Norfolkman

Philemon - A Great Example to all Believers.

2012-02-12T20:08:00.000Z

If you really taketime to consider the characters we see in scripture you will notice that thereare many who set a fine example for others. One such person was Philemon andhis short letter in the New Testament reveals a picture of an outstandingChristian man. Philemon stands as a great example for all believers.

Philemon’s commitmentis seen in four striking facts.

1. Philemon was so committed to Christ that hewas counted "beloved" by Paul himself. And even more than this, Paulcalls him "dearly beloved" a brother in the Lord who was held ever soclose to the heart of Paul. But even this is not all that Paul said.

Note the strikingtitle that Paul used for himself: "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ."This is a most unusual opening for Paul's letters. He usually opened hisletters by establishing his apostleship, saying that he was "Paul, theapostle of Jesus Christ." Philemon must have been a dear friend of Paul's,a friend who recognized God's call to Paul, a friend who loved and supportedPaul so much that Paul did not have to establish his call to the ministry forPhilemon. Philemon was a beloved friend and supporter of Paul, one who was socommitted to Christ that he was counted as beloved by one of God's choiceservants, Paul himself.

2. Philemon was so committed to Christ that hewas a labourer for Christ. He served Christ diligently, and note: he labouredso diligently that Paul calls him a fellow-labourer. He was working sofaithfully for Christ that Paul could acknowledge his labour and count him as afellow-labourer, as working as diligently as Paul himself in the cause ofChrist.

What a dynamic testimony: to beworking so hard for Christ that one could be counted as a fellow-labourer withPaul! What a challenge for us! May God grant that we be stirred to serve Christever so diligently?

3. Philemon was so committed to Christ that herooted his family in Christ. Apphia was apparently the wife of Philemon andArchippus the son of Philemon. Note that Archippus is addressed as a fellowsoldier of Paul. This must mean that at some point in his life he had actuallyserved with Paul on some mission campaign. He was apparently the pastor of theColossian church (Col. 4:17).

The point to see isthe dedication of this family to Christ. Philemon, as the husband and father,had rooted his family in Christ and led them to serve Christ. He had evensupported his son's call and decision to serve Christ in the ministry. He wasso committed to Christ that he took his responsibility to be the spiritual headof the family seriously—very seriously. And from all evidence, his wifesupported him in his call to be the spiritual head of the family.

What we see here is a dynamicexample for Christian families: fathers, mothers, and children each living forChrist and fulfilling his and her function and duty within the family.

4. Philemon was so committed to Christ that heopened his home to the church. Remember that the early church did not havechurch sanctuaries to meet in; they met in homes of faithful and committedbelievers. Philemon loved Christ so much that he was willing to open his homenight after night and week after week for believers to worship and study God'sWord together.

How many today would open their homethis much for the church? How many love Christ enough to open their home on aregular basis enough to forget their tiredness and the housecleaning required?Enough to sacrifice relaxation, rest, and family time together?

But although Philemonwas a good example, he had two basic needs.

1. He needed grace: Grace is probably the mostmeaningful word in the language of men. The Bible means something far more thanmen mean by grace. To men the word "grace" means three things.

1. Grace is that something, that quality within a thing that is beautifulor joyful. It may be the fragrance of a flower, the rich green of the grass,the beauty of a lovely person.

2. Grace is anything that has loveliness. It may be a thought, an act, aword, a person.

3. Grace is a gift, a favour that someone might extend to a friend. Thefavour is always freely done, expecting nothing in return, and the favour isalways done for a friend.

However, when theearly Christians looked at what God had done for men, they had to add a deeperand much richer meaning to the word grace. You see, God had saved sinners,those who had acted against Him. Therefore, grace became the favour of Godshowered upon men—men who did not deserve His favour.

Grace became thekindness and love that God freely gives to His enemies—men who are...

"Without strength" (Romans5:6).
"Ungodly" (Romans 5:6)

"Sinners" (Romans 5:8)

"Enemies" (Romans 5:10).

No other word soexpresses the depth and richness of the heart and mind of God. This is thedistinctive difference between God's grace and man's grace. Whereas mansometimes does favours for his friends and thereby can be said to be gracious,God has done a thing unheard of among men: He has given His very own Son to diefor His enemies

2. He needed peace: Peace means to be bound, joined, and woventogether. It means to be assured, confident, and secure in the love and care ofGod. It means to sense and know that God will...

guide
provide

strengthen

sustain

deliver

encourage

empower

bless

But again, note thatpeace comes only from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. In order tohave the peace of God and Christ, a person has to have a strong confession...

First in God as the Father of theLord Jesus Christ.

And then in Jesus as the Lord JesusChrist.

The Father and Christalone can bring peace to the hearts of men, and that peace can be given only tothose who come to God for peace. The Father and Christ cannot give peace to aperson who does not come to God for it.

In verse 6 we seesomething else that Philemon needed, it was prayer. This is actually the prayerthat every strong believer needs. The verse is somewhat complex because it hasso much packed into one verse. Simply stated, Paul is asking God to helpPhilemon to share his faith more and more effectively.

Note that "everygood thing" is said to be in Philemon. It is those good things that Paulprays for others to acknowledge and desire in their own lives. What are thosegood things? They would, no doubt, be the fruit of the Spirit. If we could alldisplay such good things in our lives what an effective witness we would have,and what glory would be brought to the Lord through our lives.

Digeus Registry Cleaner

2012-02-10T21:06:00.002Z

Digeus Registry Cleaner speeds up your computer by cleaning errors in your Windows. It removes the junk that accumulates in your Windows Registry, fixes Windows errors which results in speeding up your computer. With Digeus Registry Cleaner you just need a few mouse clicks and your computer will become as good as a brand new one.

Key features of this product are:

* Removes unused and invalid entries
* Speeds up boot up time
* Fixes Windows errors which results in speeding up your computer
* Eliminates BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)
* Invaluable when your system starts crashing, hangs, freezes and works slow
* This is one of the most popular registry cleaners on the Internet

Here are links to screenshots of Digeus Registry Cleaner:
<a href="http://www.digeus.com/products/regcleaner/registry-cleaner.html">Digeus Registry Cleaner</a> ?

If there is one product that I am happy to endorse on this blog, it is Digeus Registry Cleaner, I have personally used this for sometime now and have found it to be of great value.

Damnable heresies invading the Church | Fighting the culture of corruption

2012-02-04T10:49:00.000Z

Damnable heresies invading the Church | Fighting the culture of corruption

The Prayer of The Arminian Concerning His Free Will by C. H. Spurgeon : Calvinism Is The Gospel

2012-02-03T10:04:00.000Z

Let us not condemn those who think differently than we do ...... PRAY FOR THEM ...... that the Holy Spirit will illuminate the truth of scripture to them.

The Prayer of The Arminian Concerning His Free Will by C. H. Spurgeon : Calvinism Is The Gospel

Doctrines of Grace - Irresistible Grace

2012-02-03T09:54:00.000Z

Doctrines of Grace - Irresistible Grace

William Gadsby - Biography

2011-12-14T12:37:00.001Z

I have just concluded reading "William Gadsby" by B. A. Ramsbottom, in his day the popularity of this great pastor and preacher was immense. This is the first full-length biography ever to appear and is the result of 30 years of painstaking and thorough research. I am not a member of any Gospel Standard Church, although I do have great sympathy with the majority of thier articles of faith, but it is plain to see from reading this book that William Gdasby was no Hyper-Calvinist or Antinomian, charges that were often made against him. This book represents the best £12.00 I have spent for a long time.

The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ

2011-12-10T11:25:00.001Z

In looking at the virgin birth of Christ,man needs to think deeply and honestly. Both are necessary: man must be honest,and he must engage in concentrated thought. One question needs to be asked. Whywould God's Son have to enter the world through a virgin? Or more simply put,why was Christ born of a virgin? Why was a virgin birth necessary?

1. The birth of God's Son required a miracle. He could not be born throughthe natural process as other men are. If He had been born as other men, Hisvery birth would indicate that He was no more than mere man. Very simply, anyperson who enters the world through a man and a woman is a mere man or a merewoman. He or she can be nothing more. But this is not so with Christ. Christalready existed. Therefore, if God willed to send His Son into the world, Hewould have to choose another way. All Christ needed was a body. As He Himselfsaid to God the Father: "A body hastthou prepared for me" (Hebrews 10:5).

2. The birth of God's Son required a combined act on God's part and onwoman's part. If God's Son was to become a man and identify with men, He had tocome through the process of conception through a woman. Why? Well because mancan only come through the woman. Therefore, if God willed to send His Son intothe world as a man, He would have to perform a miracle, causing Mary toconceive by an act of His divine power.

3. The birth of God's Son required a miraculous nature—both a divine natureand a human nature.

· Hehad to be born of a woman to partake of human nature. (Cp. Hebrews 2:14-18.)

· Hehad to be born by a miraculous act of God so as not to partake of man's corruption.This was critical if God’s people are to escape corruption and live forever.Think about it. Our faith must be in an incorruptible Saviour if we are to becovered by His incorruption. God had to identify with us by becoming one withus and by conquering our depraved and doomed nature.

4. The birth of God's Son required the birth of a perfect nature. Why? Wellbecause a perfect life needed to be lived. Righteousness, that is, perfection,needed to be secured. An Ideal Life (that is, a perfect, righteous life) had tobe lived so that it could stand for and cover God’s chosen people in perfectionand in righteousness. Honest thought confesses that no man has been or isperfect. Man comes short. His coming short of God's glory is tragicallypictured in the ultimate fate of life: death. But God acted. God did everythingto secure righteousness and perfection for His people. He took every step andperformed every act necessary to save His people from their sins and fromdeath.

This says at least four things.

a. As God-Man, Christ was able to consummate both the human and divine. Hehad the capacity and innate power not to sin. Therefore His Godly natureempowered Him to live righteously, never doing wrong and always choosing anddoing right. By living a sinless life, Christ was able to secure righteousness,the Ideal Righteousness that will cover and stand for God’s people.

b. As God-Man, Christ was also able to bear the sins and the judgment ofsin for all men. When He died, He died as the Perfect and Ideal Man. Therefore,His death is able to cover and stand for the people of God.

c. As God-Man, Christ was able to arise from the dead. Note the phenomenalwords: "...His [God's] son JesusChrist, our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh[that is, made a man]; and declared to be the Son of God with power, accordingto the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead" (Romans1:3-4). He lived a perfect and holy life by which He became the Perfect andIdeal Man; therefore, His resurrection covers and stands for God’s chosenpeople.

d. As God-Man, Christ was exalted to sit at the right hand of the Father—tolive eternally in the heavenly dimension of being, in God's very own presence.As the Perfect and Ideal Man, His exaltation into the heavenly or spiritualdimension is able to blaze the path into heaven for every man of God. Hisexaltation as the Ideal Man covers and stands for the exaltation of God’s elect.

