[Copy+paste from Pastor Mark Melton’s weekly email…]

Good afternoon brothers and sisters,

Well, this is one of many “lasts” I have experienced over the last several weeks…my last Pastor’s Post-it. It has been a rewarding experience for me and I trust that many of you have benefited as well. I want to take a minute to publicly express my immense gratitude to a dear sister in Christ who, for at least the last 10 years, has plied me with lots of material each week from which I choose six or seven articles that catch my attention for one reason or another. I shan’t mention her by name lest I rob her of any blessing she might receive from her heavenly Father. A few of you know who she is, just let me say, “Thanks sis…well done…well done.”

Since I will not be in regular contact with you as a group, let me take this opportunity to emphasize how important it is for you to be in attendance at the Special Meeting of Presbytery on August 30 here at our building. On that occasion the Presbytery will be installing Rev. Tim McClymonds as pastor of CCOPC. Your support for him as your pastor begins that evening and your presence indicates a willingness to follow his lead.

The installation service is actually a worship service. There will be most of the elements of a typical Lord’s Day worship service.

Following the service, there will be a time of fellowship in the cafeteria. We’ll need everyone to bring finger foods to eat and our Deacons will take care of drinks. This will, in many respects, a historical evening for Christ Covenant.

Patti and I leave tomorrow morning for a ten day vacation. We’re driving down to Gulf Shores with Damien  & Jess and the kiddos. Then on the way back, Patti and I are planning on stopping at Mammoth Caves and do a little exploring for a couple days.

Jim Strietlemeier will be in the pulpit for the next two Lord’s Days and then he and David Franks will alternate Lord’s Days for the remainder of the month. On September 1, Pastor Larry Wilson will be filling the pulpit as he will be down for Pastor Tim’s installation service. The Order of Worship for this Lord’s Day and next are both attached.

Announcements/Calendar

·        July 27–Work day at Miss Gee Gee’s

·        July 28–Neighborhood Fellowship

·        August 4–Fellowship Meal

·        August 4–Season of Prayer

·        August 11–Young Adults Fellowship Group

·        August 18– Adults Fellowship Group (westsiders)

·        August 25–Neighborhood Fellowship

·        August 30–Installation Service for Pastor Tim

Classic/Encouraging Quotes

“Only when we weigh ourselves against the weight of the glory of God do we begin to realise our need is infinitely greater than we could ever imagine.”  –C.S. Lewis

Just going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car. —G.K. Chesterton

Instead of a river, God often gives us a brook, which may be running today and dried up tomorrow. Why? To teach us not to rest in our blessings, but in the blesser Himself. —Arthur Pink

Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all. —D.L. Moody

Contending for the faith and contentiousness are not the same thing. —Hershael York

Make church attendance such a habit that there’s never a need for your kids to ask, “Dad, Mom, are we going to church tomorrow?” —Paul Tautges

Important/Helpful/Challenging Links

The Unlikely Ways of God

            Mark Loughridge

Would you pick an 80-year-old man to lead a slave uprising?

A timid man to lead an army against an all-conquering hoard?

A mild whisper to inspire a dejected prophet?

A shameful cross to bring us to a place of life and honour?

In a world accustomed to social media influencers and brand consultants, would you have picked a rag-tag bunch of nobodies to see your message of salvation went to the ends of the earth?

We live in a world where the big, the powerful, the influential and the instant are what matters. And it is easy for that to permeate our psyche, to colour our expectations of what God is doing.

For that reason we need to be recalibrated by scripture. READ MORE…

J. I. Packer’s Thoughts on Holiness

            Sam Storms

A Habitual Attitude

There is no holiness or Christian life that does not have repentance at its core. Repentance is not merely one element in conversion, but a habitual attitude and action to which all Christians are called. It is, argues Packer, a spiritual discipline central to and inseparable from healthy holy living. But what is it? How should it be defined? What are its characteristic features? A close reading of Packer reveals that he understands repentance to entail a number of interrelated themes. The most important dimension in godly repentance is the fundamental alteration in one’s thinking with regard to what is sin and what God requires of us in terms both of our thoughts and actions. READ MORE…

Ten Thoughts about the “Billy Graham Rule”

            Denny Burk

Earlier today, I saw an interview on CNN about a Christian politician who practices the “Billy Graham Rule” (watch above). It is an awkward interview to watch, but it illustrates the cost to men and women who are making a good-faith effort to avoid compromising situations. This is by no means everything that can or should be said about the so-called “Billy Graham Rule.” Nevertheless, I thought I would update something I wrote previously on this topic. I personally believe that the rule is wise and ought to be pursued with rigor by Christians who are serious about holiness and witness. So in that spirit, here are ten brief reflections on this particular discipline. READ MORE…

Jesus Repulses, Jesus Draws

            Tim Challies

I think we all love the story of the Garasene Demonaic, don’t we? It is the story of a poor, pathetic, hopeless, demon-oppressed man and his life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. And there is something in the story I find particularly fascinating.  READ MORE…

Orientation Identity and the Church

            Barry York

In this bravest and newest of worlds, people have taken upon themselves the responsibility to self-identify. Looking inwardly for their truth, they examine their thoughts and passions to determine who they are. If their heart is inclined, or oriented, in a certain direction, then that proclivity becomes who they are.

