Many are confused as to the reason for Christ’s coming into this world. False religion supposes that Christ came to die for men so that they may have a profitable and happy life in this world. That Jesus wants men to be healthy happy and successful in the things of this world. But the word of God is plain and cannot be misunderstood. Jesus Christ came to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Jesus Christ came to glorify God, magnify the law by his obedience and satisfy the justice of God for the sins of his elect people (John 17:1-3; Isaiah 42:21; Hebrews 10:14).

Therefore, all that comes to pass in time is according to the divine providence of God and is for the salvation and good of His chosen people (Isaiah 46:10; Romans 8:28). Everyone that the Father chose and the Son redeemed, the Spirit of God shall call and keep (1 Peter 1:2-5). None of God’s children will be lost (John 6:39). All that happens to them in this world is for their good. All that happens toward the wicked of this world is for the good of His saints (Genesis 50:20). So then, believer in Christ, let us take courage even in the midst of our trials, in the very teeth of our tribulation, for all things are of God and all things work together for our good (2 Corinthians 5:18). Our sickness or health, in poverty’s vail or abounding in wealth – all things are of God and are purposed; and will be used of God for the glory of His name and the calling and keeping of our souls. Therefore, rejoice, you his saints, no matter your circumstances, for Jesus has accomplished all he purposed to do; for He has saved us, He is saving us, and he shall save us.

Fred Evans

“Only one thing is needed!” How true that saying! The longer we live in the world, the more true it will appear. The nearer we come to the grave, the more thoroughly we shall assent to it. Health, and money, and lands, and rank, and honors, and prosperity are all well in their way. But they cannot be called needful. Without them, thousands are happy in this world and reach glory in the world to come. The “many things” which men and women are continually struggling for are not really necessities. The grace of God which brings salvation is the one thing needful.

-J.C Ryle

“To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe”  (Philippians 3:1).

We have gathered together to hear the same things. Nothing new or novel is needed. A part of the greatness of the Gospel is that the old, old, story is always new and fresh. There is nothing like that in this world. Everything in this world at some point will become old and stale.  But not the Gospel!

It is always New!  It is still thrilling to hear of the character of the Living God, and how that salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of the Father when He elected a people in Christ before time began. This election was unconditional!  Nothing in us that moved Him to choose us! Salvation is of the Son in redemption. Before time, He stood as the Surety of the elect and took full responsibility for their salvation. He came to this earth as their representative, kept the law for them, died to pay for their sins, and was raised because of their justification. Truly, He is All in salvation.

Salvation is of the Spirit in regeneration. God the Holy Spirit comes in invincible power and gives life to those the Father chose and the Son redeemed so that they believe the old, old story.  The Gospel becomes good news indeed.  They are given a new nature that loves God and perseveres in the faith, being preserved by the Spirit of God.

Paul said the repetition of it was “not grievous.” It only becomes grievous when you do not hear as a sinner! When we do not hear as a sinner, we have left our first love, and have fallen into a lukewarm state. Heavenly manna has become light bread. But if we hear as a sinner, the same things are not old and stale, but good news from a far country! Paul adds, “For you this is safe.”  This only is safe.  Any new message or method is treacherous!  But the “same things” are safe.

-Pastor Todd Nibert of Todds Road Grace Church, Lexington, KY USA

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

It is a blessing to experience those times when all seems well and faith comes easily; when it seems the very air is filled with the presence of the Lord. Such times are a blessing, but they are no proof of true faith. Faith is proven when it endures the HARD times. When the heart is broken, the mind confused, and the body weak, then is faith put to the test and proven whether it be genuine. When faith survives those times when there is NO FEELING to verify it, NO EVIDENCE to confirm it, and NO FLESHLY ENERGY to sustain it, then and only then can we discover that we have that faith that is “the gift of God.” God’s gifts are “without repentance,” and this is as true of faith as any of His other gifts. We know we have believed when we never repent of our faith but believe in the very face of all that is opposed to faith. This is the trial and proof of faith.

– Joe Terrell, Pastor of Grace Community Church, Rock Valley, IA

If we truly believe God, we will serve him with confidence and peace, simply trusting his total sovereignty, power, wisdom, and grace.  The fear of man shall not be a threat to us.  The favor of man shall not be a motive to us. The circumstances of the hour shall not pressure us.  And the desire for results shall not alter our message, or cause us to employ the devised methods of others.  If we believe God, we will simply perform our responsibilities faithfully and wait upon the Lord to perform his work according to his own will.