English County Flags - Norfolk flag

2011-11-09T20:20:00.000Z

English County Flags - Norfolk flag

What has God done for those who believe in Him?

2011-10-26T20:13:00.000+01:00

Whathas God done for those who believe in Him?

A look at Colossians Chapter 1:12 – 14

This is one of the greatest passages ofScripture ever written …… Its importance cannot be overstressed …… It is apassage that reveals the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is supreme, above all both in His Personand in His work …… Who He is and what He has done for man can never be matched.

This is the purpose of this great passage,a passage that covers so much in twelve brief verses …… to show to the worldjust who Jesus Christ is. These two verses reveal that God has donethree great things for believers, things that are so great that they justexplode human imagination. If we diligently concentrate upon thesethree things …… then I can assure you that the depth of what God has done willerupt in the life of every true Christian that they will never be the same.

What has God done for all who truly believein Christ Jesus?

1. (1:12) God has given an inheritance

Before we proceed to discuss theinheritance, note two other points.

1.We have to be prepared, that is, qualified and made fit before we can receivethe inheritance …… A person is not qualified or fitto receive anything from God …… ESPECIALLY AN INHERITANCE, not in his presentsinful and corruptible state. If people are to ever receive aninheritance from God …… they first have to be made fit and acceptable to God.

2.Every believer shares the inheritance with all other saints in light…… Remember, saints simply means those who have set their lives apart to livefor God. As saints the believer has become apartaker of that which God has made them worthy of …… they have become fellowcitizens with the saints …… enjoying communion with them in this age of God’sgrace.

These saints are of the light …… incontrast to the darkness which is all around them …… light has been infusedinto them ……and this inheritance of theirs is in light. God is Light; therefore, when a personanswers the call of God on their life, they are turning their lives over toLight …… they to live and move and have their being in light, that is, in God. They are to walk in the light of GodHimself, so much so that they, that is every believer, is called the light ofthe world …… This is what is meant by "saints in light."

They are people who have committed theirlives to walk in the light of God …… Therefore, they are saints, persons setapart in the light of God.

3. God has given true believers an inheritance.What is the inheritance? ……Scripture describes the inheritance in the followingways.

a.We are heirs of eternal life.

"Thatbeing justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope ofeternal life" (Titus 3:7).

b.We are heirs of salvation.

"Arethey not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall beheirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14).

c. We are heirs of the promises made toAbraham …… that is, the promises to inherit the world and to be a citizen of agreat nation of people.

"Forthe promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or tohis seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith"(Romans 4:13).

d.We are heirs of glory.

"Andif children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so bethat we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans8:17).

e.We are heirs of righteousness.

"Byfaith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear,prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and becameheir of the righteousness which is by faith" (Hebrews 11:7).

f.We are heirs of the grace of life.

"Likewise,ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto thewife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace oflife; that your prayers be not hindered" (1 Peter3:7).

g.We are heirs of God's very special favour—heirs that shall stir the praise ofHis glory.

"Inwhom [Christ] also we have obtained an inheritance....that we should be to thepraise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ"(Ephesians. 1:11-12).

h.We are heirs of the reward, of the inheritance and all that it includes.

"Knowingthat of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye servethe Lord Christ" (Colossians. 3:24).

i.We are heirs of the eternal inheritance.

"Andfor this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death,for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament,they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance"(Hebrews 9:15).

j.We are heirs of an immortal and perfected body that shall be given us whenChrist returns.

"Nowthis I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God;neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery; weshall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinklingof an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shallbe raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must puton incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when thiscorruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put onimmortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death isswallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians. 15:50-54).

2. (1:13) God has delivered every trueChristian from the power of darkness and transferred them into the kingdom ofHis dear Son.

1. Note two things about the"powerof darkness."

a. The "power of darkness" indicatesthere is a kingdom, a realm, a world of darkness …… Darkness means just what isindicated …… a person is unable to see and understand or know anything that isgood.

THIS IS THE VERY SITUATION OF NATURAL MAN ……the man who HAS NOT BEEN DELIVERED from the world of darkness by God. The point to see is that darkness is arealm or a world in which the unbeliever lives and moves …… They never know thetruth concerning their life itself … nor anything of God …… they walk in a lifeand world of darkness, blinded from the truth.

b. The "power of darkness" alsoindicates that the darkness is not only a realm or world, but a power ……anactive power that enslaves men and stands in opposition to the light of God. The world of darkness is a kingdom inrebellion against God …… This is the very reason people struggle against God somuch …… It is difficult to imagine the antagonism of most people against God,yet it is true.

There is no way a rational creature wouldact like the unbeliever does unless he was enslaved by the power of darkness.

2.Note that it is God Himself who has delivered us from darkness.The word "delivered" means to rescue or snatch from darkness. A person lost in pitch black darkness ishopeless unless someone rescues him …… AND NOTE: he cannot be rescued by thosewho are lost in the same darkness as he is. No person who is in the world of darknesshas light, or else he would use the light to get out of the darkness.

This is the very reason God had to rescueman …… He alone is light; therefore, He alone could reach down and snatchpeople from the darkness. How did He do this? …… WELL:

3. God transferred us into the kingdom of Hisdear Son, into the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.We must always remember that the kingdom of Christ already exists. His rule and reign already exists in thespiritual world or spiritual dimension of being, that is, in heaven. His ruleand reign already exists in the hearts and lives of believers in this physicalworld or physical dimension of being. The message of the glorious gospel is thatGod has transferred the believer from the power of darkness into the kingdom ofHis dear Son.

3. (1:14) God has redeemed us, evenforgiven our sins.

The word "forgiveness" meansto send off, to send away, to release, to let go. The word for "sin" meanstransgression, trespass, a falling by the way, or deviating from the way.

Every person … Has transgressed the law ofGod ……. Has deviated from God ……Has fallen from the way of God.

Therefore, every person stands guilty ofhaving broken the law of God, and the penalty for breaking the law is death. However, the blood of Jesus Christ bringsforgiveness to men …… How? Jesus Christ died for sin …… He took the penalty of aperson’s sins and bore the punishment Himself. Therefore, the guilt and penalty for breakingGod's laws are completely removed …… The man's sins and guilt are sent away orwashed away by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Dear Friends …… if you are a true believerin the Lord Jesus Christ …… then let this be a reminder to you of what God, inHis grace has done for you.

The Rise of the Caf'e Church

2011-07-09T20:02:00.002+01:00

The other morningon the Breakfast programme on BBC television they introduced a group ofmusicians called “Penguin Café” …… personally despite the fact that that thisgroup of people have been around for several years, and their kind of music hasamassed quite a following, I have to say that I have never heard of them. Butas I sat and watched them while merrily munching my breakfast, I thought tomyself, what penguins or café’s got to do with music, I suppose that least youcan play music in a café, but where dose the penguin come in?

But life appears tobe full of such anomalies these days, where there appears to be little or noconnection with the name given. Take for instance the growing new approach toso called Christian Outreach known as the Café Church. Having never attendedsuch a service, if you can call it that, I can only go on what I have heardothers say about it. However, I came across several articles on the internetconcerning the growth of this new antic (sorry approach) within one the majordenominations this this country, here are a few:

“Sunday morning churchisn’t always an easy thing to key in to, especially if church is new to you oryou just want to see what it’s all about. Cafe church is an opportunity to comeand experience some great coffee, read the papers and meet new friends on aSunday morning amongst the cafe-atmosphere in a very different way towhat-you-might-expect. The chairs are arranged around tables, coffee is served all morning, andvarious things may take place throughout the morning which you can choose toengage with or ignore, however you feel most comfortable. Jargon-free, hoping to link up with you where youare today, cafe church is here to offer a real connection to what God may beable to say to you in your life here and now”.

“The Cafe church services are a different way of having'church'. People who come along sit around tables to chat over tea or coffeeabout a certain theme. We often have a speaker and have had some veryinteresting topics to think about recently including environmental issues, whyyoung people don't go to church (much!) and people talking about creativesubjects such as recording music. Sometimes our resident band (Spark Plugs) willplay some music as well”.

“Asits name suggests, the school hall is set out like a café, with doughnuts,cakes & biscuits on the tables, and drinks served when people arrive - andduring the service if required.The service is veryrelaxed & is usually on a specified theme. There is playdoh and paper& crayons on the tables to keep the children (and adults!) amused; andthere is opportunity throughout to write prayers and put in a post box or stickin a designated area. Children & adults are then invited to read these outnear the end. Halfway through the children usually do a small craft activitywhilst Phil does a talk or activity for the adults. This attempts to make theservice appropriate meaningful for young & old alike. Often the childrenare also asked to help act out a bible story. Café Church welcomesall age groups & we really don’t mind if children are noisy or very active- it all adds to the fun! We always need help with action songs! Above all ouraim is to offer an encounter with God in a friendly and relaxed setting”.

This “new approach” is happeningin all denominations, I know of several that take place in Norfolk in differentdenominations, but one has to ask what does drinking coffee, reading the paperand playing with playdoh have to do with worship, surely the purpose inattending worship is to worship God in a reverent and awe-inspiring way. Againhow does discussing environmental issues, why youngpeople don't go to church (much!) and people talking about creative subjectssuch as recording music, help people spiritually.

The bible clearlydeclares that the ordained way of people being converted is through thepreaching of the Word, and where the Word is not preached souls will not besaved. God has declared that His Word will not return unto Him void, but thatit will accomplish that for which it was sent, but that will only happen ifthat Word is preached clearly, faithfully and boldly.

Listen to what someof the great men of God from the past had to say about worship:

A.W.Tozer: Togreat sections of the church the art of worship has been lost entirely, and inits place has come that strange and foreign thing called the ‘program.’ Thisword has been borrowed from the stage and applied with sad wisdom to the typeof public service which now passes for worship among us.

William Temple: Worship is the submission ofall our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness; thenourishment of mind with His truth; the purifying of imagination by His Beauty;the opening of the heart to His love; the surrender of will to His purpose –and all of this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of whichour nature is capable and therefore the chief remedy for that self-centerednesswhich is our original sin and the source of all actual sin.

Contrary to what many modern people believe, wecan’t approach God any way we please. Trying to do so is extremely dangerous,as the Bible makes clear. In the Bible, God provides us with commands,instructions, examples, and stories to illustrate how he wants us to worshiphim. Our worship, therefore, is to be regulated by God himself through hisWord.

