January 19, 2020
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
I bless the Christ of God, I rest on love Divine
And with unfaltering lip and heart, I call the Saviour mine
His cross dispels each doubt, I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear, each lingering shade of gloom.
I praise the God of peace, I trust His truth and might
He call me His, I call Him mine, My God, my Joy, my Light
In Him is only good, in me is only ill
My ill but draws His goodness forth, and me He loveth still.
‘Tis He Who saveth me, and freely pardon gives
I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives
My life with Him is hid, my death has passed away
My clouds have melted into light, my midnight into day.
(Tune: “This is My Father’s World” p. 39)
*****
I am preaching in Apopka, Florida this weekend at the Grace Gospel Church Bible Conference. Aaron Greenleaf will preach this morning and Frank Tate, Pastor of the Hurricane Road Grace Church in Ashland, KY will bring the message tonight.
We will have a Bible Conference May 1-3. (Please note the change of date)
Birthdays
19th– Amanda DuFour
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom: and before honour is humility.” - Proverbs 15:33
If someone said they had seen someone you know, and you asked them to describe that person, and the person they described bore no resemblance to the person you knew, what would you conclude? You would conclude that they had not seen the person that you know! When I hear a man speak of a Christ who is not absolutely sovereign, and his atonement is not definite, successful, and complete, I know it is because he has never seen or known the Lord Jesus Christ. If he had, he would describe His Person and Word accurately, with love and thankfulness! You cannot describe one you have never seen or known.
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When I look to Christ alone, I have assurance. When I look for faith, or evidence of faith, I have no assurance. Faith is only in operation as it looks to Christ alone. If I look to a past experience or a time when I first believed I am looking to an event rather than Christ alone. If I am assuring myself that tomorrow I will believe, that is nothing more than an act of presumption. Look to Christ alone now! Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.
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Although I am a sinner, yet I despair not; for Christ, who is my Redeemer and my righteousness, liveth. In Him I have no sin, no fear, no sting of conscience, and no fear of judgment; for in Him there is no condemnation. I am indeed a sinner as touching this present life; but I have a righteousness of God which is above this life, who is Christ my Lord. In Him I rejoice! - Martin Luther 1483-1546
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Now then, there is but one thing with which Almighty God is satisfied – entirely 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
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The revelation of God in His Son was so complete that the apostles, in the books of the New Testament, do not tell us anything new. They simply confirmed and interpreted that which Christ has taught. They set forth that salvation, “Which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him” (Heb. 2:3). – Don Fortner
“The purpose of God according to election”
Romans 9:11
Here are six things which the Word of God teaches about divine election. If you search the Scriptures, you will find that these six things are true.
1.God’s election of His people is SOVEREIGN and ETERNAL (Romans 9:11-23). God chooses whom He will, and none can call Him into account. Is it not right for God to do with His own what He will? Election is God’s sovereign, eternal purpose to save a specific people.
2. Divine election is an act of GOD’S FREE GRACE (Romans 9:16). I know that God did not choose us arbitrarily. He had some wise and holy reason for doing so. But I know also that the reason does not lie in us. God chose us not because we were either good or evil, but simply because He would. “Even so Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Matthew 11:26). We can say no more.
3. God’s purpose of election is also IRREVERSIBLE (Isaiah 46:9-11). “The gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29). Election is God’s unchangeable purpose of love. Having chosen His people, He will never go back on His word that is gone out of His mouth. The purpose of God in election is immutable. He is of one mind and who can turn Him?
4. Divine election is EFFECTUAL (Romans 8:29-30). Every soul chosen by God in eternity was redeemed by Christ at Calvary and will be regenerated by the Holy Spirit at God’s appointed time. In due time all of God’s elect will believe on Christ and be brought to eternal glory. Not one of the elect will perish.
5. God’s purpose of grace in election is PERSONAL (Jeremiah 1:5; Jeremiah 31:3). God calls His own children by name. He chose us, not as an indiscernible mass, but individually and personally. Yet He chose all His elect at once.
6. God’s eternal purpose of election is IN CHRIST (Ephesians 1:4). Christ was chosen as the Head of an elect race, and we were chosen in Him. God loved us eternally in Christ. - Don Fortner
A man will arrive at right doctrine through the knowledge of Christ; but it is possible for him to know orthodox doctrine and yet not know Christ. The Gospel is not a collection of dry doctrines; but is the revelation of a living, merciful and ever-present Lord. - Henry Mahan
January 12, 2020
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Wherewith shall we approach the Lord
And bow before His Throne?
By trusting in His faithful Word
And pleading Christ alone. And pleading Christ alone.
The blood, the righteousness, and love
Of Jesus Christ we plead
He lives within the veil above
For us to intercede. For us to intercede.
Sure ground and sure foundation, too
We find in His dear Name
Herein we every blessing view
And every favor claim – And every favor claim.
Then let His Name forever be
To us supremely dear
Our only all-sufficient plea
For all our hope is there. For all our hope is there.
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, Florida will have a Bible Conference this weekend – January 17-19.
We will have a Bible Conference May 1-3. (Please note the change of date)
Birthdays
12th– Aaron Sligh 15th– Mike Rigsby
16th- Kelli Harries 17th– Aiden Carver
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.” - Proverbs 11:1
To view justification as a legal standing before God and sanctification as how to live your life is a debasing, if not heretical, view of both justification and sanctification. Sanctification is the word God uses to most completely describe His salvation. Justification is one of the great blessings that arise out of God’s great work of sanctification! We were chosen by God and separated to be holy in eternal election. “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy (sanctification)and without blame (justification) before Him.” We were declared to be, “sanctifiedthrough the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” We were made holy when we were sanctifiedby the Holy Ghost, being given a holy nature that does not and cannot sin. “Whosoever is born of God sinneth not.” Sanctification, the work of the Triune God, is salvation! We do not grow or decrease in sanctification! Every believer is a saint, a sanctified one!
There is nothing that the church does that is more important than assembling to worship Christ. To gather in order to honor Christ through praying, preaching, and hearing the Gospel is such an important thing that each of us should approach it very seriously. Let each one prepare himself in heart and body so as to arrive on time, having the heart clothed with a desire to hear from Christ and the body dressed modestly so as not to attract attention to one’s self. Let each of us enter into every song and prayer, closing out the thoughts of the world and all the cares it loads on us. Let each of us listen to the Word of God with the intensity of baby birds chirping for food. In short, let each of us give himself to worship in this hour as though there were nothing better or more important in all the world to do – because there isn’t. - Joe Terrell
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When you become just nothing, when you have no good feelings, no good desires, or anything you can bring to Christ – when you come to Christ, not with a broken heart, but for a broken heart, then He will receive you, then you will be the kind of man that Christ came to save. – Milton Howard
Where God rules there are no accidents, preventable diseases, untimely deaths, stray bullets, or arrows that miss their mark; and God rules everywhere. - Don Fortner
HE NEVER CHANGES
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8
I am so thankful that as I grow older and things change, inside and out, that there is One who never changes.
1. His love never changes with time, for He loved me with an everlasting love that knows no change.
2. His power never changes. He is just as able to keep me from falling today as when I first began.
3. His Word never changes: “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19) Has He not magnified His Word above His Name?
4. His election of me shall never change. He will never cast off those whom He has chosen, for they will never do anything that He did not know about and has not already taken care of.
5. The power of His blood shall never change. It still cleanses from all sin. No matter how deep the stain has gone, His blood washes it away.
6. His Sacrifice will never change, it will never lose its effectiveness because it is always fresh in the midst of the Throne of God: “And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain….” (Rev. 5:6).
We have a living sacrifice standing in the midst of the Throne of God. When we rise out of our beds in the morning and go through our changes, just remember that there is One who remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Rock Christ Jesus. – John Chapman
THE GOSPEL
Those who WEARY of hearing the Gospel, who LOSE INTEREST in hearing the Gospel, and LOSE THEIR NEED of hearing the Gospel of Christ, and His redeeming love and grace, have never REALLY heard the Gospel at all. If one can leave Christ, he has never truly met Him! (John 6:65-69) - Maurice Montgomery
God has revealed to me what I am. I now see that the only way He could love me, would be to do so freely. - David Eddmenson
January 5, 2020
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Jesus Christ our God and Savior
Guide, and counselor, and friend
Bearing all our misbehavior
Kind and loving to the end.
Nothing but Thy blood, O Savior
Can relieve us from our smart
Nothing else from guilt release us
Nothing else can melt the heart.
Law and judgment do but harden
All the while they work alone
But a sense of blood-bought pardon
Soon dissolves a heart of stone.
Trust Him, He will not deceive us
Though we see through glass so dim
He will never, never leave us
Nor will we depart from Him.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We extent our sympathy to Brian and David DuFour and their families on the death of their father.
Birthdays
5th– Michael Mohr 6th– Annette DuFour 6th– Nathaniel Sligh
7th– Henry Lynn 8th– Rachel Harries 9th– Nancy Benton
9th– Emily Bryan 10th– Cali Warta
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifices with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1
LOSING A SENSE OF NEED
The lukewarm state of the church of Laodicea nauseated Christ. And what is this state of lukewarmness? They lost their sense of need! “Thou sayest I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). A sense of need is essential in walking with Christ. “He healed them that had need of healing.” “The whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” Ten times, David, the man after God’s own heart, described himself as “poor and needy.” The only way I can hear the Gospel is as poor and needy. When that leaves, I start to analyze, see if I agree, and critique. The doctrine of the Gospel looses its sweetness. It is one thing to know the meaning of election. It is another thing to need it! It is one thing to understand justification. It is another to need to be justified. May the Lord keep us poor and needy!
*****
“Let your moderation be known to all men.” - Philippians 4:5
This does not mean let everybody see your temperance over your appetites. The word is usually translated gentle. It means forbearing, not insisting on the letter of the law, a sweet reasonableness, patient, non-judgmental. If there is an attribute that we would want others to see that would adorn the Gospel we profess to believe, this is what God calls upon us to demonstrate to others! Moderation!
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How is love to God expressed? It is expressed by love to His people. How I love the Lord is only seen in how I love you. To say I love Him and to then mistreat you makes my profession of love to Him hollow and meaningless. As John said, “Let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and truth.”
*****
If a person is near-sighted, he only needs corrective glasses, but if he is blind, he needs the miracle of sight. If a man is sick, he only needs medicinal help, but if he is dead, he needs the miracle of life. If a man has only strayed from the way, he needs directions, but if a man is completely lost, he needs to be found. - Rolfe Barnard
The most difficult thing for any of us to do is to TOTALLY and COMPLETELY trust and rest in our blessed Lord Jesus to redeem us, sanctify us, and make us accepted to the Father. We are so prone to self-righteousness and works that we have a constant battle trying to remember that “man at HIS BEST STATE is altogether vanity”, and in his WEAKEST MOMENTS is no less loved and accepted if he is in Christ. As brother Fortner said, “My relationship with the eternal God (in Christ) does in great measure determine what I do. But what I do (good or bad) in no way determines my relationship with the eternal God.” Actually, “In my flesh dwelleth NO GOOD THING.” “In the flesh no man can please God.” It is in Christ that the Father is well pleased; and only in Christ can He love, accept, and be pleased with me. I did not come to Christ on the basis of my works, nor am I kept in Christ on the basis of my works! I looked to Him then for all things, and I look to Him now for all things! Any look within will serve only to discourage and depress me; but looking to Christ, the Author and Finisher of my faith, will only encourage, for He never changes. His gift of life and calling to grace is without change. The command, “Look unto Me and be ye saved,” is not only the hope and strength of the seeking sinner, but it is the constant hope and strength of the believing sinner. I know my sins, but I rejoice in His grace. I know my weakness, but I rest in His strength. I know my emptiness, but I am complete in Him. “Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear,”all because we do not cast our sins, our souls on Christ and LEAVE THEM THERE!
- Henry Mahan
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CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S GRACE
Do we really have confidence in the grace of God? If we do, we will be satisfied with His grace and His grace alone. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to offer up anything of our own as a reason for God to bless us. If we have confidence in His grace, we will rest secure that, whatever happens in this life, God will preserve us blameless for the next life. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to build a church with fleshy enticements but will be satisfied with preaching and teaching the grace of God, knowing that God will call His sheep by that Gospel. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will not be quick to judge others or even ourselves, but will be patient with our brethren, knowing that God grows His people at His own rate and that what His grace has begun, His grace can finish. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will be much more at rest, knowing that all things are moving in their proper direction to their assigned goal. - Joe Terrell
December 29, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Come, Thou Almighty Comforter
And bring upon Thy wing
Sweet consolation to each soul
That we may praise and sing.
We want to hear, we want to see
We want to know Christ more
We want sweet foretastes of His love
As we have had before.
And shall we come in vain to God?
O Lord, that cannot be
Thy promise stands engaged to come
And bless e’vn two or three.
Lord, give more love, more sincere faith
More confidence in Thee
Break off our legal chains, O God
And let our souls free.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
Regarding the coming new year, everything will take place as God has willed, purposed, and decreed. I pray that you and I will enter in more to the “Joy and peace of believing.” Happy New Year!
Everyone is invited to the home of Paul and Kelli Harries on New Year’s Eve. Pizza and chicken will be provided. You may bring a non-peanut dish to share.
There will be no service this Wednesday evening, January 1st.
All men are invited to the preacher’s class this Saturday, January 4th.
We will have a Bible Conference April 17-19.
Birthdays
29th– Amanda Frye 29th– Alan Kincer 30th– Will Hands
31st– Donna Wooten 1st– Wyatt Davis
3rd– Rachel Sullivan 4th–Laura Brown
“A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.” - Proverbs 13:1
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THE THINGS DONE IN THE BODY
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” – II Corinthians 5:10
This verse speaks of the reality of justification. If I am justified, everything I have done in my body is good. This is not a paste on righteousness. God’s word to every believer is, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” If I stand without Christ in judgment, everything done in my body will be bad. If you want to stand before God and be judged, He will oblige you and it will not be good!
*****
Someone once said the believer has three strong desires:
Total Commitment– to the Lord Jesus Christ. Every saint wants to be sold-out, a student, a disciple, follower and full-time worshipper of the Lord. Fact is all truebelievers are.
Total Communion – with the Lord God. Every child of God knows the Lord…has a real relationship with Him, but desires to know Him more fully; desires to walk and talk with, hear from and feel the presence of his God. Enoch walked with God, Noah walked with God, and so do all of God’s people. But they long to do so more fully.
Total Conformity – to the Lord Jesus Christ. Every lover of Christ, longs to be like Christ. As David said….“I will be satisfied when I awake with Thy likeness.” We see no beauty in ourselves, no comeliness, but we see Him as altogether lovely, and want to be and strive to be like Him. Are these the desires of your heart? - Paul Mahan
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“Charity is long suffering and kind.” This describes the love of Christ toward every believer. And it describes every believer.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love.” If“long suffering and kind”is absent, grace is absent.
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In its final analysis, any objection to God’s absolute sovereignty in election is an objection to God being God.
“I KNOW THY WORKS….”
Revelation 2:2
To me, this statement is both awesome and wonderful, fearful and comforting. On the one hand, we may deceive others or even ourselves, but He says, “I know… “– how sobering! On the other hand, we may be misinterpreted, misquoted, disbelieved, and disallowed, but He says to our hearts, “I know…” – how comforting! What a majestic and gracious Saviour we have. How God He is, “One with the Father” (John 10:30). And how man He is, “One with His people” (Hebrews 2:11).
When, with trembling heart, I ponder the fact that he knows ME – my sin, my darkness, my unbelief, my unfaithfulness, my weakness, my foolishness, and my emptiness – I “Rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” that I know HIM – His righteousness, His light, His faith, His faithfulness, His strength, His wisdom, and His fullness. What a full, complete, and wonderful Saviour He is, to otherwise helpless and hopeless sinners!!! How quickly, swiftly, and gladly my heart flies to HIM when He says to me, “I know…”Though I see as through a dark glass, yet I am so thankful that I know Him (John 17:3),“or rather are known of God” (Galatians 4:9). - Maurice Montgomery
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THE BELIEVER’S DESIRE
The believer’s great interest is to be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness, but having the righteousness of Jesus Christ and to know Jesus Christ in his heart. To have fellowship with Christ in spirit and in truth, and to know the power of His resurrected Life flowing through himself as he lives out his life on this earth. In other words, to walk with Him, talk with Him and be with Him when this earthly life is over. Lord, make this desire to grow. (Philippians 3:8-11) - John Chapman
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In Christ, there is no further perfection to attain. In Christ, a sinner is made to be everything that God requires him to be. In Christ, wisdom is complete, righteousness is complete, sanctification is complete, and redemption is complete. To know Him is to know it all, and to have Him is to have it all. In Christ, we are as perfectly complete as we will ever be. - Gabe Stalnaker
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LOVEST THOU ME?
This is the point on which a man’s relationship with God hinges. As simple as the question may sound, it is most searching. If a man has no love for Christ, he has no faith. If a man truly loves Christ, all is right, if not, all is wrong. - Henry Mahan
December 15, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
We have Thy promise, gracious Lord
O then fulfill Thy precious Word
Thou wilt be where Thy people meet
To make our joyfulness complete.
We ask Thy gracious presence here
From worldly thoughts, O keep us clear
And set our hearts on things above
With sweet enjoyment of Thy love.
We ask from our great living Head
Give us Thy Holy Spirit’s aid
While we engage in prayer and praise
To be supplied with every grace.
‘Tis Thine alone, Almighty Lord
To speak the soul-reviving Word
‘Tis Thine to give the hearing ear
‘Tis Thine to drive away all fear.
(Tune: “From Every Stormy Wind That Blows” p. 355)
*****
There will be no evening service next Sunday, Dec. 22ndor Wednesday, Dec. 25th.
Birthdays
16th– Cindy Farmer 19th– Amanda Janes 21st– Erik Charron
“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” Proverbs 20:6
ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS
In Titus 2:14we are given two reasons for Christ giving Himself for us. (1) To redeem us from all iniquity. (2) To purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. God’s people are zealous of good works. That does not mean they are thinking about the good works they should perform. When Mary broke the alabaster box of ointment on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with the hairs of her head, she was not thinking, “This is a good work I am performing.” She was thinking of the excellency and glory of the Saviour. She loved Him. She felt an impulse in her heart to do this, ands she did it. The Lord said, “She hath wrought a good work upon Me.” Anything done out of love for Christ is a good work. The reason a believer is zealous of good works is that zeal is directed toward Him. That is what makes it a good work. If Mary had thought, “What a good work I am performing” … it would not be a good work!
OF WHOM I AM CHIEF
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (I Timothy 1:15). I doubt that there has ever been a man more thoroughly committed to and surrendered to Christ than Paul. I doubt that there has ever been a man who loved Christ more than Paul. Yet, when Paul speaks of the demographic who go under the name “sinners”, he says, “Of whom I am chief.” The very “I am” is in the present active tense. He did not say, “Of whom I was chief,” but present tense, right now, “Of whom I am chief.” It is those who know the most of and live nearest to the Lord who feel that way. You cannot walk with the Living God and see yourself any other way. I am sure there were those who would object, “If that is the case what were you saved from?” Others would object that it is wallowing in it, or using it as an excuse for sinful behavior. But there are others who would say, “You are wrong Paul…..of whom I am chief.”
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It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell, and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil; one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves, and another to mourn for it because it is wrong and offensive to God. It is one thing to be terrified; another to be humbled. - G. Spring
SOME THOUGHTS ON ASSURANCE
If we are looking for assurance, we are looking for the wrong thing, and are putting the cart before the horse. How many people bring sorrow on themselves by looking within for evidence that will give them assurance for their salvation. Do not seek assurance. Seek Christ! Do not look within for assurance. Look to Christ! If you rest in who He is, and what He did, you will have assurance. If you look for assurance anywhere else, the outcome will be either no assurance, or a false assurance!
Is what Christ did on the cross enough to save you? Believing it is will give you assurance! But if assurance is the thing you are seeking, you will not have it! Here is a sobering thought. It is possible to have assurance, full assurance of your salvation, and not be saved. Many, who while on earth truly believed they were saved, will hear from Christ those awful words, “Depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” But it is also possible to have saving faith, and no personal assurance. Faith believes “He is the Saviour.” Assurance believes “I am saved.” But remember…true assurance rises from faith… looking to Christ. Lack of assurance is the result of looking within, rather to Him.
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THE TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS
II Corinthians 4:6-7
“The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in Christ Jesus” is called a TREASURE because it is RICH TRUTH which sets men free; it has RICH BLESSINGS such as wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; it contains RICH AND PRECIOUS PROMISES; it brings to us the RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN CHRIST.
This treasure is “In earthen vessels”, meaning the ministers to whom God entrusts this Gospel and through whom He sends the Gospel to His sheep. These ministers are God’s men; but they are still men, weak and frail, subject to like passions and infirmities, “That the Excellency of the power may be of God and not of us.” Whatever is accomplished in the proclamation of the Gospel by these men is the result of God’s purpose and work, certainly not of us. Paul wrote in I Cor. 15:10-11, “I have labored more abundantly than they all, YET NOT I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it were I or they, so we preach and so ye believed.” Let not one grain of faith be in the wisdom of any man, but in the wisdom and power of God – WHICH IS CHRIST! - Henry Mahan
December 8, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee
For, Lord, that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee
Hadst Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me
Hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me
That I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning
No cause in me was found
That you should choose to save me
A sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for
Was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought; for
Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me
And taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me
To heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee
For Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee
Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
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There will be a Christmas party for the adults at Doug and Faith Hacker’s home (505 Chinoe Road) this Friday, Dec. 13that 7:00pm. Please note the change that all food and drinks will be provided.
Birthdays
8th– Camden Proffitt 9th– Chuck Mohr 9th– Ben Small
12th– Lisa Gillispie 14th– Christie Small
“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” - Proverbs 13:4
*****
If a man or woman could be indifferent about their spouse being intimate with someone else, that would be a dead give-away that they do not really love their spouse. If a man or woman could be indifferent about someone speaking ill of and saying things that are not true about their spouse, we would reach the same conclusion, they do not really love their spouse! If I can accept that which accounts for spiritual adultery…looking for something outside of the covenant of grace, and can keep my mouth shut when my Lord is being lied upon and slandered, I fear it says the same thing…I have no real love for the Lord. “If I have not loved before, help me to begin today.”
*****
“There is a wide difference between your religion and mine,” said a Christian lady to one in whose spiritual condition she had long been interested. “Indeed,” said he, “how is that?” “Your religion,” she replied, “has only two letters in it, and mine has four.”
It seems that this gentleman was one of that numerous class seeking to get to heaven by their doings, by attention to ordinances and ceremonies, by what the apostle, in the ninth of Hebrews, terms “dead works.” But he did not understand about the “two letter” or the “four”. His friend had often spoken to him, and on the occasion to which our anecdote refers she had called to take her leave of him for some time, as she was about to go from home.
“What do you mean,” said he, “by two letters and four?” “Why, your religion,” said the lady “Is D-O; whereas mine is D-O-N-E.” This was all that passed. The lady took her leave, but her words remained and did their work in the soul of her friend – a revolutionary work, verily. The entire current of his thoughts was changed. DO is one thing; DONE is quite another. The former is legalism; that latter is Gospel. – Author Unknown
The sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute Sovereign, and the Sovereign of our souls; as one who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will. - Jonathan Edwards
PRAYER AND FORGIVENESS
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” - Mark 1:25-26
You cannot truly pray and have an unforgiving spirit. You are simply going through an empty and meaningless ritual which God does not hear and ensures that your sin will not be forgiven. Be quick to forgive, not simply when someone asks for your forgiveness, but when you remember that they did you wrong! In doing this, God will quickly forgive your trespasses, even before we are aware of our need for forgiveness. Shakespeare was not an inspired writer, but what he said was true…. “To err is human. To forgive is divine.”
*****
NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE
I either heard or read somewhere, that a particular preacher never preached from John 8:1-11,because he could not reconcile how this adulterous woman, taken in the very act of adultery by some sanctimonious Pharisee, was saved by Christ on the very spot, without her first asking for mercy, or reaching out by faith to the Savior.
But I see no issue with anything. First, if God’s Word says she is no longer condemned, then she is no longer condemned, whether we can reconcile it with our thoughts or not. Second, she was obviously one of God’s elect in Christ, because we are told in Romans 8:1that, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”, so the only way for her to not be condemned at this time, was because she was eternally united to Christ. And lastly, this is how every believer is saved – the saving comes first (in eternity), and then the calling, the repentance, the faith (in time) as evidence that God has saved you. “Who hath saved us (first), and called us with a holy calling (second), not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (II Timothy 1:9).
So we see this sister of ours was in Christ Jesus before the world began, her sins were put away by the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and Christ can pass judgment right there on the spot – “Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more” (John 8:11).– Brian DuFour
If any man ascribes anything of salvation, even the very least thing, to the free will of man, he knows nothing of grace, and he has not learned Jesus Christ rightly. - Martin Luther
December 1, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
What sacred Fountain yonder springs
Up from the Throne of God
And all new cov’nant blessings brings?
‘Tis Jesus’ precious blood!
What mighty sum paid all my debt
When I a bondman stood
And has my soul at freedom set?
‘Tis Jesus’ precious blood!
What stream is that which sweeps away
My sins just like a flood
Nor lets one guilty blemish stay?
‘Tis Jesus’ precious blood!
What voice is that which speaks for me
In heav’n’s high court for good
And from the curse has set me free?
‘Tis Jesus’ precious blood!
(Tune: “O For a Thousand Tongues” p. 46)
*****
There will be a Christmas party for the adults at Doug and Faith Hacker’s home on Friday, Dec. 13that 7:00pm. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
2nd– Susan Holthaus 2nd– Kara Imes 3rd– Kelly Byrd
4th– Jennifer Dent 4th– Eden Steeves 5th– Andy Davis
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” - Proverbs 18:19
A BROTHER OFFENDED
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle” (Proverbs 18:19). Who has not felt offended and done wrong by a brother? I would say no one is exempt from this experience. And who has not offended a brother? “In many things we offend all” (James 3:2)- whether intentionally or unintentionally. It is a very painful thing to feel disrespected, judged, slighted, and misrepresented. That person is harder to be won back than a fortified city, and the contentions they feel toward the offending party are like the bars of a fortress. May the Lord give me grace to not offend and humble myself when I do. And when offended, may I not hold a grudge and bear resentment and be hard to be won. If men are offended by our Gospel, so be it! But to offend a brother is a thoughtless, insensitive, arrogant, and selfish thing! And to stay offended is equally as wrong! May we be quick to humble ourselves and seek forgiveness when we do offend. May we be quick to forgive from the heart when we are offended.
*****
“And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized!”
There are people in our assemblies who have heard the Gospel of Christ with the heart. They believe Him, they love Him, and they truly rest in Him as Lord and Redeemer; but they have not confessed Christ in believer’s baptism. The question is asked, “Why tarriest thou?” I believe I can answer for them.
1. They are troubled by the presence and strength of indwelling sin – “In my flesh dwelleth no good thing.”
2. They are shocked by the weakness of their faith.
3. They fear that they will fail and dishonor the Lord and embarrass the church.
4. They are waiting for greater assurance and more grace.
5. They are by nature very timid and shun public demonstrations.
But no such reasons are valid; for in baptism we are not confessing our holiness, but His; not our strength, but His; not our life, but His! “We are dead and our life is hid with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). – Henry Mahan
*****
God does not say, “When I see your faith,” or “When I see your believing,” or “When I see your experience,” or “When I see your baptism,” or “When I see your graces,” but “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” - Milton Howard
“Ye Are Complete in Him”
Colossians 2:10
The believer’s standing in Christ does not fluctuate with his feelings, nor even the increase or decrease of his faith or understanding or anything else. He stands complete in Christ. God would never trust any of His children to stand before Him at anytime in their own selves – that is, in their merits or certain good frames of mind. He knows our frame. He remembers that we are yet dust. Therefore, He has on purpose provided for them this perfect standing in Christ Jesus. “Ye are complete in Him”, the Holy Ghost said. He says in another place, “Ye are perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28). The very nature of our God requires us to be perfect and complete before Him at all times. He, out of necessity therefore provided all this for His children: a perfection, a completeness, which can never be diminished. It is as unchanging as God Himself (Heb. 6:17; 13:8). Every true believer may walk though this world in perfect liberty, free from anything and everything – yes, even his sin, fear of condemnation, and all else that would cause him to doubt his completeness. He may freely come to God, worship Him, call Him “Father”, and this he may do at all times with the utmost confidence and thankfulness, because in Christ he stands, first and foremost and always, complete before God. O thanks be to God for Jesus Christ. - Bruce Crabtree
*****
In Christ, there is no further perfection to attain. In Christ, a sinner is made to be everything that God requires him to be. In Christ, wisdom is complete, righteousness is complete, sanctification is complete, and redemption is complete. To know Him is to know it all, and to have Him is to have it all. In Christ, we are as perfectly complete as we will ever be.
- Gabe Stalnaker
November 24, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
How rich the depths of love Divine
Of bliss a boundless store
Dear Saviour let me call Thee mine
I could not wish for more – I could not wish for more.
On Thee alone my hope relies
Beneath Thy cross I fall
My Lord, my life, my sacrifice
My Saviour and my all – My Saviour and my all.
How great Thy wisdom, power and grace
That in redemption shines
The heavenly hosts with joy confess
The work is all Divine – The work is all Divine.
Before His face they cast their crowns
Those crowns which Jesus gave
And with ten thousand, thousand tongues
Proclaim His power to save – Proclaim His power to save.
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
Everyone is invited to stay for lunch today following the service. There will be no evening service tonight or Wednesday the 27th. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
There will be a Christmas party for the adults at Doug and Faith Hacker’s home on Friday, Dec. 13that 7:00pm. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
24th– Martin Weinstock 25th– Sarah Lynn 26th– Adam Charron
26th- John Frye 26th– Max Murphy 28th– Lydia Lynn
30th– Bryleigh Carroll 30th– Isaac Steeves 30th– Mitch Steeves
“Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.” - Proverbs 23:13
“The Lord Said Curse David”
These were David’s words to Abshai. Shemei had cursed David and Abshai wanted to cut his head off! David replied, “So let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, curse David” (II Sam. 16:10). The thing Shemei accused David of was not true. But David knew that if Shemei knew all the truth concerning David he would say worse things! And David knew it was the sovereign God who moved Shimei to curse him. I would like to remember this, the next time someone makes an accusation against me, even if it is false. If they knew the whole truth about me, their accusation would actually be much worse. And it was my sovereign Lord who ordered them to say it. And it is among the, “All things work together for good them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”
*****
With all due respect to the reformers of the protestant reformation, the five solas of the reformation…Scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone, and the glory of God alone were around long before the protestant reformation. God has never left Himself without witness and it is what the true Church has always believed!
*****
GOOD NEWS FROM HEAVEN
The good news from heaven to lost sinners, that glorious Gospel of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ, is not a message of God’s hopeful expectations to save, but of a salvation purposed and accomplished. It is not a message of Jesus Christ knocking at the door of the sinner’s heart, hoping to gain an entrance, but of His will. It is not a message of the Holy Spirit striving with the sinner’s natural will, hoping to influence him to decide for Jesus, but of His purpose and ability to “Make sinners willing”, causing them to flee to the Lord Jesus Christ (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 110:3, John 17:2; Isaiah 53:11).
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Just as sure as His name is JESUS, He shall save His people, ALL His people, from ALL their sins. What a Savior! - Maurice Montgomery
*****
In Christ, there is no further perfection to attain. In Christ, a sinner is made to be everything that God requires him to be. In Christ, wisdom is complete, righteousness is complete, sanctification is complete, and redemption is complete. To know Him is to know it all, and to have Him is to have it all. In Christ, we are as perfectly complete as we will ever be.
- Gabe Stalnaker
GOSPEL PREACHING
Over the years I have heard a lot of definitions and explanations from many different men on what it is to preach the Gospel. In Galatians 3:1, Paul tells us plainly, simply and directly what Gospel preaching is. Gospel preaching is setting forth Jesus Christ, crucified among you. Just as Paul had told the church at Corinth that he, “Determined not to know anything among them save(or except)Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” He tells the believers in Galatia, “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” (Galatians 3:2) Did doing something save you? Or were you saved by the finished work and righteousness of God?
You see beloved, the Gospel message is, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” The message of grace is, “Jesus set forth crucified.” The Gospel is what God has done for you, not what you have done for yourself, and it certainly is not what you have done for God. Here we find two crucial truths that every believer understands. Firstly, Jesus Christ is God. Secondly, Jesus Christ, God the Son, died for the sins of His people, fulfilling the holy law of God and perfectly satisfying His holy justice. Gospel preaching is telling sinners “Who” saved them, and “how” He saved them, and “why” He saved them. It was God who saved His people. He saved them by doing for them what they could not do for themselves. And He saved them simply because He pleased to do so for the glory of His own great Name. – David Eddmenson
GOD’S SALVATION
The whole scheme of works salvation is totally dependent upon man and looks inward for all hope, happiness, help, and holiness; making man the principle object of worship, preeminence and glory. But, the whole scheme of God’s salvation is dependent upon Jesus Christ, the appointed Mediator and Substitute for sinners. This scheme of salvation looks God-ward for all hope, happiness, help, and holiness; making Jesus Christ the principle object of all worship, preeminence and glory. “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.” The grand design of God’s salvation is the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:4-5). – Tom Harding
*****
Christ in you, that new man created in righteousness and true holiness in the new birth, is that holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. He who is our Wisdom, Righteousness, and Redemption is our Sanctification (Holiness) too. - Don Fortner
November 17, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has borne the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
We will have a church dinner next Sunday, November 24th following the morning service. There will be no evening service the 24thor Wednesday the 27th.
There will be a Christmas party for the adults at Doug and Faith Hacker’s home on Friday, Dec. 13that 7:00pm. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
17th– Joshua Davis 21st– Zack Murphy 21st– Todd Meek
23rd– Samantha Daniel 23rd– Evan Ferrell
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” - Proverbs 10:12
*****
WORSHIP
David was begging God to not kill the child he had with Bathsheba. He lay on the earth and wept and fasted. But when the child died, we read, “Then David arose from the earth, and washed and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped” (II Samuel 12:20). The Lord did not give him what he asked for, and his response was worship. This reminds us that the Lord is to be worshipped for who He is, and those who worship Him worship Him for who He is. Supposed worship, worshipping only when you receive the blessing you ask for, is not worship. You only worship an absolute sovereign! Anything else is not worship!
*****
BE THOU AN EXAMPLE TO THE BELIEVERS
Paul said to Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example to the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (II Timothy 4:12). Every believer is called on by God to be an example, one to be imitated by other believers. Do not think for a moment how you live before others, the example you set, in inconsequential. If every one followed my example in these six things, and in faithfulness, generosity, and friendliness, what kind of church would this church be?
*****
GRACE IS NEVER WITHOUT EFFECT
Grace is not merely a doctrine but an unstoppable force of God. It is never without effect! We are chosen by grace with the undeniable effect that we are His. We are redeemed by grace with the certain effect that we are free. We are called by grace with the inescapable effect that we come to Him. We are preserved by grace with the inevitable effect that we shall be with Him forever. - Joe Terrell
*****
WEAK faith is TRUE faith; for the Author and Finisher is the same as the Object – Our Lord Jesus Christ.
A weak and frail hand can put food in the mouth as well as if it were a strong hand, seeing the body is not nourished by the hand at all but by the meat. It is not faith that justifies, sanctifies, and redeems – IT IS CHRIST! - John Rogers
“YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM”– Colossians 2:10
The believer’s standing in Christ does not fluctuate with his feelings, not even the increase or decrease of his faith or understanding or anything else. He stands complete in Christ. God would never trust any of His children to stand before Him at anytime in their own selves – that is, in their merits or certain good frames of mind. He knows our frame. He remembers that we are yet dust. Therefore, He has on purpose provided for them this perfect standing in Christ Jesus. “Ye are complete in Him”, the Holy Ghost said. He says in another place, “Ye are perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28). The very nature of our God requires us to be perfect and complete before Him at all times. He, out of necessity therefore provided all this for His children: a perfection, a completeness, which can never be diminished. It is as unchanging as God Himself (Heb. 6:17; 13:8). Every true believer may walk through this world in perfect liberty, free from anything and everything – yes, even his sin, fear of condemnation, and all else that would cause him to doubt his completeness. He may freely come to God, worship Him, call Him “Father”, and this he may do at all times with the utmost confidence and thankfulness, because in Christ he stands, first and foremost and always, complete before God. O thanks be to God for Jesus Christ. – Bruce Crabtree
*****
THE DOCTRINES OF GOD’S GRACE
You cannot vanquish a sovereign grace believer. You may think you can, but you cannot. The stones of the great doctrines of grace so fit into each other that the more pressure there is applied to remove them, the more strenuously do they adhere! And mark, my friend, that you cannot receive ONE of the doctrines of God’s grace without believing ALL OF THEM! If you hold that man is utterly depraved, you must draw the conclusion that life and salvation must come from God alone and that our God has the right to give or withhold His mercy as He wills. And if no man will come to Christ unless God chooses and calls him, then you are forced to believe that God elects His people in Christ, the Lord Jesus justifies them by His blood, and through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth all of His elect will receive Christ, believe and love Him until God calls them to His glory. Charles Spurgeon once wrote: “Regarding the words of Romans 8:29-30, a man must receive the whole or reject the whole! It puts a strain on judgment and discernment to think that one may believe two or three of these points and not the rest. The doctrines of the fall, election, particular redemption, effectual call, and perseverance stand like soldiers in a square, presenting on every side a line of defense which is hazardous to attack and easy to maintain.” “For whom He did predestinate, them He also called, and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified” (Romans 8:30). - Copied
November 10, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Saviour, friend of sinners
We as such to Thee draw near
Let Thy spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Saviour, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will have a church dinner on Sunday, November 24thfollowing the morning service. There will be no evening service the 24thor Wednesday the 27th.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Emily Elliott this Saturday November 16that 10:00am in the fellowship hall. Sign up sheet in the foyer.
Birthdays
10th– David Wright 11th– Elizabeth Charron 11th– Peggy Mohr
11th– Hannah Summers 11th– Jenny Williams
15th– Carter Steeves 16th– Pamela Weinstock
“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger: and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.” - Proverbs 19:11
DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD
David’s town of Ziglag had been raided by the Amalekites. David and his men return to find their wives, children, and goods gone. I Samuel 30:4says they wept until they had no more power to weep. Verse 6 tells us, “David was greatly distressed, for the people spake of stoning him.” He had the personal grief of losing his wives and children and his men were laying the blame at his feet. There was nothing by way of circumstances to be encouraged about. “But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” No matter how dark things may appear, the believer always has a reason for encouragement. The Lord is on the Throne ruling and reigning. His will is always being done. He is All-powerful. Nothing can prevent that. He is too wise to err. He is too kind to be cruel. He is good all of the time. As long as the Lord is God, no matter how bleak things may appear, we all have every reason to be encouraged.
*****
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DOVE AND THE RAVEN
Why did the dove return to the ark and the raven never return? Because the raven could live off the dead, decaying animals drowned in the flood. But the dove could not. It had to return to the ark for its food. The raven represents the religious man who does not know Christ. He is satisfied with the dead, rotting works of the flesh. But the true believer must return to Christ his ark for food. The mark of a true believer is that he is continually coming to Christ for the same thing! Mercy and grace! He cannot be satisfied with anything less.
*****
NOT ALL HOPE IS HOPE
“They were confounded because they had hoped;
they came hither, and were ashamed.” - Job 6:20
There will be many who will be confounded when they stand before the Lord and hear Him say, “Depart from me, I never knew you.”
Many hope to go to heaven and to miss hell. They hope in their morality, their faith, and their works; they hope in everything under heaven, but never in the one seated at God’s right hand. Jesus Christ is all the hope that God the Father has given to sinners. The only hope that any sinner has in salvation is Christ Himself; if I have Him, I have all that God demands. O sinner, make sure that Jesus Christ is the sum and substance of all your hope; if so, all is well (I Timothy 1:1). - John Chapman
LET US NOT BE DISCOURAGED
We preach the Gospel of God’s sovereign, free grace in Christ Jesus the Lord; that salvation is in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, according to the Word alone. For the most part, the message is rejected, but do not be discouraged, it has ever been so! Elijah thought he was the only one left who believed God. Isaiah wrote, “Who hath believed our report and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” When the Lord Himself preached in His hometown of Nazareth, the people marveled at His gracious words when He spoke of the blessings, but when He spoke of sovereign mercy, they tried to kill Him! The apostle Paul was accused of being a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition, the ringleader of a sect and was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. But remember, it is written: “The Word of God is not bound”, “My Word shall not fail” and“This is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you.” - Charles Pennington
*****
Remember, sinner, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee – it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee – it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ (though that is the instrument) – it is Christ’s blood and merits; therefore, look not to the hope, but to Christ, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Christ, the author and finisher of thy faith.
– C. H. Spurgeon
*****
BEST FRIEND
The best friend you can have on this earth is one who will tell you the truth. One who will not help make you comfortable in a refuge of lies. One who speaks the truth to you in love. One who will continue to do so though you may not appreciate his doing so. May I be such a friend that the blood of others be not on my hands. - Donnie Bell
November 3, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Come, Thou Almighty Comforter
And Bring upon Thy wing
Sweet consolation to each soul
That we may praise and sing.
We want to hear, we want to see
We want to know Christ more
We want sweet foretastes of His love
As we have had before.
And shall we come in vain to God?
O Lord, that cannot be
Thy promise stands engaged to come
And bless e’vn two or three.
Lord, give more love, more sincere faith
More confidence in Thee
Break off our legal chains, O God
And let our souls free.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
Aaron Greenleaf will preach this morning and Frank Tate this evening. Remember these men today as they preach the Gospel. I am visiting with Missionary Walter Groover in Merida, Mexico and will preach for the churches there along with Donnie Bell. We will also teach at the preacher’s class on Monday. Austin Groover will translate for all the services. I will return home on Tuesday, Lord willing.
The preacher’s class will meet on Saturday, Nov. 9that 10:00am. All men are invited to attend.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Emily Elliott on Saturday November 16thin the fellowship hall.
Birthdays
3rd– Conner Dickerson 3rd– Jeff Sullivan 4th– Laura Benton
4th– Steve Sligh 5th– Michael Burton 5th- Macy Greenleaf
5th– Chris Morris 5th– Logan Small 6th– Lauren Burton
8th– Daniel Holthaus 9th– Delena Creamer 9th– Ryan Vincent
10th– David Wright
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
MONSTROUS IMPLICATIONS
Let me say at the outset, the Bible does not teach or imply that Christ died for all men without exception. He died for the elect, His sheep, His church. Yet most of what goes on under the name of Christianity teaches He died for all men without exception. There are even men who say they believe in election who still believe His blood was shed for all men without exception. Such teaching and preaching has these six monstrous implications….
1. If Christ died for all men without exception and all men without exception are not saved, then He failed in His intentions. 2. If He died for all men without exception and some that He died for are not saved, His death does not saved. 3. If He died for the sins of all men without exception and some of those men are still punished for their sins God is not just. He punishes the same sin twice! 4. If Christ died for man that God loved and they are not saved, God’s love is meaningless. He can love you and you can still be damned. 5. If God loves all men and Christ died for all, God is not immutable. He changes in His disposition toward the men that are under His wrath. 6. If Christ died for all men without exception and all without exception are not saved, salvation is by works. Christ’s death did not make the difference, but what the sinner does or fails to do.
Universal redemption is more than a mistake in theology. It is a denial of the Gospel and a message of salvation by works. The implications of such teaching are truly monstrous.
*****
FOLLOW AFTER CHARITY
Paul had already said that charity was the more excellent way, that it never failed, and that it was the greatest of the three things that abide: faith, hope, and charity. And he then calls on us to follow charity. The same word is translated “press”. Press toward charity. “Pursue.” Pursue charity. “Given.” Given to charity. Make charity your aim, goal, and objective. Follow after love to God as He is; a love that is not only in word, but in deed and truth. Follow after love to His people; a love that loves them as He loves them. Follow after love toward all men; a love that expresses itself in preaching the Gospel to them and doing them good. This is the true badge of discipleship. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
BETRAYED WITH A KISS
Judas betrayed his Master with a KISS! He came to the Lord with evil in his heart, the price of a compromise in his hand, religious devils at his side, and said, “Hail Master”, as he planted a KISS on the Lord’s cheek!
This is how most apostates and compromisers operate; they betray the Son of God and the Gospel of grace WITH A KISS. They talk of love, humility, morality, and sugar and spice while they sell out to the religious world and betray the sovereign Son of God. And men watch their pretended affection and hear their words, “Hail Master”, spoken so softly, smoothly, humble, and sweetly, and they say, “Can such devout people be ENEMIES of the Lord?”
Do not be deceived; sometimes the most devout looking, religious people can be the most hypocritical in the world. Do not be deceived by their kisses. LISTEN TO THEIR GOSPEL! Peter, bearing the sword, had more grace than Judas, who came with a kiss. - Henry Mahan
All of the adjectives we use for grace like sovereign, free, and saving are inherent in the word. When we speak of the Biblical word grace, it is always the grace of God that loves, elects, predestinates, justifies, redeems, calls, regenerates, preserves, and glorifies. Any use of the word grace that does not comprehend all of those things is not the grace of God. It is the word grace without the meaning of grace.
The sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute sovereign, and the sovereign of our souls; as One who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will.
- Jonathan Edwards
Faith is not understanding God or figuring Him out intellectually. Faith is simply believing with our hearts and minds that everything God has recorded and promised in His Word is true even if we do not understand it.
- David Eddmenson
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So great is the depravity of unregenerate man that, although there is nothing that he needs more than the Gospel, there is nothing that he desires less. - Copied
October 27, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
To Him that chose us first
Before the world began
To Him that bore the curse
To save rebellious man
To Him that form’d our hearts anew
Is endless praise and glory due. (Repeat)
The Father’s love shall run
Through our immortal songs
We bring to God the Son
Hosannas on our tongues
Our lips address the Spirit’s Name
With equal praise, and zeal the same. (Repeat)
Let every saint above
And angel round the throne
Forever bless and love
The sacred Three in One
Thus heaven shall raise His honors high
When earth and time grow old and die. (Repeat)
(Tune: “Arise, My soul Arise”)
*****
The preacher’s class will meet on Saturday, Nov. 9that 10:00am. All men are invited to attend.
Birthdays
27th– Mark Mohr 27th– Aaron Warta 28th– Drew Charron
28th– Emma Steeves 30th– Tucker Greenleaf 1st– Charles McGuire
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
AM OR WAS?
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief” (I Tim. 1:15). What if Paul said, “Of whom I was the chief, but since God saved me, by His grace I have progressively become more holy and less sinful! Through Bible study, prayer and self-denial I have become more conformed to the image of Christ and less sinful than I formerly was.” If that were his words, I would be forced to conclude that I am not saved. I cannot honestly say that is my experience! Thank God Paul did not say, “of whom I was” but, “of whom I am the chief” – present tense! This enables me to put myself in the group that Christ came to save! That lets me know not to look to myself, and find assurance from the progress I am making. If I am presently the chief of sinners, I have nowhere else to look but to Christ!
*****
SOME THOUGHTS ON CRITICISM
We have all been guilty of being too critical toward others and we have all experienced the fires of criticism leveled against us. Here are some thoughts concerning being critical and being criticized.
Regarding being critical, may we always remember that what we criticize others for we are guilty of ourselves (Romans 2:1)! Also remember, “With the same measure you meter withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38)…you will be criticized in the same proportion that you criticize. Even if we have good reason to be critical, there is a desire in our criticism to make our own candle shine brighter by exposing the dimness of others. I wonder how much criticism would escape our lips if we thought of these things.
Regarding being criticized, there is an element of truth in all criticism leveled against us (and sometimes they are grossly understated). May God give us grace to receive the criticism and improve our character. Yes, criticism hurts, but do not be too hurt. Remember all that matters is what God sees. In the grand scheme of things, it does not matter all that much what men think of you. Paul said to the Corinthians, “It is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment” (I Corinthians 4:3). And do not hold a grudge against the one who has criticized you. “Take heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: for often times also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others” (Ecc. 7:21-22). May we be harder on ourselves than we are on others, and may we profit from the criticism that is made toward us. Criticism can be constructive!
The doctrines of the Gospel, commonly known as the doctrines of grace, are distinguished for this peculiarity above every other, namely, that they sink the creature very low, and present the Lord Jehovah before us as sitting on a Throne, high and lifted up. So true is this, that the most uneducated Christian may, even if he is incapable of refuting an erroneous discourse, always be able to discover the untruthfulness if it glorifies man at the expense of God. The merest babe of grace may carry this test with him. In the midst of the diversity of opinion which he is surrounded, he may always judge, and judge infallibly too, of the truth or falsehood of a doctrine by testing it thus – DOES IT GLOIFY GOD? If it be so it is true. Does this exalt man? Then it must be false. On the other hand, does it lay man very low, and speak of him in terms which tend to make him feel his guilt? Then doubtless, it is full of truth. And does it put the crown upon the head of God, and not upon the head of man’s free will, or free agency, or good works? Then assuredly it is a doctrine according to godliness, for it is the very truth of the Lord our God. - Charles Spurgeon
*****
The most humbling and challenging thing that I face…the great concern of my heart….is that my generation experience a return to the preaching of the Gospel of God’s grace. This generation is plagued with a gospel of works and are strangers to the Gospel of redemption. I want a return to the message that takes away all of the glory and dignity of the flesh and proclaims the redemptive glory of Christ. The results of this message will be a sense of the awesome holiness of God, the inability and sinfulness of the flesh, and the total sufficiency of the Person and work of Christ. Perhaps once again we will hear men and women cry…. “Depths of mercy can there be, mercy still reserved for me? Can my God His wrath forbear, and me, the chief of sinners, spare?” - Henry Mahan
*****
For every pain we must bear, for every sorrow, every care,
There is a reason!
For every falsehood that is said, for every tear that is shed
There is a reason!
Fore very grief, for every trial, for every weary lonely mile
There is a reason!
For we will trust God as we should
All this will work together for our good
Because our God is the reason!
(Romans 8:28-39)
- Anon
October 20, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
When this passing world is done
When has sunk yon radiant sun
When I stand with Christ on high
Looking o’er life’s history
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
When I hear the wicked call
On the rocks and hills to fall
When I see them start and shrink
On the fiery deluge brink
Then Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
When I stand before Thy Throne
Dressed in beauty not my own
When I see Thee as Thou art
Love Thee with un-sinning heart
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me
Wakened up from wrath to flee
Hidden in the Savior’s side
By His Spirit sanctified
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show
By Thy love, how much I owe.
(Tune: “For the Beauty of the Earth” p. 54)
*****
Birthdays
21st– Tim Scifres 22nd– Samuel Kincer
24th– Carla Bryan 27th– Norman Frye
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” - Proverbs 12:15
*****
IS GOD IN ALL YOUR THOUGHTS?
“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” - Psalm 10:4
This does not mean a believer is continually thinking about God all of the time. He may go hours without thinking about Him at all. But he does believe that God is absolutely sovereign, in control of everything, everybody, and every event. He believes that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” He knows that not a sparrow falls to the ground without his heavenly Father. God is in all of his thoughts. The wicked through their pride and high thoughts of themselves and low thoughts of God have not God in all of their thoughts. They think they have some control. They believe themselves to have a free will that will determine their destiny. They will find out when it is too late that this was not true!
*****
“I am the way…. no man cometh to the Father but by Me.” He is always the way, at all times, that excludes all other ways! If we have had some liberty in prayer, reading the Scriptures, and have felt His presence, we dare not come on that ground. If we have committed sin in a pre-meditated way, we are not to think that we cannot come because of that. The implication of that kind of thinking is if we had not committed that sin we could come. At all times, for every believer, He is the only way to the Father. We only come by Him.
*****
“It pleased the Lord to bruise Him.” - Isaiah 53:10
The death of Christ pleased every attribute of the Father. The death of Christ pleased God’s wisdom. The death of Christ enables God to be both just and justifier. The death of Christ pleased God’s justice. Christ suffered for the sin of His people until the debt was paid in full. The death of Christ pleased God’s mercy and grace. The death of Christ enables God to be merciful to His people in justice because their sin has been put away. Since Christ died God can justify the ungodly, God can forgive sin, and God can accept His people into His presence because He is pleased with them in Christ. - Frank Tate
*****
If you feel terribly carnal, unspiritual, and unholy in someone’s presence, you can be sure that that is precisely the way that person intended to make you feel by his or her pretentious show of godliness. – Don Fortner
CHRIST OUR SURETY
Our Surety is expressly said to have been made both sin and a curse for His redeemed, that they “might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (II Cor. 5:21; Galatians 3:13). And what a blessedness is there contained in this one view of the completeness of the church in Jesus! So that, in the very moment that the child of God feels the workings of corruption within him, and is groaning under a body of sin and death, which he carries about with him, though he sees nothing in himself but sin and imperfection, yea, sometimes, as it appears to him growing imperfections, yet looking to the Lord Jesus as his Surety, and considering the Redeemer’s holiness, and not anything in himself, as the standard of justification, here he rests his well-founded hope. This was blessedly set forth by the Holy Ghost - “Surely, shall one say, even to Him shall men come, and all that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed” (Isaiah 45:24). - Robert Hawker
*****
“For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.”
Hebrews 13:9
Men may establish their heart with something other than grace, many do, but sooner or later they will find that they have built upon the sand. Some establish their heart trusting in their free will, their decision, praying the sinner’s prayer, being baptized, church membership or their morality. They establish their heart with a lie. Everything other than grace is something that man does, and God will not accept the works of fallen sinful man.
Grace speaks of what God has done and He does it all without merit or desert on the part of those who experience His amazing grace. All of the sinner’s salvation is attributed to grace, and this is the way the heart must be established. God’s eternal love, election, redemption by the blood of Christ, and the calling of the Holy Spirit are all because of God’s grace. The apostle wrote, “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Rom. 5:20).
Grace gives all the glory to God in salvation! “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). - David Pledger
*****
God does not permit things to happen. He purposed all that comes to pass in time before time began (Romans 11:36; Isaiah 45:7). And all that He ordained from eternity and performs in time is good. Let men think and say what they will, God says concerning all that comes to pass in time, “This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth” (Isaiah 14:26-27).
- Don Fortner
October 13, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Great Father of glory, how rich is Thy grace!
What wonderful love is displayed in Thy face!
In Jesus Thy image, with brightness we view
With hope to be formed in that likeness anew.
Oh wonder of wonders! Astonished I gaze
To see in a manger, the Ancient of Days!
From sin to release us, that yoke so long worn
My God, my Creator, of woman was born!
For unworthy sinners, my Lord bowed His head
For unworthy sinners, He suffered and bled
My spirit rejoices; the work is all done!
My soul is redeemed, my salvation is won!
Great Father of glory, how rich is Thy grace!
What wonderful love is displayed in Thy face!
In Him our Beloved, we’re washed in His blood
With confidence come to the throne of our God.
(Tune: “How Firm a Foundation” p. 268)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
College Grove Grace Church Bible Conference is this weekend Oct. 18-20.
Birthdays
13th– Jaime Greenleaf 14th– Tom Fitzpatrick 14th– Maybelle Lynn
17th– Abigail Sullivan 18th– Dwayne Imes 18th– Julianna Rigsby
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.” - Proverbs 17:4
“It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good.” - I Samuel 3:18
This was Eli’s response to Samuel’s message. Samuel told him his house would be judged and his two sons would die because, “They made themselves vile and he restrained them not.” Two things. (1) Eli saw his own sin in the wickedness of his two sons. He had been a poor parent. (2) But he had such a trust in the Lord that he believed whatever He did was good because He did it. No other explanation is needed. This was not an unwilling resignation because there was nothing he could do to change it. But He believed whatever the Lord does is good. He does not do it because it is good. It is good because He does it. That is the fruit of faith… a willing resignation to His will. As the Lord said, “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Luke 10:21).
*****
The believer has the new nature that never sins and the old nature that always sins. This does not provide him with an excuse for sin nor a reason to not battle his sin. But it does explain why he is so sinful. Amazingly and mysteriously it is the new man that owns and confesses the sins of the old man!
*****
On that day that I stand before God in judgment, due to my union with Jesus Christ, I will not stand, “Just as if I had never sinned.” I will stand as one, “Who has never sinned.” That is what true justification does for this sinner. - David Eddmenson
*****
Neither salvation nor sanctification is in any way a cooperative effort. When Peter was sinking beneath the waves, he did not say, “Lord, nothing is going to happen today that you and I together cannot handle.” He said, “Lord, save me.” - Chris Cunningham
*****
Martin Luther once gave some very good martial advice. He said, “Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.”
*****
There is not a word in the Bible that can be understood without reference to the cross. Martin Luther
THAT’S NOT FAIR
“That’s not fair” is a statement that you would expect to hear from a child on a school playground. It is also a statement that we have come to expect to hear on the playground of man’s free-will works religion. But the enlightened soul knows that “fair” would find us all in hell suffering under the wrath, judgment, and justice of God. I don’t want what’s fair. I don’t want what I have coming. I don’t want what I deserve. I want mercy. I am so thankful that God gives sinners mercy for Christ’s sake. The sovereign God of Scripture is discriminating. God distinguishes some from others. It is lawful, it is right, for God to do what He wills with His own (Matt. 20:15). God has mercy, but it is on whom He will have mercy. God will show compassion, but only on those whom He chooses to do so. Is the redemption of some and the passing over of others fair? It is more than fair, it is right, it is just, making salvation a gracious act of God’s mercy. To those who cry, “That’s not fair”, the Scripture replies, “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (Rom. 9:20). Child of God, thank the Lord for His sovereign, saving, discriminating and distinguishing grace found in Christ Jesus. - David Eddmenson
*****
“GOD OVER ALL”OR NOT AT ALL!
If there is but one little germ somewhere in this vast universe which is not under God’s dominion and control, then two things are true: (1) God is not, “God over all”as the Scriptures so plainly and universally declare Him to be. (2) My life, health, and well-being is merely a matter of chance. I cannot honestly thank God for life and health, nor can He honestly ask for nor receive thanks from me.
If there is but one demon somewhere out there in this vast universe which is not under God’s sovereign dominion and control, then my soul is in deep trouble; and if I am ever finally saved at all, it will be merely a matter of chance. I have no power against demons, and if just one of them is active outside the sphere of God’s dominion and control, then the “Sure mercies of David”are not so sure at all.
The only sure hope for any real sinner is an absolutely sovereign Lord and Savior. There and there only can a poor, weak, sinful soul confidently rest in peace. The great apostle to the Gentiles said, “I know WHOM I have believed, and am persuaded that HE is able to KEEP that which I have committed unto HIM against that day” (II Tim. 1:12). The great God and Savior of His people can and shall keep His saints because HE is indeed “GOD OVER ALL”. Believe on HIM and thou SHALT be saved!
- Maurice Montgomery
October 6, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
When this passing world is done
When has sunk yon radiant sun
When I stand with Christ on high
Looking o’er life’s history
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
When I stand before Thy Throne
Dressed in beauty not my own
When I see Thee as Thou art
Love Thee with unsinning heart
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me
Wakened up from wrath to flee
Hidden in the Saviour’s side
By His Spirit sanctified
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show
By Thy love, how much I owe.
(Tune: “Rock of Ages” p. 126)
*****
Aaron Greenleaf will bring the message this morning and Frank Tate the evening message. I am on vacation and will return Tuesday.
