Central Grace Church
3596 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, Virginia
May 7th 2023
9:30 am ------------------------------------Sons of Levi: Aaron & Moses – Exodus 6:9-30
10:00 am --------------------------------------------- Sorrow Turned Into Joy – John 16:20
A Work Finished – A War Won
A work that is finished - that is what brings rest. A war that is won - that is what brings peace. A law that is satisfied - that is what brings liberty. An inheritance that cannot fade away - that is what brings stability. A love that will never end - that is what brings union. A Helper who will never leave our side - that is what brings comfort. A salvation that reaches the uttermost - that is what brings hope. A Substitute that was sacrificed for sin - that is what brings pardon. A Blood that covers all iniquity - that is what brings forgiveness. A gospel message that declares good news - that is what brings joy. A cross that has conquered - that is what brings glory. A death that is swallowed up in victory - that is what brings life. Everything that is
accomplished for a child of God, and everything that the accomplishment brings to a child of God, is found in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ! -- Gabe Stalnaker
Speaking The Truth In Love – Ephesians 4:15
I wonder, if when we preach to others or witness, does the love of God come through? I wonder if when we write of the glorious doctrines of God’s grace, does the love, compassion, and heart of God show forth, or harshness, vengeance, and judgment? I wonder, if in our preaching and witnessing, do those to whom we witness detect not only a belief in what we are saying, but a love for what we believe, and a love for Him whom we believe, and a love for them who do not understand what we say. It was His love that chose us! It was His love that gave us repentance! It was His love that gave us faith! I do not suggest in any way, that we compromise our principles, or our message, or our doctrine, but that our message be tempered with the love and compassion of our Saviour! Are sinners blind? Dead? Deaf? In darkness? Were we not also there once? Then why be angry with them? – Henry Mahan
The Promises of God
“The promises of God,” said one man, “are like the clothes we wear; if there is life in the body, they warm us, but not otherwise.” Where there is living faith, God’s promises afford warm comfort.” Thus the true believer can say with Martin Luther, “Although I am a sinner, yet I despair not; for Christ, who is my Redeemer and righteousness, liveth. In Him I have no sin, no fear, no sting of conscience, and no fear of judgment. In Christ there is no condemnation. I am indeed a sinner as
touching this present life, but I have a righteousness of God which is above this life, Who is Christ my Lord. In Him I rejoice.” -- Maurice Montgomery & Martin Luther
A Change, But Not The Change
I believe there are many people who think that they have been converted because of certain changes which they have made or which have been made (for various reasons) in their lives. Sometimes there are changes which are beneficial to everyone, but still it is not being born again or being saved. A man may change from a drunkard to a sober man, and that is good; but it will not make him acceptable in God’s sight. A man may change from being a thief to being honest, and that is good; but it will not save him. A man may learn good and wholesome doctrine, attend the house of worship, and contribute talents and money to helping the ministry; but that will not save him either. Salvation is not washing the skin; it is the washing of regeneration by the Spirit and by the blood of Christ. Not only is the walk different, but the heart is different. Not only are the words different, but the spirit and attitude are different.
There is a change wrought in a sinner when he meets the Master in saving faith, but it is first of all an inward change . . . which brings an outward change. This order cannot be reversed! There may be outward changes which never reach the heart; but without fail, if there is a change in heart, it will bring forth an outward conformity to godliness. – Henry Mahan
The World – “It is a hard matter to enjoy the world without being entangled with the cares and pleasures of it.”
– Thomas Manton
-- “Thorns will not prick of themselves, but when they are grasped in a man’s hand they prick deep. So this world and the things thereof are all good, and were all made of God for the benefit of His creatures, did not our immoderate affection make them hurtful.” – R. Sibbes