Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

January 7^th , 2018

9:30 am & 10:00 am …………….…………………..………………………….…. Messages by brother Walter Pendleton

*** NO WEDNESDAY SERVICE THIS WEEK ***

 Our prayers and sympathy are for sister Roberta Sword on the passing of her sister Beatrice Cobler. She was 90 years old. Funeral arrangements were incomplete at the time of this printing.

 We welcome Walter and Penny Pendleton back with us. For any visitors, brother Walter is pastor of Sovereign Grace Chapel of Crow, West Virginia. He is no stranger here and we are glad to have him back to preach the gospel today. I am preaching in Sylacauga, Alabama for brother Larry Criss and the Fairmont Grace Church. Lord willing we will return on Monday. No Wednesday night service this week. I am having another dental surgery in Lexington that day.

Birthdays: January 11^th – Lauren Parks, 31^st – Robin Pendry

Cleaning: Rick & Janine, Next Week: Tom & Helen / Nursery:

 Listen to WYTI Radio, 1570 AM - 104.5 FM, Sundays 8:00 am

 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurchWebsite: www.centralgracechurch.com

WILL YOU HELP ME?

Yes, as your pastor, I desperately need your help. I’m not asking for something which is unimportant or optional, but something which is essential to the spiritual well-being of ourselves, our children and all who frequent this assembly. Nor am I asking for something which can be done by anyone and everyone, but is a privilege exclusive to you, the saints of God.
Brothers and Sisters, I am asking for your prayers. As you have graciously granted me many requests through the years, for which I am thankful, I earnestly implore you to grant me this request. For your sakes and for mine, don’t permit me to stand before you from time to time without being uplifted before the throne of grace by your personal and united prayers. I am a mere man whom God has chosen to deal with the souls of men and the consequences are solemn and eternal. My message will either be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death, “And who is sufficient for these things?”
I earnestly want my preaching to be profitable unto you and blessed to the salvation of your children. These spiritual blessings descend from heaven on the wings of pure grace, but God has chosen to disseminate this precious treasure through “earthen vessels.”
“Brethren, pray for us” (I Thessalonians 5:25).-- Maurice Montgomery (1981)

WHAT MEN ARE THESE WITH THEE? -- “And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?”(Nu 22: 9)

Balaam was a false prophet. (2 Pet 2: 15) When God’s enemies came to hire Balaam to curse God’s people, Balaam told them to spend the night while he sought direction from God. It was during the night that God asked Balaam this question. God knows the company we keep in this world. (Job 34: 21; Ps 138: 6) Everything God was doing here was for his people. God watches over his people and protects them from evil. But God also knows the proud and brings them down for the sake of his people. (2 Sam 22: 28) So God knew who the men were that were with Balaam. But God will have Balaam to answer this question with his own mouth.

As we enter a new year, this is a good question for every believer to always answer about ourselves, “What men are these with thee?” Am I in the company of God’s chosen, redeemed, sanctified people? Or am I in the company of God’s enemies? Am I seeking the glory of my Redeemer? Or am I seeking the mammon of unrighteousness which Balaam loved? If God took notice of the company that was with this false prophet then God certainly knows the company that his people keep.

Does it matter, before God, what company a believer keeps? It certainly does. Believers are instructed throughout the scriptures to “walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.” (Pro 2: 20) From the time our Redeemer entered this earth until he bore the sins of all God’s elect people, he suffered rejection from God-hating sinners and self-righteous religionists. We should expect to be rejected for the same reasons he was: one company will reject us because we refuse to condone their sin, the other company will reject us because we refuse to condone their freewill, self-righteous religion. But since Christ suffered for us we should no longer keep company with such men but “live the rest of our time in the flesh, not to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” (1 Pet 5: 3-5)

We have to work, go to school and live alongside sinners. Therefore, we should always be ready to teach sinners the gospel and receive sinners. But we should never be yoked with sinners or approve of sinners who live in constant rebellion against God, whether they be outside of religion or within religion.

Balaam did not flee to Christ. He chose the wages of unrighteousness, making his company the enemies of God. But believer, “What men are these with thee?” Our company is Christ, the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Our company loved us with the infinite, unchanging, unchangeable love of God. Our company are brethren bought with the price of Christ’s precious blood, delivered from this present evil world, and saved by the Lord. Ours is a company of pilgrims on our way to heavenly Canaan who shall pass over to a goodly land! Let us thank God as we answer the question, “what men are these with thee?” Therefore, throughout the New Year and beyond, in every situation, let us be like Peter and John when they were released from prison by the enemies of God, “And being let go, they went to their own company…”(Acts 4: 23)

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

January 14^th , 2017

9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..…… Seven Things of God From Romans 1 – Romans 1:1-32

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..………………….…… Christ Before The High Priest – John 18:12-24

Birthdays: January 31^st – Robin Pendry

Cleaning: Tom & Helen, Next Week: Charles Wesley & Melanie / Nursery: Helen C.

 Listen to WYTI Radio, 1570 AM - 104.5 FM, Sundays 8:00 am / Live on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurch

Speaking The Truth In Love

I do not want to speak or preach the truth to men with a harsh or mean spirit. I do not want to speak the truth in anger or wrath, for ‘the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.’ Let me witness the Truth in love to men’s souls, and do it in a loving manner. However, it is hard, if not impossible to holler ‘FIRE!’ to someone in a burning building, without appearing to be too hard. It is impossible to warn people of their danger and impending peril with a smile on your face. John the Baptist was a loving, Christ-like man, yet he cried aloud, and spared not the multitude which heard him, saying, “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” It is impossible to cry , “Woe unto the wicked . . . Woe to the rebellious children . . . Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker . . . Woe unto thee Bethsaida . . . Chorazin . . . Rocky Mount; . . .it is impossible to cry, Woe unto thee, without being called ‘he that troubleth Israel.’ It is impossible to love God’s Truth and be loved by the world (Matt.5:10-12). It is impossible to be both the friend of God and the friend of the world (James 4:4).

