is the beauty of all God’s attributes, so power is that which gives life and action to all the perfections of the Divine nature. How vain would be the eternal counsels if power did not step in to execute them. Without power, His mercy would be but feeble pity, His promise an empty sound, His threatenings a mere scarecrow. God’s power is like Himself – infinite, eternal, incomprehensible; it can neither be checked, restrained, nor frustrated by the creature. –Steven Charnock
*****
“Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as you have” (Hebrews 13:5). If I am content with Christ, I am not coveting. When I am coveting, I am not content with Christ.
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress
Mid flaming worlds, in these arrayed
With joy shall I lift up my head.
Bold shall I stand in Thy great day
For who aught to my charge shall lay
Fully absolved thru these I am
From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.
When from the dust of death I rise
To claim my mansion in the skies
E’ve then shall this be all my plea
Jesus has lived and died for me.
This spotless robe the same appears
When ruined nature sinks in years
No age can change its glorious hue
The robe of Christ is ever new.
O let the dead now hear Thy voice
Now bid Thy wand’ring ones rejoice
Their beauty this, their glorious dress
JESUS THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS!
(Tune: “Jesus, Thy blood and Righteousness” p. 217)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch for Rachel Harries and Jalen Whitehead this Saturday Oct. 8 at 10:30am. The sign up sheet is in foyer. They are registered at Target. Also, if you plan to attend the wedding on Friday, Nov. 4, please RSVP in the foyer.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Dinner for Emily Bryan and Sean Burba on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 6:30pm. The sign up sheet is in the foyer.
Birthdays
3rd – Ian Anjos 3rd – Paul Harries 4th – Alex DuFour
4th – Emma Ferrell 5th – Susan Sligh 7th – Sharon Fugate
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.” - Proverbs 17:15
*****
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” – II Corinthians 7:1
Because, “all the promises of God in Him are yea and amen”, because all of our salvation is founded in the eternal promise of God made before time began (Titus 1:2), this is the only proper response - to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness (stains, pollutions) of the flesh and spirit, perfecting (bringing to an end) holiness, in the fear of God.” That fear that causes you to look to Christ alone in whatever you are doing. Even in this command to cleanse ourselves…we are to do so in the fear of God, afraid to look anywhere but Christ alone as all in our salvation!
*****
I am not satisfied with anything that has my fingerprints on it. I can only find satisfaction in that which God finds satisfaction in. “He shall see the travail of His soul and be satisfied.” God is completely satisfied with the work of His Son. He is perfectly satisfied with all for whom Christ died! Christ is satisfied with what He did in their behalf. That is why He sat down at the right hand of God. He left nothing undone! The Spirit is satisfied with the work of the Son. “By one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified, whereof also the Holy Ghost is a witness to us.” If the Father, Son, and Spirit are completely satisfied with what Christ did, I am too!
*****
“Praise waiteth for Thee, O God.” - Psalm 65:1
The word waiteth means silence. Praise is silent before Thee. “Be still and know that I am God.” While we ought to praise Him audibly, when the multitude was praising Him with “Hosanna”, and the Pharisees told the Lord to rebuke them for it, He replied, “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” That being said, silence is a form of praise. He indeed is so glorious, that any words we use fall infinitely short. Paul realized this when he said, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” John Bunyan said, “Let your heart be without words before you let your words be without heart.”
JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED
“For I determined not to know any thing among you,
save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” - I Corinthians 2:2
There is only one message to preach and to hear because there is only one message in all of the Scripture – “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Every page, every story, every commandment, every word speaks of “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What is the only remedy for sin? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What is the only message of comfort and rest? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message breaks a hard heart? And what message binds the broken heart again? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message instructs, and motivates the heart of a sinner to obedience? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message produces true love, unity, and forgiveness among brethren? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Just preach “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” and husbands will love their wives “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it” (Eph. 5:25); wives will submit to the leadership and direction of their “loving” husbands, and children will “obey (their) parents in the Lord” as Christ submitted and obeyed to the loving will of His Father. Everything that a child of God needs for growth in grace, and growth into the image of his Lord is produced through the preaching of “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified”. Christ is ALL! All we preach, all we hear, all we believe, all we have! By God’s grace, all of His people say with Paul: “We are determined to know nothing among us, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” - Gabe Stalnaker
*****
THE POWER OF GOD
The power of God is that ability and strength whereby He can bring to pass whatsoever He pleases, whatsoever His infinite wisdom may direct, and whatsoever the infinite purity of His will may resolve…as holiness is the beauty of all God’s attributes, so power is that which gives life and action to all the perfections of the Divine nature. How vain would be the eternal counsels if power did not step in to execute them. Without power, His mercy would be but feeble pity, His promise an empty sound, His threatenings a mere scarecrow. God’s power is like Himself – infinite, eternal, incomprehensible; it can neither be checked, restrained, nor frustrated by the creature. –Steven Charnock
*****
“Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as you have” (Hebrews 13:5). If I am content with Christ, I am not coveting. When I am coveting, I am not content with Christ.
September 25, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Savior, friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
You who know us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
College Grove Grace Church College Grove, TN Oct. 14-16
Lantana Grace Church Crossville, TN Nov. 25-17
Grace Gospel Church Apopka, FL Jan. 13-15
Birthdays
25th – Janine Kess 25th – Annie Martin 25th – Darrell Williams 26th – Amanda Mohr
27th – Ryleigh DuFour
27th – Gavin Gillespie 27th – Bobby Miller 28th – John Parker
28th – Ben Walmsley 30th – Garrett Gillispie
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.” - Proverbs 11:1
“ I labored more abundantly than they all” – I Corinthians 15:10
In the previous verse he said, “I am the least of the apostles.” This was not mock humility. He really believed this! Yet, he says with regard to all of the other apostles, “I labored more abundantly then they all.” This was not said with pride. He knew he had done so only by grace. It was still a fact he stated concerning his more abundant labor. While I may not have the gifts of others, that cannot prevent me from putting all of my effort into what I am doing. While there is no competition in the Kingdom of God with others, whatever the Lord has called us to do we are called upon to, “Do it with thy might.” (Ecc. 9:10) We are serving Christ in whatever we are doing, and we should “Labor more abundantly.”
*****
Satan’s Advantage
“To whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgive I it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (II Cor. 2:11) If I harbor an unforgiving spirit, Satan has the advantage over me. An unforgiving spirit skews every other part of my life. I hurt myself in so many ways, and I am under Satan’s influence. By grace, the only way to fight this is to forgive! And the only way to forgive is to see how Christ has forgiven you!
*****
When the Philippian jailor asked Paul what he must do to be saved, Paul did not say turn from your sins, start living better, or even beg for mercy. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Have I obeyed the command to believe on Him?
*****
Justification by faith - full, perfect, unqualified justification- makes God everything and man nothing; and man does not like it. It causes his countenance to fall and draws out his anger, not that he can give any reason for his anger. - Scott Richardson
*****
Faith in Christ is NOT TO WORK but to cease from our labor and to rest in Him for all things. Faith in Christ is NOT TO DO ANYTHING, but to believe and own that ALL IS DONE in Him, by Him, and is imputed to us so fully that we are rewarded as having done it ourselves. - Henry Mahan
FORGET THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:13-14
Forgetting those things which are behind is difficult work. It is like the runner who tries to shed every weight that does so easily beset him. However, if God has forgotten our sins and will remember them no more, then we must let them go also. We must not go back and try to repair our past; only Christ can make satisfaction for the sins of God’s elect: past, present, and future. Therefore, let us do this: “Reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Let us spend our time reaching forth, looking to Him, learning of Him. Christ is the mark; He is the prize. The high calling of God is to be made like His Son. May God help us to quit looking back and just look to Him. (We have enough to mourn over in a day without looking back for something else.)
- John Chapman
*****
“Be still, and know that I am God”
Psalm 46:10
The more a man sees, by faith, of the sovereign power, mercy, and gracious goodness of God toward him, the more he wants to leave matters with the Lord, close his mouth and patiently wait, beholding the salvation of God…. Lord, increase our faith. - Marvin Stalnaker
*****
My hope lives, not because I am not a sinner, but because I am a sinner for whom Christ died; my trust is not that I am holy, but that being unholy, He is my righteousness. My faith rests not upon what I am, or feel or know, but in what Christ is, in what He has done, and in what He is now doing for me. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
A God that would arbitrarily pardon without justice could someday condemn without reason. He that would set aside His Law so as not to execute a threat, could set aside His Gospel so as not to fulfill His promise. - Milton Howard
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Savior, friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
You who know us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
College Grove Grace Church College Grove, TN Oct. 14-16
Lantana Grace Church Crossville, TN Nov. 25-17
Grace Gospel Church Apopka, FL Jan. 13-15
Birthdays
25th – Janine Kess 25th – Annie Martin 25th – Darrell Williams 26th – Amanda Mohr
27th – Ryleigh DuFour
27th – Gavin Gillespie 27th – Bobby Miller 28th – John Parker
28th – Ben Walmsley 30th – Garrett Gillispie
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.” - Proverbs 11:1
“ I labored more abundantly than they all” – I Corinthians 15:10
In the previous verse he said, “I am the least of the apostles.” This was not mock humility. He really believed this! Yet, he says with regard to all of the other apostles, “I labored more abundantly then they all.” This was not said with pride. He knew he had done so only by grace. It was still a fact he stated concerning his more abundant labor. While I may not have the gifts of others, that cannot prevent me from putting all of my effort into what I am doing. While there is no competition in the Kingdom of God with others, whatever the Lord has called us to do we are called upon to, “Do it with thy might.” (Ecc. 9:10) We are serving Christ in whatever we are doing, and we should “Labor more abundantly.”
*****
Satan’s Advantage
“To whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgive I it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (II Cor. 2:11) If I harbor an unforgiving spirit, Satan has the advantage over me. An unforgiving spirit skews every other part of my life. I hurt myself in so many ways, and I am under Satan’s influence. By grace, the only way to fight this is to forgive! And the only way to forgive is to see how Christ has forgiven you!
*****
When the Philippian jailor asked Paul what he must do to be saved, Paul did not say turn from your sins, start living better, or even beg for mercy. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Have I obeyed the command to believe on Him?
*****
Justification by faith - full, perfect, unqualified justification- makes God everything and man nothing; and man does not like it. It causes his countenance to fall and draws out his anger, not that he can give any reason for his anger. - Scott Richardson
*****
Faith in Christ is NOT TO WORK but to cease from our labor and to rest in Him for all things. Faith in Christ is NOT TO DO ANYTHING, but to believe and own that ALL IS DONE in Him, by Him, and is imputed to us so fully that we are rewarded as having done it ourselves. - Henry Mahan
FORGET THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:13-14
Forgetting those things which are behind is difficult work. It is like the runner who tries to shed every weight that does so easily beset him. However, if God has forgotten our sins and will remember them no more, then we must let them go also. We must not go back and try to repair our past; only Christ can make satisfaction for the sins of God’s elect: past, present, and future. Therefore, let us do this: “Reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Let us spend our time reaching forth, looking to Him, learning of Him. Christ is the mark; He is the prize. The high calling of God is to be made like His Son. May God help us to quit looking back and just look to Him. (We have enough to mourn over in a day without looking back for something else.)
- John Chapman
*****
“Be still, and know that I am God”
Psalm 46:10
The more a man sees, by faith, of the sovereign power, mercy, and gracious goodness of God toward him, the more he wants to leave matters with the Lord, close his mouth and patiently wait, beholding the salvation of God…. Lord, increase our faith. - Marvin Stalnaker
*****
My hope lives, not because I am not a sinner, but because I am a sinner for whom Christ died; my trust is not that I am holy, but that being unholy, He is my righteousness. My faith rests not upon what I am, or feel or know, but in what Christ is, in what He has done, and in what He is now doing for me. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
A God that would arbitrarily pardon without justice could someday condemn without reason. He that would set aside His Law so as not to execute a threat, could set aside His Gospel so as not to fulfill His promise. - Milton Howard
September 18, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Great Father of glory, how rich is Thy grace!
What wonderful love is displayed in Thy face!
In Jesus Thy image, with brightness we view
With hope to be formed in that likeness anew.
Oh wonder of wonders! Astonished I gaze
To see in a manger, the Ancient of Days!
From sin to release us, that yoke so long worn
My God, my Creator, of woman was born!
For unworthy sinners, my Lord bowed His head
For unworthy sinners, He suffered and bled
My spirit rejoices; the work is all done!
My soul is redeemed, my salvation is won!
Great Father of glory, how rich is Thy grace!
What wonderful love is displayed in Thy face!
In Him our Beloved, we’re washed in His blood
With confidence come to the throne of our God.
(Tune: “How Firm a Foundation” p. 268)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
There will be a bridal shower brunch for Rachel Harries and Jalen Whitehead on Saturday, October 8 at 10:30am and a bridal shower dinner on Tuesday, October 11 at 6:30pm for Emily Bryan and Sean Burba.
There will be a Bible Conference at the Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church in Kingsport, TN this weekend, Friday 23rd –Sunday 25th.
Birthdays
18th – Heather Ham 19th – Kaitlyn Burton 23rd – Doug Hardin
23rd – Holly Hardin 24th – Kevin Bowling
THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH
This statement is quoted four times in Scripture, and each time it gives a different nuance of the meaning. “Behold his soul which is lifted up is not upright within him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habukkuk 2:4). To be lifted up is to have a swollen, inflated view of yourself. The just living by faith is the enemy of pride. “Therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). It is only by faith that the righteousness of God is received and relied on. “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). Faith is opposed to seeking justification by works or law. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). The only way to persevere is by faith, looking to Christ only. To draw back from that is to not have God’s pleasure. The just shall live by faith is opposed to human pride, the only way the righteousness of God is received, opposed to justification by law (what I do) and the only way of perseverance. How all encompassing! “The just shall live by faith.”
*****
“It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good.” - I Samuel 3:18
This was Eli’s response to Samuel’s message. Samuel told him his house would be judged and his two sons would die because, “They made themselves vile and he restrained them not.” Two things. (1) Eli saw his own sin in the wickedness of his two sons. He had been a poor parent. (2) But he had such a trust in the Lord that he believed whatever He did was good because He did it. No other explanation is needed. This was not an unwilling resignation because there was nothing he could do to change it. But He believed whatever the Lord does is good. He does not do it because it is good. It is good because He does it. That is the fruit of faith… a willing resignation to His will. As the Lord said, “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Luke 10:21).
*****
The believer has the new nature that never sins and the old nature that always sins. This does not provide him with an excuse for sin nor a reason to not battle his sin. But it does explain why he is so sinful. Amazingly and mysteriously it is the new man that owns and confesses the sins of the old man!
On that day that I stand before God in judgment, due to my union with Jesus Christ, I will not stand, “Just as if I had never sinned.” I will stand as one, “Who has never sinned.” That is what true justification does for this sinner. - David Eddmenson
*****
Neither salvation nor sanctification is in any way a cooperative effort. When Peter was sinking beneath the waves, he did not say, “Lord, nothing is going to happen today that you and I together cannot handle.” He said, “Lord, save me.” - Chris Cunningham
*****
Martin Luther once gave some very good martial advice. He said, “Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.”
*****
There is not a word in the Bible that can be understood without reference to the cross. - Martin Luther
*****
A man’s free will cannot cure him even of the toothache, or of a sore finger, and yet he madly thinks it is in its power to cure his soul. The greatest judgment which God Himself can, in the present life, inflict upon a man is, to leave him in the hand of his own boasted free will.
Could my tears forever flow
Could my zeal no languor know
These for sin could not atone
Thou must save and Thou alone
In my hands no price I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling.
- Augustus M. Toplady 1740-1778
Author of the hymn “Rock of Ages”
*****
His commandments are not grievous. It is more profitable and enjoyable to love than to hate, to forgive than to hold a grudge, to smile than to quarrel, to behave kindly than to act ugly. The way of the transgressor is hard, not the way of the believer. The life of faith and love is the good life. - Henry Mahan
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Great Father of glory, how rich is Thy grace!
What wonderful love is displayed in Thy face!
In Jesus Thy image, with brightness we view
With hope to be formed in that likeness anew.
Oh wonder of wonders! Astonished I gaze
To see in a manger, the Ancient of Days!
From sin to release us, that yoke so long worn
My God, my Creator, of woman was born!
For unworthy sinners, my Lord bowed His head
For unworthy sinners, He suffered and bled
My spirit rejoices; the work is all done!
My soul is redeemed, my salvation is won!
Great Father of glory, how rich is Thy grace!
What wonderful love is displayed in Thy face!
In Him our Beloved, we’re washed in His blood
With confidence come to the throne of our God.
(Tune: “How Firm a Foundation” p. 268)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
There will be a bridal shower brunch for Rachel Harries and Jalen Whitehead on Saturday, October 8 at 10:30am and a bridal shower dinner on Tuesday, October 11 at 6:30pm for Emily Bryan and Sean Burba.
There will be a Bible Conference at the Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church in Kingsport, TN this weekend, Friday 23rd –Sunday 25th.
Birthdays
18th – Heather Ham 19th – Kaitlyn Burton 23rd – Doug Hardin
23rd – Holly Hardin 24th – Kevin Bowling
THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH
This statement is quoted four times in Scripture, and each time it gives a different nuance of the meaning. “Behold his soul which is lifted up is not upright within him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habukkuk 2:4). To be lifted up is to have a swollen, inflated view of yourself. The just living by faith is the enemy of pride. “Therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). It is only by faith that the righteousness of God is received and relied on. “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). Faith is opposed to seeking justification by works or law. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). The only way to persevere is by faith, looking to Christ only. To draw back from that is to not have God’s pleasure. The just shall live by faith is opposed to human pride, the only way the righteousness of God is received, opposed to justification by law (what I do) and the only way of perseverance. How all encompassing! “The just shall live by faith.”
*****
“It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good.” - I Samuel 3:18
This was Eli’s response to Samuel’s message. Samuel told him his house would be judged and his two sons would die because, “They made themselves vile and he restrained them not.” Two things. (1) Eli saw his own sin in the wickedness of his two sons. He had been a poor parent. (2) But he had such a trust in the Lord that he believed whatever He did was good because He did it. No other explanation is needed. This was not an unwilling resignation because there was nothing he could do to change it. But He believed whatever the Lord does is good. He does not do it because it is good. It is good because He does it. That is the fruit of faith… a willing resignation to His will. As the Lord said, “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Luke 10:21).
*****
The believer has the new nature that never sins and the old nature that always sins. This does not provide him with an excuse for sin nor a reason to not battle his sin. But it does explain why he is so sinful. Amazingly and mysteriously it is the new man that owns and confesses the sins of the old man!
On that day that I stand before God in judgment, due to my union with Jesus Christ, I will not stand, “Just as if I had never sinned.” I will stand as one, “Who has never sinned.” That is what true justification does for this sinner. - David Eddmenson
*****
Neither salvation nor sanctification is in any way a cooperative effort. When Peter was sinking beneath the waves, he did not say, “Lord, nothing is going to happen today that you and I together cannot handle.” He said, “Lord, save me.” - Chris Cunningham
*****
Martin Luther once gave some very good martial advice. He said, “Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.”
*****
There is not a word in the Bible that can be understood without reference to the cross. - Martin Luther
*****
A man’s free will cannot cure him even of the toothache, or of a sore finger, and yet he madly thinks it is in its power to cure his soul. The greatest judgment which God Himself can, in the present life, inflict upon a man is, to leave him in the hand of his own boasted free will.
Could my tears forever flow
Could my zeal no languor know
These for sin could not atone
Thou must save and Thou alone
In my hands no price I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling.
- Augustus M. Toplady 1740-1778
Author of the hymn “Rock of Ages”
*****
His commandments are not grievous. It is more profitable and enjoyable to love than to hate, to forgive than to hold a grudge, to smile than to quarrel, to behave kindly than to act ugly. The way of the transgressor is hard, not the way of the believer. The life of faith and love is the good life. - Henry Mahan
September 11, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Precious Savior, friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Our Great Savior” p. 49)
*****
We thank God for His blessing on the conference last week - it was a blessed time for us!
Everyone is invited to the wedding of Maybelle Lynn and Mason Wheeler this Saturday, September 17th at 4:00pm here at the church.
Congratulations to Tucker and Michelle Brogle on the birth of their son, Owen Flynn.
There will be a bridal shower brunch for Rachel Harries and Jalen Whitehouse on Saturday, October 8 at 10:30am and a bridal shower dinner on Tuesday, October 11 for Emily Bryan and Sean Burba at 6:30pm.
There will be a Bible Conference at the Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church in Kingsport, TN September 23-25.
Birthdays
4th – Bob Covert 5th – Shari Greenleaf 5th – Boone Martin
6th- Joy Grubb 6th – Chesney Martin 9th – Todd Nibert
5th – Jennifer Rankin 16th – Lynn Covert
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well-advised is wisdom.” - Proverbs 13:10
*****
HE SHALL NOT SPEAK OF HIMSELF
The Lord Jesus tells us this of God the Holy Spirit. He is God. Just as much God as God the Father and God the Son. He is a Person. The third Person of the Trinity. As all of the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ, God the Holy Spirit has every attribute of God. All we experience of God we experience by and through the Holy Spirit. The comforts of the Gospel come through the Divine Comforter. The third Person of the Trinity does not speak of Himself. He puts all of the attention on the Son! A preacher who speaks much of the Holy Spirit obviously does not have or know the Holy Spirit. Although the humble Spirit of God stays in the background, all we experience of God the Father and God the Son is through and by the Spirit of God. His work in us is just as necessary as the work of the Father and the Son. He is the Gift of God, given to all those the Father elected and the Son loved, died, and was raised for. We love God the Holy Spirit!
*****
“Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief” – Mark 9:24
I really believe that Christ is all in salvation and yet I constantly look within for evidences of salvation. I really believe that God is sovereign and yet I worry and complain. I really believe that God is the first cause of all things yet I can harbor anger and resentment. I really desire likeness to Christ yet I still have a desire for sin. Why these contradictions? Because I have two natures - the nature of the first birth and the nature of the second birth. One that always believes; one that never believes. One that always sins, one that never sins. These two natures operating in my one consciousness. Hence my cry, “Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief.”
*****
Grace or works. The one excludes the other and they cannot co-exist. Grace and works cannot be mixed. You either have a salvation that is ALL of grace of ALL of works. Grace saves. Works damns.
*****
If any sermon does not lead to, “Behold the Lamb of God”, it was a sin in its conception and a crime in its execution. –Scott Richardson
NEVER SAY NEVER
Oftentimes we say, “I will never,” or “I would never do that.” Never is a long time. I have heard it said that we should never say never.
One day the people of Israel cried, “Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Mark 11:9). Two days later they cried, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” (Luke 23:21). One day Peter told the Lord Jesus, “Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended.” Christ responded, “Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny my thrice.” Even then Peter replied, “Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee.” Likewise also said all the disciples, yet that all fled when He was taken and arrested in the garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:33-35). We should “Never say never.” “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”
There is only one man that ever lived that could truly say, “Never.” That man was the God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ. “…For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). Child of God, never is forever. - David Eddmenson
*****
FOR THE ELECT’S SAKE
“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”
The vase majority of humanity does not realize that the reason wars cease is for the elect sake. What peace there is in this world is because God has an elect people in it, and, for their sakes, “He makes wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariot in the fire” (Ps. 46:9). Thank the Lord for His election of grace. “Even so at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace” (Rom 11:5). Every war will have its end for their sakes. - John Chapman
*****
Faith is not understanding God or figuring Him out intellectually. Faith is simply believing in our hearts that everything God has written and promised in His Word is true, even if we do not understand it. - David Eddmenson
*****
“Our souls loatheth this light bread.” The manna that fell down from heaven every day no longer tasted good to them. Did the manna change in composition or taste? No. Their taste changed!
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Precious Savior, friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Our Great Savior” p. 49)
*****
We thank God for His blessing on the conference last week - it was a blessed time for us!
Everyone is invited to the wedding of Maybelle Lynn and Mason Wheeler this Saturday, September 17th at 4:00pm here at the church.
Congratulations to Tucker and Michelle Brogle on the birth of their son, Owen Flynn.
There will be a bridal shower brunch for Rachel Harries and Jalen Whitehouse on Saturday, October 8 at 10:30am and a bridal shower dinner on Tuesday, October 11 for Emily Bryan and Sean Burba at 6:30pm.
There will be a Bible Conference at the Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church in Kingsport, TN September 23-25.
Birthdays
4th – Bob Covert 5th – Shari Greenleaf 5th – Boone Martin
6th- Joy Grubb 6th – Chesney Martin 9th – Todd Nibert
5th – Jennifer Rankin 16th – Lynn Covert
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well-advised is wisdom.” - Proverbs 13:10
*****
HE SHALL NOT SPEAK OF HIMSELF
The Lord Jesus tells us this of God the Holy Spirit. He is God. Just as much God as God the Father and God the Son. He is a Person. The third Person of the Trinity. As all of the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ, God the Holy Spirit has every attribute of God. All we experience of God we experience by and through the Holy Spirit. The comforts of the Gospel come through the Divine Comforter. The third Person of the Trinity does not speak of Himself. He puts all of the attention on the Son! A preacher who speaks much of the Holy Spirit obviously does not have or know the Holy Spirit. Although the humble Spirit of God stays in the background, all we experience of God the Father and God the Son is through and by the Spirit of God. His work in us is just as necessary as the work of the Father and the Son. He is the Gift of God, given to all those the Father elected and the Son loved, died, and was raised for. We love God the Holy Spirit!
*****
“Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief” – Mark 9:24
I really believe that Christ is all in salvation and yet I constantly look within for evidences of salvation. I really believe that God is sovereign and yet I worry and complain. I really believe that God is the first cause of all things yet I can harbor anger and resentment. I really desire likeness to Christ yet I still have a desire for sin. Why these contradictions? Because I have two natures - the nature of the first birth and the nature of the second birth. One that always believes; one that never believes. One that always sins, one that never sins. These two natures operating in my one consciousness. Hence my cry, “Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief.”
*****
Grace or works. The one excludes the other and they cannot co-exist. Grace and works cannot be mixed. You either have a salvation that is ALL of grace of ALL of works. Grace saves. Works damns.
*****
If any sermon does not lead to, “Behold the Lamb of God”, it was a sin in its conception and a crime in its execution. –Scott Richardson
NEVER SAY NEVER
Oftentimes we say, “I will never,” or “I would never do that.” Never is a long time. I have heard it said that we should never say never.
One day the people of Israel cried, “Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Mark 11:9). Two days later they cried, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” (Luke 23:21). One day Peter told the Lord Jesus, “Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended.” Christ responded, “Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny my thrice.” Even then Peter replied, “Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee.” Likewise also said all the disciples, yet that all fled when He was taken and arrested in the garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:33-35). We should “Never say never.” “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”
There is only one man that ever lived that could truly say, “Never.” That man was the God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ. “…For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). Child of God, never is forever. - David Eddmenson
*****
FOR THE ELECT’S SAKE
“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”
The vase majority of humanity does not realize that the reason wars cease is for the elect sake. What peace there is in this world is because God has an elect people in it, and, for their sakes, “He makes wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariot in the fire” (Ps. 46:9). Thank the Lord for His election of grace. “Even so at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace” (Rom 11:5). Every war will have its end for their sakes. - John Chapman
*****
Faith is not understanding God or figuring Him out intellectually. Faith is simply believing in our hearts that everything God has written and promised in His Word is true, even if we do not understand it. - David Eddmenson
*****
“Our souls loatheth this light bread.” The manna that fell down from heaven every day no longer tasted good to them. Did the manna change in composition or taste? No. Their taste changed!
September 2, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN
Sons we are through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive.
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls, the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
What from Christ that soul can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Him, in Him forever
None can pluck them from His hands.
Heirs of God, joint heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
Oh what wonders Christ hath done.
On such love, my soul shall ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while lost in holy wonder
Why O Lord, such love to me?
When my Saviour comes in judgment
Bright in majesty Divine
I will stand with that great number
In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
PREACHING
The main activity of any worship service or meeting like this is the preaching of the Gospel. This is the means God ordained of calling out His people. “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” You will notice the title of this article is preaching, not preachers. The emphasis must be on the message preached - not the preacher! I Corinthians 15:1-3 tells us what preaching is. “Moreover brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel.” Preaching is a declaration, a making known of the Gospel message. “Which I preached unto you.” Preaching is a repetition of the same message. Not the same sermon, but the same message! “Which also ye have received.” Preaching is received by God’s people as God’s message. If God’s people do not receive it, it was not true preaching. “And wherein ye stand.” The message of Gospel preaching gives God’s people a standing and it is a message for which they have taken their stand! “By which also ye are saved.” There is no salvation apart from hearing, believing, and receiving the message. “If you keep in memory what I have preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.” The message of true preaching must be held on to and persevered in. To not do so is to believe in vain. “For I delivered unto you first of all.” First of all is of primary importance. Preaching is always a message of primary importance. If it is not, it is not true preaching. “I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received.” Preaching came from that which God gave the preacher to preach. He is only delivering what he has received. He is not the author of the content of the message. It is the Word of God.
If all of this is not in place, it may be called preaching, but it is not Holy Spirit inspired preaching. Our prayer is that we might have what Peter described. “Them that have preached the Gospel to you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.” Oh Lord, would you make this so in this gathering.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Friday 7PM
Gabe Stalnaker & Chris Cunningham
Saturday 10AM
Marvin Stalnaker & David Eddmenson
Saturday 6PM
Frank Tate & Greg Elmquist
Sunday 10AM
Angus Fisher & Donnie Bell
(Lunch will be served Saturday & Sunday)
*****
Everyone is invited to Matt & Andrea Vincent’s home after the service Friday evening and to Paul & Kelli Harries home on Saturday between the services.
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN
Sons we are through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive.
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls, the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
What from Christ that soul can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Him, in Him forever
None can pluck them from His hands.
Heirs of God, joint heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
Oh what wonders Christ hath done.
On such love, my soul shall ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while lost in holy wonder
Why O Lord, such love to me?
When my Saviour comes in judgment
Bright in majesty Divine
I will stand with that great number
In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
PREACHING
The main activity of any worship service or meeting like this is the preaching of the Gospel. This is the means God ordained of calling out His people. “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” You will notice the title of this article is preaching, not preachers. The emphasis must be on the message preached - not the preacher! I Corinthians 15:1-3 tells us what preaching is. “Moreover brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel.” Preaching is a declaration, a making known of the Gospel message. “Which I preached unto you.” Preaching is a repetition of the same message. Not the same sermon, but the same message! “Which also ye have received.” Preaching is received by God’s people as God’s message. If God’s people do not receive it, it was not true preaching. “And wherein ye stand.” The message of Gospel preaching gives God’s people a standing and it is a message for which they have taken their stand! “By which also ye are saved.” There is no salvation apart from hearing, believing, and receiving the message. “If you keep in memory what I have preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.” The message of true preaching must be held on to and persevered in. To not do so is to believe in vain. “For I delivered unto you first of all.” First of all is of primary importance. Preaching is always a message of primary importance. If it is not, it is not true preaching. “I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received.” Preaching came from that which God gave the preacher to preach. He is only delivering what he has received. He is not the author of the content of the message. It is the Word of God.
If all of this is not in place, it may be called preaching, but it is not Holy Spirit inspired preaching. Our prayer is that we might have what Peter described. “Them that have preached the Gospel to you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.” Oh Lord, would you make this so in this gathering.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Friday 7PM
Gabe Stalnaker & Chris Cunningham
Saturday 10AM
Marvin Stalnaker & David Eddmenson
Saturday 6PM
Frank Tate & Greg Elmquist
Sunday 10AM
Angus Fisher & Donnie Bell
(Lunch will be served Saturday & Sunday)
*****
Everyone is invited to Matt & Andrea Vincent’s home after the service Friday evening and to Paul & Kelli Harries home on Saturday between the services.
August 28, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
When this passing world is done
When has sunk yon radiant sun
When I stand with Christ on high
Looking o’er life’s history
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
When I stand before Thy Throne
Dressed in beauty not my own
When I see Thee as Thou art
Love Thee with unsinning heart
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me
Wakened up from wrath to flee
Hidden in the Saviour’s side
By His Spirit sanctified
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show
By Thy love, how much I owe.
(Tune: “Rock of Ages” p. 126)
*****
Our Bible Conference is this weekend. The sign up sheets for meals and clean up for the conference are in the foyer (no Wednesday service).
Friday 7pm Gabe Stalnaker & Chris Cunningham
Saturday 10am Marvin Stalnaker & David Eddmenson
Saturday 6pm Frank Tate & Greg Elmquist
Sunday 10am Angus Fisher & Donnie Bell
Everyone is invited to the wedding of Maybelle Lynn and Mason Wheeler on Saturday, September 17th at 4:00 here at the church.
Birthdays
28th – Braedan Kelley 29th – Cami Walmsley 30th – Abby Holthaus
1st – Wanda Frye 1st – Melanie Kelley 3rd – Laura Williams
“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.” - Proverbs 19:11
*****
God the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to record this about Onesiphorus, “He oft refreshed me” (I Timothy 1:16). Would to God that would describe the feeling I evoke when I am around others: to refresh them rather than depress them. The writer to the Hebrews calls upon us to, “Provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but encouraging one another” (Heb. 10:24-25). The way we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ ought not to provoke them in some negative way, but provoke them to love us because of the thoughtful way we treat them and inspire them to good works by our example toward them. May we all make it our ambition to be a refreshment to others and provoke them to love us by the kind and thoughtful way we treat them!
*****
“Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart: and then shall every man have praise of God.” - I Corinthians 4:5
The judgment he is referring to is with regard to other men’s actions. We cannot presently see the hidden things of darkness, nor can we see the counsels, purposes, and motives of the heart of the man or woman we are seeking to judge. Therefore we are incapable of making an accurate judgment. But the day is coming when all of that will be brought to light. At that time we will see how He judges. That great Judge who sees the hidden things of darkness and the counsels of the heart. Knowing that He knows, we really do not need to know, and we ought to take satisfaction in that and realize our utter inability to judge.
*****
When Paul said, “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified”, he is not saying that is the only theme he was going to preach on, and will ignore everything else. He is saying that is the only message there is. There are no other themes to ignore.
WHAT FREE WILL DENIES
Before we can see what free will denies, we first have to know what is meant by free will. Free will says that a man’s destiny is dependent upon the choices he makes. His will is free to choose to allow God to save him, or reject God’s offer of salvation. His eternal destiny is determined by his free will.
If I believe my will is free, there are three things I deny. (1) I deny that God is sovereign. I say His sovereignty does not extend to my will. That is a complete denial of His sovereignty. (2) I deny that I am a sinner in the Biblical definition of the word. According to the Bible, men are dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1). That means they are completely unable to do anything to save themselves. Free will is a denial of that. (3) Free will is a denial of free grace. You cannot believe in salvation by grace and free will. Free will is nothing less than salvation by works. The teaching of free will is a denial of the Gospel!
*****
THE OBTAINING OF MERCY
“Let us therefore come boldly to the Throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
– Hebrews 4:16
To obtain mercy we begin by asking for mercy. To ask for mercy presupposes these three things. (1) I have no merit. (2) My sin is all my fault. If I do not take complete responsibility for my sin, I cannot really ask for mercy. (3) Mercy is in His hands to give or withhold. If the Lord passes me by, I cannot complain of unfairness. Once again, if I do, I am no longer asking for mercy, but demanding my right. And we are told to come to the Throne of grace with boldness, cheerful confidence, to obtain this mercy! How can we do that without being presumptuous? “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace (free, unmerited favor), that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Those who truly come obtain mercy!
*****
“Go ye unto all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). He does not say wait for them to come to you. It is our responsibility to see to it that all men hear the Gospel. The results are in His hands.
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
When this passing world is done
When has sunk yon radiant sun
When I stand with Christ on high
Looking o’er life’s history
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
When I stand before Thy Throne
Dressed in beauty not my own
When I see Thee as Thou art
Love Thee with unsinning heart
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me
Wakened up from wrath to flee
Hidden in the Saviour’s side
By His Spirit sanctified
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show
By Thy love, how much I owe.
(Tune: “Rock of Ages” p. 126)
*****
Our Bible Conference is this weekend. The sign up sheets for meals and clean up for the conference are in the foyer (no Wednesday service).
Friday 7pm Gabe Stalnaker & Chris Cunningham
Saturday 10am Marvin Stalnaker & David Eddmenson
Saturday 6pm Frank Tate & Greg Elmquist
Sunday 10am Angus Fisher & Donnie Bell
Everyone is invited to the wedding of Maybelle Lynn and Mason Wheeler on Saturday, September 17th at 4:00 here at the church.
Birthdays
28th – Braedan Kelley 29th – Cami Walmsley 30th – Abby Holthaus
1st – Wanda Frye 1st – Melanie Kelley 3rd – Laura Williams
“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.” - Proverbs 19:11
*****
God the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to record this about Onesiphorus, “He oft refreshed me” (I Timothy 1:16). Would to God that would describe the feeling I evoke when I am around others: to refresh them rather than depress them. The writer to the Hebrews calls upon us to, “Provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but encouraging one another” (Heb. 10:24-25). The way we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ ought not to provoke them in some negative way, but provoke them to love us because of the thoughtful way we treat them and inspire them to good works by our example toward them. May we all make it our ambition to be a refreshment to others and provoke them to love us by the kind and thoughtful way we treat them!
*****
“Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart: and then shall every man have praise of God.” - I Corinthians 4:5
The judgment he is referring to is with regard to other men’s actions. We cannot presently see the hidden things of darkness, nor can we see the counsels, purposes, and motives of the heart of the man or woman we are seeking to judge. Therefore we are incapable of making an accurate judgment. But the day is coming when all of that will be brought to light. At that time we will see how He judges. That great Judge who sees the hidden things of darkness and the counsels of the heart. Knowing that He knows, we really do not need to know, and we ought to take satisfaction in that and realize our utter inability to judge.
*****
When Paul said, “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified”, he is not saying that is the only theme he was going to preach on, and will ignore everything else. He is saying that is the only message there is. There are no other themes to ignore.
WHAT FREE WILL DENIES
Before we can see what free will denies, we first have to know what is meant by free will. Free will says that a man’s destiny is dependent upon the choices he makes. His will is free to choose to allow God to save him, or reject God’s offer of salvation. His eternal destiny is determined by his free will.
If I believe my will is free, there are three things I deny. (1) I deny that God is sovereign. I say His sovereignty does not extend to my will. That is a complete denial of His sovereignty. (2) I deny that I am a sinner in the Biblical definition of the word. According to the Bible, men are dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1). That means they are completely unable to do anything to save themselves. Free will is a denial of that. (3) Free will is a denial of free grace. You cannot believe in salvation by grace and free will. Free will is nothing less than salvation by works. The teaching of free will is a denial of the Gospel!
*****
THE OBTAINING OF MERCY
“Let us therefore come boldly to the Throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
– Hebrews 4:16
To obtain mercy we begin by asking for mercy. To ask for mercy presupposes these three things. (1) I have no merit. (2) My sin is all my fault. If I do not take complete responsibility for my sin, I cannot really ask for mercy. (3) Mercy is in His hands to give or withhold. If the Lord passes me by, I cannot complain of unfairness. Once again, if I do, I am no longer asking for mercy, but demanding my right. And we are told to come to the Throne of grace with boldness, cheerful confidence, to obtain this mercy! How can we do that without being presumptuous? “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace (free, unmerited favor), that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Those who truly come obtain mercy!
*****
“Go ye unto all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). He does not say wait for them to come to you. It is our responsibility to see to it that all men hear the Gospel. The results are in His hands.
August 21, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Christ, Whose glory fills the skies
Christ, the True, and only Light
Sun of Righteousness, arise
Triumph o’er the shades of night
Dayspring from on high be near
Day-star, in my heart appear
Sun of Righteousness, arise
Triumph o’er the shades of night.
Dark and cheerless is the morn
Unaccompanied by Thee
Joyless is the day’s return
Till Thy mercy’s beams I see
Till they inward light impart
Glad my eyes, and warm my heart
Joyless is the day’s return
Till Thy mercy’s beams I see.
Visit then this soul of mine
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief
Fill me, Radiance Divine
Scatter all my unbelief
More and more Thyself display
Shining to the perfect day
Fill me, Radiance Divine
Scatter all my unbelief.
(Tune: “Jesus, Lover Of My Soul”)
*****
Our Bible Conference will be September 2-4
Friday 7pm Gabe Stalnaker & Chris Cunningham
Saturday 10am Marvin Stalnaker & David Eddmenson
Saturday 6pm Frank Tate & Greg Elmquist
Sunday 10am Angus Fisher & Donnie Bell
The sign up sheets for meals and clean up for the conference are in the foyer. There will be NO WEDNESDAY SERVICE August 31st.
Everyone is invited to the wedding of Maybelle Lynn and Mason Wheeler on Saturday, September 17th at 4:00 here at the church.
“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” - Proverbs 28:26
Birthdays
21st – Mark Ham 21st – Jalen Whitehouse 22nd – Charlie Walmsley
23rd – Rich Byrd 24th – John Greenleaf
24th – Don Willis 27th – Adilene Sligh
*****
A MEEK AND QUIET SPIRIT
This is how Peter describes “The hidden man of the heart which is not corruptible.” While it is hidden so that we cannot actually see this holy nature, this is how it manifests itself, as a “Meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” This is what God values - a meek and a quiet spirit. This is the meekness spoken of in the third Beatitude –“Blessed are the meek.” It is an attitude of humility before God that believes all He does is right simply because He did it! The word quiet is tranquil and peaceable. An angry, loud, and contentious spirit is not of God! And this is something men can see! By grace, may this be what God sees, what believers see, and what unbelievers see… “A meek and a quiet spirit.” May we be delivered from attempting to appear meek and quiet, and may we actually be meek and quiet.
*****
Paul said to the Galatians, “I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him that called you unto the grace of Christ to another Gospel” (Gal. 1:10). He said in Galatians 5:8, “This persuasion cometh not of Him that calleth you.” I have seen people who professed faith in Christ embrace and even endorse “persuasions” that did not come from God or His Word. I greatly fear this for myself and for you! Our prayer daily should be, “Order my steps in Thy Word, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”
*****
Faith is that belief and trust which the saints have in the Lord Jesus Christ. Through faith they are both humbled and exalted, brought down and lifted up. Through faith they see the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the pure righteousness of Jesus the Christ. Through faith they are condemned yet justified, guilty yet innocent, naked yet clothed, sorrowful yet, “Rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” No wonder the Bible speaks of faith as, “Precious faith.”
- Maurice Montgomery
“For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” - II Corinthians 2:15-16
Every time I am about to preach, I pray the Lord would give me the ability to speak to every soul there as if no one has ever heard of the Lord Jesus Christ – that every person is lost and must come to Christ for life! And I pray that he enables me to tell of our Great God’s faithfulness and promises to His people, with all comfort and assurance as though every person there has come to Him and was surely His child! Then I ask, “Who is sufficient for these things?” If we preach only Christ and Him crucified, the Word of God, His person and His work, He will accomplish both! Not me. - Kevin Thacker
*****
To believe God is no small thing! It is the evidence of a heart reconciled unto God; it is the proof of our being weaned from our own works and deeds; it is a clear sign of the true conviction of sin; it is honoring to Christ, our only Redeemer; it is the essence of true worship; and it is the root of sincere obedience. - Henry Mahan
*****
LET US GO INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” – Psalm 122:1
What defines a true house of the Lord? It is a house where the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is declared – God, Man, Mediator, Savior! It is a house where the Word of Christ is declared – every word that has proceeded out of the mouth of God. It is a house where the Spirit of Christ dwells – in Truth. It is a house where the glory of Christ dwells. – in power. It is a house where the people of Christ dwell – in love. It is a house where Christ is ALL and in all. That is a house that all of God’s people are glad to go to. May that be THIS house today!
- Gabe Stalnaker
*****
My hope lives, not because I am not a sinner, but because I am a sinner for whom Christ died; my trust is not that I am holy, but that being unholy, He is my righteousness. My faith rests not upon what I am, or feel or know, but in what Christ is, in what He has done, and in what He is now doing for me. - C. H. Spurgeon
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Christ, Whose glory fills the skies
Christ, the True, and only Light
Sun of Righteousness, arise
Triumph o’er the shades of night
Dayspring from on high be near
Day-star, in my heart appear
Sun of Righteousness, arise
Triumph o’er the shades of night.
Dark and cheerless is the morn
Unaccompanied by Thee
Joyless is the day’s return
Till Thy mercy’s beams I see
Till they inward light impart
Glad my eyes, and warm my heart
Joyless is the day’s return
Till Thy mercy’s beams I see.
Visit then this soul of mine
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief
Fill me, Radiance Divine
Scatter all my unbelief
More and more Thyself display
Shining to the perfect day
Fill me, Radiance Divine
Scatter all my unbelief.
(Tune: “Jesus, Lover Of My Soul”)
*****
Our Bible Conference will be September 2-4
Friday 7pm Gabe Stalnaker & Chris Cunningham
Saturday 10am Marvin Stalnaker & David Eddmenson
Saturday 6pm Frank Tate & Greg Elmquist
Sunday 10am Angus Fisher & Donnie Bell
The sign up sheets for meals and clean up for the conference are in the foyer. There will be NO WEDNESDAY SERVICE August 31st.
Everyone is invited to the wedding of Maybelle Lynn and Mason Wheeler on Saturday, September 17th at 4:00 here at the church.
“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” - Proverbs 28:26
Birthdays
21st – Mark Ham 21st – Jalen Whitehouse 22nd – Charlie Walmsley
23rd – Rich Byrd 24th – John Greenleaf
24th – Don Willis 27th – Adilene Sligh
*****
A MEEK AND QUIET SPIRIT
This is how Peter describes “The hidden man of the heart which is not corruptible.” While it is hidden so that we cannot actually see this holy nature, this is how it manifests itself, as a “Meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” This is what God values - a meek and a quiet spirit. This is the meekness spoken of in the third Beatitude –“Blessed are the meek.” It is an attitude of humility before God that believes all He does is right simply because He did it! The word quiet is tranquil and peaceable. An angry, loud, and contentious spirit is not of God! And this is something men can see! By grace, may this be what God sees, what believers see, and what unbelievers see… “A meek and a quiet spirit.” May we be delivered from attempting to appear meek and quiet, and may we actually be meek and quiet.
*****
Paul said to the Galatians, “I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him that called you unto the grace of Christ to another Gospel” (Gal. 1:10). He said in Galatians 5:8, “This persuasion cometh not of Him that calleth you.” I have seen people who professed faith in Christ embrace and even endorse “persuasions” that did not come from God or His Word. I greatly fear this for myself and for you! Our prayer daily should be, “Order my steps in Thy Word, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”
*****
Faith is that belief and trust which the saints have in the Lord Jesus Christ. Through faith they are both humbled and exalted, brought down and lifted up. Through faith they see the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the pure righteousness of Jesus the Christ. Through faith they are condemned yet justified, guilty yet innocent, naked yet clothed, sorrowful yet, “Rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” No wonder the Bible speaks of faith as, “Precious faith.”
- Maurice Montgomery
“For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” - II Corinthians 2:15-16
Every time I am about to preach, I pray the Lord would give me the ability to speak to every soul there as if no one has ever heard of the Lord Jesus Christ – that every person is lost and must come to Christ for life! And I pray that he enables me to tell of our Great God’s faithfulness and promises to His people, with all comfort and assurance as though every person there has come to Him and was surely His child! Then I ask, “Who is sufficient for these things?” If we preach only Christ and Him crucified, the Word of God, His person and His work, He will accomplish both! Not me. - Kevin Thacker
*****
To believe God is no small thing! It is the evidence of a heart reconciled unto God; it is the proof of our being weaned from our own works and deeds; it is a clear sign of the true conviction of sin; it is honoring to Christ, our only Redeemer; it is the essence of true worship; and it is the root of sincere obedience. - Henry Mahan
*****
LET US GO INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” – Psalm 122:1
What defines a true house of the Lord? It is a house where the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is declared – God, Man, Mediator, Savior! It is a house where the Word of Christ is declared – every word that has proceeded out of the mouth of God. It is a house where the Spirit of Christ dwells – in Truth. It is a house where the glory of Christ dwells. – in power. It is a house where the people of Christ dwell – in love. It is a house where Christ is ALL and in all. That is a house that all of God’s people are glad to go to. May that be THIS house today!
- Gabe Stalnaker
*****
My hope lives, not because I am not a sinner, but because I am a sinner for whom Christ died; my trust is not that I am holy, but that being unholy, He is my righteousness. My faith rests not upon what I am, or feel or know, but in what Christ is, in what He has done, and in what He is now doing for me. - C. H. Spurgeon
August 14, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
We meet at Thy command, dear Lord
Relying on Thy faithful Word
Now send Thy Spirit from above
And fill our hearts with heavenly love.
O Bless Thy servant, dearest Lord
While he shall preach Thy Holy Word
May he declare delightful things
As touch the glorious King of kings.
Give us clear light and sincere love
Send down Thy blessings from above
O may we hear our Saviour’s voice
And in His precious Name rejoice!
Now let Thy Word engage our ear
And faith be mixed with what we hear
Thus, Lord, Thy waiting servants bless
And crown Thy Gospel with success.
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
There will be NO WEDNESDAY SERVICE this week. The parking lot is being sealed and striped.
We extend our sympathy to Wanda and John & April Frye and their family on the death of Norman Frye who died suddenly Thursday. We will all greatly miss Norman.
We rejoice with Joan Hoffman and Lowell Johnson who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism this morning.
Birthdays
14th – David DuFour 15th – Jan Carver 15th – Delphus Grubb
16th – Lauren Kelley 17th – Olivia Williams 18th – Molly Mohr
19th – Nora Imes 19th – Allison Vincent 19th – Sharon Vincent
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
– Proverbs 17:28
*****
STUDY TO BE QUIET
I Thessalonians 4:11
Study to be quiet and to do your own business. The word study is also translated to strive and to labor. It means to make this your diligent pursuit. Study to be quiet. Do not be quick to speak your mind. “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:28). To do your own business is to mind your own business. Make it your ambition to mind your own business and not meddle in the affairs of others. Peter put the sin of “being a busy body in other men’s matters” in the same list that included being a murderer, a thief, and an evil-doer (I Peter: 4:15). As by His grace I study to be quiet and do my own business, I will be a blessing to others. If this is not my pursuit, I will be a grief to others.
