Daily Prayer - Wednesday
- Give thanks to God for the Bible, its inspiration and preservation for us to read it today. (2 Timothy 3.16, Proverbs 30.5.) - Give thanks to God that we have easy access to the Scripture in English, in our mother tongue. - Pray the Lord would bless us as we study the Bible through the ministry this coming year. That as we work through a book of the Bible the Lord would continue to help us to grasp God's truth. - Pray for the Lunchtime outreach service and those who attend; pray that more from the offices nearby and Christians who commute are able to join us. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) (Wednesday evening) - Scripture reading - Psalm 87; Hebrews 12 v 22 - By Jonathan Arnold Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The church professeth her faith in Christ. Christ sheweth the graces of the church, and His love toward her. Song of Solomon 6 Preface - The love of the church to Christ. The vehemency of love. The calling of the Gentiles. The church prayeth for Christ's coming. Hebrews 6 Daily Light - Morning The fruit of the Spirit is...peace... To be spiritually minded is life and peace. God hath called us to peace. - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - The God of hope fill you wiht all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 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. - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. - Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Great peace have they which love thy law. Ga. 5.22; Ro. 8.6 1 Co. 7.15; Jn. 14.27; Ro. 15.13 2 Tim. 1.12; Isa. 26.3 Isa. 32.17-18; Pro. 1.33 Ps. 119.165 Daily Light - Evening The LORD is there. (marg. Jehovah-shammah) Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. I saw no temple...for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. - Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion. - Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. - There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him. Ezek. 48.35; Rev. 21.3 Rev. 21.22-23 Ps. 17.15; Ps. 73.25 Joel 3.20-21; Zech. 2.10; Rev. 22.3 A Puritans Catechism Q 54 - What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment? A - The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and prosperity - as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good - to all such as keep this commandment. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God' Decree Chapter 3 PARAGRAPH 6 As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so He hath, by the eternal and most free purpose of His will, foreordained all the means thereunto;13 wherefore they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ,14 are effectually called unto faith in Christ, by His Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified,15 and kept by His power through faith unto salvation;16 neither are any other redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.17 13 1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Thess. 2:13 14 1 Thess. 5:9–10 15 Rom. 8:30; 2 Thess. 2:13 16 1 Pet. 1:5 17 John 10:26, 17:9, 6:64 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Partakers of one grace He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. - John 4 v 36 He that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. Christian friends are sweet to the Christian. Those who are sharers of our spiritual secrets, those who mingle prayer with us before the throne, those who never forget us when within the veil - oh, there is something cheering in the very light of their kindly eye! It is an intercourse of which the world knows nothing. We have them in our heart, inasmuch as they are partakers of one grace, washed in one fountain, filled with the same Spirit, members one of another.
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Daily Prayer - Tuesday
- Give thanks to God for those who have recently recovered from sickness. - Pray for those who are sick or receiving treatment in our congregation. - Pray the Lord would grant us grace to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20) Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Christ awaketh the church with His calling. The church having a taste of Christ's love is sick of love. A description of Christ by his graces. Song of Solomon 5 Preface - Concerning the office of high priests taken from among men: wherewith Christ's priesthood is compared, and its privileges set forth: a further account of which is deferred, and for what reason. Hebrews 5 Daily Light - Morning Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected. The God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Herby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. - If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. - Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. - Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 1 Jn. 2.5; He. 13.20-21 1 Jn. 2.3; Jn. 14.23; 1 Jn. 3.6,7; 1 Jn. 4.17 Daily Light - Evening He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding. The LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering. - The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Be ye...followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love. - The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. - This is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully... If, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God... Christ...suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who...when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he thretened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. Be ye angry, and sin not. Pro. 14.29; Ex. 35.6; 2 Pe. 3.9 Eph. 5.1; Ga. 5.22-23; 1 Pe. 2.19-21,23 Eph. 4.26 A Puritans Catechism Q 53 - What is required in the fifth commandment? A - The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honour, and performing the duties, belonging to everyone in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God' Decree Chapter 3 PARAGRAPH 5 Those of mankind that are predestinated to life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to His eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of His mere free grace and love,11 without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving Him thereunto.12 11 Eph. 1:4, 9, 11; Rom. 8:30; 2 Tim. 1:9; I Thess. 