Responsibility And Privilege

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and sub­mit yourselves; for they watch for your souls as they must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you" (Heb. 13:17).

1. Those who "have the rule" are faithful pastors and elders.

2. How does one "obey them?" By attending to the word preached by them, by receiving the word, by re­garding and respecting their counsel, advice, and rebuke.

3. If we receive their message and are faithful to Christ, the faithful minister goes about his work with joy and not grief; and in that great day, when he shall be a witness to your final end, that, too, will bring him joy and not grief.

4. To whom does an elder give account? To his OWN CONSCIENCE (for a true preacher is not covetous of gain or fame), to the CHURCH to whom he ministers, and to the LORD for whom he speaks. What a responsi­bility! But what a privilege!

Pastor Henry T. Mahan (bulletin 1993)

Salvation Is God’s Work Alone

Salvation was planned and purposed by God the Father. It has been purchased and obtained by God the Son. It is effectually executed and applied to the hearts of chosen sinners by God the Holy Spirit. It does not in any measure or to any degree depend upon us or is determined by us. “Salvation is of the LORD!” While all three Persons in the Holy Trinity are united in the affair of salvation, be sure you understand this: The Triune God devised a plan and purposed a method of salvation that was designed to give all the glory, honor, and pre-eminence to the God-man Mediator, our most glorious Lord Jesus Christ. It is the purpose of the Triune God, “that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

The burden and responsibility of the work of salvation was laid upon the back of our Savior. He agreed to it as our Surety in the covenant of grace. The Father trusted him as our Representative to accomplish it. The Holy Spirit prepared a body for him in the womb of the virgin in the incarnation in which to perform it. When he came into the world, just as he had done before the world began, our great, glorious Savior avowed that he would “save his people from their sins.” Either he did what he came to do, or he was a fake, a charlatan, an imposter. There is no middle ground. This is the teaching of Holy Scripture: Jesus Christ is Salvation! He has saved all his people from all their sins! Pastor Don Fortner (1950-2020)

In happy moments, praise God. In difficult moments, seek God. In quiet moments, worship God. In every moment, thank God.

Pastor Marvin Stalnaker

“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (2 Thes. 2:17-18).

GRACE IS NOT OFFERED BUT GIVEN

Anytime a preacher presents the grace of God as an offer on God’s part to anybody who is willing to receive it, he has not preached grace as the Bible does. The Bible does not say, “But God, who is rich in mercy for His great love where with He loved us, even when we were dead in sins has offered us His grace”.....it says God hath “quickened us together with Christ, by grace are ye saved.” Grace is not offered; grace is given! And when grace is given, it always saves and is always received! We do not have a choice as to whether or not we will accept God’s offer of grace. Grace saves! Grace is not something we use to aid in our salvation- Grace saves us!

Pastor Todd Nibert

SOUND DOCTRINE

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3).