Daily Thoughts April 30, 2018

John 3:36  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.

It has been said that God hates sin, but He loves the sinner. Is this true?

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(Charles Naylor)

What is God's attitude toward unregenerate man?

It has been said that God hates sin, but He loves the sinner. Is this true?

Let us hear the voice of inspiration:

"The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man." (Psalm 5:5, 6).

Does that express an attitude of affection on God's part?

Again, we read, "The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup." (Psalm 11:5-6).

"And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them." (Leviticus 20:23). 

"And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you." (Leviticus 26:30). 

"And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters." (Deuteronomy 32:19). 

We read further, "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day." (Psalm 7:11).

"Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished." Proverbs 16:5

God is not so meek and indulgent that nothing will arouse His indignation. He hates all that is sinful. He could not love righteousness, without hating iniquity. He could not love the righteous, without hating the wicked. To love both, would be to abolish all moral distinctions. Of the impenitent sinner it is said, "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). It is only sin that renders him hateful, but man is responsible for his state of sinfulness and chooses evil; therefore to deal with the sin, God must deal with the man.

Not only does God hate man's sin, every sinful word, thought, and deed--but He also hates every evil desire.

The natural man loves evil. That love of evil, which is a part of his nature--God abhors. All desire that runs out after impurity or for that which is unholy--merits and excites God's indignation and abhorrence. Every evil ambition that arises in his soul, repels God. Every evil disposition, every evil feeling, hatred, envy, malice, revenge, selfishness, pride, jealousy, deceit, hypocrisy, and all the long catalog of evil things, of which man's heart is the source--are obnoxious to God. All tendency to oppose the will of God, all rebellion at His providences--can only excite hatred in God.

God can love only what is what is pure and holy. All else He hates, and must hate with all the strength of His righteous character!

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Daily Thoughts April 29, 2018

Psalm 31:19  Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church

"Where The Truths Of God’s Word Have Been Taught For More Than Fifty-Six Years”

1217 Dillon Texarkana, Texas 75501

April 29, 2018          

 Newsletter Number 667

Brother Randy Johnson, Pastor                   Brother James Thomas, Song Leader

Pastor E-Mail: pastor@sgmbaptist.com                   Pastors Blog: sgmbcpastor.blogspot.com  

Churches Web Site: www.sgmbaptist.com

“A Church Seeking To Please God In Prayer, Song, Preaching, And Worship.”

Please Join Us As We Pray For:

All of Our Military, Their Family’s & All the Civilian Workers in The Middle East, Zee Mink Fuller and Family, Her son’s Bryan Armstrong and Hunter Hackie, Daughter Shannon, and Brother Philip & Sondra Thornsberry,  Johnnie Stephens, Alecia Stephens, and children, Frankie Baldridge and daughter, Buckie Thompson, Frank & Sonya Trusty, Frank & Dawana Reigel, Andrew Preston, Larry & Martha Mollette and Her Family, Tyrell Loyd, Bonnie, Ted O'Bonion, Larry Mollette II & Family, Kerry Adcock, Kim Poole, Danny & Nita Mollette, The Muncy Family, Lee & Mary Mollette, Wendell Henderson, Joshua Kidd, Matthew Kidd, Ronnie and Sarah Henderson, Ronnie Henderson Jr. & Children, Ricky Henderson and Family, Jacie Henderson, Velma Hammond, Charles, Don Hammond and Families, Archie Griffin, Donna Johnson, James and Luann Reynolds, Timothy Fails, Nathan Fails, Jacob Ramsey, Jerry Hughes, Pastor G. L. Burr, Melody Carr, Janie Capps, Linda Hughes, Donna Jones, Gina, Brother Kelley and Sister Hinson, The Harris Family, Teresa Bookout, Little Titan Thomas (Trent and Tiffane Thomas child), James – Diane and Brooke Thomas, Jace Fails, Sister Ann McSwain, Elaine Sparks, James daughter’s mother-in-law, Danny Hammond, Jim and Linda Meier, Ronnie Elam, Bonnie From Ohio, Brother Dan Sullivan the work in Thailand, Brother Raul and the work in Romania, Bro. Sergey Mochalov and the Churches in Russia.

From Our Pastor:

I Love You For The Truth’s sake.

“For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.” 2 John 1:2

What a small but powerful little book God has given us through John. I believe there are two great truths being spoken of, however they are one in the same. I believe John is talking about Scriptural truth, but also he is talking about Jesus Christ. It is a wonderful thing to dwell with another believer in Jesus Christ. However, it is a greater blessing to find another believer in scriptural truth. It is a hard thing in this world to find Sovereign Grace believers that are standing on the truth anymore. Christians act as though the teaching about a Sovereign God has disappeared from the bible. However, let me assure you that it has not, God is as sovereign as He was 6,000 years ago when He created the world and all that is in it. The bible is “A TRUTH” it is not many truths, or mixed truths, it is simply one single truth. God is one, one mind, one act, one Saviour, and one truth. Since the bible is “The Word of God” then it is truth just as God is truth. “… let God be true, but every man a liar…” Romans 3:4 there are no truth outside of God. The other truth is Jesus Christ “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 This is the Truth that dwells in us and shall be with us forever, Jesus Christ. It is not assured that everything we believe scripturally is absolute truth and we are not assured that we will never change from it. However, the one single assurance we do have is Jesus Christ Who has promised never to leave us nor to forsake us. “For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.” Psalms 37:28. The Lord will not forsake us, even if (God forbid) we should ever forsake Him.

