May 15^th 2022

9:30 am -----------------------------The King Crowned & Zion Taken – 1 Chronicles 11:1-9

10:00 am ----------------------------------The Temple Destroyed & Raised Up – John 2:12-25

“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again” (John 4:13).

The seat of the “thirst” within man lies too deep for the waters of this world to quench. The “thirst” of a man’s soul is a spiritual one, and that is why material things are unable to satisfy. Earth’s deepest well may be fathomed and drained, and the needy soul remains thirsty after all. Men and women may take their fill of pleasure, yet it will fail to satisfy. They may surround themselves with every comfort that wealth can provide, and the heart will be empty. They may court the honors of the world and climb to the highest pinnacle of human fame, but the plaudits of men will leave an aching void behind them. They may explore the whole realm of philosophy and science until they become as wise as Solomon; but like Israel’s king of old, they will discover that all under the sun is only “Vanity and vexation of spirit.” Over all the wells of this world must be written, “Whosoever drinketh of this water SHALL THIRST AGAIN.” -- A. W. Pink

Nothing Like Public Worship

I have found that private study is irreplaceable, private prayer is essential, discussions regarding the Word and spiritual matters are wonderful, but (and this is where so many are missing the blessing), THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE PEOPLE OF GOD MEETING TO WORSHIP, PRAISE HIM, AND PREACH THE WORD, all in the power of the Holy Spirit, and in the presence of the Lord. He has said, “WHERE TWO OR THREE MEET IN MY NAME I WILL BE IN THEIR MIDST.” Most often this is when sinners are saved, the saints revived and blessed and the tried are comforted. To forsake the assembling of ourselves together on a regular basis is to rob our souls of the green pastures and the still waters. I want to tell every believer who has no pastor and no church family, with whom to worship and fellowship, “your situation will not improve, UNTIL YOU IMPROVE YOUR SITUATION.” -- Henry Mahan

Will You Also Go Away? -- John 6:67

WHY would a person leave the company of those who have the true Christ? Why would one leave the assembly where the true Christ is worshipped? Why would one forsake the green pastures and still waters of the life-giving and life-sustaining word of the living God?

Judas departed for "thirty pieces of silver." Demas left for this "present world." The rich young ruler went away because he had "great possessions." The Hebrews were leaving for the "bondage of Judaism." The many disciples went back and walked no more with Christ "because His doctrine was hard." One would not follow Christ because of an attachment to a piece of land he had purchased. Another because of "a wife”, and yet another due to uncontrolled affection of "a father" (who had not yet died) and must be buried only God knew when.

Oh how truly deceptive the human heart, "above all things" (including the devil). What is silver in light of the blood atonement of Christ? Doesn't Judas know that men are not redeemed by silver, but by the "Precious blood of Jesus?" Doesn't Demas know that this "present world" is destined for destruction? Doesn't the rich young ruler realize that "great possessions" are always left behind for others to struggle over? And the poor blind Hebrews, how deceived -- forsake Christ and freedom in Him for the bondage of religious ceremonialisrn.

Many have forsaken Christ, and have walked no more with Him; but what reason have YOU to make a change? Has there been any reason for it in the past? Has not the Lord Jesus proved Himself all-sufficient? He appeals "Have I been a wilderness unto you?" When your soul has simply trusted Christ, have you ever been confounded? Have you not up til now found your Lord to be a compassionate and generous friend to you, and has not simple faith in Him given you all the peace your spirit could desire? Can you so much as dream of a better friend than He has been to you?

Then change not the old and tried for new and false. As for the present, can that compel you to leave Christ? When we are plagued with this world, or with the more severe trials within the Church. we find it a most blessed thing to pillow our head upon the bosom of our Savior. This is the joy we have today: that we are saved in Him. If this joy is satisfying, why should we think of changing?