tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3405278527588593722024-03-13T14:55:08.676-04:00ProgressAndJoy.orgFor Progress and Joy in Christ | The Ministry of Dr. Wesley C. McCarterProgress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comBlogger434125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-57603529772659672452024-03-11T11:05:00.003-04:002024-03-11T11:06:01.042-04:00 Uniting Past, Present, and Future<p><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">The Lord’s Supper unites past, present, and future.</span></p><p><u style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">1 Cor 11:23-26</span></u></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">The Holy Meal is simultaneously a remembrance of what Christ did in the past, a proclamation of that Gospel in the present, and an anticipation for the coming kingdom of God in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Right now, in our eating and drinking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, past, present, and future are united in the event. We participate in the Eternal and with the Eternal One.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.com280 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2397744 -80.2963561999999917.9295405638211562 -115.45260619999999 64.550008236178854 -45.140106199999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-17591686477242961742023-11-22T09:41:00.002-05:002023-11-22T09:41:30.578-05:00What Jesus do you know?<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Mark 1:1-3 <i>What Jesus?</i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">My weekly preaching and public teaching ministry now span over 15 years. Over that amount of time, one of the major themes of my ministry has been to correct misunderstandings of the <u>identity</u> of our Lord Jesus Christ. American Christianity, including the Bible belt, has often created a Jesus of their own. This is a Jesus who is the Genie wished upon to win the Friday night football game; a Santa Claus called on when something is wanted; a Batman for whom the signal is sent up if one is in trouble; or the Hippie friend who accepts everyone just as they are. There are many more variations of the Jesus of America’s creation, but they all have one thing in common: they all are violations of the first three commandments of the Decalogue because they are not the true Lord Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">What Jesus do you know? What God do you worship? There are many who think they know who Jesus is, but they have never truly known him. There are many that think they know what Christianity is, what the Gospel message proclaims, but they’ve never genuinely heard. Just this week, I talked with a very intelligent, spiritual, and educated man. He grew up Roman Catholic, and all of his family still is, but he rejected the tradition. I asked if he actually looked into the claims of Christianity or if he merely rejected the Catholic tradition. His response was the latter. He has thrown the baby out with the bathwater. He has rejected Christianity without even really knowing what Christianity claims.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Here is my point this morning: I want you to know the true Lord Jesus—the Christ revealed in the pages of Holy Scripture. He is Creator and Sustainer. He is Savior, and he is Lord. He offers the words of eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">READ Scripture- [Mark 1:1-3] <i>This is the Word of God</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Connective<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Let us “prepare the way of the Lord and make His paths straight.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">I realize that the world is a bit of a mess, to put it mildly. As Bible-believing, upright, moral, traditional Christian people, we are feeling bombarded and overwhelmed. I want to acknowledge those feelings as correct and significant. You are right. Church services are not nearly as full as they used to be. Divorce rates are high. Children are rebellious. Addictions to alcohol, drugs, pornography, social media, and more run rampant in our society. Schools are failing. Homosexuality and transgenderism are everywhere. Mental illness and suicide rates are skyrocketing. There is moral anarchy. There is no leadership in families, churches, communities, or the government. Everyone is doing what is right in his own eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">You and I see all this decay of society, and even the church (to speak broadly), and we feel helpless. We feel beatdown. We think all is lost. We turn negative and eventually cynical. We get to the point that we cannot see any good or any hope. We stop fighting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Let me tell you something: That is not Christian. That betrays all that we know about our God as revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">The True Lord Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Let me remind you that the true Lord Jesus is the one who restores health to the sick and wholeness to the disabled (Mark 1-2). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">The one I know takes two fish and five loaves and feeds thousands upon thousands (Mark 6:38-44). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">I worship the one who brings life out of death (Mark 5:41). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">That is why we are told that a little faith can move great mountains. It is not us but Christ in us (Mark 11:22-24).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">That is why we are told to not worry (Matt 6:34).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*So, women, love your husbands and respect their leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*Men, love your wives as Christ has loved the church, sacrificially.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*Parents, raise your children in the training and admonition of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*Children, obey your parents for this is good and right.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*Work hard on the job, provide for your family and be generous to others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*Be a good neighbor, one that can be relied upon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*Be a good church member, attending worship and other gatherings on a regular basis; serving, loving, forgiving your fellow members; giving what you can to financially support the local church; reaching out to the lost.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*Love your enemies and pray for them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*Be full of faith, prayerfully, and joyful. Pursue holiness without which you cannot see God. Read your Bible, study it, memorize it, and live it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*Fight back the darkness. Receive the light of Christ. Put to death negativity in your mind and life. Pursue the joy of the Lord. Be hopeful and trustful and positive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">*You know the Lord. Don’t forget who he is.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.com280 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2397744 -80.2963561999999917.9295405638211562 -115.45260619999999 64.550008236178854 -45.140106199999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-25246448691589704842023-11-14T15:20:00.006-05:002023-11-14T15:20:34.085-05:00A Poem by E. Brontë: No Coward Soul is Mine<p> <span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 23pt; font-weight: 700;">No Coward Soul is Mine</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 23pt;">by Emily Brontë</span></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="section" style="background-color: white;"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">No coward soul is mine<br />No trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere I see Heaven's glories shine<br />And Faith shines equal arming me from Fear</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">O God within my breast<br />Almighty ever-present Deity<br />Life, that in me hast rest,<br />As I Undying Life, have power in Thee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Vain are the thousand creeds<br />That move men's hearts, unutterably vain, Worthless as withered weeds<br />Or idlest froth amid the boundless main</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">To waken doubt in one<br />Holding so fast by thy infinity,<br />So surely anchored on<br />The steadfast rock of Immortality.