SCBC Lord’s Day #8 (2022)

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

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​The eighth LORD’s Day this year is a reminder of God’s sovereign providence even over evil things that occur in this world. All things happen for the greater glory of God and the good of His people. Yes, even evil things!

We must also hold to the truth of God’s word and not neglect the great salvation brought by the Risen LORD. Christ must be honored. In honoring Him, we must honor His written Word. In honoring Him, we must strive to be like Him daily, while depending on the satisfying work of the Spirit.

Featured Excerpts and Lessons from Bella Vista and SCBC Pulpit

God's providence over the wicked 

1. God withholds His grace - Mt 11:25-17
2. God withdraws gifts and blessings - Mt 13:12
3. God hardens hearts. - De 2:30, 2 Ki 8:12ff
4. God gives men over to their lusts. - Rom 1:18ff (gave them over 3x, 24, 26, & 28)
- Jer 23:29, Luke 7:30

~ Bella Vista pulpit

Reasons why men drift away from the Truth:

a. Neglected Bible reading and meditation 
- Ps 119:11, 97, 105- The word of God regulates our activites, reminds us of our duty
b. False view of Persecution 
- Mt 13:20-21 - Initial joy lost in times of persecution
- John 15:20 - True Christians understands the purpose of persecution
c. Running after Worldly Pursuits
- Mt 13:22 - deceived by worldly riches
- Mk 10:21-23 - Lovers of false riches
d. Outright disobedience to the clear commands of God
- Lu 17:32, Gen 19:26 - Sarah disobeyed. 
- 1 Sam 15:22 - Disobedience has severe consequences.
e. Joining bad company
- 1 Cor 15:33 - It corrupt good morals
- 2 Tim 2:22 - We must pursue holiness with the saints. 
- Heb 10:24-25 - Be with the church

We should be ready to give up anything and everything for Christ that we may not drift away. We must read the Scriptures, fellowship with the brethren, commune with God in prayer, and anchor ourselves in Jesus. We are safe in Christ in troubled times because He is the risen and victorious Christ.

~ SCBC Pulpit

“Nothing perhaps affects man’s character more than the company he keeps.”

J.C. Ryle, Holiness

Possession of hope in Christ motivates a Christian to pursue holiness.

What is true sanctification? (1 John 3:3)
I.	True Sanctification is the fruit of Hope in Christ 
a)	The Basis of Sanctification - The hope 
b)	The Act of sanctification - Purifies Himself
II.	True Sanctification aims to be like Christ
a)	Our Pattern in True Sanctification - Christlikeness
b)	Our motivation for True Sanctification - Christ is pure

Let us daily pursue Christlikeness through the means of grace.
Let us pursue holiness with the people of God (2 Tim 2:22). 
Let us daily depend on the Spirit’s work to make us holy as Christ is. (2 Cor 3:18) 

~ Bella Vista 

All of our endeavors to be holy will fail apart from the work of the Spirit. We need His grace. A holy life is an obedient life.

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Blessed Lord’s Day!

SOLI DEO GLORIA!