Monthly Archives: May 2020

CARantine Hymns May 31, 2020

Announcements

“In God is my salvation and my glory:The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.Trust in him at all times; ye people,Pour out your heart before him:God is a refuge for us. Selah.” (Psalm 62:7–8, KJV)

  1. Though the angry surges roll
    On my tempest-driven soul,
    I am peaceful, for I know,
    Wildly though the winds may blow,
    I’ve an anchor safe and sure,
    That can evermore endure.
    • Refrain:
      And it holds, my anchor holds:
      Blow your wildest, then, O gale,
      On my bark so small and frail;
      By His grace I shall not fail,
      For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.
  2. Mighty tides about me sweep,
    Perils lurk within the deep,
    Angry clouds o’ershade the sky,
    And the tempest rises high;
    Still I stand the tempest’s shock,
    For my anchor grips the rock.
  3. I can feel the anchor fast
    As I meet each sudden blast,
    And the cable, though unseen,
    Bears the heavy strain between;
    Through the storm I safely ride,
    Till the turning of the tide.
  4. Troubles almost ’whelm the soul;
    Griefs like billows o’er me roll;
    Tempters seek to lure astray;
    Storms obscure the light of day:
    But in Christ I can be bold,
    I’ve an anchor that shall hold.
  1. My hope is built on nothing less
    Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
    I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
    But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
    • Refrain:
      On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
      All other ground is sinking sand,
      All other ground is sinking sand.
  2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
    I rest on His unchanging grace;
    In every high and stormy gale,
    My anchor holds within the veil.
  3. His oath, His covenant, His blood
    Support me in the whelming flood;
    When all around my soul gives way,
    He then is all my hope and stay.
  4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
    Oh, may I then in Him be found;
    Dressed in His righteousness alone,
    Faultless to stand before the throne.

  1. Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
    Let me hide myself in Thee;
    Let the water and the blood,
    From Thy wounded side which flowed,
    Be of sin the double cure,
    Save from wrath and make me pure.
  2. Not the labor of my hands
    Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
    Could my zeal no respite know,
    Could my tears forever flow,
    All for sin could not atone;
    Thou must save, and Thou alone.
  3. Nothing in my hand I bring,
    Simply to Thy cross I cling;
    Naked, come to Thee for dress;
    Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
    Foul, I to the fountain fly;
    Wash me, Savior, or I die.
  4. While I draw this fleeting breath,
    When my eyes shall close in death,
    When I rise to worlds unknown,
    And behold Thee on Thy throne,
    Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
    Let me hide myself in Thee.

Pastoral Prayer

“God is our refuge and strength,A very present help in trouble.Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed,And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” (Psalm 46:1–3, KJV)

You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You

I will trust in You
Let the weak say
In the strength of the Lord

You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You

I will trust in You
Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
I will trust in You

Final Hymn

In times like these you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock

Refrain
This Rock is Jesus, Yes He’s the One
This Rock is Jesus, the only One
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock

2.
In times like these you need the Bible
In times like these O be not idle
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock

3.
In times like these I have a Savior
In times like these I have an anchor
I’m very sure, I’m very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock

More information on this hymn can be found here:

The Power of One

Sunday Evening Sermons

The Power of One

James 5:19-20

Introduction:

There is no doubt in the mind of a Bible believing Christian that our society is headed down a dangerous and Godless path. The question is… what do we do about it? Christians have become more and more active politically. This has some affect upon the Legislature, but not the Godless, pagan, hedonistic Americans still out number Bible believing Christians. The answer is simple, America needs more born-again Christians.

In an effort to see many saved, churches are holding revivals, concerts, and mass meetings. Praise God! Some are reached.

The Bible teaches us a much less dramatic, yet mush more affective method. I am curious, if you were saved during a revival, or a church service, would you raise your hand? If you were saved as a result of a personal witness, tract or any other one on one visit or contact, would you raise your hand?  This morning we will see that if America is to be reached, she must be reached one eternal soul at a time. We will see that this church will grow as people are won by one.

  1. One Testimony

Psalm 66:16

16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

  1. Woman at the well

John 4:27-30

27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? 28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

  1. Shunned because of her sin
  2. Shunned because of her race
  3. Jesus confronted her sin
  4. Jesus confronted her religious smoke screen
  5. Jesus revealed himself as the messiah
  6. She believed and received the living water
  7. Immediately she told others with a simple, yet powerful, testimony
  • Blind man that was healed

John 9:24-25

24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. 25  He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

  1. Born blind- no hope of healing
  2. Simple faith seen in simple obedience

John 9:6-7

6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,  7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

  • The miracle was challenged by unbelieving religious leaders
  • His testimony was simple and effective
  • A veteran believer under great trials

Job 19:23-27

23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!  24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! 25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:  27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.   

