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Prayer - Monday
-Give thanks to God for salvation and the redemption that is found alone through Jesus Christ. - Give thanks to God for granting us particular skills and abilities that we might fulfil our vocations (jobs, studies, family responsibilities and time we spend alone). (Ecclesiastes 9.10, Ephesians 6.6) - Pray for the Lord's blessing on the working week for us and all in the congregation. - Pray the Lord would grant us grace to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The proclamation of Cyrus for building the temple. The people provide for their return. Cyrus restoreth the vessels of the temple to Sheshbazzar. Ezra 1 Preface - Christ after his resurrection, having given instructions to his apostles, and commanded them to wait in Jerusalem the coming of the Holy Ghost, ascendeth into heaven in their sight. Two angels warn them to depart, and to look for his second coming; they return, and give themselves unto prayer. Peter exhorting to fill up the place of the traitor Judas, Matthias is chosen by lot to be an apostle. Acts 1 Daily Light - Morning This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind...I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Father, I will that they...whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me. - 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. - He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. - Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus. Phil. 3.13,14; Jn. 17.24; 2 Tim. 1.12; Phil. 1.6 1 Co. 9.24-25; He. 12.1-2 Daily Light - Evening The LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee. If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. - O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 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. I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. - I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deu. 31.8; Ex. 33.15; Jer. 10.23 Ps. 37.23-24 Ps. 73.23-24; Ro. 8.38-39 A Puritans Catechism Q21 - 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. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Justification Chapter 11 PARAGRAPH 3 Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those who are justified; and did, by the sacrifice of himself in the blood of his cross, undergoing in their stead the penalty due to them, make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God’s justice in their behalf;8 yet, in as much as he was given by the Father for them, and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead, and both freely, not for anything in them,9 their justification is only of free grace, that both the exact justice and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners.10 8 Heb. 10:14; 1 Pet. 1:18–19; Isa. 53:5–6 9 Rom. 8:32; 2 Cor. 5:21 10 Rom. 3:26; Eph. 1:6–7, 2:7 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Do not forget ... the fashion of this world passeth away - 1 Corinthians 7 v 31 A believer stands on a watch tower - things present are below his feet - things eternal are before his eyes. A little while, brethren, and the day of grace will be over, preaching, praying will be done. Soon we shall give over wrestling with an unbelieving world - soon the number of believers shall be complete, and the sky open over our heads, and Christ shall come. His parting cry was: "Surely I com quickly." Then we shall see him "whom, having not seen, we loved." A little while, and we shall stand before the great white throne; a little while, and the wicked shall not be - we shall see them going away into everlasting punishment; a little while, and the work of eternity shall be begun. We shall be like him - we shall see him day and night in his temple - we shall sing the new song, without sin and without weariness, for ever and ever. In a little moment, brethren, all this shall be: "For a small moment have I hid my face from thee; but with everlasting mercies will I gather thee."
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Dear Congregation,
Thank you all for your prayers and support for the work of the church throughout 2023. I know we all have been through varying difficulties and some through particular hardships. Once again we can thank the Lord that we have been brought through trusting in the Lord as our refuge and strength. As I encouraged the congregation at the start of last year it is vitally important to pray to keep close to God and continue faithfully in our Christian life. Alongside reading the Scriptures these should be our daily routine. There are various encouragements in the Scriptures to pray. - Pray without ceasing (1 th. 5.17). - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ep. 6:18). - Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Col. 4:2). These are a few verses of many that encourage us to pray and undoubtedly set before us a biblical mandate that we should be concerned to pray. Maybe you have fallen out of the 'habit' or relegated prayer to a part time practice; or you only pray when trouble or danger comes. May these verses challenge us all at the start of this new year to be a people of prayer. To that end I would ask the church to pray, if led, the suggested topics below so we might pray for the same things (roughly speaking) on the same day to encourage us. Let us be prayerful people and realise we too need prayer. To say we are praying for someone should be an expression of concern but an indication of our own action to bring the matter before God before the throne of Grace through the believers mediator and High Priest, Jesus Christ. Paul even requests prayer for himself and those labouring for the Gospel with him twice in 1 and 2 Thessalonians saying 'brethren pray for us'. May we this be a prayerful church and prayerful individuals. knowing that we have a prayer hearing and answering God. Jonathan Arnold Prayer - Sunday - God thanks to God for His character, perfect, unchangeable, the same yesterday today and forever. - Give thanks to God that we can meet in the church and have fellowship with one another. - Pray the Lord would grant the preaching of his word power and clarity, and there are ready ears to hear and believe it. (2 Thes. 3.1.) - Pray we would be granted faithful ministry and good spiritual food from God's Word. (1 Peter 2.2.