May Meeting

Eureka’s Gospel Meeting
(May 7-9)

Pastor Jeff Winfrey from Dawson Springs, KY is the invited speaker for Eureka’s May Gospel Meeting. Services will be held on:

Thursday Night @ 7:00
Friday Night @ 7:00 (Supper @ 6:00)
Saturday Morning @ 10:30 (Lunch to follow)

Our prayer is that God will be pleased to glorify His Son, Jesus Christ, in the assembly through the corporate worship. We hope that you will come and praise and adore Christ Jesus with us. Eureka Church is located at 149 Eureka Church Road in Irwin County. For more information visit:

Eurekapbc.org

Or contact me @ (229) 426-1503

Bible Lesson IV-Christ in the OT

Christ In The Old Testament
Lesson IV
Types of Christ

Jesus Christ can be seen through several Old Testament people called types. A type is “a person or thing symbolizing or exemplifying the ideal or defining characteristics of something.” This study focuses on people who represent Christ. Again, we do not want to force or strain the comparison or try and take the comparison too far. Types are to supplement and not to be primary sources of doctrine.
1. Adam (Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22; 15:45-49)
2. Aaron (Hebrews 5:4-6)
3. Isaac (Hebrews 11:17-19)
4. David (King & Shepherd)
5. Joseph (Genesis 38; 41:40-50:20)
6. Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15; Hebrews 3:1-6)
7. Jonah (Matthew 12:40; Jonah 1:17)
8. Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:1-21)
9. Solomon (1 Kings 2:12)

The Lawful Captive Delivered (III)

From James Osbourn's Autobiography, "A Lawful Captive Delivered" (p. 11)

"But although my mind was become so sordid and corrupt, and opposed to every good thing serious and solemn; yet eternity would at times bring me to a stand and to very close thinking, and very much would it damp my thirst for sin and vanity. Indeed it would spoil all the pleasures of sin, and throw my mind into a state of melancholy and great bitterness, insomuch that my life would be a burden to me. But as soon as ever the thoughts of futurity and of a judgment to come would wear off from my mind, my former thirst for sin and folly would return again, and great happiness I have promised myself in the practice of vice. And thus did Satan strive to lead me blindfolded on to ruin before I arrived to the years of manhood, or else to make a tool of me through life to ensnare others, and then sink me down into endless nights, where hope is not known and mercy never visits. And to this end I assuredly should have been brought but for the grace of God; and hence, to grace, and nothing else but grace, can I attribute my escape from endless woe. And that the Almighty should avert so dire a doom in my instance, is a marvellous circumstance, and a striking confirmation of the truth of these words, 'I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion' (Romans 9:15)."

Comment-I really enjoyed and delighted in Brother Osbourn attributing his deliverance "to grace, and nothing else but grace." That too is my conviction based upon the Bible and from experience. We deserve justice but God has delighted in extending mercy to the undeserving. The expression in Romans 9:15 reveals the reality that mercy and compassion are gifts extended to sinners. The cause in extending the gifts are not because of what God sees in man (not his effort nor decision) but in the majestic sovereignty of God.

The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower (Prov. 18:10)

Last week there were some rather violent storms in our community. One in particular caused some concern for us, so the children were made to gather together in an inner closet for shelter. This reminded me of the protection afforded to those who run to God by faith to find security from His wrath and from the dangerous attacks from the enemies of Christ in the world. God's name is called a strong tower. Let's look at some compound names of God and find peace and joy in the truth the names reveal.

1. Jehovah Elyon ((Pss. 7:17; 47:2; 97:9) Jehovah Most High

2. Jehovah Jireh (Gen. 22:14) The Lord Who Sees, The Lord will Provide(Matt. 6:25; Phil. 4:19; Eph 1:3)

3. Jehovah Mekeddeshem (Ex. 31:13; Lev. 20:7-8) The Lord Who Sanctifies (Pet. 2:9; 1:13-15; Heb. 10:10, 14; John 17:17; Thes. 5:23; Eph. 5:26); 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Thes. 2:13)