  1. Job lost all that he had
  • Oxen and asses
    • Sheep
    • Servants
    • Camels
    • Sons and daughters
  • Job lost his health
  • Job was hounded by three self-righteous “friends”
  • Job’s testimony did not change!
  • I know my redeemer lives!
    • I know He shall stand!
    • I know in my flesh I shall see God!
  1. One Person’s Obedience
  1. The demoniac from the Gadarenes

Luke 8:38-39

38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

  1. Had a legion of demons
  2. Jesus cast the demons out
  3. Jesus told the man to witness at home
  • Phillip- the spirit- led Evangelist

Acts 8:26-31

26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28  Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

  1. God prepared the eunuch
  2. God sent a soulwinner
  3. Obedience led to opportunity
  4. Follow the spirits of prompting
  • To hand out tracts
    • To witness
  1. One Person’s Calling
  1. Called to be fishers of men

Matthew 4:19

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Luke 5:9-10

9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

  • Called to the harvest

John 4:35-38

35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true,  One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

The Hiding Place

Sunday Morning Sermons

The Hiding Place

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Refuge; Safety; Hide; God: Providence / Psalm 46:1–3; Psalm 142:4–5; Hebrews 6:17–20

The story has been told of a believer, Frederick Nolan, who was fleeing from his enemies during a time of persecution in North Africa. Pursued by them over hill and valley with no place to hide, he fell exhausted into a wayside cave, expecting his enemies to find him soon.

Awaiting his death, he saw a spider weaving a web. Within minutes, the little bug had woven a beautiful web across the mouth of the cave. The pursuers arrived and wondered if Nolan was hiding there, but on seeing the unbroken and unmangled piece of art, thought it impossible for him to have entered the cave without dismantling the web. And so they went on. Having escaped, Nolan burst out and exclaimed:

     “Where God is, a spider’s web is like a wall,

     Where God is not, a wall is like a spider’s web.”1108

Michael P. Green, 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 295.

______

We are living in unsettling times. There is a pandemic ramping up fear and destruction all over the world. There are despotic leaders trashing major portions of the constitution with little resistance from the masses. There is prejudice, police brutality, and mob rule that threaten the safety and security of innocent folks. As we peruse the headlines, Facebook posts, and Twitter feeds, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and surrounded with trouble… there seems to be no place to hide.

I praise God that the truth of Scripture still rings true. The words of comfort cut through the noise of the day.

“God is our refuge and strength,”

 Ps 46:1.

 Refuge (Heb. nouns ma?seh, m?nôs, m??ôz, verb ??sâ).† Shelter or protection from danger or distress. The main thought underlying the Hebrew terms translatable as “refuge” is security. 

This morning we are going to see that God is ever present, especially when we need Him most. Wen the world crashes in.. He is our Hiding Place!

A Place to Hide From Trouble

Psalm 46:1–3 KJV

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Trouble:

??râ 1, n.c., need, distress, anxiety; enmity. 70×

Roots: ??? 1?; ??? 1. Cognates: ??????; ??? 1?; ?????? 11

1 The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017).

 • When we experience great need… we have a hiding place

 • When we have great distress… we have a hiding place

 • When we have great anxiety… we have a hiding place.

Psalm 59:16 KJV

But I will sing of thy power; Yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: For thou hast been my defence And refuge in the day of my trouble.

A Hiding Place From Lonliness

Psalm 142:4–5 KJV

I looked on my right hand, and beheld, But there was no man that would know me: Refuge failed me; No man cared for my soul. 

I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge And my portion in the land of the living.

Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes Bill Gothard on Loneliness

In one of his “birthday card” mailings some years back, Bill Gothard made three observations about loneliness:

  1.   Loneliness is the anguish I feel when I sense that I am being cut off from the spirit of others. (“I am full of heaviness: and I looked for someone to lament with me; but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none.”—Psalm 69:20)

  2.   Loneliness is the evidence that I was expecting others to meet my needs as only God can. (“My soul wait thou only upon God. For my expectation is from Him.”—Psalm 62:5)

  3.   Loneliness means that at that very moment, God feels the same anguish toward me because my basic delight is not in Him. (“I will delight myself in the Lord and He shall give me the desires of my heart.”—Psalm 37:4)

A Hiding Place From Violence

Deuteronomy 33:27 KJV

The eternal God is thy refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms: And he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; And shall say, Destroy them.

