Central Grace Church - Articles , 2020 Bulletins

Bulletin March 15, 2020

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:49:04 -0400

Central Grace Church
3596 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, Virginia

March 15^th 2020
9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..…………….......The Message of Galatians – Galatians 1:1-5
10:00 am ……………………….…………………..……………………………………………Who is This? – Luke 9:7-10

Mercy
“ And he (The Lord) said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.” Exodus 33:18,19
Mercy is, “not getting what we truly do deserve”. Grace is, “getting what we truly don’t deserve”. God showed mercy to us when He gave Christ what we deserved. And God showed grace to us when He gave us what Christ deserved. Christ received our sin, and we received His reward. Christ received our rejection, and we received His acceptance. Christ received our death, and we received His life. If God ever gives us the eyes of faith to see that, He will have shown us His glory!” – Gabe Stalnaker

Mercy Not Merit – by Martin Luther
Martin Luther, being asked which of all the Psalms were the best, he made answer, "Psalmi Paulini, " and when his friends pressed to know which these might be, he said, "The 32nd, the 51st, the 130th, and the 143rd. For they all teach that the forgiveness of our sins comes, without the law and without works, to the man who believes, and therefore I call them Pauline Psalms; and David sings, `There is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared, 'this is just what Paul says, `God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.' Ro 11:32. Thus no man may boast of his own righteousness. That word, `That thou mayest be feared, 'dusts away all merit, and teaches us to uncover our heads before God, and confess it is mere forgiveness, not merit at all."

When The Lord Makes Up His Jewels – by J.C. Philpot

"As unknown, and yet well known." 2 Corinthians 6:9 -- God's people, as well as God's servants, are little known, and less esteemed in this world. It is God's purpose and a part of His infinite wisdom that it should be so. The Lord is training up heirs of an exceeding and eternal weight of glory, and preparing them for those mansions of holiness and bliss which He has prepared for them before the foundation of the world. But while they are here below, they are in a state of obscurity. We may compare them to a large and valuable diamond, which is now undergoing the operations of cutting and polishing in some obscure court in the city, no one scarcely knowing of its existence or value, but its owner and the jeweler who is patiently cutting it into shape. But one day it may adorn a monarch's crown! So while God is cutting and polishing His diamonds by trials and temptations—sufferings and afflictions—they are hidden from the eyes of men. But when the Lord makes up His jewels, they will shine forth forever in His crown! God has chosen the poor of this world, for the most part, to be rich in faith. Not many notable in the annals of learning, power, or rank—not many noble, not many rich, not many mighty, has He called by His grace to a knowledge of Himself. The Lord's people rarely possess any wealth, station, property, or worldly distinction. They are for the most part poor and despised, as their Lord and Master was before them—and such the world cares neither to know, nor notice. "They will be mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up My jewels!" Malachi 3:17

F I once knew a young man that graduated from a Lutheran seminary. He told a group of men at a breakfast one morning that the “motto,” of his alma mater during his last year of attendance was, “Back to Luther, back to Luther.” Of course this referred to the popular protestant reformer known as Martin Luther. One of the older, wiser believers among the group of men kindly said in his slow Texas drawl, “Son, you’ve not gone back far enough.” That’s a problem with many today.
There is no doubt that the Lord used Martin Luther. None can argue that John Calvin had five spiritually valid points. Charles Spurgeon was called the Prince of preachers, but Jesus Christ is the “Prince of Peace.” If your doctrine is not the “doctrine of Christ,” then you have not gone back far enough. (2 John 1:9-10) If you don’t go back to “before the foundation of the world,” (Eph. 1:4, Heb. 4:3, Heb. 9:26, 1 Pet. 1:20, Rev. 13:8, Rev. 17:8) where God the Father, with no influence apart from His own will and purpose, chose and gave a people to Christ to redeem, then you have not gone back far enough. If you don’t see that God, for the glory of His own great name’s sake, was pleased to make you (the ungodly) His perfect people in Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, then you have not gone back far enough.
I have a friend that calls it, “The beginning before the beginning.” Our salvation began with God before time ever was. Before God ever said, “Let there be light,” He said, “Let there be Christ.” God gave His elect, His chosen, to His Son to redeem in the fullness of time. If you don’t go back to Christ, then you have not gone back far enough. The believer’s motto will forever be, “Back to Christ.” Day after day, it is “Back to Christ.” He died to put away my sins of yesterday and today, so it is “Back to Christ. When the evil of today comes and goes, tomorrow it will be, “Back to Christ.” He forever lives to make intercession for us, so it is “Back to Christ.” Only then have you gone back far enough. – David Eddmenson

