Daily 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 Corinhians 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 - (No preface) Proverbs 19 Preface - Paul testifieth his solicitude for the churches which had not seen him, that they might be united in love, and attain a perfect knowledge of the Christian revelation, not being seduced from their stedfastness in the faith, nor corrupted through philosophy and human traditions. He sheweth that they were already complete in Christ, having attained the true circumcision figured in baptism; that God had quickened them with Christ, and both abolished the law of ordinances, that was against them, and also spoiled principalities and powers. He therefore urgeth them not to submit to legal ordinances, which were but a shadow of Christ; nor to the worship of angels, adn other vain practices of human devising. Colossians 2 Daily Light - Morning The fruit of the Spirit is...joy... Joy in the Holy Ghost. - Joy unspeakable and full of glory. Sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing...exceeding joyful in all our tribulaion. - We glory in tribulations. Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame. - hese things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. - As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. - The joy of the LORD is your strength. In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. - For 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. Ga. 5.22; Ro. 14.17; 1 Pe. 1.8 2 Co. 6.10,7.4; Ro. 5.3 He. 12.2; Jn. 15.11; 2 Co. 1.5 Phil. 4.4; Ne. 8.10 Ps. 16.11; Rev. 7.17 Daily Light - Evening Jehovah-shalom. (marg. The Lord send peace) Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. Behold, a greater than Solomon is here. - Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Price of Peace. - My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; when it shall hail, coming down on the forest; and the city shall be low in a low place He is our peace. - This man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Judg. 6.24; 1 Chr. 22.9 Mt. 12.42; Isa. 9.6; Isa. 32.18-19 Eph. 2.14; Mi. 5.5 Rev. 17.14 Jn. 14.27 A Puritans Catechism Q 27 - Wherein consists Christ's exaltation? A - Christ's exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right had of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day. Of The Lord's Supper Chapter 30 PARAGRAPH 2 In this ordinance Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sin of the quick or dead, but only a memorial of that one offering up of himself by himself upon the cross, once for all;3 and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same.4 So that the popish sacrifice of the mass, as they call it, is most abominable, injurious to Christ's own sacrifice the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect. 3 Heb. 9:25–26,28 4 1 Cor. 11:24; Matt. 26:26–27 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Lie in he dust Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. - John 11 v 3 If a worldly person had been sending to Christ, he would have sent a very different argument. He would have said: he who loves thee is sick. Here is one who has believed on Thy name. Here is one that has confessed Thee before the world, suffered reproach and scorn for Thy sake. Martha and Mary knew better how to plead with Jesus. The only argument was in Jesus' breat: 'He whom thou loves is sick.' Jesus loved him with an electing love; freely from all eternity Jesus loved him. Jesus loved him with a drawing love: He drew Him from under wrath, from serving sin. Jesus loved him with a pardoning love. He drew him to himself, and blotted out all his sin. Jesus loved him with an upholding love: 'Who could hold me up but thou?' He for whom Thou died, he whom Thou hast chosen, washed and kept till now, 'he whom thou lovest is sick'. Learn thus to plead with Christ, dear believers. Often you do not receive, because you do not ask aright: 'ye ask, and receive not because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.' Often you ask proudly, as if you were somebody; so that if Christ were to grant it, He would only be fattening your lusts. Learn to lie in the dust, and plead only His own free love. Thou has loved me for no good thing in me: Chosen, nor for good in me; Wakened up from wrath to flee; Hidden in the Saviour's side; By the Spirit sanctified.
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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. Moeover 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 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. 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 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) (Sunday morning) scripture reading: - Psalm 16; Luke 24 v 1-12; Mathew 28 v 1-26 Doctrine Class - Sunday afternoon in church (and also available online via FaceBook) (Sunday afternoon) scripture reading: - Philippians 1 v 6, 2 v 13; Romans 8 v 8, 30, 37, 38; 1 Corinthians 11 v 20-32 (The final perseverance of the saints) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) (Sunday evening) scripture reading: - Mark 16 v 1-20; John 20 v 1-18; Luke 24 v 1-12 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 - (No Preface) Proverbs 18 Preface - After saluting the saints at Colosse, Paul testifieth his thankfulness to God for the good account he had heard of their faith and love; and his continual prayers for their improvement in spiritual knowledge, right practice, and thanksgiving to God for the benefits of redemption by his Son. He sheweth them the exalted nature and mediatorial office of Christ, by whom they, who were once enemies, were now reconciled, if they continued true to the gospel, whereof he Paul was made a minister to preach it to the Gentiles. Collossians 1 Daily Light - Morning My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? - 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. - As having nothing, and yet possessing all things. