December 7, 2025
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
Come all ye chosen saints of God
Whose souls are washed in Jesus’ blood
Hear what He says, His Word is true
“My grace sufficient is for you”
I am your sure Almighty Friend
Who, loving, loves you to the end
I will be near you and will show
My grace sufficient is for you.
I know how numerous are your foes
I know the ways which they oppose
I know their cunning malice too
“My grace sufficient is for you”
Though Satan tried your soul to ensnare
You’re still the object of my care
You’re near My heart, I’ll bring you through
“My grace sufficient is for you.”
Do you want proof of this, my child?
Calv’ry survey – then heav’n above
See how the ransomed millions bow
“My grace sufficient is for you”
I’ll guide you safely in the way
Through life’s dark night to Heav’n’s bright day
And there with wonder you shall view
“My grace sufficient was for you.”
(Tune: “Sweet Hour of Prayer” p. 361)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All adults are invited to a Christmas party at the home of Doug & Faith Hacker this Friday, December 12th at 7pm.
Birthdays
8 – Camden Proffitt 8 – Mike Brumfield 9 – Chuck Mohr
9 – Ben Small 12 – Lisa Gillispie
“The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.” - Proverbs 22:2
*****
SUCH KNOWLEDGE
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” - Psalm 139:6
David had been speaking of the omniscience and omnipresence of God. Our knowledge is so limited. There is nothing He does not know. We are limited by space and time. He is not bound by space or time. His response to that was, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” We know the facts. He is omniscient and omnipresent. But these immutable truths concerning His character are beyond our comprehension. We simply believe them to be so. God being one God in three distinct Persons is something we believe, but cannot comprehend. The great doctrines set forth in the doctrine of Christ we believe but cannot comprehend. We believe He was made flesh, we believe on the cross He was made sin, we believe that by Him being made flesh and being made sin, all the elect are made the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor. 5:21). While we cannot comprehend such great things, we believe them fully. When David said, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,” He certainly did not mean he did not believe. He did with all of his heart! He meant what Paul means in I Cor. 8:2, “If any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.”
*****
“NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS”
When I first came to Christ, I was convinced that I had no righteousness of my own. I was convinced that the perfect obedience of Christ was the only righteousness I dare approach God in. I have found over the years that not only has my position not changed, but I see more clearly now than ever before that His righteousness is the only righteousness. This was so precious when I first believed. It is more precious now! Paul’s words express what is in my heart, “Oh that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness.”
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 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
*****
In believing the Gospel, we are both spectators and participants. We are spectators beholding what He has done! We are participants experiencing His salvation.
*****
“I have taken all my good deeds, and all my bad deeds, and cast them through each other in a heap before the Lord, and fled from both, and betaken myself to the Lord Jesus Christ, and in Him I have sweet peace.” - David Dickson, Scotland (1789-1842), on his deathbed
*****
NURSERY SCHEDULE
7- SS: Savannah AM: Peggy, Flora (Jailey, Johannah) PM: Kelli H WED. Allison
14- SS: Malinda AM: Elizabeth W., Lily D. Rachel PM: Sharon WED. Julie
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
Come all ye chosen saints of God
Whose souls are washed in Jesus’ blood
Hear what He says, His Word is true
“My grace sufficient is for you”
I am your sure Almighty Friend
Who, loving, loves you to the end
I will be near you and will show
My grace sufficient is for you.
I know how numerous are your foes
I know the ways which they oppose
I know their cunning malice too
“My grace sufficient is for you”
Though Satan tried your soul to ensnare
You’re still the object of my care
You’re near My heart, I’ll bring you through
“My grace sufficient is for you.”
Do you want proof of this, my child?
Calv’ry survey – then heav’n above
See how the ransomed millions bow
“My grace sufficient is for you”
I’ll guide you safely in the way
Through life’s dark night to Heav’n’s bright day
And there with wonder you shall view
“My grace sufficient was for you.”
(Tune: “Sweet Hour of Prayer” p. 361)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All adults are invited to a Christmas party at the home of Doug & Faith Hacker this Friday, December 12th at 7pm.
Birthdays
8 – Camden Proffitt 8 – Mike Brumfield 9 – Chuck Mohr
9 – Ben Small 12 – Lisa Gillispie
“The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.” - Proverbs 22:2
*****
SUCH KNOWLEDGE
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” - Psalm 139:6
David had been speaking of the omniscience and omnipresence of God. Our knowledge is so limited. There is nothing He does not know. We are limited by space and time. He is not bound by space or time. His response to that was, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” We know the facts. He is omniscient and omnipresent. But these immutable truths concerning His character are beyond our comprehension. We simply believe them to be so. God being one God in three distinct Persons is something we believe, but cannot comprehend. The great doctrines set forth in the doctrine of Christ we believe but cannot comprehend. We believe He was made flesh, we believe on the cross He was made sin, we believe that by Him being made flesh and being made sin, all the elect are made the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor. 5:21). While we cannot comprehend such great things, we believe them fully. When David said, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,” He certainly did not mean he did not believe. He did with all of his heart! He meant what Paul means in I Cor. 8:2, “If any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.”
*****
“NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS”
When I first came to Christ, I was convinced that I had no righteousness of my own. I was convinced that the perfect obedience of Christ was the only righteousness I dare approach God in. I have found over the years that not only has my position not changed, but I see more clearly now than ever before that His righteousness is the only righteousness. This was so precious when I first believed. It is more precious now! Paul’s words express what is in my heart, “Oh that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness.”
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 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
*****
In believing the Gospel, we are both spectators and participants. We are spectators beholding what He has done! We are participants experiencing His salvation.
*****
“I have taken all my good deeds, and all my bad deeds, and cast them through each other in a heap before the Lord, and fled from both, and betaken myself to the Lord Jesus Christ, and in Him I have sweet peace.” - David Dickson, Scotland (1789-1842), on his deathbed
*****
NURSERY SCHEDULE
7- SS: Savannah AM: Peggy, Flora (Jailey, Johannah) PM: Kelli H WED. Allison
14- SS: Malinda AM: Elizabeth W., Lily D. Rachel PM: Sharon WED. Julie
November 30, 2025
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
Oh, love beyond the reach of thought
That formed the sovereign plan
Ere Adam had our ruin wrought
Of saving fallen man!
Chosen in Christ, His ransomed flock
Th’ eternal purpose prove
By nature of a sinful stock
Made blameless now in love.
Ransomed by price, by blood redeemed
Restored by power Divine
Though lightly by the world esteemed
They as the stars shall shine.
Blessed be the Father of our Lord
From whom all blessings spring
And blessed be the Incarnate Word
Our Saviour and our King!
(Tune: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” p. 10)
*****
Doug & Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults on Friday, December 12th at their home.
Birthdays
30 – Isaac Steeves 30 – Mitch Steeves 2 – Susan Holthaus
2 – Kara Imes 3 – Kelly Byrd 3 – Tucker Brogle
4 – Eden Steeves 5 – Andy Davis
NURSERY SCHEDULE
30- SS: Cami AM: Janine, Macy (Amanda) PM: Malinda WED. Lucy
7- SS: Savannah AM: Peggy, Flora (Jailey, Johannah) PM: Kelli H WED. Allison
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” - Proverbs 17:22
*****
NO STEPS
In Exodus 20 we are given the Ten Commandments. The last three verses of the chapter give instructions for the building of the altar to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings. God knew they would break the law so the sacrifice was there already! The altar was not to be built with hewn stones. If a tool touched it, it was polluted. If our works are involved, the altar is polluted. And there were to be no steps of ascent to the altar. Men love steps. The steps men think will bring them closer to God. There are no steps to God. There is nothing I can do to improve my situation. There is one step. Look to Christ right now. With steps, our nakedness (shame) will appear! No works and no steps appear in, “To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5). Even in the very chapter the Ten Commandments are given, the Gospel message is declared!
*****
How Much Must One Believe?
There is an ongoing debate among some concerning how much one must believe in order to be saved. Permit me to put an end to this question in your own minds. What must we believe in order to be saved? Why, EVERYTHING THAT IS WRITTEN! Whatever God has said, we must believe in order to be saved. Paul said, “After the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, BELIEVING ALL THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAW AND IN THE PROPHETS” (Acts 24:14). Seems absurd in light of this passage that men should ask such a question…. “How much?” Does not one have to BELIEVE in order to be called a BELIEVER? Now, one does not have to fully UNDERSTAND all things in order to be a believer, but merely believe and receive all that is written. The most learned believer must confess, “We know in part.” What a man believes is revealing, but even more revealing is what he does not believe. – Paul Mahan
IS MY WORK IMPORTANT?