Just a few short years ago, the big battle in this area was for people to be identified by their sexual orientation. As this article makes clear, this battle was basically won when the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage. In those days, things were “simpler” as you were either straight, lesbian or gay. READ MORE…

6 Effects of God’s Power

            Chris Thomas

We cannot read the Scriptures without at some point coming to terms with the extraordinary display of the awesome power of the God it portrays. And power, by very definition, must have an effect. The power of God is not simply some intellectual truth to grasp and recite. The power of God is real, and it is dangerous, and it is wonderful, and it is comforting; and we must come to terms with how we will respond in the face of it.

Among the countless effects the power of God has, I have chosen six that are significant for us to grasp today.

READ MORE…

Blessings,

Pastor Mark                                                                                                                                       

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

“In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.” J. Gresham Machen

“When Christ calls a man – he bids him come and die.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Good afternoon brothers and sisters,

You know of my great affinity for the Psalms. I recently came across a blog post that expresses how invaluable the Psalms are to the Body of Christ, to each believer in the Body of Christ, particularly as they are sung. The Psalms are, after all, our God’s “hymnbook” for His people. Here’s the blog post.

Dear friend,

You should read the Psalms like a balm for your soul. I don’t mean work your way through it like a textbook, I mean to dwell in it like a home. Athanasius spoke of the psalms in such poetic terms that he seemed almost hypnotized by its marvel. For him, it “yielded special treasure” again and again. It was like a “garden that grew every kind of fruit.” Further, the Psalm writers were so indwelt (there is that word again) by the Spirit that they couldn’t help but to speak and sing of the harmonious message of all the Bible that Israel’s God reigns forever and ever.

You have probably heard me talking about singing the Psalms and at this point, if I make another reference to singing the psalms I am afraid you will unfriend me or curse me with imprecations. So, I will spare talking about how psalm-singing changes and forms us into better human beings, flourishing in the poetic garden of Yahweh; I will spare you the talk about how singing the Psalms heal our souls in times of grief, and I will spare you the conversation about how singing the psalms with friends bind us together in a more profound way than anything I’ve ever seen. Again, I don’t want to bother you with my fascination for the Genevan Psalms. I simply don’t want you to think about how the psalms frighten demons in the Bible. That would be too much to talk about and as I said, I don’t want to be that guy that annoys people with all this psalmic talk. It would be too much for you to bear such a friend. So, I won’t say any of those things.

Your friend,

Uri

This Lord’s Day we will be giving consideration to the third and final noun from our Vision Statement that serves to identify the means by which we may reflect the glory of God. We exist to reflect the glory of God in our passion for, our devotion to and exaltation of Lord Jesus Christ. We will be addressing the question, “What does the exaltation of Christ look like or sound like…what will it entail?” The Order of Worship is attached.

Next Lord’s Day will be the final sermon I will preach to you from this pulpit as your Pastor. I’m still struggling mightily with what to say, with what I want to leave with you. Please pray that the indwelling Holy Spirit might lead me in the right direction…that He might give me just the right words to say to all of you who I love so dearly.

Please be sure to pray for Pastor Tim. This evening he will be meeting with the Presbytery of the Southwest, seeking permission to have his credentials transferred to the Presbytery of Ohio as well as their concurrence for him to take up the call from CCOPC to be its pastor. This is the next to the last step in Pastor Tim’s journey to becoming the next pastor of CCOPC. The final step is a service of installation for Pastor Tim. We have selected a tentative date of August 30 which will coincide with the week in which he intends to move to the area.

On a related note, Pastor Tim and Anlle are planning to travel to Sheridan on July 19 for a week or so of house hunting. They are not sure how long they will stay but are willing to stay through July 28. John and Cornelia have graciously invited Tim and Anlle to stay in their home for that week as they are on vacation for that period of time.  I’m sure they would be delighted to have dinner with any of you who would like to invite them for an evening. This is a chance for us to once again display our Hoosier/biblical hospitality. Here is Pastor Tim’s cell phone: 479 – 799 – 2227. His email is  tmcclymonds@cox.net

Announcements/Calendar

·        July 14–Young Adults Fellowship Group

·        July 16–Ladies Night Out

·        July 21–Adults Fellowship Group (westsiders)

·        July 28–Neighborhood Fellowship

·        August 4–Fellowship Meal

·        August 4–Season of Prayer

·        August 11–Young Adults Fellowship Group

·        August 18– Adults Fellowship Group (westsiders)

·        August 25–Neighborhood Fellowship

Classic/Encouraging Quotes

God can look sourly, and chide bitterly, and strike heavily, even where and when he loves dearly.—Thomas Brooks

A man’s contentment is in his mind, not in the extent of his possessions. Alexander the Great, with all the world at his feet, cries for another world to conquer. —Charles Spurgeon

A weak faith can lay hold on a strong Christ. —Thomas Watson

If we could hear all that is said of us, it would not flatter us much. —John Newton

Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us—a crucified God—must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world.–John Piper

Your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure; therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and heaven shall make amends for all. —Thomas Brooks

Reformed confessional theology was written not to pick a fight but to protect the church in the battles she already faces and to nurture people in the truth. —Joel Beeke

I wish, brothers and sisters, that we could all imitate “the pearl oyster.” A hurtful particle intrudes itself into its shell, and this vexes and grieves it. It cannot reject the evil, but what does it do but “cover” it with a precious substance extracted out of its own life, by which it turns the intruder into a pearl! Oh, that we could do so with the provocations we receive from our fellow Christians, so that pearls of patience, gentleness, and forgiveness might be bred within us by that which otherwise would have harmed us. —Charles Spurgeon

