Be of One Heart

“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits” (Romans 12:16).

When brethren are of one heart, they are able to identify with one another in joy and sorrow. A strong love produces a strong interest and concern for one another.

“BE OF ONE MIND TOWARD ANOTHER.” John Brown said, “Be united in your affections, sentiments, and goals.” It is difficult to love every Christian with the same DEGREE of love, for all are not equally lovable and amiable; but we can love with the same KIND of affection.

“MIND NOT HIGH THINGS,” etc. Be not haughty, snobbish, and exclusive; but readily adjust yourself to people of every station and give yourself to humble tasks (Jer. 45:5; Matt. 23:8-11). We ought to habitually cultivate a deep sense of our own unworthiness and ignorance. Pastor Henry T. Mahan (bulletin 1989)

THE MANNER OF GOD’S LOVE

Those whom God loves, and those whom He will love, are those whom He has always loved, without change, in Christ. This love is an everlasting love. It has no beginning, and praise be to God, no end. (Jer. 3:3).

This love does not change. Because our God, who is love, does not change. (Mal. 3:6)

This love is conditional. It is found only IN Christ. (2 Tim. 1:9)

Having this love shed abroad in our hearts, we can declare with the apostle Paul in Romans 8:38-39; “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Pastor Kevin Thacker

FAITH

Faith is not life giving, but proof of life. Faith is not a work for salvation, but a work of salvation. Faith is not what saves us but is certain proof God has saved us. Faith is not a condition we meet, but the condition God’s Spirit puts in us to “make us meet” (Col.1:12). Is all this important? Do we split theological hairs here? NO! NO! For the Glory of God is at stake! That other (false) gospel says faith is man’s work, man’s will. But no, faith is “not of yourselves, but the gift of God” (Eph.2:8). Faith is “according to the working of His mighty power” (Eph.1:19). Therefore, it is “to the praise of the glory of His grace” (Eph.1:6) . . . and not rather “to the praise of our faith.”

Pastor Paul E. Mahan

SAFE IN HIS HANDS

"His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me" (Song of Solomon 2:6).

Our salvation in Christ is sure, safe and certain as the powerful hands of God (Dan. 4:35; John 10:27-30). Believer, you are in good hands with Christ, being made one with Him (John 17:22).

His hands are sovereign hands able to save. "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25).

His hands are strong hands able to keep us from falling. "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy," (Jude 1:24).

His hands are tender hands able to teach us the way of salvation. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matt. 11:28-29).

His hands are wise hands able to guide us. "For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand (Psalm 95:7).

His hands are loving hands that were wounded to put away our sin. "Now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself " (Heb. 9:26).

His hands are caring hands able to supply all our need in Him. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

His hands are victorious hands able to receive us to Himself in glory forever. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:3).