Is my job important? Is there significance to what I am doing? Could I not serve God better if I were devoted to “full time Christian service” and not doing something as insignificant in the grand scheme of things as what I am doing? These are questions that arise in everyone’s mind from time to time. Man made religion has developed a “caste system.” You have those who are involved in “full time Christian service” as being in the center of God’s will. Then there are those with “secular” jobs (secular means without reference to the sacred), but still have offices or responsibilities in the church. These people are not quite as significant as the full timers, but they are more significant then the regular “laymen.” This corrupt kind of thinking has a way of rubbing off on us.
In Ephesians 6:5-8, Paul addresses slaves. These people had no rights, and were given the most menial of jobs. A hard life to be sure! Yet Paul tells them to be obedient unto their masters … and in doing so they would be, “doing the will of God from the heart.” Whatever your job is, whether it be a C.E.O. or a ditch digger, a lawyer or a laborer, a doctor or a plumber, do not ever think it is insignificant. You are doing God’s will, just as much as if you were an apostle! You can change a diaper to the glory of God! What an encouragement this word must have been to those slaves, as they went through their daily grind to know that they were actually, “servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart.”
Whether preaching a sermon or driving a truck, every believer is involved in “full time Christian service.” There is no such thing as “secular” work to a Christian! Is my work important? Is God’s will important? Then my work is important!
*****
A man may be theologically knowing and spiritually ignorant.
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
Oh, love beyond the reach of thought
That formed the sovereign plan
Ere Adam had our ruin wrought
Of saving fallen man!
Chosen in Christ, His ransomed flock
Th’ eternal purpose prove
By nature of a sinful stock
Made blameless now in love.
Ransomed by price, by blood redeemed
Restored by power Divine
Though lightly by the world esteemed
They as the stars shall shine.
Blessed be the Father of our Lord
From whom all blessings spring
And blessed be the Incarnate Word
Our Saviour and our King!
(Tune: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” p. 10)
*****
Doug & Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults on Friday, December 12th at their home.
Birthdays
30 – Isaac Steeves 30 – Mitch Steeves 2 – Susan Holthaus
2 – Kara Imes 3 – Kelly Byrd 3 – Tucker Brogle
4 – Eden Steeves 5 – Andy Davis
NURSERY SCHEDULE
30- SS: Cami AM: Janine, Macy (Amanda) PM: Malinda WED. Lucy
7- SS: Savannah AM: Peggy, Flora (Jailey, Johannah) PM: Kelli H WED. Allison
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” - Proverbs 17:22
*****
NO STEPS
In Exodus 20 we are given the Ten Commandments. The last three verses of the chapter give instructions for the building of the altar to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings. God knew they would break the law so the sacrifice was there already! The altar was not to be built with hewn stones. If a tool touched it, it was polluted. If our works are involved, the altar is polluted. And there were to be no steps of ascent to the altar. Men love steps. The steps men think will bring them closer to God. There are no steps to God. There is nothing I can do to improve my situation. There is one step. Look to Christ right now. With steps, our nakedness (shame) will appear! No works and no steps appear in, “To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5). Even in the very chapter the Ten Commandments are given, the Gospel message is declared!
*****
How Much Must One Believe?
There is an ongoing debate among some concerning how much one must believe in order to be saved. Permit me to put an end to this question in your own minds. What must we believe in order to be saved? Why, EVERYTHING THAT IS WRITTEN! Whatever God has said, we must believe in order to be saved. Paul said, “After the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, BELIEVING ALL THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAW AND IN THE PROPHETS” (Acts 24:14). Seems absurd in light of this passage that men should ask such a question…. “How much?” Does not one have to BELIEVE in order to be called a BELIEVER? Now, one does not have to fully UNDERSTAND all things in order to be a believer, but merely believe and receive all that is written. The most learned believer must confess, “We know in part.” What a man believes is revealing, but even more revealing is what he does not believe. – Paul Mahan
IS MY WORK IMPORTANT?
Is my job important? Is there significance to what I am doing? Could I not serve God better if I were devoted to “full time Christian service” and not doing something as insignificant in the grand scheme of things as what I am doing? These are questions that arise in everyone’s mind from time to time. Man made religion has developed a “caste system.” You have those who are involved in “full time Christian service” as being in the center of God’s will. Then there are those with “secular” jobs (secular means without reference to the sacred), but still have offices or responsibilities in the church. These people are not quite as significant as the full timers, but they are more significant then the regular “laymen.” This corrupt kind of thinking has a way of rubbing off on us.
In Ephesians 6:5-8, Paul addresses slaves. These people had no rights, and were given the most menial of jobs. A hard life to be sure! Yet Paul tells them to be obedient unto their masters … and in doing so they would be, “doing the will of God from the heart.” Whatever your job is, whether it be a C.E.O. or a ditch digger, a lawyer or a laborer, a doctor or a plumber, do not ever think it is insignificant. You are doing God’s will, just as much as if you were an apostle! You can change a diaper to the glory of God! What an encouragement this word must have been to those slaves, as they went through their daily grind to know that they were actually, “servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart.”
Whether preaching a sermon or driving a truck, every believer is involved in “full time Christian service.” There is no such thing as “secular” work to a Christian! Is my work important? Is God’s will important? Then my work is important!
*****
A man may be theologically knowing and spiritually ignorant.
November 23, 2025
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
Blest be the Father and His love
To whose celestial source we owe
Rivers of endless joy above
And rills of comfort here below.
Glory to Thee, great Son of God
From whose dear wounded body rolls
A precious stream of vital blood
Pardon and life for dying souls.
We give Thee, sacred Spirit, praise
Who in our hearts of sin and woe
Make living springs of grace arise
And into boundless glory flow.
Thus God the Father, God the Son
And God the Spirit we adore
That sea of life and love unknown
Without a bottom or a shore.
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus concerning you.” - I Thessalonians 5:18
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone - may you enjoy the day with family and friends! There will be no Wednesday service this week.
Doug & Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults on Friday, December 12th at their home.
Birthdays
23 – Evan Ferrell 24 – Martin Weinstock 25 – Sarah Lynn
26 – Adam Charron 26 – John Frye
26 – Max Murphy 28 – Lydia Lynn
“In the fear of the Lord is a strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge.” - Proverbs 14:26
*****
David was punished for taking a census of Israel. Over 70,000 people lost their lives over this sin. David had many sins, but God did chasten David for this one above the others! Did David want to take pride in the size of his armies? Perhaps. But Exodus 30:11-16 gives specific instruction in the taking of a census. Everyone was to give atonement money, a half shekel. All were to give the same price. Both rich and poor were to give the half shekel. What numbered one as an Israelite was the atonement. If a census was taken without the collection of the atonement money, there would be a plague. David’s sin was counting the people of Israel without the atonement money. This is a solemn and a joyous reminder that the only thing that makes us included in the heavenly census is the atonement of Christ. When David forgot that, he committed great sin. If we forget that we commit great sin as well!
*****
In Luke 12:15, the Lord said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness.” The same word in the New Testament is called “greediness,” “extortion,” and even “idolatry.” Covetousness is not to be limited to coveting material things, although that is certainly included. We can covet power, approval, applause, praise, and an infinite number of other things. To covet anything is to make an idol of it! When John said, “Keep yourselves from idols”, he could just as easily have said, “keep yourselves from covetousness.” What is the cure for covetousness? Since the word means literally “to desire more”, the only thing that will keep you from coveting (desiring more) is to realize you have all. “Christ is All” and if you have all, there is nothing more to desire.
****
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
*****
NURSERY SCHEDULE
23- SS: Michelle AM: Jessica M., Jules (Rebekah) PM: Kimberly WED. Andrea
30- SS: Cami AM: Janine, Macy (Amanda) PM: Malinda WED. Lucy
When the disciples asked the Lord to teach them to pray, not only did He teach them what to say when they prayed (Luke 11:1-4), but He also instructed them in the attitude and spirit in which they should pray (vs. 5-13). The key word He uses to describe how we should pray is with “importunity.” “Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” The importunate man would not be denied. He kept knocking at the door shamelessly. The Lord uses a similar illustration in Luke 18:1-5, of the woman who obtained her request because the unjust judge said, “Because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” The Lord actually encourages us to “importunity” and “continual coming.”