The Truth itself is offensive and the man or woman who witnesses the Truth will seem offensive to those who hate It; being called their enemy for telling the Truth. I do not want to present the Truth in an offensive manner. However, I do not want to tone down that Truth, nor speak in such a way as to remove the offense, but must rather speak It boldly, dogmatically, and forcefully. It is too urgent, man’s case is too desperate to mince words and beat around the bush. And here’s the thing. Though our fellow man is to be pitied by us, and compassion shown to him, yet, he is to be blamed. He needs to be charged with his sin(s). He needs to see His guilt before God. Man’s unbelief is not merely ignorance, it is willful ignorance. It is not ‘poor fellow, he just doesn’t know’, it is, “You have despised and rejected the Son of God, and have taken, and by wicked hands crucified and slain.” To ignore and pay no attention to the gospel, to be uninterested in God’s Son, is the same as saying, ‘I don’t care if He lived or died.’ Man’s unbelief is not because he has not been taught, for, have they not all heard? Do they not have a Bible? Man’s unbelief is willful rebellion against God; He is the enemy of God and hates God’s Truth (Rom. 8:7).

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding” (Prov.9:10). Men must be brought to fear the HolyOne (for their rebellion against Him). Before they hear of love and mercy, they must fear Him and cry for mercy. Before they hear of the Substitute for sinners, they must need that Substitute. Men must see themselves as the hell-deserving creatures that they are and call on God for mercy. Sinners need to first see themselves as sinners in the hands of an angry God, before they hear of the love and mercy of God. It is old-fashioned, but I am talking about REPENTANCE.

Let me not apologize or excuse man’s sin and rebellion . . . my sin and rebellion; and let me not apologize to men for God’s wrath and condemnation against it. Let me not fail to warn men to flee from the wrath to come, while telling them to flee to that very same God to hide them. Let me tell the Truth in love and zeal. Let me speak the Truth with fire in my heart and a tear in my eye. Let me love God’s Truth and hate every false way. Let me be a friend to unbelieving men and yet not be the friend, nor the companion of them. Let me bring proud man down, while telling him to look up. Let me not be afraid to call out and denounce sin and sins, while telling men there is forgiveness for sins. Let me be a man after God’s own heart, like David, saying, “ They speak against Thee wickedly, and Thine enemies take Thy Name in vain. Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate Thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against Thee? I hate them with a perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.” (Psa.139:20-22). At the same time, let me say with Isaiah, “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isa.55:6-7).

Spiritual Blindness

It is not merely that the sinner cannot come to Christ, but he will not come to Christ that he may have life; it is not merely that he cannot see the Truth, but that he loves darkness rather than light, and does not want to see. Sinners are not willing to see. The natural will itself is in bondage. It takes the divine will of God to overcome the wicked will of man by creating life where there was no life. This blindness is more than blindness of the natural eye. It is blindness of heart, blindness of will, blindness of conscience, blindness of understanding, blindness of all things Spiritual. You who are yet blind may raise your objections to my Gospel but you are as unqualified to express an opinion about something you have never seen as a blind man is to argue with you about the color of an object.– Clay Curtis

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

January 21^st , 2018

9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..……………. Ask Them Which Heard Me – John 18:13-24

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..……………………… Righteousness & Repentance – Romans 2:1-4

 The Lord willing, I will be preaching in Cottageville, West Virginia next Sunday. Luke Coffey will be here to preach to you.We will have one service that day at 10:00 am.

Birthdays: January 31^st – Robin Pendry, February 1^st – Jill Ogle & Kelly Pendry

Cleaning: Hudsons, Next Week: Hollands / Nursery Today: Kathryn

 Listen to WYTI Radio, 1570 AM - 104.5 FM, Sundays 8:00 am

 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurchWebsite: www.centralgracechurch.com

Today is the Day of Salvation

“For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” – 2 Corinthians 6:2

It is one thing to "wait on the Lord” (Ps. 27:14) in matters of providence, trial, and decisions regarding our plans and purposes. But the command to repent and believe on Christ is in the imperative! It is "NOW is the accepted time; TODAY is the day of salvation." Someone may say, "But I want to be sure." You can be sure that you are a guilty sinner; that you have no ability to justify yourself before God; that God sent His Son to save; that He is a sufficient Savior; and that not to believe this gospel is to make God a liar and presume on His patience! Walk in THE LIGHT YOU HAVE; look to Christ now and confess what faith you have, depending on Him to give you more faith. – Henry Mahan

 Neither salvation nor sanctification is in any way a cooperative effort. When Peter was sinking beneath the waves, he didn’t say, “Lord, nothing is going to happen today that you and I together can’t handle.” He said, “ Lord, save me! ” -- Chris Cunningham

REDEEMING THE TIME -- “ Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” -- Ephesians 5:16

A New Year Resolution

“Redeeming the time,” could rightly be interpreted, “Buying the opportunity.” This is a metaphor that merchants and traders often use to strive to improve the way they do business. As believers we would be wise to redeem the time that God has given us.