Wecome to encounter God’s glory, to be awe struck by his majesty. A worshipservice isn’t the place to showcase human talent but the place for God toshowcase his divine treasure. We gather not to be impressed by one another—butto be impressed by God and his mighty acts of salvation. We come to sing of whohe is and what he’s done. We come to hear his voice resounding in and throughhis Word. We come to feel the grief of our sin so that we can taste the gloryof his salvation. We gather to be magnificently defeated, flattened, and shrunkby the power and might of the living God. We can’t get all this in theatmosphere of an informal type of meeting.

A Definition of a Christian

2011-06-08T11:57:00.000+01:00

A Christian is born of God, engrafted into Christ, and aninhabitation for the Holy Spirit. His nature is renewed, his mind illumined,his spirit changed.

He is notwhat he was, for grace hath made a difference; he is not what he desires to be,for grace is not yet perfected; he is not what he shall be, for grace shall beconsummated in glory.

Theknowledge of Christ is his treasure; the mind of Christ his evidence; the loveof Christ his song; conformity to Christ his life; to be with Christ hispreeminent desire.

By faith herests on Christ, receives Christ, and looks to Christ. He heareth Christ’swords, treadeth in Christ’s steps, and seeketh Christ’s approbation.

He speaksthe language of the Saviour’s kingdom, reveres the Saviour’s statutes and laws,obeys his ordinances, wears his costume, and lives to his glory.

The life ofChrist within him is the principle of his being, and because Christ ever lives,he shall live also. In the Christian, Christ lives and speaks and acts.

He isChrist’s representative on earth, his witness before men, and his followerbefore God. The Christian hearkens to Christ’s teachings, rests on Christ’ssacrifice, avails himself of Christ’s meditation, and cheerfully obeys Christ’sroyal laws. He inquires what would Christ have me know, what do, and whatenjoy.

To knowChrist, is Christianity intellectual; to obey Christ, Christianity practical;to enjoy Christ, Christianity perfected. As bread to the hungry, as water tothe thirsty, as the rock in the sultry day, is Christ to the Christian.

TheChristian is in the world but not of it, among the world yet separate from it,passing through the world but without attachment to it.

TheChristian is a man and may err, an imperfect man and may sin, but a renewed manand shall have his fruits unto holiness and in the end everlasting life.

TheChristian is a warrior and must fight; but he is a conqueror and must prevail.

TheChristian sojourns on earth but dwells in heaven; a pilgrim in the desert butan enrolled denizen of the skies.

TheChristian is the impress of Christ, the reflection of the Father, and thetemple of the Holy Ghost.

Contrasthim with the infidel in his faith, with the profligate in his life, with themerely moral in his heart, and with the Pharisee in his spirit. His pedigree,from Jehovah; his nature, from heaven; and his name, from Antioch. O Christian,great is thy dignity, refulgent thy glory, interminable thy blessed hope. Allthings art thine; thou art Christ’s and Christ is God’s.

— Author Unknown

I will spare them. - Malachi 3:17

2011-06-07T21:00:00.000+01:00

Precious assurance!But whom will the Lord spare? All His children, especially those who speak ofHis goodness, witness to His faithfulness, think upon His name, and honour Himbefore an evil generation. He says, "Theyshall be Mine, in that day when I make up My jewels, and I will spare them as afather spareth his obedient son."

If we are aiming atthe Lord's glory, and walking by the Lord's word, we have nothing to fear fromany of His dispensations. He will shield us from danger, sanctify our troubles,and secure our best interests. If we are living to His praise, we may safelyleave our wants and our comforts in His hands; He will supply the one andpreserve the other.

He says, "Fear thou not, for I am withthee." "Bring every trouble to My throne, every want to My fulness; Iam EL-SHADDAI, God all-sufficient; enough in the absence of everyone andeverything. I am your God; I may punish the nations, but I will spare you.Believe this, and be happy. Rejoice in this, and you glorify Me. You are nomore a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an HEIR of God through Christ.Though I punish the world, I will spare you."

Jesus, my Saviour andmy Lord,

'Tis good to trustThy name;
Thy power, Thyfaithfulness, and love,
Will ever be thesame.

(The meditation from “The Believer's Daily Remembrancer”by Pastor James Smith for February10th)

Good Wishes

2010-12-20T11:57:00.000Z

May I take this opportunity to wish all who read this blog a very Happy Christmas and God's Richest Blessing for 2011

What Every Catholic Should Know - Main

2010-12-14T11:17:00.000Z

What Every Catholic Should Know - Main

Many people think that those of us who speak out about Roman Catholicism are in fact, anti Roman Catholics, that is far away from the truth, it is because we love and care for Roman Catholics that we speak out about Roman Catholicism. Christian love is about the well-being of the whole person, God is concerned about our body, mind and soul, and surely to see a person walking toward hell and judgement simply because we have not informed them that they are on the wrong road, is not an expression of Christian love.

The above web site is a hive of information that every Roman Catholic should know. As the introduction to the site says: "Today, many Roman Catholics do not know what official Roman Catholic teaching is or what it means to be called Catholic. In light of this, many are unaware that numerous contradictions exist between the Bible and the Catholic faith. This web site has been designed to help you understand both Official Catholic teaching and the truth found in the Holy Bible".

I would encourage both Roman Catholics and non-Roman Catholics to take time to look at this site and to consider carefully its contents.

Philip Doddridge - The Good Doctor

2010-12-09T20:24:00.000Z

Philip Doddridge was the youngest of 20 children, he attended Kingston Grammar School at St. Albans, and a nonconformist academy in Kibworth, Leicestershire, England. He went on to become one of the “dissenting” clergy. He was pastor of an independent congregation and tutor of a seminary for dissenting ministers at Northampton from 1739 until his death.My friend and author and pastor of Norwich Reformed Church, Dr Alan Clifford, wrote a book on Doddridge as a Tercentenary Tribute which he entitled "The Good Doctor".

Philip Doddridge was first a minister of the gospel, a calling that he considered "the most desirable employment in the world", but he was also a prolific hymn writer, he wrote a great many hymns including this beautiful one concerning the grace of God.

Grace, 'Tis a charming sound.

Grace, ’tis a charming sound,
Harmonious to mine ear;
Heaven with the echo shall resound,
And all the earth shall hear.

Grace first contrived the way
To save rebellious man;
And all the steps that grace display
Which drew the wondrous plan.

Grace first inscribed my name
In God’s eternal book;
’Twas grace that gave me to the Lamb,
Who all my sorrows took.

Grace led my roving feet
To tread the heavenly road;
And new supplies each hour I meet,
While pressing on to God.
Grace taught my soul to pray
And made mine eyes o’erflow;
’Twas grace which kept me to this day,
And will not let me go.

Grace all the work shall crown,
Through everlasting days;
It lays in heaven the topmost stone,
And well deserves the praise.

O let Thy grace inspire
My soul with strength divine
My all my powers to Thee aspire,
And all my days be Thine.

Dr John Gill - Staunch Calvinistic Baptist Theologian and Pastor

2010-11-26T12:08:00.000Z

John Gill was an English Baptist pastor, biblical scholar, and theologian who held to a staunch Calvinistic Soteriology. Born on the 23^rd November 1697 in Kettering, Northamptonshire, he attended Kettering Grammar School where he mastered the Latin classics and learned Greek by age 11. He continued self-study in everything from logic to Hebrew, his love for the latter remaining throughout his life.

At the age of about 12, Gill heard a sermon from his pastor, William Wallis, on the text, "And the Lord called unto Adam, and said unto him, where art thou?" (Genesis 3:9). The message stayed with Gill and eventually led to his conversion. It was not until seven years later that he made a public profession when he was 18.

His first pastoral work was as an intern assisting John Davis at Higham Ferrers in 1718 at age 21. He became pastor at the Strict Baptist church at Goat Yard Chapel, Horsleydown, Southwark in 1719. His pastorate lasted 51 years. In 1757 his congregation needed larger premises and moved to a Carter Lane, St. Olave’s Street, Southwark.

Gill was one of several emanate Baptist Pastor’s and Preachers who pastored this church others being Benjamin Keach, later the church become the New Park Street Chapel and then the Metropolitan Tabernacle pastored by Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

John Gill was the first major writing Baptist theologian, and his work has continued to influence those who wish a clear understanding of the biblical text into the 21st century. I must confess that I have several of Dr Gill’s commentaries on by bookshelves, as well as on the hard disc of my computer. I think it is fair to say that his “A Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity” which he lived to see finished and published, shows his profound, clear, and extensive understanding in the mysteries of God; the respective branches of practical religion; the nature, use, and extent of the divine law and the positive institutions of Jesus Christ. In my humble opinion it is a masterpiece of theological thought, and far surpasses any other form of Systematic Theology.

Perhaps, no man has written so largely, in defence of the system of GRACE: and, certainly, no man has treated that momentous subject, in all its branches, more closely, judiciously and successfully as John Gill. Of course people like John Gill often cause controversy because of their forthright views, and John Gill was not shielded from this, in fact he has been charged as being a hyper-Calvinist. This accusation came about because of his doctrine of the eternal justification of the elect. Gill always stressed that being justified, meant ‘having been accounted righteous’ rather than ‘having attained righteousness’.

It is argued that all this alleged heresy forced Gill and his flock, to lose their evangelistic impulse resulting in declining vigour in the churches under his influence. However, Gill was no Hyper-Calvinist but a great Reformed 18th century defender of orthodoxy and a Baptist apologist, although he is still being displayed in modern British evangelical circles as a Hyper-Calvinist heretic with not an ounce of evangelical acumen in him. One contributor writing on this subject on the Puritan Board web site posed the question: “Would a hyper-Calvinist urge his church members to support the preaching of George Whitefield at the park down the road?” which evidentially he did.

People like John Gill will forever be bathed in controversy, especially if those reading him find what he has to say collides with their own viewpoint, however, to many of us Dr John Gill will remain a source of vital information, stimulation and guidance. Gill passed into the fuller presence of his Lord on the 14^th October 1771.

The Word - Jesus Christ, Son of God

2010-11-26T11:30:00.000Z

The Word (logos) is Jesus Christ. The Apostle John, when writing his gospel faced a serious problem in writing to the Gentiles, that is, the non-Jewish world. Most Gentiles had never heard of the Messiah or the Saviour who was expected by the Jews. The idea was foreign to them. However, the Messiah was the very centre of Christianity. How was John going to present Christ so that a Gentile could understand?