Important/Helpful/Challenging Links

Three other R’s: Scottish evangelicals of the 19th century can teach us about revival, reformation, and reunion

            Marvin Olasky

In 2012 Manhattan could boast of 31 developments in which a 2,300-square-foot condo would sell for at least $5 million. Seven fat years later, that number has more than tripled. Some are in parts of the city where neighbors a block away are at least relatively poor, so development owners are creating ways for residents not to have to leave their buildings. READ MORE…

Growing Up in a World Like This

            Tim Challies

A short time ago I shared some resources meant to help parents as they prepare to have “The Talk” with their children. But even after looking at those resources I had some questions I wanted to ask, so I spoke to Dr. Chris Richards, who together with Liz Jones has authored Growing Up God’s Way, a book with editions for both boys and girls, that helps prepare young people and their parents for adolescence and adulthood. Dr Chris Richards is a Consultant Paediatrician in Newcastle upon Tyne. He is the Director of Lovewise, which produces material for teaching about marriage and relationships from a Christian perspective in schools and church groups. He is married and has four children. He is a deacon at Gateshead Presbyterian Church. Here is what he had to say about preparing children to grow up in a world like this. READ MORE…

Reframing Kindness

            Andrew Roycroft

Redefinition is definitely on-trend in our culture. Words, phrases, and concepts are generally fluid, and are often the tools of a non-democratic process which draws new lines between ‘good’ and ‘evil’ at will. Other linguistic changes seem to simply happen, usage and over-usage leading to their decommissioning and devaluation. One of those words is ‘kindness’, and the shift which has taken place here is symptomatic of wider changes in society and community. In this post I want to probe kindness a little bit, suggesting some subtle ways in which our expectations around this word have altered.

Random acts and covenant kindness

Over the past decade or so our culture and, to a certain extent, the church have bought in to the idea of kindness as an isolated act, as a randomised impulse that ought to be acted on. Paying forward a coffee, passing someone a handwritten note of appreciation, calling someone out of the blue and asking how they are, have become popular ways of showing affection and concern. For many people this is how kindness is now universally coined – it is a brief burst of benevolence, a momentary debit on our energies, resources, or social awkwardness, a credit to our sense of altruism and engagement.

Whatever benefit such acts accrue, they fall far short of how the Bible frames kindness, with its family likeness to ‘grace’. In Scriptural terms, kindness is inherently relational and essentially covenantal, it bespeaks commitment and a long-haul mindset.  READ MORE…

The Most Radical Mission For Christians May Be The Most Mundane

            Brett McCracken

Christians must not conceive of mission as only that which takes us far from home or into harm’s way. Too often, would-be missionaries are energized by the possibility of going across the world to minister to unreached people groups but are not energized by the prospect of going across town to engage in cross-cultural mission with local unreached immigrant or minority communities.

Young, restless church leaders are writing books and attending conferences about urban ministry in London, New York or Buenos Aires. But who is getting excited about planting churches in Midwestern suburbia, rural Appalachia or the tiny towns that dot the farmland in flyover country? Arguably these forgotten, unsexy frontiers of mission are some of the places where gospel-centered, Spirit-empowered church planting is most needed.  READ MORE…

Lay Aside Your Misplaced Fear

               Jon Bloom

If I feared less, I would love more — both God and people. But it is just as true that if I feared more, I would love more — both God and people.

I’ve been praying for a while for God to align my affections and desires with his. And, based on my decades of experience pursuing God, one of the telltale signs that he’s answering my prayers is that I’m forced to face numerous situations and decisions that incite fear — the kind of fear that makes me want to withdraw from the bold words and deeds of love in Jesus’ name that these situations and decisions require. I’m learning that facing such fear, as much as I dislike it, is precisely what I need.

I could almost wish I was a fearless Christian. But there is no such thing as a fearless Christian. READ MORE…

More About Jesus I Would Know

               Kyle Sims

I have found that if you mention theology around some folks they will head towards the door. A lot of people are not interested in how their salvation works. They just want to be end-users. They want to be saved but do not want to know the ins and outs of that salvation. They just want to believe in Jesus and be good. Often I think this is what churches have catered to in their teaching and programs.

My childhood church taught me the simple basics of who Jesus is and that He died for me. They taught me the need to surrender my life to Jesus and trust in Him. What I did not learn was how to express that faith or the theological underpinnings that uphold our faith. While I can remember lessons about the Bible stories and some theological truths like repentance, there was little focus on who God is or how Jesus’ death and resurrection really saved us from our sin. We knew that faith in Jesus saved us, but we had no understanding of how Jesus saved us. A lot of people have the same ideas about their cars. They know how to make them work. They know how to start them, drive them, and turn them off, but they really do not have any idea how they operate other than they use gas. READ MORE…

Blessings,

Pastor Mark                                                                                                                                       

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

“In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.” J. Gresham Machen

“When Christ calls a man – he bids him come and die.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Good evening brothers and sisters,

This past Tuesday evening, a number of us were treated to a very helpful and interesting presentation of the ministry in which Mike McCabe is/was engaged. I say “was” for the simple reason that, at this point, he has no idea whether or not he and his family will be allowed back into China. Things are in great flux at this juncture.

While the persecution of Christians in China is not widespread at this point, China’s current Premier, Li Keqiang, seemingly, is committed to eradicating Christianity in his country. More and more pressure is being put on various “unregistered” churches. Of course we understand that trying to get rid of Christianity is a fool’s errand. Better to try to stop the waves of the ocean from crashing upon the shore than to try to stop the spread of Christianity. Historically, intense persecution of Christians has resulted in even greater growth.

