1. God of glory, Lord of heaven. Hear Your children as we pray; Bless us with Your gracious presence, As we gather on this day. May the precious name of Jesus, Be adored and magnified; By His sacrifice on Calv’ry, God’s elect were justified.
2. As we gather here for worship, May we meet with one accord; Let our hearts be joined together, Unified to praise the Lord. Speak O Lord in sovereign power, Quicken those still dead in sin; Bring each heart to trust the Savior, Cause Your grace to reign within.
3. Holy Spirit, use Your servant As he sets forth Christ the King; Make Your gospel word effectual, To each heart salvation bring. When this time of worship ceases, And we leave, our homes to go; May the praise of the Redeemer, Fill our hearts to overflow.
Today’s Speaker: Brother Mark Pannell will conduct the 11:00 am service today. Pray for him as he delivers God’s word.
Lord’s Table: We will serve the Lord’s Supper today following the message.
Television Broadcast: Our Reign of Grace Television program is being broadcast on WFXL Fox 31, Channel 4. The program will air every Sunday morning at 11 AM.
Radio Broadcast: Sunday morning at 9:30am on 98.7 FM –WISK. To hear sermons click here
DO WE FEAR MEN OR GOD?
“Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?” (Lk. 23:40) These words were spoken by the thief Christ saved on the cross to the other thief. He was now aware of who Christ was and the sad state of himself and the other thief. Several times in scripture we are warned, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25) The greatest and most common fear of man is not fear of threat or harm but fear of loss of favor. Christ said, “How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?” (John 5:44) This fear has ensnared many and kept them from believing the gospel and following Christ. It has kept many preachers from a full declaration of what God has said. This fear of losing the favor of family, friends, preachers, etc. has kept multitudes from a clear, public confession of Christ and His doctrine. “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43) The only antidote for this fear is the “fear of the Lord.” To fear displeasing God more than man. To fear grieving the One who loved me and gave Himself for me. To fear to speak contrary to His word and even more to not speak all His word. To fear being a reproach to Christ. And though we know we cannot lose His favor, just the thought of it makes us fear. “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. “ (Mark 8:38) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom!
--- Gary Shepard
ONLY CHRIST IS RIGHT
It is true that “in the mouths of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” Yet, if ten million agree on something that is not to be found in the holy scriptures or contrary to them, their agreement does not make it true or right. Men find security and confirmation in the agreement of others with them. They have little “mutual admiration societies” in which they praise each other, hold others in contempt and believe themselves to be the only ones that are right. This was the way of the Pharisees that Christ publicly rebuked with scathing words. Our praise is to be to Christ who alone is right, our agreement is to be with Him and His gospel and our loyalty is to be to Him and His brethren.
--- Gary Shepard
GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCT
The child of God is often faced with decisions as to conduct. Should I do this thing, should I participate in this activity, etc. I am not your conscience nor are you mine, and I would not think of laying down rules and regulations as to what you should or should not do. I would, however, remind you that the Word of God is to be our guide in every situation. When confronted with a dilemma as to whether an action is appropriate or inappropriate, ask yourself these four questions. 1. Can I honestly do this for the glory of God? This is the most basic of principles, the rule for all conduct. Our chief end, our perpetual goal, is to glorify the Name of the Lord our God in all that we say and do. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Any action that does not reflect favorably upon the God we worship and the gospel we believe is an action to be avoided. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). 2. Does this activity violate clearly stated biblical principles? There are some things which are absolutely forbidden in the Scriptures. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). 3. Is this action consistent with the gospel I believe? The gospel concerns the Lord Jesus Christ and His accomplished work of redemption by which He satisfied divine justice and removed the iniquity of His people. With regard to the issue of what to do or not to do, consider this: which action on my part will cause men to see the beauty of the gospel and make them to realize how vital and precious Christ is to me? "Only let your conversation (outward conduct) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27). "Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things" (Titus 2:10). 4. How will this affect the cause of God, the reputation of this local church and my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? Someone said that no man is an island and that is certainly true with regard to the people of the Lord. We are one body, we meet around one Name, we love one Lord and we delight ourselves in one gospel. How will my actions reflect upon my spiritual family and the ministry of our church?