As we enter into a new year together, may God enable us to “redeem the time.” Time is a gift that God has entrusted with us. We should make the best use we can of God’s present season of grace. The reason that God has allowed us another NEW YEAR is that there are more of His elect to be redeemed under the preaching of the Gospel. (1 Corinthians 1:21) May we redeem every opportunity God gives us to spread the glorious news of Christ and Him crucified. Why? “Because the days are evil.”We live in wicked, troubled and dangerous times. Preachers in their pulpits are not telling sinners that God Almighty is plenteous in mercy. Multitudes are going out to meet God without a Savior, a Substitute, and a Sacrifice, because they have not heard that Christ came into the world to save sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) Lord enable us to “Redeem the time,” so that we, like our Lord Jesus, may always be found to be about our Father’s business in the days to come. – David Eddmenson

Substitution; The Heart of The Gospel

The ‘good news’ of the Gospel is that there is a Substitute who has stood in the place of every repentant sinner and bore the wrath of God in his place. He did this for all whom the Father had given Him from all eternity. It is for them that He prays in John 17. They are ‘His sheep’, the Father gave them to Him, and He died for them (John 10:15, 29).

Substitution is at the very heart of the Gospel. Christ did not simply give His life to make salvation possible for those who contribute their part to what He has done by repenting and trusting Christ. He it is that gives repentance and faith (2 Timothy 2:25; Ephesians 2:8).

Christ did not say to the religious Jews of His day that they were not of His ‘sheep’ because they did not believe; rather, He says, ‘Ye believe not, because you are not of my sheep’ (John 10:26). If they had been His sheep they would have believed. The ‘good news’ is that all whom the Father has given to the Son, and for whom He died will believe and manifest true repentance and faith. This they will do willingly and with gratitude in their hearts. It is God’s work. He cannot fail. – Bill Clark

Central Grace Church

Website: centralgracechurch.com 3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia Email: centralgracechurch@gmail.com

January 28^th . 2018

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..………………………………….…… Message by brother Luke Coffey

Wednesday: 7:30 pm …………………………………………………………….. The King of The Jews – John 18:28-40

 We welcome Luke and Tracy Coffey back with us (and Findley, Cooper and Henry). Brother Luke is from Kingsport

Sovereign Grace Church in Kingsport, Tennessee. He will be preaching for you as I preach for the brethren in

Cottageville, West Virginia today.

Birthdays: February 1^st – Jill Ogle & Kelly Pendry, 20^th – Laney Bobbitt, 22^nd – Irene Davis

Cleaning: Patrick & Jennifer Next Week: John & Irene / / / Nursery Today: Debra

 WYTI Radio, 1570 AM - 104.5 FM, Sundays 8:00 am / Live Audio - www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurch

The Purpose of Trials

The Lord sends trials and afflictions to every single child of God. He sends them because He loves them and sends them for many reasons. Here are a few.

1. For The Glory of God. - God proves Himself to His people during their trials. He proves His Word, proves His promises, proves His presence, proves His power, proves His love, mercy and grace. And His people glorify Him by enduring those trials. As Job said during his severe trials, “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord”; so all of God’s people finally say . . . to the praise of His glory. We give glory to our God by witnessing to the world, when we patiently endure those trials and ascribe them to the hand of our all-wise, sovereign Lord. Trials are for His glory.

2. To Strengthen Faith. - Trials do not give faith, but reveal true faith and strengthen faith that God has given. “The trying of your faith worketh patience . . . and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” We don’t really learn anything until we go through it. The Lord sends trials for us to experience His Word, experience His mercy, grace, sufficiency, and goodness. David wrote: “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn Thy statutes. We don’t really believe God’s Word until we are tried and tested by It; until we prove It; until He holds us up by It. Trials, like waves that beat against a ship, prove that ship to be sea-worthy. The more storms the ship endures, the more assurance that it will stay afloat. A life time of trials should prove and strengthen faith in the Living God . . . that He holds us up.

3. To Give Us Compassion and Comfort for others. - Paul wrote of the ‘God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Cor.1:3-4). The best person to comfort someone going through a particular trial is someone who has gone through that trial. Our Lord did just that, ‘In that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor (help) them that are tempted” (Heb.2:18). He knows our trials and tribulations and has compassion on us, having endured the same. And that is why He puts us through them, that we might help them that are tried. Just as every member of our physical body suffers with that part of the body that is hurting, so it is with the body of Christ. “Knowing this, that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:9). God puts us through these things for His glory and the help of others. Do not withdraw during your trial, but reach out to someone who is going through the same. That is why the Lord sent it.

4. To Chasten Us. - “Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth.” Chastening is not punishment, but loving correction. We need it. And it is a lifelong need. There is much about us that needs correcting, and our loving Father sends various trials and afflictions to teach us, turn us, convert us, and conform us to the image of His Son. There is much dross that needs to be removed and only the Father knows how. He chastens us principally by His Word, but often through painful lessons. Sadly, we only seem to really learn something when we fail or fall miserably; only when it causes us or someone else much pain. But the lesson is learned. O’ may we see His chastening hand quickly; be converted and turned. Loving correction is what it is; never needless pain, but necessary. Our Father’s chastening rod is never more that we can bear, and much less than we deserve. Chastening trials always end well. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than 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

The Best PromoterOf Holiness

The way of salvation by grace is the best promoter of holiness in all the world. A man once said, "I went to hear Spurgeon in the Tabernacle this morning, and he was crying out against salvation by works. The worst results will come of his teaching, for men will find in free grace an excuse for sin." No! No! They will not! Salvation by grace promotes good works far better than the teaching of salvation by works ever did. Those who hope to be saved by their works generally have scanty works to be saved by while those who put works aside altogether as their ground of hope, looking instead to grace alone, are generally the most zealous to perform good works. Who loved Christ best at the Pharisee's feast? Simon the Pharisee, who had kept the law, or the woman at His feet seeking grace and mercy? Simon gave Him no kiss, no oil, and no water for His tired feet

(a common courtesy). The woman served Him with her entire self and possessions. The case is clear and closed! – H.T.M

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

February 4^th 2018

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..…………………….………… The King of The Jews – John 18:28-40

 The Lord willing, brother David Eddmenson will be here to preach to us Wednesday night.