Birthdays
7th– Sharon Fugate 8th– Jimmy Hicks 8th– Charles Nibert 10th– Wilma Stephens 11th– Hunter Small 12th– Doug Hacker
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” - Proverbs 18:19
WHAT FREE WILL DENIES
Before we can see what free will denies, we first have to know what is meant by free will. Free will says that a man’s destiny is dependent upon the choices he makes. His will is free to choose to allow God to save him, or reject God’s offer of salvation. His eternal destiny is determined by his free will.
If I believe my will is free, there are three things I deny. (1) I deny that God is sovereign. I say His sovereignty does not extend to my will. That is a complete denial of His sovereignty. (2) I deny that I am a sinner in the Biblical definition of the word. According to the Bible, men are dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1). That means they are completely unable to do anything to save themselves. Free will is a denial of that. (3) Free will is a denial of free grace. You cannot believe in salvation by grace and free will. Free will is nothing less than salvation by works. The teaching of free will is a denial of the Gospel!
*****
When Paul said, “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified”, he is not saying that is the only theme he was going to preach on, and will ignore everything else. He is saying that is the only message there is. There are no other themes to ignore.
*****
When I am brought to the place of seeing present tense I have nothing to recommend myself to God, and have nowhere to look but Christ alone, I have been brought to a good place and the only safe place. Christ is always the only way to the Father all the time!
*****
“Go ye unto all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). He does not say wait for them to come to you. It is our responsibility to see to it that all men hear the Gospel. The results are in His hands.
*****
The feather flies in the wind, but it has no inherent power to move; and consequently, when the gale is over, it falls to the ground. Such is the religion of excitement. But the eagle has life within itself, and its wings bear it aloft and onward whether the breeze favors it or not. Such is religion when sustained by conviction of the Truth. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
I should never have found peace with God nor come to love the Lord at all if it had not been that I distinctly saw that He, Who knew no sin, was made sin for me that I may be made the righteousness of God in Him. – C. H. Spurgeon
THE OBTAINING OF MERCY
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
To obtain mercy we begin by asking for mercy. To ask for mercy presupposes these three things. (1) I have no merit. (2) My sin is all my fault. If I do not take complete responsibility for my sin, I cannot really ask for mercy. (3) Mercy is in His hands to give or withhold. If the Lord passes me by, I cannot complain of unfairness. Once again, if I do, I am no longer asking for mercy, but demanding my right. And we are told to come to the Throne of grace with boldness, cheerful confidence, to obtain this mercy! How can we do that without being presumptuous? “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace (free, unmerited favor),that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Those who truly come obtain mercy!
*****
WEAKNESS AND ACCOUNTIBILITY
Aaron is called in Psalm 106:16, “The saint of the Lord.” Without question he was a believer. But he was a weak man. When the children of Israel told him to make them gods which would go before them, Aaron complied and became the chief participant in this great sin (Ex. 32:1-5). Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them” (Ex. 32:22). Aaron refused to take responsibility…he said that the people were set on mischief, so they gave me gold, “And there came out this calf” (Ex. 32:24). He was the one who fashioned the golden calf with a graving tool (Ex. 32:2-4). Yet he would not admit responsibility!
If I blame someone or something else for my wrong behavior, my weakness in not the problem. It is someone or something else’s fault. But when I see it is my fault, because of my sinful weakness, I will cry to the Lord for strength, and He will help me. That is what Paul meant when he said, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (II Cor. 12:10). Wherever you find a person who refuses accountability and personal responsibility, you will find a person who remains a weakling. When somebody sees their sinful weakness is the problem, they will cry to the Lord for strength.
September 29, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No beauty can I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All-in All, I pray.
Less Than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
*****
Direct TV that we are viewed on is increasing from 22 million homes to over 50 million. The weekly cost will increase from $350.00 to $700.00. The difference between TV and the internet is the internet begins with your search. TV is seeking to reach those who have no interest and creating an interest. If the Lord provides, I believe we should continue do this. I have been encouraged that some people have heard and believed the Gospel who never had before.
Birthdays
30th– Garrett Gillispie 3rd– Paul Harries 4th– Ian Anjos 4th– Alex DuFour 4th– Emma Ferrell 5th– Susan Sligh
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.” - Proverbs 11:1
YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1
The appeal to present our bodies a living sacrifice is the mercies of God. Not a hope of gain or a fear of loss. But the saving mercies of God which are set forth in the first 11 chapters of Romans. The call is to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Everything we are is housed in our bodies. A failure to present the body is to hold something back. We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. We are not dictating to Him what to do or what we will do. We are saying, “Here I am.” We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Nothing less is a true presentation of our bodies. This is our reasonable service. Anything less is completely unreasonable. The same word is used by Paul in Romans 6:13, “Yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead.” By grace, may we be so moved by the mercies of God that we present ourselves to Him a living sacrifice every day. Anything less is utterly unreasonable.
*****
THE TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS
II Corinthians 4:6-7
“The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in Christ Jesus” is called a TREASURE because it is RICH TRUTH which sets men free; it has RICH BLESSINGS such as wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; it contains RICH AND PRECIOUS PROMISES; it brings to us the RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN CHRIST.
This treasure is “in earthen vessels”, meaning the ministers to whom God entrusts this Gospel and through whom He sends the Gospel to His sheep. These ministers are God’s men; but they are still men, weak and frail, subject to like passions and infirmities, “That the Excellency of the power may be of God and not of us.” Whatever is accomplished in the proclamation of the Gospel by these men is the result of God’s purpose and work, certainly not of us. Paul wrote in I Cor. 15:10, “I have labored more abundantly than they all, YET NOT I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it were I or they, so we preach and so ye believe.” Let not one grain of faith be in the wisdom of any man, but in the wisdom and power of God – WHICH IS CHRIST! - Henry Mahan
ALL OF GRACE
I am not one of God’s elect because of something good God saw in me. There never was, is not now, and never will be any good in our flesh. “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing.” Paul said he knew it. The problem with most religious folks is they do not know it and until they do, they will continue to brag and boast of what they have done for God.
I am not one of God’s elect because of something God saw I would do. Left to my own will, I would have continued in darkness and even now would depart from God.
I am not one of God’s elect because God needed me. It bothers me when we leave the impression with anyone that God or the church of the Lord Jesus can profit any way from our presence, influence, or gifts. When will we ever learn that we are receivers and beggars? There is not one ounce of goodness in any son of Adam that could be used to commend one’s self to God. “What hast thou that thou did not receive?”
By the grace of God, I am what I am. It was grace that set me apart before time was. It was His grace that made me an object of His love. It was His grace that laid hold of me when I was in the pit and brought me to the Lord Jesus. And if it be my lot to continue in the faith, to grow in faith and love, to die in hope, and be raised in Glory, it will be all of grace. Thanks be unto Him who alone is worthy of glory and honor.
“Here I raise mine Ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I’m come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home.”
- Donnie Bell
September 22, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Wherewith shall we approach the Lord
And bow before His throne?
By trusting in His faithful Word
And pleading Christ alone.
The blood, Thy righteousness, and love
Of Jesus will we plead
He lives within the veil above
For us to intercede.
Sure ground and sure foundation, too
We find in His dear Name
Herein we ev’ry blessing view
And ev’ry favor claim.
Then let His Name forever be
To us supremely dear
Our only, all-prevailing plea
For all our hope is there.
(Tune: “O God Our Help” p. 10)
*****
Frank Tate, pastor of the Hurricane Road Grace Church in Ashland will bring the message tonight.
Birthdays
23rd– Holly Hardin 25th – Annie Martin 25th– Darrell Williams
26th– Amanda Mohr 27th– Ryleigh DuFour 27th– Gavin Gillispie
28th– John Parker 28th– Ben Walmsley
“In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.” - Proverbs 14:3
Liberty is freedom to do what you want to do. Liberty to an unbeliever is freedom to sin without restraint and without any temporal or eternal consequences. To the believer, liberty is to not sin. He will only feel completely free when he is no longer a sinner. And that day is coming. “I will be satisfied when I awake in Thy likeness.” Liberty is also being debt free. The unbeliever can never experience this. He believes in salvation by works and knows nothing of the joy and peace of believing. The believer knows salvation is 100% in Christ, by grace. He stands without debt before God’s holy law, and is perfect before God. But he still has a good kind of debt. “Oh to grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be.”
What is a good conscience? It is not necessarily a clear conscience. That is generally a seared conscience that cannot see sin. It is not a guilty conscience that acknowledges wrong doing. Simply acknowledging wrong doing does not take away the guilt. A good conscience is a conscience that has nothing to feel guilty about! In Christ I am justified. I have nothing to feel guilty about.
No sinner can or will turn to God until he has been turned by God. None can or will call upon the Name of the Lord until they have been called, effectually and irresistibly called, by the Lord. None can or will come to Christ for grace until Christ has come to him in grace. – Don Fortner
The doctrine of universal atonement is nothing short of universal blasphemy, asserting that Christ died in vain for the multitudes who perish in hell. - Don Fortner
THE GRACE OF GIVING
The average person who gives money, gifts, or charity to others may think that this gift of whatever he gives should be regarded as a loss, certainly not called assets, nor investments, nor gain. That is not so! Gifts, money, and alms given to others is no more loss than the seed planted by the farmer is loss. Anything given to others in the name of Christ, for the glory of our Lord, is not loss, but gain in every way. Our Lord said in Luke 6:38, “Give and it shall be given to you…for with the same measure that you give withal it shall be given to you.” This is saying that God uses the same container or measure for our gifts to us as we use for our gifts to others. The more generous the farmer is with his seed, the greater the harvest; and the more generous and loving and giving we are enabled to be, the greater the blessing. No! Giving is not a loss, but a great gain. A person may say, “I cannot afford to give.” If we have an understanding of the grace of God, we cannot afford not to give. – Henry Mahan
The Bible plainly teaches the absolute sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ in the dispensation of His saving grace (John 5:21-26; 10:16; 17:2). The fact that dead sinners are made alive is clear proof of His sovereign power – only God can give life! The fact that some are made alive and not all is clear proof of His free exercise of that sovereign power – there is no strength, no ability, and no degrees in death! The Bible also plainly teaches the graciousness of the Lord Jesus Christ in the exercise of His sovereign and universal rule. The fact that all of His enemies are not already in hell is clear proof of His graciousness (Psalm 2; Psalm 110; Rom. 9:21; Rev. 6:12-17).
- Maurice Montgomery
SOVEREING GRACE
Man’s entire apostasy and death in sin, so that he cannot save himself, and God’s entire supremacy, so that He saves whom He will, are doctrines exceedingly distasteful to human pride. But they are Scriptural. Why was one thief saved and the other lost? “Even so Father for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Matt. 11:25-27). God was not bound to save the one and He had power enough to have saved the other, and neither could save himself. What made the difference? The Sovereign grace of God!
- Horatius Bonar
September 15, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
When is it Christians all agree
And let distinctions fall?
When, nothing in themselves, they see
That Christ is All in All! (Repeat)
But strife and difference will subsist
While men will something seem
Let them but singly look to Christ
And all are one in Him!
The infant, and the aged saint,
The worker, and the weak
They who are strong and seldom faint
And they who scarce can speak!
Eternal life’s the gift of God
It comes through Christ alone
‘Tis His – He bought it with His blood
And therefore gives His own!
We have no life, no power, no faith
But what by Christ is given
We all deserve eternal death
And thus we all are even!
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
We rejoice with Roscoe Bowling who confessed Christ in believer’s baptism.
Birthdays
16th– Lyn Covert 18th– Heather Ham
10th– Kaitlyn Burton 20th– Doug Hardin
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” - Proverbs 10:12
We read the word ‘Christian’ three times and ‘believer’ twice in the Word of God. They are good, Scriptural words. But we read the word ‘saint’ over one hundred times. Sanctified ones. Holy ones. Chosen to be holy by the Father in election (Eph. 1:4). Declared to be holy by the Son in His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14). Made holy by the Spirit of God in regeneration (I John 3:9). Set apart by the Father, Son, and Spirit. What a blessed privilege and high calling… to be a saint of God! It is the saint that pants after God. It is the saint that cries out, “Oh wretched man that I am.” He only hates the sin of his old nature. The new nature the saint has here he will have in heaven! The only difference will be he no longer has a sinful nature. What a blessing of grace, what a future, to be a saint!
People of God. We can plan and arrange our worship services perfectly according to Scripture, sing just the right songs, pray fervently and Scripturally and even deliver a well studied, God honoring message from the Word of God, but we cannot worship unless the Lord Himself graces our presence with His, and blesses us to do so. Pray for it. Let us seek Him, this very morning that we may find. - Chris Cunningham
Look at a candle and how it burns. The more the light shines, the more the candle diminishes. What a beautiful illustration of the believer in Christ! The more he learns the Gospel of Christ, the more precious Christ becomes and the less he thinks of himself. One who is truly the Lord’s shines forth the light of HIS righteousness, grace, goodness, mercy, forgiveness, and truth. In so shining, self does not get bigger and more noticeable – the CHRIST does! The glory is not to self but to HIM. John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). – Copied
Our speech betrays us; those who do not know Christ speak great things concerning themselves; those who do know Christ speak greater things concerning Him. - Tommy Robbins
We have no power from God unless we live in the persuasion that we have none of our own. - John Owen
Two things that always go together are holiness and humility. The absence of one is the absence of the other.
SPECIAL PEOPLE
“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy
God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above
all people that are upon the face of the earth.” -Deuteronomy 7:6
When the doctrine of election is declared, those who do not embrace it often accuse those who do of thinking they are “special” by saying things like, “You believe that you are the only ones that will be saved!” God’s people do not think that they are special. But God says they are! The only thing in the elect children of God that makes them special is the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:27). They take no glory in their salvation, for they did nothing to save themselves (Ephesians 2:8). They do not take pride in their redemption, for it is God who declares that His elect will be the only ones who are saved (Romans 8:29-30).No, God’s people do not think they are special. Being unholy, they believe that God made them holy in Christ. Being unworthy, they trust that God made them worthy in Christ. Being ordinary, common wretches, they know that they have been chosen to be a special people unto God by the work and righteousness of His Son, who is infinitely special to Him! God’s people are “SPECIAL PEOPLE” for that reason only. Sinner, if you trust in Christ alone for your salvation, then “The Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.” How special is that? - David Eddmenson
SIN WHICH IS NOT SEEN
How can God who sees all things, no longer see sin in believers? The Lord Jesus Christ is the answer. The Messiah (Hebrew word for Christ), of whom Daniel wrote, was, “To finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness” (Daniel 9:24).
To make an end of sins! The Lord Jesus Christ has so effectually redeemed His people, so perfectly reconciled His people, so absolutely propitiated God, so thoroughly removed the sins of His people – that God declares – the God who cannot change – “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more’ (Hebrews 10:17). “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). In Christ, He sees us in Christ, in the Beloved, “In whom He is well pleased.” - David Pledger
September 8, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Though troubles assail, and dangers affright
Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite
‘Tis one thing secures us whatever betide
His promise assures us, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
The birds without barn or storehouse are fed
From them let us learn to trust for our bread
His saints what is needed shall ne’er be denied
So long as ‘tis written, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
His call we obey like Abram of old
We know not the way, but faith makes us bold
For though we are strangers, we have a sure guide
And know in all dangers, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
No strength of our own, nor goodness we claim
Our trust is all cast on His precious Name
In this our strong refuge for safety we hide
The Lord is our refuge, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
When life is most o’er and death is in view
The Word of His grace will see us safe through
Not fearing nor doubting, with Christ on our side
We hope to die shouting, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
(Tune: “O Worship the King” p.1)
We extend our sympathy to Dwayne Imes and his family on the death of his mother.
Congratulations to Don and Maggie Martin on the birth of their son, Boone.
Birthdays
8th- Jimmie Ray Bailey 9th– Todd Nibert 14th– Don Stephens
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom: and before honour is humility.” - Proverbs 15:33
The Scriptures speak much of things that take place before the foundation of the world. All there was was the Triune God in His is-ness. Hebrews 4:3says, “The works were finished from the foundation of the world.” That includes all the works of creation, providence, and salvation. In eternity there was no chronological sequence of events. They are all in the present in the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. But logically, one event preceded them all. “The lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Election and everything else was for this. Jesus Christ and Him crucified is the whole counsel of God!
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not once be named among you, as becometh saints.”
Salvation is altogether by grace. The believer is complete in Christ. The believer still has the evil Adamic nature he was born with. And sin is never to be accepted. “Let it not once be named among you.” “These things write I unto you that you sin not.” But thank God for the rest of the verse… “And if any man sin (and we will), we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” He is no crooked lawyer. His is the Righteous One who has made the way for God to be just and actually justify the ungodly.
*****
WEAKNESS AND ACCOUNTIBILITY
Aaron is called in Psalm 106:16, “The saint of the Lord.” Without question he was a believer. But he was a weak man. When the children of Israel told him to make them gods which would go before them, Aaron complied and became the chief participant in this great sin (Ex. 32:1-5). Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them” (Ex. 32:22). Aaron refused to take responsibility…he said that the people were set on mischief, so they gave me gold, “And there came out this calf” (Ex. 32:24). He was the one who fashioned the golden calf with a graving tool (Ex. 32:2-4). Yet he would not admit responsibility!
If I blame someone or something else for my wrong behavior, my weakness in not the problem. It is someone or something else’s fault. But when I see it is my fault, because of my sinful weakness, I will cry to the Lord for strength, and He will help me. That is what Paul meant when he said, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (II Cor. 12:10). Wherever you find a person who refuses accountability and personal responsibility, you will find a person who remains a weakling. When somebody sees their sinful weakness is the problem, they will cry to the Lord for strength.
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
How blessed it would be for us, and for all who cross our paths, if we could put our theology into deeds and not mere words. We profess to believe in God’s immutable sovereignty and then constantly mourn over our lot in life. We claim to believe in God’s purpose and providence, but fill every ear that will listen with our discontent and our sad state of affairs. Usually those who do the most complaining have, in reality, the least to complain about; while those who have serious handicaps, heavy burdens, and deep sorrows find a reason to praise the Lord and rejoice in His blessings. I need not remind you of God’s anger with Israel because of their murmuring, or to remind you of the words of our Lord, “Take no anxious thought for what you shall eat, drink, or wear” or to remind you of the words of Paul, “Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have.” No! I need not remind you of these words; for you have read them, taught them, and perhaps preached them. Then our problem is not ignorance of the Word and will of God (perhaps it would be better if this were our problem); our problem is identified in Hebrews 4:2, “The Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” It is a heart problem, for out of the heart the mouth speaks. And truthfully, our complaints are not with men, who are but second causes, but with God WHOM WE SAY is the first Cause and Lord of our lives. I can understand the free-willer (whose God is but a puppet of man’s permission) complaining, murmuring, and finding fault with all about Him. But the most inconsistent person living is the professed Christian who says he believes, “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever He will” or “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”, and then fills the air about with a constant stream of complaints and reasons why he should be somewhere else or doing something else, or blessed in a more abundant measure. A certain cure for anxious care is TRUST. “Thou He slay me, yet will I trust Him!” - Pastor Henry Mahan
Many times over the years I have heard of preachers and churches which seek to make the Bible relevant for today. The Bible is the Word of God! When men attempt to make the Bible relevant for today, it is neither more nor less than not really believing it is the Word of God. It is a watering down of the message of the Bible. When a man attempts to make the Holy Scriptures relevant, that man becomes irrelevant. God will not use that man’s attempt to make the Gospel more palatable to the flesh. That man manifests himself to be very ignorant and very arrogant. The job of the preacher is to preach the Word! Not attempt to make it relevant.
September 1, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls, the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
Heirs of God, joint-heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
O what wonders love hath done!
Who from Christ our souls can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Him, in Him forever
None can pluck us from His hands.
O such love, my soul, still ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while lost in holy wonder
Why, O Lord, such love to me?
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Clay Curtis, pastor of the Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Ewing, New Jersey will preach for us this evening.
The preacher class will meet this Saturday, September 7that 10:00am.
Birthdays
1st– Wanda Frye 1st– Melanie Kelley 3rd– Laura Williams
4th– Bob Covert 5th– Shari Greenleaf
“An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.” - Proverbs 16:27
In James 4:11-12 we read, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?”
That can accurately be translated, and is in some translations, “You….who are you to judge another?” Since when do you have the moral strength to look down upon anybody for their actions. Each of us should see that we are utterly unqualified to be anybody’s judge. And when we are highly offended when we perceive we are being judged by someone, it is the same self-righteous attitude. I say I am the chief of sinners and if anyone agrees with me, I am highly offended. May we all take these words to heart, “You, who are you to judge another?” When we do (and we do) it is sheer hypocrisy!
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” – I Peter 1:8
The believer loves someone He has never seen more than anybody He has seen. Even though up to this present moment we have never seen Him….yet believing, we see Him in His Word, and rejoice in a way we cannot even express. What a precious gift faith is. We are made to see the beauty of Christ and the joy that sight offers. And we know the day is coming, “When by His grace I shall look on His face, that will be glory, be glory for me.”
So long as we try to make ourselves the exception to God’s word concerning how it pleases God to save sinners then our lives will be filled with guilt and unrest. It is only when God brings us to repent from our way and submit to God’s way of salvation that we find rest for our souls. - Clay Curtis
When I look at creation, in heaven above and on this earth, I must confess, only God can do that. When I look at how such variety is working in such harmony in creation, I must confess, only God can do that. When I hear the Gospel of Christ and Him crucified, how Christ was made to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him; how God the Father transferred all the sins of all the elect to God the Son, I must confess, only God can do that. Only God can cause such a transaction. When this sinner thinks of Christ with sweet affections, I must confess, only God can do that. When I think of dying someday and my body buried in the dust and someday God raising it a new body, I must confess, only God can do that. Behold Jesus Christ is that God. - John Chapman
THE GOSPEL IN A VERSE
“…..when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” - Hebrews 1:3
HE HAS purged our sins – they are no more - as far as the east is from the west so far hath He removed our sins. OUR sins – His people are here referred to as “us” – His sheep, for whom He laid down His life, His church which He purchased with His own blood, His elect. HE – By HIMSELF - who but the God-man Himself could to this – so effectively, so completely and for ever? Man and all his efforts are not mentioned! BY HIMSELF. Without men’s obedience, law keeping, or even faith. Note also, finally – it is finished! After He HAD purged our sins! He sat down – signifying the work of salvation is DONE. – Paul Walmsley
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but on the Spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. - Robert Hawker
August 25, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
This promise is proclaimed
To all who trust in Christ
Christ Jesus keeps His saints secure
They cannot be condemned.
Though oft I sin, I know
And feel so very low
Nothing I say, or feel, or do
Will change my God, I know.
His Word can never be
Broken or changed at all
This sinner, justified by grace
From grace can never fall!
No sin can justice charge
Against my ransomed soul
When Jesus died, He paid my debt
Not part, but paid in whole.
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord” p.188)
*****
Danville Bible Conference – Aug. 30st– Sept. 1st
Preacher class will meet Saturday, September 7that 10:00am.
Congratulations to Bryant and Chesney Martin who were married last Sunday!
Birthdays
27th– Adilene Sligh 28th– Braedan Kelley 29th– Cami Walmsley
30th– Abby Holthaus 31st– Eva Hicks
“The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.” - Proverbs 10:8
“Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear.” - Hebrews 12:28
The only way God can be served acceptably, with due reverence and godly fear is by having or holding to grace! And what does the Bible mean by grace? “By grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace is always saving. It is always through faith. No part of salvation is of us. Salvation is of the Lord. All aspects of grace are the gift of God. Grace says not of works. Grace leaves no ground for human boasting. It is only by grace that God can be served acceptably. Anything that is not grace is irreverent and no fear of God! Is it any wonder the writer to the Hebrews said, “Let us have (hold to) grace.”
Eternal things have no beginning and no ending. We are in time now and when we enter eternity after death, we will have always been there in Christ. Things that are not seen, things that are made are temporary. Things that are not seen are eternal. We read in Scripture of eternal life, eternal salvation, eternal comfort, eternal glory, eternal judgment, eternal redemption, eternal covenant, eternal inheritance, and eternal Gospel. Those who have eternal life are said to be ordained unto eternal life, and we read of words of eternal life. Eternity will be spent worshipping Him who is eternal.
We are called upon to lay aside every weight and the sin that does so easily beset us, and run with patience the race set before us. How? By “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). The life of the believer commenced when he began looking unto Jesus, is carried on by looking unto Jesus, and will end looking unto Jesus. Eternity will be spent looking unto Jesus.
BE STILL
Some preachers want to arouse man’s activity. We want to kill it once and for all, to show him that he is lost and ruined, and that his activities are not able to save him. Some seek to make the man stand up. We seek to bring him down and make him feel that he is in the hands of God and that his business is to submit to God, bow to the claims of Christ, and cry, “Lord, save me or I perish.” - Henry Mahan
COME, BUT YOU CAN’T
Is it contradictory to tell someone to come and drink from the River of Life freely, but then tell them that are unable? Should we just tell men to come to Christ and leave out the part about God’s sovereign election and man’s total inability? Many would say we are just confusing the message and restricting the free offer of salvation by telling men they can’t come unless the Father makes them willing by His irresistible grace which is according to His will and good pleasure. Why is it necessary when commanding men to come to Christ to tell them they can’t? Why are total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace essential elements of the Gospel? One simple reason. Without these truths, men will make a work out of coming. Without these truths men will be led to believe that God has done His part, now it is up to you to come. No, men must trust Christ for their coming also. If you bring anything to the table of salvation, even your coming, then grace is no longer grace and you are left in your sins. The Lord will do it all…or He won’t do it at all. - Greg Elmquist
Faith is necessary for salvation. But, we do not look to our faith to save us; rather, in faith, we look to Christ. Repentance is necessary for salvation. But we do not look to our repentance to save us; rather, in repentance, we turn to Christ. There are graces, which God works in us as He saves us. But these graces are never to be the object of our trust, confidence or hopeful gaze. All the graces God gives us in salvation are to be used to look to, turn to, appreciate, and lay hold of Christ, who is our salvation!
- Joe Terrell
THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST
“But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man,
neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” - Galatians 1:11-12
No one has ever found the true interpretation of any passage of Scripture until they have found in it somewhere a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is the message and the subject of all the Scriptures. That is why we preach, “Christ and Him crucified.” The Bible, God’s inspired Word is truly a “Revelation of Jesus Christ.” - David Eddmenson
God works powerfully, but for the most part gently and gradually.
- John Newton
August 18, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
O Thou, from Whom all goodness flows
I lift my heart to Thee
In all my sorrows, conflict, woes
Dear Lord, remember me. (Repeat)
When groaning on my burdened heart
My sins lie heavily
My pardon speak, new peace impart
In love remember me.
Temptations sore obstruct my way
And ills I cannot flee
O give me strength, Lord, as my day
For good remember me.
Distressed with pain, disease, and grief
This feeble body see
Grant patience, rest, and kind relief
Hear and remember me.
If on my face, for Thy dear Name
Shame and reproaches be
All hail reproach, and welcome shame
If thou remember me.
The hour is near; consigned to death
I own the just decree
Savior, and with my parting breath
I’ll cry, Remember me.
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
Danville Bible Conference – Aug. 30st– Sept. 1st
Birthdays
18th– Molly Mohr 18th– Adam Peters 19th– Nora Imes
19th– Allison Vincent 19th– Sharon Vincent 21st– Mark Ham
22nd– Charlie Walmsley 23rd– Rych Byrd
24th– John Greenleaf 24th– Don Willis
“She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” -Proverbs 4:9-10
All of the adjectives we use for grace like sovereign, free, and saving are inherent in the word. When we speak of the Biblical word grace it is always the grace of God that loves, elects, predestinates, justifies, redeems, calls, regenerates, preserves, and glorifies. Any use of the word grace that does not comprehend all of those things is not the grace of God. It is the word grace without the meaning of grace.
“Put off concerning the former conversation of the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” - Ephesians 4:22
It is true that we still have an old man that is corrupt according the deceitful lusts which we will carry with us until the day we die. But that is never an excuse to indulge the conversation of that old man. This old nature does not leave us with an excuse for sin and disobedience. While we cannot put off the old man, we are called to put off this corrupt conversation. Sin is never acceptable.
“Be ye kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgive you.” - Ephesians 4:32
I am so thankful for this verse because I cannot find a reason in me as to why God would forgive my sin. But a reason in me is not needed. He forgives my sin for Christ’s sake. He is the only and all sufficient reason for the forgiveness of sin. What effect is that to have on us? To be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to one another, in the same manner that God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us.
LEANNESS OF SOUL
Through the influence of the “mixt multitude” (those who were not true children of Israel, but left Egypt with them) the children of Israel became weary of the manna and desired flesh to eat. The things of the flesh became more attractive to them. Psalm 106:15 says, “And God gave them their request: but sent leanness unto their soul.” The manna is Christ, the Bread of Heaven! Be sure, that when something other than Him becomes our desire, leanness of soulwill follow. And what a miserable state for the soul to be in. May the Lord keep us ever thirsting after Christ, and always being conscious of His beauty and our need of Him.
“This is a faithful (true)saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” - I Timothy 1:15
There is a lifetime of preaching in this verse but there are two points of great importance which are sometimes overlooked: the truth of the saying and the worth of it! To discover the truth of the Gospel is to find true peace of mind and to discover the worth of the Gospel is to find true peace of heart.
1. The truth of it. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (I John 5:11). I believe the record that God hath given concerning Christ; therefore, I am not troubled and confused by other voices or other claims. Let God be true and every man a liar. The apostle summed it up this way, “To whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). My mind is satisfied!
2. The worth of it. If I have Christ, I need nothing else, either in this life or in the life to come. I am complete in Him, redeemed in Him, accepted in Him, and already seated with Him in glory. I have ceased from all my labors and efforts to secure divine favor. His redemptive work is not only effectual but is sufficient for the greatest sinner, the poorest sinner and the weakest sinner. “My grace is sufficient for thee” (II Cor. 12:9). Does this not leave your heart in a state of rest and peace? If not, then you have not yet discovered the worth of His great atonement. - Henry Mahan
Paul said, “Neither count I my life dear to myself, that I might finish my course with joy” (Acts 20:24). This is the opposite of the way we naturally think. We think we will find joy and happiness in carefully preserving our life and by doing those things that will lend to our happiness. But the opposite is true. The only way we will have true joy is by not counting our lives as dear, but counting the glory of Christ and obedience to Him as what is truly dear.
In the new birth there is nothing changed in the flesh…it is still sinful flesh. But in that same new birth, there is an imparted new man born from heaven that is holy and does not sin. - Marvin Stalnaker
The Holy Scriptures DO NOT teach that God loves everybody in the world. However, God’s Word DOES teach that He loves everybody that loves, believes, and trusts wholly in His Son. – David EddmensonAugust 11, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has borne the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
Danville Bible Conference – Aug. 30st– Sept. 1st
Birthdays
13th– Sarah Ferrell 14th– David DuFour 15th– Jan Carver 15th– Delphus Grubb 15th– Anna Grace Meek
16th– Lauren Kelley 17th– Olivia Williams
More than ever, I need God to be merciful to me and not give me what I actually deserve. More than ever I need God to be gracious to me and give me what I do not deserve. More than ever I need to be a merciful and gracious person toward others, both inside and outside the faith. More than ever I need to be in Christ and like Christ!
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” - Proverbs 10:19
DENYING THE POWER OF GODLINESS
II Timothy 3:5-12
Paul warns us in II Timothy 3:5of those who “Have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof.” On the surface these people seem to be devoted. Thy have a form, an outward semblance of true godliness. They read the Bible and pray. They use words like grace, love, and faith. But there is a fatal flaw in their religion. They deny the power of godliness. How does one deny the power of godliness? There are three ways it can be done.
1) The power of godliness is denied when we deny the source of that power: the sovereign grace of God. When salvation is ultimately conditioned upon the will of man, the source of power is denied.
2) The power of godliness is denied when the means through which the power comes is denied. Romans 1:16says concerning the Gospel message, “It is the power of God unto salvation.” When someone says it is not necessary to preach or hear the true message of the Gospel, the power of godliness is denied.
3) The power of godliness is denied when the results of that power are denied. When we give sinners some hope that they are saved when they have not bowed to and willingly embraced the Gospel, and when they have not “Denied self, taken up their cross, and followed Him,” we are guilty of denying the power of godliness.
May God in His mercy deliver us from this great crime of denying the power of godliness!
*****
WHAT FREE WILL DENIES
Before we can see what free will denies, we first have to know what is meant by free will. Free will says that a man’s destiny is dependent upon the choice he makes. His will is free to choose to allow God to save him, or reject God’s offer of salvation. His eternal destiny is determined by his free will.
If I believe my will is free, there are three things I deny. (1) I deny that God is sovereign. I say His sovereignty does not extend to my will. That is a complete denial of His sovereignty. (2) I deny that I am a sinner in the biblical definition of the word. According to the Bible, men are dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1). That means they are completely unable to do anything to save themselves. Free will is a denial of that. (3) Free will is a denial of free grace. You cannot believe in salvation by grace and free will. Free will is nothing less than salvation by works. The teaching of free will is a denial of the Gospel!
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH
Faith is the salvation grace. “Thy faith hath saved thee.” “By grace are ye saved through faith.”
But not only is it the salvation grace: it is the root of every other grace. You cannot trust Him and not love Him. Meekeness comes from trusting Him in whatever He does with me. It is only the humble soul that looks to Him only. The joy and peace we experience comes in believing. Courage is the fruit of faith. Zeal comes from believing Him. Generosity is born of trusting Him for our needs. Patience comes from believing He is in control. Hope is derived from faith. Is it any wonder Paul said, “Above all things take the shield of faith.” Faith is the only moveable piece of the Christian armor. It protects the heart, the head, and everything else. Faith is the gift of His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
*****
WHAT IS YOUR HOPE?
Lay the foundation of your hope in Jesus Christ. Begin with Christ and end with Christ. As Christ Jesus becomes more to you, self will grow less and less. If your faith puffs you up – it is not the faith of Christ. God will help us when we are weak. He will bless us as long as we confess our dependence upon His blessing. He will fill us when we are empty. He will feed us when we are hungry. He will be our all when we are nothing. He will forgive us when we are guilty. But the moment we begin to boast in ourselves and feel sufficient, we will be left to learn, in no uncertain terms, that we are naked, poor, blind, and miserable. Terrible will be the day when proud rebels discover, too late, the dust and ashes of human merit. - Henry Mahan
*****
One of the main objectives of the ministry of the Gospel is to convince sinners of their sin and misery without Christ. Men will not come to Christ Jesus until they are so convinced. The well do not need a physician. If you love your soul, seriously meditate upon this fact and do not allow pride to rob you of the troubling but pleasant realization that YOU ARE A SINNER! Christ is the friend of sinners. - Henry Mahan
August 4, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
To Thy presence we draw near
Lord, we love to worship here
When within the veil we meet
Christ, upon the mercy-seat.
Thou through Him art reconciled
I through Him became Thy child
Abba, Father! Give us grace
In Thy courts to seek Thy face.
While Thy glorious praise is sung
Teach my heart, unloose my tongue
That my joyful soul may bless
Christ the Lord, my Righteousness!
While Thy ministers proclaim
Peace and pardon in Thy Name
Through their voice, by faith, may we
Hear Thee speaking from on High.
(Tune: “Trusting Jesus” p. 262)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We rejoice with Lydia Lynn and Isaac Steeves who confessed Christ in believer’s baptism last Sunday.
Birthdays
4th– Brodi Profitt 6th– Kristen Hands
7th– Leti Anguiano 7th– Lee Anne Walmsley 9th– Isaac Williams
“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” - Proverbs 14:4
THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH
“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie” (II Thess. 2:11). For what cause? “Because they received not the love of the Truth.” It is one thing to give mental assent to the Truth. It is something quite different to receive the love of the Truth. Anybody that is not blinded by prejudices and pre-conceived suppositions can see that the Bible does teach our fall in Adam and the total depravity of our race, God electing a people in Christ before time, the successful atonement of Christ for the elect, the irresistible grace of the Holy Spirit in the new birth, and the preservation and perseverance of the saints all the way to the end. But do you love this? Is it necessary for you to hear this preached? It is if you need God to elect you, Christ to die for you and accomplish your salvation, and the Holy Spirit to give you life and preserve you so you will persevere. If this is what you need you will receive the love of the Truth. If you do not receive the love of the Truth, you have no need and God will send you strong delusion that you should believe a lie. Would God do that? He most certainly will. To not receive the love of the Truth is offensive to God and all who do love the Truth. To not receive the Truth in the love of it is to not receive it as the Gospel. That is to not receive it at all.
*****
A NEW HISTORY AND A NEW MAN
History cannot be changed or altered. Because of my history, if I were given forgiveness for my past sins, a clean slate and a new start, it would do me no good. I would mess it up (History repeats itself).
What I need is a new history and a new man. While there is nothing new under the sun (Eccl. 1:8-19), there is One who is over the sun. He said, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). He gives us a new history (Justification) and a new man (Regeneration) who will not mess things up. Aren’t you thankful for Him who said, “Behold, I make all things new”?
*****
Love is as love does. Love is defined by what it does. Love gives. Love wants to please the object of its love. A love that is in word only but not in deed, is not love at all. This is true with love toward God and love toward men.
*****
God said to Abraham, “Unto thy seed have I given this land” (Gen. 15:18). But when He made that statement, Abraham did not have any children. Yet, it is referred to as an act which was already done. When God wills something, it is past tense before it takes place!
Wisdom is more than knowledge, information, and recognized education. A person may have these and still not be wise. Spurgeon once said, “Knowledge is the horse; wisdom is the rider who controls the horse and steers him in the right direction.”
Wisdom is the proper combination of truth and spirit.
Wisdom is the proper union of faith and conduct.
Wisdom is the discernment of heart and discipline of mouth.
Wisdom is knowing the will of God and yielding to it in spite of
frowns or flattery, friends or foes.
Wisdom is THE GIFT OF GOD.
“If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” - James 1:5
- Henry Mahan
*****
“If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?” (Luke 12:26)
There were several things that I was worried about. This Scripture made me laugh at myself, and made the stress leave! It reminded me of two great truths: (1) I have no control over anything. (2) He has complete control over everything! Since that is the case, why worry about anything? When we worry, our actions say that we do not really believe what we say we do.
*****
Christ is only preached as ALL, when He is all that is preached. “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).
*****
If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me – “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). - Robert Murray McCheyne
*****
It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell, and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil; one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves, and another to mourn for it because it is wrong and offensive to God. It is one thing to be terrified; another to be humbled. - G. Spring
July 28, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to God on High
Let earth to heav’n reply, “Praise ye His Name!”
Angels, His love adore, Who all our sorrow bore
And saints cry ever more, “Worthy the Lamb!”
All they around the Throne
Cheerfully join in one, Praising His Name!
We who have known His blood, Sealing our peace with God
Sound His dear Name abroad, “Worthy the Lamb!”
Join all ye ransomed race
Our Lord and God to bless, “Praise ye His Name!”
To Him we’ll tribute bring, Hail Him our sovereign King
And without ceasing sing, “Worthy the Lamb!”
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
We rejoice with Isaac Steeves who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism at the close of the service this evening.
Birthdays
1st– Lilyana Scifres
“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.” - Proverbs 28:5
*****
The God of glory is infinite. He said, “Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and His redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6). He only is infinite. He cannot be measured, He has no boundaries. He has no limitations. He is unsearchable and incomprehensible. He cannot be known unless He is pleased to make Himself known. He is He who, “Hides Himself from the wise and prudent and reveals Himself to babes” for no other reason than this, “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” Worship before Him!
THE REASON FOR FORGIVENESS
“I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” (Isaiah 43:25). The people He forgives are described in the precious three verses as having not called upon His Name, been wearied of Him, not honoring Him with their sacrifices, having no generosity or tokens of love. All they have given Him is sins, and wearied Him with their iniquities. The reason for forgiveness is not found in the ones forgiven! He forgives for His own sake. And in His forgiveness the sins are actually blotted out; made to not be, and not remembered because there is nothing there to remember. The Lord does not love us or forgive us because of us, but because of Himself.
*****
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalms 1:1
The descent begins by walking along side of and hearing the advice of the ungodly. What comes next is the walking ceases and we stand in the way of sinners. Then we sit in the seat of the scornful. The scornful sit in judgment of what God says. What a dreadful place to sit! But how blessed by God is the man who does not walk in the counsel of those who do not know God. How blessed is the man that does not stand in the way of sinners: the way of salvation by works. How blessed is the man who does not become a critic and judge of God. As David said, “But his delight in in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. “ Truly, that man is blessed!
*****
To know Jesus Christ and Him crucified is not the minimum of knowledge but the maximum of knowledge; that to know “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” is not to know little but to know all; that here is not a descent from a loftier region, but an elevation into the highest sanctuary; that in “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” all doctrines, all God’s teachings, and man’s experiences culminate; and from “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” all duties, all works, al ministries are to emanate and to be evolved.
– Adolph Saphir
If –then salvation, or will-shall salvation?
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). To the natural man, and our natural way of thinking, we are brought up using the logic of “cause and effect”, so this verse is thought to read and to mean, “Ifwe confess, thenHe will save,” i.e. if-then. But in the context of all Scripture, believers know this is not so, for salvation is in no way dependent or conditional upon us doing one thing for God to save us, for Christ has done it all – “It is finished!”
Believers know that salvation is not if-then, but will-shall. The cause and the effect are both of God, carried out in the new birth. The cause of our salvation is God choosing, electing us in Christ before time began … and the effect in time, is the Holy spirit birthing a new man, who then repents towards God, and exercises faith, total reliance, towards Christ for all his salvation.
Confession, repentance, and faith are not triggers that cause God in response to save you. God first saves His people for Christ’s sake, and the response of the saved sinner is confession, repentance, and faith in Christ. Salvation is therefore not if-then, but will will-shall…“Then willI sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shallbe clean,”….. “I willput My Spirit within you, and causeyou to walk in My statutes, and ye shallkeep my judgments, and do them” (Ez. 36:25, 27).
If-then salvation gives some glory to man.
Will-shall salvation gives all glory to God.
- Brian Dufour
*****
A LOCAL CHURCH
A local church is a body of brothers and sisters in Christ. We are one family. One life is ours, one love is ours, and one objective (to know more of and to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and to be found in His righteousness) is ours. This is the comfort and strength of all, that we are all one with Christ in God’s sight. We cannot properly minister the Gospel of Christ without each other. One cannot say, “My presence or absence will not be noticed because I do not preach, teach, pray publicly, nor lead the singing.” Your presence in the house of God to worship Him is both desired and much needed. You are a comfort and encouragement to other brethren. Another cannot say, “My gift will not be missed because I cannot give as much as some.” All of God’s people should give whenever and whatever they can give as the Lord blesses them. No gift is too small. What may seem small is great for the cause of Christ. The point is this: We are a family, a body, and “The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you.” All brethren are equally loved of God and equally needed by one another. - Henry Mahan
July 21, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
With harps and with vials there stand a great throng
In the presence of Jesus and sings this new song
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
All these once were sinners defiled in His sight
Now arrayed in pure garments their voices unite
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
He maketh the rebel a priest and a king
He hath brought us and taught us this new song to sing
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
How helpless and hopeless we sinners had been
If He had not loved us and washed us from sin
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Aloud in His praises our voices shall ring
So that others believing this new song shall sing
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
(Tune: “How Firm A Foundation” p. 268)
*****
Birthdays
24th– Brian DuFour 25th– Ellen Willis
26th– James Lynn 27th– Kelli Proffitt
“It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.” - Proverbs 25:27
WOE IS ME
When we see the sins of other men, if we do not say it, we think it – “Woe unto them. What goes around comes around. What they are doing is wrong.” And you are correct in your assessment of what they are doing. In the first five chapters of Isaiah, he pronounced nine woes on people because of what they were doing. But in Isaiah 6, when he sees the Lord sitting on a Throne, high and lifted up, his tune changes! “Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” When we see the sins of other men, “Woe unto them.” When we see the Lord, “Woe is me.”
It was said of Amaziah that, “He did turn away from following the Lord” (II Chronicles 25:27). He is one of three kings of Judah who began well and ended bad. The same was true of Joash and Uzziah. How you begin is certainly important. If you start out in the wrong direction you will not arrive in the right place! But how you end is even more important. It is only the one who “endures to the end,”that “continues in my Word” that “holds the beginning of the confidence steadfast to the end” that shall be saved! No doubt these men were admired and trusted before their defection. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (I Corinthians 10:12).
WHERE IS THE OFFENCE?
Paul spoke in Galatians 5:11 of the offence of the cross. The word offence is also translated as “a stumbling block.” We have all been offended. We have felt wronged – even violated. We have all heard that which made us stumble. The implications of what was said made us feel we cannot go in that direction.
The preaching of today is offensive. But not in the manner Paul spoke of. It is offensive to God because His Word is not plainly declared. Preachers preach in code, saying things in a way to keep all happy and offend none. It is offensive to believers because when the offence is removed, the Gospel is removed, and they do not hear that which they must hear.
When I hear a message I must ask the question: Where is the offence? This I know, if my message does not offend men I can be sure it offends God. Paul said in the previous verse of these men who remove the offence, “He that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.” And he said in the following verse regarding these men, “I would that they were even cut off that trouble you.” Oh, for a revival of the offence of the cross.
SECRET FASTING, PRAYING, AND GIVING
Matthew 6:1-18
Our Lord gives us clear direction on our fasting, praying, and giving – keep it secret, between you and your Lord. There are many examples in the New Testament of pubic prayer when people assemble together to hear the Gospel, or sitting at the table in someone’s house as a dinner guest. But out in public places, our fasting, praying, and giving should be done in secret, from the new heart. Here is an example…. a mixed group of friends (believers and unbelievers) go out to eat at a restaurant on a weekend night. The unbeliever, trusting a jesus that loves everyone, and died for all men alike, asks everyone at the table to bow their heads, while he offers up a long and loud prayer to his god. The believer, even before he enters the restaurant, has silently thanked God the Father for the food he is about to receive … and at the end of the meal, leaves a generous tip for the server… and no one knows he did either of these things, except his Lord.
One does these things outwardly, to be seen of men… one does these things inwardly, to be seen of God… “For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7) - Brian DuFour
CARE
We have anxious cares that distract us. Troubles from the inside: doubts and fears. Troubles from the outside: sickness, loss, conflict. The list goes on and on. But the believer is commanded, “Cast all of your cares upon Him: for He careth for you” (I Peter 5:7). How foolish to not quickly obey this command. He cares for you, and as our great Father, Saviour, Brother, and Friend will bear the burden for us. David said in “Psalm 55:22, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord.” We do that, find relief, and pick the burden right back up and carry it again. Oh, that we would learn what the songwriter said, “Take thy burdens to the Lord and leave them there.”
Sound doctrine, as described in the Scriptures, is teaching that sets forth the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, nothing more or less than the Gospel. Mere orthodoxy for the sake of being right, is nothing more or less than self-righteousness. – Chris Cunningham
There is not a word in the Bible that can be understood
without reference to the cross. - Martin Luther
July 14, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Savior, Friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Saviour, let us know Thee
As the Lord our righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, Ewing, NJ Bible Conference July 19-21
Birthdays
15th – Betsy Burch 15th– Pam Murphy 16th– David Vincent
19th– Ida Isaac 20th– Jonathan Carroll
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” - Proverbs 17:9
“When I see the blood,” I, by the grace of God, have more confidence in His eyesight than I do in my own. – Scott Richardson
OUR RULE OF LIFE
“As many as walk according to this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” - Galatians 6:16
And what is the rule? “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14). Glorying only in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ is the rule every believer is to walk by. It is the only way we have peace, the only way we will experience mercy, and the only thing that proves us as the true Israel of God. To walk by any other rule is a denial of this rule.
*****
IF A MAN LOVE ME …… HE THAT LOVETH NOT
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who love Christ and those who do not love Him. The Lord gives a very simple and concise description of both. “If a man love Me, he will keep My words” (John 14:23). The one who loves Christ agrees with Peter, “Thou hast the words of eternal life,”and is unwilling for any of Christ’s words to be changed in any way or to any degree! His hope is found in Christ’s words! “He that loveth Me not keepeth not my sayings” (John 14:24). The one who does not love Christ does not find all of his hope in exactly what Christ has said in His Word. Consequently he feels no need to guard over, preserve, and keep His Words.
The one who loves Christ keeps His Word! The one who does not love Him does not keep His Words.
*****
DELAY
“Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto Me.” - Exodus 22:29
It is sad that such a command is necessary. To delay means to procrastinate. Behind the procrastination is an unwillingness to obey the command. Hoping that perhaps circumstances will change to where obedience to the command is not necessary. It grieves me to see such a spirit in myself. The Lord gave all for me. How He loved me and loves me – and to serve Him in such guarded and measured ways. Lord, deliver us from that kind of half-hearted service. “Draw me, we will run after Thee.
I have loved to hear my Lord spoken of; now I am going to see Him. I have seen the print of His shoe on the earth; now I am going to sit at His feet. I have read His Word; now I am going to hear His voice. I have beheld His world; now I am going to dwell in His heaven where sin can never enter.
- John Bunyan
It is ever the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan’s work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, “Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you have not the joy of His children; you have such a wavering hold of Jesus.” All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: He tells us that we are nothing, but that “Christ is all in all.” Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee – it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee – it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument – it is Christ’s blood and merits; therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith. We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by “looking unto Jesus.” Keep thine eye simply on Him; let His death, His sufferings, His merits, His glories, His intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to Him; when thou liest down at night look to Him. Oh! Let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after Him, and He will never fail thee. - C. H. Spurgeon
The believer’s eternal union with Christ is a subject that few seem to grasp, though it is written as with a sunbeam upon the pages of Holy Scripture. We are “Accepted in the Beloved,” and have been from eternity. That union of our souls with our Savior was made by the triune God Himself before the world began, and can never be dissolved or even altered. The Lord God sees us in His Son, as one with His Son, and as His Son, because we really are in His Son, as one with His Son, and as His Son. Therefore it is written, “…. as He is so are we.” As no spot, blemish, or any such thing is in Christ, but only perfection, His Father is well pleased in Him, and with all who are in Him. The Book of God declares, “He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel” (Numbers 23:21). Therefore, we shall “Have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as He is so are we in this world.” - Don Fortner
July 7, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Christ bears the name of all His saints
Deep on His heart engraved
Attentive to the state and wants
Of all His love has saved.
In Him a holiness complete
Light and perfection shine
And wisdom, grace, and glory meet
A Savior all Divine.
The blood, which, as a priest, He bears
For sinners is His own
The incense of His prayers and tears
Perfumes the holy throne.
In Him my weary soul has rest
Though I am weak and vile
I read my name upon His breast
And see the Father smile.
(Tune: “O For A Thousand Tongues” P. 46)
*****
We welcome Daniel Parks, missionary to St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and his wife Sandy who are with us today. Daniel will bring the morning message.
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We extend our sympathy to Peggy Mohr and her family on the death of her father, Dan Hall.
7th– Caleb Anjos 8th– Jasper Clark 8th– Rob Elliott 8th–Kaitlyn Jones
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” - Proverbs 18:10
GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER
I do not know that there is another Scripture in the Bible quite like this. This is found in II Corinthians 9:7. Paul has devoted two chapters to the subject of giving. He had said earlier that our giving is what proves the sincerity of our love (II Cor. 8:8). The Lord Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Who should give? “Every man.” How much should he give? “According as he purposeth in his heart so let him give.” How not to give -“not grudgingly, or of necessity.” Not in reluctance or under compulsion. “For God loveth a cheerful giver.” One who is prompt and joyful in their giving. God loves this! It is not that He needs anything. But it pleases His heart when He sees His people give in a cheerful manner. That is born from a love to Him! May He give us all grace to be cheerful givers!
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THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST
Paul said in II Corinthians 10:5 that every thought is to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. After death, when we no longer have a sin nature, every thought will be brought into captivity to obedience to Christ. But that is not what the text says! Every thought is to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Any thought I have that runs contrary to the obedience of Christ being my only righteousness before God is a wrong thought that is opposed to the Gospel of Christ.
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THE CHURCH
“I don’t go to church because there are so many hypocrites in the church.” “My life is as good as most church people!” These are common statements heard everyday to which I reply - don’t judge the whole body by the faults of some. It is our responsibility to worship and follow the Lord Jesus, not men. If our brethren have faults, let us pray for them and patiently bear their infirmities as we ask them to overlook ours. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ welcomes all who are lame, halt, and blind. We look not for a perfect church this side of heaven. It is better to sit beside the hypocrite in church than to suffer with him eternally. - Henry Mahan
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The old covenant had a Sabbath day but no Sabbath rest. The new covenant has no
Sabbath day but does have a Sabbath rest. – Joe Terrell
CHRIST OUR GOSPEL
The doctrines we preach and love are not mere teachings of some particular method or plan, but the doctrines of Christ, who ISour Gospel; Christ who is sovereign over all flesh; Christ, whose grace is both sovereign and free. Not to preach a sovereign Christ, is to preach another Christ. To preach another Christ is to preach another gospel (which is not another, Galatians 1:6-9). It is just that simple. Mark it down, you cannot separate Christ from the Gospel or the Gospel from Christ, for they are one and the same. Christ is sovereign over all things and over all flesh, giving life freely to whom He will. The message of life for poor guilty sinners is the message of the Christ of God, who saves sovereignly and freely, even the chief of sinners! - Maurice Montgomery
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“Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness!” - Isaiah 41:10
God has arranged all our concerns with consummate wisdom, in the very best possible manner. He overrules all events by His omnipotent power. He directs all things by His paternal love. If infinite wisdom, omnipotent power, and paternal love, are engaged for our present and eternal welfare – then our fears must be groundless, and our anxiety folly. Our fears only…dishonor God, distress the mind, please Satan, and grieve the godly. - David Pledger
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God cannot forgive me of my sins just because I ask Him to. Sin must be atoned for, justice satisfied. Here is the good news of the Gospel. The sins that I ask to be forgiven of, the blood of Christ answers the justice of God for them. That being so, God can forgive me of all my sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. No better new than this. – John Chapman
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No matter where I am preaching from in the whole Bible, if I cannot title the message “Jesus Christ and Him crucified”, I ought to throw the message away. - Chris Cunningham
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Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but the spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy.
- Robert Hawker
June 30, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Savior, Friend of sinners
We as such to Thee draw near
Let Thy spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
And with They presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
Paul and Kelli Harries would like to invite everyone to their home for a cookout this Friday afternoon, July 5 at 3:30. You may bring a side dish if you would like.
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, Ewing, NJ Bible Conference July 19-21
Birthdays
2nd– Elijah Davis 3rd– Kristina Carroll 3rd– Aubrey Brice
3rd– Eleanor Walmsley 5th– Jackson Dickerson 5th– Jackson Elliott
“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” - Proverbs 10:7
“And have not charity…”
Three times Paul uses this phrase. If I could preach with the eloquence of an angel, and have not charity, it is as offensive and empty as the bang of a gong. If I literally have the gift of prophecy and can foretell future events, if I am a learned theologian with great understanding and knowledge of the Scripture, if I have miracle working faith, and have not charity, I am nothing. If I give every dime I have to feed the poor and give my body to be burned as a martyr for the cause of God and Truth, and have not charity, there was no benefit in that to me. This supposes that all of these things could be done without having charity, the fruit of the Spirit in my heart. The love we have to God is not expressed by the gifts He has given us that we exercise. The love we have for God is expressed by the love we have toward His people. “By this shall all men know you are my disciples, by your love one to another.” This is the more excellent way that every child of God is to pursue!
God is absolutely sovereign. He is the cause of all things. Whatever comes to pass is His will being done. This is who He is. “Our God is in the heavens, He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.” “He doeth according to His will in the armies of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand or say unto Him, what does Thou.” A God that is preached that is not absolutely sovereign is the figment of man’s depraved imagination and utterly devoid of saving power.
A WORD OF CAUTION ON QUITTING
It is obvious from the Scriptures that our Lord uses men and means to preach the Gospel, feed His sheep, and accomplish His purposes. Great care and prayer, therefore, should be employed before we identify or unite with any man or church. But, having done so in the belief that God is among them, even greater consideration and time should be given before we leave; for laying down the banner of Christ in time of trial is a serious matter in God’s sight. It may never be ours to carry again. - Henry Mahan
The spirit of toleration is looked upon by many as a great virtue. Indeed there are times when it is! But this is the spirit for which He condemned the churches at Pergamos. They had in their midst those who espoused the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. That which the Lord said He hated, they tolerated. Lack of love is behind this attitude. Lack of love to the Person of Christ makes one tolerant of that which is contrary to Him. Love to Him makes one intolerant of that which robs Him of His glory. Remember, he that does not hate the false, does not love the true.
The story is told of a certain pastor who was disturbed greatly because one of his dear brethren was getting too involved in other things and was absent from the worship services. One Sunday evening at the close of the service, the pastor went to his friend’s house and found him sitting before an open fire. Somewhat startled by the appearance of his pastor (who spoke not a word), the man pulled up another chair before the fire, waiting for words of rebuke from his visitor; but none came. The minister took his seat before the fire and silently took the tongs and lifted a glowing coal from the midst of its fellows and LAID IT BY ITSELF ON THE HEARTH. Remaining silent, both men watched the blaze die and the coal grow dark. Then the truant brother opened his mouth and said, ‘You need not say a word, pastor, I will be there Wednesday night.” - Henry Mahan
THE EVIDENCE
Hebrews 11:1
The only evidence I have of my saving interest in Christ is faith in Christ. All other evidence, all other confidence, all other assurance, I altogether repudiate. When Satan accuses me, when my own heart condemns me, when my sin torments me, when I examine myself, and I do so constantly, I find comfort, peace, and assurance only by faith in Christ. I have no evidence of a clear title to heaven but by faith. And faith is evidence enough. God says that it is enough. And my conscious says it is enough – “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I have blessed confident assurance that my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that I am chosen of God, redeemed by Christ, born again, called, sanctified, and preserved unto life everlasting because I believe that Jesus is the Christ. -Don Fortner
June 23, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Come, let us join our grateful songs
With angels ‘round the throne
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues
But all their joys are one.
“Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry
To be exalted thus
“Worthy the Lamb,” our lips reply
“For He has died for us.”
Jesus is worthy to receive
Honor and pow’r divine
And glory more than we can give
Be, Lord forever Thine.
The whole creation join in one
To bless that Holy Name
Of Him who sits upon the throne
And to adore the Lamb.
(Tune: “Am I a Soldier” p. 414)
*****
I am in Crossville, TN this weekend preaching at the Lantana Grace Bible conference. Aaron Greenleaf will bring the morning message and Frank Tate, pastor of the Hurricane Road Grace Church in Ashland, KY will bring the evening message. May the Lord be pleased to bless His Word today.
Thank you so very much to everyone who helped with your time and efforts to make Bible School a special time for our children. May the Lord be pleased to put His Word in their hearts and save them by His grace.
We rejoice with Andrew Glasscock who confessed Christ in believer’s baptism Wednesday evening.
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, Ewing, NJ Bible Conference July 19-21
Birthdays
24th– Kristy Burton 24th– David Morris 24th– Haley Small
27th– Paul David Daniel 28th– Jessica Scifres 28th– Lissie McGuire
28th– David Parker 29th– Emily Dickerson 29th– Hannah Dickerson
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. " - Proverbs 19:21
*****
Believe and be saved is a true statement, but no one would be saved if that is all they hear…. Paul said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” He is the Lord. His sovereign will is always done. “He doeth according to His will in the armies of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth and none can stay His hand.”He is Jesus…. Saviour. “Thou shalt call His Name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” He is the Christ, God’s Prophet, unlike any other prophet. They said, “Thus saith the Lord.” He said, “I say unto you.” He is God’s Priest, unlike any other priest. They brought a sacrifice. He Himself is the sacrifice. He is God’s King. Unlike any other King, His will is always done. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” This is a command, and our right to trust this One to save us comes with the command!
