"Salvation is of the LORD." -Jonah 2:9

Let us learn never to despair of the salvation of anyone as long as they live. Fathers ought never to despair of prodigal sons. Mothers ought never to despair of self-willed, headstrong daughters. Husbands should never despair of wives, nor wives of husbands. There is nothing impossible with God. The arm of grace is very long and can reach those who seem very far off. Let us pray on, and hope on, for others--however unlikely their salvation may appear to be at present. "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save!"  -Isaiah 59:1 [KJV] -copied

  "With purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." -Acts 11:23 [KJV] My soul, art thou cleaving to thy Jesus? It is a grand thing so to do; and it must be from continued supplies of grace in Jesus, if thou art really doing it. A few points will shew. Is Jesus thy all? Is He uppermost in all things? Faith hath for its one object, Jesus. Let a true believer be wheresoever he may—at home, or abroad; alone, or in company; the closet, or the church, it is all the same, if he really, truly, cleaves to the Lord with purpose of heart; there is a looking unto Jesus for all things, and in all things. Again; if I cleave to the Lord, I shall do no one thing but in His strength, and deliberately desire nothing but for His glory. The graces of the Holy Spirit, implanted in the souls of the faithful, are fed and kept alive, and brought forth into exercise by the communications of Jesus. My joy then is in Jesus; not in myself, not in what I feel. These feelings of mine may languish...

  "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them ." -Matthew 18:20  [KJV] What an encouraging declaration is this of our Jesus, to prompt the faithful to meet together on the Lord's day; or in short, any day, at all times, and all places. Observe, my soul, how sweet the Lord speaks; 'There am I in the midst of My people; not by My word only, not as represented in ordinances, not by the ministry of My servants, but I Myself spiritually. The calls, the motions of grace felt in the heart, the tender tokens, the manifestations of My suitableness, fulness, and all-sufficiency; these are all truly Mine, which, by the influences of My Spirit, I communicate among you.'  Oh, precious, condescending Lord, now we see what it is that constitutes a true gospel church—even Thy presence. Thou art the beauty and glory of it; and from Thee alone all power and efficacy is derived. Thy churches are, indeed, as Thou hast taught, the golden ...

The Lesser Magistrate Doctrine  teaches that when the superior or higher ranking civil authority makes unjust/immoral law, policy, or court opinion – the lower or lesser ranking civil authority has both the God-given right  and duty  to refuse obedience to that superior authority; and if necessary, actively resist the superior authority. The doctrine was first formalized by Christian men in Magdeburg, Germany in 1550.  The lesser magistrate doctrine is rooted in the historic Christian doctrine of interposition.  Interposition   is where one steps into the gap – placing themselves in between the oppressor and his intended victim. Interposition can take place verbally or physically.  The law of God is the objective standard to which all men and all governments of men are accountable. If civil authorities make law, policy, or court opinion that is contrary to His law – the lesser magistrates are to interpose and  stop the evil .  America’s found...

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." -Galatians 3:13 [KJV] Pause, my soul, and contemplate the unspeakable mercies contained in those precious words. However little thou hast regarded them, yet they contain in their bosom the whole blessings of the gospel. It is to Jesus in this one glorious act of His faith, should the sinner be continually looking. There, the believer should say, there hangs my hope, my joy, my confidence. "Christ hath redeemed me from the curse of the law, being made a curse for me."    Now, my soul, observe how Jesus accomplished this great mercy for thee. Whatever Christ redeemed the sinner from, He became  that  for him. In the act of redemption, by substituting Himself in the sinner's place and room, He redeemed him from that place and room, by standing there Himself. Hence, as the sinner stood before God, accursed by reason of sin; so Christ, by taking the sinner's sin upon Himself, and s...

Weekend Gospel message to follow for All Hands ( 12-14 FEB21) Heads-Up --- Please find enclosed encouragement in  SO GREAT SALVATION  by the perfect and finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ in saving poor, needy and wretched sinners by His sovereign free grace - God's unmerited favor - from their sins and from Hell: COMFORT IN TROUBLE Being a believer in Jesus Christ and resting in His good providence does not exempt us from trouble, trial, sorrow and heartache in this life. Our Lord said, "In this world you shall have tribulation" (John 16:33). But here is our comfort and help, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psa lm 46:1). Our blessed Lord said, "Come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb rews 4:16). Our gracious God has promised wisdom to understand the trial (James 1:5). Grace to endure and bear the trial ( II Corinthians 12:9). Faith to trus...

"And the LORD shut him in." -Genesis 7:16 [KJV] It was a sweet invitation to the patriarch Noah, when the Lord called him to the ark. Jehovah did not say, go thou into the ark; but, "Come." So saith Jesus to His people: "Come with Me, from Lebanon, My spouse; with Me, from Lebanon." Yes, precious Jesus, to be with Thee is heaven; for Thou Thyself art the heaven of the soul. But observe further, my soul: when Noah had entered the ark, what kept him there? "The LORD shut him in." Yes, neither bolts nor bars were his security; but God Himself, in His covenant engagements, kept him. The patriarch could no more get out, than the unbelieving carnal throng (who perhaps hung about the ark when they saw the flood arise, and felt its power) could get in. Precious Jesus! and what is it keeps Thy people now? Is it not Thyself? Are not Thy redeemed eternally secure in Thee, and Thy blood and righteousness, as Noah in the ark? Yes, Thou who hast the key of...