John went on to talk about another glorious truth in 2 John 1:4 “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.” This verse is talking about us walking in the truths of God Holy Scripture, walking in the commandments of God’s word. Jesus taught us many commandments, but He said one is greater than all, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:12 – 13 There is not greater love than a Christian willing to lay down their life for other believers. This is the greatest love and the greatest example of God’s love in us. God went on to say, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16 the word “perceive” means – absolute proof – meaning the proof is in the very act of loving the brethren so much that we are will without doubt to do anything for other Christians. Folks, this is acting for truth’s sake, (1.) because Jesus loved us so much that He did, and (2.) we ought to be walking like Him.

Folks don’t get tied up with yourself so much that you forget, you are what you are by God’s grace. I think sometimes Christians are looking for ways of separation more than they are looking for ways of union. I will promise you not two people believes every single thing alike, and it you are only looking for carbon copies of yourself, you will eventually find yourself very alone. If Christians are not looking for ways of fellowship they are walking outside of Gods will in that. The real truth dwells in us all, all who are saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Therefore, to reject fellowship with another believer is to be outside of God’s will. God cannot reject Himself and if He is in us then we ought not reject each other. God never said we can only love the believers who is in our “circle” or who agrees with our doctrine. God told us, Jesus told us, we ought to be willing to laydown our life for our fellow Christian. He never told us to ask “what do you believe” before you do. The “Truth” that is Jesus Christ Himself is in us all that are believers in Jesus Christ, and to reject another believer is to reject Jesus Christ Himself. “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:23 But the love is greater, and the fellowship is sweeter when we both believe in the truth of the scriptures. 

ZEAL WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE

By: Elder Curtis Pugh (now in glory)

   Often zeal is a good thing. Zeal or enthusiasm for good things is to be commended. Being a “deadhead” on the job or as a parent or in service for the Lord makes life a burden. In the matter of our relationship with Him Christ said: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent,” (Revelation 3:19). Not only do lost sinners need to repent, Christians also are guilty of sins daily. Walking with God is a matter of daily repentance.

   But zeal or enthusiasm is a bad thing when it is coupled with ignorance. Two very young boys wanted to please their father. While he was at work they busied themselves in the garage with house paint, coating the family car a new color. They had zeal for a thing, but in their ignorance their enthusiasm caused them to do something harmful and costly. In religious matters zeal, coupled with ignorance, does much harm. We are well aware that there are religious zealots in this world who in their zeal beat their wives, mutilate their daughters and murder those who do not convert. The thief also may be zealous when he comes to steal and to destroy.

    In Paul's day the Jews had great enthusiasm for the Old Testament Law. They had so much zeal for the Law that they missed Christ. Paul wrote of them: “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth,” (Romans 10:2-4). Paul said that the righteousness which makes one acceptable to God is in Christ. He is the end of the Law for righteousness. Christ taught that the Old Testament Law-system was done away with when John the Baptist began to preach. He said, “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man [individual people] presseth into it,” (Luke 16:16).

   And yet a great many people, some of them claiming to be following Christ, are busy trying to establish their own righteousness by their attempt at keeping the Law. (Usually they pick and choose what parts of the Old Testament Law they want to keep.) But no man ever kept the Law. It was decided by the apostles and elders long ago that converts to Christ should not have the Law imposed upon them. Peter said regarding the Gentile converts and the Law, “Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they,” (Acts 15:10-11). “...By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified,” (Galatians 2:16). Be zealous, but according to truth!

Church News:

The monthly churches business meeting for May will be today at 4:00 before service. We need to talk about our web site and our upcoming Bible Conference. 

Let this comfort you

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(Letters of John Newton)

" My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me." Psalm 31:15

What a mercy it is that all our concerns are in sure hands! Not a hair of our heads can fall to the ground, but by the appointment of Him who orders and marshals the stars and calls them all by their names!

Diseases and sicknesses are His messengers, and, when they have answered His end--then He will recall them. But on many accounts there is a need be that we should sometimes be in heaviness for a season. O may we learn to take up the cross, and to kiss the rod of affliction. We need to look through all second causes--to Him who appoints and over-rules, and without whose permission, not a hair of our heads shall fall to the ground.

The Lord has promised to direct, moderate, sanctify, and relieve every trial of every kind. I long to have a more entire submission to His will, and a more steadfast confidence in His Word--to trust Him and wait on Him--to see His hand, and praise His name, in every circumstance of life, great and small.

Is sickness your present cross? It can come no sooner, nor fall heavier, than He bids it. And when His end is answered, and His hour comes to give relief--then sickness departs at His word. The cure becomes easy then, even where it seemed desperate before.

Our comforts are never safer than when we can fully trust the Lord to do with them, and with us--as He sees fit. He will not willingly or unnecessarily grieve His redeemed children. When His arm seems lifted up to strike them--how often does He put it into their hearts to run toward Him and humble themselves before Him, and thus prevent the blow!

We shall have cause to be thankful for all our afflictions--if the Lord is pleased to employ them as means to make us more humble and broken-hearted, and to wean our hearts from this vain world.

Sickness often gives us a sensible proof of the vanity of everything earthly. May the Lord sanctify our sicknesses and pains, to quicken our desires for that better world, when pain shall be no more!

Let this comfort you: that Jesus is the Great Physician!

