What Kind of Pastor Do You Have?

And I think we just need to go back to the very basic question. What is a pastor supposed to do? What is a pastor called to do? First Peter chapter 5, verse 1, “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you,” Elders, pastors, same thing. “I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder, and witness of the sufferings of Christ,” which moves it out of the equality level, to the superiority level. He is speaking as an apostle, not just an elder. “A partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed.” You remember he saw the transfigured Christ, and then verse 2, “Here’s what I want you to do. As a fellow elder, shepherd the flock of God among you. Or if you will, “Feed the flock of God among you.” That’s the mandate. That’s what pastors do. Feed the flock of God. We are not called to the culture. We are not called to revolutionize the neighborhood. We are not called to change the city, as such. That’s an indirect effect. We are called to the redeemed. We are called to the elect. We are called to the flock of God. Maybe just kind of looking a little bit at the analogy, if God has sheep, and says to me “MacArthur, take care of my sheep, and you’ll be accountable for how well you do.” Hebrews 13:17 says we will be held accountable for how we care for the sheep, the flock of God. I have been gifted by the Holy Spirit. I have been prepared and trained by the church. I have been called by the Lord of the church, the great Shepherd, and I have been given one task; and that is to shepherd the flock of God, which is among you—the flock God gives you. And, verse 4 says, “When the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” The promise of eternal reward is connected to the faithfulness of the pastor to shepherd the flock of God.

 

Are You Looking For A Local Home Church?

What should I look for when choosing a new church home?

A personal note from Pastor/Teacher Charles e Whisnant

The local church we desire to have and the local church we have are usually two different things.  I have never felt that I have been a pastor of a perfect church.  In my case the churches that I have been the pastor has been a working progress. I have never started a local church from the foundation.  The local churches that I have been in have been established by others, and have been establish by means that I would not have done myself.  In the several churches I have been the pastor I have tried to re-established a biblical local church according to the Scriptures.  I can tell you that has not always been easy or necessary successful. I have never had a large group of people in any of the local churches I have been the pastor/teacher. 

The following material that I have put here is what I have always desired to have, this material is what I would like for every person who comes to our church to find.

But with all that said, there are many churches that are doing good, and have a good foundation. 

 I have said many times, that the model that I have tried to follow has been from the Grace Community Church in Sun Valley CA where John MacArthur has been the pastor/teacher for over 40 years. I have attended the church several times.  And have been to the Shepherd’s Conference three times, and have followed the conferences online.  The ministry that I have tried to follow has been from the ministry at Grace and the style of preaching/teaching has been from John MacArthur.  

 We’ve all heard that the choice and purchase of a home is one of the most significant decisions a person will ever make. In this temporal world that may be true. However, choosing where you and your children will learn the things of God and serve the Lord Jesus Christ has eternal ramifications.

Is This Church Right for Me?

What are the biblical criteria you need to be aware of when considering a new church? Let’s compare the search for a new church to that of a new home. When looking for a house, people typically ask, How much does it cost? Is it large enough to meet our family’s needs? How well is it built? What kind of neighborhood is it in? Does it have a warm and homey atmosphere? Is it conducive to hospitality? Similarly, before choosing a church home you need to consider its foundation, structure, function, andenvironment.

Before we consider those important components, please realize that no church is going to be perfect. Some local churches may be in seemingly excellent condition, while others are obvious fixer-uppers! Many fall omewhere in between. You must seek God’s will and be led by the Holy Spirit in selecting a church. Also you need to evaluate how you and your family can contribute to that ministry so it is not just another church, but truly a church home.

Investigating Its Foundation

Jesus said that the wise man builds his house upon rock and the foolish man builds his house upon sand (Matt. 7:24-27). When storms come, the stability of the foundation determines both the direction and durability of the structure. Whether you’re searching for a home to live in or a church to worship in, its foundation is crucial.

There are four main components that make up the foundation of a strong local church:

A Proper View of Scripture. When investigating a potential church home, pay particular attention to how it views the Bible. Does it hold to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures? Does it believe the Bible is the only rule for faith and practice (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21)?

