“Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.”
Psalm 35:1,2

In July of 1776 the second Continental Congress culminated its work in Philadelphia by drafting the document we now know as the Declaration of Independence.
In that fine document the framers commended themselves to the “protection of Divine Providence” as well as submitted their reasons for separation to “the opinions of mankind” in order that all might see the justness of their cause.
It was only with grave reservation and after great deliberation that they took this bold step “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions.”

We know more about this Congress than we do the one that preceded it and yet the former had set the tenor for the second. Convening in Philadelphia in September of 1774 the congress opened with the reading of Psalm 35 and several hours of prayer.

A historian recorded of that day:
“Washington was kneeling there, and Henry, and Randolph and Rutledge, and Lee and Jay, and by their side there stood, bowed down in deference, the Puritan Patriots of New England, who at that moment had reason to believe that an army of soldiery was wasting their humble households…they prayed fervently for America, for the Congress, for the province of Massachusetts Bay, and especially the town of Boston… ‘it was enough,’ said Mr. Adams, ‘to melt a heart of stone.

I saw the tears gush into the eyes of the old pacific Quakers of Philadelphia.’ John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, ‘we have appointed a continental fast. Millions will be upon their knees before their great Creator, imploring His forgiveness and blessings; His smiles on American councils and arms.”

Yes, they were a bunch of imperfect white men but the Lord smiled on their endeavor and we have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. From sea to shining sea He has prospered us a nation. O for a heart to once again seek His forgiveness and blessings.

Because of grace,
Tim

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“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

This is probably one of the most reassuring verses in all of scripture. No Judgment. Sounds almost too good to be true. What does it mean?
This statement is the starting point for an extended section in the book of Romans where the apostle Paul explains the absolute security of the believer. This doctrine, also sometimes referred to as “the perseverance of the saints”, was hotly disputed in the early 1600’s by the followers of Jacob Arminius and John Calvin.

In dueling documents, the Remonstrants and the Canon’s of Dort, the essential points of dispute were laid out. In the Canon’s of Dort there is a whole section that summarizes the Biblical teaching on this issue. Below are several of the truth’s they expressed:

Whom God calls, according to his purpose, to the communion of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and regenerates by the Holy Spirit, he delivers also from the dominion and slavery of sin in this life; though not altogether from the body of sin, and from the infirmities of the flesh, so long as they continue in this world.

Hence spring daily sins of infirmity, and hence spots adhere to the best works of the saints; which furnish them with constant matter for humiliation before God, and flying for refuge to Christ crucified; for mortifying the flesh more and more by the spirit of prayer, and by holy exercises of piety; and for pressing forward to the goal of perfection, till being at length delivered from this body of death, they are brought to reign with the Lamb of God in heaven.

By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace, if left to their own strength. But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms, and powerfully preserves them herein, even to the end.
Amen!!

Because of grace,
Tim

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“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.”
Romans 1:8

In the Lord, I could not be prouder of a church than I am of EBC. I know I’m a little bit partial, but seriously I thank my God through Jesus Christ for each of you and all of you. You all are my joy and crown!

To be sure we have our problems, sins and failings. There are things we need and can do better. There are areas of growth we need to be stretched into. But your faith is evident and you have been the source of blessing and much good to many people- not only in Star Valley but all over Wyoming, the U.S. and even the world. For the obscure place in which we are planted we have had tremendous fruit for the kingdom.

I don’t say this to blow up your pride and cater to your flesh- I say this to encourage you. Sometimes in the midst of pressing duties and responsibilities we lose track of the big picture. We get discouraged and wonder if the sacrifices we make are worth it. We get weary in doing good. But do not faint, for we shall reap.

Your love for each other is evident. O yeah, we sometimes have our family squabbles and tiffs, but by God’s grace not only have these been rare but they have also been a source of growth for all of us. As a pastor I have grown much through the years- learning what is truly important- what are hills to die on and what aren’t.

You’ve been gracious with me through much. For these things I am truly thankful to my God through Jesus Christ for all of you. I pray you will indulge more grace my direction in the years that lie ahead- and I in turn to you.

Because of grace,
Tim

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