Tag Archives: King James Version

Friday Proverb – The Wicked Will Always Counter Attack

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Did you ever feel that every time something good happens – something bad follows?  There is a reason behind that – and his name is Satan.  Since the beginning, he has mustered a response for every movement the Lord has made.    A close examination of the church ages, shows  Satan made a counter attack at each significant uprising of the church.  The same thing happens in individual lives, and in the national and international arena. 

Proverbs 11:11

By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted:

In every instance, even following the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings – Satan has launched a counter attack almost immediately. What was the evil one’s response to the Age of Missions, Great Awakenings, and the Philadelphia Church Age?   False philosophies, and cults.  Higher “criticism,” Darwinism, progressive education, and Freudian psychology.  On top of those four philosophies, which have infiltrated the education system – the major cults also rose during this time.  Mormonism, 7th Day Adventism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science,  Unitarianism, and Armstrongism.  Every single one – still active and growing in this time.

but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.   

We should not be disheartened or discouraged when the president vetoes the bill we want passed, or a judge overturns a pro-life, or pro-traditional marriage bill.  A close study of the Bible and secular history reveals that the tide of evil will always thwart the upright, and will continue to do so until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to set things right.  This is why beloveds – the evil one is working so hard, because he knows his time is short!  Liberals and progressives may be riding high now – but I would not want to be in their shoes for anything in the world.  Their victory is only temporary.  Very temporary.

Revelation 20:11-15

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

sage

Friday Proverb – In One Ear And Out The Other?

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Any parent knows, that part of training a child is continual reminding.  This is called “instruction.”  Once the child “retains” the instruction, he will apply it to his actions and decision making. 

The act of training is not the province of parents alone – for our Heavenly Father is forever about the business of instructing us – and we – like recalcitrant children – do not always “retain” the teachings. 

soil teeming with life

Since even the very ground we walk on, instructs us and reveals to us His glory and majesty – it behooves us to take notice of the lessons being offered, and to “keep” them within our hearts that they may be applied to our daily walk.  The things that we need to learn, are not always obvious! 

Proverbs 10:17

 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

There is a famous song, dedicated to stopping and smelling the roses, and counting your many blessings along the way.  Nice, but superficial.  In the image of the great tree above, we can see that underground, the tree is even bigger than what is obvious.  Could the tree survive without that massive root system?  No.  Nor can we flourish with out going deep, and holding onto the Word of God with tenacity, in the same way that the roots of the tree takes up water and nutrients from the soil.  The Bible has so much to teach us, that if we put it aside for worldly pursuits and  concerns – our plans will topple like a tree with no root system – and we will be nothing more than drift wood.

sage

The Vine Vigil wishes you a merry Christmas!

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Please enjoy these treasured hymns as you read the following Scripture.

We here at The Vine Vigil wish you a lovely and very merry Christmas.

Luke 1:26-37

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Amen.

~ Cat Mahm

Friday Proverb – What Comes After the Church is Taken?

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rapture23

Perhaps not many view the Proverbs and Psalms as being prophetic.  After so many decades of Bible study, I see Prophecy in almost every line of the Bible.  As is understood, the Lord reveals things to us in stages.  Most often, Old Testament events and poetry, describe an actual event such as Passover – which is a picture of something far more dramatic in the future.  Such is the case with this Proverb.  At face value, it does not seem to reveal much to the casual reader – but we are here to see what it really says.

Proverbs 11:8

The righteous is delivered out of trouble,

Only those who are truly born-again of the Holy Spirit of God, will be delivered – because only the truly born-again – are considered righteous.  When we repent, and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we obtain His righteousness – which guarantees our deliverance.  None of the troubles, trials and tribulations of this present life and time, can compare to the Great Tribulation, and the judgments that will befall everyone on earth at that time.

Please do not allow the recent crop of preterists to worm their way into your faith in the deliverance promised to you by God in His Holy Book.  It is described over and over again – even in this short Proverb.  Every Word of the King James Bible is true – and you can trust it implicitly.  Read it literally, and with faith.

and the wicked cometh in his stead.

That’s right.  As soon as the church is taken up – The Wicked One will swoop in. Just as a vacuum needs to be filled – this will happen in such a way – that it will not be readily apparent to those who are not alert.  Since mankind always seeks to worship something or someone they can see, it will happen all too easily.  The Holy Spirit that is indwelling believers here on earth, will leave along with the righteous that are being delivered.  Once this happens, the only thing that was restraining the power of anti-christ will be gone!  It will happen, but, we will NOT BE HERE TO SEE IT!

2 Thessalonians 2:6-8

6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He who now letteth will let, until He be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming.

sage

Friday Proverb – Riches Will Not Save Anyone

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Proverbs 11:4

 Riches profit not in the day of wrath:

A great many articles are written about the underground bunkers of the elites and super-rich.  These fortresses amount to vast underground cities, with every comfort known to man.  Even the not-so-rich, have succumbed to the notion, that they can “ride-out” Armageddon.  Bible believers should know, that those who are truly born again – will not need to “hide out,”  because they won’t be here.  Not only that – but it would be impossible to do so.   This is not to say that you should not be prepared for natural disasters, and not so natural ones like losing your job.  What is being discussed here is the Day of Wrath.

Revelation 6:16-17

16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

17 For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Zephaniah 1:18

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord‘s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy: for He shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

but righteousness delivereth from death.

rapture

It is of utmost importance to understand, that you have no righteousness of your own.  ZERO.  When you are born again – you can possess His righteousness, and it is overflowing and enough!  The good works and deeds you do after being saved, will gain you rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  And that is a wonderful thing to work for.

Philippians 3:9

And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

Revelation 16:7

7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Thy judgments.

 James 5:1-8

5 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.

2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.

3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

sage

For the Lord’s Day – All People That On Earth Do Dwell

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This magnificent old hymn is pure praise from start to finish, and is chock full of solid doctrine.  Turn up your speakers and see His glory.  The chord progressions are spectacular. 

All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice.