Bulletin March 8, 2020

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:48:06 -0400

Central Grace Church
3596 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, Virginia
Website: www.centralgracechurch.com Email: centralgracechurch@gmail.com
March 8^th. 2020
9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..……………..……….. Fellowhelpers to The Truth – 3^rd John
10:00 am ……………………….…………………..…………………………….….… Faith in the Face of Fear – Psalm 46
Wednesday: 7:00 pm ……………………………………………………………………….. Blessed Forgiveness – Psalm 32
Message to Hear: ‘Taught by Trouble’, by H.T.M. -- https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=510101027148
F Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurch
F Listen to: WYTI Radio – Rocky Mount, VA - 8:00 AM – Sundays -- 1570 AM / 104.5 FM,

Election – by Charles Spurgeon

"He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestined us into the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” -- Ephesians. 1:4-5

Whatever may be said about the doctrine of election, it is written in the Word of God as with an iron pen, and there is no getting rid of it--there it stands! Long before time had begun, God loved His chosen ones, and predestined them unto eternal life.
I can never understand why a man should cavil at another's being chosen--when he himself does not himself wish to be saved! Some men cannot endure to hear the doctrine of election. I suppose they like to choose their own wives--but they are not willing that Christ should select His bride, the Church! Those who cavil at the doctrine of election should answer this question: "Why is it that God has left devils without hope--and yet has sent His Son to redeem mankind? Is not divine sovereignty manifested here?" Answer me, you that deny God's sovereignty, and hate His election--how is it that angels are condemned to everlasting fire--while to you, the fallen children of Adam, the gospel of Christ is freely preached? The only answer that can possibly be given is this: God wills to do it.
If the Lord should choose to show mercy to only one man in the world--He has the perfect right to do so. If He chooses to show mercy to a few, or if He chooses to show mercy to all--He has the right to do so. How is it that some of us who were once drunkards, swearers, and the like--are now sitting here to praise God this day? Was there anything good in us which moved the heart of God to save us? God forbid that we should indulge the blasphemous thought! I never met with any Christian who ever thought that he deserved to be chosen unto salvation; the very fact of the choice, proves that it must have been all of grace. Electing love has selected some of the worst--to be made the best! I shall never understand, even in Heaven--why the Lord Jesus should ever have loved me!
There is no more humbling doctrine in Scripture than that of election--none more promoting of gratitude, and, consequently, none more sanctifying. To me, election is one of the sweetest and most blessed truths in the whole of Revelation--it is one of the highest notes of heavenly music! The man who is not willing to submit to the electing love and sovereign grace of God, has great reason to question whether he is a Christian at all--for the spirit that kicks against election is the spirit of the devil, and the spirit of the un-humbled, un-renewed heart.
"We are bound to give thanks always 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, II Thess.2:13

THEY ARE NOT SINNERS – by Henry Mahan

Do you sometimes wonder why your relatives, who love you and enjoy your company, have no interest in your gospel, your church or your testimony? They are not sinners! They need no mediator with God!
Do you wonder why your co-workers enjoy talking about religion, denominations, churches and even freedom, but they have no interest or desire to talk about Christ and salvation? They are not sinners! They need no Savior!
Do you wonder why old people are all religious and talk about going to heaven, meeting their loved ones and living without pain or death! Yet, they never mention Christ and His sacrifice for sin by which we have the hope of life? They are not sinners! They are all good people - Now!
Do you wonder why most religious people (even preachers) never raise the question, "How can man be just with God?" "How can a holy God forgive and receive an unholy sinner and still be holy and just?" They are not sinners! They do not need a righteousness, they have one of their own.
Do you wonder why most preachers do not preach salvation by grace alone, Christ alone, through His blood and righteousness alone? They are not sinners! Only sinners need apply for such great mercy and grace!

Great sinners need a great Savior!

Bulletin March 1, 2020

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:46:53 -0400

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, Virginia

Website: www.centralgracechurch.com Email: centralgracechurch@gmail.com

March 1^st . 2020

9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..………….............. Truth: The Doctrine of Christ – 2 John

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..…………………………..………Preaching That Heals – Luke 9:1-11

Wednesday: 7:00 pm ……………………………………………………………….… Prayer of a Troubled Soul – Psalm 31

Message to Hear: ‘Redeemed’ – by Henry Mahan - https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=313122049294

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

F Listen to: WYTI Radio – Rocky Mount, VA - 8:00 AM – Sundays -- 1570 AM / 104.5 FM,