" And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: " Matthew 15:30

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 29, 2018

The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145:15-16)

The Lord promises to provide for all of our needs (cf. Matthew 6:26). He gives us everything that we ask of Him as long as it is according to His will (cf. Philippians 4:19 and James 4:3). He is our good Father and will ever seek our welfare!

Daily Thoughts April 28, 2018

Psalm 15  A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

He who walks by Scripture rule

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(Thomas Brooks)

" Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." Psalm 119:9

" Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11

If you would not be outwitted by any of Satan's evil schemes, then walk by the rule of the Word of God.

He who walks by Scripture rule, walks most safely.

He who walks by Scripture rule, walks most honorably.

He who walks by Scripture rule, walks most sweetly.

When men throw off the Word, then God throws them off--and then Satan takes them by the hand, and leads them into snares at his pleasure.

He who thinks himself too good to be ruled by the Word, will be found too bad to be owned by God; and if God does not, or will not own him--then Satan will by his stratagems overthrow him. Those who walk by Scripture rule, shall be kept in the hour of temptation.

" 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. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." Psalm 1:1-2

" Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. " John 17:17

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Daily Thoughts April 27, 2018

Jeremiah 24:7  And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

Daily Thoughts April 26, 2018

Psalm 73:28  But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Wonderful are the effects when a crucified, glorious Savior is presented!

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(Letters of John Newton)

" Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." Psalm 73:25-26

There is nothing that I desire more, than frequent, lively, and heart-affecting views of Jesus; who, like the brazen serpent of old, was lifted up on the cross--that we, beholding Him by faith, might live; even though the old serpent has so often stung us and filled us with the baneful, painful poison of sin!

Wonderful are the effects when a crucified, glorious Savior is presented . . .

  by the power of the Spirit,

  in the light of the Word,

  to the eye of faith!

This sight of the crucified, glorious Savior . . .

  destroys the love of sin,

  heals the wounds of guilt,

  softens the hard heart,

  fills the soul with peace, love and joy,

  and makes obedience practical, desirable and pleasant.

If we could see more of Him--we would look less at other things. But, alas! Unbelief places a veil before our sight, and worldly-mindedness draws our eyes another way. Some vain hope, or vain fear, or vain delight--comes in like a black cloud and hides our Beloved from our eyes.

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 26, 2018

For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

You may weep and you may mourn over the troubles of this life, but know this you believers: your weeping will last only a night—for the smallest portion of your life. Once your joy is restored, those times of sadness and despair will seem only the briefest of moments. This life can be seen as a time of weeping; but when compared with the joy of eternity, our suffering seems slight and insignificant indeed. Praise the Lord that He is soon coming!

Morning Devotional April 25, 2018

Psalm 29:11

“The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.”

O praise the Lord for these great and glorious promises!!! We we are at our physical and/or spiritual weakest He strengthens us. When we are perplexed with the stresses of our daily lives and with the battle He has given us to fight, our Lord brings us peace.

O what a loving and gracious and merciful God we serve!!! O how we ought to praise Him without ceasing!!! O what a joy and a blessing to know we are His and He is ours!!!

Praise ye the Lord!!!

By Stephen McCool Sr.

Daily Thoughts April 25, 2018

Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Because the Lord loves you

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(Letters of John Newton)

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Hebrews 12:6

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revelation 3:19

My Dear Friend,

Because the Lord loves you--He appoints trials for you. Like most effectual medicines, they are neither pleasant to the taste nor in their operation, when first taken--but afterwards they yield a harvest of righteousness and peace. He sends them not for His own pleasure, but for our profit.

He could relieve you in a moment, but He does not. The plain inference is, that it is good, it is best for us to be afflicted!

I have had my trials, and I can from experience bear testimony to His all-sufficiency and faithfulness.

He does all things well. How can He who is infinitely wise and good, do otherwise?

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." Proverbs 3:11-12

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Daily Thoughts April 24, 2018

Isaiah 55:8  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Later you will understand

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(Charles Naylor, "When Adversity Comes" 1944)

" Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." John 13:7

A few years ago a young preacher came to me and told me his troubles. He was passing through a time of darkness that he could not understand. Several months ago he called upon me again, and in the course of our conversation he referred to the time of trouble through which he had passed. He said, "Those things that I could not understand at that time, have taught me lessons which have prepared me to help many souls as I never could have, had I not had those severe trials."

Yes, things look different now. He can now see God's hand in it. He can see that those difficult things were a blessing to his own soul and to the souls of others. He can see that he had been in God's school of adversity and knew it not. He thought these things were destructive to him, but when he looked back upon them with clear vision and a knowledge of God's purpose--he saw real blessing in them. He saw them as manifestations of the wisdom and kindness of God, and he thanked God for those things which had been bitter and hard to bear.

Are you passing through difficult things which you cannot now understand?

Does it look as if these things are ruining you?

Just trust God and be patient. Out of your night of bitterness, out of your darkness and woe--will come strength of character, a blessed realization of God's faithfulness, and a knowledge of Him and yourself which can come to you in no other way. You will look back in time to come, and thank God for His wise care and tender love for you which brought you to these things, and realize that it was His hand leading you to better and richer things beyond.

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 24, 2018

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. (Psalm 149:4)

Who can measure the vast, unbounded love of the Lord? Ever is He swift to well up bountiful treasure unto His people! Though they be of the poor, the weak, the foolish, and the ugly, ever does He shower them with gifts unmerited. And even salvation! He makes such a humble people into His rich, powerful, wise, and beautiful bride! Hallelujah!

Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church

"Where The Truths Of God’s Word Have Been Taught For More Than Fifty-Six Years”

1217 Dillon Texarkana, Texas 75501

April 22, 2018          

 Newsletter Number 666

Brother Randy Johnson, Pastor                   Brother James Thomas, Song Leader

Pastor E-Mail: pastor@sgmbaptist.com                   Pastors Blog: sgmbcpastor.blogspot.com  

Churches Web Site: www.sgmbaptist.com

“A Church Seeking To Please God In Prayer, Song, Preaching, And Worship.”

Please Join Us As We Pray For:

All of Our Military, Their Family’s & All the Civilian Workers in The Middle East, Zee Mink Fuller and Family, Her son’s Bryan Armstrong and Hunter Hackie, Daughter Shannon, and Brother Philip & Sondra Thornsberry,  Johnnie Stephens, Alecia Stephens, and children, Frankie Baldridge and daughter, Buckie Thompson, Frank & Sonya Trusty, Frank & Dawana Reigel, Andrew Preston, Larry & Martha Mollette and Her Family, Tyrell Loyd, Bonnie, Ted O'Bonion, Larry Mollette II & Family, Kerry Adcock, Kim Poole, Danny & Nita Mollette, The Muncy Family, Lee & Mary Mollette, Wendell Henderson, Joshua Kidd, Matthew Kidd, Ronnie and Sarah Henderson, Ronnie Henderson Jr. & Children, Ricky Henderson and Family, Jacie Henderson, Velma Hammond, Charles, Don Hammond and Families, Archie Griffin, Donna Johnson, James and Luann Reynolds, Timothy Fails, Nathan Fails, Jacob Ramsey, Jerry Hughes, Pastor G. L. Burr, Melody Carr, Janie Capps, Linda Hughes, Donna Jones, Gina, Brother Kelley and Sister Hinson, The Harris Family, Teresa Bookout, Little Titan Thomas (Trent and Tiffane Thomas child), James – Diane and Brooke Thomas, Jace Fails, Sister Ann McSwain, Elaine Sparks, James daughter’s mother-in-law, Danny Hammond, Jim and Linda Meier, Ronnie Elam, Bonnie From Ohio, Brother Dan Sullivan the work in Thailand, Brother Raul and the work in Romania, Bro. Sergey Mochalov and the Churches in Russia.

From Our Pastor:

In Christ We Are More Than Conquerors!

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37

This passage of scripture is very exciting for every believer in Jesus Christ. What a blessed Saviour we indeed have, and in our Father, it makes us speechless. The question asked is found in verse 35 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” if you study the verses from 35 thru 39 you will learn nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What a true blessing, nothing in existence can separate us from the love of Christ, not even ourselves. See this is not our love for God, it is not our love for Christ Jesus, oh no, this is God’s love for us which is Christ Jesus. The truth is, we have no love for God the Father or Jesus Christ if they do not have it for us. We are not the ones who has the faith or the love, oh no, it is God who loved us first and that love was extended to us through the love of Jesus Christ. “We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 God’s love is eternal, yes, it is eternal, and God cannot change therefore there will never be a time that God will not love us, nor a time when we will not love God and His Son Jesus Christ. God loved us and chose us before the foundation of the world and therefore He can never not love us. It is because of this love from Him that we are “…more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Folks, we are not conquerors but more than conquerors. This word “conquerors” means - to vanquish beyond, that is, to gain a decisive victory – now let’s have some thought on these other words. The word “vanquish” means – to defeat thoroughly – the word “decisive” means - producing a definite result – wow, what a blessed conquering we indeed have as believers in Jesus Christ and in Gods love. It doesn’t seem like the Christian has anything to concern themselves with. Because if being conquerors means we are guaranteed victory then defeat is impossible. But let’s remember God said we are MORE than conquerors meaning we extend beyond the guaranteed victory. Not in everything in life but in Christ we will never lose His eternal love extended to us. We have victory over life, pain, tribulations, sadness, sin, Satan, etc. etc. etc. we cannot lose! Even if we lose our life here on this earth we have victory, we cannot be defeated. When Jesus Christ rose from the grave we rose with Him, we were with Him through the entire crucifixion, death, burial, and soon the resurrection. God has already spoken of our salvation as complete, “Moreover 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. Now our glorification will not happen until Jesus returns. This word “glorified” means - full of glory – which will not happen until we are resurrected and have our new GLORIFIED bodies, which will not happen until Jesus returns for the rapture. Folks, we are more that conquerors because God has chosen us to be His before the foundation of the world, He chose us, called us, saved us, and will glorify us in time. This is why conquering means a guaranteed defeating and more, we are more than that, we are guaranteed victory because God cannot be defeated, therefore we can’t either. Praise God!!! This is why we sing the glorious hymn “Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wrench like me” Victory is ours through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 1 Chronicles 29:11 - 13 “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all…Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all…Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”    

The Deceitfullness Of Pride

By: Elder Oscar. B. Mink (our former Pastor, now in glory)

“Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

Pride in a man’s heart is a seed bed which produces many a foul fruit. I will mention a few: “Arrogance,” (Proverbs 8:13), “Contention,” (Proverbs13:10), self-deception, “The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee” (Obadiah 1:3). These are but a few of the un-tasty fruits which grow on the ugly vine of pride.