4. Jehovah Nissi (Exodus 17:15) The Lord our Banner (Fighting under His colors) Ps. 60:4 (Gal. 5:17; Pet. 5:7; Eph. 6:18; Rom. 8:37; 1 John 5:4-5)

5.Jehovah Rohi (Roi) (Psalm 23:1) The Lord is My Shepherd (John 10:11; Pet. 2:25; 5:4; Hebrews 13:20; Luke 15:4)

6. Jehovah Rophe (Rapha) The Lord our Healer (Exodus 15:26) James 5;16; Pet 2:24; Pss. 41:4; 147:3; Matt. 9:12; Luke 4:18)

7. Jehovah Sabaoth (Isa. 44:6; Sam 1:3) The Lord of Hosts (Armies) (Supremacy over all creatures) (Isa. 44:6; Rev. 17:14; Ps. 46:7, 11)

8. Jehovah Shalom (Judges 6:24) The Lord our Peace (Col. 1:20; Rom 5:1; Eph. 2:18; Phil. 4:8; Isa. 26:3-4)

9. Jehovah Shammah (Ezek. 48:35) The Lord is Present (Matt. 28:20; Matt. 1:25; Heb 13:5; Rev. 22:3)

10. Jehovah Tsidkenu (Jer. 23:6) The Lord our Righteousness (Cor. 1:30; Rom 3:22, 25, 26; Phil. 3:9)

James Osbourn-"The Lawful Captive Delivered"

"I also in those days experienced some very narrow escapes from death in different ways, which manifestly declared the providential care of the Lord over me when in a blind and ignorant state; but I saw not the hand of God in those matters, though at times he hath made me tremble by causing death and another world to make so powerful a seizure of my mind as to cause me to look with dread on futurity. By how anyone could avoid sinking down into a world of misery, I knew nothing about; nor was there, as I said before, any person in the parish as I ever heard of that could teach me the way of life. And thus I had to stumble upon the dark mountains without a guide for my feet. But still I believe that God's eye was upon me, and that in all my wanderings, he never once lost sight of me, but followed me with judgments and mercies, and took special care of me when I could not take care of myself." (p.8)

James Osbourn in his autobiography, "A Lawful Captive Delivered," expresses God's government and protection over his natural life before his conversion. How reassuring to realize God will not lose a single soul that has been chosen to salvation (2 Thess. 2:13; John 6:37). In order to accomplish the application of redemption God will protect that person's life until the work of God has been effectually given to the soul. Peter expresses this point in 2 Peter 3:9:

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

I know that some have thought God's will in this verse was His desire to save but the accomplishment of actual deliverance was contingent upon the sinner's will. However, Peter is writing of God's decree or will that shall come to pass (Isa. 46:9, 10) upon the us-ward, or the elect (1 Peter 1:2) and beloved (2 Peter 3:1). God will certainly bring all of the elect to repentance so that none perish. He accomplishes this by preserving our natural lives until that experience and assuring the experience by irresistible grace (John 10:27-29).

This is the most recent photo of the orphanage in Cambodia from my trip in April supported through Pure Religion Ministries. The children were very healthy and happy, and they continue to grow spiritually under the supervision of Brother Dara and the staff. In fact, the boy second from the left in the row standing is now first academically in his class of forty. Initially, when he came to the orphahange he could not read. Most of the children have confessed Christ and followed him in baptism, as has the staff. We praise the Lord for His tender mercies.

Christ in the Old Testament (III)

Christ in the Old Testament
Lesson 3
Symbols

Christ is the center of both redemptive history and the Bible (John 5:39). In our last study we observed Christ in the Old Testament through prophecies. This study will view Christ through symbols. A symbol is “a thing that represents something else.” In our study we will see Christ represented or seen through several objects in the Old Testament. Again, we do not desire to force Christ unnaturally in every object, nor do we want to appear spiritually perceptive by making every tangible object symbolize Christ Jesus. Our purpose however is to encourage the Bible reader to concentrate on the great design and theme of the Scripture, Jesus Christ (Luke 24:25-27). My prayer is that this study will help us develop a lens to clearly see Christ our Lord.

