RELIGION AND ETERNAL LIFE--THE DIFFERENCE

Religion is to know Biblical facts; life is to know God (John 17:2-3)!

Religion is to know what I believe; life is to know Whom I believe (2 Tim. 1:12)!

Religion is to be baptized into the church; life is to be baptized into Christ (1 Cor. 12:13!

Religion is to be reformed; life is to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-6; Eph. 2:1; James 1:18).

Religion is to be a new convert; life is to be a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-21).

A man was asked, "And what is your religious persua­sion?" He replied, "I am PERSUADED that nothing can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 8:38).

Pastor Henry T. Mahan (bulletin 1994)

FAITH OR FATALISM

Here is the difference between a stone- faced stoic who believes in blind fate and a living child of God who adores his Father's good providence. The fatalist says, "Whatever is must be." The Christian says, "Whatever God has ordained, must be." There is as much difference between fate and providence as there is between a blind man and one who has two good eyes. Fate is blind and without purpose. Providence is full of eyes, governed by the all-wise God to accomplish his good purpose of grace. God does nothing without a wise purpose. Pastor Don Fortner

IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thes. 5:18).

As believers we have so much to be thankful for! Who can measure the abundance of God’s grace and goodness showered so freely upon us (Psa. 40:5; 130:7)? Who among us can determine how many unseen dangers we have been delivered from by the hand of God’s almighty power (Dan. 4:35)? Who is able to sufficiently honor and praise God for the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ that freely, sovereignly and eternally justifies the ungodly from all sin (Psa.115:1; Rom. 3:24; 8:32)? And yet we do give thanks to God for all things (Rom. 11:36). Not like we should, not like we will someday, but we are humbled and thankful unto our sovereign Lord for all blessings both physical and spiritual (Eph. 5:20; 1Cor. 1:30-31). How could we complain of anything, when we realize that we are an heir of all grace now and all glory hereafter in Christ (Rom. 8:14-17; Heb. 9:15; 1Peter 1:3-5)?

FOR EVERY HIGH PRIEST TAKEN FROM AMONG MEN
Hebrews 5:1

One of the primary qualifications for the priest is that he must be personally related to those to whom he represents. He must be a man, not an angel nor a woman. If God the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ had not become the Son of Man, He could have never officiated as our high priest. He could have never offered that sacrifice for the sins of the people, which put away our sins. His incarnation was absolutely necessary if our salvation was to be accomplished. We know that the scriptures express this with the clearest language; "The WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us" (John. 1:14); "For as much then, as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same" (Heb. 2:14-17). His humanity does not diminish His dignity and deity at all, but rather qualifies Him to be our almighty High Priest to represent us before the Holy God; "In things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.” Although the incarnation of Jesus Christ is a great mystery, with the believer it is without controversy, thank God for the "Unspeakable Gift." Without INCARNATION there can be no RECONCILIATION (Gal. 4:4-6).

RECONCILIATION IN CHRIST

God has given and committed to His church the ministry and message of reconciliation in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:18). God has reconciled His chosen people unto Himself, through the great and glorious sacrifice of Christ’s precious blood (2 Cor. 5:21). It is true that our sins have totally separated us from God (Isa. 59:2-8), but it is also just as true that when Christ Jesus died to put away our sin He did not fail to bring in total and everlasting reconciliation for His elect (Heb. 9:26).