“Salvation Is Of The Lord.” -- Jonah 2:9

Salvation is the work of God. It is He alone who quickens the soul “dead in trespasses and sins,” and it is He also who maintains the soul in its spiritual life. He is both “Alpha and Omega.” “Salvation is of the Lord.” If I am prayerful, God makes me prayerful; if I have graces, they are God’s gifts to me; if I hold on in a consistent life, it is because He upholds me with His hand. I do nothing whatever towards my own preservation, except what God Himself first does in me. Whatever I have, all my goodness is of the Lord alone. Wherein I sin, that is my own; but wherein I act rightly, that is of God, wholly and completely. If I have repulsed a spiritual enemy, the Lord’s strength nerved my arm. Do I live before men a consecrated life? It is not I, but Christ who liveth in me. Am I sanctified? I did not cleanse myself: God’s Holy Spirit sanctifies me. Am I weaned from the world? I am weaned by God’s chastisements sanctified to my good. Do I grow in knowledge? The great Instructor teaches me. All my jewels were fashioned by heavenly art. I find in God all that I want; but I find in myself nothing but sin and misery. “He only is my rock and my salvation.” Do I feed on the Word? That Word would be no food for me unless the Lord made it food for my soul, and helped me to feed upon it. Do I live on the manna which comes down from heaven? What is that manna but Jesus Christ himself incarnate, whose body and whose blood I eat and drink? Am I continually receiving fresh increase of strength? Where do I gather my might? My help cometh from heaven’s hills: without Jesus I can do nothing. As a branch cannot bring forth fruit except it abide in the vine, no more can I, except I abide in Him. What Jonah learned in the great deep, let me learn this morning in my closet: “Salvation is of the Lord.”

-- Charles Spurgeon

“As You Would That Men Should Do to You, Do Ye Also to Them Likewise” – Luke 7:31

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 forgive and forget.

Forbearance? . . . Then cover their sins, repeat them not.

Patience? . . . . . Then 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? . . . Well then, ‘as you would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.’

Love Your Family in Christ

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” -- 1 Peter 3:8-9

1^st Peter 3:8 says, “Love as brethren.” This would be to love all believers, to love as Christ loved us, to love without hypocrisy, to love, not in word only, but in both deed and truth, and to love continually; for true love never dies! Don’t wait for a brother to come to you; go to him. – Henry Mahan (1986)

Bulletin February 23, 2020

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:44:58 -0400

Central Grace Church
3596 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, Virginia
Website: www.centralgracechurch.com Email: centralgracechurch@gmail.com

February 23^rd - 2020
9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..…………………….…… A Sin Unto Death – 1 John 5:16-21
10:00 am ……………………….…………………..………………………………..…Quickened With Christ – Ephesians 2
Wednesday: 7:00 pm ……………………………………………………………….……The Two Voices of God – Psalm 19

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

Anonymous Gifts

Over the years some of you have left me anonymous gifts and cards (someone did so recently) and I greatly appreciate them. A gift given anonymously usually demonstrates a true love for the recipient, not wanting recognition but giving for the joy of giving. The Lord said it is ‘more blessed to give than receive.’ But know this…. Any and every gift or service in the spirit of love to the Lord and His people is NOT UNKOWN. The Lord knows. And the Lord always repays. . . . with interest. And so the Lord says: “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” – Luke 6:38

Things We Need to Know – From Henry Mahan’s commentary on 1 John 5:19-21

v.19 -- In order to be prepared for the contest of life, for the allurements and attractions prepared by Satan to draw men away from God, for the trials and difficulties ahead, we need to know two things: first, that ‘we are of God,’ born of God, loved of God, redeemed by God, called of God, sons of God and seated in Christ; and second, that ‘the whole word lieth in the wicked one,’ or is under the dominion of Satan. Therefore, we do not hesitate to shun the world, we do not fear its enmity and we do not covet its honors, because we are of God and the world is alienated from God.
v.20 -- The second person in the Godhead, equal to the Father and of the same nature with him, is come from the Father into this world, in the flesh, to work our salvation for his people by his obedience, suffering and death. He has given us a knowledge of spiritual things, of himself, of God in him, of the truths of the gospel and the mysteries of grace, that we may know the Father, the true and living God (John 17:3), and that we may know we are in Christ by covenant mercies, by faith and by the will of God. Christ is the true God and Christ is eternal life (1 John 5:11-13).
v.21. ‘Little children, keep yourselves from false gods, from anyone and anything that would occupy the place in your heart due to God; keep yourselves from traditions, superstitions, images and religious practices and observances introduced by those who call themselves Christians, if these things are not according to the scripture and glorifying to God.

“IT IS FINISHED” -- John 19:30

Years ago, someone asked me how long it took me to finish a painting. My answer was this, “You never finish a painting…you just come to a stopping point.” Concerning all efforts on man’s part, nothing can truly be said to be finished. There is always something found, even with our most careful efforts that can be done to improve our labor.
But concerning the work of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross of Calvary…His death to satisfy the justice of God for an everlastingly loved people…His death to put away the guilt of His bride by the shedding of His blood for her…HE said…“It is finished.” By His declaration, we know that the debt and guilt of our sins has truly been paid and put away in His precious blood. According to His word, the sins of God’s chosen people shall never be brought up before God or punished again…This we know because the Father accepted His sacrifice on behalf of His sheep and proved His acceptance by raising Him from the dead.
Before Moses had to stand before the throne of Pharaoh on the sinful ground of Egypt, he had to stand before The burning fire of JEHOVAH, and had to hear the ALMIGHTY “I AM” cry: “Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off of thy feet, for the place wherein Thou standest is holy ground.” After Moses knew the horror and terror of standing before the Holy Judge of the earth, who holds the keys of hell and death in His hands; Who is not only able to kill the body, but is able to destroy both soul and body in hell! After that…he did not fear what man could do to him! Standing before Pharaoh was easy.
-- Marvin Stalnaker