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. - The LORD GOD is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withold from them that walk uprightly. - The living God...giveth us richly all things to enjoy. - God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. Phil. 4.19; Mt. 6.33; Ro. 8.32; 1 Co. 3.21-23; 2 Co. 6.10 Ps. 23.1; Ps. 84.11; 1 Tim. 6.17; 2 Co. 9.8 Daily Light - Evening What communion hath light with darkness? Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. - Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Darkness hath blinded his eyes. - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. - Love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. 2 Co. 6.14; Jn. 3.19; 1 Th. 5.5 1 Jn. 2.11; Ps. 119.105 Ps. 74.20; 1 Jn. 4.7-8 Pro. 4.18-19 Jn. 12.46 Eph. 5.8 A Puritans Catechism Q 26 - Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist? A - Christ's humiliation consistted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time. Of The Lord's Supper Chapter 30 PARAGRAPH 1 The supper of the Lord Jesus was instituted by him the same night wherein he was betrayed, to be observed in his churches, unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance, and showing to all the world the sacrifice of himself in his death,1 confirmation of the faith of believers in all the benefits thereof, their spiritual nourishment, and growth in him, their further engagement in, and to all duties which they owe to him; and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other.2 1 1 Cor. 11:23–26 2 1 Cor. 10:16–17,21 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devoional Readings His glory reflected For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. - Isaiah 60 v 2 It has long been discovered that colour is nothing in the object, but is all thrown upon it by the sun, and reflected back again. The beautiful colours with which this lovely world is adorned all proceed from the sun. His glory is seen upon the earth. It is all the gift of the sun that the grass is of that refreshing green, and the rivers are lines of waving blue. It is all the gift of the sun that the flowers are tinged with their thousand glories, that the petal of the rose has its delicate blush, and the lily, that neither toils nor spins, a brightness that is greater than Solomon's. Now, my dear souls, this is the way in which you may be justified. You are dark, and vile, and worthless in yourselves; but Christ's glory shall be seen on you. If you only consent to take Christ for your surety, His divine righteousness is all imputed to you; His sufferings, His obedience are both yours. 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 the contacts 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) 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 - (No preface) Proverbs 17 Preface - Paul calleth to stedfastness in Christ, and after some particular admonitions, exhorteth generally to religious joy, moderation, trust in God with prayer, and to every branch of moral goodness. He testifieth his joy in the care shewn by the Philippians for his supply in prison, though being always content he was above want; and commendeth their former liberality to him, not for his own sake, but for the good that would redound to them from it. He acknowledgeth the receipt of their late bounty, assuring them that God would both accept and reward it. He giveth glory to God, and concludeth with salutations, and a blessing. Philippians 4 Daily Light - Morning Isaac went out to meditat in the field at the eventide. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? - The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night. - My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Ge. 24.63; Ps. 19.14 Ps. 8.3-4; Ps. 111.2 Ps. 1.1-2; Jos. 1.8; Ps. 63.5-6 Daily Light - Evening How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. - But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her suckling child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget the.. Thou shalt not be forgotten of me. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins. Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. - A woman...cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O LORD, thou Son of David... But he answered her not a word. The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth. Ps. 13.1; Jas. 1.17; Isa. 49.14-15 Isa. 44.21-22 Jn. 11.5-6; Mt. 15.22,23 1 Pe. 1.7 A Puritans Catechsm Q 25 - How does Chris execute he office of a king? A - Christ executes the office of a king in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. Of Baptism Chapter 29 PARAGRAPH 4 Immersion, or dipping of the person in water, is necessary to the due administration of this ordinance.6 6 Matt. 3:16; John 3:23 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings God's providence For all things are for your sakes... - 2 Corinthians 4 v 15 All things are for your sakes. For the sake of believers this world was created - the sun made to rule the day, and the moon to rule the night; every shining star was made for them. All are kept in being for your sakes. Winds rise and fall, waves roar and are still, seasons revolve, seed-time and harvest, day and night - all for your sakes. 