Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Proverbs 16:8-9, 16

Our sincere sympathy is extended to Winna Groover and family in the recent death of her husband Cody. Cody was our faithful missionary to Mexico for many years and our dear friend and brother in the Lord. He will be greatly missed by all. I received a letter from him last week thanking us for our support. It is posted on the bulletin board. Read John 17:24 and realize this prayer was answered on last week Thursday.

Salvation Is For Sinners

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. (Matt. 11:19).

The Pharisees called our Lord, "The friend of sinners." They thought to brand Him with shame and hold His name up to ridicule; but what they thought to be shame is His chief glory. He is indeed, "the friend of sinners." Thank God He is!

This is what makes the gospel good news. This is no sham gospel that we preach, but it is real salvation for real sinners. It is real grace for real guilt. We preach no gospel of merit for moralists. We preach good news of pardon and forgiveness for men who are nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing! Pastor Henry T. Mahan (1982)

The Decision Desk

“But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another” (Psalm 75:7).

During the recent presidential election, one of the media organizations covering the process set up what they called “The Decision Desk.” This reminded me of a word in scripture that I believe we would do well to intimately acquaint ourselves with.

The word “judge” in our text is defined as “He Who governs and Who decides.” Men and women, sinners, do not ultimately decide anything. Any decisions we make not only are ordained and directed by God, but they serve His purpose, not ours. He turns the hearts, even of kings, in His sovereign hand, as the rivers of water, whithersoever He will (Proverbs 21:1).

The following things were said during this recent election. “In just a few days, we will be deciding who our next president is.” “We will be deciding the direction of our country for the foreseeable future.” “We are not only deciding the presidency, but the supreme court.”

The truth of the matter is, we decide precisely nothing, and this is a great comfort to the people of God, who are pleased, by His grace, to have all matters decided by Him Who doeth all things well, and Who worketh all things for our eternal good. Our text above is not just words on paper. We just watched it happen. We saw one set up, and one put down. And we know, by the grace of God, Who decided the matter. The real decision desk is the throne of our almighty God. Bless His holy name. Pastor Chris Cunningham

Never judge anything impossible for God simply because you do not understand how God can do it. “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the POWER of God.” (Mt 22: 29) “The things that are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18: 27).

Pastor Clay Curtis

THE ATONEMENT OF THE LORD JESUS

“Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation (atonement) for the sins of the people (Heb. 2:17).

Those who are blessed to hear and believe the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ do not embrace or prescribe to a theory of atonement. In the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified we have a glorious atonement for all our sins by His precious blood (1John 4:10). We don't have an "attemptment" we have an effectual and full atonement.

Here are four things we know about His redeeming sacrifice and High Priestly work.

1). It is particular. The Lord Jesus laid down His life for His covenant people, all those chosen and given to Him in eternity (Matt. 1:21; John 6:37; 10:15-18; Eph. 1:3-6).

2). It is powerful. His blood sacrifice puts away all sins of His elect to the complete satisfaction of the holy Law and infinite justice of God. The Lord says of our sins that they are remembered no more (Psalm 103: 10-12; Heb. 10:17).

3). It is perpetual. His blood cleanses us from all sins continuously (1John 1:7); sins past, sins present and sins future through His constant intercession (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25), powerful advocacy (1John 2:1) and prevailing meditation for His people (1Tim. 2:5).

4). It is permanent. His blood atonement is not a temporary solution and stop-gap measure. The Lord Jesus obtained for His people eternal redemption (Heb. 9:12). He purchased for His people eternal salvation and eternal life (Isa. 45:17; John 10:27-30). Listen to the words of this sweet promise, "I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him" (Eccl. 3:14).