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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 Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (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 - Esther having made known Mordecai's nearness of kin unto her, he is advanced in Haman's room. Esther with tears beseecheth for the reversal of the letters gone forth against the Jews. The king granteth authority to the Jews to stand upon their defence, and letters are issued out accordingly. Mordecai's honours, and the joy of the Jews. Esther 8 Preface - The Jew's prerogative; which is not vacated by the unbelief of some; nor is God's justice impeached in punishing their sinfulness. The law itself convinceth the Jews also universally of sin; so that no flesh is justified by the deeds of the law; but all indiscriminately by God's grace through faith in Christ: yet without annulling the obligations of the law. Romans 3 Daily Light - Morning If ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you...those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. Fight the good fight of faith. - For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations...and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. - I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. - We are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Nu. 33.55; 1 Tim. 6.12; 2 Co. 10.3-5 Ro. 8.12-13 Ga. 5.17; Ro. 7.23; Ro. 8.37 Daily Light - Evening If a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. - Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. He is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?... It is God that justifieth. 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. 1 Sa. 2.25; 1 Jn. 2.1-2; Ro. 3.25-26 Job 33.24 Ro. 8.31,33-34 A Puritans Catechism Q51 - How is the sabbath to be sanctified? A - The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of the Law of God Chapter 19 PARAGRAPH 1 God gave to Adam a law of universal obedience written in his heart, and a particular precept of not eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil;1 by which he bound him and all his posterity to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience;2 promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it, and endued him with power and ability to keep it.3 1 Gen. 1:27; Eccles. 7:29 2 Rom. 10:5 3 Gal. 3:10,12 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The work of Christ The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. - Isaiah 42 v 21 This is in some respects the most wonderful description of the work of Christ given in the whole Bible. He is often said to have fulfilled the law. Thus, Matthew 3 v 15: 'Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.' And again, Matthew 5 v 17: 'Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.' But here it is said He will 'magnify the law, and make it honourable; He came to give new lustre and glory to the holy law of God, that all worlds might see and understand that the law is holy, and just, and good. When God wrote the law upon the heart of Adam in His creation, that was magnifying the law. He showed it to be a great and holy and happy law, when he wrote it in the bosom of so holy and happy a creature as man then was. When God spoke the law from Mount Sinai, that magnified the law, and made it glorious. When He spoke it with His own voice in so dreadful a manner, when He wrote it twice with His own finger, this was magnifying it - enough, one would think, to make our modern Sabbath breakers tremble to erase it. But most of all when Christ died, did He give lustre, and greatness, and glory, and majesty, to the law of God in the sight of all worlds.
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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 that we each would walk close to God, putting off sins that easily beset us and that we would daily give thanks for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (1. John 1.3; Hebrews 12.1: 1 Thes 5.16.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (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 - Esther at the banquet petitioneth the king for her own life, and for the life of her people. Esther accuseth Haman. The king in wrath, being told of the gallows prepared for Mordecai, causeth Haman to be hanged thereon. Esther 7 Preface - They that condemn sin in others, and are guilty of the same themselves, cannot escape God's judgment; which will be according to every man's deserts, without distinction of Jew of Gentile. The Gentiles are not left without a rule of conduct. The Jew, who boasteth of greater light, is doubly criminal in sinning against it: not will circumcision profit him, except he keep the law. Romans 2 Daily Light - Morning Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. - Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. - Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness. Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. - Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD. He. 12.1-2; Lu. 9.23; Lu. 14.33; Ro. 13.12 1 Co. 9.25-27; Phil. 3.13-14; Hos. 6.3 Daily Light - Evening It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. We have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word... It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Lam. 3.27; Pr. 22.6 He. 12.9-10 Ps. 119.67,71 Jer. 29.11; 1 Pe. 5.6 A Puritans Catechism Q50 - What is required in the fourth commandment? A - The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set times as he has appointed in his Word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath to himself. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation Chapter 18 PARAGRAPH 4 True believers may have the assurance of their salvation divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as by negligence in preserving of it,13 by falling into some special sin which wounds the conscience and grieves the Spirit;14 by some sudden or vehement temptation,15 by God's withdrawing the light of his countenance, and suffering even such as fear him to walk in darkness and to have no light,16 yet are they never destitute of the seed of God17 and life of faith,18 that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart and conscience of duty out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may in due time be revived,19 and by the which, in the meantime, they are preserved from utter despair.20 13 Cant. 5:2–3,6 14 Ps. 51:8,12,14 15 Ps. 116:11; 77:7–8, 31:22 16 Ps. 30:7 17 1 John 3:9 18 Luke 22:32 19 Ps. 42:5,11 20 Lam. 3:26–31 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Victory assured These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. - John 16 v 33. In all other battles we do not know how the victory is to turn until the battle is won. In the battle of Waterloo, it was long thought that the French had gained; and Napoleon sent several despatches to Paris telling that he had won. But in the fight with the world, Satan and the flesh, we know how the victory is to turn already. Christ has engaged to carry us through. He will guard us against the darts of the law, by hiding us in His blood, He defends us from the power of sin by His Holy Spirit put within us. He will keep us, in the secret of His presence, from the strife of tongues. The thicker the battle, the closer will He keep to us; so that we can sing already: 'I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.' We know that we shall overcome. Though the world were a million times more enraged - though the fires of persecution were again to be kindled - though my heart were a million times more wicked - though all the temptations of hell were let loose upon me - I know I shall overcome through Him that loved me. When Paul and Silas sang in the low dungeon, they were more than conquerors. When Paul sang, in spite of his thorn, 'I will glory in my infirmities.' he was more than a conqueror. 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 Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (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 - Ahasuerus, hearing read in the chronicles the good service done by Mordecai, thinketh how to reward him. Haman, coming to request that Mordecai might be hanged, becometh himself the instrument of doing him honour. Complaining of his misfortune, his friends foretell him of his fall. Esther 6 Preface - Paul, commending to the Romans his calling, greeteth them, and professeth his concern for, and desire of coming to see, them. He sheweth that the gospel is for the justification of all mankind through faith; and having premised that sinners in general are obnoxious to God's wrath, he describeth at large the corruptions of the Gentile world. Romans 1 Daily Light - Morning Thou God seest me. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether... Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. - The ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. - God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. - The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Jesus...knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. - Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Ge. 16.13; Ps. 139.1-4,6 Pro. 15.3; Pro. 5.21; Lu. 16.15; 2 Chr. 16.9 Jn. 2.24-25; Jn. 21.17 Daily Light - Evening I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me. - It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: to shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. I beseech you...brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. - Jesus...that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate... By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. - Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Ps. 86.12; Ps. 50.23; Ps. 92.1-2 Ps. 150.6 Ro. 12.1; He. 13.12; Eph. 5.20 Rev. 5.12 A puritans Catechism Q49 - 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. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation Chapter 18 PARAGRAPH 3 This infallible assurance does not so belong to the essence of faith, but that a true believer may wait long, and struggle with many difficulties before he be partaker of it;9 yet being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God, he may, without extraordinary revelation, in the right use of means, attain thereunto:10 and therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure, that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this assurance;11—so far is it from inclining men to looseness.12 9 Isa. 50:10; Ps. 88; Ps. 77:1–12 10 1 John 4:13; Heb. 6:11–12 11 Rom. 5:1–2,5, 14:17; Ps. 119:32 12 Rom. 6:1–2; Titus 2:11–12,14 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings To be like Jesus For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first born among many brethren. - Romans 8 v 29 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3 v 18). Our foolish hearts think it better to retain some part of Satan's image, but, ah! this is our happiness, to reflect every feature of Jesus, and that for ever. To have no inconsistency, to be like Him in every part; to love like Him, to weep like Him, to pray like Him, to be changed into His likeness: 'I shall be satisfied when I awake with Thy likeness.' Dear Congregation, Thank you all for your prayers and support for the work of the church throughout 2023. I know we all have been through varying difficulties and some through particular hardships. Once again we can thank the Lord that we have been brought through trusting in the Lord as our refuge and strength. As I encouraged the congregation at the start of last year it is vitally important to pray to keep close to God and continue faithfully in our Christian life. 