Mike gave us a glorious example of just that sort of response to persecution. One of the churches he was involved with was forced out of their building and all of their property, including a library of in excess of 3,800 books, was confiscated. This dispersion of the believers there led to the establishment of two churches of about 100 each. Within six months, each church grew to about 200 members. Due to space limitations, each of those 2 churches planted another church of about 100 each. All 4 churches continue to grow so that within 3 years, there were 4 churches, each with a membership of roughly 200 members. Clearly, the action of shutting down the first of these churches did not have the desired effect. Rather it led to the formation of 4 churches, each the size of the original church. So much for stamping out Christianity in China.

This Lord’s Day we will be giving consideration to the second of three nouns from our Vision Statement that serve to identify the means by which we may reflect the glory of God. We exist to reflect the glory of God in our passion for, our devotion to and exaltation of Lord Jesus Christ. We will be addressing the question, “What does devotion to Christ look like…what will it entail?” I will get the completed Order of Worship out to you in the next day or so.

Please be sure to pray for Pastor Tim. Tomorrow evening he will be interviewed and examined by members of the Candidates and Credentials Committee of  POH…Presbytery of Ohio. This is a crucial piece of the puzzle in finalizing our call to him to be the next pastor of CCOPC. That interview and examination will take place in Columbus, OH at Grace OPC. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. If any of you want to make the trek over, you are more than welcome to do so. Our Presbytery meetings are always open to anyone unless sensitive material is to be discussed.

Each year the Lebanon public library comes out two times (once in June and again in July) to use our building for a story time for any children in the area. They always leave a good number of books for various age groups. This year they (apparently) were not cleared to do the story time but they were permitted to bring out books to our building. Soo0, on the pew sitting in the middle entrance, you will find a goodly number of books that are free for the taking…first come, first served. I cannot vouch for the quality or content of any of those books so, parents, you will need to exercise due diligence in making sure the content is appropriate. This is the last date these books will be available. What remains will go to Goodwill.

Please remember that this Lord’s Day is Feet ‘n Eat at Turkey Run State Park. Brian has secured the Newby Gulch Shelter for us. It looks like we’re going to have decent weather, although a bit on the warmish side, but no complaints here.

The following Lord’s Day (July 7) our Fellowship Meal will have a “cookout” theme. Yes, that means exactly what you think it means. Weather permitting, we will be outdoors. The Deacons will provide the burgers and dogs then each family can bring a couple of side dishes to share with one another. To be on safe side, you might also bring whatever condiments your family perfers. As always, be sure to bring enough to feed your family.  Also, be sure to bring chairs, blankets, etc. to sit on as we “picnic” together. If the weather does not cooperate, we will still plan on grilling outdoors but eating indoors. I’m not sure who the chefs are that will be doing the grilling, but we have several “grill masters” in our midst.

Announcements/Calendar

·        June 30–Feet ‘n Eat at Turkey Run State Park

·        July 7– Fellowship Meal…the theme for July’s pitch-in will be “cookout”

·        July 14–Young Adults Fellowship Group

·        July 21–Adults Fellowship Group (westsiders)

·        July 28–Neighborhood Fellowship

Classic/Encouraging Quotes

All the blessings we enjoy are Divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors.― John Calvin

God will try our faith before he satisfies our sight.― William Bates

God is honoured by our scrupulous obedience. —Alec Motyer

Despite what our culture tells you, real joy is not found in listening to yourself; it’s found in listening intently to God. —Matt Smethurst

We pursue sexual sin not because our hedonism is too strong but because our hunger for pleasure is so small we settle for a cheap imitation of the real thing: porn. —Benjamin Vrbicek

Suffering is not an embarrassment to the Christian faith. It is the thread with which Christ’s name is stitched into our lives. —Rebecca McLaughlin

Christ calls human beings to humble, but not to stifle, their intellect. —John Stott

Important/Helpful/Challenging Links

Evangelical Evolution?

            Richard D. Phillips

Given what World Magazine once called a “major, well-funded push” to promote the acceptance of evolution among evangelical Christians, the case must be persuasively made against the compatibility of evolution and the Bible. In answer to a pro-evolutionary stance, I am one of those Bible teachers who believe that the implications of evolution involve sweeping changes to the Christian faith and life. 

While I appreciate the moderate spirit of many who want to find a way to accept evolution alongside the Bible, I find that the more radical voices are here more helpful.  For instance, I share the view of Peter Enns in the conclusion to his book The Evolution of Adam, writing that “evolution… cannot simply be grafted onto evangelical Christian faith as an add-on,” but requires a fundamental rethinking of doctrines pertaining to creation, humanity, sin, death, and salvation. READ MORE…

10 Things to Know about What the Bible Teaches on God and Human Government

            Justin Taylor 

The following is adapted from J. Budziszewski, Evangelicals in the Public Square: Four Formative Voices on Political Thought and Action (Baker Academic, 2006).  READ MORE…

Love & Believing the Best – Refresher

            Eric Davis

It was a few months after surgery and the bills started arriving. Thirty thousand for this, forty for that. My medical bills were racking up. Thankfully, the co-op to which I belong (and my godly wife) had a handle on things and were coming through in the clutch. But there was one reimbursement that was absent, and it was a big one. A check from a co-op member in the sum of several thousand dollars was supposed to come in to pay the hospital, but it was late. One month. Then two. I lost my cool on more than on occasion. “Where is that check?!” “Who is this person keeping us hanging like that?” “Don’t they know that we have six-figure bills here?”