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">With wide-embracing love<br />Thy spirit animates eternal years<br />Pervades and broods above,<br />Changes, sustains, dissolves, creates and rears</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Though earth and moon were gone And suns and universes ceased to be And Thou wert left alone<br />Every Existence would exist in thee</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">There is not room for Death<br />Nor atom that his might could render void Since thou art Being and Breath<br />And what thou art may never be destroyed.</span></p></div></div></div></div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comRural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2465305 -80.28787947.9362966638211532 -115.4441294 64.556764336178844 -45.131629399999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-81852571278411675122023-11-01T15:10:00.001-04:002023-11-14T15:11:43.803-05:00A Poem by St. Hilary: Jesus, Light of All the Nations<p> <span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 25pt; font-weight: 700;">Jesus, Light of All the Nations</span></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Jesus, devoted redeemer of all nations, has shone forth,<br />Let the whole family of the faithful celebrate the stories</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">The shining star, gleaming in the heavens, makes him known at his birth<br />and, going before,<br />has led the Magi to his cradle</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Falling down, they adore<br />the tiny baby hidden in rags,<br />as they bear witness to the true God by bringing a mystical gift</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt; font-style: italic;">Jesus refulsit omnium </span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">by Saint Hilary of Poitiers (368) Translation by Kevin Hawthorne</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 12pt;">Saint, Bishop, and, according to St. Augustine, "the Illustrious Doctor of all the Churches," was born of heathen parents of an illustrious family and great wealth, at Poictiers early in the fourth century. He received, as a heathen, an excellent classical education, so that St. Jerome says of him that he "was brought up in the pompous school of Gaul, yet had culled the flowers of Grecian science, and became the Rhone of Latin eloquence." Early in life he married, and had a daughter named Abra, Afra, or Apra. About 350 he renounced, in company with his wife and daughter, the Pagan religion of his family, and became a devout and devoted Christian. After his baptism he so gained the respect and love of his fellow Christians, that in 353, upon a vacancy occurring in the see of his native town, he was, although married and a layman, elected to fill it, and received ordination as Deacon and Priest, and consecration as Bishop.</span></p></div></div></div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-43421462380467909692023-09-05T11:55:00.001-04:002023-09-05T11:55:30.743-04:00A Poem by L. Tribble: Awake<p><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">AWAKE</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">by Lawrence Tribble</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;"><i>possibly written during the Great Awakening</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">One man awake, awakens another.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">The second awakens his next-door brother.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">The three awake can rouse a town,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">By turning the whole place upside down.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">The many awake can make such a fuss,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">It finally awakens the rest of us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">One man up with dawn in his eyes,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Surely then multiplies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-17395200218522442522023-09-05T10:12:00.005-04:002023-09-05T10:12:39.228-04:00A Poem by G. M. Hopkins: God's Grandeur<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 25pt; font-weight: 700;">God’s Grandeur<br /></span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: 700;">by Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–1889)</span></p></div></div><div class="section" style="background-color: white;"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 14pt;">The world is charged with the grandeur of God.<br />It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;<br />It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod? Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 14pt;">And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil, And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell; the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.<br />And for all this, nature is never spent;<br />There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;<br />And though the last lights off the black West went,<br />Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs—Because the Holy Ghost over the bent<br />World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.</span></p></div></div></div></div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-57030027508067623302023-09-05T10:10:00.005-04:002023-09-05T10:10:38.882-04:00A Poem by E. Guest: No Place to Go<p> <span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 30pt; font-weight: 700;">No Place To Go</span></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">by Edgar Albert Guest </span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 18pt;">(1881-1959)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">The happiest nights I ever know<br />Are those when I've no place to go,<br />And the missus says When the day is through: </span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">“To</span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">night we haven’t a thing to do.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Oh, the joy of it, and the peace untold </span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Of sitting ’round in my slippers old, </span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">With my pipe and book in my easy chair, </span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Knowing I needn’t go anywhere.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Needn’t hurry my evening meal<br /></span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Nor force the smiles that I do not feel, But can grab a book from a near-by shelf, And drop all sham and be myself.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Oh, the charm of it and the comfort rare; Nothing on earth with it can compare; </span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">And I’m sorry for him who doesn't know </span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">The joy of having no place to go.</span></p></div></div></div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-50562765349704067962023-08-25T12:57:00.001-04:002023-08-25T12:57:17.118-04:00Lord's Supper Meditation form 1 John 1:5-7<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">Lord’s Supper Meditation—Aug 20, 2023</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 14.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">1 John 1:5-7<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">5</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. </span><b><sup>6</sup></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. </span><b><sup>7</sup></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">The Lord Jesus Christ has revealed to us through his life, teaching, ministry, death, and resurrection that God is absolute moral perfection. There is no evil in him. There are no character flaws or ethical faults. God is light and in him is no darkness whatsoever.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">So then, if we claim to have a relationship with God but keep on walking in darkness, that is, in waywardness and transgression, then we are lying and not practicing the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">The Christian Way is into the light. We are to enter the light and keep on walking and living in it. We are to behave uprightly, morally, lovingly, and obediently as the Holy Spirit leads and enables us. We are in the light, just as God is in the light. This is how we have fellowship with one another in the apostolic community, per Jesus himself (“heard from him”).