Affirmation of Faith for January 1, 2012

We believe that God freely justifies the persons whom He effectually calls. He does this, not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins and by accounting them, and accepting them, as righteous. This He does for Christ's sake alone, and not for anything wrought in them or done by them.The righteousness which is imputed to them, that is, reckoned to their account, is neither their faith nor the act of believing nor any other obedience to the gospel which they have rendered, but Christ's obedience alone. Christ's one obedience is twofold-His active obedience rendered to the entire divine law, and His passive obedience rendered in His death. Those thus justified receive and rest by faith upon Christ's righteousness; and this faith they have, not of themselves, but as the gift of God. (11.1)

Affirmation of Faith for December 25, 2011

We believe that the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, is at once complete in Godhead and complete in manhood, truly God and truly man, consisting also of a reasonable soul and body; of one substance with the Father as regards His Godhead, and at the same time of one substance with us as regards His manhood; like us in all respects, yet apart from sin as regards His Godhead, begotten of the Father before the ages, but yet as regards His manhood begotten, for us men and for our salvation, born of Mary the Virgin, He Himself being the God-bearer; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten, recognized in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation, indeed God in the flesh.

(based upon Council of Chalcedon - 451 A.D)

Affirmation of Faith for December 18, 2011

We believe God's effectual call is the outcome of His free and special grace alone. Until a man is given life, and renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is dead in sins and trespasses, so is entirely passive in this work of salvation, a work that does not proceed from anything good foreseen in him, nor from any power or agency resident in him. The power that enables him to answer God's call and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it, is no less than that which effected the resurrection of Christ from the dead. (10.2)

Adapted from the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 rewritten modern English (click here for full confession)

Affirmation of Faith for December 11, 2011

We believe that at a time appointed by and acceptable to God, those whom God has predestinated to life are effectually called by His Word and Spirit out of the state of death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ. Their minds are given spiritual enlightenment and, as those who are being saved, they begin to understand the things of God. God takes away their heart of stone and gives them a heart of flesh. He renews their will, and by His almighty power He sets them to seek and follow that which is good, at the same time effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ. And to all these changes they come most freely, for they are made willing by divine grace. (10.1)

Adapted from the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 rewritten modern English (click here for full confession)

Serving?

• Are you thinking about serving to the glory of God (mindset)?
• Who are you noticing that you may serve to the glory of God (eyesight)?
• Will you seek to serve as if you were serving Christ Himself (motivation)?
• How will you specifically, purposely serve that person(s) to the glory of God today (application)?

To know God is to keep His word. Are you obeying the Word of God? (John 8:55)

The Four Pillars of Redemption

• If Jesus had only come to the earth (incarnation) but did not die on the cross for our sins (crucifixion); we would not be saved. 
• If Jesus had only died on the cross for our sins (crucifixion) but He did no rise from the dead on the third day (resurrection); we would not be saved. 
• If Jesus had only raised from the dead on the third day (resurrection) but He did not ascend into heaven (ascension); we would not be saved.

J. Oswald Sanders, in his book, “The Incomparable Christ” stated it this way:

"An ascension such as the gospels record was essential for a number of reasons…His redemptive work required such a consummation. Without it, it would have remained incomplete for it rests on four pillars —incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The ascension was a complete and final demonstration that His atonement had forever solved the problem created by man's sin and rebellion. Only thus could He be constituted Head of the church (Ephesians 1:19-23)."

A commitment to God is not to contradict a commandment of God.

God takes away the world, that the heart may cleave more to Him in sincerity. -Thomas Watson

When we grow careless of keeping our souls, then God recovers our taste of good things again by sharp crosses. -Richard Sibbes

How sweet is rest after fatigue! How sweet will heaven be when our journey is ended. -George Whitefield

Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms-CSLewis

The riches of His free grace cause me daily to triumph over all the temptations of the wicked one... -George Whitefield

All I can say is I look for perpetual conflicts and struggles in this life and I hope for no other peace, only a cross...on this side of eternity. Whitefield

A definition of love for consideration: constant, self-forgetting, faithful. This is the love of Jesus.