5:9 12 Rom. 9:13,16; Eph. 2:5,12 Robert Murray - M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Arise, shine! Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. - Isaiah 60 v 1 Christians are to become like Christ - little suns, to rise and shine upon a dark world. He rises and shine upon us, and then says to us, 'Arise, shine.' This is Christ's command to all on whom He has arisen. Dear Christians, 'ye are the light of the world.' Poor, and feeble, and dark, and sinful though ye be, Christ has arisen upon you for this very end, that you might arise and shine. Be like the sun, which shineth every day, and on every place. Wherever he goes he carries light; so do you. Some shine in public before men, but are dark as night in their own family. Dear Christian, look more to Christ, and you will shine more constantly. Make it the business of your life to shine. If the sun were to grow weary of running his daily journey, would you not say it should be taken down? Just so, if you grow weary in well-doing, in shining with Christ's beauty, you too should be taken down and cast away. 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 abilitie 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 amassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20) Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Christ setteth forth the graces of the church: He sheweth His love to her. The church prayeth to be made fit for His presence. Song of Solomon 4 Preface - The rest of Christians to be attained by faith. The power of God's word. Having Jesus the Son of God for our high priest, we must hold fast our profession, and come boldly unto the throne of grace. Hebrews 4 Daily Light - Morning Consider how great things he hath done for you. Thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no... Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. 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, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. - The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. - He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him... He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 1 Sa. 12.24; Deu. 8.2,5 Ps. 119.67,71,75; Ps. 118.18; Ps. 103.10-11,14 Daily Light - Evening That blessed hope...the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus. - Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things. - When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe. The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also...groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. - Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. - When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Surely I come quickly. Aman. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Titus 2.13; He. 6.19-20; Ac. 3.21; 2 Th. 1.10 Ro. 8.22-23; 1 Jn. 3.2; Col. 3.4 Rev. 22.20 A Puritans Catechism Q 52 - Which is the fifth commandment? A - The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God' Decree Chapter 3 PARAGRAPH 4 These angels and men thus predestinated and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed, and their number so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished. 10 10 2 Tim. 2:19; John 13:18 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 mroe 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. Dear Congregation,
I want to thank all of you who have prayed and supported the work of the Gospel through the church in 2023 and this first month of 2024. It is a great joy to minister at Westminster Baptist and I love the church here greatly. Through this past year, there have been heart-wrenching tragedies alongside blessings too. This is often the case in Christian life and yet we are called to keep trusting and believing. We often bear the battle scars of past experience and circumstance, as we live in this sinful world and anticipate heaven. We see Mordecai, mocked and scorned for years in Esther and on the brink of execution, yet he latterly knew blessing from God. The most important thing was he was faithful in serving the Lord. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful - 1 Corinthians 4.2. This verse especially applies to ministers, church workers, but to all Christians. We are stewards of the oracles of God and to us has the light of the gospel been revealed. We should therefore be striving to be faithful, not popular, faithful. May that be our aim by the grace of God. In the beginning month in recent years we have spent a week praying together on each day for certain things. As a reminder that with continuing faith that prayer is essential. Key to our hope and joy and endurance and love, and with new resolve to make time to pray regularly alone and with your family and with some group of fellow believers. Alongside reading the Scriptures these should be our daily routine. There are various encouragements in the Scriptures to pray: - Pray without ceasing (1 Th. 5:17). - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ep. 6:18). - Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Col. 4:2). These are a few verses of the many that encourage us to pray and undoubtedly set before us a biblical mandate that we should be concerned to pray. Maybe you have fallen out of the 'habit' or relegated prayer to a part time practice; or you only pray when trouble or danger comes. To