May 4, 2014

The Precious Blood of Christ
(1 Peter 1:19)

O the precious blood of Christ - Far beyond all cost and price!
Precious more than all the gold, and the wealth this world can hold!
When those things all disappear, Jesus' blood will still be dear.

If you ask why it should be, That His blood is dear to me:
'Tis the blood of God's dear Son, And my soul's belovèd One,
And the Lamb of God who shed, His blood in my place and stead.

'Tis the blood of God's decree, Ordained from eternity.
'Tis the blood of Calv'ry's cross, Where my soul was saved from loss.
'Tis the blood that freely flowed, When He paid the debt I owed.

'Tis the blood that did remit. All my sins, and me acquit.
'Tis the blood that did suffice. To pay all my ransom's price.
'Tis the blood that justified, Reconciled, and sanctified.

'Tis the blood that washed my soul, And my robe - It made me whole!
And this blood still cleanses me, And from sin still sets me free.
Through this blood I boldly go, Where God is, and no fear know.

(By Daniel E. Parks, Tune: Rock of Ages #126)

Here is one of the most astounding truths in this world "God made Him sin"! It doesn't say it was something that looked like sin. It simply says God made Him to be sin. When we can find the answer to what sin is, how God views sin, then maybe we will have an inkling of what Christ was made by His own Father. It also says "He knew no sin", that makes it even more overwhelming - who was He then made sin for? US! Bless His holy name that he would willingly become what we are - sin. Here is the kicker...though he was made sin we are made the righteousness of God. Where? How? IN HIM! - Pastor

WE ARE NOT JUSTIFIED BY THE LAW

The Scripture distinctly teaches us that we are not justified by the law nor is the law a rule of life. That which can only curse can never justify and that which can only kill can never he a rule of life (Rom 3.20). Both the Jews who had received the law and the Gentiles who had never had the law were now to be saved through grace (Acts 15:11). Not only were they to be saved by grace, but also they were to "stand in grace" (Rom 5:2) and to "grow in grace" (II Pet 3:18). All who seek to put believers under the law are tearing down the very foundations of the Christian faith. Listen to the strong words which came from the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:12; "I would they were even cut off which trouble you."

- Scott Richardson

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No King, No Rule, No Right, No Wrong

"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." -- Judges 21:25

This scripture clearly describes the day in which we live. These days there is no absolute Sovereign God being preached; no Judge; no Lord on the throne; no fear of God; so there is no right or wrong, no sin, no punishment for sin; so everyone is free to do anything they like. Blame it on the pulpit. Blame our sick society on the many false preachers who have told everyone for so long now, how much God loves them all, no matter who they are or what they are doing; no matter that they live like hell and hate God in Heaven . . . he loves you anyway (they say). So men and women believe these liars and live as they please, with no fear of God, and no fear of any consequences for sin. O' the great and terrible surprise people are in for when they face the true and living God; the God of the Bible; the Holy and Righteous Lord and King of the universe Who hates sin. May the same Lord unite our hearts to fear His Name, and call upon Him to have mercy on us all.

- Pastor Paul Mahan

THE POWER OF THE WORD

Things will make us moral, but they will not last. If man's wisdom, learning, eloquence, or religious persuasion could reform, we would be a reformed people. But, in spite of all the churches and religion we have today, wickedness abounds on every hand. Religion has very little influence on our life. Napoleon said, "Religion is to keep the poor from murdering the rich." Things cannot change the heart. They cannot put into the heart the love and peace of God. They will not cause the heart to bow to His will. The only thing that will do this is the Gospel, the Word which the Lord has given. The Gospel alone shows sin in its true light, and gives us hope of mercy. When the Gospel is preached in the power of the Spirit of God, and it is received and believed, an immediate and wonderful change takes place. The sinner leaves all his other false hopes; he is freed from the slavery to this world, and becomes the willing servant of Him who redeemed him.

- Pastor Milton Howard

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REVEREND IS JEHOVAH'S NAME!

I was told that an employee in a municipal library would appreciate some information of a general nature known to me. I telephoned the library and requested to speak to her. My call was directed to her, and she identified herself as "Reverend [Name]". I politely addressed her as "Ms. [Name]". She interrupted me by again identifying herself as "Reverend [Name]". I again politely addressed her as "Ms. [Name]". She again interrupted me and told me that she would not speak with me unless I addressed her by her title "Reverend". I dutifully complied with her demand by gently hanging up the telephone. Why? "Holy and reverend is Jehovah's name" (Psalm 111:9 KJV/AV) - not mine, not yours, not anyone else's!

- Pastor Daniel E. Parks