Peace Through Mind Control

Sunday Morning Sermons

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Isaiah 26:3 

Duke University did a study on “peace of mind.” Factors found to contribute greatly to emotional and mental stability are:

· The absence of suspicion and resentment. Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness.

· Not living in the past. An unwholesome preoccupation with old mistakes and failures leads to depression.

· Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change. Cooperate with life, instead of trying to run away from it.

· Force yourself to stay involved with the living world. Resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive during periods of emotional stress.

· Refuse to indulge in self-pity when life hands you a raw deal. Accept the fact that nobody gets through life without some sorrow and misfortune.

· Cultivate the old-fashioned virtues—love, humor, compassion and loyalty

· Do not expect too much of yourself. When there is too wide a gap between self-expectation and your ability to meet the goals you have set, feelings of inadequacy are inevitable.

· Find something bigger than yourself to believe in. Self-centered egotistical people score lowest in any test for measuring happiness.

(http://www.bible.org.)

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I love it when secular psychological studies like the one conducted by Duke discovers truth that was already in the Bible.

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 

We are literally living in troubling times. Crisis calls to mental health hotlines have increased 5000 % since COVID started. Living in this sin cursed world is hard enough, but 2020 has raised the challenge and difficulty level. Today we are going to discover some principles that will help reduce our anxiety and increase our inner tranquility. This morning we will talk about peace of mind and tonight we will learn how to put our brains on a diet.

Perfect peace is possible.

Isaiah 26:3 KJV

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee.

A. Perfect = Hebrew construction shows this to be an emphatic phrase: you can have peace, peace.

B. Peace = a sense of completeness, free from harm, absent from war in one’s inner being.

C. This peace does not need to be temporary.

Peace comes when we are reconciled with God through saving faith.

Romans 5:9–11 KJV

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 

And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

– This peace brings healing.

Isaiah 57:19 KJV

I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; And I will heal him.

– This peace transcends worldly, temporal peace.

John 14:27 KJV

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Perfect peace depends upon one’s state of mind. 

  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,Whose mind is stayed on thee:Because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3, KJV)  

Stayed = take hold of

A. Peace comes through God’s Word.

Psalm 119:165 KJV

Great peace have they which love thy law: And nothing shall offend them.

John 16:33 KJV

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 B. Peace comes through the renewal on one’s mind.

Romans 12:2 KJV

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 KJV

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Perfect peace depends upon the object of your trust.

A. No Jesus, no peace – Know Jesus, know peace.

Isaiah 31:1 KJV

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; And stay on horses, And trust in chariots, because they are many; And in horsemen, because they are very strong; But they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, Neither seek the LORD!

B. Peace comes when you trust God.

Psalm 28:7 KJV

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; And with my song will I praise him.

C. Trust is demonstrated through prayer.

Philippians 4:6–7 KJV

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

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Jaden our son woke up one morning at 3 am. Screaming. It wasn’t a scream of “my diaper is wet” or “I am hungry.” It was a scream of despair and panic. That night he slept with us.

The next night as I was getting ready to lay him down in the crib, he latched on to me and I couldn’t get him off. I finally gave up and brought him to bed again. After about an hour I was able to put him in his crib.

The 3rd night started the same. Instead of fighting, we brought our 2 year to the living and prayed that God would give him peace of mind, comfort, God would touch Him, and that God had given us Jaden…Jaden is His child. Five minutes later, Jaden was asleep. God had given Jaden, a peace…only true peace comes from God.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:21 AM August 21, 2020.

Essential Truths About Christ’s Suffering

Wednesday Evening Sermons


Essential Truths About Christ’s Suffering

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Not From Around Here: The Complicated Life of a Sojourner / Atonement / 1 Peter 3:18

RECALL NOTICE:

The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been technically termed, “Subsequential Internal Non-morality”, or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some other symptoms:

1. Loss of direction

2. Foul vocal emissions

3. Amnesia of origin

4. Lack of peace and joy

5. Selfish, or violent behavior

6. Depression or confusion in the mental component

7. Fearfulness

8. Idolatry

9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect.

The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Patience

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers Instructions Before Leaving Earth), for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on JESUS.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.

Thank you for your immediate attention.

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While The Apostle Peter was addressing the suffering and displaced pilgrims, he encouraged them to look at Jesus as one that suffered not for the bad, but in spite of being good.  