An Emphasis on Bible Teaching and Preaching. Observe what kind of preaching is done. Is it primarily expository, topical, or evangelistic in nature? Is the main diet repetitive salvation messages each week, or are believers being fed from the Word (Acts 20:27; 1 Tim. 4:13-16; 2 Tim. 4:1-5)? There should be a strong commitment to high-quality Bible teaching.

Doctrinal Soundness. Just as you would inspect the soundness of a house’s foundation, so you should investigate the doctrinal stance of the churches you visit. Where do they stand on such crucial issues of the Christian faith as the virgin birth and deity of Jesus Christ; the depravity of mankind; the work of Christ on the cross; His death, burial, and bodily resurrection; salvation by grace through faith alone; the second coming of Christ; and the ordinances of baptism and Communion?

Doctrinal Practice. Observe whether the church practices the doctrines it claims to believe and teach. As James said to the church at large, “Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22; cf. Luke 6:46; John 13:17).

Examining Its Structure

Once you are satisfied with the foundational aspects of the church, you need to look at its structural components. Recently I walked through a new house under construction. I noticed posts that weren’t plumb, seams that didn’t meet properly, and beams that were crooked and uneven. Those were glaring structural defects in a home advertised as being built by “the last of the true craftsmen”!

The structural components of a local church provide not only its strength, but also dictate the character and direction of itsministry. Those components include:

Church Government. Find out if the church’s leaders function according to New Testament principles (1 Tim. 3:1-13; 5:17-20; Titus 1:4-9; Heb. 13:7, 17). Do they understand the centrality of Christ as head of the church and His desire to rule His church through a plurality of godly men (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Col.1:18; 1 Cor. 11:3)?

Evidence of Order. The church’s ministry, including its services, teaching, and administration, should have an obvious sense of order. Some church services exhibit as much lack of planning as do homes with poorly thought-out floor plans. Some churches handle the Lord’s resources and work in such a haphazard way that they bring shame to the name of Christ. As Paul said in speaking of the church, “Let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner” (1 Cor. 14:40).

Functional Goals and Objectives. As you investigate a new church, find out if the leadership has set any goals. Has the church planned for future progress and direction? Does it have in mind particular methods of reaching those goals? Like Paul, we as a church need “to run in such a way, as not without aim” (1 Cor. 9:26).

The Size. When purchasing a home, some people prefer the warmth and quaintness of a small home in a quiet rural setting. Others prefer living in a larger structure in an urban area. The same is true when considering the size of a church. Some Christians love being involved in a large urban ministry with hundreds or even thousands of people. Others feel lost in the vastness of such a ministry and fare much better in a smaller congregation. Again, finding your niche in the Body of Christ requires the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Seeing How It Functions

When satisfied that the foundation and structure are what they should be, the wise home buyer will then look at how functional the house is. Does it fulfill the purpose for which it was designed? Does it meet the needs of the family?

As you observe how a church functions, look for an emphasis on worshipping God. See if the leadership stresses the importance of honoring and glorifying God in all things (1 Cor. 10:31; Col.3:17). Also observe the involvement of the individual members. Do they exercise their spiritual gifts among the Body of Christ (Rom. 12:3-8; Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Pet. 4:10-11), or do they seem to expect the pastor to do everything?

Does the church emphasize evangelism as one of its primary functions? Are home and foreign missions an important part of its ministry (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8)? What about discipleship? Do you see church members and leaders seeking to make disciples and reproduce themselves in the lives of others (2 Tim. 2:2; Titus 2:3-7; Matt. 28:19-20)?

A strong local church is marked by love. Do the members seem to genuinely care for one another? Do they minister to each other’s needs? As you become acquainted with the church, do you sense that the members are loving one another as Christ commanded (John 13:34-35)? Notice if friendships form easily (cf. Heb. 10:24-25; Phil. 2:1-4; Eph. 4:1-3).