-Don Fortner, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Danville, KY USA

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.  1 Samuel 30:6

Because of sin and the curse, this world is full of distresses.  These distresses of David were no doubt ordained of God for his good, but they were the result of David’s own unbelief and fear. He was running from Saul and tried to join himself to the army of God’s enemies.  And while he was gone, the Amalekites came and took all their wives, children and possessions.  The pain and grief were so great that David’s faithful men were of a mind to stone him.

Are you in great trouble believer?  Have your sins and unbelief moved you from the service of your God?  Have you sought to join forces with the enemies of God and forsaken His gospel?  Surely the pains of our sins and failures are sharp, and our grief pierces through our very souls.

But let us now learn from our brother David in this text.  The word of God says that “David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”  Instead of considering the circumstances or living in regret of his failures, David found encouragement, strength, solace, and guidance in the promises of God.  This encouragement did not come by human wisdom or looking at earthly helps, but David looked only to the promises of God.

Believer, remember that God is your God.  If you are in Christ by faith, then encourage yourself in this truth, that God was from eternity your God.  It was God the Father who chose you to salvation and ordained that you should be holy (Eph.1:1-6; 2 Thes. 2:13; Romans 8:31-39).

Stand fast in the faith of Jesus Christ the Son of God.  He is thy redeemer.  He has been your surety from eternity, and at the appointed time He obtained all your righteousness.  Jesus, thy savior, has already suffered for your sins which you now confess and regret (Hebrews 10:14; 1 John 1:8-10).  Look steadfastly now to the Holy Spirit which is your teacher and comforter (John 16:13; 1 Peter 1:3-5).  Let us then say in the very teeth of our distresses, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God” (Psalms 43:5).

Behold, believer, there is great comfort and solace found in our God.  Great joy is found in the truth that Christ is my savior redeemer and friend.  Great hope is found in the Holy Spirit who has quickened us that he will also keep us in Christ firm to the end no matter our troubles and pains in this life (2 Timothy 2:11-13).  Therefore let not thy soul be troubled nor let thy faith fail, but encourage yourself in Jesus Christ who is all our Salvation.

-F.E

Our Lord said, “No man can come to me except my Father which sent me draw Him.” John 6:44

And you can call this “high doctrine” or “low doctrine.” You can call it “fatalistic,” “hyper-Calvinism,” or “antinomianism.” Just put any name you want to but it’s God Word.  “No man, (whatever it is, talent, gift, intelligence, disposition, or denomination, or whatever) no man can, (is able, has the will, and has the desire) to come to me.”

To come to Christ is to believe on Him, to receive Him.  “Except my Father, (not excluding the Son, who purchased us and the Holy Spirit who calls us) except my Father draw him, (that is call him, convict him, awaken him, reveal Christ to him).”

We call on God but you realize it’s because He called on us.  We love Him, why, because He first loved us?  “Herein is love not that we loved God. He loved us and gave Himself for us.”

Yes sir; Abraham came out of Ur the Chaldees because God called him out.  Yes, Noah built an ark because “He found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”  Yes, Paul on the road to Damascus cried, “Lord, what will you have me do?”  But it wasn’t until the Lord of glory smote him down into the dust.

We call because He called.  “Salvation is of the Lord and no man can come to me except my Father which sent me draw him.”  And if we believe that we’ll be like the old leper.  When Christ came down from the mountain and the old leper ran to meet him, helpless, hopeless, in desperate need, in desperate circumstances, and fell on his face before the sovereign Lord Jesus Christ and he said unto Him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”

“Now I can’t do it myself and my pastor can’t do it, my momma can’t do it, my daddy can’t do it.  My wife and husband can’t do it and my son and daughter can’t do it.  You’re the only one who can make me clean. You are the only one who can give me repentance and faith.  You’re the only one who can give me the new birth. You’re the only one who can give me life eternal. Lord; that’s what I want, and I won’t let you go unless you bless me.”

– Henry Mahan

And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. (2 Kings 19:14)

When we are surrounded by afflictions, we are prone to look for a carnal remedy; a way to escape the pain and hurt by some means of the flesh or by the power of man.  We too often must first exhaust all these earthly means before we take them to the throne of Grace for help (Hebrews 4:16).

Therefore set thy heart, believer, to take all your sorrows, all your troubles, all your pains, all your fears and lay them all before the throne of God. Do you not know that the voice of God’s saints is sweet in the ears of our Savior (Song of Solomon 2:14)?  Take all the letters of the enemy, all the complaints, and fears of our corrupt fleshly nature, all the oppositions of wicked men and spread them out before the LORD.