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 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. May these verses challenge us all at the start of this new year to be a people of prayer. 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 expression 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 for the Gospel with him twice in 1 and 2 Thessalonians saying 'brethren pray for us'. May we this be a prayerful church and prayerful individuals. knowing that we have a prayer hearing and answering God. Jonathan Arnold 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 Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) (Sunday morning) Scripture reading - Proverbs 16 v 1-13 & Matthew 7 v 1-29 Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening) Scripture reading - Psalm 110 & Acts 1 v 12-26 Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (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 - Esther, venturing to appear uncalled before the king in the inner court, is graciously received, and promised the grant of her request: she inviteth the king and Haman to a banquet. Being encouraged by the king to name her suit, she inviteth him and Haman to another banquet the next day. Haman, though proud of the distinctions shewn him, repineth at and complaineth to his friends of Mordecai's neglect. By the advice of his wife and friends he prepareth for him a gallows. Esther 5 Preface - Paul and his company after their shipwreck are kindly entertained by the barbarians of Melita: a viper fastening on his hand without hurting him, the people, who at first thought ill of him, believe him a god: he healeth the father of Publius, and other sick persons in the island. Paul and his company depart, and arrive at Rome; where Paul is left with a guard in a house of his own. He calleth the Jews together, and sheweth the occasion of his coming: he preacheth Christ to them, of whom some believe, others believe not: he continueth for two whole years to preach the gospel without interruption. Acts 28 Daily Light - Morning As thy days, so shall thy strength be. When they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. - Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. The God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people, Blessed be God. - He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 'Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. - O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength. Deu. 33.25; Mk. 13.11; Mt. 6.34 Ps. 68.35; Isa. 40.29 2 Co. 12.9-10; Phil. 4.13; Judg. 5.21 Daily Light - Evening Awake, O north wind; and...blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. - The fruit of the Spirit. He stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. - In all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Song 4.16; He. 12.11; Ga. 5.22 Isa. 27.8 Ps. 103.13 2 Co. 4.16-18 He. 5.8; He. 4.15 A Puritans Catechism Q48 - 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. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation Chapter 18 PARAGRAPH 2 This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion grounded upon a fallible hope, but an infallible assurance of faith,4 founded on the blood and righteousness of Christ revealed in the Gospel;5 and also upon the inward evidence of those graces of the Spirit unto which promises are made,6 and on the testimony of the Spirit of adoption, witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God;7 and, as a fruit thereof, keeping the heart both humble and holy.8 4 Heb. 6:11,19 5 Heb. 6:17–18 6 2 Pet. 1:4–5,10–11 7 Rom. 8:15–16 8 1 John 3:1–3 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Eternal loss For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. - 2 Corinthians 5 v 10 Every man shall be rewarded according as his work has been. Some will be made rulers over five, some over ten cities. I have no doubt that every sin, inconsistency, backsliding and decay of God's children takes away something from their eternal glory. It is a loss for all eternity; and the more fully and unreservedly we follow the Lord Jesus now, the more abundant will our entrance be into His everlasting kingdom. The closer we walk with Christ now, the closer will we walk with Him to all eternity. 'Thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments. They shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy.' Amen. 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 the contacts we have made both on Saturday mornings and at services; through personal conversations and online contacts. Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (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 great mourning of Mordecai and the Jews. Esther sendeth to Mordecai to enquire the reason, is informed thereof, and advised by him to intercede with the king for the nation. She at first excuseth herself, but being admonished of the consequences by Mordecai, appointeth a fast, and undertaketh the suit. Esther 4 Preface - Paul is conducted in a ship toward Rome: he foretelleth the danger of the voyage, but is not credited: the ship setting sail against his advice is tossed with a tempest: Paul comforteth his fellow travellers with assurances of having their lives saved, but foretelleth a shipwreck: all which is verified by the event. Acts 27 Daily Light - Morning Ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. God...hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son... who being 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. - He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Pass the time of your sojouring here in fear: forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold...but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. - The love of Christ constraineth us; becsuse we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 1 Jn. 3.5; He. 1.1,2,3; 2 Co. 5.21 1 Pe. 1.17-18,19-20; 2 Co. 5.14-15 Daily Light - Evening I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life. For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD; wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. That servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. - Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Deu. 30.19; Ezek. 18.32 Jn. 15.22 Lu. 12.47 Ro. 6.23; Jn. 3.36; Ro. 6.16 Jn. 12.26 A Puritans Catechism Q47 - 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. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation Chapter 18 PARAGRAPH 1 Although temporary believers and other unregenerate men, may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in the favour of God and in a state of salvation, which hope of theirs shall perish;1 yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love him in sincerity, endeavouring to walk in all good conscience before him, may in this life be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace, and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God,2 which hope shall never make them ashamed.3 1 Job 8:13–14; Matt. 7:22–23 2 1 John 2:3, 3:14,18–19,21,24, 5:13 3 Rom. 5:2,5 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Following Jesus Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. - John 21 v 22 If you would follow Christ fully, you must know Him fully. A sight of His beauty draws us to follow Him. 'He is the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely.' 'And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me.; There is an indescribable loveliness in Christ that draws the soul to follow Him. All divine perfections dwell in Him; and yet He offers to save us. His suitableness draws us to follow Him. He just answers the need of our soul. We are all guilty, he is all righteousness. We, all weakness; He, all strength. Nothing can more completely answer our soul than Christ doth. The chickens run under the feathers of their mother when they see them stretched out, the dove flutters into the clefts, Noah into the ark; and our soul thus follows Jesus. His freeness draws us to follow Him. 'He will in no wise cast out.' He forgives seventy times seven. It is the keeping the eye on Christ that makes you follow Him. It is seeing the King in His beauty that makes the soul cleave to him, and run after Him. 'My soul followeth hard after thee.' 'Run the race set before you, looking unto Jesus.' 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.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (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 - Haman, advanced by the king, hath great respect paid him by all but Mordecai, on whose accoount he seeketh revenge upon the whole Jewish nation. He casteth lots to fix the time for executing his purposes, By falsely accusing the Jews he obtaineth a commission from the king to destroy them Esther 3 Preface - Paul in the presence of Agrippa declareth his life from his childhood, his wonderful conversion, and call to the apostleship, and his preaching of Christ according to the scripture doctrine. Festus chargeth him with madness; his modest reply, and address to Agrippa, who confesseth himself almost a Christian. The whole company pronounce him innocent. Acts 26 Daily Light - Morning Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. - As ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. - Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches that the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. He. 13.13-14; 1 Pe. 4.12-13; 2 Co. 1.7 1 Pe. 4.14 Ac. 5.41; He. 11.25-26 Daily Light - Evening The Lord Jesus Christ...shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body. Upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about... This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. - 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. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more. - They sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb. Phil. 3.20-21; Ezek. 1.26-27,28 2 Co. 3.18; 1 Jn. 3.2 Rev. 7.16; Rev. 15.3 A Puritans Catechism Q46 - What is forbidden in the second commandment? A - The second commandment forbids the worship of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his Word. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of the perseverance of the Saints Chapter 17 PARAGRAPH 3 And though they may, through the temptation of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins, and for a time continue therein,9 whereby they incur God's displeasure and grieve his Holy Spirit,10 come to have their graces and comforts impaired,11 have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded,12 hurt and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgments upon themselves,13 yet shall they renew their repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end.14 9 Matt. 26:70,72,74 10 Isa. 64:5,9; Eph. 4:30 11 Ps. 51:10,12 12 Ps. 32:3–4 13 2 Sam. 12:14 14 Luke 22:32,61–62 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Something better than life For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. - Philippians 1 v 21 If you would die the death of Christ's people, you must live their life. Inconsistent Christians generally have a painful death-bed; but those that follow Christ fully can die like aged Paul - 'I am ready to be offered'; or like Job - 'I know that my Redeemer liveth.' 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 Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) (Thursday afternoon) Scripture reading - Romans 6 v 15- 23 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 -By advice of his servants Ahasuerius appointeth the fair virgins of his kingdom to be assembled in order to choose out a queen. Esther brought up by Mordecai. She is preferred by Hegai keeper of the women before all the other virgins, but by Mordeca's directions telleth not her kindred. The manner of purification and going in into the king. Esther pleaseth him, and is made queen. Mordecai discovereth a plot against the king's life, which service is registered in the chronicles of the kingdom. Esther 2 Preface - The Jews accuse Paul to Festus, first at Jerusalem, and afterward at Caesarea: he answereth for himself, and appealeth to Caesar: his appeal is admitted. Festus being visited by king Agrippa openeth the matter to him, who desireth to hear Paul. Paul is brought forth; Festus declareth he found nothing in him worthy of death. Acts 25 Daily Light - Morning The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. - Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. - Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. Ro. 3.22; 2 Co. 5.21; Ga. 3.13; 1 Co. 1.30; Titus 3.5-6 Phil. 3.8-9 Daily Light - Evening The Spirit of adoption, Whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Jesus...lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father...Holy Father...O righteous Father. - He said, Abba, Father. - Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. - For through him we both 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. Doubtless thou art our father...thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting. I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children. Ro. 8.15; Jn. 17.1,11,25; Mk. 14.36; Ga. 4.6; Eph. 2.18-19 Isa. 63.16 Lu. 15.18-20 Eph. 5.1 A Puritans Catechism Q45 - 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. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of the perseverance of the Saints Chapter 17 PARAGRAPH 2 This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election,4 flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father, upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ and union with him,5 the oath of God,6 the abiding of his Spirit, and the seed of God within them,7 and the nature of the covenant of grace;8 from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof. 4 Rom. 8:30, 9:11,16 5 Rom. 5:9, 10; John 14:19 6 Heb. 6:17–18 7 1 John 3:9 8 Jer. 32:40 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The Lord from heaven The first man is of the earth, earthy, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. - 1 Corinthians 15 v 47 The first Adam was fair, exquisitely fair, as he came from the hand of God; but the second is altogether lovely - fairer than the children of men. The first Adam was made in the likeness of God; but the second is God Himself, the Lord from heaven - the brightness of the Father's glory, and the express image of His person. The first Adam was full of heavenly wisdom, so that he named all the creatures as they came; but in the second are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He is the wisdom of God. He spake as never man spake. He calls all the stars by their names. The first was the head of the whole human race - the federal head; so that in him they stood, and in him they fell. Christ is offered as a head to every creature, and is actually the head of all the redeemed, and of myriads of holy angels, all gathered together in him. O glorious one! Divine and human perfections meet in Him! O that you were filled with sweet, admiring, adoring thoughts of Him this day! O that He would rise upon you like the sun! He is the Light of the world, the Sun of righteousness, the bright and morning star. It is that one who justifies the ungodly, who has power to forgive sins. He is precious to all that believe. 