Come my soul, thy suite prepare
Jesus loves to answer prayer
He Himself hath bid thee pray
Therefore will not say thee nay.
Thou art coming to a King
Large petitions with thee bring
For His grace and power are such
None can ever ask too much!
*****
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 Corinthians 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”.
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
Blest be the Father and His love
To whose celestial source we owe
Rivers of endless joy above
And rills of comfort here below.
Glory to Thee, great Son of God
From whose dear wounded body rolls
A precious stream of vital blood
Pardon and life for dying souls.
We give Thee, sacred Spirit, praise
Who in our hearts of sin and woe
Make living springs of grace arise
And into boundless glory flow.
Thus God the Father, God the Son
And God the Spirit we adore
That sea of life and love unknown
Without a bottom or a shore.
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus concerning you.” - I Thessalonians 5:18
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone - may you enjoy the day with family and friends! There will be no Wednesday service this week.
Doug & Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults on Friday, December 12th at their home.
Birthdays
23 – Evan Ferrell 24 – Martin Weinstock 25 – Sarah Lynn
26 – Adam Charron 26 – John Frye
26 – Max Murphy 28 – Lydia Lynn
“In the fear of the Lord is a strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge.” - Proverbs 14:26
*****
David was punished for taking a census of Israel. Over 70,000 people lost their lives over this sin. David had many sins, but God did chasten David for this one above the others! Did David want to take pride in the size of his armies? Perhaps. But Exodus 30:11-16 gives specific instruction in the taking of a census. Everyone was to give atonement money, a half shekel. All were to give the same price. Both rich and poor were to give the half shekel. What numbered one as an Israelite was the atonement. If a census was taken without the collection of the atonement money, there would be a plague. David’s sin was counting the people of Israel without the atonement money. This is a solemn and a joyous reminder that the only thing that makes us included in the heavenly census is the atonement of Christ. When David forgot that, he committed great sin. If we forget that we commit great sin as well!
*****
In Luke 12:15, the Lord said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness.” The same word in the New Testament is called “greediness,” “extortion,” and even “idolatry.” Covetousness is not to be limited to coveting material things, although that is certainly included. We can covet power, approval, applause, praise, and an infinite number of other things. To covet anything is to make an idol of it! When John said, “Keep yourselves from idols”, he could just as easily have said, “keep yourselves from covetousness.” What is the cure for covetousness? Since the word means literally “to desire more”, the only thing that will keep you from coveting (desiring more) is to realize you have all. “Christ is All” and if you have all, there is nothing more to desire.
****
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
*****
NURSERY SCHEDULE
23- SS: Michelle AM: Jessica M., Jules (Rebekah) PM: Kimberly WED. Andrea
30- SS: Cami AM: Janine, Macy (Amanda) PM: Malinda WED. Lucy
When the disciples asked the Lord to teach them to pray, not only did He teach them what to say when they prayed (Luke 11:1-4), but He also instructed them in the attitude and spirit in which they should pray (vs. 5-13). The key word He uses to describe how we should pray is with “importunity.” “Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” The importunate man would not be denied. He kept knocking at the door shamelessly. The Lord uses a similar illustration in Luke 18:1-5, of the woman who obtained her request because the unjust judge said, “Because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” The Lord actually encourages us to “importunity” and “continual coming.”
Come my soul, thy suite prepare
Jesus loves to answer prayer
He Himself hath bid thee pray
Therefore will not say thee nay.
Thou art coming to a King
Large petitions with thee bring
For His grace and power are such
None can ever ask too much!
*****
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 Corinthians 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”.
November 16, 2025
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!
Angle His love adore, Who all our sorrow 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 without ceasing sing, “WORTHY THE LAMB!”
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
Everyone is invited to the Wedding of Bennet Tate and Andrea Bryan here at the church this Saturday at 2:30.
There will be no service Wednesday November 26th.
Doug & Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults on Friday, December 12th at their home.
Birthdays
16 – Pamela Weinstock 17 – Joshua Davis
21 – Zack Murphy 21 – Josiah Thacker
NURSERY SCHEDULE
16- SS: Maggie AM: Jennifer, Lilyana (Kristen) PM: Megan WED. Julie
23- SS: Michelle AM: Jessica M., Jules (Rebekah) PM: Kimberly WED. Andrea
“He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the tongue.” - Proverbs 28:23
*****
THE CITIES OF REFUGE
If you accidentally killed someone under the Old Testament law, the relatives of that person had the right, by law, to kill you. But God, in His mercy, provided six cities where the one who accidentally killed someone could be protected in called the cities of refuge. While these cities did provide this benefit, they provide us with a glorious type of Christ, our city of refuge. Each city had a name that illustrates Christ’s work on behalf of His people. Kedesh: Holy place… Christ our Holy place. Shechem: Shoulder…“And the government shall be upon His shoulder.” Hebron: Association… this is where every member of Christ’s church associates and finds refuge. Bezer: Remote fortress… our absolutely sure place of safety. Ramoth: Heights… reaching the Throne of God. Golan: Rejoicing… how we rejoice in Christ our City of Refuge! You were safe in that city as long as the high priest lived. Our High Priest, “Ever liveth to make intercession for us.”
*****
“Let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ.”
Philippians 1:27
By conversation, the apostle means our conduct, or manner of life. We are to make sure our conduct becomes or is worthy of, the Gospel of Christ. When we say we believe grace, and behave ungraciously, our conduct does not become, or is not worthy of, the Gospel of Christ. When we say we believe God is sovereign, and yet worry and fret; when we say we believe Christ is All, and yet murmur and are discontent; when we say we trust Him and yet we have no assurance; when we say we are thankful to God, and yet never express thanks to others (and these are just a few examples), our conversation does not become the Gospel of Christ. I am sure we are all aware of our failure in this. But is that not all the more reason to cry out for grace to enable us to conduct ourselves in such a way as is becoming to the Gospel of Christ?
WHAT ABOUT YOU
“I am not satisfied with my faith,” says one. No, of course you are not nor will you ever be; at least I hope not! The Bible does not say, “Therefore being satisfied with our faith we have peace with God.” It says, “Being justified by faith we have peace with God.”
“I am not satisfied with my repentance.” That is wonderful! What would you do with your repentance if you were satisfied with it? Would you find peace in repentance? Oh, what pride and self-righteousness must be in any person who is satisfied with his repentance and faith! That person could never find true peace, for such a refuge of lies must fall.
“I am not satisfied with my love.” What? Did you expect on this earth, to be satisfied with any grace found in you? Was it your love for Christ or His love for you that gave you peace at first?
Now then, there is but one thing with which Almighty God is satisfied – and that is the Person and work of His Son. It is with Christ that we must be satisfied, not with ourselves, nor anything about us! When we cease from ALL our labors, and ALL our righteousness, and ENTER INTO HIS REST, pardon and peace will come without delay.
- Horatius Bonar
*****
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’!
- 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.
HYMN
Glory to God on High!
Let earth to Heav’n reply, Praise ye His Name!
Angle His love adore, Who all our sorrow 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 without ceasing sing, “WORTHY THE LAMB!”
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
Everyone is invited to the Wedding of Bennet Tate and Andrea Bryan here at the church this Saturday at 2:30.
There will be no service Wednesday November 26th.
Doug & Faith Hacker will host a Christmas party for the adults on Friday, December 12th at their home.
Birthdays
16 – Pamela Weinstock 17 – Joshua Davis
21 – Zack Murphy 21 – Josiah Thacker
NURSERY SCHEDULE
16- SS: Maggie AM: Jennifer, Lilyana (Kristen) PM: Megan WED. Julie
23- SS: Michelle AM: Jessica M., Jules (Rebekah) PM: Kimberly WED. Andrea
“He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the tongue.” - Proverbs 28:23
*****
THE CITIES OF REFUGE
If you accidentally killed someone under the Old Testament law, the relatives of that person had the right, by law, to kill you. But God, in His mercy, provided six cities where the one who accidentally killed someone could be protected in called the cities of refuge. While these cities did provide this benefit, they provide us with a glorious type of Christ, our city of refuge. Each city had a name that illustrates Christ’s work on behalf of His people. Kedesh: Holy place… Christ our Holy place. Shechem: Shoulder…“And the government shall be upon His shoulder.” Hebron: Association… this is where every member of Christ’s church associates and finds refuge. Bezer: Remote fortress… our absolutely sure place of safety. Ramoth: Heights… reaching the Throne of God. Golan: Rejoicing… how we rejoice in Christ our City of Refuge! You were safe in that city as long as the high priest lived. Our High Priest, “Ever liveth to make intercession for us.”