'All things are yours. All events are for your sakes. Kingdoms rise and fall to save God's people. Nations are His rod, His saw and axe to hew out a way for the Chariot of the everlasting gospel; even as Hirma's hewers in Lebanon and the Gibeionite drawer of water were building up the temple of God. The enemies of the church are only a rod in God's hand. He will do his purpose with them, then break the rod in two, and cast it away. Specially all the providences of believing families are for your sakes. When Christ is dealing with a believing family, you say, 'That is no matter of mine. What have I to do with it? Ah, truly if you are of the world, you have no part or lot in it! But if you are Christ's, it is for your sake, to the intent that ye may believe. The dealings of Christ with believing families are very instructive, His afflictions and His comforts, His way. O learn to bear one another's burdens, to see more of Christ's hand among you, to the intent that you my believe. There's not a plant that grows below But makes His glory known; And thunders roll and tempests blow By order from the throne. Daily Prayer - Friday
- Give thanks to God for many good things we enjoy and daily blessings. - Pray the Lord would supply the needs o fthose 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) 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) Good Friday Service at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) (Good Friday Service) Scripture reading - Psalm 69; Luke 23 v 13-49 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 - (No preface) Proverbs 16 Preface - Paul exhorteth to rejoice in the Lord, and to beware of the false teachers of the circumcision: shewing that as a Jew he had better grounds of confidence than they; but that he disclaimed them all, trusting only to the justification which is of God by faith, and hoping to partake of the resurrection through Christ. He acknowledgeth his present imperfection, and that he was still anxiously striving for the prize: exhorting others to be likeminded, and to follow his example; for many were enemies to the gospel, being earthly minded; but his conversation and views were heavenly. Philippians 3 Daily Light - Morning Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. - Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? - Heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. The Father himself lovetth you, because ye have loved me. - God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. - There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. - He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Mt. 25.34; Lu. 12.32; Jas. 2.5; Ro. 8.17 Jn. 16.27; He. 11.16 Rev. 21.7; 2 Tim. 4.8; Phil. 1.6 Daily Light - Evening Riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. - Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. - Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasue is, there will your heart be also. They do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. - We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. - To him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. - There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. - A crown of glory that fadeth not away. Pro. 27.24; Ps. 39.6; Col. 3.2; Mt. 6.19-21 1 Co. 9.25; 2 Co. 4.18; Pro. 11.18; 2 Tim. 4.8; 1 Pe. 5.4 A Puritans Catechism Q 24 - How does Christ execute the office of a priest? A - Christ executes the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us. Of Baptism Chapter 29 PARAGRAPH 3 The outward element to be used in this ordinance is water, wherein the party is to be baptized, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.5 5 Matt. 28:19–20; Acts 8:38 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Go to Jesus As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. - John 2 v 29 It is evident that Mary was the more deeply affected of the two sisters. Martha was able to go about, but Mary sat still in the house. She felt the absence of Christ more than Martha. She believed his word more, and when that word seemed to fail, Mary's heart was nearly broken. Ah! it is a deep sorrow when natural and spiritual grief come together. Affliction is easily borne if we have the smile of Jehovah's countenance. Why does the mourner rise, and hastily drying her tears, with eager step leave the cottage door? Her friends who sat around her she seems quite to forget. 'The Master is come. 'Such is the presence of the Lord Jesus to mourners still. The world's comforters are all physicians of no value. Miserable comforters are they all. They have no balm for a wounded spirit. 'The heart knoweth its own bitterness.' But when the Master comes and calls us, the soul revives. There is life in His call, His voice speaks peace. 'In me ye shall have peace.' Mourners should rise up quickly, and go to Jesus. The bereaved should spread their sorrows at the feet of Christ. 