The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;
Without our aid He did us make;
We are His folk, He doth us feed,
And for His sheep He doth us take.

O enter then His gates with praise;
Approach with joy His courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless His Name always,
For it is seemly so to do.

For why? the Lord our God is good;
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.

To Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
The God Whom Heaven and earth adore,
From men and from the angel host
Be praise and glory evermore.

Hymn Story

All People That on Earth Do Dwell

In the Reformation, there was a difference of opinion between Luther and Calvin concerning music for congregational singing.  Luther advocated the use of hymns and carols, and even wrote a number of those.  Calvin was concerned that hymns not clearly based on scripture might introduce false doctrine into the church, and so he advocated the singing of Psalms.  He said that there were “no better songs nor more appropriate to the purpose (of congregational singing) than the Psalms of David which the Holy Spirit made and spoke through him.”

Calvin, of course, was based in Geneva, Switzerland.  In 1551, a Psalter was published in Geneva that included a song based on Psalm 134 and set to a tune by Louis Bourgeois.  In 1561, the Anglo-Genevan Psalter (an English-language Psalter) was published in Geneva that included “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” set to that earlier tune by Bourgeois.

The words to “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” were written by William Kethe, a Scottish clergyman who had fled the persecutions of Queen Mary.  His exile took him first to Frankfurt, Germany and thence to Geneva.  Kethe helped with the translation of the Geneva Bible in 1560 and contributed 25 psalms to the Anglo-Genevan Psalter.

Kethe left Geneva for England in 1561, and took a copy of the Anglo-Genevan Psalter with him –– thereby introducing this music to the English.  A number of his psalms found their way into the English Psalter of 1562, which was published by Thomas Sternhold and John Hopkins.  All of his psalms were included in the Scottish Psalter two years later.

“All People That on Earth Do Dwell” is based on Psalm 100.  That Psalm is five verses in length, and the song is four verses.  The first verse of the song is based on verses 1 and 2 of the psalm, and each of the subsequent verses of the song is based on one verse of the psalm.  It is probably the oldest hymn in common use today.

The tune by Bourgeois is known today as “Old Hundredth,” and is one of the best-known tunes in modern hymnals –– in large measure because it is also sung to the Doxology, “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.”

Copyright 2008, Richard Niell Donovan

Psalm 100 

 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

sage

p.s.  I post this as part of my continuous effort to point up the dangers of CCM, and hope and pray that God’s people will wake up to the serpent in the singing.  Can you see what is being lost as the old hymns are cast aside for simple lyrics and rhythmic melodies?  CCM  is now firmly in IFB churches everywhere.

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears

Friday Proverb – Our Life and Hope

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The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 

Proverbs 10:27

While the Word of God does not guarantee a long  earthly life to truly born again believers, it does follow reason that those who fear Him, and forsake sinful lifestyles will have better health and greater joy in life.  While we are in our flesh – we long to be with Him, and  having the knowledge of His omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence will prevent us from taking a detour into the dark side. 

Living the Holy Spirit filled life is a matter of surrendering our wills to His will.  It is a matter of getting rid of our household gods and fleshly desires,  and allowing the Holy Spirit to completely fill us.  And while it seems that the wicked are holding sway at this moment in time – remember – that to God – there is no time!  Time only exists here on earth – it is not a part of the heavenly realm. 

The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. 

Proverbs 10:28

Yes – we must fear our Creator – but we must also hope in Him.  One need only see the hard, brittle, look in the eyes of the abrasive atheists when they are attacking the Bible and Bible believers.  It is a cold, dead expression – void of hope.  And if the eyes truly are the window to the soul – what does that tell us?   There is death where there is no hope – spiritual death.  And then in the not so far off future – eternal death in the Lake of Fire. 

We can be truly glad of heart, and take joy in the fact that our futures are already secure, and written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  There is no reason to fret over evil doers – because their future is already determined if they remain unrepentant.  What a terrible thought. 

The next time you hear news of murders, corruptions, and all the sundry evils that satan has in his arsenal, it would be wise to think where your hope is.  It is not here! not in America, not in anything other than our blessed savior – Jesus Christ. 

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

[Forgive me.  I so wanted to post a video with the classic hymn – “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand,” but was unable to find one without a sensuous back-beat.]

sage

Friday Proverb – The Wicked Fear Death

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Proverbs 10:24-25

24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

Those that are unsaved and living for the world system, fear death to the point they will do almost anything to avoid it.  Because they have no hope for the future, and no concept of an eternity – they cling with fervor to this earthly realm.  Being completely self centered, they think  nothing of killing the unborn, or using their body parts to extend their own lives.

25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

As believers, we know that our future is already sealed.  That is our hope – something the wicked couldn’t possibly understand.  With Jesus Christ as our Righteous and Everlasting foundation, we are known by name,  are built onto –   and permanently attached to Him.   Once we are in heaven with the Lord, the wicked will no more come to our minds.  Or to the Lord’s mind!   And how grateful we should be for that!  Not to think about what the evil are up to anymore – that sounds like heaven to me.

Isaiah 65:11-17

11 But ye are they that forsake the Lord, that forget My holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.

12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before Mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.

13 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, My servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, My servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, My servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

14 Behold, My servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.

15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto My chosen: for the Lord God shall slay thee, and call His servants by another name:

16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from Mine eyes.

17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

sage

For the Lord’s Day – If You Will Only Let God Guide You

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If you will only let God guide you,
And hope in Him through all your ways,
Whatever comes, He’ll stand beside you,
To bear you through the evil days;
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the Rock that cannot move.

Only be still, and wait His leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whatever the Father’s pleasure
And all discerning love have sent;
Nor doubt our inmost wants are known
To Him Who chose us for His own.

Sing, pray, and swerve not from His ways,
But do your part in conscience true;
Trust His rich promises of grace,
So shall they be fulfilled in you;
God hears the call of those in need,
The souls that trust in Him indeed.

Winkworth’s original translation:

winkworth_c

If thou but suffer God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trust in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that naught can move.

