Sovereign Grace Baptist Church

Free Grace Media

Of Princeton, New Jersey

 

AuthorClay Curtis
TitleWeekly Bulletin 6-26-2016
Bible TextMatthew 2:1-3
Date25-Jun-2016
Article Type Bulletin
PDF Format pdf
Word Format doc
Audio HI-FI Listen: Wise Men, the King & Would-Be Kings (32 kbps)  /  [go to notes]
Audio CD Quality Listen: Wise Men, the King & Would-Be Kings (128 kbps)  /  [go to notes]
 

June 26, 2016

SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH

 

LOCATION

Rocky Hill Firehouse, 2nd Floor

150 Washington Street

Rocky Hill, New Jersey, 08553

Clay Curtis, pastor

Telephone: 615-513-4464

 

Schedule of Services

Sunday 10: 15 AM Bible Class

Sunday 11:00 AM Morning Service

Thursday 7: 30 PM Midweek Service

 

Services Broadcast Live @ www.FreeGraceMedia.com/live

 

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NURSERY

We have a nursery equipped with a digital flat screen television broadcasting all services live, for children four and under.  

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All articles by the pastor unless otherwise noted. As you read the bulletin at home with your children be sure to look up the scripture references.

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Today, we are thankful to have our brethren, Eric Lutter and Scott Keller, to preach the gospel of God’s grace today.  I am preaching in the annual meeting for Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, The Dalles, Oregon with their pastor, Norm Wells.

 

Next Sunday, July 3, we will plan to have one service at 11:00 am at the home of Kevin and Kris DeRitter at 100 Barbara Drive, Pompton Lakes, NJ, 07442. We will baptize Abby Lutter and Jordon Whitehead.  The ladies are planning a meal afterward so please stay if you can.

 

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The regenerating work of God the Holy Spirit is not outwardly, but inwardly.  It has absolutely nothing to do with the flesh.  It is a work performed in the hearts of God’s elect; a miracle that only God can perform.  Where does that leave the free-will works religionist?  Dead in trespasses and sins, wallowing in his own self-righteous false religious beliefs.  Gene Harmon, pastor of Rescue Baptist Church, Rescue, CA

 

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LOVE
1 Corinthians 13:1-8

 

Love is:

Slow to suspect; quick to trust

Slow to condemn; quick to justify

Slow to expose; quick to shield

Slow to demand; quick to give

Slow to resent; quick to forgive

Slow to belittle; quick to appreciate

 

                                                                              Pastor Henry Mahan

 

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WISE MEN, THE KING AND WOULD-BE KINGS

 

Matthew 2: 1: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2: Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3: When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

 

In these three verses we have three categories which describe all who ever walked this earth. There are wise men, THE KING and would-be kings. 

 

WISE MEN

 

     Those made wise by God’s free and irresistible grace come from the east to Christ. After Adam plunged us all into sin, God cast him out of God’s presence east of Eden. The only entrance back into God’s presence was from the east. (Gen 3: 24) Every sinner that Christ saves is called from the east of our depravity into Christ into God’s presence.  Wise men are turned from vain religion as these men were turned from Jerusalem with her bondage. Those made wise are drawn by God to Christ’s Light as these men were drawn to his star. They come into Bethlehem, the house of Bread, to Christ the Bread of life. (Num 24: 17; Mt 2: 9) Those made wise come bowed down worshipping Christ. (Nu 24: 17; Mt 2: 2, 9) Are you a wise man?

 

THE KING

 

    Another category we see here is that of THE KING. The wise men came to him who was “born King of the Jews.” (v2)   Christ is the true King of righteousness and the King of peace. He is the child born of David and the Son of God given on whose shoulder the government rests. (Is 9: 6-7) As Man he was able to be made sin and die in the room and stead of his people; as eternal God he accomplished “eternal redemption” for all God’s elect by his one offering on the cross.  Now he is risen and his people in him. (Heb 9: 12: Eph 2: 5-6; Heb 1: 3)  In justice, Christ is ruling the universe and all people in it, the devil and wicked powers, as well as his church. It is because Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. (Mt 28:18; Pro 21:1) Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. (Ps 145:13; Mt 6: 13) Our King has given his people a kingdom which cannot be moved. Therefore, let us serve him with reverence and godly fear. (Heb 12: 28)

 

WOULD-BE KINGS

 

     The rest of mankind fits into this last category, “would-be kings.” Herod heard these things and was troubled and all Jerusalem with him.  Why? Herod and the religious host were would-be kings.  All men, dead in sins, would be the king of glory themselves. Therefore, they are troubled when they hear the gospel declare Christ is King.  When they hear the truth would-be kings do as Herod and all Jerusalem did, they seek to take Christ off his throne! Why do mean usurp God from the pulpit and in the pew?  Why do lawmakers usurp God’s law in the legislator legalizing sin? Why do men hold their word to be true and God’s word to be a lie? It is because unregenerate sinners are all would-be kings! (Ro 1: 21-28; 2 Thess 2: 10-12) “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Ps 2: 1-6) “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Rev 17: 14)  All would-be kings shall bow and confess Christ to be Lord of lords and King of kings. (Php 2: 9-11)  Therefore, this is God’s word to all would-be kings, “Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” (Ps 2: 10-12) As long as this day of grace lasts our gracious King says ““Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11: 28)