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 shae 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) 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 - (No preface) Proverbs 15 Preface - Paul earnestly recommendeth to the Philippians mutual love and union, lowliness of mind, and that charitable condescension for the good of others, exemplified in the life and death of Christ, for which God had exalted him to be Lord of all. He exhorteth them to carefulness in working out their own salvation, to obey the will of God cheerfully and universally, that so they might distinguish themselves from the rest of the world by a bright example of virtue; and by their steadiness give him cause to rejoice in the success of his labours, who would gladly lay down his life to serve them. He hopeth to send Timothy to them shortly, whom he greatly commendeth; as he doth the affection and zeal of Epaphroditus, whom he sendeth with this epistle. Philippians 2 Daily Light - Morning Be strong and of a good courage. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?-He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. - My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. If God be for us, who can be against us? - The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? - Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. - We are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee. Jos. 1.18; Ps. 27.1; Isa. 40.29-31; Ps. 73.26 Ro. 8.31; Ps. 118.6; Ps. 44.5; Ro. 8.37 1 Chr. 22.16 Daily Light - Evening Our friend...sleepeth. I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. If the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished... But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. It came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying... Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones...and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. - This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. - Witnesses chosen before of God...who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. Jn. 11.11; 1 Th. 4.13-14 1 Co. 15.16-18,20 Jos. 4.1,3,7; Ac. 2.32; Ac. 10.41 A Puritans Catechism Q 23 - How does Christ execute the office of a prophet? A - Christ executes the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. Of Baptism Chapter 29 PARAGRAPH 2 Those who do actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to, our Lord Jesus Christ, are the only proper subjects of this ordinance.4 4 Mark 16:16; Acts 8:36–37, 2:41, 8:12, 18:8 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Holy rapture The Lord hath appeard of old unto me, saying, Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee. - Jeremiah 31 v 3 Does it give you no joy to feel that God thought upon you in love before the foundation of the world? That when He was alone from all eternity He gave you to the Son to be redeemed? 'Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee. 'Does it give you no joy to think that the Son of God thought on you with love before the world was : 'My delights were with the children of men.' That He came into the world bearing your name upon His heart, that he prayed for you on the night of His agony: 'Neither pray I for these alone, but for all those that shall believe on me through their word'. Does it give you no joy that he thought upon you in His bloody sweat, that He thought of you upon the cross, and intended these sufferings to be in your stead? Oh, little children, how it would lift your hearts in holy rapture above the world, above its vexing cares, its petty quarrels, it polluting pleasures, if you would keep this holy joy within, taking up the very word of your Lord: 'Father, thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world'! Daily Prayer - Wednesday
- Give thanks to God for the Bible, its inspiration and preservstion 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) 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 - (No Preface) Proverbs 14 Preface - Paul saluteth the Philippians, and testifieth his thankfulness to God for thier uninterrupted fellowship in the gospel: his affection for them, and prayers for their spiritual improvement. He informeth them that his bonds at Rome had turned out to the advancement of the gospel, which many were thereby induced to preach, though with different views: that considering how serviceable his life might be to the cause of Christ, though for himself it were happier to die, he was doubtful in his choice: but that he knew he should soon be at liberty to visit them again for their comfort. He exhorteth them to walk worthy of their profession, and to be steady and unanimours in the faith, for which they had already been fellowsufferers with him. Philippians 1 Daily Light - Morning To him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of the lord. 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. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Pro. 11.18; Mt. 25.19-21 2 Co. 5.10 2 Tim. 4.7-8 Rev. 3.11 Daily Light - Evening God is faithful. God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? - The Lord sware and will not repent. 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. - Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 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 - Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. - All the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 1 Co. 10.13; Nu. 23.19; He. 7.21 He. 6.17-18; 1 Pe. 4.19 2 Tim. 1.12; 1 Th. 5.24; 2 Co. 1.20 A puritans Catechism Q 22 - What offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer? A - Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his state of himiliation and exaltation. Of Baptism Chapter 28 PARAGRAPH 1 Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, to be unto the party baptized, a sign of his fellowship with him, in his death and resurrection; of his being engrafted into him;1 of remission of sins;2 and of giving up into