that end I would ask the church to pray, if led, the suggested topics below so we might pray for the same things (roughly speaking) on the same day to encourage us. Let us be prayerful people and realise we too need prayer. To say we are praying for someone should be an expressio of concern but an indication of our own action to bring the matter before God, before the throne of Grace through the believers mediator and High Priest. Jesus Christ, Paul even requests prayer for himself and those labouring fo rthe Gospel with him twice in 1 and 2 Thessalonians saying 'brethren pray for us'. May we be a prayerful church and prayerful individuals, knowing that we have a prayer hearing and answering God. Pastor Jonathan Arnold Daily Prayer - Sunday - God thanks to God for His character, perfect, unchangeable, the same yesterday today and forever. - Give thanks to God that we can meet in the church and have fellowship with one another. - Pray the Lord would grant the preaching of his word power and clarity, and there are ready ears to hear and believe it. (2 Thes. 3.1.) - Pray we would be granted faithful ministry and good spiritual food from God's Word. (1 Peter 2.2.) Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) (Doctrine Class) Scripture Message - How the bible came to be - Scripture - 1 Peter 1 v 7-13; 2 Peter 1 v 7-13, 23-25; 2 Peter 1; Romans 3 v 2; Psalm 119 v 89; Matthew 5 v 18 - Class taken by Jonathan Arnold Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The church's fight and victory in temptation. The church glorieth in Christ. Song of Solomon 3 Preface - Christ is shewed to be more worthy than Moses: we must be careful therefore not to follow the example of the obstinate and unbelieving Israelites in the wilderness. Hebrews 3 Daily Light - Morning Behold the Lamb of God. It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. - He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 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...manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God...that your faith and hope might be in God. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Jn. 1.29; He. 10.4-7; Isa. 53.7 1 Pe. 1.18-21 Rev. 5.12 Daily Light - Evening I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. Not as thou I had already attained, either were already perfect. - Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God. - The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. - I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion. - They rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. - Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me. - Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. - Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Ps. 71.14; Phil. 3.12; He. 6.1; Pro. 4.18 Ps. 116.1-2; Ps. 34.1 Ps. 65.1; Rev. 4.8; Ps. 50.23; 1 Th. 5.16-18; Phil. 4.4 A Puritans Catechism Q 51 - 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. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God' Decree Chapter 3 PARAGRAPH 3 By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestinated, or foreordained to eternal life through Jesus Christ,7 to the praise of His glorious grace;8 others being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of His glorious justice.9 7 1 Tim. 5:21; Matt. 25:34 8 Eph. 1:5–6 9 Rom. 9:22–23; Jude 4 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Angels unawares Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. - Hebrews 13 v 2 You remember how a poor widow of Sarepta received Elijah into her house, and how he was a blessing to her; for her barrel of meal never wasted, and her cruse of oil never failed; and her son was brought to life again through Elijah's prayer. Ah, brethren, be careful to entertain the children of God, you will find them angels in disguise. Wherever a child of God is, God's eye is upon that spot by night and day. Oh, it is good to be near to the children of God, that we may share in their blessing. He that receiveth them receiveth Jesus. Blessed is he that blesseth them and cursed is he that curseth them. 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) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The mutual love of Christ and His church. The hope, and calling of the church. Christ's care of the church. The profession of he church, her faith and hope. Song of Solomon 2 Preface - The obligation we are under to give more earnest heed to the gospel doctrine. The dominion of the world to come as not granted to angels, but to the Son of man, whom it behoved to undergo a previous course of humiliantion and suffering. Hebrews 2 Daily Light - Morning Brethren, the time is short. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. - The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. - As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive... Death is swallowed up in victory. - Whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we di unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's - To live is Christ, and to die is gain. Cast not away...your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. - The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. - The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Co. 7.29; Job 14.1-2; 1 Jn. 2.17; 1 Co. 15.22,54; Ro. 14.8; Phil. 1.21 He. 10.35-37; Ro. 13.12; 1 Pe. 4.7 Daily Light - Evening A new name. The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. - Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. - They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. - Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 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. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. Be ye...followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints... Now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. Rev. 2.17; Ac. 11.26; 2 Tim. 2.19; Ga. 5.24; 1 Co. 6.20 Ga. 6.14-15 Eph. 5.1-3,8 A Puritans Catechism Q 50 - 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. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God' Decree Chapter 3 PARAGRAPH 2 Although God knoweth whatsoever may or can come to pass, upon all supposed conditions,5 yet hath He not decreed anything, because He foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.6 5 Acts 15:18 6 Rom. 9:11,13,16,18 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path Daily Devotional Readings Mark the change And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: - Genesis 12 v 2 Abraham, before his conversion, was doubtless as selfish and ungodly as any unconverted man among us. Doubtless he thought it beneath him to have family prayer, or to teach his children and servants to know the Saviour. Doubtless he was as cold and selfish in these things as most are among ourselves. But mark the change! When Abraham becomes a child of God, he builds a family altar wherever he goes; and though he had hundres of servants under him, yet he cared anxiously for the souls of them all. 'For I know him,' says God, 'that he will command his servants and his household after him, to keep the ways of the Lord.' Before, he had been a curse; but now he is a blessing. Dorcas before her conversion was doubtless as selfish, and as fond of worldly things, as all unconverted people are. Doubtless she thought it beneath her to make coats and garments for the poor, doubtless she was as selfish in these things as most are amongst us. But mark the change! When she becomes a child of God, then to do good and to distribute seems to have been the pleasure of her life. This woman was full of good works and alms-deeds, which she did. Before she had been a curse; but now she is a blessing. Paul I before his conversion was as great an enemy to the truth and as keen a persecutor of Christians as most unconverted persons are: 'I thought I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth; I was a blasphemer, and persecutor, and injurious.' But mark the change, when he became a child of God: 'In the bowels of Jesus Christ I long after you all;' 'I will very gladly spend and be spent for you.' Are you converted? Then see that you be a blessing. Once you were a curse. See that you be as much a blessing. Daily Prayer - Friday
- Give thanks to God for many good things we enjoy and daily blessings. - Pray the Lord would supply the needs of those in the congregation at Westminster and guide us as we help those destitute and suffering. Especially those we have met in the pandemic. (Numbers 6.24-26.) - Pray for the ministry among the children and that they would know Christ from a young age. A rich blessing in this troubled world. - Pray for the evangelistic work, that people would know the greatest blessing of all: salvationby the grace of God through Christ. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The church's love unto Christ: she confesseth her deformity, and prayeth to be directed to His flock. Christ directeth her to the shepherd's tents: and shewing His love to her, giveth her gracious promises. The church and Christ congratulate one another. Song of Solomon1 Preface - The essential dignity of the Son, by whom God hath revealed himself in these last days: his preeminence above the angels in office. Hebrews 1 Daily Light - Morning His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me. Underneath are the everlasting arms. - When (Peter) saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? - The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders. - Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. - He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all. Song 2.6; Deu. 33.27; Mt. 14.30-31; Ps. 37.23-24 Deu. 33.12; 1 Pe. 5.7; Zech. 2.8 Jn. 10.28-29 Daily Light - Evening Who is she that looketh forth as the morning. fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? The church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himslef a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. There appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun. - The marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. - The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. The glory which thou gavest me I have given them. Song 6.10; Ac. 20.28 Eph. 5.25-27 Rev. 12.1; Rev. 19.7-8; Ro. 3.22 Jn. 17.22 A Puritans Catechism Q 49 - Which is the fourth commandment? A - The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservent, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God' Decree Chapter 3 PARAGRAPH 1 God hath decreed in himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass;1 yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein;2 nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established;3 in which appears His wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing His decree.4 1 Isa. 46:10; Eph. 1:11; Heb. 6:17; Rom. 9:15,18 2 James 1:13; 1 John 1:5 3 Acts 4:27–28; John 19:11 4 Num. 23:19; Eph. 1:3–5 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. - Hebrews 2 v 27 You remember when Elisha and his servant were in Dothan, and a great host of enemies compassed them in, the young man cried, Alas, my master, how shall we do? and Elisha answered, Fear not, for they that be with us, are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, 'Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see.' And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. Dear brethren, believe what you do not see. Live by faith in a Covenant-keeping God. 'God is faithful, who also will do it.' Daily Prayer - Thursday