From personal experience many preachers know something of the deceptive power of pride. Looking forward to Sunday, the pastor asks God in prayer for a message and for divine enablement in delivery of the message. God, in grace, grants his petition, and after the sermon someone is kind enough to speak complimentary of the message (there is nothing wrong with paying the preacher a compliment, if it comes from the heart, and you realize the preacher is but an instrument of God), due to the deceptive power of pride, the compliment is often taken wrongly and the preacher takes to himself the credit which belongs to God.

No saint has ever risen so high in his cultivation of humility that all of his pride was left behind or even suppressed to the point of absolute dormancy for a single minute. Neither has the skid row bum sunk so low that he cannot look down his nose at someone else and find a basis to be proud of himself.

As soon as a man be born in this world he embarks on an ego trip, “They go astray speaking lies,” (Psalm 58:3) and the most of his lies are spent in bragging about himself. Most of the auto-biographies which I have read amount to nothing more than brag books. The reason is; “Every way of man is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 21:2).

Did you ever hear a person pray, saying, “Lord keep me humble?” There is an element of pride in such a prayer. The meekest saint needs to pray, “Lord make me humble.” I heard a person say one time, “I am proud that I am humble.” 0’ the deceitfulness of pride.

Jesus used one statement on three different occasions in three different sermons. He was not afraid someone might say, “He repeats himself.” Each time Jesus used the statement it fit perfectly with the lesson He was teaching, and the principle set forth in the statement pervaded all of His teaching. The thrice stated words of the Master, “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted,” (Matthew 23:12; Luke 18:14). On every occasion it was used to counter human pride, and it points up the fact that the seats of honor in glory are reserved for those who humble themselves and practice self-effacement.

1 Chronicles 29:20

And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.

Daily Thoughts April 23, 2018

II Corinthians 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

My last words shall be

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(William Grimshaw)

When I come to die, I shall have my greatest grief and my greatest joy.

My greatest grief--that I have done so little for Jesus.

My greatest joy--that Jesus has done so much for me!

My last words shall be: "Here goes an unprofitable servant!"

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 23, 2018

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. (Isaiah 41:13)

My Prayer: Lord help me to trust in You when I'm scared-when I'm afraid of what people might think of me when I tell them about You and Your good news. Thank You Lord, for being right by my side, holding my hand, and strengthening me for every good work.

Daily Thoughts April 22, 2018

II Corinthians 3:4-5 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

Daily Thoughts April 21, 2018

I John 2:5  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

We find that they are empty bubbles!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

(J.C. Ryle)

" Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. " 1 John 2:15-16

The possession of the whole world and all that it contains, will never make a person happy. Its pleasures are false and deceptive! Its riches, rank, and honors, have no power to satisfy the heart! So long as we have not got them--they glitter, sparkle, and seem desirable. The moment we have them--we find that they are empty bubbles, and cannot make us feel content!

And, worst of all, when we possess this world's good things to the utmost bound of our desire--we cannot keep them! Death comes in and separates us from all our property forever! Naked we came upon earth, and naked we go forth--and of all our possessions, we can carry nothing with us.

Such is the world, which occupies the whole attention of thousands!

Such is the world, for the sake of which millions are every year destroying their souls!

" And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John 2:17

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 21, 2018

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)

God promises truth and freedom to all those who love Him and abide in His good pleasure. In a life full of uncertainty, the truth of God is wonderful to contemplate indeed! Never need we doubt the veracity of the Lord for He Himself is the measure of truth. He is the standard by which all claims stand or fall. And if He, in unmitigated Truth, says that we are made free, then what iron fetter or steel prison can stifle our liberty? Why none at all! Rejoice in your freedom, O Christian, and use it to pursue the righteousness of God!

Daily Thoughts April 20, 2018

Psalm 150:2  Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Sacrilege!

~  ~  ~  ~

(Octavius Winslow)

Cultivate a profound reverence for God's Word. Nothing is more grievous to the Holy Spirit than a trifling with Revelation. The words of Scripture are divinely inspired, "Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

Beware of referring to it with levity. To use the words of Scripture irreverently, or to employ its phraseology flippantly, is . . .

  to cast discredit upon inspiration,

  to press it into the service of the flesh, and

  to make the Word of God the jest book of the profane.

This is awful trifling with the thoughts and words of the Holy Spirit!

Stand in awe of this Holy Book!

God says, "I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at My Word." Isaiah 66:2

"Then all who trembled at the Words of the God of Israel..." Ezra 9:4

"My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of Your laws." Psalm 119:120

"My heart stands in awe of Your Word." Psalm 119:161

"God's name is taken more times in vain in churches than anywhere else.

The blasphemy in the sanctuary is worse than the blasphemy in the street!" MacArthur

(Editor's note: How very sad is it that many professing Christians use the holy Word of God to amuse others with 'bible jokes' and in other trifling and irreverent ways. Much of today's pseudo Christian music, movies and children's literature use the Word of God in a flippant manner, if not in a downright profane and sacrilegious way.)

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 20, 2018

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)

Walk in the light. Forsake the deeds of darkness. God has promised life to those who will put away their old lives and trust on His life. His Son will send all darkness scurrying to the uttermost parts of the earth. He will be a lamp unto thy feet. It is Christ Himself who will lead His people from the very shadow of death unto the Light everlasting. Hallelujah! What a saviour!

Daily Thoughts April 19, 2018

Matthew 26:42  He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Little children, keep yourselves from idols!

