For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. Psalm 119:89-94
“My Sheep”
What a blessed title for sinners! The Son of God has assumed the posture of the Good Shepherd, whose work and responsibility it is to secure the safety and eternal salvation of his sheep. There is a people in this world, chosen from among the fallen race of Adam, of whom Christ says, “These are my sheep. They belong to me; and I shall not lose one of them.” There are others of whom he says, “Ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep” (John 10:26). Who are those people whom Christ calls his sheep? The Good Shepherd’s sheep are those who were given to him in eternal election, redeemed by him at Calvary, and called to him by the irresistible grace of his Spirit.
Pastor Don Fortner
Our Attitude and Conduct as Believers
Nothing reveals the true state of my heart, my relationship with God, and my understanding of the gospel quite like my daily, general ATTITUDE toward others, toward God’s providence, and toward my lot in life. It is one thing to be discouraged occasionally, to get upset, to disagree with someone, to feel neglected, or even to withdraw for a time to reflect on the matters at hand. But it is quite another thing to CONTINUE in a negative attitude, pouting and feeling sorry for myself, neglecting to exhort and encourage others, and showing by my countenance and conduct that I am not happy with the way things are.
“Let not the sun go down on thy wrath,” clearly teaches that we are NOT to allow wrath, misunderstanding, nor bad feelings to continue! Let it be over when the day is over. Forgive as you are forgiven and give of yourself to make this difficult journey easier for others. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a family working together, living together, and functioning as one body for the glory of God and the good of the whole. It is very important that every member of that body be in harmony. I believe if a member is in harmony with the HEAD, he will certainly be in harmony with the rest of the body. Christ is not divided! “He that hath ears to hear, LET HIM HEAR.”
Pastor Henry T. Mahan (bulletin 1988)
There is no greater news to a sinner saved by grace than to hear that there is forgiveness with the LORD. What a sweet melody it is. Psa. 130:3-4; “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.”
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Because believers have been given the complete victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57), we have such a sure and certain hope of forgiveness and pardon from all sins (1 John 1:7), full redemption in Christ (Galatians 3:13), total reconciliation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18), everlasting righteousness in Christ (Romans 4:6), washing of regeneration in Christ (Titus 3:5), and a sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection in Christ (John11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:51-56) therefore, be steadfast, unmoving and always abounding in the work of the Lord.
“Be stedfast;” settled in Christ, rooted and grounded in Christ, stand fast (Colossians 2:7). Take a stand for the cause of God and truth of the gospel and don't compromise (Galatians 5:1).
“Be unmoveable;” wherever the gospel is being denied or challenged be firm, strong, confident in the faith, and in view of the truth. Let nothing shake your faith or move you away from the gospel. Contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints; (Jude 1:3).
“Always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Always engaged in doing the will of GOD; in promoting His glory, preaching His gospel and advancing His kingdom. Which means, not only to be engaged in this, but to be engaged diligently, laboriously and excelling in this. You must work and labor in the Lord, under His direction, and by His influence; for without Him ye can do nothing (John 15:5). Not to be saved, but rather because we have been saved by His power and sovereign grace (Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Timothy 1:9).
“Knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.”GOD will bless the work He has given to us. He will bless His word to the hearts of His people (Isaiah 55:11). “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
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