*****
OLD MAN CRUCIFIED
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him.” The “old man” is the, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me out of this body of death?” The old man is crucified with Christ! What a blessing! As much trouble as he is, he is already dead and buried! Does that mean he is no long operating in us? Certainly not! Some have believed having been crucified with Christ mean there are not two natures in a believer. That is foolishness. If the old man is no longer there, who is it that sins? When Paul said, “Old things are passed away, behold all things have become new” he certainly did not mean we no longer have the old man. If that were the case, we would no longer sin. But thank God, upon the death of every believer there will be no more old man, and until then he cannot harm us because he has been crucified with Christ. All of the sins of the old man were crucified and put to death when Christ died.
*****
Until the beams have vanished from our eyes, we will be unqualified to assist our brother in removing the splinters from his eyes. And, I am sure that all the beams in our eyes will not be removed in this lifetime.
“Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief” – Mark 9:24
I really believe that Christ is all in salvation and yet I constantly look within for evidences of salvation. I really believe that God is sovereign and yet I worry and complain. I really believe that God is the first cause of all things yet I can harbor anger and resentment. I really desire likeness to Christ yet I still have a desire for sin. Why these contradictions? Because I have two natures - the nature of the first birth and the nature of the second birth. One that always believes; one that never believes. One that always sins, one that never sins. These two natures operating in my one consciousness. Hence my cry, “Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief.”
*****
AMEN, SO BE IT
“And she (Rahab) said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.” - Joshua 2:21
Every true believer that is saved, in, by, and through the shedding of Christ’s blood, will be made to effectually hear the message of Christ and Him crucified, and always agree with Rahab the harlot, saying, “According to your words, so be it.” Every sinner that is taught of the Holy Spirit will take sides with God against themselves saying, “Amen, so be it!” - David Eddmenson
*****
How faint the best praise! How wandering the best prayer! How selfish the best gift! When we feel that we are nearest to God, how far off we are! When we feel that we are most like God, how unlike God we are! What did the apostle say? “When I am weak then am I strong.” Our strength is always CHRIST, never in anything we are or do.
- Henry Mahan
*****
I do not mind my hearers being angry with me because of my preaching, for it is a good deal like fishing. If you have a good large salmon at the end of the line, he will struggle and pull with all his might, and thus he will swallow the hook all the more deeply, and there will be the less likelihood of his getting away; and an obstinate resistance to the Gospel is sometimes an indication that the Gospel is pricking the hearer, and making him snap at it as a wounded beast tries to bit the spear which has been thrust into him, and which he cannot pull out. – C. H. Spurgeon
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
We meet at Thy command, dear Lord
Relying on Thy faithful Word
Now send Thy Spirit from above
And fill our hearts with heavenly love.
O Bless Thy servant, dearest Lord
While he shall preach Thy Holy Word
May he declare delightful things
As touch the glorious King of kings.
Give us clear light and sincere love
Send down Thy blessings from above
O may we hear our Saviour’s voice
And in His precious Name rejoice!
Now let Thy Word engage our ear
And faith be mixed with what we hear
Thus, Lord, Thy waiting servants bless
And crown Thy Gospel with success.
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
There will be NO WEDNESDAY SERVICE this week. The parking lot is being sealed and striped.
We extend our sympathy to Wanda and John & April Frye and their family on the death of Norman Frye who died suddenly Thursday. We will all greatly miss Norman.
We rejoice with Joan Hoffman and Lowell Johnson who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism this morning.
Birthdays
14th – David DuFour 15th – Jan Carver 15th – Delphus Grubb
16th – Lauren Kelley 17th – Olivia Williams 18th – Molly Mohr
19th – Nora Imes 19th – Allison Vincent 19th – Sharon Vincent
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
– Proverbs 17:28
*****
STUDY TO BE QUIET
I Thessalonians 4:11
Study to be quiet and to do your own business. The word study is also translated to strive and to labor. It means to make this your diligent pursuit. Study to be quiet. Do not be quick to speak your mind. “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:28). To do your own business is to mind your own business. Make it your ambition to mind your own business and not meddle in the affairs of others. Peter put the sin of “being a busy body in other men’s matters” in the same list that included being a murderer, a thief, and an evil-doer (I Peter: 4:15). As by His grace I study to be quiet and do my own business, I will be a blessing to others. If this is not my pursuit, I will be a grief to others.
*****
OLD MAN CRUCIFIED
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him.” The “old man” is the, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me out of this body of death?” The old man is crucified with Christ! What a blessing! As much trouble as he is, he is already dead and buried! Does that mean he is no long operating in us? Certainly not! Some have believed having been crucified with Christ mean there are not two natures in a believer. That is foolishness. If the old man is no longer there, who is it that sins? When Paul said, “Old things are passed away, behold all things have become new” he certainly did not mean we no longer have the old man. If that were the case, we would no longer sin. But thank God, upon the death of every believer there will be no more old man, and until then he cannot harm us because he has been crucified with Christ. All of the sins of the old man were crucified and put to death when Christ died.
*****
Until the beams have vanished from our eyes, we will be unqualified to assist our brother in removing the splinters from his eyes. And, I am sure that all the beams in our eyes will not be removed in this lifetime.
“Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief” – Mark 9:24
I really believe that Christ is all in salvation and yet I constantly look within for evidences of salvation. I really believe that God is sovereign and yet I worry and complain. I really believe that God is the first cause of all things yet I can harbor anger and resentment. I really desire likeness to Christ yet I still have a desire for sin. Why these contradictions? Because I have two natures - the nature of the first birth and the nature of the second birth. One that always believes; one that never believes. One that always sins, one that never sins. These two natures operating in my one consciousness. Hence my cry, “Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief.”
*****
AMEN, SO BE IT
“And she (Rahab) said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.” - Joshua 2:21
Every true believer that is saved, in, by, and through the shedding of Christ’s blood, will be made to effectually hear the message of Christ and Him crucified, and always agree with Rahab the harlot, saying, “According to your words, so be it.” Every sinner that is taught of the Holy Spirit will take sides with God against themselves saying, “Amen, so be it!” - David Eddmenson
*****
How faint the best praise! How wandering the best prayer! How selfish the best gift! When we feel that we are nearest to God, how far off we are! When we feel that we are most like God, how unlike God we are! What did the apostle say? “When I am weak then am I strong.” Our strength is always CHRIST, never in anything we are or do.
- Henry Mahan
*****
I do not mind my hearers being angry with me because of my preaching, for it is a good deal like fishing. If you have a good large salmon at the end of the line, he will struggle and pull with all his might, and thus he will swallow the hook all the more deeply, and there will be the less likelihood of his getting away; and an obstinate resistance to the Gospel is sometimes an indication that the Gospel is pricking the hearer, and making him snap at it as a wounded beast tries to bit the spear which has been thrust into him, and which he cannot pull out. – C. H. Spurgeon
August 7, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Not saved are we by trying, from self can come no aid
Tis on the blood relying, once for our ransom paid
Tis looking unto Jesus, the Holy One and Just
Tis His great work that saves us; it is not try, but trust.
No deeds of ours are needed, to make Christ’s merit more
No frames of mind or feelings, can add to His great store
Tis simply to receive Him the Holy One and Just
Tis only to believe Him, it is not try, but trust.
(Tune: “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” p. 116)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We rejoice with Kyle Bicknell who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism this morning.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Kelli Harries and her family on the death of her father, Mike Bates and to Dwayne Imes and his family on the death of his brother, Danny Imes. Remember these families at this sorrowful time.
Our Bible Conference will be September 2-4
Friday 7pm Gabe Stalnaker & Chris Cunningham
Saturday 10am Marvin Stalnaker & David Eddmenson
Saturday 6pm Frank Tate & Greg Elmquist
Sunday 10am Angus Fisher & Donnie Bell
We will have a church cleaning this Saturday, August 13 at 10:00am for all who can attend and help out. Bring a bucket and step stool/ladder.
There will be a Bridal Shower Brunch for Maybelle Lynn & Mason Wheeler on Saturday, August 20th at 10:30am. The sign-up sheet is in the foyer.
Birthdays
7th- Leti Anguiano 7th – Lee Anne Walmsley 9th – Isaac Williams
10th – Eric Wilson 13th – Sarah Ferrell
*****
“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” - Proverbs 29:1
*****
“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”
Paul said in Roman 5:20, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Knowing how sinful human nature is, he anticipated the fallacious logic some would use…. “If that is the case we should continue in sin so grace can continue to abound.” His answer… “God forbid, how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer then.” Because we still have a sinful nature, we still sin ALL the time. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (I John 1:8-10). However, that does not mean the commission of sin is not an issue since salvation is by grace. To use the grace of God to excuse or even justify our sin is an intolerable evil. Realizing our abject failure in the pursuit of sinning not, it is still the desire of our heart to not sin in thought, word, imagination, motive, or action. Our great end is perfect conformity to Christ and we will not be satisfied until we awake in His likeness.
*****
When the Lord taught us to ask for forgiveness, He said, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” This was the only part of the prayer He commented on… “For if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Forgiven sinners are always forgiving sinners. A refusal to forgive from our heart will insure not being forgiven! Before any objection to this is raised, remember, these are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ! Do not bother to ask for forgiveness if you are unwilling to forgive.
*****
The grace of humility is so beautiful. The sin of pride and arrogance is so ugly.
FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER
Believers are exhorted by the apostle Paul to FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER. Yes, in the presence of Christ and with the approval of Christ and after the example of Christ – FORGIVE. “Lest Satan should get an advantage over us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (II Cor. 2:10-11).
Satan will use any means against the Lord Jesus and His church (even the apostle Peter, to whom Christ said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.”). If Satan can foster division, an unforgiving spirit, harsh feelings, or pride among believers, HE WILL DO IT! He will, under pretense of showing indignation against sin or pretending to contend for certain doctrines or under pretense of caring for the purity and discipline of the Church, encourage a strict, harsh attitude toward offenders, destroy unity and fellowship, and convince men that they are serving God in their self-righteous attitudes. One SURE AND CERTAIN way to be in the will of God and not to be used by the enemy is to LOVE one another and FORGIVE one another (Ephesian 4:32). - Henry Mahan
*****
THINGS THAT PROMOTE PEACE
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace,
and things wherewith one may edify another.” - Romans 14:19
1. Be careful to LOVE one another with a true heart. “Love covers a multitude of failures.”
2. Avoid a spirit of ARGUMENT AND DEBATE. One may win an argument and lose a friend.
3. Beware of JEALOUSY. Jealousy destroys happiness and builds suspicion.
4. Beware of ENVY. Let us learn to rejoice in another’s gifts, blessings, and happiness. God gives as He will!
5. Do not MEDDLE in the private lives and domestic affairs of others.
6. Guard against a TOUCHY TEMPER. For every trifling thing to take offense shows either great pride of little sense.
7. Learn to KEEP A CONFIDNCE. “He that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”
8. Strive to HEAL DIFFERENCES. “Blessed are the peace makers.”
9. Be always ready to FORGIVE ANYTHING. “Forgive us our sins AS we forgive those who sin against us.” - Henry Mahan
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Not saved are we by trying, from self can come no aid
Tis on the blood relying, once for our ransom paid
Tis looking unto Jesus, the Holy One and Just
Tis His great work that saves us; it is not try, but trust.
No deeds of ours are needed, to make Christ’s merit more
No frames of mind or feelings, can add to His great store
Tis simply to receive Him the Holy One and Just
Tis only to believe Him, it is not try, but trust.
(Tune: “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” p. 116)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We rejoice with Kyle Bicknell who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism this morning.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Kelli Harries and her family on the death of her father, Mike Bates and to Dwayne Imes and his family on the death of his brother, Danny Imes. Remember these families at this sorrowful time.
Our Bible Conference will be September 2-4
Friday 7pm Gabe Stalnaker & Chris Cunningham
Saturday 10am Marvin Stalnaker & David Eddmenson
Saturday 6pm Frank Tate & Greg Elmquist
Sunday 10am Angus Fisher & Donnie Bell
We will have a church cleaning this Saturday, August 13 at 10:00am for all who can attend and help out. Bring a bucket and step stool/ladder.
There will be a Bridal Shower Brunch for Maybelle Lynn & Mason Wheeler on Saturday, August 20th at 10:30am. The sign-up sheet is in the foyer.
Birthdays
7th- Leti Anguiano 7th – Lee Anne Walmsley 9th – Isaac Williams
10th – Eric Wilson 13th – Sarah Ferrell
*****
“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” - Proverbs 29:1
*****
“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”
Paul said in Roman 5:20, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Knowing how sinful human nature is, he anticipated the fallacious logic some would use…. “If that is the case we should continue in sin so grace can continue to abound.” His answer… “God forbid, how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer then.” Because we still have a sinful nature, we still sin ALL the time. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (I John 1:8-10). However, that does not mean the commission of sin is not an issue since salvation is by grace. To use the grace of God to excuse or even justify our sin is an intolerable evil. Realizing our abject failure in the pursuit of sinning not, it is still the desire of our heart to not sin in thought, word, imagination, motive, or action. Our great end is perfect conformity to Christ and we will not be satisfied until we awake in His likeness.
*****
When the Lord taught us to ask for forgiveness, He said, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” This was the only part of the prayer He commented on… “For if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Forgiven sinners are always forgiving sinners. A refusal to forgive from our heart will insure not being forgiven! Before any objection to this is raised, remember, these are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ! Do not bother to ask for forgiveness if you are unwilling to forgive.
*****
The grace of humility is so beautiful. The sin of pride and arrogance is so ugly.
FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER
Believers are exhorted by the apostle Paul to FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER. Yes, in the presence of Christ and with the approval of Christ and after the example of Christ – FORGIVE. “Lest Satan should get an advantage over us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (II Cor. 2:10-11).
Satan will use any means against the Lord Jesus and His church (even the apostle Peter, to whom Christ said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.”). If Satan can foster division, an unforgiving spirit, harsh feelings, or pride among believers, HE WILL DO IT! He will, under pretense of showing indignation against sin or pretending to contend for certain doctrines or under pretense of caring for the purity and discipline of the Church, encourage a strict, harsh attitude toward offenders, destroy unity and fellowship, and convince men that they are serving God in their self-righteous attitudes. One SURE AND CERTAIN way to be in the will of God and not to be used by the enemy is to LOVE one another and FORGIVE one another (Ephesian 4:32). - Henry Mahan
*****
THINGS THAT PROMOTE PEACE
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace,
and things wherewith one may edify another.” - Romans 14:19
1. Be careful to LOVE one another with a true heart. “Love covers a multitude of failures.”
2. Avoid a spirit of ARGUMENT AND DEBATE. One may win an argument and lose a friend.
3. Beware of JEALOUSY. Jealousy destroys happiness and builds suspicion.
4. Beware of ENVY. Let us learn to rejoice in another’s gifts, blessings, and happiness. God gives as He will!
5. Do not MEDDLE in the private lives and domestic affairs of others.
6. Guard against a TOUCHY TEMPER. For every trifling thing to take offense shows either great pride of little sense.
7. Learn to KEEP A CONFIDNCE. “He that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”
8. Strive to HEAL DIFFERENCES. “Blessed are the peace makers.”
9. Be always ready to FORGIVE ANYTHING. “Forgive us our sins AS we forgive those who sin against us.” - Henry Mahan
July 31, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee
For, Lord, that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee
Had’st Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me
Hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me
That I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning
No cause in me was found
That you should choose to save me
A sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for
Was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought; for
Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me
And taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me
To heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee
For Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee
Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
*****
We will have a church cleaning on Saturday, August 13 at 10:00am for all who can attend and help out.
There will be a Bridal Shower Brunch for Maybelle Lynn & Mason Wheeler on Saturday, August 20th at 10:30am. The sign-up sheet is in the foyer.
“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” - Proverbs 13:24
Birthdays
1st – Lilyanna Scifres 4th – Brodi Proffitt
6th – Kristen Hands 6th – Shawn Benton
*****
AS BECOMETH SAINTS
We read these exhortations in the New Testament… “Receive her in the Lord as becometh saints”; “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it be not named once among you as becometh saints”; “Let your conversation be such as becometh the Gospel of Christ (which becometh the woman professing godliness) with good works”; “Behavior as becometh holiness”.
There is an attitude and conduct that is fitting and becoming to that which a believer is. And there is an attitude and conduct that is unbefitting and inappropriate for what a believer is. Let us all cry for grace that we may, “Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”
*****
NO LAW IN HEAVEN
“The law was not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient” (I Tim. 1:9). Law is only for law-breakers. That is why there is no law in heaven; there is no sin! There are no law-breakers! Law is not needed. Everyone there will be perfectly conformed to the will of Christ! Their will will be perfectly conformed to the will of God. If law was needed in heaven, it would be because law-breakers were there. Thank God, that is not the case. All there are perfectly holy, conformed to the image of Christ, and their will is to do His will perfectly. As Paul said of the fruit of the Spirit, “Against such, there is no law.” There is no law in that Holy Place.
*****
There is no grace but free and sovereign grace, no election but eternal and unconditional election, no redemption but particular and effectual redemption, no salvation but by the irresistible grace and omnipotent power of God the Holy Spirit, and no security but by the absolute preservation of God’s immutable goodness. And any pretended gospel that does not proclaim these things, is as Paul says, “Another gospel” that is damning to the souls of men. - Unknown
ARE YOU SPECIAL?
“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.” - Deuteronomy 7:6
Are you special? The believer’s first inclination and response to such a question would be, “Certainly not, there is nothing special about me!” Often, even believers take pride in their humility. Yet, the truth of the matter is, all who trust and believe in Christ are special. Special that God chose them before the foundation of the world, special that God called them and saved them by His grace, and special that God gave them life and keeps them in His sovereign hand and preserves them according to His Divine purpose.
In no way, shape, or form are these saved sinners special because of anything that they have done. They are special only because of what God has done for them and in them, in the Lord Jesus Christ. Special because in Christ they are made holy. Special only because God has chosen them to be special unto Himself. Christ has made these chosen sinners as special to His Father as He Himself is special. God proclaimed from, heaven on more than one occasion, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (II Peter 1:17). And now He speaks the same of them! Are you special? If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ you most certainly are! - David Eddmenson
*****
IF I WERE THE ONLY ONE THAT GOD SAVED
If I were the only one whom God saved, Jesus Christ would still have to be my Substitute. He would still have to come in the fresh and keep the law in my stead. He would still have to provide me a righteousness in which to be accepted. He would still have to suffer to the same degree and die the same death on the cross and rise again for my justification. He would still have to make intersession for this transgressor. If I were the only one whom God saved, Jesus Christ would still have to do all that He did and be all that He is to me.
- John Chapman
*****
Effectual Grace: Grace is not an offer. It is an operation. The grace of God is not a tool by which man improves his condition. Grace is the effectual power of God which gives life to dead sinners. Grace is not purposed. It is performed. - Don Fortner
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee
For, Lord, that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee
Had’st Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me
Hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me
That I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning
No cause in me was found
That you should choose to save me
A sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for
Was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought; for
Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me
And taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me
To heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee
For Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee
Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
*****
We will have a church cleaning on Saturday, August 13 at 10:00am for all who can attend and help out.
There will be a Bridal Shower Brunch for Maybelle Lynn & Mason Wheeler on Saturday, August 20th at 10:30am. The sign-up sheet is in the foyer.
“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” - Proverbs 13:24
Birthdays
1st – Lilyanna Scifres 4th – Brodi Proffitt
6th – Kristen Hands 6th – Shawn Benton
*****
AS BECOMETH SAINTS
We read these exhortations in the New Testament… “Receive her in the Lord as becometh saints”; “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it be not named once among you as becometh saints”; “Let your conversation be such as becometh the Gospel of Christ (which becometh the woman professing godliness) with good works”; “Behavior as becometh holiness”.
There is an attitude and conduct that is fitting and becoming to that which a believer is. And there is an attitude and conduct that is unbefitting and inappropriate for what a believer is. Let us all cry for grace that we may, “Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”
*****
NO LAW IN HEAVEN
“The law was not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient” (I Tim. 1:9). Law is only for law-breakers. That is why there is no law in heaven; there is no sin! There are no law-breakers! Law is not needed. Everyone there will be perfectly conformed to the will of Christ! Their will will be perfectly conformed to the will of God. If law was needed in heaven, it would be because law-breakers were there. Thank God, that is not the case. All there are perfectly holy, conformed to the image of Christ, and their will is to do His will perfectly. As Paul said of the fruit of the Spirit, “Against such, there is no law.” There is no law in that Holy Place.
*****
There is no grace but free and sovereign grace, no election but eternal and unconditional election, no redemption but particular and effectual redemption, no salvation but by the irresistible grace and omnipotent power of God the Holy Spirit, and no security but by the absolute preservation of God’s immutable goodness. And any pretended gospel that does not proclaim these things, is as Paul says, “Another gospel” that is damning to the souls of men. - Unknown
ARE YOU SPECIAL?
“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.” - Deuteronomy 7:6
Are you special? The believer’s first inclination and response to such a question would be, “Certainly not, there is nothing special about me!” Often, even believers take pride in their humility. Yet, the truth of the matter is, all who trust and believe in Christ are special. Special that God chose them before the foundation of the world, special that God called them and saved them by His grace, and special that God gave them life and keeps them in His sovereign hand and preserves them according to His Divine purpose.
In no way, shape, or form are these saved sinners special because of anything that they have done. They are special only because of what God has done for them and in them, in the Lord Jesus Christ. Special because in Christ they are made holy. Special only because God has chosen them to be special unto Himself. Christ has made these chosen sinners as special to His Father as He Himself is special. God proclaimed from, heaven on more than one occasion, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (II Peter 1:17). And now He speaks the same of them! Are you special? If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ you most certainly are! - David Eddmenson
*****
IF I WERE THE ONLY ONE THAT GOD SAVED
If I were the only one whom God saved, Jesus Christ would still have to be my Substitute. He would still have to come in the fresh and keep the law in my stead. He would still have to provide me a righteousness in which to be accepted. He would still have to suffer to the same degree and die the same death on the cross and rise again for my justification. He would still have to make intersession for this transgressor. If I were the only one whom God saved, Jesus Christ would still have to do all that He did and be all that He is to me.
- John Chapman
*****
Effectual Grace: Grace is not an offer. It is an operation. The grace of God is not a tool by which man improves his condition. Grace is the effectual power of God which gives life to dead sinners. Grace is not purposed. It is performed. - Don Fortner
July 24, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to God on High
Let earth to heav’n reply, “Praise ye His Name!”
Angels, His love adore, Who all our sorrow bore
And saints cry ever more, “Worthy the Lamb!”
All they around the Throne
Cheerfully join in one, Praising His Name!
We who have known His blood, Sealing our peace with God
Sound His dear Name abroad, “Worthy the Lamb!”
Join all ye ransomed race
Our Lord and God to bless, “Praise ye His Name!”
To Him we’ll tribute bring, Hail Him our sovereign King
And without ceasing sing, “Worthy the Lamb!”
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
We will have a church cleaning on Saturday, August 13 at 10:00am for all who can attend and help out.
Birthdays
24th – Brian DuFour 26th – Ellen Willis 26th- James Lynn 26th- Joe McSherry 27th – Kelli Proffitt 29th – Rachel Clark
“A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.” - Proverb 21:22
WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
Paul said to Timothy, “But if I tarry long, that thou know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the Living God, the pillar and ground of the Truth” (I Tim. 3:15). The church is called God’s house; the place where God lives. It is also called the pillar and ground of the Truth. If Christ is my life, His church is my life as well because of what it is, the house of God, the pillar and ground of the Truth. Yes, the church is made of sinful, fallible, inconsistent men and women, like me and you! Guard against taking the church for granted and not seeing the importance of meeting with the saints when the Gospel is preached. Such an attitude toward church is wrong on every level! My behavior in the house of God is of great importance!
*****
The Lord Jesus Christ described Himself as, “Meek and lowly in heart.” How beautiful is His character! Humility is beautiful in anyone. Pride and arrogance is ugly in anyone. “By pride only cometh contention, not with the well advised is wisdom” (Prov. 13:10). If the Lord Himself is humble, how much more should we be humble - first in our relationship with God and also in our relationship with others. A humble person treats others with respect. He will gain the respect of others. A proud person treats others with contempt. He will gain the contempt of others!
*****
Total Depravity
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistible Grace
Perseverance of the saints
You can believe TULIP, and not know the Lord.
But you cannot know the Lord and not believe TULIP.
A LOCAL CHURCH
A local church is a body of brothers and sisters in Christ. We are one family. One life is ours, one love is ours, and one objective (to know more of and to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and to be found in His righteousness) is ours. This is the comfort and strength of all, that we are all one with Christ in God’s sight. We cannot properly minister the Gospel of Christ without each other. One cannot say, “My presence or absence will not be noticed because I do not preach, teach, pray publicly, nor lead the singing.” Your presence in the house of God to worship Him is both desired and much needed. You are a comfort and encouragement to other brethren. Another cannot say, “My gift will not be missed because I cannot give as much as some.” All of God’s people should give whenever and whatever they can give as the Lord blesses them. No gift is too small. What may seem small is great for the cause of Christ. The point is this: We are a family, a body, and “The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you.” All brethren are equally loved of God and equally needed by one another. - Henry Mahan
*****
The God of glory is infinite. He said, “Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and His redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6). He only is infinite. He cannot be measured, He has no boundaries. He has no limitations. He is unsearchable and incomprehensible. He cannot be known unless He is pleased to make Himself known. He is He who, “Hides Himself from the wise and prudent and reveals Himself to babes” for no other reason than this, “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” Worship before Him!
*****
To know Jesus Christ and Him crucified is not the minimum of knowledge but the maximum of knowledge; that to know “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” is not to know little but to know all; that here is not a descent from a loftier region, but an elevation into the highest sanctuary; that in, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified,” all doctrines, all God’s teachings, and man’s experiences culminate; and from “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” all duties, all works, all ministries are to emanate and to be evolved. – Adolph Saphir
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to God on High
Let earth to heav’n reply, “Praise ye His Name!”
Angels, His love adore, Who all our sorrow bore
And saints cry ever more, “Worthy the Lamb!”
All they around the Throne
Cheerfully join in one, Praising His Name!
We who have known His blood, Sealing our peace with God
Sound His dear Name abroad, “Worthy the Lamb!”
Join all ye ransomed race
Our Lord and God to bless, “Praise ye His Name!”
To Him we’ll tribute bring, Hail Him our sovereign King
And without ceasing sing, “Worthy the Lamb!”
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
We will have a church cleaning on Saturday, August 13 at 10:00am for all who can attend and help out.
Birthdays
24th – Brian DuFour 26th – Ellen Willis 26th- James Lynn 26th- Joe McSherry 27th – Kelli Proffitt 29th – Rachel Clark
“A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.” - Proverb 21:22
WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
Paul said to Timothy, “But if I tarry long, that thou know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the Living God, the pillar and ground of the Truth” (I Tim. 3:15). The church is called God’s house; the place where God lives. It is also called the pillar and ground of the Truth. If Christ is my life, His church is my life as well because of what it is, the house of God, the pillar and ground of the Truth. Yes, the church is made of sinful, fallible, inconsistent men and women, like me and you! Guard against taking the church for granted and not seeing the importance of meeting with the saints when the Gospel is preached. Such an attitude toward church is wrong on every level! My behavior in the house of God is of great importance!
*****
The Lord Jesus Christ described Himself as, “Meek and lowly in heart.” How beautiful is His character! Humility is beautiful in anyone. Pride and arrogance is ugly in anyone. “By pride only cometh contention, not with the well advised is wisdom” (Prov. 13:10). If the Lord Himself is humble, how much more should we be humble - first in our relationship with God and also in our relationship with others. A humble person treats others with respect. He will gain the respect of others. A proud person treats others with contempt. He will gain the contempt of others!
*****
Total Depravity
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistible Grace
Perseverance of the saints
You can believe TULIP, and not know the Lord.
But you cannot know the Lord and not believe TULIP.
A LOCAL CHURCH
A local church is a body of brothers and sisters in Christ. We are one family. One life is ours, one love is ours, and one objective (to know more of and to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and to be found in His righteousness) is ours. This is the comfort and strength of all, that we are all one with Christ in God’s sight. We cannot properly minister the Gospel of Christ without each other. One cannot say, “My presence or absence will not be noticed because I do not preach, teach, pray publicly, nor lead the singing.” Your presence in the house of God to worship Him is both desired and much needed. You are a comfort and encouragement to other brethren. Another cannot say, “My gift will not be missed because I cannot give as much as some.” All of God’s people should give whenever and whatever they can give as the Lord blesses them. No gift is too small. What may seem small is great for the cause of Christ. The point is this: We are a family, a body, and “The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you.” All brethren are equally loved of God and equally needed by one another. - Henry Mahan
*****
The God of glory is infinite. He said, “Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and His redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6). He only is infinite. He cannot be measured, He has no boundaries. He has no limitations. He is unsearchable and incomprehensible. He cannot be known unless He is pleased to make Himself known. He is He who, “Hides Himself from the wise and prudent and reveals Himself to babes” for no other reason than this, “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” Worship before Him!
*****
To know Jesus Christ and Him crucified is not the minimum of knowledge but the maximum of knowledge; that to know “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” is not to know little but to know all; that here is not a descent from a loftier region, but an elevation into the highest sanctuary; that in, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified,” all doctrines, all God’s teachings, and man’s experiences culminate; and from “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” all duties, all works, all ministries are to emanate and to be evolved. – Adolph Saphir
July 17, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has borne the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” p.188)
*****
We are on vacation this week and will return Saturday July 23rd. Aaron Greenleaf will preach this morning and Frank Tate will bring the message this evening. I will be preaching for the church in Apopka this morning while in Florida. Andy Davis will bring the message Wednesday evening.
We will have a church cleaning on Saturday, August 13 at 10:00am for all who can attend and help out.
Birthdays
19th – Ida Isaacs 20th – Jonathan Carroll
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
- Proverbs 10:12
SOVEREIGNTY AND RESPONSIBILITY
“And truly the Son of Man goeth as it was determined, but woe unto the man by whom He is betrayed.” - Matthew 22:16
It was determined by the sovereign will of God that Christ would die on the cross. It was determined by the sovereign will of God that Judas would betray Him. Christ said in John 6:70-71, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil. He spake of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray Him, being one of the twelve.” It was determined by the sovereign God that Judas would betray Christ. And Judas did exactly what he wanted to do and was held responsible for doing it! God’s sovereign will does not remove us from personal responsibility: nor does the freedom of our actions diminish God’s sovereignty. God is absolutely sovereign and we are absolutely responsible!
*****
WHAT DO YE MORE THAN OTHERS?
“If ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans do so?” - Matthew 5:47
Being saved by Him we want to do more than others! This is not a competition regarding who does the most. But to do the least I can get by with is lukewarmness! I am to be the best, most faithful church member, the best spouse, the best parent, the best employer, the best employee, the best friend, the best neighbor. Certainly all who have been saved by Christ ought to do more than others. Do not settle for mediocrity! The Lord does not deserve that kind of service!
*****
DISCERNMENT
“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all judgment.” - Philippians 1:9
The word judgment in this verse is used only here in the New Testament. It means discernment. Paul does not pray that our knowledge and discernment would abound. He prays that our love to the person of Christ will abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment. The more I love Christ, the more I will know of Him. He said, “Learn of Me.” The more I love Him the more clearly I will recognize that which is not of Him and that which is contrary to Him. Discernment is born of love to His Person. Love to His Person hates that which is contrary to Him and loves that which glorifies Him! A supposed knowledge and judgment we have that is not born of a love to His Person is useless knowledge and discernment. May the Lord grant us more love to the Lord Jesus Christ!
“This is a faithful (true) saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” - I Timothy 1:15
There is a lifetime of preaching in this verse but there are two points of great importance which are sometimes overlooked: the truth of the saying and the worth of it! To discover the Truth of the Gospel is to find true peace of mind and to discover the worth of the Gospel is to find true peace of heart.
1. The truth of it. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (I John 5:11). I believe the record that God hath given concerning Christ; therefore, I am not troubled and confused by other voices or other claims. Let God be true and every man a liar. The apostle summed it up this way, “To whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). My mind is satisfied!
2. The worth of it. If I have Christ, I need nothing else, either in this life or in the life to come. I am complete in Him, redeemed in Him, accepted in Him, and already seated with Him in glory. I have ceased from all my labors and efforts to secure Divine favor. His redemptive work is not only effectual but is sufficient for the greatest sinner, the poorest sinner and the weakest sinner. “My grace is sufficient for thee”(II Cor. 12:9). Does this not leave your heart in a state of rest and peace? If not, then you have not yet discovered the worth of His great atonement.
- Henry Mahan
*****
A LOVING HUSBAND
It is easy to submit to someone who loves us sacrificially. For a man to insist that his wife submit to his authority without earning her respect by putting her needs before his own, can only cause resentment. The Lord proved His love for His bride by giving Himself for her. He always speaks kindly to her. He is always tender and patient with her. He reminds her constantly how precious she is to Him. She in return, delights in submission to His loving authority. “Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it” (Ephesians 5:22-33). - Greg Elmquist
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has borne the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” p.188)
*****
We are on vacation this week and will return Saturday July 23rd. Aaron Greenleaf will preach this morning and Frank Tate will bring the message this evening. I will be preaching for the church in Apopka this morning while in Florida. Andy Davis will bring the message Wednesday evening.
We will have a church cleaning on Saturday, August 13 at 10:00am for all who can attend and help out.
Birthdays
19th – Ida Isaacs 20th – Jonathan Carroll
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
- Proverbs 10:12
SOVEREIGNTY AND RESPONSIBILITY
“And truly the Son of Man goeth as it was determined, but woe unto the man by whom He is betrayed.” - Matthew 22:16
It was determined by the sovereign will of God that Christ would die on the cross. It was determined by the sovereign will of God that Judas would betray Him. Christ said in John 6:70-71, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil. He spake of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray Him, being one of the twelve.” It was determined by the sovereign God that Judas would betray Christ. And Judas did exactly what he wanted to do and was held responsible for doing it! God’s sovereign will does not remove us from personal responsibility: nor does the freedom of our actions diminish God’s sovereignty. God is absolutely sovereign and we are absolutely responsible!
*****
WHAT DO YE MORE THAN OTHERS?
“If ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans do so?” - Matthew 5:47
Being saved by Him we want to do more than others! This is not a competition regarding who does the most. But to do the least I can get by with is lukewarmness! I am to be the best, most faithful church member, the best spouse, the best parent, the best employer, the best employee, the best friend, the best neighbor. Certainly all who have been saved by Christ ought to do more than others. Do not settle for mediocrity! The Lord does not deserve that kind of service!
*****
DISCERNMENT
“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all judgment.” - Philippians 1:9
The word judgment in this verse is used only here in the New Testament. It means discernment. Paul does not pray that our knowledge and discernment would abound. He prays that our love to the person of Christ will abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment. The more I love Christ, the more I will know of Him. He said, “Learn of Me.” The more I love Him the more clearly I will recognize that which is not of Him and that which is contrary to Him. Discernment is born of love to His Person. Love to His Person hates that which is contrary to Him and loves that which glorifies Him! A supposed knowledge and judgment we have that is not born of a love to His Person is useless knowledge and discernment. May the Lord grant us more love to the Lord Jesus Christ!
“This is a faithful (true) saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” - I Timothy 1:15
There is a lifetime of preaching in this verse but there are two points of great importance which are sometimes overlooked: the truth of the saying and the worth of it! To discover the Truth of the Gospel is to find true peace of mind and to discover the worth of the Gospel is to find true peace of heart.
1. The truth of it. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (I John 5:11). I believe the record that God hath given concerning Christ; therefore, I am not troubled and confused by other voices or other claims. Let God be true and every man a liar. The apostle summed it up this way, “To whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). My mind is satisfied!
2. The worth of it. If I have Christ, I need nothing else, either in this life or in the life to come. I am complete in Him, redeemed in Him, accepted in Him, and already seated with Him in glory. I have ceased from all my labors and efforts to secure Divine favor. His redemptive work is not only effectual but is sufficient for the greatest sinner, the poorest sinner and the weakest sinner. “My grace is sufficient for thee”(II Cor. 12:9). Does this not leave your heart in a state of rest and peace? If not, then you have not yet discovered the worth of His great atonement.
- Henry Mahan
*****
A LOVING HUSBAND
It is easy to submit to someone who loves us sacrificially. For a man to insist that his wife submit to his authority without earning her respect by putting her needs before his own, can only cause resentment. The Lord proved His love for His bride by giving Himself for her. He always speaks kindly to her. He is always tender and patient with her. He reminds her constantly how precious she is to Him. She in return, delights in submission to His loving authority. “Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it” (Ephesians 5:22-33). - Greg Elmquist
July 10, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
When is it Christians all agree
And let distinctions fall?
When, nothing in themselves, they see
That Christ is All in All! (Repeat)
But strife and difference will subsist
While men will something seem
Let them but singly look to Christ
And all are one in Him!
The infant, and the aged saint,
The worker, and the weak
They who are strong and seldom faint
And they who scarce can speak!
Eternal life’s the gift of God
It comes through Christ alone
‘Tis His – He bought it with His blood
And therefore gives His own!
We have no life, no power, no faith
But what by Christ is given
We all deserve eternal death
And thus we all are even!
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
The Redeemer’s Grace Church of Southern Indiana will have a Bible Conference July 22-24. Speakers are Clay Curtis, David Eddmenson, and Gabe Stalnaker. Fred Evans is the pastor.
Aaron Greenleaf will preach this Wednesday evening.
Birthdays
11th – Paula Miller 15th – Betsy Birch
15th – Pam Murphy 16th – David Vincent
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” - Proverbs 13:10
*****
THE FIVE ALONES
Scripture Alone, Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone, and the Glory of God alone have been called the watchwords of the Protestant Reformation. To call them that is to diminish what they are. It is from the Scriptures alone that we see Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone, and the Glory of God alone. “The Scripture preached before the Gospel to Abraham” (Gal. 3:8). Before they were written they spoke. It was 400 years before the Scriptures were written that the Scriptures preached to Abraham. The Scriptures, like their Author, are eternal. So Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone, and the Glory of God alone is the eternal Truth. The five alones were not developed during the Protestant Reformation, they are the eternal Truth of God and they are one! Where you have one, you necessarily have all five. Take away the alone, and they are all meaningless!
*****
We read the word ‘Christian’ three times and ‘believer’ twice in the Word of God. They are good, Scriptural words. But we read the word ‘saint’ over one hundred times. Sanctified ones. Holy ones. Chosen to be holy by the Father in election (Eph. 1:4). Declared to be holy by the Son in His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14). Made holy by the Spirit of God in regeneration (I John 3:9). Set apart by the Father, Son, and Spirit. What a blessed privilege and high calling… to be a saint of God! It is the saint that pants after God. It is the saint that cries out, “Oh wretched man that I am.” He only hates the sin of his old nature. The new nature the saint has here he will have in heaven! The only difference will be he no longer has a sinful nature. What a blessing of grace, what a future, to be a saint!
*****
Look at a candle and how it burns. The more the light shines, the more the candle diminishes. What a beautiful illustration of the believer in Christ! The more he learns the Gospel of Christ, the more precious Christ becomes and the less he thinks of himself. One who is truly the Lord’s shines forth the light of HIS righteousness, grace, goodness, mercy, forgiveness, and truth. In so shining, self does not get bigger and more noticeable – the CHRIST does! The glory is not to self but to HIM. John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). – Copied
SIN WHICH IS NOT SEEN
How can God who sees all things, no longer see sin in believers? The Lord Jesus Christ is the answer. The Messiah (Hebrew word for Christ), of whom Daniel wrote, was, “To finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness” (Daniel 9:24).
To make an end of sins! The Lord Jesus Christ has so effectually redeemed His people, so perfectly reconciled His people, so absolutely propitiated God, so thoroughly removed the sins of His people – that God declares – the God who cannot change – “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more’ (Hebrews 10:17). “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). In Christ, He sees us in Christ, in the Beloved, “In whom He is well pleased.” - David Pledger
*****
TRUE DOCTRINE
On true doctrine rests the worship of the true and living God. From error in doctrine springs the worship of a false god. There is a tendency among many religious people to undervalue true doctrine, to exalt morality at the expense of the character of God and the teachings of our Lord, and to deny the importance of a sound creed. I do not doubt that a sound reed has often covered an unsound life. But when I hear it said, “Such and such do not believe the doctrines of sovereign grace and substitution, but they love the Lord and are saved,” I wonder and ask, “What then was the Bible written for?” Is it no infallible expression of the mind of God? Is it no standard of Truth? Are we to believe what appeals to us and deny the rest? God forbid! God’s Word declares the oneness of Truth and condemns EVERY DEPARTURE FROM THE TRUTH AS A DIRECT ATTACK ON GOD HIMSELF! Do not tell me that a man’s heart is right with God when his head contains a creed of error and denies the Person and work of the Redeemer.
– Horatius Bonar
*****
People of God. We can plan and arrange our worship services perfectly according to Scripture, sing just the right songs, pray fervently and Scripturally and even deliver a well studied, God honoring message from the Word of God, but we cannot worship unless the Lord Himself graces our presence with His, and blesses us to do so. Pray for it. Let us seek Him, this very morning that we may find. - Chris Cunningham
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
When is it Christians all agree
And let distinctions fall?
When, nothing in themselves, they see
That Christ is All in All! (Repeat)
But strife and difference will subsist
While men will something seem
Let them but singly look to Christ
And all are one in Him!
The infant, and the aged saint,
The worker, and the weak
They who are strong and seldom faint
And they who scarce can speak!
Eternal life’s the gift of God
It comes through Christ alone
‘Tis His – He bought it with His blood
And therefore gives His own!
We have no life, no power, no faith
But what by Christ is given
We all deserve eternal death
And thus we all are even!
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
The Redeemer’s Grace Church of Southern Indiana will have a Bible Conference July 22-24. Speakers are Clay Curtis, David Eddmenson, and Gabe Stalnaker. Fred Evans is the pastor.
Aaron Greenleaf will preach this Wednesday evening.
Birthdays
11th – Paula Miller 15th – Betsy Birch
15th – Pam Murphy 16th – David Vincent
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” - Proverbs 13:10
*****
THE FIVE ALONES
Scripture Alone, Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone, and the Glory of God alone have been called the watchwords of the Protestant Reformation. To call them that is to diminish what they are. It is from the Scriptures alone that we see Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone, and the Glory of God alone. “The Scripture preached before the Gospel to Abraham” (Gal. 3:8). Before they were written they spoke. It was 400 years before the Scriptures were written that the Scriptures preached to Abraham. The Scriptures, like their Author, are eternal. So Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone, and the Glory of God alone is the eternal Truth. The five alones were not developed during the Protestant Reformation, they are the eternal Truth of God and they are one! Where you have one, you necessarily have all five. Take away the alone, and they are all meaningless!
*****
We read the word ‘Christian’ three times and ‘believer’ twice in the Word of God. They are good, Scriptural words. But we read the word ‘saint’ over one hundred times. Sanctified ones. Holy ones. Chosen to be holy by the Father in election (Eph. 1:4). Declared to be holy by the Son in His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14). Made holy by the Spirit of God in regeneration (I John 3:9). Set apart by the Father, Son, and Spirit. What a blessed privilege and high calling… to be a saint of God! It is the saint that pants after God. It is the saint that cries out, “Oh wretched man that I am.” He only hates the sin of his old nature. The new nature the saint has here he will have in heaven! The only difference will be he no longer has a sinful nature. What a blessing of grace, what a future, to be a saint!
*****
Look at a candle and how it burns. The more the light shines, the more the candle diminishes. What a beautiful illustration of the believer in Christ! The more he learns the Gospel of Christ, the more precious Christ becomes and the less he thinks of himself. One who is truly the Lord’s shines forth the light of HIS righteousness, grace, goodness, mercy, forgiveness, and truth. In so shining, self does not get bigger and more noticeable – the CHRIST does! The glory is not to self but to HIM. John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). – Copied
SIN WHICH IS NOT SEEN
How can God who sees all things, no longer see sin in believers? The Lord Jesus Christ is the answer. The Messiah (Hebrew word for Christ), of whom Daniel wrote, was, “To finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness” (Daniel 9:24).
To make an end of sins! The Lord Jesus Christ has so effectually redeemed His people, so perfectly reconciled His people, so absolutely propitiated God, so thoroughly removed the sins of His people – that God declares – the God who cannot change – “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more’ (Hebrews 10:17). “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). In Christ, He sees us in Christ, in the Beloved, “In whom He is well pleased.” - David Pledger
*****
TRUE DOCTRINE
On true doctrine rests the worship of the true and living God. From error in doctrine springs the worship of a false god. There is a tendency among many religious people to undervalue true doctrine, to exalt morality at the expense of the character of God and the teachings of our Lord, and to deny the importance of a sound creed. I do not doubt that a sound reed has often covered an unsound life. But when I hear it said, “Such and such do not believe the doctrines of sovereign grace and substitution, but they love the Lord and are saved,” I wonder and ask, “What then was the Bible written for?” Is it no infallible expression of the mind of God? Is it no standard of Truth? Are we to believe what appeals to us and deny the rest? God forbid! God’s Word declares the oneness of Truth and condemns EVERY DEPARTURE FROM THE TRUTH AS A DIRECT ATTACK ON GOD HIMSELF! Do not tell me that a man’s heart is right with God when his head contains a creed of error and denies the Person and work of the Redeemer.
– Horatius Bonar
*****
People of God. We can plan and arrange our worship services perfectly according to Scripture, sing just the right songs, pray fervently and Scripturally and even deliver a well studied, God honoring message from the Word of God, but we cannot worship unless the Lord Himself graces our presence with His, and blesses us to do so. Pray for it. Let us seek Him, this very morning that we may find. - Chris Cunningham
July 3, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sweet the moments, rich in blessings
Which before His Throne we spend
Life and health and peace possessing
From the sinner’s dearest friend.
Here we rest, in wonder viewing
All our sins on Him were laid
And a full redemption flowing
From the sacrifice He made.
Here we find our hope of heaven
While upon the Lamb we gaze
Loving much and much forgiven
Let our heart o’erflow in praise.
Lord, in ceaseless contemplation
Fix our thankful hearts on Thee
‘Til we taste Thy full salvation
And Thine unveiled glory see!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Birthdays
3rd – Kristina Carroll 3rd – Aubrey Nibert 3rd – Eleanor Walmsley
4th – Lowell Johnson 5th – Jackson Dickerson 5th – Bert Dunbar 5th – Jackson Elliott 7th – Caleb Anjos
8th – Jasper Clark 8th – Rob Elliott
“Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eye, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.” - Proverbs 20:13
FEW SAVED?
“Lord, are there few that be saved?” I certainly understand one asking this question. It seems that there are very few that believe the Gospel. The Lord did say many walk the broad road of destruction and few walk the narrow way (Matt. 7:13-14). The Lord answers the man’s question… “Ye strive to enter the strait gate.” Whether many or few is not my concern! That does not mean we are indifferent or apathetic about the salvation of others. But it does mean that I am not to worry about how few or how many. My business is that I strive to enter in that strait gate whether anybody else does or not!
*****
Believing that Jesus is the God of Scripture, the Creator, the Son of God, the Uncreated, Eternal, Sovereign second Person of the Trinity: believing Who He is enables us to see in some measure the greatness of His condescension in becoming flesh! We see the glory and the achievements of the cross when we see Who it was that died! We see the evil of sin when we see Who it was that had to die to put it away! It is Who He is that makes the greatness of His salvation!
Who He is, is God’s reason for everything! Who He is makes anything less than denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following Him irrational, unreasonable, and foolish. We cannot possibly see Him too High!
*****
CONTENDING FOR THE TRUTH
Contending for the Truth against the errors of modern religion is the duty of God’s servants. I hope our spirit is one of genuine love to all the chosen of God; but today’s rule of charity which requires us to keep silent on certain points in order to avoid controversy, I utterly despise. It is treason to the Lord Jesus to be silent on any point where He has spoken and the honor of His Gospel is concerned. It is easy on the flesh to deal in generalities, to denounce hyper-this or hyper-that, and to claim to be a friend to all, but it is required of the loyal servant of King Jesus to maintain His crown-rights and to stand up for His Gospel of glory and grace. - Henry Mahan
*****
Having religion is one thing, but knowing and waking with Christ is different! Having religion – the world understands and tolerates. But free grace – the world neither understand nor tolerates! Any two religious errors can walk together, and permit them both to exist! But the Truth of God’s grace cannot exist with error – for one always must go! - Henry Mahan
CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S GRACE
Do we really have confidence in the grace of God? If we do, we will be satisfied with His grace and His grace alone. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to offer up anything of our own as a reason for God to bless us. If we have confidence in His grace, we will rest secure that, whatever happens in this life, God will preserve us blameless for the next life. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to build a church with fleshly enticements but will be satisfied with preaching and teaching the grace of God, knowing that God will call His sheep by that Gospel. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will not be quick to judge others but will be patient with our brethren, knowing that God grows His people at His own rate and that what His grace has begun, His grace can finish. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will be much more at rest, knowing that all things are moving in their proper direction to their assigned goal. – Joe Terrell
*****
JULY 18, 1680
Three days before he was killed at Airsmoss because of the Gospel he preached, pastor Richard Cameron preached from Psalm 46 and made this statement: “Be still and know that I am God. This text forbids us to quarrel or murmur against God. All of us need to be afraid of this. Beware of it; for it is a dreadful thing to find fault with God’s dealings with us or to say unto Him, “What doest Thou?” It is a good account of Aaron then when God destroyed his sons, AARON HELD HIS PEACE. Let us then (while we bear the yoke) sit still and keep silence and put our mouth in the dust. God gives no account of His matters to anyone. There are so many things we cannot see through nor understand, but the Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” - Copied
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sweet the moments, rich in blessings
Which before His Throne we spend
Life and health and peace possessing
From the sinner’s dearest friend.
Here we rest, in wonder viewing
All our sins on Him were laid
And a full redemption flowing
From the sacrifice He made.
Here we find our hope of heaven
While upon the Lamb we gaze
Loving much and much forgiven
Let our heart o’erflow in praise.
Lord, in ceaseless contemplation
Fix our thankful hearts on Thee
‘Til we taste Thy full salvation
And Thine unveiled glory see!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Birthdays
3rd – Kristina Carroll 3rd – Aubrey Nibert 3rd – Eleanor Walmsley
4th – Lowell Johnson 5th – Jackson Dickerson 5th – Bert Dunbar 5th – Jackson Elliott 7th – Caleb Anjos
8th – Jasper Clark 8th – Rob Elliott
“Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eye, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.” - Proverbs 20:13
FEW SAVED?
“Lord, are there few that be saved?” I certainly understand one asking this question. It seems that there are very few that believe the Gospel. The Lord did say many walk the broad road of destruction and few walk the narrow way (Matt. 7:13-14). The Lord answers the man’s question… “Ye strive to enter the strait gate.” Whether many or few is not my concern! That does not mean we are indifferent or apathetic about the salvation of others. But it does mean that I am not to worry about how few or how many. My business is that I strive to enter in that strait gate whether anybody else does or not!