~  ~  ~  ~

("Every Day!" Author unknown, 1872)

"You shall have no other gods before Me!" Exodus 20:3

Though there is no danger of our bowing down to graven images--to gods that have eyes and see not, ears and hear not--none are exempt from the danger of being idolaters in spirit. There are gods many and lords many, in lands of Bibles and gospel privileges--as truly as in heathen countries!

Wealth, honor, sports and pleasure--are the idols of multitudes.

Gold is as truly worshiped--as Baal once was!

Self is as really the idol of many now--as Diana of the Ephesians was anciently.

Then, too, there are "household gods"--idols in family life. Affection in the various relationships we sustain, which is proper and lovely in a right degree--too often becomes idolatrous.

Christians have need to be warned against idolatry, as well as others. The exhortation, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols!" was addressed to believers.

Remember, my soul, that whatever may lead your highest affection and supreme devotion away from God your Savior--would be to you an idol!

Help me, O Lord, to watch and pray against the sin of idolatry in all its forms. Show me more of Your glory and Your grace--and ever hold the highest place in my heart!

"The dearest idol I have known,

 Whatever that idol be,

 Help me to tear it from Your throne,

 And worship only Thee!"

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 19, 2018

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Philippians 1:29)

As Christians we have been given various things. Paul tells the Philippians about two of them. First, he tells them that it has been granted to them to believe in Christ; and second, he says that it has been granted to them to suffer for Him. Suffering does not always seem appetizing, however, there is much gained by it. Remember in the midst of your troubles that as Christ was troubled, so too will His people be troubled-and our sufferings are to be counted joy for they serve to demonstrate our unity with our Bridegroom.

Daily Thoughts April 18, 2018

Psalm 16:5  The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

All this I have done for you--do you love Me?

~  ~  ~  ~

("Every Day!" Author unknown, 1872)

"F or when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. " Romans 5:6-8

Does not Jesus in thus appealing to me, in effect say:

"For you, I left the realms of glory, and the adoration of ten thousand times ten thousand holy ones!

  For you, I became incarnate, took on the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.

    For you, I obeyed the law, and wrought a perfect righteousness for your justification.

      For you, I endured the cross, and despised the shame.

        For you, I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to those who plucked off the hair.

          For you, I endured the crown of thorns, and gave My hands and My feet to be nailed to the tree.

             For you, I shed My blood, and laid down My life!

           I loved you with a love of pity and compassion--when you were dead in trespasses and sins!

        I opened your eyes, revealed to you your sinfulness and guilt, and awakened your cry for mercy.

      I sought you in your wanderings--and found you!

   I brought you up out of the horrible pit, and miry clay--and set your feet upon the rock.

 I have loved you with an everlasting love--and therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you!

 All this I have done for you--do you love Me?"

"We love Him, because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 18, 2018

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Thessalonians 5:8-9)

By the gracious salvation in Christ, we are separated from the dark as His light shines through us. This separation changes our destination from eternal condemnation to everlasting joy and peace. This magnificent hope for all followers of Christ causes us to rejoice in the glorious splendour of His majesty.

Daily Thoughts April 17, 2018

Ephesians 2:8-10  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.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Is the young man safe?

   ~  ~  ~  ~

(James Smith)

"Is the young man Absalom safe?" 2 Samuel 18:29

Young men are exposed to dangers--the greatest dangers. They are in danger of falling . . .

  into sin,

  into infidelity,

  and into Hell!

Their danger arises . . .

  from their corrupt passions--which are apt to be fierce and fiery;

  from their inexperience--the path of life is new and strange to them;

  from false friends--who feed their vanity, and gratify their lusts;

  from wicked associates--which are often fascinating, and always injurious;

  from Satan the seducer--who watches them, lays in wait for them, and seeks their destruction.

In a wicked world like this,

with deceitful hearts like ours, and

with such evil influences acting upon us,

we are all in danger--but the young especially, and young men most of all.

"Is the young man safe?"

Absalom was not safe, nor are many young men now.

If they are mirthful, vain, or foolish;

if they are selfish, conceited, or covetous;

if they are careless, reckless, or indifferent

--then they are not, they cannot be safe!

There is no real safety, but in vital union with Christ. Until a young man is . . .

  convinced of sin,

  sensible of his danger,

  and embraces Christ--

we cannot pronounce him safe.

The shipwrecked sailor is not safe until he is picked up by the life-boat, or otherwise conveyed on shore. Just so, the lost sinner is not safe as he is floating on the treacherous waters of this world, until the life-boat of free grace picks him up, and brings him to Christ as the harbor of safety!

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 17, 2018

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (Psalm 37:11)

The Lord shall not forsake His promise to His saints! Indeed shall they inherit their heavenly land. Even as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob proclaimed themselves strangers upon the earth while they looked forward to the heavenly city of promise, so too do we rest in our hope of future glory. Even now we are citizens of the great and holy Zion. Yes citizens, but ambassadors in a foreign land. Ambassadors for Christ! Yet soon and forever we shall bask in the full weight of the brightness of the glory of Christ! We only await His return in glory! Come quickly Lord Jesus! Amen!

Daily Thoughts April 16, 2018

Ephesians 3:18-19  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 16, 2018

In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)

God has placed a seal on those who have believed in Him. This seal is the Holy Spirit which was promised and is a sign that we are now God's property. What belongs to God is God's and cannot be taken by another. God ferociously guards His property and will allow nothing to separate us from Him.