The answer lay in the idea of the Word, for the Word was understood by both Gentile and Jew. The Jews saw a word as something more than a mere sound. A word was something active and existing. It was power—it possessed the power to express something, to do something. This is seen in the many Old Testament references where The Word of God was seen as the creative power of God, the power that made the world and gave light and life to every man.

John proclaimed firmly that Jesus Christ was the Word. John saw that a word is the expression of an idea, a thought, an image in the mind of a person. He saw that a word describes what is in the mind of a person. Thus, he proclaimed that in the life of Jesus Christ, God was speaking to the world, speaking and demonstrating just what He wanted to say to man.

To John God had given us much more than mere words in the Holy Scriptures. God has given us Jesus Christ, The Word. As The Word, Jesus Christ was the picture, the expression, the pattern, the very image of what God wished to say to man. The very image within God's mind of the Ideal Man was demonstrated in the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was the perfect expression of all that God wishes man to be. Jesus Christ was God's utterance, God's speech, God's Word to man. Jesus Christ was the Word of God who came down to earth in human flesh to bring man into a face to face relationship with God. Jesus was the Word of God who came to earth to live out the written Word of God.

The fact is that Jesus Christ is the Mind, the Reason, and the Power that both made and keeps things in their proper order. He is the creative and sustaining Mind, the Supreme Reason, and the unlimited Power. Jesus Christ is the Light, the Illumination, and the Power that penetrates the darkness of the world. He, the Life and Light of the world, is what makes sense of the world and enables men to understand the world.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory”

Walking with God - A Poem by William Cowper

2010-10-08T12:07:00.001+01:00

Oh! for a closer walk with GOD,
     A calm and heav'nly frame;
A light to shine upon the road
     That leads me to the Lamb!

Where is the blessedness I knew
     When first I saw the LORD?
Where is the soul-refreshing view
     Of JESUS, and his word?

What peaceful hours I once enjoy'd
     How sweet their mem'ry still!
But they have left an aching void,
     The world can never fill.

Return, O holy Dove, return,
     Sweet messenger of rest;
I hate the sins that made thee mourn,
     And drove thee from my breast.

The dearest idol I have known,
     Whate'er that idol be;
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
     And worship only thee.

So shall my walk be close with GOD,
     Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
     That leads me to the Lamb.

William Cowper ( who pronounced his name Cooper) spent his last years in my home town of Dereham in Norfolk U.K. The house he lived in was situated in the Market Place in the town, sadly it was demolished and a Congregational Church now stands in it's place. The church has taken Cowper's name and calls it's self Cowper Memorial Congregational Church. Cowper's funeral took place at mid-night in the local parish church where a stained glass window has been installed to his memory.

Reverence for God

2010-10-05T22:31:00.000+01:00

Clause 10 of Affirmation 2010 commences with the statement:

We affirm the concept of reverence for God. Scripture distinguishes between servile fear which is little more than fear of God’s wrath and punishment and filial fear which is an holy disposition formed in our souls by the Holy Spiritwhereby we are enabled properly to respond to God’s infinite excellence- His greatness and goodness. This is the grace which believers are called upon to exercise. It is awe, wonder, and profound respect before God, manifesting itself in a variety of ways, including strict regard to His revealed will, abhorrence of what is evil or unworthy, watchfulness over heart and life, sincerity, seriousness and diligence in His service,withholding nothing from Him, hope in the divine mercy alone^,and a deep, strong desire for His presence and favour. This deep veneration for God must be especially evident in the church’s worshipwherein God is not only recognized as the heavenly Majesty, but He is also honoured and praised as such.

It is part of a true Christian character that proper expression of a reverent attitude toward God reveals the character of the heart. The greater our character, the greater our reverence toward God will be. On the other hand, many have become so casual in attitude toward sacred things that they have a blurred view of who God is. David clearly expressed God's attitude toward His children’s irreverence: "Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself." (Psalm 50:21) Many have lost sight of Almighty God’s greatness, and they consider Him to be no greater than themselves. Perhaps we have gotten so immersed in the world, and so absorbed by that which is foul, that real reverence is almost impossible. Whatever the cause, we must understand God's attitude toward this lack of respect and honour that is due Him. We must examine our own lives for any evidence of such dishonour, and if we find such evidence, seek to change our attitudes toward God.

Not only does God demand reverence from the individual, but He also demands it from the entire church. David wrote, "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him." (Psalm 89:7) Under the New Covenant, God also demands and expects reverence from His children. "But let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:40) "Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well pleasing to God with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28) That we should show the greatest reverence possible toward God should be the purpose of our life and certainly the purpose of the worship we offer Him.

A further evidence of disrespect and irreverence toward God can be seen in what we wear to worship God. Many Christians attend the worship services dressed as they would for going down the beach. Our clothes do send messages to God, and to others. Some, in an effort to suggest that our clothes do not send a message, quote 1 Samuel 16:7, "(Jehovah seeth) not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart." However, by what we do, and even by what we wear, we vividly reveal what is in our hearts (Matthew 15:18-20).

We read in Proverbs, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: " (Proverbs 23: 7) What are we saying about this glorious occasion of worship, about our attitude toward our Creator? Rarely do we see people dressed in casual attire when they attend a wedding or funeral. People realize that such occasions call for more formal attire. Should it be any less formal for our Lord when we assemble to worship Him? No one is suggesting a strict dress code; however, our attire should reflect the dignity associated with the purpose for which we have come together. The problem is that church leaders are often the worst offenders, I am aware of deacons serving at the Lord's Table wearing shorts and tee shirt.

Further evidence of disrespect and lack of reverence exists when people applaud and cheer in worship to God. Sadly this has become the norm in many churches when a person is baptised into Christ. This has nothing to do with scripture, it is purely human, secular logic. Some of the more outlandish things that have taken place in worship is a pastor riding his motor bike up the isle to the pulpit, another is a pastor changing from his formal ware into beach wear in the pulpit, and another pastor taking delivery of a pizza while in the pulpit, both during what was termed as the "sermon".

So called drama and dance have taken place the preaching in many churches and the Word of God has almost been sidelined, then of cause there are the "entertainers" whose antics would not be acceptable on the stage of a public theatre, let alone in the house of God. Of course, we have to admit that predominately what the world sees is an apostate church, led by people who have shown by their actions that their profession of faith is very questionable, and that their reverence for God is non existent.

WHY DID CHRIST DIE?

2010-09-29T19:26:00.000+01:00

William Gadsby

1773 - 1844

According to some people, Christ died to give all a chance of being saved! I do not know that I hate anything more in my soul than to hear that. It makes Jesus Christ so little--that He should do so much, and after all only to get us a chance of being saved.

Why, if a man is set up in business, you see how often it happens that he fails in it; and if man cannot manage the paltry things of time and sense without being insolvent, what will he do with eternal realities? And if you come a little closer, when God "made man upright" and he had no sinful nature, what did he do with his innocence? He lost it all! And yet poor presumptuous man has the vanity to think you and I could manage the chance of being saved.

What an insult it is to the Lord Jesus Christ to fix the eternal honor of God upon chance, and that chance to be managed by a poor sinful creature who is tumbling into half a dozen holes every hour of his life! NO, NO. Thanks be to God for immortal realities and certainties.

WHAT IS SAID CONCERNING WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE?

He has "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself;" He has "finished transgression and made an end of sin;" He has "redeemed us from all iniquity;" He has "redeemed us from the curse of the law," from destruction and from the power of the devil; He has "obtained eternal redemption for us;" He has "redeemed us to God." To the honor of the Eternal Trinity it is said, not that the redeemed shall have a chance, but that the redeemed shall "come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

The Lord Jesus Christ has done this "great" work; and He has gone to heaven shouting "Victory," for "God is gone up with a shout; the Lord with the sound of a trumpet." He rose from the grave as a demonstrative proof that sin was destroyed, law satisfied, God honored, His people eternally and everlastingly saved. And the immortal honors of God unite in their salvation; therefore, He ever lives at the right hand of the Father to make intercession.

William Gadsby (1773-1844) for 38 years was pastor of the Strict Baptist church at Manchester, England and a well-known preacher in his day. He complied a selection of hymns including many of his own composition and published them in a hymn-book which is still used by congregations today.

THAT WAS A SURPRISE BOR!

2010-09-29T11:11:00.001+01:00

Earlier this year former neighbours of ours at Toftwood, Colin and June Burliegh, received an invitation to attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Place, with the Queen being in attendance. For your jollification below is an account of the visit by Colin.

THAT WUZ A SURPRISE, BOR!

THE BOY COLIN

JIST ARTER Christmas we gotta phun call from County Hall a’tellin’ onnus that we’d bin nominearted fer an invite ter Buckingham Palace ter hev a bitta tea longa Har Majesty. In May tha invite dropped trew tha letter box an’ Oi say ter tha Gal June, “Yar betta start lookin’ fer decent hat.” So she dun a bit a’scoutin’ around ter find a titfer fer the occearshun an’ cum up wi’ a rare good un. When she put it on Oi say tew har, “Yew look fit fer a Queen.” She say, “Well, yer silly fule, thass who we’re gornta see.”

Oi thowt we’d mearke a good little ow dew onnit and booked a hotel fer a cuppla noights. The fast noight we went ter the Palladium ter see a show and that wuz whooly good. The nexta day dawned sunny and hot as hell’s kitchen fire an’ we spent tha mornin’ a’sightseein’ afore we hidded back ter the hotel ter put on our glad rags. Stead a’walkin’ down the Mall we strolled trew St James’ Park where we got accorsted by some Yanks who suspected where we wuz heddin’ fer and arst if they could tearke some pitchers onnus. They reckon they cum from Texas so Oi say tew ’em, “Dew yew put one a’ them pitchers up on a pust agin yar ranch that’ll froighten orf any cattle rustlers”. Blast, bor, didn’t they hev a larf.

We hatta queue up ter git inter the Palace but when we walked through the house ter get ter the garden we hed a garp at summa them pitchers and farniture they’re got in thare. Toime we wuz a hevvin’ some refreshments (Yis, them cucumber sandwiches dew hev the crusts cut orf onnem) a bloke, orl dun up ter tha noines, got torkin’ tew us and wanted ter know orl about us, where we wuz from and what we dew. That wuz a surprise, bor! When Oi told him Oi wuz yar Chairman fer three yare his lugs pricked up. “Hev yew ever met Har Majesty?” he say. “Blast, bor, that Oi hen't,” Oi say. He reckoned he’d see what he could dew about it and, blow me down, about twetty minutes learter the Gal June and Oi wuz a’ hevvin’ a mardle longa tha Queen. She showed a rare interest in what FOND hev bin a’dewin’ and reckoned we’re dewin’ a good jarb and shun’t let our dialect die. She had a natter wi’ June ’bout har voluntry wark and congratulearted both onnus fer what we’re bin a’dewin, thow she din't say “Keep yew a’troshin”. She shooda dun cors we sent har Keith Skipper’s book ter larn orl that sorta stuff. That wuz a bloomin’ good dew, bor, a chance in a lifetoime an’ one we’ll allus remember.