2 Samuel 22:3 KJV

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, My saviour; thou savest me from violence.

A Hiding Place From the Sorrows of Death.

Psalm 18:1–6 KJV

I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. 

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: So shall I be saved from mine enemies. 

The sorrows of death compassed me, And the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. 

The sorrows of hell compassed me about: The snares of death prevented me. 

In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of his temple, And my cry came before him, even into his ears.

Psalm 23:4 KJV

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

A Hiding Place From the Storms of Life.

Isaiah 32:2 KJV

And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, And a covert from the tempest; As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Hebrews 6:17–20 KJV

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

 • God does not change

 • God cannot lie

 • God is our consolation/ comfort

 • God is our anchor in the storm

 • God is our refuge!

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 12:30 PM May 30, 2020.

CARantine Song Lyrics Sunday May 24, 2020

Announcements

My country, ’tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From ev’ry mountainside
Let freedom ring!

My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom’s song;
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

Our fathers’ God to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright,
With freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God our King.

  1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
    When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
    Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
    And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
    • Refrain:
      Count your blessings, name them one by one,
      Count your blessings, see what God has done!
      Count your blessings, name them one by one,
      And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
  2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
    Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
    Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
    And you will keep singing as the days go by.
  3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
    Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
    Count your many blessings—money cannot buy
    Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
  4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
    Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
    Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
    Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
  1. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
    That calls me from a world of care,
    And bids me at my Father’s throne
    Make all my wants and wishes known.
    In seasons of distress and grief,
    My soul has often found relief,
    And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
    By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
  2. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
    The joys I feel, the bliss I share,
    Of those whose anxious spirits burn
    With strong desires for thy return!
    With such I hasten to the place
    Where God my Savior shows His face,
    And gladly take my station there,
    And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
  3. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
    Thy wings shall my petition bear
    To Him whose truth and faithfulness
    Engage the waiting soul to bless.
    And since He bids me seek His face,
    Believe His Word and trust His grace,
    I’ll cast on Him my every care,
    And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
  4. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
    May I thy consolation share,
    Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
    I view my home and take my flight.
    This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise
    To seize the everlasting prize,
    And shout, while passing through the air,
    “Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!”

Final Hymn:

  1. I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
    No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
    • Refrain:
      I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
      Every hour I need Thee;
      Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
      I come to Thee.
  2. I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
    Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.
  3. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
    Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
  4. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
    And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
  5. I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
    Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

If My People Pray

Sunday Morning Sermons

If My People Pray

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Memorial Day / Freedom; Prayer; Oppression / 2 Chronicles 7:13–14

Please join me for the singing of the National Anthem:

Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,

O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

___

What did we just sing? The land of the free?

Free… yet in the state of Illinois as they move to phase three, stores, restaurants, and bars can reopen… but churches are still limited to gatherings of 10. Sam’s club is allowing 300 at a time, but the local Bible preaching church is limited to 10! Thank God that in Connecticut it is 50!  

In other states officials want the names and addresses of all who attend religious services in order to track them “for possible infection”

Neighbors are being asked to report other neighbors if they are violating these new anti constitutional, anti American rules.

Land of the free?

First Pentecostal Church in Holy Springs Mississippi refused to shut down. So it was burned to the ground with the message “Bet you stay home now Hypocrites”.

___

Defiant New Jersey pastors plan to reopen churches: Gov. Murphy’s order ‘doesn’t trump … Constitution’

?By Caleb Parke | Fox NewsFacebookTwitterFlipboardCommentsPrintEmail

Chicago fining churches for defying statewide stay-at-home order:

Three Chicago churches will receive fines for holding services with more than 10 people, authorities tell Fox News; Matt Finn reports.

A handful of New Jersey pastors say they are reopening in defiance of Gov. Phil Murphy’s stay-at-home orders to stop the spread of the coronavirus, because of their religious convictions and constitutional rights.

Charles Clark Jr., co-pastor of Solid Rock Baptist Church in Berlin who has been preaching for 45 years, made the announcement Wednesday at the South Jersey house of worship.

BALTIMORE PASTOR RIPS UP CEASE-AND-DESIST LETTER MID-SERMON: ‘WE’RE GONNA DO IT GOD’S WAY!’

“We’re not breaking the law by going to church,” Clark Jr. said. “The people telling us we can’t go to church are breaking the Constitution of the United States. It’s illegal…It’s just ridiculous in this country.”

His son, Charles Clark III, doubled down on his father’s comments.

