A Risen Savior

By Paul Chappell

Sunday, Mar 31, 2013
"Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy."

Proverbs 31:8-9

The greatest need of mankind is a Saviour. There are great economical, political, physical, mental, and emotional needs facing people today, but the greatest problem—the eternity deciding problem—is the sin problem. Each person must either accept the payment for sin made through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross or bear the punishment themselves.

The primary reason Christ came into the world was to provide a way of escape from the penalty of sin. Even as His coming was announced, the angel told Mary, “Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus Himself said, “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28)

The Bible tells us that all of mankind is under condemnation because of sin. In mercy and grace God sent His Son to provide the means of salvation through His death, burial, and resurrection. The empty tomb, which we celebrate today, proves that Jesus has the power to be our Saviour!

Each of us who have received the free gift of salvation has the privilege and responsibility to share the Gospel with those around us. Even as the women who first saw the empty tomb were instructed to “go…and tell” (Matthew 28:7), so we should tell others the glad news of a risen Saviour.

Every person we meet today is—as described in the verses above—appointed to destruction. It is our privilege and responsibility to open our mouths to share with them the gladdest tidings they could ever hear: Jesus paid for their sin, rose from the dead, and offers them His salvation.

Today’s Proverbs Precept:
There is no better way to celebrate the resurrection than sharing the Good News with those who need deliverance from sin.

Bro.Charles Swindoll

March 19, 2013

God Supplies Reinforcements
by Charles R. Swindoll

O God the LORD, 
the strength of my salvation, 
You have covered my head 
in the day of battle.
Psalm 140:7

If you determine to live according to biblical standards, be sure that your enemy is seeking to devour you. You will encounter the darts of the devil.

Someone put it this way: "Whoever desires to walk with God walks right into the crucible." All who choose godliness live in a crucible. The tests will come. But all is not lost. Far from it!

Our great hope and assurance is that the One in us is greater than the one in the world.

We do not face such a formidable enemy that we cannot fight him or stand firm and secure in our decision. Our Lord is the God of hope. . . . His supply line never runs short. When His godly followers are in need, He is there to supply the necessary reinforcements.

As you do battle, God will provide for all of your needs.

Bro.Paul Chappell

Our Strong Defense 

By Paul Chappell

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."

Proverbs 18:10

During the war of 1812, the British forces that had already captured Washington D.C.

turned their focus on Baltimore. Outnumbering the American forces by more

than five to one and backed by their powerful navy, the British expected to take control

of the key American port city. But they found their way blocked by an American force stationed in Fort McHenry. British vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane ordered an extensive

bombardment of the fort in preparation for an attack.

Throughout the night of September 13 and into the morning of September 14, nearly two thousand artillery shells were fired at the fort. When the sun came up in the morning, 

Major George Armistead who commanded the defenders ordered the massive flag to be raised over the walls as a sign that they had not been defeated.

This moment was seen by an American lawyer named Francis Scott Key on board one of the 

British ships and led to the writing of the American national anthem.

A strong place of defense is not just important to military forces. It is also crucial to those of us who face a spiritual battle on a daily basis. The Bible warns us that Satan is seeking to destroy us and commands us to "Resist steadfast in the faith"(1 peter 5:9). it is vital that we remember that we are not to fight Satan in our strength. Instead we are offered the mighty protection of God's power through His name.

As believers, we have the right to run to the presence of the Lord and seek His defense when we are attacked. We do not have to fight alone. Like the defenders of Baltimore sheltered by the thick walls of Fort McHenry, we are sheltered by the name of the savior.

Today's proverbs precept:

Knowing that we can call on the name of the Lord for defense should give us confidence to face any situation.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 KJV

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Charles Swindoll

March 7, 2013

Hearts to Trust, Minds to Rest
by Charles R. Swindoll

Cast your burden upon the LORD
and He will sustain you; He will never
allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55:22

God has entrusted to us a great deal.

He knows that we can do all things by His grace, so He's trusting in us to trust in Him. Yet He knows our fears as well, otherwise He wouldn't assure us so often of His purposes and His presence.

We feel hurt and alone---God assures us He cares.

We feel angry and resentful---God provides wisdom and strength.

We feel ashamed---God grants forgiveness and comfort.

We feel anxious---God promises to supply all our needs.

May He give us ears to hear, hearts to trust, and minds to rest in Him. Our God is uniquely and ultimately trustworthy!

Charles swindoll

Nothing Helps Like Hope
by Charles R. Swindoll

Let us hold fast the confession 
of our hope without wavering, 
for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23

Hope is a wonderful gift from God, a source of strength and courage in the face of life's harshest trials.

When we are trapped in a tunnel of misery, hope points to the light at the end.

When we are overworked and exhausted, hope gives us fresh energy.

When we are discouraged, hope lifts our spirits.

When we are tempted to quit, hope keeps us going.

When we struggle with a crippling disease or a lingering illness, hope helps us persevere beyond the pain.

When we fear the worst, hope brings reminders that God is still in control.

When we are forced to sit back and wait, hope gives us the patience to trust.

Put simply, when life hurts and dreams fade, nothing helps like hope.

Kenny Baldwin--youth conference 2010