*****
“Let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ.”
Philippians 1:27
By conversation, the apostle means our conduct, or manner of life. We are to make sure our conduct becomes or is worthy of, the Gospel of Christ. When we say we believe grace, and behave ungraciously, our conduct does not become, or is not worthy of, the Gospel of Christ. When we say we believe God is sovereign, and yet worry and fret; when we say we believe Christ is All, and yet murmur and are discontent; when we say we trust Him and yet we have no assurance; when we say we are thankful to God, and yet never express thanks to others (and these are just a few examples), our conversation does not become the Gospel of Christ. I am sure we are all aware of our failure in this. But is that not all the more reason to cry out for grace to enable us to conduct ourselves in such a way as is becoming to the Gospel of Christ?
WHAT ABOUT YOU
“I am not satisfied with my faith,” says one. No, of course you are not nor will you ever be; at least I hope not! The Bible does not say, “Therefore being satisfied with our faith we have peace with God.” It says, “Being justified by faith we have peace with God.”
“I am not satisfied with my repentance.” That is wonderful! What would you do with your repentance if you were satisfied with it? Would you find peace in repentance? Oh, what pride and self-righteousness must be in any person who is satisfied with his repentance and faith! That person could never find true peace, for such a refuge of lies must fall.
“I am not satisfied with my love.” What? Did you expect on this earth, to be satisfied with any grace found in you? Was it your love for Christ or His love for you that gave you peace at first?
Now then, there is but one thing with which Almighty God is satisfied – and that is the Person and work of His Son. It is with Christ that we must be satisfied, not with ourselves, nor anything about us! When we cease from ALL our labors, and ALL our righteousness, and ENTER INTO HIS REST, pardon and peace will come without delay.
- Horatius Bonar
*****
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’!
- Copied
November 9, 2025
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
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 victory gaineth
O’er every hurtful foe
Thy love my heart sustaineth
In all its cares 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)
*****
Everyone is invited to stay for lunch after the service this morning. There will be no service this evening.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower for Andrea Bryan Thursday evening, November 13th at 6:30. Sign up in the foyer. Everyone is invited to the Wedding of Bennet Tate and Andrea Bryan here at the church on Saturday, November 22 at 2:30.
Birthdays
9 – Delena Creamer 9 – Ryan Vincent 10 – David Wright 11 – Elizabeth Charron 11 - Peggy Mohr 11 – Hannah Summers
11 – Jenny Williams 15 - Carter Steeves
NURSERY SCHEDULE
9 - SS: Jaime AM: Savannah, Lily D. (Kelly B.) PM: Sharon WED. Allison
16- SS: Maggie AM: Jennifer, Lilyana (Kristen) PM: Megan WED. Julie
*****
“A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; but the fool rageth and is confident.” - Proverbs 14:16
*****
RIGHTEOUS
“Thee have I seen righteous before Me in this generation” (Genesis 7:1). This is what God said to Noah. The generation He speaks of was described by what God saw in them. “And God saw the wickedness of men was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Would God see Noah as righteous even though he really was not? No. Would God see man this way if that were not actually what they were? No. Was Noah in and of himself any different from those whom God saw their wickedness was great in the earth? No. Did God see in Noah what He saw in them? No. Noah was always seen as righteous before God. How could that be? Because He was always in Christ, consequently always righteous in God’s sight! What was the evidence that Noah was righteous in God’s sight? Faith. “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, (the flood) moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became the heir of the righteousness by faith” (Hebrews 11:7).
Earnestly Contend For the Faith Once Delivered
Jude tells us, “It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). The reason it is needful is that Jude knows that our flesh will find 1001 reasons not to. We do not want to be perceived as argumentative or contentious. We grow weary of conflict. We do not want to appear to always be negative. Need I go on? These thoughts have crossed all of our minds. That is why Jude knew we needed to be encouraged in this. He knew that Satan would not grow weary in this battle. Satan will continually seek to chip away at, “The faith once delivered.”
The faith was delivered to the saints, as a mailman delivers a letter. The content of the faith is in all the pages of the Bible. None of it can be left out! It was “once delivered.” That means there is a perpetual validity to this message. No additions, subtractions, or modifications are needed. And we are commanded to earnestly contend for it. If you love somebody, you will speak in their defense if they are slandered. We love the object of “the faith” – the Lord Jesus Christ and cannot bear when people say that which is derogatory to Him!
*****
“Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” – Romans 9:13
The reaction of the natural man to this declaration concerning God’s love and hatred demonstrates our sinful and egocentric way of thinking. I am yet to meet a person who has difficulty with the “Jacob have I loved” part of this verse. We take it for granted that God loves Jacob, as if God’s love to men was an entitlement. “Esau have I hated.” If we looked at this the way we should, we would have no problem with the “Esau have I hated,” because we would see that we deserve the hatred and righteous indignation of God. If we looked at this the way we should, we would be amazed by, “Jacob have I loved.” How can a Holy God actually love a sinful man? How could a Holy God love a sinful man so much that He would give His Son to die for him? Which part of this verse gives you difficulty?
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
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 victory gaineth
O’er every hurtful foe
Thy love my heart sustaineth
In all its cares 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)
*****
Everyone is invited to stay for lunch after the service this morning. There will be no service this evening.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower for Andrea Bryan Thursday evening, November 13th at 6:30. Sign up in the foyer. Everyone is invited to the Wedding of Bennet Tate and Andrea Bryan here at the church on Saturday, November 22 at 2:30.
Birthdays
9 – Delena Creamer 9 – Ryan Vincent 10 – David Wright 11 – Elizabeth Charron 11 - Peggy Mohr 11 – Hannah Summers
11 – Jenny Williams 15 - Carter Steeves
NURSERY SCHEDULE
9 - SS: Jaime AM: Savannah, Lily D. (Kelly B.) PM: Sharon WED. Allison
16- SS: Maggie AM: Jennifer, Lilyana (Kristen) PM: Megan WED. Julie
*****
“A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; but the fool rageth and is confident.” - Proverbs 14:16
*****
RIGHTEOUS
“Thee have I seen righteous before Me in this generation” (Genesis 7:1). This is what God said to Noah. The generation He speaks of was described by what God saw in them. “And God saw the wickedness of men was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Would God see Noah as righteous even though he really was not? No. Would God see man this way if that were not actually what they were? No. Was Noah in and of himself any different from those whom God saw their wickedness was great in the earth? No. Did God see in Noah what He saw in them? No. Noah was always seen as righteous before God. How could that be? Because He was always in Christ, consequently always righteous in God’s sight! What was the evidence that Noah was righteous in God’s sight? Faith. “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, (the flood) moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became the heir of the righteousness by faith” (Hebrews 11:7).
Earnestly Contend For the Faith Once Delivered
Jude tells us, “It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). The reason it is needful is that Jude knows that our flesh will find 1001 reasons not to. We do not want to be perceived as argumentative or contentious. We grow weary of conflict. We do not want to appear to always be negative. Need I go on? These thoughts have crossed all of our minds. That is why Jude knew we needed to be encouraged in this. He knew that Satan would not grow weary in this battle. Satan will continually seek to chip away at, “The faith once delivered.”
The faith was delivered to the saints, as a mailman delivers a letter. The content of the faith is in all the pages of the Bible. None of it can be left out! It was “once delivered.” That means there is a perpetual validity to this message. No additions, subtractions, or modifications are needed. And we are commanded to earnestly contend for it. If you love somebody, you will speak in their defense if they are slandered. We love the object of “the faith” – the Lord Jesus Christ and cannot bear when people say that which is derogatory to Him!