So live that men may take knowledge of you that you have been with Jesus... CHS

Read the Scriptures more earnestly and constantly. CHS

Live nearer to God. CHS

There is nothing in this world to foster a Christian's piety, but everything to destroy it. CHS

Spend longer time in holy adoration. CHS

Be much more in prayer. CHS

There is nothing destroyed by sanctification but that which would destroy us. -William Jenkyn

The more we enjoy of God, the more we are ravished with delight. -Thomas Watson

He that rides to be crowned, will not think much of a rainy day. -John Trapp

Oh let us continually keep faith in exercise, till it be entirely swallowed up in the boundless ocean of beatific vision. - Whitefield

There's grace for your guilt, grace for your shame, grace for your weakness, grace for your rebellion, grace for your foolishness. GRACE! Tripp

Be determined: "to be first a saint then a scholar..." Whitefield

May God own every word that leaves our mouth. If God doesn't own it then we shouldn't of spoken it.

Whitefield method of preaching; reach the mind; awaken the emotion; move the will all through the Word of God.

We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another. When man's terror scares you, turn your thoughts to the wrath of God. Gurnall

Where reason cannot wade there faith may swim. -Thomas Watson

Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayers and won with thanks. -Thomas Goodwin

Where one thousand are destroyed by the world's frowns, ten thousand are destroyed by the world's smiles. The world, siren-like, sings us and sinks us Brookes

Eternity to the godly is a day that has no sunset; eternity to the wicked is a night that has no sunrise. -Thomas Watson

The right manner of growth is to grow less in one's own eyes. -Thomas Watson

A godly man preferreth grace before goods, and wisdom before the world. -Richard Bernard

Mercy is not going to Hell; grace is going to Heaven.

You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body. (CS Lewis)

Christians must be known as people of the book: men and women who believe, live, and proclaim the teachings of Scripture.

Question always to answer when reading the Bible: What does this passage tell me about God?

The best proof of Christ's resurrection is a living Church, which itself is walking in a new life, and drawing life from Him who hath overcome death.

Thou hast put me in this world for something, Lord, show me what that is, and help me to work out my life-purpose (CHS)

I have a head to think, Lord, help me to think of Thee and for Thee (CHS)

I have a heart to feel, Lord, let that heart feel no love but Thine, and glow with no flame but affection for Thee (CHS)

I have time, Lord, help me to redeem it, that I may serve Thee (CHS)

I have talents, help me to extol Thee by spending them for Thee (CHS)

Will you not this day make it your prayer? "Lord, help me to glorify Thee (CHS)

As Christians we do not become less human but more human; human as God intended.

When we are most like Him, how greatly unlike Him we are! - Spurgeon

When we get nearest to God, how far off we are! - Spurgeon

The best worship that we ever render to God is far from perfect. - Spurgeon

The design of redemption is that Christ, by His death, might purchase us to be His own property (Calvin).

"There are no games in hell." (McCheyne)

Imagine if Christians were as passionate about corporate worship as they are about the Superbowl.

I believe that in public worship we should do well to be bound by no human rules - Spurgeon

A world progressing toward hell must be turned upside down (Acts 17:6) - Just do it!EKG

"Christianity is not a teaching - it is a person" - Jesus! DMLJ

The heart of Jesus - "You are not simply going to preach My teaching. You are going to preach about Me!" DMLJ

"It is ignorance that blinds men and women of this generation and keeps them outside of Christ." DMLJ - Let us tell them about Jesus!

The message of Jesus is not that we improve the world but that you and I be redeemed by His work on the cross!

The message of the Christian church is not only one of what [Jesus] has done but of what He is doing! He is going on! DMLJ

This world is not in the hands of the politicians; it is in the hands of this living Jesus, this risen Christ! DMLJ

Worship Service - January 30, 2011

We open our service this week with a familiar hymn to most “Standing on the Promises” - a testimony to the faithfulness of God in keeping His Word. In Hebrews 10:23 we read, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful...”

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;

Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,

Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,

Standing on the promises of God.
 