*****
Christ’s warnings to the seven churches of Asia tell us what we need to beware of, and how easily we can fall into these faults. He rebuked the church at Ephesus for leaving their first love. They were visibly sound in doctrine and empty in heart. The church at Pergamos had the doctrine of Baalim (compromise) and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (the name means above the people: clergy and laity). The church at Thyritea permitted Jezebel to teach. They were rebuked, not for what they were doing, but for what they were permitting to be done. The church at Saridis was living off past faith, and appeared to be spiritually dying. The church at Laodecai had become lukewarm. They lost their sense of need.
How easy it is to fall into any of these errors. All five of these conditions, if continued in, will cause Ichabad to be written over the door. May the Lord give us as individuals and as a church grace to give heed to these warnings. Do not lose your first love, espouse false doctrine, tolerate what is contrary to the Gospel, live in the past, or become lukewarm. If we do these things we are in dire straits.
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If a man could be saved by a lie it would be a lying salvation. Truth alone can work results that are true. Therefore, keep on teaching the Truth. God help you to proclaim the precious Truth about the bleeding, dying, risen, exalted, coming Saviour; and God will bless it. - C. H. Spurgeon
COME, BUT YOU CAN’T
Is it contradictory to tell someone to come and drink from the River of Life freely, but then tell them they are unable? Should we just tell men to come to Christ and leave out the part about God’s sovereign election and man’s total inability? Many would say we are just confusing the message and restricting the free offer of salvation by telling men they can’t come unless the Father makes them willing by His irresistible grace which is according to His will and good pleasure. Why it is necessary when commanding men to come to Christ to tell them they can’t? Why are total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace essential elements of the Gospel? One simple reason…. without these truths, men will make a work out of coming. Without these truths, men will be led to believe that God has done His part, now it is up to you to come. No, men must trust Christ for their coming also. If you bring anything to the table of salvation, even your coming, then grace is no longer grace and you are left in your sin. The Lord will do it all…. or He won’t do it at all. - Greg Elmquist
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Those who have been saved are those who are “being saved” (I Cor. 1:18; Phil. 2:12, 13). Those who have learned of Christ are those who “are learning” of Him (John 6:45; Matt. 11:29). Those who know the Lord are those who “desire to know Him” (Phil 3:7-10). Those who have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ are those who continue to cry, “Lord, I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory” (Exodus 33:18). These are the people who by the grace of God can say, “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15). - Maurice Montgomery
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We are not desirous of honor, esteem and applause from men, for “We are what we are by the grace of God.” God can take away what we have as easily as He gave it. We do not despise and provoke one another with our piety; nor do we want to appear to be wiser, richer in grace, nor more gifted than others; for we are less than the least of all the saints. Nor do we envy the gifts, abilities, or grace of another. God will enlighten us, equip us, and bless us as He sees fit to use us. - Henry Mahan
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Mr. Spurgeon once said something like this: “When I looked at Christ the dove of peace flew into my heart. When I looked at my heart the dove of peace flew out.”
June 16, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Come ye saints, admire and wonder
Jesus’ matchless love adore
Sing for Sinai’s awful thunder
Shall upon thee burst no more.
Sing, though sins are black and large
Sing, for Jesus, by His dying
Set you free from every charge,
Set you free from every charge.
Sing, though sense and carnal reason
Fain would stop the joyful sound
Sing, and count it highest treason
For a saint to hold his tongue.
Sing aloud, whose holy calling
Your election surely shows
Sing, nor fear a final failing
Jesus’ love no changes knows
Sing, for you shall heaven inherit
Sing, and ne’re the song be done
Sing, for He alone is worth it
He our sins did all atone.
Sing aloud among God’s people
In your heart when all alone
Sing to Father, Son, and Spirit
One in three, and three in One.
(Tune: “Come Thou Fount” p.17)
*****
VBS is this Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:30-1:30.
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN Bible Conference is June 21-23.
Birthdays
16th– Andrea Bryan 16th– Monica Sparks
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
EXAMINE YOURSELVES
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” - II Corinthians 13:5
Usually when we think of examining ourselves we think of examining our lives. How are we dealing with besetting sins? Are we reading the Bible to our spiritual profit? Are we spending time in prayer and communion with the Lord? What does our daily lives say about our love to Christ? Can others see that we are Christians? What did Paul say? Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith: if we gain assurance by how well we are performing, it is a false, works based assurance. If we conclude we must not be saved by our failures in these things we are once again making salvation dependent upon our performance. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Do you believe that when He said, “It is finished” the salvation of all the elect was accomplished? Are you relying on who He is and what He did as all you have for acceptance with God? Then you are “in the faith” and a true child of God.
Lying on someone is never acceptable, lying on God is damning. To say that God loves everyone, when the Scripture says God hated Esau is a lie. Telling people that Jesus Christ died to save everyone, and yet there are multitudes in hell is a lie. Telling people that their will is free, when the Scripture teaches us that man is under bondage to sin and Satan, is a lie. Either tell the truth or shut up. “Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things” (Proverbs 8:6).
- John Chapman
I do not choose to believe. I believe because I have no choice. I believe because it is the Truth! He is the Truth! There are no other options! But if I do not believe, I have to choose not to believe. The word heresy means a choosing. I have chosen to believe that which is not true.
Since salvation is all of grace, and we are complete in Christ, and “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose”, we should walk in fullness of joy. To not do so is sin and unbelief.
LOVE IS KIND
“Love is kind” (I Corinthians 13:4). If we love somebody, we will be kind to them. Not mean, harsh, and judgmental, but kind - and this kindness is not our response to them treating us well. It is said of our Heavenly Father that, “He is kind to the unthankful and the evil.” This kindness is exercised simply because we love. This kindness is mild as opposed to harsh, easy as opposed to severe, gracious as opposed to demanding. Love is not mean! “Love is kind.” If we love, we will be kind. An absence of kindness is an absence of love!
CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES
I Corinthians 15:3
The Gospel is not merely that Christ died for our sins, but that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. What can this mean but that Christ died for our sins in complete fulfillment of all that was said in the prophecies and types of the Old Testament? He died to make a covering for our sinful characters like the animal from which God made clothing for Adam and Eve. He died as the innocent substitute of condemned sinners like the Passover lamb. He died particularly for His people as did the sacrifice on the day of atonement, which was offered only for the house of Israel. He died by crucifixion as Psalm 2states. He died effectually, actually saving those for whom He died, according to Isaiah 53where it is written, “He shall see the travail of His soul and be satisfied.” The New Testament Gospel is clearly written in the Old Testament. Whenever we claim to preach the Gospel, let us be certain it is the Gospel “According to the Scriptures”! - Joe Terrell
Do you believe in the Son of God? If you trust Christ as your Lord and Savior, your faith in Him is the fruit and evidence of His grace bestowed upon you and wrought in you. Faith is the empty hand that receives God’s salvation, not the mighty arm that performs it. Faith in Christ is the result of eternal life bestowed, not the cause of life. - Don Fortner
June 9, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has born the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
VBS June 18-20
Birthdays
9th– Linda Ferrell 9th– Amie Steeves 12th– Rick Williams
13th– Matt Vincent 14th– Lauren Harries 15th– Silas Benton
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” - Proverbs 22:15
SINCERITY AND TRUTH
Paul spoke of keeping the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Sincerity is mentioned first because if you do not have sincerity, the truth will never be truly stated. Some other agenda is in operation. Where there is sincerity, all that is desired is the truth. But the truth is not the truth because of sincerity of the one who brings it. The truth is what God’s inspired Word declares, “Thy Word is Truth.” The truth concerning the character of God, man, and God’s salvation. The truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are two things that always go together… sincerity and truth.
WHY MAKE AN ISSUE OF GOD NOT LOVING ALL MEN?
To make an issue of God not loving all men may appear upon the surface to be dwelling on something negative. So why make an issue of it?
1. Because the Bible does. “Esau have I hated” (Romans 9:13).
2. If He loves all men the same and some of those men He loves are lost, it makes His love meaningless. His love did nothing for them!
3. It is degrading to the character of God’s love to say He loves all men the same. The world speaks of God’s unconditional love, but there is no such thing. There must be something there to love! Because God’s love is in Christ, all in Christ are lovely to God. Outside of Christ there is nothing but God’s indignation against sin and sinners.
4. To know God loves you is the assurance of the believer. “He loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). No one has the right to even suspect that God loves them unless they have bowed the knee to Christ. To assure lost men that God loves them is evil! This is the assurance of the believer!
REFORMATION?
I hear a lot about “reformation” in our day. There are reformed churches, reformed doctrine, reformed preachers and reformed believers, everything seems to be “reformed.” The word “reform” means to “improve or to make better.” If “reformation” means to improve myself or make myself better, then, I do not need reformation! What I need is a perfect righteousness. I surely cannot find any hope of eternal life in trying to make myself better, especially when God requires perfection. I do not need “reformation”; I need “regeneration.” I do not need to get my heart right; I need a new heart that is right. The lost sinner does not need to just change their way; they need to change their God. I do not need to make myself “better”, I need to be made “perfect.” I do not need reformation, I need a “new creation”, which can only be found in Christ. – David Eddmenson
CHRISTIAN MOTIVATION
I am sometimes troubled when I hear believers ask such questions as, “Must a man go to church to be saved? Must he be baptized in order to enter heaven? Does a man have to live righteously in order to inherit eternal life?” I could understand an unbeliever asking such things. But a believer should already know that it is, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but by His mercy, He saved us.” Salvation is not dependent on anything we do, but depends entirely on what God does.
But there is a greater concern that these questions pose. What would motivate a believer to ask such a question in the first place? Is he looking for an excuse to avoid these things and still go to heaven? Doesn’t he want to live righteously? Doesn’t he want to confess Christ? Doesn’t he want to go to church? It makes about as much sense as a man saying, “If I marry this woman, must I live with her?” If he doesn’t want to worship, confess, and follow Christ, he should make no profession of believing Christ.
- Joe Terrell
GROWTH
Peter warned of “falling from your own steadfastness” (II Peter 3:17). And what will prevent that? “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). Only growth will prevent this fall. Growth in the knowledge of Christ and growth in grace go together. Where you have the one you will have the other. Growth in grace is the only kind of growth where you become smaller rather that larger. You grow down in your estimate of yourself. You grow in your sense of your need of His grace. But you also grow upward. You love God more and more for who He is! And you grow outward in your love to the brethren. Your heart is enlarged toward them, and toward all men! If I am not growing in grace, I am not living. I will end up falling from my own steadfastness. Lest any be discouraged, remember, it is growth in grace. It takes grace to grow in grace. And God’s grace is absolutely free. Let’s begin by asking for grace to grown in grace.
There are two systems under which all men look the same – law and grace. All who are under the law look the same: guilty. So their end is the same: destruction. All who are under grace look the same: righteous. So their end is the same: blessing. - Joe Terrell
June 2, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
How rich the depths of love Divine
Of bliss a boundless store
Dear Saviour let me call Thee mine
I could not wish for more – I could not wish for more.
On Thee alone my hope relies
Beneath Thy cross I fall
My Lord, my life, my sacrifice
My Saviour and my all – My Saviour and my all.
How great Thy wisdom, power and grace
That in redemption shines
The heavenly hosts with joy confess
The work is all Divine – The work is all Divine.
Before His face they cast their crowns
Those crowns which Jesus gave
And with ten thousand, thousand tongues
Proclaim His power to save – Proclaim His power to save.
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
The Lord called Henry Mahan home on Friday morning. Henry pastored the Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, KY for over 50 years. The Lord used brother Henry to teach me the Gospel and has been a dear friend to this church from the beginning. The funeral is tomorrow morning at John Steen funeral home (Central Ave.) in Ashland at 11:00. Visitation will begin at 9:30am until the funeral.
Congratulations to our graduating High School Seniors – Will Hacker, Jeffrey Imes, Maybelle Lynn, Julianna Rigsby, Emma Steeves, and Ryan Vincent! We will honor them this evening after the service. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
2nd– Audrey Grace Hacker 2nd – Jacob Rigsby 2nd – Alexis Sligh
2nd– John Walmsley 4th–Eva Hicks 4th– Debbie Williams
6th– Brad Clark 7th– Avery Summers 8th– Matthew Greenleaf
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” - Proverbs 11:2
In Paul’s greeting to every church He says, “Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is God’s Word to every believer! Grace to you! Other than the Name of Christ Himself this is my favorite word….grace! Salvation in every aspect, from election to glorification and everything in between is by the grace of God. “For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.” If salvation really is all of grace, and not of works, I have peace. Grace is the cause of peace, the ground of peace, and the maintenance of peace. We enjoy this peace only as we believe grace. Peter said, “We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they!” ByHis grace we have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved! That is why we have peace. The ground of our peace is the same ground as God’s - the grace of Christ.
“FOR WITH THEE IS THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE”
Psalm 36:9
One Wednesday night, before I preached to a handful of Christ-interested sinners, I thought to myself, “If someone was here tonight who claimed and advertised to have found the fountain of youth, some potion that would give eternal youth and life to those who drank it, there would be no empty seats and folks would be lined up for miles to hear and find out where this fountain of life eternal could be found and drank from.
I have found such a “Fountain”, and every time we meet together I labor to point thirsty sinners to that “Water of Life, from which they may freely drink and never thirst again” (John 4:13). Sadly, few seem to be interested in this “Fountain of Life” and the Almighty One Who possesses it. I can only assume that they are not thirsty. Nevertheless, “Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). - David Eddmenson
It is not the absence of sin but the grieving over it which distinguishes the child of God from empty professors. – A. W. Pink
POSSESSIONS
“Neither said any of them that ought of the things he possessed was his own.” When we see that all we have belongs to the Lord, we no longer need to worry about it. He will take care of that which belongs to Him. When we see it all belongs to Him, it is much easier to not seek to hold on to it. When we see that all we have belongs to Him, it is much easier to give liberally. We only give back a portion of that which is His anyway. There is a liberty and freedom in having no possessions, and understanding that it all belongs to Him.
“It shall be well with the righteous” - Isaiah 3:10
In spiritual things, all your temptation, all your darkness, all your wandering: God will overrule. It shall be well with you. There shall never be a night, but that morning shall come; there shall never be a day of trouble, but a day of prosperity shall follow; there shall never be an emptying, but there shall be a filling; there shall never be a bringing down, but that He will raise you up again. Let it be either darkness or light, sorrow or grief, night or day, life or death, time or eternity, “It shall be well with the righteous.”
- Scott Richardson
ALL OF GRACE
In heaven’s glory we shall forever adore and praise our great God for the wondrous mystery of His grace, by which we are saved. Everything in the great work of salvation sets forth the splendor of the grace of the Most High God. What do we see in election, predestination, redemption, regeneration and preservation, but His grace? The whole work of salvation displays God’s rich, free, almighty, irresistible, sovereign, saving grace in Christ. In salvation, as well as in creation, all things are of God, all things are by God, and all things are for God. He works all our works in us, and in Him alone all praise must be forever! - Maurice Montgomery
There is one true evidence of a work of grace, and regeneration in men and women: Love. That one who truly believes, who is born of God, loves God who begat him, and loves all those begotten of Him. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He who loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (I John 4:7-8). - Darvin Pruitt
May 27, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Look upon me, Lord, I pray Thee
Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine
Thou hast sought me, Thou hast bought me
Take my heart and make it Thine.
Naught I ask for, naught I strive for
But Thy grace so rich and free
This Thou givest by the Savior
He hath all things who hath Thee.
Precious is the Name of Jesus
Who can half its worth unfold?
Far beyond angelic praises
Sweetly sung to harps of gold.
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak, but Thou art mighty
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p.374)
*****
Congratulations to our graduating High School Seniors – Will Hacker, Jeffrey Imes, Maybelle Lynn, Julianna Rigsby, Emma Steeves, and Ryan Vincent! We will honor them Sunday, June 3rdafter the evening service. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
All men are invited to the preacher’s class this Saturday at 10:00am.
VBS – JUNE 18-20 (Sign-up sheets are in the foyer)
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN Bible Conference is June 21-23.
Birthdays
27th– Thomas Kincer 28th– David Walmsley
28th– Stephen Walmsley 31st– Cora Clark 31st– Julianna Daniel
1st– Rebekah Vincent
“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.” - Proverbs 18:12
HOW IMPORTANT IS HIM GETTNG ALL THE GLORY?
To every believer it is absolutely essential. And it is essential for two reasons. (1) He merits all the glory. He did everything in our salvation. Even the faith and repentance we have comes from Him. “Salvation is of the Lord.” (2) If He does not get all the glory then some glory goes to man. That means there is something they do that they get glory for. If that is the case, salvation would be by works which man get glory and credit for. I know that if any part of my salvation is dependent on me doing something, I have no hope. But if He gets all the glory that means He did it all. All my salvation is predicated on Him doing everything and getting all the glory. It is essential that He get all the glory because He did it all! If man gets some of the glory then salvation is by works and I have no hope!
SANCTIFYING GOD
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts” (I Peter 3:15). And how do we do that? By believing what He says concerning Himself, our self, and salvation. We obviously cannot make Him holy. He is holy. We sanctify Him when we regard Him as Holy. Nadab and Abihu failed to sanctify Him when they burned incense with strange fire. They failed to use the fire that came from the altar of sacrifice. If we ever approach God on any other ground than the sacrifice of Christ, we fail to regard Him as holy. If we believe salvation is by our works in any way we prove we do not really believe He is holy. What happened to Nadab and Abihu when they failed to sanctify the Lord? “And there went out fire from the Lord and devoured them” (Lev. 10:2). We will have the same end if we fail to sanctify the Lord in our hearts and do not rely wholly on the sacrifice of His Son.
Christ’s Lordship says His will is the first cause of all things. His will caused creation. His will is the first cause behind everything that happens in providence. Whatever takes place is His will being done. And His will is the cause of salvation. The Leper understood this….“Lord, if You will, Thou canst make me clean.”
“CHRIST IS ALL”
Colossians 3:11
He is the first cause and the last end of all things; in election, salvation, redemption, calling, righteousness, regeneration, and glorification. He is all in the salvation of His people. “Salvation is of the Lord.” He is all in election; we are chosen in Him, He is the Elect (Isaiah 42:1). He is all in redemption; He obtained it with His own blood (Hebrews 9:12). Christ is all in our calling; He called us with a holy calling (II Timothy 2:9). Jesus Christ is all our righteousness: He worked it out for us as our advocate (I John 2:1). He is all in our regeneration; He quickened us when we were dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1). He is all in our final glorification; “He raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). All our spiritual blessings are in Him and from Him (I Corinthians 1:30). - Donnie Bell
“Everyone that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD. The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls” (Exodus 30:14-15).
The individual value of the soul of each of God’s elect is the same…the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. All in Israel, from twenty years old and above, were required to give an offering, half a shekel, to make an atonement for his soul. Obviously, they were not redeemed with money, but the same amount of money for all represented the consistency of the immeasurable value of the blood of Christ. The price paid to redeem Abraham, Moses, the prophets and the apostles, was the same price paid to redeem the repentant thief on the cross…the fountain of blood which flowed from the side of our precious Lord and Savior….. – Marvin Stalnaker
May 19, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Precious Savior, Friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Saviour, let us know Thee
As the Lord our righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will honor our graduating High School Seniors on Sunday, June 2nd, after the evening service. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
VBS – JUNE 18-20
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN Bible Conference is June 21-23.
Birthdays
19th– Dylan Daniel
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” - Proverbs 17:28
CHRIST IS ALL
“Christ is all and in all” - Colossians 3:11
There is so much that can be said about Christ being all. All the fullness of God dwells in Him. He upholds all things by the word of His power. He is all in the Scriptures. He is all in salvation. He is all in faith. He is all in assurance. He is all in motivation. He is all in our preaching. Some people so not see Christ as all. They believe in Christ and…. If you have anything other than Christ is all, Christ is not all to you. It is only when all you have is Christ, that Christ is all to you. It is a blessed thing to say, “I’m a poor sinner, and nothing at all, but Jesus Christ is my all in all.” If you have something other than Christ alone, you do not have Christ at all! It is only when He is all you have, that you have Him at all!
*****
ELECTION OR AHTEISM – NO MIDDLE GROUND
Romans 9:16-18
If you receive the Bible as the Word of God, you have no choice; you must believe the doctrine of election. If you believe the Bible, you have to take it all as the Word of God. You cannot say, “I believe what the Bible teaches about heaven; but I just cannot accept the idea of hell.” You cannot say, “I believe in God; but I simply cannot believe in election.” Election is so much a part of Divine Truth, that it cannot be expunged from the Book of God without completely destroying the Word of God. It is taught in Genesis, in Revelation, and everywhere in-between. To deny the doctrine of election is to deny the Word of God, reject the religion of Jesus Christ, and to engage in the practice of atheism; for the denial of election is the denial of the God of election! Yes, you read that right. I said the denial of election is a denial of God! It is a denial of His sovereignty. It denies that God has the right to do with His own what He will. Those who deny election deny God’s government of the world and of His right to govern. - Copied
*****
To speak what I do NOTbelieve is hypocrisy. NOTto 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
*****
Do not tell me that a man preaches the Gospel if the most conspicuous figure in his sermon is not Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Septimus Sears 1817-1877
THE EVIDENCE
Hebrews 11:1
The only evidence I have of my saving interest in Christ is faith in Christ. All other evidence, all other confidence, all other assurance, I altogether repudiate. When Satan accuses me, when my own heart condemns me, when my sin torments me, when I examine myself, and I do so constantly, I find comfort, peace, and assurance only by faith in Christ. I have no evidence of a clear title to heaven but by faith. And faith is evidence enough. God says that it is enough. And my conscious says it is enough – “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I have blessed confident assurance that my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that I am chosen of God, redeemed by Christ, born again, called, sanctified, and preserved unto life everlasting because I believe that Jesus is the Christ. - Don Fortner
*****
There are two vital things the Holy Spirit reveals to all whom He brings to faith in Christ Jesus.
1. He will reveal our NEED OF CHRIST! I need Thee, precious Jesus, for I am full of sin, my soul is dark and gloomy, my heart is dead within; I need the cleansing fountain where I can always flee, the blood of Christ most precious, the sinner’s perfect plea.
2. He will reveal that CHRIST IS ALL WE NEED! “In Him dwelleth ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily and ye are COMPLETE in Him.” He, of God, is made unto me all I need. The more quickly we learn that Christ is, indeed, ALL we need to make us righteous and accepted before God, the sooner we will enjoy the rest, peace, and assurance promised to His own. Most of God’s elect are brought to Christ earlier in life than the dying thief, but all are redeemed and made righteous EXACTLY AS HE WAS – by the free grace of God, plus nothing, minus nothing. - Henry Mahan
*****
LIMITED ATONEMENT
In the term “limited atonement” the word “limited” means Christ died only for the elect. “Atonement” means Christ made God and His people “at one”. The other name for this doctrine is “particular redemption”. “Particular” means the same as “limited” and “redemption” means by Christ’s blood He purchased His people from the curse and condemnation of the law. - Clay Curtis
May 12, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
How vast, how full, how free
The mercy of our God
Proclaim the blessed news around
And spread it all abroad.
How full it does remove
The stain of every sin
And makes the soul as white and pure
As never having sinned.
Poor guilty sinner, come!
Christ, stands to comfort thee
Come, cast thyself upon His love
So, vast, so full, so free!
I’m glad salvation’s free!
For sinners such as we!
Salvation full and free by grace
I’m glad salvation’s free!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
We rejoice with Jim Green who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism at the close of the service this morning.
We will honor our graduating High School Seniors on Sunday, June 2nd, after the evening service. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
12th– Nick Martin 12th– April Frye 12th– Courtney Ortz
13th– Annie Charron 17th– Isaac Meek 18th– Dave Burton
“He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.” - Proverbs 22:16
WILLING AND PERFORMING
“To will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not.” - Romans 7:18
To will is present with me. I would never sin again. But as far as the never sinning again goes, it never happens. I have not been able to carry out my desire to not sin. All I do is sin! Like David said, “My sin is ever (continually)before me.” While it is ever before me, it is not before God! Every believer is “Holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight” (Col. 1:22). And we will experience this when we see Him as He is. “When He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (I John 3:2). One day our desire shall be changed into experience: sinlessness! And my present sinfulness and the sins I commit do not allow me to look anywhere but Christ alone as all my salvation.
“Able to save” means something more than just delivering men from hell. “Able to save” is the whole work of salvation from the first conviction of sin to complete glorification. Christ is not only “Able to save”those who repent, but He is able to make men repent. Christ is not only “Able to save” those who believe, but He is able to give a new heart and work faith in men. Christ is not only “Able to save” those who continue in the faith, but He is able to keep us from falling and give us a holy desire to be like Him. - Henry Mahan
The Bible is a book that records the activity of God, not man. It is not a record of man seeking and searching after God and striving to find Him. It is the exact opposite. It is man going astray and God coming after him. As He came down in the garden of Eden at the beginning when man sinned, so He has been coming down ever since, and He came down supremely in the person of His only begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. - Martin Lloyd-Jones
If being a sinner is the qualification of those whom Christ came to save, no one is more qualified than me; the chief of sinners. If being poor and needy is the qualification of those whom Christ came to save, who is in more spiritual poverty and in need of mercy more than me? If it is true that God hath chosen the foolish, the weak, the base, and the things which are not, that no flesh should glory in His presence; who has less reason to glory in themselves than me? Are you qualified?
- Greg Elmquist
TRUE SHARING
I don’t believe any verse of Scripture can be fully understood without an understanding of eternal union of every elect believer to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s look at just two verses in the light of union with Christ to show what I mean.
In Psalm 40:12, David writes, “Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me….”, yet in Psalm 7:8, David writes, “Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.” On the surface, most people would see David in Psalm 40 struggling with his sins, feeling they are too much to overcome…. Yet in Psalm 7, he has buckled down, gained victory over sin in his life, and has become holy enough to please God.
Now let’s see what these verses really mean in light of union with Christ. When nailed to that tree, Christ was the scapegoat of Aaron, and a complete and total transference of sin and righteousness occurred. Every single sin of every single elect sinner was transferred into the body and soul of Christ, and every single righteous act of Christ’s 33 years of perfect law-keeping was transferred into the body and soul of every believer.
So now the true meaning of Psalm 40:12 can be understood as the words of Christ on the cross, when God placed the sin of the elect into Christ, it became His, and He cried, “Mine iniquities have taken hold of me!” And Psalm 7:8 can be understood as the words of every believer, when God placed the righteousness of Christ into the body and soul of the elect, it became theirs, and they cry, “Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.”
True sharing is being united to Christ, so that what is mine is His, and what is His is mine…we are truly one with Christ.
- Brian DuFour
GOOD WORKS
“…Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). The very thing that can never save us (our works) is the very evidence that we have been saved by the grace of God. And these works are made good not by our doing them (in fact, we ruin them), but from their source, God Himself, Christ in us. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil 2:13). - Brian DuFour
May 5, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Great Prophet! Let us bless Thy Name
By Thee the joyful tidings came
Of wrath appeased, of sins forgiv’n
Of hell subdued, and peace with heav’n.
I love my Shepherd! He will keep
My wand’ring soul among His sheep
He feeds His flock, He calls their names
And on His shoulder bears His lambs.
Jesus, my Great High Priest has died
I need no sacrifice beside
His blood did once for sin atone
And now it pleads before the throne.
My Lord, my Conqueror, and my King
Thy scepter and Thy throne I sing
Thine is the glory, and I sit
A joyful subject, at Thy feet.
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
VBS – JUNE 18-20
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
Hurricane Road Grace Church, Ashland, KY May 10-12
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN June 21-23
Birthdays
7th– Kyle Willis 9th– Kim DuFour 9th– Flora Scrifres
10th– Will Hacker 11th– Della Grace Frye
11th– Kate Hands 11th– Fred Tuttle
“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” - Proverbs 29:25
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11
If this admonition were not necessary for us, He would not have given it. The word business is diligence. Do not become lazy in the effort you give in serving the Lord. Be fervent, white hot, boiling over in spirit, serving the Lord. To become slothful in our diligence and zeal can easily happen to any of us because of the sinful nature we all possess. But how evil! That way of being is contrary to “The love of Christ constraineth me.” I cannot think of anything more ugly then trying to fit the worship of Christ into life’s busy schedule. The Gospel, if true, is of infinite importance; if false, is of no importance. But what it cannot be is moderately important. “Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED
“For I determined not to know any thing among you,
save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” - I Corinthians 2:2
There is only one message to preach and to hear because there is only one message in all of the Scripture – “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Every page, every story, every commandment, every word speaks of “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What is the only remedy for sin? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What is the only message of comfort and rest? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message breaks a hard heart? And what message binds the broken heart again? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message instructs, and motivates the heart of a sinner to obedience? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message produces true love, unity, and forgiveness among brethren? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Just preach “Jesus Christ and Him crucified”and husbands will love their wives “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it” (Eph. 5:25); wives will submit to the leadership and direction of their “loving” husbands, and children will “obey (their)parents in the Lord” as Christ submitted and obeyed to the loving will of His Father. Everything that a child of God needs for growth in grace, and growth into the image of his Lord is produced through the preaching of “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified”. Christ is ALL! All we preach, all we hear, all we believe, all we have! By God’s grace, all of His people say with Paul: “We are determined to know nothing among us, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” - Gabe Stalnaker
FISHERS OF MEN
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” - Matthew 4:19
If we are not fishers of men we are not following Christ. Those who follow Him, He makes fishers of men. You cannot follow Christ and not have an earnest desire to see your fellow man saved.
And how do we fish for men? By praying to the Lord of the harvest for their salvation. By seeking to live before them in such a way that they will ask us of the reason for the hope that is in us. By doing all in our power to bring them under the sound of the Gospel. This is done through personal witnessing, giving them a C.D. of the Gospel being preached or a book where the Gospel is preached, or inviting them to come with you to hear the Gospel. This is done by supporting in every way you can the spread of the Gospel. Believer, this is our purpose for being here - to be a fisher of men. May that be our heart in whatever we do. “As you go, preach.”
OUR RULE OF LIFE
Many religious people claim to believe a sinner is saved by grace but then they also claim that the believer must still strive to keep the law. They say, “How else will you control people?” One big concern is giving. False religion keeps people under the law of the tithe because they know stingy, selfish people will never give 10% unless they are forced by the law.
The answer is very simple. What saith the Scripture? “Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine” (I Timothy 1:9-10). The law is given for the lawless and the disobedient, not a believer. The law threatens the disobedient but does not make them obedient. The Gospel is given to the believer who has been made a new creature in Christ. A believer is not controlled or motivated by the law. A believer is controlled by love for Christ. A believer will be faithful in worship, loving in attitude, and generous in giving out of a thankful spirit because God has been merciful. - Frank Tate
April 28, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Hark, how the Gospel trumpet sounds
Christ and free grace therein abound
Free grace to such as sinners be
And if free grace, why not for me?
The Saviour died, and by His blood
Brought rebel sinners home to God
He died to set the captives free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Christ Jesus came the poor to bless
To clothe them with His righteousness
The robe is spotless, full and free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Eternal life by Christ is giv’n
And ruined sinners raised to heav;n
Then sing of grace so rich and free
And say, My soul, why not for thee?
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
VBS – JUNE 18-20
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCE
Central Grace Church, Rocky Mount, VA May 3-5
Hurricane Road Grace Church, Ashland, KY May 10-12
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN June 21-23
Birthdays
28th– Jim Murphy 28th– Theodore Summers 29th– Eric Dickerson
2nd– Mitchell Bryan 2nd– Gretta Daniel 4th– Jeffrey Imes
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.” - Proverbs 11:1
*****
“I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalms 17:15). I am satisfied right now to be saved wholly by what Christ has done. But I am not satisfied with anything about myself. But the day is coming when every believer will find perfect satisfaction. When the body of this death is put in the grave and I wake up in perfect likeness to the Lord Jesus Christ. As long as I sin I cannot be fully satisfied. But when I no longer sin, and am actually beholding His face in righteousness, I will be satisfied!
*****
If salvation is in any measure to any degree dependent upon me, I would have no hope! But since it really is not dependent in any measure to any degree upon me, but predicated wholly on Christ doing everything…I have a good hope! It is what Paul called, “A good hope through grace” (II Thess. 2:16).
*****
The reason we do not point to any confession or creeds to explain what we believe is because we have the Bible! Creeds and confessions are man made documents. Why would we want that when we have the inspired, inerrant Word of God?
*****
So long as two men are walking together, you cannot tell which one of them the dog belongs to. But let the two men part company and it then becomes evident; the dog will follow his master! The dog does not hesitate, debate, or remain undecided; he quickly follows the one he loves. Where Christ and men separate; when the Word of God and the traditions of men divide; where the ways of God and ways of the flesh part, the servant of Christ does not hesitate, debate, or remain undecided; he follows Christ, whom he loves, regardless of the cost. The master may go to a simple cottage, a meal of dry bread, and a lonesome existence while his companion enjoys all of the luxuries of the world. But the faithful dog cares little for these things so long as he is with his master. - Henry Mahan
HIM AND THEM
That precious saving faith which unites the sinner to Christ, also unites the sinner to all of those who belong to Christ. To be one with Him is to be one with them. Loving and serving Him has something to do with loving and serving them; likewise, loving and serving them has something to do with loving and serving Him (Matt. 25:31-46). Saving faith says that there is one Savior. Saving faith also says that there is only one household, one family, one body, one vine tree, etc. “I (Christ)am the vine, ye are the branches” (John 15:5). – Maurice Montgomery
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HIS BLOOD ALONE!
The vital thing to understand about the blood of Christ is this: IT IS ENOUGH! Nothing else is needed to accomplish the salvation of all for whom His blood was shed. Not His blood plus my works; not His blood plus my “decision”; not even His blood plus my faith – His blood purchased my faith. HIS BLOOD ALONE paid the price required by His justice, and His blood alone can make a sinner clean. “By His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having OBTAINED (not made possible) eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12). – Donnie Bell
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FREE WILL OR PREDESTINATION
Free will is responsible for every evil in the world. All sin is the result of free will. Free will is why the first murder was committed. It is responsible for all war, and has produced every false religion. Free will is the doctrine of the sovereignty of man. Predestination is the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. If believed, it will abolish all race problems and rid us of all tyranny and war. “Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee and praise Thy glorious name” (I Chron. 29:10-14). – Scott Richardson
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The sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute sovereign, and the sovereign of our souls; as One who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will. - Jonathan Edwards
April 21, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Once my self-righteous soul relied
On my own works with hellish pride
But now whenever my soul sings praise
Each note shall echo, “God’s Free Grace.”
‘Twas grace that quickened me when dead
And grace my soul to Jesus led
Grace brought me pardon for my sin
And grace subdues my lusts within.
‘Tis grace that sweetens every cross
‘Tis grace supports in ev’ry loss
In Jesus’ grace my soul is strong
Grace is my hope and grace my song
‘Tis grace upholds when danger’s near
By grace alone I persevere
‘Tis grace constrains my soul to love
God’s grace is all they sing above.
‘Tis thus alone of grace I boast
And ‘tis alone in grace I trust
For all that’s past grace is my theme
For what’s to come, ‘tis still the same
In countless years of grace I’ll sing
Adore and bless my heavenly King
I’ll cast my crown before His Throne
And shout, “Free grace, free grace alone!”
(Tune: “Sweet Hour of Prayer” p. 361)
VBS – JUNE 18-20
Birthdays
22nd– Vade Carroll 23rd– Samantha Daniel 24th– Don Martin
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
- Proverbs 15:1
SHEW PIETY AT HOME
“But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” - I Timothy 5:4
The word ‘piety’ means ‘well reverent’. And it is something that can be seen by others. Paul said that the one who fulfills his responsibilities in taking care of his parents is showing piety at home. When someone acts pious, it is offensive because it is an act. But true reverence for God will be seen in both attitude and conduct. If there is no piety at home, there is no piety anywhere else.
Paul said in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” Not only are we not ashamed of the Gospel, we are proud of the Gospel of Christ! It glorifies every attribute of God! And, “It is the power of God unto salvation.” The Gospel saves all that God wills to be saved. We have no desire to cover up or take the edge off of any aspect of its truth by ambiguous language that all can accept and none be offended by. When it is presented like that, it is no longer the Gospel of which we are not ashamed. The reason men will do this is they really are ashamed of the Gospel!
DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY
The sovereignty of God may be defined as the exercise of His supremacy. Being infinitely elevated above the highest creature, He is the Most High, Lord of heaven and earth. Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent; God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases. None can thwart Him; none can hinder Him. So His own Word expressly declares, “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:10); “He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand” (Daniel 4:35). Divine sovereignty means that God is God in fact, as well as in Name, and He is on the Throne of the universe, directing all things, working all things “After the counsel of His own will” (Ephesians 1:11). - A. W. Pink
IT IS FINISHED MEANS IT IS FINISHED!
When the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ shouted in His dying breath, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), He spoke regarding the redemption of the sinners for whom He died (among other things). When He said, “It is finished!” He meant….“It is finished!” The redemption of every soul for whom He died was completed, perfected, accomplished, achieved, and finalized. Many preachers say otherwise. They say He meant, “It is finished hypothetically! – As in “I made redemption possible for everyone.” They say he meant, “It is finished partly!” – As in “I have done My part, but now you must do yours.” They say He meant, “It is finished provisionally! - As in “I have provided redemption for all who will of their own free will have it.” They say He meant “It is finished conditionally!”– As in “I have redeemed you if you meet the condition.” When Jesus Christ said, “It is finished!” He meant…. “It is finished!” – actually, completely, perfectly, effectually, unconditionally, absolutely, everlastingly, immutably, period! Not one single solitary sinner for whom Jesus Christ died will die unredeemed and be condemned and consigned to everlasting punishment. Rather, each and every sinner for whom Jesus Christ died is redeemed and will join the heavenly hosts in singing to Him, “You are worthy… for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). Will you join them? “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so” (Psalm 107:2). - David Eddmenson
It is grace at the beginning, grace at the end. So that when you and I come to die upon our deathbeds, the one thing that should comfort and help and strengthen us is the thing that helped us at the beginning! Not what we have been, not what we have done, but the GRACE of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Christian life starts with grace, it must continue with grace, and it ends with grace! - Martin Lloyd Jones
April 14, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
I bless the Christ of God, I rest on love Divine
And with unfaltering lip and heart, I call the Saviour mine
His cross dispels each doubt, I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear, each lingering shade of gloom.
I praise the God of peace, I trust His truth and might
He calls me His, I call Him mine, My God, my Joy, my Light
In Him is only good, in me is only ill
My ill but draws His goodness forth, and me He loveth still.
‘Tis He Who saveth me, and freely pardon gives
I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives
My life with Him is hid, my death has passed away
My clouds have melted into light, my midnight into day.
(Tune: “This is My Father’s World” p. 39)
*****
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCE
Katy Baptist Church, Fairmont, WV April 19-21
Central Grace Church, Rocky Mount, VA May 3-5
Hurricane Road Grace Church, Ashland, KY May 10-12
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN June 21-23
Birthdays
14th– Anna Williams 15th– Jaiden Wilson 17th– Betty Groover
20th– Becky Rigsby 20th– Kim Daniel
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city.”
– Proverbs 18:19
ONESIPHORUS
Paul spake of those in Asia who had turned away from him. He mentioned two of them by name. What heartache and grief they caused Paul and what grievous judgment they brought on themselves. But in II Timothy 1:16, he mentions a man named Onesiphorus. He said, “He oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.” He was a constant, refreshing source of encouragement to Paul and was not ashamed, but identified with Paul in the trouble he had and the chains he endured for the Gospel’s sake. Paul said, “When he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.” This was before the aid of cell phones, google maps, and Uber. “In how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.” I do not want to be like the two men mentioned who turned away from Paul, for whatever the reason was. I am sure they justified themselves in doing it. I wan to be like Onesiphorus. May the Lord give us grace to be like him.
What disciple is known for his doubting? Thomas. “The other disciples therefore said unto Him, we have seen the Lord. But He said unto them, except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger in the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And who was the one disciple who was not there when the Lord appeared? “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.” To not attend public worship service is to demonstrate a lack of relish for His presence, and insure the weakening of our faith. I am sure Thomas had reasons for not being there, and I am equally sure Thomas should have been there.
“He that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness” – Romans 12:8
Showing mercy is one of the gifts of the church that Paul spoke of in Romans 12. And what a precious gift it is. It is in the character of the believer – “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Showing mercy is to be moved to sympathy at the distress and trouble of others and doing what you can to help. Remembering God’s mercy toward you – it is easy to be moved to show mercy and to help others! Is there a need to be told we should show mercy with cheerfulness? Yes. To show mercy begrudgingly or unwillingly is not really showing mercy. God delights in mercy (Micah 7:18). And we are to love mercy, be merciful, and show mercy cheerfully.
KNOWING THIS FIRST
“Knowing this first, that no Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Bible is the inspired Word of God. We do not use the Bible to prove what we believe. We go to the Bible to find out what to believe. And I am so grateful for a written, perfect and complete revelation. Because God wrote it, no part is to be rejected or thought to be of secondary importance. If a man really believes the Bible is the inspired Word of God, he will believe all that it says! And bow to all that it says.
TRUE WORSHIP
True worship is not primarily a cultural thing. It is not simply offering to God our sentiments and feelings expressed according to our culture. It is based on a knowledge of the majesty and holiness of God and what He requires in worship. It is not primarily cultural; it is spiritual. Those who know the true God will come into His presence with holy awe and reverence, whatever their cultural background.
Africans, it is true, like rhythm and music but so does the rock-loving culture of the West, as evidenced by what takes place in discos or in other entertainment. Our worship should not be an expression of our culture, but of the holiness and majesty of God and our gratitude for His grace towards us in Christ. A true knowledge of Christ will lead to worship, which is God-glorifying, whatever the cultural background. There will be more putting our hands over our mouths (Job 40:4) and covering our faces (Isaiah 6:2) than there will be hands in the air and dancing in the aisles! When people know the true God, their worship is reverent and God glorifying, whatever their cultural background.
- Bill Clark, Missionary
The real way to translate free will is, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” Our problem is we cannot with our free will keep Him from reigning. His will is sovereign over ours!
April 7, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN OF THE DAY
No more, my God! I boast no more
Of all the duties I have done
I quit the hopes I held before,
To trust the merits of Thy Son.
Now for the love I bear His Name,
What was my gain I count my loss
My former pride I call my shame
And nail my glory to His cross.
Yes, and I must and will esteem
All things but loss for Jesus’ sake
O may my soul be found in Him
And of His righteousness partake.
The best obedience of my hands
Dares not appear before Thy throne
But faith can answer Thy demands
By pleading what my Lord has done.
(Tune: “Just As I Am” p. 249)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Birthdays 7th– Seth Daniel 7th– Maggie Martin 9th– Rick Anjos 11th– Lilian Daniel 12th– Jason Gillispie 13th– Sarah Byrd
The grace of God influences both the understanding and the affections. Warm affections without knowledge can rise no higher than superstition; and that knowledge which does not influence the heart and affections will only make a hypocrite. - John Newton
BORN OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT
“Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:5). “Of water”is not the waters of baptism. Water refers to the water of the Word. We read in Ephesians 5:27of “The washing of water by the Word.” In the new birth the sovereign Spirit gives life. And He does so with the Word of God. He never acts independently from the Word, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever” (I Peter 1:25).Someone may think, “But God is not able to give life without the Word.” That is not the issue. Does God give life without His Word? The answer is no. Just as the physical creation came about by His Word, so too does the new creation. No one is born of the Spirit apart from the Word of God.
People do what they want to. They do what they do freely and uncoerced. People were not forced to crucify Christ. Pilate was said to have, “Delivered Jesus to their will.” While they were acting freely and uncoerced, they were doing neither more nor less than “Whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done.” Men do precisely what they want, and God exercises absolute sovereignty over men’s will – a paradox; but certainly not a contradiction. They are both true.
A congregation cannot be said to welcome the Lord Jesus unless they are all there, which requires punctuality; unless they have come with design to meet Him, which implies prayerful expectancy; unless they are ready to hear from Him, which involved attention; and unless they are resolved to accept His teaching, which demands obedience. – C. H. Spurgeon
A doctrine is not true because I believe it or because you believe it; it is true only if God says it! I do not ask whether you believe what I preach; perhaps you do not. But I ask you to search the Scriptures and determine whether these things be so. I am not afraid to submit my belief in God’s immutable sovereignty, man’s total fall and ruin, God’s elective grace, Christ’s effectual atonement, the Spirit’s invincible call, and the perseverance of the sheep to the Word of God. – Henry Mahan
CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S GRACE
Do we really have confidence in the grace of God? If we do, we will be satisfied with His grace and His grace alone. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to offer up anything of our own as a reason for God to bless us. If we have confidence in His grace, we will rest secure that, whatever happens in this life, God will preserve us blameless for the next life. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to build a church with fleshly enticements but will be satisfied with preaching and teaching the grace of God, knowing that God will call His sheep by that Gospel. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will not be quick to judge others but will be patient with our brethren, knowing that God grows His people at His own rate and that what His grace has begun, His grace can finish. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will be much more at rest, knowing that all things are moving in their proper direction to their assigned goal. – Joe Terrell
CONTENDING FOR THE TRUTH
Contending for the Truth against the errors of modern religion is the duty of God’s servants. I hope our spirit is one of genuine love to all the chosen of God; but today’s rule of charity which requires us to keep silent on certain points in order to avoid controversy, I utterly despise. It is treason to the Lord Jesus to be silent on any point where He has spoken and the honor of His Gospel is concerned. It is easy on the flesh to deal in generalities, to denounce hyper- this or hyper-that, and to claim to be a friend to all, but it is required of the loyal servant of King Jesus to maintain His crown-rights and to stand up for His Gospel of glory and grace. - Henry Mahan
Having religion is one thing, but knowing and walking with Christ is different! Having religion – the world understands and tolerates. But free grace – the world neither understands nor tolerates! Any two religious errors can walk together, and permit them both to exist! But the truth of God’s grace cannot exist with error – for one always must go! - Henry Mahan
March 31, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Look upon me, Lord I pray Thee
Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine
Thou hast sought me, Thou hast bought me
Take my heart and make it Thine.
Naught I ask for, naught I strive for
But Thy grace so rich and free
This Thou givest by the Saviour
He hath all things who hath Thee.
Precious is the Name of Jesus
Who can half its worth unfold?
Far beyond angelic praises
Sweetly sung to harps of gold.
Guide me, Oh Thou great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak, but Thou art mighty
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
The preacher’s class will meet this Saturday, April 6that 10:00am.
Birthdays
1st- Jennifer Anjos 4th– Anthony Rawlins 5th– Jessica Elliott
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.” - Proverbs 17:15
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea saith the Spirit, that they may have rest from their labours” (Rev. 14:13). The labours spoken of are the struggles with sin. Believer, when you die you will be in a state of sinlessness. You will not even remember what it is like to be a sinner! With regard to death, George Whitfield said, “When will my time come?”
*****
A Christian is one that believes things that his reason cannot comprehend and hopes for things which neither he nor any man alive ever saw. He believes 3 to be 1 and 1 to be 3; a Father not to be older than His Son; a Son to be equal with the Father, and one proceeding from both to be equal with both. He believes himself to be precious in God’s sight and yet loathes himself in his own sight. He is so ashamed, that he dares not open his mouth before God, yet comes boldly to God and asks Him anything he needs. He hath within him both flesh and spirit and yet he is not a double-minded man. He is often led captive by the law of sin, yet it never had dominion over him. He cannot sin, yet he can do nothing without sin. - Francis Bacon
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PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION
The idea of progressive sanctification (when a person acts more and more holy and sins less and less as they get older) is an idea made up by legalists who are trying to keep people under the law not under grace. The idea of progressive sanctification is nowhere to be found in the Word of God. Do not confuse growing in grace for growing in holiness. A believer does grow in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness and faith. There are differing degrees of all of those fruits of the Spirit. But there are no degrees of holiness. We are either holy or unholy. There is no middle ground. The believer is not made holy by our works. Christ IS our holiness. “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (I Cor. 1:30). If you would see your holiness, do not look to your works, look to Christ who is our holiness.
If Christ is our sanctification, we are holy! -Frank Tate
WITHOUT TRUTH
Without Truth there is no regeneration; for it is by ‘The Word of Truth” that we are begotten and born again (James 1:18; I Peter 1:23). Without Truth there is no justification; for we are justified by faith, which faith consists in crediting God’s Truth, and so, gives peace with God (Rom. 4:20-24; 5:1). Without the Truth there is no sanctification; for the Lord Himself says, “Sanctify them through your Truth: your Word is Truth.” And without the Truth there is no salvation, for “God has chosen us to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth (II Thess. 2:13). And as the Truth is the instrumental cause of all these blessings, the divinely appointed means whereby they become manifested mercies, so Truth enters into and is received by all the graces of the Spirit as they come forth into living exercise. Thus, without the Truth, there is no faith, for the work of faith is to believe the Truth. What is all the difference between faith and delusion? That faith believes God’s Truth, and delusion credits Satan’s lies. “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believe not the Truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (II Thess. 2:11-12). – J. C. Philpot
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PEACE WHICH PASSETH
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). While the peace of God itself certainly is beyond our comprehension, this verse speaks of God’s peace excelling beyond our understanding in another sense. When we don’t understand our circumstances, when we don’t understand God’s providential workings in our lives, when we don’t understand our trials, when we don’t understand what to do, we have peace from God that is greater than our understanding. It is better to have His peace, than to understand everything. We don’t need to understand, because knowing Him, we have peace that He doeth all things well. We have peace that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We have peace that He works all things together for our good. We have peace that in Christ, we are without blemish and without spot and are well pleasing unto God. This peace is more excellent than understanding. I don’t need to know what, why, how, when or where, if I know Who. – Chris Cunningham
March 24, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN OF THE DAY
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 heart
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: “Am I A Soldier? “ p. 414)
*****
Birthdays
27th– Jessica Clark 29th– Bryant Martin 30th– Sherri Morris
“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” - Proverbs 14:25
There is never an excuse nor any justification for any sin committed! Nor is there a denial that sin has been committed! Facing my sin and sins honestly makes me cry out, “God be merciful to me the sinner!”
IF BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Baptism is a ceremony, there is no saving efficacy in it nor is it a means through which grace is conveyed. But, that does not take away from its importance. The marriage ceremony does not cause a man and woman to love one another. They love each other before they participated in the marriage ceremony. But if they refuse to participate in the marriage ceremony, and live together without it, they say by that, that they do not love one another enough to be totally committed to one another. This shows how important the marriage ceremony is. There is no true love without it.
Baptism is the same. It does not cause salvation. It speaks of a relationship that was already there before the ceremony. And that relationship was caused by what baptism depicts: Union with Christ. For someone to refuse Baptism is like someone who refused the marriage covenant and ceremony. That person says by their actions, “I do not love Christ enough to commit to Him.” Love like that is not love at all!
Yes, Baptism is important – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” (Mark 16:16)
*****
“Of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” - John 1:16
“Of His fullness.” In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. “Have we all received.” All of the elect, all who believe. In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and ye are complete in Him. “And grace for grace.” Grace is the cause of grace. We are given this grace because of grace. The only reason for grace is grace. It is never earned or merited! That safeguards two things. There is no reason for anybody to boast and there is not reason for anybody to despair.
*****
When we say “The doctrines of grace” we err. It is the doctrine of grace. Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints are not separate doctrines, but one doctrine. They all stand or fall together. It is not possible to believe one without believing them all, and it is not possible to deny one without denying them all. The doctrine of grace is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I HAVE NEVER SINNED
That phrase is hard to write, even harder to say…but I, and every believer eternally united to Christ, have never sinned. A believer has two separate, distinct, opposing natures…. the flesh (the old man) and the spirit (the new man).
The man writing this article in the flesh is a sinner, and can only sin. I sinned when I wrote the title to this article. But the new man, the spirit of Christ in me, is holy and righteous, and has never sinned. The real me, the eternal me, is eternally righteous. No, I don’t fully understand that, but I really do believe it, because God’s Word declares it. Speaking of His elect, spiritual Israel, He says, “I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cutoff” (Isaiah 56:5). The everlasting name He gives to His church follows in the book of Jeremiah, “And this is the name wherewith she shall be called, the Lord our righteousness” (Jer. 3:16). Our everlasting, eternal name is the Lord our Righteousness! That means throughout all eternity past and eternity to come, I have never sinned and never will. Every believer is therefore eternally justified, not guilty, nothing to be charged with, for in Christ I have never done any wrong. - Brian DuFour
*****
OUR ASSEMBLIES
By God’s all-wise appointment, our assemblies are the life, the food, and the nourishment of our souls. It is the main way whereby we publicly identify with Christ and His Gospel. We evidence our love for Christ by our loyalty and support of one another in opposition to all false worship. Many things will rise up in competition to the diligent attendance of our assemblies. We must recognize and refuse to give in to anything that is opposed to what Christ commands. The total falling away of a graceless professor always begins with this neglect, this disassociation with God’s people (Hebrews 10:25).
– John Owen 1616-1683
March 17, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN OF THE DAY
O, blessed God how kind, are all Thy ways to me
Whose dark, benighted mind, was enmity with Thee
Yet now subdued by sovereign grace
My spirit longs for Thine embrace! My spirit longs for Thine embrace!
How precious are Thy thoughts, that o’er my spirit roll
They swell beyond my faults, and captivate my soul
How great their sum, how high they rise
Can ne’er be known beneath the skies! Can ne’er be known beneath the skies!
Preserved by Jesus when, my feet made haste to hell
And there should I have gone, but Thou dost all things well
Thy love was great, Thy mercy free
Which from the pit delivered me! Which from the pit delivered me!
Before Thy hands had made, the sun to rule the day
Or earth’s foundation laid, or fashioned Adam’s clay
What thoughts of peace and mercy flowed
In Thy great heart of love, O God! In Thy great heart of love, O God!
A monument of grace, a sinner saved by blood
The streams of love I trace, up to the fountain – God
And in His sovereign counsels see
Eternal thoughts of love to me! Eternal thoughts of love to me!
(Tune: “Arise My Soul, Arise”)
*****
Thank you to everyone for helping with the conference – your time and efforts were very much appreciated!
We extend our sincere sympathy to Lissie McGuire and her family on the death of her brother.
Birthdays
19th– Rachel Daniel 21st– Doris Daniel 22nd– Jean Bradford
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” - Proverbs 24:16
HOW IMPORTANT IS MY GIVING?
In one sense it is not important at all. God goes not need my money and lack of generosity on my part is not going to effect the Kingdom of God. God will raise up somebody else to give generously for His cause. But in another sense it is so important that Paul says in II Corinthians 8:8 that giving “Proves the sincerity of your love.” The sincerity of my love is seen more by my giving than what I say. With every paycheck, giving should be the first priority - not waiting to see what is left after the bills are paid and entertainment is taken care of. Love for Christ dictates that I give the first fruits and not the left-overs. What I give and how I give is the test of my love to Christ according to the Scriptures. How important is my giving? Very!
FISHERS OF MEN
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” - Matthew 4:19
Works religion has put a wrong emphasis on witnessing to others. The motive, method and message is wrong! The Lord said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” (Matthew 23:15)
Could it be in our fear of being like them, we are throwing out the baby with the bathwater? If we are not fishing for men, we are not following the Master! Since “Faith cometh by hearing”, and we know that none will be saved apart from hearing the Gospel, we want men to hear! We know we cannot save them, but He can. I fear us becoming stagnant, coming to services, hearing and leaving, our duty being done. You cannot know Christ and not want others to know Him. You cannot be saved by His grace and not want fellow sinners to be saved by His grace. Have we lost sight of His great commission – “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” When the church of Jerusalem (not just the preachers) were scattered by persecution, they “Went everywhere preaching the Word” (Acts 8:4). May we have a renewed vision to be fishers of men, seeking the salvation of our families, co-workers, and neighbors: witnessing to them by our life and words, bringing them to hear the Gospel. I know the Lord will bless that effort according to His will.
What is the evidence that God has elected a man, Christ died for that man, and the Holy Spirit has given life to that man? They persevere in faith and in the faith all the way to the end. “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.”
NINE BIBLE WORDS IN REGARD TO GIVING
1. GRACE “Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.” (II Corinthians 8:7)
2. LOVE “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.” (II Corinthians 8:8)
3. WILLING “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” (II Corinthians 8:12)
4. PROPORTION “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” (I Corinthians 16:2)
5. EVERYONE “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” (I Corinthians 16:2)
6. BOUNTIFULLY (LIBERALLY) “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” (II Corinthians 9:6)
7. CHEERFULLY (VOLUNTARILY) “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (II Corinthians 9:7)
8. UNTO THE LORD “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou does alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.” (Matthew 6:1-5)
9. FORGET NOT“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16)
- Henry Mahan
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If I stand in judgment of somebody I am playing the hypocrite. “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things” (Romans 2:1). If somebody does not preach or believe the Gospel of Scripture and I say I am not going to judge them I am equally playing the hypocrite. Under the guise of being non-judgmental I am denying the actual content of the Gospel!
GRACE BIBLE CONFERENCE
March 8-10, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sons we are through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive.
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls, the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
What from Christ that soul can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Him, in Him forever
None can pluck them from His hands.
Heirs of God, joint heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
Oh what wonders Christ hath done.
On such love, my soul shall ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while lost in holy wonder
Why O Lord, such love to me?
When my Saviour comes in judgment
Bright in majesty Divine
I will stand with that great number
In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
Paul and Kelli Harries welcome anyone who would like to come to their house Saturday afternoon between the morning and evening services. Their address is 9370 Hickory Hill Road.
We welcome you to our Grace Bible Conference. The first grace conference was held in Acts 15. Some men who claimed to believe added the necessity of the works of the law to faith in Christ. Paul and Barnabas told the church at Jerusalem of this and here is what was concluded by Peter as the spokesman of the church…“Now therefore why tempt ye God to put a yoke on the disciples which neither we nor our fathers were able to bear. But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we will be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:10-11). They, the Gentile believers, will not be saved like us. We will be saved like them. This could be translated…We have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace is saving grace. God’s grace saves all He intends to save by it. His grace elects who would be saved before time began, His grace redeems and justifies all for whom Christ died. His grace regenerates, preserves, and glorifies all of those God elected and Christ died for. This is not reformed doctrine. The Truth never needed reformed. This is not Calvinism. This is the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To omit any of this is to fail to preach the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless us with His presence, and may we be given ears to hear and hearts to receive His Word. The only word I love more than grace is the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Friday March 8th 7:00pm Donnie Bell & David Eddmenson
Saturday March 9th 10:00am Chris Cunningham & John Chapman
Saturday March 9th 6:00pm Greg Elmquist & Don Fortner
Sunday March 10th 10:00am Clay Curtis & Joe Terrell
(Please note - daylight savings begins March 10th– move your clocks an hour ahead Saturday night)
We will serve soup and sandwiches after the service Friday evening, pizza and salad after the services Saturday morning, and barbecue and sides after the service Sunday morning. Everyone is invited to stay and eat after the services.
If I am hearing preaching and getting nothing out of it, one of two things is true.
(1) The Gospel is not being preached. (2) The Gospel is being preached but I am not hearing as a sinner. May we all be enabled by His grace (1) To hear the Gospel (2) To hear the Gospel as a sinner.