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) (Sunday morning) Scripture reading - Romans 3 v 10-24 Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) (Sunday evening) Scripture reading - Mark 14 v 26-31, 53-54, 56-72 Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Jehoahaz succeeding Josiah is deposed by Pharaoh-necho, and carried into Egypt: Jehoiakin is made king. Jehoiakim reigning wickedly is bound in fetters by Nebuchadnezzar, who carrieth part of the vessels of the temple to Babylon. Jehoiachin is made king, and after a year's reign carried to Babylon with other vessels of the temple: Zedekiah is made king in his stead. Zedekiah reigneth wickedly, despiseth the admonitions of Jeremiah, and rebelleth against Nebuchadnezzar. The sins of the priests and of the people cause the utter destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldees, and the desolation of the land for seventy years. The proclamation of Cyrus for building the temple. 2 Chronicles 36 Preface - The river and tree of life: the glorious state of the servants of God. John is forbidden by the angel to worship him; and commanded not to seal up the prophecy. Christ's coming and eternity. The blessedness of them that do God's commandments. Nothing must be added to or taken from this prophecy. The concluding benediction. Revelation 22 Daily Light - Morning The LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. - In his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. - As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the LORD alone did lead him. Even to your old age I am he; and even to hour hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. - This God is our God for ever and ever: he will be out guide even unto death. Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee. - Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on... For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. Hitherto hath the LORD helped us. Deu. 1.31; Ex. 19.4; Isa. 63.9; Deu. 32.11-12 Isa. 46.4; Ps. 48.14 Ps. 55.22; Mt. 6.25,32 1 Sa. 7.12 Daily Light - Evening There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Be ye therefore perfect. - Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit. There remaineth...a rest to the people of God. - Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off. Jos. 13.1; Phil. 3.12 Mt. 5.48; 2 Pe. 1.5-7 Phil. 1.9 1 Co. 2.9-10 He. 4.9; Isa. 33.17 A Puritans Catechism Q20 - 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. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Justification Chapter 11 PARAGRAPH 2 Faith thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification;6 yet is not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but works by love.7 6 Rom. 3:28 7 Gal.5:6, James 2:17,22,26 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings My Master's time Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5 v 16 What right have I to steal and abuse my Master's time? Redeem it,' He is crying to me. The time is short! - the season near, When death will us remove, To leave our friends, however dear, And all we fondly love! The time is short! sinners, beware, Nor trifle time away; The word of 'great salvation' hear, 'While it is called to-day.' The time is short! ye rebels, now To Christ the Lord submit; To mercy's golden sceptre bow, And fall at Jesus' feet. The time is short! ye saints rejoice, The Lord will quickly come: Soon shall ye hear the Bridegroom's voice, To call your spirits home. The time is short! it swiftly flies, The hou is just at hand, When we shall mount above the skies, And reach Emmanuel's land. Prayer - Saturday
- Give thanks to God that we have good news of salvation to tell that the repentant sinner might have everlasting life through Jesus Christ. (John 3.16.) - Pray the Lord would bless the Gospel outreach by the church in Westminster. Both on Saturday mornings and at services. - Pray the Lord would work in the contacts we have made both on Saturday mornings and at services; through personal conversations and online contacts. Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Josiah causeth a solemn passover to be kept. He goeth to fight with Pharaoh-necho, and is slain in battle at Megiddo. The lamentations made for him. His acts. 2 Chronicles 35 Preface - A new heaven and a new earth. The new Jerusalem. The blessedness of God's people; the judgment of the wicked. A description of the heavenly Jerusalem. Revelations 21 Daily Light - Morning Blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. - That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. - Sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Aman. 1 Co. 1.8; Col. 1.21-23; Phil. 2.15 2 Pe. 3.14; Phil. 1.10 Jude 24-25 Daily Light - Evening He will keep the feet of his saints. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. - He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble... Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil man. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away... Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Sa. 2.9; 1 Jn. 1.6-7; Jn. 13.10 Pro. 4.11-12,14-15-27 2 Tim. 4.18 A Puritans Catechism Q19 - 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. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Justification Chapter 11 PARAGRAPH 1 Those whom God effectually calls, he also freely justifies,1 not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous;2 not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone;3 not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing Christ's active obedience unto the whole law, and passive obedience in his death for their whole and sole righteousness by faith,4 which faith they have not of themselves; it is the gift of God.5 1 Rom. 3:24, 8:30 2 Rom. 4:5–8, Eph. 1:7 3 1 Cor. 1:30–31, Rom. 5:17–19 4 Phil. 3:8–9; Eph. 2:8–10 5 John 1:12, Rom. 5:17 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Strength Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. - Psalm 84 v 5 Remember Jesus for us is all our righteousness before a holy God, and Jesus in us is all our strength in an ungodly world. Prayer - Friday