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Text and Music: R. Kelso Carter, 1886

The first song of our worship set has only been around ten years. In fact, this is the tenth anniversary of “In Christ Alone” by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend; a wonderful expression of hope and trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For all my sin, on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music

The next hymn for this week calls us to come to Jesus, for help, for healing and for hope. It is the Indelible Grace version of “Jesus I Come”

Out of my bondage, sorrow and night,
Jesus, I come; Jesus I come.
Into Thy freedom, gladness and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of my sickness into Thy health,
Out of my wanting and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress into jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
Into Thy blessed will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward forever on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
Into the joy and light of Thy home,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

As our worship in music continues, we sing “Be Thou My Vision” an ancient Irish hymn. The following background on this hymn was found on NetHymnal.org: The text is attributed to Dallan Forgaill, 8th Century (Rob tu mo bhoile, a Comdi cride) and was translated from ancient Irish to English by Mary E. Byrne, in “Eriú,” Journal of the School of Irish Learning, 1905. The tune, “Slane” is of Irish folk origin. Slane Hill is about ten miles from Tara in County Meath. It was on Slane Hill around 433 AD that St. Patrick defied a royal edict by lighting candles on Easter Eve. High King Logaire of Tara had decreed that no one could light a fire before Logaire began the pagan spring festival by lighting a fire on Tara Hill. Logaire was so impressed by Patrick’s devotion that, despite his defiance (or perhaps because of it), he let him continue his missionary work. The rest is history.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

The final hymn of the worship set is a long time favorite “redone” hymn. Based upon Isaac Watts, “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” - this variation by David Ward of Reformed Praise links the power God used to create the world with the power God used to recreate fallen sinners.

I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His command, and all the stars obey.

I sing Your power, I sing Your glory,
That You displayed for all to see.
I sing Your goodness, Your loving-kindness,
Of how You showed Your love by redeeming me.

I sing the goodness of the Lord, that filled the earth with food,
He formed the creatures with His Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Your wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky!

There’s not a plant or flower below, but makes Your glories known,
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Your throne;
While all that borrows life from You is ever in Your care;
And everywhere that man can be, You, God are present there.

The service will be closed by singing the text of Jude 24-25

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Our greatest need is to know God. Lloyd-Jones

The message of Christianity is not about improving our world, but about changing people in spite of the world... Lloyd-Jones

The essence of Christianity is not that it calls you to do something, but...that it tells you what Jesus came into the world to do for you.

This is Christianity: "all that Jesus began to do and teach" (Acts 1:1)

True Christianity is always the activity of God...Anything controlled by us, whether lifeless or lively, is not Christianity. DMLJ

The Gospel of Luke - all that Jesus began to do and teach; the book of Acts - all that Jesus continued to do and teach.

'You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.' Martin Luther

Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand. --Mark Twain

John Owen: Let no man pretend to fear sin that does not fear temptation also!

To hop from church to church, is a wretched business. Happy nowhere, miserable everywhere, agreeing with nobody is a poor business. CHS

that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, so that you may fear the LORD your God forever (Josh 4:24)

"You tell me there are no persecutions now. Ah! indeed, if you followed Christ more fully, you would find out that there were"
Spurgeon

Do something extraordinary for God today: praise Him before others. (Ps. 9:1-2)

We cannot pray without sinning, and there is filth even in our tears. - Spurgeon

If you do not die to sin, you shall die for sin. If you do not slay sin, sin will slay you - Spurgeon

No music is more sweet to a gospel preacher than the rustle of Bible pages in the congregation. - Spurgeon

Our extremities are the Lord's opportunities. CHS

JohnPiper: Lord, grant that, in all my weaknesses, I would remain close to the one clear, grand theme of my life: Your magnificence.

The best prayer I ever prayed had enough sin to damn the whole world. ~ John Bunyan.

"He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find him the rest of the day " John Bunyan

Thank You, Almighty God for revealing Yourself; thank You for Your Son who gives us life; for Your Spirit who gives us light; for Your Word that gives us hope

If you will not have death unto sin, you shall have sin unto death. There is no alternative. - Spurgeon

You tell me there are no persecutions now. Ah! indeed, if you followed Christ more fully, you would find out that there were.
Spurgeon

Better to lose a friend because I tell him about Jesus than to lose a friend for eternity because I did not tell him about Jesus.

Thank You, Almighty God for giving us not to ourselves, but to one another, the Church, the body and bride of Christ. May we never neglect her.

He who grows not in the knowledge of Jesus, refuses to be blessed. CHS

...yet even now it is but little that we know of Jesus compared with what He knows of us. CHS

Absence from Christ is hell; but the presence of Jesus is heaven. CHS

Let faith increase in fullness, constancy, simplicity. CHS