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 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 Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) (Wednesday evening) Scripture reading Romans 8 v 1- 37 Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (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 - Ahasuerus's royal feasts. Vashti refuseth to come, when sent for by the king. The king consulteth with his wise men concerning this act of disobedience, and by the advice of Memucan putteth away Vashti, and asserteth by a decree the sovereignty of the men over their own wives. Esther 1 Preface - Paul is accused before Felix by Tertullus in the name of the Jews: he answereth in defence of his life and doctrine. The hearing is deferred. Paul preaching freely before the governor and his wife, Felix trembleth. Felix hopeth for a bribe to release Paul, but in vain; and going out of his office leaveth him bound. Acts 24 Daily Light - Morning The Lord is at hand. The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. - He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. - Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Phil. 4.5; 1 Th. 4.16-18; Rev. 22.20 2 Pe. 3.14; 1 Th. 5.22-24 Jas. 5.8 Daily Light - Evening The choice vine. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: and he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine...and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. - Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? The works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit... Abide in me, and I in you... Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Ge. 49.11; Isa. 5.1-2; Jer. 2.21 Ga. 5.19-23 Jn. 15.1-2,4,8 A Puritans Catechism Q44 - 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 the Lord 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. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of the perseverance of the Saints Chapter 17 PARAGRAPH 1 Those whom God has accepted in the beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, and given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved, seeing the gifts and callings of God are without repentance, from which source he still begets and nourishes in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Spirit unto immortality;1 and though many storms and floods arise and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock which by faith they are fastened upon; notwithstanding, through unbelief and the temptations of Satan, the sensible sight of the light and love of God may for a time be clouded and obscured from them,2 yet he is still the same, and they shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto salvation, where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being engraved upon the palm of his hands, and their names having been written in the book of life from all eternity.3 1 John 10:28,29; Phil. 1:6; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1 John 2:19 2 Ps. 89:31–32; 1 Cor. 11:32 3 Mal. 3:6 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Fruitful to the last The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing. - Psalm 92 v 12-14 The palm tree and cedar have both this wonderful property, that they are fruitful to the last: and so it is with the living believer - he is a Christian to the last - full of the Spirit, full of love, full of holiness to the last. Like fine wine, the older the better. 'The path of the just is like the sining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day.' 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 that we each would walk close to God, putting off sins that easily beset us and that we would daily give thanks for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (1. John 1.3; Hebrews 12.1; 1 Thes 5.16.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (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 - Upon reading the law Israel is separated from the mixed multitude. Eliashib having in Nehemia's absence prepared a chamber in the temple for Tobiah, Nehemiah on his return is offended, and causeth the chambers to be cleansed. He reformeth certain abuses concerning tithes, the violation of the sabbath, and the marriages with foreign wives. Nehemiah 13 Preface - Paul pleading his integrity is smitten at the command of the high priest, whom he reproveth of injustice. By declaring himself a Pharisee, and questioned for the hope of the resurrection, he causeth a division in the council: he is carried back to the castle, and encouraged by the Lord in a vision. A conspiracy against him is discovered to the chief captain; who sendeth him under a guard with a letter to Felix the govenor at Caesarea. Acts 23 Daily Light - Morning Hope maketh not ashamed. I am the LORD...they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. - Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. - My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. - I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed. God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, which which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus. Ro. 5.5; Isa. 49.23; Jer. 17.7; Isa. 26.3-4; Ps. 62.5-6; 2 Tim. 1.12 He. 6.17-20 Daily Light - Evening If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. - We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. - Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. - Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. - I am crucified with Christ. - They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us. Ga. 5.11; Mt. 16.24 Jas. 4.4; Ac. 14.22 Ro. 9.33; 1 Pe. 2.7-8 Ga. 6.14; Ga. 2.20; Ga. 5.24 2 Tim 2.12 A Puritans Catechism Q43 - What is required in the first commandment? A - The first commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Good Works Chapter 16 PARAGRAPH 7 Works done by unregenerate men, although for the matter of them they may be things which God commands, and of good use both to themselves and to others;19 yet because they proceed not from a heart purified by faith,20 nor are done