1. Coats of Skin (Genesis 3:21) ---Jesus’ imputed righteousness
Isaiah 61:10 “I will rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

2. A Ram in a Thicket (Genesis 22:10-14)---Jesus’ vicarious atonement
1 Peter 3:18 “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”

3. Jacob’s Ladder (Genesis 28:10-22)---Jesus, the Mediator
John 1:51 “And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”

4. The Passover (Exodus 12:1-13)---Christ, Our Passover
1 Corinthians 5:7 “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.”

5. Manna from Heaven (Exodus 16:11-18, 31)---Jesus, the Giver of Life
John 6:33 “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.”

6. The Rock (Exodus 17:1-7)---Jesus, from Whom all Blessings Flow
1 Corinthians 10:4 “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.”

7. The Fiery Serpent (Numbers 21:4-9)---Christ, the Crucified
John 3:14, 15 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

Christ in the OT (II)

Christ in the Old Testament
Lesson 2
Prophecies of Christ in the Old Testament

1 Peter 1:10-12 “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”
The theme of redemptive history is the focus of the Bible, which includes the Old Testament. The focal point of redemptive history centers on Christ Jesus because His death brought salvation, and, therefore, Scripture testifies of Jesus primarily (Luke 24:25-27, 44-46; John 5:39; 8:58; Acts 10:43; 26:22, 23; 28:23; Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 1:10-12). Last week we referred to six ways the Old Testament testified and revealed Christ (prophecies, types, theophanies, symbols, characters, themes).
The study this week will include prophecies in the Old Testament that witnessed of Jesus Christ, His sufferings and glory. The prophecies foretold and predicted Christ’s birth, ministry, sufferings, death, resurrection, and ascension. The prophets were enabled to predict these events by the inspiration of the Spirit. These prophetic fulfillments in Christ are often used in Christian Apologetics to confirm the inspiration of Scripture and Christ’s deity. However, these prophecies are a rich treasure of scriptures that should fill the believer’s heart with devotion and adoration for God’s unspeakable gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Genesis 3:15-Galatians 4:4; Genesis 12:3-Matthew 1:1; Genesis 17:19-Matthew 1:2; Numbers 24:17-Matthew 1:2; Genesis 49:10-Matthew 1:2; Isaiah 9:6-Luke 1:32, 33; Isaiah 7:14-Luke 1:26-31; Hosea 11:1-Matthew 2:14; Isaiah 9:1-2-Matthew 4:13-16; Isaiah 61:1, 2-Luke 4:16-21; Deuteronomy 18:15-Acts 3:22; Zechariah 9:9-Mark 11:7-11; Psalm 22:1-Matthew 27:46; Psalm 22:18-John 19:24; Zechariah 12:10-John 19:37; Psalm 69:21-Matthew 27:34; Isaiah 53:9-Matthew 27:57-60; Psalm 16:10-Acts 2:27; Psalm 68:18-Ephesians 4:8

Christ in the OT (I)