What can these anxious cares avail thee
These never ceasing moans and sighs?
What can it help if thou bewail thee
O’er each dark moment as it flies?
Our cross and trials do but press
The heavier for our bitterness.

Be patient and await His leisure
In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whatever thy Father’s pleasure
And His discerning love hath sent,
Nor doubt our inmost want are known
To Him who chose us for His own.

God knows full well when time of gladness
Shall be the needful thing for thee.
When He has tried thy soul with sadness
And from all guile has found thee free,
He comes to thee all unaware
And makes thee own His loving care.

Nor think amid the fiery trial
That God hath cast thee off unheard,
That he whose hopes meet no denial
Must surely be of God preferred.
Time passes and much change doth bring
And set a bound to everything.

All are alike before the Highest:
’Tis easy for our God, We know,
To raise thee up, though low thou liest,
To make the rich man poor and low.
True wonders still by Him are wrought
Who setteth up and brings to naught.

Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,
Perform thy duties faithfully,
And trust His Word: though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee.
God never yet forsook in need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.

neumark_g2

Words:Georg Neu­mark, 1641 (Wer nur den lie­ben Gott lässt wal­ten); first pub­lished in his Fort­ge­pflantz­er mu­sik­al­isch-po­et­isch­er Lust­wald (Je­na, Ger­ma­ny: 1657). Ca­ther­ine Wink­worth trans­lat­ed the words from Ger­man to Eng­lish in 1855, and pub­lished them in the Cho­rale Book for Eng­land, 1863.

Music: Neumark, Georg Neu­mark, 1641 (MI­DI, score). The tune is said to have been used for 400 dif­fer­ent hymns.

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/f/ifyouwil.htm

Things appeared desperate for Georg Neumark. Walking cross country in the early Autumn of 1641 to begin his studies at the University of Konigsberg, the young German scholar was robbed of virtually everything he owned. With no money left to pay for food or classes, George had to drop out of college and look for work. He was hungry, poorly clothed, forced to take whatever shelter he could find as the cold weather came on.

He went back to Magdeburg but could find no work there. However, he made friends easily, and they pointed him to different cities. But he had no more success in the next three cities he tried: Luneburg, Winsen or Hamburg. He passed on to Keil. The chief pastor of Keil, Nicolaus Becker took an interest in Georg. Like Georg, he was from Thuringia. However, he could find him no immediate work. It was now December. What was Georg to do?

At this darkest moment, a miracle happened. A tutor in a prominent family fell into disgrace and fled. Nicolaus Becker recommended Georg for the position and he was hired. Georg’s response was to burst into a hymn of praise, “on that very day.”

If thou but suffer God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days….
Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,
Perform thy duties faithfully,
And trust His Word: though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee.
God never yet forsook in need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.

We remember George Neumark mainly because of that one hymn and the tune he composed for it. For two years he worked and saved his money, finally getting together enough to enter University. In 1646 he again lost everything he owned, this time to a fire.

However, he was able to complete his studies and return to his homeland. There Duke Wilhelm II of Sachse-Weimar recognized his merits and gave him a trusted position.

Georg went blind shortly before he died, but the court allowed him to keep his jobs with their badly-needed income right to the end. He died on this day, July 18, 1681, having turned 60 shortly before. He had performed his part faithfully and God did not forsake him, bearing him through the evil days.

Bibliography:

  1. Covert, William Chalmers and Laufer, Calvin Weiss, editors. Handbook to the Hymnal. (Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Christian Education, 1936).
  2. “Georg Neumark.” http://www.cyberhymnal.org
  3. Haeussler, Armin. The Handbook to the Hymnal of the Evangelical and Reformed Church. St. Louis, Missouri: Eden Publishing, 1952.
  4. Various encyclopedia and internet articles.

http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1601-1700/desperate-georg-neumark-let-god-guide-him-11630166.html

John 4:23-24

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

sage

For the Lord’s Day – Arise, My Soul, Arise

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=V0qZ3h_dMGs%3Fsi%3DmYooPJt754HfJu_5

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.

Charles Wesley  1707-1788

Charles Wesley, the son of Samuel Wesley, was born at Epworth, Dec. 18, 1707. He was educated at Westminster School and afterwards at Christ Church, Oxford, where he graduated M.A. In 1735, he took Orders and immediately proceeded with his brother John to Georgia, both being employed as missionaries of the S.P.G. He returned to England in 1736. For many years he engaged with his brother in preaching the Gospel. He died March 29, 1788. To Charles Wesley has been justly assigned the appellation of the “Bard of Methodism.” His prominence in hymn writing may be judged from the fact that in the “Wesleyan Hymn Book,” 623 of the 770 hymns were written by him; and he published more than thirty poetical works, written either by himself alone, or in conjunction with his brother. The number of his separate hymns is at least five thousand.  http://www.hymnary.org/person/Wesley_Charles

“I have a re­cord,” said a Wes­ley­an mis­sion­ary la­bor­ing in the West In­dies, “of two hun­dred per­sons, young and old, who re­ceived the most di­rect ev­i­dence of the for­give­ness of their sins while sing­ing ‘Arise, my soul.’ The con­ver­sion of the great­er num­ber of these per­sons took place while I was a mis­sion­ary abroad.”

Sankey, p. 115

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/r/arisemys.htm

Hebrews 7:24-25

24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

For the Lord’s Day – There is a Balm in Gilead

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Please enjoy the wonderfully complex choir work, of this beloved hymn.  The many layers are indicative of the depth of the Savior’s eternal love and mercy for mankind. 

Refrain

There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin sick soul.

Some times I feel discouraged,
And think my work’s in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again.

Refrain

If you can’t preach like Peter,
If you can’t pray like Paul,
Just tell the love of Jesus,
And say He died for all.

Refrain

Question: “What is the balm of Gilead?”