*****
Believing that Jesus is the God of Scripture, the Creator, the Son of God, the Uncreated, Eternal, Sovereign second Person of the Trinity: believing Who He is enables us to see in some measure the greatness of His condescension in becoming flesh! We see the glory and the achievements of the cross when we see Who it was that died! We see the evil of sin when we see Who it was that had to die to put it away! It is Who He is that makes the greatness of His salvation!
Who He is, is God’s reason for everything! Who He is makes anything less than denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following Him irrational, unreasonable, and foolish. We cannot possibly see Him too High!
*****
CONTENDING FOR THE TRUTH
Contending for the Truth against the errors of modern religion is the duty of God’s servants. I hope our spirit is one of genuine love to all the chosen of God; but today’s rule of charity which requires us to keep silent on certain points in order to avoid controversy, I utterly despise. It is treason to the Lord Jesus to be silent on any point where He has spoken and the honor of His Gospel is concerned. It is easy on the flesh to deal in generalities, to denounce hyper-this or hyper-that, and to claim to be a friend to all, but it is required of the loyal servant of King Jesus to maintain His crown-rights and to stand up for His Gospel of glory and grace. - Henry Mahan
*****
Having religion is one thing, but knowing and waking with Christ is different! Having religion – the world understands and tolerates. But free grace – the world neither understand nor tolerates! Any two religious errors can walk together, and permit them both to exist! But the Truth of God’s grace cannot exist with error – for one always must go! - Henry Mahan
CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S GRACE
Do we really have confidence in the grace of God? If we do, we will be satisfied with His grace and His grace alone. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to offer up anything of our own as a reason for God to bless us. If we have confidence in His grace, we will rest secure that, whatever happens in this life, God will preserve us blameless for the next life. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to build a church with fleshly enticements but will be satisfied with preaching and teaching the grace of God, knowing that God will call His sheep by that Gospel. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will not be quick to judge others but will be patient with our brethren, knowing that God grows His people at His own rate and that what His grace has begun, His grace can finish. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will be much more at rest, knowing that all things are moving in their proper direction to their assigned goal. – Joe Terrell
*****
JULY 18, 1680
Three days before he was killed at Airsmoss because of the Gospel he preached, pastor Richard Cameron preached from Psalm 46 and made this statement: “Be still and know that I am God. This text forbids us to quarrel or murmur against God. All of us need to be afraid of this. Beware of it; for it is a dreadful thing to find fault with God’s dealings with us or to say unto Him, “What doest Thou?” It is a good account of Aaron then when God destroyed his sons, AARON HELD HIS PEACE. Let us then (while we bear the yoke) sit still and keep silence and put our mouth in the dust. God gives no account of His matters to anyone. There are so many things we cannot see through nor understand, but the Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” - Copied
June 26, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
When any turn from Zion’s way
Alas, what numbers do!
I think I hear My Savior say,
“Wilt thou forsake Me too?”
Ah, Lord! With such a heart as mine
Unless Thou hold me fast
I feel I must, I shall decline
And prove like them at last.
Yet Thou alone hast power I know
To save a wretch like me
To whom or wither could I go
If I should turn from Thee?
Beyond a doubt, I rest assured
Thou art the Christ of God
Who hast eternal life secured
By promise and by blood.
No voice but Thine can give me rest
And bid my fears depart
No love but Thine can make me blest
And satisfy my heart.
(Tune: “Am I a Soldier “ p. 414)
*****
There is a sign up sheet in the foyer if you would like to volunteer to assist in some of the building maintenance.
Birthdays
27th – Paul David Daniel 28th – Lissie McGuire 28th – David Parker 28th – Jessica Scifres 29th – Emily Dickerson
29th – Hannah Dickerson 2nd – Elijah Davis
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
- Proverbs 10:12
“And truly, the Son of Man goeth, as it was determined,
but woe unto that man by whom He is betrayed.”- Luke 22:22
The death of Christ was determined by God before the foundation of the world. He is called, “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8). Every act done by men in His death was, “Whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done” (Acts 4:27-28). Indeed God created the universe, and purposed the fall for the cross of Christ! While the actions of Judas was predetermined by God and foretold in the Old Testament Scripture, he did what he did because that is what he wanted to do. While God is absolutely sovereign, we are held completely responsible for our sin. If anyone is inclined to object, that is still the way it is. God is completely sovereign over the free and un-coerced actions of men. The believer loves it that way!
*****
God is good. Everyone of His attributes are good, including His wrath. He is good all the time in all that He does! He is essentially good. He is originally good. All goodness emanates from Him. He is infinitely and immutably good. He cannot be less good than He is and He cannot be more good than He is. His reason for hiding the things of salvation from the wise and prudent and revealing them to babes was, “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” I do not have to understand everything He does but I do need to t4rust Him who is good all the time!
*****
“Love covereth all sins” (Proverbs 10:12). If God loves a man, He covers all of their sins by the blood of Christ. His covering makes them not to be. If I love you, I will not want your sins to be exposed. I will seek to cover them with silence. If you love me, you will do the same with me. Where the exposing of sins is, there is the absence of love, because “Love covereth all sins.”
*****
Waiting on the Lord has something to do with not seeking to manipulate circumstances in an attempt at getting what I want. It is wanting His will to be done and waiting on Him to do it and make it known.
THREE THINGS REGARDING GOD’S GRACE
1. Grace is always sovereign. “Therefore, hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardenth” (Romans 9:18).
2. Grace is always free. “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
3. Grace is always saving. “By grace are ye saved” (Ephesians 2:8).
God’s grace is not an offer up for man’s acceptance or rejection. His grace sovereignly, freely saves! We cannot believe grace without believing these three things regarding grace.
*****
“Our souls loatheth this light bread.” The manna that fell down from heaven every day no longer tasted good to them. Did the manna change in composition or taste? No. Their taste changed!
*****
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but the spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. - Robert Hawker
*****
What is the difference between faith and intellectualism? Faith believes what it does not understand. Intellectualism pretends to understand what it does not believe. - Greg Elmquist
*****
In happy moments, praise God. In difficult moments, seek God. In quiet moments, worship God. In every moment, thank God.
- Marvin Stalnaker
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
When any turn from Zion’s way
Alas, what numbers do!
I think I hear My Savior say,
“Wilt thou forsake Me too?”
Ah, Lord! With such a heart as mine
Unless Thou hold me fast
I feel I must, I shall decline
And prove like them at last.
Yet Thou alone hast power I know
To save a wretch like me
To whom or wither could I go
If I should turn from Thee?
Beyond a doubt, I rest assured
Thou art the Christ of God
Who hast eternal life secured
By promise and by blood.
No voice but Thine can give me rest
And bid my fears depart
No love but Thine can make me blest
And satisfy my heart.
(Tune: “Am I a Soldier “ p. 414)
*****
There is a sign up sheet in the foyer if you would like to volunteer to assist in some of the building maintenance.
Birthdays
27th – Paul David Daniel 28th – Lissie McGuire 28th – David Parker 28th – Jessica Scifres 29th – Emily Dickerson
29th – Hannah Dickerson 2nd – Elijah Davis
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
- Proverbs 10:12
“And truly, the Son of Man goeth, as it was determined,
but woe unto that man by whom He is betrayed.”- Luke 22:22
The death of Christ was determined by God before the foundation of the world. He is called, “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8). Every act done by men in His death was, “Whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done” (Acts 4:27-28). Indeed God created the universe, and purposed the fall for the cross of Christ! While the actions of Judas was predetermined by God and foretold in the Old Testament Scripture, he did what he did because that is what he wanted to do. While God is absolutely sovereign, we are held completely responsible for our sin. If anyone is inclined to object, that is still the way it is. God is completely sovereign over the free and un-coerced actions of men. The believer loves it that way!
*****
God is good. Everyone of His attributes are good, including His wrath. He is good all the time in all that He does! He is essentially good. He is originally good. All goodness emanates from Him. He is infinitely and immutably good. He cannot be less good than He is and He cannot be more good than He is. His reason for hiding the things of salvation from the wise and prudent and revealing them to babes was, “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” I do not have to understand everything He does but I do need to t4rust Him who is good all the time!
*****
“Love covereth all sins” (Proverbs 10:12). If God loves a man, He covers all of their sins by the blood of Christ. His covering makes them not to be. If I love you, I will not want your sins to be exposed. I will seek to cover them with silence. If you love me, you will do the same with me. Where the exposing of sins is, there is the absence of love, because “Love covereth all sins.”
*****
Waiting on the Lord has something to do with not seeking to manipulate circumstances in an attempt at getting what I want. It is wanting His will to be done and waiting on Him to do it and make it known.
THREE THINGS REGARDING GOD’S GRACE
1. Grace is always sovereign. “Therefore, hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardenth” (Romans 9:18).
2. Grace is always free. “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
3. Grace is always saving. “By grace are ye saved” (Ephesians 2:8).
God’s grace is not an offer up for man’s acceptance or rejection. His grace sovereignly, freely saves! We cannot believe grace without believing these three things regarding grace.
*****
“Our souls loatheth this light bread.” The manna that fell down from heaven every day no longer tasted good to them. Did the manna change in composition or taste? No. Their taste changed!
*****
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but the spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. - Robert Hawker
*****
What is the difference between faith and intellectualism? Faith believes what it does not understand. Intellectualism pretends to understand what it does not believe. - Greg Elmquist
*****
In happy moments, praise God. In difficult moments, seek God. In quiet moments, worship God. In every moment, thank God.
- Marvin Stalnaker
June 19, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
To God the only wise
Our Saviour and our King
Let all the saints below the skies
Their humble praises bring.
Let all our powers be joined
His gracious Name to praise
May joy and love fill every heart
And every voice be raised.
He will present our souls
Unblemished and complete
Before the glory of His face
With joys divinely great!
To our Redeemer God
Wisdom and power belong
Immortal crowns of majesty
And everlasting songs!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p. 188)
*****
Thank you very much to all who helped with our VBS. There is much time and effort put into this week by all the volunteers and what you do is greatly appreciated! We had a good week. May the Lord be pleased to save our children.
The final draft of the church directory is in the foyer. Please check your information and correct any errors so it can be printed.
Birthdays
24th - Kristy Burton 24th – David Morris 24th – Haley Small
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” - Proverbs 21:23
The Lord spoke of a nobleman who went away to receive a kingdom and told his servants, “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). One servant added ten talents to his ten talents, another added five to his five talents. They both “occupied till he came” and were commended for it. One servant did nothing. He was called, “a wicked servant” by the nobleman, and what he had was taken from him. Our belief in God’s absolute sovereign control and pre-determination of all things does not lead us to do nothing under the guise of submission to His sovereignty! We “occupy until He come” doing all we can for the promotion of His glory and the salvation of His elect! His sovereignty is not a reason for apathy, but a reason for exertion!
*****
“There is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me” (Isaiah 45:21). A Saviour that is not absolutely just cannot be trusted. But our Saviour is a, “Just God and a Saviour.” He made the way to be just and still justify the ungodly. Through Christ crucified, not only does His mercy and grace call for our salvation, but His absolute justice does as well! We can absolutely trust, “A just God and a Saviour,” with no fear of any sin rising up in accusation. The sin has been put away and we stand before God’s law having never sinned!
*****
When God said, “I am that I am”, I have a marginal reading in my Bible that says, “I save in the manner I save.” The manner in which God saves tells us who He is! An error in any aspect of salvation is an error concerning the character of God.
*****
If is as difficult to convince men of their lost condition as it is to recover them from it. Only God can do both! You cannot help anyone until he is willing to be helped; but our Lord can make him willing. A man cannot truly bear the Gospel of sovereign grace until HE CANNOT BEAR HIMSELF! - Milford Hall
It is striking how the Holy Truth of election was woven into the common speech of the early church. When Paul greets the Thessalonians, he writes, “Knowing brethren beloved your ELECTION of God” (I Thess. 1:4). Peter begins his epistle with, “ELECT according to the foreknowledge of God.” And when he closes the same letter he says, “The church that is at Babylon, ELECTED together with you, saluteth you.” John writes, “The elder unto the ELECT lady,” and closes the letter with, “The children of my ELECT sister greet thee.”
It was not at all awkward for election to come out even in these greetings and good-byes. Why? Because election was not merely a doctrine which they believed the Bible taught, but they worshipped the God of election. Election tells us God is God! And election tells us that salvation is all of grace. This was doctrine that not only a few of the more mature believers believed, but it was woven into the common way of thinking in the early church. It was the first thing Annanias told Paul about: “The God of our fathers hath chosen thee” (Acts 22:14). Remember this, you cannot separate election and God Himself. He is the God of election. The early church knew this, and the church of the 20th century knows it also!
*****
I realize that the example we set for others will not save them. It is the Gospel, not the example I set, that is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). But that certainly does not take away from the importance of the example I set. Peter spoke of unbelieving husbands who, “also may without the Word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear” (I Peter 3:1-2).
If I act ungracious, moody, ill-tempered, and self-righteous around my family, friends, acquaintances, and co-workers, I may talk all I want about the Gospel, but it will be nothing more than talk. My conduct will have made me lose all credibility with my hearers. Peter said in this same chapter, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Peter 3:15). I should conduct myself in public (and private) in a way that people are impressed by, and are led to ask about the hope that is in me! Always be aware of the fact that you are a representative of Christ before this unbelieving world!
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
To God the only wise
Our Saviour and our King
Let all the saints below the skies
Their humble praises bring.
Let all our powers be joined
His gracious Name to praise
May joy and love fill every heart
And every voice be raised.
He will present our souls
Unblemished and complete
Before the glory of His face
With joys divinely great!
To our Redeemer God
Wisdom and power belong
Immortal crowns of majesty
And everlasting songs!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p. 188)
*****
Thank you very much to all who helped with our VBS. There is much time and effort put into this week by all the volunteers and what you do is greatly appreciated! We had a good week. May the Lord be pleased to save our children.
The final draft of the church directory is in the foyer. Please check your information and correct any errors so it can be printed.
Birthdays
24th - Kristy Burton 24th – David Morris 24th – Haley Small
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” - Proverbs 21:23
The Lord spoke of a nobleman who went away to receive a kingdom and told his servants, “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). One servant added ten talents to his ten talents, another added five to his five talents. They both “occupied till he came” and were commended for it. One servant did nothing. He was called, “a wicked servant” by the nobleman, and what he had was taken from him. Our belief in God’s absolute sovereign control and pre-determination of all things does not lead us to do nothing under the guise of submission to His sovereignty! We “occupy until He come” doing all we can for the promotion of His glory and the salvation of His elect! His sovereignty is not a reason for apathy, but a reason for exertion!
*****
“There is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside Me” (Isaiah 45:21). A Saviour that is not absolutely just cannot be trusted. But our Saviour is a, “Just God and a Saviour.” He made the way to be just and still justify the ungodly. Through Christ crucified, not only does His mercy and grace call for our salvation, but His absolute justice does as well! We can absolutely trust, “A just God and a Saviour,” with no fear of any sin rising up in accusation. The sin has been put away and we stand before God’s law having never sinned!
*****
When God said, “I am that I am”, I have a marginal reading in my Bible that says, “I save in the manner I save.” The manner in which God saves tells us who He is! An error in any aspect of salvation is an error concerning the character of God.
*****
If is as difficult to convince men of their lost condition as it is to recover them from it. Only God can do both! You cannot help anyone until he is willing to be helped; but our Lord can make him willing. A man cannot truly bear the Gospel of sovereign grace until HE CANNOT BEAR HIMSELF! - Milford Hall
It is striking how the Holy Truth of election was woven into the common speech of the early church. When Paul greets the Thessalonians, he writes, “Knowing brethren beloved your ELECTION of God” (I Thess. 1:4). Peter begins his epistle with, “ELECT according to the foreknowledge of God.” And when he closes the same letter he says, “The church that is at Babylon, ELECTED together with you, saluteth you.” John writes, “The elder unto the ELECT lady,” and closes the letter with, “The children of my ELECT sister greet thee.”
It was not at all awkward for election to come out even in these greetings and good-byes. Why? Because election was not merely a doctrine which they believed the Bible taught, but they worshipped the God of election. Election tells us God is God! And election tells us that salvation is all of grace. This was doctrine that not only a few of the more mature believers believed, but it was woven into the common way of thinking in the early church. It was the first thing Annanias told Paul about: “The God of our fathers hath chosen thee” (Acts 22:14). Remember this, you cannot separate election and God Himself. He is the God of election. The early church knew this, and the church of the 20th century knows it also!
*****
I realize that the example we set for others will not save them. It is the Gospel, not the example I set, that is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). But that certainly does not take away from the importance of the example I set. Peter spoke of unbelieving husbands who, “also may without the Word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear” (I Peter 3:1-2).
If I act ungracious, moody, ill-tempered, and self-righteous around my family, friends, acquaintances, and co-workers, I may talk all I want about the Gospel, but it will be nothing more than talk. My conduct will have made me lose all credibility with my hearers. Peter said in this same chapter, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you” (I Peter 3:15). I should conduct myself in public (and private) in a way that people are impressed by, and are led to ask about the hope that is in me! Always be aware of the fact that you are a representative of Christ before this unbelieving world!
June 12, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Brethren, let us join to bless
Christ our Peace and Righteousness
Let our praise to Him be given
High at God’s right hand in Heaven.
Son of God, to Thee we bow
Thou art Lord, and only Thou
Thou the woman’s promised seed
Thou, who didst for sinners bleed.
Thee the angels ceaseless sing
Thee we praise, our Priest and King
Worthy is Thy Name of praise
Full of glory, full of grace.
Thou hast the glad tidings brought
Of salvation fully wrought
Wrought, O Lord, alone by Thee
Wrought, to set Thy people free.
Thee, our Lord, would we adore
Serve and follow more and more
Praise and bless Thy matchless love
Till we join Thy saints above.
(Tune: “Depth of Mercy” p. 233)
*****
VBS is this Tuesday - Thursday from 10:30am – 2:00pm. There will be no Wednesday evening service this week.
The conference this weekend at the Lantana Grace Church in Crossville, TN has been cancelled. They hope to reschedule later in the summer.
Birthdays
12th – Rick Williams 13th – Matt Vincent 14th – Lauren Harries
15th – Silas Benton 16th – Andrea Bryan 16th – Monica Sparks
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” - Proverbs 19:21
*****
“I will make all My goodness to pass before thee.” This was God’s answer to Moses’ request, “I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory.” God is good. He is originally good, good of Himself, essentially good: Goodness is His essence. He is infinitely good. His goodness cannot be measured. He is eternally and immutably good. He cannot be less good or more good than He is. Because He is good, everything that emanates from God is good. As all of His attributes are Holy, all of His attributes are good. All of His decrees are good. All that He does is good. All that He does is what seemed good in His sight. God brings good out of evil! “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” The most evil thing to ever take place – wicked men nailing the Son of God to a cross – is the greatest display of the goodness of God. God is good, all the time. Whatever He does is good because He did it!
*****
YE STRIVE TO ENTER
“Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved?” The Lord’s answer to him… “Ye strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you will seek to enter, and shall not be able.”
Does how many or how few that are saved have any bearing on my personal responsibility to enter in at the strait gate? Does the poor example or even apathy of others have any bearing on my personal responsibility to strive to enter in at the strait gate? Whether many or few, or not any, are striving to enter in at the strait gate, or if I have no examples of people who are striving to enter in at the strait gate, I am still called upon to strive to strive to enter in at the strait gate, to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Him.
*****
When I try and manipulate people and events to bring about what I want, I am not trusting God, and it is in reality an exercise in futility. “There are many devices in a man’s heart: nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21).
In Titus 2, Paul spoke of saying things that become sound doctrine, behavior that, “becometh holiness”, and “adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” God’s doctrine is true whether our words and actions are becoming to it or not. Our good conduct does not make it more true, nor does our bad conduct make it less true. God’s doctrine is true because He said it was.
That being said, this does not mean that our words and actions are inconsequential with regard to God’s doctrine. Our words and actions can be becoming to the Gospel when we conduct ourselves in such a way that glorifies God. But if our conduct is contrary to grace, then we make the doctrine we believe appear ugly to those who do not believe. A sour, moody spirit, a lack of cheerfulness, an unforgiving spirit; these are signs to the unbeliever that our Gospel is either not true or it did not do us any good.
Our words and actions should adorn and recommend the doctrine we believe. If they do not, it is proof that we really do not believe what God’s Word says.
*****
Salvation does not come by the free-will of man, as many suppose. As the Scriptures say ….“Children were born, not of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.” Salvation is not of him that wills nor of him that runs, BUT OF GOD WHO SHOWS MERCY. “Of His own will begat He us with the Word of Truth” (John 1:13; Romans 9:16; James 1:18). However, this does not mean that a man is saved against his will nor that he is to “sit and wait” for something to happen. The truth of God’s sovereignty in His grace is never to be taken as an excuse for not seeking the Lord with all one’s heart. “Oh, but I must wait until God gives me the grace of faith before I can believe,” says one. This is true, but the only evidence that one has been given such a grace is THAT ONE BELIEVES. What I am saying is this: the Scriptures never gives us a reason for waiting to believe God. If you are waiting for some special event to occur in your life before you believe God, you will likely wait for the rest of your life. Do you know the Gospel? THEN BELIEVE IT! Be done with every excuse for your unbelief and rest your soul on Christ right now, commit the care of your never-dying soul to the once-dying but ever-living Saviour, Jesus Christ.
- Joe Terrell
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Brethren, let us join to bless
Christ our Peace and Righteousness
Let our praise to Him be given
High at God’s right hand in Heaven.
Son of God, to Thee we bow
Thou art Lord, and only Thou
Thou the woman’s promised seed
Thou, who didst for sinners bleed.
Thee the angels ceaseless sing
Thee we praise, our Priest and King
Worthy is Thy Name of praise
Full of glory, full of grace.
Thou hast the glad tidings brought
Of salvation fully wrought
Wrought, O Lord, alone by Thee
Wrought, to set Thy people free.
Thee, our Lord, would we adore
Serve and follow more and more
Praise and bless Thy matchless love
Till we join Thy saints above.
(Tune: “Depth of Mercy” p. 233)
*****
VBS is this Tuesday - Thursday from 10:30am – 2:00pm. There will be no Wednesday evening service this week.
The conference this weekend at the Lantana Grace Church in Crossville, TN has been cancelled. They hope to reschedule later in the summer.
Birthdays
12th – Rick Williams 13th – Matt Vincent 14th – Lauren Harries
15th – Silas Benton 16th – Andrea Bryan 16th – Monica Sparks
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” - Proverbs 19:21
*****
“I will make all My goodness to pass before thee.” This was God’s answer to Moses’ request, “I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory.” God is good. He is originally good, good of Himself, essentially good: Goodness is His essence. He is infinitely good. His goodness cannot be measured. He is eternally and immutably good. He cannot be less good or more good than He is. Because He is good, everything that emanates from God is good. As all of His attributes are Holy, all of His attributes are good. All of His decrees are good. All that He does is good. All that He does is what seemed good in His sight. God brings good out of evil! “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” The most evil thing to ever take place – wicked men nailing the Son of God to a cross – is the greatest display of the goodness of God. God is good, all the time. Whatever He does is good because He did it!
*****
YE STRIVE TO ENTER
“Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved?” The Lord’s answer to him… “Ye strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you will seek to enter, and shall not be able.”
Does how many or how few that are saved have any bearing on my personal responsibility to enter in at the strait gate? Does the poor example or even apathy of others have any bearing on my personal responsibility to strive to enter in at the strait gate? Whether many or few, or not any, are striving to enter in at the strait gate, or if I have no examples of people who are striving to enter in at the strait gate, I am still called upon to strive to strive to enter in at the strait gate, to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Him.
*****
When I try and manipulate people and events to bring about what I want, I am not trusting God, and it is in reality an exercise in futility. “There are many devices in a man’s heart: nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21).
In Titus 2, Paul spoke of saying things that become sound doctrine, behavior that, “becometh holiness”, and “adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” God’s doctrine is true whether our words and actions are becoming to it or not. Our good conduct does not make it more true, nor does our bad conduct make it less true. God’s doctrine is true because He said it was.
That being said, this does not mean that our words and actions are inconsequential with regard to God’s doctrine. Our words and actions can be becoming to the Gospel when we conduct ourselves in such a way that glorifies God. But if our conduct is contrary to grace, then we make the doctrine we believe appear ugly to those who do not believe. A sour, moody spirit, a lack of cheerfulness, an unforgiving spirit; these are signs to the unbeliever that our Gospel is either not true or it did not do us any good.
Our words and actions should adorn and recommend the doctrine we believe. If they do not, it is proof that we really do not believe what God’s Word says.
*****
Salvation does not come by the free-will of man, as many suppose. As the Scriptures say ….“Children were born, not of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.” Salvation is not of him that wills nor of him that runs, BUT OF GOD WHO SHOWS MERCY. “Of His own will begat He us with the Word of Truth” (John 1:13; Romans 9:16; James 1:18). However, this does not mean that a man is saved against his will nor that he is to “sit and wait” for something to happen. The truth of God’s sovereignty in His grace is never to be taken as an excuse for not seeking the Lord with all one’s heart. “Oh, but I must wait until God gives me the grace of faith before I can believe,” says one. This is true, but the only evidence that one has been given such a grace is THAT ONE BELIEVES. What I am saying is this: the Scriptures never gives us a reason for waiting to believe God. If you are waiting for some special event to occur in your life before you believe God, you will likely wait for the rest of your life. Do you know the Gospel? THEN BELIEVE IT! Be done with every excuse for your unbelief and rest your soul on Christ right now, commit the care of your never-dying soul to the once-dying but ever-living Saviour, Jesus Christ.
- Joe Terrell
June 5, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Join, all who love the Saviour’s Name
To sing His everlasting fame
Great God, prepare each heart and voice
In Christ forever to rejoice.
In Christ my treasure is contained
By Him my feeble soul sustained
From Him I all things now receive
Through Him my soul shall ever live.
Take Christ for strength and righteousness
Make Him thy refuge in distress
Love Him above all earthly joy
And Him in everything employ.
Praise Him in cheerful, grateful songs
To Him your highest praise belongs
‘Tis He who does your heav’n prepare
And Him you’ll sing forever there.
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
VBS is June 14-16 from 10:30am – 2:00pm. Sign- up to help in foyer. There will be no Wednesday service June 15th.
The Lantana Grace Church in Crossville, TN will have a Bible Conference June 17-19. Speakers are Bruce Crabtree, Todd Nibert, Paul Mahan, and Gabe Stalnaker.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch for Zac Byrd & Cassadi Cordea this Saturday, June 11 at 10:30am. Information & Sign-up is in the foyer.
Birthdays
6th – Brad Clark 7th - Avery Summers 8th – Matthew Greenleaf
9th – Linda Ferrell 9th – Amie Steeves
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” - Proverbs 21:23
*****
NO FORGIVENESS WITHOUT ATONEMENT
“And the priest shall make atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them” (Lev. 4:20). Because God is Holy and Just, sin will not be forgiven if there is not atonement for their sins. But in the death of Christ there was a complete atonement for the sins He died for. The sins were punished to the full extent the law demanded. Complete satisfaction was made; the sins were blotted out and made to not be. That is why God forgives the sin because of the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Where there is atonement, forgiveness is a necessity. How offensive and destructive is that false doctrine that says Christ can make atonement for sins and you can still be sent to hell for the very sins He made atonement for. There is no Gospel in a message like that!
*****
NEED
“He healed them that had need of healing.” “The whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” “I am poor and needy.”
What a blessed thing it is to be needy. You need everything in the Gospel of Christ all the time! It was the lukewarm church which said, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” May I be in a continual state of need of God’s electing, redeeming, justifying, regenerating, preserving grace. May I stay in a continual state of needing to hear the Gospel. May I always be aware of my need of the Lord Jesus Christ!
*****
Anyone who knows Jesus Christ knows Him as God in the fullest and highest meaning of that. “In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col 2:9). If one does not know Him like that, He does not know Him at all.
*****
CHRIST IS ALL
“Christ is All” (Col. 3:11). He is All whether I realize it or not. But if I do realize it, He will not longer be the first priority in my life. He will be the ONLY priority. He will no longer have a prominent theme in my preaching. He will be the ONLY theme. He will no longer help me to be saved. He Himself is salvation! If Christ is All to me, I will find anything contrary to this message offensive and repugnant!
NOT PURLOINING
Paul was speaking of employer-employee relationships when he said, “not purloining.” The word means “no holding back.” It means “not stealing” either property, time, or what is due to the employer. But this word also means, “not just getting by.” Not only in our work, but in everything we are commanded to, “not just get by”, or “give the bare minimum.” The wise man put it this way, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might (Eccl. 9:10).” By the grace of God, be the best employer, employee, parent, child, spouse, church member, neighbor, friend, or anything else you can be. But most especially, do not hold back toward Christ! Trust Him completely. Do not purloin in your service to Him in any way. It is only by, “Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity” that we will, “Adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Titus 2:10).
*****
PREACHING
The Christian preacher is to be neither a speculator who invents new doctrines which please him nor an editor who excises old doctrines which displease him, but a steward, God’s steward, dispensing faithfully to God’s household the Truths committed to him in the Scriptures, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else! - John R. W. Scott
*****
The promises of God are like the clothes we wear, if there is life in the body, they warm us, but not otherwise. Where there is living faith, God’s promises afford warm comfort. - W. Gurnall
*****
May I beg you carefully to judge every preacher, not by his gifts, not by his elocutionary powers, not by his status in society, not by the respectability of his congregation, not by the prettiness of his church, but this – DOES HE PREACH THE WORD OF TRUTH, THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION? If he does, your sitting under his ministry may prove to you the means of begetting faith in you. But if he does not, you cannot expect God’s blessing. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
“Therefore, it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed” (Romans 4:16). The only way that salvation can be sure is if it is all by grace. If salvation is dependent on some contribution from man, the only thing that is sure is that none will be saved.
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Join, all who love the Saviour’s Name
To sing His everlasting fame
Great God, prepare each heart and voice
In Christ forever to rejoice.
In Christ my treasure is contained
By Him my feeble soul sustained
From Him I all things now receive
Through Him my soul shall ever live.
Take Christ for strength and righteousness
Make Him thy refuge in distress
Love Him above all earthly joy
And Him in everything employ.
Praise Him in cheerful, grateful songs
To Him your highest praise belongs
‘Tis He who does your heav’n prepare
And Him you’ll sing forever there.
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
VBS is June 14-16 from 10:30am – 2:00pm. Sign- up to help in foyer. There will be no Wednesday service June 15th.
The Lantana Grace Church in Crossville, TN will have a Bible Conference June 17-19. Speakers are Bruce Crabtree, Todd Nibert, Paul Mahan, and Gabe Stalnaker.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower Brunch for Zac Byrd & Cassadi Cordea this Saturday, June 11 at 10:30am. Information & Sign-up is in the foyer.
Birthdays
6th – Brad Clark 7th - Avery Summers 8th – Matthew Greenleaf
9th – Linda Ferrell 9th – Amie Steeves
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” - Proverbs 21:23
*****
NO FORGIVENESS WITHOUT ATONEMENT
“And the priest shall make atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them” (Lev. 4:20). Because God is Holy and Just, sin will not be forgiven if there is not atonement for their sins. But in the death of Christ there was a complete atonement for the sins He died for. The sins were punished to the full extent the law demanded. Complete satisfaction was made; the sins were blotted out and made to not be. That is why God forgives the sin because of the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Where there is atonement, forgiveness is a necessity. How offensive and destructive is that false doctrine that says Christ can make atonement for sins and you can still be sent to hell for the very sins He made atonement for. There is no Gospel in a message like that!
*****
NEED
“He healed them that had need of healing.” “The whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” “I am poor and needy.”
What a blessed thing it is to be needy. You need everything in the Gospel of Christ all the time! It was the lukewarm church which said, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” May I be in a continual state of need of God’s electing, redeeming, justifying, regenerating, preserving grace. May I stay in a continual state of needing to hear the Gospel. May I always be aware of my need of the Lord Jesus Christ!
*****
Anyone who knows Jesus Christ knows Him as God in the fullest and highest meaning of that. “In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col 2:9). If one does not know Him like that, He does not know Him at all.
*****
CHRIST IS ALL
“Christ is All” (Col. 3:11). He is All whether I realize it or not. But if I do realize it, He will not longer be the first priority in my life. He will be the ONLY priority. He will no longer have a prominent theme in my preaching. He will be the ONLY theme. He will no longer help me to be saved. He Himself is salvation! If Christ is All to me, I will find anything contrary to this message offensive and repugnant!
NOT PURLOINING
Paul was speaking of employer-employee relationships when he said, “not purloining.” The word means “no holding back.” It means “not stealing” either property, time, or what is due to the employer. But this word also means, “not just getting by.” Not only in our work, but in everything we are commanded to, “not just get by”, or “give the bare minimum.” The wise man put it this way, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might (Eccl. 9:10).” By the grace of God, be the best employer, employee, parent, child, spouse, church member, neighbor, friend, or anything else you can be. But most especially, do not hold back toward Christ! Trust Him completely. Do not purloin in your service to Him in any way. It is only by, “Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity” that we will, “Adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Titus 2:10).
*****
PREACHING
The Christian preacher is to be neither a speculator who invents new doctrines which please him nor an editor who excises old doctrines which displease him, but a steward, God’s steward, dispensing faithfully to God’s household the Truths committed to him in the Scriptures, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else! - John R. W. Scott
*****
The promises of God are like the clothes we wear, if there is life in the body, they warm us, but not otherwise. Where there is living faith, God’s promises afford warm comfort. - W. Gurnall
*****
May I beg you carefully to judge every preacher, not by his gifts, not by his elocutionary powers, not by his status in society, not by the respectability of his congregation, not by the prettiness of his church, but this – DOES HE PREACH THE WORD OF TRUTH, THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION? If he does, your sitting under his ministry may prove to you the means of begetting faith in you. But if he does not, you cannot expect God’s blessing. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
“Therefore, it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed” (Romans 4:16). The only way that salvation can be sure is if it is all by grace. If salvation is dependent on some contribution from man, the only thing that is sure is that none will be saved.
May 29, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
I bless the Christ of God, I rest on love Divine
And with unfaltering lip and heart, I call the Saviour mine
His cross dispels each doubt, I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear, each lingering shade of gloom.
I praise the God of peace, I trust His Truth and might
He calls me His, I call Him mine, My God, my Joy, my Light
In Him is only good, in me is only ill
My ill but draws His goodness forth, and me He loveth still.
‘Tis He Who saveth me, and freely pardon gives
I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives
My life with Him is hid, my death has passed away
My clouds have melted into light, my midnight into day.
(Tune: “This is My Father’s World” p. 39)
*****
Congratulations to our graduating High School Seniors Kaitlyn Burton, Emma Ferrell, Henry Lynn, Isaac Meek, and Isaac Steeves! We will honor them after the service this evening. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
VBS JUNE 14-16 10:30am – 2:00pm. Sign- up to help in foyer.
The Lantana Grace Church in Crossville, TN will have a Bible Conference June 17-19. Speakers are Bruce Crabtree, Todd Nibert, Paul Mahan, and Gabe Stalnaker.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower for Zac Byrd & Cassadi Cordea on Saturday, June 11 at 10:30am. Information & Sign-up is in the Foyer.
Birthdays
31st – Cora Clark 31st – Julianna Daniel 1st – Rebekah Vincent 2nd – Audrey Grace Hacker 2nd – Jacob Rigsby 2nd – Alexis Sligh 2nd – John Walmsley 4th – Debbie Williams
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” – Proverbs 10:12
*****
THESE BE THEY THAT SEPARATE THEMSELVES
After Jude’s greeting, he called upon his readers to, “Earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints,” and for the next 16 verses he tells us what we are to do, and who it is we are to contend with. In Vs. 19 he concludes with this description of the enemies of the Gospel…“These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” The word Pharisee means separate one. They make a distinction between themselves and others. “I thank thee that I am not as other men are.” Such thinking is sensual, utterly of the flesh. These people do not have the Spirit of God. If they did they would not be practicing that kind of religion. It is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the religion of the Pharisees.
*****
WHAT FREE WILL DENIES
Before we can see what free will denies, we first have to know what is meant by free will. Free will says that a man’s destiny is dependent upon the choice he makes. His will is free to choose to allow God to save him, or reject God’s offer of salvation. His eternal destiny is determined by his free will.
If I believe my will is free, there are three things I deny. (1) I deny that God is sovereign. I say His sovereignty does not extend to my will. That is a complete denial of His sovereignty. (2) I deny that I am a sinner in the Biblical definition of the word. According to the Bible, men are dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1). That means they are completely unable to do anything to save themselves. Free will is a denial of that. (3) Free will is a denial of free grace. You cannot believe in salvation by grace and free will. Free will is nothing less than salvation by works. The teaching of free will is a denial of the Gospel!
*****
Instead of shrinking back in horror from the doctrine of predestination, the believer, when he sees this blessed Truth as it is unfolded in the Word, discovers a solid ground for gratitude and thanksgiving such as nothing else affords, save the unspeakable gift of the Redeemer Himself. - A. W. Pink
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy Truth’s sake.” -Psalm 1:15
A sure test of whether the gospel you believe is the true Gospel can be answered by one simple question. Does God get all the glory or does the saved sinner share in it? The Gospel of God always glorifies Him and Him alone! The Gospel of God always glorifies God’s wisdom, power, mercy, grace and love but most importantly it always glorifies His Son! The preaching of a false gospel will always attribute something to man’s will, work, and way. But not God’s Gospel! The Word of God is clear. “That no flesh should glory in His (God’s) presence” (I Cor. 1:29). “God will not give His glory to another” (Isaiah 48:11). “That according as it is written he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (I Cor. 1:31). - David Eddmenson
*****
Election is not the cause of anybody going to hell, for election is unto salvation (II Thess. 2:13). Neither is non-election responsible for the damnation of sinners. Sin is the thing that sends men to hell, and all men are sinners by nature and practice, sinners altogether apart from election or non-election. It does not follow that because election is unto salvation that non-election is unto damnation. Sin is the damning element in human life - election harms nobody. - C. D. Cole
*****
As I was selecting hymns for today’s worship, I noticed that, in our hymnal, the hymns “Higher Ground” and “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” are across the page from one another. What a stark contrast! What an illustration of the difference between fleshly religion and the Gospel! One song counts the cross to be the beginning point from which we set out for something better. The other teaches us that the cross of our Lord Jesus is the best there is and the only worthy place to stand and stay. One sets us on “scaling the utmost heights,” the other finds glory “beneath the cross.” One is about what the writer hopes to do, the other is about what Christ has done. - Joe Terrell
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
I bless the Christ of God, I rest on love Divine
And with unfaltering lip and heart, I call the Saviour mine
His cross dispels each doubt, I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear, each lingering shade of gloom.
I praise the God of peace, I trust His Truth and might
He calls me His, I call Him mine, My God, my Joy, my Light
In Him is only good, in me is only ill
My ill but draws His goodness forth, and me He loveth still.
‘Tis He Who saveth me, and freely pardon gives
I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives
My life with Him is hid, my death has passed away
My clouds have melted into light, my midnight into day.
(Tune: “This is My Father’s World” p. 39)
*****
Congratulations to our graduating High School Seniors Kaitlyn Burton, Emma Ferrell, Henry Lynn, Isaac Meek, and Isaac Steeves! We will honor them after the service this evening. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
VBS JUNE 14-16 10:30am – 2:00pm. Sign- up to help in foyer.
The Lantana Grace Church in Crossville, TN will have a Bible Conference June 17-19. Speakers are Bruce Crabtree, Todd Nibert, Paul Mahan, and Gabe Stalnaker.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower for Zac Byrd & Cassadi Cordea on Saturday, June 11 at 10:30am. Information & Sign-up is in the Foyer.
Birthdays
31st – Cora Clark 31st – Julianna Daniel 1st – Rebekah Vincent 2nd – Audrey Grace Hacker 2nd – Jacob Rigsby 2nd – Alexis Sligh 2nd – John Walmsley 4th – Debbie Williams
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” – Proverbs 10:12
*****
THESE BE THEY THAT SEPARATE THEMSELVES
After Jude’s greeting, he called upon his readers to, “Earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints,” and for the next 16 verses he tells us what we are to do, and who it is we are to contend with. In Vs. 19 he concludes with this description of the enemies of the Gospel…“These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” The word Pharisee means separate one. They make a distinction between themselves and others. “I thank thee that I am not as other men are.” Such thinking is sensual, utterly of the flesh. These people do not have the Spirit of God. If they did they would not be practicing that kind of religion. It is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the religion of the Pharisees.
*****
WHAT FREE WILL DENIES
Before we can see what free will denies, we first have to know what is meant by free will. Free will says that a man’s destiny is dependent upon the choice he makes. His will is free to choose to allow God to save him, or reject God’s offer of salvation. His eternal destiny is determined by his free will.
If I believe my will is free, there are three things I deny. (1) I deny that God is sovereign. I say His sovereignty does not extend to my will. That is a complete denial of His sovereignty. (2) I deny that I am a sinner in the Biblical definition of the word. According to the Bible, men are dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1). That means they are completely unable to do anything to save themselves. Free will is a denial of that. (3) Free will is a denial of free grace. You cannot believe in salvation by grace and free will. Free will is nothing less than salvation by works. The teaching of free will is a denial of the Gospel!
*****
Instead of shrinking back in horror from the doctrine of predestination, the believer, when he sees this blessed Truth as it is unfolded in the Word, discovers a solid ground for gratitude and thanksgiving such as nothing else affords, save the unspeakable gift of the Redeemer Himself. - A. W. Pink
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy Truth’s sake.” -Psalm 1:15
A sure test of whether the gospel you believe is the true Gospel can be answered by one simple question. Does God get all the glory or does the saved sinner share in it? The Gospel of God always glorifies Him and Him alone! The Gospel of God always glorifies God’s wisdom, power, mercy, grace and love but most importantly it always glorifies His Son! The preaching of a false gospel will always attribute something to man’s will, work, and way. But not God’s Gospel! The Word of God is clear. “That no flesh should glory in His (God’s) presence” (I Cor. 1:29). “God will not give His glory to another” (Isaiah 48:11). “That according as it is written he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (I Cor. 1:31). - David Eddmenson
*****
Election is not the cause of anybody going to hell, for election is unto salvation (II Thess. 2:13). Neither is non-election responsible for the damnation of sinners. Sin is the thing that sends men to hell, and all men are sinners by nature and practice, sinners altogether apart from election or non-election. It does not follow that because election is unto salvation that non-election is unto damnation. Sin is the damning element in human life - election harms nobody. - C. D. Cole
*****
As I was selecting hymns for today’s worship, I noticed that, in our hymnal, the hymns “Higher Ground” and “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” are across the page from one another. What a stark contrast! What an illustration of the difference between fleshly religion and the Gospel! One song counts the cross to be the beginning point from which we set out for something better. The other teaches us that the cross of our Lord Jesus is the best there is and the only worthy place to stand and stay. One sets us on “scaling the utmost heights,” the other finds glory “beneath the cross.” One is about what the writer hopes to do, the other is about what Christ has done. - Joe Terrell
May 22, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Look upon me, Lord I pray Thee
Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine
Thou hast sought, Thou hast bought me
Take my heart, and make it Thine.
Nought I ask for, nought I strive for
But Thy grace so rich and free
This Thou givest by the Saviour
He hath all things who hath Thee.
Precious is the Name of Jesus
Who can half its worth unfold?
Far beyond angelic praises
Sweetly sung to harps of gold.
Guide me, Oh Thou great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak, but Thou art mighty
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will honor our graduating High School Seniors Kaitlyn Burton, Emma Ferrell, Henry Lynn, Isaac Meek, and Isaac Steeves next Sunday evening, May 29th. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
VBS JUNE 14-16 10:30am – 2:00pm. Sign- up to help in foyer.
The Lantana Grace Church in Crossville, TN will have a Bible Conference June 17-19. Speakers are Bruce Crabtree, Todd Nibert, Paul Mahan, and Gabe Stalnaker.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower for Zac Byrd & Cassadi Cordea on Saturday, June 11 at 10:30am. Information & Sign-up is in the Foyer.
We are in the process of updating the church directory. Please up-date your info or fill out a form in the foyer if you would like to be included.
Birthdays
25th – Elizabeth Wright 27th – Thomas Kincer 28th – David Walmsley 28th – Stephen Walmsley
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1
*****
YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” -Romans 12:1
Paul is making an appeal that will only reach the heart of a true believer. “I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God…” The mercies He has bestowed upon you in the Gospel. His mercies are enough to motivate us to, “present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” Our bodies represent our complete self; no reservations. All that we are is to be presented to God as a living sacrifice, unlike the dead sacrifices presented under the law. The presentation of our bodies to God is holy, the work of the Holy Spirit in us, and well pleasing to God – “Which is your reasonable service.” Anything short of this is unreasonable and illogical. The only reasonable
thing to do is to present ourselves to Him like Isaiah did. “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
*****
WHAT IS IT TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?
“The just shall live by faith.” This is the answer to what it is to live the Christian life. Faith in Christ is living the Christian life. Looking to Christ only as All in my salvation is living the Christian life. To describe it any other way is to confound what living the Christian life means!
*****
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 5:1). If you are working, you are not believing, and if you are believing, you are not working.
TAKE HEED HOW YOU HEAR
Let me give you some simple directions for hearing the Word preached.
1. Hear with A HUNGRY, NEEDY HEART! If a person goes to the drug store seeking relief, he should have some idea of his problem. Does his head hurt or his feet? We hear the Word as men with a heart problem – sin.
2. Hear THE WORD OF GOD, not just the words of men! “When you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in the Truth the Word of God which worketh effectually also in you that believe” (II Thess. 2:13).
3. Hear THE WORD FOR YOURSELF, not others! When Nathan told David the story of the stolen lamb, David was angry and said “Who is that man, I will deal with him.” Nathan replied, “David, Thou art the man.” The Word takes on a different sense when this is realized.
4. Hear the Word IN FAITH! What did God say of Israel? “They heard the Gospel preached, but it did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2). – Henry Mahan
*****
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH
Faith is the salvation grace. “Thy faith hath saved thee.” “By grace are ye saved through faith.”
But not only is it the salvation grace: it is the root of every other grace. You cannot trust Him and not love Him. Meekness comes from trusting Him in whatever He does with me. It is only the humble soul that looks to Him only. The joy and peace we experience comes in believing. Courage is the fruit of faith. Zeal comes from believing Him. Generosity is born of trusting Him for our needs. Patience comes from believing He is in control. Hope is derived from faith. Is it any wonder Paul said, “Above all things take the shield of faith.” Faith is the only moveable piece of the Christian armor. It protects the heart, the head, and everything else. Faith is the gift of His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Look upon me, Lord I pray Thee
Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine
Thou hast sought, Thou hast bought me
Take my heart, and make it Thine.
Nought I ask for, nought I strive for
But Thy grace so rich and free
This Thou givest by the Saviour
He hath all things who hath Thee.
Precious is the Name of Jesus
Who can half its worth unfold?
Far beyond angelic praises
Sweetly sung to harps of gold.
Guide me, Oh Thou great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak, but Thou art mighty
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will honor our graduating High School Seniors Kaitlyn Burton, Emma Ferrell, Henry Lynn, Isaac Meek, and Isaac Steeves next Sunday evening, May 29th. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
VBS JUNE 14-16 10:30am – 2:00pm. Sign- up to help in foyer.
The Lantana Grace Church in Crossville, TN will have a Bible Conference June 17-19. Speakers are Bruce Crabtree, Todd Nibert, Paul Mahan, and Gabe Stalnaker.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower for Zac Byrd & Cassadi Cordea on Saturday, June 11 at 10:30am. Information & Sign-up is in the Foyer.
We are in the process of updating the church directory. Please up-date your info or fill out a form in the foyer if you would like to be included.
Birthdays
25th – Elizabeth Wright 27th – Thomas Kincer 28th – David Walmsley 28th – Stephen Walmsley
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1
*****
YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” -Romans 12:1
Paul is making an appeal that will only reach the heart of a true believer. “I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God…” The mercies He has bestowed upon you in the Gospel. His mercies are enough to motivate us to, “present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” Our bodies represent our complete self; no reservations. All that we are is to be presented to God as a living sacrifice, unlike the dead sacrifices presented under the law. The presentation of our bodies to God is holy, the work of the Holy Spirit in us, and well pleasing to God – “Which is your reasonable service.” Anything short of this is unreasonable and illogical. The only reasonable
thing to do is to present ourselves to Him like Isaiah did. “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
*****
WHAT IS IT TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?
“The just shall live by faith.” This is the answer to what it is to live the Christian life. Faith in Christ is living the Christian life. Looking to Christ only as All in my salvation is living the Christian life. To describe it any other way is to confound what living the Christian life means!
*****
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 5:1). If you are working, you are not believing, and if you are believing, you are not working.
TAKE HEED HOW YOU HEAR
Let me give you some simple directions for hearing the Word preached.
1. Hear with A HUNGRY, NEEDY HEART! If a person goes to the drug store seeking relief, he should have some idea of his problem. Does his head hurt or his feet? We hear the Word as men with a heart problem – sin.
2. Hear THE WORD OF GOD, not just the words of men! “When you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in the Truth the Word of God which worketh effectually also in you that believe” (II Thess. 2:13).
3. Hear THE WORD FOR YOURSELF, not others! When Nathan told David the story of the stolen lamb, David was angry and said “Who is that man, I will deal with him.” Nathan replied, “David, Thou art the man.” The Word takes on a different sense when this is realized.
4. Hear the Word IN FAITH! What did God say of Israel? “They heard the Gospel preached, but it did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2). – Henry Mahan
*****
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH
Faith is the salvation grace. “Thy faith hath saved thee.” “By grace are ye saved through faith.”
But not only is it the salvation grace: it is the root of every other grace. You cannot trust Him and not love Him. Meekness comes from trusting Him in whatever He does with me. It is only the humble soul that looks to Him only. The joy and peace we experience comes in believing. Courage is the fruit of faith. Zeal comes from believing Him. Generosity is born of trusting Him for our needs. Patience comes from believing He is in control. Hope is derived from faith. Is it any wonder Paul said, “Above all things take the shield of faith.” Faith is the only moveable piece of the Christian armor. It protects the heart, the head, and everything else. Faith is the gift of His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
May 15, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has borne the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
We will honor our graduating High School Seniors Kaitlyn Burton, Emma Ferrell, Henry Lynn, Isaac Meek, and Isaac Steeves on Sunday evening May 29th. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
VBS JUNE 14-16 10:30am – 2:00pm
We are in the process of updating the church directory. Please up-date your info or fill out a form in the foyer if you would like to be included.
