Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. Proverbs 24:19-20

We welcome Brother John Chapman to our services today. He will bring both messages for us. I am preaching this morning at the Bethel Baptist Church, in Spring Lake NC.

Pastor Marvin Stalnaker will be here on Thursday!!!

THE ONLY REASON FOR SALVATION

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake (1John 2:12).

There is only one reason revealed in Holy Scripture that any sinner would be pardoned from all sin. That one reason is Christ alone (Eph.4:32). Christ Jesus was manifested to take away our sin and in Him is no sin (John 3:5). The only reason for grace, is Christ (John 1:16). The only reason for mercy is Christ (Titus 3:5). The only reason for salvation is Christ (Acts 4:12). The only reason for sanctification is Christ (1Cor. 1:30). His name's sake includes all these things and much more (Rom. 5:20). Salvation is not because of our merit, nor our baptism, nor our works, nor our prayers, nor our repentance nor our faith; but for the sake of Christ, his blood, sacrifice and satisfaction; and it reaches to all our sins, original and actual, secret and open, past, present, and future. The only reason for our salvation is not found in us, but rather in the Lord Jesus Christ alone (Isa.43:1-7; 44:21-23).

Trials

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened unto you” (1 Peter 4:12).

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into different trials; knowing this, that the trial of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3).

David said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes.” Martin Luther declared, “I never knew the true meaning of God’s Word until I came into affliction. I have always found trials to be the best schoolmaster.”

1). Real trials touches us PERSONALLY – our flesh, our hearts, our homes, our children! This is not something we read about concerning others and offer high-blown advice, but something we EXPERIENCE.

2). Real trials go to THE ROOT OF THE MATTER and reveals the truth of our nature. It shows whether repentance, faith, love for Christ, and confidence in His purpose and providence are realities or pretense. Trials do not produce faith; trials reveal the faith that is there or they reveal the sham and hypocrisy that is there.

3). Real trials tests A MAN’S GRACES. We talk of love for one another, but not until real trial comes can we be sure that we do love. We talk of forgiveness and mercy, but not until forgiveness is needed and mercy is required can we be sure that we have it to give! Some of the best religious talkers are the poorest doers when comes to putting their theology into practice.

4). Real trials gives us AN OPPORTUNITY TO MINISTER TO OTHERS: first, by equipping us with necessary abilities. None can enter into a brother’s sorrow like one has actually been in the same situation. Second, by bringing us to the brother’s side at this particular time. “I’m sorry that you are burdened in such a way, but I rejoice that the Lord affords me the OPPORTUNITY AND PRIVILEGE of helping you bear your burden.”

My brethren, don’t fumble the opportunity to relieve the distressed, forgive the fallen, or feed the hungry. You just may not pass this way again. Pastor Henry T. Mahan (bulletin 1983)

SOUND DOCTRINE
2 Timothy 1:10

There are but two schemes of religion in this world. One is true the other is false. One is saving the other is damning. These two schemes of religion are free grace and free will. Free grace declares that salvation is the work of God alone (Jonah 2:9). Free will declares that salvation is, at least in part, the work of man. Free grace declares that salvation is conditioned upon the obedience of Christ alone as the sinner's Substitute (2Cor.5:21). Free will declares that salvation is ultimately and finally conditioned upon the obedience of the sinner himself. Any doctrine that makes salvation, eternal life, acceptance with God, and the reward of the heavenly inheritance to be dependent upon, or determined by you, at any point or in any measure, is contrary to sound doctrine and must be rejected. To receive, believe, or embrace such doctrine will be damning to your soul (1John 5:10-12).

Here are five points of Divine truth revealed in Holy Scripture. Anything that is contrary to, or in any measure diminishes these five points of sound doctrine must be rejected as heresy.

1. TOTAL DEPRAVITY: All men by nature are both sinful and helpless, because all are spiritually dead (Matt. 15:19; Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:1-4).

2. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION: God, from eternity, chose a people in Christ whom he determined to save, without consideration of anything in them or anything that might be done by them (2Thes.2:13; Eph.1:3-6).

3. LIMITED ATONEMENT: Christ died for and redeemed His elect only. The benefits of Christ's death are limited to the elect. And His death effectually secures their salvation (Isa. 53:8-11; John 10:11, 15; Heb. 9:12).

4. IRRESISTIBLE GRACE: God the Holy Spirit calls sinners from spiritual death to spiritual life in Christ by the power of his grace which cannot be successfully resisted (Psa. 65:4; 110:3; John 6:63; Eph. 2:8-9).

5. PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS: Every sinner chosen by God in election, redeemed by Christ at Calvary, and called by the Spirit in grace shall persevere in grace unto eternal glory, because they are all preserved and kept by grace (John 10:27-30; Jer. 32:38-40; 1Peter 1:5).