*****
“Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” – Romans 9:13
The reaction of the natural man to this declaration concerning God’s love and hatred demonstrates our sinful and egocentric way of thinking. I am yet to meet a person who has difficulty with the “Jacob have I loved” part of this verse. We take it for granted that God loves Jacob, as if God’s love to men was an entitlement. “Esau have I hated.” If we looked at this the way we should, we would have no problem with the “Esau have I hated,” because we would see that we deserve the hatred and righteous indignation of God. If we looked at this the way we should, we would be amazed by, “Jacob have I loved.” How can a Holy God actually love a sinful man? How could a Holy God love a sinful man so much that He would give His Son to die for him? Which part of this verse gives you difficulty?
November 2, 2025
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, and the boast of my tongue
Thy grace all -sufficient, from first to the last
Has won my affections and bound my heart fast.
Without Thy sweet mercy, I could not live here
Sin soon would reduce me to utter despair
But through Thy free goodness, my spirit revives
And He that first made me still keeps me alive.
Great Father of mercy, Thy goodness I own
And the covenant love of Thy crucified Son
All praise to the Savior, Whose offerings Divine
Make mercy and pardon and righteousness mine.
(Tune: “How Firm a Foundation” p. 268)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Cindy Farmer and her family on the death of her mother.
Everyone bring a dish and we will have lunch together next Sunday, November 9th. There will be no evening service next Sunday.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower for Andrea Bryan on Thursday evening, November 13th at 6:30. Sign up in the foyer.
Birthdays
3 – Conner Dickerson 3 – Jeff Sullivan 4 – Laura Benton
4 – Steve Sligh 5 – Michael Burton 5 – Macy Greenleaf
5 – Logan Small 6 – Lauren Burton 8 – Daniel Holthaus
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1
*****
Every message I preach ought to be the most important message I have ever preached. Every message you ever hear ought to be the most important message you have ever heard. If that is not the case in both preacher and hearer, neither have the right attitude or spirit!
*****
GOD’S PROPER NAME
The translators of the Old Testament thought God’s Name Jehovah was too sacred to write down, so they translated it LORD. Jehovah is the proper Name He has given Himself. It means the self-existent One. It is derived from the Name He told Moses, “I AM THAT I AM.” He is self- existent. He has no needs outside of Himself. All of His attributes are comprehended by His self-existence and absolute independence. Because He is sovereign, He has no needs. Because He is all-powerful, He has no needs. Because He is all wise, He has no needs. Because He is immutable, He has no needs. Because He is eternal, He has no needs. How glorious He is in His absolute independence. We are utterly dependent upon the One who is utterly independent – Jehovah, the Self-existent One.
*****
BE FOUND IN CHRIST
“And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ,
the righteousness which is of God by faith.” -Philippians 3:9
The desire of my heart and soul is that when God looks at me, all He sees is Christ. I do not even want the Father to see Christ and also me in Christ. When God looks at me, I only want Him to see Christ. I do not want to be seen in my weak faith. I do not want to be seen in my sinful stumbling walk. I do not want to be seen in my service in God’s Kingdom, I only want to be seen in Christ because that is the only way that God can accept me. - Frank Tate
PRIDE
Pride is a groundless thing. We have reasons for almost everything, but we have no reason to be proud. Pride should be unnatural to us, for we have nothing to be proud of. Our CREATION ought to humble us, for we are frail creatures who are here today and gone tomorrow. Our IGNORACNE should be sufficient to lay us low. We spend a lifetime trying to learn a few things in part; then, in old age, we can’t remember where we left our glasses. Our SINS should lay us in the dust, for it would be embarrassing for the most trusted friend to view our hearts. Our BLESSINGS ought to humble us; for the more we have, the more we are in debt to God who makes us to differ. A great debtor has no cause for pride. Certainly a believer has no cause for pride, for our SALVATION is all by grace! Mephibosheth accurately summed up our confession, “What is Thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?” Let us pray to be delivered from pride, for it is such a subtle enemy that only the Lord can deliver us; but we MUST be delivered, for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.
- Henry Mahan
*****
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! 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. 2:8). Faith is, “According to the working of His mighty power” (Eph. 1:19). Therefore, it is, “To the praise of the glory is His grace” (Eph. 1:6) … and not rather, “To the praise of our faith.” - Paul Mahan
*****
It is our sin nature to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. Only God can make us own ourselves the chief of sinners. Only God can make us behold Christ as greatest and ourselves least. Only then do we esteem other better. I am ashamed to say that I have proudly stood as the Pharisee. But I am grateful to God to have also been laid low as the publican. One thing is so, it is impossible to condemn another when we are the sinner with our eyes in the dust crying to God for mercy.
- Clay Curtis
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, and the boast of my tongue
Thy grace all -sufficient, from first to the last
Has won my affections and bound my heart fast.
Without Thy sweet mercy, I could not live here
Sin soon would reduce me to utter despair
But through Thy free goodness, my spirit revives
And He that first made me still keeps me alive.
Great Father of mercy, Thy goodness I own
And the covenant love of Thy crucified Son
All praise to the Savior, Whose offerings Divine
Make mercy and pardon and righteousness mine.
(Tune: “How Firm a Foundation” p. 268)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Cindy Farmer and her family on the death of her mother.
Everyone bring a dish and we will have lunch together next Sunday, November 9th. There will be no evening service next Sunday.
All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower for Andrea Bryan on Thursday evening, November 13th at 6:30. Sign up in the foyer.
Birthdays
3 – Conner Dickerson 3 – Jeff Sullivan 4 – Laura Benton
4 – Steve Sligh 5 – Michael Burton 5 – Macy Greenleaf
5 – Logan Small 6 – Lauren Burton 8 – Daniel Holthaus
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1
*****
Every message I preach ought to be the most important message I have ever preached. Every message you ever hear ought to be the most important message you have ever heard. If that is not the case in both preacher and hearer, neither have the right attitude or spirit!
*****
GOD’S PROPER NAME
The translators of the Old Testament thought God’s Name Jehovah was too sacred to write down, so they translated it LORD. Jehovah is the proper Name He has given Himself. It means the self-existent One. It is derived from the Name He told Moses, “I AM THAT I AM.” He is self- existent. He has no needs outside of Himself. All of His attributes are comprehended by His self-existence and absolute independence. Because He is sovereign, He has no needs. Because He is all-powerful, He has no needs. Because He is all wise, He has no needs. Because He is immutable, He has no needs. Because He is eternal, He has no needs. How glorious He is in His absolute independence. We are utterly dependent upon the One who is utterly independent – Jehovah, the Self-existent One.
*****
BE FOUND IN CHRIST
“And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ,
the righteousness which is of God by faith.” -Philippians 3:9
The desire of my heart and soul is that when God looks at me, all He sees is Christ. I do not even want the Father to see Christ and also me in Christ. When God looks at me, I only want Him to see Christ. I do not want to be seen in my weak faith. I do not want to be seen in my sinful stumbling walk. I do not want to be seen in my service in God’s Kingdom, I only want to be seen in Christ because that is the only way that God can accept me. - Frank Tate
PRIDE
Pride is a groundless thing. We have reasons for almost everything, but we have no reason to be proud. Pride should be unnatural to us, for we have nothing to be proud of. Our CREATION ought to humble us, for we are frail creatures who are here today and gone tomorrow. Our IGNORACNE should be sufficient to lay us low. We spend a lifetime trying to learn a few things in part; then, in old age, we can’t remember where we left our glasses. Our SINS should lay us in the dust, for it would be embarrassing for the most trusted friend to view our hearts. Our BLESSINGS ought to humble us; for the more we have, the more we are in debt to God who makes us to differ. A great debtor has no cause for pride. Certainly a believer has no cause for pride, for our SALVATION is all by grace! Mephibosheth accurately summed up our confession, “What is Thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?” Let us pray to be delivered from pride, for it is such a subtle enemy that only the Lord can deliver us; but we MUST be delivered, for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.
- Henry Mahan
*****
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! 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. 2:8). Faith is, “According to the working of His mighty power” (Eph. 1:19). Therefore, it is, “To the praise of the glory is His grace” (Eph. 1:6) … and not rather, “To the praise of our faith.” - Paul Mahan
*****
It is our sin nature to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. Only God can make us own ourselves the chief of sinners. Only God can make us behold Christ as greatest and ourselves least. Only then do we esteem other better. I am ashamed to say that I have proudly stood as the Pharisee. But I am grateful to God to have also been laid low as the publican. One thing is so, it is impossible to condemn another when we are the sinner with our eyes in the dust crying to God for mercy.