Birthdays
17th – Isaac Meek 18th – David Burton 19th – Dylan Daniel
“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” - Proverbs 14:4
*****
IT IS THE LORD
When Samuel told Eli of what the Lord was going to do to his sons by way of judgment, Eli replied, “It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good” (I Samuel 3:18). With regard to whatever takes place in our lives, no matter how difficult, “It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good.” He is good, and whatever He does is good. He is too wise to err, too kind to be cruel, and too powerful for His will to not be done. Whatever takes place, we have the promise that, “All things work together for good to them that love God; to them who are the called according to His purpose.” We are all going to have heavy and difficult trials in our lives. Blessed is the man that has such a trust of God that he says with regard to those things, “It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good.”
*****
If a man does not preach the definite, particular, successful atonement of Christ for the elect, he does not preach the Gospel. If a man does not rely on the definite, particular, successful atonement of Christ for the elect, he does not believe the Gospel. Anything less than Christ saving the elect in His redeeming work is another gospel! Any teaching that would allow someone to be in hell for whom Christ died makes Christ a failure in His intentions. The message of Christ dying for all men without exception is a message that makes what you do determine whether or not you will be in heaven. It is salvation by works. None are saved by that message!
*****
A NEW HISTORY AND A NEW MAN
History cannot be changed or altered. Because of my history, if I were given forgiveness for my past sins, a clean slate and a new start, it would do me no good. I would mess it up (History repeats itself).
What I need is a new history and a new man. While there is nothing new under the sun (Eccl. 1:8-19), there is One who is over the sun. He said, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). He gives us a new history (Justification) and a new man (Regeneration) who will not mess things up. Aren’t you thankful for Him who said, “Behold, I make all things new”?
“If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?” (Luke 12:26)
There were several things that I was worried about. This Scripture made me laugh at myself, and made the stress leave! It reminded me of two great truths: (1) I have no control over anything. (2) He has complete control over everything! Since that is the case, why worry about anything? When we worry, our actions say that we do not really believe what we say we do.
*****
If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me – “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). - Robert Murray McCheyne
*****
It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell, and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil; one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves, and another to mourn for it because it is wrong and offensive to God. It is one thing to be terrified; another to be humbled. - G. Spring
Love is as love does. Love is defined by what it does. Love gives. Love wants to please the object of its love. A love that is in word only but not in deed, is not love at all. This is true with love toward God and love toward men.
*****
God said to Abraham, “Unto thy seed have I given this land” (Gen. 15:18). But when He made that statement, Abraham did not have any children. Yet, it is referred to as an act which was already done. When God wills something, it is past tense before it takes place!
*****
Christ is only preached as ALL, when He is all that is preached. “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has borne the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
We will honor our graduating High School Seniors Kaitlyn Burton, Emma Ferrell, Henry Lynn, Isaac Meek, and Isaac Steeves on Sunday evening May 29th. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
VBS JUNE 14-16 10:30am – 2:00pm
We are in the process of updating the church directory. Please up-date your info or fill out a form in the foyer if you would like to be included.
Birthdays
17th – Isaac Meek 18th – David Burton 19th – Dylan Daniel
“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” - Proverbs 14:4
*****
IT IS THE LORD
When Samuel told Eli of what the Lord was going to do to his sons by way of judgment, Eli replied, “It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good” (I Samuel 3:18). With regard to whatever takes place in our lives, no matter how difficult, “It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good.” He is good, and whatever He does is good. He is too wise to err, too kind to be cruel, and too powerful for His will to not be done. Whatever takes place, we have the promise that, “All things work together for good to them that love God; to them who are the called according to His purpose.” We are all going to have heavy and difficult trials in our lives. Blessed is the man that has such a trust of God that he says with regard to those things, “It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good.”
*****
If a man does not preach the definite, particular, successful atonement of Christ for the elect, he does not preach the Gospel. If a man does not rely on the definite, particular, successful atonement of Christ for the elect, he does not believe the Gospel. Anything less than Christ saving the elect in His redeeming work is another gospel! Any teaching that would allow someone to be in hell for whom Christ died makes Christ a failure in His intentions. The message of Christ dying for all men without exception is a message that makes what you do determine whether or not you will be in heaven. It is salvation by works. None are saved by that message!
*****
A NEW HISTORY AND A NEW MAN
History cannot be changed or altered. Because of my history, if I were given forgiveness for my past sins, a clean slate and a new start, it would do me no good. I would mess it up (History repeats itself).
What I need is a new history and a new man. While there is nothing new under the sun (Eccl. 1:8-19), there is One who is over the sun. He said, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). He gives us a new history (Justification) and a new man (Regeneration) who will not mess things up. Aren’t you thankful for Him who said, “Behold, I make all things new”?
“If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?” (Luke 12:26)
There were several things that I was worried about. This Scripture made me laugh at myself, and made the stress leave! It reminded me of two great truths: (1) I have no control over anything. (2) He has complete control over everything! Since that is the case, why worry about anything? When we worry, our actions say that we do not really believe what we say we do.
*****
If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me – “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). - Robert Murray McCheyne
*****
It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell, and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil; one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves, and another to mourn for it because it is wrong and offensive to God. It is one thing to be terrified; another to be humbled. - G. Spring
Love is as love does. Love is defined by what it does. Love gives. Love wants to please the object of its love. A love that is in word only but not in deed, is not love at all. This is true with love toward God and love toward men.
*****
God said to Abraham, “Unto thy seed have I given this land” (Gen. 15:18). But when He made that statement, Abraham did not have any children. Yet, it is referred to as an act which was already done. When God wills something, it is past tense before it takes place!
*****
Christ is only preached as ALL, when He is all that is preached. “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).
May 8, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to the heavenly Father
Fountain of eternal love
Who, His wandering sheep to gather
Sent the Savior from above.
To the Son all praise be given
Who with love unknown before
Left the bright abode of heaven
And our sins and sorrows bore.
Equal strains of warm devotion
Let the Spirit’s praise employ
Author of each Holy motion
Source of wisdom, peace, and joy.
Thus while our glad hearts ascending
Glorify Jehovah’s name
Heavenly songs with ours are blending
There the theme is still the same!
(Tune: “Look Ye Saints” (no refrain) p.141)
*****
VBS JUNE 14-16 10:30am – 2:00pm
We are in the process of updating the church directory. Please up-date your info or fill out a form in the foyer if you would like to be included.
Hurricane Road Grace Church in Ashland, KY will have a Bible Conference this weekend May 13-15. Speakers are Donnie Bell, David Eddmenson, and Todd Nibert.
Birthdays
8th – Kim DuFour 9th – Flora Scifres 10th – Will Hacker
11th – Della Grace Frye 11th – Kate Hands 11th – Fred Tuttle
12th – April Frye 12th – Courtney Ortz 13th – Annie Charron
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.” - Proverbs 17:15
*****
ESAU SOLD HIS BIRTHRIGHT
“Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.” - Hebrews 12:16
The birthright was the right of the first-born. Everything went to the first born as the heir of all things. The promised seed was to come through the first born. The birthright was Christ being All. To Esau, that was not important. He could sell his birthright and that is what made him a profane person. He could be bought. Unlike his brother, Jacob had to have the birthright. The believer has to have Christ as All in his salvation. The believer knows that if Christ is not All in their salvation, and there is something he needs to do to secure his salvation, he will not be saved! He must have the birthright, Christ is All, and he will not sell that as Esau did because there is nothing that is as precious as Christ being All that God requires, All I have, All I need, and All I desire. To the believer, Christ is All in All! To the unbeliever “Christ is All” is a thing that can be sold.
*****
“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:7). To fail to give men their due, is not only to sin against them, but to sin against God who put them in the place we are failing to respect. If I am not a respectful person, I am disobedient to God and an ugly person. If I do not teach my children to be respectful, I fail them and make their lives more difficult because of their disrespect for authority. A disrespectful attitude is contrary to the Gospel. It is arrogant and prideful - the opposite of humility and meekness. May we “Render to all their dues.”
*****
I have loved to hear my Lord spoken of; now I am going to see Him. I have seen the print of His shoe on the earth; now I am going to sit at His feet. I have read His Word; now I am going to hear His voice. I have beheld His world; now I am going to dwell in His heaven where sin can never enter. - John Bunyan
How blessed it would be for us, and for all who cross our paths, if we could put our theology into deeds and not mere words. We profess to believe in God’s immutable sovereignty and then constantly mourn over our lot in life. We claim to believe in God’s purpose and providence, but fill every ear that will listen with our discontent and our sad state of affairs. Usually those who do the most complaining have, in reality, the least to complain about; while those who have serious handicaps, heavy burdens, and deep sorrows find a reason to praise the Lord and rejoice in His blessings.
I need not remind you of God’s anger with Israel because of their murmuring, or to remind you of the words of our Lord, “Take no anxious thought for what you shall eat, drink, or wear” or to remind you of the words of Paul, “Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have.” No! I need not remind you of these words for you have read them, taught them, and perhaps preached them. Then our problem is not ignorance of the Word and will of God (perhaps it would be better if this were our problem); our problem is identified in Hebrews 4:2, “The Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”
It is a heart problem, for out of the heart the mouth speaks. And truthfully, our complaints are not with men, who are but second cause, but with God WHOM WE SAY is the first cause and Lord of our lives. I can understand the free-willer (whose God is but a puppet of man’s permission) complaining, murmuring, and finding fault with all about Him. But the most inconsistent person living is the professed Christian who says he believes, “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever He will” or “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”, and then fills the air about with a constant stream of complaints and reasons why he should be some where else or doing something else, or blessed in a more abundant measure. A certain cure for anxious care is TRUST. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” - Henry Mahan
*****
If a man could be saved by a lie it would be a lying salvation. Truth alone can work results that are true. Therefore, keep on teaching the Truth. God help you to proclaim the precious Truth about the bleeding, dying, risen, exalted, coming Saviour; and God will bless it. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
There is not a word in the Bible that can be understood without reference to the cross. - Martin Luther
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to the heavenly Father
Fountain of eternal love
Who, His wandering sheep to gather
Sent the Savior from above.
To the Son all praise be given
Who with love unknown before
Left the bright abode of heaven
And our sins and sorrows bore.
Equal strains of warm devotion
Let the Spirit’s praise employ
Author of each Holy motion
Source of wisdom, peace, and joy.
Thus while our glad hearts ascending
Glorify Jehovah’s name
Heavenly songs with ours are blending
There the theme is still the same!
(Tune: “Look Ye Saints” (no refrain) p.141)
*****
VBS JUNE 14-16 10:30am – 2:00pm
We are in the process of updating the church directory. Please up-date your info or fill out a form in the foyer if you would like to be included.
Hurricane Road Grace Church in Ashland, KY will have a Bible Conference this weekend May 13-15. Speakers are Donnie Bell, David Eddmenson, and Todd Nibert.
Birthdays
8th – Kim DuFour 9th – Flora Scifres 10th – Will Hacker
11th – Della Grace Frye 11th – Kate Hands 11th – Fred Tuttle
12th – April Frye 12th – Courtney Ortz 13th – Annie Charron
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.” - Proverbs 17:15
*****
ESAU SOLD HIS BIRTHRIGHT
“Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.” - Hebrews 12:16
The birthright was the right of the first-born. Everything went to the first born as the heir of all things. The promised seed was to come through the first born. The birthright was Christ being All. To Esau, that was not important. He could sell his birthright and that is what made him a profane person. He could be bought. Unlike his brother, Jacob had to have the birthright. The believer has to have Christ as All in his salvation. The believer knows that if Christ is not All in their salvation, and there is something he needs to do to secure his salvation, he will not be saved! He must have the birthright, Christ is All, and he will not sell that as Esau did because there is nothing that is as precious as Christ being All that God requires, All I have, All I need, and All I desire. To the believer, Christ is All in All! To the unbeliever “Christ is All” is a thing that can be sold.
*****
“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:7). To fail to give men their due, is not only to sin against them, but to sin against God who put them in the place we are failing to respect. If I am not a respectful person, I am disobedient to God and an ugly person. If I do not teach my children to be respectful, I fail them and make their lives more difficult because of their disrespect for authority. A disrespectful attitude is contrary to the Gospel. It is arrogant and prideful - the opposite of humility and meekness. May we “Render to all their dues.”
*****
I have loved to hear my Lord spoken of; now I am going to see Him. I have seen the print of His shoe on the earth; now I am going to sit at His feet. I have read His Word; now I am going to hear His voice. I have beheld His world; now I am going to dwell in His heaven where sin can never enter. - John Bunyan
How blessed it would be for us, and for all who cross our paths, if we could put our theology into deeds and not mere words. We profess to believe in God’s immutable sovereignty and then constantly mourn over our lot in life. We claim to believe in God’s purpose and providence, but fill every ear that will listen with our discontent and our sad state of affairs. Usually those who do the most complaining have, in reality, the least to complain about; while those who have serious handicaps, heavy burdens, and deep sorrows find a reason to praise the Lord and rejoice in His blessings.
I need not remind you of God’s anger with Israel because of their murmuring, or to remind you of the words of our Lord, “Take no anxious thought for what you shall eat, drink, or wear” or to remind you of the words of Paul, “Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have.” No! I need not remind you of these words for you have read them, taught them, and perhaps preached them. Then our problem is not ignorance of the Word and will of God (perhaps it would be better if this were our problem); our problem is identified in Hebrews 4:2, “The Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”
It is a heart problem, for out of the heart the mouth speaks. And truthfully, our complaints are not with men, who are but second cause, but with God WHOM WE SAY is the first cause and Lord of our lives. I can understand the free-willer (whose God is but a puppet of man’s permission) complaining, murmuring, and finding fault with all about Him. But the most inconsistent person living is the professed Christian who says he believes, “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever He will” or “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”, and then fills the air about with a constant stream of complaints and reasons why he should be some where else or doing something else, or blessed in a more abundant measure. A certain cure for anxious care is TRUST. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” - Henry Mahan
*****
If a man could be saved by a lie it would be a lying salvation. Truth alone can work results that are true. Therefore, keep on teaching the Truth. God help you to proclaim the precious Truth about the bleeding, dying, risen, exalted, coming Saviour; and God will bless it. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
There is not a word in the Bible that can be understood without reference to the cross. - Martin Luther
May 1, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
With harps and with vials there stand a great throng
In the presence of Jesus and sings this new song
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
All these once were sinners defiled in His sight
Now arrayed in pure garments their voices unite
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
He maketh the rebel a priest and a king
He hath brought us and taught us this new song to sing
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
How helpless and hopeless we sinners had been
If He had not loved us and washed us from sin
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Aloud in His praises our voices shall ring
So that others believing this new song shall sing
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
(Tune: “How Firm A Foundation” p. 268)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We express our sincere sympathy to Tim James and Ann Schuyler and their family on the death of their mother.
We are in the process of updating the church directory. Please up-date your info or fill out a form in the foyer if you would like to be included.
Hurricane Road Grace Church in Ashland, KY will have a Bible Conference May 13-15.
Birthdays
2nd - Mitch Bryan 2nd – Gretta Daniel
4th – Jeffery Imes 7th – Kyle Willis
“It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.” - Proverbs 25:27
*****
“Let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican” (Matthew 18:17). This is how the Lord says to view those who have sinned against us and refused to repent. Someone that is a “heathen and a publican” is not someone we want to be on intimate terms with. We do not desire to be in their company. But how are we to treat them? Hold our noses at such moral reprobates and say, “I do not want to be near you?” No, we treat a heathen and a publican with graciousness and seek to preach the Gospel to them. It is never right to treat anyone with a “holier than thou” attitude.
*****
If I sinned grievously against you and then informed you that it would not be fair for you to not forgive me, but you were actually obligated to forgive me, it would be evil, insolent, and presumptuous on my part! So it is with all who find fault with God’s sovereign grace. To question His fairness is to say that He is obligated to forgive me and it would be a miscarriage of His justice if He did not! If I came to God like that in reality I have not come to Him at all, but remained in rebellion and opposition toward Him.
*****
What was the difference between the seed sown on the good soil as opposed to the wayside, shallow, and thorn-choked soil? Fruitfulness. It is wrong to look at fruitfulness as the ground or gauge of assurance. It is equally wrong to be unconcerned about being fruitful. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance” (Gal. 5:22). A believer grows in these, and the Lord said with regard to fruitfulness, “Some 30 fold, some 60, and some 100 fold.” There are different measures of fruitfulness. But an absence of fruit is an absence of the Holy Spirit.
*****
WOE IS ME
When we see the sins of other men, if we do not say it, we think it – “Woe unto them. What goes around comes around. What they are doing is wrong.” And you are correct in your assessment of what they are doing. In the first five chapters of Isaiah, he pronounced nine woes on people because of what they were doing. But in Isaiah 6, when he sees the Lord sitting on a Throne, high and lifted up, his tune changes! “Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” When we see the sins of other men, “Woe unto them.” When we see the Lord, “Woe is me.”
A WORD OF CAUTION ON QUITTING
It is obvious from the Scriptures that our Lord uses men and means to preach the Gospel, feed His sheep, and accomplish His purposes. Great care and prayer, therefore, should be employed before we identify or unite with any man or church. But, having done so in the belief that God is among them, even greater consideration and time should be given before we leave; for laying down the banner of Christ in time of trial is a serious matter in God’s sight. It may never be ours to carry again. - Henry Mahan
*****
God is absolutely sovereign. He is the cause of all things. Whatever comes to pass is His will being done. This is who He is. “Our God is in the Heavens, He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.” “He doeth according to His will in the armies of Heaven and the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand or say unto Him, what doest Thou.” A God that is preached that is not absolutely sovereign is the figment of man’s depraved imagination and utterly devoid of saving power.
*****
Sound doctrine, as described in the Scriptures, is teaching that sets forth the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, nothing more or less than the Gospel. Mere orthodoxy for the sake of being right, is nothing more or less than self-righteousness.
– Chris Cunningham
*****
DELAY
“Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto Me.”
- Exodus 22:29
It is sad that such a command is necessary. To delay means to procrastinate. Behind the procrastination is an unwillingness to obey the command. Hoping that perhaps circumstances will change to where obedience to the command is not necessary. It grieves me to see such a spirit in myself. The Lord gave all for me. How He loved me and loves me – and to serve Him in such guarded and measured ways. Lord, deliver us from that kind of half-hearted service. “Draw me, we will run after Thee.”
*****
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but the spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. - Robert Hawker
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
With harps and with vials there stand a great throng
In the presence of Jesus and sings this new song
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
All these once were sinners defiled in His sight
Now arrayed in pure garments their voices unite
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
He maketh the rebel a priest and a king
He hath brought us and taught us this new song to sing
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
How helpless and hopeless we sinners had been
If He had not loved us and washed us from sin
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Aloud in His praises our voices shall ring
So that others believing this new song shall sing
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
(Tune: “How Firm A Foundation” p. 268)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We express our sincere sympathy to Tim James and Ann Schuyler and their family on the death of their mother.
We are in the process of updating the church directory. Please up-date your info or fill out a form in the foyer if you would like to be included.
Hurricane Road Grace Church in Ashland, KY will have a Bible Conference May 13-15.
Birthdays
2nd - Mitch Bryan 2nd – Gretta Daniel
4th – Jeffery Imes 7th – Kyle Willis
“It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.” - Proverbs 25:27
*****
“Let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican” (Matthew 18:17). This is how the Lord says to view those who have sinned against us and refused to repent. Someone that is a “heathen and a publican” is not someone we want to be on intimate terms with. We do not desire to be in their company. But how are we to treat them? Hold our noses at such moral reprobates and say, “I do not want to be near you?” No, we treat a heathen and a publican with graciousness and seek to preach the Gospel to them. It is never right to treat anyone with a “holier than thou” attitude.
*****
If I sinned grievously against you and then informed you that it would not be fair for you to not forgive me, but you were actually obligated to forgive me, it would be evil, insolent, and presumptuous on my part! So it is with all who find fault with God’s sovereign grace. To question His fairness is to say that He is obligated to forgive me and it would be a miscarriage of His justice if He did not! If I came to God like that in reality I have not come to Him at all, but remained in rebellion and opposition toward Him.
*****
What was the difference between the seed sown on the good soil as opposed to the wayside, shallow, and thorn-choked soil? Fruitfulness. It is wrong to look at fruitfulness as the ground or gauge of assurance. It is equally wrong to be unconcerned about being fruitful. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance” (Gal. 5:22). A believer grows in these, and the Lord said with regard to fruitfulness, “Some 30 fold, some 60, and some 100 fold.” There are different measures of fruitfulness. But an absence of fruit is an absence of the Holy Spirit.
*****
WOE IS ME
When we see the sins of other men, if we do not say it, we think it – “Woe unto them. What goes around comes around. What they are doing is wrong.” And you are correct in your assessment of what they are doing. In the first five chapters of Isaiah, he pronounced nine woes on people because of what they were doing. But in Isaiah 6, when he sees the Lord sitting on a Throne, high and lifted up, his tune changes! “Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” When we see the sins of other men, “Woe unto them.” When we see the Lord, “Woe is me.”
A WORD OF CAUTION ON QUITTING
It is obvious from the Scriptures that our Lord uses men and means to preach the Gospel, feed His sheep, and accomplish His purposes. Great care and prayer, therefore, should be employed before we identify or unite with any man or church. But, having done so in the belief that God is among them, even greater consideration and time should be given before we leave; for laying down the banner of Christ in time of trial is a serious matter in God’s sight. It may never be ours to carry again. - Henry Mahan
*****
God is absolutely sovereign. He is the cause of all things. Whatever comes to pass is His will being done. This is who He is. “Our God is in the Heavens, He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.” “He doeth according to His will in the armies of Heaven and the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand or say unto Him, what doest Thou.” A God that is preached that is not absolutely sovereign is the figment of man’s depraved imagination and utterly devoid of saving power.
*****
Sound doctrine, as described in the Scriptures, is teaching that sets forth the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, nothing more or less than the Gospel. Mere orthodoxy for the sake of being right, is nothing more or less than self-righteousness.
– Chris Cunningham
*****
DELAY
“Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto Me.”
- Exodus 22:29
It is sad that such a command is necessary. To delay means to procrastinate. Behind the procrastination is an unwillingness to obey the command. Hoping that perhaps circumstances will change to where obedience to the command is not necessary. It grieves me to see such a spirit in myself. The Lord gave all for me. How He loved me and loves me – and to serve Him in such guarded and measured ways. Lord, deliver us from that kind of half-hearted service. “Draw me, we will run after Thee.”
*****
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but the spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. - Robert Hawker
April 24, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Christ bears the name of all His saints
Deep on His heart engraved
Attentive to the state and wants
Of all His love has saved.
In Him a holiness complete
Light and perfection shine
And wisdom, grace, and glory meet
A Savior all Divine.
The blood, which, as a priest, He bears
For sinners is His own
The incense of His prayers and tears
Perfumes the holy throne.
In Him my weary soul has rest
Though I am weak and vile
I read my name upon His breast
And see the Father smile.
(Tune: “O For A Thousand Tongues” P. 46)
*****
Aaron Greenleaf is preaching for the church in Danville today.
Remember that congregation as they seek a pastor.
Birthdays
24th – Don Martin 28th – Jim Murphy
28th – Theodore Summers 29th – Eric Dickerson
“The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.” - Proverbs 19:3
There are three views of the atonement of Christ. One is that He died for all men and all men will ultimately be saved. The next is that He died for all men; some of them will be saved and some will not. The other is that He died for the elect and all of them will be saved. The first view cannot be supported from Scripture. There is a place called hell. This view denies that. The second view denies that the blood of Christ is sufficient to save. He can pay for your sins and you can still be in hell. It makes salvation depend on human works. The third view is not a view, but the Truth! The other two are a denial of the Truth! There is no Gospel in the first two views. The third is a declaration of the Truth of the Gospel! “Who is he that condemneth, it is Christ who died, yea rather, who is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God: who also maketh intercession for us.”
*****
CEASE AND DESIST
“Be still and know that I am God….” – Psalm 46:10
The word “still” is also translated cease. Be still, be quiet, cease and desist from all worrying, scheming, and manipulating. God is the speaker. “And know that I am God.” He is not merely God in name, but God in deed. He is All-powerful, All wise, and Sovereign. He controls everybody and everything. Worrying, scheming, and trying to manipulate and control says I do not really believe what I say I do. This is His command to us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
*****
GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER
I do not know that there is another Scripture in the Bible quite like this. This is found in II Corinthians 9:7. Paul has devoted two chapters to the subject of giving. He had said earlier that our giving is what proves the sincerity of our love (II Cor. 8:8). The Lord Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Who should give? “Every man.” How much should he give? “According as he purposeth in his heart so let him give.” How not to give -“not grudgingly, or of necessity.” Not in reluctance or under compulsion. “For God loveth a cheerful giver.” One who is prompt and joyful in their giving. God loves this! It is not that He needs anything. But it pleases His heart when He sees His people give in a cheerful manner. That is born from a love to Him! May He give us all grace to be cheerful givers!
THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST
Paul said in II Corinthians 10:5 that every thought is to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. After death, when we no longer have a sin nature, every thought will be brought into captivity to obedience to Christ. But that is not what the text says! Every thought is to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Any thought I have that runs contrary to the obedience of Christ being my only righteousness before God is a wrong thought that is opposed to the Gospel of Christ.
*****
CHRIST OUR GOSPEL
The doctrines we preach and love are not mere teachings of some particular method or plan, but the doctrines of Christ, who IS our Gospel; Christ who is sovereign over all flesh; Christ, whose grace is both sovereign and free. Not to preach a sovereign Christ, is to preach another Christ. To preach another Christ is to preach another gospel (which is not another, Galatians 1:6-9). It is just that simple. Mark it down, you cannot separate Christ from the Gospel or the Gospel from Christ, for they are one and the same. Christ is sovereign over all things and over all flesh, giving life freely to whom He will. The message of life for poor guilty sinners is the message of the Christ of God, who saves sovereignly and freely, even the chief of sinners! - Maurice Montgomery
*****
“Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness!” - Isaiah 41:10
God has arranged all our concerns with consummate wisdom, in the very best possible manner. He overrules all events by His omnipotent power. He directs all things by His paternal love. If infinite wisdom, omnipotent power, and paternal love, are engaged for our present and eternal welfare – then our fears must be groundless, and our anxiety folly. Our fears only dishonor God, distress the mind, please Satan, and grieve the godly. - David Pledger
*****
No matter where I am preaching from in the whole Bible, if I cannot title the message, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified”, I ought to throw the message away. - Chris Cunningham
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Christ bears the name of all His saints
Deep on His heart engraved
Attentive to the state and wants
Of all His love has saved.
In Him a holiness complete
Light and perfection shine
And wisdom, grace, and glory meet
A Savior all Divine.
The blood, which, as a priest, He bears
For sinners is His own
The incense of His prayers and tears
Perfumes the holy throne.
In Him my weary soul has rest
Though I am weak and vile
I read my name upon His breast
And see the Father smile.
(Tune: “O For A Thousand Tongues” P. 46)
*****
Aaron Greenleaf is preaching for the church in Danville today.
Remember that congregation as they seek a pastor.
Birthdays
24th – Don Martin 28th – Jim Murphy
28th – Theodore Summers 29th – Eric Dickerson
“The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.” - Proverbs 19:3
There are three views of the atonement of Christ. One is that He died for all men and all men will ultimately be saved. The next is that He died for all men; some of them will be saved and some will not. The other is that He died for the elect and all of them will be saved. The first view cannot be supported from Scripture. There is a place called hell. This view denies that. The second view denies that the blood of Christ is sufficient to save. He can pay for your sins and you can still be in hell. It makes salvation depend on human works. The third view is not a view, but the Truth! The other two are a denial of the Truth! There is no Gospel in the first two views. The third is a declaration of the Truth of the Gospel! “Who is he that condemneth, it is Christ who died, yea rather, who is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God: who also maketh intercession for us.”
*****
CEASE AND DESIST
“Be still and know that I am God….” – Psalm 46:10
The word “still” is also translated cease. Be still, be quiet, cease and desist from all worrying, scheming, and manipulating. God is the speaker. “And know that I am God.” He is not merely God in name, but God in deed. He is All-powerful, All wise, and Sovereign. He controls everybody and everything. Worrying, scheming, and trying to manipulate and control says I do not really believe what I say I do. This is His command to us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
*****
GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER
I do not know that there is another Scripture in the Bible quite like this. This is found in II Corinthians 9:7. Paul has devoted two chapters to the subject of giving. He had said earlier that our giving is what proves the sincerity of our love (II Cor. 8:8). The Lord Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Who should give? “Every man.” How much should he give? “According as he purposeth in his heart so let him give.” How not to give -“not grudgingly, or of necessity.” Not in reluctance or under compulsion. “For God loveth a cheerful giver.” One who is prompt and joyful in their giving. God loves this! It is not that He needs anything. But it pleases His heart when He sees His people give in a cheerful manner. That is born from a love to Him! May He give us all grace to be cheerful givers!
THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST
Paul said in II Corinthians 10:5 that every thought is to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. After death, when we no longer have a sin nature, every thought will be brought into captivity to obedience to Christ. But that is not what the text says! Every thought is to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Any thought I have that runs contrary to the obedience of Christ being my only righteousness before God is a wrong thought that is opposed to the Gospel of Christ.
*****
CHRIST OUR GOSPEL
The doctrines we preach and love are not mere teachings of some particular method or plan, but the doctrines of Christ, who IS our Gospel; Christ who is sovereign over all flesh; Christ, whose grace is both sovereign and free. Not to preach a sovereign Christ, is to preach another Christ. To preach another Christ is to preach another gospel (which is not another, Galatians 1:6-9). It is just that simple. Mark it down, you cannot separate Christ from the Gospel or the Gospel from Christ, for they are one and the same. Christ is sovereign over all things and over all flesh, giving life freely to whom He will. The message of life for poor guilty sinners is the message of the Christ of God, who saves sovereignly and freely, even the chief of sinners! - Maurice Montgomery
*****
“Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness!” - Isaiah 41:10
God has arranged all our concerns with consummate wisdom, in the very best possible manner. He overrules all events by His omnipotent power. He directs all things by His paternal love. If infinite wisdom, omnipotent power, and paternal love, are engaged for our present and eternal welfare – then our fears must be groundless, and our anxiety folly. Our fears only dishonor God, distress the mind, please Satan, and grieve the godly. - David Pledger
*****
No matter where I am preaching from in the whole Bible, if I cannot title the message, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified”, I ought to throw the message away. - Chris Cunningham
April 17, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Though troubles assail, and dangers affright
Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite
‘Tis one thing secures us whatever betide
His promise assures us, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
The bird without barn or storehouse are fed
From them let us learn to trust for our bread
His saints what is needed shall ne’er be denied
So long as ‘tis written, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
His call we obey like Abram of old
We know not the way, but faith makes us bold
For though we are strangers, we have a sure guide
And know in all dangers, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
No strength of our own, nor goodness we claim
Our trust is all cast on His precious Name
In this our strong refuge for safety we hide
The Lord is our refuge, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
When life is most o’er and death is in view
The Word of His grace will see us safe through
Not fearing nor doubting, with Christ on our side
We hope to die shouting, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
(Tune: “O Worship the King” p. 1)
*****
Rick Warta, pastor of the Yuba-Sutter Grace Church in Marysville, California and his wife Denise will be with us Wednesday evening. He will preach for us.
Birthdays
17th- Betty Groover 20th – Kim Daniel 20th – Becky Rigsby
22nd – Vade Carroll 23rd – Samantha Daniel
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.” - Proverbs 24:1
The whole Gospel hinges on the resurrection of Christ from the dead. “Who is He that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen from the dead.” 100% of our salvation is found in a resurrected Saviour. The believer’s ground of assurance is the empty tomb!
*****
Christ’s warnings to the seven churches of Asia tell us what we need to beware of, and how easily we can fall into these faults. He rebuked the church at Ephesus for leaving their first love. They were visibly sound in doctrine and empty in heart. The church at Pergamos had the doctrine of Baalim (compromise) and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (the name means above the people: clergy and laity). The church at Thyritea permitted Jezebel to teach. They were rebuked, not for what they were doing, but for what they were permitting to be done. The church at Saridis was living off past faith, and appeared to be spiritually dying. The church at Laodecai had become lukewarm. They lost their sense of need.
How easy it is to fall into any of these errors. All five of these conditions, if continued in, will cause Ichabad to be written over the door. May the Lord give us as individuals and as a church grace to give heed to these warnings. Do not lose your first love, espouse false doctrine, tolerate what is contrary to the Gospel, live in the past, or become lukewarm. If we do these things we are in dire straits.
*****
There are only two beliefs with regard to salvation. One belief makes salvation ultimately dependent upon what you do. The other belief is that salvation is ultimately dependent upon what Christ has done. One view has man’s will as the deciding factor. The other view has God’s will as the deciding factor. One is absolutely true. The other is absolutely false. One belief has salvation as its end. The other belief has damnation at its end. They cannot be blended nor do they have similarities. They are enemies one to another. Which belief do you hold to?
*****
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who love God as He is revealed in the Scriptures and those who do not love the God revealed in this book. Which one am I?
COME, BUT YOU CAN’T
Is it contradictory to tell someone to come and drink from the River of Life freely, but then tell them they are unable? Should we just tell men to come to Christ and leave out the part about God’s sovereign election and man’s total inability? Many would say we are just confusing the message and restricting the free offer of salvation by telling men they can’t come unless the Father makes them willing by His irresistible grace which is according to His will and good pleasure. Why it is necessary when commanding men to come to Christ to tell them they can’t? Why are total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace essential elements of the Gospel? One simple reason…. without these truths, men will make a work out of coming. Without these truths, men will be led to believe that God has done His part, now it is up to you to come. No, men must trust Christ for their coming also. If you bring anything to the table of salvation, even your coming, then grace is no longer grace and you are left in your sin. The Lord will do it all…. or He won’t do it at all. - Greg Elmquist
*****
Those who have been saved are those who are “being saved” (I Cor. 1:18; Phil. 2:12, 13). Those who have learned of Christ are those who “are learning” of Him (John 6:45; Matt. 11:29). Those who know the Lord are those who “desire to know Him” (Phil 3:7-10). Those who have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ are those who continue to cry, “Lord, I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory” (Exodus 33:18). These are the people who by the grace of God can say, “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15). - Maurice Montgomery
*****
We are not desirous of honor, esteem and applause from men, for, “We are what we are by the grace of God.” God can take away what we have as easily as He gave it. We do not despise and provoke one another with our piety; nor do we want to appear to be wiser, richer in grace, nor more gifted than others; for we are less than the least of all the saints. Nor do we envy the gifts, abilities, or grace of another. God will enlighten us, equip us, and bless us as He sees fit to use us. - Henry Mahan
*****
Mr. Spurgeon once said something like this: “When I looked at Christ the dove of peace flew into my heart. When I looked at my heart the dove of peace flew out.”
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Though troubles assail, and dangers affright
Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite
‘Tis one thing secures us whatever betide
His promise assures us, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
The bird without barn or storehouse are fed
From them let us learn to trust for our bread
His saints what is needed shall ne’er be denied
So long as ‘tis written, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
His call we obey like Abram of old
We know not the way, but faith makes us bold
For though we are strangers, we have a sure guide
And know in all dangers, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
No strength of our own, nor goodness we claim
Our trust is all cast on His precious Name
In this our strong refuge for safety we hide
The Lord is our refuge, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
When life is most o’er and death is in view
The Word of His grace will see us safe through
Not fearing nor doubting, with Christ on our side
We hope to die shouting, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
(Tune: “O Worship the King” p. 1)
*****
Rick Warta, pastor of the Yuba-Sutter Grace Church in Marysville, California and his wife Denise will be with us Wednesday evening. He will preach for us.
Birthdays
17th- Betty Groover 20th – Kim Daniel 20th – Becky Rigsby
22nd – Vade Carroll 23rd – Samantha Daniel
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.” - Proverbs 24:1
The whole Gospel hinges on the resurrection of Christ from the dead. “Who is He that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen from the dead.” 100% of our salvation is found in a resurrected Saviour. The believer’s ground of assurance is the empty tomb!
*****
Christ’s warnings to the seven churches of Asia tell us what we need to beware of, and how easily we can fall into these faults. He rebuked the church at Ephesus for leaving their first love. They were visibly sound in doctrine and empty in heart. The church at Pergamos had the doctrine of Baalim (compromise) and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (the name means above the people: clergy and laity). The church at Thyritea permitted Jezebel to teach. They were rebuked, not for what they were doing, but for what they were permitting to be done. The church at Saridis was living off past faith, and appeared to be spiritually dying. The church at Laodecai had become lukewarm. They lost their sense of need.
How easy it is to fall into any of these errors. All five of these conditions, if continued in, will cause Ichabad to be written over the door. May the Lord give us as individuals and as a church grace to give heed to these warnings. Do not lose your first love, espouse false doctrine, tolerate what is contrary to the Gospel, live in the past, or become lukewarm. If we do these things we are in dire straits.
*****
There are only two beliefs with regard to salvation. One belief makes salvation ultimately dependent upon what you do. The other belief is that salvation is ultimately dependent upon what Christ has done. One view has man’s will as the deciding factor. The other view has God’s will as the deciding factor. One is absolutely true. The other is absolutely false. One belief has salvation as its end. The other belief has damnation at its end. They cannot be blended nor do they have similarities. They are enemies one to another. Which belief do you hold to?
*****
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who love God as He is revealed in the Scriptures and those who do not love the God revealed in this book. Which one am I?
COME, BUT YOU CAN’T
Is it contradictory to tell someone to come and drink from the River of Life freely, but then tell them they are unable? Should we just tell men to come to Christ and leave out the part about God’s sovereign election and man’s total inability? Many would say we are just confusing the message and restricting the free offer of salvation by telling men they can’t come unless the Father makes them willing by His irresistible grace which is according to His will and good pleasure. Why it is necessary when commanding men to come to Christ to tell them they can’t? Why are total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace essential elements of the Gospel? One simple reason…. without these truths, men will make a work out of coming. Without these truths, men will be led to believe that God has done His part, now it is up to you to come. No, men must trust Christ for their coming also. If you bring anything to the table of salvation, even your coming, then grace is no longer grace and you are left in your sin. The Lord will do it all…. or He won’t do it at all. - Greg Elmquist
*****
Those who have been saved are those who are “being saved” (I Cor. 1:18; Phil. 2:12, 13). Those who have learned of Christ are those who “are learning” of Him (John 6:45; Matt. 11:29). Those who know the Lord are those who “desire to know Him” (Phil 3:7-10). Those who have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ are those who continue to cry, “Lord, I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory” (Exodus 33:18). These are the people who by the grace of God can say, “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15). - Maurice Montgomery
*****
We are not desirous of honor, esteem and applause from men, for, “We are what we are by the grace of God.” God can take away what we have as easily as He gave it. We do not despise and provoke one another with our piety; nor do we want to appear to be wiser, richer in grace, nor more gifted than others; for we are less than the least of all the saints. Nor do we envy the gifts, abilities, or grace of another. God will enlighten us, equip us, and bless us as He sees fit to use us. - Henry Mahan
*****
Mr. Spurgeon once said something like this: “When I looked at Christ the dove of peace flew into my heart. When I looked at my heart the dove of peace flew out.”
April 10, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Precious Savior, Friend of sinners
We as such to Thee draw near
Let Thy spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
And with They presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
VBS JUNE 14-16
Birthdays
11th – Lillian Daniel 12th – Jason Gillispie 13th – Sarah Byrd
14th – Anna Williams 15th – Jaiden Wilson
I do not choose to believe. I believe because I have no choice. I believe because it is the Truth! He is the Truth! There are no other options! But if I do not believe, I have to choose not to believe. The word heresy means a choosing. I have chosen to believe that which is not true.
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” - Proverbs 10:4
LOVE WAXING COLD
“Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But the that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matt 24:12-13). Were the people whose love waxed cold saved? They certainly were not if they do not persevere to the end. But what a sad thing when somebody’s love to Christ waxes cold. How grievous it is when someone loses their first love. When my love waxes cold, I no long relish being in the presence of the person I love. Christ’s promises His presence where two or three are gathered in His name. When my love has waxed cold, of course I have good reasons to not be there, or I do not even need a reason to miss! But the sad reality is, He has promised to be there and I do no feel a need to be there. May I be delivered from my love waxing cold and losing my first love.
*****
DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE SAVED?
This is a question people use to open the door to witness to an individual. A similar question is, “Do you know you will go to heaven when you die?” The person who is asked this question either lies by answering yes, or begins to internally analyze himself to see if there is sufficient evidence to answer the question. The person who asks the question is ignorant of the Gospel and uses the question to manipulate the one he is speaking to. The issue is not if you know you are saved and will go to heaven when you die. The issue is, “What think ye of Christ, whose Son is He?” Faith is not what you believe about yourself, but what you believe concerning Christ. When Philip told the Eunuch he could be baptized if he believed with all his heart, his reply was, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
*****
I have not the shadow of a shade of a ghost of a confidence as to my ultimate salvation except in Jesus Christ alone. And one reason why I dare not have any confidence except in Him, is that I do not know anything I ever did, or ever thought, or ever was, in which I could confide; so I am driven to trust in Him, and in Him alone. I lie at the foot of His cross because I cannot stand upright, I must do that, for, like Luther, I can do no other. If I search myself and my whole life over and over again, I cannot see anything but that I call a filthy rag, and I fling it all away; good works and bad works – so far as mine are concerned, are not worthy the trouble of sorting out; so I tie them all up in one bundle, and pitch them over board, and just cling to the ever-blessed lifebuoy of the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. – C. H. Spurgeon
One of the recurring controversies in Christendom is whether a person can lose his salvation. My answer to that question has often surprised people….
“Not only CAN a person lose his salvation he WILL lose his salvation, and the sooner he does so, the better, for unless and until he loses his salvation, he will never have the Lord’s salvation.”
If a person claims to have been saved, the question of whether he can lose that salvation rests entirely on who it is that “saved” him. The certainty of salvation lies in the power and will of the “saver,” not the “savee.” Therefore, if any of a person’s salvation arises from something that person, himself, did, then that salvation is certain to fail, for the person, himself, is certain to fail. This also holds true if any part of a person’s salvation was initiated, appropriated, or applied by any other son of Adam. “To be accepted, it must be perfect,” is the rule for things offered to God, and none of the sons of Adam can offer anything perfect.
But, if a person’s salvation is “Of the Lord” – that is, if every aspect of his salvation is a product of the will and power of God, then such salvation cannot be lost. The person saved played no part in gaining that salvation, so it is impossible that he can lose it, and God, who is responsible for every aspect of that person’s salvation, simply cannot and will not fail.
You say you have been saved. Can you ever be lost again? That depends entirely on who it is that saved you. – Joe Terrell
*****
EXAMINE YOURSELVES
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” - II Corinthians 13:5
Usually when we think of examining ourselves we think of examining our lives. How are we dealing with besetting sins? Are we reading the Bible to our spiritual profit? Are we spending time in prayer and communion with the Lord? What does our daily lives say about our love to Christ? Can others see that we are Christians? What did Paul say? Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith: if we gain assurance by how well we are performing, it is a false, works based assurance. If we conclude we must not be saved by our failures in these things we are once again making salvation dependent upon our performance. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Do you believe that when He said, “It is finished” the salvation of all the elect was accomplished? Are you relying on who He is and what He did as all you have for acceptance with God? Then you are “in the faith” and a true child of God.
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Precious Savior, Friend of sinners
We as such to Thee draw near
Let Thy spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
And with They presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
VBS JUNE 14-16
Birthdays
11th – Lillian Daniel 12th – Jason Gillispie 13th – Sarah Byrd
14th – Anna Williams 15th – Jaiden Wilson
I do not choose to believe. I believe because I have no choice. I believe because it is the Truth! He is the Truth! There are no other options! But if I do not believe, I have to choose not to believe. The word heresy means a choosing. I have chosen to believe that which is not true.
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” - Proverbs 10:4
LOVE WAXING COLD
“Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But the that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matt 24:12-13). Were the people whose love waxed cold saved? They certainly were not if they do not persevere to the end. But what a sad thing when somebody’s love to Christ waxes cold. How grievous it is when someone loses their first love. When my love waxes cold, I no long relish being in the presence of the person I love. Christ’s promises His presence where two or three are gathered in His name. When my love has waxed cold, of course I have good reasons to not be there, or I do not even need a reason to miss! But the sad reality is, He has promised to be there and I do no feel a need to be there. May I be delivered from my love waxing cold and losing my first love.
*****
DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE SAVED?
This is a question people use to open the door to witness to an individual. A similar question is, “Do you know you will go to heaven when you die?” The person who is asked this question either lies by answering yes, or begins to internally analyze himself to see if there is sufficient evidence to answer the question. The person who asks the question is ignorant of the Gospel and uses the question to manipulate the one he is speaking to. The issue is not if you know you are saved and will go to heaven when you die. The issue is, “What think ye of Christ, whose Son is He?” Faith is not what you believe about yourself, but what you believe concerning Christ. When Philip told the Eunuch he could be baptized if he believed with all his heart, his reply was, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
*****
I have not the shadow of a shade of a ghost of a confidence as to my ultimate salvation except in Jesus Christ alone. And one reason why I dare not have any confidence except in Him, is that I do not know anything I ever did, or ever thought, or ever was, in which I could confide; so I am driven to trust in Him, and in Him alone. I lie at the foot of His cross because I cannot stand upright, I must do that, for, like Luther, I can do no other. If I search myself and my whole life over and over again, I cannot see anything but that I call a filthy rag, and I fling it all away; good works and bad works – so far as mine are concerned, are not worthy the trouble of sorting out; so I tie them all up in one bundle, and pitch them over board, and just cling to the ever-blessed lifebuoy of the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. – C. H. Spurgeon
One of the recurring controversies in Christendom is whether a person can lose his salvation. My answer to that question has often surprised people….
“Not only CAN a person lose his salvation he WILL lose his salvation, and the sooner he does so, the better, for unless and until he loses his salvation, he will never have the Lord’s salvation.”
If a person claims to have been saved, the question of whether he can lose that salvation rests entirely on who it is that “saved” him. The certainty of salvation lies in the power and will of the “saver,” not the “savee.” Therefore, if any of a person’s salvation arises from something that person, himself, did, then that salvation is certain to fail, for the person, himself, is certain to fail. This also holds true if any part of a person’s salvation was initiated, appropriated, or applied by any other son of Adam. “To be accepted, it must be perfect,” is the rule for things offered to God, and none of the sons of Adam can offer anything perfect.
But, if a person’s salvation is “Of the Lord” – that is, if every aspect of his salvation is a product of the will and power of God, then such salvation cannot be lost. The person saved played no part in gaining that salvation, so it is impossible that he can lose it, and God, who is responsible for every aspect of that person’s salvation, simply cannot and will not fail.
You say you have been saved. Can you ever be lost again? That depends entirely on who it is that saved you. – Joe Terrell
*****
EXAMINE YOURSELVES
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” - II Corinthians 13:5
Usually when we think of examining ourselves we think of examining our lives. How are we dealing with besetting sins? Are we reading the Bible to our spiritual profit? Are we spending time in prayer and communion with the Lord? What does our daily lives say about our love to Christ? Can others see that we are Christians? What did Paul say? Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith: if we gain assurance by how well we are performing, it is a false, works based assurance. If we conclude we must not be saved by our failures in these things we are once again making salvation dependent upon our performance. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Do you believe that when He said, “It is finished” the salvation of all the elect was accomplished? Are you relying on who He is and what He did as all you have for acceptance with God? Then you are “in the faith” and a true child of God.
April 3, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Come ye saints, admire and wonder
Jesus’ matchless love adore
Sing for Sinai’s awful thunder
Shall upon thee burst no more
Sing, though sins are black and large
Sing, for Jesus, by His dying
Set you free from every charge
Set you free from every charge.
Sing, though sense and carnal reason
Fain would stop the joyful sound
Sing, and count it highest treason
For a saint to hold his tongue
Sing aloud, whose holy calling
Your election surely shows
Sing, nor fear a final failing
Jesus’ love no changes know.
Sing, for you shall heaven inherit
Sing, and ne’re the song be done
Sing, for He alone is worth it
He our sins did all atone
Sing aloud among God’s people
In your heart when all alone
Sing to Father, Son, and Spirit
One in three, and three in One.
(Tune: “Come Thou Fount” p.17)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
VBS JUNE 14-16
We will have a Bible Conference September 2-4 (Labor Day weekend).
Birthdays
4th –Anthony Rawlins 4th – Evan Wright 5th – Jessica Elliott
7th – Seth Daniel 9th – Rick Anjos
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
*****
DO NOT LISTEN TO SELF - SPEAK TO IT!
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God.” If we listen to the thoughts and feelings that arise from self, they will always lead us away from faith in Christ. We are not to listen to self, but speak to it as David did. What he had been listening to from himself caused him to be cast down and filled with inner turmoil. It was all contrary to hope in God! So he has a talk with self…. “Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” We can be assured that the thoughts that arise from the old man will be contrary to the Gospel. Do not listen to him! Speak to him by the new man! “Hope thou in God.” There is never a time when this is a wrong thing to do.
*****
Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
“We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (I Cor. 1:22-24).
The message of the Gospel is Christ crucified. The Jews seeking a sign stumble over being saved without the sign of their works. The Greeks who seek after the wisdom of this world to improve their quality of life cannot find that in the message of a crucified Savior, therefore consider it foolishness! But unto them which are called (the elect), Christ crucified is the wisdom of God in finding a way to be just and justify the ungodly, and the power of God to execute it. All of the called glory and rest in this!
*****
THE DIFFERENCE
Man’s entire apostasy and death in sin, so that he cannot save himself, and God’s entire supremacy, so that He saves whom He will, are doctrines exceedingly distasteful to human pride. But they are Scriptural. Why was one thief saved and the other lost? “Even so Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Matt 11:25-27). God was not bound to save the one and He had power enough to have saved the other, and neither could save himself. What made the difference? The Sovereign Grace of God. - Horatius Bonar
DENOMINATIONS
Denominations are to religion what political parties are to government.
They promote division by identifying “us” from “them” through an emphasis on what “we” believe as opposed to what “they” think.
They encourage half-truth by overemphasizing “our” distinctives and misrepresenting “their” errors.
They incite self-centeredness for they incessantly bombard their adherents with the necessity of succeeding in “our” projects.
They promote self-glory in that they always praise God for what “we” accomplished through “our” cooperative efforts.
