ANSWERING THE ACCUSER

November 17, 2024 New Community Church

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. — Romans 3:21

Understanding the Gospel is vital. So that we can preach it to ourselves when our conscience (or even Satan) accuses us. Not by minimising the reality of our sin. But by countering it with another great reality: the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ on our behalf.

In his book ‘The Discipline of Grace’, Jerry Bridges gives us 7 components of the Gospel (based on Romans 3:19-26) that we should all internalise:
• Nobody is declared righteous by observing the law (v19-21)
• The righteousness of God is apart from the law (v21)
• The righteousness from God is received through faith in Jesus Christ (v22)
• This righteousness is available to all because all have sinned (v22-23)
• All who put their faith in Christ are justified freely by God’s grace (v24)
• This justification is through the redemption of Christ (v24)
• God the Father is satisfied with the atonement made by His Son (v25)

This is how we silence the screams of our conscience. This is how we shut the mouth of the accuser. We counter the truth of our sin with the full and sufficient payment that was made for it at the cross. The Gospel brings us peace. May we ever cling to it.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Saviour died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
— Charity Lees Bancroft (1863)

— Contributed by Peter Rufus

TRACING THE PATHS OF PROVIDENCE

November 10, 2024 New Community Church

Are we aware that perhaps constant exposure to the mercies of God might desensitise us to His providence?

PSALM 44 — REVISED

November 3, 2024 New Community Church

In times of adversity remember God’s grace and rest assured that God cares for His people.

PSALM 43 — REVISED

October 20, 2024 New Community Church

When you are crushed in spirit, confused, and sad, draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

October 13, 2024 New Community Church

Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects,
my heart admires, adores, loves thee,
for my little vessel is as full as it can be,
and I would pour out all that fullness before thee
in ceaseless flow.
When I think upon and converse with thee
ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,
ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,
ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,
crowding into every moment of happiness.
I bless thee for the soul thou hast created,
for adorning it, sanctifying it,
though it is fixed in barren soil;
for the body thou hast given me,
for preserving its strength and vigour,
for providing senses to enjoy delights,
for the ease and freedom of my limbs,
for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding;
for thy royal bounty providing my daily support,
for a full table and overflowing cup,
for appetite, taste, sweetness,
for social joys of relatives and friends,
for ability to serve others,
for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,
for a mind to care for my fellow-men,
for opportunities of spreading happiness around,
for loved ones in the joys of heaven,
for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly.
I love thee above the powers of language to express,
for what thou art to thy creatures.