- Give thanks to God for many good things we enjoy and daily blessings. - Pray the Lord would supply the needs of those in the congregation at Westminster and guide us as we help those destitute and suffering. Especially those we have met in the pandemic. (Numbers 6.24-26.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface -Josiah's good reign: he destroyeth idolatry both in Judah and Israel: he provideth for the repairs of the temple. Hilkiah having found the book of the law, it is read before the king, who is alarmed, and sendeth to the prophetess Huldah to enquire of the Lord. Huldah prophesieth the destruction of Jerusalem, but not to take place till after the death of Josiah. Josiah causeth the book to be read in a solemn assembly, and reneweth the covenant between God and the people. 2 Chronicles 34 Preface - Satan bound for a thousand years. The first resurrection. Satan again let loose gathereth Gog and Magog to battle, who are devoured with fire. The devil cast in the lake of fire and brimstone. The general resurrection, and last judgment. Revelations 20 Daily Light - Morning Understanding what the will of the Lord is. This is the will of God, even your sanctification. - Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. - This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hst sent. - We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. We...do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. - The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory...give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe. Eph. 5.17; 1 Th. 4.3; Job 22.21; Jn. 17.3; 1 Jn. 5.20 Col. 1.9; Eph. 1.17-19 Daily Light - Evening Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Enoch walked with God. - Can two walk together, except they be agreed? - It is good for me to draw near to God. The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you...when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. - Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way...and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. Jas. 4.8; Ge. 5.24; Am. 3.3; Ps. 73.28 2 Chr. 15.2,4; Lu. 24.29 Jer. 29.11-13 He. 10.19-20,21-22 A Puritans Catechism Q18 - What is the misery of that state whereinto man fell? A - All mankind by their fall, lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Effectual Calling Chapter 10 PARAGRAPH 4 Others not elected, although they may be called by the ministry of the Word, and may have some common operations of the Spirit,12 yet not being effectually drawn by the Father, they neither will nor can truly come to Christ, and therefore cannot be saved:13 much less can men that do not receive the Christian religion be saved; be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature and the law of that religion they do profess.14 12 Matt. 22:14, 13:20–21; Heb. 6:4–5 13 John 6:44–45,65; 1 John 2:24–25 14 Acts 4:12; John 4:22, 17:3 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings A mirror of Christ But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 3 v 18 In a mirror you will observe that every feature of the face is reflected - both large and small features. Now our soul should be a mirror of Christ; we should reflect His features, for every grace in Christ, there should be a counterpart grace in us. Prayer - Thursday
- Give thanks to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. - Give thanks to God for the freedoms we have to share the Gospel in England and pray that it may continue. - Pray for missionaries across the world who are seeking to preach the Gospel and establish a faithful church. - Pray for those in persecuted countries who have to meet in secret. Even those who are now in prison for their faith. Give thanks to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) (Thursday afternoon) Scripture reading - Romans 5 v 6-10 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 - Manasseh's wicked reign and great idolatry. Rejecting God's admonitions, he is carried captive to Babylon, where he humbleth himself before God, and is restored to his kingdom. He fortifieth his dominions, and putteth down idolatry, restoring the worship of the true God. His acts and prayer: he dieth; Amon succeedeth him. Amon's wicked reign; he isslain by his servants. The people slay the murderers, and make Josiah king. 2 Chronicles 33 Preface - God is praised in heaven for judging the great whore, and avenging the blood of his saints. The triumph because of the marriage of the Lamb. The angel, who shewed John these things, refuseth to be worshipped. The vision of the Word of God sitting upon a white horse, and followed by his armies. The fowls called to feast on the flesh of those that took part with the beast. The beast and the false prophet cast into the lake of fire and brimstone; and the rest slain. Revelation 19 Daily Light - Morning Thy sins be forgiven thee. I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. - Who can forgive sins but God only? I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. - Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity. - Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity....? God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. - The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. - Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace... Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Mk. 2.5; Jer. 31.34; Mk. 2.7 Isa. 43.25; Ps. 32.1-2; Mi. 7.18 Eph. 4.32; 1 Jn. 1.7-9 Ps. 103.12; Ro. 6.14,18 Daily Light - Evening We would see Jesus. Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. - I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. - Lo, I am wit you alway, even unto the end of the world. Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face. - Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Jn. 12.21; Isa. 26.8 Ps. 145.18 Mt. 18.20; Jn. 14.18; Mt. 28.20 He. 12.1-2 1 Co. 13.12; Phil. 1.23 1 Jn. 3.2-3 A Puritans Catechism Q17 - Wherein consists the sinfulness of that state whereinto man fell? A - The sinfulness of that state whereinto man fell consists in the guilt of Adam's first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin, together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Effectual Calling Chapter 10 PARAGRAPH 3 Elect infants dying in infancy are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit;10 who works when, and where, and how He pleases;11 so also are all elect persons, who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word. 10 John 3:3,5–6 11 John 3:8 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Hight time to wake out of sleep And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. - Romans 13 v 11 In these words, Paul tells believers that it is waking time; and I would just tell you, dear friends, the same. It is high time for you to awake out of sleep. There is a condition among Christians which may be called sleeping; like the ten virgins, they slumber and sleep. Ah! I fear there are many sleeping Christians among you. It is waking time, believer. Do you know what o'clock it is? You do not seem to know how near sun-rise it is. I will now show you what it is to be sleeping Christians. It is to be one that has come to Christ, yet has fallen asleep in sin. Like the Church at Ephesus, they have left their first love. They do not retain that realisation of the Christ's preciousness - that freshness of believing. They have forgotten the fresh grasp of a Saviour. So it is with some among yourselves. You may have seen your sins; yet you have lost that fresh conviction of sin you once felt so deeply. You do not see such a beauty in Jesus. The more we look at Him, just the more we would look again. Earthly things pall upon the taste; but it is not so with things divine. They grow sweeter the oftener you use them. So every time you look at Jesus, He grows more precious. The rose is sweet, yet it loses its smell; but the lovely Rose of Sharon grows sweeter and sweeter. Earthly apples lose their taste; but the apple tree does not so - 'Stay me with the flagons, comfort me with apples, for I am sick of love.' Sleepy Christians, you have lost taste for the apples. Oh! is it not time for you to awake out of sleep? Believer, if you sleep on, you will soon doubt if ever you have come to Christ at all. Prayer - Wednesday
-Give thanks to God for the Bible, its inspiration and preservation for us to read it today. (2 Timothy 3.16, Proverbs 30.5.) -Give thanks to God that we have easy access to the Scripture in English, in our mother tongue. -Pray the Lord would bless us as we study the Bible the Lord would continue to help us to grasp God's truth. -Pray for the Lunchtime outreach service and those who attend; pray that more from the offices nearby and Christians who commute are able to join us. Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Sennacherib invading Judah, Hezekiah fortifieth Jerusalem, and encourageth the people. Sennacherib's blasphemous message and letters. Hezekiah and Isaiah cry to heaven for aid; and angel destroyeth the Assyrian army, and their king returning home is slain by his own sons. Hezekiah praying in his sickness is miraculously recovered; but growing proud, he afterward humbleth himself. His riches and works. His error in relation to the Babylonish ambassadors. He dieth. Manasseh succeedeth him. 2 Chronicles 32 Preface - A mighty angel declareth the fall of Babylon. God's people commanded to depart out of her. Her judgment. The kings of the earth, and the merchants, and mariners, lament over her. The saints are excited to rejoice over her. A millstone cast into the sea denoteth her irrecoverable fall. Revelation 18 Daily Light - Morning We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. Here have we no continuing city. - Ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. - There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. We that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened. - God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. - Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Co. 4.18; He. 13.14; He. 10.34 Lu. 12.32 1 Pe. 1.6; Job 3.17 2 Co. 5.4; Rev. 21.4 Ro. 8.18; 2 Co. 4.17 Daily Light - Evening He is our peace. God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them... For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. - Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself... And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. - Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. - Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making 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. Eph. 2.14; 2 Co. 5.19,21; Col. 1.20,21-22; Col. 2.14; Eph. 2.15 Jn. 14.27 A Puritans Catechism Q16 - Into what estate did the fall bring mankind? A - The fall brought mankind into a state of sin and misery. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Effectual Calling Chapter 10 PARAGRAPH 2 This effectual call is of God's free and special grace alone, not from anything at all foreseen in man, nor from any power or agency in the creature,7 being wholly passive therein, being dead in sins and trespasses, until being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit;8 he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it, and that by no less power than that which raised up Christ from the dead.9 7 2 Tim. 1:9; Eph. 2:8 8 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:5; John 5:25 9 Eph. 1:19–20 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Holiness and your Bible Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. - John 17 v 17 Jesus is the author of sanctification; but there are many looking to the wrong airt for it. Now, all comes from the same hand that was nailed to the cross; look to Him for sanctification - His name is Jesus, for He saves from sin. Oh, do any feel faint and weary? Lean on Him, the Beloved: all comes from Jesus. You may as well try to hold up the sun in its course, as to hold up your own goings. Go, then, to Jesus for all you need: learn the means of sanctification- the Word. No holiness without the Bible. I believe God could sanctify without the Word. He made the angels holy without it, and He made Adam holy without it; but He will not do it. 'Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.' Just like a mother nourishing a child, Jesus takes a soul and nourishes it with the milk of the word. No life without a Bible. It is just the breathings of God's heart - of His affectionate bosom. Oh, yes, if you would walk much with Jesus, you would become like Him. Oh, you would get the heart and likeness of Jesus. There are some believers, and you may know them by their breath that they have been with Emmanuel, the lovely Rose of Sharon. Learn then, that there are no other means of sanctification, and without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Unless you love your Bibles, and feed upon them, you will never stand with the Lamb upon Mount Zion, with the golden harps. Prayer - Tuesday
- Give thanks to God for those who have recently recovered from sickness. - Pray for those who are sick or receiving treatment in our congregation. - Pray that we each would walk close to God, putting off sins that easily beset us and that we would daily give thanks for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (1. John 1.3; Hebrews 12.1; 1 Thes 5.16.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The people's zeal in destroying idolatry in the cities of Judah, and in some parts of Israel. Hezekiah ordereth the courses of the priests and Levites, maketh provision for the stated sacrifices, and for the maintenance of the priests and Levites. The people's forwardness in bringing in first fruits and tithes. Hezekiah appointeth officers to dispose of those offerings. Hezikiah's sincerity of heart. 2 Chronicles 31 Preface - John's vision of the great whore, sitting upon the scarlet coloured beast, arrayed in purple and scarlet, with a golden cup in her hand. Her name. She is drunken with the blood of saints. The interpretation of the mystery of the beast, and of his seven heads and ten horns; and of the woman. Revelations 17 Daily Light - Morning Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord, - As ye have...received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. - He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. - That on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. By faith ye stand. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 1 Co. 15.58; Col. 2.6-7; Mt. 24.13; Lu. 8.15 2 Co. 1.24 Jn. 9.4 Ga. 6.8-10 Daily Light - Evening He is able... to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him. I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. - Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 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. - He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. - Is any thing too hard for the LORD? Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. He. 7.25; Jn. 14.6; Ac. 4.12 Jn. 10.27-28; Phil. 1.6; Ge. 18.14 Jude 24-25 A Puritans Catechism Q15 - Did all mankind fall in Adam's first transgression? A - The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity; all mankind, descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him, in his first transgression. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Effectual Calling Chapter 10 PARAGRAPH 1 Those whom God hath predestinated unto life, He is pleased in His appointed, and accepted time, effectually to call,1 by His Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ;2 enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God;3 taking away their heart of stone, and giving to them a heart of flesh;4 renewing their wills, and by His almighty power determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ;5 yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace.6 1 Rom. 8:30, 11:7; Eph. 1:10–11; 2 Thess. 2:13–14 2 Eph. 2:1–6 3 Acts 26:18; Eph. 1:17–18 4 Ezek. 36:26 5 Deut. 30:6; Ezek. 36:27; Eph. 1:19 6 Ps. 110:3; Cant. 1:4 Prayer - Monday