The leadership of the church you choose should be committed to teaching and supporting God’s design for the family (Eph. 5:22–6:4; Col. 3:18-21; Titus 2:1-8; 1 Pet. 3:1-7). Does the church schedule contribute to or take away from the strength of the family?

Checking Its Environment

If you have ever gone house hunting, you know what it’s like to walk through and sense the atmosphere of the place. It can feel cold and gloomy or warm and inviting. It can have a homey feel or it can be impersonal–almost like a museum.

Doubtless you have had the same experience when attending various churches. Certain observable factors contribute to the overall atmosphere of a local church. Those environmental components are usually manifested in attitudes.

A High View of God. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It should be obvious that the people, from the leadership down, focus on the glory and majesty of God. Do they take God seriously and exalt Him in all they do? Their view of God will affect every aspect of their lives and ministry. Ask yourself if God is the focus of their worship or if they’re preoccupied with each other or themselves.

The Presence of a Sincere Faith. Is it obvious to you that the church lives and operates by faith? Are the people willing to trust God (Heb. 11:1, 6; Eph. 3:20; 2 Cor. 5:7; 1 Thess. 5:24)?

Spirit of Sacrifice. Can you see that the church members are willing to sacrifice themselves and their possessions to advance God’s kingdom (Rom. 12:1; 2 Cor. 8:3; Matt. 6:33)? Do you sense they would sacrifice themselves for one another (Phil. 2:3-4; John 15:13; Eph. 5:1-2)?

Proper Attitudes Toward the Pastor and Other Leaders. As you talk with the people, be sensitive to how they regard their leaders. Do they appreciate and esteem the pastor and other leaders “very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thess. 5:13)? Are they fully behind them, giving their spiritual, emotional, and material support (1 Tim. 5:17-18; Heb. 13:7, 17)?

Spirit of Unity. This is often the most obvious attitude radiating from a local congregation. An outsider is usually able to sense very quickly whether a church is unified in its ministry. That has a great effect on its testimony to the community and reflects on the name of our Lord (John 13:34-35; 1 Cor. 1:10-17; 3:1-9; Eph. 4:1-6; Phil. 2:1-5; 4:1-5).

Am I Right For This Church?

We have looked at the foundational, structural, functional, and environmental components of a vital, healthy local church. Now look at yourself and ask, Are there opportunities here for me to serve and exercise my spiritual gifts? Does this local body have a need that by God’s enabling I can meet? Am I willing to get what the church can do for me, but also what I can do for the Lord as I serve Him in this church? Am I willing to give of my time, money, energy, and prayers to contribute to the success of this church (Mark 12:30; Rom. 12:1)?

A house is not a home until all the members of a family contribute to its success. The same is true of a church home. Only when each member in the family of God exercises his or her God-given gifts will God’s children feel at home in His church.

The decision you make about what church to attend will greatly affect your spiritual life and the lives of your children. In fact, the decisions you make now will affect your descendants and the generations to come. That’s a sobering reality.

Remember that no church will ever perfectly fulfill all these criteria. There is no perfect church. Also, remember that every church is going to have its own special blend of the characteristics we have examined. The key is to find a church that has them in proper balance, not overemphasizing some or de-emphasizing others. A balanced ministry is a Spirit-controlled ministry. If you find a church that possesses most but not all of the characteristics we’ve mentioned, don’t immediately disregard it. Consider whether God wants to use you to help improve that local body as you exercise your own particular spiritual gifts.

Choosing a church home is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make–one that reaches into eternity. May each of us spend at least as much time and effort making that decision as we do deciding on our earthly dwelling.

Taken from the July/August 1990 issue of Masterpiece Magazine.

Discerning Wheat and Weeds

It’s the parable of the soils.

Why do People Respond Differently to the Gospel?

Discerning Wheat and Weeds

Luke 8:4-14

And when a great crowd came together and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10 he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature

.

Sermon outline:

Failure and Success in Hearing: The produce of our spiritual fields does not always answer to our hopes or rewards our labours; there is much sowing, but little reaping. How do we account for it?

1A The Account of the Failure

1B Inattention on the part of the bearer.