Yis, an’ afore yew ask, we hev bin on our travels agin. We went a’croozin’ round the Mediterranean Sea and visited Monte Carlo, where Oi din’t breark tha bank but Oi did lose ma glarsses an’ spent tha resta tha haarldy sharin’ the Gal June’s. We hed a look round Florence an’ took in orl the plearces of interest, an’ the nexta day walked what seemed loike a hundred moile round Rome. We stopped fer a bitta pizza and a glarss a’ red woine near the Vatican. Oi say ter the wearter, “Blast, bor, this woine is strong!” He reckon the Pope drink that. No wonder they hatta carry him round in a chair!

Our two other ports we called at were in Corsica and Menorca and we wound up back in Majorca ter git our plearne back ter Norwich. We’d had yit another good ow dew but still hev the pin handy ter plunk inter tha map when the mood tearke us. Oi hev got another trip ter Jarmany at the end of August just ter put the tin lid on our RAF visits back thare. This’ll be the last ’un on account of us orl gittin past it, bor. Oi kin smell tha toost a’barnin’ so Oi better go. Fare yew well tergether.

Reproduced from the magazine of FOND (Friends of the Norfolk Dialect)

Banners of the Reformation

2010-09-24T20:47:00.000+01:00

At the Reformation the Gospel revelation was rediscovered and there shone again the Gospel of free and sovereign grace.

However, when thinking about this wonderful grace from the heart of God we need to note - that the grace of God is not something apart from God but rather it is God in operation in our hearts. Grace is God in the great redeeming act of love acting upon the sinful heart supernaturally and gloriously and thus bringing the heart into reconciliation with Him.

Grace is more than love. It is love triumphant over the righteous judgement of God's Holy Law against the sinner and making God, the Holy God, absolutely free to embrace the sinner through the sacrificial death of Christ. It is God absolutely, inflexibly, just yet the justifier of him who believes in Jesus.

The Gospel brings in a universal priesthood of all believers in Jesus Christ who have no part, and want no part, in sacrificial acts or ceremony. The only thing they offer up is praises to God. This then is the first of the Reformation banners: Grace Alone.

So what are the other banners that define Gospel of Grace?

Christ Alone

Christ alone is the righteousness which makes a chief of sinners acceptable and accepted by a Thrice Holy God.

The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith states:

“Christ by His obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are justified, and He did, by the sacrifice of Himself in the blood of His cross, undergoing in their stead the penalty due unto them, make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God’s justice in their behalf; yet, inasmuch as he was given by the father for them, and His obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead, and both freely, not for anything in them, their justification is only of free grace, that both the exact justice and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners”. (Chapter 11 clause 3)

So Christ through His precious blood has fully satisfied for all man’s sins, and delivered him from the power of the Devil, and so preserves him that without the will of his heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from his head.

Just think:

No one is loved by God but in Christ alone.

No one is chosen by God but in Christ alone.

No one is redeemed by God but in Christ alone.

No one is pardoned by God but in Christ alone.

No one is justified by God but in Christ alone.

No one is made righteous by God but in Christ alone.

No one is regenerated by God but in Christ alone.

No one is sanctified by God but in Christ alone.

No one is preserved by God but in Christ alone.

No one is glorified by God but in Christ alone.

No one is saved by God but in Christ alone.

Faith Alone

Faith is not itself salvation. It is rather the hand that takes the Saviour. It is the eye that beholds the Saviour. It is the arm that enables us to cling to the Saviour. It is the feet that bring us to the Saviour. It is the ear that listens to the Saviour.

Jesus Christ alone saves, but faith alone enables us to trust Him. Faith is the concentration on Jesus Christ to the exclusion of everything else, including self.

Faith is forsaking all, I trust in Him.

Faith alone enables me to see nothing but Christ.

Faith alone enables me to know nothing but Christ.

Faith alone enables me to trust nothing but Christ.

Faith alone enables me to cling to nothing but Christ.

Faith alone enables me to want nothing but Christ.

Glory to God Alone

The Bible gives all the glory to God and to God alone.

No wonder C. H. Spurgeon had printed in the preface of all his sermon volumes:

"To the one God of Heaven and Earth in the Trinity of His Sacred Persons be all honour and glory, world without end, Amen.

To the glorious father, as the covenant God of Israel;

To the gracious Son, the Redeemer of his people;

To the Holy Ghost, the Author of sanctification;

Be everlasting praise for that Gospel of the free grace of God."

True faith is that unbounded willingness to give God all the glory in saving my soul.

As John Calvin said:

"Nothing is more consistent with faith than to acknowledge ourselves naked of all virtue, that we may be clothed by God; empty of all good, that we may be filled by Him; lame, that we may be guided; weak, that we may be supported by Him; to divest ourselves of all ground of glorying, that He alone may be eminently glorious and that we may glory in Him."

Glory to God is not just something we seek to offer we come to worship, it is something that should radiate from the whole of our lives every minute of every day, when we reflect on what God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ, surely seeking to bring glory to Him should be the greatest desire of our lives.

These banners of the Reformation need to fly as high today as they did in Luther’s Calvin’s and Knox’s day.

(Thanks partly to the web site of EIPS)

Joseph Kinghorn - Respected Pastor and Author

2010-09-23T09:58:00.003+01:00

A Forgotten Well Respected and Eminent Particular Baptist Pastor and Author

Joseph Kinghorn of Norwich (1766-1832)

Joseph Kinghorn, an eminent and respected Particular Baptist pastor and author, was born at Gateshead - on - Tyne, Co Durham, England on January 17th 1766. A widely known and well respected figure in his own day, Kinghorn has been all but forgotten and overlooked by most of the literature dealing with Baptist history and thought, though he was for years in the forefront of the doctrinal controversies of the early nineteenth century. His life and influence are inseparable from the history of the Particular Baptist in England.

He was the eldest son of David Kinghorn, a shoemaker and Baptist preacher, and his second wife Elizabeth. In December of 1779, at the age of 14, Joseph was taken on a trial apprenticeship to a clock and watch-maker at Hull. Ill health forced a change, and he then removed to Elswick, near Newcastle, where in 1781 he became a clerk in the white lead works. He was lead to hope on the Lord's mercy in 1782, and requested to be baptised as a believer in Jesus Christ. In April of 1783, his father baptised him, bringing him into the congregation at Bishop-Burton.

Joseph expressed an earnest desire to enter the ministry, and with his father's consent, on August 20th 1784, he entered the Baptist Academy at Bristol, then under the direction of Dr. Caleb Evans. Dr. Evans characterised Joseph Kinghorn as "a young man who merits everything that has been said of him. Joseph was a sound scholar, an able, though not what may be called a brilliant preacher, and of the amiable disposition in the world".

In mid-may of 1786, Joseph Kinghorn left Bristol to supply as a preacher three Sundays at Fairford, Gloucestershire, after spending six months on probation with the church in Fairford he then had the rare advantage of spending his entire ministerial career in one church, shepherding one people.

In 1789 Joseph Kinghorn entered his charge at St Mary's Baptist Church, Norwich, and from that place he devoted some forty years of successful labour for the Lord, sadly it was while he was still full of energy for the kingdom that after a short period of severe illness he passed into the fuller presence of the Lord.

Joseph Kinghorn made a lasting impression on the congregation at Norwich and after his death his memory was regarded with the most hallowed and deepest affection by all who had come to know him. He was a man who was endeared by his righteousness character and his conduct, his countenance and his manner of dress was something that many ministers today could learn from with their casual approach to both matters, he certainly left an indelible impression on all who had seen him on only one occasion.

It is recorded at a young friend said of him, using a perhaps excusable embellishment, "If anyone had told me that Mr Kinghorn had been one of the Apostles, I should have believed him".

Joseph Kinghorn is regarded as one of the great figures of the Baptist movement. he was a prolific author, writing on important subjects of the Christian faith. He was also a decided Baptist of strong, settled convictions, and a very able defender of the closed-communion principle regarding the Lord's Supper. In 1816, he entered into the communion controversy, renewed by Robert Hall Jr., who publicly advocated that the churches adopt open-communion, in a pamphlet printed in 1815.

Though Kinghorn's works are mostly of a controversial nature, they are marked by careful, close reasoning, and a gracious spirit. He endeavoured, as he wrote, to "speak the truth in love." "I am a perpendicular man," was the way he described himself. Kinghorn swayed neither to the right hand nor to the left, none can thoughtfully read his compositions without profit. His advice and counsel were often sought for, and, as Martin Wilkin wrote, "Points of interest or difficulty occurring in the neighbouring Baptist churches were usually submitted to him for solution, and the ministers of those churches looked up to him for direction".

Joseph Kinghorn had a special interest in bringing the Gospel to the Jews, and was thought to be second only to John Gill in his knowledge of the Hebrew language and rabbinical literature. His sermons preached to the Jews reflect his deep concern for their lost condition, and he earnestly set forth Jesus Christ as the Messiah, and the only Saviour.

Joseph Kinghorn's useful life came to an end on Saturday evening, September 1st 1832. He was 66 years old. Of his death Martin Wilkin wrote:

"The news of Mr Kinghorn's sudden and
unexpected removal was a severe stroke to all
who knew him, and they felt that his place
would indeed never be supplied. It was said
by an evangelical clergyman in the county,
on hearing it, "if half Norwich had died the
loss would not have been so much felt."

A heritage plaque marks his home at the Grapes Hill end of Pottergate. Kinghorn was a great supporter of the American Colonies in their struggle for independence and also, at least in the early years, of the French Revolution.

System Optimizer from Digeus Software

2010-08-18T15:55:00.000+01:00

Very really do I have the inclination or the time come to that to review such things as Computer Software, over the years I have purchased all kinds of software, some have fulfilled their purpose, some I have to say have been a disappointment. However, System Optimizer does what it says on the box, this not just one product but nine all rolled into one, if you are looking for a reliable Registry Cleaner or you are looking to remove those Junk Files and Duplicate Files then I can recommend System Optimizer. I was literally amazed at the amount of free disc space and memory that I have retrieved, and there is no doubt that my computer works a great deal better. Why not take a look for yourself, just click on the title of this post and it will take you direct to the page, you can try it out free for 14 days (with limitations) the purchase price has been reduced from $78.59 to $39.99 at today's exchange rate that is £25.65 for what in practice is nine products in one.