-Give thanks to God for salvation and the redemption that is found alone through Jesus Christ. - Give thanks to God for granting us particular skills and abilities that we might fulfil our vocations (jobs, studies, family responsibilities and time we spend alone). (Ecclesiastes 9.10, Ephesians 6.6) - Pray for the Lord's blessing on the working week for us and all in the congregation. - Pray the Lord would grant us grace to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20) Church Services Sermons Monday 25th December (Monday morning) - Scripture reading: Matthew 1 v 18; Luke 2 v 1-19; 2 Corinthians 9 v 15, 10 v 1-11 Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Hezekiah proclaimeth a solemn passover to be kept in the second month, and calleth all Judah and Israel to the celebration of it. The assembly, having destroyed the altars of idolatry in Jerusalem, keep the feast fourteen days. The priests bless the people. 2 Chronicles 30 Preface - The seven angels are commanded to pour out their vials on the earth. Great plagues follow thereupon. Christ cometh suddenly as a thief: blessed are they that watch. Revelation 16 Daily Light - Morning The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. I have loved thee with an everlasting love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. - The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. - Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh. As the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Titus 3.4; Jer. 31.3 1 Jn. 4.9-10 Ga. 4.4-5; Jn. 1.14; 1 Tim. 3.16 He. 2.14 Daily Light - Evening Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. Mae a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands, Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing... Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is give: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. He...spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all. - Having yet...one son, his well beloved, he sent him. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the Children of men! - Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 2 Co. 9.15; Ps. 100.1-2,4; Isa. 9.6-7 Ro. 8.32; Mk. 12.6 Ps. 107.21; Ps. 103.1 Lu. 1.46-47 A Puritans Catechism Q14 - What is sin? A - Sin is any want of conformity to, or transgression of the law of God. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Christ the Mediator Chapter 9 PARAGRAPH 5 This will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to good alone in the state of glory only.10 10 Eph. 4:13 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Spiritual warfare Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. - 1 Peter 2 v 11 There can never be peace in the bosom of a believer. There is a peace with God but there is always a constant war with sin. Dear Congregation,
Thank you all for your prayers and support for the work of the church throughout 2023. I know we all have been through varying difficulties and some through particular hardships. Once again we can thank the Lord that we have been brought through trusting in the Lord as our refuge and strength. As I encouraged the congregation at the start of last year it is vitally important to pray to keep close to God and continue faithfully in our Christian life. Alongside reading the Scriptures these should be our daily routine. There are various encouragements in the Scriptures to pray. - Pray without ceasing (1 th. 5.17). - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ep. 6:18). - Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Col. 4:2). These are a few verses of many that encourage us to pray and undoubtedly set before us a biblical mandate that we should be concerned to pray. Maybe you have fallen out of the 'habit' or relegated prayer to a part time practice; or you only pray when trouble or danger comes. May these verses challenge us all at the start of this new year to be a people of prayer. To that end I would ask the church to pray, if led, the suggested topics below so we might pray for the same things (roughly speaking) on the same day to encourage us. Let us be prayerful people and realise we too need prayer. To say we are praying for someone should be an expression of concern but an indication of our own action to bring the matter before God before the throne of Grace through the believers mediator and High Priest, Jesus Christ. Paul even requests prayer for himself and those labouring for the Gospel with him twice in 1 and 2 Thessalonians saying 'brethren pray for us'. May we this be a prayerful church and prayerful individuals. knowing that we have a prayer hearing and answering God. Jonathan Arnold Prayer - Sunday - God thanks to God for His character, perfect, unchangeable, the same yesterday today and forever. - Give thanks to God that we can meet in the church and have fellowship with one another. - Pray the Lord would grant the preaching of his word power and clarity, and there are ready ears to hear and believe it. (2 Thes. 3.1.) - Pray we would be granted faithful ministry and good spiritual food from God's Word. (1 Peter 2.2.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) (Sunday evening) scripture reading Matthew 2 Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The prophecy of Azariah the son of Oded. Asa hearing it putteth away idolatry, and assembleth the whole body of his people at Jerusalem; they enter into covenant with God. He removeth Maachah his mother from being queen on account of her idolatry. He bringeth into the house of God the things which had been dedicated, and enjoyeth a long peace. 2 Chronicles 29 Preface - The seven angels with the seven last plagues. The song of them which overcome the beast. The seven angels receive the seven golden vials full of the wrath of God. Revelations 15 Daily Light - Morning If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication...and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity. Ro. 8.13; Ga. 5.19,21-25 Titus 2.11-14 Daily Light - Evening Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief...or as a busybody in other men's matters. Let not...your good be evil spoken of. - Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbleievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?...ye are the temple of the living God... Wherefore come out from among them, and by ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing. Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into this marvellous light. 1 Sa. 29.3; 1 Pe. 4.14-15 Ro. 14.16; 1 Pe. 2.12 2 Co. 6.14,16,17 1 Pe. 2.9 A Puritans Catechism Q13 - Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created? A - Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from that initial state wherein they were created, by sinning against God, by eating the forbidden fruit. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Christ the Mediator Chapter 9 PARAGRAPH 4 When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, He frees him from his natural bondage under sin,7 and by His grace alone enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good;8 yet so as that by reason of his remaining corruptions, he does not perfectly, nor only will, that which is good, but does also will that which is evil.9 7 Col. 1:13; John 8:36 8 Phil. 2:13 9 Rom. 7:15,18–19,21,23 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The sovereign mercy of Jesus For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. - Hebrews 2 vs 16-18 We read of two great rebellions in the history of the universe - the rebellion of the angels, and the rebellion of man. For in finitely wise and gracious purposes God planned and permitted both of these, that out of evil He might bring forth Good. The first took place in heaven itself. Pride was the sin by which the angels fell, and, therefore, it is called 'the condemnation of the devil.' They kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation.' The next fall took place upon earth. Satan tempted, and man fell - believed the devil rather than God, and so came under the curse - 'Thou shalt surely die.' Both of these families came under the same frown - under the same condemnation - both were condemned to the same 'everlasting fire.' But the glorious Son of God resolved, from all eternity, to die for sinners. Now, for which of the two shall He die? Perhaps the angels in heaven would long that He should die for their once brother angels. The angelic nature was higher than that of man. Men had fallen deeper into sin than the rebel angels. Will He not die for angels? Now, here is the answer - 'Verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham.' Here is sovereign mercy passing by one of the family and coming to another. Let us wonder and adore the sovereign mercy of Jesus. Prayer - Saturday
- Give thanks to God that we have good news of salvation to tell that the repentant sinner might have everlasting life through Jesus Christ. (John 3.16.) - Pray the Lord would bless the Gospel outreach by the church in Westminster. Both on Saturday mornings and at services. - Pray the Lord would work in the contacts we have made both on Saturday mornings and at services; through personal conversations and online contacts. Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading 27) Preface - Jotham reigning well prospereth. His buildings. He subdueth the Ammonites. His acts, reign, and death: Ahaz succeedeth him. 28) Preface - Ahaz reigning very wickedly is smitten by the kings of Syria and Israel. The Israelites, having carried many thousands of Judah captive to Samaria, at the remonstrance of the prophet Oded send them home. Ahaz calleth th eking of Assyria to his aid, but is not at all benefited by his assistance. In his distress he becometh still more idolatrous. His acts and death: hezekiah succeedeth him. 2 Chronicles 27-28 Preface - John seeth the throne of God in heaven, surrounded by four and twenty elders, and four beasts full of eyes before and behind. The continual adoration and worship offered by the Beasts and elders before him that sat on the throne. Revelation 14 Daily Light - Morning Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me. I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil. - There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself. - Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past...that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. Isa. 27.5; Jer. 29.11; Isa. 48.22 Eph. 2.13-14 Col. 1.19-20; Ro. 3.24-25,26; 1 Jn. 1.9 Isa. 26.4 Daily Light - Evening God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will... As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. - I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep... I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 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. This commandment have I received of my Father. - No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. - He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. - For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 1 Jn. 5.11; Jn. 5.21,26 Jn. 11.25-26; Jn. 10.11,17-18; Jn. 14.6; 1 Jn. 5.12; Col. 3.3-4 A Puritans Catechism Q12 - What special act of providence did God exercise towards man in the state wherein he was created? A - When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death. BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH Of Christ the Mediator Chapter 9 PARAGRAPH 3 Man, by his fall into a state of sin, has wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation;4 so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin,5 is not able by his own strength to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.6 4 Rom. 5:6, 8:7 5 Eph. 2:1,5 6 Titus 3:3–5; John 6:44 Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Communion with God Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. - James 4 v 8 I ought to spend the best hours of the day in communion with God. It is my noblest and most fruitful employment, and is not to be thrust into any corner. A calm hour with God is worth a whole lifetime with man. |
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