“The liquor store has been open the entire time. The grocery store has been open. Walmart is open, the pet store is open, the bicycle repair shop is open, and all are considered essential, but the church has been closed,” Clark III said at the press conference. “And the church has been considered non-essential. We strongly disagree with that.”

CHICAGO FINES CHURCHES FOR HOLDING SERVICES IN VIOLATION OF STATEWIDE LOCKDOWN ORDER

Clark’s attorney sent a letter to the Democratic governor demanding the status of churches in the Garden State be switched to essential given the First Amendment.

“Governor Murphy’s executive order does not control the rights of the church,” he said, “We understand the executive order has the power that it does for the time period necessary but it doesn’t trump the power of the Constitution and it cannot go on indefinitely.”

The pastor said they will take all health and safety precautions above and beyond what businesses already open are doing, including social distancing, deep cleaning, and temperature checks at the door.

NEW YORK PASTOR THREATENED WITH $1,000 FINE FOR HOLDING DRIVE-IN CHURCH SERVICE

Andy Reese, pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Clementon, already reopened last Sunday and said he realizes he may face legal backlash holding a service Wednesday night as well.

“We’re prepared to stand for what is right, for what is true, and we’re prepared to face whatever consequences these are,” Reese said. “If necessary, go to court.”

Murphy has made it clear that until there’s a vaccine or a treatment, mass gatherings, including worship services, will remain restricted, ABC 6 reports.

“Inside, no ventilation, close contact, it’s a hard nut to crack,” Murphy said. “We’re just not there yet.”

A month after issuing the original order, Murphy amended it to allow drive-in services after being sued by a North Caldwell Catholic priest in federal court. The pastors are asking for another change in the order.

“I ain’t afraid to go to jail. I don’t want to go to jail, but I ain’t backing down, our church ain’t backing down, and there’s churches all over this country that aren’t backing down,” Clark Jr. said.

It is unclear if the churches will face any push back from law enforcement or fines as churches have in Chicago and elsewhere.

Land of the free? But THANK GOD in some places believers are showing that it is still the home of the brave!

____

This kind of oppression is not new. Evil has existed since the beginning. God however, has existed since before the beginning! In our text this morning we read where king Solomon had consecrated the Temple as the central place of worship for the people of Israel. In his opening prayer, the King asked that when the people of Israel were faced with a national crisis, that they could come to this place and petition the God of Heaven for deliverance form that crisis. God heard the King’s prayer and answered with a promise not only to the people of Israel, but to believers of all nations, anyone who is called by His name. Here was God’s response:

2 Chronicles 7:13–14 KJV

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

God has a solution that is dependent upon the actions of His people. He can and will deliver from all kinds of threats to a nation. He has a simple condition…

IF MY PEOPLE PRAY

If My People Pray I Will Deliver From Economic Disaster.

2 Chronicles 7:13 KJV

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

If My People Pray I Will Deliver From Diseases and Plagues

2 Chronicles 7:13 KJV

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

If My People Pray I Will Deliver From Opression

Psalm 119:134 KJV

Deliver me from the oppression of man: So will I keep thy precepts.

Psalm 74:20–23 KJV

Have respect unto the covenant: For the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. 

O let not the oppressed return ashamed: Let the poor and needy praise thy name. 

Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: Remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily. 

Forget not the voice of thine enemies: The tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.

Psalm 12:5 KJV

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, Now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

Psalm 103:6 KJV

The LORD executeth righteousness And judgment for all that are oppressed.

If My People Pray I Will Empower My People to Stand.

Esther 4:16 KJV

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

Esther 8:11–12 KJV

Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey, 

Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.

The deliverance was not the death of the enemy or the cessation of the problem, but the ability to stand up for themselves and liberate themselves from powerlessness.

If My People Pray I Will Deliver Them From Religious Persecution.

Acts 12:4–11 KJV

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 

And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 

And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 

When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. 

And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Thank God we have not yet been called to risk jail to go to church, but some brothers and sisters in this country are facing that very thing. We must pray! Pray the prison doors open. Pray the wicked mouths be shut. Pray the evil leaders be stopped. God promised that power against religious oppression is unleashed IF MY PEOPLE PRAY!

If My People Pray, I will Protect From Governmental Overreach.

1 Timothy 2:1–3 KJV

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Here is the ultimate Libertarian prayer…  that the authorities leave us alone to just live a godly life.

God is still on the Throne! He still hears prayers. Those who have trusted Jesus as Savior are His people called my His name.  