Then my wife got the letter. Along with the check was an apology from the individual. “I am so sorry that this is late. I have cancer and am going through rounds of chemotherapy right now, and, because of that, have been experiencing memory loss.”  READ MORE…

Piper: No Desire to Read the Bible?

            Wes Bredenhof

I’ve learned a lot from this book so far, as I usually do from John Piper.  This excerpt here is the best part I’ve read so far.  It touches on something I’ve experienced and I imagine you have too.  He’s discussing the prayer of the psalmist in Psalm 119:36, “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain.”

Over the years in my pastoral ministry, many people have complained to me that they do not have motivation to read the Bible.  They have a sense of duty that they should, but the desire is not there.  It is remarkable how many of those people feel that the absence of the desire is the last nail in the coffin of joyful meditation on God’s word. READ MORE…

Why Men Can Speak on Abortion

            Aaron Brake

It seems silly this objection is given so much attention. Unfortunately, any male pro-life advocate involved in the abortion debate will eventually, at one time or another, hear something like the following protest from an abortion-choice female:

You’re a man. Men can’t get pregnant. Abortion is a women’s issue. Therefore, you can’t speak on abortion.

Or the more popular slogan, “No uterus, no opinion.” Pro-life advocates have been quick to offer persuasive rejoinders.  READ MORE…

The Heart of the Calvinist-Arminian Divide

            John Piper

Audio Transcript

Pastor John, today’s question will prompt a lot of thoughts about the distinction between Calvinism and Arminianism when it comes to the power of God’s grace. As listeners may know, you are hoping to finish up a big, new book project on God’s providence this summer. I know these questions about God’s sovereignty are on the front of your mind. Here’s the email.

“Hello, Pastor John! I’m a 26-year-old man in full-time ministry working primarily with collegiate golfers. In a recent Bible study, one of the older men in our group brought up the topic of ‘prevenient grace’ — the idea that the Holy Spirit enables everyone to potentially believe, if they choose to cooperate. I was unprepared in the moment. I am Reformed and believe wholly in the sovereignty of God in salvation. I believe we are saved by grace, through faith, and this faith is not our ‘own doing’ but is rather a ‘gift of God,’ coming to the elect from outside of us (Ephesians 2:8). But I was really unprepared to respond in that moment. I’d love to hear your answer. How do you address ‘prevenient grace’?” READ MORE…

Blessings,

Pastor Mark                                                                                                                                       

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

“In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.” J. Gresham Machen

“When Christ calls a man – he bids him come and die.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Good afternoon brothers and sisters,

As you will remember, back in early January I had surgery to repair a major tear in my rotator cuff. Progress has been agonizingly slow. My range of motion is nearly back to what was before I fell and badly injured my shoulder. So now strengthening the shoulder muscles around the rotator cuff is the order of the day. I’m anxious do more and more but my PT (physical therapist) keeps reining me in, slowing we down. I want to get back to Rock Steady but neither my PT nor the surgeon who repaired my shoulder think I’m ready for that yet. They want to see slow, steady progress and that is happening. But, then patience has never been my strong suit.

I tell you this because as I was reflecting on their approach to my regaining the needed strength to return to Rock Steady, it dawned on me that this is an apt metaphor for our spiritual growth as Christians. We want to rush ahead to the next step in our spiritual growth (whatever that step might be) instead of patiently waiting and learning what needs to be learned in this stage of our growing sanctification. We prefer mountaintop experiences rather than the slow methodical growth that is the product of laboring in the valleys of life. I’ve been to the Rocky Mountains at least 2 dozen times and while standing atop a 14,000 foot peak is exhilarating, there’s very little life in those higher elevations; all the lush growth is down the valleys. That is where our faith is tested and it is by means of that testing that we are strengthened for greater obedience to our Lord.

I know I’m mixing my metaphors here, but I trust the point is made. Spiritual growth, our growth in grace is slow but it is inexorable if we will but devote ourselves to the process. Would I prefer to be using a 25 pound dumbbell for my bent over shoulder rowing exercise rather than the measly 8 pounder I’m currently using? Certainly!! But I will get there if I stay the course, if I follow the path my PT has laid out for me. But it’s going to take time. And so it is with the path our Lord has laid out for us. Our progress on that path is sovereignly ordained. But that does not mean that we have no part to play. Paul says it this way in Colossians 1:29–To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

If we will daily trust our Lord to lead us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3), if we run with perseverance and endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1) then, as our path, as our course nears its destination, we can say with Paul I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I’ve kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

This Lord’s Day I’m going to begin a three-part series looking at the three actions described in our vision statement that serve to reflect the glory of God. The first way in which we may reflect His glory is in our passion for Christ.  Our primary text will be Philippians 3:7-14. I will get the Order of Worship out to you in the next day or so.

Things are moving ahead at a good pace for calling Pastor Tim as our next pastor. We have the date, place and time set for his interview and examination by the Presbytery of Ohio. It will be at Grace OPC in Columbus, Ohio. It will be on June 28 with a start time of 6:30 PM. Tim has already contacted the presbytery of which he is presently a member–the Presbytery of the Southwest. They have set a tentative date of either July 12 or 13 for their special meeting where they will officially release pastor Tim to the oversight of the Presbytery of Ohio. We are all learning some new dance steps here.

Please remember that Feet ‘n Eat is coming up in a couple of weeks.