Recently a preacher told me that although he believed what he called the doctrines of grace, he was not a fanatic about it. He assured me that he sought to reach a proper balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, and he was not concerned about making his hearers could cross every “t” and dot every “i”. After hearing him preach, I was convinced that he lived up to what he said. Not only was he not a fanatic regarding the doctrines of grace, you would never even know he belived them at all by his preaching. If a proper balance between sovereignty and responsibility is achieved by silence, he certainly achieved that. Not only did he not concern himself about his hearers not crossing every “t” and dotting every “i”, it was evident that he was not concerned about them crossing any “t” or dotting any “i”. Give me somebody who is a fanatic about God’s Truth! Deliver me from the compromiser who under the guise of “balance” carefully avoids offending anybody! I want to hear a man who does cross every “t” and dot every “i”. After all, the Lord did say, “Verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
There are two systems under which all men look the same – the law and grace. All who are under the law look the same: guilty. So their end is the same: destruction. All who are under grace look the same: righteous. So their end is the same: blessing. – Joe Terrell
Birthdays
11th– Bill Dent 12th– Chance Borders 13th– Nicholas Creamer
13th– Isaac Hands 14th– Aaron Greenleaf 16th– Jacob Davis
16th– Emmaline Dent 16th– Carson Dent 16th- Jacob Morris
March 3, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Jesus, the Lord, my Savior is
My Shepherd and my God
My light, my life, my joy, my bliss
I in His grace rejoice.
What’er I need in Jesus dwells
And there it dwells for me
‘Tis Christ my earthen vessel fills
In Whom I stand complete.
Worthy the Lamb, shall be my song
For He for me was slain
And with me all the heav’nly throng
Shall join and say “Amen!”
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
*****
We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Mitch and Carla Bryan on the death of Carla’s father, Carl Griffith.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Friday March 8th 7:00pm Donnie Bell & Dave Eddmenson
Saturday March 9th 10:00am Chris Cunningham & John Chapman
Saturday March 9th 6:00pm Greg Elmquist & Don Fortner
Sunday March 10th 10:00am Clay Curtis & Joe Terrell
(Please note - daylight savings begins March 10th– move your clocks an hour ahead Saturday night)
NO WEDNESDAY SERVICE THIS WEEK
VBS June 18-20
Birthdays
4th– Hannah Frye 5th– Savannah Grubb 5th- Michelle Grubb
7th– Daisy Martin 8th– Clare Charron
“He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” - Proverbs 29:1
WHAT IS CHRISTIAN CHARITY?
It is defined by what it does. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 13 that it suffers long…is patient and forbearing, and is kind…gracious and easy. Charity envieth not the gifts, blessings or position of others. It does not vaunt itself…promote and brag on self. It is not puffed up…swollen with pride and vainglory. Charity does not behave itself unseemly…it is not rude. Charity seeketh not its own…it genuinely is not self-seeking and self-promoting. And charity is not easily provoked…it is not touchy and easily offended. You do not have to walk on eggs shells around it. Charity thinketh no evil…it is not accusing and judgmental. It is not ready to criticize. It rejoiceth not in iniquity…it is never happy over somebody’s fall. It rejoices in the Truth. It bears all things. It covers in silence all things and keeps no record of wrongs. It believes all things…it trusts. It hopes all things. What it cannot see, it hopes for. It endures…bears up under all things. Charity never fails. It is never reduced to inactivity.
That, and nothing less is what Christian charity is. Love is as love does. Is it any wonder Paul called it the more excellent way? “The greatest of these is charity.” If we are known for one thing, may this be it…charity.
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DUE BENEVOLENCE
“Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence, and likewise also the wife to the husband” (I Cor. 7:3). The word benevolence means good will. We are to render to our spouses what is their due…good will. We will only be happy ourselves when we seek to make them happy. When we concern ourselves with them giving us the due benevolence owed to us, we will become unhappy. That is being focused on self. If we concern ourselves over being happy, we will be unhappy. If we concern ourselves with doing the right thing we will be happy. Another way of saying this is, if we seek our own happiness, we will be unhappy. If we seek the other’s happiness, we ourselves will be happy. In giving we get. In keeping we lose.
*****
The popular gospel is a declaration of man’s rights and God’s obligations… “I have a right to salvation if I want it, and God must give it to me if I ask for it.” The Gospel of Christ is a declaration of God’s rights and man’s helplessness to fulfill any of the obligations…“Hath not the Potter power (authority)over the clay to make of the same lump one vessel unto honor and another unto dishonor?” (Romans 9:21) “There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10). – Joe Terrell
BLAMING GOD
This took place right after the fall. “The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I did eat.” In saying this, Adam implied that if God had not given him the woman, this would not have taken place. In other words, it was God’s fault that Adam sinned.
This sin pops up everywhere. It speaks in many ways. God is sovereign in salvation and there is nothing I can do to save myself. Therefore I will do nothing. The Lord could have prevented me from committing that sin but He did not. If the Lord would answer this prayer and give me what I am asking for it would enable me to fight more effectively against this sin. Regarding a questionable direction we decide to take, we say, the Lord opened that door, and we walked through it.
Regarding salvation, blame God completely! If I am saved, He saved me. But with regard to my sin, I only am to blame. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.” (James 1:13-16)
DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY
The sovereignty of God may be defined as the exercise of His supremacy. Being infinitely elevated above the highest creature, He is the Most High, Lord of heaven and earth. Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent; God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases. None can thwart Him, non can hinder Him. So His own Word expressly declares…. “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure” (Isaiah 46:10); “He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand” (Daniel 4:35). Divine sovereignty means that God is God in fact, as well as in Name, that He is on the Throne of the universe, directing all things, working all things “After the counsel of His own will” (Ephesians 1:11). - A. W. Pink
February 24, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
I bless the Christ of God, I rest on love Divine
And with unfaltering lip and heart, I call the Saviour mine
His cross dispels each doubt, I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear, each lingering shade of gloom.
I praise the God of peace, I trust His truth and might
He call me His, I call Him mine, My God, my Joy, my Light
In Him is only good, in me is only ill
My ill but draws His goodness forth, and me He loveth still.
‘Tis He Who saveth me, and freely pardon gives
I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives
My life with Him is hid, my death has passed away
My clouds have melted into light, my midnight into day.
(Tune: “This is My Father’s World” p. 39)
*****
We Welcome Gabe Stalnaker and his wife Hannah. Gabe is the pastor of the Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church in Kingsport TN. He will bring both messages today. I am preaching for the Sovereign Grace Church in New Caney, TX and will return home tomorrow, Lord willing.
Our Bible Conference is March 8-10. There are sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall. We will not have service on Wednesday, March 6th.
Birthdays
1st – Caleb Benton
“A friend loveth at all times and a brother is born for adversity.”
- Proverbs 17:17
The man who measures things by the circumstances of the hour is filled with fear; the man who
sees Jehovah enthroned and governing has no panic. - G. Campbell Morgan
“Behold Thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in these is continuance, and we shall be saved.” - Isaiah 64:5
All sin is offensive to God and never to be excused. But here is the fact. We have sinned and we are continuing to commit the same sins. Every believer struggles with indwelling sin, secret sins, thorns in the flesh that beat him black and blue. We still have an evil nature that has an appetite for sin. We do not excuse this and we ask for grace to not be tempted by these sins. We ask for grace to commit them no more. We are not smugly indifferent toward them. But one thing these sins do. They are a testimony that the only righteousness we have is Christ’s. And our thought should not be, we must not be saved since we commit those sins… but that we shall be saved by Christ in spite of our sins! Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Not people who used to be sinners but have gained victory over their sins, but present tense sinners. I am a sinner. He came to save sinners. Saved I must be!
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MAN’S INABILITY: GOD’S ABILITY
Man’s inability and God’s ability. We must believe them both or in reality we believe neither. Those who believe God is omnipotent; whatever He wills must come to pass because He has the ability to make it come to pass, must of necessity believe that man has no ability, and it is only God’s ability that enables him to do what he could not do. If man has some spiritual ability, God’s omnipotence is not needed. But if I realize that my sin has completely disabled me, how thrilled I am to find out that is no hindrance to God saving me! It is Him that works in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). Just as we trust His righteousness only when we see we have none, we look to His ability only when we see we have none. Man’s inability is a platform for God to display His ability in salvation. We truly believe that, “He is able to keep that which we have committed to Him against that day.”
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Election is Sovereign – “The purpose of God.” The Bible reveals God to be sovereign in creation, providence, and salvation. When men object to God’s sovereignty exercised in election, we do well to point them to the apostle’s words in Romans 9:20-21, “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?” Men have been told for so long that God is in their hands, it is no wonder that many are astonished to hear
that the Bible says it is just the opposite. - David Pledger
BE YE THANKFUL
This is a command. “Be ye thankful” (Col. 3:15). In another place Paul said, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thess. 5:18). Being thankful is not being thankful because things could be worse. Being thankful is being thankful because things could not be better! If God really is sovereign, whatever happens is best because He is in control of it. It may bring joy, it may bring sorrow, but whatever it brings, it is best. Whether our hearts are bubbling over with joy or breaking in sorrow, we are thankful. Whatever He does is best! We may not understand how it is best, but we do believe it is best. Therefore we are thankful!
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THAT WHICH IS WRITTEN
In the King James version of I Corinthians 4:6 we read that we are “Not to think of men above that which is written.” The “of men”is in italics, showing us that it was not in the original, but supplied by the translators to help us to understand what is being said. In the context, they were right, but it could and should read, “Not to think above that which was written.” We should never believe something that we have arrived at from a logical inference… “If this is so, then this also must be so” … Not necessarily! We are fallible men, and our logic may lead us in the wrong direction. We believe that which was written. And we are not to go above or beyond that which was written. How many errors are born from wrong suppositions or supposed logical inferences. Remember the words of Moses…“The secret things belong to the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)
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‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him.” - Psalms 28:7
You would not even have had grace enough to know you were nothing if God had not given it to you. To be nothing is ours by nature; but to know that we are nothing and to confess that we are nothing is a gift of His grace. Brethren, we are emptier than emptiness, and more vain than vanity. We may tax language and use extravagant hyperboles, but we shall never be able fitly to estimate our own utter insignificance. We are weakness itself, hampered with the conceit of power; and yet if we can say in truth, “The Lord is my strength”, we cannot estimate how strong we are, for there is no measuring omnipotence. – C. H. Spurgeon
February 17, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
I once was a stranger to grace and to God
I knew not my danger and felt not my load
Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree
Jehovah Tsidkenu meant nothing to me.
When free grace awoke me by light from on high
Then legal fears shook me, I trembled to die
No refuge, no safety in self could I see
Jehovah Tsidkenu my Savior must be.
My terrors all vanished before His sweet Name,
My guilty fears banished, with boldness I came
To drink at the fountain, life-giving and free
Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me.
(Tune: How Firm A Foundation p. 268)
*****
Our Bible Conference is March 8-10. There are sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall. Give toward these extra expenses as you are enabled.
SCHEDULE
Friday March 8th 7:00pm Donnie Bell & Dave Eddmenson
Saturday March 9th 10:00am Chris Cunningham & John Chapman
Saturday March 9th 6:00pm Greg Elmquist & Don Fortner
Sunday March 10th 10:00am Clay Curtis & Joe Terrell
(Please note - daylight savings begins March 10th– move your clocks an hour ahead Saturday night)
Birthdays
20th– Megan Harries 21st– Tim Daniel
22nd– Zac Byrd 22nd– Evonne Kincer
“A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.” - Proverbs 14:16
If all I have is Christ, I have all, because Christ is All. If I have anything in addition to Him, He is no longer all, and in reality, I have nothing. Christ is All is Christ alone! Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else!
SATAN’S ADVANTAGE
Paul said to the church at Corinth that if they failed to forgive, restore, and confirm their love to the man that had sinned so grievously, Satan would get the advantage over them (II Cor. 2:11). What all it means for Satan to have the advantage I do not know. But it is not good! What damage can be done in a church, a home, or an individual when Satan has an advantage. When we fail to forgive we act contrary to the Gospel, contrary to the law of Christ (Gal. 6:3), put ourselves in the state of not being forgiven (Matt. 6:15), and give Satan room to work powerfully in our lives. May we be quick to forgive, with some small measure of understanding how much we have been forgiven of!
In the kingdom of God the way up is down, the way to live is to die, the way to strength is weakness, to be wise is to become a fool, to be clothed in His righteousness is to be stripped of my own, to receive is to give, and to reign is to serve. If God does not turn my affection, interest, and love from this world, I will perish with the world. - Copied
“When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” - I Corinthians 13:10
When the “Perfect Man” comes, only then shall we see Him as He is and be made like Him. In the meantime, our faith is mixed with unbelief. Our love is mixed with selfishness. Our understanding is mixed with ignorance. Our sorrow for sin is shallow. Our worship falls so far short of its mark. Our experience of peace is fraught with fear. Our joy is mixed with sorrow. Truly, “Now we see through a glass darkly…”
Here is our hope brethren... Faith does not look to our experience in these graces for the hope of our salvation. Oh no! Faith looks to that Perfect Man in whom all these spiritual graces are full and complete. May we rest the hope of our salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ who stands in our stead before Almighty God. “Wherefore, He is able to save them to the uttermost (perfectly) that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25). – Greg Elmquist
TRAINING A CHILD IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO
Getting “The cart before the horse” is such a vivid picture of the backwards way of trying to do things. It just simply will not work. Yet the wisdom of man is always trying in vain to deliver the goods in just that fashion. We have been told that the way to build our children’s self-esteem is by telling them how wonderful they are (even when they are bad), making them feel like winners (even when they lose), and always rewarding them (even when they are lazy). The result is that we have raised a generation of self absorbed brats with an entitlement mentality. Truth is, self-esteem is the by-product of good decisions, hard work, and showing a genuine interest in others. Teach your children by example, precept, and correction to choose right over wrong, to respect others (especially authority), and to work hard. Then, they will grow up feeling good about themselves. Parenting is hard work. It’s a battle against the flesh. Many mistakes will be made along the way. But, if we take the easy way out, you can be sure that their Adamic nature will not only turn the cart over, it will kill the horse.
Now all that being true, there is but one thing that really matters in the end. Has the Lord been pleased to save my child? Do they know Christ? Here is where our God given responsibility must not falter. If the Lord is pleased to save our children, He will use the preaching of the Gospel to do it. There is no greater thing we can do for our children than to have them in public worship. May God give us the grace to make this THE priority in our homes. Again, some get the cart before the horse. They wait for the child to want to come. Remember, faith comes by hearing, not hearing by faith. Always have them where they can hear and pray the Lord will give them ears to hear. – Greg Elmquist
THE HUNGRY EAT
I remember my father saying to us children at home when we did not like our food that he had been to the Union House and the boys and girls always like their breakfast there because they were hungry, and, said he,“If you had to go without, it would do you good.” Sometimes, children of God get worldly, and then they have no appetite for God’s Word. They say, “We do not profit under Mr. So-and so.” The truth is, we do not profit under the Bible itself, and should not profit under the apostle Paul or under the Lord Jesus Christ, for we have spoiled our appetites. But when our appetite is healthy, we can come to the Scripture, and not care much how it is carved. - C. H. Spurgeon
February 10, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Hark, how the Gospel trumpet sounds
Christ and free grace therein abound
Free grace to such as sinners be
And if free grace, why not for me?
The Saviour died, and by His blood
Brought rebel sinners home to God
He died to set the captives free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Christ Jesus came the poor to bless
To clothe them with His righteousness
The robe is spotless, full and free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Eternal life by Christ is giv’n
And ruined sinners raised to heav;n
Then sing of grace so rich and free
And say, My soul, why not for thee?
(Tune: “Doxology”)
Our Bible Conference is March 8-10. There are sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall. Give toward these extra expenses as you are enabled.
SCHEDULE
Friday March 8th 7:00pm Donnie Bell & Dave Eddmenson
Saturday March 9th 10:00am Chris Cunningham & John Chapman
Saturday March 9th 6:00pm Greg Elmquist & Don Fortner
Sunday March 10th 10:00am Clay Curtis & Joe Terrell
(Please note - daylight savings begins March 10th– move your clocks an hour ahead Saturday night)
Birthdays
13th– Mark Benton 13th– Kathryn Kelley 15th– Joseph Anjos
15th– Amber DuFour 16th– Andrea Vincent 16th– Henry Williams
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” - Proverbs 20:9
“I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” – Psalm 138:18
Yes these are the words of David, but they are also the words of the Lord Jesus from the cross. He owned the sins of the elect as His own. My confession of sin always feels inadequate and my sorrow over my sin is not sorry enough. My confession of sin and sorrow for sin is sin! He is the only one who truly confessed sin aright and had genuine sorrow for it. Just as we are justified by the faith of Christ, we look to Christ for the true confession of sin and sorrow over sin. All that God requires of us He looks to His Son for. All that God requires of us we look to His Son for!
BELIEVERS REPRESENT THE LORD
Several years ago I applied for a home improvement loan at a local bank. I did not deal with the president of the band or an officer of the bank but with one of the employees. This particular employee was quite rude and unkind to me causing me to cancel my account at that bank and move to another. The only contact I had with the bank was with this very poor representative but it was enough to discourage me from going there again.
You and I represent our Lord, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, and the church of the first-born. The only contact some people have with the church and Kingdom of God is through us. What kind of impression do we leave on them? What idea of Christianity do we convey to them?
I wonder if they do not sometimes walk away offended, disappointed, and resolved not to inquire any further into our faith or listen to our message. I realize that we are frail creatures, subject to all the limitations of the flesh, but we need to set a watch on our lips, control our tempers, and put forth a special effort to adorn the Gospel of His grace. If we endure persecution for the Gospel’s sake, well and good, but not if we bring it on ourselves by our own faults! - Henry Mahan
To believe God is no small thing! It is the evidence of a heart reconciled unto God; it is the proof of our being weaned from our own works and deeds; it is a clear sign of the true conviction of sin; it is honoring to Christ, our only Redeemer; it is the essence of true worship; and it is the root of sincere obedience. - Henry Mahan
FAITHFULNESS
“It is required in a steward that a man found faithful”
The faithful man is the man who believes and can be believed. He trusts and he can be trusted. He relies and he can be relied on. There is nothing more beautiful and beneficial than faithfulness. Faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Faithful to believe all that is written. Faithful to view himself as a sinner. Faithful in humility. Faithful in whatever the Lord puts in his hand to do. Faithful to prayer and reading the Word. Faithful to attend worship services. Faithful in giving. Faithful in loyalty. Faithful as the friend who loveth at all times. May the Lord enable us and may we seek to be faithful. Joshua and Caleb were the only adults over 20 years old that entered the Promised Land. Joshua is the Hebrew word for Jesus, the Savior. Caleb’s name means faithful dog. Oh, for grace to be a faithful dog.
*****
So long as two men are walking together, you cannot tell which one of them the dog belongs to. But let the two men part company and it then becomes evident; the dog will follow his master! The dog does not hesitate, debate, or remain undecided; he quickly follows the one he loves.
Where Christ and men separate; where the Word of God and the traditions of men divide; where the ways of God and ways of the flesh part, the servant of Christ does not hesitate, debate, or remain undecided; he follows Christ, whom he loves, regardless of the cost.
The master may go to a simple cottage, a meal of dry bread, and a lonesome existence while his companion enjoys all the luxuries of the world. But the faithful dog cares little for these things so long as he is with his master. - Henry Mahan
God does love all who are in Christ. If you trust the Lord Jesus Christ, if you are robed in His righteousness and washed in His blood, God loves you. Your faith in Christ is both the fruit and the evidence of God’s everlasting, immutable love for you. “We love Him because He first loved us” (I John 4:19).
That love which caused God to redeem and save chosen sinners is without cause, without condition, without beginning, without change, and without end. If you now trust Christ as your Savior and Lord, it is because He loved you from the beginning and He will love you forever! If you do not trust and love the Lord Jesus Christ, you have no reason to imagine that God loves you. The wrath of God abides on you (John 3:36). Flee from the wrath of God. Flee away to Christ, and you will find in Him all the fullness of Jehovah’s everlasting love. – Don Fortner
January 27, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Sons of God redeemed by blood
Raise your songs to Zion’s God
Made from condemnation free
Grace triumphant sing with me.
Calvary’s wonders let us trace
Justice magnified in grace
Mark the crimson streams and say
Thus my sins were washed away.
Wrath Divine no more we dread
Vengeance smote our Surety’s head
Demands of justice fully met
Christ hath paid the dreadful debt.
Lamb of God! Thy death hath giv’n
Pardon, peace and hope of heav’n
It is finished; let us raise
Songs of gratitude and praise!
(Tune: “Depth of Mercy” p. 233)
*****
Frank Tate, pastor of the Hurricane Grace Church in Ashland, KY will bring the message this evening.
The preacher’s class will meet this Saturday, Feb. 2ndat 10:00am.
We will have our Bible Conference on March 8-10. Give toward these expenses as you are enabled.
Birthdays
30th- Jonathan Holbrook 2nd– Sam Elliott
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
When an individual seeks to make the gate wider than Christ does and the road broader than Christ does, he has entered the wide gate and broad road that leads to destruction. The person who does this says by this action that he is more merciful than Christ. Under the cloak of love for souls and not being judgmental of others he is actually denying the Gospel. The gate is so strait that the only way you can get through it is if all you have is Christ. The road is so narrow that you will fall off into the precipice if you have anything more or less than Christ. If you can look at anything else that gives you confidence that you have entered the strait gate and are on the narrow road, you have actually entered the wide gate and are on the broad road that leads to destruction. The Lord says plainly that many are on the broad way and few are on the narrow way.
NEWS
The Gospel is good news. If something is news that means it happened recently. If it is old news, it is not news at all. If the Gospel is not preached as news, it is not preached at all. Martin Luther said he preached Christ as if He died yesterday, rose today, and is coming again tomorrow. If I do not hear the Gospel as good news, one of two things is true. (1) I was not hearing the Gospel in the first place. Why, even to present the facts of the Gospel in an academic way is not really preaching the Gospel at all! (2) I am not hearing as a sinner. The Gospel only comes as good news to sinners. When I hear the Gospel as a sinner, every time I hear it, it is like the first time I ever heard it! The old, old story is always new. When it is not new, it is no longer the old, old story.
The atonement does not change the nature and character of God but rather, the atonement honors and magnifies the character of God. The death of Christ is not the cause of God’s love, but the result of it. God is not merciful because Christ died. Christ died because God is merciful. In order that every attribute might be expressed, glorified, and honored, God gave His Son to be the Savior of His chosen people! Thank God! There is an atonement BEFORE THE LORD. – Henry Mahan
TRUE WORSHIP
True worship is not primarily a cultural thing. It is not simply offering to God our sentiments and feelings expressed according to our culture. It is based on a knowledge of the majesty and holiness of God and what He requires in worship. It is not primarily cultural; it is spiritual. Those who know the true God will come into His presence with holy awe and reverence, whatever their cultural background.
Africans, it is true, like rhythm and music but so does the rock-loving culture of the West, as evidenced by what takes place in discos or in other entertainment. Our worship should not be an expression of our culture, but of the holiness and majesty of God and our gratitude for His grace towards us in Christ. A true knowledge of Christ will lead to worship, which is God-glorifying, whatever the cultural background. There will be more putting our hands over our mouths (Job 40:4) and covering our faces (Isaiah 6:2) than there will be hands in the air and dancing in the aisles! When people know the true God, their worship is reverent and God glorifying, whatever their cultural background.
- Bill Clark, Missionary
GOOD NEWS OR BAD NEWS
The Gospel means good news. News is a report of what has taken place. It is not an interpretation of what has taken place. It is the reporting of the facts. The newspaper is filled with news. I pour over the sports page every day to get the news. I look to see if my team won or lost. If they won it is good news to me! But it is not good news to the fans of the team who were defeated by my team. The stated score is the news. It will be good news to some and bad news to others. The Gospel is good news to some and bad news to others. The message of sovereign grace is good news to those who cannot be saved by their works. But the same message is not good news to that one who is hoping to be saved by his works.
Every time you insist that I am a sinner, you call me to remember the benefit of Christ my Redeemer, upon whose shoulders, and not mine, lie all my sins. So when you say I am a sinner, you do not terrify me, but comfort me immeasurably. – Martin Luther
February 3, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Sons we are through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive.
Pause, my soul, adore and wonder
Ask, O Why such love to me?
Grace hath put me in the number
Of the Saviour’s family.
Every fallen soul, by sinning
Merits everlasting pain
But Thy love, without beginning
Has restored Thy sons again.
When my Saviour comes in judgment
Bright in majesty Divine
I will stand with that great number
In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p.374)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Birthdays
3rd– James Carver 5th– Billie Tuttle 7th– Tamara Dickerson
7th– Clark Grubb 7th– Faith Hacker 9th– Ryan Daniel
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand:
but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” - Proverbs 10:4
You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary. - Jonathan Edwards
THE SHE BEARS
We read in II Kings 2:23-25of some young men mocking Elisha, Elisha cursing them in the name of the Lord, and two she bears coming from the forest and killing 42 of them. Elisha was God’s prophet bringing God’s Word. “Thus saith the Lord.” God is more jealous of His Word then she bears are over their cubs. These young men had no love for the Word of God. So they poured out their contempt and criticism upon the one who brought it. This is what men do when they cannot justify their actions or beliefs from the Scripture. They pour contempt and criticism on the one who brings the Word. Any man we desire to be critical of we can find plenty of ammunition. But God saw it for what it was - hatred of His Word. The same Word that He has magnified above all His Name! With God the punishment always fits the crime. Oh that we might do as James said, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath”,lest two she bears arise from the forest and devour us!
The Lord asked the disciples in response to their lack of understanding, unbelief, and failure to remember what He had done, “Have ye your hearts yet hardened.” I fear a hardened heart! “Have ye” is active. Have you hardened your hearts? Hardened is passive. All God has to do to harden our hearts is let us alone! I fear being hardened toward the Gospel. I fear being hardened toward sin! If I am hardened it is my fault and it is the Lord leaving me to myself. Oh, for a heart softened by the Spirit of God! Oh, to not be left to myself but kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation!
WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?
“And he looked and behold the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.” This is the bush of whom it was said the Angel of the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Moses. This fire did not need the energy of the wood of the bush to be sustained. It was a fire that was independent of fuel to keep it going. Christ is utterly independent. That can only be said of God. The wood could not be consumed by the fire. This speaks of the perfect humanity of Christ. He could not be consumed by the wrath of God. He consumed the wrath. Who is Jesus Christ? The Independent God, the Perfect Man, The Word made flesh, God manifest in the flesh. It is because of Who He is that He is able to save to the uttermost.
I DID NOT “GET SAVED” - CHRIST SAVED ME
Quite some time ago a man asked a question to one of our brethren concerning this congregation. He said: “Is anybody getting saved down there?” Depending on what denomination a person attends, that means: Have you gotten anybody to speak in tongues yet? Or have you gotten anybody to get baptized yet? Or some other thing that religion tries to get men and women to do.
Salvation is not in what we can get men and women to do. Salvation is in what Christ has already done! The terminology of a believing child of God is NOT: “I got saved”, but “Christ saved me!” Usually a man who “gets saved” will get lost after awhile. But if God the Spirit ever reveals to a sinner that salvation is not his choice – God the Father chose to give him to Christ His Son! And salvation is not in any work the he must or can do – God the Son accomplished the work of His salvation to the fullest through the shedding of His own blood! Once it is revealed to a sinner that by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ “It is finished!” that sinner will no longer wonder if anybody is “getting saved”, but he will cry: “Salvation is of the Lord!” (Jonah 2:9) The Lord will add daily to the church such as should be saved! (Acts 2:47) All that the Father has given to Christ shall come to Christ! And the sinner that comes to Christ, Christ will in no wise cast him out! (John 6:37) None shall be lost! (John 17:12) Every truly saved sinner will cry: I did not “get saved,” CHRIST SAVED ME! - Gabe Stalnaker
There is nothing that keeps a man out of heaven but his own will. But there is nothing that will keep a man out of hell but God’s will. Eternal life is by God’s will, God’s gift, and God’s work (Romans 9:16; 6:23; II Timothy 1:9). But eternal death is the result of man’s will, man’s work, and man’s merit (Proverbs1:23-26; Romans6:23; 10:21). Don Fortner
When you become just nothing, when you have no good feelings, no good desires, or anything you can bring to Christ – when you come to Christ, not with a broken heart, but for a broken heart, then he will receive you, then you will be the kind of man that Christ came to save. - Milton Howard
We have no power from God unless we live in the persuasion that
we have none of our own. - John Owen
January 20, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Sons of God redeemed by blood
Raise your songs to Zion’s God
Made from condemnation free
Grace triumphant sing with me.
Calvary’s wonders let us trace
Justice magnified in grace
Mark the crimson streams and say
Thus my sins were washed away.
Wrath Divine no more we dread
Vengeance smote our Surety’s head
Demands of justice fully met
Christ hath paid the dreadful debt.
Lamb of God! Thy death hath giv’n
Pardon, peace and hope of heav’n
It is finished; let us raise
Songs of gratitude and praise!
(Tune: “Depth of Mercy” p. 233)
*****
We welcome Frank Tate, pastor of the Hurricane Grace Church in Ashland, KY, and his wife Janet. Frank will bring the messages today. I am preaching at the Grace Gospel Church Bible Conference in Apopka, FL this weekend.
We will have our Bible Conference on March 8-10. Give toward these expenses as you are enabled.
Birthdays
26th– Emily Elliott 26th– Mike Farmer 26th– Lynn Nibert
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
When an individual seeks to make the gate wider than Christ does and the road broader than Christ does, he has entered the wide gate and broad road that leads to destruction. The person who does this says by this action that he is more merciful than Christ. Under the cloak of love for souls and not being judgmental of others he is actually denying the Gospel. The gate is so strait that the only way you can get through it is if all you have is Christ. The road is so narrow that you will fall off into the precipice if you have anything more or less than Christ. If you can look at anything else that gives you confidence that you have entered the strait gate and are on the narrow road, you have actually entered the wide gate and are on the broad road that leads to destruction. The Lord says plainly that many are on the broad way and few are on the narrow way.
*****
NEWS
The Gospel is good news. If something is news that means it happened recently. If it is old news, it is not news at all. If the Gospel is not preached as news, it is not preached at all. Martin Luther said he preached Christ as if He died yesterday, rose today, and is coming again tomorrow. If I do not hear the Gospel as good news, one of two things is true. (1) I was not hearing the Gospel in the first place. Why, even to present the facts of the Gospel in an academic way is not really preaching the Gospel at all! (2) I am not hearing as a sinner. The Gospel only comes as good news to sinners. When I hear the Gospel as a sinner, every time I hear it, it is like the first time I ever heard it! The old, old story is always new. When it is not new, it is no longer the old, old story.
*****
The atonement does not change the nature and character of God but rather, the atonement honors and magnifies the character of God. The death of Christ is not the cause of God’s love, but the result of it. God is not merciful because Christ died. Christ died because God is merciful. In order that every attribute might be expressed, glorified, and honored, God gave His Son to be the Savior of His chosen people! Thank God! There is an atonement BEFORE THE LORD. – Henry Mahan
TRUE WORSHIP
True worship is not primarily a cultural thing. It is not simply offering to God our sentiments and feelings expressed according to our culture. It is based on a knowledge of the majesty and holiness of God and what He requires in worship. It is not primarily cultural; it is spiritual. Those who know the true God will come into His presence with holy awe and reverence, whatever their cultural background.
Africans, it is true, like rhythm and music but so does the rock-loving culture of the West, as evidenced by what takes place in discos or in other entertainment. Our worship should not be an expression of our culture, but of the holiness and majesty of God and our gratitude for His grace towards us in Christ. A true knowledge of Christ will lead to worship, which is God-glorifying, whatever the cultural background. There will be more putting our hands over our mouths (Job 40:4) and covering our faces (Isaiah 6:2) than there will be hands in the air and dancing in the aisles! When people know the true God, their worship is reverent and God glorifying, whatever their cultural background. - Bill Clark, Missionary
*****
GOOD NEWS OR BAD NEWS
The Gospel means good news. News is a report of what has taken place. It is not an interpretation of what has taken place. It is the reporting of the facts. The newspaper is filled with news. I pour over the sports page every day to get the news. I look to see if my team won or lost. If they won it is good news to me! But it is not good news to the fans of the team who were defeated by my team. The stated score is the news. It will be good news to some and bad news to others. The Gospel is good news to some and bad news to others. The message of sovereign grace is good news to those who cannot be saved by their works. But the same message is not good news to that one who is hoping to be saved by his works.
*****
Every time you insist that I am a sinner, you call me to remember the benefit of Christ my Redeemer, upon whose shoulders, and not mine, lie all my sins. So when you say I am a sinner, you do not terrify me, but comfort me immeasurably. – Martin Luther
January 13, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has borne the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” p.188)
*****
The Grace Gospel Church in Apopka, Florida will have their Bible Conference this weekend, January 18-20.
We rejoice with Jennifer Anjos will confess Christ is believer’s baptism at the close of the service this morning.
Birthdays
25th– Mike Rigsby 16th– Kelli Harries
17th– Aiden Carver 19th– Amanda DuFour
“ The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” - Proverbs 15:33
Over the years I have seen many people struggle with Baptism. “Was I a believer when I was baptized? Should I be baptized again?” There are two questions that must be answered to know if I should be satisfied with my baptism. (1) What is the Gospel? (2) Did I believe the Gospel when I was baptized? If the Gospel I heard was not the Gospel of the Scriptures I was never baptized in the first place. A religious ritual? Yes. Christian baptism? No. Did I believe the Gospel I heard? “Whoso believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Faith in Christ is the one requirement for baptism. If you heard and believed the Gospel when you were baptized, you should be satisfied with your baptism. If you had not heard the Gospel of the Scriptures, and had not believed the Gospel you now believe when you were baptized, you were not really baptized. You cannot truly be baptized without faith in Christ. If you are satisfied that you had heard and believed the Gospel when you were baptized….thank God! If you believe you had not heard nor believed the Gospel when you were first baptized, you really never have been baptized, and it is time for you to confess Christ in believer’s baptism.
CONTENTMENT
“I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Contentment is satisfaction with whatever God does. It is not envious at the blessings others have. It does not fret over circumstances. It does not covet what it does not have. It is humble, being content with anything because it knows it deserves nothing. It is not ambitious for greater recognition. It believes all of God’s providence is good. Contentment arises from trust. God is too wise to err, too kind to be cruel, and too powerful to not be the first cause of all things. A content person is a happy person. A discontent person is a dissatisfied, envious, covetous, proud, ambitious, mistrusting, unhappy person.
A man said that he was saved because Christ did His part, and he did all the rest. Somebody asked him, “But what was ‘the rest’ that you did?” And he replied, “Why, Christ did it all, and I only stood in His way, and hindered Him all I could.” This is about all that we shall ever do in the matter of our soul’s salvation. It must rest with Christ alone, and our wisdom is to commit ourselves to Him who is able to meet all the necessities of our case, and to conduct us safely to our journey’s end; but since, from the first to the last, salvation is of the Lord, then give all the glory to His Holy Name, for to Him all the glory belongs.
- C. H. Spurgeon
WHY WAS ISRAEL DIVIDED?
Have you ever wondered how or why Israel was divided into two kingdoms (Israel and Judah)? Israel had been united under the rule of David and Solomon. After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam reigned in his stead. Some people from one of the twelve tribes said to Rehoboam, “Your Father made our yoke grievous…make it lighter and we will serve thee.” Rehoboam asked his Father’s counselors what he should do. Their answer, “If thou wilt be a servant to this people, and wilt serve them, and speak God’s words to them, then they will be thy servants forever.” But the younger counselors told Rehoboam to tell them he was going to make the yoke more grievous! He followed the advice of the young men… and it made Israel divide itself from Judah…hence, the divided kingdom.
What do we learn from this? If we seek to be a servant, and serve, those we serve will want to serve us. If I am seeking to be served, division will be the outcome. If I am seeking to serve, unity will be the outcome. We are to follow the example of the One whom the Father called “My Servant.” “The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
THE BELIEVER’S RULE OF LIFE
I left the pulpit one night and a fellow asked me, “Do you believe the law to be a believer’s rule of life?” He seemed surprised when I told him I did not. His very next question was, “How do you know how to live?” I told him immediately that I lived just as the Apostle Paul, “The life that I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20). This was the rule of life for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Abel and all others who have nothing but Jesus Christ to live upon. Someone would say, “You mean you live as you want to?” I wish I could: I would be filled with the Sprit, I would never sin again, all my motives would be pure, and I would be delivered from the body of this death. Oh, I wish I could live just like I want to. The closest thing I have found to living just like I would like to is living by faith upon Jesus Christ the Dear and Blessed Son of God. - Bruce Crabtree
*****
God displays His character and attributes in the manner in which He saves. To reject any aspect of His salvation is to reject some aspect of His character. To fail to confess any aspect of His salvation is to fail to confess Who He is. Error in doctrine or failure to preach doctrine is more than a mistake! It is a denial of and failure to confess Christ!
January 6, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
O, Lamb of God, still keep me
Near to Thy wounded side
Tis only there in safety
And peace I can abide.
What foes and snares surround me!
What lusts and fears within!
The grace that sought and found me
Alone can keep me clean.
‘Tis only in Thee hiding
I know my life secure
Only in Thee abiding
I steadfast shall endure.
Thine arm the victory gaineth
O’er every hurtful foe
The love my heart sustaineth
In all its care and woe.
Soon shall my eyes behold Thee
With rapture, face to face
The half hath not been told me
Of all Thy power and grace.
Thy beauty, Lord, and glory
The wonders of Thy love
Shall be the endless story
Of all Thy saints above.
(Tune: “The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
*****
Grace Gospel Church Apopka, Florida Bible Conference - January 18-20
Birthdays
6th– Nathaniel Sligh 6th– Annette DuFour 7th– Henry Lynn
8th– Rachel Harries 9th– Nancy Benton 9th- Emily Bryan 10th– Cali Warta 12th– Aaron Sligh
“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.” - Proverbs 15:28
Our wish for the New Year? To be found in Christ and to know more of Him. And that is a wish that is granted to all who desire it.
*****
“My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” – Psalm 34:2
Boasting in the Lord is rejoicing in Christ! Glorying in the cross! It is the joy of knowing that God’s salvation is entirely in Christ. Than means that if I am in Him, all God requires, I have! God is as pleased with me as He is with His own dear Son! In Him I have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. In Him we are complete! In Him is no sin. In Him I have no sin. Me being in Him is not God’s reward to me for my works as God’s response to anything I do. It is simply and mysteriously my eternal union with Christ. Being one with Him.
Who will be glad when they hear this message? The humble! Those who have nothing to be proud about but Christ Himself. Those who can only be saved by being in Christ. Those who really believe themselves to be sinners and have nothing to bring to the table of salvation. When they hear of the salvation in Christ, they will be glad, and all the proud will be mad!
*****
TWO TYPES OF CALLS
God gives us a precious promise in Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” Many people have claimed to call upon His Name, but what kind of call was it? Was it the call of works sounded forth by the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees (me and you be nature) – “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy Name? and in Thy Name have cast out devils? And in Thy Name done many wonderful works?” (Matthew 7:22) Or was it the call of grace humbly offered by David and the publican (God’s elect) – “O Lord, I beseech Thee, deliver my soul” (Psalm 116:4).
Notice a couple of things about these two calls. The call of works was long, embellished with adjectives, and made mention only of man’s works. The call of grace was short, to the point, and made mention only of God’s work.
And on which type of call did God carry out His promise of salvation? The call of grace sinner went down to his house justified. The call of works sinner was told to depart, “I never knew (loved)you.” Ask God for grace, to enable you to call in grace, for salvation by grace, and you shall be saved! - Brian DuFour
JESUS CHRIST LOVES EVEN ME
John 13:23
“Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.”
The apostle John in the Gospel narrative that bears his name referred to himself often as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Do you think that it was an arrogant statement for him to refer to himself that way? I can assure you that it was not. It was not because the Lord loved him more than the other apostles. It was not because he felt that he was more special than the others. The reason he referred to himself that way was the fact that he never got over Christ’s love for him. To John, his name was not worth mentioning. He had done nothing to earn, merit or deserve Christ’s love. It was almost as if he was saying, “I can’t believe that the Lord Jesus loves me.” John knew that Christ loved Peter, James, Matthew, Mark and all the others, but all that he could think about was that Christ loved him. It is the same with me. It is easy for me to see how the Lord could love others. But me? How could He love me? There is no reason that my Lord would be mindful of me, or merciful to me, and yet He loves me. I am the one who deserves the least of His love, and yet He loves me. When a saved sinner, by the sovereign grace of God sees Christ’s love for them, they do not desire to talk about themselves. No, they simply consider themselves as one whom Jesus loves. They want to talk about nothing but Christ’s love for them! It was this same dear apostle who wrote in his first epistle these words, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins” (I John 4:10). “We love Him, because He first loved us” (I John 4:19). Yes, it is true. Jesus loves even me. - David Eddmenson
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Young Christians may think much of themselves. Growing Christians think themselves nothing. Mature Christians know that they are less than nothing. - Copied
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Everything that God requires, God must provide; and God only accepts that which He provides. - Greg Elmquist
December 30, 2018
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
The Saviour lives no more to die
He lives, the Lord enthroned on high
He lives triumphant o’er the grave
He lives eternally to save!
He lives to calm His people’s fears
He lives to wipe away their tears
He lives to soothe their troubled heart
He lives, all blessings to impart!
He lives, all glory to His Name
He lives eternally the same
He lives, their mansions to prepare
He lives to bring them safely there!
I would forever speak His Name
I would forever praise the Lamb
I would to all His grace make known
And worship at His Holy Throne!
(Tune: “Doxology”)
There will be no evening services tonight. We will have a New Year’s Eve service on Monday, Dec. 31stat 7:00pm and observe the Lord’s Table. After the New Year’s Eve service, Paul and Kelly Harries have invited everyone to their home. You may bring a dish to share (please no nuts of any kind in foods).
Birthdays
30th– Will Hands 31st– Donna Wooten 1st– Wyatt Davis
3rd– Rachel Sullivan 4th– Laura Brown 5th– Michael Mohr
“He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth Him.” - Proverbs 14:2
The end of the old year and the beginning of the new is certainly a time for reflection. The Lord has brought us through many things, some difficult, some joyous, for all of which we give thanks! It is my prayer that the coming year will be a year we, “Grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” That we increase in love to Him, love to one another, zeal for His glory, and humility. I pray we become more merciful, less judgmental, more generous, less selfish, more dependent upon Him, more distrustful of ourselves, more forgiving and less self-promoting, more of a friend, less of a discouragement. I pray that we all will look for opportunities to preach the Gospel to men, and that men will find us to be like our Master, the friend of sinners. By the grace of God, these things will be. Happy New Year!
OPTIONS
Have you ever made a phone call and a voice comes on and says push 1 or 2 or 4, then when you push that number it starts all over again. How frustrating. In every part of life there are too many things to choose from, in going to a restaurant, in choosing a car, what kind of computer should I get, on and on it goes.
But there is one thing in which there are no options. SALVATION from sin and condemnation. God in His Holy Word has made it plain and straightforward; “This is my beloved Son, hear Him.”
God says there is ONE WAY to come unto Him, One who has the power to give eternal life, One who has the power to make God the Father known, One in whom a sinner can be accepted. The Holy Scriptures tells us there is One Righteousness; One Savior of sinners, One Mediator between God and men, “The man Christ Jesus.” One who has the power to give life and quicken whom He will. God says there is One whom He appointed heir, One by whom He will be addressed by, One by whom He will address sinners by, One JUST ONE.
God will give no man any wiggle room here, freewill won’t do, works won’t do, merit has no place, and law keeping won’t be accepted. The Lord God said it this way, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life: but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36).
I am so thankful that God the Father brought me to the place where there was no way out from under the guilt and condemnation of my sin and revealed the ONE WAY in which He would accept and make me righteous. That Way is through and by the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Donnie Bell
All saving acts must be performed by man himself. Faith is the gift of God, but the Holy Ghost never believed for anybody; it is not His office to believe. The sinner must believe. Repentance is the work of the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit never repented. What has He to repent of? We ourselves must repent. There must be in every man a personal repentance, and a personal faith, and though these are wrought in him by the Holy Sprit, yet they are his own acts. They cannot be acts of anybody else or the man has not believed and has not repented, and there is no life in him. For instance, the Holy Sprit helps us to pray. He helps our infirmities – but we pray. True desires after God must be your own desire. The desire is wrought in you by the Holy Spirit, but still it is yours! - C. H. Spurgeon
WONDERFUL METAPHORS
O the wonder, the glory and beauty of God’s Word. It is beyond our ability to fully understand and appreciate. But we marvel at what we do understand. God uses many things to describe His Word; everyday, ordinary, yet wonderful and necessary things. He likens His Word to things such as: Light, Bread, Milk, Honey, Meat, Fire, Water, Hammer, Sword, Plough, Seed, Rain, Dew, Treasure, Gold, Net, Mirror, a Kiss! All this and more is God’s Word for His people. – Paul Mahan
THE VANITY OF THIS LIFE
The hope of ever finding anything on this earth which can actually give me fulfillment, contentment, or satisfaction has long ago passed away. I have not, like Solomon, tried it all to the extent to which he did; but what I have seen, heard, and experienced of this world, I have found to be vanity. I shall rest and hope in Christ and know that I shall be satisfied when I awake in His likeness. - Henry Mahan
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
I bless the Christ of God, I rest on love Divine
And with unfaltering lip and heart, I call the Saviour mine
His cross dispels each doubt, I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear, each lingering shade of gloom.
I praise the God of peace, I trust His truth and might
He call me His, I call Him mine, My God, my Joy, my Light
In Him is only good, in me is only ill
My ill but draws His goodness forth, and me He loveth still.
‘Tis He Who saveth me, and freely pardon gives
I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives
My life with Him is hid, my death has passed away
My clouds have melted into light, my midnight into day.
(Tune: “This is My Father’s World” p. 39)
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I am preaching in Apopka, Florida this weekend at the Grace Gospel Church Bible Conference. Aaron Greenleaf will preach this morning and Frank Tate, Pastor of the Hurricane Road Grace Church in Ashland, KY will bring the message tonight.
We will have a Bible Conference May 1-3. (Please note the change of date)
Birthdays
19th– Amanda DuFour
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom: and before honour is humility.” - Proverbs 15:33
If someone said they had seen someone you know, and you asked them to describe that person, and the person they described bore no resemblance to the person you knew, what would you conclude? You would conclude that they had not seen the person that you know! When I hear a man speak of a Christ who is not absolutely sovereign, and his atonement is not definite, successful, and complete, I know it is because he has never seen or known the Lord Jesus Christ. If he had, he would describe His Person and Word accurately, with love and thankfulness! You cannot describe one you have never seen or known.
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When I look to Christ alone, I have assurance. When I look for faith, or evidence of faith, I have no assurance. Faith is only in operation as it looks to Christ alone. If I look to a past experience or a time when I first believed I am looking to an event rather than Christ alone. If I am assuring myself that tomorrow I will believe, that is nothing more than an act of presumption. Look to Christ alone now! Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.
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Although I am a sinner, yet I despair not; for Christ, who is my Redeemer and my righteousness, liveth. In Him I have no sin, no fear, no sting of conscience, and no fear of judgment; for in Him there is no condemnation. I am indeed a sinner as touching this present life; but I have a righteousness of God which is above this life, who is Christ my Lord. In Him I rejoice! - Martin Luther 1483-1546
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Now then, there is but one thing with which Almighty God is satisfied – entirely 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
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The revelation of God in His Son was so complete that the apostles, in the books of the New Testament, do not tell us anything new. They simply confirmed and interpreted that which Christ has taught. They set forth that salvation, “Which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him” (Heb. 2:3). – Don Fortner
“The purpose of God according to election”
Romans 9:11
Here are six things which the Word of God teaches about divine election. If you search the Scriptures, you will find that these six things are true.
1.God’s election of His people is SOVEREIGN and ETERNAL (Romans 9:11-23). God chooses whom He will, and none can call Him into account. Is it not right for God to do with His own what He will? Election is God’s sovereign, eternal purpose to save a specific people.
2. Divine election is an act of GOD’S FREE GRACE (Romans 9:16). I know that God did not choose us arbitrarily. He had some wise and holy reason for doing so. But I know also that the reason does not lie in us. God chose us not because we were either good or evil, but simply because He would. “Even so Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Matthew 11:26). We can say no more.
3. God’s purpose of election is also IRREVERSIBLE (Isaiah 46:9-11). “The gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29). Election is God’s unchangeable purpose of love. Having chosen His people, He will never go back on His word that is gone out of His mouth. The purpose of God in election is immutable. He is of one mind and who can turn Him?
4. Divine election is EFFECTUAL (Romans 8:29-30). Every soul chosen by God in eternity was redeemed by Christ at Calvary and will be regenerated by the Holy Spirit at God’s appointed time. In due time all of God’s elect will believe on Christ and be brought to eternal glory. Not one of the elect will perish.
5. God’s purpose of grace in election is PERSONAL (Jeremiah 1:5; Jeremiah 31:3). God calls His own children by name. He chose us, not as an indiscernible mass, but individually and personally. Yet He chose all His elect at once.
6. God’s eternal purpose of election is IN CHRIST (Ephesians 1:4). Christ was chosen as the Head of an elect race, and we were chosen in Him. God loved us eternally in Christ. - Don Fortner
A man will arrive at right doctrine through the knowledge of Christ; but it is possible for him to know orthodox doctrine and yet not know Christ. The Gospel is not a collection of dry doctrines; but is the revelation of a living, merciful and ever-present Lord. - Henry Mahan
January 12, 2020
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Wherewith shall we approach the Lord
And bow before His Throne?
By trusting in His faithful Word
And pleading Christ alone. And pleading Christ alone.
The blood, the righteousness, and love
Of Jesus Christ we plead
He lives within the veil above
For us to intercede. For us to intercede.
Sure ground and sure foundation, too
We find in His dear Name
Herein we every blessing view
And every favor claim – And every favor claim.
Then let His Name forever be
To us supremely dear
Our only all-sufficient plea
For all our hope is there. For all our hope is there.
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
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The Grace Gospel Church of Apopka, Florida will have a Bible Conference this weekend – January 17-19.
We will have a Bible Conference May 1-3. (Please note the change of date)
Birthdays
12th– Aaron Sligh 15th– Mike Rigsby
16th- Kelli Harries 17th– Aiden Carver
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.” - Proverbs 11:1
To view justification as a legal standing before God and sanctification as how to live your life is a debasing, if not heretical, view of both justification and sanctification. Sanctification is the word God uses to most completely describe His salvation. Justification is one of the great blessings that arise out of God’s great work of sanctification! We were chosen by God and separated to be holy in eternal election. “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy (sanctification)and without blame (justification) before Him.” We were declared to be, “sanctifiedthrough the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” We were made holy when we were sanctifiedby the Holy Ghost, being given a holy nature that does not and cannot sin. “Whosoever is born of God sinneth not.” Sanctification, the work of the Triune God, is salvation! We do not grow or decrease in sanctification! Every believer is a saint, a sanctified one!
There is nothing that the church does that is more important than assembling to worship Christ. To gather in order to honor Christ through praying, preaching, and hearing the Gospel is such an important thing that each of us should approach it very seriously. Let each one prepare himself in heart and body so as to arrive on time, having the heart clothed with a desire to hear from Christ and the body dressed modestly so as not to attract attention to one’s self. Let each of us enter into every song and prayer, closing out the thoughts of the world and all the cares it loads on us. Let each of us listen to the Word of God with the intensity of baby birds chirping for food. In short, let each of us give himself to worship in this hour as though there were nothing better or more important in all the world to do – because there isn’t. - Joe Terrell
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When you become just nothing, when you have no good feelings, no good desires, or anything you can bring to Christ – when you come to Christ, not with a broken heart, but for a broken heart, then He will receive you, then you will be the kind of man that Christ came to save. – Milton Howard
Where God rules there are no accidents, preventable diseases, untimely deaths, stray bullets, or arrows that miss their mark; and God rules everywhere. - Don Fortner
HE NEVER CHANGES
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8
I am so thankful that as I grow older and things change, inside and out, that there is One who never changes.
1. His love never changes with time, for He loved me with an everlasting love that knows no change.
2. His power never changes. He is just as able to keep me from falling today as when I first began.
3. His Word never changes: “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19) Has He not magnified His Word above His Name?
4. His election of me shall never change. He will never cast off those whom He has chosen, for they will never do anything that He did not know about and has not already taken care of.
5. The power of His blood shall never change. It still cleanses from all sin. No matter how deep the stain has gone, His blood washes it away.
6. His Sacrifice will never change, it will never lose its effectiveness because it is always fresh in the midst of the Throne of God: “And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain….” (Rev. 5:6).
We have a living sacrifice standing in the midst of the Throne of God. When we rise out of our beds in the morning and go through our changes, just remember that there is One who remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Rock Christ Jesus. – John Chapman
THE GOSPEL
Those who WEARY of hearing the Gospel, who LOSE INTEREST in hearing the Gospel, and LOSE THEIR NEED of hearing the Gospel of Christ, and His redeeming love and grace, have never REALLY heard the Gospel at all. If one can leave Christ, he has never truly met Him! (John 6:65-69) - Maurice Montgomery
God has revealed to me what I am. I now see that the only way He could love me, would be to do so freely. - David Eddmenson
January 5, 2020
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Jesus Christ our God and Savior
Guide, and counselor, and friend
Bearing all our misbehavior
Kind and loving to the end.
Nothing but Thy blood, O Savior
Can relieve us from our smart
Nothing else from guilt release us
Nothing else can melt the heart.
Law and judgment do but harden
All the while they work alone
But a sense of blood-bought pardon
Soon dissolves a heart of stone.
Trust Him, He will not deceive us
Though we see through glass so dim
He will never, never leave us
Nor will we depart from Him.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
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We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We extent our sympathy to Brian and David DuFour and their families on the death of their father.
Birthdays
5th– Michael Mohr 6th– Annette DuFour 6th– Nathaniel Sligh
7th– Henry Lynn 8th– Rachel Harries 9th– Nancy Benton
9th– Emily Bryan 10th– Cali Warta
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifices with strife.” - Proverbs 17:1
LOSING A SENSE OF NEED
The lukewarm state of the church of Laodicea nauseated Christ. And what is this state of lukewarmness? They lost their sense of need! “Thou sayest I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). A sense of need is essential in walking with Christ. “He healed them that had need of healing.” “The whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” Ten times, David, the man after God’s own heart, described himself as “poor and needy.” The only way I can hear the Gospel is as poor and needy. When that leaves, I start to analyze, see if I agree, and critique. The doctrine of the Gospel looses its sweetness. It is one thing to know the meaning of election. It is another thing to need it! It is one thing to understand justification. It is another to need to be justified. May the Lord keep us poor and needy!
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“Let your moderation be known to all men.” - Philippians 4:5
This does not mean let everybody see your temperance over your appetites. The word is usually translated gentle. It means forbearing, not insisting on the letter of the law, a sweet reasonableness, patient, non-judgmental. If there is an attribute that we would want others to see that would adorn the Gospel we profess to believe, this is what God calls upon us to demonstrate to others! Moderation!
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How is love to God expressed? It is expressed by love to His people. How I love the Lord is only seen in how I love you. To say I love Him and to then mistreat you makes my profession of love to Him hollow and meaningless. As John said, “Let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and truth.”
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If a person is near-sighted, he only needs corrective glasses, but if he is blind, he needs the miracle of sight. If a man is sick, he only needs medicinal help, but if he is dead, he needs the miracle of life. If a man has only strayed from the way, he needs directions, but if a man is completely lost, he needs to be found. - Rolfe Barnard
The most difficult thing for any of us to do is to TOTALLY and COMPLETELY trust and rest in our blessed Lord Jesus to redeem us, sanctify us, and make us accepted to the Father. We are so prone to self-righteousness and works that we have a constant battle trying to remember that “man at HIS BEST STATE is altogether vanity”, and in his WEAKEST MOMENTS is no less loved and accepted if he is in Christ. As brother Fortner said, “My relationship with the eternal God (in Christ) does in great measure determine what I do. But what I do (good or bad) in no way determines my relationship with the eternal God.” Actually, “In my flesh dwelleth NO GOOD THING.” “In the flesh no man can please God.” It is in Christ that the Father is well pleased; and only in Christ can He love, accept, and be pleased with me. I did not come to Christ on the basis of my works, nor am I kept in Christ on the basis of my works! I looked to Him then for all things, and I look to Him now for all things! Any look within will serve only to discourage and depress me; but looking to Christ, the Author and Finisher of my faith, will only encourage, for He never changes. His gift of life and calling to grace is without change. The command, “Look unto Me and be ye saved,” is not only the hope and strength of the seeking sinner, but it is the constant hope and strength of the believing sinner. I know my sins, but I rejoice in His grace. I know my weakness, but I rest in His strength. I know my emptiness, but I am complete in Him. “Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear,”all because we do not cast our sins, our souls on Christ and LEAVE THEM THERE!
- Henry Mahan
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CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S GRACE
Do we really have confidence in the grace of God? If we do, we will be satisfied with His grace and His grace alone. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to offer up anything of our own as a reason for God to bless us. If we have confidence in His grace, we will rest secure that, whatever happens in this life, God will preserve us blameless for the next life. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to build a church with fleshy enticements but will be satisfied with preaching and teaching the grace of God, knowing that God will call His sheep by that Gospel. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will not be quick to judge others or even ourselves, but will be patient with our brethren, knowing that God grows His people at His own rate and that what His grace has begun, His grace can finish. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will be much more at rest, knowing that all things are moving in their proper direction to their assigned goal. - Joe Terrell
December 29, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Come, Thou Almighty Comforter
And bring upon Thy wing
Sweet consolation to each soul
That we may praise and sing.
We want to hear, we want to see
We want to know Christ more
We want sweet foretastes of His love
As we have had before.
And shall we come in vain to God?
O Lord, that cannot be
Thy promise stands engaged to come
And bless e’vn two or three.
Lord, give more love, more sincere faith
More confidence in Thee
Break off our legal chains, O God
And let our souls free.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
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Regarding the coming new year, everything will take place as God has willed, purposed, and decreed. I pray that you and I will enter in more to the “Joy and peace of believing.” Happy New Year!
Everyone is invited to the home of Paul and Kelli Harries on New Year’s Eve. Pizza and chicken will be provided. You may bring a non-peanut dish to share.
There will be no service this Wednesday evening, January 1st.
All men are invited to the preacher’s class this Saturday, January 4th.
We will have a Bible Conference April 17-19.
Birthdays
29th– Amanda Frye 29th– Alan Kincer 30th– Will Hands
31st– Donna Wooten 1st– Wyatt Davis
3rd– Rachel Sullivan 4th–Laura Brown
“A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.” - Proverbs 13:1
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THE THINGS DONE IN THE BODY
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” – II Corinthians 5:10
This verse speaks of the reality of justification. If I am justified, everything I have done in my body is good. This is not a paste on righteousness. God’s word to every believer is, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” If I stand without Christ in judgment, everything done in my body will be bad. If you want to stand before God and be judged, He will oblige you and it will not be good!
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Someone once said the believer has three strong desires:
Total Commitment– to the Lord Jesus Christ. Every saint wants to be sold-out, a student, a disciple, follower and full-time worshipper of the Lord. Fact is all truebelievers are.
Total Communion – with the Lord God. Every child of God knows the Lord…has a real relationship with Him, but desires to know Him more fully; desires to walk and talk with, hear from and feel the presence of his God. Enoch walked with God, Noah walked with God, and so do all of God’s people. But they long to do so more fully.