Birthdays: February 20^th – Lanie Bobbitt, 22^nd – Irene Davis, 28^th – Tammy Fannin

Cleaning: John & Irene, Next Week: Steven & Mary / / / Nursery Today: Jill O.

 Listen to WYTI Radio, 1570 AM - 104.5 FM, Sundays 8:00 am

 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurchWebsite: www.centralgracechurch.com

The Blessed Doctrine Of Election

“But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” -- 2 Thess. 2:13

Election means that the destiny of men is in the hands of God. Many of us have regarded as an axiom the statement that every man's destiny is in his own hands. But this is to deny the whole tenor of Scripture. At no time is the destiny of the saint in his own hands, either before or after he is saved. Was my destiny in my own hands before I was saved? If so, I regenerated myself; I resurrected, by my own power, myself out of a state of sin and death; I am my own benefactor and have nobody to thank but myself for being alive and saved.
Perish such a thought! By the grace of God I am what I am. (John 1:13; Eph. 2:1-10; II Tim. 1:9; James 1:18). Is my destiny in my own hands now? Then I will either keep myself saved or I will lose my salvation. The Bible says we are kept by the power of God through Faith (I Peter 1:15; Ps. 37:28; John 10:27-29; Phil. 1:6; Heb. 13:5). If my destiny is not safe in my own hands after I am saved then how could it be thought to be safe in my own hands before my conversion? The saint dies, his body is consigned to the grave and becomes a dust-heap. Is his destiny in his own hands then? If so, what hope has he of ever coming out of the grave with an immortal and incorruptible body? None at all if his destiny is in his own hands. Such a theory, that the destiny of the saint is or ever has been in his own hands, reverses the very laws of nature and implies that water can rise above the level of its source; that man can lift himself into the attic by his boot-straps; that the Ethiopian can change his color, and the leopard can remove his spots; that death can beget life; that evolution is true and God is a liar.
The theory that one's destiny is in his own hands begets self-confidence and self-righteousness; the belief that destiny is in the hands of God begets SELF-RENUNCIATION AND FAITH IN GOD. – C.D. Cole, Kentucky, 1885-1968

Spiritual Growth

“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting . . .” – Ephesians 5:4

Spiritual growth and the opportunity to exhort and encourage others in this warfare can be hindered by both EXCESSIVE JESTING and FOOLISH TALKING (Eph. 5:4). Humor and joy is to be commended to a point, but if it occupies our time and communion overmuch it is detrimental and should be curbed. There is a time and place for all things. Let us be WISE and SOBER without trying to impress through false piety. Those who are given to too much foolishness should suppress it while those given to melancholy should learn to smile. – Henry Mahan

“O Ye Of Little Faith”

The Lord gently rebuked His disciples for having ‘little faith.’ They needed the rebuke and so do we. After all they heard and saw from the Lord, and yet they still did not believe Him and trust Him as they should. How often did they hear His powerful voice, full of wisdom and wonder; how often did they see everything He said come to pass? And what about all the miracles they saw? Every day they saw the Lord perform miracle after miracle, yet they still had many of the same fears and worries. And what about us?

How many years has the Lord provided for us and protected us? How often have we heard His Word, seen His glory, experienced His grace, yet have so little faith? By little faith is meant, so many doubts, fears and worries. Since faith cometh by hearing the Word of God, then little faith means we are not hearing what He says.

Why are we so quick to believe what we hear from man and not to believe our God? Why are we so fretful over what we see going on around us when He said not to look at the things that are seen, but the unseen? Why do we call upon, look to, and lean upon other poor creatures like us, rather than the all-wise and powerful Heavenly Father? O’ WE of little faith!!

Lord, we believe . . . please forgive and help us with our unbelief.

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

February 11^th , 2018

9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..…………….... Doers of The Law Justified – Romans 2:1-24

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..…………………………………….… Christ Crucified – John 19:1-22

Wednesday: 7:00 pm ……………………………………………………. The Lord Preserveth The Simple – Psalm 116:6

Birthdays: February 20^th – Lanie Bobbitt, 22^nd – Irene Davis, 28^th – Tammy Fannin

Cleaning: This Week: Steven & Mary, Next Week: Debra & Polly / / / Nursery Today: Karen

 Listen to WYTI Radio, 1570 AM - 104.5 FM, Sundays 8:00 am

 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurchWebsite: www.centralgracechurch.com

