Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Psalm 60:11-12

Three Wonders in Heaven

Do you remember John Newton’s story of “The Three Wonders in Heaven”? The first wonder was that he would see so many there he did not expect to see there; the second was that he would miss so many he did expect to see there; but the third wonder would be the greatest wonder of them all – to find himself there.

When I hear myself and others censuring and condemning other believers because they are not like us, or are not perfect, I would remind myself and all that hear me that we are all saved by grace alone, and we have nothing that we did not receive.

I do not have any time for freewill Arminianism and a compromise of the gospel of Christ; but where we find those who love Christ Jesus and preach (however imperfectly) His grace, let us love, encourage and pray for them.

If there is anything that will cure a critical, envious spirit, it is to have the grace we preach and profess become A HEART EXPERIENCE. Pastor Henry T. Mahan (bulletin 1986)

The Living God Is Sovereign Over All

While the vast majority of religious people throughout the United States and the world are promoting and glorying in a “lesser god or gods,” gods that have desires and plans, but can only fulfill them by man’s permission and cooperation, I am so very thankful for the one true and living God of Holy Scripture, the One who is absolutely sovereign over all things. I was by nature spiritually dead, and He gave me life. I was without repentance and faith, and He miraculously worked both in me. I am unable to keep myself from falling, but He keeps me safe under the shadow of His wings. I could never raise my dead body from the grave, but by His almighty power and grace, He will – according to His promise, which by His grace I believe.

Dear soul, think about it: if there is one germ somewhere out there in the universe that is not under His control, then my health, my life, is just a matter of chance or fortune - good or bad! If there is one demon spirit out there some place that is not under God’s control, then my hope of salvation would dry up like Jonah’s gourd. I would have no assurance at all, for I have no confidence in me (Phil. 3:3).

I am so thankful that when the religious heathen ask me about my God, I can answer with the psalmist, “Our God is in the heavens; he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased” (Psalm 115:2, 3). It hath pleased Him to save His people (Matt. 1:21); and He shall not fail (Isa. 42:4). “Salvation” in its entirety, “is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9; Phil. 1:6). The God of the Bible “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” and makes “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Eph. 1:11; Rom. 8:28).

“I hold onto the Lord as tightly as I can,

But my assurance is that I am in His hand!”

Pastor Maurice Montgomery

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH AND REPENTANCE

Paul, when giving his farewell words to the faithful elders of Ephesus, he reminded them of his ministry when he first came among them. He said, "Serving the Lord with humility of mind, keeping back nothing that was profitable, preaching to the Jew and to the Gentile repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:20-21).

Consider for a moment how important faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance toward God is. Our Lord said, "Except that you repent you shall perish" (Mark 13:1-5). Again He said, "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb. 11:6). What does the scripture teach us about faith and repentance? Here are seven things to remember.

1). Both faith and repentance are sovereign gifts of God given to the sinner freely by His grace (Acts 5:29-31; 11:18; Eph. 2:8-9; Phi. 1:29).

2). Both faith and repentance are the sovereign commands of God (Acts 17:29-31; 1John 3:23).

3). Both faith and repentance own, bow, believe and submit to the true Lord Jesus Christ, the true and living God and His gospel of His grace (2Tim. 2:25; Titus 1:1).

4). Both faith and repentance are not isolated experiences of the believer, but rather a life-long state of being that is both powerful, permanent and perpetual. (John 5:24; Heb. 12:2; 1Pet. 2:4).

5). Both faith and repentance are not the ground or cause of our salvation but rather the fruit of salvation in Christ Jesus (Gal. 5:22; 1John 5:1).

6). Both faith and repentance come together at the same time not apart from each other. Where you find a broken and repentant heart you find a believing heart. Read these testimonies from the word (Psa. 51:1-10; Rom. 7:18-24; Phil. 3:7-9).