In our text verse we have the meat of the Gospel. Mankind is does have a defective flaw and Jesus’ suffering was used to repair that flaw. Tonight we will see truths about Jesus’ suffering that will not only show us His love for us, but also will show us how we can view our own sufferings when we suffer for righteousness’ sake.

Christ Suffered Once

1 Peter 3:18 KJV

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

One transaction that settled the account.

Romans 6:10 KJV

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Romans 8:3 KJV

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Perpetual Suffering of Christ is not a Biblical concept.

Hebrews 7:27 KJV

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Isaiah 53:11 KJV

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; For he shall bear their iniquities.

Christ was not just another sacrifice but it was THE sacrifice.

Hebrews 9:26 KJV

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 9:28 KJV

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Christ the Righteous, suffered for Man the Sinner.

1 Peter 3:18 KJV

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Romans 5:8 KJV

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Romans 3:21–24 KJV

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Christ’s Suffering was to Lead us to God.

1 Peter 3:18 KJV

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Romans 5:1 KJV

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Ephesians 2:18 KJV

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Ephesians 3:12 KJV

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Christ’s Suffering was Temporary, His Victory is Eternal.

1 Peter 3:18 KJV

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

John 6:63 KJV

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Romans 8:11 KJV

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

1 Corinthians 15:22 KJV

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 6:08 PM August 19, 2020.

The Devil You Know

Sunday Morning Sermons

The Devil You Know

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

2 Corinthians 2:11

 A woodpecker is a very interesting bird. The loud rat-a-tat-tat noise he makes as he drills into trees in search of bugs to eat always attracts attention. The secret of his success is simple. When a woodpecker finds a suitable tree, he begins to drill a hole. If the wood is too hard or no bugs are found, he simply moves over a bit and starts again. Over and over he continues, until he meets with success.

Satan uses temptation in much the same way. He will try one temptation on us and then if not successful will move over a bit and try another. And so he will continue, over and over again, until he finds a soft spot in us that he can use to his advantage.1368

Michael P. Green, 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 371.

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Satan and his demonic minions are not simply fictional subjects fit only for Halloween stories, but rather are real beings with a desire to steal, kill, and destroy. We are in spiritual battle involving the forces of light and the forces of darkness.

In our text we find some wise words by a veteran in this fight, the apostle Paul. He tells the church at Corinth that he is not ignorant, or without knowledge, about Satan’s devices. The term “devices” here refers to the strategies employed by the forces of darkness that are designed to render a believer ineffective in the battle. This morning we will briefly identify these strategies so that you, too, can know your enemy.

You Know Satan will try to deceive you

A. Satan is a liar

John 8:44 KJV

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

B. Satan is subtle

Genesis 3:1 KJV

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2 Corinthians 11:3 KJV

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

C. Satan blinds people to the truth

2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Satan will try to discourage you

A. Satan is the accuser

Revelation 12:9–10 KJV

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

B. Satan promotes unforgiveness

2 Corinthians 2:5-11 – 5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. 9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. 10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 

Satan will try to distract you

A. From a God-given task

Nehemiah 6:1–3 KJV

Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) 

That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. 

And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?

B. From a God-given responsibility

John 4:31-35 – 31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. 32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 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.

Satan will try to discredit you

1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Temptation, Resisting

A little girl once said in response to a question about how to deal with temptation: “When Satan comes knocking at the door of my heart, I send Jesus to answer the door. When Satan sees Jesus, he says, ‘Oops, I am sorry, I must have the wrong house.’ 

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 11:39 AM August 13, 2020.

Plugged In and Powered Up

Sunday Morning Sermons

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Holy Spirit; Power / Zechariah 4:6; Ephesians 5:18

Zechariah 4:6 KJV

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, Saith the LORD of hosts.

Ephesians 5:18 KJV

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

Hurricane Isaias has caused quite a bit of trouble here in the North East. Tuesday over 700,000 people were without power. Cell towers did not have power so cell function was limited. Internet providers did not have power, so even if one did have power, you could not have contact with the outside world.

It was ironic… many of us own nice equipment. We have big screen TVs, smart phones, cooking appliances, lights, and all kinds of gadgets… yet without power, or without enough power, these things are useless.

Today many believers are like our gadgets have been this week. We have everything in place, but we are not empowered by a fresh flow of energy that comes from the filling of the Holy Spirit.  

There is a lot of confusion as to what the Bible teaches about the Baptism of Filling of the Holy Spirit. Too often the filling ministry and the indwelling ministry are blended together, causing doctrinal error. Let us address that first before we continue.

Every Born Again Believer This Side of Calvary is Indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

John 20:20–22 KJV

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

1 Corinthians 3:17 KJV

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 KJV

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? 

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Romans 8:9 KJV

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.

Therefore the Indwelling Ministry is Constant.

Ephesians 4:30 KJV

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

Philippians 1:6 KJV

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

The Filling of the Spirit is the Bestowing of Power with a Purpose

Luke 24:49 KJV

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Now that we have the basic academic theology down, we must ask the question: “If we are commanded to be filled with the Spirit, how do we obey this command?” This morning we will see the biblical guidelines for Christians to experience this supernatural enduement with Holy Spirit soul winning power.

Complete obedience is a prerequisite to Holy Ghost filling

Acts 5:30–32 KJV

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Obey the Great Commission

Matthew 28:19–20 KJV

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Baptism: the believer’s first step of obedience

Mark 16:15–16 KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Keep your heart clean

Ephesians 4:30 KJV

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

We are to pray for Holy Spirit filling

God promises to answer this specific prayer

Luke 11:11–13 KJV

If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 

Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Christians were filled after prayer

1. The disciples from the upper room

Acts 1:14 KJV

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Acts 2:4 KJV

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

2. The apostle Paul

Acts 9:11 KJV

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Acts 9:17 KJV

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

3. The first missionaries sent from Antioch

Acts 13:3 KJV

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Acts 13:9 KJV

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

We Are To Need The Power for a Purpose.

Acts 1:8 KJV

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.

Conclusion:

Ephesians 5:18 – And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 

God has commanded us as born-again believers to be filled with the Spirit. Obviously, this cannot mean indwelling, because that is His department. Peter tells us in Acts 5 that the Holy Ghost endues those who obey God. The purpose for the enduement according to Acts 1:8 is to win souls. Therefore, in order to be filled with the Spirit, we must be obedient to Jesus’ command that we preach the Gospel to every creature.

God has also told us that He will pour out His Spirit power to anyone who pleads for a fresh enduement. Let us, by the grace of God, seek to be endued with power from the

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 12:08 PM August 7, 2020.

Don’t Waste 2020

Sunday Morning Sermons

Don’t Waste 2020

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

A Witness; Evangelism; Testimony; Reputation / Colossians 4:5–6

Notes
First AM Message in person since COVID 19

2020 has been an awful year in many respects. The COVID fiasco, Black Lives Matter, and lost of personal drama and problems have sent many of us reeling. I have heard folks muse… they wish they could hit a fast forward button and skip the rest of 2020 and move on to better times.

I am glad that God does not allow us to literally travel in time. You see, in spite of all the problems, God has you right here, right now, in the middle of all this mess by His perfect design.

It is tempting to just check out waiting for better times. We can’t soul win like we always did, why bother. Church is just not the same… I will wait until we get back to real normal.

Our text this morning serves as a warning that we are stewards of everything we are given… even now. On this first Sunday morning back in Church since COVID drove us to the parking lot, don’t let change ruin your heart. Don’t waste 2020!

Don’t Waste Your Relationships

Colossians 4:5 KJV
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Guard your reputation

Ephesians 5:15–16 KJV
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

“Circumspectly” is akrib?s (???????), “exactly, accurately, carefully.” “Walk” is peripate? (?????????), “to order one’s behavior, to conduct one’s self.”

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Vol. 4, p. 126). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Romans 14:16 KJV
Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

• Be wise in order to win others to Jesus

Proverbs 11:30 KJV
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that winneth souls is wise.

Bud Villers was a good man. Bud was my neighbor. I grew up beside him until he died when I was in college. Bud helped my dad put a roof on our house, he assisted my dad when they poured concrete sidewalks and porches. My dad helped him put a roof on his patio. When Bud got older he would hire me to cut his grass occasionally. He usually invited me in for a glass of Coke and a piece of pie. He was always generous. I also delivered his newspaper for a couple of years. He tipped well. He was kind. He didn’t get upset if our baseball, wiffle ball or football went into his yard.

Mr. Villers was an avid fisherman. He often brought us some of his trout catch.