Announcements/Calendar

·        June 15– Young Adults Fellowship Group

·        June 16–Adults Fellowship Group (westsiders)

·        June 17–Adults Fellowship Group (townies)

·        June 23–Neighborhood Fellowship

·        June 25–Mike and Lili McCabe (missionaries to China)

·        June 30–Feet ‘n Eat– Turkey Run State Park

Classic/Encouraging Quotes

It is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul.— Charles Spurgeon

Satan cannot deny but that great wonders have been wrought by prayer. As the spirit of prayer goes up, so his kingdom goes down. —William Gurnall

To desire revival… and at the same time to neglect (personal) prayer and devotion is to wish one way and walk another. —A.W. Tozer

A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian… and most of all, his family ought to know. —D.L. Moody

We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. —Oswald Chambers

Forgiveness does not restore credibility, and character must be seen as something that can be lost far easier than gained, much less restored. —Albert Mohler

Important/Helpful/Challenging Links

Confession ≠ Repentance

            Ty Gooch

It’s beautiful when Christians humbly confess their sin to one another and cling to the gospel yet again (James 4:7–10).

Maybe we were repulsed by our sin after a gospel-centered sermon, a Christ-anchored Bible study, or a meaningful time of prayer. Perhaps we’ve been confronted with our iniquity after a friend’s rebuke (Proverbs. 27:5), a spouse’s edifying correction (Ephesians 4:15, 25), or a time of self-examination during the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28). In these moments, the Holy Spirit gives a heart-wrenching conviction of sin that’s either newly uncovered or old and rusty. Emotional brokenness and convincing contrition quickly follow, and we’re suddenly in glorious agreement with God about our sin. READ MORE…

Old Books, New Books, and Trends That Fade Away: Lessons Learned From a Book Sale

            Luke Holmes

800,000. That’s how many books were for sale at the recent used book sale I went to. I make a point every year to attend the sale of the Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma City. All paperbacks were 50 cents and hardbacks were only a dollar!  You can’t find better bargains than these. People roll in suitcases, storage tubs, boxes, wagons, and I even saw one guy with a giant trash can. With all these books for sale, there are bound to be some treasures, right?  READ MORE…

When Sin Looks Delicious

            Tim Challies

Do you ever have those days where you just want to sin? Sin looks delicious while righteousness looks distasteful. Sin looks satisfying and holiness looks frustrating. You wake up in the morning with a desire to do what you know you should not desire to do. Your heart echoes with what God said to Cain: “Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you.” And your desire is for it.

What do you do on a day like that?  READ MORE…

You Can Hate Abortion and Love Women: What’s Under the Debate over Life

            Scott Klusendorf

Seeking adventure, you post the following syllogism to your social-media page and hang on for the ride:

Premise 1: It is wrong to intentionally kill innocent human beings. Premise 2: Abortion intentionally kills an innocent human being. Conclusion: Abortion is morally wrong.

Right away a friend is typing. Six minutes later, you have a string of comments, not all of them nice. “Why do you hate women?” “What are you doing for kids after they’re born?” “Do you have a uterus? If not, shut up!” You expected controversy, but marvel how a simple syllogism provoked such outrage. It feels like something else is going on here. Indeed it is.   READ MORE…

How a True Calvinist Fights

            John Newton

As you are likely to be engaged in controversy, and your love of truth is joined with a natural warmth of temper, my friendship makes me solicitous on your behalf. . . . I would have you more than a conqueror and to triumph not only over your adversary but over yourself.  If you cannot be vanquished, you may be wounded.  To preserve you from such wounds as might give you cause of weeping over your conquests, I would present you with some considerations. READ MORE…

Seven Encouraging Reasons to Pray

           Colin Smith

It may be in a hospital or at some other moment of crisis, but at some time most people feel that they want to pray. That is true of thousands and millions of people who would never darken the door of a church.

Here is something that the church has to offer. Christian people have something that at some point, most people in our community and in our country will feel that they need—to pray. Christians know how to pray, or at least we should.

But do we know why we pray? Here are seven reasons we pray which are meant to encourage you in your pursuit of Jesus Christ.  READ MORE…

Is God equally active in causing the salvation of the elect and the damnation of the reprobate?

See Dr. Robert Godfrey’s here…

Blessings,

Pastor Mark                                                                                                                                       

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

“In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.” J. Gresham Machen

“When Christ calls a man – he bids him come and die.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Good afternoon brothers and sisters,

Between Monday’s holiday, preparations for a very important congregational meeting and a wedding to attend on Saturday (which I’m sure a good number you will be attending as well) I’m running just a little bit behind. Soo, I’ll be brief this week.

I read one of the best descriptions I’ve ever seen of all that Christ suffered for us in order to merit our salvation. It asks and answers a truly foundation question, one all need to be able to answer correctly.  It appeared in a recent Grace Gem.

Why did Christ die at Calvary?

(Don Fortner)

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Hebrews 2:9-10

The most wondrous of all God’s works is the work of redemption. When we attempt to contemplate what that work involved, we are lost in astonishment. When we think of the unutterable depths of shame and sorrow into which the Lord of glory entered to save us, we are awed and staggered.

As we trace the path of our Savior from the throne of life to the tomb of death; and behold Him who was rich, for our sakes, becoming poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich–we cannot fathom the depths of the wonders before us.

We know that every step in the path of our Redeemer’s humiliation was ordained in the eternal purpose of God. Yet, it was a path of . . .
  immeasurable sorrow,
  unutterable anguish,
  ceaseless ignominy,
  bitter hatred, and
  relentless persecution.