They support ruthless recruiting by pressuring prospects with the benefits of being “one of us”, and ridiculing anyone who would dare to be “one of them”. - Author Unknown
*****
THE FAMILY OF GOD
All those adopted into God’s family should cultivate a continual care and concern for each family member. How can we do this? Look at what the Scriptures say ……
“Care for one another.” - I Corinthians 12:25
“Love one another.” - John 13:34
“Pray for one another.” - James 5:16
“Comfort one another.” - I Thessalonians 4:18
“Admonish one another.” - Romans 5:14
“Edify one another.” - I Thessalonians 5:11
“Be at peace with one another.” - Mark 9:50
“Forgive one another.” - Ephesians 4:32
- Tom Harding
*****
The sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute sovereign, and the sovereign of our souls; as One who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will. - Jonathan Edwards
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Come ye saints, admire and wonder
Jesus’ matchless love adore
Sing for Sinai’s awful thunder
Shall upon thee burst no more
Sing, though sins are black and large
Sing, for Jesus, by His dying
Set you free from every charge
Set you free from every charge.
Sing, though sense and carnal reason
Fain would stop the joyful sound
Sing, and count it highest treason
For a saint to hold his tongue
Sing aloud, whose holy calling
Your election surely shows
Sing, nor fear a final failing
Jesus’ love no changes know.
Sing, for you shall heaven inherit
Sing, and ne’re the song be done
Sing, for He alone is worth it
He our sins did all atone
Sing aloud among God’s people
In your heart when all alone
Sing to Father, Son, and Spirit
One in three, and three in One.
(Tune: “Come Thou Fount” p.17)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
VBS JUNE 14-16
We will have a Bible Conference September 2-4 (Labor Day weekend).
Birthdays
4th –Anthony Rawlins 4th – Evan Wright 5th – Jessica Elliott
7th – Seth Daniel 9th – Rick Anjos
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
*****
DO NOT LISTEN TO SELF - SPEAK TO IT!
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God.” If we listen to the thoughts and feelings that arise from self, they will always lead us away from faith in Christ. We are not to listen to self, but speak to it as David did. What he had been listening to from himself caused him to be cast down and filled with inner turmoil. It was all contrary to hope in God! So he has a talk with self…. “Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” We can be assured that the thoughts that arise from the old man will be contrary to the Gospel. Do not listen to him! Speak to him by the new man! “Hope thou in God.” There is never a time when this is a wrong thing to do.
*****
Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
“We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (I Cor. 1:22-24).
The message of the Gospel is Christ crucified. The Jews seeking a sign stumble over being saved without the sign of their works. The Greeks who seek after the wisdom of this world to improve their quality of life cannot find that in the message of a crucified Savior, therefore consider it foolishness! But unto them which are called (the elect), Christ crucified is the wisdom of God in finding a way to be just and justify the ungodly, and the power of God to execute it. All of the called glory and rest in this!
*****
THE DIFFERENCE
Man’s entire apostasy and death in sin, so that he cannot save himself, and God’s entire supremacy, so that He saves whom He will, are doctrines exceedingly distasteful to human pride. But they are Scriptural. Why was one thief saved and the other lost? “Even so Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Matt 11:25-27). God was not bound to save the one and He had power enough to have saved the other, and neither could save himself. What made the difference? The Sovereign Grace of God. - Horatius Bonar
DENOMINATIONS
Denominations are to religion what political parties are to government.
They promote division by identifying “us” from “them” through an emphasis on what “we” believe as opposed to what “they” think.
They encourage half-truth by overemphasizing “our” distinctives and misrepresenting “their” errors.
They incite self-centeredness for they incessantly bombard their adherents with the necessity of succeeding in “our” projects.
They promote self-glory in that they always praise God for what “we” accomplished through “our” cooperative efforts.
They support ruthless recruiting by pressuring prospects with the benefits of being “one of us”, and ridiculing anyone who would dare to be “one of them”. - Author Unknown
*****
THE FAMILY OF GOD
All those adopted into God’s family should cultivate a continual care and concern for each family member. How can we do this? Look at what the Scriptures say ……
“Care for one another.” - I Corinthians 12:25
“Love one another.” - John 13:34
“Pray for one another.” - James 5:16
“Comfort one another.” - I Thessalonians 4:18
“Admonish one another.” - Romans 5:14
“Edify one another.” - I Thessalonians 5:11
“Be at peace with one another.” - Mark 9:50
“Forgive one another.” - Ephesians 4:32
- Tom Harding
*****
The sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute sovereign, and the sovereign of our souls; as One who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will. - Jonathan Edwards
March 27, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN
Come, let us join our grateful songs
With angels ‘round the throne
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues
But all their joys are one.
“Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry
To be exalted thus
“Worthy the Lamb,” our lips reply
“For He has died for us!”
Jesus is worthy to receive
Honor and pow’r Divine
And glory more than we can give
Be, Lord forever thine.
The whole creation join in one
To bless that Holy Name
Of Him who sits upon the Throne
And to adore the Lamb.
(Tune: “Am I a Soldier” p. 414)
*****
Aaron Greenleaf is preaching for the Grace Baptist Church in Danville this morning. Remember Aaron and that congregation.
Birthdays
27th – Jessica Clark 29th – Bryant Martin
30th – Sherri Morris 1st – Jennifer Anjos
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1
FOLLOW ME
Follow Me is the command Christ gives to all of His disciples. We have a tendency to think that means to imitate Him. We should imitate Him in all that He does, but that is not the idea conveyed in following Him. If you follow someone, you keep your eyes on them. If you look down at your feet you cannot follow them. If you look to the side of someone else you are not following them. If you look behind you to a past experience you cannot follow them. To follow someone is to keep your eyes glued upon them. Have you ever been in a crowded and unfamiliar place, where you had to keep your eyes on the one you were following? If you take your eyes off of them for even a second, you will lose them! To follow Christ is to look to Him, and you continue looking to Him by continuing to look to Him only. If we make following Him anything else, we will take our eyes off of Him and look somewhere else!
*****
CHANGED LIVES
Changed lives are good. It is always better to have good behavior then bad behavior. Sobriety is better than substance abuse. Generosity is better than greed. Kindness is better than cruelty. However, if I make a changed life the ground of my assurance, or how I judge someone else, that is completely contrary to looking to Christ alone. A changed life then becomes anti-christ; something trusted in the stead of Christ.
*****
HIS BLOOD ALONE!
The vital thing to understand about the blood of Christ is this: IT IS ENOUGH! Nothing else is needed to accomplish the salvation of all for whom His blood was shed. Not His blood plus my works; not His blood plus my “decision”, not His blood plus the ordinances; not His blood plus church membership; not even His blood plus my faith – His blood purchased my faith. His blood alone paid the price required by His justice, and His blood alone can make a sinner clean. “By His own blood He entered in once into the Holy place, having obtained (not made possible) eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12) - Donnie Bell
*****
“All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). The evidence of one’s election is his coming to Christ. The evidence of one’s depravity is his refusal to come to Christ. “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40). - John Chapman
ACCEPT OR RECEIVE
Nowhere in the Word of God do we find this most common religious catchphrase, “Accept Jesus as your personal savior.” Nowhere does it say that the Lord of all the universe is up for acceptance or rejection by mere mortals. Nowhere does it say that the sovereign Creator of all things needs to be accepted by the creature.
You see … we are on trial…. Not God! We are the ones that will be either accepted or rejected, according to the will and pleasure of Him who made us. It is God who must accept us “in the Beloved.” Accepting something or someone implies the ability to accept or reject. Man, who is dead in sins, cannot accept but can only reject that which is true and good. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them…”(I Cor. 2:14).
The Scriptures do, however, speak of us receiving Christ (John 1:12-13). But there is a big difference in receiving something and accepting it. Receiving implies that a gift has been bestowed upon you. The gift of God’s grace in Christ is unmerited favor bestowed upon you. All to whom God grants this unspeakable gift are made willing in the day of His power to receive it. They are made to see the irresistible beauty of Christ, and their desperate need of Him, and humbly and gladly receive Him. Even their calling upon Him, and asking for Him, are God’s gracious gifts (Romans 2:4). One cannot glory in receiving a gift, for “A man can receive nothing except it be given him from above” (John 3:27). The glass cannot glory for receiving the water that is poured into it.
Those who say they have accepted Jesus do not know and have not received the Lord Jesus Christ and are not saved. The language of Scripture and the testimony of every child of God is this: “We have received mercy and grace from our God through the Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Paul Mahan
*****
There is a religious phrase we often hear, which is no doubt the truth, that claims, “Once saved, always saved.” This is sweet music to the hearer who believes it, and an audible irritation to one who does not. Yet the truth remains. If I can earn salvation, I can lose it. If I can do something to be worthy of redemption, then I can do something to be unworthy of it. But if Christ finished the perfect work that God demanded, and I am one with Him, then I cannot be lost. Maybe we should say it this way…. “Always saved, once saved.”
- David Eddmenson
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN
Come, let us join our grateful songs
With angels ‘round the throne
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues
But all their joys are one.
“Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry
To be exalted thus
“Worthy the Lamb,” our lips reply
“For He has died for us!”
Jesus is worthy to receive
Honor and pow’r Divine
And glory more than we can give
Be, Lord forever thine.
The whole creation join in one
To bless that Holy Name
Of Him who sits upon the Throne
And to adore the Lamb.
(Tune: “Am I a Soldier” p. 414)
*****
Aaron Greenleaf is preaching for the Grace Baptist Church in Danville this morning. Remember Aaron and that congregation.
Birthdays
27th – Jessica Clark 29th – Bryant Martin
30th – Sherri Morris 1st – Jennifer Anjos
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1
FOLLOW ME
Follow Me is the command Christ gives to all of His disciples. We have a tendency to think that means to imitate Him. We should imitate Him in all that He does, but that is not the idea conveyed in following Him. If you follow someone, you keep your eyes on them. If you look down at your feet you cannot follow them. If you look to the side of someone else you are not following them. If you look behind you to a past experience you cannot follow them. To follow someone is to keep your eyes glued upon them. Have you ever been in a crowded and unfamiliar place, where you had to keep your eyes on the one you were following? If you take your eyes off of them for even a second, you will lose them! To follow Christ is to look to Him, and you continue looking to Him by continuing to look to Him only. If we make following Him anything else, we will take our eyes off of Him and look somewhere else!
*****
CHANGED LIVES
Changed lives are good. It is always better to have good behavior then bad behavior. Sobriety is better than substance abuse. Generosity is better than greed. Kindness is better than cruelty. However, if I make a changed life the ground of my assurance, or how I judge someone else, that is completely contrary to looking to Christ alone. A changed life then becomes anti-christ; something trusted in the stead of Christ.
*****
HIS BLOOD ALONE!
The vital thing to understand about the blood of Christ is this: IT IS ENOUGH! Nothing else is needed to accomplish the salvation of all for whom His blood was shed. Not His blood plus my works; not His blood plus my “decision”, not His blood plus the ordinances; not His blood plus church membership; not even His blood plus my faith – His blood purchased my faith. His blood alone paid the price required by His justice, and His blood alone can make a sinner clean. “By His own blood He entered in once into the Holy place, having obtained (not made possible) eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12) - Donnie Bell
*****
“All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). The evidence of one’s election is his coming to Christ. The evidence of one’s depravity is his refusal to come to Christ. “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40). - John Chapman
ACCEPT OR RECEIVE
Nowhere in the Word of God do we find this most common religious catchphrase, “Accept Jesus as your personal savior.” Nowhere does it say that the Lord of all the universe is up for acceptance or rejection by mere mortals. Nowhere does it say that the sovereign Creator of all things needs to be accepted by the creature.
You see … we are on trial…. Not God! We are the ones that will be either accepted or rejected, according to the will and pleasure of Him who made us. It is God who must accept us “in the Beloved.” Accepting something or someone implies the ability to accept or reject. Man, who is dead in sins, cannot accept but can only reject that which is true and good. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them…”(I Cor. 2:14).
The Scriptures do, however, speak of us receiving Christ (John 1:12-13). But there is a big difference in receiving something and accepting it. Receiving implies that a gift has been bestowed upon you. The gift of God’s grace in Christ is unmerited favor bestowed upon you. All to whom God grants this unspeakable gift are made willing in the day of His power to receive it. They are made to see the irresistible beauty of Christ, and their desperate need of Him, and humbly and gladly receive Him. Even their calling upon Him, and asking for Him, are God’s gracious gifts (Romans 2:4). One cannot glory in receiving a gift, for “A man can receive nothing except it be given him from above” (John 3:27). The glass cannot glory for receiving the water that is poured into it.
Those who say they have accepted Jesus do not know and have not received the Lord Jesus Christ and are not saved. The language of Scripture and the testimony of every child of God is this: “We have received mercy and grace from our God through the Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Paul Mahan
*****
There is a religious phrase we often hear, which is no doubt the truth, that claims, “Once saved, always saved.” This is sweet music to the hearer who believes it, and an audible irritation to one who does not. Yet the truth remains. If I can earn salvation, I can lose it. If I can do something to be worthy of redemption, then I can do something to be unworthy of it. But if Christ finished the perfect work that God demanded, and I am one with Him, then I cannot be lost. Maybe we should say it this way…. “Always saved, once saved.”
- David Eddmenson
March 20, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN
Lamb of God, Thou now art seated
High upon Thy Father’s Throne
All Thy gracious work completed
All Thy mighty victory won!
Every knee in heaven is bending
To the Lamb for sinners slain
Every voice and harp is swelling
“Worthy is the Lamb to reign!”
Lord, in all Thy power and glory
Still Thy thoughts and eyes are here
Watching o’er Thy ransomed people
To Thy gracious heart so dear.
Thou for them art interceding
Everlasting is Thy love
And a blessed rest preparing
In our Father’s house above.
Then Thy saints all gathered to Thee
With Thee in Thy Kingdom reign
Thine the praise and Thine the glory
Lamb of God for sinners slain!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
VBS JUNE 14-16
We will have a Bible Conference September 2-4 (Labor Day weekend).
Congratulations to Adam and Rachael Clark on the birth of their son, Daniel Asher
Birthdays
22nd – Jean Bradford 23rd – Lincoln Charron
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.” - Proverbs 11:1
*****
I AM THE DOOR
A door is either opened or closed. Christ is an open door to every sinner. There is nothing needed to be done to open the Door. He is already open. The Gospel is inclusive. It is open wide to every sinner who needs a Saviour. Christ is a closed door for all who believe they have some personal righteousness or ability, right down to having a free will. And He will remain closed to all who attempt to enter in on the ground of their works. Christ is both an opened and inclusive door, and a closed and exclusive door. He is opened to grace and closed to works!
*****
“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” This was the Ethiopian Eunuch’s confession. In this confession we have the content of saving faith. Faith is knowing who He is. Here we have the content of the Gospel… The Gospel is, “The Gospel of God concerning His Son.” Everything we believe is predicated on Who He is. “Who is He that condemneth? It is Christ that died.” Because of Who died, we cannot be condemned. This is the content of preaching: “For the Son of God Who was preached among you by us.” We preach The Person of the Son of God. Christ called this the Rock upon which He built the church. “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” This confession of Who He is, is the content of saving faith. The content of the Gospel, the content of our preaching, and the Rock upon which He builds the church!
*****
Recently someone who knows me well asked me to do something one evening and then quickly realizing it was Wednesday said, “Oh, I forgot that you HAVE to go to church tonight.” I replied, “No, I don’t have to go. I GET to go, for it is a great privilege to do so.” The word “privilege” is defined as a “specific right and freedom granted only to a specific, particular person or group of people.” A privilege is “something regarded as a rare opportunity of bringing a particular pleasure.” To a needy sinner hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified is truly a privilege. Do you count hearing the Gospel to be so? Or can you take it or leave it? Your answer will reveal a great deal concerning your heart! - David Eddmenson
Some people would have us believe that if we preach pure grace it will lead people to licentious living. They say if we remove the law as a guide or motivation for Christian living, people will have nothing to keep them holy. They say to tell a person to just follow Christ does not provide enough structure and will lead people to careless living. Is that where the Gospel of God’s free and sovereign grace in Christ Jesus leads? Grace preachers have always been, and always will be, falsely accused of this devilish lie. The apostle Paul spent most of his time defending the Gospel of grace against this law-mongers view of self-righteousness. “What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” (Romans 6:15) No, grace does not lead to sin, grace leads to Christ. He is able by the law of love and faith to restrain our flesh and make us His workmanship. – Greg Elmquist
*****
FOUR PERSONAL QUESTIONS
1. If God treated you the same as you treat others, what would be your condition?
2. If God forgave you in the same measure of your forgiveness to others, would all your sins be gone?
3. If God accepted you the same as you accept others, would you be accepted before His Throne?
4. If God judged you by the same standard that you judge others, would you be justified? - Donnie Bell
*****
It is more profitable and enjoyable to love than to hate, to forgive than to hold a grudge, to smile than to quarrel, to behave kindly than to act ugly. The way of the transgressor is hard, not the way of the believer.
- Henry Mahan
*****
Arthur Pink once said, “The great mistake made by most of the Lord’s people is in hoping to discover in themselves that which is to be found in Christ alone.”
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN
Lamb of God, Thou now art seated
High upon Thy Father’s Throne
All Thy gracious work completed
All Thy mighty victory won!
Every knee in heaven is bending
To the Lamb for sinners slain
Every voice and harp is swelling
“Worthy is the Lamb to reign!”
Lord, in all Thy power and glory
Still Thy thoughts and eyes are here
Watching o’er Thy ransomed people
To Thy gracious heart so dear.
Thou for them art interceding
Everlasting is Thy love
And a blessed rest preparing
In our Father’s house above.
Then Thy saints all gathered to Thee
With Thee in Thy Kingdom reign
Thine the praise and Thine the glory
Lamb of God for sinners slain!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
VBS JUNE 14-16
We will have a Bible Conference September 2-4 (Labor Day weekend).
Congratulations to Adam and Rachael Clark on the birth of their son, Daniel Asher
Birthdays
22nd – Jean Bradford 23rd – Lincoln Charron
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.” - Proverbs 11:1
*****
I AM THE DOOR
A door is either opened or closed. Christ is an open door to every sinner. There is nothing needed to be done to open the Door. He is already open. The Gospel is inclusive. It is open wide to every sinner who needs a Saviour. Christ is a closed door for all who believe they have some personal righteousness or ability, right down to having a free will. And He will remain closed to all who attempt to enter in on the ground of their works. Christ is both an opened and inclusive door, and a closed and exclusive door. He is opened to grace and closed to works!
*****
“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” This was the Ethiopian Eunuch’s confession. In this confession we have the content of saving faith. Faith is knowing who He is. Here we have the content of the Gospel… The Gospel is, “The Gospel of God concerning His Son.” Everything we believe is predicated on Who He is. “Who is He that condemneth? It is Christ that died.” Because of Who died, we cannot be condemned. This is the content of preaching: “For the Son of God Who was preached among you by us.” We preach The Person of the Son of God. Christ called this the Rock upon which He built the church. “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” This confession of Who He is, is the content of saving faith. The content of the Gospel, the content of our preaching, and the Rock upon which He builds the church!
*****
Recently someone who knows me well asked me to do something one evening and then quickly realizing it was Wednesday said, “Oh, I forgot that you HAVE to go to church tonight.” I replied, “No, I don’t have to go. I GET to go, for it is a great privilege to do so.” The word “privilege” is defined as a “specific right and freedom granted only to a specific, particular person or group of people.” A privilege is “something regarded as a rare opportunity of bringing a particular pleasure.” To a needy sinner hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified is truly a privilege. Do you count hearing the Gospel to be so? Or can you take it or leave it? Your answer will reveal a great deal concerning your heart! - David Eddmenson
Some people would have us believe that if we preach pure grace it will lead people to licentious living. They say if we remove the law as a guide or motivation for Christian living, people will have nothing to keep them holy. They say to tell a person to just follow Christ does not provide enough structure and will lead people to careless living. Is that where the Gospel of God’s free and sovereign grace in Christ Jesus leads? Grace preachers have always been, and always will be, falsely accused of this devilish lie. The apostle Paul spent most of his time defending the Gospel of grace against this law-mongers view of self-righteousness. “What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” (Romans 6:15) No, grace does not lead to sin, grace leads to Christ. He is able by the law of love and faith to restrain our flesh and make us His workmanship. – Greg Elmquist
*****
FOUR PERSONAL QUESTIONS
1. If God treated you the same as you treat others, what would be your condition?
2. If God forgave you in the same measure of your forgiveness to others, would all your sins be gone?
3. If God accepted you the same as you accept others, would you be accepted before His Throne?
4. If God judged you by the same standard that you judge others, would you be justified? - Donnie Bell
*****
It is more profitable and enjoyable to love than to hate, to forgive than to hold a grudge, to smile than to quarrel, to behave kindly than to act ugly. The way of the transgressor is hard, not the way of the believer.
- Henry Mahan
*****
Arthur Pink once said, “The great mistake made by most of the Lord’s people is in hoping to discover in themselves that which is to be found in Christ alone.”
March 13, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN
The Head that once was crowned with thorns, is crowned with glory now
A royal diadem adorns, the mighty Victor’s brow
The highest place that heaven affords, is His, is His by right
The King of kings, and Lord of lords, and heaven’s eternal Light!
The joy of all who dwell above, the joy of all below
To whom He manifests His love, and grants His Name to know
To them the cross, with all its shame, with all its grace, is given
Their name, an everlasting name, their joy, the joy of heaven!
They suffer with their Lord below, they reign with Him above
Their profit and their joy to know, the mystery of His love
The cross He bore is life and health, though shame and death to Him
His people’s hope, His people’s wealth, their everlasting theme!
(Tune: “There is a Fountain” p. 222)
*****
VBS JUNE 14-16
We will have a Bible Conference September 2-4 (Labor Day weekend).
Birthdays
13th – Nicholas Creamer 13th – Isaac Hands 14th – Aaron Greenleaf
16th – Jacob Davis 16th – Carson Dent
16th Emmaline Dent 19th – Rachel Daniel
The ancient Greeks told us to be moderate by knowing our inclinations. The Romans told us to be strong by ordering our lives. Buddhism tells us to be disillusioned by annihilating our consciousness. Hinduism tells us to be absorbed by merging our souls. Islam tells us to be submissive by subjecting our wills. Agnosticism tells us to be at peace by ignoring our doubts. Moralism tells us to be free by acknowledging our failures. Christianity is the unreligion because it is the one faith whose founder tells us to bring not our doing, but our need. - Dane Ortlund
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
*****
DOES OUR FAITH AND PRACTICE LINE UP?
Ezra said in Ezra 8:22 that he was ashamed to ask Artaxerxes the king of Babylon for assistance and protection to return to Jerusalem because of what he had told the king, “The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him; but His power and wrath was against all that forsake Him.” To ask a heathen king to help them in serving their God would contradict everything they had said concerning their God. Our faith and our practice should not be contradictory! Our practice must line up with our faith, or our faith will be meaningless. To say we believe He is all-powerful and not look to Him alone and ask for His help is to contradict what we say we believe!
*****
KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT NEED
There is no salvation apart from the knowledge of the Truth. It is impossible to believe what we do not know. But a knowledge without need is worse than not knowing! A man can pick up a Bible and conclude from reading it that men are dead in sins, God elected a people, Christ died for the elect, God’s grace is invincible and toward the elect, and they will persevere unto the end. All that knowledge does is condemn if it is not accompanied with a need. Because of my sinfulness, I need God to choose me. I need for Christ to put away all my sin. I need for the grace of the Holy Spirit to be invincible toward me. I need to be preserved in order to persevere. The doctrine of grace is the doctrine of need! And I need to hear this preached, and I need to preach what I need to hear. Knowledge without need is a greater sin than ignorance. Knowledge without need is in reality a denial of the necessity of what is known. It is the knowledge of which Paul said, “... We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth” (I Cor. 8:1).
*****
The definition of reform or reformed is, “Having been changed in such a way as to be improved.” This we know, THE FAITH does not need improvement. It is perfect and complete. To call THE FAITH “reformed” is a denial of that and brings man into the equation of having reformed THE FAITH. We are called upon to, “Earnestly content for the faith which was once delivered to the saints” (Jude3). THE FAITH once delivered needs no reform.
IF BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Baptism is a ceremony, and nothing more. There is no saving efficacy in it nor is it a means through which grace is conveyed. But, that does not take away from its importance. The marriage ceremony does not cause a man and woman to love one another. They love each other before they participated in the marriage ceremony. But if they refuse to participate in the marriage ceremony, and live together without it, they say by that, that they do not love one another enough to be totally committed to one another. This shows how important the marriage ceremony is. There is no true love without it. Baptism is the same. It does not cause salvation. It speaks of a relationship that was already there before the ceremony. And that relationship was caused by what baptism depicts: Union with Christ. For someone to refuse Baptism is like someone who refuses the marriage covenant and ceremony. That person says by their actions, “I do not love Christ enough to commit to Him.” Love like that is not love at all! Yes, Baptism is important. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).
*****
WHAT IS THE REPUTATION OF THIS CHURCH?
Local churches do have reputations. Those reputations are made by the speech and conduct of her individual member. It was said of the church at Rome, “Your faith is spoke of throughout the whole world.” Paul said to the church at Corinth, “It hath been declared unto me…that there are contentions among you” and, “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you.” Every local assembly has a reputation - good or bad. What is the reputation of this church? What would people gather by the conduct of her members? Remember, we are ambassadors of Christ, and we are ambassadors of His church. Oh, that this church would be known for the Gospel we preach and our devotion to Christ, and not for anything else!
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN
The Head that once was crowned with thorns, is crowned with glory now
A royal diadem adorns, the mighty Victor’s brow
The highest place that heaven affords, is His, is His by right
The King of kings, and Lord of lords, and heaven’s eternal Light!
The joy of all who dwell above, the joy of all below
To whom He manifests His love, and grants His Name to know
To them the cross, with all its shame, with all its grace, is given
Their name, an everlasting name, their joy, the joy of heaven!
They suffer with their Lord below, they reign with Him above
Their profit and their joy to know, the mystery of His love
The cross He bore is life and health, though shame and death to Him
His people’s hope, His people’s wealth, their everlasting theme!
(Tune: “There is a Fountain” p. 222)
*****
VBS JUNE 14-16
We will have a Bible Conference September 2-4 (Labor Day weekend).
Birthdays
13th – Nicholas Creamer 13th – Isaac Hands 14th – Aaron Greenleaf
16th – Jacob Davis 16th – Carson Dent
16th Emmaline Dent 19th – Rachel Daniel
The ancient Greeks told us to be moderate by knowing our inclinations. The Romans told us to be strong by ordering our lives. Buddhism tells us to be disillusioned by annihilating our consciousness. Hinduism tells us to be absorbed by merging our souls. Islam tells us to be submissive by subjecting our wills. Agnosticism tells us to be at peace by ignoring our doubts. Moralism tells us to be free by acknowledging our failures. Christianity is the unreligion because it is the one faith whose founder tells us to bring not our doing, but our need. - Dane Ortlund
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
*****
DOES OUR FAITH AND PRACTICE LINE UP?
Ezra said in Ezra 8:22 that he was ashamed to ask Artaxerxes the king of Babylon for assistance and protection to return to Jerusalem because of what he had told the king, “The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him; but His power and wrath was against all that forsake Him.” To ask a heathen king to help them in serving their God would contradict everything they had said concerning their God. Our faith and our practice should not be contradictory! Our practice must line up with our faith, or our faith will be meaningless. To say we believe He is all-powerful and not look to Him alone and ask for His help is to contradict what we say we believe!
*****
KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT NEED
There is no salvation apart from the knowledge of the Truth. It is impossible to believe what we do not know. But a knowledge without need is worse than not knowing! A man can pick up a Bible and conclude from reading it that men are dead in sins, God elected a people, Christ died for the elect, God’s grace is invincible and toward the elect, and they will persevere unto the end. All that knowledge does is condemn if it is not accompanied with a need. Because of my sinfulness, I need God to choose me. I need for Christ to put away all my sin. I need for the grace of the Holy Spirit to be invincible toward me. I need to be preserved in order to persevere. The doctrine of grace is the doctrine of need! And I need to hear this preached, and I need to preach what I need to hear. Knowledge without need is a greater sin than ignorance. Knowledge without need is in reality a denial of the necessity of what is known. It is the knowledge of which Paul said, “... We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth” (I Cor. 8:1).
*****
The definition of reform or reformed is, “Having been changed in such a way as to be improved.” This we know, THE FAITH does not need improvement. It is perfect and complete. To call THE FAITH “reformed” is a denial of that and brings man into the equation of having reformed THE FAITH. We are called upon to, “Earnestly content for the faith which was once delivered to the saints” (Jude3). THE FAITH once delivered needs no reform.
IF BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Baptism is a ceremony, and nothing more. There is no saving efficacy in it nor is it a means through which grace is conveyed. But, that does not take away from its importance. The marriage ceremony does not cause a man and woman to love one another. They love each other before they participated in the marriage ceremony. But if they refuse to participate in the marriage ceremony, and live together without it, they say by that, that they do not love one another enough to be totally committed to one another. This shows how important the marriage ceremony is. There is no true love without it. Baptism is the same. It does not cause salvation. It speaks of a relationship that was already there before the ceremony. And that relationship was caused by what baptism depicts: Union with Christ. For someone to refuse Baptism is like someone who refuses the marriage covenant and ceremony. That person says by their actions, “I do not love Christ enough to commit to Him.” Love like that is not love at all! Yes, Baptism is important. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).
*****
WHAT IS THE REPUTATION OF THIS CHURCH?
Local churches do have reputations. Those reputations are made by the speech and conduct of her individual member. It was said of the church at Rome, “Your faith is spoke of throughout the whole world.” Paul said to the church at Corinth, “It hath been declared unto me…that there are contentions among you” and, “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you.” Every local assembly has a reputation - good or bad. What is the reputation of this church? What would people gather by the conduct of her members? Remember, we are ambassadors of Christ, and we are ambassadors of His church. Oh, that this church would be known for the Gospel we preach and our devotion to Christ, and not for anything else!
March 6, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No comeliness I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All in All I pray.
Less than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We extend our sympathy to Fred Tuttle and his family on the death of his father.
We will have a Bible Conference September 2-4 (Labor Day weekend).
Remember to set your clock forward this Saturday night!
Birthdays
7th – Daisy Martin 8th – Clare Charron 11th – Bill Dent
11th – Levi Wright 12th – Chance Borders
“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” - Proverbs 27:1
*****
STRONG OR STRENGTHENED?
It was said of Abraham that he was, “Strong in faith, giving glory to God: And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform” (Rom 4:20121). Strong is not an adjective describing Abraham’s faith. It is a verb, translated in other places “enabled.” Abraham was enabled in faith. Who enabled him in this faith? God did! He was, “fully persuaded.” Who persuaded him? God did! Instead of looking at the strength of Abraham’s faith and the comparative weakness of our own; look at how God strengthened Abraham’s faith and God was the One who fully persuaded Abraham of His ability. If that is the source of the strength of Abraham’s faith, we can have the same strength of faith that Abraham had. Consider the strength of the object of our faith - the Lord Jesus Christ. We have every reason to pray with the apostles, “Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
*****
If my children follow my example, what kind of people will they be? Will they be faithful or unfaithful? Generous or stingy? Content or complaining? If every marriage has mine as its example, will people be happily married? If every church member were just like me, what kind of church would this church be? If every employee were just like me…. I could go on and on, but the point is “Faith without works is dead.”
A faith that does not manifest itself in every area of my life is not saving faith! The first thing the Lord said to each of the seven churches in Asia was, “I know thy works.” It is our works that prove the reality of our faith. The example we give is what we really are! - Donnie Bell
*****
Man’s religion is to build up the creature. God’s religion is to throw the creature down in the dust of self-abasement, and to glorify Christ. - J. C. Philpot
*****
A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s Truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.
- John Calvin
THE GOODNESS OF GOD LEADS TO REPENTANCE
“Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” – Romans 2:4
There are many preachers today striving to scare people into a profession of faith by preaching God’s eternal wrath, judgment and condemnation in sending the unbelieving to hell. It is true that any man or woman that leaves this present life without trusting wholly in the Lord Jesus Christ will spend eternity in hell. However, there have been many who have made a profession of faith in Christ and believe that they then have “fire insurance” to keep them out of hell. There is nobody in their right mind that wants to go to hell. Men will profess to believe almost anything to keep from going there. When the Holy Spirit reveals to a chosen sinner his or her desperate condition and in sovereign love and grace shows them redemption in Christ alone, they will want to be delivered from their SIN! It is deliverance from SIN which brings about deliverance from hell. If God, in Christ, delivers me from sin, I will be delivered from hell. - David Eddmenson
*****
SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
It is not merely that the sinner cannot come to Christ, but he will not come to Christ that he may have life. It is not merely that he cannot see the Truth, but that he loves darkness rather than light, and does not want to see. Sinners are not willing to see. The natural will itself is in bondage. It takes the Divine will of God to overcome the wicked will of man by creating life where there is no life. This blindness is more than blindness of the natural eye. It is blindness of heart, blindness of will, blindness of conscience, blindness of understanding, blindness of all things spiritual. You who are yet blind may raise your objections to my Gospel, but you are as unqualified to express an opinion about something you have never seen as a blind man is to argue with you about the color of an object. - Clay Curtis
*****
Afflictions are light when compared with what we really deserve. They are light when compared with the sufferings of the Lord Jesus. But perhaps their real lightness is best seen by comparing them with the weight of glory which is awaiting us. - Arthur Pink
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No comeliness I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All in All I pray.
Less than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We extend our sympathy to Fred Tuttle and his family on the death of his father.
We will have a Bible Conference September 2-4 (Labor Day weekend).
Remember to set your clock forward this Saturday night!
Birthdays
7th – Daisy Martin 8th – Clare Charron 11th – Bill Dent
11th – Levi Wright 12th – Chance Borders
“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” - Proverbs 27:1
*****
STRONG OR STRENGTHENED?
It was said of Abraham that he was, “Strong in faith, giving glory to God: And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform” (Rom 4:20121). Strong is not an adjective describing Abraham’s faith. It is a verb, translated in other places “enabled.” Abraham was enabled in faith. Who enabled him in this faith? God did! He was, “fully persuaded.” Who persuaded him? God did! Instead of looking at the strength of Abraham’s faith and the comparative weakness of our own; look at how God strengthened Abraham’s faith and God was the One who fully persuaded Abraham of His ability. If that is the source of the strength of Abraham’s faith, we can have the same strength of faith that Abraham had. Consider the strength of the object of our faith - the Lord Jesus Christ. We have every reason to pray with the apostles, “Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
*****
If my children follow my example, what kind of people will they be? Will they be faithful or unfaithful? Generous or stingy? Content or complaining? If every marriage has mine as its example, will people be happily married? If every church member were just like me, what kind of church would this church be? If every employee were just like me…. I could go on and on, but the point is “Faith without works is dead.”
A faith that does not manifest itself in every area of my life is not saving faith! The first thing the Lord said to each of the seven churches in Asia was, “I know thy works.” It is our works that prove the reality of our faith. The example we give is what we really are! - Donnie Bell
*****
Man’s religion is to build up the creature. God’s religion is to throw the creature down in the dust of self-abasement, and to glorify Christ. - J. C. Philpot
*****
A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s Truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.
- John Calvin
THE GOODNESS OF GOD LEADS TO REPENTANCE
“Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” – Romans 2:4
There are many preachers today striving to scare people into a profession of faith by preaching God’s eternal wrath, judgment and condemnation in sending the unbelieving to hell. It is true that any man or woman that leaves this present life without trusting wholly in the Lord Jesus Christ will spend eternity in hell. However, there have been many who have made a profession of faith in Christ and believe that they then have “fire insurance” to keep them out of hell. There is nobody in their right mind that wants to go to hell. Men will profess to believe almost anything to keep from going there. When the Holy Spirit reveals to a chosen sinner his or her desperate condition and in sovereign love and grace shows them redemption in Christ alone, they will want to be delivered from their SIN! It is deliverance from SIN which brings about deliverance from hell. If God, in Christ, delivers me from sin, I will be delivered from hell. - David Eddmenson
*****
SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
It is not merely that the sinner cannot come to Christ, but he will not come to Christ that he may have life. It is not merely that he cannot see the Truth, but that he loves darkness rather than light, and does not want to see. Sinners are not willing to see. The natural will itself is in bondage. It takes the Divine will of God to overcome the wicked will of man by creating life where there is no life. This blindness is more than blindness of the natural eye. It is blindness of heart, blindness of will, blindness of conscience, blindness of understanding, blindness of all things spiritual. You who are yet blind may raise your objections to my Gospel, but you are as unqualified to express an opinion about something you have never seen as a blind man is to argue with you about the color of an object. - Clay Curtis
*****
Afflictions are light when compared with what we really deserve. They are light when compared with the sufferings of the Lord Jesus. But perhaps their real lightness is best seen by comparing them with the weight of glory which is awaiting us. - Arthur Pink
February 27, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Hark, how the Gospel trumpet sounds
Christ and free grace therein abound
Free grace to such as sinners be
And if free grace, why not for me?
The Saviour died, and by His blood
Brought rebel sinners home to God
He died to set the captives free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Christ Jesus came the poor to bless
To clothe them with His righteousness
The robe is spotless, full and free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Eternal life by Christ is giv’n
And ruined sinners raised to heav’n
Then sing of grace so rich and free
And say, my soul, why not for thee?
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
We extend our sincere sympathy to Jan Carver and her family on the death of her mother, Mary Bolton and to Bruce Crabtree and the church in New Castle, Indiana on the death of Bruce’s wife, Jo. Remember these families at this sorrowful time.
Birthdays
1st – Caleb Benton 4th – Hannah Frye
5th – Savannah Grubb 5th – Michelle Brogle
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” - Proverbs 20:9
JACOB AND ISRAEL
These are the two names of the same man. This is how God refers to all of His people, sometimes both names used in the same verse! Jacob means heal holder or supplanter. The first event recorded of his life is his deception of his brother. His brother Esau said of him, “Is he not rightly named Jacob, for he hath supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, now he hath taken away my blessing.” There are times when you looked at him and all you saw was a weak, fearful, deceptive man. In Genesis 32 God gave him a new name… “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed” (Gen. 32:28). These two names appear to be contradictory. The same man describe by both of these names? YES! Jacob is the old man. Israel is the new man. Both of these men dwelling in the same man. Every child of God knows this is true regarding themselves!
*****
“I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” – Psalm 138:18
Yes these are the words of David, but they are also the words of the Lord Jesus from the cross. He owned the sins of the elect as His own. My confession of sin always feels inadequate and my sorrow over my sin is not sorry enough. My confession of sin and sorrow for sin is sin! He is the only one who truly confessed sin aright and had genuine sorrow for it. Just as we are justified by the faith of Christ, we look to Christ for the true confession of sin and sorrow over sin. All that God requires of us He looks to His Son for. All that God requires of us we look to His Son for!
*****
FAITHFULNESS
“It is required in a steward that a man found faithful.”
The faithful man is the man who believes and can be believed. He trusts and he can be trusted. He relies and he can be relied on. There is nothing more beautiful and beneficial than faithfulness. Faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Faithful to believe all that is written. Faithful to view himself as a sinner. Faithful in humility. Faithful in whatever the Lord puts in his hand to do. Faithful to prayer and reading the Word. Faithful to attend worship services. Faithful in giving. Faithful in loyalty. Faithful as the friend who loveth at all times. May the Lord enable us and may we seek to be faithful. Joshua and Caleb were the only adults over 20 years old that entered the Promised Land. Joshua is the Hebrew word for Jesus, the Savior. Caleb’s name means faithful dog. Oh, for grace to be a faithful dog.
BELIEVERS REPRESENT THE LORD
Several years ago I applied for a home improvement loan at a local bank. I did not deal with the president of the band or an officer of the bank but with one of the employees. This particular employee was quite rude and unkind to me causing me to cancel my account at that bank and move to another. The only contact I had with the bank was with this very poor representative but it was enough to discourage me from going there again.
You and I represent our Lord, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, and the church of the first-born. The only contact some people have with the church and Kingdom of God is through us. What kind of impression do we leave on them? What idea of Christianity do we convey to them?
I wonder if they do not sometimes walk away offended, disappointed, and resolved not to inquire any further into our faith or listen to our message. I realize that we are frail creatures, subject to all the limitations of the flesh, but we need to set a watch on our lips, control our tempers, and put forth a special effort to adorn the Gospel of His grace. If we endure persecution for the Gospel’s sake, well and good, but not if we bring it on ourselves by our own faults! - Henry Mahan
*****
God does love all who are in Christ. If you trust the Lord Jesus Christ, if you are robed in His righteousness and washed in His blood, God loves you. Your faith in Christ is both the fruit and the evidence of God’s everlasting, immutable love for you. “We love Him because He first loved us” (I John 4:19).
That love which caused God to redeem and save chosen sinners is without cause, without condition, without beginning, without change, and without end. If you now trust Christ as your Savior and Lord, it is because He loved you from the beginning and He will love you forever! If you do not trust and love the Lord Jesus Christ, you have no reason to imagine that God loves you. The wrath of God abides on you (John 3:36). Flee from the wrath of God. Flee away to Christ, and you will find in Him all the fullness of Jehovah’s everlasting love.
– Don Fortner
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Hark, how the Gospel trumpet sounds
Christ and free grace therein abound
Free grace to such as sinners be
And if free grace, why not for me?
The Saviour died, and by His blood
Brought rebel sinners home to God
He died to set the captives free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Christ Jesus came the poor to bless
To clothe them with His righteousness
The robe is spotless, full and free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Eternal life by Christ is giv’n
And ruined sinners raised to heav’n
Then sing of grace so rich and free
And say, my soul, why not for thee?
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
We extend our sincere sympathy to Jan Carver and her family on the death of her mother, Mary Bolton and to Bruce Crabtree and the church in New Castle, Indiana on the death of Bruce’s wife, Jo. Remember these families at this sorrowful time.
Birthdays
1st – Caleb Benton 4th – Hannah Frye
5th – Savannah Grubb 5th – Michelle Brogle
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” - Proverbs 20:9
JACOB AND ISRAEL
These are the two names of the same man. This is how God refers to all of His people, sometimes both names used in the same verse! Jacob means heal holder or supplanter. The first event recorded of his life is his deception of his brother. His brother Esau said of him, “Is he not rightly named Jacob, for he hath supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, now he hath taken away my blessing.” There are times when you looked at him and all you saw was a weak, fearful, deceptive man. In Genesis 32 God gave him a new name… “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed” (Gen. 32:28). These two names appear to be contradictory. The same man describe by both of these names? YES! Jacob is the old man. Israel is the new man. Both of these men dwelling in the same man. Every child of God knows this is true regarding themselves!
*****
“I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” – Psalm 138:18
Yes these are the words of David, but they are also the words of the Lord Jesus from the cross. He owned the sins of the elect as His own. My confession of sin always feels inadequate and my sorrow over my sin is not sorry enough. My confession of sin and sorrow for sin is sin! He is the only one who truly confessed sin aright and had genuine sorrow for it. Just as we are justified by the faith of Christ, we look to Christ for the true confession of sin and sorrow over sin. All that God requires of us He looks to His Son for. All that God requires of us we look to His Son for!
*****
FAITHFULNESS
“It is required in a steward that a man found faithful.”
The faithful man is the man who believes and can be believed. He trusts and he can be trusted. He relies and he can be relied on. There is nothing more beautiful and beneficial than faithfulness. Faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Faithful to believe all that is written. Faithful to view himself as a sinner. Faithful in humility. Faithful in whatever the Lord puts in his hand to do. Faithful to prayer and reading the Word. Faithful to attend worship services. Faithful in giving. Faithful in loyalty. Faithful as the friend who loveth at all times. May the Lord enable us and may we seek to be faithful. Joshua and Caleb were the only adults over 20 years old that entered the Promised Land. Joshua is the Hebrew word for Jesus, the Savior. Caleb’s name means faithful dog. Oh, for grace to be a faithful dog.
BELIEVERS REPRESENT THE LORD
Several years ago I applied for a home improvement loan at a local bank. I did not deal with the president of the band or an officer of the bank but with one of the employees. This particular employee was quite rude and unkind to me causing me to cancel my account at that bank and move to another. The only contact I had with the bank was with this very poor representative but it was enough to discourage me from going there again.
You and I represent our Lord, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, and the church of the first-born. The only contact some people have with the church and Kingdom of God is through us. What kind of impression do we leave on them? What idea of Christianity do we convey to them?
I wonder if they do not sometimes walk away offended, disappointed, and resolved not to inquire any further into our faith or listen to our message. I realize that we are frail creatures, subject to all the limitations of the flesh, but we need to set a watch on our lips, control our tempers, and put forth a special effort to adorn the Gospel of His grace. If we endure persecution for the Gospel’s sake, well and good, but not if we bring it on ourselves by our own faults! - Henry Mahan
*****
God does love all who are in Christ. If you trust the Lord Jesus Christ, if you are robed in His righteousness and washed in His blood, God loves you. Your faith in Christ is both the fruit and the evidence of God’s everlasting, immutable love for you. “We love Him because He first loved us” (I John 4:19).
That love which caused God to redeem and save chosen sinners is without cause, without condition, without beginning, without change, and without end. If you now trust Christ as your Savior and Lord, it is because He loved you from the beginning and He will love you forever! If you do not trust and love the Lord Jesus Christ, you have no reason to imagine that God loves you. The wrath of God abides on you (John 3:36). Flee from the wrath of God. Flee away to Christ, and you will find in Him all the fullness of Jehovah’s everlasting love.
– Don Fortner
February 20, 2022
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
In Thy great Name, O Lord, we come
To worship at Thy feet
O, pour Thy Holy Spirit down
On all that now shall meet.
We come to hear Jehovah speak
To hear the Saviour’s voice
Thy face and favor, Lord, we seek
Now make our hearts rejoice.
Teach us to pray, and praise, and hear
And understand Thy Word
To feel Thy gracious presence near
And trust our living Lord.
This house with grace and glory fill
This congregation bless
Thy great salvation now reveal
Thy glorious righteousness!
(Tune: “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” P. 414)
*****
We extend our sincere sympathy to David and Sherri Morris on the death of their daughter, Chris.
David Eddmenson, pastor of the Bible Baptist Church in Madisonville, KY will preach for us this evening. We welcome David and his wife Teresa.
Birthdays
20th – Megan Harries 21st – Tim Daniel
22nd – Zac Byrd 22nd = Evonne Kincer
What servant chooses his own task? His own place of labor? His own time of service? Does not the faithful servant ask, “Lord, what would you have me to do?” Everybody wants to take the floor, few care to sweep it. - Henry Mahan
“My son, fear thou the Lord and the King: and meddle not with them that are given to change.” - Proverbs 24:21
*****
When the leper came to Christ for mercy saying, “If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean” – we read, “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand and touched him, and saith to him, I will: be thou clean.” Not only do we see the sovereign authority of Christ when He spoke with omnipotence, “I will, be thou clean.” But we also see how He was moved with compassion by this man. That is more than sympathy or empathy. Compassion made Him do something for this man. Would to God that I would not be holding people away with my moralistic judgments and censorious spirit, but be moved by compassion enough to do something for them.
*****
It was said of one of Jehoshaphat’s mighty men of valour, Amasiah, that he, “Willingly offered himself to the Lord” (II Chron. 17:16). This was not said of his other captains. Amasiah’s name means Jehovah is strength. This spirit is rare, yet it ought to be the joy of every redeemed sinner to willingly offer themselves to the Lord. May the Lord give each of us grace to do so. “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far to small - Love so amazing so Divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”
*****
“Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” - Hebrews 8:12
So effectual is the redeeming blood of Christ, so complete is His work of saving the sinner, that there are literally no sins to remember! Would it not be a great blessing to not remember any offences or wrongs done to me? When I feel resentment for past offences, I am forgetting that the Lord is the first cause of them and that they are for my good and His glory. And I am placing myself on a pedestal of not deserving such treatment. Who would benefit from me not remembering past offences and misunderstandings? Me!
*****
Salvation is by the pure, unmerited grace and mercy of God. The works, efforts and deeds of men are not involved (John 1:12-13; Romans 9:15-16). If salvation comes to us because of our works (however small), then it is not of grace. If you can find any reason why God should save you other than that by His grace in Christ He was pleased to show mercy, then you are advocating salvation by works.
- Henry Mahan
WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. ” - I John 3:2
I suppose one of the biggest obstacles a believer faces in this life is the ability to see themselves as God sees them in Christ. If we could see ourselves as God sees us, we would truly see ourselves to be holy, righteous, just, and perfect as Christ Himself. Now do not get me wrong. We should never forget or overlook the evil that we are by nature, birth, and practice, that is what keeps us coming to Christ, but those things are not what we now are in the Lord Jesus.
Most believers do not have joy, peace, assurance, confidence, and comforting faith, especially in their salvation, because they look within at what they are by nature instead of looking to what they are in Christ. No joy, peace, assurance, or confidence in faith can be found by looking within. It can only be found by looking to Christ. Beloved, the Lord Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for His elect people, that they might be made the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor. 5:21). Christ paid the wages of sin, which was death, so that we might be made just like Him - perfectly holy, just, and righteous.
So, stop looking to yourself. Stop looking within yourself. Stop looking to what you should do that you do not do and stop looking to what you do not do, that you should. Stop looking to what you should be and look to who and what you are. Look to Christ alone. Since Christ in you is the hope of glory, and since you must be perfect to be accepted by the Almighty, then Christ being in you must mean that you are just like Him in God’s eyes. If not, we would not be called, “Beloved, and the sons (daughters) of God.” How do we know that we are saved? “We know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” And it is then that we will see ourselves as we truly are. - David Eddmenson
*****
Faith is not believing that God will do what I want Him to do, or what I think I need Him to do. Faith is believing that God will do what He said He would do. Faith in Christ is an abandonment of our own thoughts and ways, and a complete, unreserved trusting of Him as our righteousness, sin-offering, and Sovereign. – Chris Cunningham
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
In Thy great Name, O Lord, we come
To worship at Thy feet
O, pour Thy Holy Spirit down
On all that now shall meet.
We come to hear Jehovah speak
To hear the Saviour’s voice
Thy face and favor, Lord, we seek
Now make our hearts rejoice.
Teach us to pray, and praise, and hear
And understand Thy Word
To feel Thy gracious presence near
And trust our living Lord.
This house with grace and glory fill
This congregation bless
Thy great salvation now reveal
Thy glorious righteousness!
(Tune: “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” P. 414)
*****
We extend our sincere sympathy to David and Sherri Morris on the death of their daughter, Chris.
David Eddmenson, pastor of the Bible Baptist Church in Madisonville, KY will preach for us this evening. We welcome David and his wife Teresa.
