Author: Ards & North Down Christian Community Hub

Speaking The Truth In Love by Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones

A Sermon on Ephesians 4:15

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, (ESV)

One of the most misunderstood and misapplied statements in all of Scripture, according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, is the command of Paul in Ephesians 4:15 to always speak the truth in love. Many use this verse to argue against criticizing the views of others on the basis that it is unloving. They say that to criticize other Christians is to disrupt the unity of the church and God’s people. But this grossly misses the point of both what it means to speak in love and what it means to live in unity with other Christians. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out, the apostles and Jesus never hesitated to criticize false teachers and refute their teachings. In fact, many of the New Testament epistles were written just for this reason, to correct false teachings that had infiltrated the Church. Not only this, but the whole history of the Church has seen many creeds and confessions drafted in order to lay out clear doctrine and by this, protecting the unity of the Church. Because God has revealed the truth about him and his Son on the Bible, the Church must proclaim the truth and refute all that contradicts God’s Word.

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5.3 | Pray for the Universal Church | Matthew Henry | Learn to Pray the Bible

https://www.matthew-henry.org/read/intercession/5-3-pray-for-the-universal-church/

4.33 | Thank God for the Communion of Saints | Matthew Henry | Learn to Pray the Bible

SECTION 4 | THANKSGIVING | 4.33 | THANK GOD FOR THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

For the communion of saints, that spiritual communion which I have in faith and hope and holy love, and in prayers and praises with all good Christians.

We bless you that if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another, 1 John 1:7(ESV) even with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. 1 Corinthians 1:2(ESV)

That we, who are many, are one bread and one body; 1 Corinthians 10:17(ESV) and that though there are varieties of gifts and service and activities, yet there is the same Spirit, the same Lord, and the same God, who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6(ESV)

We thank you that all the children of God who are scattered abroad, John 11:52(ESV) are united in him who is the head of the body, the church; Colossians 1:18(ESV) so they are all our brothers and partners in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus. Revelation 1:9(ESV)

https://www.matthew-henry.org/read/thanksgiving/4-33-thank-god-for-the-communion-of-saints/

How To Find Jesus In The Old Testament by Mike Winger

How to find Jesus in the Old Testament (27 part series)

The Road to Emmaus

And behold, on that very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they came to a stop, looking sad. One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You possibly the only one living near Jerusalem who does not know about the things that happened here in these days?” And He said to them, “What sort of things?” And they said to Him, “Those about Jesus the Nazarene, who proved to be a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. But also some women among us left us bewildered. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. And so some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.” And then He said to them, “You foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to come into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets, He explained to them the things written about Himself in all the Scriptures.

The Power of the Gospel – a sermon from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

A Sermon on Mark 1:1

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (ESV)

What is the Gospel? The answer to this simple question has ultimate meaning for the lives of each and every one of us. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches from Mark 1:1, many look for answers to the problems they face in the world, whether it is religion, politics, philosophy. But the true answer is in the message that came two thousand years ago in the person of Christ. For Christ was born a baby in the lowly place of Bethlehem, yet the hope of all men is in this one man. Only Jesus can redeem us from sin and make all things new. Only Jesus can forgive our sins and give us peace with God. What then is the Gospel? The Gospel is the message of salvation that Jesus has died in order that all who believe in Him might be saved. It is the only message that God has given; all others are counterfeits. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks the critical question: do you believe in Jesus? This sermon will help you answer that question of eternal importance.

https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/the-power-of-the-gospel/

ULSTER REVIVAL OF 1859 By William Henry Harding

THE FOUNTAINS OF REVIVAL.

The spiritual awakening which rendered the year 1859 forever famous in the annals of Ulster, also furnishes one of the most remarkable illustrations in all history, of Christianity suddenly and potently revived and exercising a transforming influence, swift in its action and wide in its sphere, upon all classes of society.

Who were the people among whom this astonishing movement broke out?

Coming of Scottish and English extraction, the Protestant communities of Ulster represent a colony founded with infinite industry and skill, which has stood through centuries in enlightening contrast to the blighting conditions which obtain in other parts of Ireland under the domination of the priest. The history of Ulster is of a people not only distinguished by industrial ability and commercial integrity, but possessing strong religious proclivities, and contending earnestly in defence of Christian beliefs and Christian liberty.

The Revival led to the reclamation and conversion of vast numbers of people of careless or debased life but primarily it meant the kindling afresh of apostolic zeal and enthusiasm, the setting up of magnificent ideals regarding the extension of the Kingdom of God throughout the world, and, first and last, the reassertion on a majestic scale of the great basal verities of Evangelical religion.

No world-famous name is associated with the Revival. Nevertheless, beginning in the prayer-meetings and wayside conversations of a few humble work-people, it speedily attained the proportions of a national movement. Various springs from the hills of Antrim contributed to swell the meandering rivulet of Revival into a broad and mighty stream.

Read on…..

The Ulster Revival of 1859.pdfDownload