July 4^th 2021

9:30 am -----------------------------------------------------Two Men Went To Church – Luke 18:9-14

10:00 am---------------------------------------------As Christ Loved and Gave Himself – Ephesians 5:2

Wednesday: 7:00 pm -------------------------------------Last Days and Perilous Times – 2 Timothy 4

Following are two good articles by Henry Mahan on the believer’s walk and works. . . .

Take Care of Your Walk Before Others -- Walk in wisdom toward them that are without – Colossians 4:5

At all times and before all people the believer’s conversation, conduct, and attitude ought to be glorifying to God and in keeping with the principles of holiness and grace! But we should be especially careful and cautious in the presence of young Christians and unbelievers lest we give offense and mislead them. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without (non-Christians), redeeming the time [making the most of every opportunity to point them to the Redeemer]. Let your conversation be always with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:5-6). Be careful not to flaunt your liberty in the presence of one who will not understand and may be offended without saying as much. I’m sure you wish to let them know that you are human, a regular fellow, and that you are desirous to identify with them as much as possible. But “let not your good be evil spoken of” by one who is still bound by traditions, customs, and human righteousness. Curb your lightheartedness, dispense with too much idle talk, and never give the impression that you are not much burdened for their spiritual welfare. You may reply, “But I must be myself; I must speak what I feel and enjoy my freedom in Christ.” You have opportunity enough to be yourself around mature members of the body of Christ (in a way that will edify and encourage them in the walk of faith), but walk in wisdom, restraint, and in a demonstration of piety and seriousness toward men who either do not know Christ or who are just now showing an interest in the gospel. You brought your children up delicately and carefully; be as sensitive with God’s babes and little children.

– H.M.

Good Works Reveal True Faith

Do not be deceived by false preachers and wicked persons who preach that it does not matter how a person lives provided he believes in Jesus Christ, or that knowledge of theology is sufficient without obedience to Christ in conduct. This is not true! One cannot separate faith and conduct. As a tree is known by its fruit, so a righteous man is known by his works. Good fruit does not make a tree good but shows it to be good; so good works do not make us righteous (only Christ can do that), but good works reveal true faith in Jesus Christ. A church member who practices sin and disobedience to the commandments of Christ is not of God, but takes his character from the evil one. He imitates Satan, not Christ. Christ came not only to deliver us from the penalty of sin but also from the power and practice of sin. He that is regenerated by the Spirit of God, in whom Christ is formed, who is a new creature in Christ, does not make sin his practice and the course of his life. He is not without the motions of sin within nor free from sinful thoughts, words, and even sinful deeds; but he does not give himself up to sin, excuse it, justify it, nor continue therein! Sin, even in thought, is distasteful and hateful to one who loves Christ and desires to be like him. – H.M.

“O to be like thee! blessed Redeemer; This is my constant longing and prayer;

Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Lord Jesus, thy perfect likeness to wear.

“O to be like thee! O to be like thee! Blessed Redeemer, pure as thou art;

Come in thy sweetness, come in thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.”

Self

-- “Deliver me, O Lord, from that evil man, MYSELF.”– Thomas Brooks

-- “Beware of no man more than YOURSELF; we carry our worst enemy within us.”– Charles Spurgeon

-- “The first lesson in Christ’s school is SELF-denial.”– Matthew Henry

-- “I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals. I have within me the great pope-- SELF!”

– Martin Luther

-- “O Lord, deliver me from the sin of always vindicating MYSELF.” – Augustine