- Give thanks to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. - Give thanks to God for the freedoms we have to share the Gospel in England and pray that it may continue. - Pray for missionaries across the world who are seeking to preach the Gospel and establish a faithful church. - Pray for those in persecuted countries who have to meet in secret. Even those who are now in prison for their faith. Give thanks to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The Creator to be remembered in due time. The preacher's care to edify. The general conclusion, that man's chief concern is to fear God, and obey his laws. Ecclesiastes 12 Preface - The salutation. Paul declareth his joy in hearing of the love and faith of Philemon; earnestly entreating him to receive into his favour his once fugitive servant Onesimus, now become a faithful Christian. He desireth him to provide a lodging for himself, who was in expectation of a speedy release; and concludeth with salutations and a benediction. Philemon Daily Light - Morning Thou shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins. - That we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. - He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed... The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. - Thus it behoved Christ to suffer...that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations. - He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour...to give repentance. - Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. - Your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. Mt. 1.21; 1 Jn. 3.5; 1 Pe. 2.24; He. 7.25 Isa. 53.5,6; Lu. 24.46,47; He. 9.26 Ac. 5.31; Ac.13.38-39; 1 Jn. 2.12 Daily Light - Evening Our Lord Jesus Christ...though he was rich, yet for your sakes...became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. - The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. - Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation. The foxes have holes, and the birds o fthe air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. All things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's 2 Co. 8.9; Col. 1.19; He. 1.3,4; Phil. 2.6-7 Mt. 8.20 1 Co. 3.21-23 A Puritans Catechism Q 48 - What is required in the third commandment? A - The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, and works. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God and The Holy Trinity Chapter 2 PARAGRAPH 3 In this divine and infinite Being there are three subsistences, the Father, the Word or Son, and Holy Spirit,27 of one substance, power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided:28 the Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father;29 the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son;30 all infinite, without beginning, therefore but one God, who is not to be divided in nature and being, but distinguished by several peculiar relative properties and personal relations; which doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence on Him. 27 1 John 5:7; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14 28 Exod. 3:14; John 14:11; I Cor. 8:6 29 John 1:14,18 30 John 15:26; Gal. 4:6 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The righteousness of God For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. - Romans 1 v 17 There is something infinitely vast and glorious in the righteousness of God. When the deluge covered the earth, it covered the highest mountains. Looking down from above, not one mountain-top could be seen, but a vast world of waters - a vast plain reflecting the beams of the sun. So if you this day lie down under the rightousness of God, the mountains of your sins will not be seen, but only the vast, deep, glorious righteousness of your God and Saviour. If you were to cast a stone into the deepest part of the ocean, it would be lost and swallowed up by the deep waves of ocean; so when a sinner is cast down under the righteousness of God, he is as it were lost and swalled up in Christ. Daily Prayer - Wednesday
- Give thanks to God for the Bible its inspiration and preservation for us to read it today. (2 Timothy 3.16, Proverbs 30.5.) - Give thanks to God that we have easy access to the Scripture in English, in our mother tongue. - Pray the Lord would bless us as we study the Bible through the ministry this coming year. That as we work through a book of the Bible the Lord would continue to help us to grasp God's truth. - Pray for the Lunchtime outreach service and those who attend; pray that more from the offices nearby and Christians who commute are able to join us. Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Exhortations to charitableness. Death ought to be remembered in life, and the day of judgment in the days of youth. Ecclesiastes 11 Preface - Christians are admonished to be subject to civil powers, and of a peaceable and quiet demeanour. They are saved from their sins by God's mercy through Christ, but must maintain good works. Genealogies and contentions about the law are to be avoided; and obstinate heretics to be rejected. Paul appointeth Titus when and where to come to him; recommendeth acts of mercy to Christians; and concludeth with salutations and a benediction. Titus 3 Daily Light - Morning The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: god is a refuge for us. - David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. - God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. - I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heartd their groaning, and am come down to deliver them... He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. - There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. He is faithful that promised. - Hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? - Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. - The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Ge. 21.1; Ps. 62.8; 1 Sa. 30.6; Ge. 50.24; Ac. 7.34,36; Jos. 21.45 He. 10.23; Nu. 23.19; Mt. 24.35; Isa. 