Three Things
Humility cannot find three things on this side of Heaven: it cannot find fullness in the creature, or sweetness in sin, or life in an ordinance without Christ; but it always finds these three things on this side of Heaven: the soul to be empty, Christ to be full, and every mercy and duty to be sweet, wherein Christ is enjoyed. – by Thomas Brooks

Bulletin February 16, 2020

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:42:32 -0400

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, Virginia

Website: www.centralgracechurch.com Email: centralgracechurch@gmail.com

February 16^th - 2020

9:30 am ……………………….…………………………….. Things Written For Faith & Assurance – 1 John 5:13-21

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..………… To The Praise of the Glory of His Grace – Ephesians 1 & 2

Wednesday: 7:00 pm ……………………………………………………………………..……….. Kiss The Son – Psalm 2

Message to Hear: by Henry Mahan – https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=4290612627

F People of God . . . We can plan and arrange our worship services perfectly according to Scripture, sing just the right songs, pray fervently and Scripturally and even deliver a well studied, God honoring message from the Word of God, but we cannot worship unless the Lord Himself graces our presence with His, and blesses us to do so. Pray for it. Let us seek Him, this very morning that we may find. – Chris Cunningham

“Pardon Mine Iniquity; For it is Great” – Psalm 25:11

“Oh,” says Pharaoh, “take these filthy frogs, this dreadful thunder!” But what says holy David? “Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant!” The one would be freed from punishment, the effect of sin; the other from sin, the cause of punishment. And it is most true that a true Christian man is more troubled at sin than at frogs and thunder; he sees more filthiness in sin than in frogs and toads, more horror than in thunder and lightning. -- Jeremiah Dyke, England , 1645

…”Many complain more of the sorrows to which they are born, than the sins with which they were born: they tremble more at the vengeance of sin, than at the venom of sin; one delights them, the other affrights them.” .--William Secker, 17^th century

"Let Us Walk In The Light Of The Lord" – Isaiah 2:5

How can I walk in the light of the lord? I do not have all the answers. But I do know these things: If I would walk in the light of the Lord, I must own and acknowledge that Christ is my Lord...I must believe the light he gives...I must obey my Lord, following the direction of his light...I must pattern my life after his example...And I must persevere to the end, walking in the light of the Lord. Christ is the Light of the world; and all who live by faith in him "walk in the light of the Lord." "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Prov. 4:18). – Don Fortner

Walking After The Flesh -- "There is therefore now no condemnation to those which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." -- Romans 8:1

To walk after the flesh carries with it the idea of the flesh going before us—as our leader, guide, and example—and our following close in its footsteps, so that wherever it drags or draws we move after it, as the needle after the magnet. To walk after the flesh, then, is to move step by step in implicit obedience to the commands of the flesh—the lusts of the flesh—the inclinations of the flesh—and the desires of the flesh—whatever shape they assume, whatever garb they wear, whatever name they may bear. To walk after the flesh is to be ever pursuing, desiring, and doing the things that please the flesh—whatever aspect that flesh may wear or whatever dress it may assume—whether molded and fashioned after the grosser and more flagrant ways of the profane world—or the more refined and deceptive religion of the professing church. But are the grosser and more manifest sinners the only people who may be said to walk after the flesh? Does not all human religion, in all its varied forms and shapes, come under the sweep of this all-devouring sword? Yes! Everyone who is entangled in and led by a fleshly religion, walks as much after the flesh as those who are abandoned to its grosser indulgences. Sad it is, yet not more sad than true, that false religion has slain its thousands, if open sin has slain its ten thousands. To walk after the flesh— whether it be in the grosser or more refined sense of the term—is the same in the sight of God. – J.C. Philpot

Regeneration – by Henry Mahan, 1986

He who is regenerated by the Spirit of God, in whom Christ is formed, who is a new creature in Christ, does not make sin his practice and the course of his life. He is not without the motions of sin within nor free from thoughts, words, and deeds of sin (which he despises); but he does not give himself up to sin, excuse it, nor continue in it as its servant. God’s nature and the grace of the Holy Spirit abide in him, and he cannot practice a life of sin. He is born of God and delights in the commandments of his Lord.

A life of disobedience is distasteful to a believer who longs to be like Christ. A godly walk and a spirit of love and grace are evidences of grace and faith. The absence of these is evidence of the absence of grace.

Bulletin February 9, 2020

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:40:36 -0400

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, Virginia

Website: www.centralgracechurch.com Email: centralgracechurch@gmail.com

February 9^th. 2020

9:30 am Bible Study / 10:00 am Worship ………………..……………………………….… Messages by Cody Henson

Welcome back . . . Cody and Rachel Henson. Brother Cody comes to us from Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church. I am preaching this morning for Grace Baptist Church, Dingess, WV, brother Gary Vance, pastor.

