Proverbs 30:32-33

The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD” (Prov. 16:33).

Is it not wonderfully settling to the heart of a redeemed and regenerated sinner to know that our God does all things well? We plan according to the way we think things should or ought to be, but He Who rules in heaven and earth is the Determiner and Director of all things. As we consider the way that our precious Lord and God has been pleased to move in our midst, may we be reminder that He, “worketh all things after the counsel of His own will,” and that as we behold His gracious hand of providence…“We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” If we could see the end, as He sees, we would never doubt, question, or complain.

Pastor Marvin Stalnaker

Rest

Rest is a sweet word to the weary soul; all seek it but only believers find it. Paul wrote, “We which have believed do enter into REST” (Heb. 4:3). He did not say we shall enter but we DO enter into rest.

There is a sweet repose, a calm peace, and a sweet rest in Christ. We can trust Him to forgive the past, provide for the present, and guarantee the future. If you can believe God, you will find in Christ all you need. Pastor Henry T. Mahan (bulletin 1984)

“ALL THE LAW IS FULLFILLED IN ONE WORD – LOVE”

(Galatians 5:14)

The Scriptures overwhelm us with this word. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you love one another.” “He that loveth not knoweth not God.” “The greatest of these is love.” “If I have not love, I am nothing.” “This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.”

If this miracle of grace – this fruit of the Spirit – this nature of regeneration is a reality to me, an experience of my heart, Christ becomes my beloved Lord, duties become pleasures, ordinances become desires, enemies become friends, and suppression of self for the good of all and the glory of God becomes a joy! If the love of God is shed abroad in my heart by His Holy Spirit, I am able to accept trials and afflictions from the hand of my heavenly Father with grace and submission. I am able to live in peace with all men. I am able to forgive misunderstandings, overlook the infirmities of others, and build a happy relationship with the family of God. Love begets trust, confidence and hope. Where love is absent, Satan is able to get the advantage. He is able to sow his seed of division, doubt, fear, jealousy, envy and strife. Nothing renders a man more unlike Christ and more like Satan than to despise love and show a spirit of wrath and hatred.

Pastor Maurice Montgomery

THE COVENANT OF GRACE

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah" (Jer. 31:31-33). The promises of the covenant of grace are sure, everlasting and ordered in all things to God's spiritual family (2Sam. 23:5; Heb. 7:22; Rom 4:16).

1). I will make and establish a new covenant; "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah." This covenant is called new, not because it is newly conceived, but rather because it is newly revealed in the gospel of Christ. It is always new and fresh, it will never grow old nor give way to another (Heb.13:20). It provides all things new; new spiritual life (John 10:27-30), new spiritual nature (2Cor. 5:17), new spiritual heart (Ezk. 36:26), new spiritual name (Rev.2:17), new song of redemption in the heart (Rev. 1:5). All of this will enable us to enjoy the New Jerusalem (Rev.21:2).

2). The covenant of grace reveals that salvation is a heart work; "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God." The salvation that is revealed in this covenant is a revelation of the glory and greatness of God our Saviour that shines in the person of Christ Jesus (2Cor. 4:6). This is the "law" that is established in the heart, it is the principle of love and the standard of salvation accomplished by Jesus Christ alone (Jas. 1:25; Jas. 2:8; John 19:30; Isa. 42:4).

3). The covenant of grace is certain, sure and guarantees salvation to all of God's elect; "I will be their God, and they shall be my people." God is God and Saviour of His covenant people (1Peter 2:9-10). God's elect are His special, peculiar, distinct chosen people in such a sense as others never will be (2Thes. 2:13; Rom.8:29-30).

4). God's covenant people are taught of God; " They shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD." All who are born of God are taught of God (John 6:44-45). They are taught to look, trust, and come to Christ for all spiritual blessings (Eph.1:3; 1Cor. 1:30; Col. 2:9-10; 3:11).