If we humble ourselves and pray, seek His face, turn from our wicked ways…

  • God will deliver us from economic collapse
  • If God’s people pray – He will deliver from disease
  • If God’s people pray – He will deliver from oppression
  • If God’s people pray – He will deliver us from powerlessness and allow us to stand for what is right.
  • If God’s people pray – He will deliver from religious oppression.
  • If God’s people pray – He will protect us from governmental overreach so that we can be left alone to live a quiet, peaceable, and Godly life.
  • God tells us that these things can happen IF MY PEOPLE PRAY

Change the Narrative

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Change the Narrative

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Not From Around Here: The Complicated Life of a Sojourner / Testimony / 1 Peter 2:12; Proverbs 11:30

Bill White of Paramount, California talks about being in Compton, California, working with volunteers from several different churches on a Saturday doing projects to serve the city. At lunch time, he was headed down a narrow side street when he saw dozens of church volunteers (maybe 50 in all), all dressed in yellow shirts, streaming out of one of the sites. They had just completed a makeover of a local house.

Bill was six or eight houses away when he passed a married couple working in their own yard. He paused to compliment the woman on her roses, and she asked him what they were doing down the street. Bill told her that they represented a band of churches united in their desire to serve the city. Then they continued to talk about how that neighborhood had been radically transformed by these Christians’ simple acts of goodness.

When the woman’s husband saw Bill’s yellow “volunteer shirt,” he turned off his weed-whacker, set it down and started walking straight towards his wife and Bill. Bill says, “I will never forget his words. After looking into my eyes,” Bill says, “he nodded approvingly towards the renovated house down the street and then said, ‘I love your heart. Where can I get a heart like yours?'”

Flabbergasted, Bill simply replied, “We got our hearts from Jesus, and he would be glad to give you one like his, too.” And before he left, they had a great conversation about the unparalleled gospel of Jesus Christ and his power to change hearts, homes, neighborhoods, and cities.

That’s how it’s done, my friends. Simply BE who you are in Christ and reflect His love to a dark and broken world.

(From a sermon by C. Philip Green, Living Stones, 5/19/2011)

Peter wrote to exiled believers who were persecuted and often misunderstood. Last week we saw that believers need to fight a battle of lust on the unseen battlefield of one’s inner being. Tonight we will see that believers must fight an external battle of perception and communication. Believers are often maligned and misunderstood. Tonight we will see that we must do more than wring our hands and pooch out our lips about what those mean unsaved folks say about us… we need to change the narrative.

Change the Narrative With an Honest Conversation.

1 Peter 2:12 KJV

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

The word “honest” is the translation of a Greek word that speaks of goodness which is beautiful, an outer goodness that strikes the eye. Alford translates it “comely”; Robertson, “seemly.” Our manner of life is honest when our lives are in accordance with what we are inwardly, cleansed, regenerated children of God. We give others an honest testimony and picture of what we really are inwardly. “Seemly” also speaks of the necessity of maintaining an outward testimony that is in conformity with our profession. The word “Gentiles” is from the Greek word referring here, not to Gentiles as in contrast to Jews, but to the unsaved world, the world of people without Christ.1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 59.

“Having” has a durative aspect in the Greek. It is a steady holding of our conversation up to a certain standard. “Conversation” is the translation of a Greek word speaking of one’s manner of life. The word meant that when the a.v. was translated. Today, the meaning of the word is limited to the act of speaking. We must be careful to note the obsolete words in the a.v., and not interpret them in their present day meaning.1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 59.

 • So our manner of life on the outside must match the cleansing and transformation that we have already experienced on the inside.

 • If we live in the flesh on the outside, our manner of life is not an honest representation of what God has done.

 • If we do good things simply to mask the darkness that lurks within, that is also not an honest manner of life.

 • Once we can get our every day life, thoughts, conversation, and actions to match the cleansing and transformation that God is working in the hearts of believers, then our testiomony becomes strong enough to win the souls of those who are watching.

Proverbs 11:30 KJV

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that winneth souls is wise.

Romans 13:13 KJV

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

2 Corinthians 8:21 KJV

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Change the Narrative With Good Works

1 Peter 2:12 KJV

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Here is timeless truth. Whether we like it or not, all Christians are an advertisement for Christianity; by their lives, they either commend it to others or make them think less of it. The strongest missionary force in the world is the Christian life.

In the early Church, this demonstration of the loveliness of the Christian life was necessary above all because of the slanders that were deliberately circulated about the Christian Church1

1 William Barclay, The Letters of James and Peter, 3rd ed. fully rev. and updated., The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press, 2003), 233.

