November 19^th 2023

10:30 am ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --- God’s Family – Ephesians 3:14-15

*** NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERVICE THIS WEEK ***

Asking In Christ’s Name -- “If ye ask anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14)

Many have not taken the time to study to understand what is true in this promise of the Lord Jesus Christ. They then complain that they have asked in His name and did not receive that which they asked.

What does it mean to “ask in His name”? It means more than concluding a prayer with the words “in Jesus name”. Some see that like a formula that guarantees being heard. What does it really mean? I’m convinced that it means these two things. 1 - To be fully aware as I am praying that it is only through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice that I am granted a hearing. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).

2 - That I must pray as He prayed. “O my Father...not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). It means to ask as He asked: that God’s will be done. Would we really want the Lord to answer us in any other way than according to His will?

-- David Pledger

Encouraged by Christ

I’ve heard it said, “If you wish to be disappointed, look at others; if you wish to be disheartened, look at yourself; if you wish to be encouraged, look to the Lord Jesus Christ.” We’re all frail creatures of the dust and in need to be reminded of these things. As we, “run with patience the race that is set before us,” may the Lord direct our hearts to be, “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.” (Heb. 12:1-2) -- Marvin Stalnaker

In A Little While – by John Chapman

God grant us the patience and grace to endure whatever our Father sends our way, knowing that in a little while he will come and get us and take us home. Hebrews 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Joy In Christ In the Midst of Troubles

Any man or woman who claims continual, uninterrupted joy, rest, and peace in this world is either not telling the truth or has no connection with reality! True joy, rest, and peace are things we enjoy in Christ in the midst of troubles, afflictions, and infirmities. – Henry Mahan

God’s People Are…

- Labored and heavy laden in the world, but at perfect rest in Christ.

- Constantly battling the war with sin (within and without) in the world, but at perfect peace in Christ.

- Poor in the world, but rich in Christ.

- Sad in the world, but happy (with joy unspeakable) in Christ.

- Filthy and vile in the world, but pure and clean in Christ.

- Wicked in the world, but righteous in Christ.

- Exposed in the world, but covered under the blood in Christ.

- Brought down to a low estate in the world, but raised up to the high and lofty place in Christ.

We may have light afflictions in this world for a moment, but we have a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory waiting for us in Christ (2 Cor. 4:17). He said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). – Gabe Stalnaker