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">The second result of walking in the light is that the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. Cleansing (or purifying) refers to more than just forgiveness but that God erases the stain of sin (Stott). The present tense shows that it is a continuous process (Stott). But what sin needs to be cleansed if we walk in the light? Cleansing indicates sanctification distinct from justification (Alford). As people living in God’s light, we have forgiveness of sins (justification: eternal salvation) and ongoing cleansing from sins (sanctification: growing mature and ridding our lives of sin now). We also have fellowship with one another in the Christian community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;">As we eat and drink of the Lord’s Supper today, remembering Christ’s blood and body that was given at Calvary for us and the whole world, let us bask in the light of God and His Son. Let us also resolve to continue walking in the light.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 15.5pt;"><br /></span></p>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.com280 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2397744 -80.2963561999999917.9295405638211562 -115.45260619999999 64.550008236178854 -45.140106199999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-40821922885423622602023-08-23T15:18:00.004-04:002023-11-14T15:18:56.129-05:00A Poem by J. R. R. Tolkien: The Riddle of Strider<p> <span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 25pt; font-weight: 700;">The Riddle of Strider</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt; font-weight: 700;">by J. R. R. Tolkien</span></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">All that is gold does not glitter,<br />Not all those who wander are lost;<br />The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken,<br />A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.</span></p></div></div></div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-66621774025959125552022-12-28T15:08:00.001-05:002023-11-14T15:10:40.428-05:00A Poem by C. Rossetti: In the Bleak Midwinter<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>In the Bleak Midwinter</b></h2><div><b>by Christina Rossetti</b><br /><br />In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,</div><div> Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; </div><div>Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,</div><div>In the bleak midwinter, long ago.<br /><br />Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;</div><div>Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign. </div><div>In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed<br />The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day, </div><div>Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;<br />Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,<br />The ox and ass and camel which adore.<br /><br />Angels and archangels may have gathered there, </div><div>Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;<br />But His mother only, in her maiden bliss, </div><div>Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.<br /><br />What can I give Him, poor as I am?<br />If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;</div><div>If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;</div><div>Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.</div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-51296831981646654172022-12-21T15:05:00.008-05:002023-11-14T15:06:52.265-05:00A Poem by Prudentius: Of the Father's Love Begotten<p> <span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: 700;">Of the Father's Love Begotten</span></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic;">Corde natus ex Parentis </span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 10pt;">by Prudentius (AD 405)<br />Translation by J. M. Neale and H. W. Baker</span></div><div class="column"><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 10pt;">A layman, government official of the Roman Empire, and great Christian poet.</span><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 13pt;">1 Of the Father's love begotten ere the worlds began to be,<br />he is Alpha and Omega,<br />he the source, the ending he,<br />of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see evermore and evermore.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 13pt;">2 Oh, that birth forever blessed when the virgin, full of grace,<br />by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race,<br />and the babe, the world's Redeemer, first revealed his sacred face evermore and evermore.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 13pt;">3 This is he whom seers and sages sang of old with one accord, whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word. Now he shines, the long-expected; let creation praise its Lord evermore and evermore.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 13pt;">4 Let the heights of heav'n adore him, angel hosts his praises sing, pow'rs, dominions bow before him and extol our God and King.<br />Let no tongue on earth be silent, ev'ry voice in concert ring evermore and evermore.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 13pt;">5 Christ, to thee, with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to thee<br />hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unending praises be, honor, glory, and dominion<br />and eternal victory<br />evermore and evermore.</span></p></div></div></div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comRural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2465305 -80.28787947.9362966638211532 -115.4441294 64.556764336178844 -45.131629399999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-60810000082376186442022-12-14T15:01:00.000-05:002023-11-14T15:05:20.142-05:00A Poem by C. S. Lewis: The Nativity<p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 25pt; font-weight: 700;">The Nativity</span></p>by C.S. Lewis<br /><br />Among the oxen (like an ox I’m slow)<br />I see a glory in the stable grow<br />Which, with the ox’s dullness might at length<div>Give me an ox’s strength.<br /><br />Among the asses (stubborn I as they)<br />I see my Savior where I looked for hay;</div><div>So may my beast like folly learn at least</div><div>The patience of a beast.<br /><br />Among the sheep (I like a sheep have strayed)</div><div>I watch the manger where my Lord is laid;</div><div>Oh that my baaing nature would win thence</div><div>Some woolly innocence!</div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comRural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2465305 -80.28787947.9362966638211532 -115.4441294 64.556764336178844 -45.131629399999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-60195617876302106982022-12-07T15:02:00.000-05:002023-11-14T15:04:53.935-05:00A Poem by W. McCarter: Irony (Christmas)<p> <span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Irony. . .</span></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Behold, the virgin shall be with child</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Peculiar. . .<br />There shall come forth a shoot from the stump</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Unexpected. . .<br />Little Bethlehem, out of you shall come a Ruler</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Miracle. . .<br />She was found with child of the Holy Spirit</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Surprise. . .<br />For with God nothing is impossible</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Paradox. . .<br />The Word became flesh and dwelt among us</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Baffling. . .<br />He was laid in a manger because there was no room for them</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Marvelous. . .<br />He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Wondrous. . .<br />Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Shocking. . .<br />God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Gospel. . .<br /></span><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 14pt;">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</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 15pt;">Irony. . .