God, through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of life.3 1 Rom. 6:3–5; Col. 2:12; Gal. 3:27 2 Mark 1:4; Acts 22:16 3 Rom. 6:4 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Not so the believer I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. - Song of Solomon 5 v 6 In the parable we find that, when the bride found her husband was gone, she did not return to her rest; Oh, no! Her soul failed for his word. She listens, she seeks, she calls. She receives no answer. She asks the watchmen, but they wound her, and take away her veil; still she is not broken off from seeking. She sets the daughters of Jerusalem to seek along with her. So is it with the believer. When the slothful believer is really awakened to feel that Christ has withdrawn Himself, and is gone, he is slothful no longer. Believers remain at ease only so long as they flatter themselves that all is well; but if they are made sinsible, by a fall into sin, or by a fresh discovery of the wickedness of their heart, that Christ is away from them, they cannot rest. The world can rest quite well, even while they know that they are not in Christ. Satan lulls them into fatal repose. Not so the believer - he cannot rest. 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 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 Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (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 - (no preface) Proverbs 13 Preface - The relative duties of children, and parents; of servants, and masters. Paul exhorteth the brethren to resist spiritual enemies by putting on the whole armour of God, and by perseverance in prayer, which he requireth for all saints, and particularly for himself, that he might preach the gospel with due boldness. He commendeth Tychicus, and concludeth with good wishes to all sincere Christians. Ephesians 6 Daily Light - Morning The kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods... to every man according to his several ability. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey...? Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal... But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. - As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. - It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. - Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Who is sufficient for these things? - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Mt. 25.14,15; Ro. 6.16 1 Co. 12.4-7,11; 1 Pe. 4.10; 1 Co. 4.2; Lu. 12.48 2 Co. 2.16; Phil. 4.13 Daily Light - Evening Distributing to the necessity of saints. David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungred, and ye have me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me... Inasmuch as ye have doet it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. - Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. To do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. - God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Ro. 12.13; 2 Sa. 9.1 Mt. 25.34-60,40; Mt. 10.42 He. 13.16; He. 6.10 A Puritans Catechism Q 22 - What offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer? A - Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his state of humiliation and exaltation. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper Chapter 28 PARAGRAPH 2 These holy appointments are to be administered by those only who are qualified and thereunto called, according to the commission of Christ.2 2 Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 4:1 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings At the heart's door I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh... - Song of Solomon 5 v 2 Even believers have got doors upon their hearts. You would think, perhaps, that when once Christ has found an entrance into a poor sinner's heart, He would never find difficulty in getting in any more. You would think that as Samson carried off the gates of Gaza, bar and all, so Christ would carry away all the gates and bars from believing heart; but no, there is still a door on the heart, and Christ stands and knocks. He would fain be in. It is not His pleasure that we should sit lonely and desolate. He would fain come into us, and sup with us, and we with him. Daily 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) 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 - (No Preface) Proverbs 12 Preface - Paul exhorteth to the imitation of God, and of the love of Christ: to avoid fornication and all uncleanness, which exclude from the kingdom of God, and draw down God's wrath on unbelievers: with whose works of darkness Christians, that have better light to inform and influence them, should have no fellowship: to walk with prudence and circumspection; not to drink wine to excess, but to be filled with the Spirit, singing psalms, and giving thanks to God; and being in due subordination to one another. The duty of wives toward their husbands, and of husbands toward their wives, enforced by the example of Christ and his church. Ephesians 5 Daily Light - Morning I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world... At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it my not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me. - When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. - I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. - I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. - My peace I give unto you. He. 13.5; He. 13.6 Ge. 28.15; Deu. 31.6 2 Tim. 4.10,16-17; Ps. 27.10 Mt. 28.20; Rev. 1.18; Jn. 