Answer: A balm is an aromatic, medicinal substance derived from plants. Gilead was an area east of the Jordan River, well known for its spices and ointments. The “balm of Gilead” was, therefore, a high-quality ointment with healing properties. The balm was made from resin taken from a flowering plant in the Middle East, although the exact species is unknown. It was also called the “balsam of Mecca.” Myrrh is taken from a similar plant—Commiphora myrrha.The Bible uses the term “balm of Gilead” metaphorically as an example of something with healing or soothing powers.

“Balm of Gilead” has three references in the Bible. In Genesis 37:25, as Joseph’s brothers contemplated how to kill him, a caravan of Ishmaelites passed by on their way to Egypt from Gilead. In their cargo were “spices, balm, and myrrh.” Jeremiah 8 records God’s warning to Judah of what Babylon would do to them. Upon hearing the news, Jeremiah laments, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” (verse 22). His question is a poetic search for hope—a plea for healing. Then, in Jeremiah 46:11, as God describes an impending judgment on Egypt, He taunts them: “Go up to Gilead and obtain balm, O virgin daughter of Egypt! In vain have you multiplied remedies; there is no healing for you!”

These scriptural references to the balm of Gilead have inspired many literary and cultural allusions, including references in “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe and movies such as The Spitfire Grill. Notably, “There Is a Balm in Gilead” is an African-American spiritual that compares the healing balm to the saving power of Jesus—the one true treatment that never fails to heal our spiritual wounds.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/balm-of-Gilead.html#ixzz3PmXqTrst

“There is a Balm in Gilead,” was created by African slaves, who were made free by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:27-29

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

For the Lord’s Day – Our Great Savior

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This hymn is also known under the title “Jesus! What A Friend For Sinners!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=QdtAtC99rH0%3Fsi%3DMfs4rTdyoorb_y6F

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Refrain

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.

Refrain

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.

Refrain

Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

Refrain

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
[or Jesus! I do now adore Him,]
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.

Refrain

John Wilbur Chapman (June 17, 1859, Richmond, Indiana – December 25, 1918, New York, New York) was a Presbyterian evangelist in the late 19th Century, generally traveling with gospel singer Charles Alexander. His parents were Alexander H. and Lorinda (McWhinney) Chapman.

Chapman grew up attending Quaker Day School and Methodist Sunday School. At age 17, he made a public declaration of his Christian faith and joined the Richmond Presbyterian Church. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lake Forest College and his seminary degree from Lane Theological Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio. He completed his ordination into the ministry 13 April 1881, while still attending Lane. He was later awarded a Doctorate in Divinity from the College of Wooster and an LL.D. from Heidelberg University.

In May 1882, Chapman married Irene Steddon. In April 1886, she bore him a daughter, Bertha Irene Chapman. Irene Steddon Chapman died in May 1886. Chapman remarried on November 4, 1888 to Agnes Pruyn Strain; they had four children: Robert (who died in infancy), John Wilbur, Jr., Alexander Hamilton, and Agnes Pruyn. His second wife died on June 25, 1907 and Chapman married a third and final time on August 30, 1910 to Mabel Cornelia Moulton.

Chapman took on several pastorates before shifting to the evangelistic circuit. He began preaching with the legendary D. L. Moody in 1893, as well as leading many evangelistic events of his own. Among Chapman’s disciples on the evangelistic circuit was Billy Sunday.

In 1905, John H. Converse, a wealthy Presbyterian philanthropist, offered to underwrite Chapman’s expenses if he would re-enter the evangelistic field full-time. Converse also set up a trust fund so as to finance Chapman’s crusades posthumously. Chapman accepted the offer and in 1907, joined forces with popular gospel singer Charles McCallon Alexander to launch the “Chapman-Alexander Simultaneous Campaign.”

The duo assembled an impressive team of evangelists and song leaders and took to the streets. The first joint campaign was held in Philadelphia from March 12 to April 19, 1908. They partitioned the city into 42 sections covered by 21 evangelist-musicians teams. They spent three weeks on each half of the city, resulting in approximately 8000 conversions. It was at a similar Chapman-Alexander event in North Carolina that the legendary King James Only proponent, David Otis Fuller, committed to the Christian faith.

In 1909, Chapman demanded that any field evangelist who doubted the inerrancy of Scripture be removed from ministry. Chapman’s biography reports, “The first Chapman-Alexander worldwide campaign left Vancouver, British Columbia on March 26, 1909, and returned on November 26, 1909.

Read more about John Wilbur Chapman here:

http://www.hymnary.org/person/Chapman_JW

Titus 2:13-14

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14  Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Friday Proverb – Complicity and Foolishness

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Is it enough to worry only about our own sins?  So many lovely Christians feel they should not ever judge, and allow  people to work out their own misery.  But where do we draw the line?  Do we let someone drown in water?  Do we let someone drown in sin?  Is there any difference? 

Proverbs 10:10

 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow:

turning a blind eye

In the true understanding of the 1611 KJV, “winketh with the eye,” quite literally means “turning a blind eye.”  This is something that everyone is guilty of, including Christians.  We need to speak up, not sit on our hands!  Just the fact that Christians as a whole have been cowed into passivity in the past does not mean we need to let it continue.  If you see something that is wrong – speak out!  Yes – especially if it is in your church. . .

God has “turned a blind eye” intentionally to the world’s free-fall into utter depravity, but He will not always do so!

Acts 17:29-31

29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

31 Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.

but a prating fool shall fall.

talk too much

We all know them, even at church.  Give them a mic and they never want to let go.  I am saying this as kindly as possible to my brothers and sisters – listening is a great gift that every believer should try to cultivate within themselves.  Let’s not think about ourselves, but let us always have in mind the well-being of others.  Many times, the well being of others involves listening to them with hearing, understanding and compassion.  The less time we spend thinking and talking about ourselves, the more time we will have for others and even more importantly The LORD, and the more  filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit we will be.

The Keepers of His Word

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Bible translations – it’s a mess. If you are anything like me (logical, analytical, likes to read peer-reviewed research for *fun* on the weekends), the confusion surrounding Biblical translations seems to almost invalidate the Bible as a whole. To an external observer with a penchant towards experimental and evidence-based analysis, contradicting results invalidates the authority of the results. Due to the conflicting views on translations of Scripture, I am working to assemble my research to validate the authority of the Scripture in terms of the Authorized King James Version.

