July 12, 2020
Much Assurance
For the gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost, and in MUCH ASSURANCE. 1 Thes. 1:5
How do we know if the gospel has come to us in power, blessed by the Holy Ghost? Much assurance. Assurance about what? That you’re saved? Every honest child of God must admit they are not always perfectly sure of that. The only time they gain peace from God concerning the salvation of their own soul is when they think on the things of which they are always and absolutely sure.
They are sure the Bible is the inspired Word of God. When the gospel comes in power, you know that every word of God’s Word is true. They are sure that God is ordering all things, great and small, after the counsel of His own will for the glory of His grace. They are sure that Jesus of Nazareth is the sovereign Son of God, the successful Savior of sinners. They are sure that He is the Christ, sent by His Father in the full power of the Spirit of God to accomplish the salvation of His chosen people. They are sure that God the Father is fully satisfied with Christ redemptive work for His people. They are sure that the proof of this is seen in what the Father did when He raised His Son from the dead. They are sure that the Lord Jesus Christ was received by His Father back into glory and is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high until God makes all His enemies to be His footstool. They are sure that they are sinners, devoid of anything in and of themselves that would recommend them to God. They are sure that if the Lord Jesus Christ does not stand in their stead before God Almighty, they have no hope of acceptance or salvation. They are sure that if their sins are to be atoned for, it will be ONLY by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. What sweet assurance the Holy Ghost gives when He sends His word in power. ~GE
____________________________________________________
Mystery Babylon
The mystery of iniquity is in how it is practiced. The sin of men as it is practiced in the bars and brothels is no mystery, but when it is manifested in religion it becomes invisible to the world. Therefore, it is religion; false religion that bears the name Mystery. Rev. 17:5.
~Darvin Pruitt
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14
These words are a great comfort to the believer who is appalled at the sin in his life. It is true that some have used this text to crack the legal whip over believers saying such things as, “If you are a true believer, then sin will not have power over you like it once did.” But Paul is not talking about power but authority. The word translated “dominion” is the same word Paul uses in Rom 7:1 where he wrote, “the law hath dominion over a man as long as he lives.” So, having died with and in Christ, we are dead, and the law has no authority over us. Therefore, sin has no authority over us – we are “under [the authority of] grace.”
Sin still has great power with us, else we would not sin so much. But it has no authority over us. Before we believed, we were under law. Therefore, sin had the authority to accuse, condemn, and kill us. But now that we have been removed from the jurisdiction of law, sin is deprived of any authority over us – it cannot accuse us, condemn us, or kill us.
Is this too bold? Consider what would happen were it not true?
~Joe Terrell
____________________________________________________
When Water is Best
It is in the desert where water tastes the sweetest; when the lips are parched, the mouth dry, and the throat like cotton. It is then that every drop is precious, and none is wasted. When it seems life hangs on no more than a drop, it is then that a man will part with his fortune for some water to quench his thirst.
And, likewise, it is in the grip of trial where the Water of life tastes best. When the soul is dry from many a windy day. When the muscle of the human spirit is strained past another try and despair threatens to snuff away the last ray of hope. Oh, how precious then are the words of the Saviour!
It is then that no excuse is given for absence when He speaks; the weary mind will give its last thought just to hear one more sweet syllable from the Saviour's lips. Not a single word falls unheeded into space.
The thirsty soul will leave every other pursuit just to lay hold upon but a sip of this life-giving Water. Would it not do us all well to know a little more of that desert where men count precious the words of Christ? ~Henry Mahan
CALL TO WORSHIP
The head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now.
A royal diadem adorns,
The mighty victor’s brow.
Chorus:
Blessed be the Name, Blessed be the Name,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord.
Blessed be the Name, Blessed be the Name,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord.
The highest place that heav’n affords,
Is His – Is His by right!
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
And Heav’n’s eternal Light. (chorus)
The joy of all who dwell above,
The joy of all below,
To whom He manifests His love,
And grants His Name to know. (chorus)
The cross He bore is life and health,
Though shame and death to Him.
His people’s hope, His people’s wealth,
Their only hope is Him. (chorus)
(Tune: “Blessed Be the Name”)
Nursery
This Week 10:00 Cindy & Jen D. 10:45 LG & Emily D.
Next Week 10:00 Bobbi & Ashley 10:45 Star & Olivia
Clean-Up Schedule
Week of July 12th Caleb & Bobbi; Jeremy & Sandy
Week of July 19th Jim & Callie; Trevor and Sarah
Birthdays
July 14 Anthony LaCassia July 14 Laura Belleza
July 17 Linda LaCassia