in a right manner according to the Word,21 nor to a right end, the glory of God,22 they are therfore sinful, and cannot please God, nor make a man meet to receive the grace from God,23 and yet their neglect for them is more sinful and displeasing to God.24 19 2 Kings 10:30; 1 Kings 21:27,29 20 Gen. 4:5; Heb. 11:4,6 21 1 Cor. 13:1 22 Matt. 6:2,5 23 Amos 5:21–22; Rom. 9:16; Titus 3:5 24 Job 21:14–15; Matt. 25:41–43 Robert Murray M'Cheyne- God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Rivers for water And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beast also. - Numbers 20 v 11 Christ is the smitten rock because his blood has been poured out for sin. 1) The rock was smitten before it gave out the stream. So is it with Christ. He was smitten of God and afflicted. He bore the wrath of God; and therefore his blood gushed forth, and cleaness from all sin. Oh! you that fear to be smitten of God, wash in this blood, - it flows from a smitten rock. 2)The water gushed forth abundantly when Moses smote the rock. It was no scanty stream - it was enough for all the thousands of Israel. So is it with the blood of the Saviour. It is no scanty stream. There are no sins it cannot wash out, there is no sinner beyond its reach, there is enough here for all the thousands of Israel. 3) It was a constant supply. 'They drank of the spiritual rock which followed them, and that rock was Christ.' We are not expressly told in the Old Testament that the waters of the smitten rock did actually follow the camp of Israel, but some learned diviness are the opinion that it was so - that the water continued to flow wherever Israel went; so that it might be said the smitten rock followed them. So it is with Christ. He is a rock that follows us. He is like rivers of water in a dry place. You may wash, and wash again. 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 Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (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 priests, and the Levites, which came up with Zerubbabel. The succession of high priests. Certain chief Levites in the days of Nehemiah and Ezra. The solemnity of the dedication of the wall. The offices of the priests and Levites appointed in the temple. Nehemiah 12 Preface - Paul declareth at large the manner of his conversion and call to the apostleship. At the very mentioning of the Gentiles the people exclaim furiously against him: whereupon the chief captain ordereth to examine him by scourging: which he avoideth by pleading the privilege of a Roman citizen. He is brought before the Jewish council. Acts22 Daily Light - Morning This God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. - The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though 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. - Thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. - Our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. - The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Ps. 48.14; Isa. 25.1; Ps. 16.5 Ps. 23.3-4; Ps. 73.23-26; Ps. 33.21; Ps. 138.8 Daily Light - Evening In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me. - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee. I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. - If any of you lack wisdom, let himask of God...and it shall be given him. Who is sufficient for these things? - I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing. - My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee... Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness...when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Ps. 94.19; Ps. 61.2 Isa. 38.14; Ps. 55.22 1 Ki. 3.7; Jas. 1.5 2 Co. 2.16; Ro. 7.18; 2 Co. 12.9 Mt. O.2,22 Ps. 63.5,6 A Puritans Catechism Q42 - Which is the first commandment? A - The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Good Works Chapter 16 PARAGRAPH 6 Yet notwithstanding the persons of believers being accepted through Christ, their good works also are accepted in him;17 not as though they were in this life wholly unblamable and unreprovable in God’s sight, but that he, looking upon them in his Son, is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections.18 17 Eph. 1:5; 1 Pet. 1:5 18 Matt. 25:21,23; Heb. 6:10 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The true smitten rock In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying if any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. - John 7 v 37 The feast of the tabernacles was intended to be a picture of the time when the fathers of the Jewish nation lived in tents in the wilderness. It was intended to remind them that they too were strangers and pilgrims in the wilderness, and that they were journeying to a better land. But there was one thing in the wilderness which they had not resemblance of in the feast of tabernacles - the smitten rock which gave out rivers of water. In order to make up for this deficiency, it is said that on the last day of the feast of the Jews used to draw water in a golden pitcher from the Fountain of Siloam, and pour it out upon the morning sacrifice, as it lay upon the altar. They did this great rejoicing, having palm branches in their hands, and singing the twelfth chapters of Isaiah. Now it was on this very day, perhaps at that very time, that Jesus stood up in the midst of them, and, as if he wished to show them that he was the true smitten rock, cried: 'If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.' |
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