- Clay Curtis
October 26, 2025
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 face
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’re come
And grace will help us through the worst
And lead us safely home.
(Tune: “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?” p.110)
*****
Everyone bring a dish and we will have a church dinner Sunday, November 9th. There will be no evening service that day.
Central Grace Church Rocky Mount, Virginia - Bible Conference Nov. 7-9
Birthdays
27 – Mark Mohr 28 – Drew Charron 28 – Emma Hubbs
30 – Tucker Greenleaf 1 – Charles McGuire
NURSERY SCHEDULE
26 - SS: Cami AM: Peggy, Jailey (Johannah) PM: Megan WED. Lucy
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.” - Proverbs 17:15
*****
COMMANDMENTS NOT GRIEVOUS
“For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not grievous (burdensome, heavy, irksome) (I John 5:3). When are His commandments not grievous? When salvation is all of grace. If there is one commandment I must keep before God will save me, one thing I must do or not do before I will be shown mercy….it is a grievous, burdensome commandment that I cannot keep. Being “accepted in the Beloved” I find it a joy to keep His commandments. “Believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment” (I John 3:23). Law can never produce love. Only resentment and discouragement! But, “By grace are ye saved” makes the commandments of the Gospel not grievous!
*****
FREE WILL OR FREE GRACE?
The Bible does not teach that man has a free will. “It is not of him that willeth” (Romans 9:16). The will of man is under the dominion of his sinful nature. That does not mean the will of the new nature is not involved in a man’s salvation. Paul said, “To will is present with me” and “It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do His good pleasure” and “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” But if I believe any part of my salvation to be ultimately dependent upon my will, the choices I make, and not ultimately dependent upon God’s will, I am operating in the realm of salvation by works. Every aspect of false religion begins with man’s will and the choices he makes…. to do or not to do. If that is the case (and it is not), then salvation and personal growth are ultimately dependent upon your will. You get at least some of the glory, and you deny FREE GRACE. I love what the leper said, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.” I love both my salvation and my growth in grace being ultimately dependent upon His will!
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
Acts 16:31
About 30% of the world’s population professes to be “Christian”. All of them would say they believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Two questions: What does the Bible mean by believe and Who exactly is the Lord Jesus Christ on whom we must believe? Most all of those 2.3 billion people would attribute their faith either to a decision they made, or something they have always had. This is not what the Bible means by “believe”. To believe is not a choice. It is a miraculous work of grace in the heart that shuts us up to Christ as our only hope. It is an irresistible gift of God. Believing is not our contribution in salvation. It is a confession, brought about by the new birth, that we have nothing in ourselves to contribute. Who is the Lord Jesus Christ on whom we must believe to be saved? The entire Bible is given to answer this question. Just as the penman of Scripture had to be moved by the Holy Spirit to reveal the Christ who is, so we must have the Holy Spirit for the revelation of Him to be known in our hearts. In the limited space we have here, let us reflect and rest in the Christ who is Himself the fullness of the Godhead bodily. The One whose entire and eternal existence is completely within Himself. One who needs nothing from us. One who is Himself the Sovereign, Successful, Savior of all His elect people. To all those who profess to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ – Believest thou this? - Greg Elmquist
*****
I hear a lot of talk from preachers on “experiencing God.” That is even the title of a popular religious book. I suggest that this is the wrong emphasis! My salvation was accomplished outside of my experience. My salvation was accomplished when Christ died on the cross. When He said, “It is finished” - He meant nothing less than “The salvation of all My people is secured.” And what an experience I have when I see that my salvation was accomplished outside of my experience. To put the emphasis on our experience rather than what He did is to put the cart before the horse, and have the effect without the cause!
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 face
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’re come
And grace will help us through the worst
And lead us safely home.
(Tune: “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?” p.110)
*****
Everyone bring a dish and we will have a church dinner Sunday, November 9th. There will be no evening service that day.
Central Grace Church Rocky Mount, Virginia - Bible Conference Nov. 7-9
Birthdays
27 – Mark Mohr 28 – Drew Charron 28 – Emma Hubbs
30 – Tucker Greenleaf 1 – Charles McGuire
NURSERY SCHEDULE
26 - SS: Cami AM: Peggy, Jailey (Johannah) PM: Megan WED. Lucy
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.” - Proverbs 17:15
*****
COMMANDMENTS NOT GRIEVOUS
“For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not grievous (burdensome, heavy, irksome) (I John 5:3). When are His commandments not grievous? When salvation is all of grace. If there is one commandment I must keep before God will save me, one thing I must do or not do before I will be shown mercy….it is a grievous, burdensome commandment that I cannot keep. Being “accepted in the Beloved” I find it a joy to keep His commandments. “Believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment” (I John 3:23). Law can never produce love. Only resentment and discouragement! But, “By grace are ye saved” makes the commandments of the Gospel not grievous!
*****
FREE WILL OR FREE GRACE?
The Bible does not teach that man has a free will. “It is not of him that willeth” (Romans 9:16). The will of man is under the dominion of his sinful nature. That does not mean the will of the new nature is not involved in a man’s salvation. Paul said, “To will is present with me” and “It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do His good pleasure” and “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” But if I believe any part of my salvation to be ultimately dependent upon my will, the choices I make, and not ultimately dependent upon God’s will, I am operating in the realm of salvation by works. Every aspect of false religion begins with man’s will and the choices he makes…. to do or not to do. If that is the case (and it is not), then salvation and personal growth are ultimately dependent upon your will. You get at least some of the glory, and you deny FREE GRACE. I love what the leper said, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.” I love both my salvation and my growth in grace being ultimately dependent upon His will!
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
Acts 16:31
About 30% of the world’s population professes to be “Christian”. All of them would say they believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Two questions: What does the Bible mean by believe and Who exactly is the Lord Jesus Christ on whom we must believe? Most all of those 2.3 billion people would attribute their faith either to a decision they made, or something they have always had. This is not what the Bible means by “believe”. To believe is not a choice. It is a miraculous work of grace in the heart that shuts us up to Christ as our only hope. It is an irresistible gift of God. Believing is not our contribution in salvation. It is a confession, brought about by the new birth, that we have nothing in ourselves to contribute. Who is the Lord Jesus Christ on whom we must believe to be saved? The entire Bible is given to answer this question. Just as the penman of Scripture had to be moved by the Holy Spirit to reveal the Christ who is, so we must have the Holy Spirit for the revelation of Him to be known in our hearts. In the limited space we have here, let us reflect and rest in the Christ who is Himself the fullness of the Godhead bodily. The One whose entire and eternal existence is completely within Himself. One who needs nothing from us. One who is Himself the Sovereign, Successful, Savior of all His elect people. To all those who profess to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ – Believest thou this? - Greg Elmquist
*****
I hear a lot of talk from preachers on “experiencing God.” That is even the title of a popular religious book. I suggest that this is the wrong emphasis! My salvation was accomplished outside of my experience. My salvation was accomplished when Christ died on the cross. When He said, “It is finished” - He meant nothing less than “The salvation of all My people is secured.” And what an experience I have when I see that my salvation was accomplished outside of my experience. To put the emphasis on our experience rather than what He did is to put the cart before the horse, and have the effect without the cause!
October 19, 2025
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 bond
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 rejoice with Macy Greenleaf who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism at the close of the service this morning.
Everyone bring a dish and we will eat lunch together Sunday, November 9th. There will be no evening service that day.
Birthdays
21 – Tim Scifres 22 – Samuel Kincer
24 – Carla Bryan 24 – Becky Kess
NURSERY SCHEDULE
19 - SS: Kristen AM: Michelle, Macy (Jennifer) PM: Rachel WED. Andrea
26 - SS: Cami AM: Peggy, Jailey (Johannah) PM: Megan WED. Lucy
“Say unto wisdom Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.” - Proverbs 7:4-5
*****
RIGHTEOUS GRACE
“Even so might grace reign through righteousness” – Romans 5:21
If a human judge extended grace and pardon to a convicted criminal, he would be removed as an unjust judge putting convicted criminals back on the street. God’s grace is not like that. God’s grace is righteous grace. The penalty of the law for disobedience is carried out. Justice was satisfied by Christ dying for sin on the cross. The law demands that the sinner go free for whom Christ died because there is now no sin for him to be condemned for! Christ put that sin away! Oh, the beauty of His righteous grace, that made the way for Him to be just and justify the ungodly.