When Emperor Constantine took over the Roman Empire thanks to strong connections that were enabled by his father Caesar Constantius of the First Tetrarchy (AD 293 – 305), he sought to unify paganism and Christianity. By unifying them, he would be able to manipulate himself into a position of absolute divine authority and unanimous approval from all classes through an imperial cult, a state religion wherein an emperor or group of emperors are worshipped as demigods or deities. When Emperor Constantine did this, he:

  1. Increased tolerance of Christianity while limiting regulations against Roman polytheism.
  2. Mingled pagan holidays with Christian beliefs.
  3. Called for the Council of Nicaea, establishing the Nicene Creed and deity of Christ.

All of the unified religions established as the official religion of the Roman Empire were called, as a unit, Roman Catholicism. In an effort to unify Christianity and people who had pantheistic views for peace under his “divine leadership,” Constantine played his role carefully after analyzing that the Christians would not be so easily eliminated with simple persecution and massacre as was attempted during the reign of prior Emperor Diocletian and his Tetrarchy. Roman Catholicism embellished Christianity with ritualistic ceremonies, focusing on the value and authority of paganist rituals and ceremony as opposed to the authority of Scripture. Thus, any Scripture which was derived from the influence of that intermingling of Gnosticism, paganism and Arianism that was the result of Constantine’s efforts for a unified religion (Roman Catholicism) and any translation of Scripture which stemmed from that unification and desperate attempt to unite the pagans of the world with Christians uses a translation that:

 1.) is anti-Trinitarian

2.) denies the authority of Scripture.

Most English Translations of Scripture come from copies of Greek codices of questionable translational authenticity kept in “the holy city of Catholics” – Vatican City.

Please note the following illustration:

I will be providing more information on this topic as time permits.

Matthew 5:18

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Friday Proverb – How Do You Want To Be Remembered?

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It is endlessly fascinating to me, just how specific the Word of God is on virtually every subject.  Most thinking people are aware on some level of the basic human desire to be remembered after passing on.  Some call it a legacy – some want their name in the history books – some want a nice eulogy at their funeral.  However it is expressed – it seems to exist in all people on some level – and that is why it is addressed in the Bible. 

What is notable about the Bible and Its treatment of this subject, is that It is only concerned with God’s memory of our legacies.  Not things made with human hands, such as plaques, memorials, headstones, charitable trusts, art work etc. . .

Do you know that to God – there are only two kinds of people?  Sheep and goats, or saved and unsaved.  That’s right –  not good, bad, hard working, lazy, selfish, charitable or greedy – it makes no difference.  You are either justified and sanctified by the Blood of Christ or you are not.

Proverbs 10:7

The memory of the just is blessed:

Think about that – if you repent and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior He has promised that He will not remember your sins, because God will only see His righteousness – and we achieve justification through Him.

Psalm 103:11-13

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear Him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.

but the name of the wicked shall rot.

No matter how famous, no matter how much charity, no matter how many good works – the promise for the wicked unrepentant is that every idle deed and word is remembered – none of the record of their world famous deeds will stand – none of their riches – not even a bowling trophy!  The only thing, the only thing that matters is that you trust in Him today without delay!

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,

8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power;

sheepgoats

Friday Proverb – The Wicked Will Not Always Prosper

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As wickedness grows apace in this world, believers sometimes wonder longingly when the LORD will call them home.  The Word of God is implicitly clear – He is keeping track – and He will hold all accountable.

Proverbs 10:6

Jesus healing blind

 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

It is extremely important to understand the meaning of the word “just” in the first section of this Proverb.  Who are the just?  Those who seek after righteousness through saving faith in God’s Christ!  No one can be just on their own – because no one can obtain their own righteousness.  And Who is our Head?  Jesus Christ of course!

1 Corinthians 11:3

 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

It is evident in this Proverb that blessings come to us only through Jesus Christ – Who is both our Head and our Righteousness.  And what blessings they are!  Pardon from sin, limitless peace, rest for our souls, every sanctifying grace, adoption, eternal life. . .  need I say more?  What joy!  What bliss!  What a Savior!

The second part of this Proverb is sad indeed.  We see the wicked prospering in the world, and it “vexes our souls,” as it should!  But look closely at that verse – and you will see it says something far more than most think it does.  “Violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.”  Picture this, because this is what the Word is saying – the unrepentant will NOT be able to answer when the charges are brought against them at the Great White Throne Judgment!  Their mouths will be “covered with violence.”  There will be no pleading or bargaining involved, such as the courts of law hold today.  No negotiating – no reduced sentences – no parole. . .no purgatory!

If you belong to an organized religion or cult, or are an atheist or agnostic – please think carefully about this Proverb – because it tells the future in one short sentence.  Think about a trial – where you are not even allowed to speak – and every idle word, deed, and thought you ever had is exposed and read aloud for all to hear.  You will have no defense – because your mouth will be covered. 

Do not think this is some cruel fate – you have had ample time to repent, and the Lord is not willing that any should perish.  Now is the time – not next year, or in a couple of years after you get done “living your life.”  The time is never going to get better than right this minute.  Turn to Jesus Christ, your Creator and Savior, please do it now because you may not get the chance later.

Luke 12:16-21

16 And He spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Friday Proverb – Those Lazy Days of Summer

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The ease with which food can be procured in this country, gives us a false sense of security.  The entitlement syndrome has left the populace with the idea that they are owed something.  Food, clothing, shelter, education – all are deemed “rights” by a sinful and lazy flock of sheeple.  The evil shepherd of our nation, is placed in judgment over us – as we demand more and more – the evil shepherd promises more and more.  And leads the lazy sheeple to slaughter.

grasshopper and ant

Proverbs 10:5

 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

You need not be involved in agriculture to make a life application out of this particular Proverb.  Allow me to give a personal example of how I use it it, and have ignored,  it to my great discomfort.