1 Peter 3:16 KJV

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

 • This narrative does not change when we demand that folks respect us.

 • This narrative does not change when we cloak our real beliefs and values as not to offend others.

 • This narrative changes when folks see our genuine manner of life coupled with good works consistent with that life.

Matthew 5:16 KJV

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Titus 2:7–8 KJV

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Change the Narrative By Bold, Open Living.

1 Peter 2:12 KJV

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

The word “whereas” is literally “in what thing,” that is, in the very thing in which the world speaks evil of a Christian, namely, of his Christian life, which latter makes it necessary for him to diverge from the things of the world and live a life of separation. The words “speak against” are literally “speak down,” referring to the act of adversely criticizing a person. The separated life of a Christian is one of the most powerful means God has of convicting the world of its sin. The world does not like its sin uncovered, hence the persecution which it directs against the separated Christian. How the people of the world watch the Christian. The word “behold” in the Greek text means “to view carefully as a personal witness.”1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 59–60.

“Day of visitation” (KJV, NASB) was good Old Testament language for God’s coming day of judgment (e.g., Is 10:3); many texts reported that the Gentiles would recognize God’s glory in the end time (e.g., Is 60:3).1

1 Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 1 Pe 2:12.

Dan Blocker was my favorite character, Hoss, on the TV series Bonanza. When he died unexpectedly, Hoss died. The producers knew they could not replace him. The story was that woman was caught in a flood. Hoss held her above the water with one hand and held a branch with the other to keep them from being washed away. He died, but he never let go. He died, but she lived.

Fans almost mourned for the fictional character, but they agreed it was a fitting way for Hoss to die.

In the 80’s, I saw an article about a new TV series, Bonanza, the Next Generation. The story was that the original Cartwrights were dead. Ben’s brother ran the Ponderosa. For various reasons, Adam’s son, little Joe’s son, and Hoss’ son were coming there to live.

Hoss died without marrying. The new series said he had a illegitimate son and died before bringing the mother to the Ponderosa.

Test audiences were scheduled with fans of the original series. They were furious. Ben had three sons by three wives. Maybe he had another son somewhere. Adam, sometimes a scholar and sometimes a Casanova, may have had an illegitimate son. If Joe had an illegitimate son, no one would be surprised. But Hoss? HOSS??? NOOOOOOO!!! Fans refused to believe it. Test audiences were so angry that producers cancelled the series before the pilot even aired.

Fans refused to believe Hoss’ immorality. If a fictional character can inspire such belief in his character, how much more should we?

1 Peter 2:12 KJV

Having your

Hymns for Sunday May 17 CARantine Service

Announcements

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10, KJV)

  1. What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
    Since Jesus came into my heart;
    I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,
    Since Jesus came into my heart.
    • Refrain:
      Since Jesus came into my heart,
      Since Jesus came into my heart;
      Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll,
      Since Jesus came into my heart.
  2. I have ceased from my wand’ring and going astray,
    Since Jesus came into my heart;
    And my sins which were many are all washed away,
    Since Jesus came into my heart.
  3. I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
    Since Jesus came into my heart;
    And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
    Since Jesus came into my heart.
  4. There’s a light in the valley of death now for me,
    Since Jesus came into my heart;
    And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
    Since Jesus came into my heart.
  5. I shall go there to dwell in that City I know,
    Since Jesus came into my heart;
    And I’m happy, so happy as onward I go,
    Since Jesus came into my heart.

1. All my life I had a longing
For a drink from some clear spring,
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within.

Refrain:
Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings,
Through His blood I now am saved.

2. Feeding on the husks around me,
Till my strength was almost gone,
Longed my soul for something better,
Only still to hunger on.

3. Poor I was, and sought for riches,
Something that would satisfy,
But the dust I gathered round me
Only mocked my soul’s sad cry.

4. Well of water, ever springing,
Bread of life so rich and free,
Untold wealth that never faileth,
My Redeemer is to me.

Each step I take my Savior goes before me,
And with His loving hand He leads the way.
And with each breath I whisper “I adore Thee,”
O, what joy to walk with Him each day.
Each step I take I know that He will guide me;
To higher ground He ever leads me on.
Until some day the last step will be taken,
Each step I take just leads me closer home.

(2) At times I feel my faith begin to waver,
When up ahead I see a chasm wide.
It’s then I turn and look up to my Savior;
I am strong when He is by my side.
Each step I take I know that He will guide me;
To higher ground He ever leads me on.
Until some day the last step will be taken,
Each step I take just leads me closer home.