Steve Chalke and Education

2010-08-11T12:14:00.000+01:00

Recently the Baptist Times published the transcript of an interview that had been given to them by the Rev Steve Chalke, Baptist Minister and Director of Oasis Trust. The interviewer commenced the account of the interview with these words by Steve Chalke; "New Government legislation further freeing education from local authority control is an opportunity for more Christians to run schools - but they must do so with the best interests of not just the pupils but the wider community in mind" ... Steve Chalk added, "narrow doctrines had no place among education providers, and he welcomed the possibility of atheist Richard Dawkings setting up a school although if it was a place where he could ram atheism down people's throats then I would be very much against it".

It is rather naive of Mr Chalke to think that if Richard Dawkins did finance the building of a school he would countenance the teaching of Christianty which he so much abhors, in the same way that a Christian body or individual would require a bible based Christian ethos in their school.

One has to wonder what Mr Chalke means by his comments concerning narrow doctrines, to me there are no "narrow doctrines" only biblical doctrines, but then again we have seen from past experience that Mr Chalke appears to have little regard to biblical doctrine, his comments on the sacrifice of Christ being "cosmic child abuse" goes to show his liberal tenancies toward biblical doctrine.

Mr Chalke, apart from being Director of Oasis Trust is also the chief executive of Oasis Community Learning, which runs 11 academies with a Christian ethos, a 12th such academy is due to open in Oldham in September. Mr Chalke states that "Oasis academies are friends with the authorities, they work with other local schools and share resources, while the religious education teaching encompasses all major faiths".

Mr Chalke considers that as churches, we are best when we work together, and at our worst when we are partisan. If we are governed by small points of doctrine, we will only add to the dangers that are inherent". This is typical liberal, ecumenical, all roads lead to Rome speak, when will true evangelicals who support the work of Steve Chalke, open their eyes to his true theological standpoint, how can any one support this man and still "contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints".

The Triune Presence

2010-07-21T11:41:00.000+01:00

( A Birthday or New Year Hymn)

"Certainly I will be with thee" - Exodus 3:12

"Certainly I will be with thee!" Father, I have found it true:

To thy faithfulness and mercy I would set my seal anew.

All the year Thy grace hath kept me, Thou my help indeed hast been,

Marvellous the loving-kindness every day and hour hath seen.

"Certainly I will be with thee!" Let me feel it, Saviour dear,

Let me know that Thou art with me, very precious, very near.

On this day of solemn pausing, with Thyself all longing still,

Let Thy pardon, let Thy presence, let Thy peace my spirit fill.

"Certainly I will be with thee!" Blessed Spirit, come to me,

Rest upon me, dwell within me, let my heart Thy temple be;

Through the trackless year before me, Holy One, with me Abide!

Teach me, comfort me, and calm me, be my ever present Guide.

"Certainly I will be with thee!" Starry promise in the night!

All uncertainties, like shadows, flee away before its light.

"Certainly I will be with thee!" He hath spoken: I have heard!

True of old, and true this moment, I will trust Jehovah's word.

(This was sent to me by a member of my congregation who has had a birthday this week)

Be Still by Rev. James Smith

2010-07-20T19:33:00.000+01:00

THIS most precious Psalm has been a source of blessing to many of the Lord’s people. It is in general the language of one deeply taught of God, living in close communion with God, and therefore exercising strong confidence in God. Rising above second causes, God is seen working, supplying, and making his people happy. The most terrible convulsions are supposed, but faith remains firm. An invitation to behold the works of God is given, especially His victories over his warlike foes. Then the Lord himself interposes, he appears in his majesty, he speaks with authority, he commands silence, he says – “BE STILL.” He will be known, acknowledged, and exalted. His glory shall cover the heavens, and the earth shall be filled with His praise. Let us hear God speak, and seek grace to profit by His words.

“BE STILL.” That is, fret not. Do the wicked prosper, do thy enemies increase, do thy foes prevail? Are thy circumstances trying, perplexing, and painful? “Fret not thyself.” There is no cause for it. There is no good to be gotten by it. Thy God knows all about it. He wisely orders it. He intends to glorify Himself by it. It is for trial, for the trial of your graces and principles.

“BE STILL.” Complain not. Israel in the desert met with sore trials, with great privation, with painful mortifications; but we read that “when the people complained, it displeased the LORD.” And as the Lord was displeased with complaining Israel, so will He be displeased with thee; and if displeased He will hide his face, withhold His comforts, and perhaps close His hand. They had little cause to complain if they looked back to what they were in Egypt, or forward to what was before them in Canaan. Just so with us, what cause can we have to complain? What were we? Where are we? What should we have been but for the grace of God?
Complain! Nothing can be more unseemly. Nothing can be more ungrateful.

“BE STILL.” That is, kick not against God’s dealings. His purposes are like mountains of brass, on them we can make no impression, but we may greatly injure ourselves. His providence is a great deep; we may sail over it, but we can never fathom it, or divert its course. Art thou wiser than God? Would you counsel Him whose understanding is infinite? Resistance is folly. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.

“BE STILL.” That is, yield thyself unto God. Bow to His sovereignty. Submit to His rule. Acquiesce in His will. Be not like dead matter, or a lifeless corpse. But submit yourself unto God, as one that is alive from the dead.

“BE STILL.” That is, be silent before the Lord. The Psalmist said, “I was dumb, and opened not my mouth, because thou didst it” (Psalm 39:9). This was wise. This was becoming. Look at Israel’s priest, his two sons were slain by one stroke, by from the Lord, “And Aaron held his peace” (Leviticus 10:3). Deeply did he feel. Nature in him was the same as nature in us, and therefore when Moses afterwards reproved him for apparent neglect, he said, “Such things have befallen me” (10:19). Such things! Such uncommon things! Such painful, such distressing things! Yet he replied not. He held his peace. Believer, whatever loss you sustain. Whatever cross you are called to bear. Whatever rivers of trouble you may have to wade through, be silent. Keep thy mouth as it were with a bridle. Utter not one word of complaint or repining, but bow like the pliant willow branch to the breeze.

“BE STILL.” That is, wait. God will not he hurried. He will not have His work hastened. Lay thyself at His feet. Watch at the posts of His doors. Say with the tried Church of old, “I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him” (Isaiah 8:17). The Lord will appear. Circumstances will change. It will be all right in the end. Lay thyself at the Lord’s feet. Watch the Lord's hand. Expect the fulfilment of the promise, and an will be well.

“BE STILL,” for God is working. He is the great Agent, whoever and whatever may be the instruments. He leaves nothing to chance. There is no contingency with Him. He works according to a settled plan, and with a fixed end in view. While God is working, you are to be still, be silent; it will end better than you expect, as well as you could wish.

“BE STILL,” for God will overrule. The things that appear most against you, will be overruled for your good. The end will crown the whole. God would not order this if He did not intend to benefit you, and get glory to himself. His hand turns the wheel. His eye watches the whole of the machinery. His wisdom will bring sweet out of bitter, light out of darkness, and good out of evil.

“BE STILL,” for God will explain. He says to you, as Jesus to his disciples, “What I do, thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter” (John 13:7). Now we are to believe, to walk by faith, not by sight. The promise is to be our stay, and the presence of God our solace. Eventually every dark cloud will be dispersed, every mystery will be explained, every difficulty will be cleared up. “Now we know in part, and we prophecy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. Then shall we know, even as also we are known.” Let us then be still. God commands us, assured that He seeks our comfort, and will make all things work together for our good. Whatever storms may gather, whatever foes may arise, whatever may befall you, whatever difficulties you may meet with, hear the words of the Lord, “BE STILL.” Precious Lord Jesus, who didst command the winds, and the waves on the lake of Galilee, speak to my troubled tempest-tossed soul, and say, “Peace, be still,” and there shall be “a great calm.”

(Down the years many Christians have been grateful, and have gained great comfort and blessing from Rev James Smith's "Daily Remembrancer". At present the book is unavailable pending a further reprint, but it is a welcome addition to any personal library.)

The Pastor's Business Card

2010-07-15T15:20:00.000+01:00

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20' on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, 'Genesis 3:10..'

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.' Genesis 3:10 reads, 'I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked.'

Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones?

They still are! Pass it on

'A cheerful heart is good medicine' (Prov. 17:22)

AV 1611 Metal Lapel Pin Badge

2010-07-14T12:44:00.001+01:00

In view of the 400th Anniversary pending of the completion and first printing of the A.V. (King James) Bible, Hethersett Independent Reformed Baptist Church have had manufactured a small (16mm across) metal lapel badge, coloured gold with black print.

This badge has been available from other sources in the past, but recently became unavailable due to the manufacture closing down, we are pleased that we have found another badge manufacture to supply them for us. So many A.V. users, including myself, have been wearing the badge for some time.

The real benefit of wearing this badge is the opportunity it gives to witness to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. People are naturally inquisitive, and I have had many ask me what AV 1611 means, which opens the gate for witness, and with the 400th Anniversary in 2011 what better way to witness and to promote the A. V. Bible.

The Badges are priced at £2.20 each (including p&p) and can be purchased through my own personal web site, www.theforceoftruth.com

If you are a lover of the A.V. then take this opportunity to make know the best English translation of the Bible ever printed ......WEAR THE BADGE.

First Britons arrived here 950,000 years ago - and lived in Norfolk | Mail Online

2010-07-08T09:24:00.000+01:00

First Britons arrived here 950,000 years ago - and lived in Norfolk | Mail Online

Well I never, another report with a new theory about the age of man in Briton ...... My grandchildren could have told you who the most ancient Norfolk Man is!

Strange that all these reports contradict each other, as though their findings are better than the one before ...... The only true report is found in Genesis which gives the age of man at just over six thousand years old ...... Old fashioned I may be ... but I am a stickler for the truth ...... As Martin Luther stated "Here I stand, I can do no more".

Arm Yourself With The Mind Of Christ

2010-07-06T14:26:00.001+01:00

Arm Yourself With The Mind Of Christ

1 Peter 4:1-6

(4:1-6) Introduction

Living for Jesus Christ is not easy …… When we live for Christ, really live righteous and godly lives …… the unbelievers of the world often reject us.

They want little to do with pure righteousness and pure godliness …… A godly life convicts them and demands that they live like God or else face His judgement. Therefore, the world often ridicules, mocks, abuses, and sometimes kills the genuine believer.