It was a path that brought the Beloved Son of God, the Darling of Heaven, to suffer the painful, shameful death of the cross.

Who could have imagined such things as these?

Standing at the foot of the cross, I behold the Holy One . . .
  nailed to the cursed tree,
  covered with His own blood and the spit of an enraged mob,
  made to be sin,
  forsaken and cursed of God His Father.

Knowing that this is the work of God’s own hand, I am lost in astonishment!
I am filled with reverence and awe (2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13).

Awed as I am with reverence for my crucified Lord, still there is a question that I cannot suppress, a question that reason and sound judgment cannot fail to ask. The question is, WHY? Why did the Son of God suffer such a death? Why did God so torment His beloved Son and kill Him in such a horribly ignominious way?

Was it to save my soul? I know that He did so that I might live. He suffered, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring me to God. But was there no other way for the omnipotent God to save me?

Was all this done to demonstrate the greatness of God’s love to me? I know it was (Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:16; 4:9-10). But God could have revealed His love to me in some other way. Why did He slay His Son? What necessity was there for the Son of God to suffer and die upon the cursed tree?

Only one answer can be found to that question. The JUSTICE of God had to be satisfied. There was no necessity for God to save anyone. Salvation is altogether the free gift of His grace. But, having determined to save His elect from the ruins of fallen humanity, the only way God could save His people and forgive their sins was by the death of Christ. “Without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). The justice of God had to be satisfied, in order for God to save His people. And the only thing that could ever satisfy the justice of God is the blood of Christ!

This Lord’s Day, I will return to the theme of unity as found in Ephesians 4:1-6. I’m emphasizing this theme because of its great significance to that which we will do immediately following the morning worship service.

Following the benediction we will move from a worship service to a congregational meeting. The purpose of this meeting is, as you well know, to determine whether or not to extend a call to Rev. Tim McClymonds to be the next pastor of CCOPC. Brothers and sisters, we are at a critical juncture in the life of this church. What you decide at this meeting will have long-term repercussions…for the good we certainly hope.

I hope that every single member of Christ Covenant will be present to take part in this most crucial decision. All communicant members 18 years or older and only those who meet that criteria are permitted to vote. The vote will be by paper ballot. At least 80% of the votes cast must be in favor of extending this call to Pastor Tim but it would be

marvelous were the call to be unanimous. That would be a sign of tremendous unity. The order of worship is attached.

Following the congregation meeting will have our regular monthly fellowship meal. It is going to be glorious day for the body of Christ.

Announcements/Calendar

·        June 2–Special Congregational Meeting

·        June 2– Fellowship Meal

·        June 3–Adults Fellowship Group (townies)

·        June 9–Young Adults Fellowship Group

·        June 10–Ladies Meeting

·        June 16–Adults Fellowship Group (westsiders)

·        June 17–Adults Fellowship Group (townies)

·        June 23–Neighborhood Fellowship

·        June 25–Mike and Lili McCabe (missionaries to China)

·        June 30–Psalm/hymn sing (outdoors around a fire)

Classic/Encouraging Quotes

The chief aim of the enemy’s assaults is to get rid of Christ, to get rid of the atonement, to get rid of his suffering in the place of men. —C.H. Spurgeon

Our obedience is not the grounds of our relationship (with Jesus) but the overflow of it. —Jared Wilson

No temptations do hurt or harm the saints, so long as they are resisted by them. —Thomas Brooks

We must remind ourselves that God loves us, not because we are loveable, but because we are in Christ, and the love which the Father has for his Son flows over to us because we are in him. —Jerry Bridges

Shall a wicked master of a family think to maintain his authority over others while he rebels against the authority of God? —Richard Baxter

It is ever the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan’s work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. —C.H. Spurgeon

All the temptations that befall the saints shall be sanctified to them by a hand of love. —Thomas Brooks

Important/Helpful/Challenging Links

Pursue Integrity Relentlessly

            John MacArthur

A small item I read in the news twenty years ago has stuck in my mind ever since. The Rockdale County High School Bulldogs basketball team of Conyers, Georgia, won their first-ever state championship in March of 1987, rolling over all their opponents. After eighteen years of coaching the team without a championship, coach Cleveland Stroud was ecstatic.

But a few weeks after the championship game, Coach Stroud was doing a routine review of his players’ grades when he discovered that one of his third‑string players had failed some courses, rendering the player academically ineligible for the basketball team.

The struggling student was by no means a factor in the team’s victory. He was an underclassman who suited up for games but hadn’t actually seen any playing time all season. During one of the semifinal matches, however, with the team leading by more than 20 points, Coach Stroud wanted to give every player an opportunity to participate. He had put that player in the game for less than 45 seconds. The ineligible man had scored no points. His participation had in no way affected the outcome of the game. But it was, technically, a violation of state eligibility standards.  READ MORE…

It’s Submission, Not Subjection

            Tim Challies

The Bible has a lot to say about submission. It’s a theme, a command, that appears with regularity. Christians are told to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Wives are instructed to submit to their own husbands (Ephesians 5:22). Church members are directed to submit to their pastors (Hebrews 13:17). In summary, we are all to submit to God in every way (James 4:7) because all authority ultimately flows down from him (Romans 13:2). It turns out that our submission to people is indistinguishable from our submission to God.