I don’t remember Bud talking a lot about religion when I was a kid, but it struck me that EVERY Sunday morning I saw Bud walking up the street with his Bible in hand-—rain or shine Bud walked to church with a Bible in his hand every week.

Every year he invited my younger brother and me to attend VBS at the Nutter Fort Baptist Church. Most years we didn’t go, but some years when some of my friends were going I did go. Then when I was 15 Bud invited us to church on a Sunday. I didn’t go, but my younger brother did. And the next weekend he invited us again. Again, I didn’t go but my little brother went. The same thing happened the next Sunday and the Sunday after that. My brother started going to church two or three times a week. I caught him reading the Bible a couple of times.

Months later Bud was still inviting me and I was still not interested. Then a singing group attended my school. They were college students and the girls were really pretty. They performed several songs and they told us that they were going to be at a church that evening and they wanted us to come. When I got home from school that day, Bud came over and invited my little brother and me to come to church that evening. The singers from the school were going to be there, so I went. That night I became a Christian and my life has never been the same since.

To my knowledge, Bud Villers never taught a Sunday School class, never preached a sermon, never held a position of leadership in the church. He was an usher, a faithful usher. He simply lived a life of integrity and love for God and his family and friends. And occasionally invited people to church.

If Bud was an ice cream flavor, he would be vanilla. But he would be HÄAGEN-DAZS vanilla.

(From a sermon by Quint Pitts, Uncommonly Average, 10/17/2009)

Don’t Waste Your Time

Colossians 4:5 KJV
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Know your opportunities are temporary.

Psalm 90:12 KJV
So teach us to number our days, That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Know that the lost have an even more urgent time clock

1 Thessalonians 4:12 KJV
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

The author is unknown.

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it’s the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it’s the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the basement shack with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning, turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it.

I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whoever he was talking with something about “a thousand marbles”.

I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say. “Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you’re busy with your job. I’m sure they pay you well but it’s a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter’s dance recital.”

He continued, “Let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities.”

And that’s when he began to explain his theory of a “thousand marbles.”

“You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years.”

“Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900 which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me Tom, I’m getting to the important part.”

“It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail”, he went on, “and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy.”

“So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round-up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away.”

“I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight.”

“Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday, then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time.”

“It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. 73 Old Man, this is K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!”

You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. “C’mon honey, I’m taking you and the kids to breakfast.”

“What brought this on?” she asked with a smile. “Oh, nothing special, it’s just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids.

Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we’re out? I need to buy some marbles.”

Don’t Waste Your Words

Colossians 4:6 KJV
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Psalm 40:10 KJV
I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

• Full of Grace – unmerited favor

Psalm 66:16 KJV
Come and hear, all ye that fear God, And I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Ephesians 4:29 KJV
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

“Watch your speech. A mans command of the language is most important. Next to kissing, its the most exciting form of communication mankind has evolved.”

• Salty – make those without thirsty for Jesus

1 Peter 3:15 KJV
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

• Wise

Colossians 3:16 KJV
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:6 KJV
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 12:07 PM July 24, 2020.

Be All You Can Be EVEN in 2020

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Be All You Can Be in 2020

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Not From Around Here: The Complicated Life of a Sojourner / Testimony; A Witness; Evangelism / 1 Peter 3:13–17

It is easy to lose hope and focus in the tumult that is life in 2020. We learned last week however, that it is possible to love life and see good days even now. The secret it good clean living. Seek peace, avoid evil and know God hears our prayers. This evening we are going to continue to discover Peter’s advice to the weary sojourners. Now that we have discovered that living a life we love and seeing good days is actually possible, how can we use this knowledge to help us live up to our potential? This evening we will discover three truths that will help us be all we can be EVEN in 2020.

Be Good

1 Peter 3:13 KJV

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

The word “and” is, “seeing that God takes such good care of the righteous,” who is he that will harm you? This question was asked in view of the persecution and suffering through which these saints were going. Peter tells them that as a result of their righteous lives and God’s care, their blessedness will be such as to turn off all the malice of their persecutors and make their suffering itself to be a joy. The word “followers” is the translation of a Greek word meaning “zealots.” The verb means “to burn with zeal, to desire earnestly.”1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 87.

Proverbs 16:7 KJV

When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Romans 8:31–33 KJV

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

Be Confident

1 Peter 3:14 KJV

But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

For even if suffering should occur, Christians are blessed and thus should not be frightened. The word here translated “blessed” (makarioi; cf. 4:14) was used by Jesus (Matt. 5:3–11). To be “blessed” in this context does not mean to “feel delighted” but to be “highly privileged.” 