</span></p></div></div></div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.com280 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2397744 -80.2963561999999917.9295405638211562 -115.45260619999999 64.550008236178854 -45.140106199999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-2737522187947814292022-09-25T08:38:00.003-04:002022-09-25T08:38:33.487-04:00Godliness is Profitable<p> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">1 Timothy 4:8 <i>Godliness is Profitable</i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">In the American culture, we have been infatuated for decades with finding the perfect diet and with exercising enough. There has been one fad after another. We want to dress the best we can, and dress our kids in the latest styles. We are materialistically hungry and desire the most comforts. We’re incensed ensconced with physical health. The medical field dictates so much of our lives. We have one doctor’s appointment after another and take handfuls of vitamins, supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Pursuing physical health has become the American religion, the doctors are the priests, while exercise, dietary programs, medicines, and the like are the rituals and practices. The god so many worship is a picturesque view of a human, it is comfort, and it is long life. Americans want the sanitized, pain-free life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Meanwhile, we neglect the human soul. Even those who claim the name of Christ, neglect their own souls. What it means to be human is to be both body and soul. You cannot be fully human, fully who the true and living God created you to be, in his image, while focusing on the body and neglecting your soul.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">The Lord Jesus said what is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? What about the souls of those around us, those we love? And what about the souls of the next generation?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">There is spiritual decay all around. Cancer of the soul. Danger. Threats. Vulnerabilities. Atrophy. In our world, in our country, in our community, in our families, and what about ourselves? What about your soul? Is it healthy? Are <u>you</u> healthy?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Christ’s death was physical, yes. But it was also spiritual. His atoning death was the agony of his soul to pay the penalty for our sins. He died in our place, bearing our guilt in his own sinless soul, in order to save our <u>souls</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">The Lord’s Supper ministers to the soul. The meal preaches to the soul. It gives knowledge and hope and faith and peace and joy and comfort to your soul. Remember: Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. As we eat and drink, we proclaim that Jesus died for our sins, that he was raised from the dead, and that he is returning again as Judge of the world and as Lord of lords. Our hope is to pass through the judgment and be told, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”<span style="font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comRural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2465305 -80.28787947.9362966638211532 -115.4441294 64.556764336178844 -45.131629399999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-36448086545971713692022-08-10T10:00:00.004-04:002022-08-11T16:53:19.249-04:00 What is Christian Forgiveness?Believers are commanded in the Scriptures: "Even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" (Colossians 3:13). We know what it took to secure our atonement. Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and he was raised from the dead three days later. He became sin who knew no sin that we might become the righteousness of God. He has paid for our sins and cleansed us from them. So then, what does it mean that he has forgiven us? A couple other New Testament passages are informative: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the [one] to whom the Lord shall not impute sin" (Romans 4:7). “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more" (Hebrews 10:17). The Lord does not count sin against those who believe, and he no longer remembers those sins. God, in his infinite mercy, decides to no longer hold us accountable for our sins. There are no eternal ramifications for our sins.<div><br /></div><div>Thus, as one writer says, “Forgiveness is often misunderstood. Yet forgiveness is one of the most basic of Christian qualities. Forgiveness can transform our relationship with God, with others, and even with ourselves” (Richards).</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a summary: To forgive is to forego the desire and to repudiate any obsessive demands for another’s punishment. It is to close one’s mind and heart to any claim on another’s sin-debt to us—be it real or merely supposed. To forgive is also to refuse the passions and potential hatreds aroused by another’s transgressions against us—and that to the point where it has no hold whatsoever on our memories. Forgiveness is the dispassionate remembrance of past offenses.<br /><br />Again, hear and obey the call of Scripture on this matter and reap the benefits of a transformed life: "Even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."</div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comRural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2465305 -80.28787947.9362966638211532 -115.4441294 64.556764336178844 -45.131629399999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-40095181274768844552022-02-15T10:27:00.002-05:002022-02-15T10:30:03.331-05:00 What does the Bible teach about shacking up?<p><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: large;">What does the Bible teach about shacking up?</span></b></p><p><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">By Wesley McCarter | February 2022</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">The phrase “shacking up” has a long history in Christianity and in American society to convey the idea of cohabitation before marriage. This is often what Christians think of when using the term “fornication,” and sometimes the idea is simply referred to as “living together.” The phrase “shacking up” is used in a disapproving way because most Christians view this behavior as sinful. However, the question to ask is: Does the Bible teach against shacking up?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Many argue that shacking up is standard fare in the culture today. “Plenty of folks have done it with success,” they say. “Everyone should test the waters, take a test drive, try it out first,” are all common analogies to support the behavior. These are all pragmatic responses to what is a critical question. Christians are not pragmatists, however, on matters to which God has spoken directly. Christians are people of the Book, and the Lord is to be obeyed in all matters. He has given order and taught godliness to mankind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">The Scriptures are clear about the importance and holiness of marriage. Marriage is God-ordained for his own glory and for human flourishing. In a day when marriage is not viewed as a covenant but simply as an arrangement, Christians need to return to the Scriptures to see what God has revealed about the institution. Contemporary culture demeans marriage, at times, and often perceives it as trivial at best. Divorce is rampant. Shacking up is commonplace. Many have redefined marriage in such a way that it now has no meaning. The government has even contributed to the demise of marriage in American society. Nevertheless, Christians have God’s word for knowledge and wisdom on the subject. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">What does the Bible teach about shacking up? Starting from the beginning will help to orient God’s people to his will. The Scriptures record in the first book what God says about marriage: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Gen 2:24). The Lord Jesus Christ echoed this creation mandate with the words: “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matt 19:4-6). In light of what God had done, a man and a woman would become one from that point forward. Moving in and living together is a sign of marriage (“leaving and cleaving”). From the beginning of creation, two have become one. This is what God intended. After ruling out in his paragraph all other distorted forms of man-woman relationships, one commentator writes, “[T]hat God intended monogamous heterosexual life was shown by God’s creation of one man and one woman” (Bruner). Marriage was not an arrangement but was, and still is for the Christian, a <i>covenant</i> between a man and a woman. Included in the covenant language are the ideas of pledging oneself to the other, responsibility, loyalty, and unity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">The most robust argument that the Christian teacher or mentor might make from the Scriptures on this subject is the holiness of marriage. Men and women should not pretend to be husband and wife without actually becoming husband and wife. Shacking up is essentially “playing house.” This flies in the face of God’s design for men and women and makes a mockery of God’s law. Cohabitation over against marriage is a perversion of righteousness. God’s will for men and women in relationship is revealed in both natural and special revelation. Thus, the inspired author announces: “Marriage <i>is to be</i> honored by all, and the marriage bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb 13:4). This is the Christian, biblical view of the matter. Hence, Cockerill repeats, “The pastor would have them to do nothing that violates the marriage bond or belittles marriage,” and comments, “‘by all’ means none are exempt from this command—married or unmarried, young or old.” The commentator continues, “By beginning with the covenant of marriage rather than with individual chastity, the pastor confirms the fact that sexual misconduct is not merely a matter of private concern but has implications for the common life of the people of God” (Cockerill).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Marriage is to be honored by all for numerous reasons but primarily because of two. Already mentioned above is the God-glorifying, human-flourishing, creation order of marriage. If that was not enough, ideas from Ephesians might also be added. The apostle writes, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord” (Eph 5:22), and “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Eph 5:25). Why should wives submit to husbands and husbands love their wives in this thoroughly Christian way? The apostle testifies: “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Eph 5:32). Not only is marriage to be honored because of the creation mandates, but it is also to be honored because of the witness it has to Christ and his church. A mystery is something that was previously obscure but has now been revealed. This happens through a new revelation. A God-designed marriage between a man and a woman points to the greater reality of the relationship between Christ and the church. In turn, the relationship between Christ and the church becomes the pattern for flourishing marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">To reiterate, shacking up flies in the face of God’s design and law. Marriage is to be honored among all. So, any relationship between a man and a woman outside of marriage that resembles, replaces, mocks, or rejects it is dishonorable and will not bring the blessing of the Lord God. Shacking up is a cheap knockoff of the beauty, wonder, holiness, and blessing of marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Additionally, a Christian ought to consider his or her witness before others with this aberrant behavior (Rom 14:13). He or she should consider the many warnings of Scripture to flee from the very appearance of evil (Prov 3:7; 1 Thess 5:22; 1 Tim 2:22). Not only that, but cohabitation almost always leads to premarital sexual relations which are expressly forbidden in Scripture (Rom 12:2; 13:14; 1 Thess 4:3; 5:22; 1 Cor 6:18; Col 3:5). Consider the seventh commandment: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exod 20:14). Inherit in this foundational command is the honor of marriage and the condemnation of any and all forms of sexual relationships outside of the God-ordained covenant of marriage. Shacking up, premarital sex, and any form of fornication is damaging to relationships, people, families, and churches in emotional, mental, and spiritual ways that one may not even realize (and sometimes physical ways as well). Disciples of Jesus, then, should guard each one’s dignity, calm his or her own emotions, temper one’s own appetites, protect oneself from temptation and sin, practice patience, and pursue righteousness. Christian men and women should pursue marriage, as defined by Scripture. Getting married is the best course of action to prevent against God’s displeasure, hurting others, damaging one’s witness, or falling into immorality (1 Cor 7:2, 9).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">For those who have done things their way rather than God’s way, there is hope for renewal. You can be restored to holiness. The Gospel declares the love and grace of God in Christ Jesus. Sincere repentance before God will be met with forgiveness and cleansing. Repentance, for some, may look like moving out until the wedding takes place, or for others it may look like getting married this week, or for yet others it may mean breaking off the relationship. The one (or two, if both are believers) shacking up who repents must determine what the fruits of that repentance will be. God will forgive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">May marriage be honored by all and the marriage bed undefiled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comRural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2465305 -80.28787947.9362966638211532 -115.4441294 64.556764336178844 -45.131629399999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-36179515636685216402021-11-08T14:55:00.000-05:002023-11-14T15:13:11.899-05:00A Poem by H. Coleridge: Be Not Afraid to Pray<p> <span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 25pt; font-weight: 700;">Be Not Afraid to Pray</span></p><br />Hartley Coleridge, 1796-1849<br /><br />Be not afraid to pray; to pray is right.<br />Pray, if thou canst, with hope, but ever pray,<div>Though hope be weak or sick with long delay;<br />Pray in the darkness, if there be no light.<br /><br />Whate’er is good to wish, ask that of Heaven, </div><div>Though it be what thou canst not hope to see: </div><div>Pray to be perfect, though material leaven</div><div>Forbid the Spirit so on earth to be;<br /><br />But if for any wish thou dar’st not pray,</div><div>Then pray to God to cast that wish away.</div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comRural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2465305 -80.28787947.9362966638211532 -115.4441294 64.556764336178844 -45.131629399999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-18181823971577763612021-11-01T15:04:00.000-04:002023-11-14T15:12:52.602-05:00A Poem by J. Milton: When I Consider How My Light is Spent<p> <span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt; font-weight: 700;">When I Consider How My Light Is Spent</span></p>by John Milton (1608-1674)<br /><br />When I consider how my light is spent,<br />Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,<br />And that one talent which is death to hide<br />Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent<div>To serve therewith my Maker, and present<br />My true account, lest he returning chide;<br />“Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?”<br />I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent<br />That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need</div><div>Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best<br />Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state</div><div>Is kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed<br />And post o’er land and ocean without rest:<br />They also serve who only stand and wait.”</div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comRural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2465305 -80.28787947.9362966638211532 -115.4441294 64.556764336178844 -45.131629399999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-72043417794133181412021-09-08T14:58:00.000-04:002023-11-14T15:08:25.684-05:00A Poem by J. Donne: Death, Be Not Proud<p> <span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 23pt; font-weight: 700;">Death, Be Not Proud</span></p>(also known as Sonnet X)<br />by John Donne<br /><br /><div>Death, be not proud, though some have called thee<br />Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;<br />For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow<br />Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.