F “No man honours God, and no man justifies God at so high a rate, as he who lays his hand upon his mouth, when the rod of God is upon his back.” -- Thomas Brooks 1608-1680

The Best Robe

The robe that God provided Adam was an effectual covering, BECAUSE He provided it. The robe that Adam provided for himself was ineffectual, because he provided it. Now Adam clothed with God’s coat was a safer person outside the fence of paradise than he had been inside. Why? For within, his dependence was upon himself, whereas outside his life dependence was on another, even the promised Saviour. – Don Bell

Don’t Make Too Much of Feelings – by William Jay

There is a difference between hypocrisy and instability. We may feel what we utter at the time, but emotions are not principles, impulses are not dispositions. There may be goodness, but it is like the morning cloud and early dew, that soon passeth away. How often do we become a wonder, as well as a grief, to ourselves! How little do we know of our own hearts, till we are tried! The little ants disappear in the cloudy and rainy day, and the observer might suppose they were all dead. But let the sun shine forth, and they are again all alive and in motion. There is the same mud at the bottom of the water when calm, but the waves thereof cast up the mire and dirt.

Let us not, therefore, make too much of frames and feelings. Let us not imagine, because we are now walking in the light of God’s countenance, that we shall never again mourn His absence. Behold, the hour cometh when we may consider all our present joy as only a delusion. Do we now believe? A change in the weather, a depression of animal spirits, may renew all our doubts and fears, and we may be all apprehension again.

Therefore let us rejoice with trembling. Let us remember our own weakness, and instead of depending on the grace that is in us, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Beware of Peter’s word;

Nor confidently say,

“I never will deny thee, Lord:”

But, “Grant I never may.”

Man’s wisdom is to seek

His strength in God alone:

Even an angel would be weak

That trusted in his own.

“Unto Thee, O Lord Do I Lift Up My Soul” – Psalm 25:1

. . . Unto Thee in the fulness of Thy merits, unto Thee in the riches of Thy Grace; unto Thee in the embraces of Thy love and comforts of Thy Spirit; unto Thee, that Thy thorns may be my crown, Thy blood my balm, Thy curse my blessing, Thy death my life, Thy cross my triumph. Thus is my life hid with Christ in God. – Robert Mossom, Ireland (1617-1679)

Glad Tidings – by William Tyndale (1500-1536) Burned at the stake for translating Scripture for all to read.

The gospel (that is to say, joyful tidings) is called the New Testament. Because as a man when he shall die, appoints his goods to be dealt and distributed after his death among those whom he names to be his heirs; even so Christ, before His death, commanded and appointed that such gospel, or tidings, should be declared throughout all the world, and therewith to give unto all that repent and believe, all His goods; that is to say, His life, wherewith He swallowed and devoured death; His righteousness, wherewith He banished sin; His salvation, wherewith He overcame eternal damnation.

Now, the wretched man, that knows himself to be wrapped in sin, and in danger of death and hell, can hear nothing more joyous than such glad and comfortable tidings of Christ. So that he cannot but be glad and laugh from the bottom of his heart, if he believes that the tidings are true.

Bulletin February 2, 2020

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:37:15 -0400

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, Virginia

Website: www.centralgracechurch.com Email: centralgracechurch@gmail.com

February 2^nd. 2020

9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..………………………... He That Hath the Son – 1 John 5:12

10:00 am ……………………….…………………..……………………………….... Two Dying Daughters – Luke 8:40-56

F Lord willing I will be preaching in Dingus, WV next Sunday. Brother Cody Henson will be preaching for you.

Message to Hear: by Gabe Stalnaker – https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=128152117246

Not Alone -- by William Jay, England, 1769-1853

“And shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.” -- John 16:32

There is a relation between Christ and Christians, and a conformity founded upon it, so that what He says, they may subordinately adopt as their own language.

There are cases in which they may be alone, and there are cases in which they ought to be alone, and there is one case in which they must be alone; and yet they are not alone, because the Father is with them.

They may be alone, by the dispensations of providence. By death, lover and friend may be put far from them, and their acquaintance into darkness; and bereavements may force from solitude the sigh, “I watch, and am as a sparrow upon the housetop.” They have often been driven out of society by the wickedness of power. Their connections have abandoned them through falseness, or deserted them though infirmity. And this is no inconsiderable trial. Our Saviour felt the desertion of his disciples, and said, “I looked for some to take pity, and there was none; and for comforters, and found none;” but looking upward, He said, “I am not alone, for the Father is with me.” Joseph was separated from his family, and sold into Egypt, but the Lord was with Joseph. John was banished into the isle of Patmos but there he had the visions of the Almighty, and was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day. “At my first answer,” says Paul, “no man stood by me, but all men forsook me; notwithstanding, the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me.” Yes; whoever dies, the Lord liveth. Whoever fails us, He is firm. “He is faithful that hath promised. He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

They ought to be alone, by voluntary solitude. Not that they are to be recluses, by abandoning their stations, and shunning intercourse with their fellow-creatures. The Christian life is a candle; but a candle is not to be placed under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house; and our light is to shine before men, and they are to see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven. But occasional and frequent retirement for the religious purposes is a duty, and it will be found our privilege. We shall never be less alone that when alone. “Go forth,” says God to Ezekiel. “into the field, and there will I talk with thee.” Isaac, at eventide, was meditating in the field, when the Lord brought him Rebekah. Jacob was left alone, when he “obtained power with God,” and with man, and prevailed. Nathanael was seen and encourage under the fig-tree. Peter was by himself praying upon the housetop when he received the divine manifestation. If the twelve patriarchs, or the twelve apostles, lived near us, and their presence drew us from our closets, their neighborhood would be a serious injury to us. No creature can be a substitute for God. And it is alone we hold the freest and fullest communion with him. It is there the secret of the Lord is with us, and He shows us His covenant. There we become acquainted with ourselves. There we shake off the influence of the world. It is good to be there.

Men may live in a crowd, but they must die alone. Friends and ministers can only accompany us to the entrance of the passage. None of them can speak from experience, none of them can tell us what it is to die. And it is a way we have not gone ourselves heretofore. But the Christian, though alone, is not alone even here. “Yea,” says David, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.”

Oh, to have a God, the God of all grace, at hand, a very present help in that time of trouble, laying underneath His everlasting arms—shedding around the light of His countenance—communicating the joy of His salvation, and insuring the glory to be revealed, in ways beyond all our present experience and thought!

“O my God, what time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. (Psa.56:3) Thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Psa.73:23-26

"That which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God." Luke 16:15

The pride—the ambition—the pleasures—the amusements—in which we see thousands and tens of thousands engaged, and sailing down the stream into a dreadful gulf of eternity—are all an abomination in the sight of God. Whereas, such things as faith, hope, love, humility, brokenness of heart, tenderness of conscience, contrition of spirit, sorrow for sin, self-loathing, selfabasement, looking to Jesus, taking up the cross, denying one's self, walking in the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life—in a word, the power of godliness—these things are despised by all—and by none so much as mere heady professors who have a name to live while dead. "That which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God." -- J.C. Philpot

Bulletin January 26, 2020

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:36:00 -0400

Central Grace Church3596 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, Virginia
Website: www.centralgracechurch.com Email: centralgracechurch@gmail.com
January 26^th. 2020
9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..………………………... This is The Record – 1 John 5:11-12
10:00 am ……………………….…………………..…………………………………….… Lord Over Devils – Luke 8:26-39
Wednesday: 7:00 pm …………………………………………… To The Churches, part 7, Laodicea – Revelation 3:14-22
Message to Hear: by Bruce Crabtree: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=611121154268
 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurch

The Modern Ideology of Religion

When looking at today’s brand of Christianity through the spectacles of the Holy Scriptures we find so many discrepancies it is almost too discouraging to say or write a word in opposition against it. Man’s religion is in such a state of decay we wonder if there is any hope of reformation of true religion at all; if so, the hope is with the Lord who alone is Omnipotent. I stand with the ancient prophet looking over a vast valley of dry bones, and as the Sovereign God demanded, “Son of man, can these bones live?” “O Lord God, thou knowest.”
The flaw in most folks’ religion today is that it is completely distorted. The cart is directly in front of the horse, which makes it impossible to make any spiritual headway. Man has God off the throne and himself on it. Every time I see a new religious edifice going up with all its elaborate trimmings I say in my mind, well there stands another monument built to man’s misconception of the Sovereign God. I say men have it turned around backward. Men have God begging and pleading with sinners and sinners demanding God. They have sinners independently plea-bargaining with God, and God dependent on sinners to make Him happy. Falsely they declare that God cannot make men spiritually alive (born-again) until they make up their mind to believe. They have the self-sufficient Jehovah God ringing His hands in frustration as He waits upon the sinner’s willingness to agree with Him that heaven is the best place for him.
My dear readers, this is devilish deception. If what they are leading men to believe is true, then men become their own saviors, and there was no need for the Son of God to come at all. Men have been told, and many believe it, ‘that God has done all that He can do and they must do the rest.’ ‘That God has taken the first step and that they must take the next.’ The fact is, if you can take one step you may take them all. Is this the case, as clearly defined in the Bible? No! man is spiritually dead (see Ephesians 2:1-10). He is totally unable to make the slightest motion toward God and heaven until made alive by the quickening power of the Holy Ghost; and for this, man is absolutely shut up to the Sovereign pleasure of God. Read the dialogue between Christ and Nicodemus in John 3. The wind (symbol of the Holy Spirit) bloweth where it wills (listeth). Also John 1:13 makes perfectly clear that those who are said to believe and receive Christ (verse 12), did so because they were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, BUT OF GOD.
Biblical Christianity teaches us that there can be no spiritual belief in Christ without divine life in the soul, and God must impart that life. – Terry Worthan, Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Winston, Georgia