Matthew 5:10–12 KJV

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Be Ready With An Answer.

Not only were these Christian Jews to find a refuge in Christ Jesus as they set Him apart as Lord of their lives, but they were to be ready to give an answer to these persecutors who attacked them and the Word of God which they believed. The words “give an answer” are the translation of a Greek word used as a legal term in the courts. It means literally “to talk off from,” and was used of an attorney who talked his client off from a charge preferred against him. He presented a verbal defense. The exhortation is to Christians to talk the Bible off from the charges preferred against it, thus presenting for it a verbal defense. Today, Modernism has preferred charges against the Word of God, has placed it in the dungeons of the destructive critic’s inquisition, and has charged it with gross errors, and with being man-made. It is not allowed to speak for itself except through the prosecuting attorney, the destructive critic. But those who believe in a whole Bible, rather than a Bible full of holes, are admonished not to remain silent in the face of this attack by Modernism, but to defend the Bible against these false charges by presenting a verbal defense for it, refuting the statements of the destructive critic.1

1 Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 89.

Psalm 119:46 KJV

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed.

Colossians 4:6 KJV

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Be Blameless

1 Peter 3:16–17 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. 

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

A believer’s testimony should not be given in an arrogant manner but with gentleness and respect. (“Respect” here is from phobos, “fear,” whereas “respect” for one’s wife [v. 7] is tim?, “honor.”) Christians who are not afraid in the face of persecution are able to witness respectfully to their faith in Christ. They then keep a clear (agath?n, “good”) conscience (syneid?sin; cf. 2:19; 3:21). Peter may have been alluding to the occasion when he denied Christ out of fear, in words that were neither gentle nor respectful.

Christians who suffer unjustly and keep a clear conscience put to shame those who slander their good behavior in Christ. Once again Peter encouraged his readers with the fact that good behavior is their best defense against unjust punishment and persecution.1

1 Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 850.

____________________

An all-time favorite Bible teacher was Don Wilton. One day in class, Dr. Wilton told us about getting to serve on Billy Graham’s team for a crusade in Korea. Dr. Wilton told about sitting on the platform one night during the invitation, — right next to Billy Graham.

Dr. Wilton couldn’t help notice that during the invitation, Billy Graham started looking down at his fingernails. And he thought, “I can’t believe Dr. Graham is so unconcerned about this invitation that he would be studying his nails!”

Don was getting a little huffy on the inside, if you know what I mean. But just then, Billy Graham pointed to one of the Korean ladies who had come forward to talk to the counselors. And Billy said, “Do you see that lady? — She did my nails today, and I was able to lead her to the Lord.”

That’s the spirit and habit we need! — Looking for opportunities to tell more people about Jesus. It can help them for all eternity, and it can lighten our burden along the way.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 12:02 PM July 22, 2020.

CARantine July 19 2020 ( Last One!)

Announcements

“Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, 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.” (Luke 8:38–39, KJV)

Announcements:

In Person Bible Study Tonight 6:30 – Unconditional Election

In Person Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7:00

Next Sunday July 26 @ 11 am Morning Worship Will Be in Person!

  • Masks are encouraged not required
  • Please observe social distancing
  • Seating will be spread out and scattered
  • If you are not feeling well, please stay home.
  • We will be broadcasting on Facebook Live – facebook.com/ebctorrington

August 2 Special Speaker Josh Jacquard

August 5 Quarterly Business Meeting

  1. ’Tis the grandest theme through the ages rung;
    ’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue;
    ’Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung,
    “Our God is able to deliver thee.”
    • Refrain:
      He is able to deliver thee,
      He is able to deliver thee;
      Though by sin oppressed, go to Him for rest;
      “Our God is able to deliver thee.”
  2. ’Tis the grandest theme in the earth or main;
    ’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal strain;
    ’Tis the grandest theme, tell the world again,
    “Our God is able to deliver thee.”
  3. ’Tis the grandest theme, let the tidings roll,
    To the guilty heart, to the sinful soul;
    Look to God in faith, He will make thee whole,
    “Our God is able to deliver thee.”
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Refrain:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All-sufficient grace for even me!
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
Oh, magnify the precious Name of Jesus,
Praise His Name!

