January 26, 2014

Remember those who are sick and going through a great fight of afflictions. Prayer under God is a mighty weapon he has given us God help us to use it continually.

My Redeemer, He

Christ gave His life to save me upon that rugged tree.
In His shame and agony He died from sin to free.
His death, the death on Calv'ry, was planned eternally.
Praise to the Lord of Glory, my Redeemer, He.

God's dear Son of His own hath borne God's infinite wrath
On sin, even to the last; it was God's chosen path.
The Just justified His sheep, those given Him to keep.
His love for them was so deep; my Redeemer, He.

It was God who guided men to crucify Christ then.
The Lamb of God is my Friend; He loved me to the end.
He paid the price for my sin; His blood applied, Amen!
Praise to the Christ of Calv'ry, my Redeemer, He.

A perfect exchange was made. On Christ my sins were laid.
The death of the cross has paid for the sins on me weighed.
God's righteousness He gave me; complete in Christ are we.
From His throne He called to me, my Redeemer, He.

By Gary Spreacker

(Tune: "The Sands of Time Are Sinking", #509)

So let’s say it again, faith does not bring grace into existence. If we have received grace, then it not because we gave anything to deserve it...and that includes faith! Let’s face it, if we believe that our faith brought grace into existence then we must conclude that we are co-providers of salvation. Perish the thought!

God saves us by his grace, and not because of our faith! Although we were dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1), “God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, quickened (made us alive) together with Christ - by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5).

Nonetheless, someone objects saying, “But, we need faith.” I reply, “Of course we do; we are not suggesting that faith is not vital, but nowhere does God look and see if we have faith before He justifies us. We are saved “through” faith and not because of it (Ephesians 2:7). Faith is the instrument, the channel through which we receive salvation. Grace, on the other hand, is the very ground of our salvation.

We are dependent on Him, and not on our faith. He is completely reliable, He never fails. Our faith, on the other hand, often fails but the object of our faith, the Lord Jesus never does!

Faith receives salvation, but it is a very poor foundation on which to attempt to build our salvation. We build on Christ alone + nothing!

- Pastor Miles Mckee

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU HAVE
LEARNED?

If someone were to ask me, “What are the most important things you have earned?” My reply would be:

– God is more holy than I ever thought.

– I am more sinful than I ever feared.

– I am loved beyond all that I know.

– Anon

UNBELIEF...is a sin that is its own punishment. Those who do not trust God are continually vexing themselves.

- Matthew Henry

~~~ O ~~~

A person can say every right word as they profess to believe on Christ. But by separating themselves from his gospel and his people they deny every word by their works. Faith without works is the faith of devils and it is dead. (Ja 2: 19-20) Christ’s people cannot be driven away because Christ cannot fail, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” “Blessed art thou, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father, which is in heaven.” (Jn 6: 68-69;Mt 16: 17)

- Copied

~~~O ~~~

DEPARTURE

“The time of my departure is at hand” (2 Timothy 4:6) Paul spoke of his death as a departure. The word means “an unloosing, a
dissolving into separate parts” (Vine’s Greek Dictionary). When the believer dies, he is set free. The holy nature and the evil nature, which are together here, are finally separated. When my sinful nature is gone, I will truly be set free. Is it any wonder Paul said, “To die is gain.” Truly, if I am a believer, the day of death is better than the day of birth.