He who in his soul believes that man does of his own free-will turn to God, cannot have been taught of God, for that is one of the first principles taught us when God begins with us, that we have neither will nor power, but that HE gives both; that HE is the “Alpha and Omega” in the salvation of men. -- C. H. Spurgeon

He Who Trusts In God – Richard Sibbes
He trusts in God and is reconciled in Jesus Christ that flies to him in extremity. What a man trusts unto, when he is pinched he flies unto. How shall a man know that he is a covetous worldling? If he be in extremity, he goes to his purse, he makes a friend of that. How shall a man know that he trusts to the arm of flesh? . . . that he trusts his friend too much. In extremity he runs to him, presently he goes to a friend he hath. What we run to, that our trust is in. A Christian runs to his God; and happy is that Christian that is in covenant, that he hath a God to run to in all extremities, in sickness, in death, at all times. He is happy that he hath a God, when all fails, to trust in.
Wilt thou know therefore whether thou trustest in God or no? Whither goest thou? A carnal man, he goes to one earthly prop or other. If God answer him not presently, then he goes with Saul to the witch, to the devil himself perhaps. If God do not send him present help, he goes to one carnal help or other, to his wit, to policy, to crack his conscience, to bear out things with impudence. He hath not learned to trust in God, and he runs not to him, but to some wicked course or other.

 Every thing that a man leans upon but God, will be a dart that will certainly pierce his heart through and through. He who leans only upon Christ, lives the highest, choicest, safest, and sweetest life. – Thomas Brooks

Bulletin January 19, 2020

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:34:58 -0400

Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, Virginia
Website: www.centralgracechurch.com Email: centralgracechurch@gmail.com
January 19^th. 2020
9:30 am ……………………….….…………………………..………………………....These Three Are One – 1 John 5:5-9
10:00 am ……………………………………………..…………….… The Lord in a Ship With His Disciples – Luke 8:19-25
Wednesday: 7:00 pm …………….………..…………………… To The Churches, part 5, Philadelphia – Revelation 3:7-13
Message to Hear: By Britt Worthan: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=3617749342
 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurch
 Listen to: WYTI Radio – Rocky Mount, VA - 8:00 AM – Sundays -- 1570 AM / 104.5 FM,

I Know Thy Works, And Thy Labour, And Thy Patience– Revelation 2:2

The Lord Jesus Christ does not write to the world, to people in general; he writes to his saints, his elect, those who have believed the gospel of sovereign grace and particular redemption and he tells them that he knows every detail of their condition, he commends some things, he warns against others, he exhorts and encourages and he promises an eternal prize.
He Knows . . .
The glorified Lord Jesus Christ, our God-Man Redeemer, speaks now from heaven and tells his churches, his believing people, his saints in this world, that he knows their works. He knows the situation, the trials and the efforts of his people in his service, then and now. The infinite, omnipotent, sovereign God even now, today, knows everything about our situation as we seek to maintain a witness to the truth of the gospel in this sin-corrupted world; nothing is hidden from his view. Therefore we need to consider these letters (to the seven real, historical but symbolical, churches) as personally relevant to us as we gather together to worship and hear his word preached, whether that be in large or small congregations, or even as individual believers with no physical fellowship make use of the internet to join with brethren to worship and listen to preaching.
He Commends…
What characteristics of the life of believers, of churches in this world, does our Lord Jesus Christ commend? He commends dedication to his cause, to the cause of his Kingdom, evidenced by works arising from true faith in the heart. Half-heartedness has no place in the kingdom of Christ especially in these days when the battle-lines between the world and the truth of God are drawn ever more clearly. The church is in a ‘wilderness’ of separation from the world, its philosophies and values, but it is the place prepared of God for the church (Rev12:6). It is a place of trials, hardship, loneliness and opposition but the place of God’s appointing, the place where Christ prayed the Father that we should be kept from the evil (John17:15). And so Christ commends his people in this world when they have patience in the face of trials of providence and of spirit. He commends them when they are diligent to maintain correct doctrine and will not tolerate primary gospel error and the precepts that arise from it. We must beware of any that teach that the flesh is so corrupt that the outworking of our faith in these bodies does not matter; Christ sees all and he commends the good. – Allan Jellett, Pastor, Knebworth Grace Church, Knebworth, England

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;
of whom I am chief.” -- I Tim. 1:15
FAITHFUL sayings ought to be faithfully delivered; and if those who profess to be the servants of God would faithfully deliver this saying, “that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners,” we should hear no more about His offering them salvation, or proposing salvation or putting them into a salvable state, and the like Popish nonsense. He “came to save sinners.” Did he fulfil His errand – or did He not? Did He fail in His mission – or did He succeed? That is coming to the simple point of the question.
Well then, if I am to deliver this “faithful saying” – and I do not know that I shall have strength enough to deliver half-a-dozen sentences upon it – I must tell it as it stands; that as He “came to save sinners,” He either failied in His mission, and left it unaccomplished, unfinished, partly done, or else He did it completely – and then there is nothing more to be done. I must come to the point. I cannot bear with half-way measures in the things of God. I never like them in the things of man – I never like them in matters concerning the world – but in the things of God they are quite in sufferable. It is either grace or works, as Paul has it – and if it be of one it cannot be of the other. If the salvation of sinners were entrusted to Christ, and if He was accomplished it, there can be nothing doubtful, nothing contingent, nothing uncertain; and if men will tell us that salvation depends upon repenting and believing, I will tell them that their assertion is false. Repenting and believing depend upon salvation, and not salvation upon repenting and believing.
From the last sermon preached by Joseph Irons, pastor of Grove Chapel, Camberwell, England -- 3/21/1852