Living in the Great Lakes area guarantees mercurial weather.  Thanks to John Coleman, we have the blessings of the Weather Channel, and are able to chart the weather for more than one day.  In times past, when looking at the weather, there might have been in winter time, a one or two day window biweekly, where the weather was more amenable to driving (ergo – safer and less stressful.)  Did I wisely take advantage of this window?  I am ashamed to say that I did not always do so – and found my family on several occasions having to go without some things for days before it was safe to drive again.  Shameful and lazy!

When we have plenty, we tend to take it for granted – just as the ancient Hebrews did . . .

Deuteronomy 6:10-15

10 And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which He sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;

12 Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve Him, and shalt swear by His name.

14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;

15 (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

If you think about it honestly – do you really thing about where your water is coming from?  How about your clothing?  Do you thank God for every bite of food that goes into your mouth – or do you wish you had something better?  How about your shelter? Clothing?  Do you take care of and give thanks for what you have?  Can you do better at working for the comfort and safety of your loved ones?  This could even be applied to shoveling the snow off the roof, sidewalk or driveway – before the ice storm!  Or if you live in an arid region – putting out the rain barrels before the rainy season!  You’d be surprised how many people put off these things when it is the best time to do them – because of electronic distractions/addictions  – like TV, internet, and telephone.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kc7TVmnZw4E%3Fsi%3DC0SDUGYjyDHdWvEv
Silly Symphony The Grasshopper And The Ants HD (1934)

Friday Proverb – The Position of Souls

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So many Christians can not see past this fleshly world, and only focus on the “rewards” in this life, despite the overabundance of teachings in the New Testament stressing just the opposite. 

Our LORD has forever been concerned with the condition and future of our souls.  All men (not animals!) are born with a soul that lives forever.  Forever is a long, long time.  It is the choice we make in this temporal, fleshly life that determines where the soul will spend eternity.  If you think we just came through an interminable, desolate winter – imagine eternity without any Light.

peace and comfort

Proverbs 10:3

 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish:

Lazarus and the rich man

but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, if you do not know the wonderful knowledge of peace and hope that only He can give, please, right now, ask Him to be your Savior. Tell Him that you know you are a sinner, and that you know that you can not save yourself.  Look at those pictures above?  Which one do you want?  Eternity forever alone, forever desolate and miserable?  Or eternity in the Light with your Creator?  Many people worry about leaving a legacy, wanting their names to be remembered in history – notice that the incredibly rich man in the following Parable is nameless. . .

outline of Lazarus and rich man

Luke 16:19-25

19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:

28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham:  but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him,  If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though One rose from the dead.

Friday Proverb – Wise and Foolish Sons

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Chapters 10-15 of Proverbs consist entirely of comparisons made between the wise and the foolish.  The Lord Who made us, understands how our minds work.  We always crave comparisons.  It is part of our very nature.  Over the next weeks as we look at these comparisons, we should examine ourselves and question honestly – which category do we fall in – wise or foolish? 

Proverbs 10:1

scheming

 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father:

but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

The pride a man can have in his son is to be expected.  Every man wants to make himself over, except “better.”  When the son grows up pleasing his father with his behavior and choices, the father’s heart is gladdened in a way that most women have trouble understanding. 

At the same time, when a son does things that she deems to be  immoral and/or destructive to himself and others, it is a heaviness on the mother’s heart that most men would have trouble understanding.  Fathers  can usually forgive their son’s moral lapses more easily than mothers can.   For her, this child of her body is laying boulders of pressing, hurtful weight.  Historically, women have been dependent on their sons, especially in the case of widowhood, which was not an unusual situation. 

We can think of the greatest Son who ever lived, Who, in the last few moments of His earthly life, had compassion on His mother, and appointed His most beloved disciple to care for her.  He was the wisest Son of all . . .

John 19:25-27

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He saith unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son!

behold thy mother

27 Then saith He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Are you a wise son?  Or are you a foolish son?  As an adult – any rifts you have with your parents are not worth nurturing.  Not in the bigger picture of eternal life.  Do the wise thing – and gladden your father’s heart, and  relieve your mother’s . 

Friday Proverb – Avoid Foolish Women!

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Today’s Proverb is short and heavy hitting.  Last week, Wisdom was inviting us in – this week – Wisdom’s polar opposite opens her door  and beckons – she is . . .

FOOLISHNESS

major loser

Proverbs 9:13-17

13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:

(Nowadays – this woman can beckon from cyberspace)

harlot

16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

Secret?  Her claim is ludicrous.

(does anyone seriously think they can hide sin from The LORD?)

Numbers 32:23

. . . behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.

Proverbs 9:18

But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

computer

Wisdom and foolishness live right across the street from each other.  Indeed – they may even dwell in the same house! 

Friday Proverb – Sluggish Workers

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I’m sure we’ve all seen it – one or two people actually working – while the vast majority are standing or sitting around doing nothing.  While it has always been sinful human nature to be lazy – certainly the death of the famous Protestant Work Ethic has elevated sluggishness to a lifestyle – perhaps even an art form. 

Proverbs 10:26

 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,

Bitter and burning – that is what the sluggard is to employers and those in authority.  And the taste of vinegar is long lasting and memorable – as is smoke in the eyes.  Never will the sluggard be looked on in any other way, than as a sluggard or potential sluggard. 

So is the sluggard to them that send him.

Do we really want the world to see believers that way?  Think about that word – sluggard.  Not at all a pleasant image to think about.   And it is also unpleasant to recognize,  that the sluggard does not only hurt himself and the image of the church – he leaves a slime trail. 

Which means that though the sluggard is being self indulgent, he really is leaving a sticky trap behind him for others to see where he’s been,  where he is going, and where to follow. . .

There are so many behaviors that qualify as sluggish, in the church, it would be impossible to list them all here.  We could fully embrace the Lord’s perfection, and even recognize such sins as adultery and gluttony as sluggishness.  For example, the lazy spouse will seek outside relationships, or even internet pornography, rather than working on their marriage.  A sluggish body will eat copious amounts of easily obtained foods, rather than prepare healthy foods to eat – because the preparation (planning, shopping, cooking) requires effort and – work. 