How can the believer handle and conquer such persecution when he is so unjustly treated? …… There is one way: ….. he should arm himself with the mind of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ suffered persecution and He suffered persecution to the ultimate degree …… He has shown us how to handle and conquer persecution …… Therefore, arm yourself with the mind of Christ.

1. It is dying to self, denying oneself, ceasing from sin (v.1).

2. It is doing God's will for the rest of one's days (v.2).

3. It is being fed up with sin, knowing that one has sinned enough (v.3).

4. It is bearing the strange look by the world (v.4-5).

5. It is following the example of those gone before (v.6).

1. (4:1) Arm yourself with the mind of Christ.

What does this mean? …… First, it means to die to self; to deny oneself …… Jesus Christ denied Himself to the ultimate degree: He suffered for us in the flesh …… Jesus Christ lived a pure and righteous life and men persecuted Him for it.

v But He bore the humiliation, ridicule, mockery, beatings, and even death in order to please God and to save men.

In the flesh He did not want to suffer …… He had a flesh just like ours, the flesh of humanity; therefore, His flesh wanted and desired to escape the abuse of men (cp. Hebrews 2:14-15) …… But Jesus Christ denied Himself and went ahead and did the will of God.

The exhortation is strong:

Now, you do the same thing …… Arm yourself with the mind of Christ …… You are in warfare with the desires and lusts of the flesh and they are going to destroy you unless you conquer them.

v Therefore, you must arm yourself; you must put on the armour that will protect you. What is that armour?

It is “The mind of Christ” ……The very same mind that delivered and saved Christ …… Christ kept His mind and thoughts upon righteousness and salvation …… Therefore, Christ gave Himself up—denied Himself—and suffered for us …… We must do the same: …… we must keep our minds upon righteousness and salvation.

We must die to self and suffer for Christ …… We must become identified with Christ in His self-denial and suffering of death …… We must identify with Him by denying ourselves and suffering for His name.

Jesus Christ denied the desires of the flesh in order to please God and to save us …… We are to do the same; we are to deny the desires of the flesh in order to please God and save men …… We do this by keeping our thoughts upon the suffering and self-denial of Christ.

Note one other significant fact: the person who suffers in the flesh has "ceased from sin." …….What does this mean? …… When the world persecutes us, we do not want to suffer and bear the judgement of ridicule, mockery, and abuse of men.

v Now if we give in to the fleshly desires and go along with the world, we sin and doom ourselves. But if we arm ourselves with the mind of Christ, deny our fleshly desires and suffer for Christ and for the salvation of men, then we deny sin.

We do just what Christ did: we deny sin and live righteously …… Our suffering for Christ has delivered us from sin and it has caused us to cease from sin …… We have done the right thing, and in doing the right thing, we are delivered from sin …… We are living righteously—all for Christ and His cause.

Another way to say the same thing is this: the person who suffers for Christ has chosen to identify himself with Christ …… He has chosen to deny himself and his fleshly desires and to identify himself with Christ and His sufferings of death …… Therefore, in suffering for Christ, the person is not sinning; he is living righteously.

Note this: the more a person suffers for Christ, the closer he becomes to Christ; …… and the closer he becomes to Christ, the more the desires and lusts of the flesh (sin) lose their appeal and power
over the person.

2. (4:2) Second, we are to do the will of God—do it for the rest of your days.

Note that the phrase "lusts of men" is plural …… It is the picture of the believer being pulled every which way by different persons or groups …… The believer is being pulled to live like the world lives …… fulfilling the desires and lusts of the flesh.

Men lust after the pleasures and possessions of the world...... Lusting after these things is not the will of God. God's will is for believers to live pure and righteous lives and to focus upon proclaiming the gospel of eternal life to a lost and dying world.

v Genuine believers do this …… They do not make the lusts and desires of men the rule of their lives. The rule of their lives is God.

v And note the Scripture: they have committed the rest of their days to the will of God.

This is what the mind of Christ means: just as Christ was totally committed to the will of God, so we are totally committed to the will of God …… Just as His thoughts were consumed with God's will, so our thoughts are consumed with God's will.

We arm ourselves with the very mind of Christ: we become consumed in mind and thought with the will of God, not with the lusts of men …… We focus and concentrate upon living righteous lives and upon carrying the gospel to every person in the world (cp. 1 Peter 4:6).

3. (4:3) Third, we are to become fed up with sin, knowing that one has sinned enough.

The believer's life is divided into two parts: his old life and his new life.

Note the force of this verse: in his old life, he sinned enough …… He has already followed the desires and lusts of the ungodly (Gentiles) enough.

He has already worked the will of the ungodly. He has walked after them, walked just as they walk, and enough is enough. The believer is no longer to fulfil the desires of the flesh.

Note that six sins in particular are mentioned.

1. Lasciviousness: filthiness, indecency, shamelessness, license, without restraint …… A chief characteristic of the behaviour is open and shameless indecency …… It means unrestrained evil thoughts and behaviour.

It is giving in to brutish and lustful desires, a readiness for any pleasure …… It is a man who knows no restraint, a man who has sinned so much that he no longer cares what people say or think …… It is something far more distasteful than just doing wrong.

The man who misbehaves usually tries to hide his wrong, but a lascivious man does not care who knows about his exploits or shame …… He wants; therefore he seeks to take and gratify …… Decency and opinion do not matter …… Initially when he began to sin, he did as all men do: he misbehaved in secret.

But eventually, the sin got the best of him—to the point that he no longer cared who saw or knew …… He became the subject of a master—the master of habit, of the thing itself.

Men become the slaves of such things as unbridled lust, wantonness … licentiousness … outrageousness … shamelessness … insolence (Mark 7:22); wanton manners … filthy words … indecent body movements, immoral handling of males and females (Romans 13:13); public display of affection … carnality … gluttony … sexual immorality.

2. Lusts: the word means strong desire or craving and passion; it means that the pull of sin is sometimes very, very strong …… All men know what it is to lust after things, after more and more …… and never to be satisfied even after the things are secured.

3. Excess of wine or drunkenness: excess amounts of wine, drunkenness …… It would include taking drink or drugs to affect one's senses for lust or pleasure; becoming tipsy or intoxicated … partaking of drugs … seeking to loosen moral restraint for bodily pleasure.

4. Revelling: carousing … uncontrolled license … indulgence … and pleasure; taking part in wild parties or in drinking parties or in orgies; lying around indulging in feeding the lusts of the flesh.

5. Banqueting: drinking parties; partying and getting drunk.

6. Abominable idolatries: the worship of idols, whether mental or made by man's hands …… the worship of some idea of what God is like …… of an image of God within a person's mind …… the giving of one's primary devotion (time and energy) to something other than God.

These are the sins of the old nature …… they have part in the new creation brought about by God through His Son Jesus Christ, and the operation of the Holy Spirit.

4. (4:4-5) Fourth, we are to bear the strange look of the world.

This fact is easily understood and it is often experienced by believers.

The worldly just cannot understand...

v Why a genuine believer separates himself from the world and does not participate in its pleasures and in getting all of the possessions he can.

Why a genuine believer gives all he is and has to spreading the gospel around the world and meeting the desperate needs of the world.

This is particularly true if the believer participated in the pleasures and ways of the world before his conversion. Once he has been converted and begins to separate himself from his old life …… his former associates begin to look at him as a strange creature, and they often begin to speak evil of him.

v They ridicule, mock, and withdraw from him because he no longer shares with them in the drinking parties or in the crooked and covetous ways of the world.

Note: the worldly and ungodly shall be judged. They shall give an account to Christ for all their ridicule … abuse … and persecution of believers …… And Scripture is clear: Christ is ready to judge both the living and the dead.

5. (4:6) Fifth, we are to follow the example of believers who have gone before.

God is going to judge the world …… This is the reason He has seen to it that the gospel be preached.

And note: the gospel was preached to believers who have already died.

v The gospel was preached in order to judge them while they were still men in the flesh: ……preached to condemn them for living after the sinful and fleshly ways of men …… preached to convict them of sin, and righteousness, and judgement.

v The gospel was preached in order to give them life, a spiritual life, a life that is just like God's life; a life that has the power to live in the spirit forever and ever, to live just like God …… a life that is eternal …… a life that is eternal just like God's life.

The point is this: believers who have gone on heard the gospel …… They heard the judgment and condemnation of the gospel while they were living on earth, and they accepted the gospel …… Therefore, they shall escape the judgement to come (1 Peter 4:5).

v They now live with God, possessing the very life of God Himself which is eternal life …… They shall live forever and ever with God …… It is this that we are to keep our minds upon.

We are to arm ourselves with the example of those who have gone on before …… We must let the gospel judge and convict us of sin, and we must repent ……. We must turn away from sin and turn to God.

When we so respond to the gospel, we receive the very life of God Himself …… We shall live with God forever and ever just like those who have gone on and now live in His presence.

(Notes of Sermon preached on Lord's Day evening 20th June 2010)

The Lamb's Book of Life by Rev. Malcolm H. Watts

2010-07-03T10:57:00.000+01:00

(Photo: Rev Malcolm H. Watts with Rev. David G. Farrow at Hethersett Baptist Church Anniversary - May 2009).

Books have been used from earliest times and, generally speaking, have served two purposes:

a. They have recorded facts.
Several books written for that reason are mentioned in the Bible. There is reference made, for example, to "the book of the wars of the LORD (Numbers 21:14) a book describing some of Israel's experiences in the wilderness; "the book of Jasher" (Joshua 10:13) - a book giving some account of Israel's heroes, together with their achievements; and "the book of the acts of Solomon" (1 Kings 11:41) - a book containing the public records of the kingdom. The keeping of books such as these evidently was not something peculiar to Israel, as we also read of "the book of the chronicles of the kings, of Media and Persia" (Esther 10:2; cf 2:23; 6:1).

b. They have recorded names.
When books have been used for that purpose, they might be described, more accurately, as registers. Nehemiah, the governor of the Jews, says: "I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,These are the children of the province" (Nehemiah 7:5, 6). He is referring to a list of persons who returned from Babylon after the decree of Cyrus in 538 B.C. This same record receives a mention in the book of Ezra, where it is said that the genealogical tables were used as proof of priestly descent: "These sought their register among them that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood" (Ezra 2:62). Allusion to such a roll of citizens is also found in the prophecy of Ezekiel: "They (i.e. the false prophets) shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel" (Ezekiel 13:9) This too seems to have been a general practice in ancient times. We know that the Romans kept the same kind of books. The gospel of Luke tells us that "there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed" (Luke 2:1), and that word "taxed" really means "enrolled."