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." -- 2 Peter 3:18

Growth is the sure mark of life. We see this in vegetation, in the animal creation, in the growth of our own bodies, and of every other thing in which there is life. Where, then, there is the life of God in the soul, there will be a growth in that life. Paul says to the Thessalonian Church: "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly" (2 Thess. 1:3); and Peter says, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." There is "an increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10), and "a coming in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13). It was for this increasing knowledge of the Son of God that Paul stretched every desire of his soul when he followed after, if that he might apprehend that for which also he was apprehended of Christ Jesus; and thus reaching forth unto those things which were before, he pressed toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:12-14). This is not what is called progressive sanctification, as if the flesh got holier and holier, for that is still ever "the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;" but this is a growth of that "new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." After this growth in grace, this closer conformity to the image of Christ, should we ever be striving with all the powers of our soul; not satisfied with a low and lean state before God, but with unceasing prayer and supplication, begging of the Lord that we might be "filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that we might walk worthy of the Lord, unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:9, 10). – J.C. Philpot

He Is Not Ashamed To Call Them Brethren

This has to be one of the most blessed verses that a sorry, saved sinner can hear; that the Lord of Glory is not ashamed to call us brethren. O’ how ashamed we are of ourselves. As the Lord said through Ezekiel, after hearing of all that the Lord has and will do for us, “ye shall remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations”(Ezek.36:31). And yet, the Lord God, the Lord Jesus Christ, is not ashamed of those He died for; not ashamed of them, though they have shamefully sinned against Him and will do so again; nevertheless, He is not ashamed of them, for He knows their frame; He knows their hearts; He knows their spirits are willing but their flesh is weak. He knows they believe Him (He gave them the faith) though they often act and speak like they don’t. He knows they love Him (He gave them that love) though they sometimes act and speak like they don’t. He knows them, like a Father knows His child, like a brother knows His kin, like a husband knows His wife. He knows them better than they know themselves and so He is not ashamed to call them brethren. We can’t help but think of Joseph, when He revealed himself to his brethren; those sorry brothers who hated him, sold him, and forgot about him. But Joseph never forgot about them, and when the Lord brought them into Joseph’s hands, to do with them as he pleased, Joseph (a type of Christ), was not ashamed to own them as his brethren. Some of his first words to them were, “I am Joseph your brother”. . . And the fame thereof (Joseph was famous for love and mercy) was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brethren are come” (Gen.45:4,16).

What a loving, merciful, longsuffering, kind, compassionate, patient and understanding Elder Brother we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. O’ how we ought to fear sinning against such love; fear doing anything to put Him to shame. But if and when we do, what hope and comfort it will give us in knowing that “He is not ashamed to call them brethren” and none who put their trust in Him will ever be put to shame; they will never be disowned by Him, for He abideth faithful.

Christ And Him Crucified– 1 Cor.2:2

Paul said he was determined to know nothing . . .save Christ AND Him crucified. Paul knew many things and dealt with many things, but in the matter of man’s salvation, the one thing is to know Christ . . . and Him crucified. Many know about Him but don’t know Him. Many admire His person, but to really know Him, is to know Him crucified. Do You? Go learn this!

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

February 18^th , 2018

9:30 am ……………………….…………………………………………….. An Inward Jew (Christian) – Romans 2:17-29

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..…………..… His Garments & Vesture – John 19:23-24 (Psalm 22:18)

Wednesday: 7:00 pm …………………………………………………..….. The Lord Preserveth The Simple – Psalm 116:6

Birthdays: February 20^th – Lanie Bobbitt, 22^nd – Irene Davis (60^th!!) 28^th -- Tammy Fannin

Cleaning: This Week – Debra & Polly, Next Week – Mike & Karen / / / Nursery Today: Aimee Poff

 Listen to WYTI Radio, 1570 AM - 104.5 FM, Sundays 8:00 am

 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurchWebsite: www.centralgracechurch.com

The Process of Stripping and Emptying The Saints – by C.H. MacKintosh, Ireland, 1820-1896

THERE is no more fruitful field of study than the history of God’s dealings with souls. It is full of interest, and abounds in instruction and profit. One grand object in those dealings is to produce real brokenness and humility . . . to strip us of all false righteousness, empty us of all self-confidence, and teach us to lean wholly upon Christ. All have to pass through what may be called the process of stripping and emptying. With some this process precedes, with others it follows, conversion or the new birth. Many are brought to Christ through deep plowings and painful exercises of heart and conscience . . . exercises extending over years, often over the whole lifetime. Others, on the contrary, are brought with comparatively little exercise of soul. They lay hold, speedily, of the glad tidings of forgiveness of sins through the atoning death of Christ, and are made happy at once. But the stripping and emptying come afterward, and, in many cases, cause the soul to totter on its foundation, and almost doubt its conversion.

This is very painful, but very needful. The fact is, self must be learnt and judged, sooner or later. If it be not learnt in communion with God, it must be learnt by bitter experience in failures and falls. “No flesh shall glory in His presence;” and we must all learn our utter powerlessness, in every respect, in order that we may taste the sweetness and comfort of the Truth, that Christ is made of God unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. God will have broken material. Let us remember this. It is solemn and necessary truth, “Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, Whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isa.57:15). And again, “Thus saith the Lord, ‘The heaven is My throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build Me? and where is the place of My rest? For all those things hath Mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word’” (Isa.66:1-2). These are seasonable words for all of us.

Do You Know Anything? -- By Jack Shanks

“If any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.”– I Corinthians 8:2

WHILE reading, I saw this quote: “I have learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.” So I made a copy of this and put it in front of my computer, feeling very self-satisfied that the lesson was well-learned. But the longer I looked at it, the more I thought it did not ring true somehow. Today I changed it to read: “I am learning that when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”

Only pride would cause a depraved sinner to be satisfied with what he has learned. Paul wrote, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: I press toward the mark . . .” (Phil.3:13-14). Therefore we are always pressing onward, without full knowledge of anything.