(3) I trust in God, no matter come what may,
For life eternal is in His hand.
He holds the key that opens up the way,
That will lead me to the promised land.
Each step I take I know that He will guide me;
To higher ground He ever leads me on.
Until some day the last step will be taken,
Each step I take just leads me closer home.

Final Hymn


God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and the joy he gives
But greater still the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives.

And then one day, I’ll cross that river
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain
And then, as death gives way to vict’ry
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He reigns.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives

The Path to Abundant Life

Uncategorized


The Path to Abundant Life

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

John 11:36-46 / Life; Abundance / John 10:10; John 11:36–44

John 10:10 KJV

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

It is possible to exist, but to not really be living. COVID has done a lot to expose this preexisting condition. There are folks who are hiding away from the ‘Rona, drinking themselves into a coma, fearful of what is going to happen next. There are folks who in spite of the current socioeconomic disaster are enjoying their lives. They are are still making memories with their families, reaching out to others and shining the light of Jesus to all who enters their circles.

Some folks spend their time angry and bitter, others are are making lemonade out of the COVID flavored lemons that life has given them. 

How can we possible experience that abundant life that Jesus said He came to give us? How can we make that transition from existence to truly living… and to enjoying an abundant life?

The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave has some very powerful principles we can apply when it comes to the concepts of Abundant Life. Notice what happened at the actual Resurrection event.

John 11:43–44 KJV

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Here are three things that happened to Lazarus that can be applied to us when it comes to the path to Abundant Life.

 • Lazarus was dead.

 • Jesus raised the dead to new life

 • The living were tasked with helping Lazarus be untangled from his filthy graveclothes.

This is the path to Abundant Life.

Death is the Starting Point.

John 11:36–38 KJV

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! 

And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? 

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

 • The sting of death is sin

1 Corinthians 15:56 KJV

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

Romans 5:12 KJV

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 6:23 KJV

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

 • The strength of sin is the law

1 Corinthians 15:56 KJV

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

Ezekiel 18:4 KJV

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

 • It is impossible to overcome the condemnation that comes from the law.

James 2:10–11 KJV

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

Romans 3:19–20 KJV

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

 • Therefore it is impossible for us to be loosed from the death that sin brought into the world.

Ephesians 2:1–2 KJV

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

 • Death brings corruption and decay

John 11:38–39 KJV

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 

Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

Isaiah 64:6 KJV

But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf; And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

There Must Be A Resurrection to New Life

 • Called to life

John 11:43 KJV

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

John 6:44 KJV

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

 • Eternal life comes from faith in Jesus as Savior

John 3:16 KJV

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Ephesians 2:4–6 KJV

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

There Must Be A Liberation

John 11:44 KJV

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Galatians 5:1 KJV

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

 • We must be loosed from our stinking graveclothes that had us bound in death.

 • Sinful habits

John 8:32–34 KJV

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 

They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Romans 8:2 KJV

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

 • Fear

Romans 8:15 KJV

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

1 John 4:18 KJV

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

 • Dead Works

Hebrews 6:1 KJV

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Hebrews 9:14 KJV

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

 • Tradition

1 Peter 1:18 KJV

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

Colossians 2:8 KJV

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

If you are saved, you are were dead, you have been made alive, and you must be loosed from the old grave clothes. Those old habits that keep dragging you down, cast off those old grave clothes! The fear of darkness, the unknown, of God’s wrath, of disease or death or imagined or real tragedy… cast off those graveclothes! Are you feverishly trying to finally merit God’s approval.. His love is completely Grace saturated… you will never deserve it… cast off those filthy rags… those rotten grave clothes. Are you stuck in extrabiblical traditions and standards, cast off those grave clothes and live the abundant life!

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 1:22 PM May 16, 2020.

Keep The Music Alive

Sunday Evening Sermons

Keep the Music Alive!

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Music; Heart

 As I have had a chance to reflect on the first Mother’s Day that my mother was not on this side of eternity with me, I have been thinking about the legacy that she has left me. What can I remember about mom? Mom found joy in simple things. She loved to talk about dad, she loved to watch, listen to and draw birds, and she loved old fashioned Christian Music. WCRF, a Moody Bible Institute Radio station, was always on in our house during the day. I grew up listening to George Beverly Shea, Christine Wyrtzen, Dr. James T. Jeremiah and the comforting words of announcer Bob Divine.

Music is a reflection of the condition of the hidden parts of a human being. In our culture, we are wedded to a constant expression of who we are and what we feel through music.

I believe as Christians, our music reflects the condition of our inner man more than we realize.