40.8 Daily LIght - Evening The eyes of all wait upon thee. He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. - The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. - Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. - Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand o ftheir masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God. The LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. - And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. - If we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Ps. 145.15; Ac. 17.25; Ps. 145.9; Mt. 6.26 Ro. 10.12 Ps. 121.1; Ps. 123.2 Isa. 30.18; Isa. 25.9; Ro. 8.25 A Puritans Catechism Q 47 - Which is the third commandment? A - The third commandment is, thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God and The Holy Trinity Chapter 2 PARAGRAPH 2 God, having all life,17 glory,18 goodness,19 blessedness, in and of Himself, is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creature which He hath made, nor deriving any glory from them,20 but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them; He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things,21 and He hath most sovereign dominion over all creatures, to do by them, for them, or upon them, whatsoever Himself pleases;22 in His sight all things are open and manifest,23 His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to Him contingent or uncertain;24 He is most holy in all His counsels, in all His works,25 and in all His commands; to Him is due from angels and men, whatsoever worship,26 service, or obedience, as creatures they owe unto the Creator, and whatever He is further pleased to require of them. 17 John 5:26 18 Ps. 148:13 19 Ps. 119:68 20 Job 22:2–3 21 Rom. 11:34-36 22 Dan. 4:25,34–35 23 Heb. 4:13 24 Ezek. 11:5; Acts 15:18 25 Ps. 145:17 26 Rev. 5:12-14 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings None but Jesus Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. - Psalm 31 v 5 Some Christians have little affliction. They sail on a smooth sea, they enjoy health of body for years together, they never knew what it was to want a comfortable meal. Death has perhaps not once entered their dwelling. They think it will be always thus. But a change comes. The 'harp of thousand strings' becomes our tune. The 'clay cottage' gives tokens of decay, or grim want invades their dwelling, or death comes up into the window. Ah! it is hard to bear. 'No affliction for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous.' Who can comfort? None but Jesus. He knew all sorrow, deeper sorrows than we have ever known, or will ever know. His heart is not of stone. He feels along with us. He afflicts not willingly. He seeks to bring us more to himself. O afflicted believer, commit thy weeping, suffering, pining, trembling soul to Jesus. 'Into thine hand I commit my spirit.' Daily Prayer - Tuesday
- Give thanks to God for those who have recently recovered from sickness. - Pray for those who are sick or receiving treatment in our congregation. - Pray the Lord would grant us grace to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20) Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Observations on wisdom and folly; virtues of governors; on slothfulness; thoughts of kings ought to be reverent. Ecclesiastes 10 Preface - Directions given to Titus both for his doctrine and life. The duty of servants. The gospel teacheth all men to renounce wickedness, and to lead sober, righteous, and godly, lives. Titus 2 Daily Light - Morning The Lord was my stay. Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel. - The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, an dthe horn of my salvation, and my high tower. - Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them... The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. - The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. - So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. - For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. By the grace of God I am what I am. Ps. 18.18; Jer. 3.23; Ps. 18.2; Isa. 12.6 Ps. 34.7,17; Deu. 33.27; He. 13.6; Ps. 18.31-32 1 Co. 15.10 Daily Light - Evening All we like sheep have gone astray. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. - There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth... They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable. Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. - I have gone astray like a lost sheep;; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? Isa. 53.6; 1 Jn. 1.8; Ro. 3.10-12 1 Pe. 2.25; Ps. 119.176 Ps. 23.3 Jn. 10.27-28 Lu. 15.4 A Puritans Catechism Q 46 - What is forbidden in the second commandment? A - The second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his Word. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of God and The Holy Trinity Chapter 2 PARAGRAPH 1 The Lord our God is but one only living and true God;1 whose subsistence is in and of Himself,2 infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself;3 a most pure spirit,4 invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;5 who is immutable,6 immense,7 eternal,8 incomprehensible, almighty,9 every way infinite, most holy,10 most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will,11 for His own glory;12 most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,13 and withal most just and terrible in His judgments,14 hating all sin,15 and who will by no means clear the guilty.16 1 1 Cor. 8:4,6; Deut. 6:4 2 Jer. 10:10; Isa. 48:12 3 Exod. 3:14 4 John 4:24 5 1 Tim. 1:17; Deut. 4:15–16 6 Mal. 3:6 7 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:23 8 Ps. 90:2 9 Gen. 17:1 10 Isa. 6:3 11 Ps. 115:3; Isa. 46:10 12 Prov. 16:4; Rom. 11:36 13 Exod. 34:6–7; Heb. 11:6 14 Neh. 9:32–33 15 Ps. 5:5–6 16 Exod. 34:7; Nahum 1:2–3 