Thinking they know something, men write books on “How To.” This is the epitome of sinful arrogance. The idea of me telling anyone “How to” is absurd. Now, I can say, “This may help.” Perhaps what I have to say might help, and it might not. The only “How to” book I could write is, “How to be filled with sinful pride.” Now, brother, if you want to know about that, yours truly is well taught.

The biggest idiocy of this “How to” business is, “How to be saved.” Do you really know that? If someone asks me how to be saved, all I can answer is, “Flee to Christ; trust Him and His shed blood.” How do you do that? I have no “steps” or “formula.” But I do know that salvation is in the Redeemer. This I must learn anew every day. How do you do this? How do you do that? I don’t know! It would be wise to ask God Almighty to give you knowledge, and search the scriptures daily whether these things be so.”

“If any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” I will have to learn even that again tomorrow.

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

February 25^th , 2018

9:30 am ……………………….…………………………….... Let God Be True, But Every Man A Liar – Romans 3:1-18

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..………. Words From The Cross To a Mother & Son – John 19:25-27

Birthdays:

February: 28^th -- Tammy Fannin, March: 3^rd – Darnell Poff, 10^th – Lyla Bobbitt, 17^th – Alec Bobbitt & Rick Polk

Cleaning: Mike & Karen, Next Week: Dan & Jill / / / Nursery Today: Elizabeth

 Listen to WYTI Radio, 1570 AM - 104.5 FM, Sundays 8:00 am

 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurchWebsite: www.centralgracechurch.com

“Be Ye Kind One To Another, Tenderhearted, Forgiving One Another . . .” – Ephesians 4:32

“Kind – Tenderhearted – Forgiving.” These are not just words; they are characteristics, attributes, and the daily experience of redeemed people. Please don’t burden us with your doctrine, your piety, and your religious zeal if you are not a gentle and kind person in your attitude, words, and actions toward others. You, my friend, are a genuine hypocrite and Pharisee! The church of the Lord Jesus has been too long burdened with your kind of spirit and the whole world is quite weary of your lifeless, loveless words! Being right in doctrine and outward morality is of little value if one is not gracious in spirit and attitude. Has it ever occurred to you why you are alone, why you have little fellowship with believers, why you have such limited influence in the lives of your family and friends? The grace of God has never made you gracious. --Maurice Montgomery

Of His Own Will

“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures” (James 1:18).

The believer’s salvation begins with the will of God, not his own will. The natural will is not to come to Christ. “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John.5:40). However, by the will of God and the Word of truth, the gospel is sown in the heart of God’s child and, in due time, when God gives the increase, a child of God is born. For the first time he is willing to come to Christ. Only God can do such a work. “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power” (Ps. 110:3).

-John Chapman

FREE WILL OR FREE GRACE – By Todd Nibert

According to the free-will scheme, the Lord intends good, but He must wait on His own creature to know what His intention is. They say God willeth good, and would do it, but He cannot because He has an unwilling man who will not have God’s good thing carried into effect.  What does this do, but drag the Eternal God from His throne and lift up into it the fallen creature man. For man, according to that theory, nods and his nod is destiny. You must have a destiny somewhere. It must either be as God wills or as man wills. If it be as God wills, then Jehovah sits sovereign upon His throne of glory, and all hosts obey Him, and the world is safe. If not God, then you put man there to say, “I will” or “I will not”. If I will it, I will enter heaven. If I will it, I will despise the grace of God. If I will it, I will conquer the Holy Spirit, for I am stronger than God, stronger than Omnipotence. If I will it, I will make the blood of the Son of God of no effect, for I am mightier than the blood, mightier than the blood of the Son of God Himself. Though God make His purpose, yet will I laugh at His purpose. It shall be my purpose that shall make His purpose stand or fall. 

Why sirs, if this is not atheism, it is idolatry. It is putting man where God should be, and I shrink with solemn awe and horror from this doctrine which makes the grandest of God’s work – the salvation of man – to be dependent upon the will of His creature whether it shall be accomplished or not. Glory I can and must in this text in its fullest sense.

“IT IS NOT OF HIM THAT WILLETH, NOR OF HIM THAT RUNNETH, BUT OF GOD THAT SHOWETH MERCY”-- Romans 9:16

Trials

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”—1 Cor.10:13

Though God's people be not exempt nor free from troubles, God has in His hand the remedies by which those troubles may be met and conquered. He will with each trial "make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

– Henry Mahan

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

March 11^th 2018

9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..………….. Justified By Faith, Not Law – Romans 3:22- 4:5

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..…………..……………The Risen and Ascended Lord – John 20:1-18

Wednesday: 7:00 pm …………………………………………………………..……. Peace Be Unto You – John 20:19-31

Birthdays: March 17^th – Rick Polk & Alec Bobbitt April 3^rd – Steven Parks, 14^th – Charles Wesley Hudson

Cleaning: Mac & Margaret , Next Week: Paul & Mindy / / / Nursery: Teresa

 Listen to WYTI Radio, 1570 AM - 104.5 FM, Sundays 8:00 am

 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurchWebsite: www.centralgracechurch.com

CONFESSING CHRIST – by Henry Mahan

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father. which is in heaven."