 God hath in Himself all power to defend you, all wisdom to direct you, all mercy to pardon you, all grace to enrich you, all righteousness to clothe you, all goodness to supply you, and all happiness to crown you. – Thomas Brooks, England (1608-1680)

Bulletin January 12, 2020

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 20:33:53 -0400

Central Grace Church3596 Franklin Street Rocky Mount, Virginia
Website: www.centralgracechurch.com Email: centralgracechurch@gmail.com
January 12^th. 2020
9:30 am ……………………….……………………………..…………………….... Overcoming the World – 1 John 4:1-5
10:00 am ……………………….…………………..……………………………… All Secrets Made Known – Luke 8:16-18
Wednesday: 7:00 pm ………………………………………
Message to Hear: by Henry Mahan - https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=31006215537

 Listen to live audio of services on: www.mixlr.com/centralgracechurch
 Listen to: WYTI Radio – Rocky Mount, VA - 8:00 AM – Sundays -- 1570 AM / 104.5 FM,

The Importance of Worship

When the church of the Lord Jesus Christ meets, it is not the trifles of this world that should occupy her attention; she has much weightier matters to consider. The Scriptures say in Ecclesiasties 3 that there is a time for everything. There is a time for political concerns; there is a time for social action; there is a time for education and recreation. But the gatherings of the church of the Lord Jesus are a time specifically dedicated to the worship of Jesus Christ! His praise, His word, His purpose, and His work is our theme. These times must be jealously guarded against any intrusion of mundane matters. Satan, the archenemy of our Lord, will take every opportunity to divert our attention from our blessed Lord. His most effective tactic is to introduce important worldly matters into the worship services of the church. As important as these matters may be, they cannot compare with the heavenly, eternal matters of Jesus Christ and His blood and righteousness. May our gatherings, as well as our minds, be kept pure and sincere toward Our Lord Jesus Christ. – Joe Terrell, Pastor, Rocky Valley, Iowa

 “ We better praise God that He saves ANY than charge Him with injustice because He saves so few.”
-- Augustus Strong, 1836-1921

From A Child Thou Hast Known The Holy Scriptures. – 2 Timothy 3:15

How did Timothy know the scriptures as a child? He heard a faithful man preach God’s Word and his mother and grandmother read the scriptures to him, taught them to him, and had him read and commit them to memory (2 Tim. 1:5). You do not know anything until you commit it to memory. In our children’s Bible classes their teachers require them to memorize verses of scripture. It is a good thing and the only way they are going to read God’s Word on their own and at least think about It in their heads. Public and private schools give our children homework, requiring them to memorize multiplication tables, grammar, historical facts and many other things. Teachers insist that students commit such things to memory for future use. Are these things profitable to our children? How much more is Scripture? Our children cannot know God by memorizing scripture, but perhaps the Word of God will come to mind or prick their young consciences when tempted. If the Seed of God’s Word is literally sewn in the mind, our hope is that God will someday water it and cause it bring forth life and faith in the heart.
I am a teacher and if I had my way I would require adults to memorize God’s Word. I would have everyone memorize the books of the bible so as to know where to turn, and memorize scriptures, not for reward, but for their own benefit and comfort. When scriptures are written on your heart and mind, they come up at times when you need them and give great comfort, peace and joy when needed.
There are many passages that tell us to commit God’s Word to memory. “By which ye are saved, if ye keep in memory” (1 Cor.15:2). “Remember the Word unto Thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for The Word hath quickened me” (Psa.119:49-50). “Remember ye the Law of Moses my servant, which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments” (Malachi 4:4). “A Book of remembrance was written for them that feared the LORD and thought upon His Name” (Mal.3:16). “I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things . . . Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle to stir you up by putting you in remembrance . . . that ye may be able . . . to have these things always in remembrance . . . In both (epistles) I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance” (2 Peter 1:12, 13, 15, 3:1).
And what of all the scripture which condemns those who forget? How much sin is caused by this ignorance and forgetfulness? How much pain, suffering and reproach, because we forget what the Lord has told us? How much fear, doubt, distress, depression and worry is the result of forgetting what the Lord has said . . . not remembering the many, exceeding precious promises that help us escape.
Let these saying sink down deep in your ears. O may the Lord Write the Word on the tables of our hearts. And may we do this for ourselves and for our children . . .
. . . “These words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7