(Psalm 76:4-12)…..4 You are more glorious and excellent Than the mountains of prey. 5 The stouthearted were plundered; They have sunk into their sleep; And none of the mighty men have found the use of their hands. 6 At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep. 7 You, Yourself, are to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence When once You are angry? 8 You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; The earth feared and was still, …

(Philippians 1:21-23)…..For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

A Christian should not be afraid to die. Dying is a promotion for a Christian into a better situation, something to look forward to, not to dread. Too many Christians are …

Have you ever received a gift that far exceeded what you could have expected? Something so nice that just saying “thank you” seemed inadequate? If anything, you feel like you want to do something special for that person, to show your appreciation, to declare your love. In the same way, when you consider all that Christ did for us on the cross and what He continues to do for us each and every day, it feels so inadequate to simply tell Him, “Thank you.” He has given us eternal life …

I thought for a treat this morning I would share a quote (writing) from J. C. Ryle’s book, “Holiness.” I love how he brings to remembrance that we need to maintain a heart of brokenness and humility when it comes to sin and us thinking we can reach perfection from it on our own merits. The only way you and I are ever perfect is through faith in Jesus Christ, and even then it is His perfection in me, not mine.

“What saint can be named in God’s Word, of

…

(1 Timothy 4:13)…..Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

(Hebrews 4:12)…..For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

These are two great verses that speak to the importance of God’s word. There is no substitute for the basics. When His word enters us through our eyes, ears, or our thinking, they impart life …

What happens when a sinner is turned from his/her wickedness? Their soul will be saved from “death.” Not physical death, but eternal death, separation from God. Eternal death is the promise to the sinner who is not redeemed (2 Thessalonians 1:3-10) (Revelation 20:11-15). Do you fall into that category (Revelation 21:6-8)? Our life should be an instrument used by God to save others (1 Timothy 4:16). By turning a sinner from his/her wickedness to Christ – it will cover a multitude of sins. Think about that this …

We read in (Ephesians 2:8-9)…..” For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” These are some of my favorite verses in the Bible. They are some of the most powerful in Scripture, They are verses that are quite freeing when it comes to salvation. If salvation is based on our performance, on what we do then it is not by grace. Oh, how we need grace, right? Our salvation is based …

Sing to the LORD a new song (literally – fresh song) this brought up in (Psalm 33:3) (Psalm 40:3) (Psalm 98:1) (Psalm 144:9) (Psalm 149:1)(Isaiah 42:10). Even though David and others were singing this Psalm at the dedication of the Tabernacle, it’s sung of the future expectation of the Messiah, the confirming of the new covenant by His blood, the calling of the Gentiles, ultimately looking to Jesus Christ coming to judge the world in righteousness and truth. Bless and praise the name of the LORD – by singing a new …