Daily Prayer - Friday
- Give thanks to God for many good things we enjoy and daily blessings. - Pray the Lord would supply the needs of those in the congregation at Westminster and guide us as we help those destitute and suffering. Especially those we have met in the pandemic. (Numbers 6.24-26.) - Pray for the ministry among the children and that they would know Christ from a young age. A rich blessing in this troubled world. - Pray for the evangelistic work, that people would know the greatest blessing of all: salvationby the grace of God through Christ. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The church's love unto Christ: she confesseth her deformity, and prayeth to be directed to His flock. Christ directeth her to the shepherd's tents: and shewing His love to her, giveth her gracious promises. The church and Christ congratulate one another. Song of Solomon1 Preface - The essential dignity of the Son, by whom God hath revealed himself in these last days: his preeminence above the angels in office. Hebrews 1 Daily Light - Morning His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me. Underneath are the everlasting arms. - When (Peter) saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? - The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders. - Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. - He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all. Song 2.6; Deu. 33.27; Mt. 14.30-31; Ps. 37.23-24 Deu. 33.12; 1 Pe. 5.7; Zech. 2.8 Jn. 10.28-29 Daily Light - Evening Who is she that looketh forth as the morning. fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? The church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himslef a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. There appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun. - The marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. - The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. The glory which thou gavest me I have given them. Song 6.10; Ac. 20.28 Eph. 5.25-27 Rev. 12.1; Rev. 19.7-8; Ro. 3.22 Jn. 17.22 A Puritans Catechism Q 49 - Which is the fourth commandment? A - The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservent, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God' Decree Chapter 3 PARAGRAPH 1God hath decreed in himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass;1 yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein;2 nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established;3 in which appears His wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing His decree.4 1 Isa. 46:10; Eph. 1:11; Heb. 6:17; Rom. 9:15,18 2 James 1:13; 1 John 1:5 3 Acts 4:27–28; John 19:11 4 Num. 23:19; Eph. 1:3–5 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. - Hebrews 2 v 27 You remember when Elisha and his servant were in Dothan, and a great host of enemies compassed them in, the young man cried, Alas, my master, how shall we do? and Elisha answered, Fear not, for they that be with us, are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, 'Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see.' And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. Dear brethren, believe what you do not see. Live by faith in a Covenant-keeping God. 'God is faithful, who also will do it.'
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Daily Prayer - Thursday
- Give thanks to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. - Give thanks to God for the freedoms we have to share the Gospel in England and pray that it may continue. - Pray for missionaries across the world who are seeking to preach the Gospel and establish a faithful church. - Pray for those in persecuted countries who have to meet in secret. Even those who are now in prison for their faith. Give thanks to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The Creator to be remembered in due time. The preacher's care to edify. The general conclusion, that man's chief concern is to fear God, and obey his laws. Ecclesiastes 12 Preface - The salutation. Paul declareth his joy in hearing of the love and faith of Philemon; earnestly entreating him to receive into his favour his once fugitive servant Onesimus, now become a faithful Christian. He desireth him to provide a lodging for himself, who was in expectation of a speedy release; and concludeth with salutations and a benediction. Philemon Daily Light - Morning Thou shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins. - That we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. - He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed... The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. - Thus it behoved Christ to suffer...that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations. - He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour...to give repentance. - Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. - Your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. Mt. 1.21; 1 Jn. 3.5; 1 Pe. 2.24; He. 7.25 Isa. 53.5,6; Lu. 24.46,47; He. 9.26 Ac. 5.31; Ac.13.38-39; 1 Jn. 2.12 Daily Light - Evening Our Lord Jesus Christ...though he was rich, yet for your sakes...became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. - The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. - Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation. The foxes have holes, and the birds o fthe air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. All things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's 2 Co. 8.9; Col. 1.19; He. 1.3,4; Phil. 2.6-7 Mt. 8.20 1 Co. 3.21-23 A Puritans Catechism Q 48 - What is required in the third commandment? A - The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, and works. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God and The Holy Trinity Chapter 2 PARAGRAPH 3 In this divine and infinite Being there are three subsistences, the Father, the Word or Son, and Holy Spirit,27 of one substance, power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided:28 the Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father;29 the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son;30 all infinite, without beginning, therefore but one God, who is not to be divided in nature and being, but distinguished by several peculiar relative properties and personal relations; which doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence on Him. 27 1 John 5:7; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14 28 Exod. 3:14; John 14:11; I Cor. 8:6 29 John 1:14,18 30 John 15:26; Gal. 4:6 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The righteousness of God For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. - Romans 1 v 17 There is something infinitely vast and glorious in the righteousness of God. When the deluge covered the earth, it covered the highest mountains. Looking down from above, not one mountain-top could be seen, but a vast world of waters - a vast plain reflecting the beams of the sun. So if you this day lie down under the rightousness of God, the mountains of your sins will not be seen, but only the vast, deep, glorious righteousness of your God and Saviour. If you were to cast a stone into the deepest part of the ocean, it would be lost and swallowed up by the deep waves of ocean; so when a sinner is cast down under the righteousness of God, he is as it were lost and swalled up in Christ. Daily Prayer - Wednesday
- Give thanks to God for the Bible its inspiration and preservation for us to read it today. (2 Timothy 3.16, Proverbs 30.5.) - Give thanks to God that we have easy access to the Scripture in English, in our mother tongue. - Pray the Lord would bless us as we study the Bible through the ministry this coming year. That as we work through a book of the Bible the Lord would continue to help us to grasp God's truth. - Pray for the Lunchtime outreach service and those who attend; pray that more from the offices nearby and Christians who commute are able to join us. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Exhortations to charitableness. Death ought to be remembered in life, and the day of judgment in the days of youth. Ecclesiastes 11 Preface - Christians are admonished to be subject to civil powers, and of a peaceable and quiet demeanour. They are saved from their sins by God's mercy through Christ, but must maintain good works. Genealogies and contentions about the law are to be avoided; and obstinate heretics to be rejected. Paul appointeth Titus when and where to come to him; recommendeth acts of mercy to Christians; and concludeth with salutations and a benediction. Titus 3 Daily Light - Morning The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: god is a refuge for us. - David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. - God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. - I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heartd their groaning, and am come down to deliver them... He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. - There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. He is faithful that promised. - Hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? - Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. - The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Ge. 21.1; Ps. 62.8; 1 Sa. 30.6; Ge. 50.24; Ac. 7.34,36; Jos. 21.45 He. 10.23; Nu. 23.19; Mt. 24.35; Isa. 40.8 Daily LIght - Evening The eyes of all wait upon thee. He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. - The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. - Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. - Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand o ftheir masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God. The LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. - And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. - If we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Ps. 145.15; Ac. 17.25; Ps. 145.9; Mt. 6.26 Ro. 10.12 Ps. 121.1; Ps. 123.2 Isa. 30.18; Isa. 25.9; Ro. 8.25 A Puritans Catechism Q 47 - Which is the third commandment? A - The third commandment is, thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God and The Holy Trinity Chapter 2 PARAGRAPH 2 God, having all life,17 glory,18 goodness,19 blessedness, in and of Himself, is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creature which He hath made, nor deriving any glory from them,20 but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them; He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things,21 and He hath most sovereign dominion over all creatures, to do by them, for them, or upon them, whatsoever Himself