- - Matthew 10:32

Are men correct in thinking that because they made a profession of faith some years back, were baptized, joined a local church and adopted a sound system of theology, they are confessing Christ before men. We are going to find out someday, to our eternal woe, that confessing Christ before men involves a great deal more than an isolated decision. Confessing Christ before men is a constant identification with Christ in a world that does not know or love Christ. To be identified with Christ is to be so closely associated with Him that His interests are your interests; His friends are your friends; His enemies are your enemies; His glory is your glory; His will is your will; and His Word is your rule of life. "Where I am, there ye may be also" John 14:3. Where is Christ? Those confessing Him and identified with Him will be there also! We are crucified with Christ, buried with Him in baptism, walking with Him in the light of the Scripture, righteousness and truth, at His feet in humility, assembled with His people in worship and praise, bearing His reproach, forgiving as He forgave, loving as He loved, and waiting for His return. In other words confessing Christ before men is to be so closely associated with Christ that one is called in truth by others — A Christian!

"Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled"-- “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” -- John 14:1

We have here a royal command. Do not give way to despair, depression, doubts and fears, for a troubled heart is dishonoring to our heavenly Father.

(1) It puts a question mark on His love. "Nothing good will He withhold from them that fear Him." His love designs and desires eternal good for His children.

(2) It puts a question mark on His providence. "We know that all things work together for good to them who love Him, who are the called according to His purpose."Though Job lost all, he did not charge God with foolishness.

(3) It puts a question mark on His promises. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." "Lo, I am with you always." "If ye being evil know how to give good things to your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give good things to them that ask Him."

(4) It robs us of the joys and blessings God has given us. When I am murmuring and complaining about what I want which I do not have, I am overlooking the great mercies and blessings I do possess. It may be true that I do not have all that I want but I have much more than I deserve. My circumstances may not be as good as I want them to be, but neither are they as bad as they could be. Besides the royal command, we have the cure for heart trouble. It is faith! "Let not your heart be troubled — ye believe in God, believe also in Me." There is no want He cannot supply; there is no sickness He cannot heal; there is no danger He cannot prevent; there is no misery He cannot remove; there is no sin He cannot forgive; there is no enemy He cannot defeat. Christ is God in our nature — so near at hand and so accessible to our faith. David said in Psa. 42:5 — "Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Rope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." -- H.T.M.

 There is something terribly wrong with us if we can hear of the Lord Jesus Christ being crucified for our sins and not be moved by it. There is something terribly wrong with us if we can go away unmoved, quickly talking about the things of this world and not speak of Him Who loved us and washed from our sins in His own blood!! There is something terribly wrong with us if we claim to believe Him Who endured the shame of the cross and yet we are ashamed to confess Him. Could it be there is no life in us? Could it be there is no true love there? “Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you,except ye be reprobates? (2 Cor. 13:5). There is something terribly wrong with us if we do not know nor care to know. Something terribly wrong!

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

April 1^st . 2018

9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..……………….… The Faith of Abraham – Romans 4:1-25

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..……………………………… He Shewed Himself Alive – Acts 1:1-14

 Our spring meeting this year will be May 26^th – 27^th . The Lord willing, brother Gabe Stalnaker will be preaching to us on Saturday morning and Sunday morning, with lunch each day.

Birthdays: April 3^rd – Steven Parks, 14^th – Wesley Hudson, 17^th – Betty Groover & Emma Holland

Cleaning: This week: Pendrys, Next Week: Fannins / / / Nursery Today: Kathryn

 Listen to WYTI Radio, 1570 AM - 104.5 FM, Sundays 8:00 am

 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurchWebsite: www.centralgracechurch.com

In Another’s Righteousness – By Horatius Bonar, Scotland, 1808-1889

In Another's righteousness we stand; and by another's righteousness are we justified. All accusations against us, founded upon our unrighteousness, we answer by pointing to the perfection of the righteousness which covers us from head to foot, and in virtue of which we are unassailable by law, as well as shielded from wrath. Protected by this perfection, we have no fear of wrath, either now or hereafter. It is a buckler to us, and we cry, "Behold, 0 God, our shield; look upon the face of Thine Anointed"; as if to say, Look not on me, but on my Substitute; deal not with me for sin, but with my Sin-bearer; challenge not me for my guilt, but challenge Him; He will answer for me. Thus we are safe beneath the shield of His righteousness. No arrow, either from the enemy or from conscience, can reach us there. Covered by this perfection, we are at peace. The enemy cannot invade us; or if he try to do so, we can triumphantly repel him. It is a refuge from the storm, a covert from the tempest, a river of water in a dry place, the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. The work of righteousness is peace; and in the Lord we have righteousness and strength. Beautified with this perfection, which is the perfection of God, we find favour in His sight. His eye rests on the comeliness which He has put upon us; and as He did at viewing the first creation, so now, in looking at us as clothed with this divine excellency, He pronounces it "very good." He sees "no iniquity in Jacob, and no transgression in Israel." "The iniquity of Jacob may be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found" (Jer. 50:20). This righteousness suffices to cover, to comfort, and to beautify. But there is more than this.

We are justified that we may be holy. The possession of this legal righteousness is the beginning of a holy life. We do not live a holy life in order to be justified; but we are justified that we may live a holy life. That which man calls holiness may be found in almost any circumstances, of dread, or darkness, or bondage, or self-righteous toil and suffering; but that which God calls holiness can only be developed under conditions of liberty and light, and pardon and peace with God. Forgiveness is the mainspring of holiness. Love, as a motive, is far stronger than law; far more influential than fear of wrath or peril of hell. Terror may make a man crouch like a slave and obey a hard master, lest a worse thing come upon him; but only a sense of forgiving love can bring either heart or conscience into that state in which obedience is either pleasant to the soul or acceptable to God.