Birthdays
20th – Megan Harries 21st – Tim Daniel
22nd – Zac Byrd 22nd = Evonne Kincer
What servant chooses his own task? His own place of labor? His own time of service? Does not the faithful servant ask, “Lord, what would you have me to do?” Everybody wants to take the floor, few care to sweep it. - Henry Mahan
“My son, fear thou the Lord and the King: and meddle not with them that are given to change.” - Proverbs 24:21
*****
When the leper came to Christ for mercy saying, “If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean” – we read, “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand and touched him, and saith to him, I will: be thou clean.” Not only do we see the sovereign authority of Christ when He spoke with omnipotence, “I will, be thou clean.” But we also see how He was moved with compassion by this man. That is more than sympathy or empathy. Compassion made Him do something for this man. Would to God that I would not be holding people away with my moralistic judgments and censorious spirit, but be moved by compassion enough to do something for them.
*****
It was said of one of Jehoshaphat’s mighty men of valour, Amasiah, that he, “Willingly offered himself to the Lord” (II Chron. 17:16). This was not said of his other captains. Amasiah’s name means Jehovah is strength. This spirit is rare, yet it ought to be the joy of every redeemed sinner to willingly offer themselves to the Lord. May the Lord give each of us grace to do so. “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far to small - Love so amazing so Divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”
*****
“Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” - Hebrews 8:12
So effectual is the redeeming blood of Christ, so complete is His work of saving the sinner, that there are literally no sins to remember! Would it not be a great blessing to not remember any offences or wrongs done to me? When I feel resentment for past offences, I am forgetting that the Lord is the first cause of them and that they are for my good and His glory. And I am placing myself on a pedestal of not deserving such treatment. Who would benefit from me not remembering past offences and misunderstandings? Me!
*****
Salvation is by the pure, unmerited grace and mercy of God. The works, efforts and deeds of men are not involved (John 1:12-13; Romans 9:15-16). If salvation comes to us because of our works (however small), then it is not of grace. If you can find any reason why God should save you other than that by His grace in Christ He was pleased to show mercy, then you are advocating salvation by works.
- Henry Mahan
WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. ” - I John 3:2
I suppose one of the biggest obstacles a believer faces in this life is the ability to see themselves as God sees them in Christ. If we could see ourselves as God sees us, we would truly see ourselves to be holy, righteous, just, and perfect as Christ Himself. Now do not get me wrong. We should never forget or overlook the evil that we are by nature, birth, and practice, that is what keeps us coming to Christ, but those things are not what we now are in the Lord Jesus.
Most believers do not have joy, peace, assurance, confidence, and comforting faith, especially in their salvation, because they look within at what they are by nature instead of looking to what they are in Christ. No joy, peace, assurance, or confidence in faith can be found by looking within. It can only be found by looking to Christ. Beloved, the Lord Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for His elect people, that they might be made the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor. 5:21). Christ paid the wages of sin, which was death, so that we might be made just like Him - perfectly holy, just, and righteous.
So, stop looking to yourself. Stop looking within yourself. Stop looking to what you should do that you do not do and stop looking to what you do not do, that you should. Stop looking to what you should be and look to who and what you are. Look to Christ alone. Since Christ in you is the hope of glory, and since you must be perfect to be accepted by the Almighty, then Christ being in you must mean that you are just like Him in God’s eyes. If not, we would not be called, “Beloved, and the sons (daughters) of God.” How do we know that we are saved? “We know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” And it is then that we will see ourselves as we truly are. - David Eddmenson
*****
Faith is not believing that God will do what I want Him to do, or what I think I need Him to do. Faith is believing that God will do what He said He would do. Faith in Christ is an abandonment of our own thoughts and ways, and a complete, unreserved trusting of Him as our righteousness, sin-offering, and Sovereign. – Chris Cunningham
February 13, 2022
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Head of Thy church and Lord of all
Hear from Thy Throne our earnest call
We come Thy promised grace to seek
We come, O Lord, to hear Thee speak.
Without Thy presence, King of saints
Our purpose fails, our spirits faint
Thou must our wavering faith renew
Ere we can yield Thee worship true.
“Lo, I am with you” – that sweet word
Lord Jesus, grant it to be heard
Give exercise to faith and love
And send Thy blessings from above.
Lord, send a message from Thy Word
That will great joy and peace afford
May Thy blest Spirit now impart
Thy grace and love in every heart!
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
Birthdays
13th – Mark Benton 13th – Kathryn Kelley 15th – Joseph Anjos
15th – Amber DuFour 16th – Andrea Vincent 16th – Henry Williams
“ All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.” - Proverbs 16:2
MARY’S CHOICE
“Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” And what was the choice? “She sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His Word.” Her sister, Martha, had become irritated with her choice because she had a lot to do and Mary was not helping her. She even complained to the Lord about it. What was the Lord’s response? “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.” The things were legitimate concerns. But the Lord said, “One thing is needful.” And that one thing needful was to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His Word. Hearing what He says is the one thing needful. Martha and Mary were both believers, loved by Christ, but Mary made the better choice. May that characterize you and me. The one thing needful to me is to set at His feet and hear His Word. What He says to me is more important that what I have to say to Him, or anything else for that matter!
*****
Faith is knowing who the Lord Jesus Christ is. The thief provides us with a wonderful example of that. He knew the Lord was God, he knew He never sinned, he knew He was the Lord, he knew He would not stay dead but would return a King over His kingdom. He believed if the Lord remembered him, that was all that was needed for his salvation. If you know Him, you know He is God and is incapable of sin, He is Lord, and He was raised from the dead and will return as a mighty King over His kingdom. What we believe is predicated on Who we believe. “I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day.”
*****
“But the Lord said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build a house for My Name thou didst well in that it was in thine heart” (II Chron. 6:8). The Lord did not permit David to build the house for His Name. That was reserved for Solomon, his son. But the Lord commends David for what really was in his heart. The Lord looks at the desires and the motives of the heart. A work is commendable or not commendable according to the motive of the heart. It is not so much what we do, but why we do it!
“ABIDE IN ME”
Our Lord said to His disciples, “Abide in Me, and I in you, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself” (John 15:4). It is true that a person who is saved by God’s grace will remain saved forever; yet the Scriptures are full of warnings to believers against UNBELIEF, against DRAWING BACK, against NEGLECTING THE WORD AND WORHSHIP, against WORLDLINESS, and against LEAVING OUR FIRST LOVE! Here the Lord Jesus exhorts us to “ABIDE” in Him, which means to stay where we are. Abide (dwell) in His love, in His Word, in His Spirit and fellowship. “As we have received Christ so walk (live, abide, stay) in Him.” Let us forever be on guard against any influence whether material, social, or personal which might hinder our fellowship and relationship with the Lord. I think of poor Esau, who satisfied his appetite but lost his blessing. Are we so foolish? Yes, we are! And we need to be constantly reminded of it. STAY where you are! Dwell in Christ and in His Word, in His love, and with His people. Do not let anyone nor anything come between you and Him. If you notice even the slightest decline in interest, desire, or thirst for spiritual growth, go back with Jacob – “BACK TO BETHEL” (Genesis 35:1-2).
- Henry Mahan
*****
After some years of experience, the Christian comes to know, better than he did at first, how much the Gospel suits him. He finds that its simplicity suits his bewilderment; its grace suits his sinfulness; its power is suitable to his weakness; its comfort is suitable to his despondency; and the more he grows, the more he loves the Gospel of the grace of God. - C. H. Spurgeon
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Head of Thy church and Lord of all
Hear from Thy Throne our earnest call
We come Thy promised grace to seek
We come, O Lord, to hear Thee speak.
Without Thy presence, King of saints
Our purpose fails, our spirits faint
Thou must our wavering faith renew
Ere we can yield Thee worship true.
“Lo, I am with you” – that sweet word
Lord Jesus, grant it to be heard
Give exercise to faith and love
And send Thy blessings from above.
Lord, send a message from Thy Word
That will great joy and peace afford
May Thy blest Spirit now impart
Thy grace and love in every heart!
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
Birthdays
13th – Mark Benton 13th – Kathryn Kelley 15th – Joseph Anjos
15th – Amber DuFour 16th – Andrea Vincent 16th – Henry Williams
“ All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.” - Proverbs 16:2
MARY’S CHOICE
“Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” And what was the choice? “She sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His Word.” Her sister, Martha, had become irritated with her choice because she had a lot to do and Mary was not helping her. She even complained to the Lord about it. What was the Lord’s response? “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.” The things were legitimate concerns. But the Lord said, “One thing is needful.” And that one thing needful was to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His Word. Hearing what He says is the one thing needful. Martha and Mary were both believers, loved by Christ, but Mary made the better choice. May that characterize you and me. The one thing needful to me is to set at His feet and hear His Word. What He says to me is more important that what I have to say to Him, or anything else for that matter!
*****
Faith is knowing who the Lord Jesus Christ is. The thief provides us with a wonderful example of that. He knew the Lord was God, he knew He never sinned, he knew He was the Lord, he knew He would not stay dead but would return a King over His kingdom. He believed if the Lord remembered him, that was all that was needed for his salvation. If you know Him, you know He is God and is incapable of sin, He is Lord, and He was raised from the dead and will return as a mighty King over His kingdom. What we believe is predicated on Who we believe. “I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day.”
*****
“But the Lord said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build a house for My Name thou didst well in that it was in thine heart” (II Chron. 6:8). The Lord did not permit David to build the house for His Name. That was reserved for Solomon, his son. But the Lord commends David for what really was in his heart. The Lord looks at the desires and the motives of the heart. A work is commendable or not commendable according to the motive of the heart. It is not so much what we do, but why we do it!
“ABIDE IN ME”
Our Lord said to His disciples, “Abide in Me, and I in you, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself” (John 15:4). It is true that a person who is saved by God’s grace will remain saved forever; yet the Scriptures are full of warnings to believers against UNBELIEF, against DRAWING BACK, against NEGLECTING THE WORD AND WORHSHIP, against WORLDLINESS, and against LEAVING OUR FIRST LOVE! Here the Lord Jesus exhorts us to “ABIDE” in Him, which means to stay where we are. Abide (dwell) in His love, in His Word, in His Spirit and fellowship. “As we have received Christ so walk (live, abide, stay) in Him.” Let us forever be on guard against any influence whether material, social, or personal which might hinder our fellowship and relationship with the Lord. I think of poor Esau, who satisfied his appetite but lost his blessing. Are we so foolish? Yes, we are! And we need to be constantly reminded of it. STAY where you are! Dwell in Christ and in His Word, in His love, and with His people. Do not let anyone nor anything come between you and Him. If you notice even the slightest decline in interest, desire, or thirst for spiritual growth, go back with Jacob – “BACK TO BETHEL” (Genesis 35:1-2).
- Henry Mahan
*****
After some years of experience, the Christian comes to know, better than he did at first, how much the Gospel suits him. He finds that its simplicity suits his bewilderment; its grace suits his sinfulness; its power is suitable to his weakness; its comfort is suitable to his despondency; and the more he grows, the more he loves the Gospel of the grace of God. - C. H. Spurgeon
February 6, 2022
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Jesus, the Lord, my Savior is
My Shepherd and my God
My light, my life, my joy, my bliss
I in His grace rejoice.
What’er I need in Jesus dwells
And there it dwells for me
‘Tis Christ my earthen vessel fills
With treasure rich and free.
Mercy and truth and righteousness
And peace most richly meet
In Jesus Christ, the King of grace
In Whom I stand complete.
Worthy the Lamb, shall be my song
For He for me was slain
And with me all the heav’nly throng
Shall join and say “Amen!”
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Birthdays
7th – Tamara Dickerson 7th – Clark Grubb
7th – Faith Hacker 9th – Rylan Daniel
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
HEARING
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
Romans 10:17
The word used for the “Word of God” is the spoken Word of God. The preaching of the Gospel. Faith, the gift of God’s grace, is given through the hearing of the Word of God preached. To those who have no faith, you will not have it apart from the preaching of the Gospel. To those who have faith, your faith will be maintained and strengthened through the preaching of the Word. Never underestimate the importance to your soul, and the souls of your children, of the preaching of the Word! We hurt ourselves and our children when we absence ourselves from the preaching of the Word. “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” You cannot hear if you are not there!
*****
FAKE FAITH
One of the great ends of the commandment is faith unfeigned (I Timothy 1:5). The word unfeigned means literally “without hypocrisy.” The word hypocrite was the Greek word for actor, those who performed on a stage. The better the actor, the more real the performance. However, it is just an act. It could be called fake. I am not acting the part of a sinner needing a Savior. I am the real thing. I am not acting the part of looking to Christ only. In reality, I have nowhere else to look. I do not merely say the Person and Work of Christ is my only hope. The Person and Work of Christ is my only hope! There is a fake faith. And there is a faith unfeigned.
*****
NO TRUE SINNER TURNED AWAY
I challenge anyone to put his or her finger on one Scripture in the Holy Bible where Christ ever turned away a truly repentant sinner. You will not find one! Many came in pride that were turned away. Many came in religion that were soon drawn away. Yet never was there one desperate sinner who came with great need and desire to be healed that was ever denied His grace. - David Eddmenson
*****
The Gospel of Christ is either of infinite importance or of no importance. The one thing it cannot be is of moderate importance. “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my life, my soul, my all.”
QUESTIONS REGARDING GROWTH
Peter said, “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness” (II Peter 3:17). And what will prevent this from happening? “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). Every believer desires to grow in grace. We are to grow downward in true humility, upward in our love to God, and outward in our love to men. Here are 10 questions that serve as a gauge for growth in grace and spiritual maturity.
1. Have I learned to rest in the Lord?
2. How do I respond to trial and disappointment?
3. How do I respond to correction?
4. Do I have the capacity to change or am I set in my ways? There is always change involved in growth.
5. Is it difficult for me to say words like…I am sorry?
6. Do I compliment or criticize more?
7. Can I keep long friendships?
8. Do I get more satisfaction in giving or receiving?
9. Has my appetite for the Word increased?
10. Do I really love the Lord and His people?
While we do not feel as though we measure up enough in any of these things…we desire to and pray for growth in grace.
*****
FREE WILL OR PREDESTINATION
Free will is responsible for every evil in the world. All sin is the result of free will. Free will is why the first murder was committed. It is responsible for all war, and has produced every false religion. Free will is the doctrine of the sovereignty of man. Predestination is the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. If believed, it will abolish all race problems and rid of us all tyranny and war. “Now therefore our God we thank Thee and praise Thy glorious Name” (I Chron. 29:10-14).
- Scott Richardson
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Jesus, the Lord, my Savior is
My Shepherd and my God
My light, my life, my joy, my bliss
I in His grace rejoice.
What’er I need in Jesus dwells
And there it dwells for me
‘Tis Christ my earthen vessel fills
With treasure rich and free.
Mercy and truth and righteousness
And peace most richly meet
In Jesus Christ, the King of grace
In Whom I stand complete.
Worthy the Lamb, shall be my song
For He for me was slain
And with me all the heav’nly throng
Shall join and say “Amen!”
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Birthdays
7th – Tamara Dickerson 7th – Clark Grubb
7th – Faith Hacker 9th – Rylan Daniel
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
HEARING
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
Romans 10:17
The word used for the “Word of God” is the spoken Word of God. The preaching of the Gospel. Faith, the gift of God’s grace, is given through the hearing of the Word of God preached. To those who have no faith, you will not have it apart from the preaching of the Gospel. To those who have faith, your faith will be maintained and strengthened through the preaching of the Word. Never underestimate the importance to your soul, and the souls of your children, of the preaching of the Word! We hurt ourselves and our children when we absence ourselves from the preaching of the Word. “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” You cannot hear if you are not there!
*****
FAKE FAITH
One of the great ends of the commandment is faith unfeigned (I Timothy 1:5). The word unfeigned means literally “without hypocrisy.” The word hypocrite was the Greek word for actor, those who performed on a stage. The better the actor, the more real the performance. However, it is just an act. It could be called fake. I am not acting the part of a sinner needing a Savior. I am the real thing. I am not acting the part of looking to Christ only. In reality, I have nowhere else to look. I do not merely say the Person and Work of Christ is my only hope. The Person and Work of Christ is my only hope! There is a fake faith. And there is a faith unfeigned.
*****
NO TRUE SINNER TURNED AWAY
I challenge anyone to put his or her finger on one Scripture in the Holy Bible where Christ ever turned away a truly repentant sinner. You will not find one! Many came in pride that were turned away. Many came in religion that were soon drawn away. Yet never was there one desperate sinner who came with great need and desire to be healed that was ever denied His grace. - David Eddmenson
*****
The Gospel of Christ is either of infinite importance or of no importance. The one thing it cannot be is of moderate importance. “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my life, my soul, my all.”
QUESTIONS REGARDING GROWTH
Peter said, “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness” (II Peter 3:17). And what will prevent this from happening? “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). Every believer desires to grow in grace. We are to grow downward in true humility, upward in our love to God, and outward in our love to men. Here are 10 questions that serve as a gauge for growth in grace and spiritual maturity.
1. Have I learned to rest in the Lord?
2. How do I respond to trial and disappointment?
3. How do I respond to correction?
4. Do I have the capacity to change or am I set in my ways? There is always change involved in growth.
5. Is it difficult for me to say words like…I am sorry?
6. Do I compliment or criticize more?
7. Can I keep long friendships?
8. Do I get more satisfaction in giving or receiving?
9. Has my appetite for the Word increased?
10. Do I really love the Lord and His people?
While we do not feel as though we measure up enough in any of these things…we desire to and pray for growth in grace.
*****
FREE WILL OR PREDESTINATION
Free will is responsible for every evil in the world. All sin is the result of free will. Free will is why the first murder was committed. It is responsible for all war, and has produced every false religion. Free will is the doctrine of the sovereignty of man. Predestination is the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. If believed, it will abolish all race problems and rid of us all tyranny and war. “Now therefore our God we thank Thee and praise Thy glorious Name” (I Chron. 29:10-14).
- Scott Richardson
January 30, 2022
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Saviour, friend of sinners
We as such to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Saviour, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
Birthdays
30th – Jonathan Holbrook 2nd – Sam Elliott
3rd – James Carver 5th – Billie Tuttle
“Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.”
- Proverbs 24:28-29
RELIGION OR CHRIST
Having religion is one thing, but knowing and walking with Christ is different! Having religion the world understands and tolerates. But free grace the world neither understands, nor tolerates! Any two religious errors can walk together, and permit them both to exist! But the Truth of God’s grace cannot exist with error – for one always must go!
- Henry Mahan
WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE…..
“We love Him because….” Many things could be given for the
reason we love Him. We love Him because He is altogether lovely. There is nothing in Him not to love. We love Him because of all the benefits we enjoy because of His grace. The myriad reasons we have for loving Him! But how concise and distinct is John’s answer for the reason we love Him. “We love Him because He first loved us.” And His love will never go unreciprocated, because He first loved us. He graciously put it in our hearts to love Him. And now, “Twill be my joy thru the ages to sing of His love to me!”
*****
‘WHO COULD LEARN THE SONG?”
In Revelation 14 we are given a glimpse of heaven and the new song they sang before the Throne. “And no man could learn the song but the 144,000 which were redeemed from the earth.” That number represents all of the elect; a large and exact number! They are the ones that Christ redeemed. Who is it that can sing, “Thou hast redeemed us by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tribe, and people, and tongue”? I know….those who love particular, successful redemption – The redeemed!
*****
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28
We would do well to remember that every trial, every conflict, every trouble we may experience from difficult people, every unjust treatment, is sent by our all-wise Heavenly Father for our good and benefit. Our first response should be, “My Heavenly Father is doing this for me, as a gift of His grace.” Truly, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thess. 5:18).
*****
FAITH
The problem with sinners is not that we are unwilling to do something to save ourselves but that we are unwilling to do nothing that we might be saved by another (John 3:19 -20). Faith takes nothing from you, faith takes nothing done by you, faith demands you add nothing, only believe and continue believing, not in anything you have done or not done. Faith is casting your care, your whole self, your whole eternal salvation into the hands of Jesus Christ. – Clay Curtis
I DON’T WANT WEEDS
“What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” – Romans 6:15
As I worked in my garden this past week and picked out the weeds, I was brought to remember what Paul wrote to the church at Rome. So many people accuse true believers, saved by grace alone, of wanting to sin - living a life of licentious, without moral discipline, without regard to the rules. In my garden, I want fruit and not weeds. I attempt to remove and prevent all the weeds that pop up, but they keep coming. They rob nutrients from the fruit bearing plants and I cannot eat the weeds. There is no joy or life for me in those weeds. They are nothing but an unavoidable hindrance! My sin is unavoidable, unwanted, and contains no nutrients or benefit to my soul. It attempts to take precious time and attention from the fruit of the spirit. It may sound simple – but I do not desire weeds in my fruit garden any more than I desire to have sin in this flesh. - Kevin Thacker
*****
DYING TO SELF
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself…. “
Matthew 16:24
When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don’t sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and anger does not rise in your heart, nor do you seek to defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you no longer care to hear yourself in conversation, or to record your own works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and you are in far more desperate circumstance, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, and can humble submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, THAT IS DYING TO SELF. - Unknown
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Saviour, friend of sinners
We as such to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Saviour, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
Birthdays
30th – Jonathan Holbrook 2nd – Sam Elliott
3rd – James Carver 5th – Billie Tuttle
“Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.”
- Proverbs 24:28-29
RELIGION OR CHRIST
Having religion is one thing, but knowing and walking with Christ is different! Having religion the world understands and tolerates. But free grace the world neither understands, nor tolerates! Any two religious errors can walk together, and permit them both to exist! But the Truth of God’s grace cannot exist with error – for one always must go!
- Henry Mahan
WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE…..
“We love Him because….” Many things could be given for the
reason we love Him. We love Him because He is altogether lovely. There is nothing in Him not to love. We love Him because of all the benefits we enjoy because of His grace. The myriad reasons we have for loving Him! But how concise and distinct is John’s answer for the reason we love Him. “We love Him because He first loved us.” And His love will never go unreciprocated, because He first loved us. He graciously put it in our hearts to love Him. And now, “Twill be my joy thru the ages to sing of His love to me!”
*****
‘WHO COULD LEARN THE SONG?”
In Revelation 14 we are given a glimpse of heaven and the new song they sang before the Throne. “And no man could learn the song but the 144,000 which were redeemed from the earth.” That number represents all of the elect; a large and exact number! They are the ones that Christ redeemed. Who is it that can sing, “Thou hast redeemed us by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tribe, and people, and tongue”? I know….those who love particular, successful redemption – The redeemed!
*****
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28
We would do well to remember that every trial, every conflict, every trouble we may experience from difficult people, every unjust treatment, is sent by our all-wise Heavenly Father for our good and benefit. Our first response should be, “My Heavenly Father is doing this for me, as a gift of His grace.” Truly, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thess. 5:18).
*****
FAITH
The problem with sinners is not that we are unwilling to do something to save ourselves but that we are unwilling to do nothing that we might be saved by another (John 3:19 -20). Faith takes nothing from you, faith takes nothing done by you, faith demands you add nothing, only believe and continue believing, not in anything you have done or not done. Faith is casting your care, your whole self, your whole eternal salvation into the hands of Jesus Christ. – Clay Curtis
I DON’T WANT WEEDS
“What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” – Romans 6:15
As I worked in my garden this past week and picked out the weeds, I was brought to remember what Paul wrote to the church at Rome. So many people accuse true believers, saved by grace alone, of wanting to sin - living a life of licentious, without moral discipline, without regard to the rules. In my garden, I want fruit and not weeds. I attempt to remove and prevent all the weeds that pop up, but they keep coming. They rob nutrients from the fruit bearing plants and I cannot eat the weeds. There is no joy or life for me in those weeds. They are nothing but an unavoidable hindrance! My sin is unavoidable, unwanted, and contains no nutrients or benefit to my soul. It attempts to take precious time and attention from the fruit of the spirit. It may sound simple – but I do not desire weeds in my fruit garden any more than I desire to have sin in this flesh. - Kevin Thacker
*****
DYING TO SELF
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself…. “
Matthew 16:24
When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don’t sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and anger does not rise in your heart, nor do you seek to defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you no longer care to hear yourself in conversation, or to record your own works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and you are in far more desperate circumstance, THAT IS DYING TO SELF.
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, and can humble submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, THAT IS DYING TO SELF. - Unknown
January 23, 2022
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sons we are, through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive
Lord Thy mercy, Lord Thy mercy
Doth both grace and glory give.
Every fallen soul, by sinning
Merits everlasting pain
But Thy love, without beginning
Has restored Thy sons again
All Thy people, All Thy people
Shall by grace through Jesus reign.
Pause my soul! Adore and wonder!
Ask, O why such love to me
Grace has put me in the number
Of the Saviour’s family
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Thanks, eternal thanks to Thee.
When the Angel sounds the trumpet
When my soul and body join
When my Saviour comes to judgment
Bright in Majesty Divine
Let me triumph, Let me triumph
In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Angels From the Realms of Glory” P. 99)
*****
Birthdays
26th – Emily Elliott 26th – Mike Farmer 26th – Lynn Nibert
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” - Proverbs 10:19
“IT IS NOT FAIR!”
“And they murmured at the goodman of the house.” This was the response of the men who worked 12 hours to seeing the men who worked less then they did, but receiving the same wage. In their perception, they were treated unfairly. They were given what they agreed to. Yet they accused the owner of the vineyard of injustice because of his graciousness and generosity to those who worked less than they did. This corresponds to men’s objections to the Gospel. If God paid every man the wages they deserve, he would send them all to hell! But He chose to be gracious to the individuals He elected for Christ’s sake – men call His graciousness unfair! I love what the owner said to the men. “Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the fist last: for many be called, but few chosen.” (Matthew 20:13-16)
*****
WHAT DO YE MORE THAN OTHERS?
“And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so?” - Matthew 5:47
If I have been saved by the grace of God, I ought to do more than others. Look what He has done for me! He loved me before time began, gave His Son to die for my sin, gave me His very righteousness, and put His Spirit within me. Should I not do more than others? None should be more grateful than me! Certainly none are more indebted to His grace than me. Therefore I ought to do more than others. Sovereign grace is not a reason to do less. It is a reason to do more! The one who really believes grace will do more than the one who believes law. He will love more, forgive more, give more, and do more. Child of God, we ought to do more than others!
*****
Scripture, not logic, is our rule of faith; not one or two statements taken out of their context, but the whole analogy of faith. Error is truth perverted, truth distorted, truth out of proportion. To short-sighted human reason there appears to be a clash between Divine justice and Divine mercy, between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility; between law and grace, between faith and good works; but he who is really taught of the Spirit, is enabled to discern their perfect consistency.
- A. W. Pink
THE BIOGRAPHY OF EVERY SAINT
A quaint old man used to carry a little book which he took very often from his pocket, and which he called his “biography.” It had only three pages, and there was not a word written on any of them; yet he said the little book told the whole story of his life! The first page was black – that was his sin, which was his condition by nature. He would shudder whenever he looked at it. The second page was red – that was the blood of Christ, and his face glowed when he gazed upon it. The third page was white – that was himself washed in Christ’s blood, made whiter than snow. His book told the whole story of every redeemed life. Between the black of our sins, and the white of redemption – must always come the red of Christ’s blood. - Copied
*****
WHO IS YOUR CONFIDENCE?
The Scriptures talk a great deal about confidence. There are two kinds of confidence described in God’s Holy Word. One, is confidence in the flesh, and the other is confidence in the Lord. The world promotes and believes the first, the believer promotes and believes the second. The word “confidence” is defined one way as “the feeling or belief that one can rely and trust on something or someone.” In the believer’s case, that someone is the Lord Jesus Christ. However, the world defines the word “confidence” as “the feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s own abilities or qualities.” The Word of God is clear on the matter. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9) “For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” (Proverbs 3:26) “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26) I might ask you, “Which is your confidence?” But the correct question would be, “Who is your confidence?” - David Eddmenson
*****
Justification, as it is revealed in Holy Scripture, is much more than a mere forensic (legal) standing. It is a state of being (Rom. 5:1-11). It is more than a judicial declaration. Justification is the real emancipation of our souls in Christ. To be justified before God is to be free of guilt in your conscience by the sprinkling of Christ’s blood, that is by the Spirit’s application of Christ’s atonement (Heb. 9:14).
- Don Fortner
*****
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but the spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. - Robert Hawker
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sons we are, through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive
Lord Thy mercy, Lord Thy mercy
Doth both grace and glory give.
Every fallen soul, by sinning
Merits everlasting pain
But Thy love, without beginning
Has restored Thy sons again
All Thy people, All Thy people
Shall by grace through Jesus reign.
Pause my soul! Adore and wonder!
Ask, O why such love to me
Grace has put me in the number
Of the Saviour’s family
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Thanks, eternal thanks to Thee.
When the Angel sounds the trumpet
When my soul and body join
When my Saviour comes to judgment
Bright in Majesty Divine
Let me triumph, Let me triumph
In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Angels From the Realms of Glory” P. 99)
*****
Birthdays
26th – Emily Elliott 26th – Mike Farmer 26th – Lynn Nibert
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” - Proverbs 10:19
“IT IS NOT FAIR!”
“And they murmured at the goodman of the house.” This was the response of the men who worked 12 hours to seeing the men who worked less then they did, but receiving the same wage. In their perception, they were treated unfairly. They were given what they agreed to. Yet they accused the owner of the vineyard of injustice because of his graciousness and generosity to those who worked less than they did. This corresponds to men’s objections to the Gospel. If God paid every man the wages they deserve, he would send them all to hell! But He chose to be gracious to the individuals He elected for Christ’s sake – men call His graciousness unfair! I love what the owner said to the men. “Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the fist last: for many be called, but few chosen.” (Matthew 20:13-16)
*****
WHAT DO YE MORE THAN OTHERS?
“And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so?” - Matthew 5:47
If I have been saved by the grace of God, I ought to do more than others. Look what He has done for me! He loved me before time began, gave His Son to die for my sin, gave me His very righteousness, and put His Spirit within me. Should I not do more than others? None should be more grateful than me! Certainly none are more indebted to His grace than me. Therefore I ought to do more than others. Sovereign grace is not a reason to do less. It is a reason to do more! The one who really believes grace will do more than the one who believes law. He will love more, forgive more, give more, and do more. Child of God, we ought to do more than others!
*****
Scripture, not logic, is our rule of faith; not one or two statements taken out of their context, but the whole analogy of faith. Error is truth perverted, truth distorted, truth out of proportion. To short-sighted human reason there appears to be a clash between Divine justice and Divine mercy, between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility; between law and grace, between faith and good works; but he who is really taught of the Spirit, is enabled to discern their perfect consistency.
- A. W. Pink
THE BIOGRAPHY OF EVERY SAINT
A quaint old man used to carry a little book which he took very often from his pocket, and which he called his “biography.” It had only three pages, and there was not a word written on any of them; yet he said the little book told the whole story of his life! The first page was black – that was his sin, which was his condition by nature. He would shudder whenever he looked at it. The second page was red – that was the blood of Christ, and his face glowed when he gazed upon it. The third page was white – that was himself washed in Christ’s blood, made whiter than snow. His book told the whole story of every redeemed life. Between the black of our sins, and the white of redemption – must always come the red of Christ’s blood. - Copied
*****
WHO IS YOUR CONFIDENCE?
The Scriptures talk a great deal about confidence. There are two kinds of confidence described in God’s Holy Word. One, is confidence in the flesh, and the other is confidence in the Lord. The world promotes and believes the first, the believer promotes and believes the second. The word “confidence” is defined one way as “the feeling or belief that one can rely and trust on something or someone.” In the believer’s case, that someone is the Lord Jesus Christ. However, the world defines the word “confidence” as “the feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s own abilities or qualities.” The Word of God is clear on the matter. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9) “For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” (Proverbs 3:26) “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26) I might ask you, “Which is your confidence?” But the correct question would be, “Who is your confidence?” - David Eddmenson
*****
Justification, as it is revealed in Holy Scripture, is much more than a mere forensic (legal) standing. It is a state of being (Rom. 5:1-11). It is more than a judicial declaration. Justification is the real emancipation of our souls in Christ. To be justified before God is to be free of guilt in your conscience by the sprinkling of Christ’s blood, that is by the Spirit’s application of Christ’s atonement (Heb. 9:14).
- Don Fortner
*****
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but the spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. - Robert Hawker
January 16, 2022
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
How sweet and awful is the place
With Christ within the doors
While everlasting love displays
The choicest of her stores.
Here every bowel of our God
With soft compassion rolls
Here peace and pardon, love and blood
Is food for dying souls.
While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast
Each of us cry with thankful tongues
“Lord, why am I a guest?”
Why was I made to hear Thy voice
And enter while there’s room
When thousands make a wretched choice
And rather starve than come?
‘Twas the same love that spread the feast
That sweetly forced us in
Else we had still refused to taste
And perished in our sin.
(Tune: “Amazing Grace” p.236)
*****
I am preaching for the Grace Gospel Church in Apopka, Florida today and will return tomorrow morning. Aaron Greenleaf will bring the morning Bible Study and message. Frank Tate will preach this evening.
Birthdays
16th – Kelli Harries 17th – Aiden Carver 19th – Amanda DuFour
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” - Proverbs 10:19
LIMITED ATONEMENT
This is the word used sometimes to describe the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Some have criticized the word “limited” as a poor choice of words. The reason for the criticism is that “limited atonement” in some way seems to limit the saving efficacy of His atonement. Unless you believe in universal redemption – that all of Adam’s race will be saved, you believe in limited atonement. It is either limited in its saving efficacy by the will of man, or limited by who it was intended for - the elect. There are other terms like successful atonement, definite atonement, or particular redemption that are certainly good. I like limited atonement so the enemies of free grace will know exactly what we mean!
*****
I KNOW THY WORKS
The first thing the Lord said to each of the seven churches of Asia was, “I know thy works.” He went on to approve some of the works and disapprove of other works. We all do what we want to, and our works speak of what we really are. What we do says more than what we say. This does not in any way negate justification; our perfection in His sight. He still says with regard to our lives, “I know thy works.”
*****
What we call the “Doctrine of Grace” – Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and the Perseverance of the Saints, is true! This is the clear teaching of Scripture. It is also true that the Doctrine of Grace is very much like the clothes we wear. They take the warmth of the person wearing them. If the person wearing them is warm…they are. If the person wearing them is cold and lifeless…they are too!
*****
Every departure from the doctrine of election in any degree has been a departure from THE GOSPEL; for such departure always involves the introduction of some obligation on man’s part to make a contribution to his own salvation – a contribution he simply cannot make. - Copied
*****
When we are satisfied that we know all Truth, and cannot be taught any more, it is probably that we need to begin at the beginning. One of the first lessons in the school of wisdom is to know that we are naturally fools, and that man is growing wise who is growing conscious of his own deficiency and ignorance. “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know” (I Cor. 8:2) - C. H. Spurgeon
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: keep the door of my lips.”
Psalm 141:3
How great is our need of this grace because we are so inclined to speak unadvisedly (James 3:8). It is not that we intend to do hurt or harm to any, much less to dishonor our Lord by our words. But, in a moment of weakness, carelessness or emotion, we open our mouths and say something that we later wish we had not. Past mercies and present company is no guarantee against this. Moses did it in the presence of Aaron and the congregation of Israel (Numbers 20:10); Elijah, by himself in the wilderness (I Kings 18:4); Peter in the presence of unbelievers (Matthew 26:74). Oh for grace to keep the door of my lips. Matthew Henry wrote: “Nature having made my lips to be a door to my words, let grace keep that door, that no word may be suffered to go out which may in any way tend to the dishonor of God or the hurt of others.”
- Charles Pennington
*****
HOW TO “PITCH YOUR TENT”
“Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan… and pitched his tent toward Sodom.” - Genesis 13:10-12
Sensual choices are sinful choices, and seldom speed well. Those who, in choosing relations, callings, dwellings or settlements, are guided by the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye, or the pride of life, and consult not the interests of their souls and their religion (the Gospel), can not expect God’s presence with them, nor His blessings upon them, but are commonly disappointed even in that which they principally aimed at, and miss of that which they promised themselves satisfaction in. In all our choices, this principle should over-rule us… That is best for us which is best for our souls. - Matthew Henry
*****
There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough. It is a cheap Christianity
which offends nobody and requires no sacrifice. It is a Christianity that costs nothing, and is worth nothing. - J. C. Ryle 1816-1900
*****
It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell, and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil; one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves, and another to mourn for it because it is wrong and offensive to God. It is one thing to be terrified, another to be humbled. - G. Spring
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
How sweet and awful is the place
With Christ within the doors
While everlasting love displays
The choicest of her stores.
Here every bowel of our God
With soft compassion rolls
Here peace and pardon, love and blood
Is food for dying souls.
While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast
Each of us cry with thankful tongues
“Lord, why am I a guest?”
Why was I made to hear Thy voice
And enter while there’s room
When thousands make a wretched choice
And rather starve than come?
‘Twas the same love that spread the feast
That sweetly forced us in
Else we had still refused to taste
And perished in our sin.
(Tune: “Amazing Grace” p.236)
*****
I am preaching for the Grace Gospel Church in Apopka, Florida today and will return tomorrow morning. Aaron Greenleaf will bring the morning Bible Study and message. Frank Tate will preach this evening.
Birthdays
16th – Kelli Harries 17th – Aiden Carver 19th – Amanda DuFour
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” - Proverbs 10:19
LIMITED ATONEMENT
This is the word used sometimes to describe the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Some have criticized the word “limited” as a poor choice of words. The reason for the criticism is that “limited atonement” in some way seems to limit the saving efficacy of His atonement. Unless you believe in universal redemption – that all of Adam’s race will be saved, you believe in limited atonement. It is either limited in its saving efficacy by the will of man, or limited by who it was intended for - the elect. There are other terms like successful atonement, definite atonement, or particular redemption that are certainly good. I like limited atonement so the enemies of free grace will know exactly what we mean!
*****
I KNOW THY WORKS
The first thing the Lord said to each of the seven churches of Asia was, “I know thy works.” He went on to approve some of the works and disapprove of other works. We all do what we want to, and our works speak of what we really are. What we do says more than what we say. This does not in any way negate justification; our perfection in His sight. He still says with regard to our lives, “I know thy works.”
*****
What we call the “Doctrine of Grace” – Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and the Perseverance of the Saints, is true! This is the clear teaching of Scripture. It is also true that the Doctrine of Grace is very much like the clothes we wear. They take the warmth of the person wearing them. If the person wearing them is warm…they are. If the person wearing them is cold and lifeless…they are too!
*****
Every departure from the doctrine of election in any degree has been a departure from THE GOSPEL; for such departure always involves the introduction of some obligation on man’s part to make a contribution to his own salvation – a contribution he simply cannot make. - Copied
*****
When we are satisfied that we know all Truth, and cannot be taught any more, it is probably that we need to begin at the beginning. One of the first lessons in the school of wisdom is to know that we are naturally fools, and that man is growing wise who is growing conscious of his own deficiency and ignorance. “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know” (I Cor. 8:2) - C. H. Spurgeon
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: keep the door of my lips.”
Psalm 141:3
How great is our need of this grace because we are so inclined to speak unadvisedly (James 3:8). It is not that we intend to do hurt or harm to any, much less to dishonor our Lord by our words. But, in a moment of weakness, carelessness or emotion, we open our mouths and say something that we later wish we had not. Past mercies and present company is no guarantee against this. Moses did it in the presence of Aaron and the congregation of Israel (Numbers 20:10); Elijah, by himself in the wilderness (I Kings 18:4); Peter in the presence of unbelievers (Matthew 26:74). Oh for grace to keep the door of my lips. Matthew Henry wrote: “Nature having made my lips to be a door to my words, let grace keep that door, that no word may be suffered to go out which may in any way tend to the dishonor of God or the hurt of others.”
- Charles Pennington
*****
HOW TO “PITCH YOUR TENT”
“Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan… and pitched his tent toward Sodom.” - Genesis 13:10-12
Sensual choices are sinful choices, and seldom speed well. Those who, in choosing relations, callings, dwellings or settlements, are guided by the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye, or the pride of life, and consult not the interests of their souls and their religion (the Gospel), can not expect God’s presence with them, nor His blessings upon them, but are commonly disappointed even in that which they principally aimed at, and miss of that which they promised themselves satisfaction in. In all our choices, this principle should over-rule us… That is best for us which is best for our souls. - Matthew Henry
*****
There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough. It is a cheap Christianity
which offends nobody and requires no sacrifice. It is a Christianity that costs nothing, and is worth nothing. - J. C. Ryle 1816-1900
*****
It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell, and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil; one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves, and another to mourn for it because it is wrong and offensive to God. It is one thing to be terrified, another to be humbled. - G. Spring
January 9, 2022
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No comeliness I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All in All I pray.
Less than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, Florida will host a Bible Conference January 14-16. Speakers are Chris Cunningham, Todd Nibert, and Kevin Thacker.
Birthdays
9th – Nancy Benton 9th – Emily Bryan 10th – Cali Warta
12th – Aaron Sligh 15th – Mike Rigsby
“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.” - Proverbs 18:5
IN BONDAGE?
“We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man.” This was their response to the Lord’s declaration, “And you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.” “We do not need to be made free. We are not in bondage!” That was not true. They were in bondage to Rome even while they spoke. And they had another kind of bondage that was more severe. They were under the bondage of an evil nature they were born with and could not overcome. There is no bigger lie then the myth of free will. Man’s will is in bondage to an evil nature. They were under bondage to God’s Holy law, which exposed every thought, motive, and action as sin, “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” But did you know that there is a great advantage to being in bondage? Only when you are in bondage with no means to get out from under that bondage can you be set free! If you are not in bondage, you do not need to be set free. But if you are in bondage, how glorious are these words, “If the Son shall make you free, you are free indeed.”
*****
Is there unrighteousness with God?
Paul anticipated man’s reaction to, “Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated….. what shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God?” Is He unfair in loving Jacob and hating Esau? Is it unrighteous for Him to not love them both? First, if He treated all men fairly, all men would go to hell. Second, when men make this objection, they have assumed the position of God’s judge, a position for which they have no right or competence. Thirdly, how can it be unfair for God to not give to men what they do not want in the first place? No man wants to be saved on God’s terms. Under no other scenario would that be considered unfair. Fourth, God will meet any and all men on the terms they desire. If you desire to come to God on the ground of your own works, He will meet you there! If you desire to come to God on the ground of grace, with no respect to your works, He will meet you there as well. No man will ever say, “I desired mercy and He refused!” What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Hear Paul’s answer, “God Forbid.”
*****
Justification is so real that every accusation that could be brought up against any and every believer will be proved to be a lie and untrue. Justification is not just as if I never sinned. Justification is, I have never sinned. This is seen in the glorious Gospel of Christ, how He has made the way for God to be just and justify the ungodly.
Paul spoke of the, “Work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” (I Thess. 1:3). These are the three abiding graces that every believer possesses. “Now abideth faith, hope, charity; these three.” It is only faith that works. It is only love that labors. It is only hope that endures. But…”The greatest of these is charity.” Faith will one day be turned to sight, Hope will one day be turned to experience, but Love to God and His people will continue throughout eternity!
*****
By God’s all-wise appointment, our assemblies are the life, the food, and the nourishment of our souls. It is the main way whereby we publicly identify with Christ and His Gospel. We evidence our love for Christ by our loyalty and support of one another in opposition to all false worship. Many things will rise up in competition to the diligent attendance of our assemblies. We must recognize and refuse to give in to anything that is opposed to what Christ commands. The total falling away of a graceless professor always begins with this neglect - the disassociation with God’s people (Hebrews 10:25). – John Owens
*****
Those who have been saved are those who are “being saved” (I Cor. 1:18; Phil 2:12,13). Those who have learned of Christ are those who “are learning” of Him (I John 6:45; Matt. 11:29). Those who truly know the Lord are those who “desire to know Him” (Phil 3:7-10). Those who have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ are those who continue to cry unto the Lord, “I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory” (Ex. 33:18). These are the people who say, from the heart, “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalm17:15). – Maurice Montgomery
*****
WHY WE PREACH ELECTION
We preach sovereign election not only because it is revealed in God’s Word, exhibiting man’s total depravity and inability, but because it exalts a sovereign God in His Trinity of Persons. It reveals the magnitude of His kingdom and defines who are the objects of the Father’s everlasting love, the travail of the Redeemer’s soul, and the objects of the Spirit’s concern and care. Within election’s hallowed bounds the whole seed royal of heaven are found by a seeking Saviour and a searching Spirit. - Thomas Bradbury
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No comeliness I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All in All I pray.
Less than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, Florida will host a Bible Conference January 14-16. Speakers are Chris Cunningham, Todd Nibert, and Kevin Thacker.
Birthdays
9th – Nancy Benton 9th – Emily Bryan 10th – Cali Warta
12th – Aaron Sligh 15th – Mike Rigsby
“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.” - Proverbs 18:5
IN BONDAGE?
“We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man.” This was their response to the Lord’s declaration, “And you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.” “We do not need to be made free. We are not in bondage!” That was not true. They were in bondage to Rome even while they spoke. And they had another kind of bondage that was more severe. They were under the bondage of an evil nature they were born with and could not overcome. There is no bigger lie then the myth of free will. Man’s will is in bondage to an evil nature. They were under bondage to God’s Holy law, which exposed every thought, motive, and action as sin, “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” But did you know that there is a great advantage to being in bondage? Only when you are in bondage with no means to get out from under that bondage can you be set free! If you are not in bondage, you do not need to be set free. But if you are in bondage, how glorious are these words, “If the Son shall make you free, you are free indeed.”
*****
Is there unrighteousness with God?
Paul anticipated man’s reaction to, “Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated….. what shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God?” Is He unfair in loving Jacob and hating Esau? Is it unrighteous for Him to not love them both? First, if He treated all men fairly, all men would go to hell. Second, when men make this objection, they have assumed the position of God’s judge, a position for which they have no right or competence. Thirdly, how can it be unfair for God to not give to men what they do not want in the first place? No man wants to be saved on God’s terms. Under no other scenario would that be considered unfair. Fourth, God will meet any and all men on the terms they desire. If you desire to come to God on the ground of your own works, He will meet you there! If you desire to come to God on the ground of grace, with no respect to your works, He will meet you there as well. No man will ever say, “I desired mercy and He refused!” What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Hear Paul’s answer, “God Forbid.”
*****
Justification is so real that every accusation that could be brought up against any and every believer will be proved to be a lie and untrue. Justification is not just as if I never sinned. Justification is, I have never sinned. This is seen in the glorious Gospel of Christ, how He has made the way for God to be just and justify the ungodly.
Paul spoke of the, “Work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” (I Thess. 1:3). These are the three abiding graces that every believer possesses. “Now abideth faith, hope, charity; these three.” It is only faith that works. It is only love that labors. It is only hope that endures. But…”The greatest of these is charity.” Faith will one day be turned to sight, Hope will one day be turned to experience, but Love to God and His people will continue throughout eternity!
*****
By God’s all-wise appointment, our assemblies are the life, the food, and the nourishment of our souls. It is the main way whereby we publicly identify with Christ and His Gospel. We evidence our love for Christ by our loyalty and support of one another in opposition to all false worship. Many things will rise up in competition to the diligent attendance of our assemblies. We must recognize and refuse to give in to anything that is opposed to what Christ commands. The total falling away of a graceless professor always begins with this neglect - the disassociation with God’s people (Hebrews 10:25). – John Owens
*****
Those who have been saved are those who are “being saved” (I Cor. 1:18; Phil 2:12,13). Those who have learned of Christ are those who “are learning” of Him (I John 6:45; Matt. 11:29). Those who truly know the Lord are those who “desire to know Him” (Phil 3:7-10). Those who have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ are those who continue to cry unto the Lord, “I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory” (Ex. 33:18). These are the people who say, from the heart, “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalm17:15). – Maurice Montgomery
*****
WHY WE PREACH ELECTION
We preach sovereign election not only because it is revealed in God’s Word, exhibiting man’s total depravity and inability, but because it exalts a sovereign God in His Trinity of Persons. It reveals the magnitude of His kingdom and defines who are the objects of the Father’s everlasting love, the travail of the Redeemer’s soul, and the objects of the Spirit’s concern and care. Within election’s hallowed bounds the whole seed royal of heaven are found by a seeking Saviour and a searching Spirit. - Thomas Bradbury
January 2, 2022
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Precious Savior, friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Our Great Savior” p. 49)
*****
With regard to the New Year, may we all remember, “My times are in Thy hands” (Psalm 31:15). That makes for a happy New Year!
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, Florida will host a Bible Conference January 14-16. Speakers are Chris Cunningham, Todd Nibert, and Kevin Thacker.
Birthdays
3rd – Rachel Sullivan 4th – Laura Brown 5th – Michael Mohr
6th – Annette DuFour 6th – Nathaniel Sligh
7th – Henry Lynn 8th – Rachel Harries
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” - Proverbs 10:4
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR?
Many things may come to our mind, but we are told in Philippians 4:6, “Let your moderation be known to all men.” This is not about moderation in eating or drinking. The word means gentle forbearance, not insisting on the letter of the law: Humaneness. Moderation is the ability to see things from another point of view. It is one of the words used to describe the wisdom that is from above in James 3:17, “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle (moderate), and easy to be entreated, full of mercy.” This is what we want men to see in us! The wisdom that is first pure, according to Truth, then peaceable, gentle, and approachable. Will men see that in me?
*****
Paul said, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” He speaks of differing states, “Both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Phil. 4:12). These are actually good states to be in: To be humbled and to believe in abounding grace, to be full in Christ and to hunger after Him, to abound in grace and to stay poor and needy. In all of these states our contentment is in Christ. Having Him as All, and having all things in Him, we are content with whatever state we are in because our contentment is not in our state, but in Him.
*****
HOW CAN I KNOW IF CHRIST DIED FOR ME?
To some that is a mute point because they believe He died for all men without exception. But according to the Bible, He only died for His sheep (John 10:16). Not everybody is a sheep. There are also goats. So how can I know that I am one for whom He died? Am I simply to have faith that He died for me? No. You can believe that He died for you and that does not mean He did. Faith is not believing He died for you. Faith is not believing you are saved. Those things have to do with assurance. When the Ethiopian eunuch asked Phillip, what hinders me from being baptized? Phillip said, “If you believe with all your heart you may.” Notice He did not say, “I believe that Christ died for me personally,” or “I believe that I am saved.” He said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” It is believing the Gospel, believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God: it is believing that He is the only successful Savior and that He is able to save you. But if you believe the Gospel, yes, Christ most assuredly died for you. “And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed”(Acts 13:48).
