Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 25:8-14

THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
"When the Queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the temple that he had built, there was no more spirit in her" (1Kings 10:45).

SHE HEARD in her own country about the glory of Solomon's kingdom, so SHE CAME to see and to PROVE HIM with questions. He told her all her questions; and when SHE SAW his wisdom, glory, and his ascent to the temple of the Lord, she was so overwhelmed and awed that SHE COULD NOT SPEAK!

This is a picture of the seeking sinner who hears of Christ, comes to Him, and has revealed to him the wisdom, glory and exaltation of the Lord Jesus at God's right hand. He, like Mary, sits at His feet unable to find words to say. Be concerned about the WORDY new converts, not the one who cannot find words to express his joy and vision of Christ, the Redeemer. Pastor Henry Mahan

FAITH IS THE GIFT OF GOD
Faith is the entire gift of God, which, like our stature, we can neither add to, not take from; a soul in grace, however conscious of the weakness of this blessed principle, should always take comfort in the assurance, that it is a gift of God which can never die; for the gifts and calling of God, are without repentance (Rom. 2:29). A child of God, by virtue of that grace-union in Christ, which was given him in Christ Jesus, before the world began; (Eph. 1:4) is, during this time-state of the Church, quickened into spiritual life, in Christ Jesus. Now, this quickening can never die. This incorruptible seed liveth and abideth for ever (I Pet. 1:23). Death itself cannot destroy it. Hence, the Apostle blessedly saith: He that hath the Son hath life (I John 5:12). And Jesus declares it to be life eternal (John 17: 2, 3). So that neither in life, nor death, can there be any alteration here. And the reason is evident, because it is in Christ; yea, it is Christ himself (John 11:25). How truly blessed is it then, to behold our safety wholly in Christ. There are no procuring causes. Neither great faith nor little faith, have the least hand in the great work of salvation. And though, as was remarked before, it is a matter which calls for much love and praise, to the Almighty Author and Finisher of our faith, when we can cheerfully pass through a tribulated path of darkness, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God; yet even in that path, though lightened by faith, this must be the believer's song, when his heart is rightly tuned, and which is as much the portion of the weak believer, as the strong: In the Lord have I righteousness and strength; even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed (Isaiah 45: 24). Robert Hawker (1753-1827)

CALM AND SAFETY IN CHRIST
In the worst of times we have the safest place to hide from the greatest of dangers. Our dear and blessed Lord Jesus is an eternal hiding place from our temporal troubles. So come, brothers and sisters, and stay your mind upon our Prophet, Priest and King; hide yourself in His Love, Faithfulness, Imputed Righteousness, Cleansing Blood, Intercession, Promises, His Immutability, His Eternal Purpose, hide yourself in Him; if God be for us, who can be against us? The tempest is raging outside, but within is eternal calm and safety. Pastor Bruce Crabtree

GIVING THANKS TO THE FATHER
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (Col. 1:12-15).

In these verses of scripture, the Apostle to the Gentiles reminds every believer in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, about their spiritual biography. Paul gives to us a summary regarding the experience of grace that is common to all who believe (Titus 1:4). Here are five things to remember about the salvation that God works in His elect (Phil. 1:6).

1). God made us fit or qualified to be saints, "The Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." All those saved by the grace of God through the righteousness and blood of Christ are unfit by nature to be a partaker of the inheritance of grace (Rom. 3:23; 5:12). The only thing that we deserve to be a partaker of is God's holy judgment against our sin (Rom. 6:23; Ezk. 18:4). God in His mercy (Titus 3:5), is the One who has made us fit for His presence through Christ Jesus alone (1 Cor. 1:30; 4:7; Eph. 1:6).

2). God delivered us from the power of sin, "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness." Darkness of sin and spiritual ignorance is our state by nature and birth (Eph. 2:12; 4:18). Because of our spiritual condition we are unable to deliver ourselves from this horrible position (John 6:44). Thank God that He is able to save to the uttermost (Heb. 7:25).

3). God translated us into Christ Jesus, "Translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." Every believer has been called out of darkness into His marvelous light through the preaching of the gospel of Christ (1 Cor. 1:21) and the effectual work of the Holy Spirit within (2 Pet. 1:9; Eph. 2:1; John 6:63).

4). God redeemed us through His precious blood, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sin." God has only designed one way of redemption from sin (John 14:6), which is through the effectual and eternal blood atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 9:12; 1 Pet. 1:18). We have not only forgiveness of sin (Eph. 1:7), but also righteousness established and freely imputed (Rom. 4:1-6).

5). God Himself is our Redeemer, "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn (Lord) of every creature" Our Lord Jesus Christ is the exact image of the invisible God (Heb. 1:3; 1 Tim. 3:16). This gives power and glory to His priestly work (Acts 20:28; Heb. 2:17; Phil. 2:6).

May 13th, 2007
Sunday Worship
Bible Study 10:30 A.M.
Morning Service 11:15 A.M.
Kingsport service 3:00 P.M.
Wednesday Worship 7:00 P.M.

Radio (Sundays):
WXCC 96.5 & 98.1 FM (new time and staion) 8:15 A.M each week