Submission is a tricky concept made all the more difficult by our naturally sinful rebellion to the very notion of it. Submission is simply acknowledging sources of authority and arranging ourselves accordingly. However, we are all quite convinced we can get along perfectly well without ceding to authority. We understand how others might need that kind of leadership, but we sure don’t! This rebellion begins in infancy and continues to death. We hate to submit to people because we hate to submit to God. Just as submission to people is a facet of our submission to God, rebellion against people is a facet of our rebellion against God.  READ MORE…

The Night That Took My Wife: How Grief Imprisoned Us to Grace

            Reid Karr

If I could have known somehow that the Lord would call my wife, Kyra, home to be with him, I would have begged him to take me instead. Our girls were only six, four, and two. What hope did I have of raising them alone? The thought was unthinkable. It simply didn’t make sense.

But, as we know all too well, the Lord’s ways are often not our ways. So, on August 14, 2015, I woke up to a new reality and a new, previously unthinkable world, one which did not include my precious wife to live and walk and parent alongside. READ MORE…https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-night-that-took-my-wife

Was George Whitefield a Christian?

DEALING WITH THE TAINTED LEGACY OF AMERICAN HISTORY’S GREATEST PREACHER

            Jared C. Wilson

“Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.” Exodus 21:16

What are we to make of evangelicalism’s historical “heroes” who carry with them still a tainted legacy of sin? Such is the question constantly facing the American Church as we contemplate the theological and evangelistic impact of men like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, both of whom owned and, at points, defended the sinful institution of chattel slavery.

Both of these men leave behind an incredible record of gospel-rich theology and preaching. There is a reason we still study their work today and why many of us find much in it that edifies and stirs our affections for Christ. Many are reluctant to admit the great sin of these figures, believing that doing so may eradicate their contributions to church history. Many of course readily admit the great sin of these figures for the very purpose of indicting their contributions to church history. Still others assert we must accept all of their contributions, good and bad, as the consequence of honest historical appraisal. We must admit the good and the bad, because both the good and the bad we do leave their own legacies. Certainly the historical evil of slavery continues to impact American society today.

READ MORE…

Not Forgotten

            Jamie Dean

When Patrick Mead took his father, Bill Mead, to live in a dementia care facility the week after Thanksgiving, he taped a note to his dad’s door. Mead wanted the staff members to know about the new resident in Room 14, even if his father couldn’t tell them himself.

“My name is Bill Mead,” the letter began. “I was born in abject poverty. I became a warrior (U.S. Navy, Korea War era). I then laid aside my weapons and became a minister and missionary. I traveled the world, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. …

“I am slowly leaving this earth for my heavenly home. This may take a while. Thank you for remembering who I was and who I am. I am a man, a warrior, a missionary, a father, a friend, and so much more. And I have one more river to cross.”   READ MORE…

ABORTION AND EUGENICS

            Clarence Thomas

In the Supreme Court’s May 28 decision in Box v. Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, the Court declined to review an Indiana law prohibiting abortions on the basis of race, sex, or disability. Justice Clarence Thomas’s concurring opinion, excerpted below, describes the connections between abortion advocacy and eugenics, and the ways in which abortion is a tool of modern-day eugenicists.

This case highlights the fact that abortion is an act rife with the potential for eugenic manipulation. From the beginning, birth control and abortion were promoted as means of effectuating eugenics. Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger was particularly open about the fact that birth control could be used for eugenic purposes. These arguments about the eugenic potential for birth control apply with even greater force to abortion, which can be used to target specific children with unwanted characteristics. Even after World War II, future Planned Parenthood President Alan Guttmacher and other abortion advocates endorsed abortion for eugenic reasons and promoted it as a means of controlling the population and improving its quality. As explained below, a growing body of evidence suggests that eugenic goals are already being realized through abortion. READ MORE…

The view from ‘Doralzuela’: How refugees at ground level describe socialism’s latest failure. Will young Americans listen?

            Marvin Olasky

It’s 1,376 miles from Caracas, Venezuela, to Doral, a Miami suburb now known as Doralzuela because so many refugees from the world’s latest socialist experiment now huddle here, yearning to be free.

They come in the footsteps of refugees who fled Cuba in the 1960s, when Peter, Paul and Mary were singing in coffeehouses, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” Each verse concluded, “When will they ever learn?” That question should now be addressed to fans of socialism and socialist candidates.

The 20th century was a century of education. We learned what happened when ambitious politicians from 1917 through 1949 in three of the world’s most powerful nations—Russia, Germany, and China—used socialist hopes to gain power. Soviet socialism probably killed 20 million and Chinese socialism 65 million. The butcher’s bill for Germany’s National Socialists (commonly known as Nazis) may have totaled 70 million lives.  READ MORE…

IN PRAISE OF FAITHFUL ENDURANCE

            Jeremy Writebol 

I love how Captain America says that with a bloodied lip and bruised cheek. And as he gets back up, dusts himself off, and pulls the straps of his shield tighter around his arm he jumps back into battle, never willing to give up.

The ethos behind this kind of endurance is rare among us today, especially in the church. Too often, many churches are like revolving doors: people come in, stay a while, find something that bothers them, and then move along to the next church.

I don’t say that to pass blame. There are many good reasons to leave one church and find another. Nor do I intend to say that this problem only exists among non-staff members. However, ministry does require resolve, and those who are in it for the long haul encourage others to faithfully endure.  READ MORE…

Blessings,

Pastor Mark                                                                                                                                       

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

“In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.” J. Gresham Machen

“When Christ calls a man – he bids him come and die.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer