As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. Proverbs 25:25-28

THE GOOD OLD DAYS?

“Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? For thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this” (Ecclesiastes 7:10).

I suppose every generation has said they are the most morally decadent generation to date, and things were better in the past. Oh, for the good old days! But the wise man forbids that kind of talk. Why? First, because it is not true. As bad as these days may be, there have been periods with more moral degradation than these. Secondly, because it takes the emphasis off the Gospel, which in reality is the only remedy. Thirdly, everything is taking place precisely as our Sovereign God has ordered it. Such speech and thinking is not wise. This generation does not need to be brought back to the good old days. This generation needs to hear the Gospel of the grace of God.

Pastor Todd Nibert

The Day of Judgment

I can imagine the day of judgment; all are gathered before the throne of God. Those who are robed in the perfect robe of Christ’s righteousness are gathered to His right hand (Matt. 25:31-34). The rest wait to hear His voice of condemnation, “Depart from Me!” (Matt. 25:41).

Does anyone have anything to say? If there be one who has no sin, let him step forth and say so. Come forth, my friend, and state your case! What about the righteousness and holiness in which you boasted while on earth? Come forward and tell about your works, your gifts, your denomination; you found much comfort in those things once.

You who scoffed at substitution, who laughed at free grace, imputed righteousness, and covenant mercies – you are not laughing now! You never trembled before but always had so much confidence in your decision and boasted of being as sure for heaven as if you were already there! Why do you not tell God what you did for Him on earth? It is quite evident that He did nothing for you.

But I remember that you said, “God has done all that he could do and salvation is up to you.” What a terrible time to discover what you should have known; “SALVATION IS OF THE LORD!” “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.”

Why do you not speak? Is it because of the awesome, infinite HOLINESS OF HIS PRESENCE? You clutch your righteous garments about you and they are nothing but filthy rags now, and you know it! You think of your prayers, your religious activities, your debates over doctrine, and they are all so much rubbish in the light of His presence.

And now you are praying? What is it that you cry? “O rocks and mountains, fall on me, and hide me from the face of Him that sits upon the throne.” I wish that you had cried as fervently for Christ to hide you, cleanse you, and cover you – HE WOULD HAVE!

Pastor Henry T. Mahan (Bulletin 1983)

THE LOVE OF GOD

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God" (1John 3:1).

There is a great deal said in religious circles about the love of God, but few have a real scriptural concept of the truth of God's love as it is manifested in the scriptures. The general idea most people have is, "that God loves everybody without exception and is trying his best to save everybody, but the sinner will not cooperate." The truth of God's character revealed in the word is that God is Holy, Just and His love is always in harmony with His Holy character as a Just God and a Saviour (Isa. 45:21). Those for whom He loves in Christ (Rev.1:5), elected in Christ (John 6:37), redeemed in Christ (Eph.1:7) must be justified in Christ (Rom. 8:28-30) and will be called out of bondage into Light (Col. 1:12-13).

Here are some scriptures that describe this true love of God to His covenant people:

1). The love of God is manifested and revealed in Jesus Christ (Rom.8:32-39; Eph. 1:3-6; 2Cor.4:6).

2). The love of God is sovereign and given to whom the Lord pleases (Rom.9:12-16; Eph. 5:25). Outside of Christ, God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29).

3). The love of God is eternal and will never be discontinued (Jer. 31:3). God Himself is eternal, therefore His great love must be eternal (Eph. 2:4).

4). The love of God is sacrificial love and will redeem all His people from all their sins (1John 4:10; 3:16; Eph.5:2, 25; Matt.1:21; John 10:15).

5). The love of God is permanent love and will always abide in the believer (John 13:1; Mal.3:6; Heb. 13:8).

6). The love of God is electing love that unconditionally chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-6; 2Thes. 2:13; John 15:15-16; 17:2).

7). The love of God is unmerited love, we have never done anything to deserve His favor or mercy (Titus 3:3-7; Rom 5:6-9). The only reason for His love to us is found in Himself, not in us (Deut.7:7-8).

8). The love of God is constraining love and motivates everyone who believes the gospel, to obedience to Him as a willing, loving bond slave of Christ (2Cor. 5:14; Psa. 65:4; 110:3).

9). The love of God is Holy love, God in Christ is both a Just God and Saviour (Isa. 45:20-22). His love is regulated by His holy character (Rom. 5:21).