*****
THE GLORY IS CHRIST!
“Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord,
the veil shall be taken away.” - II Corinthians 3:16
From our perspective, it generally looks as though the moon has a light of its own. But during an eclipse – when the moon comes between Earth and the sun – the moon is shown for what it is: a dark and dead body. Rather than adding light to the sun, it actually diminishes the sunlight that reaches us.
So it is with doctrine. While in its proper position, it shines with a brilliant light or glory. But, just as with the moon, the glory of doctrine is not its own, it is Christ. The proof of this is simple. Let any doctrine occupy a place between Christ and us, and it will ‘eclipse’ the glory of Christ and become a dead and darkening thing to our souls.
Election is a glorious and wonderful doctrine. But its glory is wholly borrowed from Christ. There is no glory in election apart from the fact that “We are chosen in Him…” Predestination has no glory apart from the fact that we are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ. Redemption viewed by itself becomes nothing more than a point of contention and pride. Arguments arise over its extent and scope are silenced and a glorious, God-honoring, soul-comforting truth appears: that every blood-bought sinner IS redeemed with a redemption that cannot be undone. And so the principle applies to every truth: until truth is seen in its proper relation to Christ, it is a dead and dark thing. But when it is viewed in proper relation to Christ, it shines with His glory and reveals His glory to us. - Joe Terrell
A RIGHT MIND
I often think, after hearing the Gospel of grace preached in the power of the Spirit, “Why would anyone in their right mind not rejoice in this blessed Truth, that salvation is accomplished, salvation is free, there is nothing for the sinner to do, because everything God requires of the sinner, He looks to Christ for?”
And then I realize why. Only a believer has a right mind, and all men by nature have a wrong mind. Just look at examples in Scripture…the religious Pharisee (me and you by nature) spent his “prayer time” impressing God with his sincerity, his devotion, his fasting, his tithing, his holier-than-thou attitude with his wrong mind, and went down to his house not justified. And way off in the corner, the publican (given a right mind, just like the prodigal son returning to his father) head bowed in shame, beating upon his chest – filled with a sinful heart, simply cried a soul-saving seven word prayer – “God be merciful to me the sinner!” And he went down to his house justified.
We are born with wrong minds. Everything we naturally think concerning salvation is wrong. Ask God to give you a new mind, a right mind, and you will see that salvation is in Christ alone, you will love it that way, and you will find yourself rejoicing in this glorious Gospel of grace that you once hated. - Brian DuFour
*****
WHEN GOD LOOKS UPON HIS ELECT
When we look upon ourselves, we often see ourselves – the most stupid – the most ignorant – the most vile – the most unworthy – the most earthly and sensual wretches that God can permit to live! At least, that is the view we take of ourselves when we are really humbled in our own eyes. But when God looks upon His elect, He does not look upon them as they often look upon themselves – but as they stand in Christ – accepted in the Beloved - without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing! He does not see His people as they often see themselves – full of wounds, and bruises and putrefying sores, but clothed in the perfection, beauty, and loveliness of their Head and Husband. - J. C. Philpot
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 bond
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 rejoice with Macy Greenleaf who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism at the close of the service this morning.
Everyone bring a dish and we will eat lunch together Sunday, November 9th. There will be no evening service that day.
Birthdays
21 – Tim Scifres 22 – Samuel Kincer
24 – Carla Bryan 24 – Becky Kess
NURSERY SCHEDULE
19 - SS: Kristen AM: Michelle, Macy (Jennifer) PM: Rachel WED. Andrea
26 - SS: Cami AM: Peggy, Jailey (Johannah) PM: Megan WED. Lucy
“Say unto wisdom Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.” - Proverbs 7:4-5
*****
RIGHTEOUS GRACE
“Even so might grace reign through righteousness” – Romans 5:21
If a human judge extended grace and pardon to a convicted criminal, he would be removed as an unjust judge putting convicted criminals back on the street. God’s grace is not like that. God’s grace is righteous grace. The penalty of the law for disobedience is carried out. Justice was satisfied by Christ dying for sin on the cross. The law demands that the sinner go free for whom Christ died because there is now no sin for him to be condemned for! Christ put that sin away! Oh, the beauty of His righteous grace, that made the way for Him to be just and justify the ungodly.
*****
THE GLORY IS CHRIST!
“Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord,
the veil shall be taken away.” - II Corinthians 3:16
From our perspective, it generally looks as though the moon has a light of its own. But during an eclipse – when the moon comes between Earth and the sun – the moon is shown for what it is: a dark and dead body. Rather than adding light to the sun, it actually diminishes the sunlight that reaches us.
So it is with doctrine. While in its proper position, it shines with a brilliant light or glory. But, just as with the moon, the glory of doctrine is not its own, it is Christ. The proof of this is simple. Let any doctrine occupy a place between Christ and us, and it will ‘eclipse’ the glory of Christ and become a dead and darkening thing to our souls.
Election is a glorious and wonderful doctrine. But its glory is wholly borrowed from Christ. There is no glory in election apart from the fact that “We are chosen in Him…” Predestination has no glory apart from the fact that we are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ. Redemption viewed by itself becomes nothing more than a point of contention and pride. Arguments arise over its extent and scope are silenced and a glorious, God-honoring, soul-comforting truth appears: that every blood-bought sinner IS redeemed with a redemption that cannot be undone. And so the principle applies to every truth: until truth is seen in its proper relation to Christ, it is a dead and dark thing. But when it is viewed in proper relation to Christ, it shines with His glory and reveals His glory to us. - Joe Terrell
A RIGHT MIND
I often think, after hearing the Gospel of grace preached in the power of the Spirit, “Why would anyone in their right mind not rejoice in this blessed Truth, that salvation is accomplished, salvation is free, there is nothing for the sinner to do, because everything God requires of the sinner, He looks to Christ for?”
And then I realize why. Only a believer has a right mind, and all men by nature have a wrong mind. Just look at examples in Scripture…the religious Pharisee (me and you by nature) spent his “prayer time” impressing God with his sincerity, his devotion, his fasting, his tithing, his holier-than-thou attitude with his wrong mind, and went down to his house not justified. And way off in the corner, the publican (given a right mind, just like the prodigal son returning to his father) head bowed in shame, beating upon his chest – filled with a sinful heart, simply cried a soul-saving seven word prayer – “God be merciful to me the sinner!” And he went down to his house justified.
We are born with wrong minds. Everything we naturally think concerning salvation is wrong. Ask God to give you a new mind, a right mind, and you will see that salvation is in Christ alone, you will love it that way, and you will find yourself rejoicing in this glorious Gospel of grace that you once hated. - Brian DuFour
*****
WHEN GOD LOOKS UPON HIS ELECT
When we look upon ourselves, we often see ourselves – the most stupid – the most ignorant – the most vile – the most unworthy – the most earthly and sensual wretches that God can permit to live! At least, that is the view we take of ourselves when we are really humbled in our own eyes. But when God looks upon His elect, He does not look upon them as they often look upon themselves – but as they stand in Christ – accepted in the Beloved - without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing! He does not see His people as they often see themselves – full of wounds, and bruises and putrefying sores, but clothed in the perfection, beauty, and loveliness of their Head and Husband. - J. C. Philpot
October 12, 2025
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
Hail, mighty Jesus! How Divine
Is Thy victorious sword!
The stoutest rebel must resign
At Thy commanding Word.
Deep are the wounds Thy arrows give
They pierce the hardest heart
Thy smiles of grace the slain revive
And with Thee give a part.
Still gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh
Ride with majestic sway
Go forth, sweet Prince, triumphantly
And make Thy foes obey.
And when Thy victories are complete
When all the chosen race
Shall round the throne of glory meet
They’ll sing Thy conquering grace.
O may my blood-washed soul be found
Among that favored band!
And I, with them, Thy praise will sound
Throughout Immanuel’s Land.
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
*****
I am preaching for the Yuba-Sutter Grace Church in Marysville, California this weekend and will return Thursday. Andy Davis will bring the Bible study, Michael Mohr will bring the message this morning and Aaron Greenleaf this evening. Kevin Thacker will preach Wednesday evening.
