CENTRAL BULLETIN AUGUST 14, 2016

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

August 14^th, 2016

9:30 am ----------------------------------------Glory Manifested: Marriage, Water To Wine – John 2:1-11

10:00 am-- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --- His Glorious Majesty – Psalm 145

Nursery Today: Second Service: Mindy , Alt. -- Helen

Lawn Mowing: This week: Mike Anderson

Birthdays: August: 19^th – Henry Mahan, 20^th – Madelyn Holland, 31^st – Betty Hodges & Roberta Sword

Cleaning: This Week: Fannins, Next Week: Robin

A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent His servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, “Come: for all things are now ready.” And they all with one consent began to make excuse. – Luke 14:16-18

“Who Maketh Thee To Differ?”

From the Scriptures and experience, I have learned that whatever is in the worst of men and women is in the best of them, and whatever is in the best of them is in the worst of them. In the very best and worst of Adam’s children there is a mind which is enmity against God, and there is in each of them a heart which is deceitful above all things and desperately (incurably) wicked (Rom. 8:7; Jer. 17:9; Gen. 6:5; Gen. 8:21).

As Mr. Newton said, “There is indeed a difference amongst men, but it is owing to the restraints of Divine Providence, without which earth would be the very image of hell…education and interests, fear and shame, human laws, and the secret power of God over the mind, combine to form many characters that are extremely decent and respectable,” but none can praise himself, for “WHO MAKETH THEE TO DIFFER?”

“By the grace of God.” said the apostle Paul, “I am what I am.” It is owing to the mercy and grace of God alone that all of us are not already in hell; and whatever degree of human dignity and decency, morality and manners which we may possess and manifest, is due to the mercy and grace of God. How much more, then, must we ascribe all spiritual knowledge and understanding, gifts and enjoyments to the sovereign, free grace of God in Christ. “WHO MAKETH THEE TO DIFFER?” The children of God cry with one voice, “TO GOD BE THE GLORY!” -- Maurice Montgomery

Gospel-Hardened

Before I dismiss you, I would like to press home to each one the question, “Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Has the gospel become a glorious gospel to you?” I do not know you as I know my own people; but when I look along my galleries, I mourn over those who have been hearing the word ten years and are the same as if they never heard it. I suppose there are some of you in the like case; and my esteemed brother, Mr. Tucker, must cast his eye around the gallery and the area and see many who have grown GOSPEL-HARDENED. It is a horrible thing to think of! The same sun that melts wax, hardens clay; and to some hearts the gospel becomes the savour of death unto death. If nothing comes of this morning’s service but making everyone inquire how it is with his own soul, if it shall only constrain you to go to your solitary chamber and shut the door and ask, “O Lord, let me know this glorious gospel; I have not understood it up till now, for it has not been glorious to me. Do make it so to me this day, that I may be saved!” My heart will be very glad if such shall be the case.

-- C. H. Spurgeon

Swift To Hear, Slow To Speak- “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” - James 1:19

Have you ever been around someone who thinks they know everything? You can’t tell that man or woman anything. They won’t listen to anyone but can’t wait to tell you what they know. And that person is usually very critical of everyone and everything. Throughout scripture, particularly Proverbs, the Lord tells us to be more ready to hear than speak. He tells us that a fool is known by his constant talk, while a wise man listens well, heeds counsel and rebuke, and ‘studieth to answer. Fact is, we don’t know much and we have a lot to learn. “If any man thinketh he knoweth anything ( has all the answers) he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” So we need to do a lot less talking and a lot more listening.