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven
For all eternity—
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
  1. Jesus wants me for a sunbeam,
    To shine for Him each day;
    In every way try to please Him,
    At home, at school, at play.
    • Refrain:
      A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
      Jesus wants me for a sunbeam;
      A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
      I’ll be a sunbeam for Him.
  2. Jesus wants me to be loving,
    And kind to all I see;
    Showing how pleasant and happy,
    His little one can be.
  3. I will ask Jesus to help me
    To keep my heart from sin;
    Ever reflecting His goodness,
    And always shine for Him.
  4. I’ll be a sunbeam for Jesus,
    I can if I but try;
    Serving Him moment by moment,
    Then live for Him on high.

Pastoral Prayer

Lead me to some soul today,
O teach me, Lord, just want to say;
Friends of mine are lost in sin,
And cannot find their way.
Few there are who seem to care,
And few there are who pray;
Melt my heart and fill my life,
Give me one soul today.

Grassroots Gospel

Uncategorized

Grassroots Gospel

Grassroots Gospel

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Evangelism / Luke 8:38–39

Evangelical Churches have been doing things basically the same way for over 100 years. We compel folks to come to big gatherings at church where they can hear the Gospel and be saved. We go door to door, and invite folks to church and give them the Gospel. We have special Dinners, and gatherings, and social events to bring people in so we can give them the Gospel and they can get saved. We send out cards to new move ins inviting them to church. We then visit those new move ins. We visit those who visit us. These things that we do to reach out have been done by Evangelically minded churches for decades.

But then COVID hit and what we have done for years suddenly had to be rethought. Did this take God by surprise? NO! I believe that part of COVID’s purpose is to get churches to think outside our routine. Many of us who were technically reluctant were dragged into the 21st century and are now streaming our services. We have learned to use Google Meet and ZOOM. But what about soul winning? How do we get the Gospel to folks without having big out reaches?

Even when we meet in person we have a capacity cap that will prevent us from trying to stuff our building to the gills with folks so they can hear the Gospel. We can’t visit very much. Facebook is only so effective in communicating the plan of salvation.

Jesus healed the demoniac of the Gadarenes. This guy had it bad.

Luke 8:26–27 KJV
And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

Luke 8:29 KJV
(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

We know the story. This man had thousands of demons in him. Jesus cast them all out into a herd of pigs… they all ran off a cliff and drowned. Folks were so freaked out they wanted Jesus to leave the area.

The man who was delivered had now become an avid believer. He wanted to go on tour with Jesus and the Disciples. Our passage this morning shows that Jesus had another plan.

Luke 8:38–39 KJV
Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

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.

Jesus not only gave the new believer direction, but also articulated the plan that would reach the world. It is a plan that has worked for thousands of years and perhaps a plan that we have strayed from. The good news of salvation spreads like wild fire when saved folks go personally to lost folks and tell them how they got saved in the first place. This former demoniac did not need to go on tour, he needed to go home. He needed to be a part of the Grassroots Gospel Revolution.

God has stopped our door knocking, our big Sunday School campaigns, our Van ministry, and other outreach. But the Gospel has not stopped! The mandate to spread the news has not stopped! During these days of COVID madness, now more than ever, we must go back into our circles of influence and be a part of the Grassroots Gospel Revolution.

It is Possible to Know You Are Heaven Bound

1 John 5:13 KJV
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

I Realized I Was A Sinner

Romans 3:10 KJV
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:23 KJV
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

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:

I Realized There Was a Price For That Sin

Romans 6:23 KJV
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ezekiel 18:20 KJV
The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Revelation 21:8 KJV
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

I realized I cannot Pay the Price By Good Works

Galatians 2:21 KJV
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

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.

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.

I Realized That Jesus Did Pay the Price for my Sin.

Romans 5:8 KJV
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

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.

So I Transferred My Trust From My Works To What Jesus Did on the Cross.

Romans 10:13–14 KJV
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

We Need To Get Back To Grassroots Gospel.

• Go back to your people.

• There are people in your circle that will only be reached by you.

• There will be people that cross your path today that God has put there because you have a message for them.

• Will you commit to praying every day for that one person who needs to hear the Gospel from you today?

• Will you commit to giving the gospel to at least one person this week?

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:41 AM July 16, 2020.