14.18; Jn. 14.27 Daily Light - Evening Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea. Though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me, yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!... I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. - My word...shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please. - So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Lu. 5.5; Mt. 28.18-20 Mt. 13.47 1 Co. 9.16,22 Ga. 6.9; Isa. 55.11; 1 Co. 3.7 A Puritans Catechism Q 21 - How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man? A - Christ, the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper Chapter 28 PARAGRAPH 1 Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of positive and sovereign institution, appointed by the Lord Jesus, the only lawgiver, to be continued in his church to the end of the world.1 1 Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:26 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The second look Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. - Revelation 1 v 7 The first look to Christ makes the sinner mourn; the second look to Christ makes the sinner rejoice. When the soul looks first to Christ, he sees half the truth. He sees the wrath of God against sin, that God is holy and must avenge sin, that he can by no means clear the guilty. He sees that God's wrath is infinite, When he looks to Christ again, he sees the other half of the truth. The love of God to the lost, that God has provided a surety free to all. It is this that fills the soul with joy. Oh, it is strange, that the same object should break the heart and heal it! A look to Christ wounds, a look to Christ heals. Many, I fear, have only a half look at Christ, and this causes only grief. Many are slow of heart to believe all that is spoken concerning Jesus. They believe all except that he is free to them. They do not see this glorious truth: 'That a crucified Jesus is free to every sinner in the orld,' that Christ's all is free to all. 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. Moeover 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 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. 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 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) (Sunday morning) Scripture reading - Genesis 24 v 1-33, 50-67 - Sermon taken by Pastor Graham Doctrine Class- Sunday afternoon - (after lunch) in church (and also available online via FaceBook) (Sunday afternoon) Scripture reading - Imputed Righteousness Scripture readings - 2 Corinthians 5 v 20-21; Romans 5 v 18-21; Romans 3 v 10; Romans 5 v 12; Romans 4 v 8; Romans 4 v 23-25 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 Proverbs 11 - (no Preface) Preface - Paul exhorteth to those virtues which become the Christian calling, paricularly to unity: declaring that Christ gave his gifts differently, that his body the church might be built up and perfected in the true faith by the cooperation of the individual members with one another, and with him their head. He calleth me off from the vain and impure conversation of the heathen world, to renouce the old, and to put on the new, man: to discard lying, and sinful anger; to leave off dishonest practices, and to gain by honest labour what they have occasion for; to use no corrupt talk, nor grieve God's Spirit; to put away all expressions of ill will, and to practise mutual kindness and forgiveness. Ephesians 4 Daily Light - Morning (Abram) believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. The promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. The just shall live by faith. - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) - Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. - With God nothing shall be impossible... And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Ge. 15.6; Ro. 4.20-24 Ro. 4.13 Ro. 1.17; He. 10.23; Ps. 115.3; Lu. 1.37,45 Daily Light - Evening God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight...but now is my kingdom not from hence. - Expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. - Thou...hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. - I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them...and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. - Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. - Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Isreal. Thy kingdom come. 1 Th. 2.12; Jn. 18.36; He. 10.13 Rev. 11.15; Rev. 5.9,10; Rev. 20.4; Mt. 13.43; Lu. 12.32 Lu. 22.29-30 Mt. 6.10 A Puritans Catechism Q 20 - Who is the Redeemer of God's elect? A - The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God became man, and so was, and continues to be God and man, in two distinct natures and one person, forever. Of the Communion of Saints Chapter 27 PARAGRAPH 2 Saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification;4 as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities, and necessities;5 which communion, according to the rule of the gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relation wherein they stand, whether in families,6 or churches,7 yet, as God offers opportunity, is to be extended to all the household of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus; nevertheless their communion one with another as saints, does not take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man has in his goods and possessions.8 4 Heb. 10:24–25, 3:12–13 5 Acts 11:29–30 6 Eph. 6:4 7 1 Cor. 12:14–27 8 Acts 5:4; Eph. 4:28 