Daily Thoughts April 15, 2018

Psalm 13:5-6  But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church

"Where The Truths Of God’s Word Have Been Taught For More Than Fifty-Six Years"

1217 Dillon Texarkana, Texas 75501

April 15, 2018

Newsletter Number 665

Brother Randy Johnson, Pastor                         Brother James Thomas, Song Leader

Pastor E-Mail: pastor@sgmbaptist.com                                             Web Site: www.sgmbaptist.com

"A Church Seeking To Please God In Prayer, Song, Preaching, And Worship."

Please Join Us As We Pray For:

All of Our Military, Their Family’s & All the Civilian Workers in The Middle East, Zee Mink Fuller and Family, Her son’s Bryan Armstrong and Hunter Hackie, Daughter Shannon, and Brother Philip & Sondra Thornsberry, Johnnie Stephens, Alecia Stephens, and children, Frankie Baldridge and daughter, Buckie Thompson, Frank & Sonya Trusty, Frank & Dawana Reigel, Andrew Preston, Larry & Martha Mollette and Her Family, Tyrell Loyd, Bonnie, Ted O'Bonion, Larry Mollette II & Family, Kerry Adcock, Kim Poole, Danny & Nita Mollette, The Muncy Family, Lee & Mary Mollette, Wendell Henderson, Joshua Kidd, Matthew Kidd, Ronnie and Sarah Henderson, Ronnie Henderson Jr. & Children, Ricky Henderson and Family, Jacie Henderson, Velma Hammond, Charles, Don Hammond and Families, Archie Griffin, Donna Johnson, James and Luann Reynolds, Timothy Fails, Nathan Fails, Jacob Ramsey, Jerry Hughes, Pastor G. L. Burr, Melody Carr, Janie Capps, Linda Hughes, Donna Jones, Gina, Brother Kelley and Sister Hinson, The Harris Family, Teresa Bookout, Little Titan Thomas (Trent and Tiffane Thomas child), James – Diane and Brooke Thomas, Jace Fails, Sister Ann McSwain, Elaine Sparks, James daughter’s mother-in-law, Danny Hammond, Jim and Linda Meier, Ronnie Elam, Bonnie From Ohio, Brother Dan Sullivan the work in Thailand, Brother Raul and the work in Romania, Bro. Sergey Mochalov and the Churches in Russia.

From Our Pastor:

Be Careful to Maintain Good Works.

"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men." Titus 3:8

Paul here is telling young preacher Titus to be careful and to maintain good works. I know there are multitudes of people who believe that good works is a part of our salvation, but the scripture debunks that thinking. Good works has nothing to with the accomplishment of our salvation but has multitudes to do with our Christian living after we are saved. It never fails to cause me to pause when I see how some Christians are acting, talking, or conducting their life as a believer in Jesus Christ. It is like they forgot how they were saved, so let remind them. "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…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." Ephesians 2:7 – 9 If you go to chapter one you will also be reminded that God chose you to be His child before the foundation of the world. Eph. 1:4 You also need to be reminded that salvation is a gift and not earned. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 Now I said all that to say this, God has given to all of us who are saved the greatest gift known to mankind, "…wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." Eph. 1:6 That acceptance is Him accepting us (sinners) as His own beloved children, what a privilege! So, if you are saved, really saved by the grace of God through the blood of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, then you know what an honor it is to be saved. With all this being said, we need to understand our part, it is our part to "be careful to maintain good works". This is a downfall of a lot of Christians, they either have not been taught how to maintain good works or don’t care. How sad if it is the latter, how sad that God did so much to make you "accepted in the beloved" that in return you cannot return to God a hint of the grace He has given to you. Some people say that this passage is to preachers and pastors, folks, that is a very lame excuse in laziness. We all as Christians owe God, we owe God everything, even our life if it is required. Millions of believers have died very awful deaths for the God they love. We are without excuse if we fail to maintain good works for God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Any true believer in Jesus Christ ought to ashamed by not attending church, the church is the pillar and ground of truth. 1 Tim. 3:15 Albert Barnes wrote "This shows that Paul supposed that the doctrines of the gospel were fitted to lead people to holy living;" and he is exactly correct, the doctrines of the scripture ought to lead us to holy living. But, if it does not then something must be wrong. Either God has not truly saved you or you are not being "careful to maintain good works" Christians that do not attend church is not walking in the light as He is in the light, they are failing God and not maintaining good works. Paul also used the word "careful" that word means - to exercise thought that is, be anxious – to maintain good works. But there are so many who can’t even gather enough spiritual strength to pick-up the word of God and read it. They can’t drag themselves out of bed early enough to attend and be a part of the church. There is a reason this is so important, Paul goes on to say, "These things are good and profitable unto men." That is to you, the church, and others around you. You are not a good example of God’s saving grace if you are not a member and active in a local church. If you are not "maintaining good works" you are failing God and being an unfit witness of the salvation, that He has blessed you with. By "maintaining good works" means you are working everyday to bring glory to God, God has a reason in saving you from eternal hell and you need to figure it out and bless the Lord in your life. Folks, none of us are perfect, and maintaining good works is a daily struggle, but the fight is worth it. Read the word, learn the doctrines, and live like you owe God something, because you do!

Moses Or Jesus Christ

By: Curtis Pugh

Some professing Christians desire to put themselves under the Old Testament law of Moses. To attempt to please God and achieve righteousness by trying to keep Moses' law is, according to Paul, to fall from grace. His words in Galatians 5:4 are these: "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." Grace provides eternal life. In 2 Corinthians 3:9 Paul calls the law "...the ministration of condemnation." In Romans 8:2 he calls the law "...the law of sin and death." In the next verse in that chapter Paul wrote: "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh." Christ accomplished "what the law could not do," as that last verse says.

