March 3^rd. 2019

9:30 am ------------------------------------.Working Out God’s Work -- Philippians 2:12-16

10:00 am -----------------------------------------The Glory & Good Will of God – Luke 2:1-20

Prove All By The Word of God

The true Christian was intended by Christ to prove all things by the Word of God, all churches, all ministers, all teaching, all preaching, all doctrines, all sermons, all writings, all opinions, all practices. These are his marching orders. Prove all by the Word of God; measure all by the measure of the Bible; weigh all in the balance of the Bible; examine all by the light of the Bible; test all in the crucible of the Bible. That which can abide the fire of the Bible, receive, hold, believe, and obey.

That which cannot abide the fire of the Bible, reject, refuse, repudiate, and cast away. – unknown

What Is Your Comfort?– H.T.M.

Are you happy? Yes! but I am not without times of sorrow and depression. Like any human, I weep over loved ones, friends, sickness, death, and disappointment. But I sorrow not as those who have no hope. – Christ is my hope! He loved me, gave Himself for me, and will make all these things work together for my eternal good.

Are you at rest in your soul? Yes! but I am not free from concern and conviction over my sins and my infirmities. I love Christ but not as I should or as I desire. – Christ is my rest! I am satisfied with Him, His mercy, His grace, and His love; but I will never be totally satisfied until I wake with His likeness.

Do you have peace? Yes! but that peace with God, peace of conscience, and peace in any situation or condition is not based on my merit, feelings, nor religious duties. – Christ is my peace! He said, "In Me ye have peace. In the world ye shall have trouble." "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee."

“Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of His . . .” -- Psalm 30:4

Music is a vital part of worship—it is a biblical part of worship. The text commands singing; it is not an option: Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His. The New Testament continues this mandate: Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Eph.5:19). The psalmist includes some instructions for the singing: Give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. The New Testament echoes musical instruction: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Col.3:16). Singing, according to the scriptures, has much more than an artistic purpose; it is to bring to mind the holiness of God. It is to foster the meditation of the heart upon Christ, His word, His wisdom. It is to teach and admonish the church in the things of Christ. It is doctrinal and encouraging.

Singing does not set the tone for worship, it is worship. It is not merely to set the tone for preaching; it preaches. That is why it is so very important that the musicians take particular care to make sure that every hymn, every song, every chorus is thoroughly biblical to the last syllable. Christian singing is worship set to music. Error is not sanctified by a tune. In fact, error can become even more deadly when presented in song. A lovely melody can dull the senses, disguising heresy with artistry. The devil knows the power of a song, and no doubt aims his deceit with the most effective means. The defense is not to discourage music, but to keep alert to the message of every musical presentation.

Old music, new music, let none be taken for granted. A hymn’s age doesn’t establish its veracity; its message does. The gospel is not assured in a particular rhythm or style; it’s found in thus saith the Lord. Anything that detracts from the message shouldn’t be there! Let the saints, young and old, sing of God’s holiness. “O that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall! We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of all! And while we wait, let earth be filled with the songs of His holiness! -- Jay Wimberly, 1936-2012