College Grove Bible Conference - October 17-19
Birthdays
12 – Doug Hacker 13 – Jaime Greenleaf 14 – Maybelle Wheeler
17 – Abigail Sullivan 18 – Dwayne Imes 18 – Julianna Rigsby
“A hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.” - Proverbs 11:9
*****
A BELIEVER WOULD NOT DO THAT
Except for the sin against eh Holy spirit, there is no sin an unbeliever could commit that a believer could not commit. Indeed he should not commit any sin, but to say a believer could not or would not commit any sin, except for the sin against the Holy Spirit is erroneous. You certainly could not get that from the Bible! If I think that, I betray an ignorance of the treachery of my own sinful heart and a lack of understanding of the nature of sin and the sinful nature I still possess. It also reeks of the “pride that goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before the fall.” It is the awareness of this that makes the believer cry out, “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” This does not provide a believer an excuse for their sin, but makes them cry for grace for deliverance from sin!
*****
The wayside, stony ground, and thorn choked hearer bore no fruit. The good ground hearer did bear fruit. Christ said His reason for choosing us was that we should, “Go and bring forth fruit.” The Lord said, “Herein is My Father glorified that ye bear much fruit.” And we are not left to conjecture about what is meant by fruit. Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22, “Now the fruit of the Spirit is love.” A love that only the believer possesses. A love to God, the brethren, and all men. “Joy” - a rejoicing in the character of God and the Gospel of grace. “Peace” - a peace that arises from our state before God because of the cross of Christ. “Longsuffering” - because we believe God is on the throne and the cause of all things. “Gentleness” - kindness and graciousness. “Goodness” - a capacity for mercy. “Faith” - we really do believe the Gospel. “Meekness” - we bow to all God does in humility because He did it. “Temperance” - control from within because Christ is in us. To not bear this fruit is to not have the Spirit of God because this is the fruit of the Spirit. Do not disregard the importance of fruit bearing and never forget, “From Me is thy fruit found.”
*****
NURSERY SCHEDULE
12 - SS: Amanda AM: Alexis, Jules (Kimberly) PM: Jaime WED. Julie
19 - SS: Kristen AM: Michelle, Macy (Jennifer) PM: Rachel WED. Andrea
FAITH AND REPENTANCE
Men are by nature so works oriented that they will turn faith and repentance into their work for salvation. True faith is by its very nature the absence of all works. It is finding in oneself no good thing. It is to be shut up to the Lord Jesus Christ, the only One who is good, for all our acceptance before God. We must never view faith as our contribution to salvation. Saving faith is a gift from God, the evidence of salvation not the cause of it. Like faith, repentance is also a sovereign work of grace in the heart. The Holy Spirit changes our minds about God, about ourselves, and about how God saves sinners. Yes, it involves sorrow for sin. But let us never think we can sorrow sufficiently. God-given repentance is not wallowing in the mire of shame and sorrow for sin. This can very quickly become a self-righteous work. It is agreeing with God that I am, left to myself, nothing but sin. It is looking, not to my repentance, but to my Redeemer for all the hope of my salvation, for Christ is the only One that sorrowed for sin Sufficiently. (Isaiah 53)
- Greg Elmquist
*****
“For He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” – James 2:13
God will not have mercy on any man or woman who has not shown mercy to others. He will give that man or woman exactly what their works deserve …“Eternal punishment.” But Matthew 5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Their obtaining of mercy is not predicated on them first being merciful. Having experienced the saving mercy of God, they become merciful themselves. Someone who is not merciful knows nothing of the saving mercy of God. Mercy rejoiceth against judgment! It is nowhere said that God delights in wrath, but He does delight in mercy. And everyone who has experienced God’s saving mercy delights in being merciful!
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
Hail, mighty Jesus! How Divine
Is Thy victorious sword!
The stoutest rebel must resign
At Thy commanding Word.
Deep are the wounds Thy arrows give
They pierce the hardest heart
Thy smiles of grace the slain revive
And with Thee give a part.
Still gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh
Ride with majestic sway
Go forth, sweet Prince, triumphantly
And make Thy foes obey.
And when Thy victories are complete
When all the chosen race
Shall round the throne of glory meet
They’ll sing Thy conquering grace.
O may my blood-washed soul be found
Among that favored band!
And I, with them, Thy praise will sound
Throughout Immanuel’s Land.
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
*****
I am preaching for the Yuba-Sutter Grace Church in Marysville, California this weekend and will return Thursday. Andy Davis will bring the Bible study, Michael Mohr will bring the message this morning and Aaron Greenleaf this evening. Kevin Thacker will preach Wednesday evening.
College Grove Bible Conference - October 17-19
Birthdays
12 – Doug Hacker 13 – Jaime Greenleaf 14 – Maybelle Wheeler
17 – Abigail Sullivan 18 – Dwayne Imes 18 – Julianna Rigsby
“A hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.” - Proverbs 11:9
*****
A BELIEVER WOULD NOT DO THAT
Except for the sin against eh Holy spirit, there is no sin an unbeliever could commit that a believer could not commit. Indeed he should not commit any sin, but to say a believer could not or would not commit any sin, except for the sin against the Holy Spirit is erroneous. You certainly could not get that from the Bible! If I think that, I betray an ignorance of the treachery of my own sinful heart and a lack of understanding of the nature of sin and the sinful nature I still possess. It also reeks of the “pride that goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before the fall.” It is the awareness of this that makes the believer cry out, “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” This does not provide a believer an excuse for their sin, but makes them cry for grace for deliverance from sin!
*****
The wayside, stony ground, and thorn choked hearer bore no fruit. The good ground hearer did bear fruit. Christ said His reason for choosing us was that we should, “Go and bring forth fruit.” The Lord said, “Herein is My Father glorified that ye bear much fruit.” And we are not left to conjecture about what is meant by fruit. Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22, “Now the fruit of the Spirit is love.” A love that only the believer possesses. A love to God, the brethren, and all men. “Joy” - a rejoicing in the character of God and the Gospel of grace. “Peace” - a peace that arises from our state before God because of the cross of Christ. “Longsuffering” - because we believe God is on the throne and the cause of all things. “Gentleness” - kindness and graciousness. “Goodness” - a capacity for mercy. “Faith” - we really do believe the Gospel. “Meekness” - we bow to all God does in humility because He did it. “Temperance” - control from within because Christ is in us. To not bear this fruit is to not have the Spirit of God because this is the fruit of the Spirit. Do not disregard the importance of fruit bearing and never forget, “From Me is thy fruit found.”
*****
NURSERY SCHEDULE
12 - SS: Amanda AM: Alexis, Jules (Kimberly) PM: Jaime WED. Julie
19 - SS: Kristen AM: Michelle, Macy (Jennifer) PM: Rachel WED. Andrea
FAITH AND REPENTANCE
Men are by nature so works oriented that they will turn faith and repentance into their work for salvation. True faith is by its very nature the absence of all works. It is finding in oneself no good thing. It is to be shut up to the Lord Jesus Christ, the only One who is good, for all our acceptance before God. We must never view faith as our contribution to salvation. Saving faith is a gift from God, the evidence of salvation not the cause of it. Like faith, repentance is also a sovereign work of grace in the heart. The Holy Spirit changes our minds about God, about ourselves, and about how God saves sinners. Yes, it involves sorrow for sin. But let us never think we can sorrow sufficiently. God-given repentance is not wallowing in the mire of shame and sorrow for sin. This can very quickly become a self-righteous work. It is agreeing with God that I am, left to myself, nothing but sin. It is looking, not to my repentance, but to my Redeemer for all the hope of my salvation, for Christ is the only One that sorrowed for sin Sufficiently. (Isaiah 53)
- Greg Elmquist
*****
“For He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” – James 2:13
God will not have mercy on any man or woman who has not shown mercy to others. He will give that man or woman exactly what their works deserve …“Eternal punishment.” But Matthew 5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Their obtaining of mercy is not predicated on them first being merciful. Having experienced the saving mercy of God, they become merciful themselves. Someone who is not merciful knows nothing of the saving mercy of God. Mercy rejoiceth against judgment! It is nowhere said that God delights in wrath, but He does delight in mercy. And everyone who has experienced God’s saving mercy delights in being merciful!