2B Want of reflection: (6)

3B Incapacity to stand tests (7)

2A The Conditions of Success. What is the good ground? What is the honest and good heart? (8-15.

1B Sincere inquire. He liste4ns eagerly and continuously.

2B Devout meditation: He ponders, dwells upon, he prays over, the truth he has been receving

3B Intelligent, deliberate dedication: He takes all things into his mind that must be taken; counts the cost, considers what the service of Christ means, how much it involves in the way of surrender and of activity, and he solemnly devotes himself to the service,

A Few Outlines:

1. The soil condition is God’s responsibility: What is the subject of this parable? The parable is about the sower. Or is it:

2. A disciple is about making disciples: What the sower is doing. vs. 5

3. The Word of God is the seed we sow: _{https://church.calvaryministries.com/luke5/}

(2) The Diffeent Ways of Responding to the Gospel: Matthew 13:1-24; Mark 4:1-20 Luke 8:4-15

_{http://www.unionchurch.com/archive/012702.html}

For lack of “counting the cost,” hundreds of professed converts, under religious revivals, go back to the world after a time, and bring disgrace on religion. They begin with a sadly mistaken notion of what is true Christianity. They fancy it consists in nothing more than a so-called “coming to Christ,” and having strong inward feelings of joy and peace. And so, when they find, after a time, that there is a cross to be carried, that our hearts are deceitful, and that there is a busy devil always near us, they cool down in disgust, and return to their old sins. And why? Because they had really never known what Bible Christianity is. They had never learned that we must “count the cost.” [Bishop J.C. Ryle, HOLINESS, Christian Life Classics (Lafayette In.: Sovereign Grace Trust, 1990) p. 61]

　

we need to re-think our methods of evangelism.

Arthur Pink writes words that ruffle a number of feathers as he talks about those who are like the soil that responds quickly but have no roots.

today almost everything connected with modern evangelistic effort is calculated to produce just this very type of [superficial] hearer. The “bright singing,” the sentimentality of the hymns, the preachers appeals to the emotions, the demand of the churches for visible and quick “results,” produce nothing but superficial returns. Sinners are urged to make a prompt “decision,” are rushed to the “penitent form,” and then assured that all is well with them; and the poor deluded soul leaves with a false and fleeting “joy.” And the deplorable thing is that many of the Lords own people are supporting this Christ-dishonoring and soul-deceiving burlesque of true Gospel ministry. [Pink, The Prophetic Parables of Matthew 13, 3. the Parable of the Sower. p. 20]

Why Are Christians Tested

What is God’s purpose as he tests us?

First to test the strength of our faith that we might know where our strength is or isn’t.

Secondly, to humble us lest we think more confidently of our spiritual strength than we should.

Thirdly, to wean us away from worldly things.

Fourthly, to call us to a heavenly hope so that we live in the above and not in the below.

Fifthly, to reveal what we really love,

You see, if you supremely love God, you are going to say thank you God, for what you are accomplishing through this. Help me to see that. And give you glory though you are allowing this to happen. But if you really love self more than God, you are going to say, God, why do you do this and you are going to be irate and you are going to be upset and you are going to be bitter. And you are going to be full of anxiety.

sixthly, to teach us to value the blessing of God and to appreciate it as it comes to us out of the times of suffering.

Seventh, to enable us to help others in their trial. To bear one another’s burdens.

And eighth, to develop enduring strength for greater usefulness, so that God can thrust us into greater places of ministry and effectiveness.

Brief outline from Sermon 08 28 2016

Evangelist Alan Harris Singing Concert August 13, 2016 with Angie Harris and their three sons

‘

 Andrew Harris singing at the Harris Singing Concert August 13, 2016

Anthony Harris,  Alan Harris and Alex Harris 

 

Anna and Andrew Harris and Charity Whisnant

 

 

Charles and Charity Whisnant were so blessed to be able to attend the Alan Harris Singing Concert at Calvary Baptist Church in Connersville, IN

Spiritual Grace Gift

1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

 

SPIRITUAL GIFTS  notes from John Piper, and others

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed” (1 Corinthians 12:1). I assume that applies to us also: we ought not to be uninformed about the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts. So this final message in our series on the Holy Spirit will deal with this subject. Instead of spreading myself too thin across 1 Corinthians 12,13 and 14 (the major section on spiritual gifts) I have chosen to focus on several smaller texts so that we can examine their teaching more closely.