<br />From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,</div><div>Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,<br />And soonest our best men with thee do go,<br />Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.<br />Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,<br />And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,<br />And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well<br />And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?<br />One short sleep past, we wake eternally<br />And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.</div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comRural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2465305 -80.28787947.9362966638211532 -115.4441294 64.556764336178844 -45.131629399999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-82112680790112235162021-09-01T15:07:00.003-04:002023-11-14T15:08:06.054-05:00A Poem by C. Rossetti: Beneath Thy Cross<p> <span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 25pt; font-weight: 700;">Beneath Thy Cross</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt; font-weight: 700;">by Christina Rossetti</span></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Am I a stone, and not a sheep,<br />That I can stand, O Christ, beneath thy cross, To number drop by drop Thy Blood’s slow loss, And yet not weep?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Not so those women loved<br />Who with exceeding grief lamented Thee; Not so fallen Peter weeping bitterly;<br />Not so the thief was moved;</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Not so the Sun and Moon<br />Which hid their faces in a starless sky,<br />A horror of great darkness at broad noon– I, only I.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: BookmanOldStyle; font-size: 20pt;">Yet give not o’er,<br />But seek Thy sheep, true Shepherd of the flock; Greater than Moses, turn and look once more And smite a rock.</span></p></div></div></div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-4229163842548303872021-07-06T16:01:00.002-04:002021-07-06T16:01:38.379-04:00Christian Application from Jeremiah 29:1-14<b>Christian Application from Jeremiah 29:1-14<br />July 4, 2021</b><div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">So, what about us? We are also living in a hostile environment, aren’t we? It is not ideal or always comfortable. Our level of comfort seems to be decreasing, as a matter of fact. We are not necessarily being punished ourselves for any particular sin, though. There are no prophets among us. However, I think it is safe to say that it is a very real possibility that our nation is being judged by God. It appears that he is giving us over to our sins. Therefore, we are caught up in the midst of divine judgment. And we will have to undergo it along with our pagan neighbors. What do we do with the situation?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Jeremiah’s message to the people of God in exile seems to be an appropriate message to us today as well. Thus says the Lord: build houses and dwell in them, plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to live, and pray to the Lord for it, for in its peace you will have peace. Do not follow after false prophecies or teachings. Do not be led astray. And remember that God will visit us in due time and perform his good work toward us and take us unto himself. At just the right time, God will send his Son from heaven, and he will establish his eternal kingdom on earth in which we will dwell in his presence forevermore. We will enter into the joy of our Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">In the meantime, we must be godly and content. We must be faithful to the Lord, obeying his every command. We must do what he says and go where he sends. Our souls must be swift to answer him. We must work for healthy, godly marriages. We must raise our sons and daughters in the faith, training them up in the instruction and admonition of the Lord. We must pursue work to provide for ourselves, our families, to support the ministries and missions of God‘s church. We must seek the peace of our country, of our communities. To do this, we will have to work, surely, but we must certainly pray for it. Pray to the Lord. Seek the Lord, search for him with all your heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">And, thankfully, we live in a great country. It is the greatest nation the world has ever seen. We have been safe, free, and prosperous. We have concluded that it is not only a practical thing to pursue the peace of our country, the good of our country, but it is the correct thing to be proud of our country. Patriotism is a good thing and should be promoted among our people, as it should be among the peoples of all nations. A few passages in Revelation as well as many other New Testament passages assure us that every nation, tribe, and tongue will be represented in heaven. When we enter into heaven, we will enter in as God’s people, yes, but also as Americans (and others as other nationalities, all for God’s glory, showing his redeeming work from across the globe and through the ages).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">While we can argue (and we do) that our nation is freer than any other, safer than any other, and more prosperous than any other, we also admit that these facts do not make us better human beings than any other. On the contrary, we affirm the biblical doctrine that all human beings are made in God’s image, and, therefore, each and every human life is sacred from conception to natural death. So, again, we do not claim to be inherently better than any other peoples on the planet, but we have certainly been greatly blessed. And for that, we give thanks to God. And we don’t use our liberty for licentiousness. We use our liberty to serve—to serve one another and those around the world. As Christians, we use our American liberty and prosperity to be a blessing to the nations through the preaching of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, his atoning work, his salvation, through repentance and faith in him.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.com280 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2397744 -80.2963561999999917.9295405638211562 -115.45260619999999 64.550008236178854 -45.140106199999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-53302797065292801362021-01-03T13:37:00.020-05:002021-07-07T13:43:03.396-04:00Psalm 23 The Lord is My Shepherd<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Psalm 23 The Lord is My Shepherd<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>January 3, 2021</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The 23<sup>rd</sup> Psalm is one of the most familiar and famous passages in all of the Bible. Of course, familiarity sometimes gets in the way of true understanding of the text, and sometimes it blinds us from seeing fresh things in the Scriptures. While Psalm 23 has become mostly associated with death and funerals (I have read the chapter at several funerals myself), it is actually a song about the here-and-now. It is a declaration of trust from beginning to end.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lord Jesus spoke about food, water, and clothing in Matthew 6 by saying, “Therefore do not worry . . . . For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” This psalm is a reflection upon that biblical principle and a declaration of total trust in God’s provision and protection. The main message, therefore, is that there is nothing to fear when God is your Shepherd.</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hear the full sermon audio at this link:</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://archive.org/details/141116.Psalm23.TheLordIsMyShepherd" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Psalm 23 The Lord Is My Shepherd</a></span></div>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.com280 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2397744 -80.2963561999999917.9295405638211562 -115.45260619999999 64.550008236178854 -45.140106199999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-3843370667256367782020-11-25T10:00:00.004-05:002021-07-07T13:43:59.096-04:00Psalm 100 Be Thankful to the Lord<p><b style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;">Psalm 100 <i>Be Thankful to the Lord</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b>An Expository Sermon by Wesley McCarter</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b>November 25, 2020</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Introduction<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">How will you celebrate Thanksgiving? Will you cook a big meal? Will it just be a day of rest? Will the kids and grandkids paint those little turkeys with their handprints or make little Indian hats with feathers?