pleases;22 in His sight all things are open and manifest,23 His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to Him contingent or uncertain;24 He is most holy in all His counsels, in all His works,25 and in all His commands; to Him is due from angels and men, whatsoever worship,26 service, or obedience, as creatures they owe unto the Creator, and whatever He is further pleased to require of them. 17 John 5:26 18 Ps. 148:13 19 Ps. 119:68 20 Job 22:2–3 21 Rom. 11:34-36 22 Dan. 4:25,34–35 23 Heb. 4:13 24 Ezek. 11:5; Acts 15:18 25 Ps. 145:17 26 Rev. 5:12-14 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings None but Jesus Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. - Psalm 31 v 5 Some Christians have little affliction. They sail on a smooth sea, they enjoy health of body for years together, they never knew what it was to want a comfortable meal. Death has perhaps not once entered their dwelling. They think it will be always thus. But a change comes. The 'harp of thousand strings' becomes our tune. The 'clay cottage' gives tokens of decay, or grim want invades their dwelling, or death comes up into the window. Ah! it is hard to bear. 'No affliction for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous.' Who can comfort? None but Jesus. He knew all sorrow, deeper sorrows than we have ever known, or will ever know. His heart is not of stone. He feels along with us. He afflicts not willingly. He seeks to bring us more to himself. O afflicted believer, commit thy weeping, suffering, pining, trembling soul to Jesus. 'Into thine hand I commit my spirit.' Daily Prayer - Tuesday
- Give thanks to God for those who have recently recovered from sickness. - Pray for those who are sick or receiving treatment in our congregation. - Pray the Lord would grant us grace to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20) Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Observations on wisdom and folly; virtues of governors; on slothfulness; thoughts of kings ought to be reverent. Ecclesiastes 10 Preface - Directions given to Titus both for his doctrine and life. The duty of servants. The gospel teacheth all men to renounce wickedness, and to lead sober, righteous, and godly, lives. Titus 2 Daily Light - Morning The Lord was my stay. Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel. - The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, an dthe horn of my salvation, and my high tower. - Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them... The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. - The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. - So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. - For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. By the grace of God I am what I am. Ps. 18.18; Jer. 3.23; Ps. 18.2; Isa. 12.6 Ps. 34.7,17; Deu. 33.27; He. 13.6; Ps. 18.31-32 1 Co. 15.10 Daily Light - Evening All we like sheep have gone astray. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. - There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth... They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable. Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. - I have gone astray like a lost sheep;; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? Isa. 53.6; 1 Jn. 1.8; Ro. 3.10-12 1 Pe. 2.25; Ps. 119.176 Ps. 23.3 Jn. 10.27-28 Lu. 15.4 A Puritans Catechism Q 46 - What is forbidden in the second commandment? A - The second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his Word. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God and The Holy Trinity Chapter 2 PARAGRAPH 1 The Lord our God is but one only living and true God;1 whose subsistence is in and of Himself,2 infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself;3 a most pure spirit,4 invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;5 who is immutable,6 immense,7 eternal,8 incomprehensible, almighty,9 every way infinite, most holy,10 most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will,11 for His own glory;12 most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,13 and withal most just and terrible in His judgments,14 hating all sin,15 and who will by no means clear the guilty.16 1 1 Cor. 8:4,6; Deut. 6:4 2 Jer. 10:10; Isa. 48:12 3 Exod. 3:14 4 John 4:24 5 1 Tim. 1:17; Deut. 4:15–16 6 Mal. 3:6 7 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:23 8 Ps. 90:2 9 Gen. 17:1 10 Isa. 6:3 11 Ps. 115:3; Isa. 46:10 12 Prov. 16:4; Rom. 11:36 13 Exod. 34:6–7; Heb. 11:6 14 Neh. 9:32–33 15 Ps. 5:5–6 16 Exod. 34:7; Nahum 1:2–3 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Equally righteous I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridgroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61 v 10 I have seen a family of children all dressed alike, that none might boast over the others, all being equally fair. So it is with God's family. They are all righteous in the obedience of one. One garment covers them all - the robe of their elder Brother. Believers differ in attainments, in gifts and graces, but all are equally justified before God. It is not work of their own that justifies them, it is the work of Christ alone. Ah, brethren! there in so boasting in Christ's family. Prayer - Monday - Give thanks to God for salvation and the redemption that is found alone