It is said of the “double minded man,” “Let not that man think he shall receive anything of the Lord” (James 1:7). That man that James describes is not the man struggling with the two natures he possesses. The man of Romans 7 is not a double minded man. The double minded man does not have a simple, singular faith. He does not look to Christ only… he looks to Christ and ______ (fill in the blank). In reality, this man has no faith at all. The only true faith is the faith that looks to Christ only. The double minded man will receive nothing from the Lord. He has no faith to begin with!
*****
The turn of the calendar from one year to the next has no real significance, only a psychological one. But, it does give us time to reflect and creates some hope for the future that it will be better than the past has proven to be. That hope is always proven false, but it does help us get by.
However, the perspective of the believer differs from that of the non-believer. Both see that same things and experience the same things. But these things have differing meanings to each of them. The believer (referred to as a righteous person in the Scripture) views the events of this world through the prism of promise – Divine promise: “Say to the righteous, It shall be well with them.”
In the coming year, the righteous, just like the unbelieving, will experience all manner of pleasant and unpleasant things. Some of God’s dear children will face the most serious trials of their lives in the coming year. Some will be brought right to the breaking point, so burdened and mournful they will despair even of life. Some will fall into grievous sin and bring shame and hurt to those they love and to the cause of Christ. Some will wander and be drawn away for a time.
But it will be well with them. It may be hard for them, but it will be well with them. The Lord God has undertaken for them and has attached His promise, and therefore, His glory, to their well-being. They cannot come to eternal harm without it bringing harm to His Name. And that He will not allow!
To all my brethren I pray you will have a pleasant New Year. But you and I know that such is not the way of this world. This year, like all other years, will be a mix of pleasant and unpleasant for you. But, if your hope is in the Lord, then no matter what happens, it will be well with you.
- Joe Terrell
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Precious Savior, friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Our Great Savior” p. 49)
*****
With regard to the New Year, may we all remember, “My times are in Thy hands” (Psalm 31:15). That makes for a happy New Year!
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, Florida will host a Bible Conference January 14-16. Speakers are Chris Cunningham, Todd Nibert, and Kevin Thacker.
Birthdays
3rd – Rachel Sullivan 4th – Laura Brown 5th – Michael Mohr
6th – Annette DuFour 6th – Nathaniel Sligh
7th – Henry Lynn 8th – Rachel Harries
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” - Proverbs 10:4
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR?
Many things may come to our mind, but we are told in Philippians 4:6, “Let your moderation be known to all men.” This is not about moderation in eating or drinking. The word means gentle forbearance, not insisting on the letter of the law: Humaneness. Moderation is the ability to see things from another point of view. It is one of the words used to describe the wisdom that is from above in James 3:17, “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle (moderate), and easy to be entreated, full of mercy.” This is what we want men to see in us! The wisdom that is first pure, according to Truth, then peaceable, gentle, and approachable. Will men see that in me?
*****
Paul said, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” He speaks of differing states, “Both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Phil. 4:12). These are actually good states to be in: To be humbled and to believe in abounding grace, to be full in Christ and to hunger after Him, to abound in grace and to stay poor and needy. In all of these states our contentment is in Christ. Having Him as All, and having all things in Him, we are content with whatever state we are in because our contentment is not in our state, but in Him.
*****
HOW CAN I KNOW IF CHRIST DIED FOR ME?
To some that is a mute point because they believe He died for all men without exception. But according to the Bible, He only died for His sheep (John 10:16). Not everybody is a sheep. There are also goats. So how can I know that I am one for whom He died? Am I simply to have faith that He died for me? No. You can believe that He died for you and that does not mean He did. Faith is not believing He died for you. Faith is not believing you are saved. Those things have to do with assurance. When the Ethiopian eunuch asked Phillip, what hinders me from being baptized? Phillip said, “If you believe with all your heart you may.” Notice He did not say, “I believe that Christ died for me personally,” or “I believe that I am saved.” He said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” It is believing the Gospel, believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God: it is believing that He is the only successful Savior and that He is able to save you. But if you believe the Gospel, yes, Christ most assuredly died for you. “And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed”(Acts 13:48).
It is said of the “double minded man,” “Let not that man think he shall receive anything of the Lord” (James 1:7). That man that James describes is not the man struggling with the two natures he possesses. The man of Romans 7 is not a double minded man. The double minded man does not have a simple, singular faith. He does not look to Christ only… he looks to Christ and ______ (fill in the blank). In reality, this man has no faith at all. The only true faith is the faith that looks to Christ only. The double minded man will receive nothing from the Lord. He has no faith to begin with!
*****
The turn of the calendar from one year to the next has no real significance, only a psychological one. But, it does give us time to reflect and creates some hope for the future that it will be better than the past has proven to be. That hope is always proven false, but it does help us get by.
However, the perspective of the believer differs from that of the non-believer. Both see that same things and experience the same things. But these things have differing meanings to each of them. The believer (referred to as a righteous person in the Scripture) views the events of this world through the prism of promise – Divine promise: “Say to the righteous, It shall be well with them.”
In the coming year, the righteous, just like the unbelieving, will experience all manner of pleasant and unpleasant things. Some of God’s dear children will face the most serious trials of their lives in the coming year. Some will be brought right to the breaking point, so burdened and mournful they will despair even of life. Some will fall into grievous sin and bring shame and hurt to those they love and to the cause of Christ. Some will wander and be drawn away for a time.
But it will be well with them. It may be hard for them, but it will be well with them. The Lord God has undertaken for them and has attached His promise, and therefore, His glory, to their well-being. They cannot come to eternal harm without it bringing harm to His Name. And that He will not allow!
To all my brethren I pray you will have a pleasant New Year. But you and I know that such is not the way of this world. This year, like all other years, will be a mix of pleasant and unpleasant for you. But, if your hope is in the Lord, then no matter what happens, it will be well with you.
- Joe Terrell
December 26, 2021
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Come, let us sing the song of songs
The glory which to Christ belongs
The hosts of Heav’n began the strain
“Worthy the Lamb, for He was slain!”
Slain to redeem us by His blood
And makes us kings and priests to God
To cleanse from ev’ry sinful stain
“Worthy the Lamb, for He was slain!”
Among a thousand hearts and songs
His sacred Name fills all our tongues
All pow’r in Heav’n and earth proclaim
“Worthy the Lamb, for He was slain!”
Long as I live and when I die
This song of songs shall be my cry
And while in Heav’n with Him I reign
“Worthy the Lamb, for He was slain!”
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
There will be no service this Wednesday. We will have a New Year’s Eve service at 7:00 on Friday Dec. 31st. After the service on New Year’s Eve, everyone is invited to the Harries home.
We extend our sympathy to Kristy Burton and her family on the death of her father.
Birthdays
26th – Jake Murphy 26th – Paul Walmsley 29th – Amanda Frye
29th - Alan Kincer 30th – Will Hands 31th – Donna Wooten
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” - Proverbs 10:19
THE HIDDEN MAN OF THE HEART
“But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” - I Peter 3:4
The hidden man of the heart, the new heart he was given in the new birth, is of great value in the sight of God. It comes from Him and is therefore incorruptible. The holy nature cannot sin (I John 3:9). It is seen by men as a meek and quiet spirit. Meekness is an attitude toward God that believes He is the first cause of all things. Whatever He does is right, therefore to be bowed to without murmuring and complaining. Quiet means tranquil; undisturbed and undisturbing. This meek and quiet spirit is the way this hidden man is seen!
*****
CONDUCT MATTERS
In I Peter 3, Peter spoke of the conduct of husbands and wives. He exhorted the wives to conduct themselves in a manner their unbelieving husbands would see and be won over by their, “chaste conversation coupled with fear.” He exhorted the husbands to dwell with their wives according to knowledge, giving honor to them as the weaker vessel, “that your prayers be not hindered.” The word hindered is also translated cut off, cut down, and hewn down. Good conduct has a great effect on others and bad conduct hinders prayer. While it is 100% true that salvation is by 100% grace, and not according to our works; conduct matters, and it matters greatly! There is no sense in which our character and conduct are not of great importance! Conduct matters!
*****
Hell is never something to be referred to flippantly. Paul thought the word so awful that he never used it in his writings. While we do not know what all is involved in the penal punishment of hell, we do know it is eternal. This is true for two reasons. (1)The murder of the Son of God is of such infinite evil that satisfaction can never be made. (2)Those in hell remain unreformed. If let out of hell they would murder the Son of God again! What amazing grace that Christ bore the full equivalent of eternal hell and made satisfaction for sin so that there is no wrath left for those for whom He died. Hell is eternal. But thank God, heaven is eternal as well!
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
Galatians 6:14
“God forbid.” This is a strong expression that Paul uses. With it he removes all other grounds for boasting. This is the only thing in which he gloried. Paul had many things in which he could have gloried but he said, “I count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” If you would read Philippians 3:5-6, you will find that in which we boast is nothing. It is nothing compared to what we need before God. He says he cast all he once gloried in aside, “That he might win Christ and be found in Him.” He said, “God forbid that I should glory in it.” It all looked good until it was brought into the light of God’s glory and holiness. He takes all that he had, did, and was, and puts it all away, and comes forward with no other theme on his lips, and no greater love in his heart, except this – Christ Jesus crucified. - Milton Howard
*****
A GOSPEL TO BELIEVE
The Gospel of God’s grace in Christ Jesus is not a thing to be proved, but a Truth to be believed. It is not submitted to our reasoning powers as a subject for critical examination. The Gospel is a MESSAGE FROM GOD, addressed to the conscience, feelings, and affections. For this reason, men fond of argument and proving everything by strictly logical deduction generally make very poor preachers. In the Scriptures, God does not argue. He proclaims! - J. C. Philpot
*****
“For there is one God, and one mediator between
God and man, the man Christ Jesus.” - I Timothy 2:5
Everything that God says to men, He says through a Mediator. Everything that God does to men, for men, or with men, He does through a Mediator. Everything that God reveals and makes known about Himself, He reveals through a Mediator. And that Mediator is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the God-man, our Saviour. - Don Fortner
*****
It is hard to say which is worse – the atheist who says, “There is no God”, or the religionist who maintains that God cannot do as He pleases.
Since all men by nature have stony hearts, all the threatening in the world will do no good; the stony heart of natural man must be pierced by THE POWER OF GOD in order to be tender! One with a tender heart desires to know the will of God, has a readiness for spiritual things, has a disposition to obey the revealed Truth, and has a desire to make the things of God his chief business. - Scott Richardson
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Come, let us sing the song of songs
The glory which to Christ belongs
The hosts of Heav’n began the strain
“Worthy the Lamb, for He was slain!”
Slain to redeem us by His blood
And makes us kings and priests to God
To cleanse from ev’ry sinful stain
“Worthy the Lamb, for He was slain!”
Among a thousand hearts and songs
His sacred Name fills all our tongues
All pow’r in Heav’n and earth proclaim
“Worthy the Lamb, for He was slain!”
Long as I live and when I die
This song of songs shall be my cry
And while in Heav’n with Him I reign
“Worthy the Lamb, for He was slain!”
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
There will be no service this Wednesday. We will have a New Year’s Eve service at 7:00 on Friday Dec. 31st. After the service on New Year’s Eve, everyone is invited to the Harries home.
We extend our sympathy to Kristy Burton and her family on the death of her father.
Birthdays
26th – Jake Murphy 26th – Paul Walmsley 29th – Amanda Frye
29th - Alan Kincer 30th – Will Hands 31th – Donna Wooten
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” - Proverbs 10:19
THE HIDDEN MAN OF THE HEART
“But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” - I Peter 3:4
The hidden man of the heart, the new heart he was given in the new birth, is of great value in the sight of God. It comes from Him and is therefore incorruptible. The holy nature cannot sin (I John 3:9). It is seen by men as a meek and quiet spirit. Meekness is an attitude toward God that believes He is the first cause of all things. Whatever He does is right, therefore to be bowed to without murmuring and complaining. Quiet means tranquil; undisturbed and undisturbing. This meek and quiet spirit is the way this hidden man is seen!
*****
CONDUCT MATTERS
In I Peter 3, Peter spoke of the conduct of husbands and wives. He exhorted the wives to conduct themselves in a manner their unbelieving husbands would see and be won over by their, “chaste conversation coupled with fear.” He exhorted the husbands to dwell with their wives according to knowledge, giving honor to them as the weaker vessel, “that your prayers be not hindered.” The word hindered is also translated cut off, cut down, and hewn down. Good conduct has a great effect on others and bad conduct hinders prayer. While it is 100% true that salvation is by 100% grace, and not according to our works; conduct matters, and it matters greatly! There is no sense in which our character and conduct are not of great importance! Conduct matters!
*****
Hell is never something to be referred to flippantly. Paul thought the word so awful that he never used it in his writings. While we do not know what all is involved in the penal punishment of hell, we do know it is eternal. This is true for two reasons. (1)The murder of the Son of God is of such infinite evil that satisfaction can never be made. (2)Those in hell remain unreformed. If let out of hell they would murder the Son of God again! What amazing grace that Christ bore the full equivalent of eternal hell and made satisfaction for sin so that there is no wrath left for those for whom He died. Hell is eternal. But thank God, heaven is eternal as well!
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
Galatians 6:14
“God forbid.” This is a strong expression that Paul uses. With it he removes all other grounds for boasting. This is the only thing in which he gloried. Paul had many things in which he could have gloried but he said, “I count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” If you would read Philippians 3:5-6, you will find that in which we boast is nothing. It is nothing compared to what we need before God. He says he cast all he once gloried in aside, “That he might win Christ and be found in Him.” He said, “God forbid that I should glory in it.” It all looked good until it was brought into the light of God’s glory and holiness. He takes all that he had, did, and was, and puts it all away, and comes forward with no other theme on his lips, and no greater love in his heart, except this – Christ Jesus crucified. - Milton Howard
*****
A GOSPEL TO BELIEVE
The Gospel of God’s grace in Christ Jesus is not a thing to be proved, but a Truth to be believed. It is not submitted to our reasoning powers as a subject for critical examination. The Gospel is a MESSAGE FROM GOD, addressed to the conscience, feelings, and affections. For this reason, men fond of argument and proving everything by strictly logical deduction generally make very poor preachers. In the Scriptures, God does not argue. He proclaims! - J. C. Philpot
*****
“For there is one God, and one mediator between
God and man, the man Christ Jesus.” - I Timothy 2:5
Everything that God says to men, He says through a Mediator. Everything that God does to men, for men, or with men, He does through a Mediator. Everything that God reveals and makes known about Himself, He reveals through a Mediator. And that Mediator is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the God-man, our Saviour. - Don Fortner
*****
It is hard to say which is worse – the atheist who says, “There is no God”, or the religionist who maintains that God cannot do as He pleases.
Since all men by nature have stony hearts, all the threatening in the world will do no good; the stony heart of natural man must be pierced by THE POWER OF GOD in order to be tender! One with a tender heart desires to know the will of God, has a readiness for spiritual things, has a disposition to obey the revealed Truth, and has a desire to make the things of God his chief business. - Scott Richardson
December 19, 2021
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Revive Thy Work, O Lord
Create soul-thirst for Thee
And hung’ring for the Word of Life
O may our spirits be!
Revive Thy Work, O Lord
Exalt Thy precious Name
And by the Holy Ghost our love
For Thee and Thine inflame.
Revive Thy Work, O Lord
Give pow’r unto Thy Word
And may its pure and sacred Truth
In living faith be heard.
Revive Thy Word, O Lord
And give refreshing showers
The glory shall be all Thine own
The blessing, Lord be ours!
*****
There will be no service this Wednesday Dec. 22nd or Wednesday Dec. 29th. We will have a New Year’s Eve service at 7:00 on Friday Dec. 31st. After the service on New Year’s Eve, everyone is invited to the Harries home.
Birthdays
19th – Amanda Janes 21st – Erik Charron
23rd – Rick Kelley 25th – Paul Daniel
There is nothing that thrills my soul more than to see the suretyship of Christ my Lord! To see that He voluntarily became responsible for my salvation before I had any being, thrills my soul in a way that I simply cannot express. Truly, this is what “Salvation by grace” really means!
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” - Proverbs 18:
THE BEAUTY OF HUMILITY
Humility is beautiful! Pride and arrogance is ugly. But humility, a just estimate of one’s self, is beautiful. It is even admired by unbelievers. Everyone esteems a genuinely humble person. If someone is successful and humble, we admire them. If someone is successful but proud and arrogant, we dislike them. The Lord Jesus Christ describes Himself as meek and lowly of heart. He who has all the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in His body is humble, meek, lowly, and gentle. Humility is true strength! While God resists the proud, and abases those that exalt themselves, He gives grace to and exalts the humble! Where there is unity and like-mindedness, there is always humility. Where there is strife and contention, pride is always the root cause, “By pride only cometh contention.” Peter calls on us to, “Be clothed with humility” - and Paul calls the clothing of the elect of God, “Humbleness of mind.” How beautiful is the grace of humility! When someone asked Calvin what the three greatest graces were, He replied, “Humility, humility, humility.”
*****
Clothing takes on the temperature of the people wearing them. If it is a warm living body, the clothing will be warm. If it is a cold lifeless body, the clothing will have no warmth. When people view the doctrine of God as cold and dead, the problem is not with the doctrine. They themselves are either dead in sins or in a dangerous state of lukewarmness. They do not hear doctrine as the doctrine of Christ, but doctrine they already know. The doctrine has gone from astonishing to something we have grown weary of. That will be me if the Lord does not prevent it.
*****
If there is one thing I must do before God will do anything for me, God will not do anything for me! If there is one thing I must do before God can do something for me, that would mean what God does or does not do for me is dependent upon what I do. That is salvation by works. Thank God that is not the message of Scripture! “By grace ye are saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest ant man should boast. For we are His workmanship” (Eph. 2:8-10).
*****
If there was ever one who had the bare minimum of what was needed to be saved, it was the thief on the cross. But he also had the maximum. It is not like he just barely made it in. He had such a fullness of salvation in Christ that nothing could be added to it! Christ alone is our salvation. Nothing more! Nothing less! Nothing else!
LOVEST THOU ME?
This is the question put to Simon Peter by our Lord. In a message on the subject by J. C. Ryle, Mr. Ryle made nine statements concerning what it means to love Christ.
1. If we love someone, we like to think about Him.
2. If we love someone, we like to hear about Him.
3. If we love someone, we like to read about Him.
4. If we love someone, we want to please Him.
5. If we love someone, we like His friends.
6. If we love someone, we are jealous of His honor.
7. If we love someone, we like to talk to Him.
8. If we love someone, we like to be with Him.
9. If we love someone, we like to speak of Him.
Our Lord asks His disciples, “Lovest Thou Me?”
*****
Charity never faileth. It never ceases. It never ends, it is never reduced to inactivity. This is true of that love which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It bears or covers with silence all things. It believes the best in all things. What it cannot see it hopes for in all ways. It always endures. It never quits. This is Christ’s love for His people. And this is the love of the new nature that they possess. A love that never faileth.
*****
David said, regarding the everlasting covenant, which was ordered in all things and sure, “This is all my salvation, and all my desire” (II Sam. 23:5). Is this everlasting covenant all of your salvation? Is it all of your desire? If you are a believer, you can say it is with just as much depth of meaning as David did!
*****
“…. And His grace to me was not without effect” – I Corinthians 15:10
Grace is not merely a doctrine, but an unstoppable force of God. It is never without effect! We are chosen by grace with the undeniable effect that we are His. We are redeemed by grace with the certain effect that we are free. We are called by grace with the inescapable effect that we come to Him. We are preserved by grace with the inevitable effect that we shall be with Him forever. - Joe Terrell
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Revive Thy Work, O Lord
Create soul-thirst for Thee
And hung’ring for the Word of Life
O may our spirits be!
Revive Thy Work, O Lord
Exalt Thy precious Name
And by the Holy Ghost our love
For Thee and Thine inflame.
Revive Thy Work, O Lord
Give pow’r unto Thy Word
And may its pure and sacred Truth
In living faith be heard.
Revive Thy Word, O Lord
And give refreshing showers
The glory shall be all Thine own
The blessing, Lord be ours!
*****
There will be no service this Wednesday Dec. 22nd or Wednesday Dec. 29th. We will have a New Year’s Eve service at 7:00 on Friday Dec. 31st. After the service on New Year’s Eve, everyone is invited to the Harries home.
Birthdays
19th – Amanda Janes 21st – Erik Charron
23rd – Rick Kelley 25th – Paul Daniel
There is nothing that thrills my soul more than to see the suretyship of Christ my Lord! To see that He voluntarily became responsible for my salvation before I had any being, thrills my soul in a way that I simply cannot express. Truly, this is what “Salvation by grace” really means!
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” - Proverbs 18:
THE BEAUTY OF HUMILITY
Humility is beautiful! Pride and arrogance is ugly. But humility, a just estimate of one’s self, is beautiful. It is even admired by unbelievers. Everyone esteems a genuinely humble person. If someone is successful and humble, we admire them. If someone is successful but proud and arrogant, we dislike them. The Lord Jesus Christ describes Himself as meek and lowly of heart. He who has all the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in His body is humble, meek, lowly, and gentle. Humility is true strength! While God resists the proud, and abases those that exalt themselves, He gives grace to and exalts the humble! Where there is unity and like-mindedness, there is always humility. Where there is strife and contention, pride is always the root cause, “By pride only cometh contention.” Peter calls on us to, “Be clothed with humility” - and Paul calls the clothing of the elect of God, “Humbleness of mind.” How beautiful is the grace of humility! When someone asked Calvin what the three greatest graces were, He replied, “Humility, humility, humility.”
*****
Clothing takes on the temperature of the people wearing them. If it is a warm living body, the clothing will be warm. If it is a cold lifeless body, the clothing will have no warmth. When people view the doctrine of God as cold and dead, the problem is not with the doctrine. They themselves are either dead in sins or in a dangerous state of lukewarmness. They do not hear doctrine as the doctrine of Christ, but doctrine they already know. The doctrine has gone from astonishing to something we have grown weary of. That will be me if the Lord does not prevent it.
*****
If there is one thing I must do before God will do anything for me, God will not do anything for me! If there is one thing I must do before God can do something for me, that would mean what God does or does not do for me is dependent upon what I do. That is salvation by works. Thank God that is not the message of Scripture! “By grace ye are saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest ant man should boast. For we are His workmanship” (Eph. 2:8-10).
*****
If there was ever one who had the bare minimum of what was needed to be saved, it was the thief on the cross. But he also had the maximum. It is not like he just barely made it in. He had such a fullness of salvation in Christ that nothing could be added to it! Christ alone is our salvation. Nothing more! Nothing less! Nothing else!
LOVEST THOU ME?
This is the question put to Simon Peter by our Lord. In a message on the subject by J. C. Ryle, Mr. Ryle made nine statements concerning what it means to love Christ.
1. If we love someone, we like to think about Him.
2. If we love someone, we like to hear about Him.
3. If we love someone, we like to read about Him.
4. If we love someone, we want to please Him.
5. If we love someone, we like His friends.
6. If we love someone, we are jealous of His honor.
7. If we love someone, we like to talk to Him.
8. If we love someone, we like to be with Him.
9. If we love someone, we like to speak of Him.
Our Lord asks His disciples, “Lovest Thou Me?”
*****
Charity never faileth. It never ceases. It never ends, it is never reduced to inactivity. This is true of that love which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It bears or covers with silence all things. It believes the best in all things. What it cannot see it hopes for in all ways. It always endures. It never quits. This is Christ’s love for His people. And this is the love of the new nature that they possess. A love that never faileth.
*****
David said, regarding the everlasting covenant, which was ordered in all things and sure, “This is all my salvation, and all my desire” (II Sam. 23:5). Is this everlasting covenant all of your salvation? Is it all of your desire? If you are a believer, you can say it is with just as much depth of meaning as David did!
*****
“…. And His grace to me was not without effect” – I Corinthians 15:10
Grace is not merely a doctrine, but an unstoppable force of God. It is never without effect! We are chosen by grace with the undeniable effect that we are His. We are redeemed by grace with the certain effect that we are free. We are called by grace with the inescapable effect that we come to Him. We are preserved by grace with the inevitable effect that we shall be with Him forever. - Joe Terrell
December 12, 2020
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Before the Throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea
A great High Priest, whose Name is love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heav’n He stands
No tongue can bid me to depart.
Because the sinless Saviour died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on HIM and pardon me.
One with Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased with His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ, my Saviour, and my God.
(Tune: “When I Survey” p. 118)
*****
There will be no service on Wednesday Dec. 22nd or Wednesday Dec. 29th. We will have a New Year’s Eve service at 7:00 on Friday the 31st.
Birthdays
12th – Lisa Gillispie 14th – Miles Elliott
14th – Christie Small 16th – Cindy Farmer
Sinners are welcome at this church. We are a local body of the Lord Jesus Christ. As you spend time with us, you will soon discover we are an imperfect church, with an imperfect pastor, yet by God’s undeserved grace, we preach, believe, and know the perfect Gospel of our never-failing Lord Jesus Christ. We call His Name Jesus for He shall (not might, not maybe) but shall save His people from their sins, and every sinner that trusts in Christ is complete in Him, saved to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:2). – Copied
“The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.” - Proverbs 26:16
*****
When I become judgmental and critical I have set myself up as a judge and a critic. The reason behind that is always self-righteousness. Always tied to self-righteousness is a failure to assume personal responsibility for my own sin. Eve blamed Satan and Adam blamed Eve. I fail to see my sin as being my fault. I am a victim! I see myself in a better light then I really am. I am now competent to be the judge and critic of others. However, if all my sin is seen as all my fault I see myself as unable to be anyone’s judge or critic. And that is a good place to be! “Therefore thou art inexcusable O man, whosoever thou art that judgest, for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself: for thou that judgest doest the same things.”
*****
“Love believeth all things.” This does not simply mean you believe the best about someone even thou you do not see it. While that is certainly involved, it means the person you love you believe in! That is more than giving them the benefit of the doubt. It is believing the best concerning that person you love! Even if you cannot see it, you believe it. “Love believeth all things.”
*****
ALL THE COUNSEL OF GOD
Paul said to the Ephesian Elders, “I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” By that, he did not mean that every time he preached he attempted to cover all of the various doctrines of the Gospel. He meant that he never held anything back.
In a courtroom, the witness is required, “To tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” This is necessary because we can tell a lie by means of telling only half the truth! This is an attempt at deception while technically telling the truth. But you know as well as I that only half the truth is a lie!
How many preachers in our day say many good things and true things, yet they only tell half the story. It is called perjury in our court system. In the great court of heaven it is treason!
Because of Adam’s disobedience, we inherited all his sinful traits. Even so, by the obedience of one, Jesus Christ, we see the wonderful, effectual, results of His obedience. “Many shall be made righteous.” Here is a glorious truth that also thunders through the Scriptures, “Grace has reigned through righteousness unto eternal life.” We have absolutely nothing to do with becoming righteous. Our righteousness was total earned by our Mediator, Jesus Christ, and freely and sovereignly imputed to us by His grace (Romans 4:6-8). - Tom Harding
*****
Every aspect of the Gospel of Christ is according to the predestinating will of God… so much so that the final salvation of the elect is spoken of in the past tense before it takes place. “Whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Any gospel that is not founded upon the sovereign, predestinating will of God is a false gospel, because, if it is not founded upon God’s will, it is necessarily founded upon man’s will. And we know from Scripture, “It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”
*****
If the possession of heaven could be obtained with only a single act of goodness - never to all eternity should I find it. “When I would do good, evil is present with me.” Oh! Then for grace to know Thee, to love Thee, to follow Thee, as my only good; my hope, my righteousness, my portion forever! - Robert Hawker
*****
When I was young, I was sure of many things. But now that I am old, there are only two things of which I am sure. One is that I am a miserable sinner! Secondly, that Christ is an all-sufficient Savior! He is well taught – who learns these two lessons. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (I Timothy 1:15). – John Newton
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Before the Throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea
A great High Priest, whose Name is love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heav’n He stands
No tongue can bid me to depart.
Because the sinless Saviour died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on HIM and pardon me.
One with Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased with His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ, my Saviour, and my God.
(Tune: “When I Survey” p. 118)
*****
There will be no service on Wednesday Dec. 22nd or Wednesday Dec. 29th. We will have a New Year’s Eve service at 7:00 on Friday the 31st.
Birthdays
12th – Lisa Gillispie 14th – Miles Elliott
14th – Christie Small 16th – Cindy Farmer
Sinners are welcome at this church. We are a local body of the Lord Jesus Christ. As you spend time with us, you will soon discover we are an imperfect church, with an imperfect pastor, yet by God’s undeserved grace, we preach, believe, and know the perfect Gospel of our never-failing Lord Jesus Christ. We call His Name Jesus for He shall (not might, not maybe) but shall save His people from their sins, and every sinner that trusts in Christ is complete in Him, saved to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:2). – Copied
“The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.” - Proverbs 26:16
*****
When I become judgmental and critical I have set myself up as a judge and a critic. The reason behind that is always self-righteousness. Always tied to self-righteousness is a failure to assume personal responsibility for my own sin. Eve blamed Satan and Adam blamed Eve. I fail to see my sin as being my fault. I am a victim! I see myself in a better light then I really am. I am now competent to be the judge and critic of others. However, if all my sin is seen as all my fault I see myself as unable to be anyone’s judge or critic. And that is a good place to be! “Therefore thou art inexcusable O man, whosoever thou art that judgest, for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself: for thou that judgest doest the same things.”
*****
“Love believeth all things.” This does not simply mean you believe the best about someone even thou you do not see it. While that is certainly involved, it means the person you love you believe in! That is more than giving them the benefit of the doubt. It is believing the best concerning that person you love! Even if you cannot see it, you believe it. “Love believeth all things.”
*****
ALL THE COUNSEL OF GOD
Paul said to the Ephesian Elders, “I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” By that, he did not mean that every time he preached he attempted to cover all of the various doctrines of the Gospel. He meant that he never held anything back.
In a courtroom, the witness is required, “To tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” This is necessary because we can tell a lie by means of telling only half the truth! This is an attempt at deception while technically telling the truth. But you know as well as I that only half the truth is a lie!
How many preachers in our day say many good things and true things, yet they only tell half the story. It is called perjury in our court system. In the great court of heaven it is treason!
Because of Adam’s disobedience, we inherited all his sinful traits. Even so, by the obedience of one, Jesus Christ, we see the wonderful, effectual, results of His obedience. “Many shall be made righteous.” Here is a glorious truth that also thunders through the Scriptures, “Grace has reigned through righteousness unto eternal life.” We have absolutely nothing to do with becoming righteous. Our righteousness was total earned by our Mediator, Jesus Christ, and freely and sovereignly imputed to us by His grace (Romans 4:6-8). - Tom Harding
*****
Every aspect of the Gospel of Christ is according to the predestinating will of God… so much so that the final salvation of the elect is spoken of in the past tense before it takes place. “Whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Any gospel that is not founded upon the sovereign, predestinating will of God is a false gospel, because, if it is not founded upon God’s will, it is necessarily founded upon man’s will. And we know from Scripture, “It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”
*****
If the possession of heaven could be obtained with only a single act of goodness - never to all eternity should I find it. “When I would do good, evil is present with me.” Oh! Then for grace to know Thee, to love Thee, to follow Thee, as my only good; my hope, my righteousness, my portion forever! - Robert Hawker
*****
When I was young, I was sure of many things. But now that I am old, there are only two things of which I am sure. One is that I am a miserable sinner! Secondly, that Christ is an all-sufficient Savior! He is well taught – who learns these two lessons. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (I Timothy 1:15). – John Newton
December 5, 2020
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Glory to God on High!
Let earth to heav’n reply, “Praise ye His Name!”
Angels His love adore
Who all our sorrows bore
And saints cry evermore, “WORTHY THE LAMB!”
All they around the Throne
Cheerfully join in one, praising His Name!
We who have known His blood
Sealing our peace with God
Sound His dear Name abroad, “WORTHY THE LAMB!”
Though we must change our place
Yet will we never cease, praising His Name!
To Him we’ll tribute bring
Hail Him our sovereign King
And with out ceasing sing, “WORTHY THE LAMB!”
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King”)
*****
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home this Friday, Dec. 10th at 7:00pm. Food and Drinks will be provided.
Birthdays
5th – Andy Davis 8th – Camden Proffitt 8th – Mike Brumfield
9th – Chuck Mohr 9th – Ben Small
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” - Proverbs 17:9
Christ is either all in our salvation of He is nothing at all. There are no other positions. Salvation is either all of grace or all of works. There can be no compound or mixture of the two. This is either Good News to me or bad news to me. Nothing in the middle of these two. The Gospel, if true, is of infinite importance. If false, it is of no importance. But the one thing it cannot be is moderately important.
LOVE BEARETH ALL THINGS
I Corinthians 13:7
The word bear is the verb form of the word roof. It roofs over all things. It covers with silence all things. “Love covereth all transgressions” (Proverbs 10:12). “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love” (Proverbs 17:9). The Lord covers with silence all things of those He loves. His blood covers our sins so there is nothing to expose. Our sins are non-existent! He would never expose sin because He loves us and because of the covering of His blood, there is nothing to expose. When one person wishes to expose another person so that others will see their sins, faults, and flaws, there is only one reason - the absence of love for that person. Love covers with silence all things. It builds a roof so the sins of the object of its love cannot be seen.
*****
UNITY
Let us not set ourselves up as critics and judges of the conduct and lives of other believers. Let us not spend our time finding fault with one another, picking out weaknesses and exaggerating difference of opinion and practice. Rather, let us spend our time endeavoring to help one another and to avoid doing and saying things that may cause others to stumble. We can do this by making our fellowship to be in Christ (not in form and traditions), by loving one another in spite of differences, and by avoiding collisions on the points wherein we differ. I am not suggesting for a moment that we compromise the Gospel or the fundamentals of our faith; but, as there are no two snowflakes exactly alike, there are no two people exactly alike; therefore, the foundation of our fellowship is OUR LOVE FOR CHRIST and OUR LOVE FOR ONE ANTOHER, not perfect agreement on every point. The fact of the matter is that I do not agree or approve of all that I do, think, and say! “Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God.” By God’s grace, I intend to love and encourage every believer in Christ, our sovereign Lord. I shall endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit of God in the bond of peace for the glory of our Lord, the well-being of His church, and the witness of the Gospel. - Henry Mahan
*****
In both I & II Timothy we have the phrase, “unfeigned faith” - faith that is not faked. You are not a pretend sinner, but a real sinner! You do not merely say you look to Christ only, you really do look to Christ only. He really is all you have. That and nothing less is, “unfeigned faith.”
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
When an individual seeks to make the gate wider than Christ does and the road broader than Christ does, he has entered the wide gate and broad road that leads to destruction. The person who does this says by this action that he is more merciful than Christ. Under the cloak of love for souls and not being judgmental of others he is actually denying the Gospel. The gate is so strait that the only way you can get through it is if all you have is Christ. The road is so narrow that you will fall off into the precipice if you have anything more or less than Christ. If you can look at anything else that gives you confidence that you have entered the strait gate and are on the narrow road, you have actually entered the wide gate and are on the broad road that leads to destruction. The Lord says plainly that many are on the broad way and few are on the narrow way.
*****
THE LAW REVEALS SIN
If I measure a crooked wall with a perfect plumb line, it reveals the crookedness of the wall, but it does not remove it. If I take out a bright light on a dark night, it reveals to me all the pitfalls and hindrances, but it does not remove them. Now the plumb line and the lamp do not create the evils which they point out. They neither create nor remove, but simply reveal. So it is with the law. It does not create the evil in man’s heart; neither does it remove it. But with unerring accuracy, it reveals it.
- Scott Richardson
*****
My salvation never depended on MY righteousness, and my assurance now does not depend on MY righteousness. When asked, “What right do you have to be in heaven?” John Jasper replied, “I am not here on my righteousness but on THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Paul said, “By the grace of God I am what I am.”
- Henry Mahan
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Glory to God on High!
Let earth to heav’n reply, “Praise ye His Name!”
Angels His love adore
Who all our sorrows bore
And saints cry evermore, “WORTHY THE LAMB!”
All they around the Throne
Cheerfully join in one, praising His Name!
We who have known His blood
Sealing our peace with God
Sound His dear Name abroad, “WORTHY THE LAMB!”
Though we must change our place
Yet will we never cease, praising His Name!
To Him we’ll tribute bring
Hail Him our sovereign King
And with out ceasing sing, “WORTHY THE LAMB!”
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King”)
*****
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home this Friday, Dec. 10th at 7:00pm. Food and Drinks will be provided.
Birthdays
5th – Andy Davis 8th – Camden Proffitt 8th – Mike Brumfield
9th – Chuck Mohr 9th – Ben Small
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” - Proverbs 17:9
Christ is either all in our salvation of He is nothing at all. There are no other positions. Salvation is either all of grace or all of works. There can be no compound or mixture of the two. This is either Good News to me or bad news to me. Nothing in the middle of these two. The Gospel, if true, is of infinite importance. If false, it is of no importance. But the one thing it cannot be is moderately important.
LOVE BEARETH ALL THINGS
I Corinthians 13:7
The word bear is the verb form of the word roof. It roofs over all things. It covers with silence all things. “Love covereth all transgressions” (Proverbs 10:12). “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love” (Proverbs 17:9). The Lord covers with silence all things of those He loves. His blood covers our sins so there is nothing to expose. Our sins are non-existent! He would never expose sin because He loves us and because of the covering of His blood, there is nothing to expose. When one person wishes to expose another person so that others will see their sins, faults, and flaws, there is only one reason - the absence of love for that person. Love covers with silence all things. It builds a roof so the sins of the object of its love cannot be seen.
*****
UNITY
Let us not set ourselves up as critics and judges of the conduct and lives of other believers. Let us not spend our time finding fault with one another, picking out weaknesses and exaggerating difference of opinion and practice. Rather, let us spend our time endeavoring to help one another and to avoid doing and saying things that may cause others to stumble. We can do this by making our fellowship to be in Christ (not in form and traditions), by loving one another in spite of differences, and by avoiding collisions on the points wherein we differ. I am not suggesting for a moment that we compromise the Gospel or the fundamentals of our faith; but, as there are no two snowflakes exactly alike, there are no two people exactly alike; therefore, the foundation of our fellowship is OUR LOVE FOR CHRIST and OUR LOVE FOR ONE ANTOHER, not perfect agreement on every point. The fact of the matter is that I do not agree or approve of all that I do, think, and say! “Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God.” By God’s grace, I intend to love and encourage every believer in Christ, our sovereign Lord. I shall endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit of God in the bond of peace for the glory of our Lord, the well-being of His church, and the witness of the Gospel. - Henry Mahan
*****
In both I & II Timothy we have the phrase, “unfeigned faith” - faith that is not faked. You are not a pretend sinner, but a real sinner! You do not merely say you look to Christ only, you really do look to Christ only. He really is all you have. That and nothing less is, “unfeigned faith.”
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
When an individual seeks to make the gate wider than Christ does and the road broader than Christ does, he has entered the wide gate and broad road that leads to destruction. The person who does this says by this action that he is more merciful than Christ. Under the cloak of love for souls and not being judgmental of others he is actually denying the Gospel. The gate is so strait that the only way you can get through it is if all you have is Christ. The road is so narrow that you will fall off into the precipice if you have anything more or less than Christ. If you can look at anything else that gives you confidence that you have entered the strait gate and are on the narrow road, you have actually entered the wide gate and are on the broad road that leads to destruction. The Lord says plainly that many are on the broad way and few are on the narrow way.
*****
THE LAW REVEALS SIN
If I measure a crooked wall with a perfect plumb line, it reveals the crookedness of the wall, but it does not remove it. If I take out a bright light on a dark night, it reveals to me all the pitfalls and hindrances, but it does not remove them. Now the plumb line and the lamp do not create the evils which they point out. They neither create nor remove, but simply reveal. So it is with the law. It does not create the evil in man’s heart; neither does it remove it. But with unerring accuracy, it reveals it.
- Scott Richardson
*****
My salvation never depended on MY righteousness, and my assurance now does not depend on MY righteousness. When asked, “What right do you have to be in heaven?” John Jasper replied, “I am not here on my righteousness but on THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Paul said, “By the grace of God I am what I am.”
- Henry Mahan
November 28, 2020
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Sons of God redeemed by blood
Raise your songs to Zion’s God
Made from condemnation free
Grace triumphant sing with me.
Calvary’s wonders let us trace
Justice magnified in grace
Mark the crimson streams and say
Thus my sins were washed away.
Wrath Divine no more we dread
Vengeance smote our Surety’s head
Demands of justice fully met
Christ hath paid the dreadful debt.
Lamb of God! Thy death hath giv’n
Pardon, peace and hope of heav’n
It is finished; let us raise
Songs of gratitude and praise!
(Tune: “Depth of Mercy” p. 233)
*****
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 10th at 7:00pm. Food and Drinks will be provided.
Birthdays
28th – Lydia Lynn 30th –Bryleigh Carroll 30th – Isaac Steeves
30th – Mitch Steeves 2nd – Susan Holthaus 2nd – Kara Imes
3rd – Kelly Byrd 4th – Jennifer Dent 4th – Eden Steeves
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. – Proverbs 14:12
Growing in grace has something to do with growing in the sense of my need of His grace. I saw my need of grace when I first believed. But as I have grown in my sense of my present sinfulness, I see more of my need of His grace now than then. Growing in grace has something to do with growing in graciousness….being more humble and less judgmental; less quick to censure and correct and more lenient, understanding, and forgiving. And of this I am equally sure, it takes the grace of God to grow in grace. And growing in grace is growing, “In the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
*****
Love … “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth”
Love does not rejoice in iniquity, either in self or others. It does not rejoice in others falling and having their sin exposed. Love rejoices in the Truth. Christ is the Truth and the Truth is that everybody Christ died for has no sin to be exposed. They stand before God without sin! That is the Truth! That is something to rejoice in!
*****
Salvation by works and salvation by grace cannot co-exist. They are enemies of one another, and exclude one another. When they can co-exist, the grace is in reality works in grace clothing. That kind of grace can co-exist peaceable with salvation by works. Real grace cannot do that!
*****
A Christian is one that believes things that his reason cannot comprehend and hopes for things which neither he nor any man alive ever saw. He believes 3 to be 1 and 1 to be 3; a Father not to be older than His Son; a Son to be equal with the Father, and one proceeding from both to be equal with both. He believes himself to be precious in God’s sight and yet loathes himself in his own sight. He is so ashamed, that he dares not open his mouth before God, yet comes boldly to God and asks Him anything he needs. He hath within him both flesh and spirit and yet he is not a double-minded man. He is often led captive by the law of sin, yet it never had dominion over him. He cannot sin, yet he can do nothing without sin.
- Francis Bacon
PEACE WHICH PASSETH
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
While the peace of God itself certainly is beyond our comprehension, this verse speaks of God’s peace excelling beyond our understanding in another sense. When we don’t understand our circumstances, when we don’t understand our trials, when we don’t understand what to do, we have peace from God that is greater than our understanding. It is better to have His peace, than to understand everything. We don’t need to understand, because knowing Him, we have peace that He doeth all things well. We have peace that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We have peace that He works all things together for our good. We have peace that in Christ, we are without blemish and without spot and we are well pleasing unto God. This peace is more excellent than understanding. I don’t need to know what, why, how, when or where, if I know Who. - Chris Cunningham
*****
TRUE WORSHIP
True worship is not primarily a cultural thing. It is not simply offering to God our sentiments and feelings expressed according to our culture. It is based on a knowledge of the majesty and holiness of God and what He requires in worship. It is not primarily cultural; it is spiritual. Those who know the true God will come into His presence with holy awe and reverence, whatever their cultural background.
Africans, it is true, like rhythm and music but so does the rock-loving culture of the West, as evidenced by what takes place in discos or in other entertainment. Our worship should not be an expression of our culture, but of the holiness and majesty of God and our gratitude for His grace towards us in Christ. A true knowledge of Christ will lead to worship, which is God-glorifying, whatever the cultural background. There will be more putting our hands over our mouths (Job 40:4) and covering our faces (Isaiah 6:2) than there will be hands in the air and dancing in the aisles! When people know the true God, their worship is reverent and God glorifying, whatever their cultural background.
- Bill Clark, Missionary
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Sons of God redeemed by blood
Raise your songs to Zion’s God
Made from condemnation free
Grace triumphant sing with me.
Calvary’s wonders let us trace
Justice magnified in grace
Mark the crimson streams and say
Thus my sins were washed away.
Wrath Divine no more we dread
Vengeance smote our Surety’s head
Demands of justice fully met
Christ hath paid the dreadful debt.
Lamb of God! Thy death hath giv’n
Pardon, peace and hope of heav’n
It is finished; let us raise
Songs of gratitude and praise!
(Tune: “Depth of Mercy” p. 233)
*****
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 10th at 7:00pm. Food and Drinks will be provided.
Birthdays
28th – Lydia Lynn 30th –Bryleigh Carroll 30th – Isaac Steeves
30th – Mitch Steeves 2nd – Susan Holthaus 2nd – Kara Imes
3rd – Kelly Byrd 4th – Jennifer Dent 4th – Eden Steeves
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. – Proverbs 14:12
Growing in grace has something to do with growing in the sense of my need of His grace. I saw my need of grace when I first believed. But as I have grown in my sense of my present sinfulness, I see more of my need of His grace now than then. Growing in grace has something to do with growing in graciousness….being more humble and less judgmental; less quick to censure and correct and more lenient, understanding, and forgiving. And of this I am equally sure, it takes the grace of God to grow in grace. And growing in grace is growing, “In the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
*****
Love … “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth”
Love does not rejoice in iniquity, either in self or others. It does not rejoice in others falling and having their sin exposed. Love rejoices in the Truth. Christ is the Truth and the Truth is that everybody Christ died for has no sin to be exposed. They stand before God without sin! That is the Truth! That is something to rejoice in!
*****
Salvation by works and salvation by grace cannot co-exist. They are enemies of one another, and exclude one another. When they can co-exist, the grace is in reality works in grace clothing. That kind of grace can co-exist peaceable with salvation by works. Real grace cannot do that!
*****
A Christian is one that believes things that his reason cannot comprehend and hopes for things which neither he nor any man alive ever saw. He believes 3 to be 1 and 1 to be 3; a Father not to be older than His Son; a Son to be equal with the Father, and one proceeding from both to be equal with both. He believes himself to be precious in God’s sight and yet loathes himself in his own sight. He is so ashamed, that he dares not open his mouth before God, yet comes boldly to God and asks Him anything he needs. He hath within him both flesh and spirit and yet he is not a double-minded man. He is often led captive by the law of sin, yet it never had dominion over him. He cannot sin, yet he can do nothing without sin.
- Francis Bacon
PEACE WHICH PASSETH
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
While the peace of God itself certainly is beyond our comprehension, this verse speaks of God’s peace excelling beyond our understanding in another sense. When we don’t understand our circumstances, when we don’t understand our trials, when we don’t understand what to do, we have peace from God that is greater than our understanding. It is better to have His peace, than to understand everything. We don’t need to understand, because knowing Him, we have peace that He doeth all things well. We have peace that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We have peace that He works all things together for our good. We have peace that in Christ, we are without blemish and without spot and we are well pleasing unto God. This peace is more excellent than understanding. I don’t need to know what, why, how, when or where, if I know Who. - Chris Cunningham
*****
TRUE WORSHIP
True worship is not primarily a cultural thing. It is not simply offering to God our sentiments and feelings expressed according to our culture. It is based on a knowledge of the majesty and holiness of God and what He requires in worship. It is not primarily cultural; it is spiritual. Those who know the true God will come into His presence with holy awe and reverence, whatever their cultural background.
Africans, it is true, like rhythm and music but so does the rock-loving culture of the West, as evidenced by what takes place in discos or in other entertainment. Our worship should not be an expression of our culture, but of the holiness and majesty of God and our gratitude for His grace towards us in Christ. A true knowledge of Christ will lead to worship, which is God-glorifying, whatever the cultural background. There will be more putting our hands over our mouths (Job 40:4) and covering our faces (Isaiah 6:2) than there will be hands in the air and dancing in the aisles! When people know the true God, their worship is reverent and God glorifying, whatever their cultural background.
- Bill Clark, Missionary
November 21, 2021
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Not saved are we by trying, from self can come no aid
Tis on the blood relying, once for our ransom paid
Tis looking unto Jesus, the Hole One and Just
Tis His great work that saves us, it is not try, but trust.
No deeds of ours are needed, to make Christ’s merit more
No frames of mind or feelings, can add to His great store
Tis simply to receive Him, the Holy One and Just
Tis only to believe Him, it is not try, but trust.
(Tune: “The Churches One Foundation”)
*****
There will be no Wednesday service this week. Happy Thanksgiving to all - may everyone enjoy time spent with friends and family!
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 10th at 7:00pm. Food and Drinks will be provided.
Birthdays
21st – Todd Meek 21st – Zack Murphy 23rd – Samantha Daniel
23rd – Evan Ferrell 24th – Martin Weinstock 25th – Sarah Lynn
26th – Adam Charron 26th – John Frye 26th – Max Murphy
Oh for an open heart like Moses, who cried after years of fellowship with God, “Show me Thy way, show my Thy glory.” I am afraid too many of us think we have arrived; and we cease to seek, to hunger, or to inquire in His temple to behold the beauty of the Lord. “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrected life.” - Henry Mahan
“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
- Proverbs 23: 4-5
When we ask for mercy, we are asking God to not give us what we deserve. We deserve to be passed by. We deserve His wrath. We deserve hell. In asking for mercy we ask Him to not give us what we actually deserve.
Understanding that God’s mercy is Him not giving us what we deserve is fundamental in asking for mercy. Without this understanding, it is impossible to ask for mercy. Without understanding this we are not asking for mercy! We have entered the realm of merit. We think that God is somehow obligated to have mercy on us. When mercy is obligated it is no longer mercy. It becomes merit!
Any and every objection to sovereign mercy is leaving the ground of mercy and coming to God on the footing of merit. God’s sovereign mercy is seen in election, effectual redemption, and irresistible calling. When men question the fairness of this, they are saying that God is in some way obligated to them. If you want to come to God upon the ground of what He owes you, He will meet you there. But is that where you want to meet God? Not me! I want mercy! The only hope the sinner has of obtaining mercy is in the sovereign right of God to bestow mercy on whom He will for Christ’s sake. To question His fairness in this is to leave mercy! That is a place I do not want to leave!
*****
“For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.” – Galatians 5:3
Is Paul saying that the fact of physical circumcision renders one a debtor to keep every individual commandment in the law? Obviously not - Paul was physically circumcised when he was eight days old. He was not conscious of it when it happened. This did not make it where he had to personally keep every commandment in the law before He could be saved. But, Paul does mean this – if any part of my salvation is dependent upon me doing anything, than it is all dependent upon me. There is no in- between! Either all of grace or all of works.