And all who wait on the LORD shall see His salvation (Proverbs 20:22).  All who wait on Him in faith shall be strengthened in their heart by the power of His might (Psalms 27:14).  Believer, set all thy cares upon Christ who cares for you.  Wait on Him and be of good courage, for He shall defend and save thee, not for thy merit, but for Christ’s sake (2 Kings 19:34).  He will save us for Jesus’ sake, and none of His saints shall be lost. None of His children shall ever perish, and no one shall ever pluck us from His hand (John 6:37-40; John 10:27-30).

O child of God, why do you wait to call on thy God?  Why will you forfeit so many blessings and mercies and trust in the arm of your flesh that constantly fails you?  Come now, and cast all your cares on Him and He will give you what is appointed to Zion — beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of prayer for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3).

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6)

There is only one God. The god’s of natural men are many. They are called by different names, but they all have this in common; they are mutable. The god’s of men change with the times and cultures of men. They change because they are idols of their imaginations.

The True God says to fallen man, “Thou thoughtest I was altogether such an one as thyself” (Ps. 50:21). But here in this text, we may see the difference between the true God and all false gods. The false gods of men are much like themselves. They are changeable. They change either because of circumstances, imperfections in themselves or their followers. But the LORD God of Heaven says, “I am THE (only) LORD.” This is the difference between Him and other gods; “I Change NOT…”

Therefore, the only true God does not change in any of His attributes.  Neither shall any of His purposes or decrees fail.

Behold, the love of God does not change. God says to His elect people, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3). The reason that the sons of Jacob shall not be consumed is that God has from the beginning set His love upon them. God has from the beginning chosen them to salvation by Jesus Christ (Eph.1:3-6).

The purpose and decrees of God do not change and cannot fail. God says “I am God, and there is none else . . . My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isa.46:9-10). Therefore none of all who God loved and purposed to save by Jesus Christ shall be lost or forsaken (Heb. 13:5).

Jesus Christ came into the world to do the will of the Father, which was to save His people from their sins (Mat. 1:21, Heb. 10:9-10).  It was the love and decree of God that Jesus Christ be the surety and Savior of His elect (Heb. 7:22).  So in boldness Jesus said, “of all which the Father hath given me I shall lose nothing but raise it up at the last day” (John 6:39).

Therefore, let the sons of Jacob, all who believe on Jesus Christ alone rejoice, for our God who loved us, and purposed to save us cannot and will not change (Rom. 11:29; 2 Tim. 2:13).

– Fred Evans

All those who are trying to keep the Law of Moses for any part of their salvation are fallen from Grace. Whosoever they are that try to mix the salvation that Christ has accomplished with the deeds of the law; Paul says that Christ will profit them nothing (Galatians 5:2-4). It does not matter if their obedience is for their Justification, Righteousness, Redemption or Sanctification, as they are ignorant of the righteousness of God and know not the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:1-4).

The law of God is not a guide for the believer’s life, but it is the Law of God. If anyone is under the law, he is then subject to obey the whole law in every part.  If that man fails in one point, he is cursed and guilty of the whole law (Galatians 3:10; James 2:10). Therefore by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in God’s sight. All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. None are good, none are righteous, none seek after God, and none shall glory in the presence of God by his obedience (Romans 3:9-28).

Therefore the gospel of Jesus Christ is the best news for such ruined, hopeless, and vile sinners who have not, and cannot ever obtain righteousness by their obedience. For Jesus Christ has for sinners honored, magnified and obeyed the law in the stead of all those the Father gave to Him (Isaiah 42:21; Gal. 4:4). The law of God that demanded our perfect obedience Jesus has fulfilled in that God has said: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Jesus has satisfied the Justice of the law that demanded our death. For He by His one offering hath obtained eternal redemption for us. Jesus by His one offering hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.

Have you believed on the Son of God? Have you trusted on Him alone as all your righteousness, all your justification, all your wisdom, all your redemption and all your sanctification? Then rejoice, for Christ has freed us from the law of sin and death. In Christ we are righteous, we are redeemed, we are sanctified, and we are justified before God. Therefore Jesus our Lord and our Savior is the END of the Law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Oh, believe on Christ and lean on Him! Rest all the weight of your soul on Him. To lean on Christ requires no strength from us but rather our weakness. To lean on Christ is to forsake all hopes of salvation by the law, seeing that all the Law witnessed of Him and His perfect work.

– Fred Evans