We are to blame for the situations we find ourselves in.  Bad decisions are one thing – and sluggishness is its evil twin.  Let us strive to put our best foot forward – and show to the sinful, fallen world, the radiance of a Holy Spirit filled life, and reflect outwards –  the Light of the Son. 

The Bible Version Controversy: The Tale of Two Greeks, A Brief History of The War over God’s Eternal Written Word | Thy Word Alone is Truth: Examining All Things in the Refining Furnace of Scripture

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https://followingjesuschrist3.com/2015/10/24/the-bible-version-controversy-a-brief-history/

#kingjamesbible

The Abundant Life – #4 – The Spirit Filled Life

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John 3:3-7

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

It is a fact, that the Holy Spirit indwells every truly born again believer.  Though we may be weak, immature, and imperfect – if we have been “born again” of the Spirit – He dwells in us.  1 Cor. 6:19- What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  Rom. 8:9 – But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.

It is one thing to have the Holy Spirit indwell us – but does He have us in such a way that He may fill us with the “Abundant Life?”  Contrary to the teachings of prosperity preachers – the abundant life can not be found in our environments or circumstances, or in the many material things that we may possess.  It is only found in the infilling of the Holy Spirit. 

Ephesians 5:18

 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit

EPHESIANS 5:18 IS A COMMAND!  TO BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT IS TO BE SPIRIT-POSSESSED, SPIRIT- EMPOWERED, AND SPIRIT-CONTROLLED.  

1. We are filled with the Holy Spirit that we might have joy.  Eph. 5:19-20 –19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

2. We are filled with the Holy Spirit for service.  Acts 6:3 – Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 

3. We are filled with the Holy Spirit for power to be a witness.  Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

4. We are filled with the Holy Spirit for the hour of persecution.  Acts 7: 54-60 –

54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.  55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,  56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.  57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,  58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.  59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

5. We are filled with the Holy Spirit that we may  “walk in the Spirit.”  Gal. 5:16-26 –  16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

6. We are filled with the Holy Spirit that we may be led by the Holy Spirit.  Rom. 8:14 – For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

WE CAN ONLY BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT IF WE DESIRE HIM TO FILL US.  THEN WE MUST ASK HIM TO FILL US.  AND FINALLY, WE MUST BELIEVE THAT HE FILLS US. 

Living Water

John 4:14

 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Study on Faith – Introduction

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The just shall live by faith.

This declaration of the Christian’s principle of life is found in four places in Scripture.

  1. Habakkuk 2: 1-5
  2. Romans 2:17
  3. Galatians 3:10
  4. Hebrews 10:38

In the Old Testament Book of Habakkuk, we see the difference between the lives of the just and the unjust.  The unjust are puffed up – and live according to their own wills and self-sufficiency.  But the just on the other hand – live by faith.  Their confidence is only in God, not themselves.  To the just, faith is more than a world view or philosophy of life.  It is the very principle of life.

HABAKKUK 2:4

4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

The righteous shall live his entire life by faith.

  • He is saved by faith. 

Acts 16:31 – And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

  • He is kept by faith. 

1 Peter 1:5 – Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • He lives by faith. 

Gal. 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

The faith of the just shall be tried many times and in many ways – but will always be vindicated, because through Christ, faith is more than equal to any occasion.

1 Peter 1:7 – That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. . .

Faith knows how to wait on the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31 – But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Faith is always victorious.

1 John 5:4 – For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Faith defies logic, and can move mountains.

Matt. 17: 14 – 21

14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Faith never gives up.

Hebrews 11:32-39  

32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

 WITH FAITH – WE CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY, THAT “GOD IS WORKING OUT HIS PERFECT WILL IN MY LIFE, AND I CAN WAIT – ENDURE – AND SUFFER!”   FAITH DOES NOT MAKE ANYTHING EASY – BUT IT DOES MAKE ALL THINGS POSSIBLE.  

For the Lord’s Day – Great is Thy Faithfulness

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=IiQzzc41z5Q%3Fsi%3DQka9yux6TdTF1UoA

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

Great is Thy Faithfulness, The Song and the Story

Composer Thomas Chisolm Writes Great is Thy Faithfulness

Thomas Obadiah Chisolm (1866-1960) had a difficult adult life. His health was so fragile that there were periods of time when he was confined to bed, unable to work. Between bouts of illness he would have to push himself to put in extra hours at various jobs in order to make ends meet.

After coming to Christ at age 27, Thomas found great comfort in the Scriptures, and in the fact that God was faithful to be his strength in time of illness and provide his needs. Lamentations 3:22-23 was one of his favorite scriptures: “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.”

While away from home on a missions trip, Thomas often wrote to one of his good friends, William Runyan, a relatively unknown musician. Several poems were exchanged in these letters. Runyan found one of Williams’ poems so moving that he decided to compose a musical score to accompany the lyrics. Great is Thy Faithfulness was published in 1923.

For several years ,the hymn got very little recognition, until it was discovered by a Moody Bible Institute professor who loved it so much and requested it sung so often at chapel services, that the song became the unofficial theme song of the college.

It was not until 1945 when George Beverly Shea began to sing Great is Thy Faithfulness at the Billy Graham evangelistic crusades, that the hymn was heard around the world.

Thomas Chisolm died in 1960 at age 94. During his lifetime, he wrote more than 1,200 poems and hymns including O To Be Like Thee and Living for Jesus  http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/great-is-they-faithfulness-the-song-and-the-story.html

“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 89:1)

For the Lord’s Day – What a Friend We Have in Jesus

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I thought how this week’s studies were all focused on prayer and friendship with God, this seemed like just the right thing.  Praise Him! 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=7Pv1dUNJVJ4%3Fsi%3DpBcAAMolfEkI9jGy
Click “Watch on Youtube” to hear this beloved hymn!