Total Conformity – to the Lord Jesus Christ. Every lover of Christ, longs to be like Christ. As David said….“I will be satisfied when I awake with Thy likeness.” We see no beauty in ourselves, no comeliness, but we see Him as altogether lovely, and want to be and strive to be like Him. Are these the desires of your heart? - Paul Mahan
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“Charity is long suffering and kind.” This describes the love of Christ toward every believer. And it describes every believer.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love.” If“long suffering and kind”is absent, grace is absent.
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In its final analysis, any objection to God’s absolute sovereignty in election is an objection to God being God.
“I KNOW THY WORKS….”
Revelation 2:2
To me, this statement is both awesome and wonderful, fearful and comforting. On the one hand, we may deceive others or even ourselves, but He says, “I know… “– how sobering! On the other hand, we may be misinterpreted, misquoted, disbelieved, and disallowed, but He says to our hearts, “I know…” – how comforting! What a majestic and gracious Saviour we have. How God He is, “One with the Father” (John 10:30). And how man He is, “One with His people” (Hebrews 2:11).
When, with trembling heart, I ponder the fact that he knows ME – my sin, my darkness, my unbelief, my unfaithfulness, my weakness, my foolishness, and my emptiness – I “Rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” that I know HIM – His righteousness, His light, His faith, His faithfulness, His strength, His wisdom, and His fullness. What a full, complete, and wonderful Saviour He is, to otherwise helpless and hopeless sinners!!! How quickly, swiftly, and gladly my heart flies to HIM when He says to me, “I know…”Though I see as through a dark glass, yet I am so thankful that I know Him (John 17:3),“or rather are known of God” (Galatians 4:9). - Maurice Montgomery
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THE BELIEVER’S DESIRE
The believer’s great interest is to be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness, but having the righteousness of Jesus Christ and to know Jesus Christ in his heart. To have fellowship with Christ in spirit and in truth, and to know the power of His resurrected Life flowing through himself as he lives out his life on this earth. In other words, to walk with Him, talk with Him and be with Him when this earthly life is over. Lord, make this desire to grow. (Philippians 3:8-11) - John Chapman
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In Christ, there is no further perfection to attain. In Christ, a sinner is made to be everything that God requires him to be. In Christ, wisdom is complete, righteousness is complete, sanctification is complete, and redemption is complete. To know Him is to know it all, and to have Him is to have it all. In Christ, we are as perfectly complete as we will ever be. - Gabe Stalnaker
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LOVEST THOU ME?
This is the point on which a man’s relationship with God hinges. As simple as the question may sound, it is most searching. If a man has no love for Christ, he has no faith. If a man truly loves Christ, all is right, if not, all is wrong. - Henry Mahan
December 15, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
We have Thy promise, gracious Lord
O then fulfill Thy precious Word
Thou wilt be where Thy people meet
To make our joyfulness complete.
We ask Thy gracious presence here
From worldly thoughts, O keep us clear
And set our hearts on things above
With sweet enjoyment of Thy love.
We ask from our great living Head
Give us Thy Holy Spirit’s aid
While we engage in prayer and praise
To be supplied with every grace.
‘Tis Thine alone, Almighty Lord
To speak the soul-reviving Word
‘Tis Thine to give the hearing ear
‘Tis Thine to drive away all fear.
(Tune: “From Every Stormy Wind That Blows” p. 355)
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There will be no evening service next Sunday, Dec. 22ndor Wednesday, Dec. 25th.
Birthdays
16th– Cindy Farmer 19th– Amanda Janes 21st– Erik Charron
“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” Proverbs 20:6
ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS
In Titus 2:14we are given two reasons for Christ giving Himself for us. (1) To redeem us from all iniquity. (2) To purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. God’s people are zealous of good works. That does not mean they are thinking about the good works they should perform. When Mary broke the alabaster box of ointment on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with the hairs of her head, she was not thinking, “This is a good work I am performing.” She was thinking of the excellency and glory of the Saviour. She loved Him. She felt an impulse in her heart to do this, ands she did it. The Lord said, “She hath wrought a good work upon Me.” Anything done out of love for Christ is a good work. The reason a believer is zealous of good works is that zeal is directed toward Him. That is what makes it a good work. If Mary had thought, “What a good work I am performing” … it would not be a good work!
OF WHOM I AM CHIEF
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (I Timothy 1:15). I doubt that there has ever been a man more thoroughly committed to and surrendered to Christ than Paul. I doubt that there has ever been a man who loved Christ more than Paul. Yet, when Paul speaks of the demographic who go under the name “sinners”, he says, “Of whom I am chief.” The very “I am” is in the present active tense. He did not say, “Of whom I was chief,” but present tense, right now, “Of whom I am chief.” It is those who know the most of and live nearest to the Lord who feel that way. You cannot walk with the Living God and see yourself any other way. I am sure there were those who would object, “If that is the case what were you saved from?” Others would object that it is wallowing in it, or using it as an excuse for sinful behavior. But there are others who would say, “You are wrong Paul…..of whom I am chief.”
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It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell, and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil; one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves, and another to mourn for it because it is wrong and offensive to God. It is one thing to be terrified; another to be humbled. - G. Spring
SOME THOUGHTS ON ASSURANCE
If we are looking for assurance, we are looking for the wrong thing, and are putting the cart before the horse. How many people bring sorrow on themselves by looking within for evidence that will give them assurance for their salvation. Do not seek assurance. Seek Christ! Do not look within for assurance. Look to Christ! If you rest in who He is, and what He did, you will have assurance. If you look for assurance anywhere else, the outcome will be either no assurance, or a false assurance!
Is what Christ did on the cross enough to save you? Believing it is will give you assurance! But if assurance is the thing you are seeking, you will not have it! Here is a sobering thought. It is possible to have assurance, full assurance of your salvation, and not be saved. Many, who while on earth truly believed they were saved, will hear from Christ those awful words, “Depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” But it is also possible to have saving faith, and no personal assurance. Faith believes “He is the Saviour.” Assurance believes “I am saved.” But remember…true assurance rises from faith… looking to Christ. Lack of assurance is the result of looking within, rather to Him.
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THE TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS
II Corinthians 4:6-7
“The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in Christ Jesus” is called a TREASURE because it is RICH TRUTH which sets men free; it has RICH BLESSINGS such as wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; it contains RICH AND PRECIOUS PROMISES; it brings to us the RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN CHRIST.
This treasure is “In earthen vessels”, meaning the ministers to whom God entrusts this Gospel and through whom He sends the Gospel to His sheep. These ministers are God’s men; but they are still men, weak and frail, subject to like passions and infirmities, “That the Excellency of the power may be of God and not of us.” Whatever is accomplished in the proclamation of the Gospel by these men is the result of God’s purpose and work, certainly not of us. Paul wrote in I Cor. 15:10-11, “I have labored more abundantly than they all, YET NOT I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it were I or they, so we preach and so ye believed.” Let not one grain of faith be in the wisdom of any man, but in the wisdom and power of God – WHICH IS CHRIST! - Henry Mahan
December 8, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
‘Tis not that I did choose Thee
For, Lord, that could not be
This heart would still refuse Thee
Hadst Thou not chosen me
Thou from the sin that stained me
Hast cleansed and set me free
Of old Thou hast ordained me
That I should live to Thee.
Your love had no beginning
No cause in me was found
That you should choose to save me
A sinner strongly bound
But grace not earned or sought for
Was purposed for my soul
For me, salvation wrought; for
Christ paid the dreadful toll.
‘Twas sovereign mercy called me
And taught my opening mind
The world had else enthralled me
To heav’nly glories blind
My heart owns none before Thee
For Thy rich grace I thirst
This knowing if I loved Thee
Thou must have loved me first.
(Tune: The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
*****
There will be a Christmas party for the adults at Doug and Faith Hacker’s home (505 Chinoe Road) this Friday, Dec. 13that 7:00pm. Please note the change that all food and drinks will be provided.
Birthdays
8th– Camden Proffitt 9th– Chuck Mohr 9th– Ben Small
12th– Lisa Gillispie 14th– Christie Small
“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” - Proverbs 13:4
*****
If a man or woman could be indifferent about their spouse being intimate with someone else, that would be a dead give-away that they do not really love their spouse. If a man or woman could be indifferent about someone speaking ill of and saying things that are not true about their spouse, we would reach the same conclusion, they do not really love their spouse! If I can accept that which accounts for spiritual adultery…looking for something outside of the covenant of grace, and can keep my mouth shut when my Lord is being lied upon and slandered, I fear it says the same thing…I have no real love for the Lord. “If I have not loved before, help me to begin today.”
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“There is a wide difference between your religion and mine,” said a Christian lady to one in whose spiritual condition she had long been interested. “Indeed,” said he, “how is that?” “Your religion,” she replied, “has only two letters in it, and mine has four.”
It seems that this gentleman was one of that numerous class seeking to get to heaven by their doings, by attention to ordinances and ceremonies, by what the apostle, in the ninth of Hebrews, terms “dead works.” But he did not understand about the “two letter” or the “four”. His friend had often spoken to him, and on the occasion to which our anecdote refers she had called to take her leave of him for some time, as she was about to go from home.
“What do you mean,” said he, “by two letters and four?” “Why, your religion,” said the lady “Is D-O; whereas mine is D-O-N-E.” This was all that passed. The lady took her leave, but her words remained and did their work in the soul of her friend – a revolutionary work, verily. The entire current of his thoughts was changed. DO is one thing; DONE is quite another. The former is legalism; that latter is Gospel. – Author Unknown
The sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute Sovereign, and the Sovereign of our souls; as one who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will. - Jonathan Edwards
PRAYER AND FORGIVENESS
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” - Mark 1:25-26
You cannot truly pray and have an unforgiving spirit. You are simply going through an empty and meaningless ritual which God does not hear and ensures that your sin will not be forgiven. Be quick to forgive, not simply when someone asks for your forgiveness, but when you remember that they did you wrong! In doing this, God will quickly forgive your trespasses, even before we are aware of our need for forgiveness. Shakespeare was not an inspired writer, but what he said was true…. “To err is human. To forgive is divine.”
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NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE
I either heard or read somewhere, that a particular preacher never preached from John 8:1-11,because he could not reconcile how this adulterous woman, taken in the very act of adultery by some sanctimonious Pharisee, was saved by Christ on the very spot, without her first asking for mercy, or reaching out by faith to the Savior.
But I see no issue with anything. First, if God’s Word says she is no longer condemned, then she is no longer condemned, whether we can reconcile it with our thoughts or not. Second, she was obviously one of God’s elect in Christ, because we are told in Romans 8:1that, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”, so the only way for her to not be condemned at this time, was because she was eternally united to Christ. And lastly, this is how every believer is saved – the saving comes first (in eternity), and then the calling, the repentance, the faith (in time) as evidence that God has saved you. “Who hath saved us (first), and called us with a holy calling (second), not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (II Timothy 1:9).
So we see this sister of ours was in Christ Jesus before the world began, her sins were put away by the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and Christ can pass judgment right there on the spot – “Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more” (John 8:11).– Brian DuFour
If any man ascribes anything of salvation, even the very least thing, to the free will of man, he knows nothing of grace, and he has not learned Jesus Christ rightly. - Martin Luther
December 1, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
What sacred Fountain yonder springs
Up from the Throne of God
And all new cov’nant blessings brings?
‘Tis Jesus’ precious blood!
What mighty sum paid all my debt
When I a bondman stood
And has my soul at freedom set?
‘Tis Jesus’ precious blood!
What stream is that which sweeps away
My sins just like a flood
Nor lets one guilty blemish stay?
‘Tis Jesus’ precious blood!
What voice is that which speaks for me
In heav’n’s high court for good
And from the curse has set me free?
‘Tis Jesus’ precious blood!
(Tune: “O For a Thousand Tongues” p. 46)
*****
There will be a Christmas party for the adults at Doug and Faith Hacker’s home on Friday, Dec. 13that 7:00pm. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
2nd– Susan Holthaus 2nd– Kara Imes 3rd– Kelly Byrd
4th– Jennifer Dent 4th– Eden Steeves 5th– Andy Davis
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” - Proverbs 18:19
A BROTHER OFFENDED
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle” (Proverbs 18:19). Who has not felt offended and done wrong by a brother? I would say no one is exempt from this experience. And who has not offended a brother? “In many things we offend all” (James 3:2)- whether intentionally or unintentionally. It is a very painful thing to feel disrespected, judged, slighted, and misrepresented. That person is harder to be won back than a fortified city, and the contentions they feel toward the offending party are like the bars of a fortress. May the Lord give me grace to not offend and humble myself when I do. And when offended, may I not hold a grudge and bear resentment and be hard to be won. If men are offended by our Gospel, so be it! But to offend a brother is a thoughtless, insensitive, arrogant, and selfish thing! And to stay offended is equally as wrong! May we be quick to humble ourselves and seek forgiveness when we do offend. May we be quick to forgive from the heart when we are offended.
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“And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized!”
There are people in our assemblies who have heard the Gospel of Christ with the heart. They believe Him, they love Him, and they truly rest in Him as Lord and Redeemer; but they have not confessed Christ in believer’s baptism. The question is asked, “Why tarriest thou?” I believe I can answer for them.
1. They are troubled by the presence and strength of indwelling sin – “In my flesh dwelleth no good thing.”
2. They are shocked by the weakness of their faith.
3. They fear that they will fail and dishonor the Lord and embarrass the church.
4. They are waiting for greater assurance and more grace.
5. They are by nature very timid and shun public demonstrations.
But no such reasons are valid; for in baptism we are not confessing our holiness, but His; not our strength, but His; not our life, but His! “We are dead and our life is hid with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). – Henry Mahan
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God does not say, “When I see your faith,” or “When I see your believing,” or “When I see your experience,” or “When I see your baptism,” or “When I see your graces,” but “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” - Milton Howard
“Ye Are Complete in Him”
Colossians 2:10
The believer’s standing in Christ does not fluctuate with his feelings, nor even the increase or decrease of his faith or understanding or anything else. He stands complete in Christ. God would never trust any of His children to stand before Him at anytime in their own selves – that is, in their merits or certain good frames of mind. He knows our frame. He remembers that we are yet dust. Therefore, He has on purpose provided for them this perfect standing in Christ Jesus. “Ye are complete in Him”, the Holy Ghost said. He says in another place, “Ye are perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28). The very nature of our God requires us to be perfect and complete before Him at all times. He, out of necessity therefore provided all this for His children: a perfection, a completeness, which can never be diminished. It is as unchanging as God Himself (Heb. 6:17; 13:8). Every true believer may walk though this world in perfect liberty, free from anything and everything – yes, even his sin, fear of condemnation, and all else that would cause him to doubt his completeness. He may freely come to God, worship Him, call Him “Father”, and this he may do at all times with the utmost confidence and thankfulness, because in Christ he stands, first and foremost and always, complete before God. O thanks be to God for Jesus Christ. - Bruce Crabtree
*****
In Christ, there is no further perfection to attain. In Christ, a sinner is made to be everything that God requires him to be. In Christ, wisdom is complete, righteousness is complete, sanctification is complete, and redemption is complete. To know Him is to know it all, and to have Him is to have it all. In Christ, we are as perfectly complete as we will ever be.
- Gabe Stalnaker
November 24, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
How rich the depths of love Divine
Of bliss a boundless store
Dear Saviour let me call Thee mine
I could not wish for more – I could not wish for more.
On Thee alone my hope relies
Beneath Thy cross I fall
My Lord, my life, my sacrifice
My Saviour and my all – My Saviour and my all.
How great Thy wisdom, power and grace
That in redemption shines
The heavenly hosts with joy confess
The work is all Divine – The work is all Divine.
Before His face they cast their crowns
Those crowns which Jesus gave
And with ten thousand, thousand tongues
Proclaim His power to save – Proclaim His power to save.
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
Everyone is invited to stay for lunch today following the service. There will be no evening service tonight or Wednesday the 27th. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
There will be a Christmas party for the adults at Doug and Faith Hacker’s home on Friday, Dec. 13that 7:00pm. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
24th– Martin Weinstock 25th– Sarah Lynn 26th– Adam Charron
26th- John Frye 26th– Max Murphy 28th– Lydia Lynn
30th– Bryleigh Carroll 30th– Isaac Steeves 30th– Mitch Steeves
“Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.” - Proverbs 23:13
“The Lord Said Curse David”
These were David’s words to Abshai. Shemei had cursed David and Abshai wanted to cut his head off! David replied, “So let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, curse David” (II Sam. 16:10). The thing Shemei accused David of was not true. But David knew that if Shemei knew all the truth concerning David he would say worse things! And David knew it was the sovereign God who moved Shimei to curse him. I would like to remember this, the next time someone makes an accusation against me, even if it is false. If they knew the whole truth about me, their accusation would actually be much worse. And it was my sovereign Lord who ordered them to say it. And it is among the, “All things work together for good them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”
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With all due respect to the reformers of the protestant reformation, the five solas of the reformation…Scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone, and the glory of God alone were around long before the protestant reformation. God has never left Himself without witness and it is what the true Church has always believed!
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GOOD NEWS FROM HEAVEN
The good news from heaven to lost sinners, that glorious Gospel of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ, is not a message of God’s hopeful expectations to save, but of a salvation purposed and accomplished. It is not a message of Jesus Christ knocking at the door of the sinner’s heart, hoping to gain an entrance, but of His will. It is not a message of the Holy Spirit striving with the sinner’s natural will, hoping to influence him to decide for Jesus, but of His purpose and ability to “Make sinners willing”, causing them to flee to the Lord Jesus Christ (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 110:3, John 17:2; Isaiah 53:11).
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Just as sure as His name is JESUS, He shall save His people, ALL His people, from ALL their sins. What a Savior! - Maurice Montgomery
*****
In Christ, there is no further perfection to attain. In Christ, a sinner is made to be everything that God requires him to be. In Christ, wisdom is complete, righteousness is complete, sanctification is complete, and redemption is complete. To know Him is to know it all, and to have Him is to have it all. In Christ, we are as perfectly complete as we will ever be.
- Gabe Stalnaker
GOSPEL PREACHING
Over the years I have heard a lot of definitions and explanations from many different men on what it is to preach the Gospel. In Galatians 3:1, Paul tells us plainly, simply and directly what Gospel preaching is. Gospel preaching is setting forth Jesus Christ, crucified among you. Just as Paul had told the church at Corinth that he, “Determined not to know anything among them save(or except)Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” He tells the believers in Galatia, “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” (Galatians 3:2) Did doing something save you? Or were you saved by the finished work and righteousness of God?
You see beloved, the Gospel message is, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” The message of grace is, “Jesus set forth crucified.” The Gospel is what God has done for you, not what you have done for yourself, and it certainly is not what you have done for God. Here we find two crucial truths that every believer understands. Firstly, Jesus Christ is God. Secondly, Jesus Christ, God the Son, died for the sins of His people, fulfilling the holy law of God and perfectly satisfying His holy justice. Gospel preaching is telling sinners “Who” saved them, and “how” He saved them, and “why” He saved them. It was God who saved His people. He saved them by doing for them what they could not do for themselves. And He saved them simply because He pleased to do so for the glory of His own great Name. – David Eddmenson
GOD’S SALVATION
The whole scheme of works salvation is totally dependent upon man and looks inward for all hope, happiness, help, and holiness; making man the principle object of worship, preeminence and glory. But, the whole scheme of God’s salvation is dependent upon Jesus Christ, the appointed Mediator and Substitute for sinners. This scheme of salvation looks God-ward for all hope, happiness, help, and holiness; making Jesus Christ the principle object of all worship, preeminence and glory. “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.” The grand design of God’s salvation is the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:4-5). – Tom Harding
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Christ in you, that new man created in righteousness and true holiness in the new birth, is that holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. He who is our Wisdom, Righteousness, and Redemption is our Sanctification (Holiness) too. - Don Fortner
November 17, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has borne the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
We will have a church dinner next Sunday, November 24th following the morning service. There will be no evening service the 24thor Wednesday the 27th.
There will be a Christmas party for the adults at Doug and Faith Hacker’s home on Friday, Dec. 13that 7:00pm. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
17th– Joshua Davis 21st– Zack Murphy 21st– Todd Meek
23rd– Samantha Daniel 23rd– Evan Ferrell
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” - Proverbs 10:12
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WORSHIP
David was begging God to not kill the child he had with Bathsheba. He lay on the earth and wept and fasted. But when the child died, we read, “Then David arose from the earth, and washed and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped” (II Samuel 12:20). The Lord did not give him what he asked for, and his response was worship. This reminds us that the Lord is to be worshipped for who He is, and those who worship Him worship Him for who He is. Supposed worship, worshipping only when you receive the blessing you ask for, is not worship. You only worship an absolute sovereign! Anything else is not worship!
*****
BE THOU AN EXAMPLE TO THE BELIEVERS
Paul said to Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example to the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (II Timothy 4:12). Every believer is called on by God to be an example, one to be imitated by other believers. Do not think for a moment how you live before others, the example you set, in inconsequential. If every one followed my example in these six things, and in faithfulness, generosity, and friendliness, what kind of church would this church be?
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GRACE IS NEVER WITHOUT EFFECT
Grace is not merely a doctrine but an unstoppable force of God. It is never without effect! We are chosen by grace with the undeniable effect that we are His. We are redeemed by grace with the certain effect that we are free. We are called by grace with the inescapable effect that we come to Him. We are preserved by grace with the inevitable effect that we shall be with Him forever. - Joe Terrell
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WEAK faith is TRUE faith; for the Author and Finisher is the same as the Object – Our Lord Jesus Christ.
A weak and frail hand can put food in the mouth as well as if it were a strong hand, seeing the body is not nourished by the hand at all but by the meat. It is not faith that justifies, sanctifies, and redeems – IT IS CHRIST! - John Rogers
“YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM”– Colossians 2:10
The believer’s standing in Christ does not fluctuate with his feelings, not even the increase or decrease of his faith or understanding or anything else. He stands complete in Christ. God would never trust any of His children to stand before Him at anytime in their own selves – that is, in their merits or certain good frames of mind. He knows our frame. He remembers that we are yet dust. Therefore, He has on purpose provided for them this perfect standing in Christ Jesus. “Ye are complete in Him”, the Holy Ghost said. He says in another place, “Ye are perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28). The very nature of our God requires us to be perfect and complete before Him at all times. He, out of necessity therefore provided all this for His children: a perfection, a completeness, which can never be diminished. It is as unchanging as God Himself (Heb. 6:17; 13:8). Every true believer may walk through this world in perfect liberty, free from anything and everything – yes, even his sin, fear of condemnation, and all else that would cause him to doubt his completeness. He may freely come to God, worship Him, call Him “Father”, and this he may do at all times with the utmost confidence and thankfulness, because in Christ he stands, first and foremost and always, complete before God. O thanks be to God for Jesus Christ. – Bruce Crabtree
*****
THE DOCTRINES OF GOD’S GRACE
You cannot vanquish a sovereign grace believer. You may think you can, but you cannot. The stones of the great doctrines of grace so fit into each other that the more pressure there is applied to remove them, the more strenuously do they adhere! And mark, my friend, that you cannot receive ONE of the doctrines of God’s grace without believing ALL OF THEM! If you hold that man is utterly depraved, you must draw the conclusion that life and salvation must come from God alone and that our God has the right to give or withhold His mercy as He wills. And if no man will come to Christ unless God chooses and calls him, then you are forced to believe that God elects His people in Christ, the Lord Jesus justifies them by His blood, and through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth all of His elect will receive Christ, believe and love Him until God calls them to His glory. Charles Spurgeon once wrote: “Regarding the words of Romans 8:29-30, a man must receive the whole or reject the whole! It puts a strain on judgment and discernment to think that one may believe two or three of these points and not the rest. The doctrines of the fall, election, particular redemption, effectual call, and perseverance stand like soldiers in a square, presenting on every side a line of defense which is hazardous to attack and easy to maintain.” “For whom He did predestinate, them He also called, and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified” (Romans 8:30). - Copied
November 10, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Saviour, friend of sinners
We as such to Thee draw near
Let Thy spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Saviour, let us know Thee
As the Lord our Righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will have a church dinner on Sunday, November 24thfollowing the morning service. There will be no evening service the 24thor Wednesday the 27th.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Emily Elliott this Saturday November 16that 10:00am in the fellowship hall. Sign up sheet in the foyer.
Birthdays
10th– David Wright 11th– Elizabeth Charron 11th– Peggy Mohr
11th– Hannah Summers 11th– Jenny Williams
15th– Carter Steeves 16th– Pamela Weinstock
“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger: and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.” - Proverbs 19:11
DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD
David’s town of Ziglag had been raided by the Amalekites. David and his men return to find their wives, children, and goods gone. I Samuel 30:4says they wept until they had no more power to weep. Verse 6 tells us, “David was greatly distressed, for the people spake of stoning him.” He had the personal grief of losing his wives and children and his men were laying the blame at his feet. There was nothing by way of circumstances to be encouraged about. “But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” No matter how dark things may appear, the believer always has a reason for encouragement. The Lord is on the Throne ruling and reigning. His will is always being done. He is All-powerful. Nothing can prevent that. He is too wise to err. He is too kind to be cruel. He is good all of the time. As long as the Lord is God, no matter how bleak things may appear, we all have every reason to be encouraged.
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DOVE AND THE RAVEN
Why did the dove return to the ark and the raven never return? Because the raven could live off the dead, decaying animals drowned in the flood. But the dove could not. It had to return to the ark for its food. The raven represents the religious man who does not know Christ. He is satisfied with the dead, rotting works of the flesh. But the true believer must return to Christ his ark for food. The mark of a true believer is that he is continually coming to Christ for the same thing! Mercy and grace! He cannot be satisfied with anything less.
*****
NOT ALL HOPE IS HOPE
“They were confounded because they had hoped;
they came hither, and were ashamed.” - Job 6:20
There will be many who will be confounded when they stand before the Lord and hear Him say, “Depart from me, I never knew you.”
Many hope to go to heaven and to miss hell. They hope in their morality, their faith, and their works; they hope in everything under heaven, but never in the one seated at God’s right hand. Jesus Christ is all the hope that God the Father has given to sinners. The only hope that any sinner has in salvation is Christ Himself; if I have Him, I have all that God demands. O sinner, make sure that Jesus Christ is the sum and substance of all your hope; if so, all is well (I Timothy 1:1). - John Chapman
LET US NOT BE DISCOURAGED
We preach the Gospel of God’s sovereign, free grace in Christ Jesus the Lord; that salvation is in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, according to the Word alone. For the most part, the message is rejected, but do not be discouraged, it has ever been so! Elijah thought he was the only one left who believed God. Isaiah wrote, “Who hath believed our report and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” When the Lord Himself preached in His hometown of Nazareth, the people marveled at His gracious words when He spoke of the blessings, but when He spoke of sovereign mercy, they tried to kill Him! The apostle Paul was accused of being a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition, the ringleader of a sect and was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. But remember, it is written: “The Word of God is not bound”, “My Word shall not fail” and“This is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you.” - Charles Pennington
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Remember, sinner, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee – it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee – it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ (though that is the instrument) – it is Christ’s blood and merits; therefore, look not to the hope, but to Christ, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Christ, the author and finisher of thy faith.
– C. H. Spurgeon
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BEST FRIEND
The best friend you can have on this earth is one who will tell you the truth. One who will not help make you comfortable in a refuge of lies. One who speaks the truth to you in love. One who will continue to do so though you may not appreciate his doing so. May I be such a friend that the blood of others be not on my hands. - Donnie Bell
November 3, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Come, Thou Almighty Comforter
And Bring upon Thy wing
Sweet consolation to each soul
That we may praise and sing.
We want to hear, we want to see
We want to know Christ more
We want sweet foretastes of His love
As we have had before.
And shall we come in vain to God?
O Lord, that cannot be
Thy promise stands engaged to come
And bless e’vn two or three.
Lord, give more love, more sincere faith
More confidence in Thee
Break off our legal chains, O God
And let our souls free.
(Tune: “Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” p. 158)
*****
Aaron Greenleaf will preach this morning and Frank Tate this evening. Remember these men today as they preach the Gospel. I am visiting with Missionary Walter Groover in Merida, Mexico and will preach for the churches there along with Donnie Bell. We will also teach at the preacher’s class on Monday. Austin Groover will translate for all the services. I will return home on Tuesday, Lord willing.
The preacher’s class will meet on Saturday, Nov. 9that 10:00am. All men are invited to attend.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Emily Elliott on Saturday November 16thin the fellowship hall.
Birthdays
3rd– Conner Dickerson 3rd– Jeff Sullivan 4th– Laura Benton
4th– Steve Sligh 5th– Michael Burton 5th- Macy Greenleaf
5th– Chris Morris 5th– Logan Small 6th– Lauren Burton
8th– Daniel Holthaus 9th– Delena Creamer 9th– Ryan Vincent
10th– David Wright
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
MONSTROUS IMPLICATIONS
Let me say at the outset, the Bible does not teach or imply that Christ died for all men without exception. He died for the elect, His sheep, His church. Yet most of what goes on under the name of Christianity teaches He died for all men without exception. There are even men who say they believe in election who still believe His blood was shed for all men without exception. Such teaching and preaching has these six monstrous implications….
1. If Christ died for all men without exception and all men without exception are not saved, then He failed in His intentions. 2. If He died for all men without exception and some that He died for are not saved, His death does not saved. 3. If He died for the sins of all men without exception and some of those men are still punished for their sins God is not just. He punishes the same sin twice! 4. If Christ died for man that God loved and they are not saved, God’s love is meaningless. He can love you and you can still be damned. 5. If God loves all men and Christ died for all, God is not immutable. He changes in His disposition toward the men that are under His wrath. 6. If Christ died for all men without exception and all without exception are not saved, salvation is by works. Christ’s death did not make the difference, but what the sinner does or fails to do.
Universal redemption is more than a mistake in theology. It is a denial of the Gospel and a message of salvation by works. The implications of such teaching are truly monstrous.
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FOLLOW AFTER CHARITY
Paul had already said that charity was the more excellent way, that it never failed, and that it was the greatest of the three things that abide: faith, hope, and charity. And he then calls on us to follow charity. The same word is translated “press”. Press toward charity. “Pursue.” Pursue charity. “Given.” Given to charity. Make charity your aim, goal, and objective. Follow after love to God as He is; a love that is not only in word, but in deed and truth. Follow after love to His people; a love that loves them as He loves them. Follow after love toward all men; a love that expresses itself in preaching the Gospel to them and doing them good. This is the true badge of discipleship. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
BETRAYED WITH A KISS
Judas betrayed his Master with a KISS! He came to the Lord with evil in his heart, the price of a compromise in his hand, religious devils at his side, and said, “Hail Master”, as he planted a KISS on the Lord’s cheek!
This is how most apostates and compromisers operate; they betray the Son of God and the Gospel of grace WITH A KISS. They talk of love, humility, morality, and sugar and spice while they sell out to the religious world and betray the sovereign Son of God. And men watch their pretended affection and hear their words, “Hail Master”, spoken so softly, smoothly, humble, and sweetly, and they say, “Can such devout people be ENEMIES of the Lord?”
Do not be deceived; sometimes the most devout looking, religious people can be the most hypocritical in the world. Do not be deceived by their kisses. LISTEN TO THEIR GOSPEL! Peter, bearing the sword, had more grace than Judas, who came with a kiss. - Henry Mahan
All of the adjectives we use for grace like sovereign, free, and saving are inherent in the word. When we speak of the Biblical word grace, it is always the grace of God that loves, elects, predestinates, justifies, redeems, calls, regenerates, preserves, and glorifies. Any use of the word grace that does not comprehend all of those things is not the grace of God. It is the word grace without the meaning of grace.
The sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute sovereign, and the sovereign of our souls; as One who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will.
- Jonathan Edwards
Faith is not understanding God or figuring Him out intellectually. Faith is simply believing with our hearts and minds that everything God has recorded and promised in His Word is true even if we do not understand it.
- David Eddmenson
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So great is the depravity of unregenerate man that, although there is nothing that he needs more than the Gospel, there is nothing that he desires less. - Copied
October 27, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
To Him that chose us first
Before the world began
To Him that bore the curse
To save rebellious man
To Him that form’d our hearts anew
Is endless praise and glory due. (Repeat)
The Father’s love shall run
Through our immortal songs
We bring to God the Son
Hosannas on our tongues
Our lips address the Spirit’s Name
With equal praise, and zeal the same. (Repeat)
Let every saint above
And angel round the throne
Forever bless and love
The sacred Three in One
Thus heaven shall raise His honors high
When earth and time grow old and die. (Repeat)
(Tune: “Arise, My soul Arise”)
*****
The preacher’s class will meet on Saturday, Nov. 9that 10:00am. All men are invited to attend.
Birthdays
27th– Mark Mohr 27th– Aaron Warta 28th– Drew Charron
28th– Emma Steeves 30th– Tucker Greenleaf 1st– Charles McGuire
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
AM OR WAS?
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief” (I Tim. 1:15). What if Paul said, “Of whom I was the chief, but since God saved me, by His grace I have progressively become more holy and less sinful! Through Bible study, prayer and self-denial I have become more conformed to the image of Christ and less sinful than I formerly was.” If that were his words, I would be forced to conclude that I am not saved. I cannot honestly say that is my experience! Thank God Paul did not say, “of whom I was” but, “of whom I am the chief” – present tense! This enables me to put myself in the group that Christ came to save! That lets me know not to look to myself, and find assurance from the progress I am making. If I am presently the chief of sinners, I have nowhere else to look but to Christ!
*****
SOME THOUGHTS ON CRITICISM
We have all been guilty of being too critical toward others and we have all experienced the fires of criticism leveled against us. Here are some thoughts concerning being critical and being criticized.
Regarding being critical, may we always remember that what we criticize others for we are guilty of ourselves (Romans 2:1)! Also remember, “With the same measure you meter withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38)…you will be criticized in the same proportion that you criticize. Even if we have good reason to be critical, there is a desire in our criticism to make our own candle shine brighter by exposing the dimness of others. I wonder how much criticism would escape our lips if we thought of these things.
Regarding being criticized, there is an element of truth in all criticism leveled against us (and sometimes they are grossly understated). May God give us grace to receive the criticism and improve our character. Yes, criticism hurts, but do not be too hurt. Remember all that matters is what God sees. In the grand scheme of things, it does not matter all that much what men think of you. Paul said to the Corinthians, “It is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment” (I Corinthians 4:3). And do not hold a grudge against the one who has criticized you. “Take heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: for often times also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others” (Ecc. 7:21-22). May we be harder on ourselves than we are on others, and may we profit from the criticism that is made toward us. Criticism can be constructive!
The doctrines of the Gospel, commonly known as the doctrines of grace, are distinguished for this peculiarity above every other, namely, that they sink the creature very low, and present the Lord Jehovah before us as sitting on a Throne, high and lifted up. So true is this, that the most uneducated Christian may, even if he is incapable of refuting an erroneous discourse, always be able to discover the untruthfulness if it glorifies man at the expense of God. The merest babe of grace may carry this test with him. In the midst of the diversity of opinion which he is surrounded, he may always judge, and judge infallibly too, of the truth or falsehood of a doctrine by testing it thus – DOES IT GLOIFY GOD? If it be so it is true. Does this exalt man? Then it must be false. On the other hand, does it lay man very low, and speak of him in terms which tend to make him feel his guilt? Then doubtless, it is full of truth. And does it put the crown upon the head of God, and not upon the head of man’s free will, or free agency, or good works? Then assuredly it is a doctrine according to godliness, for it is the very truth of the Lord our God. - Charles Spurgeon
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The most humbling and challenging thing that I face…the great concern of my heart….is that my generation experience a return to the preaching of the Gospel of God’s grace. This generation is plagued with a gospel of works and are strangers to the Gospel of redemption. I want a return to the message that takes away all of the glory and dignity of the flesh and proclaims the redemptive glory of Christ. The results of this message will be a sense of the awesome holiness of God, the inability and sinfulness of the flesh, and the total sufficiency of the Person and work of Christ. Perhaps once again we will hear men and women cry…. “Depths of mercy can there be, mercy still reserved for me? Can my God His wrath forbear, and me, the chief of sinners, spare?” - Henry Mahan
*****
For every pain we must bear, for every sorrow, every care,
There is a reason!
For every falsehood that is said, for every tear that is shed
There is a reason!
Fore very grief, for every trial, for every weary lonely mile
There is a reason!
For we will trust God as we should
All this will work together for our good
Because our God is the reason!
(Romans 8:28-39)
- Anon
October 20, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
When this passing world is done
When has sunk yon radiant sun
When I stand with Christ on high
Looking o’er life’s history
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
When I hear the wicked call
On the rocks and hills to fall
When I see them start and shrink
On the fiery deluge brink
Then Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
When I stand before Thy Throne
Dressed in beauty not my own
When I see Thee as Thou art
Love Thee with un-sinning heart
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me
Wakened up from wrath to flee
Hidden in the Savior’s side
By His Spirit sanctified
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show
By Thy love, how much I owe.
(Tune: “For the Beauty of the Earth” p. 54)
*****
Birthdays
21st– Tim Scifres 22nd– Samuel Kincer
24th– Carla Bryan 27th– Norman Frye
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” - Proverbs 12:15
*****
IS GOD IN ALL YOUR THOUGHTS?
“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” - Psalm 10:4
This does not mean a believer is continually thinking about God all of the time. He may go hours without thinking about Him at all. But he does believe that God is absolutely sovereign, in control of everything, everybody, and every event. He believes that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” He knows that not a sparrow falls to the ground without his heavenly Father. God is in all of his thoughts. The wicked through their pride and high thoughts of themselves and low thoughts of God have not God in all of their thoughts. They think they have some control. They believe themselves to have a free will that will determine their destiny. They will find out when it is too late that this was not true!
*****
“I am the way…. no man cometh to the Father but by Me.” He is always the way, at all times, that excludes all other ways! If we have had some liberty in prayer, reading the Scriptures, and have felt His presence, we dare not come on that ground. If we have committed sin in a pre-meditated way, we are not to think that we cannot come because of that. The implication of that kind of thinking is if we had not committed that sin we could come. At all times, for every believer, He is the only way to the Father. We only come by Him.
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“It pleased the Lord to bruise Him.” - Isaiah 53:10
The death of Christ pleased every attribute of the Father. The death of Christ pleased God’s wisdom. The death of Christ enables God to be both just and justifier. The death of Christ pleased God’s justice. Christ suffered for the sin of His people until the debt was paid in full. The death of Christ pleased God’s mercy and grace. The death of Christ enables God to be merciful to His people in justice because their sin has been put away. Since Christ died God can justify the ungodly, God can forgive sin, and God can accept His people into His presence because He is pleased with them in Christ. - Frank Tate
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If you feel terribly carnal, unspiritual, and unholy in someone’s presence, you can be sure that that is precisely the way that person intended to make you feel by his or her pretentious show of godliness. – Don Fortner
CHRIST OUR SURETY
Our Surety is expressly said to have been made both sin and a curse for His redeemed, that they “might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (II Cor. 5:21; Galatians 3:13). And what a blessedness is there contained in this one view of the completeness of the church in Jesus! So that, in the very moment that the child of God feels the workings of corruption within him, and is groaning under a body of sin and death, which he carries about with him, though he sees nothing in himself but sin and imperfection, yea, sometimes, as it appears to him growing imperfections, yet looking to the Lord Jesus as his Surety, and considering the Redeemer’s holiness, and not anything in himself, as the standard of justification, here he rests his well-founded hope. This was blessedly set forth by the Holy Ghost - “Surely, shall one say, even to Him shall men come, and all that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed” (Isaiah 45:24). - Robert Hawker
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“For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.”
Hebrews 13:9
Men may establish their heart with something other than grace, many do, but sooner or later they will find that they have built upon the sand. Some establish their heart trusting in their free will, their decision, praying the sinner’s prayer, being baptized, church membership or their morality. They establish their heart with a lie. Everything other than grace is something that man does, and God will not accept the works of fallen sinful man.
Grace speaks of what God has done and He does it all without merit or desert on the part of those who experience His amazing grace. All of the sinner’s salvation is attributed to grace, and this is the way the heart must be established. God’s eternal love, election, redemption by the blood of Christ, and the calling of the Holy Spirit are all because of God’s grace. The apostle wrote, “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Rom. 5:20).
Grace gives all the glory to God in salvation! “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). - David Pledger
*****
God does not permit things to happen. He purposed all that comes to pass in time before time began (Romans 11:36; Isaiah 45:7). And all that He ordained from eternity and performs in time is good. Let men think and say what they will, God says concerning all that comes to pass in time, “This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth” (Isaiah 14:26-27).
- Don Fortner
October 13, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Great Father of glory, how rich is Thy grace!
What wonderful love is displayed in Thy face!
In Jesus Thy image, with brightness we view
With hope to be formed in that likeness anew.
Oh wonder of wonders! Astonished I gaze
To see in a manger, the Ancient of Days!
From sin to release us, that yoke so long worn
My God, my Creator, of woman was born!
For unworthy sinners, my Lord bowed His head
For unworthy sinners, He suffered and bled
My spirit rejoices; the work is all done!
My soul is redeemed, my salvation is won!
Great Father of glory, how rich is Thy grace!
What wonderful love is displayed in Thy face!
In Him our Beloved, we’re washed in His blood
With confidence come to the throne of our God.
(Tune: “How Firm a Foundation” p. 268)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
College Grove Grace Church Bible Conference is this weekend Oct. 18-20.
Birthdays
13th– Jaime Greenleaf 14th– Tom Fitzpatrick 14th– Maybelle Lynn
17th– Abigail Sullivan 18th– Dwayne Imes 18th– Julianna Rigsby
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.” - Proverbs 17:4
“It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good.” - I Samuel 3:18
This was Eli’s response to Samuel’s message. Samuel told him his house would be judged and his two sons would die because, “They made themselves vile and he restrained them not.” Two things. (1) Eli saw his own sin in the wickedness of his two sons. He had been a poor parent. (2) But he had such a trust in the Lord that he believed whatever He did was good because He did it. No other explanation is needed. This was not an unwilling resignation because there was nothing he could do to change it. But He believed whatever the Lord does is good. He does not do it because it is good. It is good because He does it. That is the fruit of faith… a willing resignation to His will. As the Lord said, “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Luke 10:21).
*****
The believer has the new nature that never sins and the old nature that always sins. This does not provide him with an excuse for sin nor a reason to not battle his sin. But it does explain why he is so sinful. Amazingly and mysteriously it is the new man that owns and confesses the sins of the old man!
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On that day that I stand before God in judgment, due to my union with Jesus Christ, I will not stand, “Just as if I had never sinned.” I will stand as one, “Who has never sinned.” That is what true justification does for this sinner. - David Eddmenson
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Neither salvation nor sanctification is in any way a cooperative effort. When Peter was sinking beneath the waves, he did not say, “Lord, nothing is going to happen today that you and I together cannot handle.” He said, “Lord, save me.” - Chris Cunningham
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Martin Luther once gave some very good martial advice. He said, “Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.”
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There is not a word in the Bible that can be understood without reference to the cross. Martin Luther
THAT’S NOT FAIR
“That’s not fair” is a statement that you would expect to hear from a child on a school playground. It is also a statement that we have come to expect to hear on the playground of man’s free-will works religion. But the enlightened soul knows that “fair” would find us all in hell suffering under the wrath, judgment, and justice of God. I don’t want what’s fair. I don’t want what I have coming. I don’t want what I deserve. I want mercy. I am so thankful that God gives sinners mercy for Christ’s sake. The sovereign God of Scripture is discriminating. God distinguishes some from others. It is lawful, it is right, for God to do what He wills with His own (Matt. 20:15). God has mercy, but it is on whom He will have mercy. God will show compassion, but only on those whom He chooses to do so. Is the redemption of some and the passing over of others fair? It is more than fair, it is right, it is just, making salvation a gracious act of God’s mercy. To those who cry, “That’s not fair”, the Scripture replies, “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (Rom. 9:20). Child of God, thank the Lord for His sovereign, saving, discriminating and distinguishing grace found in Christ Jesus. - David Eddmenson
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“GOD OVER ALL”OR NOT AT ALL!
If there is but one little germ somewhere in this vast universe which is not under God’s dominion and control, then two things are true: (1) God is not, “God over all”as the Scriptures so plainly and universally declare Him to be. (2) My life, health, and well-being is merely a matter of chance. I cannot honestly thank God for life and health, nor can He honestly ask for nor receive thanks from me.
If there is but one demon somewhere out there in this vast universe which is not under God’s sovereign dominion and control, then my soul is in deep trouble; and if I am ever finally saved at all, it will be merely a matter of chance. I have no power against demons, and if just one of them is active outside the sphere of God’s dominion and control, then the “Sure mercies of David”are not so sure at all.
The only sure hope for any real sinner is an absolutely sovereign Lord and Savior. There and there only can a poor, weak, sinful soul confidently rest in peace. The great apostle to the Gentiles said, “I know WHOM I have believed, and am persuaded that HE is able to KEEP that which I have committed unto HIM against that day” (II Tim. 1:12). The great God and Savior of His people can and shall keep His saints because HE is indeed “GOD OVER ALL”. Believe on HIM and thou SHALT be saved!
- Maurice Montgomery
October 6, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
When this passing world is done
When has sunk yon radiant sun
When I stand with Christ on high
Looking o’er life’s history
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
When I stand before Thy Throne
Dressed in beauty not my own
When I see Thee as Thou art
Love Thee with unsinning heart
Then, Lord, shall I fully know
Not ‘til then, how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me
Wakened up from wrath to flee
Hidden in the Saviour’s side
By His Spirit sanctified
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show
By Thy love, how much I owe.
(Tune: “Rock of Ages” p. 126)
*****
Aaron Greenleaf will bring the message this morning and Frank Tate the evening message. I am on vacation and will return Tuesday.
Birthdays
7th– Sharon Fugate 8th– Jimmy Hicks 8th– Charles Nibert 10th– Wilma Stephens 11th– Hunter Small 12th– Doug Hacker
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” - Proverbs 18:19
WHAT FREE WILL DENIES
Before we can see what free will denies, we first have to know what is meant by free will. Free will says that a man’s destiny is dependent upon the choices he makes. His will is free to choose to allow God to save him, or reject God’s offer of salvation. His eternal destiny is determined by his free will.
If I believe my will is free, there are three things I deny. (1) I deny that God is sovereign. I say His sovereignty does not extend to my will. That is a complete denial of His sovereignty. (2) I deny that I am a sinner in the Biblical definition of the word. According to the Bible, men are dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1). That means they are completely unable to do anything to save themselves. Free will is a denial of that. (3) Free will is a denial of free grace. You cannot believe in salvation by grace and free will. Free will is nothing less than salvation by works. The teaching of free will is a denial of the Gospel!
*****
When Paul said, “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified”, he is not saying that is the only theme he was going to preach on, and will ignore everything else. He is saying that is the only message there is. There are no other themes to ignore.
*****
When I am brought to the place of seeing present tense I have nothing to recommend myself to God, and have nowhere to look but Christ alone, I have been brought to a good place and the only safe place. Christ is always the only way to the Father all the time!
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“Go ye unto all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). He does not say wait for them to come to you. It is our responsibility to see to it that all men hear the Gospel. The results are in His hands.
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The feather flies in the wind, but it has no inherent power to move; and consequently, when the gale is over, it falls to the ground. Such is the religion of excitement. But the eagle has life within itself, and its wings bear it aloft and onward whether the breeze favors it or not. Such is religion when sustained by conviction of the Truth. - C. H. Spurgeon
*****
I should never have found peace with God nor come to love the Lord at all if it had not been that I distinctly saw that He, Who knew no sin, was made sin for me that I may be made the righteousness of God in Him. – C. H. Spurgeon
THE OBTAINING OF MERCY
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
To obtain mercy we begin by asking for mercy. To ask for mercy presupposes these three things. (1) I have no merit. (2) My sin is all my fault. If I do not take complete responsibility for my sin, I cannot really ask for mercy. (3) Mercy is in His hands to give or withhold. If the Lord passes me by, I cannot complain of unfairness. Once again, if I do, I am no longer asking for mercy, but demanding my right. And we are told to come to the Throne of grace with boldness, cheerful confidence, to obtain this mercy! How can we do that without being presumptuous? “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace (free, unmerited favor),that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Those who truly come obtain mercy!
*****
WEAKNESS AND ACCOUNTIBILITY
Aaron is called in Psalm 106:16, “The saint of the Lord.” Without question he was a believer. But he was a weak man. When the children of Israel told him to make them gods which would go before them, Aaron complied and became the chief participant in this great sin (Ex. 32:1-5). Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them” (Ex. 32:22). Aaron refused to take responsibility…he said that the people were set on mischief, so they gave me gold, “And there came out this calf” (Ex. 32:24). He was the one who fashioned the golden calf with a graving tool (Ex. 32:2-4). Yet he would not admit responsibility!
If I blame someone or something else for my wrong behavior, my weakness in not the problem. It is someone or something else’s fault. But when I see it is my fault, because of my sinful weakness, I will cry to the Lord for strength, and He will help me. That is what Paul meant when he said, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (II Cor. 12:10). Wherever you find a person who refuses accountability and personal responsibility, you will find a person who remains a weakling. When somebody sees their sinful weakness is the problem, they will cry to the Lord for strength.
September 29, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Compared with Christ, in all beside
No beauty can I see
The one thing needful, dearest Lord
Is to be one with Thee.
The sense of Thy redeeming love
Into my soul convey
Thyself bestow, for Thee alone
My All-in All, I pray.
Less Than Thyself will not suffice
My comfort to restore
More than Thyself I cannot crave
And Thou cans’t give no more.
Loved of my God, for Him again
With love intense I’d burn
Chosen of Thee ere time began
I’d choose Thee in return.
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
*****
Direct TV that we are viewed on is increasing from 22 million homes to over 50 million. The weekly cost will increase from $350.00 to $700.00. The difference between TV and the internet is the internet begins with your search. TV is seeking to reach those who have no interest and creating an interest. If the Lord provides, I believe we should continue do this. I have been encouraged that some people have heard and believed the Gospel who never had before.
Birthdays
30th– Garrett Gillispie 3rd– Paul Harries 4th– Ian Anjos 4th– Alex DuFour 4th– Emma Ferrell 5th– Susan Sligh
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.” - Proverbs 11:1
YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1
The appeal to present our bodies a living sacrifice is the mercies of God. Not a hope of gain or a fear of loss. But the saving mercies of God which are set forth in the first 11 chapters of Romans. The call is to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Everything we are is housed in our bodies. A failure to present the body is to hold something back. We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. We are not dictating to Him what to do or what we will do. We are saying, “Here I am.” We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Nothing less is a true presentation of our bodies. This is our reasonable service. Anything less is completely unreasonable. The same word is used by Paul in Romans 6:13, “Yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead.” By grace, may we be so moved by the mercies of God that we present ourselves to Him a living sacrifice every day. Anything less is utterly unreasonable.
*****
THE TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS
II Corinthians 4:6-7
“The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in Christ Jesus” is called a TREASURE because it is RICH TRUTH which sets men free; it has RICH BLESSINGS such as wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; it contains RICH AND PRECIOUS PROMISES; it brings to us the RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN CHRIST.
This treasure is “in earthen vessels”, meaning the ministers to whom God entrusts this Gospel and through whom He sends the Gospel to His sheep. These ministers are God’s men; but they are still men, weak and frail, subject to like passions and infirmities, “That the Excellency of the power may be of God and not of us.” Whatever is accomplished in the proclamation of the Gospel by these men is the result of God’s purpose and work, certainly not of us. Paul wrote in I Cor. 15:10, “I have labored more abundantly than they all, YET NOT I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it were I or they, so we preach and so ye believe.” Let not one grain of faith be in the wisdom of any man, but in the wisdom and power of God – WHICH IS CHRIST! - Henry Mahan
ALL OF GRACE
I am not one of God’s elect because of something good God saw in me. There never was, is not now, and never will be any good in our flesh. “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing.” Paul said he knew it. The problem with most religious folks is they do not know it and until they do, they will continue to brag and boast of what they have done for God.
I am not one of God’s elect because of something God saw I would do. Left to my own will, I would have continued in darkness and even now would depart from God.
I am not one of God’s elect because God needed me. It bothers me when we leave the impression with anyone that God or the church of the Lord Jesus can profit any way from our presence, influence, or gifts. When will we ever learn that we are receivers and beggars? There is not one ounce of goodness in any son of Adam that could be used to commend one’s self to God. “What hast thou that thou did not receive?”
By the grace of God, I am what I am. It was grace that set me apart before time was. It was His grace that made me an object of His love. It was His grace that laid hold of me when I was in the pit and brought me to the Lord Jesus. And if it be my lot to continue in the faith, to grow in faith and love, to die in hope, and be raised in Glory, it will be all of grace. Thanks be unto Him who alone is worthy of glory and honor.
“Here I raise mine Ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I’m come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home.”
- Donnie Bell
September 22, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Wherewith shall we approach the Lord
And bow before His throne?
By trusting in His faithful Word
And pleading Christ alone.
The blood, Thy righteousness, and love
Of Jesus will we plead
He lives within the veil above
For us to intercede.
Sure ground and sure foundation, too
We find in His dear Name
Herein we ev’ry blessing view
And ev’ry favor claim.
Then let His Name forever be
To us supremely dear
Our only, all-prevailing plea
For all our hope is there.
(Tune: “O God Our Help” p. 10)
*****
Frank Tate, pastor of the Hurricane Road Grace Church in Ashland will bring the message tonight.
Birthdays
23rd– Holly Hardin 25th – Annie Martin 25th– Darrell Williams
26th– Amanda Mohr 27th– Ryleigh DuFour 27th– Gavin Gillispie
28th– John Parker 28th– Ben Walmsley
“In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.” - Proverbs 14:3
Liberty is freedom to do what you want to do. Liberty to an unbeliever is freedom to sin without restraint and without any temporal or eternal consequences. To the believer, liberty is to not sin. He will only feel completely free when he is no longer a sinner. And that day is coming. “I will be satisfied when I awake in Thy likeness.” Liberty is also being debt free. The unbeliever can never experience this. He believes in salvation by works and knows nothing of the joy and peace of believing. The believer knows salvation is 100% in Christ, by grace. He stands without debt before God’s holy law, and is perfect before God. But he still has a good kind of debt. “Oh to grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be.”
What is a good conscience? It is not necessarily a clear conscience. That is generally a seared conscience that cannot see sin. It is not a guilty conscience that acknowledges wrong doing. Simply acknowledging wrong doing does not take away the guilt. A good conscience is a conscience that has nothing to feel guilty about! In Christ I am justified. I have nothing to feel guilty about.
No sinner can or will turn to God until he has been turned by God. None can or will call upon the Name of the Lord until they have been called, effectually and irresistibly called, by the Lord. None can or will come to Christ for grace until Christ has come to him in grace. – Don Fortner
The doctrine of universal atonement is nothing short of universal blasphemy, asserting that Christ died in vain for the multitudes who perish in hell. - Don Fortner
THE GRACE OF GIVING
The average person who gives money, gifts, or charity to others may think that this gift of whatever he gives should be regarded as a loss, certainly not called assets, nor investments, nor gain. That is not so! Gifts, money, and alms given to others is no more loss than the seed planted by the farmer is loss. Anything given to others in the name of Christ, for the glory of our Lord, is not loss, but gain in every way. Our Lord said in Luke 6:38, “Give and it shall be given to you…for with the same measure that you give withal it shall be given to you.” This is saying that God uses the same container or measure for our gifts to us as we use for our gifts to others. The more generous the farmer is with his seed, the greater the harvest; and the more generous and loving and giving we are enabled to be, the greater the blessing. No! Giving is not a loss, but a great gain. A person may say, “I cannot afford to give.” If we have an understanding of the grace of God, we cannot afford not to give. – Henry Mahan
The Bible plainly teaches the absolute sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ in the dispensation of His saving grace (John 5:21-26; 10:16; 17:2). The fact that dead sinners are made alive is clear proof of His sovereign power – only God can give life! The fact that some are made alive and not all is clear proof of His free exercise of that sovereign power – there is no strength, no ability, and no degrees in death! The Bible also plainly teaches the graciousness of the Lord Jesus Christ in the exercise of His sovereign and universal rule. The fact that all of His enemies are not already in hell is clear proof of His graciousness (Psalm 2; Psalm 110; Rom. 9:21; Rev. 6:12-17).
- Maurice Montgomery
SOVEREING GRACE
Man’s entire apostasy and death in sin, so that he cannot save himself, and God’s entire supremacy, so that He saves whom He will, are doctrines exceedingly distasteful to human pride. But they are Scriptural. Why was one thief saved and the other lost? “Even so Father for so it seemed good in Thy sight” (Matt. 11:25-27). God was not bound to save the one and He had power enough to have saved the other, and neither could save himself. What made the difference? The Sovereign grace of God!
- Horatius Bonar
September 15, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
When is it Christians all agree
And let distinctions fall?
When, nothing in themselves, they see
That Christ is All in All! (Repeat)
But strife and difference will subsist
While men will something seem
Let them but singly look to Christ
And all are one in Him!
The infant, and the aged saint,
The worker, and the weak
They who are strong and seldom faint
And they who scarce can speak!
Eternal life’s the gift of God
It comes through Christ alone
‘Tis His – He bought it with His blood
And therefore gives His own!
We have no life, no power, no faith
But what by Christ is given
We all deserve eternal death
And thus we all are even!
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
We rejoice with Roscoe Bowling who confessed Christ in believer’s baptism.
Birthdays
16th– Lyn Covert 18th– Heather Ham
10th– Kaitlyn Burton 20th– Doug Hardin
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” - Proverbs 10:12
We read the word ‘Christian’ three times and ‘believer’ twice in the Word of God. They are good, Scriptural words. But we read the word ‘saint’ over one hundred times. Sanctified ones. Holy ones. Chosen to be holy by the Father in election (Eph. 1:4). Declared to be holy by the Son in His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14). Made holy by the Spirit of God in regeneration (I John 3:9). Set apart by the Father, Son, and Spirit. What a blessed privilege and high calling… to be a saint of God! It is the saint that pants after God. It is the saint that cries out, “Oh wretched man that I am.” He only hates the sin of his old nature. The new nature the saint has here he will have in heaven! The only difference will be he no longer has a sinful nature. What a blessing of grace, what a future, to be a saint!
People of God. We can plan and arrange our worship services perfectly according to Scripture, sing just the right songs, pray fervently and Scripturally and even deliver a well studied, God honoring message from the Word of God, but we cannot worship unless the Lord Himself graces our presence with His, and blesses us to do so. Pray for it. Let us seek Him, this very morning that we may find. - Chris Cunningham
Look at a candle and how it burns. The more the light shines, the more the candle diminishes. What a beautiful illustration of the believer in Christ! The more he learns the Gospel of Christ, the more precious Christ becomes and the less he thinks of himself. One who is truly the Lord’s shines forth the light of HIS righteousness, grace, goodness, mercy, forgiveness, and truth. In so shining, self does not get bigger and more noticeable – the CHRIST does! The glory is not to self but to HIM. John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). – Copied
Our speech betrays us; those who do not know Christ speak great things concerning themselves; those who do know Christ speak greater things concerning Him. - Tommy Robbins
We have no power from God unless we live in the persuasion that we have none of our own. - John Owen
Two things that always go together are holiness and humility. The absence of one is the absence of the other.