If you were reading through the New Testament, the first place you would run into the term “spiritual gift” is Romans 1:11,12. Let’s look at this text together. Writing to the church at Rome, Paul says, “I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” The translation “impart to you some spiritual gift” is misleading because it sounds like Paul wants to help them have a gift, but the text actually means that he wants to give them the benefit of his gifts. “I long to see you that I may use my gifts to strengthen you.”

The first and most obvious thing we learn from this text is that spiritual gifts are for strengthening others. This, of course, does not mean that the person who has a spiritual gift gets no joy or benefit from it. (We will see differently in a moment.) But it does suggest that gifts are given to be given. They are not given to be hoarded. “I desire to share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you.” What does strengthen mean? He’s not referring to bodily strength but strength of faith. The same word is used in 1 Thessalonians 3:2 where Paul says, e sent Timothy, our brother and servant in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you in your faith and to exhort you that no one be moved by these afflictions. To strengthen someone by a spiritual gift means to help their faith not give way as easily when trouble enters their life. We have spiritual gifts in order to help other people keep the faith and maintain an even keel in life’s storms. If there is anybody around you whose faith is being threatened in any way at all take stock whether you may have a spiritual gift peculiarly suited to strengthen that person.

I think it would be fair to say also from this text that you shouldn’t bend your mind too much trying to label your spiritual gift before you use it. That is, don’t worry about whether you can point to prophecy or teaching or wisdom or knowledge or healing or miracles or mercy or administration, etc., and say, “That’s mine.” The way to think is this: The reason we have spiritual gifts is so that we can strengthen other people’s faith; here is someone whose faith is in jeopardy; how can I help him? Then do or say what seems most helpful and if the person is helped then you may have discovered one of your gifts. If you warned him of the folly of his way and he repented, then perhaps you have the gift of “warning.” If you took a walk with her and said you knew what she was going through and lifted her hope, then perhaps you have the gift of “empathy.” If you had them over to your home when they were new and lonely, then perhaps you have the gift of “hospitality.” We must not get hung up on naming our gifts. The thing to get hung up on is, “Are we doing what we can do to strengthen the faith of the people around us?

I really believe that the problem of not knowing our spiritual gifts is not a basic problem. More basic is the problem of not desiring very much to strengthen other people’s faith. Human nature is more prone to tear down than it is to build up. The path of least resistance leads to grumbling and criticism and gossip, and many there be that follow it. But the gate is narrow and the way is strewn with obstacles which leads to edification and the strengthening of faith. So the basic problem is becoming the kind of person who wakes up in the morning, thanks God for our great salvation and then says, “Lord, O how I want to strengthen people’s faith today. Grant that at the end of this day somebody will be more confident of Your

You remember my sermon on Christian Hedonism and humility? I argued that when we say, It’s my pleasure,” after doing someone a favor, it is an expression of humility. It is like saying, “Don’t get too excited about my self-sacrifice; I’m just doing what I like to do.” When Paul rereads Romans 1:11 he probably says, “Hmmm, that may sound a bit presumptuous, as if I’m the great martyr doing all for their sake, when in fact I look forward to a great encouragement from them for myself.” So as he restates verse 11 in verse 12 he adds that he, too, and not just they, is going to be helped when they meet. That is the first thing he does.

The second thing he does is show that the way he will strengthen their faith by his spiritual gift (verse 11) is by encouraging them with his faith. In verse 11 he aims to strengthen them;promises and more joyful in Your grace because I crossed his path.” The reason I say becoming this kind of person is more basic than finding out your spiritual gift, is that when

you become this kind of person the Holy Spirit will not let your longings go to waste. He will help you find ways to strengthen the faith of others and that will be the discovery of your gifts. So let’s apply ourselves to becoming the kind of people more and more who long to strengthen each other’s faith.