The Bible teaches that God has His "books" (Daniel 7:10; Revelation 20:12) This is not, of course, to be understood in a literal way. It simply means that God has given much thought to the things which happen in this world, especially such things as concern His church, and that He has, in His mind, the most detailed record of them. That is true now, in time, for as they occur God observes them: "They that feared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name" (Malachi 3:16).However, there is a sense in which that has been so from eternity, God having set down His sovereign purposes, before ever time began, all these details of history: "I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the back side, sealed with seven seals" (Revelation 5:1).

Now in God's "books" there are:

a. Facts
(i) "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea Thy law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:7,8). God observes and notes the obedience of His people; and, in fact, has predetermined it, including it in the roll of the divine decrees.
(ii) "Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in Thy book?" (Psalm 56:8). All our troubles are noted down and remembered by God, and have been appointed for us.
(iii) "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them"(Psalm 139:16). Every detail of our bodies is known to God, the design of them being fixed in God's mind before we had any being.

b. Names
(i) "Rejoice because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20).
(ii) "Fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life" (Philippians 4:3).
(iii) "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life." (Revelation 3:5).

At this point care must be taken, or the result will be great confusion. There is more than one "book of life." In fact, according to the Scriptures, there are three such books:

(1) The book of natural life.
God has a record, as it were, of everybody who is alive, and when a man dies it is as if his name is removed from that list. To this book Moses referred. The people of Israel had fallen into idolatry and, as a consequence, three thousand of them had died. Moses interceded for them. He told God that he was willing to forfeit his own life if, by that means, the people might be spared: "Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin -; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written" (Exodus 32:32; cf also Psalm 69:28).

(2) The book of privileged life.
God is very aware of all those who have been specially favoured, and He has a kind of register of them in His mind. He had a particular knowledge of Israel's families and tribes: "And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even everyone that is written among the living in Jerusalem (Isaiah 4:3; cf also Psalm 81:5,6).

(3) The book of eternal life.
This is the book with which we are specially concerned in this study. God has made a list of all those who are the heirs of everlasting glory. The apostle John wrote of this list in connection with the eternal city: "There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Revelation 21:27).

Having considered this introductory material, we can now give full attention to "the Lamb's book of life." Each word in the book's title should be carefully studied.

1. The Lamb's BOOK of life.
The fact that the Scripture speaks of such a book means that God's people have been marked out by Him for the enjoyment of that life which shall never end; and this is what we mean when from now on we refer to "God's book."

I. God compiled the list of who should be saved before time began.
Certain names were there from the beginning, while others were not. This is the clear teaching of the Word of God. "They on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world (Revelation 17:8). Other scriptures confirm the truth that a certain and definite number of individuals were from eternity, embraced in God's saving purposes: e.g. "God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation" (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

a. From eternity God was concerned with the everlasting welfare of certain individuals: "He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world ... having predestinated us ... to the praise of the glory of His grace" (Ephesians 1:4-6).

b. He chose these out from the rest of mankind, separating them from all others in a wonderful act of love: "...not many wise men after the flesh not many, mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise ... that no flesh should glory in His presence" (1 Corinthians 1:26,27,29).

c. Nothing was left to chance, for God not only desired their ultimate salvation, but actually purposed it: "Saved ... according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (2 Timothy 1:9).

II. It is said that "names" were written in God's eternal book. "To His disciples the Lord said: "Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20).

a. This informs us that election is of particular persons and not (as is sometimes assumed) of nations, or churches: "Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord" (Romans 16:13).

b. It was an evidence of distinguishing grace, as many names were not included in the number of God's people: "Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?" (Romans 9:21).

c. The fact that their names were written down shows that God "knew" them in a very special way, which means that, He had affection for them: "The Lord knoweth them that are His" (2 Timothy 2:19).

III. There is more than a hint given here of one of the great ends God had in the choosing of such persons. It was customary once for there to be in famous cities (e.g., Florence) a book called "the book of gold." It contained a catalogue of names, and these were the names of the citizens of that particular city. In the same way, God's chosen, in the purposes of God, have been given a right to the eternal city. "Ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem ... to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven" (Hebrews 12:22,23).

a. In setting down their names in His book, God was, in effect, saying: These shall be citizens of heaven: "Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34).

b. God is therefore said to have fixed our destination before ever we set out on the journey: "...we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated...." (Ephesians 1:11).

c. The gift of the New Jerusalem to the elect has been made most certain, God having, as it were, "put it in writing:" "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

IV. There can be no doubt or confusion over the matter of who shall finally be saved. God has all their names registered. Christians may not always find it easy to remember one another (1 Corinthians 1:16), but even if the names of some escape us, yet we may be sure that God has not forgotten them: "I entreat thee also true yokefellow, help those women who laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, (unnamed by Paul), whose names are in the book of life" (Philippians 4:3).

a. It is comforting to know that, although God chose His people before time, He never has them out of His mind: "....Yet will I not forget thee. Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me" (Isaiah 49:15,16).

b. The saints may sometimes doubt their standing in God's grace, but however they doubt, there is no doubting of the matter so far as God is concerned: "....we have known God, or rather are known of God" (Galatians 4:9).

c. God's will with respect to each of the chosen is going to be done; and just as Pilate once said, "What I have written, I have written," so God is determined to abide by what He has (so to speak) "written:" "that the purpose of God according to election might stand ..." (Romans 9:11).

V. The names of the chosen are said to be written in the book of God's decrees "in heaven:" "Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20).

a. Had those names been written "on earth" they would soon have disappeared, and it would indicate that those persons to whom the names belonged would perish (see: Jeremiah 17:13), but it is not so: "they shall never perish" (John 10:28).

b. It is impossible for man or devil to erase those names, and thus to rob God's people of their great inheritance: "I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord"(Romans 8:38,39).

2. The LAMB'S book of life:
There are important reasons why the book is so called, and space only permits us to mention those reasons briefly here. Very wonderful truths emerge at this point, and the reader would do well to consider the subject in further detail.

I. When the sovereign choice of God was made, Christ was chosen first that He might be the Representative of all these appointed to life. From the very first He was considered and ordained as the Head of God's people, and that is why the Scripture says: "He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4). The book is therefore called after the first name which appears in it.

a. The Bible refers to the eternal Son as "chosen:" "Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth" (Isaiah 42:1; cf. 1 Peter 2:6).

b. By an eternal and immutable decree Christ was appointed to be our Representative: "Christ ... a lamb without blemish and without spot ... verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world..." (1 Peter 1:19,20).

c. The Son of God, speaking of Himself, says "I was set up (literally: "anointed" or "consecrated" to office) from everlasting" (Proverbs 8: 23).

II. The Bible speaks of "the eternal covenant." By this it means that before time the Father and the Son entered into a solemn agreement together with a view to saving the elect. In the divine wisdom the responsibility for redeeming them was given to the Son of God, and He freely undertook to provide a redemption for them. It was as if the Father passed over to Him the book containing the names of all the chosen and He, receiving it, was destined to sacrifice Himself. Thus, in God's eternal decree of salvation Christ pledged Himself to die for the people of God. "The book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation13:8).

a. The people of God were, from eternity, placed in the care of the Lamb: "My Father ... gave them me" (John 10:29).

b. God never did think of us but as those whose guilt has been purged by the Saviour's blood: "Chosen in Him .... in whom we have redemption" (Ephesians 1:4,7).

c. The glory for our salvation belongs therefore both to the Father who chose us and to the Son who redeemed us: "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb" (Revelation 7:10)

III. This high-lights for us the amazing mercy of our God. Persons fallen and helpless, and in need of redemption, were chosen by the God of grace. "Vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory" (Romans 9:23).

a. If God had not written the names of a people in His book, all would have perished on account of their sin, for "whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).

b. Obviously God did not elect His people because He foresaw any good in them: He foresaw nothing but corruption. Therefore, it is "not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (2 Timothy 1:9).

c. In purposing their eternal well-being, God carefully secured it by making the ground of salvation the sacrificial death of His Son: "God hath not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

IV. Christ, the Lamb of God, was appointed to die only for those whose names were in that book. He was to be, the Redeemer of God's elect. "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter .... For the transgression of my people was He stricken" (Isaiah 53:7,8).

a. Christ has no favourites, but has loved and redeemed the whole company of His own: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends" (John 15:13).

b. When He came into this world He had a fixed purpose - to atone for the sins of that company for whom He was responsible - and it is wonderful to think that He came just for our sakes: "This is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:28).

Never will it be said that Christ has in any way failed in His mission. If He had died for every man, the multitude finally in hell would prove that, whatever He had accomplished, He had succeeded only in part. That shall never be. "He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11).

V. It is called "the Lamb's book of life" because that book is now in Christ's hands: "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out His name out of the book of life" (Revelation 3:5)

a. It is Christ, the Lamb, who has been given the task of working out the eternal purposes of God: "All things are delivered unto me of my Father." (Mathew 11:27) .

b. To Him has been given the authority to bestow the "life," spiritual and eternal upon His people: "Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him" (John 17:2).

c. The book is with Him and He will ensure that no one is blotted out from it or fails to attain unto eternal life: "This is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which He hath given me I should lose nothing" (John 6:39).

3. The Lamb's book of LIFE:

All those whose names were eternally written down in God's book have been marked out for the enjoyment of life in this world and in the world to come. Not mere existence: that is common to all. But the only life worthy of the name: the full, blessed and glorious enjoyment of God. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3).

We should all ask ourselves whether we know something of this "life" in our experience now, and if we have a sure and certain hope of the fullness of that "life" in heaven above. One day, all God's decrees are going to be revealed. "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life" (Revelation 20:12). What discoveries will then be made! It shall then appear who were elected, and who the people of God really are. Some, to their everlasting sorrow, fill find themselves among those "not found written in the book of life." (Revelation 20:15). Others, to their unspeakable joy, will hear their names read out and published for all to hear, according to the promise of the Saviour: "I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before His angels" (Revelation 3:5).

Must that dreadful day come before we can know our eternal destinies? Is there no possibility of discovering what is in the book until then? There is a verse to which I would like to draw your attention before closing. "As many as were ordained to eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48). That word "ordained" might have been translated "inscribed" or "enrolled," for there is evidence to show that the word sometimes carried that meaning. What we have here is a clear statement from the Word of God informing us that those whose names are in the book of life come to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.

The issue then becomes quite simple: have you and I realised that we are sinners before God, and have we been brought to trust in the Saviour for our everlasting salvation? If we have, we may be sure that our names are written in heaven. If we have not - and this is very solemn - our spiritual state should be our greatest concern; and, without delay, we ought to believe in the Son of God. Then, and only then, shall we know that we have a place in the Lamb's book and in the Lamb's heaven.