through Jesus Christ. - Give thanks to God for granting us particular skills and abilities that we might fulfil our vocations (jobs, studies, family responsibilities and time we spend alone). (Ecclesiastes 9.10, Ephesians 6.6) - Pray for the Lord's blessing on the working week for us and all in the congregation. - Pray the Lord would grant us grace to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20) Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Like things happen on earth to good and bad men. With the living is hope, but the dead have no more concern with this world. An exhortation cheerfully to enjoy the goods of life, and to act with vigour, while the time serveth. Human probabilities are not always justified by the event. Wisdom is better than strength. Ecclesiastes 9 Preface - The salutation. For what purpose Titus was left in Crete. How they should be qualified who are ordained to the ministry. The mouths of evil teachers must be stopped. The bad character of the cretians. Titus 1 Daily Light - Morning If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will... And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering. - Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. - We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. - A ransom for many. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. - I will love them freely. - The Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. - He hath made us accepted in the beloved. Lev. 1.3,4; Ge. 22.8; Jn. 1.29; He. 10.10; Mt. 20.28 Jn. 10.18; Hos. 14.4; Ga. 2.20 2 Co. 5.21; Eph. 1.6 Daily Light - Evening Great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. Fear him which is able to destoy both soul and body in hell. Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine... I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour... I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. - They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (for the redemption of their soul is precious...)-I have found a ransom. - God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Ps. 86.13; Mt. 10.28 Isa. 43.1,11,25; Ps. 49.6-8; Job 33.24; Eph. 2.4-5 Ac. 4.12 A Puritans Catechism Q 45 - What is required in the second commandment? A - The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his Word. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of The Holy Scriptures Chapter 1 PARAGRAPH 9 The supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved.21 21 Matt. 22:29, 31, 32; Eph. 2:20; Acts 28:23 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The comforter Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me. Romans 15 v 30 It is curious to remark, that wherever the Holy Ghost is spoken of in the Bible, He is spoken of in terms of gentleness and love. We often read of the wrath of God the Father, as in Romans 1 v 18 'The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.' And we often read of the wrath of God the Son: 'Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way'; or, 'Revealed from heaven taking vengeance.' But we nowhere read of the wrath of God the Holy Ghost. He is compared to a dove, the gentlest of all creatures. He is warm and gentle as the breath: 'Jesus breathed on them, and said, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.' He is gentle as the falling dew: 'I will be as the dew unto Israel.' He is soft and gentle as oil; for He is called, 'The oil of gladness.' The fine oil wherewith the high priest was anointed was a type of the Spirit. He is gentle and refreshing as the springing well.: 'The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life.' He is called 'The Spirit of grace and of supplications.' He is nowhere called the Spirit of wrath. He is called the 'Holy Ghost, which is the Comforter.' Nowhere is he called the Avenger. We are told that He groans within the heart of a believer, 'helping his infirmities'; so that He greatly helps the believer in prayer. We are told also of the love of the Spirit - nowhere of the wrath of the Spirit. We are told of His being grieved: 'Grieve not the Holy Spirit'; of His being resisted: 'Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost'; of His being quenched: 'Quench not the Spirit.' But these are all marks of gentleness and love. Nowhere will you find one mark of anger or of vengeance attributed to Him; and yet, brethren, when this blessed Spirit begins His work of love, mark how He begins - He convinces of sin. Even He, all-wise, almighty, all-gentle and loving though he be, cannot persuade a poor sinful heart to embrace the Saviour, without first opening up His wounds and convincing him that he is lost. Dear Congregation,