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Joseph Scriven

Joseph M. Scriven

Composer

Joseph Medlicott Scriven, was an Irish poet, best known as the writer of the poem which became the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. wikipedia.org

  • Born: September 10, 1819
  • Died: August 10, 1886

Irish born Joseph M. Scriven (1819-1896) was 25 years old, in love and to be married. The day before his wedding his fiance died in a tragic drowning accident. Heartbroken, Joseph sailed from his homeland to start a new life in Canada. While in Canada working as a teacher, he fell in love again and became engaged to Eliza Roche, a relative of one of his students. Once again, Joseph’s hopes and dreams were shattered when Eliza became ill and died before the wedding could take place.

Although one can only imagine the turmoil within this young man, history tells us that his faith in God sustained him. Soon after Eliza’s death Joseph joined the Plymouth Brethren and began preaching for a Baptist church. He never married, but spent the remainder of his life giving all his time, money and even the clothes off his own back to help the less fortunate and to spread the love and compassion of Jesus wherever he went.

Around the same time that Eliza died, Joseph received word from Ireland that his mother was ill. He could not go to be with her, so he wrote a letter of comfort and enclosed one of his poems entitled What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

Many years later a friend was sitting with Joseph, as he was very ill. During this visit, the friend was very impressed when he ran across his poems, including What a Friend We Have in Jesus. As a result of this visit, almost 30 years after his letter of comfort to his mother, Joseph’s poems were published in a book called Hymns and Other Verses. Soon thereafter, noted musician Charles C. Converse (1834-1918) put music to one of those poems: What a Friend We Have in Jesus.  http://hishymnhistory.blogspot.com/2012/11/what-friend-we-have-in-jesus.html

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

For the Lord’s Day – The Church’s One Foundation

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OQv4EAwMFoQ%3Fsi%3DL_rScIHGVqU9kBzK

The Church’s one foundation
  Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His new creation
  By water and the Word:
From heav’n He came and sought her
  To be His holy Bride;
With His own blood He bought her,
  And for her life He died.

Elect from every nation,
  Yet one o’er all the earth,
Her charter of salvation,
  One Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy Name she blesses,
  Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
  With every grace endued.

’Mid toil and tribulation,
  And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation
  Of peace for evermore;
Till, with the vision glorious,
  Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious
  Shall be the Church at rest.

Yet she on earth hath union
  With God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion
  With those whose rest is won:
O happy ones and holy!
  Lord, give us grace that we,
Like them, the meek and lowly,
  In love may dwell with Thee.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/833#ixzz2y4Rp4xIi\\

samuel j stone

Samuel J. Stone (1839-1900)

This hymn is well known for calling the church to be a community. The basis of the text is from the Bible when Christ tells Peter that the church will be built off of the Rock that is Himself. Written by Samuel J. Stone in 1866, “The Church’s One Foundation,” was one of the most famous of hymns written by Stone. Born in 1839 in Whitmore, Staffordshire, England, Stone was the son of Reverend William Stone. As Samuel became older, he eventually attended Charter School and Oxford College where he was ordained in 1862. Immediately after he was ordained he began serving orders at various different churches until 1870., when he joined his father in his ministries at St Paul’s in Haggerston, England. Four short years later, Samuel J. Stone followed in his fathers footsteps and took over for his father as Vicar at St. Paul’s. S. Stone served as Vicar in Haggerston until 1890, and from then until his death in 1900, he served at All-Hallow-on-the-Wall in London turning it into a safe haven for working girls and women in England. This hymn came at a very important time in the history of the church, a time where there was a great dispute of how the church should work.  http://etymologyofhymns.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-churchs-one-foundation.html

ISAIAH 28:16

water in a weary land

 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone,

a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

For the Lord’s Day – I Will Sing the Wondrous Story

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=9ahjKfVb4Lc%3Fsi%3D397JPpC3WeNSZ203

I will sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ Who died for me.
How He left His home in glory
For the cross of Calvary.

Refrain

Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ Who died for me,
Sing it with the saints in glory,
Gathered by the crystal sea.

I was lost, but Jesus found me,
Found the sheep that went astray,
Threw His loving arms around me,
Drew me back into His way.

Refrain

I was bruised, but Jesus healed me,
Faint was I from many a fall,
Sight was gone, and fears possessed me,
But He freed me from them all.

Refrain

Days of darkness still come o’er me,
Sorrow’s path I often tread,
But His presence still is with me;
By His guiding hand I’m led.

Refrain

He will keep me till the river
Rolls its waters at my feet;
Then He’ll bear me safely over,
Where the loved ones I shall meet.

Refrain

rowley_fh

Words: Fran­cis H. Row­ley, 1886. The orig­in­al lyr­ics be­gan, “Can’t you sing the won­drous sto­ry…” Ira Sank­ey changed them be­fore pub­lish­ing the song in the 1887 edi­tion of his Sac­red Songs and So­los.

Music: Pe­ter P. Bil­horn, 1886 (MI­DI, score).

Rowley wrote of this song:

I was min­is­ter of the First Bap­tist Church of North Adams [Mass­a­chu­setts] at the time the hymn was written in 1886, as nearly as I can remember. The church and the com­mun­i­ty were ex­per­i­enc­ing a per­i­od of un­u­su­al in­ter­est in re­li­gious mat­ters, and I was as­sist­ed by a re­mark­a­ble young sing­er named Pe­ter Bil­horn. One night af­ter the close of the ser­vice he said, “Why don’t you write a hymn for me to set to mu­sic?” Dur­ing the night these most un­pre­ten­tious and whol­ly un­wor­thy vers­es came to me. Some years ago as I was go­ing down a Lon­don street one night about ele­ven o’clock, I dis­cov­ered ahead of me a group of Sal­va­tion Ar­my peo­ple hold­ing a ser­vice, and as I came near­er to them it oc­curred to me that the hymn they were sing­ing was fa­mil­iar. Then it dawned up­on me that it was this one.

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/w/iwilsing.htm

jesus-christ-wallpapers-4

REVELATION 15:3

 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.