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">I have thought of some of the classic Thanksgiving episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond and wondered if some families actually experience some of those same things. One episode has a woman making a vegetarian turkey that the men are scared to eat, and another has the whole extended family attempting to do a skit of Indians and pilgrims. There is lots of comedy, and I’m sure there has been some humorous times at your family get-togethers over the years and maybe even some nerve-wracking times as well. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">Thanksgiving is said to be a uniquely American holiday. Not surprisingly, Thanksgiving as an American federal holiday is said to be a cultural and secular holiday. In many ways it is just that. There are traditions of turkey and dressing, backyard football games, and fall decorations. It looks fairly neutral.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">However, look at the two terms so often used: “Thanksgiving” and “holiday.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">A holiday is a “holy day” at its root. It is a day set aside for a particular purpose—to rest from work, to remember, to reflect, to celebrate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">Thanksgiving entails giving thanks to someone. Gifts and blessings imply a Giver. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">Christians have always seen thanksgiving as an indispensable part of the life of faith and worship. It is essential in our devotion to God.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">Thanksgiving, as an American holiday, has these Christian underpinnings. While ongoing thanksgiving is a commitment of the Christian life, we have also always found value in taking this special day every year to do it together as churches and as families.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">I am happy to share this message with you now to help you do just that—give thanks to God.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">May God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit be hallowed and appreciated in our churches, in our families, and in our hearts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">I’d like to share some reflections with you from Psalm 100, that most famous of the thanksgiving psalms found in the psalter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b>READ Scripture</b>- This is the Word of God<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>1 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">This is about the people of God who gather to worship Him. In the Old Testament context, of course, this was primarily a Temple gathering. In the New Testament context, we speak of the gathered church. That’s what it means to be a church, to gather. The people of God have always gathered to worship the Lord, to make a joyful sound. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">But notice that the call here goes out to all the lands. All the peoples of the earth are called upon to make a joyful shout to the Lord. One commentator writes, “This verse claims the world for God” (Kidner). I think it may better be said that this verse is a call for all the world to realize to whom it belongs. It is a call for the whole world to acknowledge its Creator.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>2 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">There is an eagerness on the part of God’s people to serve Him. There is joy and gladness. There is enthusiasm. That is why believers come before His presence, in the gathered assembly, to sing to Him and about Him. Worship is service. It is the first service and all other service to God flows out of it. To this day, in English, we refer to our appointed times of worship as worship “services.” The well-respected scholar on the psalms, Derek Kidner writes, “[S]ervice is indivisible; it is a word which leaves no gap or choice between worship and work. (We find this confirmed, incidentally, in practice, in that praise and prayer go stale in isolation, and activity goes sterile.)” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>3 Know that the LORD, He is God;<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">You may have noticed in this psalm that “LORD” is in all caps. You probably know that this means that the divine name Yahweh is used. The one who revealed Himself to Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses; the one who made Himself known to Israel; Yahweh, the Great I AM is God. He is Creator and Sustainer. He is Sovereign. He is the eternally existing and self-existing one. He is the uncreated one, the beginning and end.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">Because He is Creator and created everything, including us, all creation belongs to Him, including us. We have not made ourselves. We are merely creatures. We were created in His image for His glory, created by Him and for Him. Human beings, of course, are a special creation of the Lord God. Humans are created in God’s image, His very likeness. This is personal, and that is why it we are reminded by the psalmist that we are “His people” and the “sheep of His pasture.” He has a relationship with us. We were created in His image in order to know Him, worship Him, serve Him, and to obey Him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">This imagery of us as sheep and God as shepherd gives us a personal feel, and we see God as caring, providing, and protecting. The ancient cultural background tells us that this is often how kings were viewed. In Israel, David is the architype of the shepherd-king. The point that the psalmist is making here is that Yahweh God is our King. He is King of all the earth. And, as a king, one might imagine His palace and having to enter by the gates and into the courts. This is the imagery of the next verse.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>And into His courts with praise.<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">Verse four is in the context of worship. We take the initiative to “Enter.” We get up and go. As we enter “His gates” and “His courts,” language that originally referred to the Temple, we do so with thanksgiving, being thankful to Him (the LORD God), and we bless His name. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">Let me just make a clear statement right here, the New Testament application of Temple worship is in the context of the gathered church on the Lord’s Day. Passages such as 1 Pet 2:4-5, 9; Eph 2:19-22; and 1 Cor 3:9-17 explain how the gathering of Christians as a church becomes the spiritual temple within which God’s Holy Spirit dwells. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">Back to Psalm 100:4—notice that thanksgiving is repeated. This is usual for Hebrew poetry. It is parallelism. It is repetitious for singing, places an emphasis on the point being made, and makes it memorable for the worshipper. Thanksgiving is something we must all do. Rom 1:21 highlights ungratefulness as a hallmark of the godless, darkened, and condemned society. In the psalm, the repetition of thanksgiving highlights the natural inclination for the people of God to give thanks to God. This is an act. It is a “giving.” It is our worship and our service.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">We bless His name. Notice that the name of Yahweh is repeated several times in this brief psalm. Why is that? To put the Lord front and center. To lift Him up and to humble ourselves. He is the subject, and we are not (Goldingay).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>5 For the LORD is good;<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>His mercy is everlasting,<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b><i>And His truth endures to all generations.<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">The basis of our thanksgiving, a major reason for it is stated in verse 5: “For the LORD is good.” Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights (Jas 1:17). The Lord not only gives good, He not only does good, He <i>is</i> good. This is who He is. This is His very character. This is the God we worship and serve.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">His “mercy” or “loyal love” or “covenant faithfulness” is everlasting. His “truth” or “faithfulness” endures to all generations. This is good news. This is reason to give thanks to God. He truly is good.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><b>Conclusion and Christian Application<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">(<b>1</b>) The world needs to hear that there is a Creator, that they are created in His image, and that they are created to know Him and enjoy Him forever. There is a God to whom we must give thanks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">(<b>2</b>) Christians, be thankful. Yes, show appreciation to Christian brethren, friends, and relatives, but, most vitally, give thanks to God from whom all blessings flow. The people you have in your life are there because of the Lord. The church you are a member of is a creation of God and a purchase of Jesus with His own precious blood. Every other good gift you have is from God. Be thankful. If we shun thankfulness, we will be greedy, prideful, arrogant, selfish, and worse. We will damage our Christian witness and even jeopardize our own souls. Let the light of Christ fill you, and be thankful. Praise God, make shouts of joy to Him, serve Him with gladness, come before Him with singing, be thankful to Him, and bless His name.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">(<b>3</b>) John Goldingay reflects upon this psalm with the words, “Theologically, its central affirmation is ‘Yhwh—he is God.’ Thus the whole earth is bidden to acknowledge Yhwh, not as mere overwhelmed and unwilling vassals but as people who ‘serve with joy.’”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;">(<b>4</b>) God is worthy of thanksgiving. His very nature and His acts of redemption demand our gratitude. Reflect upon the great love of God in Christ Jesus who laid down His life for you and even for the sins of the whole world. As Kidner points out, we not only have God’s gates and courts to enter, but we are invited into the Holy of Holies, into the very presence of God, because of the new and living way. The blood of Jesus, the atoning sacrifice He has made secures our forgiveness of sins, our cleansing. Peace between God and us is accomplished because of Christ’s sacrifice. He is worthy of our praise. He is to be glorified. We must give thanks to Him and bless His name.<o:p></o:p></p>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.com280 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2397744 -80.2963561999999917.9295405638211562 -115.45260619999999 64.550008236178854 -45.140106199999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-42689004261370616762020-09-25T10:00:00.003-04:002020-09-25T17:10:42.259-04:00The Church Needs Members Who Are. . .<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 22pt;">The Church needs members who are. . .<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 25pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;">(1) Faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;">(2) Committed to one another<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;">(3) Persistent in prayer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;">(4) Devoted to the Bible as God’s Word<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 17.5pt;">(5) Consistently present in church services and ministries<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 17pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 17pt;">(6) Generous to the church, individual members, and others</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;">(7) Courageous in the face of pressure and threats<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;">(8) Pursuing holiness<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;">(9) Great Commission driven <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 18pt;">(10) Alert to the kingdom opportunities around them<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.com280 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2397744 -80.2963561999999917.9295405638211562 -115.45260619999999 64.550008236178854 -45.140106199999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340527852758859372.post-75683467389646825562020-09-23T10:00:00.006-04:002020-09-25T17:10:56.914-04:00What We are For<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">What We are For</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">by Wesley C. McCarter</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Many people make the claim that Christians only make a stand on things that they are against. It is true that many who claim the name of Christ seemingly show more passion for the things that the Bible condemns than for the things that the Bible promotes. But, we are not near that extreme. We try to speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent. We try to speak truth on both sides, that mankind is created in the image of God, which is a great positive truth, and that mankind is fallen and sinful to the point of condemnation because of the holy God’s righteous judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(1) We are for the truths that God exists, that He is one in essence and three in persons, and that He is Creator of every single thing, the things we can see and the things we cannot see.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(2) We are for the word of God. The Bible is God’s clear revelation to us of his character, his will, the order he has given creation, and our hope of ultimate salvation and eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(3) We are for the gospel — believing it, defending it, sharing it, promoting it, proclaiming it in this pulpit, in our church classrooms, in our homes, in our communities, and around the world among every nation and language and people group.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(4) We are for God as sovereign over our lives. We are for learning and proclaiming his holiness and his character and his deeds in history.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(5) We are for Jesus Christ as unique Son of God and the only Savior of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(6) We are for marriage between one man and one woman. This is for the glory of God and for human flourishing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(7) We are for wives respecting their husbands and following their godly lead. We are for husbands loving their wives like Christ loved the church.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(8) We are for raising children “in the Lord.” We are for raising boys to be men and girls to be women. We are for guiding them in the faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(9) We are for people working hard, submitting to leadership at work, doing a good job, and earning a living. We are for people making as much money as possible and giving away as much money as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(10) We are for submitting to our governing authorities. And we are for praying for all people and those in high positions of government. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(11) We are for compassion and support and generosity. We are for reconciliation and forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(12) We are for older men mentoring younger men and older women mentoring younger women.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(13) We are for godly leadership in the church. For a plurality of elders who are biblically qualified, called by God to lead, love the Lord, their families, and the church.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(14) We are for honesty, letting our yes be yes and our no be no. Our word being our honor. We are for telling the truth. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">(15) We are for God’s glory and human flourishing.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>Progress and Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08760649677627324457noreply@blogger.com280 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045, USA36.2397744 -80.2963561999999917.9295405638211562 -115.45260619999999 64.550008236178854 -45.140106199999991