I want to thank all of you who have prayed and supported the work of the Gospel through the church in 2023 and this first month of 2024. It is a great joy to minister at Westminster Baptist and I love the church here greatly. Through this past year, there have been heart-wrenching tragedies alongside blessings too. This is often the case in Christian life and yet we are called to keep trusting and believing. We often bear the battle scars of past experience and circumstance, as we live in this sinful world and anticipate heaven. We see Mordecai, mocked and scorned for years in Esther and on the brink of execution, yet he latterly knew blessing from God. The most important thing was he was faithful in serving the Lord. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful - 1 Corinthians 4.2. This verse especially applies to ministers, church workers, but to all Christians. We are stewards of the oracles of God and to us has the light of the gospel been revealed. We should therefore be striving to be faithful, not popular, faithful. May that be our aim by the grace of God. In the beginning month in recent years we have spent a week praying together on each day for certain things. As a reminder that with continuing faith that prayer is essential. Key to our hope and joy and endurance and love, and with new resolve to make time to pray regularly alone and with your family and with some group of fellow believers. Alongside reading the Scriptures these should be our daily routine. There are various encouragements in the Scriptures to pray: - Pray without ceasing (1 Th. 5:17). - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ep. 6:18). - Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Col. 4:2). These are a few verses of the many that encourage us to pray and undoubtedly set before us a biblical mandate that we should be concerned to pray. Maybe you have fallen out of the 'habit' or relegated prayer to a part time practice; or you only pray when trouble or danger comes. To that end I would ask the church to pray, if led, the suggested topics below so we might pray for the same things (roughly speaking) on the same day to encourage us. Let us be prayerful people and realise we too need prayer. To say we are praying for someone should be an expressio of concern but an indication of our own action to bring the matter before God, before the throne of Grace through the believers mediator and High Priest. Jesus Christ, Paul even requests prayer for himself and those labouring fo rthe Gospel with him twice in 1 and 2 Thessalonians saying 'brethren pray for us'. May we be a prayerful church and prayerful individuals, knowing that we have a prayer hearing and answering God. Pastor Jonathan Arnold Daily Prayer - Sunday - God thanks to God for His character, perfect, unchangeable, the same yesterday today and forever. - Give thanks to God that we can meet in the church and have fellowship with one another. - Pray the Lord would grant the preaching of his word power and clarity, and there are ready ears to hear and believe it. (2 Thes. 3.1.) - Pray we would be granted faithful ministry and good spiritual food from God's Word. (1 Peter 2.2.) Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - True wisdom inspireth modesty. Kings are to be respected, man's ignorance of futurity; his inability in the day of death. The common abuse of God's forbearance. Good and bad men will surely meet with their deserts in the end, though it fall out otherwise for a time. Cheerful enjoyment of present good commended. God's work is unsearchable. Ecclesiastes 8 Preface - Paul giveth Timothy a solemn charge to do his duty with all care and diligence; certifieth him of his approaching end, and of the glorious prospect he had in view. He desireth him to hasten his coming, and to bring Mark with him, and certain other things: warneth him to beware of Alexander: informeth him what had befallen him at his first apology: and concludeth with salutations, and a benediction. 2 TImothy 4 Daily Light - Morning Stand fast in the Lord. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. The LORD loveth judment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever. - The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are nto of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. - If they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. - He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. - Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. - Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. - He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life. Phil. 4.1; Job 23.11 Ps. 37.28; Ps. 121.7 He. 10.38-39; 1 Jn. 2.19 Jn. 8.31; Mt. 24.13; 1 Co. 16.13; Rev. 3.11; Rev. 3.5 Daily Light - Evening Enoch walked with God. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Having made peace through the blood of his cross... You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. - In Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. Ge. 5.22; Am. 3.3 Col. 1.20-22; Eph. 2.13 Ro. 5.10-11 1 Jn. 1.3 2 Co. 13.14 A Puritans Catechism Q 44 - Which is the second commandment? A - The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for i th eLord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of The Holy Scriptures Chapter 1 PARAGRAPH 9 The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which are not many, but one), it must be searched by other places that speak more clearly.20 20 2 Pet. 1:20–21; Acts 15:15–16 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Only one sin For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. - Roman 5 v 19 Only one sin. Some of you see little eveil in one sin, or in a hundred sins; but here you see one sin cast Adam and all his children out of paradise. God did not wait till it was repeated. It appeared a small sin. The outward action was small - only stretching out the hand and taking an inviting fruit. Some of you think little of sins that make no great noise; such as breaking the Sabbath, drinking too much, speaking what is false, sitting down Christless at the Lord's table; but see here, one small sin brought a world under the curse of God. God would rather a world should perish than one small sin go unpunished. Daily Prayer - Saturday