When I was traveling from church to church several years ago, I could tell the spiritual temperature of the church by listening to the first two hymns. There is a Holy Ghost-wrought excitement flowing from the inner core of a Christian, and it comes out in music.

Some time ago, our family went to see three dynamic Christian groups performing in Kennewick, WA. They were all professional, yet a few individuals stood out… It reflected not talent, but inner relationship and work of God. As we grow cold toward God, the Spirit grows silent… and the flow from inside is dried up… The music dies!

The music starts when you get saved

A Spirit witness

Romans 8:15-17 – 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 

1. Adoption

2. Assurance

3. Joint-heirs

B. A new song

Psalm 40:2–3 KJV

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

1. Up out of a pit! – punishment

2. Up out of the mire – sin

3. Feet on a rock – Jesus!

4. Established my goings – sanctification

5. New song – praise for it all… different than the world’s tune!

C. Song of victory

Psalm 98:1–2 KJV

O sing unto the LORD a new song; For he hath done marvellous things: His right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. 

The LORD hath made known his salvation: His righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

D. Song of praise

Psalm 144:9 – I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. 

Psalm 149:1 – Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. – In the congregation

Music dies when you grieve the Spirit

Ephesians 4:30 KJV

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

B. Bad fellowship

Ephesians 5:11-12 – 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 

1. Unfruitful works of darkness – vs 11

2. Making secrets public – vs 12

C. Foolish walk

Ephesians 5:15 – See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 

1. Partakers of disobedience

Ephesians 5:6-7 – 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them

2. Foolish, filthy jesting

Ephesians 5:3-4 – 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 

D. Wasting time

Ephesians 5:16 – Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 

Music dies when you quench the Spirit

1 Thessalonians 5:18–19 KJV

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

Quench not the Spirit.

A. Wake up!

Ephesians 5:14 KJV

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

B. Don’t let something else control you

Ephesians 5:18 KJV

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

C. Quenching the Spirit will silence your:

1. 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. 

2. Assurance

Romans 8:16 – The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 

3. Song

Ephesians 5:19 – Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 

Conclusion:

The power of God does not rest while we hang onto sin. If we have no song from within, it is a sign that we have silenced Him. Repent – seek God and He will be found. Be filled with the Spirit and be restored to where you were before the music died!

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 9:56 AM May 10, 2020.

Mother’s Day 2020 Hymn Lyrics

Announcements

“Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” (2 Timothy 1:4–5, KJV)

  1. Encamped along the hills of light,
    Ye Christian soldiers, rise,
    And press the battle ere the night
    Shall veil the glowing skies.
    Against the foe in vales below
    Let all our strength be hurled;
    Faith is the victory, we know,
    That overcomes the world.
    • Refrain:
      Faith is the victory!
      Faith is the victory!
      Oh, glorious victory,
      That overcomes the world.
  2. His banner over us is love,
    Our sword the Word of God;
    We tread the road the saints above
    With shouts of triumph trod.
    By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
    Swept on o’er every field;
    The faith by which they conquered death
    Is still our shining shield.
  3. On every hand the foe we find
    Drawn up in dread array;
    Let tents of ease be left behind,
    And onward to the fray.
    Salvation’s helmet on each head,
    With truth all girt about,
    The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
    And echo with our shout.
  4. To him that overcomes the foe,
    White raiment shall be giv’n;
    Before the angels he shall know
    His name confessed in heav’n.
    Then onward from the hills of light,
    Our hearts with love aflame,
    We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
    In Jesus’ conqu’ring name.
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

Refrain:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

I’d stay in the garden with Him,
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?
Got any mountains, you cannot tunnel through?
God specializes in things thought impossible
And He can do what no other power can do

Closing Hymn

  1. My faith looks up to Thee,
    Thou Lamb of Calvary,
    Savior divine!
    Now hear me while I pray,
    Take all my guilt away,
    Oh, let me from this day
    Be wholly Thine!
  2. May Thy rich grace impart
    Strength to my fainting heart,
    My zeal inspire!
    As Thou hast died for me,
    Oh, may my love to Thee
    Pure, warm, and changeless be,
    A living fire!
  3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
    And griefs around me spread,
    Be Thou my guide;
    Bid darkness turn to day,
    Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
    Nor let me ever stray
    From Thee aside.
  4. When ends life’s transient dream,
    When death’s cold, sullen stream
    Shall o’er me roll;
    Blest Savior, then in love,
    Fear and distrust remove;
    Oh, bear me safe above,
    A ransomed soul!