“I will take heed to my ways.” — Psalm 39:1

Fellow-pilgrim, say not in your heart, “I will go hither and thither, and I shall not sin;” for you are never so out of danger of sinning as to boast of security. The road is very miry, it will be hard to pick your path so as not to soil your garments. This is a world of pitch; you will need to watch often, if in handling it you are to keep your hands clean. There is a robber at every turn of the road to rob you of your jewels; there is a temptation in every mercy; there is a snare in every joy; and if you ever reach heaven, it will be a miracle of divine grace to be ascribed entirely to your Father’s power. Be on your guard. When a man carries a bomb-shell in his hand, he should mind that he does not go near a candle; and you too must take care that you enter not into temptation. Even your common actions are edged tools; you must mind how you handle them. There is nothing in this world to foster a Christian’s piety, but everything to destroy it. How anxious should you be to look up to God, that He may keep you! Your prayer should be, “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe.” Having prayed, you must also watch; guarding every thought, word, and action, with holy jealousy. Do not expose yourselves unnecessarily; but if called to exposure, if you are bidden to go where the darts are flying, never venture forth without your shield; for if once the devil finds you without your buckler, he will rejoice that his hour of triumph is come, and will soon make you fall down wounded by his arrows. Though slain you cannot be; wounded you may be. “Be sober; be vigilant, danger may be in an hour when all seemeth securest to thee.” Therefore, take heed to thy ways, and watch unto prayer. No man ever fell into error through being too watchful. May the Holy Spirit guide us in all our ways, so shall they always please the Lord. – C.H.S.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” – Proverbs 9:10

A God given fear of God is the first part of saving wisdom. Understanding that God is our Creator and Judge and we have sinned against Him, produces a godly fear. And then to know the Lord Jesus Christ as the Holy One of God, Who is made unto us righteousness. This is wisdom“from above” and this is understanding. 

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

April 8^th . 2018

9:30 am ……………………….………………………………………………………….... Justified By Faith – Romans 5

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..…………..………A Woman Beloved, Yet An Adulteress – Hosea 3:1

 We need to do some maintenance and improvements to our building and grounds. There are some pressing needs right now, such as a new roof, basement entryway and many other things. We do not want to borrow money (nor do we beg or have fund raisers). The Lord provides by laying it on our hearts to give to the cause. David thanked the Lord for making him and the people willing to offer their time and gifts toward the building of the temple (1 Chr.29:14) Beginning today, we will start a building fund. If you feel led to give toward this, mark an envelope with ‘Building Fund’. Also, we will be needing every able person in the near future to carry out some of these projects.

Birthdays: April 14^th – Charles Wesley Hudson, 17^th – Betty Groover & Emma Holland, 21^st – Jennifer Holland

Cleaning: This week: Sheesleys, Next week: Berrys & Bobbitts / / / Nursery Today: Jill Ogle

 Listen to WYTI Radio, 1570 AM - 104.5 FM, Sundays 8:00 am

 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurchWebsite: www.centralgracechurch.com

“Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.” – Hebrews 12:2

1. True faith is looking unto the Lord Jesus and not to my faith! It is not when, where, or how, but WHOM!

2. True faith is looking to the Lord Jesusand not to my works. Their presence nor absence is not my righteousness. He is our righteousness.

3. True faith is looking unto the Lord Jesus and not to my trials. As long as Peter looked to Christ, he walked! When he looked to the wind and waves; he sank!

4. True faith is looking to the Lord Jesus and not to the means of grace. We must not confuse the doctrines of grace and the means of grace with grace itself . . . HIMSELF! Reading the Bible, prayer, worship, offerings, study and orthodoxy, baptism and good works; are all means of grace and growth – but only looking to Christ as our all in all keeps them from becoming filthy rags.– author unknown

THE LONGSUFFERING OF GOD

A proud atheist once stood with a group of people, shook his fist toward the sky and said, “If there is a God, may he prove himself by striking me dead right now”. After a long pause, in which nothing happened, the atheist smiled and said, “You see, I’ve proved there is no God.”

One man in the crowd responded, “All you have proved is that God is longsuffering to put up with such arrogance and unbelief in such puny creatures as we are.”

The apostle Paul wrote of God’s longsuffering towards the wicked – “What if God, willing to shew His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction;” (Romans 9:22). God may put up with the proud boastings of unbelieving men for a while, but His wrath is certain to come upon all who continue in such arrogance unto death. Our only hope is God’s mercy in Christ. Paul went on to write – “And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,” (Romans 9:23). Sinner, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth,” (Proverbs 27:1). Run to Christ and beg for mercy!– unknown

“As you would that men should do to you,

do ye also to them likewise”– Luke 6:31

This verse is commonly called the ‘Golden Rule’ and what a wonderful rule it is. If we (by God’s grace) could put this in practice much good could be done for others (as well the good it would do for us). Do we want others to show us….

Mercy? . . . . . . . Then be merciful.

Forgiveness? . . . Then we must be forgiving

Patience? . . . . . Then we must be patient with others.

Kindness? . . . . . Then show great kindness.

Would we have others befriend us? . . . Then be a friend. Would we like to receive a call? a card? a visit? an invite? . . . Don’t let the lack of others keep you from doing to them as you would that they should do to you. For it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. Those who do not unto others rob themselves of a blessing. Go learn what this meaneth.

Central Grace Church