O SWEET AND GRACIOUS LORD, grant us of thy grace that we never be so envious of the prosperous estate of the ungodly that we decline from the right course of the godly, but that we may be more and more assured of thy goodness and providence, in such sort that our whole aim may be to be perpetually conjoined with thee, through thy only Son, Jesus Christ our Savior. AMEN. – Prayers on the Psalms from the Scottish Psalter of 1595 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2010), 91.
Read More“ETERNAL FATHER, and God of all consolation, who to make satisfaction for our sins didst cast down thy only Son to extreme pains and anguish, and hast ordained thy church to pass by the same way of affliction, we beseech thee most fervently that, forasmuch as we are destitute of all help of men, we may so much the more be assured of thy mercy and goodness, that we may praise the same before all creatures, both now and forevermore. AMEN.” – Prayers on the Psalms from the Scottish Psalter of 1595 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2010), 88.
Read MoreThe dogwood tree at the northwest corner of Grace Chapel is covered with hundreds of periodical cicada shells, making it cicada central at RTS Jackson. Look down and see the holes from which the insects emerged after 13 years of nourishing themselves on the tree’s roots. According to the Mississippi Extension Service “there are only three broods of 13-year cicadas in the world and Mississippi is the only state where all three broods occur” – another marvel that makes our state an endlessly fascinating place to live, study, and work.
Read MoreThe dogwood tree at the northwest corner of Grace Chapel is covered with hundreds of periodical cicada shells, making it cicada central at RTS Jackson. Look down and see the holes from which the insects emerged after 13 years of nourishing themselves on the tree’s roots. According to the Mississippi Extension Service “there are only three broods of 13-year cicadas in the world and Mississippi is the only state where all three broods occur” – another marvel that makes our state an endlessly fascinating place to live, study, and work.
Read MoreALMIGHTY GOD, the help and defence of all them that fear thee, grant that we may securely live under the safeguard and protection of thy well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Grant also that his kingdom, by thy great power, may prosper and be advanced daily more and more; and that we, being settled upon thy promises, may render unto thee the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, both now and evermore. AMEN. – Prayers on the Psalms from the Scottish Psalter of 1595 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2010), 61.
Read MoreFATHER OF ALL MERCIES, who delightest not in the death of a sinner, have compassion upon us, and wash us from all our sins that we have committed against thy holy Majesty since the time we first came into this world. Create in us a clean heart, and strengthen us continually with the power of thy Holy Sprit, that we, being truly consecrated to thy service, may set forth thy praises, through Jesus Christ, our Savior. AMEN. – Prayers on the Psalms from the Scottish Psalter of 1595 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2010), 75.
Read MoreO LORD, the only refuge and strength of all them who put their trust in thee, we beseech thee of thy goodness to fortify us, and to destroy the devices of the wicked in such sort that we may live in quietness of spirit; that we may serve and honour thee all the days of our life, through Jesus Christ, thy Son. AMEN. – Prayers on the Psalms from the Scottish Psalter of 1595 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2010), 71-72.
Read MoreMore and more Christians choose cremation instead of burial. The reasons vary. For some it is a matter of hygiene, for others it is the only option available; still others choose cremation for financial reasons. Many Christians believe the Bible is silent on the matter. Since I am frequently asked whether cremation is a viable Christian alternative to burial, let me share with you some thoughts on both cremation and burial. I believe the Bible has more to say about the matter than many suppose.[1] At the outset let me make clear that while I believe a good scriptural case can be made for traditional Christian burial, I do not intend for a moment to cast doubt upon the faith of…
Read More“GOOD LORD, AND GOD ALMIGHTY, who for the fulfilling of thy holy promises, hast sent unto us thy dear Son, our King and Redeemer, grant that we order ourselves, under the obedience of thy holy Word, that we may renounce ourselves and all our carnal affections; and that we may be an occasion to all people to celebrate thy holy name throughout the whole earth, and that through the self-same Jesus Christ, our only Savior. AMEN.” – Prayers on the Psalms from the Scottish Psalter of 1595 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2010), 71.
Read MoreI know of no more beautiful declaration of a pastor’s love for his people than Paul’s words to the struggling young church at Thessalonica: “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Isn’t that what ministry all about? Share the gospel . . . share your life . . . regard people with tender affection. Share the gospel – for without it, there is no salvation (Romans 1:16). Share your life – for without giving yourself to people, there is no mutual bearing of burdens that fulfills the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Regard people with tender…
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