Articles

Bulletin - August 8, 2021

Hymn of the Day

(tune: "Jesus Shall Reign" p.142)

 

Come, all ye chosen saints of God,

Whose souls are washed in Jesus' blood;

Hear what He says, His word is true,

My grace sufficient is for you.

 

I am your sure Almighty Friend,

Who loving, loves you to the end;

I will be near you and will show,

My grace sufficient is for you.

 

I know how numerous are your foes,

I know the ways which they oppose;

I know their cunning malice too.

My grace sufficient is for you.

 

Though Satan strives you souls t' ensnare,

You're still the objects of my care;

You're near my heart I'll bring you through,

My grace sufficient is for you.

 

Do you want proof of this my love?

Calvary survey-then heaven above;

See how the ransomed millions bow;

My grace sufficient is for you.

 

I'll guide you safely in the way,

Through life's dark night, to heaven's bright way;

And there with wonder you shall view,

My grace sufficient is for you!

 

Today's Hymns:

Jesus Paid It All - #125

More About Jesus - #326

Christ Receiveth Sinful Men - #199

 

Special Dates: Fonda Van Beek – 15 - Tyler and Amy - 18

 

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The blood of Jesus Christ, [God's] Son, cleanses us from all sin.

~1 John 1.7

 

This promise is not for everyone but only for those who "walk in the light as He is in the light." It is one of those "exceeding great and precious promises" through which we share in the divine nature.

 

This statement means nothing to those who consider themselves to be righteous, who say, "I have little or no sin," or, "I do little or no sin." But to those who walk in the light of the knowledge of who they are by nature and practice – sinners under the wrath of God – the promise of cleansing from all sin is a promise of inestimable value. ALL sin! To live in the knowledge that ALL my sin, however great and persistent it may be in my flesh and in my conduct, is washed away and clings to me no more in the sight of God – ah, the value of such knowledge cannot be measured!

 

We could not hope for such a blessing were it not that such a powerful cleansing agent were set before us: the blood of Christ! No baptismal waters, be they seven times sanctified by the most righteous priest, could cleanse us from our filth. No vows of future obedience, no matter how solemnly made and diligently kept, can cleanse the heavenly record of our sin or wipe the ugly stain from our conscience. But the blood of Christ can do both.

 

The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin for it is blood poured out in the presence of God. Blood flowing through the veins of the Savior had no power to save. But His precious blood poured out in the presence of God washed away and continues to wash away all the sins of all those who walk in the light of the gospel.

 

The blood of Christ cleanses from all sin for it is the blood of God's Son. Our Advocate before God pleads our case by the value of His blood and:

 

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;

He cannot turn away the presence of His Son;

His Spirit answers to the BLOOD,

And tells me I am born of God.

 

Men may smirk at the message of the blood, calling it old-fashioned, not suitable for modern ears. But God sees it, knows what precious blood it is, and in faithfulness to His covenant with His Son, acknowledges its great value and righteously and justly clears the filthy record of all for whom that blood was shed.

 

O, you believers in Christ Jesus, the sin that that bows you down with grief is washed away! You may see it, but God does not! And new sins are washed away even before you are aware they have been committed.

 

And you who have not yet believed: Do you deny the reality or seriousness of your sin? Then look at the blood of Christ shed for sinners and know that such a precious thing would not be needed were it not that your sins are real and serious. And if the sight of the shed blood of Christ arouses your conscience and makes you see your sin in its all its ugliness, know that the blood which testifies of the greatness of your sin is also powerful to wash it away! Look AT the blood to know your sin, then look TO the same blood to have your sin is washed away! -Joe

 

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Our Lord said, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32). What is it to confess Christ?

 

  1. It is to have an understanding in the mind of WHO Christ is, WHAT Christ did, and WHERE Christ is. "The Son of God has come and given us an understanding...

 

2. It is to believe Christ in the heart (Rom. 10: 9 10), to receive Christ with a sincere and genuine heart love, and committal as Lord and Savior, Prophet, Priest, and King.

 

3. It is to confess Christ openly and publicly in believer's baptism. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Baptism does not save nor add anything to the Savior's work; but it is a confession of, identification with, and testimony of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, and our own death to sin and resurrection TO WALK WITH HIM.

 

4. It is identification with the church of our Lord Jesus, the people who love Him, and the preachers who preach His gospel of free and sovereign grace. Paul said to Timothy, "Be not ashamed of the testimony (gospel) of our God, nor of me His servant, but be ready yourself to partake of the afflictions of the gospel." Where the gospel is preached, where the true people of God meet to worship, where the name of Christ is worshipped and exalted, THERE I WANT TO BE! And if I truly love Christ and confess Christ, THERE I WILL BE!

 

5. It is to speak of Christ daily in conversation, prayer, and as a faithful witness.   -Henry Mahan

 

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When we see someone or something in need, do we say, 'Someone ought to do something . . . the church should do something"?  Brethren, you are the church. We are the church.  Each of us is a member of the body and responsible to it.  Whatever our hand finds to do, needing to be done, do it with all thy might as unto the Lord.  -Paul Mahan