REST

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for THOU LORD ONLY makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

Better than bars and locks is the protection of our Lord. Armed men kept the bed of Solomon; but we do not believe he slept more soundly than his father, David, whose bed was the hard ground, and who was hunted by evil men. Note the word “only” which means that God alone was his keeper; and that though alone, without man’s help, he was in good keeping; for he was, alone with God.

O Lord, give us calm repose on Thee that, like David, we may lie down in peace and sleep each night while we live and then joyfully lie down at that appointed time to sleep in death and rest in Christ.

Pastor Henry T. Mahan

“The Just Shall Live By Faith”

What does that mean: “The just shall live by faith?” We know that faith is a gift that God gives to His child, causing that child to believe the truth of God’s word; so what has God said in His word? What does a justified child of God live his life believing with all of his heart?

1. He believes that he is a SINNER. “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4).

2. He believes that Christ is ALL of his righteousness. “For thereinis the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).

3. He believes that he is NOT justified before God by trying to keep the law himself, but he is justified before God because Christ kept the law for him. “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3:11).

4. He believes there are no but’s about it! There is NO MIXING of our works with God’s grace. It’s CHRIST ALONE! “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38)

Faith is an inner weakness looking to an outer strength. Faith truly believes: “I can’t… He must!”

Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

HEAVEN

People have many wrong ideas about heaven based upon what bliss is to them. People think heaven will be blissful because a loving wife and husband will be together forever. When in fact it will be bliss for the believer to be forever with Christ our Bridegroom celebrating the marriage supper of the Lamb. People think heaven will be enjoying the great hunting ground in the sky where there is plenty of game and the fish are always biting. When in fact it will be bliss for the believer to forever worship around the throne of God. People think heaven will be blissful because they will be on a permanent vacation. When in fact heaven will be blissful for the believer because they will “serve him day and night in his temple”. (Rev. 7:15) Heaven will not be a continuation of carnal pleasures of the earth. Heaven will be the continuation and the perfection of the believer’s true joy on earth. Here the believer lives “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” (Heb. 12:2) In heaven we will still be looking but there we will see Him face to face. Here the believer looks forward to times of worship in the public worship service. In heaven we will continually worship Him that sits upon the throne forever and ever. If that is not blissful to you now, it won’t be blissful to you then unless the Lord does a work of grace in your heart.

Pastor Frank Tate

No U-Haul ever follows a Hearse.

No matter what men and women accomplish in life, when they die they will leave it all behind. All fame, all wealth and all relationships will be left behind. There is only one of two things that will follow a sinner beyond the grave, his/her sins or the righteousness of Christ. When people die, they are either saved by the blood and righteousness of Christ or lost and must face God with their sins. Jesus Christ is the only one that matters in that hour. “Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.” Psalm 49:16-17 (Read Psalm 49).