SPECIAL PEOPLE
“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy
God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above
all people that are upon the face of the earth.” -Deuteronomy 7:6
When the doctrine of election is declared, those who do not embrace it often accuse those who do of thinking they are “special” by saying things like, “You believe that you are the only ones that will be saved!” God’s people do not think that they are special. But God says they are! The only thing in the elect children of God that makes them special is the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:27). They take no glory in their salvation, for they did nothing to save themselves (Ephesians 2:8). They do not take pride in their redemption, for it is God who declares that His elect will be the only ones who are saved (Romans 8:29-30).No, God’s people do not think they are special. Being unholy, they believe that God made them holy in Christ. Being unworthy, they trust that God made them worthy in Christ. Being ordinary, common wretches, they know that they have been chosen to be a special people unto God by the work and righteousness of His Son, who is infinitely special to Him! God’s people are “SPECIAL PEOPLE” for that reason only. Sinner, if you trust in Christ alone for your salvation, then “The Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.” How special is that? - David Eddmenson
SIN WHICH IS NOT SEEN
How can God who sees all things, no longer see sin in believers? The Lord Jesus Christ is the answer. The Messiah (Hebrew word for Christ), of whom Daniel wrote, was, “To finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness” (Daniel 9:24).
To make an end of sins! The Lord Jesus Christ has so effectually redeemed His people, so perfectly reconciled His people, so absolutely propitiated God, so thoroughly removed the sins of His people – that God declares – the God who cannot change – “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more’ (Hebrews 10:17). “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). In Christ, He sees us in Christ, in the Beloved, “In whom He is well pleased.” - David Pledger
September 8, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Though troubles assail, and dangers affright
Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite
‘Tis one thing secures us whatever betide
His promise assures us, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
The birds without barn or storehouse are fed
From them let us learn to trust for our bread
His saints what is needed shall ne’er be denied
So long as ‘tis written, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
His call we obey like Abram of old
We know not the way, but faith makes us bold
For though we are strangers, we have a sure guide
And know in all dangers, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
No strength of our own, nor goodness we claim
Our trust is all cast on His precious Name
In this our strong refuge for safety we hide
The Lord is our refuge, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
When life is most o’er and death is in view
The Word of His grace will see us safe through
Not fearing nor doubting, with Christ on our side
We hope to die shouting, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!
(Tune: “O Worship the King” p.1)
We extend our sympathy to Dwayne Imes and his family on the death of his mother.
Congratulations to Don and Maggie Martin on the birth of their son, Boone.
Birthdays
8th- Jimmie Ray Bailey 9th– Todd Nibert 14th– Don Stephens
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom: and before honour is humility.” - Proverbs 15:33
The Scriptures speak much of things that take place before the foundation of the world. All there was was the Triune God in His is-ness. Hebrews 4:3says, “The works were finished from the foundation of the world.” That includes all the works of creation, providence, and salvation. In eternity there was no chronological sequence of events. They are all in the present in the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. But logically, one event preceded them all. “The lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Election and everything else was for this. Jesus Christ and Him crucified is the whole counsel of God!
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not once be named among you, as becometh saints.”
Salvation is altogether by grace. The believer is complete in Christ. The believer still has the evil Adamic nature he was born with. And sin is never to be accepted. “Let it not once be named among you.” “These things write I unto you that you sin not.” But thank God for the rest of the verse… “And if any man sin (and we will), we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” He is no crooked lawyer. His is the Righteous One who has made the way for God to be just and actually justify the ungodly.
*****
WEAKNESS AND ACCOUNTIBILITY
Aaron is called in Psalm 106:16, “The saint of the Lord.” Without question he was a believer. But he was a weak man. When the children of Israel told him to make them gods which would go before them, Aaron complied and became the chief participant in this great sin (Ex. 32:1-5). Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them” (Ex. 32:22). Aaron refused to take responsibility…he said that the people were set on mischief, so they gave me gold, “And there came out this calf” (Ex. 32:24). He was the one who fashioned the golden calf with a graving tool (Ex. 32:2-4). Yet he would not admit responsibility!
If I blame someone or something else for my wrong behavior, my weakness in not the problem. It is someone or something else’s fault. But when I see it is my fault, because of my sinful weakness, I will cry to the Lord for strength, and He will help me. That is what Paul meant when he said, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (II Cor. 12:10). Wherever you find a person who refuses accountability and personal responsibility, you will find a person who remains a weakling. When somebody sees their sinful weakness is the problem, they will cry to the Lord for strength.
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
How blessed it would be for us, and for all who cross our paths, if we could put our theology into deeds and not mere words. We profess to believe in God’s immutable sovereignty and then constantly mourn over our lot in life. We claim to believe in God’s purpose and providence, but fill every ear that will listen with our discontent and our sad state of affairs. Usually those who do the most complaining have, in reality, the least to complain about; while those who have serious handicaps, heavy burdens, and deep sorrows find a reason to praise the Lord and rejoice in His blessings. I need not remind you of God’s anger with Israel because of their murmuring, or to remind you of the words of our Lord, “Take no anxious thought for what you shall eat, drink, or wear” or to remind you of the words of Paul, “Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have.” No! I need not remind you of these words; for you have read them, taught them, and perhaps preached them. Then our problem is not ignorance of the Word and will of God (perhaps it would be better if this were our problem); our problem is identified in Hebrews 4:2, “The Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” It is a heart problem, for out of the heart the mouth speaks. And truthfully, our complaints are not with men, who are but second causes, but with God WHOM WE SAY is the first Cause and Lord of our lives. I can understand the free-willer (whose God is but a puppet of man’s permission) complaining, murmuring, and finding fault with all about Him. But the most inconsistent person living is the professed Christian who says he believes, “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever He will” or “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”, and then fills the air about with a constant stream of complaints and reasons why he should be somewhere else or doing something else, or blessed in a more abundant measure. A certain cure for anxious care is TRUST. “Thou He slay me, yet will I trust Him!” - Pastor Henry Mahan
Many times over the years I have heard of preachers and churches which seek to make the Bible relevant for today. The Bible is the Word of God! When men attempt to make the Bible relevant for today, it is neither more nor less than not really believing it is the Word of God. It is a watering down of the message of the Bible. When a man attempts to make the Holy Scriptures relevant, that man becomes irrelevant. God will not use that man’s attempt to make the Gospel more palatable to the flesh. That man manifests himself to be very ignorant and very arrogant. The job of the preacher is to preach the Word! Not attempt to make it relevant.
September 1, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls, the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
Heirs of God, joint-heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
O what wonders love hath done!
Who from Christ our souls can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Him, in Him forever
None can pluck us from His hands.
O such love, my soul, still ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while lost in holy wonder
Why, O Lord, such love to me?
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Clay Curtis, pastor of the Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Ewing, New Jersey will preach for us this evening.
The preacher class will meet this Saturday, September 7that 10:00am.
Birthdays
1st– Wanda Frye 1st– Melanie Kelley 3rd– Laura Williams
4th– Bob Covert 5th– Shari Greenleaf
“An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.” - Proverbs 16:27
In James 4:11-12 we read, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?”
That can accurately be translated, and is in some translations, “You….who are you to judge another?” Since when do you have the moral strength to look down upon anybody for their actions. Each of us should see that we are utterly unqualified to be anybody’s judge. And when we are highly offended when we perceive we are being judged by someone, it is the same self-righteous attitude. I say I am the chief of sinners and if anyone agrees with me, I am highly offended. May we all take these words to heart, “You, who are you to judge another?” When we do (and we do) it is sheer hypocrisy!
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” – I Peter 1:8
The believer loves someone He has never seen more than anybody He has seen. Even though up to this present moment we have never seen Him….yet believing, we see Him in His Word, and rejoice in a way we cannot even express. What a precious gift faith is. We are made to see the beauty of Christ and the joy that sight offers. And we know the day is coming, “When by His grace I shall look on His face, that will be glory, be glory for me.”
So long as we try to make ourselves the exception to God’s word concerning how it pleases God to save sinners then our lives will be filled with guilt and unrest. It is only when God brings us to repent from our way and submit to God’s way of salvation that we find rest for our souls. - Clay Curtis
When I look at creation, in heaven above and on this earth, I must confess, only God can do that. When I look at how such variety is working in such harmony in creation, I must confess, only God can do that. When I hear the Gospel of Christ and Him crucified, how Christ was made to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him; how God the Father transferred all the sins of all the elect to God the Son, I must confess, only God can do that. Only God can cause such a transaction. When this sinner thinks of Christ with sweet affections, I must confess, only God can do that. When I think of dying someday and my body buried in the dust and someday God raising it a new body, I must confess, only God can do that. Behold Jesus Christ is that God. - John Chapman
THE GOSPEL IN A VERSE
“…..when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” - Hebrews 1:3
HE HAS purged our sins – they are no more - as far as the east is from the west so far hath He removed our sins. OUR sins – His people are here referred to as “us” – His sheep, for whom He laid down His life, His church which He purchased with His own blood, His elect. HE – By HIMSELF - who but the God-man Himself could to this – so effectively, so completely and for ever? Man and all his efforts are not mentioned! BY HIMSELF. Without men’s obedience, law keeping, or even faith. Note also, finally – it is finished! After He HAD purged our sins! He sat down – signifying the work of salvation is DONE. – Paul Walmsley
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but on the Spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy. - Robert Hawker
August 25, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
This promise is proclaimed
To all who trust in Christ
Christ Jesus keeps His saints secure
They cannot be condemned.
Though oft I sin, I know
And feel so very low
Nothing I say, or feel, or do
Will change my God, I know.
His Word can never be
Broken or changed at all
This sinner, justified by grace
From grace can never fall!
No sin can justice charge
Against my ransomed soul
When Jesus died, He paid my debt
Not part, but paid in whole.
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord” p.188)
*****
Danville Bible Conference – Aug. 30st– Sept. 1st
Preacher class will meet Saturday, September 7that 10:00am.
Congratulations to Bryant and Chesney Martin who were married last Sunday!
Birthdays
27th– Adilene Sligh 28th– Braedan Kelley 29th– Cami Walmsley
30th– Abby Holthaus 31st– Eva Hicks
“The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.” - Proverbs 10:8
“Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear.” - Hebrews 12:28
The only way God can be served acceptably, with due reverence and godly fear is by having or holding to grace! And what does the Bible mean by grace? “By grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace is always saving. It is always through faith. No part of salvation is of us. Salvation is of the Lord. All aspects of grace are the gift of God. Grace says not of works. Grace leaves no ground for human boasting. It is only by grace that God can be served acceptably. Anything that is not grace is irreverent and no fear of God! Is it any wonder the writer to the Hebrews said, “Let us have (hold to) grace.”
Eternal things have no beginning and no ending. We are in time now and when we enter eternity after death, we will have always been there in Christ. Things that are not seen, things that are made are temporary. Things that are not seen are eternal. We read in Scripture of eternal life, eternal salvation, eternal comfort, eternal glory, eternal judgment, eternal redemption, eternal covenant, eternal inheritance, and eternal Gospel. Those who have eternal life are said to be ordained unto eternal life, and we read of words of eternal life. Eternity will be spent worshipping Him who is eternal.
We are called upon to lay aside every weight and the sin that does so easily beset us, and run with patience the race set before us. How? By “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). The life of the believer commenced when he began looking unto Jesus, is carried on by looking unto Jesus, and will end looking unto Jesus. Eternity will be spent looking unto Jesus.
BE STILL
Some preachers want to arouse man’s activity. We want to kill it once and for all, to show him that he is lost and ruined, and that his activities are not able to save him. Some seek to make the man stand up. We seek to bring him down and make him feel that he is in the hands of God and that his business is to submit to God, bow to the claims of Christ, and cry, “Lord, save me or I perish.” - Henry Mahan
COME, BUT YOU CAN’T
Is it contradictory to tell someone to come and drink from the River of Life freely, but then tell them that are unable? Should we just tell men to come to Christ and leave out the part about God’s sovereign election and man’s total inability? Many would say we are just confusing the message and restricting the free offer of salvation by telling men they can’t come unless the Father makes them willing by His irresistible grace which is according to His will and good pleasure. Why is it necessary when commanding men to come to Christ to tell them they can’t? Why are total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace essential elements of the Gospel? One simple reason. Without these truths, men will make a work out of coming. Without these truths men will be led to believe that God has done His part, now it is up to you to come. No, men must trust Christ for their coming also. If you bring anything to the table of salvation, even your coming, then grace is no longer grace and you are left in your sins. The Lord will do it all…or He won’t do it at all. - Greg Elmquist
Faith is necessary for salvation. But, we do not look to our faith to save us; rather, in faith, we look to Christ. Repentance is necessary for salvation. But we do not look to our repentance to save us; rather, in repentance, we turn to Christ. There are graces, which God works in us as He saves us. But these graces are never to be the object of our trust, confidence or hopeful gaze. All the graces God gives us in salvation are to be used to look to, turn to, appreciate, and lay hold of Christ, who is our salvation!
- Joe Terrell
THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST
“But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man,
neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” - Galatians 1:11-12
No one has ever found the true interpretation of any passage of Scripture until they have found in it somewhere a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is the message and the subject of all the Scriptures. That is why we preach, “Christ and Him crucified.” The Bible, God’s inspired Word is truly a “Revelation of Jesus Christ.” - David Eddmenson
God works powerfully, but for the most part gently and gradually.
- John Newton
August 18, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
O Thou, from Whom all goodness flows
I lift my heart to Thee
In all my sorrows, conflict, woes
Dear Lord, remember me. (Repeat)
When groaning on my burdened heart
My sins lie heavily
My pardon speak, new peace impart
In love remember me.
Temptations sore obstruct my way
And ills I cannot flee
O give me strength, Lord, as my day
For good remember me.
Distressed with pain, disease, and grief
This feeble body see
Grant patience, rest, and kind relief
Hear and remember me.
If on my face, for Thy dear Name
Shame and reproaches be
All hail reproach, and welcome shame
If thou remember me.
The hour is near; consigned to death
I own the just decree
Savior, and with my parting breath
I’ll cry, Remember me.
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
Danville Bible Conference – Aug. 30st– Sept. 1st
Birthdays
18th– Molly Mohr 18th– Adam Peters 19th– Nora Imes
19th– Allison Vincent 19th– Sharon Vincent 21st– Mark Ham
22nd– Charlie Walmsley 23rd– Rych Byrd
24th– John Greenleaf 24th– Don Willis
“She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” -Proverbs 4:9-10
All of the adjectives we use for grace like sovereign, free, and saving are inherent in the word. When we speak of the Biblical word grace it is always the grace of God that loves, elects, predestinates, justifies, redeems, calls, regenerates, preserves, and glorifies. Any use of the word grace that does not comprehend all of those things is not the grace of God. It is the word grace without the meaning of grace.
“Put off concerning the former conversation of the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” - Ephesians 4:22
It is true that we still have an old man that is corrupt according the deceitful lusts which we will carry with us until the day we die. But that is never an excuse to indulge the conversation of that old man. This old nature does not leave us with an excuse for sin and disobedience. While we cannot put off the old man, we are called to put off this corrupt conversation. Sin is never acceptable.
“Be ye kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgive you.” - Ephesians 4:32
I am so thankful for this verse because I cannot find a reason in me as to why God would forgive my sin. But a reason in me is not needed. He forgives my sin for Christ’s sake. He is the only and all sufficient reason for the forgiveness of sin. What effect is that to have on us? To be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to one another, in the same manner that God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us.
LEANNESS OF SOUL
Through the influence of the “mixt multitude” (those who were not true children of Israel, but left Egypt with them) the children of Israel became weary of the manna and desired flesh to eat. The things of the flesh became more attractive to them. Psalm 106:15 says, “And God gave them their request: but sent leanness unto their soul.” The manna is Christ, the Bread of Heaven! Be sure, that when something other than Him becomes our desire, leanness of soulwill follow. And what a miserable state for the soul to be in. May the Lord keep us ever thirsting after Christ, and always being conscious of His beauty and our need of Him.
“This is a faithful (true)saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” - I Timothy 1:15
There is a lifetime of preaching in this verse but there are two points of great importance which are sometimes overlooked: the truth of the saying and the worth of it! To discover the truth of the Gospel is to find true peace of mind and to discover the worth of the Gospel is to find true peace of heart.
1. The truth of it. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (I John 5:11). I believe the record that God hath given concerning Christ; therefore, I am not troubled and confused by other voices or other claims. Let God be true and every man a liar. The apostle summed it up this way, “To whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). My mind is satisfied!
2. The worth of it. If I have Christ, I need nothing else, either in this life or in the life to come. I am complete in Him, redeemed in Him, accepted in Him, and already seated with Him in glory. I have ceased from all my labors and efforts to secure divine favor. His redemptive work is not only effectual but is sufficient for the greatest sinner, the poorest sinner and the weakest sinner. “My grace is sufficient for thee” (II Cor. 12:9). Does this not leave your heart in a state of rest and peace? If not, then you have not yet discovered the worth of His great atonement. - Henry Mahan
Paul said, “Neither count I my life dear to myself, that I might finish my course with joy” (Acts 20:24). This is the opposite of the way we naturally think. We think we will find joy and happiness in carefully preserving our life and by doing those things that will lend to our happiness. But the opposite is true. The only way we will have true joy is by not counting our lives as dear, but counting the glory of Christ and obedience to Him as what is truly dear.
In the new birth there is nothing changed in the flesh…it is still sinful flesh. But in that same new birth, there is an imparted new man born from heaven that is holy and does not sin. - Marvin Stalnaker
The Holy Scriptures DO NOT teach that God loves everybody in the world. However, God’s Word DOES teach that He loves everybody that loves, believes, and trusts wholly in His Son. – David EddmensonAugust 11, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has borne the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
Danville Bible Conference – Aug. 30st– Sept. 1st
Birthdays
13th– Sarah Ferrell 14th– David DuFour 15th– Jan Carver 15th– Delphus Grubb 15th– Anna Grace Meek
16th– Lauren Kelley 17th– Olivia Williams
More than ever, I need God to be merciful to me and not give me what I actually deserve. More than ever I need God to be gracious to me and give me what I do not deserve. More than ever I need to be a merciful and gracious person toward others, both inside and outside the faith. More than ever I need to be in Christ and like Christ!
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” - Proverbs 10:19
DENYING THE POWER OF GODLINESS
II Timothy 3:5-12
Paul warns us in II Timothy 3:5of those who “Have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof.” On the surface these people seem to be devoted. Thy have a form, an outward semblance of true godliness. They read the Bible and pray. They use words like grace, love, and faith. But there is a fatal flaw in their religion. They deny the power of godliness. How does one deny the power of godliness? There are three ways it can be done.
1) The power of godliness is denied when we deny the source of that power: the sovereign grace of God. When salvation is ultimately conditioned upon the will of man, the source of power is denied.
2) The power of godliness is denied when the means through which the power comes is denied. Romans 1:16says concerning the Gospel message, “It is the power of God unto salvation.” When someone says it is not necessary to preach or hear the true message of the Gospel, the power of godliness is denied.
3) The power of godliness is denied when the results of that power are denied. When we give sinners some hope that they are saved when they have not bowed to and willingly embraced the Gospel, and when they have not “Denied self, taken up their cross, and followed Him,” we are guilty of denying the power of godliness.
May God in His mercy deliver us from this great crime of denying the power of godliness!
*****
WHAT FREE WILL DENIES
Before we can see what free will denies, we first have to know what is meant by free will. Free will says that a man’s destiny is dependent upon the choice he makes. His will is free to choose to allow God to save him, or reject God’s offer of salvation. His eternal destiny is determined by his free will.
If I believe my will is free, there are three things I deny. (1) I deny that God is sovereign. I say His sovereignty does not extend to my will. That is a complete denial of His sovereignty. (2) I deny that I am a sinner in the biblical definition of the word. According to the Bible, men are dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1). That means they are completely unable to do anything to save themselves. Free will is a denial of that. (3) Free will is a denial of free grace. You cannot believe in salvation by grace and free will. Free will is nothing less than salvation by works. The teaching of free will is a denial of the Gospel!
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH
Faith is the salvation grace. “Thy faith hath saved thee.” “By grace are ye saved through faith.”
But not only is it the salvation grace: it is the root of every other grace. You cannot trust Him and not love Him. Meekeness comes from trusting Him in whatever He does with me. It is only the humble soul that looks to Him only. The joy and peace we experience comes in believing. Courage is the fruit of faith. Zeal comes from believing Him. Generosity is born of trusting Him for our needs. Patience comes from believing He is in control. Hope is derived from faith. Is it any wonder Paul said, “Above all things take the shield of faith.” Faith is the only moveable piece of the Christian armor. It protects the heart, the head, and everything else. Faith is the gift of His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
*****
WHAT IS YOUR HOPE?
Lay the foundation of your hope in Jesus Christ. Begin with Christ and end with Christ. As Christ Jesus becomes more to you, self will grow less and less. If your faith puffs you up – it is not the faith of Christ. God will help us when we are weak. He will bless us as long as we confess our dependence upon His blessing. He will fill us when we are empty. He will feed us when we are hungry. He will be our all when we are nothing. He will forgive us when we are guilty. But the moment we begin to boast in ourselves and feel sufficient, we will be left to learn, in no uncertain terms, that we are naked, poor, blind, and miserable. Terrible will be the day when proud rebels discover, too late, the dust and ashes of human merit. - Henry Mahan
*****
One of the main objectives of the ministry of the Gospel is to convince sinners of their sin and misery without Christ. Men will not come to Christ Jesus until they are so convinced. The well do not need a physician. If you love your soul, seriously meditate upon this fact and do not allow pride to rob you of the troubling but pleasant realization that YOU ARE A SINNER! Christ is the friend of sinners. - Henry Mahan
August 4, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
To Thy presence we draw near
Lord, we love to worship here
When within the veil we meet
Christ, upon the mercy-seat.
Thou through Him art reconciled
I through Him became Thy child
Abba, Father! Give us grace
In Thy courts to seek Thy face.
While Thy glorious praise is sung
Teach my heart, unloose my tongue
That my joyful soul may bless
Christ the Lord, my Righteousness!
While Thy ministers proclaim
Peace and pardon in Thy Name
Through their voice, by faith, may we
Hear Thee speaking from on High.
(Tune: “Trusting Jesus” p. 262)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We rejoice with Lydia Lynn and Isaac Steeves who confessed Christ in believer’s baptism last Sunday.
Birthdays
4th– Brodi Profitt 6th– Kristen Hands
7th– Leti Anguiano 7th– Lee Anne Walmsley 9th– Isaac Williams
“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” - Proverbs 14:4
THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH
“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie” (II Thess. 2:11). For what cause? “Because they received not the love of the Truth.” It is one thing to give mental assent to the Truth. It is something quite different to receive the love of the Truth. Anybody that is not blinded by prejudices and pre-conceived suppositions can see that the Bible does teach our fall in Adam and the total depravity of our race, God electing a people in Christ before time, the successful atonement of Christ for the elect, the irresistible grace of the Holy Spirit in the new birth, and the preservation and perseverance of the saints all the way to the end. But do you love this? Is it necessary for you to hear this preached? It is if you need God to elect you, Christ to die for you and accomplish your salvation, and the Holy Spirit to give you life and preserve you so you will persevere. If this is what you need you will receive the love of the Truth. If you do not receive the love of the Truth, you have no need and God will send you strong delusion that you should believe a lie. Would God do that? He most certainly will. To not receive the love of the Truth is offensive to God and all who do love the Truth. To not receive the Truth in the love of it is to not receive it as the Gospel. That is to not receive it at all.
*****
A NEW HISTORY AND A NEW MAN
History cannot be changed or altered. Because of my history, if I were given forgiveness for my past sins, a clean slate and a new start, it would do me no good. I would mess it up (History repeats itself).
What I need is a new history and a new man. While there is nothing new under the sun (Eccl. 1:8-19), there is One who is over the sun. He said, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). He gives us a new history (Justification) and a new man (Regeneration) who will not mess things up. Aren’t you thankful for Him who said, “Behold, I make all things new”?
*****
Love is as love does. Love is defined by what it does. Love gives. Love wants to please the object of its love. A love that is in word only but not in deed, is not love at all. This is true with love toward God and love toward men.
*****
God said to Abraham, “Unto thy seed have I given this land” (Gen. 15:18). But when He made that statement, Abraham did not have any children. Yet, it is referred to as an act which was already done. When God wills something, it is past tense before it takes place!
Wisdom is more than knowledge, information, and recognized education. A person may have these and still not be wise. Spurgeon once said, “Knowledge is the horse; wisdom is the rider who controls the horse and steers him in the right direction.”
Wisdom is the proper combination of truth and spirit.
Wisdom is the proper union of faith and conduct.
Wisdom is the discernment of heart and discipline of mouth.
Wisdom is knowing the will of God and yielding to it in spite of
frowns or flattery, friends or foes.
Wisdom is THE GIFT OF GOD.
“If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” - James 1:5
- Henry Mahan
*****
“If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?” (Luke 12:26)
There were several things that I was worried about. This Scripture made me laugh at myself, and made the stress leave! It reminded me of two great truths: (1) I have no control over anything. (2) He has complete control over everything! Since that is the case, why worry about anything? When we worry, our actions say that we do not really believe what we say we do.
*****
Christ is only preached as ALL, when He is all that is preached. “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (I Cor. 2:2).
*****
If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me – “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). - Robert Murray McCheyne
*****
It is one thing to mourn for sin because it exposes us to hell, and another to mourn for it because it is an infinite evil; one thing to mourn for it because it is injurious to ourselves, and another to mourn for it because it is wrong and offensive to God. It is one thing to be terrified; another to be humbled. - G. Spring
July 28, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Glory to God on High
Let earth to heav’n reply, “Praise ye His Name!”
Angels, His love adore, Who all our sorrow bore
And saints cry ever more, “Worthy the Lamb!”
All they around the Throne
Cheerfully join in one, Praising His Name!
We who have known His blood, Sealing our peace with God
Sound His dear Name abroad, “Worthy the Lamb!”
Join all ye ransomed race
Our Lord and God to bless, “Praise ye His Name!”
To Him we’ll tribute bring, Hail Him our sovereign King
And without ceasing sing, “Worthy the Lamb!”
(Tune: “Come Thou Almighty King” p. 6)
*****
We rejoice with Isaac Steeves who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism at the close of the service this evening.
Birthdays
1st– Lilyana Scifres
“Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.” - Proverbs 28:5
*****
The God of glory is infinite. He said, “Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and His redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6). He only is infinite. He cannot be measured, He has no boundaries. He has no limitations. He is unsearchable and incomprehensible. He cannot be known unless He is pleased to make Himself known. He is He who, “Hides Himself from the wise and prudent and reveals Himself to babes” for no other reason than this, “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” Worship before Him!
THE REASON FOR FORGIVENESS
“I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” (Isaiah 43:25). The people He forgives are described in the precious three verses as having not called upon His Name, been wearied of Him, not honoring Him with their sacrifices, having no generosity or tokens of love. All they have given Him is sins, and wearied Him with their iniquities. The reason for forgiveness is not found in the ones forgiven! He forgives for His own sake. And in His forgiveness the sins are actually blotted out; made to not be, and not remembered because there is nothing there to remember. The Lord does not love us or forgive us because of us, but because of Himself.
*****
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalms 1:1
The descent begins by walking along side of and hearing the advice of the ungodly. What comes next is the walking ceases and we stand in the way of sinners. Then we sit in the seat of the scornful. The scornful sit in judgment of what God says. What a dreadful place to sit! But how blessed by God is the man who does not walk in the counsel of those who do not know God. How blessed is the man that does not stand in the way of sinners: the way of salvation by works. How blessed is the man who does not become a critic and judge of God. As David said, “But his delight in in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. “ Truly, that man is blessed!
*****
To know Jesus Christ and Him crucified is not the minimum of knowledge but the maximum of knowledge; that to know “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” is not to know little but to know all; that here is not a descent from a loftier region, but an elevation into the highest sanctuary; that in “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” all doctrines, all God’s teachings, and man’s experiences culminate; and from “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” all duties, all works, al ministries are to emanate and to be evolved.
– Adolph Saphir
If –then salvation, or will-shall salvation?
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). To the natural man, and our natural way of thinking, we are brought up using the logic of “cause and effect”, so this verse is thought to read and to mean, “Ifwe confess, thenHe will save,” i.e. if-then. But in the context of all Scripture, believers know this is not so, for salvation is in no way dependent or conditional upon us doing one thing for God to save us, for Christ has done it all – “It is finished!”
Believers know that salvation is not if-then, but will-shall. The cause and the effect are both of God, carried out in the new birth. The cause of our salvation is God choosing, electing us in Christ before time began … and the effect in time, is the Holy spirit birthing a new man, who then repents towards God, and exercises faith, total reliance, towards Christ for all his salvation.
Confession, repentance, and faith are not triggers that cause God in response to save you. God first saves His people for Christ’s sake, and the response of the saved sinner is confession, repentance, and faith in Christ. Salvation is therefore not if-then, but will will-shall…“Then willI sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shallbe clean,”….. “I willput My Spirit within you, and causeyou to walk in My statutes, and ye shallkeep my judgments, and do them” (Ez. 36:25, 27).
If-then salvation gives some glory to man.
Will-shall salvation gives all glory to God.
- Brian Dufour
*****
A LOCAL CHURCH
A local church is a body of brothers and sisters in Christ. We are one family. One life is ours, one love is ours, and one objective (to know more of and to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and to be found in His righteousness) is ours. This is the comfort and strength of all, that we are all one with Christ in God’s sight. We cannot properly minister the Gospel of Christ without each other. One cannot say, “My presence or absence will not be noticed because I do not preach, teach, pray publicly, nor lead the singing.” Your presence in the house of God to worship Him is both desired and much needed. You are a comfort and encouragement to other brethren. Another cannot say, “My gift will not be missed because I cannot give as much as some.” All of God’s people should give whenever and whatever they can give as the Lord blesses them. No gift is too small. What may seem small is great for the cause of Christ. The point is this: We are a family, a body, and “The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you.” All brethren are equally loved of God and equally needed by one another. - Henry Mahan
July 21, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
With harps and with vials there stand a great throng
In the presence of Jesus and sings this new song
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
All these once were sinners defiled in His sight
Now arrayed in pure garments their voices unite
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
He maketh the rebel a priest and a king
He hath brought us and taught us this new song to sing
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
How helpless and hopeless we sinners had been
If He had not loved us and washed us from sin
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Aloud in His praises our voices shall ring
So that others believing this new song shall sing
To Him who hath loved us and washed us from sin
Unto Him be the glory forever! Amen.
(Tune: “How Firm A Foundation” p. 268)
*****
Birthdays
24th– Brian DuFour 25th– Ellen Willis
26th– James Lynn 27th– Kelli Proffitt
“It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.” - Proverbs 25:27
WOE IS ME
When we see the sins of other men, if we do not say it, we think it – “Woe unto them. What goes around comes around. What they are doing is wrong.” And you are correct in your assessment of what they are doing. In the first five chapters of Isaiah, he pronounced nine woes on people because of what they were doing. But in Isaiah 6, when he sees the Lord sitting on a Throne, high and lifted up, his tune changes! “Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” When we see the sins of other men, “Woe unto them.” When we see the Lord, “Woe is me.”
It was said of Amaziah that, “He did turn away from following the Lord” (II Chronicles 25:27). He is one of three kings of Judah who began well and ended bad. The same was true of Joash and Uzziah. How you begin is certainly important. If you start out in the wrong direction you will not arrive in the right place! But how you end is even more important. It is only the one who “endures to the end,”that “continues in my Word” that “holds the beginning of the confidence steadfast to the end” that shall be saved! No doubt these men were admired and trusted before their defection. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (I Corinthians 10:12).
WHERE IS THE OFFENCE?
Paul spoke in Galatians 5:11 of the offence of the cross. The word offence is also translated as “a stumbling block.” We have all been offended. We have felt wronged – even violated. We have all heard that which made us stumble. The implications of what was said made us feel we cannot go in that direction.
The preaching of today is offensive. But not in the manner Paul spoke of. It is offensive to God because His Word is not plainly declared. Preachers preach in code, saying things in a way to keep all happy and offend none. It is offensive to believers because when the offence is removed, the Gospel is removed, and they do not hear that which they must hear.
When I hear a message I must ask the question: Where is the offence? This I know, if my message does not offend men I can be sure it offends God. Paul said in the previous verse of these men who remove the offence, “He that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.” And he said in the following verse regarding these men, “I would that they were even cut off that trouble you.” Oh, for a revival of the offence of the cross.
SECRET FASTING, PRAYING, AND GIVING
Matthew 6:1-18
Our Lord gives us clear direction on our fasting, praying, and giving – keep it secret, between you and your Lord. There are many examples in the New Testament of pubic prayer when people assemble together to hear the Gospel, or sitting at the table in someone’s house as a dinner guest. But out in public places, our fasting, praying, and giving should be done in secret, from the new heart. Here is an example…. a mixed group of friends (believers and unbelievers) go out to eat at a restaurant on a weekend night. The unbeliever, trusting a jesus that loves everyone, and died for all men alike, asks everyone at the table to bow their heads, while he offers up a long and loud prayer to his god. The believer, even before he enters the restaurant, has silently thanked God the Father for the food he is about to receive … and at the end of the meal, leaves a generous tip for the server… and no one knows he did either of these things, except his Lord.
One does these things outwardly, to be seen of men… one does these things inwardly, to be seen of God… “For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7) - Brian DuFour
CARE
We have anxious cares that distract us. Troubles from the inside: doubts and fears. Troubles from the outside: sickness, loss, conflict. The list goes on and on. But the believer is commanded, “Cast all of your cares upon Him: for He careth for you” (I Peter 5:7). How foolish to not quickly obey this command. He cares for you, and as our great Father, Saviour, Brother, and Friend will bear the burden for us. David said in “Psalm 55:22, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord.” We do that, find relief, and pick the burden right back up and carry it again. Oh, that we would learn what the songwriter said, “Take thy burdens to the Lord and leave them there.”
Sound doctrine, as described in the Scriptures, is teaching that sets forth the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, nothing more or less than the Gospel. Mere orthodoxy for the sake of being right, is nothing more or less than self-righteousness. – Chris Cunningham
There is not a word in the Bible that can be understood
without reference to the cross. - Martin Luther
July 14, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Savior, Friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Saviour, let us know Thee
As the Lord our righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, Ewing, NJ Bible Conference July 19-21
Birthdays
15th – Betsy Burch 15th– Pam Murphy 16th– David Vincent
19th– Ida Isaac 20th– Jonathan Carroll
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” - Proverbs 17:9
“When I see the blood,” I, by the grace of God, have more confidence in His eyesight than I do in my own. – Scott Richardson
OUR RULE OF LIFE
“As many as walk according to this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” - Galatians 6:16
And what is the rule? “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14). Glorying only in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ is the rule every believer is to walk by. It is the only way we have peace, the only way we will experience mercy, and the only thing that proves us as the true Israel of God. To walk by any other rule is a denial of this rule.
*****
IF A MAN LOVE ME …… HE THAT LOVETH NOT
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who love Christ and those who do not love Him. The Lord gives a very simple and concise description of both. “If a man love Me, he will keep My words” (John 14:23). The one who loves Christ agrees with Peter, “Thou hast the words of eternal life,”and is unwilling for any of Christ’s words to be changed in any way or to any degree! His hope is found in Christ’s words! “He that loveth Me not keepeth not my sayings” (John 14:24). The one who does not love Christ does not find all of his hope in exactly what Christ has said in His Word. Consequently he feels no need to guard over, preserve, and keep His Words.
The one who loves Christ keeps His Word! The one who does not love Him does not keep His Words.
*****
DELAY
“Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto Me.” - Exodus 22:29
It is sad that such a command is necessary. To delay means to procrastinate. Behind the procrastination is an unwillingness to obey the command. Hoping that perhaps circumstances will change to where obedience to the command is not necessary. It grieves me to see such a spirit in myself. The Lord gave all for me. How He loved me and loves me – and to serve Him in such guarded and measured ways. Lord, deliver us from that kind of half-hearted service. “Draw me, we will run after Thee.
I have loved to hear my Lord spoken of; now I am going to see Him. I have seen the print of His shoe on the earth; now I am going to sit at His feet. I have read His Word; now I am going to hear His voice. I have beheld His world; now I am going to dwell in His heaven where sin can never enter.
- John Bunyan
It is ever the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan’s work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, “Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you have not the joy of His children; you have such a wavering hold of Jesus.” All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: He tells us that we are nothing, but that “Christ is all in all.” Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee – it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee – it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument – it is Christ’s blood and merits; therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith. We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by “looking unto Jesus.” Keep thine eye simply on Him; let His death, His sufferings, His merits, His glories, His intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to Him; when thou liest down at night look to Him. Oh! Let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after Him, and He will never fail thee. - C. H. Spurgeon
The believer’s eternal union with Christ is a subject that few seem to grasp, though it is written as with a sunbeam upon the pages of Holy Scripture. We are “Accepted in the Beloved,” and have been from eternity. That union of our souls with our Savior was made by the triune God Himself before the world began, and can never be dissolved or even altered. The Lord God sees us in His Son, as one with His Son, and as His Son, because we really are in His Son, as one with His Son, and as His Son. Therefore it is written, “…. as He is so are we.” As no spot, blemish, or any such thing is in Christ, but only perfection, His Father is well pleased in Him, and with all who are in Him. The Book of God declares, “He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel” (Numbers 23:21). Therefore, we shall “Have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as He is so are we in this world.” - Don Fortner
July 7, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Christ bears the name of all His saints
Deep on His heart engraved
Attentive to the state and wants
Of all His love has saved.
In Him a holiness complete
Light and perfection shine
And wisdom, grace, and glory meet
A Savior all Divine.
The blood, which, as a priest, He bears
For sinners is His own
The incense of His prayers and tears
Perfumes the holy throne.
In Him my weary soul has rest
Though I am weak and vile
I read my name upon His breast
And see the Father smile.
(Tune: “O For A Thousand Tongues” P. 46)
*****
We welcome Daniel Parks, missionary to St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and his wife Sandy who are with us today. Daniel will bring the morning message.
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
We extend our sympathy to Peggy Mohr and her family on the death of her father, Dan Hall.
7th– Caleb Anjos 8th– Jasper Clark 8th– Rob Elliott 8th–Kaitlyn Jones
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” - Proverbs 18:10
GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER
I do not know that there is another Scripture in the Bible quite like this. This is found in II Corinthians 9:7. Paul has devoted two chapters to the subject of giving. He had said earlier that our giving is what proves the sincerity of our love (II Cor. 8:8). The Lord Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Who should give? “Every man.” How much should he give? “According as he purposeth in his heart so let him give.” How not to give -“not grudgingly, or of necessity.” Not in reluctance or under compulsion. “For God loveth a cheerful giver.” One who is prompt and joyful in their giving. God loves this! It is not that He needs anything. But it pleases His heart when He sees His people give in a cheerful manner. That is born from a love to Him! May He give us all grace to be cheerful givers!
*****
THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST
Paul said in II Corinthians 10:5 that every thought is to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. After death, when we no longer have a sin nature, every thought will be brought into captivity to obedience to Christ. But that is not what the text says! Every thought is to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Any thought I have that runs contrary to the obedience of Christ being my only righteousness before God is a wrong thought that is opposed to the Gospel of Christ.
*****
THE CHURCH
“I don’t go to church because there are so many hypocrites in the church.” “My life is as good as most church people!” These are common statements heard everyday to which I reply - don’t judge the whole body by the faults of some. It is our responsibility to worship and follow the Lord Jesus, not men. If our brethren have faults, let us pray for them and patiently bear their infirmities as we ask them to overlook ours. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ welcomes all who are lame, halt, and blind. We look not for a perfect church this side of heaven. It is better to sit beside the hypocrite in church than to suffer with him eternally. - Henry Mahan
*****
The old covenant had a Sabbath day but no Sabbath rest. The new covenant has no
Sabbath day but does have a Sabbath rest. – Joe Terrell
CHRIST OUR GOSPEL
The doctrines we preach and love are not mere teachings of some particular method or plan, but the doctrines of Christ, who ISour Gospel; Christ who is sovereign over all flesh; Christ, whose grace is both sovereign and free. Not to preach a sovereign Christ, is to preach another Christ. To preach another Christ is to preach another gospel (which is not another, Galatians 1:6-9). It is just that simple. Mark it down, you cannot separate Christ from the Gospel or the Gospel from Christ, for they are one and the same. Christ is sovereign over all things and over all flesh, giving life freely to whom He will. The message of life for poor guilty sinners is the message of the Christ of God, who saves sovereignly and freely, even the chief of sinners! - Maurice Montgomery
*****
“Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness!” - Isaiah 41:10
God has arranged all our concerns with consummate wisdom, in the very best possible manner. He overrules all events by His omnipotent power. He directs all things by His paternal love. If infinite wisdom, omnipotent power, and paternal love, are engaged for our present and eternal welfare – then our fears must be groundless, and our anxiety folly. Our fears only…dishonor God, distress the mind, please Satan, and grieve the godly. - David Pledger
*****
God cannot forgive me of my sins just because I ask Him to. Sin must be atoned for, justice satisfied. Here is the good news of the Gospel. The sins that I ask to be forgiven of, the blood of Christ answers the justice of God for them. That being so, God can forgive me of all my sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. No better new than this. – John Chapman
*****
No matter where I am preaching from in the whole Bible, if I cannot title the message “Jesus Christ and Him crucified”, I ought to throw the message away. - Chris Cunningham
*****
Regeneration makes no alteration on the flesh, but the spirit. There is nothing in the flesh made holy. And there is nothing in the spirit left unholy.
- Robert Hawker
June 30, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Precious Savior, Friend of sinners
We as such to Thee draw near
Let Thy spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Savior, let us know Thee
As the Lord our righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
And with They presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
Paul and Kelli Harries would like to invite everyone to their home for a cookout this Friday afternoon, July 5 at 3:30. You may bring a side dish if you would like.
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, Ewing, NJ Bible Conference July 19-21
Birthdays
2nd– Elijah Davis 3rd– Kristina Carroll 3rd– Aubrey Brice
3rd– Eleanor Walmsley 5th– Jackson Dickerson 5th– Jackson Elliott
“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” - Proverbs 10:7
“And have not charity…”
Three times Paul uses this phrase. If I could preach with the eloquence of an angel, and have not charity, it is as offensive and empty as the bang of a gong. If I literally have the gift of prophecy and can foretell future events, if I am a learned theologian with great understanding and knowledge of the Scripture, if I have miracle working faith, and have not charity, I am nothing. If I give every dime I have to feed the poor and give my body to be burned as a martyr for the cause of God and Truth, and have not charity, there was no benefit in that to me. This supposes that all of these things could be done without having charity, the fruit of the Spirit in my heart. The love we have to God is not expressed by the gifts He has given us that we exercise. The love we have for God is expressed by the love we have toward His people. “By this shall all men know you are my disciples, by your love one to another.” This is the more excellent way that every child of God is to pursue!
God is absolutely sovereign. He is the cause of all things. Whatever comes to pass is His will being done. This is who He is. “Our God is in the heavens, He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.” “He doeth according to His will in the armies of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand or say unto Him, what does Thou.” A God that is preached that is not absolutely sovereign is the figment of man’s depraved imagination and utterly devoid of saving power.
A WORD OF CAUTION ON QUITTING
It is obvious from the Scriptures that our Lord uses men and means to preach the Gospel, feed His sheep, and accomplish His purposes. Great care and prayer, therefore, should be employed before we identify or unite with any man or church. But, having done so in the belief that God is among them, even greater consideration and time should be given before we leave; for laying down the banner of Christ in time of trial is a serious matter in God’s sight. It may never be ours to carry again. - Henry Mahan
The spirit of toleration is looked upon by many as a great virtue. Indeed there are times when it is! But this is the spirit for which He condemned the churches at Pergamos. They had in their midst those who espoused the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. That which the Lord said He hated, they tolerated. Lack of love is behind this attitude. Lack of love to the Person of Christ makes one tolerant of that which is contrary to Him. Love to Him makes one intolerant of that which robs Him of His glory. Remember, he that does not hate the false, does not love the true.
The story is told of a certain pastor who was disturbed greatly because one of his dear brethren was getting too involved in other things and was absent from the worship services. One Sunday evening at the close of the service, the pastor went to his friend’s house and found him sitting before an open fire. Somewhat startled by the appearance of his pastor (who spoke not a word), the man pulled up another chair before the fire, waiting for words of rebuke from his visitor; but none came. The minister took his seat before the fire and silently took the tongs and lifted a glowing coal from the midst of its fellows and LAID IT BY ITSELF ON THE HEARTH. Remaining silent, both men watched the blaze die and the coal grow dark. Then the truant brother opened his mouth and said, ‘You need not say a word, pastor, I will be there Wednesday night.” - Henry Mahan
THE EVIDENCE
Hebrews 11:1
The only evidence I have of my saving interest in Christ is faith in Christ. All other evidence, all other confidence, all other assurance, I altogether repudiate. When Satan accuses me, when my own heart condemns me, when my sin torments me, when I examine myself, and I do so constantly, I find comfort, peace, and assurance only by faith in Christ. I have no evidence of a clear title to heaven but by faith. And faith is evidence enough. God says that it is enough. And my conscious says it is enough – “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I have blessed confident assurance that my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that I am chosen of God, redeemed by Christ, born again, called, sanctified, and preserved unto life everlasting because I believe that Jesus is the Christ. -Don Fortner
June 23, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Come, let us join our grateful songs
With angels ‘round the throne
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues
But all their joys are one.
“Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry
To be exalted thus
“Worthy the Lamb,” our lips reply
“For He has died for us.”
Jesus is worthy to receive
Honor and pow’r divine
And glory more than we can give
Be, Lord forever Thine.
The whole creation join in one
To bless that Holy Name
Of Him who sits upon the throne
And to adore the Lamb.
(Tune: “Am I a Soldier” p. 414)
*****
I am in Crossville, TN this weekend preaching at the Lantana Grace Bible conference. Aaron Greenleaf will bring the morning message and Frank Tate, pastor of the Hurricane Road Grace Church in Ashland, KY will bring the evening message. May the Lord be pleased to bless His Word today.
Thank you so very much to everyone who helped with your time and efforts to make Bible School a special time for our children. May the Lord be pleased to put His Word in their hearts and save them by His grace.
We rejoice with Andrew Glasscock who confessed Christ in believer’s baptism Wednesday evening.
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, Ewing, NJ Bible Conference July 19-21
Birthdays
24th– Kristy Burton 24th– David Morris 24th– Haley Small
27th– Paul David Daniel 28th– Jessica Scifres 28th– Lissie McGuire
28th– David Parker 29th– Emily Dickerson 29th– Hannah Dickerson
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. " - Proverbs 19:21
*****
Believe and be saved is a true statement, but no one would be saved if that is all they hear…. Paul said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” He is the Lord. His sovereign will is always done. “He doeth according to His will in the armies of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth and none can stay His hand.”He is Jesus…. Saviour. “Thou shalt call His Name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” He is the Christ, God’s Prophet, unlike any other prophet. They said, “Thus saith the Lord.” He said, “I say unto you.” He is God’s Priest, unlike any other priest. They brought a sacrifice. He Himself is the sacrifice. He is God’s King. Unlike any other King, His will is always done. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” This is a command, and our right to trust this One to save us comes with the command!
*****
Christ’s warnings to the seven churches of Asia tell us what we need to beware of, and how easily we can fall into these faults. He rebuked the church at Ephesus for leaving their first love. They were visibly sound in doctrine and empty in heart. The church at Pergamos had the doctrine of Baalim (compromise) and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (the name means above the people: clergy and laity). The church at Thyritea permitted Jezebel to teach. They were rebuked, not for what they were doing, but for what they were permitting to be done. The church at Saridis was living off past faith, and appeared to be spiritually dying. The church at Laodecai had become lukewarm. They lost their sense of need.
How easy it is to fall into any of these errors. All five of these conditions, if continued in, will cause Ichabad to be written over the door. May the Lord give us as individuals and as a church grace to give heed to these warnings. Do not lose your first love, espouse false doctrine, tolerate what is contrary to the Gospel, live in the past, or become lukewarm. If we do these things we are in dire straits.
*****
If a man could be saved by a lie it would be a lying salvation. Truth alone can work results that are true. Therefore, keep on teaching the Truth. God help you to proclaim the precious Truth about the bleeding, dying, risen, exalted, coming Saviour; and God will bless it. - C. H. Spurgeon
COME, BUT YOU CAN’T
Is it contradictory to tell someone to come and drink from the River of Life freely, but then tell them they are unable? Should we just tell men to come to Christ and leave out the part about God’s sovereign election and man’s total inability? Many would say we are just confusing the message and restricting the free offer of salvation by telling men they can’t come unless the Father makes them willing by His irresistible grace which is according to His will and good pleasure. Why it is necessary when commanding men to come to Christ to tell them they can’t? Why are total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace essential elements of the Gospel? One simple reason…. without these truths, men will make a work out of coming. Without these truths, men will be led to believe that God has done His part, now it is up to you to come. No, men must trust Christ for their coming also. If you bring anything to the table of salvation, even your coming, then grace is no longer grace and you are left in your sin. The Lord will do it all…. or He won’t do it at all. - Greg Elmquist
*****
Those who have been saved are those who are “being saved” (I Cor. 1:18; Phil. 2:12, 13). Those who have learned of Christ are those who “are learning” of Him (John 6:45; Matt. 11:29). Those who know the Lord are those who “desire to know Him” (Phil 3:7-10). Those who have seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ are those who continue to cry, “Lord, I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory” (Exodus 33:18). These are the people who by the grace of God can say, “As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15). - Maurice Montgomery
*****
We are not desirous of honor, esteem and applause from men, for “We are what we are by the grace of God.” God can take away what we have as easily as He gave it. We do not despise and provoke one another with our piety; nor do we want to appear to be wiser, richer in grace, nor more gifted than others; for we are less than the least of all the saints. Nor do we envy the gifts, abilities, or grace of another. God will enlighten us, equip us, and bless us as He sees fit to use us. - Henry Mahan
*****
Mr. Spurgeon once said something like this: “When I looked at Christ the dove of peace flew into my heart. When I looked at my heart the dove of peace flew out.”
June 16, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Come ye saints, admire and wonder
Jesus’ matchless love adore
Sing for Sinai’s awful thunder
Shall upon thee burst no more.
Sing, though sins are black and large
Sing, for Jesus, by His dying
Set you free from every charge,
Set you free from every charge.
Sing, though sense and carnal reason
Fain would stop the joyful sound
Sing, and count it highest treason
For a saint to hold his tongue.
Sing aloud, whose holy calling
Your election surely shows
Sing, nor fear a final failing
Jesus’ love no changes knows
Sing, for you shall heaven inherit
Sing, and ne’re the song be done
Sing, for He alone is worth it
He our sins did all atone.
Sing aloud among God’s people
In your heart when all alone
Sing to Father, Son, and Spirit
One in three, and three in One.
(Tune: “Come Thou Fount” p.17)
*****
VBS is this Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:30-1:30.
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN Bible Conference is June 21-23.
Birthdays
16th– Andrea Bryan 16th– Monica Sparks
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1
EXAMINE YOURSELVES
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” - II Corinthians 13:5
Usually when we think of examining ourselves we think of examining our lives. How are we dealing with besetting sins? Are we reading the Bible to our spiritual profit? Are we spending time in prayer and communion with the Lord? What does our daily lives say about our love to Christ? Can others see that we are Christians? What did Paul say? Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith: if we gain assurance by how well we are performing, it is a false, works based assurance. If we conclude we must not be saved by our failures in these things we are once again making salvation dependent upon our performance. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Do you believe that when He said, “It is finished” the salvation of all the elect was accomplished? Are you relying on who He is and what He did as all you have for acceptance with God? Then you are “in the faith” and a true child of God.
Lying on someone is never acceptable, lying on God is damning. To say that God loves everyone, when the Scripture says God hated Esau is a lie. Telling people that Jesus Christ died to save everyone, and yet there are multitudes in hell is a lie. Telling people that their will is free, when the Scripture teaches us that man is under bondage to sin and Satan, is a lie. Either tell the truth or shut up. “Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things” (Proverbs 8:6).
- John Chapman
I do not choose to believe. I believe because I have no choice. I believe because it is the Truth! He is the Truth! There are no other options! But if I do not believe, I have to choose not to believe. The word heresy means a choosing. I have chosen to believe that which is not true.
Since salvation is all of grace, and we are complete in Christ, and “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose”, we should walk in fullness of joy. To not do so is sin and unbelief.
LOVE IS KIND
“Love is kind” (I Corinthians 13:4). If we love somebody, we will be kind to them. Not mean, harsh, and judgmental, but kind - and this kindness is not our response to them treating us well. It is said of our Heavenly Father that, “He is kind to the unthankful and the evil.” This kindness is exercised simply because we love. This kindness is mild as opposed to harsh, easy as opposed to severe, gracious as opposed to demanding. Love is not mean! “Love is kind.” If we love, we will be kind. An absence of kindness is an absence of love!
CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES
I Corinthians 15:3
The Gospel is not merely that Christ died for our sins, but that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. What can this mean but that Christ died for our sins in complete fulfillment of all that was said in the prophecies and types of the Old Testament? He died to make a covering for our sinful characters like the animal from which God made clothing for Adam and Eve. He died as the innocent substitute of condemned sinners like the Passover lamb. He died particularly for His people as did the sacrifice on the day of atonement, which was offered only for the house of Israel. He died by crucifixion as Psalm 2states. He died effectually, actually saving those for whom He died, according to Isaiah 53where it is written, “He shall see the travail of His soul and be satisfied.” The New Testament Gospel is clearly written in the Old Testament. Whenever we claim to preach the Gospel, let us be certain it is the Gospel “According to the Scriptures”! - Joe Terrell
Do you believe in the Son of God? If you trust Christ as your Lord and Savior, your faith in Him is the fruit and evidence of His grace bestowed upon you and wrought in you. Faith is the empty hand that receives God’s salvation, not the mighty arm that performs it. Faith in Christ is the result of eternal life bestowed, not the cause of life. - Don Fortner
June 9, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has born the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
*****
VBS June 18-20
Birthdays
9th– Linda Ferrell 9th– Amie Steeves 12th– Rick Williams
13th– Matt Vincent 14th– Lauren Harries 15th– Silas Benton
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” - Proverbs 22:15
SINCERITY AND TRUTH
Paul spoke of keeping the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Sincerity is mentioned first because if you do not have sincerity, the truth will never be truly stated. Some other agenda is in operation. Where there is sincerity, all that is desired is the truth. But the truth is not the truth because of sincerity of the one who brings it. The truth is what God’s inspired Word declares, “Thy Word is Truth.” The truth concerning the character of God, man, and God’s salvation. The truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are two things that always go together… sincerity and truth.
WHY MAKE AN ISSUE OF GOD NOT LOVING ALL MEN?
To make an issue of God not loving all men may appear upon the surface to be dwelling on something negative. So why make an issue of it?
1. Because the Bible does. “Esau have I hated” (Romans 9:13).
2. If He loves all men the same and some of those men He loves are lost, it makes His love meaningless. His love did nothing for them!
3. It is degrading to the character of God’s love to say He loves all men the same. The world speaks of God’s unconditional love, but there is no such thing. There must be something there to love! Because God’s love is in Christ, all in Christ are lovely to God. Outside of Christ there is nothing but God’s indignation against sin and sinners.
4. To know God loves you is the assurance of the believer. “He loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). No one has the right to even suspect that God loves them unless they have bowed the knee to Christ. To assure lost men that God loves them is evil! This is the assurance of the believer!
REFORMATION?
I hear a lot about “reformation” in our day. There are reformed churches, reformed doctrine, reformed preachers and reformed believers, everything seems to be “reformed.” The word “reform” means to “improve or to make better.” If “reformation” means to improve myself or make myself better, then, I do not need reformation! What I need is a perfect righteousness. I surely cannot find any hope of eternal life in trying to make myself better, especially when God requires perfection. I do not need “reformation”; I need “regeneration.” I do not need to get my heart right; I need a new heart that is right. The lost sinner does not need to just change their way; they need to change their God. I do not need to make myself “better”, I need to be made “perfect.” I do not need reformation, I need a “new creation”, which can only be found in Christ. – David Eddmenson
CHRISTIAN MOTIVATION
I am sometimes troubled when I hear believers ask such questions as, “Must a man go to church to be saved? Must he be baptized in order to enter heaven? Does a man have to live righteously in order to inherit eternal life?” I could understand an unbeliever asking such things. But a believer should already know that it is, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but by His mercy, He saved us.” Salvation is not dependent on anything we do, but depends entirely on what God does.
But there is a greater concern that these questions pose. What would motivate a believer to ask such a question in the first place? Is he looking for an excuse to avoid these things and still go to heaven? Doesn’t he want to live righteously? Doesn’t he want to confess Christ? Doesn’t he want to go to church? It makes about as much sense as a man saying, “If I marry this woman, must I live with her?” If he doesn’t want to worship, confess, and follow Christ, he should make no profession of believing Christ.
- Joe Terrell
GROWTH
Peter warned of “falling from your own steadfastness” (II Peter 3:17). And what will prevent that? “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). Only growth will prevent this fall. Growth in the knowledge of Christ and growth in grace go together. Where you have the one you will have the other. Growth in grace is the only kind of growth where you become smaller rather that larger. You grow down in your estimate of yourself. You grow in your sense of your need of His grace. But you also grow upward. You love God more and more for who He is! And you grow outward in your love to the brethren. Your heart is enlarged toward them, and toward all men! If I am not growing in grace, I am not living. I will end up falling from my own steadfastness. Lest any be discouraged, remember, it is growth in grace. It takes grace to grow in grace. And God’s grace is absolutely free. Let’s begin by asking for grace to grown in grace.
There are two systems under which all men look the same – law and grace. All who are under the law look the same: guilty. So their end is the same: destruction. All who are under grace look the same: righteous. So their end is the same: blessing. - Joe Terrell
June 2, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
How rich the depths of love Divine
Of bliss a boundless store
Dear Saviour let me call Thee mine
I could not wish for more – I could not wish for more.
On Thee alone my hope relies
Beneath Thy cross I fall
My Lord, my life, my sacrifice
My Saviour and my all – My Saviour and my all.
How great Thy wisdom, power and grace
That in redemption shines
The heavenly hosts with joy confess
The work is all Divine – The work is all Divine.
Before His face they cast their crowns
Those crowns which Jesus gave
And with ten thousand, thousand tongues
Proclaim His power to save – Proclaim His power to save.
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
The Lord called Henry Mahan home on Friday morning. Henry pastored the Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, KY for over 50 years. The Lord used brother Henry to teach me the Gospel and has been a dear friend to this church from the beginning. The funeral is tomorrow morning at John Steen funeral home (Central Ave.) in Ashland at 11:00. Visitation will begin at 9:30am until the funeral.
Congratulations to our graduating High School Seniors – Will Hacker, Jeffrey Imes, Maybelle Lynn, Julianna Rigsby, Emma Steeves, and Ryan Vincent! We will honor them this evening after the service. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
2nd– Audrey Grace Hacker 2nd – Jacob Rigsby 2nd – Alexis Sligh
2nd– John Walmsley 4th–Eva Hicks 4th– Debbie Williams
6th– Brad Clark 7th– Avery Summers 8th– Matthew Greenleaf
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” - Proverbs 11:2
In Paul’s greeting to every church He says, “Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is God’s Word to every believer! Grace to you! Other than the Name of Christ Himself this is my favorite word….grace! Salvation in every aspect, from election to glorification and everything in between is by the grace of God. “For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.” If salvation really is all of grace, and not of works, I have peace. Grace is the cause of peace, the ground of peace, and the maintenance of peace. We enjoy this peace only as we believe grace. Peter said, “We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they!” ByHis grace we have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved! That is why we have peace. The ground of our peace is the same ground as God’s - the grace of Christ.