John 1:17 tells us "...the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." There no grace to be found in Moses' law! Not only that, but the law was added because of sins and was only temporary. In Galatians 3:19 God says, "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made..." That "seed" was Jesus the Messiah. He came. With His coming and the attendant ministry of John the Baptist the law of Moses ended. Jesus said in Luke 16:16 "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached..." And in Romans 10:4 Paul wrote: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."

Again we are told of the temporariness of Moses' law in Hebrews 9:10 which says that the law: "...stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation." That "reformation" was the work accomplished by Jesus Christ. Paul made this clear in Ephesians 2:15 where he wrote that Jesus Christ, "Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances..."

So it is that Paul sums up the matter of the Christian's relationship to the Old Testament law of Moses. He wrote in Galatians 5:18, "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law."

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (3) Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: Colossians 4:2 – 3

Church News:

Happy Birthday to Sister Martha Mollette Thursday April 19th.

Morality without Christ

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(Charles Spurgeon)

" Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. " John 3:3

You moral and upright people without Christ--you are as surely lost as the despicable reprobate!

You chaste and respectable people without Christ--you will be as surely damned as the vile prostitute who walks the streets at midnight!

" I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:3

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 15, 2018

The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. (Psalm 147:6)

Our Prayer: We thank You, O God, for the pleasure You take in humbling the proud and exalting those of low degree. Keep us from pride. Let us not be as the wicked, who conduct themselves insolently towards You and scornfully towards all mankind. Let us not be as those who lift up themselves in pride and folly! Rather make us further into Your holy image day by day as we trust upon Your sanctifying Spirit!

Daily Thoughts April 14, 2018

Psalm 12  Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.

The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:

Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 14, 2018

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall. (Isaiah 25:4)

The Lord God Almighty is ever our bastion and bulwark of defence. As we marshal to the fore to join battle against our raging enemy, ever does the Lord's banner fly before us. As we take up the call to arms and muster to the field of our spiritual war, we take our courage in His strength-for by Him, we are become far more than mere conquerors. We are children of the King and shall ever be victorious against our foe.

Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 13, 2018

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)

As Christians, we have been called out of this sinful and perverse world. Although we are in this wicked world, we are certainly not of it. For the Father's good pleasure alone, we have been separated from darkness that we may do His good works. Just as we will escape from the final judgment of God unscathed, so too has the close attachment to our Father been made unbreakable. Nothing can separate us from His love and grace!

Daily Thoughts April 13, 2018

Psalm 11:4  The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

Daily Thoughts April 12, 2018

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

At all times, and under all circumstances!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

("Every Day!" Author unknown, 1872)

" Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. " Hebrews 4:16

We might have been summoned to appear before the throne of Divine Justice--and then every mouth would be stopped, and all would stand guilty before God.

But behold! We are invited to come to the throne of grace! And for what purpose? That we might obtain mercy, that we might receive a free pardon--complete forgiveness of all our sins! And not only this, but that we might "find grace to help in time of need."

The throne of grace is never vacant. The gracious King ever sits there in all His power and in all His willingness, to bless His redeemed people.

The throne of grace is always accessible. Not once a year merely, nor once a week, nor once a day, may we approach it--but at all times, and under all circumstances.

Oh, what a privilege, my soul, is this! To be permitted, nay, invited and welcomed--to come to the throne of grace whenever you are in want, and for whatever you need! May I come as I have often come before--only more reverently, more trustfully, with larger desires and fuller expectation.

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 12, 2018

I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Apart from the sanctifying power of Christ's blood in our lives, not a single effort of ours can amount to honest good. Recall your position in Christ Jesus. You, as a believer, are bounded up with Him. He is your holiness. He is your resurrection. He is your baptism unto new life. Abide in your faith in Christ Jesus and let your lives of righteousness grow naturally from that abiding faith!

Morning Devotional April 12, 2018

Psalm 11:5

“The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”

O praise God for His glorious grace and mercy on we His people!!! Praise God for His love for we His children!!! Praise God He has saved us from our wicked sin and unrighteousness!!! Praise God we have a Lord and Savior in His Son Jesus Christ!!!

For without Him there go I as the wicked and the unrighteous.

Praise ye the Lord!!!

By Stephen McCool Sr.

Daily Thoughts April 11, 2018

II Corinthians 12:15  And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

That very church which the world likes best!

  ~  ~  ~  ~

(Charles Spurgeon)

" And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. " 2 Corinthians 6:16-18

That very church which the world likes best, is sure to be the church which God abhors most!

" For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." 2 Timothy 3:2-5

"We have learned to live with unholiness in our churches, and have come to look upon it as the natural and expected thing. It is scarcely possible in most places to get anyone to attend a church meeting, where the only attraction is God. One can only conclude that God's professed children are bored with Him, for they must be wooed to church with a stick of striped candy, in the form of religious movies, games and entertainments." Tozer

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Daily Promises

Blue Letter Bible

April 11, 2018

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Thank you Lord that "all the valued learning of this world is confounded, baffled, and eclipsed, by the Christian revelation and the glorious triumphs of the cross."

-Matthew Henry

Daily Thoughts April 10, 2018

II Corinthians 5:18-21 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.