*****
Paul said to Timothy, “Being mindful of thy tears.” Tears come from joy, awe, laughter, sorrow, fear, or pain. While tears are not an evidence of grace in the heart, the absence of tears that arise from these emotions can be indicative of no grace in the heart. While faith is not an emotion, it is not without emotions. A faith without emotion is a lifeless faith. When Paul thought of Timothy, he was mindful of his tears.
As the believer grows in grace, there are two points concerning truth in which he grows more and more: 1) Just how wretched a sinner he is, and 2) Just how wonderful a Savior Christ is. No matter how clearly we saw our sinfulness at the beginning, time will teach us more of it; no matter how much we saw the glory of Christ at the beginning, time will teach us more of it. And this shall continue until we see all the glory of Christ …and none of our sin! - Joe Terrell
*****
The sinner who truly comes to Christ does not come to have his earthly problems solved nor to have his body and bank account healed. He comes to be saved from sin; he comes to Christ for MERCY! Mercy is the sinner’s sole request.
Wealth and honor I disdain
Earthly comforts, Lord, are vain
These will never satisfy
Give me Christ or else I die.
If you, as a guilty sinner, have not come to Christ for mercy and redemption from your sins, you have not come to Christ aright. When He has saved us and made us His own, whatever He is pleased to bring to pass in our earthly lives will be for our good and His glory. Be it success or failure, sorrow or joy, life or death – HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT!
- Henry Mahan
*****
A doctrine is not true because I believe it or because you believe it; it is true only if God says it! I do not ask whether you believe what I preach; perhaps you do not. But I ask you to search the Scriptures and determine whether these things be so. I am not afraid to submit my belief in God’s immutable sovereignty, man’s total fall and ruin, God’s elective grace, Christ’s effectual atonement, the Spirit’s invincible call, and the perseverance of the sheep to the Word of God! - Henry Mahan
*****
I am so thankful that our God is in the heavens doing whatsoever He has pleased. Remember, God does not do something because it is right, it is right because God does it. - David Eddmenson
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Not saved are we by trying, from self can come no aid
Tis on the blood relying, once for our ransom paid
Tis looking unto Jesus, the Hole One and Just
Tis His great work that saves us, it is not try, but trust.
No deeds of ours are needed, to make Christ’s merit more
No frames of mind or feelings, can add to His great store
Tis simply to receive Him, the Holy One and Just
Tis only to believe Him, it is not try, but trust.
(Tune: “The Churches One Foundation”)
*****
There will be no Wednesday service this week. Happy Thanksgiving to all - may everyone enjoy time spent with friends and family!
Doug and Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults at their home on Friday, Dec. 10th at 7:00pm. Food and Drinks will be provided.
Birthdays
21st – Todd Meek 21st – Zack Murphy 23rd – Samantha Daniel
23rd – Evan Ferrell 24th – Martin Weinstock 25th – Sarah Lynn
26th – Adam Charron 26th – John Frye 26th – Max Murphy
Oh for an open heart like Moses, who cried after years of fellowship with God, “Show me Thy way, show my Thy glory.” I am afraid too many of us think we have arrived; and we cease to seek, to hunger, or to inquire in His temple to behold the beauty of the Lord. “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrected life.” - Henry Mahan
“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
- Proverbs 23: 4-5
When we ask for mercy, we are asking God to not give us what we deserve. We deserve to be passed by. We deserve His wrath. We deserve hell. In asking for mercy we ask Him to not give us what we actually deserve.
Understanding that God’s mercy is Him not giving us what we deserve is fundamental in asking for mercy. Without this understanding, it is impossible to ask for mercy. Without understanding this we are not asking for mercy! We have entered the realm of merit. We think that God is somehow obligated to have mercy on us. When mercy is obligated it is no longer mercy. It becomes merit!
Any and every objection to sovereign mercy is leaving the ground of mercy and coming to God on the footing of merit. God’s sovereign mercy is seen in election, effectual redemption, and irresistible calling. When men question the fairness of this, they are saying that God is in some way obligated to them. If you want to come to God upon the ground of what He owes you, He will meet you there. But is that where you want to meet God? Not me! I want mercy! The only hope the sinner has of obtaining mercy is in the sovereign right of God to bestow mercy on whom He will for Christ’s sake. To question His fairness in this is to leave mercy! That is a place I do not want to leave!
*****
“For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.” – Galatians 5:3
Is Paul saying that the fact of physical circumcision renders one a debtor to keep every individual commandment in the law? Obviously not - Paul was physically circumcised when he was eight days old. He was not conscious of it when it happened. This did not make it where he had to personally keep every commandment in the law before He could be saved. But, Paul does mean this – if any part of my salvation is dependent upon me doing anything, than it is all dependent upon me. There is no in- between! Either all of grace or all of works.
*****
Paul said to Timothy, “Being mindful of thy tears.” Tears come from joy, awe, laughter, sorrow, fear, or pain. While tears are not an evidence of grace in the heart, the absence of tears that arise from these emotions can be indicative of no grace in the heart. While faith is not an emotion, it is not without emotions. A faith without emotion is a lifeless faith. When Paul thought of Timothy, he was mindful of his tears.
As the believer grows in grace, there are two points concerning truth in which he grows more and more: 1) Just how wretched a sinner he is, and 2) Just how wonderful a Savior Christ is. No matter how clearly we saw our sinfulness at the beginning, time will teach us more of it; no matter how much we saw the glory of Christ at the beginning, time will teach us more of it. And this shall continue until we see all the glory of Christ …and none of our sin! - Joe Terrell
*****
The sinner who truly comes to Christ does not come to have his earthly problems solved nor to have his body and bank account healed. He comes to be saved from sin; he comes to Christ for MERCY! Mercy is the sinner’s sole request.
Wealth and honor I disdain
Earthly comforts, Lord, are vain
These will never satisfy
Give me Christ or else I die.
If you, as a guilty sinner, have not come to Christ for mercy and redemption from your sins, you have not come to Christ aright. When He has saved us and made us His own, whatever He is pleased to bring to pass in our earthly lives will be for our good and His glory. Be it success or failure, sorrow or joy, life or death – HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT!
- Henry Mahan
*****
A doctrine is not true because I believe it or because you believe it; it is true only if God says it! I do not ask whether you believe what I preach; perhaps you do not. But I ask you to search the Scriptures and determine whether these things be so. I am not afraid to submit my belief in God’s immutable sovereignty, man’s total fall and ruin, God’s elective grace, Christ’s effectual atonement, the Spirit’s invincible call, and the perseverance of the sheep to the Word of God! - Henry Mahan
*****
I am so thankful that our God is in the heavens doing whatsoever He has pleased. Remember, God does not do something because it is right, it is right because God does it. - David Eddmenson
November 14, 2021
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
No more, my God! I boast no more
Of all the duties I have done
I quit the hopes I held before
To trust the merits of Thy Son.
Now for the love I bear His Name
What was my gain I count my loss
My former pride I call my shame
And nail my glory to His cross.
Yes, and I must and will esteem
All things but loss for Jesus’ sake
O may my soul be found in Him
And of His righteousness partake.
The best obedience of my hands
Dare not appear before Thy throne
But faith can answer Thy demands
By pleading what my Lord has done.
(Tune: “Just As I Am” p. 249)
*****
We rejoice with Samantha Daniel who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism this morning.
Fred Evans will preach for us this evening and will baptize Jill Whitehead. We rejoice with Jill.
Birthdays
15th – Carter Steeves 16th – Pamela Weinstock 17th – Joshua Davis
The old Gospel will always be new and fresh when I hear as a sinner. It becomes dry and stale to me when I hear any other way.
“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” - Proverbs 20:6
“Love… thinketh no evil” - I Corinthians 20:6
The word “thinketh” is the word generally translated impute or reckon. It means literally that it keeps no records of wrongs done. That is certainly true with regard to the Lord’s love to His elect. There is no record in heaven of the many wrongs they have done! If I keep a record of the wrongs done to me, I am not practicing love! Love keeps no record of wrongs. And what a blessing it would be to keep no record of wrongs! The person who does so is a much happier person!
*****
In our presentation of the Gospel, both publicly and privately, we are not to be a distraction or the attraction. We can detract by our poor presentation of the Gospel, or by our poor character or conduct, and hinder people from hearing because they are seeing us and not Him! May the Lord deliver us from being a distraction or the attraction!
*****
My daughter recently asked me if I found it embarrassing to be a preacher. The reason she asked that is preachers are generally disliked by people. They come across either as hipsters, hucksters, or hypesters, and there is apparent insincerity behind all of those facades. If I think of being identified with the average preacher it is humiliating! But this is still true, “How can they preach except they be sent?” There is such a thing as God calling a man to preach the Gospel. There is nothing embarrassing about that!
*****
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Here is what produced their boldness. Not their learning or their credentials, but that, “They had been with Jesus.”
*****
G Grace
O Omnipotent grace
S Saving grace
P Particular grace
E Eternal grace
L Lasting grace
- Don Fortner
BLESSED BY GOD’S CHOICE
We preach election because there is not a single blessing that comes to us from the hand of our Redeemer that is not stamped with the hand of God’s electing love. The Scriptures say, “God hath blessed us acording as He hath chosen us…” (Eph. 1:3-4). Again, “He hath chosen us that we should be holy…” (Eph. 1:4). Again, “The God of our fathers hath chosen thee that thou shouldest know His will...” (Acts 22:14). It is not in ourselves that these blessings are contained. We have them because of our union with Christ because of the Father’s divine and sovereign choice. - Henry Mahan
*****
William Carey, a well-known missionary of the past, who was greatly used of God said, “Ask great things of God, expect great things from God, undertake great things for God.” I believe this is the right attitude and character of a believer. The apostle said, “Our God is able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Phil. 4:8). Knowing that our God is almighty, and sovereign should give us great confidence, both in prayer and in every endeavor we undertake. - Tom Harding
*****
When my heart hurts for those that are without Christ, whether it be friends or family, I am reminded that I too was once lost, without hope and with God in this world. It is then that I find great comfort in knowing, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” Thank God that He still saves sinners by His sovereign grace. - David Eddmenson
*****
I know my sins, but I rejoice in His grace. I know my weakness, but I rest in His strength. I know my emptiness, but I am complete in Him. “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,” all because we do not cast our sins, our souls on Christ and leave them there.
- Henry Mahan
*****
The first link between my soul and Christ is not my goodness, but my badness; not my merit, but my misery; not my standing, but my falling; not my riches, but my need. He comes to visit His people, yet not to admire their beauties, but to remove their deformities; not to reward their virtues, but to forgive their sins. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
God creates out of nothing. Therefore, until a man is nothing, God will make nothing out of him. - Martin Luther
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
No more, my God! I boast no more
Of all the duties I have done
I quit the hopes I held before
To trust the merits of Thy Son.
Now for the love I bear His Name
What was my gain I count my loss
My former pride I call my shame
And nail my glory to His cross.
Yes, and I must and will esteem
All things but loss for Jesus’ sake
O may my soul be found in Him
And of His righteousness partake.
The best obedience of my hands
Dare not appear before Thy throne
But faith can answer Thy demands
By pleading what my Lord has done.
(Tune: “Just As I Am” p. 249)
*****
We rejoice with Samantha Daniel who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism this morning.
Fred Evans will preach for us this evening and will baptize Jill Whitehead. We rejoice with Jill.
Birthdays
15th – Carter Steeves 16th – Pamela Weinstock 17th – Joshua Davis
The old Gospel will always be new and fresh when I hear as a sinner. It becomes dry and stale to me when I hear any other way.
“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” - Proverbs 20:6
“Love… thinketh no evil” - I Corinthians 20:6
The word “thinketh” is the word generally translated impute or reckon. It means literally that it keeps no records of wrongs done. That is certainly true with regard to the Lord’s love to His elect. There is no record in heaven of the many wrongs they have done! If I keep a record of the wrongs done to me, I am not practicing love! Love keeps no record of wrongs. And what a blessing it would be to keep no record of wrongs! The person who does so is a much happier person!
*****
In our presentation of the Gospel, both publicly and privately, we are not to be a distraction or the attraction. We can detract by our poor presentation of the Gospel, or by our poor character or conduct, and hinder people from hearing because they are seeing us and not Him! May the Lord deliver us from being a distraction or the attraction!
*****
My daughter recently asked me if I found it embarrassing to be a preacher. The reason she asked that is preachers are generally disliked by people. They come across either as hipsters, hucksters, or hypesters, and there is apparent insincerity behind all of those facades. If I think of being identified with the average preacher it is humiliating! But this is still true, “How can they preach except they be sent?” There is such a thing as God calling a man to preach the Gospel. There is nothing embarrassing about that!
*****
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Here is what produced their boldness. Not their learning or their credentials, but that, “They had been with Jesus.”
*****
G Grace
O Omnipotent grace
S Saving grace
P Particular grace
E Eternal grace
L Lasting grace
- Don Fortner
BLESSED BY GOD’S CHOICE
We preach election because there is not a single blessing that comes to us from the hand of our Redeemer that is not stamped with the hand of God’s electing love. The Scriptures say, “God hath blessed us acording as He hath chosen us…” (Eph. 1:3-4). Again, “He hath chosen us that we should be holy…” (Eph. 1:4). Again, “The God of our fathers hath chosen thee that thou shouldest know His will...” (Acts 22:14). It is not in ourselves that these blessings are contained. We have them because of our union with Christ because of the Father’s divine and sovereign choice. - Henry Mahan
*****
William Carey, a well-known missionary of the past, who was greatly used of God said, “Ask great things of God, expect great things from God, undertake great things for God.” I believe this is the right attitude and character of a believer. The apostle said, “Our God is able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Phil. 4:8). Knowing that our God is almighty, and sovereign should give us great confidence, both in prayer and in every endeavor we undertake. - Tom Harding
*****
When my heart hurts for those that are without Christ, whether it be friends or family, I am reminded that I too was once lost, without hope and with God in this world. It is then that I find great comfort in knowing, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” Thank God that He still saves sinners by His sovereign grace. - David Eddmenson
*****
I know my sins, but I rejoice in His grace. I know my weakness, but I rest in His strength. I know my emptiness, but I am complete in Him. “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,” all because we do not cast our sins, our souls on Christ and leave them there.
- Henry Mahan
*****
The first link between my soul and Christ is not my goodness, but my badness; not my merit, but my misery; not my standing, but my falling; not my riches, but my need. He comes to visit His people, yet not to admire their beauties, but to remove their deformities; not to reward their virtues, but to forgive their sins. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
God creates out of nothing. Therefore, until a man is nothing, God will make nothing out of him. - Martin Luther
November 7, 2021
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee
For, Lord, that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee
Hadst Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me
Hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me
That I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning
No cause in me was found
That you should choose to save me
A sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for
Was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought; for
Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me
And taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me
To heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee
For Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee
Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Andy Davis will bring the message this Wednesday evening.
We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Doris Daniel who passed away on Thursday, November 4th.
Birthdays
8th – Daniel Holthaus 9th – Delena Creamer 9th – Ryan Vincent
10th – David Wright 11th – Elizabeth Charron 11th – Peggy Mohr
11th – Hannah Summers 11th – Jenny Williams
“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” - Proverbs 16:1
******
COMPLEX BUT NOT COMPLICATED
Complex means consisting of many different and connected parts. God uses the whole Bible to declare His Gospel. It cannot be whittled down to a few phrases or clichés. But it is not complicated. It is simple. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. God is absolutely sovereign in all things. Men are totally depraved and totally unable to save themselves. God before time began chose who He would save. Christ actually saved those people by His life, death, and resurrection. Grace actually saves. The one evidence that God elected you, Christ died for you, and the Holy Spirit has given you life by His grace is if you persevere all the way to the end, looking to Christ only. Every statement is simple and easy to understand. You may not like it, but you understand it. Call any of these statements into question and you fall into a maze of complications and contradictions. I am thankful for the simplicity of Christ! Christ is All! Complex but not complicated!
******
The distressing, deep-seated evil of the old man in us and the relentless warring of the flesh against the spirit are instruments by which God the Holy Ghost graciously weans us from trusting in ourselves, makes Christ more precious, and causes us to look away from self to Christ alone as all our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption.
- Don Fortner
******
The voice from the cross did not summon men to do, but to be satisfied with what was done, “It is finished.” The sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only perfect thing which has ever been presented to God on man’s behalf. “It shall be perfect to be accepted, there shall be no blemish therein” (Leviticus 22:21). – Scott Richardson
LIKE A CHILD
“Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 18:3
One of the wonderful and amazing things about little children is their implicit trust and confidence in their parents. They only need a simple statement or promise from Mom or Dad as the foundation of that trust and confidence. Lengthy explanations are not required nor asked for. Simply make them a promise and sincere belief and trust springs up in their hearts. How is this manifest? They follow Mom and Dad around living on that promise, continually reminding them of it, and awaiting its fulfillment!
Is not that the way the children of God live before their heavenly Father? “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). – Maurice Montgomery
******
“In Whom (in Christ) we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.” - Ephesians 3:12
Do you see anything in the above short verse that claims that we do anything to make ourselves holy? It is in Christ that the believer has boldness to come to God for mercy, grace and help (Hebrews 4:16). It is only in the Lord Jesus that we have access. I was never required to call ahead for permission when I went to visit my parents. Why? I was their son. I never had to knock on their door to gain entry. I had a key! I had access. I had boldness and confidence that the key would open the door and that I was always welcome. In Christ we have boldness and access with confidence, and do you see the cause of it? It is all by the faith of Him, the Lord Jesus Christ. No, not faith in Him, but faith in what Christ my Lord, by His faithfulness to God, did for His elect in Him and for Him. This is why we preach that salvation is in a Person, it is in Christ, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). – Dave Eddmenson
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee
For, Lord, that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee
Hadst Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me
Hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me
That I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning
No cause in me was found
That you should choose to save me
A sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for
Was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought; for
Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me
And taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me
To heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee
For Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee
Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Andy Davis will bring the message this Wednesday evening.
We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Doris Daniel who passed away on Thursday, November 4th.
Birthdays
8th – Daniel Holthaus 9th – Delena Creamer 9th – Ryan Vincent
10th – David Wright 11th – Elizabeth Charron 11th – Peggy Mohr
11th – Hannah Summers 11th – Jenny Williams
“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” - Proverbs 16:1
******
COMPLEX BUT NOT COMPLICATED
Complex means consisting of many different and connected parts. God uses the whole Bible to declare His Gospel. It cannot be whittled down to a few phrases or clichés. But it is not complicated. It is simple. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. God is absolutely sovereign in all things. Men are totally depraved and totally unable to save themselves. God before time began chose who He would save. Christ actually saved those people by His life, death, and resurrection. Grace actually saves. The one evidence that God elected you, Christ died for you, and the Holy Spirit has given you life by His grace is if you persevere all the way to the end, looking to Christ only. Every statement is simple and easy to understand. You may not like it, but you understand it. Call any of these statements into question and you fall into a maze of complications and contradictions. I am thankful for the simplicity of Christ! Christ is All! Complex but not complicated!
******
The distressing, deep-seated evil of the old man in us and the relentless warring of the flesh against the spirit are instruments by which God the Holy Ghost graciously weans us from trusting in ourselves, makes Christ more precious, and causes us to look away from self to Christ alone as all our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption.
- Don Fortner
******
The voice from the cross did not summon men to do, but to be satisfied with what was done, “It is finished.” The sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only perfect thing which has ever been presented to God on man’s behalf. “It shall be perfect to be accepted, there shall be no blemish therein” (Leviticus 22:21). – Scott Richardson
LIKE A CHILD
“Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 18:3
One of the wonderful and amazing things about little children is their implicit trust and confidence in their parents. They only need a simple statement or promise from Mom or Dad as the foundation of that trust and confidence. Lengthy explanations are not required nor asked for. Simply make them a promise and sincere belief and trust springs up in their hearts. How is this manifest? They follow Mom and Dad around living on that promise, continually reminding them of it, and awaiting its fulfillment!
Is not that the way the children of God live before their heavenly Father? “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). – Maurice Montgomery
******
“In Whom (in Christ) we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.” - Ephesians 3:12
Do you see anything in the above short verse that claims that we do anything to make ourselves holy? It is in Christ that the believer has boldness to come to God for mercy, grace and help (Hebrews 4:16). It is only in the Lord Jesus that we have access. I was never required to call ahead for permission when I went to visit my parents. Why? I was their son. I never had to knock on their door to gain entry. I had a key! I had access. I had boldness and confidence that the key would open the door and that I was always welcome. In Christ we have boldness and access with confidence, and do you see the cause of it? It is all by the faith of Him, the Lord Jesus Christ. No, not faith in Him, but faith in what Christ my Lord, by His faithfulness to God, did for His elect in Him and for Him. This is why we preach that salvation is in a Person, it is in Christ, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). – Dave Eddmenson
October 31, 2021
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
O, Lamb of God, still keep me
Near to Thy wounded side
Tis only there is safety
And peace I can abide.
What foes and snares surround me!
What lusts and fears within!
The grace that sought and found me
Alone can keep me clean.
‘Tis only in Thee hiding
I know my life secure
Only in Thee abiding
I steadfast shall endure.
Thine arm the victor gaineth
O’er every hurtful foe
The love my heart sustaineth
In all the care and woe.
Soon shall my eyes behold Thee
With rapture, face to face
The half hath not been told me
Of all Thy power and grace.
Thy beauty, Lord, and glory
The wonders of Thy love
Shall be the endless story
Of all Thy saints above.
(Tune: “The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
Birthdays
1st-Charles McGuire 3rd-Conner Dickerson 3rd- Jeff Sullivan
4th –Laura Benton 4th –Steve Sligh 5th -Michael Burton
5th –Macy Greenleaf 5th –Chris Morris 5th –Logan Small
6th -Lauren Burton 6th-Marina Jacobs
“Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceives not in him the lips of knowledge.” - Proverbs 14:7
“Of great price in the sight of God”
“Let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (I Peter 3:4). The word “of great price” is also translated “very precious” and “costly”. This is how The God of Glory sees the meek and quiet spirit. It comes from the new nature. “The hidden man of the heart which is not corruptible.” It is described as “meek and quite.” Meekness is an attitude toward God that believes whatever He does is right. Its’ twin is humility. Quiet is its attitude toward men. There is a tranquility from within that causes no disturbance to others; undisturbed and undisturbing! The meek and quiet spirit is very precious to God! It is the work of His Spirit! May this describe you and me…. “A meek and quiet spirit.”
******
THE ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE
“The answer of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of Christ from the dead” (I Peter 3:21). The only thing that the conscience of a sinner can accept as being good and clean is the resurrection of Christ from the dead. His resurrection means my sin was so effectually put away that by His blood there is no guilt of sin to accuse me of. A conscience is only good when there is nothing to feel guilty about. The life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is the only way to have a good conscience.
******
“My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” -Psalm 34:2
Boasting in the Lord is rejoicing in Christ! Glorying in the cross! It is the joy of knowing that God’s salvation is entirely in Christ. That means that if I am in Him, all God requires, I have! God is as pleased with me as He is with His own dear Son! In Him we are complete! In Him is no sin. In Him I have no sin. Me being in Him is not God’s reward to me for my works as God’s response to anything I do. It is simply and mysteriously my eternal union with Christ. Being one with Him.
Who will be glad when they hear this message? The humble! Those who have nothing to be proud about but Christ Himself. Those who can only be saved by being in Christ. Those who really believe themselves to be sinners and have nothing to bring to the table of salvation. When they hear of the salvation in Christ, they will be glad, and all the proud will be mad!
JESUS CHRIST LOVES EVEN ME
John 13:23
“Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one
of His disciples whom Jesus loved.”
The apostle John in the Gospel narrative that bears his name referred to himself often and the disciple whom Jesus loved. Do you think that it was an arrogant statement for him to refer to himself that way? I can assure you that it was not. It was not because the Lord loved him more than the other apostles. It was not because he felt that he was more special than the others. The reason he referred to himself that way was the fact that he never got over Christ’s love for him. To John, his name was not worth mentioning. He had done nothing to earn, merit, or deserve Christ’s love. It was almost as if he was saying “I can’t believe that the Lord Jesus loves me.” John knew that Christ loved Peter, James, Matthew, Mark, and all the others, but all that he could think about was that Christ loved him. It is the same with me. It is easy for me to see how the Lord could love others. But me? How could He love me? There is no reason that my Lord would be mindful of me, or merciful to me, and yet He loves me. I am the one who deserves the least of His love, and yet He loves me. When a saved sinner, by the sovereign grace of God, sees Christ’s love for them, they do not desire to talk about themselves. No, they simply consider themselves as one whom Jesus loves. They want to talk about mothing but Christ’s love for them! It was this same dear apostle who wrote in his first epistle these words, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins” (I John 4:10). “We love Him, because He first loved us” (I John 4:19). Yes, it is true. Jesus loves even me. – Dave Eddmenson
******
Young Christians may think much of themselves. Growing Christians think themselves nothing. Mature Christians know that they are less than nothing. – Copied
******
Everything that God requires, God must provide; and God only accepts that which He provides - Greg Elmquist
October 24, 2021
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sons we are through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive.
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls, the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
What from Christ that soul can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Him, in Him forever
None can pluck them from His hands.
Heirs of God, joint heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
Oh what wonders Christ hath done.
On such love, my soul shall ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while lost in holy wonder
Why O Lord, such love to me?
When my Savior comes in judgment
Bright in majesty Divine
I will stand with that great number
In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Mark Daniel who passed away on Monday, October 18th.
Aaron Greenleaf will preach for us this morning and this Wednesday evening.
Andy Davis will preach for us this evening.
Birthdays
24th-Carla Bryan 25th-Norman Frye 27th- Aaron Warta 27th-Mark Mohr
28th -Drew Charron 28th -Emma Steeves 30th – Tucker Greenleaf
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” -Proverbs 28:9
******
SWIFT TO HEAR
“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19), “Faith cometh by hearing.” I should be anxious, willing, and swift to hear what God says through the preaching of the Gospel. I should be slow to speak my opinion. “A fool is known by a multitude of words.” I should be slow to become angry and pop off my displeasure. This is a command to all of God’s people. “Swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.”
******
WORD, DEEDS, AND THE GOSPEL
“So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgement without mercy, that hath shown no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgement.” James 2:12-13
The Gospel is called here “the law of liberty.” True liberty is found only in the Gospel. James says to make sure our words and deeds are congruent to the Gospel, the law of liberty. And how do we do this? By speaking of and showing mercy. Being merciful is one of the beatitudes. “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” There will be no mercy from God for the one who has shown no mercy. His words and deeds are not congruent for one who is to be judged by the law of liberty. If I am not a merciful person, I am not a saved person. I have never experienced the mercy of God. Mercy always rejoices against judgement.
******
If I am hearing preaching and getting nothing out of it, one of two things is true. (1) The Gospel is not being preached. (2) The Gospel is being preached but I am not hearing as a sinner. May we all be enabled by His grace (1) To hear the Gospel (2) To hear the Gospel as a sinner.
The first grace conference was held in Acts 15. Some men who claimed to believe added the necessity of the works of the law to faith in Christ. Paul and Barnabas told the church at Jerusalem of this and here is what was concluded by Peter as the spokesman of the church… “Now therefore why tempt ye God to put a yoke on the disciples which neither we nor our fathers were able to bear. But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we will be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:10-11). They, the Gentile believers, will not be saved like us. We will be saved like them. This could be translated…We have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace is saving grace. God’s grace saves all He intends to save by it. His grace elects who would be saved before time began, His grace redeems and justifies all for whom Christ died. His grace regenerates, preserves, and glorifies all of those God elected and Christ died for. This is not reformed doctrine. The Truth never needed reformed. This is not Calvinism. This is the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To omit any of this is to fail to preach the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The only word I love more than grace is the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
******
Recently a preacher told me that although he believed what he called the doctrines of grace, he was not a fanatic about it. He assured me that he sought to reach a proper balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, and he was not concerned about making his hearers cross every “t” and dot every “i”. After hearing him preach, I was convinced that he lived up to what he said. Not only was he not a fanatic regarding the doctrines of grace, you would never even know he believed them at all by his preaching. If a proper balance between sovereignty and responsibility is achieved by silence, he certainly achieved that. Not only did he not concern himself about his hearers not crossing every “t” and dotting every “i”, it was evident that he was not concerned about them crossing any “t” or dotting any “i”.
Give me somebody who is a fanatic about God’s Truth! Deliver me from the compromiser who under the guise of “balance” carefully avoids offending anybody! I want to hear a man who does cross every “t” and dot every “i”. After all, the Lord did say, “Verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.”
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sons we are through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive.
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls, the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
What from Christ that soul can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Him, in Him forever
None can pluck them from His hands.
Heirs of God, joint heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
Oh what wonders Christ hath done.
On such love, my soul shall ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while lost in holy wonder
Why O Lord, such love to me?
When my Savior comes in judgment
Bright in majesty Divine
I will stand with that great number
In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Mark Daniel who passed away on Monday, October 18th.
Aaron Greenleaf will preach for us this morning and this Wednesday evening.
Andy Davis will preach for us this evening.
Birthdays
24th-Carla Bryan 25th-Norman Frye 27th- Aaron Warta 27th-Mark Mohr
28th -Drew Charron 28th -Emma Steeves 30th – Tucker Greenleaf
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” -Proverbs 28:9
******
SWIFT TO HEAR
“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19), “Faith cometh by hearing.” I should be anxious, willing, and swift to hear what God says through the preaching of the Gospel. I should be slow to speak my opinion. “A fool is known by a multitude of words.” I should be slow to become angry and pop off my displeasure. This is a command to all of God’s people. “Swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.”
******
WORD, DEEDS, AND THE GOSPEL
“So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgement without mercy, that hath shown no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgement.” James 2:12-13
The Gospel is called here “the law of liberty.” True liberty is found only in the Gospel. James says to make sure our words and deeds are congruent to the Gospel, the law of liberty. And how do we do this? By speaking of and showing mercy. Being merciful is one of the beatitudes. “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” There will be no mercy from God for the one who has shown no mercy. His words and deeds are not congruent for one who is to be judged by the law of liberty. If I am not a merciful person, I am not a saved person. I have never experienced the mercy of God. Mercy always rejoices against judgement.
******
If I am hearing preaching and getting nothing out of it, one of two things is true. (1) The Gospel is not being preached. (2) The Gospel is being preached but I am not hearing as a sinner. May we all be enabled by His grace (1) To hear the Gospel (2) To hear the Gospel as a sinner.
The first grace conference was held in Acts 15. Some men who claimed to believe added the necessity of the works of the law to faith in Christ. Paul and Barnabas told the church at Jerusalem of this and here is what was concluded by Peter as the spokesman of the church… “Now therefore why tempt ye God to put a yoke on the disciples which neither we nor our fathers were able to bear. But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we will be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:10-11). They, the Gentile believers, will not be saved like us. We will be saved like them. This could be translated…We have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace is saving grace. God’s grace saves all He intends to save by it. His grace elects who would be saved before time began, His grace redeems and justifies all for whom Christ died. His grace regenerates, preserves, and glorifies all of those God elected and Christ died for. This is not reformed doctrine. The Truth never needed reformed. This is not Calvinism. This is the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To omit any of this is to fail to preach the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The only word I love more than grace is the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
******
Recently a preacher told me that although he believed what he called the doctrines of grace, he was not a fanatic about it. He assured me that he sought to reach a proper balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, and he was not concerned about making his hearers cross every “t” and dot every “i”. After hearing him preach, I was convinced that he lived up to what he said. Not only was he not a fanatic regarding the doctrines of grace, you would never even know he believed them at all by his preaching. If a proper balance between sovereignty and responsibility is achieved by silence, he certainly achieved that. Not only did he not concern himself about his hearers not crossing every “t” and dotting every “i”, it was evident that he was not concerned about them crossing any “t” or dotting any “i”.
Give me somebody who is a fanatic about God’s Truth! Deliver me from the compromiser who under the guise of “balance” carefully avoids offending anybody! I want to hear a man who does cross every “t” and dot every “i”. After all, the Lord did say, “Verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.”
October 17, 2021
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No beauty can I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee Alone
My All-in All, I pray.
Less Than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
Donnie Bell, pastor of Lantana Grace Church in Crossville, TN will preach for us this evening.
Aaron Greenleaf will preach for us this Wednesday evening.
Birthdays
17th – Abigal Sullivan 18th – Dwayne Imes 18th- Julianna Rigsby 20st – Tim Scifres 22nd – Samuel Kincer
“Hatred stirreth up strifes; but love covereth all sins”- Proverbs 10:12
THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH
“Because they received not the love of the Truth” (II Thess. 2:10). It is one thing to acknowledge the Truth. It is another thing to receive the love of the Truth. I love the Bible. I love the God it reveals. I love to be told that I am totally depraved because it tells me not to look to myself for anything in my salvation. I love God’s election. Without it I would not be saved and I love the God who controls everything! I love particular redemption because if Christ died for me I must be saved. I love irresistible grace because if it were not, I would resist it. I love perseverance all the way to end because He preserves me all the way to the end. Yes, I see clearly the Bible teaches the doctrine of grace. But not only do I acknowledge it is true, I love the Truth it conveys. It is good news indeed!
******
GREAT IS YOUR REWARD
In Luke 6:27-28 the Lord tells us to love our enemies, do good to them that hate us, bless them that curse us, pray for them which despitefully use us, turn the other cheek toward the one who smites us, give away our coat to the one who takes our cloak, give to all who ask us, and not ask back what people take from us, and treat all others as you want to be treated. And in doing this, “Your reward shall be great.” There is reward in not judging; you will not be judged. There is reward in not condemning, you will not be condemned. There is reward in forgiving; you will be forgiven. There is reward in giving, it shall be given to you. It is better to love than to have, to forgive than to hold a grudge, to be a giver rather than a taker; to be kind rather than cruel. While we are not seeking a reward, there is great reward in being a follower of Christ.
******
The Lord said to Abraham, “I am thy Shield and thy exceeding great reward.” Is there anything that can improve on that?
******
If we do not believe God is absolutely sovereign, the first cause behind all things, we do not believe He is sovereign at all.
******
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but on the spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. – Robert Hawker
“Let us not therefore judge one another anymore.”
Romans 14:10
To judge somebody is a sin! God Commands us not to do it. We are sinning in the judgement we make concerning someone else’s sin. To judge another is hypocritical, because we are told. “Thou that judgest
doeth the same things” (Romans 2:1). And in judging people we set ourselves up to be carefully scrutinized and judged by others. “Judge not that you be not judged” (Matt. 7:1). It is not painfully and accurately true that we have far too many of our own sins to judge someone else’s. So may I remember when I judge someone, I am sinning, playing the hypocrite, and making things more difficult for myself by opening the door for others to judge me.
******
Obviously, the apostle Paul did not believe in “progressive sanctification,” like many today. He wrote “O wretched man that I am,” not “O wretched man that I was.” I surely do not own that Paul thought He was getting better. I know that we grow in grace in the knowledge of the Lord (II Peter 3:18), but what child of god can be more sanctified than another? Can you be more “set apart” unto holiness? Is holiness given in different measure? No! I am right now in Christ Jesus perfect, for Christ is made unto me wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption (I Corinthians 1:30). -David Eddmenson
******
HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT
His death was by free consent. He that is hanged is accursed of God. Crucifixion was such a humiliating death. It was reserved for the scum of the earth, reserved for those who had been forsaken by God and man. He was mocked, cursed, spit upon, scourged by men, smitten and forsaken of God. He freely and willingly, without reluctance, gave of Himself. Scripture teaches that neither God nor man forced Him. He humbled Himself and became obedient. – Scott Richardson
******
Sooner could the ocean prove too little for a small fish or the sky be too small for a swallow than the grace of God prove insufficient for one of God’s people. Not all their weaknesses, failures or sins can use it up.
-Joe Terrell
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No beauty can I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee Alone
My All-in All, I pray.
Less Than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
Donnie Bell, pastor of Lantana Grace Church in Crossville, TN will preach for us this evening.
Aaron Greenleaf will preach for us this Wednesday evening.
Birthdays
17th – Abigal Sullivan 18th – Dwayne Imes 18th- Julianna Rigsby 20st – Tim Scifres 22nd – Samuel Kincer
“Hatred stirreth up strifes; but love covereth all sins”- Proverbs 10:12
THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH
“Because they received not the love of the Truth” (II Thess. 2:10). It is one thing to acknowledge the Truth. It is another thing to receive the love of the Truth. I love the Bible. I love the God it reveals. I love to be told that I am totally depraved because it tells me not to look to myself for anything in my salvation. I love God’s election. Without it I would not be saved and I love the God who controls everything! I love particular redemption because if Christ died for me I must be saved. I love irresistible grace because if it were not, I would resist it. I love perseverance all the way to end because He preserves me all the way to the end. Yes, I see clearly the Bible teaches the doctrine of grace. But not only do I acknowledge it is true, I love the Truth it conveys. It is good news indeed!
******
GREAT IS YOUR REWARD
In Luke 6:27-28 the Lord tells us to love our enemies, do good to them that hate us, bless them that curse us, pray for them which despitefully use us, turn the other cheek toward the one who smites us, give away our coat to the one who takes our cloak, give to all who ask us, and not ask back what people take from us, and treat all others as you want to be treated. And in doing this, “Your reward shall be great.” There is reward in not judging; you will not be judged. There is reward in not condemning, you will not be condemned. There is reward in forgiving; you will be forgiven. There is reward in giving, it shall be given to you. It is better to love than to have, to forgive than to hold a grudge, to be a giver rather than a taker; to be kind rather than cruel. While we are not seeking a reward, there is great reward in being a follower of Christ.
******
The Lord said to Abraham, “I am thy Shield and thy exceeding great reward.” Is there anything that can improve on that?
******
If we do not believe God is absolutely sovereign, the first cause behind all things, we do not believe He is sovereign at all.
******
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but on the spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. – Robert Hawker
“Let us not therefore judge one another anymore.”
Romans 14:10
To judge somebody is a sin! God Commands us not to do it. We are sinning in the judgement we make concerning someone else’s sin. To judge another is hypocritical, because we are told. “Thou that judgest
doeth the same things” (Romans 2:1). And in judging people we set ourselves up to be carefully scrutinized and judged by others. “Judge not that you be not judged” (Matt. 7:1). It is not painfully and accurately true that we have far too many of our own sins to judge someone else’s. So may I remember when I judge someone, I am sinning, playing the hypocrite, and making things more difficult for myself by opening the door for others to judge me.
******
Obviously, the apostle Paul did not believe in “progressive sanctification,” like many today. He wrote “O wretched man that I am,” not “O wretched man that I was.” I surely do not own that Paul thought He was getting better. I know that we grow in grace in the knowledge of the Lord (II Peter 3:18), but what child of god can be more sanctified than another? Can you be more “set apart” unto holiness? Is holiness given in different measure? No! I am right now in Christ Jesus perfect, for Christ is made unto me wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption (I Corinthians 1:30). -David Eddmenson
******
HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT
His death was by free consent. He that is hanged is accursed of God. Crucifixion was such a humiliating death. It was reserved for the scum of the earth, reserved for those who had been forsaken by God and man. He was mocked, cursed, spit upon, scourged by men, smitten and forsaken of God. He freely and willingly, without reluctance, gave of Himself. Scripture teaches that neither God nor man forced Him. He humbled Himself and became obedient. – Scott Richardson
******
Sooner could the ocean prove too little for a small fish or the sky be too small for a swallow than the grace of God prove insufficient for one of God’s people. Not all their weaknesses, failures or sins can use it up.
-Joe Terrell
October 10, 2021
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Come, Thou Almighty Comforter
And bring upon Thy wing
Sweet consolation to each soul
That we may praise and sing.
We want to hear, we want to see
We want to know Christ more
We want sweet foretastes of His love
As we have had before.
And shall we come in vain to God?
O Lord, that cannot be
Thy promise stands engaged to come
And bless e’vn two or three.
Lord, give more love, more sincere faith
More confidence in Thee
Break off our legal chains, O God
And let our souls free.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
Birthdays
10th – Wilma Stephens 11th – Hunter Small 12th- Doug Hacker 13th – JaimeGreenleaf 14th – Tom Fitzpatrick 12th - Maybelle Lynn
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.” - Proverbs 12:15-16
It is said of Christ that, unlike the Old Testament priests, “Who needeth not daily (as those high priests) to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the people’s; for this He did once when He offered up Himself.” (Heb. 7:27)
Every Old Testament priest had to first offer a sacrifice for his own personal sin before he could offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. Every day two sacrifices had to be offered: one for the high priest and one for the people. But Christ’s sacrifice was only offered once. When the sins of the elect became His sins, the one-time sacrifice of Himself put away sin, and literally accomplished what both of these Old Testament sacrifices figuratively pointed to. My sin became His sin. He put it away by the sacrifice of Himself. And He now comes as the Priest without sin, therefore able to bring the people He represents to God.
*****
THE PRIEST WE NEED
It was said of the Old Testament high priest that he could “have compassion on the ignorant and them that are out of the way (going astray): for that He himself was also compassed with infirmity” (Heb. 5:2). The Lord Jesus had no sin or infirmity that He was compassed with. He never sinned. But He has compassion and sympathy because He was made sin, and experienced the guilt, shame, and feeling of helplessness before sin, although He never sinned. That is why He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He is compassionate rather than judgmental. He has experienced all we have, only more acutely. But He is also described as, “Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Heb. 7:26). He must be this way to be accepted by a holy God as our intercessor. The God Man’s compassion is just what we need as our Priest, and His perfection is just what His Father requires for Him to be our Priest. He is the only Priest to be like this, and the only effectual Priest.
THE THINGS DONE IN THE BODY
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” – II Corinthians 5:10
This verse speaks of the reality of justification. If I am justified, everything I have done in my body is good. This is not a paste on righteousness. God’s word to every believer is, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” If I stand without Christ in judgment, everything done in my body will be bad. If you want to stand before God and be judged, He will oblige you and it will not be good!
“I KNOW THY WORKS….”
Revelation 2:2
To me, this statement is both awesome and wonderful, fearful and comforting. On the one hand, we may deceive others or even ourselves, but He says, “I know… “ – how sobering! On the other hand, we may be misinterpreted, misquoted, disbelieved, and disallowed, but He says to our hearts, “I know…” – how comforting! What a majestic and gracious Saviour we have. How God He is, “One with the Father” (John 10:30). And how man He is, “One with His people” (Hebrews 2:11).
When, with trembling heart, I ponder the fact that he knows ME – my sin, my darkness, my unbelief, my unfaithfulness, my weakness, my foolishness, and my emptiness – I “Rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” that I know HIM – His righteousness, His light, His faith, His faithfulness, His strength, His wisdom, and His fullness. What a full, complete, and wonderful Saviour He is, to otherwise helpless and hopeless sinners!!! How quickly, swiftly, and gladly my heart flies to HIM when He says to me, “I know…” Though I see as through a dark glass, yet I am so thankful that I know Him (John 17:3), “or rather are known of God” (Galatians 4:9). - Maurice Montgomery
*****
“Charity is long suffering and kind.” This describes the love of Christ toward every believer. And it describes every believer.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love.” If “long suffering and kind” is absent, grace is absent.
*****
In its final analysis, any objection to God’s absolute sovereignty in election is an objection to God being God.
*****
THE BELIEVER’S DESIRE
The believer’s great interest is to be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness, but having the righteousness of Jesus Christ and to know Jesus Christ in his heart. To have fellowship with Christ in spirit and in truth, and to know the power of His resurrected Life flowing through himself as he lives out his life on this earth. In other words, to walk with Him, talk with Him and be with Him when this earthly life is over. Lord, make this desire to grow. (Philippians 3:8-11) - John Chapman
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Come, Thou Almighty Comforter
And bring upon Thy wing
Sweet consolation to each soul
That we may praise and sing.
We want to hear, we want to see
We want to know Christ more
We want sweet foretastes of His love
As we have had before.
And shall we come in vain to God?
O Lord, that cannot be
Thy promise stands engaged to come
And bless e’vn two or three.
Lord, give more love, more sincere faith
More confidence in Thee
Break off our legal chains, O God
And let our souls free.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
Birthdays
10th – Wilma Stephens 11th – Hunter Small 12th- Doug Hacker 13th – JaimeGreenleaf 14th – Tom Fitzpatrick 12th - Maybelle Lynn
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.” - Proverbs 12:15-16
It is said of Christ that, unlike the Old Testament priests, “Who needeth not daily (as those high priests) to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the people’s; for this He did once when He offered up Himself.” (Heb. 7:27)
Every Old Testament priest had to first offer a sacrifice for his own personal sin before he could offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. Every day two sacrifices had to be offered: one for the high priest and one for the people. But Christ’s sacrifice was only offered once. When the sins of the elect became His sins, the one-time sacrifice of Himself put away sin, and literally accomplished what both of these Old Testament sacrifices figuratively pointed to. My sin became His sin. He put it away by the sacrifice of Himself. And He now comes as the Priest without sin, therefore able to bring the people He represents to God.
*****
THE PRIEST WE NEED
It was said of the Old Testament high priest that he could “have compassion on the ignorant and them that are out of the way (going astray): for that He himself was also compassed with infirmity” (Heb. 5:2). The Lord Jesus had no sin or infirmity that He was compassed with. He never sinned. But He has compassion and sympathy because He was made sin, and experienced the guilt, shame, and feeling of helplessness before sin, although He never sinned. That is why He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He is compassionate rather than judgmental. He has experienced all we have, only more acutely. But He is also described as, “Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Heb. 7:26). He must be this way to be accepted by a holy God as our intercessor. The God Man’s compassion is just what we need as our Priest, and His perfection is just what His Father requires for Him to be our Priest. He is the only Priest to be like this, and the only effectual Priest.
THE THINGS DONE IN THE BODY
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” – II Corinthians 5:10
This verse speaks of the reality of justification. If I am justified, everything I have done in my body is good. This is not a paste on righteousness. God’s word to every believer is, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” If I stand without Christ in judgment, everything done in my body will be bad. If you want to stand before God and be judged, He will oblige you and it will not be good!
“I KNOW THY WORKS….”
Revelation 2:2
To me, this statement is both awesome and wonderful, fearful and comforting. On the one hand, we may deceive others or even ourselves, but He says, “I know… “ – how sobering! On the other hand, we may be misinterpreted, misquoted, disbelieved, and disallowed, but He says to our hearts, “I know…” – how comforting! What a majestic and gracious Saviour we have. How God He is, “One with the Father” (John 10:30). And how man He is, “One with His people” (Hebrews 2:11).
When, with trembling heart, I ponder the fact that he knows ME – my sin, my darkness, my unbelief, my unfaithfulness, my weakness, my foolishness, and my emptiness – I “Rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” that I know HIM – His righteousness, His light, His faith, His faithfulness, His strength, His wisdom, and His fullness. What a full, complete, and wonderful Saviour He is, to otherwise helpless and hopeless sinners!!! How quickly, swiftly, and gladly my heart flies to HIM when He says to me, “I know…” Though I see as through a dark glass, yet I am so thankful that I know Him (John 17:3), “or rather are known of God” (Galatians 4:9). - Maurice Montgomery
*****
“Charity is long suffering and kind.” This describes the love of Christ toward every believer. And it describes every believer.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love.” If “long suffering and kind” is absent, grace is absent.
*****
In its final analysis, any objection to God’s absolute sovereignty in election is an objection to God being God.
*****
THE BELIEVER’S DESIRE
The believer’s great interest is to be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness, but having the righteousness of Jesus Christ and to know Jesus Christ in his heart. To have fellowship with Christ in spirit and in truth, and to know the power of His resurrected Life flowing through himself as he lives out his life on this earth. In other words, to walk with Him, talk with Him and be with Him when this earthly life is over. Lord, make this desire to grow. (Philippians 3:8-11) - John Chapman
October 3, 2021
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Prepare me gracious Lord
To stand before Thy face
The Spirit must the work perform
For it is all of grace.
In Christ’s obedience clothe
And wash me in His blood
So shall I lift my head with joy
Among the sons of God.
Do Thou my sins subdue
Thy sovereign love make known
The spirit of my mind renew
And save me in Thy Son.
Let me confess Thy power
Let me Thy goodness prove
Till my full soul can hold no more
Of everlasting love.
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord”)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We extend our sympathy to the family of Lindsay Campbell of Danville upon his death this past week. May the Lord give them comfort.
The funeral for Charles Michael Scifres, infant son of Tim and Jessica Scifres, will be here at the church on Saturday, Oct. 9th at 11:00am. We will have lunch together afterwards.
Birthdays
3rd – Paul Harries 4th – Ian Anjos 4th – Alex DuFour
4th – Emma Ferrell 5th- Susan Sligh 7th – Sharon Fugate
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
- Proverbs 17:17
*****
“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6). This is how the Holy Spirit describes the parents of John the Baptist. I can remember reading this and thinking that men were able to live holier lives back then. But I could not get that from the language of the text. This speaks of perfection - blameless in their walk with regard to ALL the commandments and ordinances of the Lord! And this was before God, the only One who could see if this really was so. This describes every believer to ever live. This is what justification looks like. This describes the self- condemned publican who went down to his house justified. This is how real justification by grace is. This is every saved sinner…. “Righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of God blameless.” This is what righteousness imputed without works looks like.
*****
Paul tells us in I Corinthians
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Prepare me gracious Lord
To stand before Thy face
The Spirit must the work perform
For it is all of grace.
In Christ’s obedience clothe
And wash me in His blood
So shall I lift my head with joy
Among the sons of God.
Do Thou my sins subdue
Thy sovereign love make known
The spirit of my mind renew
And save me in Thy Son.
Let me confess Thy power
Let me Thy goodness prove
Till my full soul can hold no more
Of everlasting love.
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord”)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We extend our sympathy to the family of Lindsay Campbell of Danville upon his death this past week. May the Lord give them comfort.
The funeral for Charles Michael Scifres, infant son of Tim and Jessica Scifres, will be here at the church on Saturday, Oct. 9th at 11:00am. We will have lunch together afterwards.
Birthdays
3rd – Paul Harries 4th – Ian Anjos 4th – Alex DuFour
4th – Emma Ferrell 5th- Susan Sligh 7th – Sharon Fugate
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
- Proverbs 17:17
*****
“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6). This is how the Holy Spirit describes the parents of John the Baptist. I can remember reading this and thinking that men were able to live holier lives back then. But I could not get that from the language of the text. This speaks of perfection - blameless in their walk with regard to ALL the commandments and ordinances of the Lord! And this was before God, the only One who could see if this really was so. This describes every believer to ever live. This is what justification looks like. This describes the self- condemned publican who went down to his house justified. This is how real justification by grace is. This is every saved sinner…. “Righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of God blameless.” This is what righteousness imputed without works looks like.
*****
Paul tells us in I Corinthians