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Soul sickness I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love Song of Solomon 5 v 8 In the parable, the bride told the daughters of Jerusalem that she was sick of love. This was the message she bade them carry; and when they asked her about her beloved, she gave them a rich and glowing description of his perfect beauty ending by saying: 'He is altogether lovely.' So it is with the believer in time of darkness: 'He is sick of love.' When Christ is present to the soul, there is no feeling of sickness. Christ is the health of the countenance. When I have him full in my faith as a complete surety, a calm tranquillity is spread over the whole inner man, the pulse of the soul has a calm and easy flow, the heart rests in a present Saviour with a healthy, placid affection. The soul is contented with him, at rest in him: 'Return unto thy rest, O my soul.' There is no feeling of sickness. It is health to the bones; it is the very health of the soul to look upon Him, and to love Him. 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 the contacts 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) 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 - From this chapter to the twenty-fifth are various observations of moral virtues and their dontrary vices. Proverbs 10 Preface - Paul, in bonds for preaching Christ to the Gentiles, sheweth that the mystery of their calling, heretofore hidden, had been revealed to him, that by his ministry God's gracious purpose might be universally known, and the Gentiles be assured of their acceptance by faith. He desireth his Ephesian converts not to be discouraged at his sufferings on their account; and prayeth that God would strengthen their faith and knowledge of the infinite love of Christ. He giveth glory to God for his power in the church by Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3 Daily Light - Morning Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. Thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. - Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground... I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. - To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. - I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour... I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. - Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? - Ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. - Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Rev. 4.8; Ps. 22.3; Ex.3.5,6; Isa. 40.25; Isa. 43.3,11 1 Pe. 1.15-16; 1 Co. 6.19; 2 Co. 6.16; Am. 3.3 Daily Light - Evening They constrained him, saying, Abide with us. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. - Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? - I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. - I am come into my garden. - I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end o fthe world. - I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. - Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. - The world seeth me no more; but ye see me. Lu. 24.29; Rev. 3.20; Song 1.7; Song 3.4 Song 4.16; Song 5.1; Isa. 45.19 Mt. 28.20; He. 13.5; Mt. 18.20; Jn. 14.19 A Puritans Catechism Q 19 - Did God leave all mankind to perish in the state of sin and misery? A - God, having out of his good pleasure from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the state of sin and misery, and to bring them into a state of salvation by a Redeemer. Of the Communion of Saints Chapter 27 PARAGRAPH 1 All saints that are united to Jesus Christ, their head, by his Spirit, and faith, although they are not made thereby one person with him, have fellowship in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory;1 and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each others gifts and graces,2 and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.3 1 1 John 1:3; John 1:16; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5–6 2 Eph. 4:15–16; 1 Cor. 12:7; 3:21–23 3 1 Thess. 5:11,14; Rom. 1:12; 1 John 3:17–18; Gal. 6:10 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The utmost farthing Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. - Romans 4 v 25 If you saw a criminal put into prison, and the prison doors closed behind him, and if you never saw him come out again, then you might well believe that he was still lying in prison, and still enduring the just sentence of the law. But if you saw the prison doors fly open, and the prisoner going free; if you saw him walking at large in the streets, then you would know at once that he had satisfied the justice of his country, that he had suffered all that it was needful to suffer, that he had paid the utmost farthing. So with the Lord Jesus, he was counted a criminal - the crimes of guilty sinners against God were all laid at His door, and he was condemned on account of them. He was hurried away to the death of the cross, and the gloomy prison-house of His rocky sepulchre where the stone was rolled to the mouth of the grave. If you never saw Him come out, then you might well believe that He was still enduring the just sentence of the law. But, lo! 'he is risen - he is not here' - 'Christ is risen indeed.' God, who was His judge, hath raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places; so that you may be quite sure He has satisfied the justice of God. He has suffered everything that it was needful for Him to suffer - He paid the utmost farthing. |
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