- Give thanks to God that we have good news of salvation to tell that the repentant sinner might have everlasting life through Jesus Christ. (John 3.16.) - Pray the Lord would bless the Gospel outreach by the church in Westminster. Both on Saturday mornings and at services. - Pray the Lord would work in th econtacts we have made both on Saturday mornings and at services; through personal conversations and online contacts. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Remedies against the vanity of life ae, a good name, mortification, patience, wisdom, or a considerate and prudent conduct. The difficulty of getting wisdom. The result of the preacher's researches. Ecclesiastes 7 Preface - The apostle foretelleth the evil characters that should appear in the last days. He describeth the enemies of the truth: setteth forth unto Timothy his own example, and exhorteth him to abide in the doctrine he had learned, commending unto him the manifold use of the holy scriptures. 2 Timothy 3 Daily Light - Morning There shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing. - Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. - Hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. - The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Deu. 13.17; 2 Co. 6.17; 1 Pe. 2.11; Jude 23 1 Jn. 3.2-3; Titus 2.11-14 Daily Light - Evening Who art thou, Lord?... I am Jesus. It is I; be not afraid. - When thou passest through the waters. I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God...thy Saviour. Thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. - Emmanuel...God with us. Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. - If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. - Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Ac. 26.15; Mt. 14.27; Isa. 43.2-3 Ps.23.4; Mt. 1.23 Mt. 1.21; 1 Jn. 2.1; Ro. 8.34-35 A Puritans Catechism Q 43 - What is required in the first commandment? A - The first commandment requires us to know andacknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of The Holy Scriptures Chapter 1 PARAGRAPH 8 The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old),14 and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by His singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentic; so as in all controversies of religion, the church is finally to appeal to them.15 But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have a right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God to read,16 and search them,17 therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come,18 that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship Him in an acceptable manner, and through patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope.19 14 Rom. 3:2 15 Isa. 8:20 16 Acts 15:15 17 John 5:39 18 1 Cor. 14:6,9,11-12,24,28 19 Col. 3:16 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Remember the sabbath day I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day... - Revelation 1 v 10 John was keeping the Christian Sabbath in Patmos. Even though an exile, far from fellow-Christians, he was walking in the Spirit when God gave this blessed vision to him. Thus, my friends, even when away from the house of God, if you will seek to be in the Spirit, and to honour the Sabbath, God will make up for the want of ordinances. Daily Prayer - Friday
- Give thanks to God for many good things we enjoy and daily blessings. - Pray the Lord would supply the needs of those in the congregation at Westminster and guide us as we help those destitute and suffering. Especially those we have met in the pandemic. (Numbers 6.24-26.) - Pray for the ministry among the children and that they would know Christ from a young age. A rich blessing in this troubled world. - Pray for the evangelistic work, that people would know the greatest blessing of all: salvation by the grace of God through Christ. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The vanity and misery of riches to one that wanteth an heart to use them; to whom, although he hath many children and long life, an untimely birth is preferable. The vanity of insatiable desires. From the past, which is known, the vanity of man is seen; the future is unknown. Ecclesiastes 6 Preface - Timothy is exhorted to constancy and perseverance in the discharge of his duty, as a good soldier of Christ, looking for a certain reward of his fatigues and sufferings to divide the word of truth rightly, and to shun profane and vain babblings. The dangerous error of Hymenaeus and Philetus. The foundation of God standeth sure. Of vessels honourable and dishonourable. Timothy is taught what to flee, and what to follow, and how the servant of Christ must behave toward all men. 2 Timothy 2 Daily Light - Morning Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. - Christ...hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. - The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. - Through him