Loving Life in 2020

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Loving Life in 2020

Pastor Don Carpenter / General

Not From Around Here: The Complicated Life of a Sojourner / Unity of Humanity; Peace / 1 Peter 3:8–11

1 Peter 3:10 KJV
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

How is it going this evening? Do and suffering through your days. The Apostle Peter in our passage is writing to people who are suffering persecution for the cause of Christ. Many people who read this epistle were imprisoned for their faith. In spite of these circumstances, Peter told them that it was possible to love life and see good days. The truths Peter taught then still stand today. May God help you to adjust your thinking as you learn how to love the life that you live.

Seek the Truth

The wisdom of God found in His Word.

Proverbs 3:13–18 KJV
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding.

For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, And the gain thereof than fine gold.

She is more precious than rubies: And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Length of days is in her right hand; And in her left hand riches and honour.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her.

1. Brings happiness


2. Has great value


3. Tends to a long life


4. Brings pleasantness


5. Brings peace

B. The Wisdom of your parents

Proverbs 3:1–2 KJV
My son, forget not my law; But let thine heart keep my commandments:

For length of days, and long life, And peace, shall they add to thee.

Proverbs 4:20–22 KJV
My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.

Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart.

For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.

Seek Unity

1 Peter 3:8 KJV
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Be of one mind – homophron = of the same mind.

Romans 12:16 KJV
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Share the same compassion one for another – sumpathes =suffering along with

Romans 12:15 KJV
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Love as brethren

1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 John 3:14 KJV
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

Be pitiful = tenderhearted – of good heartedness

Courteous – philophron = friendly of mind

Ephesians 4:31–32 KJV
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Seek Peace

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching Perfect Peace

John Henry Newman wrote perceptively: “ ‘These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.’ What is fulness of joy but peace? Joy is tumultuous only when it is not full; but peace is the privilege of those who are ‘filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.’ ‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.’ ”

Practice payback Jesus style.

1 Peter 3:9 KJV
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

  1. Not evil for evil

Proverbs 20:22 KJV 1900

Say not thou, I will recompense evil;

But wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.

  1. Not railing for railing = insults
  2. Give blessing in the place of evil or railing

Romans 12:19–21 KJV
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

  1. This is your calling.

2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Avoid verbal payback

1 Peter 3:10 KJV
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Matthew 5:38–39 KJV
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Eschew evil = turn away from on purpose by doing good instead.

1 Peter 3:11 KJV
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

Seek peace

James 3:18 KJV
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

  1. Avoid conflict as much as possible.
  2. Do not replace expressed anger with silent bitterness.

E. Keep an open line with God.

1 Peter 3:12 KJV
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching Personal Peace

Peace is far more than protection from annihilation. Peace is more than the cessation of hostilities. Peace is more than a state of mind or the tranquility of a countryside. Peace is commitment to a way of life which precludes war, poverty, slavery, prejudice, and fear. Peace is action. Peace is the fruit of love.

Exported from Logos Bible Software, 10:59 AM July 15, 2020.

CARantine July 12, 2020 Hymns

Announcements

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him...” (2 Chronicles 16:9, KJV)

Announcements:

In Person Services this week: Sunday 6:30 pm / Wednesday 7:00 pm

Online Prayer meeting – Tuesday/ Thursday 9:00 AM – forum.ebcct.org

Deacon’s Meeting This Week

August 2 Josh Jacquard

August 5 Quarterly Business Meeting

  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.

_______

1 I care not today what the morrow may bring,
If shadow or sunshine or rain,
The Lord I know ruleth o’er everything,
And all of my worries are vain.

Refrain:
Living by faith in Jesus above,
Trusting, confiding in His great love;
From all harm safe in His sheltering arm,
I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.

2 Though tempests may blow and the storm clouds arise,
Obscuring the brightness of life,
I’m never alarmed at the overcast skies—
The Master looks on at the strife. [Refrain]

3 I know that He safely will carry me through,
No matter what evils betide;
Why should I then care though the tempest may blow,
If Jesus walks close to my side. [Refrain]

4 Our Lord will return for His loved ones some day,
Our troubles will then all be o’er;
The Master so gently will lead us away,
Beyond that blest heavenly shore. [Refrain]

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  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!

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Final Hymn

  1. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
    E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
    Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.
    • Refrain:
      Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
  2. Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
    Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
    Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee.
  3. There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;
    All that Thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n;
    Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.
  4. Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
    Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;
    So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.
  5. Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
    Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly,
    Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.
  6. There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
    There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;
    Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee.