March 13^th, 2016

9:30 am Bible Study------------------------- Weep Ye Rich; Be Patient Brethren – James 5:1-8

10:00 am Service----------------------------------------God Only (Waiting on God) -- Psalm 62

Nursery Today: Second Service: Aimee P. , Alt. – Wendy B.

Cleaning Schedule: This Week: Mac & Margaret , Next Week: John & Irene

Birthdays: March: 17^th – Alec Bobbitt & Rick Polk,

*** Our sincere sympathy goes out to sister Margaret Torrence upon the death of her sister, Nancy Ledbetter. She was 67 years old. Also, brother Henry Sword’s brother Willie Lee Sword passed away last Wednesday. He was 77 years old. May the Lord comfort our brother and sister with His Word and presence.

Try The Spirits Whether They Are Of God– I John 4:1

Someone asked me about a certain television preacher, whether he was true and whether they should be listening to him. Not being too familiar with the preacher, I could not comment upon him so I told the person to listen and judge for themselves (since we are told to ‘try the spirits’). This is not the first time someone has asked this. Here are my thoughts (for what they are worth).

1. Who is getting ALL the glory in the message being preached? Do the preacher’s name, face and works seem to be in the limelight? After listening and watching him, do you go away being impressed with him, his knowledge, his spirituality, his voice and talents? Are his name and his works at the forefront? This is the first and true test which will generally reveal all false preachers. On the other hand, when you listen to a true man sent from God, as John the Baptist, he will be reluctant to even use his name. He will be self-abasing and God exalting. He will speak of the Name, Person and Work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so often and so exclusively, that (if in the spirit yourself) you will go away thinking only of God’s glory. “He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. – John 7:18

2. Is mankind being elevated or abased in the preaching? Is man’s will, choice, worth and works being extolled? Does the preaching leave you with a good opinion of mankind (especially yourself)? Does the preacher leave you thinking about what you can do and be if you aspire to it? These are sure signs of a false prophet. Throughout scripture, God’s true prophets never had anything good to say about the human race. The Word of God very clearly abases mankind and reveals him to be a corrupt and fallen creature. Therefore the true preacher of God’s Word always abases the creature while exalting the Creator. The Truth from the beginning has always been of a fallen and sinful race and of the need of sovereign mercy and power to save them. Man is dead in trespasses and sins and God alone gives life to whom He will.

3. Is salvation ultimately in the hands of God or man? At the conclusion of the preacher’s sermon, does he leave salvation up to your decision, your will, or your acceptance of an ‘offer.’ No matter what was said before, if a man ends up his message with salvation dependent upon something you must do, he is a false prophet. Many say ‘grace’ but do not really mean ‘undeserved and unmerited favor.’ The message from God puts a man in the dust as an undeserving, helpless sinner crying out for mercy and grace. The message from God leaves the hearer with a sense of his own helplessness, and total dependence upon God to have mercy upon him and save him by His grace. The message from God declares “Salvation belongeth to the Lord.” He is the “Author and Finisher.”