Christ in the Old Testament
Lesson 1

Overview

Jesus Christ is the theme of redemptive history as recorded in Scripture. He is the focal point of the Bible upon whom our salvation hinges and by whom God is glorified. Obviously, Christ is the center of the New Testament revelation, but He also permeates the Old Testament revelation (Luke 24:25-27, 44-46; John 5:39; 8:58; Acts 10:43; 26:22, 23; 28:23; Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 1:10-12). Since Christ is the object of our worship and the essential subject of the entire Bible, our study, reading, meditation, and preaching must revolve around Christ Jesus and the center-piece of redemption, the cross.
Searching the Old Testament Scriptures for Christ does not mean that we disregard the historical significance of the message, nor are we to allegorize (spiritualize) God’s word so that Christ is forced unnaturally into the lesson. Rather, we naturally see Christ as the centerpiece of God’s purpose to glorify Himself as that purpose converges upon Christ.
Some helpful guides to better view Christ can include:
1. Prophecy: Genesis 3:15 (the seed of the woman); Isaiah 7:14 (Immanuel)
2. Types: Passover (Exodus 12); Tabernacle (Exodus 25:40)
3. Theophanies: The Angel of the Lord (Genesis 22:11; Exodus 3:2)
4. Symbols: Rock (1 Cor. 10:4); Jacob’s Ladder (Genesis 28:12)
5. Characters: Joseph, David, Melchizedek
6. Themes: Victory in battle, righteous reign, overruling of sin
An example of viewing Christ from the Old Testament:
In the reign of Jehoshaphat this week in my personal devotion from 2 Chronicles 17 I saw a picture of Christ’s rule. God established Jehoshaphat’s rule with riches and honor so that Judah brought gifts to him (v. 5). Jehoshaphat sent out princes and Levites to teach the people of Judah God’s word (vv. 7-9). Kingdoms came into subjection to him and served him (vv. 10, 11). He grew exceedingly great and built castles and cities (v. 12). Can you view similarities between Jehoshaphat’s reign and Christ’s? Certainly Christ’s rule greatly overshadows Jeshoshaphat’s, but Jesus’ rule is glorious (Luke 1:32). He too sent out princes (apostles and disciples) to establish His word (Matthew 28:18-20). Through His influence and power many bow to His regal authority. His rule will continue and all nations of the world will be overtaken by His greatness and power (Revelation 11:15).
Also, through Jehoshaphat’s failures we are made to appreciate Christ’s reign of true righteousness by way of contrast. Jehoshaphat allied himself with a wicked King, Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1), and experienced judgment because of his sin (2 Chronicles 19:2). In Christ we view only righteousness and a perfect reign (Hebrews 1:8).

Writings of James Osbourn

In my library I have four books written by James Osbourn. James Osbourn was born in England in 1780, sat under the ministry of the celebrated William Huntington, and converted under the ministry of John Harm. Later, Osbourn moved to America and was blessed to preach extensively and to write several books. Historian Sylvster Hassell said of him that he "was an Englishman, who traveled and preached much , and wrote many religious books." He was a part of the presbytery that ordained Sylveter Hassell's father, C. B. Hassell. Osbourn's autobiography is "The Lawful Captive Delivered." I will try to post some excerpts and make a few comments as I read through the book.

"Whereas, it is now my intention to set forth in order before the Church of Christ, an account of the gracious dealings of God with my soul, from the commencement of my inward trouble and distress from a sense of sin and of my lost condition; surely a recital of some little things connected with the first few years of my natural life will not be irrelevant; especially as it is my wish that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ should appear with all the advantages which it assumed when it rescued my soul from ruin. Besides, grace stands so high in my estimation, that I am willing to set forth its aboundings in a way as answerable to its vast worth as I am capable of; and thankful I am to Almighty God, that I have here something to say in commendation of that special grace which saveth sinners from endless woe, and which hath raised me from a low condition, that I 'should walk in newness of life' (Romans 6:4)." The Lawful Captive Delivered, Part I

Comment---Not all, or even most, of us have written an autobiography, but all of us that have been delivered from sin's guilt and power have a narrative of God's grace we should express. May each of us express that testimony with our lips and also by walking in the light and power of Christ and His "special grace which saveth sinners from endless woe."

Jeremiah 31:3

The distinguishing mercy of God in drawing sinners that He has chosen to Himself is often portrayed and caricatured as being heartless and cold. The misunderstanding of some makes God's choice of salvation to be like a magician who reaches into his magical hat and arbitrarily pulls up a handful of names (the elect). And then drags the sinner to Himself kicking and screaming against his will (the sinner's will) because he does not want the gift of righteousness and salvation from the person of Christ. Salvation, election and irresistible grace, is very different from the false impressions above. Election is based upon God's pre-temporal love or foreknowledge (1 Peter 1:2), and God draws the sinner by giving him a will that delights in Christ and the gift of salvation (Psalm 110:3). Read and appreciate the words of Charles Spurgeon from his "Autobiography" as he graphically and picturesquely describes God's distinguishing grace!