Now, in Romans 1:12 Paul restates verse 11 in different words: I want to strengthen you with my spiritual gift, “that is, I want us to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Paul does two things here. First, he uses the old “It’s my pleasure” tactic.

in verse 12 he aim to encourage them. In verse 11 he strengthens faith by his spiritual gift; in verse 12 he encourages by his faith. The conclusion I draw from these parallels is this: a piritual gift is an expression of faith which aims to strengthen faith. It is activated from faith in us and aims for faith in another. Another way to put it would be this: A spiritual gift is an bility given by the Holy Spirit to express our faith effectively (in word or deed) for the strengthening of someone else’s faith.

It is helpful to me to think about spiritual gifts in this way because it keeps me from simply quating them with natural abilities. Many unbelievers have great abilities in teaching and in dministration, for example. And these abilities are God-given whether the people recognize his or not. But these would not be called “spiritual gifts” of teaching or administration because hey are not expressions of faith and they are not aiming to strengthen faith. Our faith in the promises of God is the channel through which the Spirit flows on His way to strengthening the faith of others (Galatians 3:5). Therefore, no matter what abilities we have, if we are not relying on God and not aiming to help others rely on Him, then our ability is not a “spiritual gift.” It is not “spiritual” because the Holy Spirit is not flowing through it from faith to faith.

This has tremendous implications for how we choose church staff and church officers and board members. It means that we will never simply ask, “who has the skill to be efficient?” We will always go beyond that and ask, “Do they use their skill in such a way that you can tell it is an expression of their hearty reliance on the Lord? And do they exercise their skill with a view to strengthening the faith and joy of others?” A church where the Holy Spirit is alive and powerful will be a church very sensitive to the difference between natural abilities and spiritual gifts.

 

Dwight Haynes Ministry

On Sunday August 21, 2016 Dwight Haynes and his wife Ann were are guest at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church.in Minford, Ohio.  Dwight spoke in the 11 a.m. service as well as the 6 p.m. service.

Election

THE BIBLE IS FULL OF ELECTION AND PREDESTINATION

A.W. Pink

There is not a single book in the Word of God where election is not either expressly stated, strikingly illustrated, or clearly implied. Genesis is full of it: the difference which the Lord made between Nahor and Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac, and His loving Jacob and hating Esau are cases to the point. In Exodus we behold the distinction m…ade by God between the Egyptians and the Hebrews. In Leviticus the atonement and all the sacrifices were for the people of God, nor were they bidden to go and “offer” them to the surrounding heathen. In Numbers Jehovah used a Balaam to herald the fact that Israel were “the people” who “shall dwell alone, and shall not be numbered among the nations” (23:9); and therefore was he constrained to cry “How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, 0 Israel” (24:5). In Deuteronomy it is recorded “The Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance” (32:9).

In Joshua we behold the discriminating mercy of the Lord bestowed upon Rahab the harlot, while the whole of her city was doomed to destruction. In Judges the sovereignty of God appears in the unlikely instruments selected, by which He wrought victory for Israel: Deborah, Gideon, Samson. In Ruth we have Orpah kissing her mother-in-law and returning to her gods, whereas Ruth cleaves to her and obtained inheritance in Israel—who made them to differ? In 1 Samuel David is chosen for the throne, preferred to his older brethren. In 2 Samuel we learn of the everlasting covenant “ordered in all things, and sure” (23:5). In 1 Kings Elijah becomes a blessing to a single widow selected from many; while in 2 Kings Naaman alone, of all the lepers, was cleansed. In 1 Chronicles it is written “Ye children of Jacob, His chosen ones” (16:13); while in 2 Chronicles we are made to marvel at the grace of God bestowing repentance upon Manasseh.

And so we might go on. The Psalms, Prophets, Gospels and Epistles are so full of this doctrine that he may run that readeth it. [Hab 2:2]