we...have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God. - Having...boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh. - We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Jn. 10.7; Mt. 27.51; 1 Pe. 3.18; He. 9.8 Jn. 10.9 Jn. 14.6; Eph. 2.18-19; He. 10.19-20; Ro. 5.1-2 Daily Light - Evening His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!... What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. - They called them, and commanded them not to speak a all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them... We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heartd. - The love of Christ constraineth us. I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth... Thou wicked and slothful servant...thou oughtest...to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Go...to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee. Jer. 20.9; 1 Co. 9.16,18; Ac. 4.18-20; 2 Co. 5.14 Mt. 25.25-27 Mk. 5.19 A Puritans Catechism Q 42 - Which is the first commandment? A - The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of The Holy Scriptures Chapter 1 PARAGRAPH 7 All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all;12 yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of them.13 12 2 Pet. 3:16 13 Ps. 19:7; Psalm 119:130 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Looking at Christ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: - Philippians 2 v 7 He was the eternal Son of God - equal with the Father in every thing, therefore equal in happiness. He had glory with Him before ever the world was. Yet His happiness also consisted in giving. He was far above all the angels, and therefore He gave far more than they all: 'The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.' He was highest, therefore He stooped lowest. They gave their willing services, He gave himself: 'Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we, through his poverty, might be made rich, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ.' Now, dear Christians, some of you pray night and day to be branches of the true Vine; you pray to be made all over in the image of Christ. If so, you must be like Him in giving. A branch bears the same kind of fruit as the tree. If you be branches at all, you must bear the same fruit. An old divine says well: 'What would have become of us if Christ had been as saving of His blood as some men are of their money? Daily Prayer - Thursday
- Give thank to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. - Give thanks to God for the freedoms we have to share the Gospel in England and pray that it may continue. - Pray for missionaries across the world who are seeking to preach the Gospel and establish a faithful church. - Pray for those in persecuted countries who have to meet in secret. Even those who are now in prison for their faith. Give thanks to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Cautions against abuses in divine service, against murmuring at oppression. The vanity of riches. The cheerful enjoyment of what a man hath is good, and the gift of God, and a blessing to him that hath it. Ecclesiastes 5 Preface - Paul affectionately saluteth Timothy, assuring him of his constant prayers for him, and remembrance of that sincere faith which had been derived to Timothy from his mother and grandmother. He exhorteth him to stir up the gift of God which was in him; and not to be ashamed of the testimony of the gospel, but to be ready to suffer for it according to his example: and to hold fast the form of sound words which he has learned. He putteth him in mind of the general defection of the converts in Asia, and commendeth Onesiphorus for his repeated kindness toward him. 2 Timothy 1 Daily Light - Morning I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee. (Moses) stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid. - There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. - 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. - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; but Christ as a son over his own house, whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Deu. 18.18; Deu. 5.5; 1 Tim. 2.5 Nu. 12.3; Mt. 11.29; Phil. 2.5-7 He. 3.5-6 Daily Light - Evening Everlasting consolation. I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. - 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. - I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? - The Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. - So shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. This is not your rest. - Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 2 Th. 2.16; Ezek. 16.60 He. 10.14; He. 7.25; 2 Tim. 1.12 Ro. 11.29; Ro. 8.35; Rev. 7.17; 1 Th. 4.17-18 Mi. 2.10; He. 13.14 A Puritans Catechism Q 41 - What is the sum of the ten commandments? A - The sum of the ten commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbour as ourselves. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of The Holy Scriptures Chapter 1 PARAGRAPH 6 The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men.9 Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word,10 and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.11 9 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Gal. 1:8,9 10 John 6:45; 1 Cor. 2:9-12 11 1 Cor. 11:13,14; 1 Cor. 14:26,40 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Heavenly tenderness Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. - John 16 v 7 When friends are about to part from one another, they are far kinder than ever they have been before. It was so with Jesus. He was going to part from His disciples, and never till now did His heart flow out toward them in so many streams of heavenly tenderness. Sorrow had filled their heart, and therefore divinest compassion filled His heart. 'I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away.' Surely it was expedient for Himself that He should go away. He had lived a life of weariness and painfulness, not having where to lay His head, and surely it was pleasant in His eyes that He was about to enter into His rest. He had lived in obscurity and poverty - He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. Now, surely, He might well look forward with joy to His return to that glory which He had with the Father before ever the world was, when all the angels of God worshipped Him. And yet He does not say; 'It is expedient for me that I go away.' Surely that would have been comfort enough to His disciples. But no: he says: 'It is expedient for you.' He forgets Himself altogether, and thinks only of His little flock which He was leaving behind Him: 'It is expedient for you that I go away.' O most generous of Saviours! He looked not on His own things, but on the things of others also. He knew that it is far more blessed to give than it is to receive. Daily Prayer - Wednesday
- Give thanks to God for the Bible, its inspiration and preservation for us to read it today. (2 Timothy 3.16, Proverbs 30.5.) - Give thanks to God that we have easy access to the Scripture in English, in our mother tongue. - Pray the Lord would bless us as we study the Bible through the ministry this coming year. That as we work through a book of the Bible the Lord would continue to help us to grasp God's truth. - Pray for the Lunchtime outreach service and those who attend; pray that more from the offices nearby and Christians who commute are able to join us. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The vanity of human life increased by oppresion; and by envy. The absurdity of idleness. The good of contentment. The folly and misery of covetousness. The advantages of society. The throne of kings is not exempt from vanity and vexation. Ecclesiastes. 4 Preface - The duty of servants. Those who teach not according to the apostle's doctrine are to be avoided, as corrupters of Christianity. The gain of godliness with content. The evil of covetousness. What Timothy is to flee, and what to follow and perform. A charge to the rich not to be proud and confident in their riches, but to be beneficent and liberal. Timothy is enjoined to adhere to the true faith, and to shun profane and vain controversies. 1 Timothy 6 Daily Light - Morning Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. - Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Ye are...a royal priesthood...that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Ye...as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. - By him...let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Ps. 50.23; Col. 3.16-17; 1 Co. 6.20 1 Pe. 2.9; 1 Pe. 2.5; He. 13.15 Ps. 34.2-3 Daily Light - Evening Draw me, we will run after thee. I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. - I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love. - I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. - Behold the Lamb of God! - As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. - We love him, because he first loved us. My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. Song 1.4; Jer. 31.3; Hos. 11.4; Jn. 12.32; Jn. 1.36; Jn. 3.14,15 Ps. 73.25; 1 Jn. 4.19 Song 2.10-13 A Puritans Catechism Q 40 - What did God reveal to man for the rule of his disobedience? A - The rule which God first revealed to man fo rhis obedience is the moral law, which is summarised in the tem commandments. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of The Holy Scriptures Chapter 1 PARAGRAPH 5 We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the church of God to a high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, and the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, and many other incomparable excellencies, and entire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it does abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.8 8 John 16:13-14; 1 Cor. 2:10-12; 1 John 2:20, 27 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Misers of grace And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. - John 1 v 16 A Christian in our day is like a man who has got a reat reservoir brimful of water. He is at liberty to drink as much as he pleases, for he never can drink it dry; but instead of drinking the full stream that flows from it, he dams it up, and is content to drink the few drops that trickle through. O that ye would draw out of His fullness, ye that have come to Christ! Do not be misers of grace. There is far more that you will use in eternity. The same waters are now in Christ that refreshed Paul, that gave Peter his boldness, that gave John his affectionate tenderness. Why is your soul less richly supplied than theirs? Because you will not drink: 'If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.' |