“FOR WITH THEE IS THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE”
Psalm 36:9
One Wednesday night, before I preached to a handful of Christ-interested sinners, I thought to myself, “If someone was here tonight who claimed and advertised to have found the fountain of youth, some potion that would give eternal youth and life to those who drank it, there would be no empty seats and folks would be lined up for miles to hear and find out where this fountain of life eternal could be found and drank from.
I have found such a “Fountain”, and every time we meet together I labor to point thirsty sinners to that “Water of Life, from which they may freely drink and never thirst again” (John 4:13). Sadly, few seem to be interested in this “Fountain of Life” and the Almighty One Who possesses it. I can only assume that they are not thirsty. Nevertheless, “Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). - David Eddmenson
It is not the absence of sin but the grieving over it which distinguishes the child of God from empty professors. – A. W. Pink
POSSESSIONS
“Neither said any of them that ought of the things he possessed was his own.” When we see that all we have belongs to the Lord, we no longer need to worry about it. He will take care of that which belongs to Him. When we see it all belongs to Him, it is much easier to not seek to hold on to it. When we see that all we have belongs to Him, it is much easier to give liberally. We only give back a portion of that which is His anyway. There is a liberty and freedom in having no possessions, and understanding that it all belongs to Him.
“It shall be well with the righteous” - Isaiah 3:10
In spiritual things, all your temptation, all your darkness, all your wandering: God will overrule. It shall be well with you. There shall never be a night, but that morning shall come; there shall never be a day of trouble, but a day of prosperity shall follow; there shall never be an emptying, but there shall be a filling; there shall never be a bringing down, but that He will raise you up again. Let it be either darkness or light, sorrow or grief, night or day, life or death, time or eternity, “It shall be well with the righteous.”
- Scott Richardson
ALL OF GRACE
In heaven’s glory we shall forever adore and praise our great God for the wondrous mystery of His grace, by which we are saved. Everything in the great work of salvation sets forth the splendor of the grace of the Most High God. What do we see in election, predestination, redemption, regeneration and preservation, but His grace? The whole work of salvation displays God’s rich, free, almighty, irresistible, sovereign, saving grace in Christ. In salvation, as well as in creation, all things are of God, all things are by God, and all things are for God. He works all our works in us, and in Him alone all praise must be forever! - Maurice Montgomery
There is one true evidence of a work of grace, and regeneration in men and women: Love. That one who truly believes, who is born of God, loves God who begat him, and loves all those begotten of Him. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He who loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (I John 4:7-8). - Darvin Pruitt
May 27, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
Look upon me, Lord, I pray Thee
Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine
Thou hast sought me, Thou hast bought me
Take my heart and make it Thine.
Naught I ask for, naught I strive for
But Thy grace so rich and free
This Thou givest by the Savior
He hath all things who hath Thee.
Precious is the Name of Jesus
Who can half its worth unfold?
Far beyond angelic praises
Sweetly sung to harps of gold.
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak, but Thou art mighty
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p.374)
*****
Congratulations to our graduating High School Seniors – Will Hacker, Jeffrey Imes, Maybelle Lynn, Julianna Rigsby, Emma Steeves, and Ryan Vincent! We will honor them Sunday, June 3rdafter the evening service. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
All men are invited to the preacher’s class this Saturday at 10:00am.
VBS – JUNE 18-20 (Sign-up sheets are in the foyer)
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN Bible Conference is June 21-23.
Birthdays
27th– Thomas Kincer 28th– David Walmsley
28th– Stephen Walmsley 31st– Cora Clark 31st– Julianna Daniel
1st– Rebekah Vincent
“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.” - Proverbs 18:12
HOW IMPORTANT IS HIM GETTNG ALL THE GLORY?
To every believer it is absolutely essential. And it is essential for two reasons. (1) He merits all the glory. He did everything in our salvation. Even the faith and repentance we have comes from Him. “Salvation is of the Lord.” (2) If He does not get all the glory then some glory goes to man. That means there is something they do that they get glory for. If that is the case, salvation would be by works which man get glory and credit for. I know that if any part of my salvation is dependent on me doing something, I have no hope. But if He gets all the glory that means He did it all. All my salvation is predicated on Him doing everything and getting all the glory. It is essential that He get all the glory because He did it all! If man gets some of the glory then salvation is by works and I have no hope!
SANCTIFYING GOD
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts” (I Peter 3:15). And how do we do that? By believing what He says concerning Himself, our self, and salvation. We obviously cannot make Him holy. He is holy. We sanctify Him when we regard Him as Holy. Nadab and Abihu failed to sanctify Him when they burned incense with strange fire. They failed to use the fire that came from the altar of sacrifice. If we ever approach God on any other ground than the sacrifice of Christ, we fail to regard Him as holy. If we believe salvation is by our works in any way we prove we do not really believe He is holy. What happened to Nadab and Abihu when they failed to sanctify the Lord? “And there went out fire from the Lord and devoured them” (Lev. 10:2). We will have the same end if we fail to sanctify the Lord in our hearts and do not rely wholly on the sacrifice of His Son.
Christ’s Lordship says His will is the first cause of all things. His will caused creation. His will is the first cause behind everything that happens in providence. Whatever takes place is His will being done. And His will is the cause of salvation. The Leper understood this….“Lord, if You will, Thou canst make me clean.”
“CHRIST IS ALL”
Colossians 3:11
He is the first cause and the last end of all things; in election, salvation, redemption, calling, righteousness, regeneration, and glorification. He is all in the salvation of His people. “Salvation is of the Lord.” He is all in election; we are chosen in Him, He is the Elect (Isaiah 42:1). He is all in redemption; He obtained it with His own blood (Hebrews 9:12). Christ is all in our calling; He called us with a holy calling (II Timothy 2:9). Jesus Christ is all our righteousness: He worked it out for us as our advocate (I John 2:1). He is all in our regeneration; He quickened us when we were dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1). He is all in our final glorification; “He raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). All our spiritual blessings are in Him and from Him (I Corinthians 1:30). - Donnie Bell
“Everyone that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD. The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls” (Exodus 30:14-15).
The individual value of the soul of each of God’s elect is the same…the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. All in Israel, from twenty years old and above, were required to give an offering, half a shekel, to make an atonement for his soul. Obviously, they were not redeemed with money, but the same amount of money for all represented the consistency of the immeasurable value of the blood of Christ. The price paid to redeem Abraham, Moses, the prophets and the apostles, was the same price paid to redeem the repentant thief on the cross…the fountain of blood which flowed from the side of our precious Lord and Savior….. – Marvin Stalnaker
May 19, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Precious Savior, Friend of sinners
We, as such, to Thee draw near
Let Thy Spirit dwell within us
With that love that casts out fear.
Matchless Saviour, let us know Thee
As the Lord our righteousness
Cause our hearts to cleave unto Thee
Come, and with Thy presence bless.
Open now Thy precious treasure
Let Thy Word here freely flow
Give to us a gracious measure
‘Tis Thyself we long to know.
Come and claim us as Thy portion
Let us all find rest in Thee
Leave us not to empty notions
We would find our hope in Thee!
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
*****
We will honor our graduating High School Seniors on Sunday, June 2nd, after the evening service. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
VBS – JUNE 18-20
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN Bible Conference is June 21-23.
Birthdays
19th– Dylan Daniel
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” - Proverbs 17:28
CHRIST IS ALL
“Christ is all and in all” - Colossians 3:11
There is so much that can be said about Christ being all. All the fullness of God dwells in Him. He upholds all things by the word of His power. He is all in the Scriptures. He is all in salvation. He is all in faith. He is all in assurance. He is all in motivation. He is all in our preaching. Some people so not see Christ as all. They believe in Christ and…. If you have anything other than Christ is all, Christ is not all to you. It is only when all you have is Christ, that Christ is all to you. It is a blessed thing to say, “I’m a poor sinner, and nothing at all, but Jesus Christ is my all in all.” If you have something other than Christ alone, you do not have Christ at all! It is only when He is all you have, that you have Him at all!
*****
ELECTION OR AHTEISM – NO MIDDLE GROUND
Romans 9:16-18
If you receive the Bible as the Word of God, you have no choice; you must believe the doctrine of election. If you believe the Bible, you have to take it all as the Word of God. You cannot say, “I believe what the Bible teaches about heaven; but I just cannot accept the idea of hell.” You cannot say, “I believe in God; but I simply cannot believe in election.” Election is so much a part of Divine Truth, that it cannot be expunged from the Book of God without completely destroying the Word of God. It is taught in Genesis, in Revelation, and everywhere in-between. To deny the doctrine of election is to deny the Word of God, reject the religion of Jesus Christ, and to engage in the practice of atheism; for the denial of election is the denial of the God of election! Yes, you read that right. I said the denial of election is a denial of God! It is a denial of His sovereignty. It denies that God has the right to do with His own what He will. Those who deny election deny God’s government of the world and of His right to govern. - Copied
*****
To speak what I do NOTbelieve is hypocrisy. NOTto 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
*****
Do not tell me that a man preaches the Gospel if the most conspicuous figure in his sermon is not Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Septimus Sears 1817-1877
THE EVIDENCE
Hebrews 11:1
The only evidence I have of my saving interest in Christ is faith in Christ. All other evidence, all other confidence, all other assurance, I altogether repudiate. When Satan accuses me, when my own heart condemns me, when my sin torments me, when I examine myself, and I do so constantly, I find comfort, peace, and assurance only by faith in Christ. I have no evidence of a clear title to heaven but by faith. And faith is evidence enough. God says that it is enough. And my conscious says it is enough – “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I have blessed confident assurance that my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that I am chosen of God, redeemed by Christ, born again, called, sanctified, and preserved unto life everlasting because I believe that Jesus is the Christ. - Don Fortner
*****
There are two vital things the Holy Spirit reveals to all whom He brings to faith in Christ Jesus.
1. He will reveal our NEED OF CHRIST! I need Thee, precious Jesus, for I am full of sin, my soul is dark and gloomy, my heart is dead within; I need the cleansing fountain where I can always flee, the blood of Christ most precious, the sinner’s perfect plea.
2. He will reveal that CHRIST IS ALL WE NEED! “In Him dwelleth ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily and ye are COMPLETE in Him.” He, of God, is made unto me all I need. The more quickly we learn that Christ is, indeed, ALL we need to make us righteous and accepted before God, the sooner we will enjoy the rest, peace, and assurance promised to His own. Most of God’s elect are brought to Christ earlier in life than the dying thief, but all are redeemed and made righteous EXACTLY AS HE WAS – by the free grace of God, plus nothing, minus nothing. - Henry Mahan
*****
LIMITED ATONEMENT
In the term “limited atonement” the word “limited” means Christ died only for the elect. “Atonement” means Christ made God and His people “at one”. The other name for this doctrine is “particular redemption”. “Particular” means the same as “limited” and “redemption” means by Christ’s blood He purchased His people from the curse and condemnation of the law. - Clay Curtis
May 12, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
How vast, how full, how free
The mercy of our God
Proclaim the blessed news around
And spread it all abroad.
How full it does remove
The stain of every sin
And makes the soul as white and pure
As never having sinned.
Poor guilty sinner, come!
Christ, stands to comfort thee
Come, cast thyself upon His love
So, vast, so full, so free!
I’m glad salvation’s free!
For sinners such as we!
Salvation full and free by grace
I’m glad salvation’s free!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom” p.188)
We rejoice with Jim Green who will confess Christ in believer’s baptism at the close of the service this morning.
We will honor our graduating High School Seniors on Sunday, June 2nd, after the evening service. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
12th– Nick Martin 12th– April Frye 12th– Courtney Ortz
13th– Annie Charron 17th– Isaac Meek 18th– Dave Burton
“He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.” - Proverbs 22:16
WILLING AND PERFORMING
“To will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not.” - Romans 7:18
To will is present with me. I would never sin again. But as far as the never sinning again goes, it never happens. I have not been able to carry out my desire to not sin. All I do is sin! Like David said, “My sin is ever (continually)before me.” While it is ever before me, it is not before God! Every believer is “Holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight” (Col. 1:22). And we will experience this when we see Him as He is. “When He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (I John 3:2). One day our desire shall be changed into experience: sinlessness! And my present sinfulness and the sins I commit do not allow me to look anywhere but Christ alone as all my salvation.
“Able to save” means something more than just delivering men from hell. “Able to save” is the whole work of salvation from the first conviction of sin to complete glorification. Christ is not only “Able to save”those who repent, but He is able to make men repent. Christ is not only “Able to save” those who believe, but He is able to give a new heart and work faith in men. Christ is not only “Able to save” those who continue in the faith, but He is able to keep us from falling and give us a holy desire to be like Him. - Henry Mahan
The Bible is a book that records the activity of God, not man. It is not a record of man seeking and searching after God and striving to find Him. It is the exact opposite. It is man going astray and God coming after him. As He came down in the garden of Eden at the beginning when man sinned, so He has been coming down ever since, and He came down supremely in the person of His only begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. - Martin Lloyd-Jones
If being a sinner is the qualification of those whom Christ came to save, no one is more qualified than me; the chief of sinners. If being poor and needy is the qualification of those whom Christ came to save, who is in more spiritual poverty and in need of mercy more than me? If it is true that God hath chosen the foolish, the weak, the base, and the things which are not, that no flesh should glory in His presence; who has less reason to glory in themselves than me? Are you qualified?
- Greg Elmquist
TRUE SHARING
I don’t believe any verse of Scripture can be fully understood without an understanding of eternal union of every elect believer to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s look at just two verses in the light of union with Christ to show what I mean.
In Psalm 40:12, David writes, “Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me….”, yet in Psalm 7:8, David writes, “Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.” On the surface, most people would see David in Psalm 40 struggling with his sins, feeling they are too much to overcome…. Yet in Psalm 7, he has buckled down, gained victory over sin in his life, and has become holy enough to please God.
Now let’s see what these verses really mean in light of union with Christ. When nailed to that tree, Christ was the scapegoat of Aaron, and a complete and total transference of sin and righteousness occurred. Every single sin of every single elect sinner was transferred into the body and soul of Christ, and every single righteous act of Christ’s 33 years of perfect law-keeping was transferred into the body and soul of every believer.
So now the true meaning of Psalm 40:12 can be understood as the words of Christ on the cross, when God placed the sin of the elect into Christ, it became His, and He cried, “Mine iniquities have taken hold of me!” And Psalm 7:8 can be understood as the words of every believer, when God placed the righteousness of Christ into the body and soul of the elect, it became theirs, and they cry, “Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.”
True sharing is being united to Christ, so that what is mine is His, and what is His is mine…we are truly one with Christ.
- Brian DuFour
GOOD WORKS
“…Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). The very thing that can never save us (our works) is the very evidence that we have been saved by the grace of God. And these works are made good not by our doing them (in fact, we ruin them), but from their source, God Himself, Christ in us. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil 2:13). - Brian DuFour
May 5, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Great Prophet! Let us bless Thy Name
By Thee the joyful tidings came
Of wrath appeased, of sins forgiv’n
Of hell subdued, and peace with heav’n.
I love my Shepherd! He will keep
My wand’ring soul among His sheep
He feeds His flock, He calls their names
And on His shoulder bears His lambs.
Jesus, my Great High Priest has died
I need no sacrifice beside
His blood did once for sin atone
And now it pleads before the throne.
My Lord, my Conqueror, and my King
Thy scepter and Thy throne I sing
Thine is the glory, and I sit
A joyful subject, at Thy feet.
(Tune: “Doxology”)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
VBS – JUNE 18-20
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCES
Hurricane Road Grace Church, Ashland, KY May 10-12
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN June 21-23
Birthdays
7th– Kyle Willis 9th– Kim DuFour 9th– Flora Scrifres
10th– Will Hacker 11th– Della Grace Frye
11th– Kate Hands 11th– Fred Tuttle
“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” - Proverbs 29:25
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11
If this admonition were not necessary for us, He would not have given it. The word business is diligence. Do not become lazy in the effort you give in serving the Lord. Be fervent, white hot, boiling over in spirit, serving the Lord. To become slothful in our diligence and zeal can easily happen to any of us because of the sinful nature we all possess. But how evil! That way of being is contrary to “The love of Christ constraineth me.” I cannot think of anything more ugly then trying to fit the worship of Christ into life’s busy schedule. The Gospel, if true, is of infinite importance; if false, is of no importance. But what it cannot be is moderately important. “Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED
“For I determined not to know any thing among you,
save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” - I Corinthians 2:2
There is only one message to preach and to hear because there is only one message in all of the Scripture – “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Every page, every story, every commandment, every word speaks of “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What is the only remedy for sin? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What is the only message of comfort and rest? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message breaks a hard heart? And what message binds the broken heart again? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message instructs, and motivates the heart of a sinner to obedience? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” What message produces true love, unity, and forgiveness among brethren? “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” Just preach “Jesus Christ and Him crucified”and husbands will love their wives “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it” (Eph. 5:25); wives will submit to the leadership and direction of their “loving” husbands, and children will “obey (their)parents in the Lord” as Christ submitted and obeyed to the loving will of His Father. Everything that a child of God needs for growth in grace, and growth into the image of his Lord is produced through the preaching of “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified”. Christ is ALL! All we preach, all we hear, all we believe, all we have! By God’s grace, all of His people say with Paul: “We are determined to know nothing among us, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” - Gabe Stalnaker
FISHERS OF MEN
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” - Matthew 4:19
If we are not fishers of men we are not following Christ. Those who follow Him, He makes fishers of men. You cannot follow Christ and not have an earnest desire to see your fellow man saved.
And how do we fish for men? By praying to the Lord of the harvest for their salvation. By seeking to live before them in such a way that they will ask us of the reason for the hope that is in us. By doing all in our power to bring them under the sound of the Gospel. This is done through personal witnessing, giving them a C.D. of the Gospel being preached or a book where the Gospel is preached, or inviting them to come with you to hear the Gospel. This is done by supporting in every way you can the spread of the Gospel. Believer, this is our purpose for being here - to be a fisher of men. May that be our heart in whatever we do. “As you go, preach.”
OUR RULE OF LIFE
Many religious people claim to believe a sinner is saved by grace but then they also claim that the believer must still strive to keep the law. They say, “How else will you control people?” One big concern is giving. False religion keeps people under the law of the tithe because they know stingy, selfish people will never give 10% unless they are forced by the law.
The answer is very simple. What saith the Scripture? “Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine” (I Timothy 1:9-10). The law is given for the lawless and the disobedient, not a believer. The law threatens the disobedient but does not make them obedient. The Gospel is given to the believer who has been made a new creature in Christ. A believer is not controlled or motivated by the law. A believer is controlled by love for Christ. A believer will be faithful in worship, loving in attitude, and generous in giving out of a thankful spirit because God has been merciful. - Frank Tate
April 28, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Hark, how the Gospel trumpet sounds
Christ and free grace therein abound
Free grace to such as sinners be
And if free grace, why not for me?
The Saviour died, and by His blood
Brought rebel sinners home to God
He died to set the captives free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Christ Jesus came the poor to bless
To clothe them with His righteousness
The robe is spotless, full and free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Eternal life by Christ is giv’n
And ruined sinners raised to heav;n
Then sing of grace so rich and free
And say, My soul, why not for thee?
(Tune: “Doxology”)
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VBS – JUNE 18-20
UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCE
Central Grace Church, Rocky Mount, VA May 3-5
Hurricane Road Grace Church, Ashland, KY May 10-12
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN June 21-23
Birthdays
28th– Jim Murphy 28th– Theodore Summers 29th– Eric Dickerson
2nd– Mitchell Bryan 2nd– Gretta Daniel 4th– Jeffrey Imes
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is His delight.” - Proverbs 11:1
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“I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalms 17:15). I am satisfied right now to be saved wholly by what Christ has done. But I am not satisfied with anything about myself. But the day is coming when every believer will find perfect satisfaction. When the body of this death is put in the grave and I wake up in perfect likeness to the Lord Jesus Christ. As long as I sin I cannot be fully satisfied. But when I no longer sin, and am actually beholding His face in righteousness, I will be satisfied!
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If salvation is in any measure to any degree dependent upon me, I would have no hope! But since it really is not dependent in any measure to any degree upon me, but predicated wholly on Christ doing everything…I have a good hope! It is what Paul called, “A good hope through grace” (II Thess. 2:16).
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The reason we do not point to any confession or creeds to explain what we believe is because we have the Bible! Creeds and confessions are man made documents. Why would we want that when we have the inspired, inerrant Word of God?
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So long as two men are walking together, you cannot tell which one of them the dog belongs to. But let the two men part company and it then becomes evident; the dog will follow his master! The dog does not hesitate, debate, or remain undecided; he quickly follows the one he loves. Where Christ and men separate; when the Word of God and the traditions of men divide; where the ways of God and ways of the flesh part, the servant of Christ does not hesitate, debate, or remain undecided; he follows Christ, whom he loves, regardless of the cost. The master may go to a simple cottage, a meal of dry bread, and a lonesome existence while his companion enjoys all of the luxuries of the world. But the faithful dog cares little for these things so long as he is with his master. - Henry Mahan
HIM AND THEM
That precious saving faith which unites the sinner to Christ, also unites the sinner to all of those who belong to Christ. To be one with Him is to be one with them. Loving and serving Him has something to do with loving and serving them; likewise, loving and serving them has something to do with loving and serving Him (Matt. 25:31-46). Saving faith says that there is one Savior. Saving faith also says that there is only one household, one family, one body, one vine tree, etc. “I (Christ)am the vine, ye are the branches” (John 15:5). – Maurice Montgomery
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HIS BLOOD ALONE!
The vital thing to understand about the blood of Christ is this: IT IS ENOUGH! Nothing else is needed to accomplish the salvation of all for whom His blood was shed. Not His blood plus my works; not His blood plus my “decision”; not even His blood plus my faith – His blood purchased my faith. HIS BLOOD ALONE paid the price required by His justice, and His blood alone can make a sinner clean. “By His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having OBTAINED (not made possible) eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12). – Donnie Bell
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FREE WILL OR PREDESTINATION
Free will is responsible for every evil in the world. All sin is the result of free will. Free will is why the first murder was committed. It is responsible for all war, and has produced every false religion. Free will is the doctrine of the sovereignty of man. Predestination is the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. If believed, it will abolish all race problems and rid us of all tyranny and war. “Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee and praise Thy glorious name” (I Chron. 29:10-14). – Scott Richardson
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The sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute sovereign, and the sovereign of our souls; as One who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will. - Jonathan Edwards
April 21, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Once my self-righteous soul relied
On my own works with hellish pride
But now whenever my soul sings praise
Each note shall echo, “God’s Free Grace.”
‘Twas grace that quickened me when dead
And grace my soul to Jesus led
Grace brought me pardon for my sin
And grace subdues my lusts within.
‘Tis grace that sweetens every cross
‘Tis grace supports in ev’ry loss
In Jesus’ grace my soul is strong
Grace is my hope and grace my song
‘Tis grace upholds when danger’s near
By grace alone I persevere
‘Tis grace constrains my soul to love
God’s grace is all they sing above.
‘Tis thus alone of grace I boast
And ‘tis alone in grace I trust
For all that’s past grace is my theme
For what’s to come, ‘tis still the same
In countless years of grace I’ll sing
Adore and bless my heavenly King
I’ll cast my crown before His Throne
And shout, “Free grace, free grace alone!”
(Tune: “Sweet Hour of Prayer” p. 361)
VBS – JUNE 18-20
Birthdays
22nd– Vade Carroll 23rd– Samantha Daniel 24th– Don Martin
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
- Proverbs 15:1
SHEW PIETY AT HOME
“But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” - I Timothy 5:4
The word ‘piety’ means ‘well reverent’. And it is something that can be seen by others. Paul said that the one who fulfills his responsibilities in taking care of his parents is showing piety at home. When someone acts pious, it is offensive because it is an act. But true reverence for God will be seen in both attitude and conduct. If there is no piety at home, there is no piety anywhere else.
Paul said in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” Not only are we not ashamed of the Gospel, we are proud of the Gospel of Christ! It glorifies every attribute of God! And, “It is the power of God unto salvation.” The Gospel saves all that God wills to be saved. We have no desire to cover up or take the edge off of any aspect of its truth by ambiguous language that all can accept and none be offended by. When it is presented like that, it is no longer the Gospel of which we are not ashamed. The reason men will do this is they really are ashamed of the Gospel!
DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY
The sovereignty of God may be defined as the exercise of His supremacy. Being infinitely elevated above the highest creature, He is the Most High, Lord of heaven and earth. Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent; God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases. None can thwart Him; none can hinder Him. So His own Word expressly declares, “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:10); “He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand” (Daniel 4:35). Divine sovereignty means that God is God in fact, as well as in Name, and He is on the Throne of the universe, directing all things, working all things “After the counsel of His own will” (Ephesians 1:11). - A. W. Pink
IT IS FINISHED MEANS IT IS FINISHED!
When the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ shouted in His dying breath, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), He spoke regarding the redemption of the sinners for whom He died (among other things). When He said, “It is finished!” He meant….“It is finished!” The redemption of every soul for whom He died was completed, perfected, accomplished, achieved, and finalized. Many preachers say otherwise. They say He meant, “It is finished hypothetically! – As in “I made redemption possible for everyone.” They say he meant, “It is finished partly!” – As in “I have done My part, but now you must do yours.” They say He meant, “It is finished provisionally! - As in “I have provided redemption for all who will of their own free will have it.” They say He meant “It is finished conditionally!”– As in “I have redeemed you if you meet the condition.” When Jesus Christ said, “It is finished!” He meant…. “It is finished!” – actually, completely, perfectly, effectually, unconditionally, absolutely, everlastingly, immutably, period! Not one single solitary sinner for whom Jesus Christ died will die unredeemed and be condemned and consigned to everlasting punishment. Rather, each and every sinner for whom Jesus Christ died is redeemed and will join the heavenly hosts in singing to Him, “You are worthy… for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). Will you join them? “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so” (Psalm 107:2). - David Eddmenson
It is grace at the beginning, grace at the end. So that when you and I come to die upon our deathbeds, the one thing that should comfort and help and strengthen us is the thing that helped us at the beginning! Not what we have been, not what we have done, but the GRACE of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Christian life starts with grace, it must continue with grace, and it ends with grace! - Martin Lloyd Jones
April 14, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
I bless the Christ of God, I rest on love Divine
And with unfaltering lip and heart, I call the Saviour mine
His cross dispels each doubt, I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear, each lingering shade of gloom.
I praise the God of peace, I trust His truth and might
He calls me His, I call Him mine, My God, my Joy, my Light
In Him is only good, in me is only ill
My ill but draws His goodness forth, and me He loveth still.
‘Tis He Who saveth me, and freely pardon gives
I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives
My life with Him is hid, my death has passed away
My clouds have melted into light, my midnight into day.
(Tune: “This is My Father’s World” p. 39)
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UPCOMING BIBLE CONFERENCE
Katy Baptist Church, Fairmont, WV April 19-21
Central Grace Church, Rocky Mount, VA May 3-5
Hurricane Road Grace Church, Ashland, KY May 10-12
Lantana Grace Church, Crossville, TN June 21-23
Birthdays
14th– Anna Williams 15th– Jaiden Wilson 17th– Betty Groover
20th– Becky Rigsby 20th– Kim Daniel
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city.”
– Proverbs 18:19
ONESIPHORUS
Paul spake of those in Asia who had turned away from him. He mentioned two of them by name. What heartache and grief they caused Paul and what grievous judgment they brought on themselves. But in II Timothy 1:16, he mentions a man named Onesiphorus. He said, “He oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.” He was a constant, refreshing source of encouragement to Paul and was not ashamed, but identified with Paul in the trouble he had and the chains he endured for the Gospel’s sake. Paul said, “When he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.” This was before the aid of cell phones, google maps, and Uber. “In how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.” I do not want to be like the two men mentioned who turned away from Paul, for whatever the reason was. I am sure they justified themselves in doing it. I wan to be like Onesiphorus. May the Lord give us grace to be like him.
What disciple is known for his doubting? Thomas. “The other disciples therefore said unto Him, we have seen the Lord. But He said unto them, except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger in the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And who was the one disciple who was not there when the Lord appeared? “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.” To not attend public worship service is to demonstrate a lack of relish for His presence, and insure the weakening of our faith. I am sure Thomas had reasons for not being there, and I am equally sure Thomas should have been there.
“He that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness” – Romans 12:8
Showing mercy is one of the gifts of the church that Paul spoke of in Romans 12. And what a precious gift it is. It is in the character of the believer – “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Showing mercy is to be moved to sympathy at the distress and trouble of others and doing what you can to help. Remembering God’s mercy toward you – it is easy to be moved to show mercy and to help others! Is there a need to be told we should show mercy with cheerfulness? Yes. To show mercy begrudgingly or unwillingly is not really showing mercy. God delights in mercy (Micah 7:18). And we are to love mercy, be merciful, and show mercy cheerfully.
KNOWING THIS FIRST
“Knowing this first, that no Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Bible is the inspired Word of God. We do not use the Bible to prove what we believe. We go to the Bible to find out what to believe. And I am so grateful for a written, perfect and complete revelation. Because God wrote it, no part is to be rejected or thought to be of secondary importance. If a man really believes the Bible is the inspired Word of God, he will believe all that it says! And bow to all that it says.
TRUE WORSHIP
True worship is not primarily a cultural thing. It is not simply offering to God our sentiments and feelings expressed according to our culture. It is based on a knowledge of the majesty and holiness of God and what He requires in worship. It is not primarily cultural; it is spiritual. Those who know the true God will come into His presence with holy awe and reverence, whatever their cultural background.
Africans, it is true, like rhythm and music but so does the rock-loving culture of the West, as evidenced by what takes place in discos or in other entertainment. Our worship should not be an expression of our culture, but of the holiness and majesty of God and our gratitude for His grace towards us in Christ. A true knowledge of Christ will lead to worship, which is God-glorifying, whatever the cultural background. There will be more putting our hands over our mouths (Job 40:4) and covering our faces (Isaiah 6:2) than there will be hands in the air and dancing in the aisles! When people know the true God, their worship is reverent and God glorifying, whatever their cultural background.
- Bill Clark, Missionary
The real way to translate free will is, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” Our problem is we cannot with our free will keep Him from reigning. His will is sovereign over ours!
April 7, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN OF THE DAY
No more, my God! I boast no more
Of all the duties I have done
I quit the hopes I held before,
To trust the merits of Thy Son.
Now for the love I bear His Name,
What was my gain I count my loss
My former pride I call my shame
And nail my glory to His cross.
Yes, and I must and will esteem
All things but loss for Jesus’ sake
O may my soul be found in Him
And of His righteousness partake.
The best obedience of my hands
Dares not appear before Thy throne
But faith can answer Thy demands
By pleading what my Lord has done.
(Tune: “Just As I Am” p. 249)
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We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Birthdays 7th– Seth Daniel 7th– Maggie Martin 9th– Rick Anjos 11th– Lilian Daniel 12th– Jason Gillispie 13th– Sarah Byrd
The grace of God influences both the understanding and the affections. Warm affections without knowledge can rise no higher than superstition; and that knowledge which does not influence the heart and affections will only make a hypocrite. - John Newton
BORN OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT
“Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:5). “Of water”is not the waters of baptism. Water refers to the water of the Word. We read in Ephesians 5:27of “The washing of water by the Word.” In the new birth the sovereign Spirit gives life. And He does so with the Word of God. He never acts independently from the Word, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever” (I Peter 1:25).Someone may think, “But God is not able to give life without the Word.” That is not the issue. Does God give life without His Word? The answer is no. Just as the physical creation came about by His Word, so too does the new creation. No one is born of the Spirit apart from the Word of God.
People do what they want to. They do what they do freely and uncoerced. People were not forced to crucify Christ. Pilate was said to have, “Delivered Jesus to their will.” While they were acting freely and uncoerced, they were doing neither more nor less than “Whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done.” Men do precisely what they want, and God exercises absolute sovereignty over men’s will – a paradox; but certainly not a contradiction. They are both true.
A congregation cannot be said to welcome the Lord Jesus unless they are all there, which requires punctuality; unless they have come with design to meet Him, which implies prayerful expectancy; unless they are ready to hear from Him, which involved attention; and unless they are resolved to accept His teaching, which demands obedience. – C. H. Spurgeon
A doctrine is not true because I believe it or because you believe it; it is true only if God says it! I do not ask whether you believe what I preach; perhaps you do not. But I ask you to search the Scriptures and determine whether these things be so. I am not afraid to submit my belief in God’s immutable sovereignty, man’s total fall and ruin, God’s elective grace, Christ’s effectual atonement, the Spirit’s invincible call, and the perseverance of the sheep to the Word of God. – Henry Mahan
CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S GRACE
Do we really have confidence in the grace of God? If we do, we will be satisfied with His grace and His grace alone. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to offer up anything of our own as a reason for God to bless us. If we have confidence in His grace, we will rest secure that, whatever happens in this life, God will preserve us blameless for the next life. If we have confidence in His grace, we will not try to build a church with fleshly enticements but will be satisfied with preaching and teaching the grace of God, knowing that God will call His sheep by that Gospel. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will not be quick to judge others but will be patient with our brethren, knowing that God grows His people at His own rate and that what His grace has begun, His grace can finish. If we have confidence in the grace of God, we will be much more at rest, knowing that all things are moving in their proper direction to their assigned goal. – Joe Terrell
CONTENDING FOR THE TRUTH
Contending for the Truth against the errors of modern religion is the duty of God’s servants. I hope our spirit is one of genuine love to all the chosen of God; but today’s rule of charity which requires us to keep silent on certain points in order to avoid controversy, I utterly despise. It is treason to the Lord Jesus to be silent on any point where He has spoken and the honor of His Gospel is concerned. It is easy on the flesh to deal in generalities, to denounce hyper- this or hyper-that, and to claim to be a friend to all, but it is required of the loyal servant of King Jesus to maintain His crown-rights and to stand up for His Gospel of glory and grace. - Henry Mahan
Having religion is one thing, but knowing and walking with Christ is different! Having religion – the world understands and tolerates. But free grace – the world neither understands nor tolerates! Any two religious errors can walk together, and permit them both to exist! But the truth of God’s grace cannot exist with error – for one always must go! - Henry Mahan
March 31, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Look upon me, Lord I pray Thee
Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine
Thou hast sought me, Thou hast bought me
Take my heart and make it Thine.
Naught I ask for, naught I strive for
But Thy grace so rich and free
This Thou givest by the Saviour
He hath all things who hath Thee.
Precious is the Name of Jesus
Who can half its worth unfold?
Far beyond angelic praises
Sweetly sung to harps of gold.
Guide me, Oh Thou great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land
I am weak, but Thou art mighty
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
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The preacher’s class will meet this Saturday, April 6that 10:00am.
Birthdays
1st- Jennifer Anjos 4th– Anthony Rawlins 5th– Jessica Elliott
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.” - Proverbs 17:15
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea saith the Spirit, that they may have rest from their labours” (Rev. 14:13). The labours spoken of are the struggles with sin. Believer, when you die you will be in a state of sinlessness. You will not even remember what it is like to be a sinner! With regard to death, George Whitfield said, “When will my time come?”
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A Christian is one that believes things that his reason cannot comprehend and hopes for things which neither he nor any man alive ever saw. He believes 3 to be 1 and 1 to be 3; a Father not to be older than His Son; a Son to be equal with the Father, and one proceeding from both to be equal with both. He believes himself to be precious in God’s sight and yet loathes himself in his own sight. He is so ashamed, that he dares not open his mouth before God, yet comes boldly to God and asks Him anything he needs. He hath within him both flesh and spirit and yet he is not a double-minded man. He is often led captive by the law of sin, yet it never had dominion over him. He cannot sin, yet he can do nothing without sin. - Francis Bacon
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PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION
The idea of progressive sanctification (when a person acts more and more holy and sins less and less as they get older) is an idea made up by legalists who are trying to keep people under the law not under grace. The idea of progressive sanctification is nowhere to be found in the Word of God. Do not confuse growing in grace for growing in holiness. A believer does grow in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness and faith. There are differing degrees of all of those fruits of the Spirit. But there are no degrees of holiness. We are either holy or unholy. There is no middle ground. The believer is not made holy by our works. Christ IS our holiness. “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (I Cor. 1:30). If you would see your holiness, do not look to your works, look to Christ who is our holiness.
If Christ is our sanctification, we are holy! -Frank Tate
WITHOUT TRUTH
Without Truth there is no regeneration; for it is by ‘The Word of Truth” that we are begotten and born again (James 1:18; I Peter 1:23). Without Truth there is no justification; for we are justified by faith, which faith consists in crediting God’s Truth, and so, gives peace with God (Rom. 4:20-24; 5:1). Without the Truth there is no sanctification; for the Lord Himself says, “Sanctify them through your Truth: your Word is Truth.” And without the Truth there is no salvation, for “God has chosen us to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth (II Thess. 2:13). And as the Truth is the instrumental cause of all these blessings, the divinely appointed means whereby they become manifested mercies, so Truth enters into and is received by all the graces of the Spirit as they come forth into living exercise. Thus, without the Truth, there is no faith, for the work of faith is to believe the Truth. What is all the difference between faith and delusion? That faith believes God’s Truth, and delusion credits Satan’s lies. “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believe not the Truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (II Thess. 2:11-12). – J. C. Philpot
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PEACE WHICH PASSETH
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). While the peace of God itself certainly is beyond our comprehension, this verse speaks of God’s peace excelling beyond our understanding in another sense. When we don’t understand our circumstances, when we don’t understand God’s providential workings in our lives, when we don’t understand our trials, when we don’t understand what to do, we have peace from God that is greater than our understanding. It is better to have His peace, than to understand everything. We don’t need to understand, because knowing Him, we have peace that He doeth all things well. We have peace that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We have peace that He works all things together for our good. We have peace that in Christ, we are without blemish and without spot and are well pleasing unto God. This peace is more excellent than understanding. I don’t need to know what, why, how, when or where, if I know Who. – Chris Cunningham
March 24, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN OF THE DAY
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 heart
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: “Am I A Soldier? “ p. 414)
*****
Birthdays
27th– Jessica Clark 29th– Bryant Martin 30th– Sherri Morris
“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” - Proverbs 14:25
There is never an excuse nor any justification for any sin committed! Nor is there a denial that sin has been committed! Facing my sin and sins honestly makes me cry out, “God be merciful to me the sinner!”
IF BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Baptism is a ceremony, there is no saving efficacy in it nor is it a means through which grace is conveyed. But, that does not take away from its importance. The marriage ceremony does not cause a man and woman to love one another. They love each other before they participated in the marriage ceremony. But if they refuse to participate in the marriage ceremony, and live together without it, they say by that, that they do not love one another enough to be totally committed to one another. This shows how important the marriage ceremony is. There is no true love without it.
Baptism is the same. It does not cause salvation. It speaks of a relationship that was already there before the ceremony. And that relationship was caused by what baptism depicts: Union with Christ. For someone to refuse Baptism is like someone who refused the marriage covenant and ceremony. That person says by their actions, “I do not love Christ enough to commit to Him.” Love like that is not love at all!
Yes, Baptism is important – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” (Mark 16:16)
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“Of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” - John 1:16
“Of His fullness.” In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. “Have we all received.” All of the elect, all who believe. In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and ye are complete in Him. “And grace for grace.” Grace is the cause of grace. We are given this grace because of grace. The only reason for grace is grace. It is never earned or merited! That safeguards two things. There is no reason for anybody to boast and there is not reason for anybody to despair.
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When we say “The doctrines of grace” we err. It is the doctrine of grace. Total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints are not separate doctrines, but one doctrine. They all stand or fall together. It is not possible to believe one without believing them all, and it is not possible to deny one without denying them all. The doctrine of grace is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I HAVE NEVER SINNED
That phrase is hard to write, even harder to say…but I, and every believer eternally united to Christ, have never sinned. A believer has two separate, distinct, opposing natures…. the flesh (the old man) and the spirit (the new man).
The man writing this article in the flesh is a sinner, and can only sin. I sinned when I wrote the title to this article. But the new man, the spirit of Christ in me, is holy and righteous, and has never sinned. The real me, the eternal me, is eternally righteous. No, I don’t fully understand that, but I really do believe it, because God’s Word declares it. Speaking of His elect, spiritual Israel, He says, “I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cutoff” (Isaiah 56:5). The everlasting name He gives to His church follows in the book of Jeremiah, “And this is the name wherewith she shall be called, the Lord our righteousness” (Jer. 3:16). Our everlasting, eternal name is the Lord our Righteousness! That means throughout all eternity past and eternity to come, I have never sinned and never will. Every believer is therefore eternally justified, not guilty, nothing to be charged with, for in Christ I have never done any wrong. - Brian DuFour
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OUR ASSEMBLIES
By God’s all-wise appointment, our assemblies are the life, the food, and the nourishment of our souls. It is the main way whereby we publicly identify with Christ and His Gospel. We evidence our love for Christ by our loyalty and support of one another in opposition to all false worship. Many things will rise up in competition to the diligent attendance of our assemblies. We must recognize and refuse to give in to anything that is opposed to what Christ commands. The total falling away of a graceless professor always begins with this neglect, this disassociation with God’s people (Hebrews 10:25).
– John Owen 1616-1683
March 17, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN OF THE DAY
O, blessed God how kind, are all Thy ways to me
Whose dark, benighted mind, was enmity with Thee
Yet now subdued by sovereign grace
My spirit longs for Thine embrace! My spirit longs for Thine embrace!
How precious are Thy thoughts, that o’er my spirit roll
They swell beyond my faults, and captivate my soul
How great their sum, how high they rise
Can ne’er be known beneath the skies! Can ne’er be known beneath the skies!
Preserved by Jesus when, my feet made haste to hell
And there should I have gone, but Thou dost all things well
Thy love was great, Thy mercy free
Which from the pit delivered me! Which from the pit delivered me!
Before Thy hands had made, the sun to rule the day
Or earth’s foundation laid, or fashioned Adam’s clay
What thoughts of peace and mercy flowed
In Thy great heart of love, O God! In Thy great heart of love, O God!
A monument of grace, a sinner saved by blood
The streams of love I trace, up to the fountain – God
And in His sovereign counsels see
Eternal thoughts of love to me! Eternal thoughts of love to me!
(Tune: “Arise My Soul, Arise”)
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Thank you to everyone for helping with the conference – your time and efforts were very much appreciated!
We extend our sincere sympathy to Lissie McGuire and her family on the death of her brother.
Birthdays
19th– Rachel Daniel 21st– Doris Daniel 22nd– Jean Bradford
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” - Proverbs 24:16
HOW IMPORTANT IS MY GIVING?
In one sense it is not important at all. God goes not need my money and lack of generosity on my part is not going to effect the Kingdom of God. God will raise up somebody else to give generously for His cause. But in another sense it is so important that Paul says in II Corinthians 8:8 that giving “Proves the sincerity of your love.” The sincerity of my love is seen more by my giving than what I say. With every paycheck, giving should be the first priority - not waiting to see what is left after the bills are paid and entertainment is taken care of. Love for Christ dictates that I give the first fruits and not the left-overs. What I give and how I give is the test of my love to Christ according to the Scriptures. How important is my giving? Very!
FISHERS OF MEN
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” - Matthew 4:19
Works religion has put a wrong emphasis on witnessing to others. The motive, method and message is wrong! The Lord said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” (Matthew 23:15)
Could it be in our fear of being like them, we are throwing out the baby with the bathwater? If we are not fishing for men, we are not following the Master! Since “Faith cometh by hearing”, and we know that none will be saved apart from hearing the Gospel, we want men to hear! We know we cannot save them, but He can. I fear us becoming stagnant, coming to services, hearing and leaving, our duty being done. You cannot know Christ and not want others to know Him. You cannot be saved by His grace and not want fellow sinners to be saved by His grace. Have we lost sight of His great commission – “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” When the church of Jerusalem (not just the preachers) were scattered by persecution, they “Went everywhere preaching the Word” (Acts 8:4). May we have a renewed vision to be fishers of men, seeking the salvation of our families, co-workers, and neighbors: witnessing to them by our life and words, bringing them to hear the Gospel. I know the Lord will bless that effort according to His will.
What is the evidence that God has elected a man, Christ died for that man, and the Holy Spirit has given life to that man? They persevere in faith and in the faith all the way to the end. “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.”
NINE BIBLE WORDS IN REGARD TO GIVING
1. GRACE “Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.” (II Corinthians 8:7)
2. LOVE “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.” (II Corinthians 8:8)
3. WILLING “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” (II Corinthians 8:12)
4. PROPORTION “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” (I Corinthians 16:2)
5. EVERYONE “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” (I Corinthians 16:2)
6. BOUNTIFULLY (LIBERALLY) “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” (II Corinthians 9:6)
7. CHEERFULLY (VOLUNTARILY) “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (II Corinthians 9:7)
8. UNTO THE LORD “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou does alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.” (Matthew 6:1-5)
9. FORGET NOT“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16)
- Henry Mahan
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If I stand in judgment of somebody I am playing the hypocrite. “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things” (Romans 2:1). If somebody does not preach or believe the Gospel of Scripture and I say I am not going to judge them I am equally playing the hypocrite. Under the guise of being non-judgmental I am denying the actual content of the Gospel!
GRACE BIBLE CONFERENCE
March 8-10, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel.
HYMN
Sons we are through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive.
Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding
Ransomed souls, the tidings swell
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding
Who its breadth or length can tell?
What from Christ that soul can sever
Bound by everlasting bands
Once in Him, in Him forever
None can pluck them from His hands.
Heirs of God, joint heirs with Jesus
Long ere time its race begun
To His Name eternal praises
Oh what wonders Christ hath done.
On such love, my soul shall ponder
Love so great, so rich, so free
Say, while lost in holy wonder
Why O Lord, such love to me?
When my Saviour comes in judgment
Bright in majesty Divine
I will stand with that great number
In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p. 374)
Paul and Kelli Harries welcome anyone who would like to come to their house Saturday afternoon between the morning and evening services. Their address is 9370 Hickory Hill Road.
We welcome you to our Grace Bible Conference. The first grace conference was held in Acts 15. Some men who claimed to believe added the necessity of the works of the law to faith in Christ. Paul and Barnabas told the church at Jerusalem of this and here is what was concluded by Peter as the spokesman of the church…“Now therefore why tempt ye God to put a yoke on the disciples which neither we nor our fathers were able to bear. But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we will be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:10-11). They, the Gentile believers, will not be saved like us. We will be saved like them. This could be translated…We have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace is saving grace. God’s grace saves all He intends to save by it. His grace elects who would be saved before time began, His grace redeems and justifies all for whom Christ died. His grace regenerates, preserves, and glorifies all of those God elected and Christ died for. This is not reformed doctrine. The Truth never needed reformed. This is not Calvinism. This is the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To omit any of this is to fail to preach the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless us with His presence, and may we be given ears to hear and hearts to receive His Word. The only word I love more than grace is the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Friday March 8th 7:00pm Donnie Bell & David Eddmenson
Saturday March 9th 10:00am Chris Cunningham & John Chapman
Saturday March 9th 6:00pm Greg Elmquist & Don Fortner
Sunday March 10th 10:00am Clay Curtis & Joe Terrell
(Please note - daylight savings begins March 10th– move your clocks an hour ahead Saturday night)
We will serve soup and sandwiches after the service Friday evening, pizza and salad after the services Saturday morning, and barbecue and sides after the service Sunday morning. Everyone is invited to stay and eat after the services.
If I am hearing preaching and getting nothing out of it, one of two things is true.
(1) The Gospel is not being preached. (2) The Gospel is being preached but I am not hearing as a sinner. May we all be enabled by His grace (1) To hear the Gospel (2) To hear the Gospel as a sinner.
Recently a preacher told me that although he believed what he called the doctrines of grace, he was not a fanatic about it. He assured me that he sought to reach a proper balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, and he was not concerned about making his hearers could cross every “t” and dot every “i”. After hearing him preach, I was convinced that he lived up to what he said. Not only was he not a fanatic regarding the doctrines of grace, you would never even know he belived them at all by his preaching. If a proper balance between sovereignty and responsibility is achieved by silence, he certainly achieved that. Not only did he not concern himself about his hearers not crossing every “t” and dotting every “i”, it was evident that he was not concerned about them crossing any “t” or dotting any “i”. Give me somebody who is a fanatic about God’s Truth! Deliver me from the compromiser who under the guise of “balance” carefully avoids offending anybody! I want to hear a man who does cross every “t” and dot every “i”. After all, the Lord did say, “Verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
There are two systems under which all men look the same – the law and grace. All who are under the law look the same: guilty. So their end is the same: destruction. All who are under grace look the same: righteous. So their end is the same: blessing. – Joe Terrell
Birthdays
11th– Bill Dent 12th– Chance Borders 13th– Nicholas Creamer
13th– Isaac Hands 14th– Aaron Greenleaf 16th– Jacob Davis
16th– Emmaline Dent 16th– Carson Dent 16th- Jacob Morris
March 3, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Jesus, the Lord, my Savior is
My Shepherd and my God
My light, my life, my joy, my bliss
I in His grace rejoice.
What’er I need in Jesus dwells
And there it dwells for me
‘Tis Christ my earthen vessel fills
In Whom I stand complete.
Worthy the Lamb, shall be my song
For He for me was slain
And with me all the heav’nly throng
Shall join and say “Amen!”
(Tune: “According to Thy Gracious Word” p. 192)
*****
We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Mitch and Carla Bryan on the death of Carla’s father, Carl Griffith.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Friday March 8th 7:00pm Donnie Bell & Dave Eddmenson
Saturday March 9th 10:00am Chris Cunningham & John Chapman
Saturday March 9th 6:00pm Greg Elmquist & Don Fortner
Sunday March 10th 10:00am Clay Curtis & Joe Terrell
(Please note - daylight savings begins March 10th– move your clocks an hour ahead Saturday night)
NO WEDNESDAY SERVICE THIS WEEK
VBS June 18-20
Birthdays
4th– Hannah Frye 5th– Savannah Grubb 5th- Michelle Grubb
7th– Daisy Martin 8th– Clare Charron
“He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” - Proverbs 29:1
WHAT IS CHRISTIAN CHARITY?
It is defined by what it does. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 13 that it suffers long…is patient and forbearing, and is kind…gracious and easy. Charity envieth not the gifts, blessings or position of others. It does not vaunt itself…promote and brag on self. It is not puffed up…swollen with pride and vainglory. Charity does not behave itself unseemly…it is not rude. Charity seeketh not its own…it genuinely is not self-seeking and self-promoting. And charity is not easily provoked…it is not touchy and easily offended. You do not have to walk on eggs shells around it. Charity thinketh no evil…it is not accusing and judgmental. It is not ready to criticize. It rejoiceth not in iniquity…it is never happy over somebody’s fall. It rejoices in the Truth. It bears all things. It covers in silence all things and keeps no record of wrongs. It believes all things…it trusts. It hopes all things. What it cannot see, it hopes for. It endures…bears up under all things. Charity never fails. It is never reduced to inactivity.
That, and nothing less is what Christian charity is. Love is as love does. Is it any wonder Paul called it the more excellent way? “The greatest of these is charity.” If we are known for one thing, may this be it…charity.
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DUE BENEVOLENCE
“Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence, and likewise also the wife to the husband” (I Cor. 7:3). The word benevolence means good will. We are to render to our spouses what is their due…good will. We will only be happy ourselves when we seek to make them happy. When we concern ourselves with them giving us the due benevolence owed to us, we will become unhappy. That is being focused on self. If we concern ourselves over being happy, we will be unhappy. If we concern ourselves with doing the right thing we will be happy. Another way of saying this is, if we seek our own happiness, we will be unhappy. If we seek the other’s happiness, we ourselves will be happy. In giving we get. In keeping we lose.
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The popular gospel is a declaration of man’s rights and God’s obligations… “I have a right to salvation if I want it, and God must give it to me if I ask for it.” The Gospel of Christ is a declaration of God’s rights and man’s helplessness to fulfill any of the obligations…“Hath not the Potter power (authority)over the clay to make of the same lump one vessel unto honor and another unto dishonor?” (Romans 9:21) “There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10). – Joe Terrell
BLAMING GOD
This took place right after the fall. “The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I did eat.” In saying this, Adam implied that if God had not given him the woman, this would not have taken place. In other words, it was God’s fault that Adam sinned.
This sin pops up everywhere. It speaks in many ways. God is sovereign in salvation and there is nothing I can do to save myself. Therefore I will do nothing. The Lord could have prevented me from committing that sin but He did not. If the Lord would answer this prayer and give me what I am asking for it would enable me to fight more effectively against this sin. Regarding a questionable direction we decide to take, we say, the Lord opened that door, and we walked through it.
Regarding salvation, blame God completely! If I am saved, He saved me. But with regard to my sin, I only am to blame. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.” (James 1:13-16)
DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY
The sovereignty of God may be defined as the exercise of His supremacy. Being infinitely elevated above the highest creature, He is the Most High, Lord of heaven and earth. Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent; God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases. None can thwart Him, non can hinder Him. So His own Word expressly declares…. “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure” (Isaiah 46:10); “He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand” (Daniel 4:35). Divine sovereignty means that God is God in fact, as well as in Name, that He is on the Throne of the universe, directing all things, working all things “After the counsel of His own will” (Ephesians 1:11). - A. W. Pink
February 24, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
I bless the Christ of God, I rest on love Divine
And with unfaltering lip and heart, I call the Saviour mine
His cross dispels each doubt, I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear, each lingering shade of gloom.
I praise the God of peace, I trust His truth and might
He call me His, I call Him mine, My God, my Joy, my Light
In Him is only good, in me is only ill
My ill but draws His goodness forth, and me He loveth still.
‘Tis He Who saveth me, and freely pardon gives
I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives
My life with Him is hid, my death has passed away
My clouds have melted into light, my midnight into day.
(Tune: “This is My Father’s World” p. 39)
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We Welcome Gabe Stalnaker and his wife Hannah. Gabe is the pastor of the Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church in Kingsport TN. He will bring both messages today. I am preaching for the Sovereign Grace Church in New Caney, TX and will return home tomorrow, Lord willing.
Our Bible Conference is March 8-10. There are sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall. We will not have service on Wednesday, March 6th.
Birthdays
1st – Caleb Benton
“A friend loveth at all times and a brother is born for adversity.”
- Proverbs 17:17
The man who measures things by the circumstances of the hour is filled with fear; the man who
sees Jehovah enthroned and governing has no panic. - G. Campbell Morgan
“Behold Thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in these is continuance, and we shall be saved.” - Isaiah 64:5
All sin is offensive to God and never to be excused. But here is the fact. We have sinned and we are continuing to commit the same sins. Every believer struggles with indwelling sin, secret sins, thorns in the flesh that beat him black and blue. We still have an evil nature that has an appetite for sin. We do not excuse this and we ask for grace to not be tempted by these sins. We ask for grace to commit them no more. We are not smugly indifferent toward them. But one thing these sins do. They are a testimony that the only righteousness we have is Christ’s. And our thought should not be, we must not be saved since we commit those sins… but that we shall be saved by Christ in spite of our sins! Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Not people who used to be sinners but have gained victory over their sins, but present tense sinners. I am a sinner. He came to save sinners. Saved I must be!
*****
MAN’S INABILITY: GOD’S ABILITY
Man’s inability and God’s ability. We must believe them both or in reality we believe neither. Those who believe God is omnipotent; whatever He wills must come to pass because He has the ability to make it come to pass, must of necessity believe that man has no ability, and it is only God’s ability that enables him to do what he could not do. If man has some spiritual ability, God’s omnipotence is not needed. But if I realize that my sin has completely disabled me, how thrilled I am to find out that is no hindrance to God saving me! It is Him that works in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). Just as we trust His righteousness only when we see we have none, we look to His ability only when we see we have none. Man’s inability is a platform for God to display His ability in salvation. We truly believe that, “He is able to keep that which we have committed to Him against that day.”
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Election is Sovereign – “The purpose of God.” The Bible reveals God to be sovereign in creation, providence, and salvation. When men object to God’s sovereignty exercised in election, we do well to point them to the apostle’s words in Romans 9:20-21, “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?” Men have been told for so long that God is in their hands, it is no wonder that many are astonished to hear
that the Bible says it is just the opposite. - David Pledger
BE YE THANKFUL
This is a command. “Be ye thankful” (Col. 3:15). In another place Paul said, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thess. 5:18). Being thankful is not being thankful because things could be worse. Being thankful is being thankful because things could not be better! If God really is sovereign, whatever happens is best because He is in control of it. It may bring joy, it may bring sorrow, but whatever it brings, it is best. Whether our hearts are bubbling over with joy or breaking in sorrow, we are thankful. Whatever He does is best! We may not understand how it is best, but we do believe it is best. Therefore we are thankful!
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THAT WHICH IS WRITTEN
In the King James version of I Corinthians 4:6 we read that we are “Not to think of men above that which is written.” The “of men”is in italics, showing us that it was not in the original, but supplied by the translators to help us to understand what is being said. In the context, they were right, but it could and should read, “Not to think above that which was written.” We should never believe something that we have arrived at from a logical inference… “If this is so, then this also must be so” … Not necessarily! We are fallible men, and our logic may lead us in the wrong direction. We believe that which was written. And we are not to go above or beyond that which was written. How many errors are born from wrong suppositions or supposed logical inferences. Remember the words of Moses…“The secret things belong to the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)
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‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him.” - Psalms 28:7
You would not even have had grace enough to know you were nothing if God had not given it to you. To be nothing is ours by nature; but to know that we are nothing and to confess that we are nothing is a gift of His grace. Brethren, we are emptier than emptiness, and more vain than vanity. We may tax language and use extravagant hyperboles, but we shall never be able fitly to estimate our own utter insignificance. We are weakness itself, hampered with the conceit of power; and yet if we can say in truth, “The Lord is my strength”, we cannot estimate how strong we are, for there is no measuring omnipotence. – C. H. Spurgeon
February 17, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
I once was a stranger to grace and to God
I knew not my danger and felt not my load
Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree
Jehovah Tsidkenu meant nothing to me.
When free grace awoke me by light from on high
Then legal fears shook me, I trembled to die
No refuge, no safety in self could I see
Jehovah Tsidkenu my Savior must be.
My terrors all vanished before His sweet Name,
My guilty fears banished, with boldness I came
To drink at the fountain, life-giving and free
Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me.
(Tune: How Firm A Foundation p. 268)
*****
Our Bible Conference is March 8-10. There are sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall. Give toward these extra expenses as you are enabled.
SCHEDULE
Friday March 8th 7:00pm Donnie Bell & Dave Eddmenson
Saturday March 9th 10:00am Chris Cunningham & John Chapman
Saturday March 9th 6:00pm Greg Elmquist & Don Fortner
Sunday March 10th 10:00am Clay Curtis & Joe Terrell
(Please note - daylight savings begins March 10th– move your clocks an hour ahead Saturday night)
Birthdays
20th– Megan Harries 21st– Tim Daniel
22nd– Zac Byrd 22nd– Evonne Kincer
“A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.” - Proverbs 14:16
If all I have is Christ, I have all, because Christ is All. If I have anything in addition to Him, He is no longer all, and in reality, I have nothing. Christ is All is Christ alone! Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else!