"My soul, stand thou at that sacred fountainhead, and adore and magnify for ever and ever God, even our Father, who hath loved us! In the very beginning, when this great universe lay in the mind of God, like unborn forests in the acorn cup; long ere the echoes awoke the solitudes; before the mountains ere brought forth; and long ere the light flashed through the sky, God loved His chosen creatures. Before there was any created being when the ether was not fanned by an angel's wing, when space itself had not an existence, when there was nothing save God alone even then, in that loneliness of Deity, and in that deep quiet and profundity, His heart moved with love for His chosen. Their names were written on His heart, and then were they dear to His soul. Jesus loved His people before the foundation of the world even from eternity! and when He called me by His grace, He said to me, 'I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.'"

"Sons We Are, Through God's Election

The author of this hymn is unknown, yet, the words and thoughts are not. They are ancient; decreed of God in eternity and manifest to us in God's word (Ephesians 1:4, 5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:9). On my recent trip to Cambodia the question arose (as it often does) concerning God's rejection or passing over of Esau in Romans 9. My response, as it is whenever this question or objection is raised, was to view the wonder of God's grace in the election of Jacob. It is astonishing to imagine God choosing Jacob or any sinner to salvation when all alike deserve His justice, including Esau. I echo the words of the unknown author, "Thanks, eternal thanks to thee!"

Sons we are through God's election
Who in Jesus Christ alone
By eternal destination
Sov'regin grace we here receive
Lord thy mercy, Lord thy mercy
Does both grace and glory give

Ev'ry fallen soul by sinning
Merits everlasting pain
But thy love, without beginning
Has restored thy sons again
Countless Millions, countless millions
Shall in life through Jesus reign

Pause, my soul, adore and wonder
Ask, O why such love for me?
Grace has put me in the number
Of the Saviour's family
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Thanks, eternal thanks to thee!

Since that love had no beginning
And shall never, never cease
Keep, O keep me, Lord from sinning
Guide me in the way of peace!
Make me walk in, Make me walk in
All the paths of holiness

When I quit this feeble mansion
And my soul returns to thee,
Let the pow'r of thy ascension
Manifest itself in me
Through thy Spirit, through thy spirit
Give the final victory!

When the angel sounds the trumpet
When my soul and body join
When my Saviour comes to judgment
Bright in majesty divine
Let me triumph, Let me triumph
In thy righteousness as mine.

When in that blest habitation
Which my God has fore-ordained
When, in glory's full possession
I with saints and angels stand
Free grace only, Free grace only.
Shall resound in heav'n's land

Waiting at the airport

I'm at the international airport in Seoul. I have a nine hour layover, but the airport has a very comfortable area with lounge chairs, internet service, restaurants, etc. Still, I'm ready to get home. My final flight is scheduled to arrive in Atlanta Friday night at 8:45. Jessica and the kids are supposed to pick me up and have two chili-slaw dogs from Nu-way with them for me to eat! The Lord is working and expanding His kingdom in Cambodia, but there is much work to do. I'm so thankful the Lord is directing Joseph Weyel and his family there to minister. Look forward to sharing more once I'm home.

Coming to a conclusion

What a day! We baptized 50 believers this morning and found a Mexican restaurant tonight the day before we leave. The Lord has blessed the trip greatly. We saw evidence of God's power moving in the ministers' conferences and experienced great fellowship among the people of God. The orphanage is being managed in a godly and efficient manner. I look forward to giving a full report at Eureka on Wed. night.

Arrived Safely

Bro. Bobby and I arrived last night around midnight (Wed night) and was greeted by Bro. Dara. Unfortunately we did not receive our luggage (Bro. Bobby's clothes and the medicine I brought for the children). We can pick it up Sunday, however.

I was blessed greatly by Bro. Bobby's devotion this morning in the Guest House from Psalm 113. Bro. Bobby made mention of God's holiness and how He has to bow down just to behold the things in heaven and earth. How rich His mercy to know He considers us and lifts us up from our deplorable condition (dunghill-to be a prince)! He also made mention of Jacob being a prince with God and having power with God through Christ. And how we too have power and are to come to God's throne boldly (Heb. 4:14-16).

Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name [is] to be praised.

The LORD [is] high above all nations, [and] his glory above the heavens.

Who [is] like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,

Who humbleth [himself] to behold [the things that are] in heaven, and in the earth!

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

That he may set [him] with princes, [even] with the princes of his people.

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.