THIS IS THE RECORD

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (I John 5:11-12)

This is the record or the witness of the gospel: God has given eternal life to His people. They didn’t earn it or deserve it. They were dead in trespasses and sins but God gave them eternal life as a free gift of His grace.

If you desire to have this life, go to Christ. Eternal life is not in our decision, our morality, or our religious activity. Eternal life is in Christ because Christ is life. There is nothing more important than knowing and trusting Christ. Knowing Christ is so important that whoever knows Christ and believes on Him has eternal life and whoever does not believe Him cannot have life. (John 3:36)

Pastor

I desire many things for this congregation. I desire your health and happiness in this life. But all of that pales in comparison to my desire that we know Christ and be found in Him. Health will someday fail, but Christ never will. Happiness will turn to sorrow but joy in Christ never will. The only way for us to know Christ is through the preaching of His Word. So I also desire that our Lord keep us faithful to the preaching of His Word.

Pastor

You Must Know the Disease to Find the Cure

We won’t make much headway in finding a solution if we do not understand the problem. A cure is not likely to be found if we have no knowledge of the disease. In the matter of salvation, the problem is man’s sin; the solution is God’s grace. The disease is moral depravity and spiritual inability; the remedy is God’s mercy in Christ. If a man is nearsighted, he only needs corrective glasses; but, if he is blind, he needs the miracle of sight! If a man is sick, he only needs medicinal aid; but, if he is DEAD, he needs the miracle of life! If man has only strayed from the way, he only needs directions; but, if he is COMPLETELY LOST, he needs to be found!

Here is the question to be settled by preachers and people; “What happened in the garden?” When one feels obliged to come to some conclusions on the subjects of election, irresistible grace, and particular redemption, it would be wise for him to first determine the CONDITION of the sinner who is to be saved. If man was only wounded by the fall, he needs assistance; if he is dead in sins, he needs to be resurrected and that by the purpose and power of the God of life.

If fallen man still has his moral ability and power of choice, then let us wait for him to choose and seek God; but, if he loves darkness and will not come to Christ, then Christ must love and come to him.

Pastor Henry Mahan

CHRIST THE HEAD

And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

It is a clear commentary upon someone’s religion when they are more interested in talking about their own thoughts and opinions; their will, wants and wishes; their denominational beliefs, church creeds, discipline, traditions, rules and practices, rather than the Word of God. The apostle Paul said these are those who are, "NOT HOLDING THE HEAD" (Col. 2:19), but would rather talk about the body (church). "But you have not so learned Christ." Those who have truly seen the "Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ," are altogether taken up with Him; with His person, and His work. While the conversation of the mere professor of religion is of his religion, the speech of the true "Christian" is of His CHRIST!