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Equally righteous I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridgroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61 v 10 I have seen a family of children all dressed alike, that none might boast over the others, all being equally fair. So it is with God's family. They are all righteous in the obedience of one. One garment covers them all - the robe of their elder Brother. Believers differ in attainments, in gifts and graces, but all are equally justified before God. It is not work of their own that justifies them, it is the work of Christ alone. Ah, brethren! there in so boasting in Christ's family. Prayer - Monday - Give thanks to God for salvation and the redemption that is found alone through Jesus Christ. - Give thanks to God for granting us particular skills and abilities that we might fulfil our vocations (jobs, studies, family responsibilities and time we spend alone). (Ecclesiastes 9.10, Ephesians 6.6) - Pray for the Lord's blessing on the working week for us and all in the congregation. - Pray the Lord would grant us grace to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20) Church Services Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Doctrine Class - in church (after lunch) (and also available online via FaceBook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Bible Study and Prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Lunch Hour Service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (and also available online via FaceBook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Like things happen on earth to good and bad men. With the living is hope, but the dead have no more concern with this world. An exhortation cheerfully to enjoy the goods of life, and to act with vigour, while the time serveth. Human probabilities are not always justified by the event. Wisdom is better than strength. Ecclesiastes 9 Preface - The salutation. For what purpose Titus was left in Crete. How they should be qualified who are ordained to the ministry. The mouths of evil teachers must be stopped. The bad character of the cretians. Titus 1 Daily Light - Morning If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will... And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering. - Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. - We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. - A ransom for many. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. - I will love them freely. - The Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. - He hath made us accepted in the beloved. Lev. 1.3,4; Ge. 22.8; Jn. 1.29; He. 10.10; Mt. 20.28 Jn. 10.18; Hos. 14.4; Ga. 2.20 2 Co. 5.21; Eph. 1.6 Daily Light - Evening Great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. Fear him which is able to destoy both soul and body in hell. Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine... I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour... I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. - They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (for the redemption of their soul is precious...)-I have found a ransom. - God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Ps. 86.13; Mt. 10.28 Isa. 43.1,11,25; Ps. 49.6-8; Job 33.24; Eph. 2.4-5 Ac. 4.12 A Puritans Catechism Q 45 - What is required in the second commandment? A - The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his Word. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith Of The Holy Scriptures Chapter 1 PARAGRAPH 9 The supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved.21 21 Matt. 22:29, 31, 32; Eph. 2:20; Acts 28:23 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The comforter Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me. Romans 15 v 30 It is curious to remark, that wherever the Holy Ghost is spoken of in the Bible, He is spoken of in terms of gentleness and love. We often read of the wrath of God the Father, as in Romans 1 v 18 'The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.' And we often read of the wrath of God the Son: 'Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way'; or, 'Revealed from heaven taking vengeance.' But we nowhere read of the wrath of God the Holy Ghost. He is compared to a dove, the gentlest of all creatures. He is warm and gentle as the breath: 'Jesus breathed on them, and said, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.' He is gentle as the falling dew: 'I will be as the dew unto Israel.' He is soft and gentle as oil; for He is called, 'The oil of gladness.' The fine oil wherewith the high priest was anointed was a type of the Spirit. He is gentle and refreshing as the springing well.: 'The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life.' He is called 'The Spirit of grace and of supplications.' He is nowhere called the Spirit of wrath. He is called the 'Holy Ghost, which is the Comforter.' Nowhere is he called the Avenger. We are told that He groans within the heart of a believer, 'helping his infirmities'; so that He greatly helps the believer in prayer. We are told also of the love of the Spirit - nowhere of the wrath of the Spirit. We are told of His being grieved: 'Grieve not the Holy Spirit'; of His being resisted: 'Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost'; of His being quenched: 'Quench not the Spirit.' But these are all marks of gentleness and love. Nowhere will you find one mark of anger or of vengeance attributed to Him; and yet, brethren, when this blessed Spirit begins His work of love, mark how He begins - He convinces of sin. Even He, all-wise, almighty, all-gentle and loving though he be, cannot persuade a poor sinful heart to embrace the Saviour, without first opening up His wounds and convincing him that he is lost. |
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