SATAN’S ADVANTAGE
Paul said to the church at Corinth that if they failed to forgive, restore, and confirm their love to the man that had sinned so grievously, Satan would get the advantage over them (II Cor. 2:11). What all it means for Satan to have the advantage I do not know. But it is not good! What damage can be done in a church, a home, or an individual when Satan has an advantage. When we fail to forgive we act contrary to the Gospel, contrary to the law of Christ (Gal. 6:3), put ourselves in the state of not being forgiven (Matt. 6:15), and give Satan room to work powerfully in our lives. May we be quick to forgive, with some small measure of understanding how much we have been forgiven of!
In the kingdom of God the way up is down, the way to live is to die, the way to strength is weakness, to be wise is to become a fool, to be clothed in His righteousness is to be stripped of my own, to receive is to give, and to reign is to serve. If God does not turn my affection, interest, and love from this world, I will perish with the world. - Copied
“When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” - I Corinthians 13:10
When the “Perfect Man” comes, only then shall we see Him as He is and be made like Him. In the meantime, our faith is mixed with unbelief. Our love is mixed with selfishness. Our understanding is mixed with ignorance. Our sorrow for sin is shallow. Our worship falls so far short of its mark. Our experience of peace is fraught with fear. Our joy is mixed with sorrow. Truly, “Now we see through a glass darkly…”
Here is our hope brethren... Faith does not look to our experience in these graces for the hope of our salvation. Oh no! Faith looks to that Perfect Man in whom all these spiritual graces are full and complete. May we rest the hope of our salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ who stands in our stead before Almighty God. “Wherefore, He is able to save them to the uttermost (perfectly) that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25). – Greg Elmquist
TRAINING A CHILD IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO
Getting “The cart before the horse” is such a vivid picture of the backwards way of trying to do things. It just simply will not work. Yet the wisdom of man is always trying in vain to deliver the goods in just that fashion. We have been told that the way to build our children’s self-esteem is by telling them how wonderful they are (even when they are bad), making them feel like winners (even when they lose), and always rewarding them (even when they are lazy). The result is that we have raised a generation of self absorbed brats with an entitlement mentality. Truth is, self-esteem is the by-product of good decisions, hard work, and showing a genuine interest in others. Teach your children by example, precept, and correction to choose right over wrong, to respect others (especially authority), and to work hard. Then, they will grow up feeling good about themselves. Parenting is hard work. It’s a battle against the flesh. Many mistakes will be made along the way. But, if we take the easy way out, you can be sure that their Adamic nature will not only turn the cart over, it will kill the horse.
Now all that being true, there is but one thing that really matters in the end. Has the Lord been pleased to save my child? Do they know Christ? Here is where our God given responsibility must not falter. If the Lord is pleased to save our children, He will use the preaching of the Gospel to do it. There is no greater thing we can do for our children than to have them in public worship. May God give us the grace to make this THE priority in our homes. Again, some get the cart before the horse. They wait for the child to want to come. Remember, faith comes by hearing, not hearing by faith. Always have them where they can hear and pray the Lord will give them ears to hear. – Greg Elmquist
THE HUNGRY EAT
I remember my father saying to us children at home when we did not like our food that he had been to the Union House and the boys and girls always like their breakfast there because they were hungry, and, said he,“If you had to go without, it would do you good.” Sometimes, children of God get worldly, and then they have no appetite for God’s Word. They say, “We do not profit under Mr. So-and so.” The truth is, we do not profit under the Bible itself, and should not profit under the apostle Paul or under the Lord Jesus Christ, for we have spoiled our appetites. But when our appetite is healthy, we can come to the Scripture, and not care much how it is carved. - C. H. Spurgeon
February 10, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
Hark, how the Gospel trumpet sounds
Christ and free grace therein abound
Free grace to such as sinners be
And if free grace, why not for me?
The Saviour died, and by His blood
Brought rebel sinners home to God
He died to set the captives free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Christ Jesus came the poor to bless
To clothe them with His righteousness
The robe is spotless, full and free
Then why, my soul, why not for me?
Eternal life by Christ is giv’n
And ruined sinners raised to heav;n
Then sing of grace so rich and free
And say, My soul, why not for thee?
(Tune: “Doxology”)
Our Bible Conference is March 8-10. There are sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall. Give toward these extra expenses as you are enabled.
SCHEDULE
Friday March 8th 7:00pm Donnie Bell & Dave Eddmenson
Saturday March 9th 10:00am Chris Cunningham & John Chapman
Saturday March 9th 6:00pm Greg Elmquist & Don Fortner
Sunday March 10th 10:00am Clay Curtis & Joe Terrell
(Please note - daylight savings begins March 10th– move your clocks an hour ahead Saturday night)
Birthdays
13th– Mark Benton 13th– Kathryn Kelley 15th– Joseph Anjos
15th– Amber DuFour 16th– Andrea Vincent 16th– Henry Williams
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” - Proverbs 20:9
“I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” – Psalm 138:18
Yes these are the words of David, but they are also the words of the Lord Jesus from the cross. He owned the sins of the elect as His own. My confession of sin always feels inadequate and my sorrow over my sin is not sorry enough. My confession of sin and sorrow for sin is sin! He is the only one who truly confessed sin aright and had genuine sorrow for it. Just as we are justified by the faith of Christ, we look to Christ for the true confession of sin and sorrow over sin. All that God requires of us He looks to His Son for. All that God requires of us we look to His Son for!
BELIEVERS REPRESENT THE LORD
Several years ago I applied for a home improvement loan at a local bank. I did not deal with the president of the band or an officer of the bank but with one of the employees. This particular employee was quite rude and unkind to me causing me to cancel my account at that bank and move to another. The only contact I had with the bank was with this very poor representative but it was enough to discourage me from going there again.
You and I represent our Lord, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, and the church of the first-born. The only contact some people have with the church and Kingdom of God is through us. What kind of impression do we leave on them? What idea of Christianity do we convey to them?
I wonder if they do not sometimes walk away offended, disappointed, and resolved not to inquire any further into our faith or listen to our message. I realize that we are frail creatures, subject to all the limitations of the flesh, but we need to set a watch on our lips, control our tempers, and put forth a special effort to adorn the Gospel of His grace. If we endure persecution for the Gospel’s sake, well and good, but not if we bring it on ourselves by our own faults! - Henry Mahan
To believe God is no small thing! It is the evidence of a heart reconciled unto God; it is the proof of our being weaned from our own works and deeds; it is a clear sign of the true conviction of sin; it is honoring to Christ, our only Redeemer; it is the essence of true worship; and it is the root of sincere obedience. - Henry Mahan
FAITHFULNESS
“It is required in a steward that a man found faithful”
The faithful man is the man who believes and can be believed. He trusts and he can be trusted. He relies and he can be relied on. There is nothing more beautiful and beneficial than faithfulness. Faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Faithful to believe all that is written. Faithful to view himself as a sinner. Faithful in humility. Faithful in whatever the Lord puts in his hand to do. Faithful to prayer and reading the Word. Faithful to attend worship services. Faithful in giving. Faithful in loyalty. Faithful as the friend who loveth at all times. May the Lord enable us and may we seek to be faithful. Joshua and Caleb were the only adults over 20 years old that entered the Promised Land. Joshua is the Hebrew word for Jesus, the Savior. Caleb’s name means faithful dog. Oh, for grace to be a faithful dog.
*****
So long as two men are walking together, you cannot tell which one of them the dog belongs to. But let the two men part company and it then becomes evident; the dog will follow his master! The dog does not hesitate, debate, or remain undecided; he quickly follows the one he loves.
Where Christ and men separate; where the Word of God and the traditions of men divide; where the ways of God and ways of the flesh part, the servant of Christ does not hesitate, debate, or remain undecided; he follows Christ, whom he loves, regardless of the cost.
The master may go to a simple cottage, a meal of dry bread, and a lonesome existence while his companion enjoys all the luxuries of the world. But the faithful dog cares little for these things so long as he is with his master. - Henry Mahan
God does love all who are in Christ. If you trust the Lord Jesus Christ, if you are robed in His righteousness and washed in His blood, God loves you. Your faith in Christ is both the fruit and the evidence of God’s everlasting, immutable love for you. “We love Him because He first loved us” (I John 4:19).
That love which caused God to redeem and save chosen sinners is without cause, without condition, without beginning, without change, and without end. If you now trust Christ as your Savior and Lord, it is because He loved you from the beginning and He will love you forever! If you do not trust and love the Lord Jesus Christ, you have no reason to imagine that God loves you. The wrath of God abides on you (John 3:36). Flee from the wrath of God. Flee away to Christ, and you will find in Him all the fullness of Jehovah’s everlasting love. – Don Fortner
January 27, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Sons of God redeemed by blood
Raise your songs to Zion’s God
Made from condemnation free
Grace triumphant sing with me.
Calvary’s wonders let us trace
Justice magnified in grace
Mark the crimson streams and say
Thus my sins were washed away.
Wrath Divine no more we dread
Vengeance smote our Surety’s head
Demands of justice fully met
Christ hath paid the dreadful debt.
Lamb of God! Thy death hath giv’n
Pardon, peace and hope of heav’n
It is finished; let us raise
Songs of gratitude and praise!
(Tune: “Depth of Mercy” p. 233)
*****
Frank Tate, pastor of the Hurricane Grace Church in Ashland, KY will bring the message this evening.
The preacher’s class will meet this Saturday, Feb. 2ndat 10:00am.
We will have our Bible Conference on March 8-10. Give toward these expenses as you are enabled.
Birthdays
30th- Jonathan Holbrook 2nd– Sam Elliott
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
When an individual seeks to make the gate wider than Christ does and the road broader than Christ does, he has entered the wide gate and broad road that leads to destruction. The person who does this says by this action that he is more merciful than Christ. Under the cloak of love for souls and not being judgmental of others he is actually denying the Gospel. The gate is so strait that the only way you can get through it is if all you have is Christ. The road is so narrow that you will fall off into the precipice if you have anything more or less than Christ. If you can look at anything else that gives you confidence that you have entered the strait gate and are on the narrow road, you have actually entered the wide gate and are on the broad road that leads to destruction. The Lord says plainly that many are on the broad way and few are on the narrow way.
NEWS
The Gospel is good news. If something is news that means it happened recently. If it is old news, it is not news at all. If the Gospel is not preached as news, it is not preached at all. Martin Luther said he preached Christ as if He died yesterday, rose today, and is coming again tomorrow. If I do not hear the Gospel as good news, one of two things is true. (1) I was not hearing the Gospel in the first place. Why, even to present the facts of the Gospel in an academic way is not really preaching the Gospel at all! (2) I am not hearing as a sinner. The Gospel only comes as good news to sinners. When I hear the Gospel as a sinner, every time I hear it, it is like the first time I ever heard it! The old, old story is always new. When it is not new, it is no longer the old, old story.
The atonement does not change the nature and character of God but rather, the atonement honors and magnifies the character of God. The death of Christ is not the cause of God’s love, but the result of it. God is not merciful because Christ died. Christ died because God is merciful. In order that every attribute might be expressed, glorified, and honored, God gave His Son to be the Savior of His chosen people! Thank God! There is an atonement BEFORE THE LORD. – Henry Mahan
TRUE WORSHIP
True worship is not primarily a cultural thing. It is not simply offering to God our sentiments and feelings expressed according to our culture. It is based on a knowledge of the majesty and holiness of God and what He requires in worship. It is not primarily cultural; it is spiritual. Those who know the true God will come into His presence with holy awe and reverence, whatever their cultural background.
Africans, it is true, like rhythm and music but so does the rock-loving culture of the West, as evidenced by what takes place in discos or in other entertainment. Our worship should not be an expression of our culture, but of the holiness and majesty of God and our gratitude for His grace towards us in Christ. A true knowledge of Christ will lead to worship, which is God-glorifying, whatever the cultural background. There will be more putting our hands over our mouths (Job 40:4) and covering our faces (Isaiah 6:2) than there will be hands in the air and dancing in the aisles! When people know the true God, their worship is reverent and God glorifying, whatever their cultural background.
- Bill Clark, Missionary
GOOD NEWS OR BAD NEWS
The Gospel means good news. News is a report of what has taken place. It is not an interpretation of what has taken place. It is the reporting of the facts. The newspaper is filled with news. I pour over the sports page every day to get the news. I look to see if my team won or lost. If they won it is good news to me! But it is not good news to the fans of the team who were defeated by my team. The stated score is the news. It will be good news to some and bad news to others. The Gospel is good news to some and bad news to others. The message of sovereign grace is good news to those who cannot be saved by their works. But the same message is not good news to that one who is hoping to be saved by his works.
Every time you insist that I am a sinner, you call me to remember the benefit of Christ my Redeemer, upon whose shoulders, and not mine, lie all my sins. So when you say I am a sinner, you do not terrify me, but comfort me immeasurably. – Martin Luther
February 3, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Sons we are through God’s election
Who in Jesus Christ believe
By eternal destination
Sovereign grace we here receive.
Pause, my soul, adore and wonder
Ask, O Why such love to me?
Grace hath put me in the number
Of the Saviour’s family.
Every fallen soul, by sinning
Merits everlasting pain
But Thy love, without beginning
Has restored Thy sons again.
When my Saviour comes in judgment
Bright in majesty Divine
I will stand with that great number
In Thy righteousness as mine.
(Tune: “Jesus Calls Us” p.374)
*****
We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
Birthdays
3rd– James Carver 5th– Billie Tuttle 7th– Tamara Dickerson
7th– Clark Grubb 7th– Faith Hacker 9th– Ryan Daniel
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand:
but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” - Proverbs 10:4
You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary. - Jonathan Edwards
THE SHE BEARS
We read in II Kings 2:23-25of some young men mocking Elisha, Elisha cursing them in the name of the Lord, and two she bears coming from the forest and killing 42 of them. Elisha was God’s prophet bringing God’s Word. “Thus saith the Lord.” God is more jealous of His Word then she bears are over their cubs. These young men had no love for the Word of God. So they poured out their contempt and criticism upon the one who brought it. This is what men do when they cannot justify their actions or beliefs from the Scripture. They pour contempt and criticism on the one who brings the Word. Any man we desire to be critical of we can find plenty of ammunition. But God saw it for what it was - hatred of His Word. The same Word that He has magnified above all His Name! With God the punishment always fits the crime. Oh that we might do as James said, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath”,lest two she bears arise from the forest and devour us!
The Lord asked the disciples in response to their lack of understanding, unbelief, and failure to remember what He had done, “Have ye your hearts yet hardened.” I fear a hardened heart! “Have ye” is active. Have you hardened your hearts? Hardened is passive. All God has to do to harden our hearts is let us alone! I fear being hardened toward the Gospel. I fear being hardened toward sin! If I am hardened it is my fault and it is the Lord leaving me to myself. Oh, for a heart softened by the Spirit of God! Oh, to not be left to myself but kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation!
WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?
“And he looked and behold the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.” This is the bush of whom it was said the Angel of the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Moses. This fire did not need the energy of the wood of the bush to be sustained. It was a fire that was independent of fuel to keep it going. Christ is utterly independent. That can only be said of God. The wood could not be consumed by the fire. This speaks of the perfect humanity of Christ. He could not be consumed by the wrath of God. He consumed the wrath. Who is Jesus Christ? The Independent God, the Perfect Man, The Word made flesh, God manifest in the flesh. It is because of Who He is that He is able to save to the uttermost.
I DID NOT “GET SAVED” - CHRIST SAVED ME
Quite some time ago a man asked a question to one of our brethren concerning this congregation. He said: “Is anybody getting saved down there?” Depending on what denomination a person attends, that means: Have you gotten anybody to speak in tongues yet? Or have you gotten anybody to get baptized yet? Or some other thing that religion tries to get men and women to do.
Salvation is not in what we can get men and women to do. Salvation is in what Christ has already done! The terminology of a believing child of God is NOT: “I got saved”, but “Christ saved me!” Usually a man who “gets saved” will get lost after awhile. But if God the Spirit ever reveals to a sinner that salvation is not his choice – God the Father chose to give him to Christ His Son! And salvation is not in any work the he must or can do – God the Son accomplished the work of His salvation to the fullest through the shedding of His own blood! Once it is revealed to a sinner that by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ “It is finished!” that sinner will no longer wonder if anybody is “getting saved”, but he will cry: “Salvation is of the Lord!” (Jonah 2:9) The Lord will add daily to the church such as should be saved! (Acts 2:47) All that the Father has given to Christ shall come to Christ! And the sinner that comes to Christ, Christ will in no wise cast him out! (John 6:37) None shall be lost! (John 17:12) Every truly saved sinner will cry: I did not “get saved,” CHRIST SAVED ME! - Gabe Stalnaker
There is nothing that keeps a man out of heaven but his own will. But there is nothing that will keep a man out of hell but God’s will. Eternal life is by God’s will, God’s gift, and God’s work (Romans 9:16; 6:23; II Timothy 1:9). But eternal death is the result of man’s will, man’s work, and man’s merit (Proverbs1:23-26; Romans6:23; 10:21). Don Fortner
When you become just nothing, when you have no good feelings, no good desires, or anything you can bring to Christ – when you come to Christ, not with a broken heart, but for a broken heart, then he will receive you, then you will be the kind of man that Christ came to save. - Milton Howard
We have no power from God unless we live in the persuasion that
we have none of our own. - John Owen
January 20, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Sons of God redeemed by blood
Raise your songs to Zion’s God
Made from condemnation free
Grace triumphant sing with me.
Calvary’s wonders let us trace
Justice magnified in grace
Mark the crimson streams and say
Thus my sins were washed away.
Wrath Divine no more we dread
Vengeance smote our Surety’s head
Demands of justice fully met
Christ hath paid the dreadful debt.
Lamb of God! Thy death hath giv’n
Pardon, peace and hope of heav’n
It is finished; let us raise
Songs of gratitude and praise!
(Tune: “Depth of Mercy” p. 233)
*****
We welcome Frank Tate, pastor of the Hurricane Grace Church in Ashland, KY, and his wife Janet. Frank will bring the messages today. I am preaching at the Grace Gospel Church Bible Conference in Apopka, FL this weekend.
We will have our Bible Conference on March 8-10. Give toward these expenses as you are enabled.
Birthdays
26th– Emily Elliott 26th– Mike Farmer 26th– Lynn Nibert
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 14:12
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
When an individual seeks to make the gate wider than Christ does and the road broader than Christ does, he has entered the wide gate and broad road that leads to destruction. The person who does this says by this action that he is more merciful than Christ. Under the cloak of love for souls and not being judgmental of others he is actually denying the Gospel. The gate is so strait that the only way you can get through it is if all you have is Christ. The road is so narrow that you will fall off into the precipice if you have anything more or less than Christ. If you can look at anything else that gives you confidence that you have entered the strait gate and are on the narrow road, you have actually entered the wide gate and are on the broad road that leads to destruction. The Lord says plainly that many are on the broad way and few are on the narrow way.
*****
NEWS
The Gospel is good news. If something is news that means it happened recently. If it is old news, it is not news at all. If the Gospel is not preached as news, it is not preached at all. Martin Luther said he preached Christ as if He died yesterday, rose today, and is coming again tomorrow. If I do not hear the Gospel as good news, one of two things is true. (1) I was not hearing the Gospel in the first place. Why, even to present the facts of the Gospel in an academic way is not really preaching the Gospel at all! (2) I am not hearing as a sinner. The Gospel only comes as good news to sinners. When I hear the Gospel as a sinner, every time I hear it, it is like the first time I ever heard it! The old, old story is always new. When it is not new, it is no longer the old, old story.
*****
The atonement does not change the nature and character of God but rather, the atonement honors and magnifies the character of God. The death of Christ is not the cause of God’s love, but the result of it. God is not merciful because Christ died. Christ died because God is merciful. In order that every attribute might be expressed, glorified, and honored, God gave His Son to be the Savior of His chosen people! Thank God! There is an atonement BEFORE THE LORD. – Henry Mahan
TRUE WORSHIP
True worship is not primarily a cultural thing. It is not simply offering to God our sentiments and feelings expressed according to our culture. It is based on a knowledge of the majesty and holiness of God and what He requires in worship. It is not primarily cultural; it is spiritual. Those who know the true God will come into His presence with holy awe and reverence, whatever their cultural background.
Africans, it is true, like rhythm and music but so does the rock-loving culture of the West, as evidenced by what takes place in discos or in other entertainment. Our worship should not be an expression of our culture, but of the holiness and majesty of God and our gratitude for His grace towards us in Christ. A true knowledge of Christ will lead to worship, which is God-glorifying, whatever the cultural background. There will be more putting our hands over our mouths (Job 40:4) and covering our faces (Isaiah 6:2) than there will be hands in the air and dancing in the aisles! When people know the true God, their worship is reverent and God glorifying, whatever their cultural background. - Bill Clark, Missionary
*****
GOOD NEWS OR BAD NEWS
The Gospel means good news. News is a report of what has taken place. It is not an interpretation of what has taken place. It is the reporting of the facts. The newspaper is filled with news. I pour over the sports page every day to get the news. I look to see if my team won or lost. If they won it is good news to me! But it is not good news to the fans of the team who were defeated by my team. The stated score is the news. It will be good news to some and bad news to others. The Gospel is good news to some and bad news to others. The message of sovereign grace is good news to those who cannot be saved by their works. But the same message is not good news to that one who is hoping to be saved by his works.
*****
Every time you insist that I am a sinner, you call me to remember the benefit of Christ my Redeemer, upon whose shoulders, and not mine, lie all my sins. So when you say I am a sinner, you do not terrify me, but comfort me immeasurably. – Martin Luther
January 13, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has borne the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” p.188)
*****
The Grace Gospel Church in Apopka, Florida will have their Bible Conference this weekend, January 18-20.
We rejoice with Jennifer Anjos will confess Christ is believer’s baptism at the close of the service this morning.
Birthdays
25th– Mike Rigsby 16th– Kelli Harries
17th– Aiden Carver 19th– Amanda DuFour
“ The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” - Proverbs 15:33
Over the years I have seen many people struggle with Baptism. “Was I a believer when I was baptized? Should I be baptized again?” There are two questions that must be answered to know if I should be satisfied with my baptism. (1) What is the Gospel? (2) Did I believe the Gospel when I was baptized? If the Gospel I heard was not the Gospel of the Scriptures I was never baptized in the first place. A religious ritual? Yes. Christian baptism? No. Did I believe the Gospel I heard? “Whoso believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Faith in Christ is the one requirement for baptism. If you heard and believed the Gospel when you were baptized, you should be satisfied with your baptism. If you had not heard the Gospel of the Scriptures, and had not believed the Gospel you now believe when you were baptized, you were not really baptized. You cannot truly be baptized without faith in Christ. If you are satisfied that you had heard and believed the Gospel when you were baptized….thank God! If you believe you had not heard nor believed the Gospel when you were first baptized, you really never have been baptized, and it is time for you to confess Christ in believer’s baptism.
CONTENTMENT
“I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Contentment is satisfaction with whatever God does. It is not envious at the blessings others have. It does not fret over circumstances. It does not covet what it does not have. It is humble, being content with anything because it knows it deserves nothing. It is not ambitious for greater recognition. It believes all of God’s providence is good. Contentment arises from trust. God is too wise to err, too kind to be cruel, and too powerful to not be the first cause of all things. A content person is a happy person. A discontent person is a dissatisfied, envious, covetous, proud, ambitious, mistrusting, unhappy person.
A man said that he was saved because Christ did His part, and he did all the rest. Somebody asked him, “But what was ‘the rest’ that you did?” And he replied, “Why, Christ did it all, and I only stood in His way, and hindered Him all I could.” This is about all that we shall ever do in the matter of our soul’s salvation. It must rest with Christ alone, and our wisdom is to commit ourselves to Him who is able to meet all the necessities of our case, and to conduct us safely to our journey’s end; but since, from the first to the last, salvation is of the Lord, then give all the glory to His Holy Name, for to Him all the glory belongs.
- C. H. Spurgeon
WHY WAS ISRAEL DIVIDED?
Have you ever wondered how or why Israel was divided into two kingdoms (Israel and Judah)? Israel had been united under the rule of David and Solomon. After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam reigned in his stead. Some people from one of the twelve tribes said to Rehoboam, “Your Father made our yoke grievous…make it lighter and we will serve thee.” Rehoboam asked his Father’s counselors what he should do. Their answer, “If thou wilt be a servant to this people, and wilt serve them, and speak God’s words to them, then they will be thy servants forever.” But the younger counselors told Rehoboam to tell them he was going to make the yoke more grievous! He followed the advice of the young men… and it made Israel divide itself from Judah…hence, the divided kingdom.
What do we learn from this? If we seek to be a servant, and serve, those we serve will want to serve us. If I am seeking to be served, division will be the outcome. If I am seeking to serve, unity will be the outcome. We are to follow the example of the One whom the Father called “My Servant.” “The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
THE BELIEVER’S RULE OF LIFE
I left the pulpit one night and a fellow asked me, “Do you believe the law to be a believer’s rule of life?” He seemed surprised when I told him I did not. His very next question was, “How do you know how to live?” I told him immediately that I lived just as the Apostle Paul, “The life that I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20). This was the rule of life for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Abel and all others who have nothing but Jesus Christ to live upon. Someone would say, “You mean you live as you want to?” I wish I could: I would be filled with the Sprit, I would never sin again, all my motives would be pure, and I would be delivered from the body of this death. Oh, I wish I could live just like I want to. The closest thing I have found to living just like I would like to is living by faith upon Jesus Christ the Dear and Blessed Son of God. - Bruce Crabtree
*****
God displays His character and attributes in the manner in which He saves. To reject any aspect of His salvation is to reject some aspect of His character. To fail to confess any aspect of His salvation is to fail to confess Who He is. Error in doctrine or failure to preach doctrine is more than a mistake! It is a denial of and failure to confess Christ!
January 6, 2019
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
O, Lamb of God, still keep me
Near to Thy wounded side
Tis only there in safety
And peace I can abide.
What foes and snares surround me!
What lusts and fears within!
The grace that sought and found me
Alone can keep me clean.
‘Tis only in Thee hiding
I know my life secure
Only in Thee abiding
I steadfast shall endure.
Thine arm the victory gaineth
O’er every hurtful foe
The love my heart sustaineth
In all its care and woe.
Soon shall my eyes behold Thee
With rapture, face to face
The half hath not been told me
Of all Thy power and grace.
Thy beauty, Lord, and glory
The wonders of Thy love
Shall be the endless story
Of all Thy saints above.
(Tune: “The Church’s One Foundation” p. 186)
*****
Grace Gospel Church Apopka, Florida Bible Conference - January 18-20
Birthdays
6th– Nathaniel Sligh 6th– Annette DuFour 7th– Henry Lynn
8th– Rachel Harries 9th– Nancy Benton 9th- Emily Bryan 10th– Cali Warta 12th– Aaron Sligh
“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.” - Proverbs 15:28
Our wish for the New Year? To be found in Christ and to know more of Him. And that is a wish that is granted to all who desire it.
*****
“My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” – Psalm 34:2
Boasting in the Lord is rejoicing in Christ! Glorying in the cross! It is the joy of knowing that God’s salvation is entirely in Christ. Than means that if I am in Him, all God requires, I have! God is as pleased with me as He is with His own dear Son! In Him I have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. In Him we are complete! In Him is no sin. In Him I have no sin. Me being in Him is not God’s reward to me for my works as God’s response to anything I do. It is simply and mysteriously my eternal union with Christ. Being one with Him.
Who will be glad when they hear this message? The humble! Those who have nothing to be proud about but Christ Himself. Those who can only be saved by being in Christ. Those who really believe themselves to be sinners and have nothing to bring to the table of salvation. When they hear of the salvation in Christ, they will be glad, and all the proud will be mad!
*****
TWO TYPES OF CALLS
God gives us a precious promise in Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” Many people have claimed to call upon His Name, but what kind of call was it? Was it the call of works sounded forth by the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees (me and you be nature) – “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy Name? and in Thy Name have cast out devils? And in Thy Name done many wonderful works?” (Matthew 7:22) Or was it the call of grace humbly offered by David and the publican (God’s elect) – “O Lord, I beseech Thee, deliver my soul” (Psalm 116:4).
Notice a couple of things about these two calls. The call of works was long, embellished with adjectives, and made mention only of man’s works. The call of grace was short, to the point, and made mention only of God’s work.
And on which type of call did God carry out His promise of salvation? The call of grace sinner went down to his house justified. The call of works sinner was told to depart, “I never knew (loved)you.” Ask God for grace, to enable you to call in grace, for salvation by grace, and you shall be saved! - Brian DuFour
JESUS CHRIST LOVES EVEN ME
John 13:23
“Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.”
The apostle John in the Gospel narrative that bears his name referred to himself often as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Do you think that it was an arrogant statement for him to refer to himself that way? I can assure you that it was not. It was not because the Lord loved him more than the other apostles. It was not because he felt that he was more special than the others. The reason he referred to himself that way was the fact that he never got over Christ’s love for him. To John, his name was not worth mentioning. He had done nothing to earn, merit or deserve Christ’s love. It was almost as if he was saying, “I can’t believe that the Lord Jesus loves me.” John knew that Christ loved Peter, James, Matthew, Mark and all the others, but all that he could think about was that Christ loved him. It is the same with me. It is easy for me to see how the Lord could love others. But me? How could He love me? There is no reason that my Lord would be mindful of me, or merciful to me, and yet He loves me. I am the one who deserves the least of His love, and yet He loves me. When a saved sinner, by the sovereign grace of God sees Christ’s love for them, they do not desire to talk about themselves. No, they simply consider themselves as one whom Jesus loves. They want to talk about nothing but Christ’s love for them! It was this same dear apostle who wrote in his first epistle these words, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins” (I John 4:10). “We love Him, because He first loved us” (I John 4:19). Yes, it is true. Jesus loves even me. - David Eddmenson
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Young Christians may think much of themselves. Growing Christians think themselves nothing. Mature Christians know that they are less than nothing. - Copied
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Everything that God requires, God must provide; and God only accepts that which He provides. - Greg Elmquist
December 30, 2018
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
The Saviour lives no more to die
He lives, the Lord enthroned on high
He lives triumphant o’er the grave
He lives eternally to save!
He lives to calm His people’s fears
He lives to wipe away their tears
He lives to soothe their troubled heart
He lives, all blessings to impart!
He lives, all glory to His Name
He lives eternally the same
He lives, their mansions to prepare
He lives to bring them safely there!
I would forever speak His Name
I would forever praise the Lamb
I would to all His grace make known
And worship at His Holy Throne!
(Tune: “Doxology”)
There will be no evening services tonight. We will have a New Year’s Eve service on Monday, Dec. 31stat 7:00pm and observe the Lord’s Table. After the New Year’s Eve service, Paul and Kelly Harries have invited everyone to their home. You may bring a dish to share (please no nuts of any kind in foods).
Birthdays
30th– Will Hands 31st– Donna Wooten 1st– Wyatt Davis
3rd– Rachel Sullivan 4th– Laura Brown 5th– Michael Mohr
“He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth Him.” - Proverbs 14:2
The end of the old year and the beginning of the new is certainly a time for reflection. The Lord has brought us through many things, some difficult, some joyous, for all of which we give thanks! It is my prayer that the coming year will be a year we, “Grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” That we increase in love to Him, love to one another, zeal for His glory, and humility. I pray we become more merciful, less judgmental, more generous, less selfish, more dependent upon Him, more distrustful of ourselves, more forgiving and less self-promoting, more of a friend, less of a discouragement. I pray that we all will look for opportunities to preach the Gospel to men, and that men will find us to be like our Master, the friend of sinners. By the grace of God, these things will be. Happy New Year!
OPTIONS
Have you ever made a phone call and a voice comes on and says push 1 or 2 or 4, then when you push that number it starts all over again. How frustrating. In every part of life there are too many things to choose from, in going to a restaurant, in choosing a car, what kind of computer should I get, on and on it goes.
But there is one thing in which there are no options. SALVATION from sin and condemnation. God in His Holy Word has made it plain and straightforward; “This is my beloved Son, hear Him.”
God says there is ONE WAY to come unto Him, One who has the power to give eternal life, One who has the power to make God the Father known, One in whom a sinner can be accepted. The Holy Scriptures tells us there is One Righteousness; One Savior of sinners, One Mediator between God and men, “The man Christ Jesus.” One who has the power to give life and quicken whom He will. God says there is One whom He appointed heir, One by whom He will be addressed by, One by whom He will address sinners by, One JUST ONE.
God will give no man any wiggle room here, freewill won’t do, works won’t do, merit has no place, and law keeping won’t be accepted. The Lord God said it this way, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life: but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36).
I am so thankful that God the Father brought me to the place where there was no way out from under the guilt and condemnation of my sin and revealed the ONE WAY in which He would accept and make me righteous. That Way is through and by the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Donnie Bell
All saving acts must be performed by man himself. Faith is the gift of God, but the Holy Ghost never believed for anybody; it is not His office to believe. The sinner must believe. Repentance is the work of the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit never repented. What has He to repent of? We ourselves must repent. There must be in every man a personal repentance, and a personal faith, and though these are wrought in him by the Holy Sprit, yet they are his own acts. They cannot be acts of anybody else or the man has not believed and has not repented, and there is no life in him. For instance, the Holy Sprit helps us to pray. He helps our infirmities – but we pray. True desires after God must be your own desire. The desire is wrought in you by the Holy Spirit, but still it is yours! - C. H. Spurgeon
WONDERFUL METAPHORS
O the wonder, the glory and beauty of God’s Word. It is beyond our ability to fully understand and appreciate. But we marvel at what we do understand. God uses many things to describe His Word; everyday, ordinary, yet wonderful and necessary things. He likens His Word to things such as: Light, Bread, Milk, Honey, Meat, Fire, Water, Hammer, Sword, Plough, Seed, Rain, Dew, Treasure, Gold, Net, Mirror, a Kiss! All this and more is God’s Word for His people. – Paul Mahan
THE VANITY OF THIS LIFE
The hope of ever finding anything on this earth which can actually give me fulfillment, contentment, or satisfaction has long ago passed away. I have not, like Solomon, tried it all to the extent to which he did; but what I have seen, heard, and experienced of this world, I have found to be vanity. I shall rest and hope in Christ and know that I shall be satisfied when I awake in His likeness. - Henry Mahan
December 23, 2018
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Wherewith shall we approach the Lord
And bow before His throne
By trusting in His faithful Word
And pleading Christ alone – And pleading Christ alone!
Thy blood, the righteousness, and love
Of Jesus Christ we plead
He lives within the veil above
For us to intercede – For us to intercede!
Sure ground and sure foundation, too
We find in His dear Name
Herein we every blessing view
And every favor claim – And every favor claim!
Then let His Name forever be
To us supremely dear
Our only all-sufficient plea
For all our hope is there – For all our hope is there!
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p.52)
There will be no evening services tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 26thand Sunday Dec. 30th. We will have a New Year’s Eve service on Monday, Dec. 31stat 7:00pm and observe the Lord’s Table. After the New Year’s Eve service, Paul and Kelly Harries have invited everyone to their home. You may bring a dish to share (please no nuts of any kind in foods).
Birthdays
23rd– Rick Kelly 25th– Paul Daniel 26th– Jake Murphy
26th– Paul Walmsley 29th– Alan Kincer 29th– Amanda Frye
“A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.” - Proverbs 14:16
We place no religious significance to what is known as Christmas day, the supposed day of the Lord’s birth. However, I do love that there was a day the Son that was given became the child that was born. We love His incarnation, and I am thankful that men are made to think about the great Truth that the Lord Jesus Christ came in the flesh! I am thankful for the warmth between men that comes at this time. I am thankful to see families enjoy one another. While I realize also that Christmas can be a sad and lonely time for some, I wish all a very Merry Christmas! May you all enjoy the time spent with family and loved ones.
THE GREAT THINGS THE LORD HATH DONE
“Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord has done for thee.” - Mark 5:19
These were the words of the Lord to the man who had been processed by a legion of demons. The Lord had cast them out, and now the man wanted to go with the Lord as He was leaving. But the Lord told him to go back to his friends and give them the Gospel message: The great things He has done. Most of what goes under the name of preaching is the great things He will do if……. That does my soul no good because I know where that will go. In reality, that is a message of salvation by works. Christ will do this if you do something that will obligate Him to respond. The message of the Gospel is what He has done! He did not say, “It will be finished if….” but “It is finished!” No if’s, nothing I need to do to complete it. Every aspect of salvation, from pre-destination to glorification has been done (Romans 8:31-35). A sinner can rest in what the Lord has done!
Spurgeon once said, “I don’t know which renders the greater service – the man who preaches or the man who prays, but I know this, we can do better without the voice than without the heart of prayer!”
Blessed and happy is that assembly of redeemed people, brought together and baptized into one body by His Spirit, whose love for the Lord Jesus and for one another enables them to sing with one voice, pray with one heart, walk in one direction, and worship with one Spirit! Where each member realizes the importance of his presence, his prayers, his support, and his co-operation. Where Christ is Lord and all others are servants! Where the will of Christ is preeminent and all other wills and desires are in subjection! Where there are no young and old, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, but only Christ, who is All and in All.
- Henry Mahan
SOMEONE IS LYING!
Who is spreading lies across America and throughout the world? Who is it that is telling around that the Lord Jesus Christ ransomed some who are not ransomed? Redeemed some who are not actually redeemed? Atoned for the sins of some whose sins are not covered? Purged the sins of some whose sins have not been purged? Became a Substitute for some who must yet answer unto God for themselves? Died for the sins of some who must yet die for their own sins? And prays for some who shall never benefit from His prayers?
Who dares to utter such blasphemy against the living God? Who would so impugn and malign God in His wisdom and purpose, holiness and justice, love, power, and grace? Who would be so irreverent and impudent as to speak, or even believe such things?
Who? The vast majority of preachers throughout the world – most of our religious neighbors and those who preach to them! Pity them but do not excuse them…they ought to be ashamed of themselves! To say that Christ suffered and died for those who had already been in Hell 4.000 years when He died, or to say that His soul was made an offering for sin for those whom God knew – being omniscient – would never believe the Gospel when they heard it, or that God ever purposed anything that He shall not bring to pass, is a confession of one’s ignorance of the God of the Bible. - Maurice Montgomery
A man’s free will cannot cure him even of the toothache, or of a sore finger, and yet he madly thinks it is in its power to cure his soul. The greatest judgment which God Himself can, in the present life, inflict upon a man is, to leave him in the hand of his own boasted free will.
Could my tears forever flow
Could my zeal no languor know
These for sin could not atone
Thou must save and Thou alone
In my hands no price I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling.
- Augustus M. Toplady 1740-1778
Author of the hymn “Rock of Ages”
His commandments are not grievous. It is more profitable and enjoyable to love than to hate, to forgive than to hold a grudge, to smile than to quarrel, to behave kindly than to act ugly. The way of the transgressor is hard, not the way of the believer. The life of faith and love is the good life. - Henry Mahan
December 16, 2018
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet water by.
My soul He doth restore again
And me to walk doth make
Within the path of righteousness
E’en for His own Name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through death’s dark vale
Yet will I fear no ill
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod
And staff me comfort still.
My table Thou hast furnished me
In presence of my foes
My head Thou dost with oil anoint
And my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me
And in God’s house forevermore
My dwelling-place shall be.
(Tune: “The Lord’s My Shepherd” p. 293)
There will be no evening services on Sunday, Dec. 23rd, Wednesday, Dec. 26thand Sunday Dec. 30th. We will have a New Year’s Eve service on Monday, Dec. 31stat 7:00pm and observe the Lord’s Table. After the New Year’s Eve service, Paul and Kelly Harries have invited everyone to their home. You may bring a dish to share (please no nuts of any kind in foods).
Birthdays
16th– Cindy Farmer 19th– Amanda Janes 21st– Erik Charron
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” - Proverbs 19:21
GOD’S THOUGHTS
“How precious are Thy thoughts unto me, O God.”
God never had a new thought. His thoughts are eternal. Being infinite, He has all of His thoughts before Him at all times. There has never been a time when His children were not in His conscious thoughts - thoughts of love, joy, peace, complacency, and satisfaction. Thoughts that never had a beginning and thoughts that will never end. And God’s thoughts are immutable. They never change. He said, “I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” And what is that end? Perfect conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. “For Whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren.” Truly, “How precious are also Thy thoughts unto me, O God. If I count them they are more than the number of the sand: When I awake I am still with thee.”
Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to walk worthy of God. The word worth is used five other times in the New Testament, and we are given a picture of what a worthy walk looks like. In Ephesians 4:1-3, it is ascribed as walking in humility and meekness, and longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, and endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit. In Philippians 1:27 it is, “With one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel.” In Colossians 1:10it is, “Being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” In Romans 16:2, “Receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints.” In John III 6, it is supporting missionaries. May we all walk worthy of God in all of these particulars!
YOU CAN’T MAKE WATER WET
I am always frustrated to hear “soul winners” tell people, “Let God be Lord of your life.” My friend, you can’t make God the Lord of your life anymore than you can make water wet. Water is wet because that is the nature of water. God is King of kings. He is Lord of all because that is His nature. The only thing sinners like us can do it beg God the King to save us by His grace. - Frank Tate
I OUGHT
“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.” - I Thessalonians 4:1
I ought to love my God and Savior with all my heart, soul, and strength. I ought to love my neighbor as much as I love myself. I ought to prefer my brothers and sisters so much over myself, that I would die for them. I ought to pray more. I ought to study the Scriptures more. I ought to love my wife, children, and grandchildren more. I ought to think on my Savior more and share His Gospel with others more. I ought to complain less and praise more. I ought to bow to all things providential. I ought to forgive more. I ought to walk and to please God so I could abound more and more as a child of the Living God. I ought to do all these things out of love, adoration and for the glory of God in the Lord Jesus Christ who loved me and gave Himself for me. Lord, cause me to do as I ought! - David Eddmenson
Perfect, complete, without blemish, holy, blameless, spotless; these are just a few of the words the Scriptures uses to describe God’s saints. We do not feel that we are any of these things in ourselves, but this is what God says about us. Do we believe what we see in ourselves or what God says about us? God describes us with these glorious words because of what our Lord Jesus Christ accomplished for us by His holy sinless life and His sacrificial death for us on the cross. God’s Word describes us as what we are in Christ. “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” - Donnie Bell
Oh to be able to unsay a careless, cruel word. To be able to replay a scene in my life and apply what has since been learned. Yet when Paul says, “Forgetting those things”in Philippians3:13, he refers not to what would commonly be considered sins and regrets. Paul regretted “those things” in his past that most would consider righteousness. We cannot go back and honor Christ in our past, but by His grace, may we honor Him now, while it is day. – Chris Cunningham
When you become just nothing, when you have no good feelings, no good desires, or anything you can bring to Christ – when you come to Christ, not with a broken heart, but for a broken heart, then He will receive you, then you will be the kind of man that Christ came to save. - Milton Howard
December 9, 2018
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
HYMN OF THE DAY
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
Speak gladness to this heart
They tell me all the work is done
They bid my fear depart.
Thy cross, not mine, O Christ
Has borne the awful load
Of sins that no one else could bear
But our incarnate God.
Thy death, not mine, O Christ
Has paid the ransom due
Ten thousand, thousand deaths like mine
Would have been all too few.
Thy righteousness, O Christ
Alone can cover me
No righteousness can satisfy
Save that which is of Thee!
(Tune: “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” p.188)
We extend our sincere sympathy to the James family on the death of Bill James, the brother of Tim James and Ann Schuyler.
Andy and Megan Davis will host a gathering at their home for the adults this Friday, December 14thfrom 7-9pm. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
9th– Chuck Mohr 9th– Ben Small
12th– Lisa Gillispie 14th– Christie Small
“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” - Proverbs 10:7
DISCERNMENT
“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all judgment.” - Philippians 1:9
The word judgment in this verse is used only here in the New Testament. It means discernment. Paul does not pray that our knowledge and discernment will abound. He prays that our love to the person of Christ will abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment. The more I love Christ, the more I will know of Him. He said, “Learn of Me.” The more I love Him the more clearly I will recognize that which is not of Him and that which is contrary to Him. Discernment is born of love to His Person. Love to His Person hates that which is contrary to Him and loves that which glorifies Him! A supposed knowledge and judgment we have that is not born of a love to His Person is useless knowledge and discernment. May the Lord grant us more love to the Lord Jesus Christ!
“This is a faithful(true)saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” - I Timothy 1:15
There is a lifetime of preaching in this verse but there are two points of great importance which are sometimes overlooked: the truth of the saying and the worth of it! To discover the Truth of the Gospel is to find true peace of mind and to discover the worth of the Gospel is to find true peace of heart.
1. The truth of it. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (I John 5:11). I believe the record that God hath given concerning Christ; therefore, I am not troubled and confused by other voices or other claims. Let God be true and every man a liar. The apostle summed it up this way, “To whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). My mind is satisfied!
2. The worth of it. If I have Christ, I need nothing else, either in this life or in the life to come. I am complete in Him, redeemed in Him, accepted in Him, and already seated with Him in glory. I have ceased from all my labors and efforts to secure divine favor. His redemptive work is not only effectual but is sufficient for the greatest sinner, the poorest sinner and the weakest sinner. “My grace is sufficient for thee”(II Cor. 12:9). Does this not leave your heart in a state of rest and peace? If not, then you have not yet discovered the worth of His great atonement.
- Henry Mahan
A LOVING HUSBAND
It is easy to submit to someone who loves us sacrificially. For a man to insist that his wife submit to his authority without earning her respect by putting her needs before his own, can only cause resentment. The Lord proved His love for His wife by giving Himself for her. He always speaks kindly to her. He is always tender and patient with her. He reminds her constantly how precious she is to Him. She in return, delights in submission to His loving authority. “Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it” (Ephesians 5:22-33). - Greg Elmquist
Christ is more than a Saviour; He is salvation itself! David said, “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” It is well to see salvation in the work, life, and death of Christ; but we must never forget that the essence of salvation lies in His Person. HE HIMSELF IS SALVATION! It is WHO He is which gives virtue to WHAT He does. We are bidden to come, not to His work, but to HIMSELF. The Gospel loses much of its sweetness when the Person of Christ is put in the background and honor given only to His work. – C. H. Spurgeon
In the new birth there is nothing changed in the flesh…it is still sinful flesh. But in that same new birth, there is an imparted new man born from heaven that is holy and does not sin. – Marvin Stalnaker
The Holy Scriptures DO NOT teach that God loves everybody in the world. However, God’s Word DOES teach that He loves everybody that loves, believes, and trust wholly in His Son. – David Eddmenson
What is a preacher? A preacher is a nobody, who tells everybody, about Somebody, who can save anybody. – Scott Richardson
December 2, 2018
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
If I have anything in which
O’er others I might boast
If in these things I’m counted rich
For Christ I count them loss!
What things once seemed to be my gain
Which gave me joy and pride
God’s grace has taught me to disdain
And made me cast aside.
They’re cast aside –What glory here
That I the Lord might gain
That in the day of wrath and fear
I may be found in Him!
Not having my own righteousness
Which I gain through the law
But dressed, through faith, in nothing less
Than the righteousness of God!
O, that I may know Jesus Christ
And know within my soul
That power which raised Him to God’s side
And works to make me whole
And may I learn His sufferings
By which He made me blessed
That like Him, in His death, I’d be
His image on me pressed.
(Tune: “There is a Fountain” p. 222)
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We will observe the Lord’s Table this evening.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Laura Williams on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2:00. The sign-up sheet is in the foyer.
Andy and Megan Davis will host a gathering at their home for the adults on Friday, December 14th. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
2nd– Susan Holthaus 2nd– Kara Imes 3rd– Kelly Byrd 4th- Jennifer Dent 4th- Eden Steeves 5th– Andy Davis 8th– Camden Proffitt
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” - Proverbs 22:15
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“This do in remembrance of Me”
Every first Sunday night of the month we do this. I would love to see people attend services every Sunday night. Sunday is called the Lord’s day, not the Lord’s morning. But when the Lord tells us to gather together and eat the bread and the drink the wine in remembrance of Him, there is certainly nothing better or more important to do. I want to make sure I am there every time it is possible!
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TURNING GRACE INTO LASCIVIOUSNESS
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. – Jude 4
Many interpret this verse as men saying a lascivious life of unrestrained sin is acceptable, because salvation is by grace and not works. Indeed some men will have willfully indulged themselves in sin believing they are covered by the blanket of grace. These men are men that have never been born from above! But that is not what Jude is warning us of. These are men who say that the preaching of free grace will give men a license to sin. That has always been the objection of false religion to the grace of God. To not teach any Truth that is taught in the Word of God out of fear it will lead men to sin exposes no respect for the Truth and a fear that it will not produce godliness of heart and life. While it is true that some men will use Truth as an excuse for their own sin, a believer will not. These men who under the cloak of concern for a holy life conceal the Truth, reveal themselves to be ungodly men who say free grace will promote lasciviousness. These men have been ordained to this condemnation! It is a dangerous thing to withhold Truth out of fear of what it will or will not accomplish.
*****
The common desire to escape punishment does not spring from love to God but love to self. It springs from the fear of punishment, not from the fear of God. It is not a hope of the glory of God, but of the glory of self. - Scott Richardson
THREE THINGS REGARDING GOD’S GRACE
1. Grace is always sovereign. “Therefore, hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth.” (Romans 9:18)
2. Grace is always free. “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)
3. Grace is always saving. “By grace are ye saved.” (Ephesians 2:8) God’s grace is not an offer up for man’s acceptance or rejection. His grace sovereignly saves!
We cannot believe grace without believing these three things regarding grace.
*****
Faith is necessary for salvation. But we do not look to our faith to save us; rather, in faith, we look to Christ. Repentance is necessary for salvation. But we do not look to our repentance to save us; rather, in repentance, we turn to Christ. There are graces which God works in us as He saves us. But these graces are never to be the object of our trust, confidence, or hopeful gaze. All the graces God gives us in salvation are to be used to look to, turn to, appreciate, and lay hold of Christ, who is our salvation! - Joe Terrell
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AVAILABLE OR ACCOMPLISHED?
Christ did not die to make salvation available to sinners. I sure am glad of that because if salvation is merely available in Christ, no son of Adam can be saved since by nature we will not and cannot come to Christ that we might be saved. Christ died to save His elect people from their sins (Matt. 2:21). Then if God is as He describes Himself (always doing His will) those people shall be eternally saved from their sin. I sure am thankful for salvation accomplished in Christ! That is the only salvation that will save a sinner like you and me. - Frank Tate
*****
The strongest inducement for a Christian to obey God is the fact that he had already been graciously pardoned in Christ for having disobeyed. - Author Unknown
November 25, 2018
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
To Christ the Lord let every tongue
Its noblest tribute bring
When He’s the subject of the song
Who can refuse to sing? Who can refuse to sing?
Survey the beauties of His face
And on His glories dwell
Think of the wonders of His grace
And all His victories tell! And all His victories tell!
Thou hast redeemed our souls with blood
Hast set the prisoners free
Hast made us kings and priests to God
And we shall reign with Thee! And we shall reign with Thee!
The whole creation join as one
To bless that Holy Name
Of Him who sits upon the Throne
And to adore the Lamb! And to adore the Lamb!
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
The preacher’s class will meet this Saturday, Dec. 1stat 10:00am.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Laura Williams on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2:00. The sign-up sheet is in the foyer.
Andy and Megan Davis will host a gathering for the adults on Friday, December 14th. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
25th– Sarah Lynn 26th– Adam Charron 26th– John Frye
26th– Max Murphy 28th– Lydia Lynn 30th- Bryleigh Carroll
30th– Isaac Steeves 30th– Mitch Steeves
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” - Proverbs 18:19
IF I AM NOT SAVED
If I am not saved, it is not because I want to be saved and God refuses to save me. If I am not saved it is not because God did not elect me, Christ did not die for me, and the Holy Spirit did not give me life. If I am not saved it is because I do not want to be saved. That does not mean I do not want to be delivered from the punishment of hell. But it does mean I do not want to be saved God’s way on God’s terms. If I am saved, I do want to be saved. If I am saved I am saved because God elected me, Christ died for me, and the Holy Spirit gave me life! But if I am not saved, I have no one to blame but myself. I do not want to be saved. Could anyone charge God with injustice because He did not give to somebody something they did not want?
*****
If a man is not a believer and hears preaching that makes him see that he is not a believer - that is a good thing. It is only then that a man will cry for mercy. This is what God will use to drive him from his false refuges and look to Christ alone! But if a man is a believer and hears preaching that makes him fear that he is not a believer because he does not measure up to what the preacher says a believer should be, he is quite simply not hearing the Gospel preached at that time. He is hearing a message that calls upon men to look within for evidence of salvation. Hearing the Gospel gives peace, not lack of assurance! Hearing the Gospel is really believing that Christ is All, and assurance arises from that.
*****
There has never been a sinner who asked for mercy who was denied. I have had many people over the years tell me that they have asked for mercy and their prayer went unheard. The reason their prayer was not heard was they were not really asking for mercy.
When a sinner asks for mercy, two things are crystal clear in his heart. First, his sin is all his fault. He cannot blame God’s sovereignty, his circumstances, or someone else. If I do not take complete responsibility for my sin, it is impossible to ask for mercy. Mercy is needed only when my sin is all my fault. Secondly, mercy is God’s to give or withhold. Any objection to God being sovereign in giving His mercy to whom He will is leaving the ground of mercy and entering the ground of entitlement. If I fail to see my sin is all my fault and that mercy is God’s to give or withhold, I have never really asked for mercy. But if I confess before God my sin is all my fault, and acknowledge His sovereign mercy is His to give or withhold and cry out, “God be merciful to me the sinner,” I will have mercy. There has never been a sinner who sought mercy who was denied.
“IT IS HIGH TIME TO AWAKE OUT OF SLEEP”
Romans 13:11
Sleep looks like death. A true Christian can look dead in trespasses and sins. The five virgins with the oil in their lamps slept and slumbered. On the outside they looked no different from the virgins without oil. How can a believer become like this? Too many reasons to list, but it is still a fact that they can. Wake up! Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. We do not have much time left! There is absolutely no excuse for our letting ourselves get in such a condition. Where do I begin to wake up? Hear the Gospel again as you first heard it. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the
Lord, so walk ye in Him” (Col. 2:6).
*****
“What shall I cry?” - Isaiah 40:6
In the text above we have in the spirit of prophecy the last of God’s prophets asking of God His message. What was he told to cry? He was told to cry two truths. First, he is to cry of the absolute weakness, and inability of man to restore himself into the image of God. “All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field.” Second, he is to cry: “Behold your God!” The Lord Jesus Christ is God and Savior to all that behold (look) to Him in faith.
By the grace of God as long as I am in this pulpit when you come here you will hear the old, old story of Jesus and His love in dying for sinners. - David Pledger
*****
Augustine once said: “To be assured of our interest in Christ is not arrogance, it is FAITH. It is not pride; it is DEVOTION. It is not presumption; it is GOD’S PROMISE.” If assurance of salvation rested in my works, it would be presumption (even foolishness); but we believe God will receive all who come to Him in Christ Jesus.
Sundays 9:00 am WKYT Channel 27-2
It is requested that all children under the age of five stay in our nursery
so there will be no distractions during the preaching of the Gospel
To Christ the Lord let every tongue
Its noblest tribute bring
When He’s the subject of the song
Who can refuse to sing? Who can refuse to sing?
Survey the beauties of His face
And on His glories dwell
Think of the wonders of His grace
And all His victories tell! And all His victories tell!
Thou hast redeemed our souls with blood
Hast set the prisoners free
Hast made us kings and priests to God
And we shall reign with Thee! And we shall reign with Thee!
The whole creation join as one
To bless that Holy Name
Of Him who sits upon the Throne
And to adore the Lamb! And to adore the Lamb!
(Tune: “Majestic Sweetness” p. 52)
*****
The preacher’s class will meet this Saturday, Dec. 1stat 10:00am.
All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Laura Williams on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2:00. The sign-up sheet is in the foyer.
Andy and Megan Davis will host a gathering for the adults on Friday, December 14th. Bring an appetizer or dessert.
Birthdays
25th– Sarah Lynn 26th– Adam Charron 26th– John Frye
26th– Max Murphy 28th– Lydia Lynn 30th- Bryleigh Carroll
30th– Isaac Steeves 30th– Mitch Steeves
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” - Proverbs 18:19
IF I AM NOT SAVED
If I am not saved, it is not because I want to be saved and God refuses to save me. If I am not saved it is not because God did not elect me, Christ did not die for me, and the Holy Spirit did not give me life. If I am not saved it is because I do not want to be saved. That does not mean I do not want to be delivered from the punishment of hell. But it does mean I do not want to be saved God’s way on God’s terms. If I am saved, I do want to be saved. If I am saved I am saved because God elected me, Christ died for me, and the Holy Spirit gave me life! But if I am not saved, I have no one to blame but myself. I do not want to be saved. Could anyone charge God with injustice because He did not give to somebody something they did not want?
*****
If a man is not a believer and hears preaching that makes him see that he is not a believer - that is a good thing. It is only then that a man will cry for mercy. This is what God will use to drive him from his false refuges and look to Christ alone! But if a man is a believer and hears preaching that makes him fear that he is not a believer because he does not measure up to what the preacher says a believer should be, he is quite simply not hearing the Gospel preached at that time. He is hearing a message that calls upon men to look within for evidence of salvation. Hearing the Gospel gives peace, not lack of assurance! Hearing the Gospel is really believing that Christ is All, and assurance arises from that.
*****
There has never been a sinner who asked for mercy who was denied. I have had many people over the years tell me that they have asked for mercy and their prayer went unheard. The reason their prayer was not heard was they were not really asking for mercy.
When a sinner asks for mercy, two things are crystal clear in his heart. First, his sin is all his fault. He cannot blame God’s sovereignty, his circumstances, or someone else. If I do not take complete responsibility for my sin, it is impossible to ask for mercy. Mercy is needed only when my sin is all my fault. Secondly, mercy is God’s to give or withhold. Any objection to God being sovereign in giving His mercy to whom He will is leaving the ground of mercy and entering the ground of entitlement. If I fail to see my sin is all my fault and that mercy is God’s to give or withhold, I have never really asked for mercy. But if I confess before God my sin is all my fault, and acknowledge His sovereign mercy is His to give or withhold and cry out, “God be merciful to me the sinner,” I will have mercy. There has never been a sinner who sought mercy who was denied.
“IT IS HIGH TIME TO AWAKE OUT OF SLEEP”
Romans 13:11
Sleep looks like death. A true Christian can look dead in trespasses and sins. The five virgins with the oil in their lamps slept and slumbered. On the outside they looked no different from the virgins without oil. How can a believer become like this? Too many reasons to list, but it is still a fact that they can. Wake up! Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. We do not have much time left! There is absolutely no excuse for our letting ourselves get in such a condition. Where do I begin to wake up? Hear the Gospel again as you first heard it. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the
Lord, so walk ye in Him” (Col. 2:6).
*****
“What shall I cry?” - Isaiah 40:6
In the text above we have in the spirit of prophecy the last of God’s prophets asking of God His message. What was he told to cry? He was told to cry two truths. First, he is to cry of the absolute weakness, and inability of man to restore himself into the image of God. “All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field.” Second, he is to cry: “Behold your God!” The Lord Jesus Christ is God and Savior to all that behold (look) to Him in faith.
By the grace of God as long as I am in this pulpit when you come here you will hear the old, old story of Jesus and His love in dying for sinners. - David Pledger
*****
Augustine once said: “To be assured of our interest in Christ is not arrogance, it is FAITH. It is not pride; it is DEVOTION. It is not presumption; it is GOD’S PROMISE.” If assurance of salvation rested in my works, it would be presumption (even foolishness); but we believe God will receive all who come to Him in Christ Jesus.