RESOLVE AND DEFEAT
Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake…”—Joh 13:37.
Could Peter’s impulsive spirit tolerate delay? “Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now?” Easier far is it to rush into the battle, where excitement and passion may be trusted to render us oblivious to pain and discomfort, than to stand at our post through the long cold nights on sentry duty.
He made the mistake of miscalculating the might and power of the Adversary. It was the hour of the power of darkness. The moment was at hand in which the prince of this world would make the supreme effort to hold his own, and refuse to be cast out.
He miscalculated his own strength, and relied upon the fervour of his emotion. He had no conception of how much need there was for something more than the strong fervour of passionate affection.
He miscalculated the weapon by which to overcome. He had a literal sword, and thought that it would be sufficient to draw it and smite with all his might, as he did cutting off the ear of O Malchus. He expected that with his fervent passion for Christ on the one hand, and cold steel on the other, he would be able to follow wherever Jesus led. But it is not possible for human enthusiasm to sustain the soul, when it comes to close grips with the great Adversary of the Kingdom of God.
He miscalculated the help that comes through prayer. So confident was he that he slept instead of praying. Thrice the Lord came to remind him of the urgent need for watching against the hour of trial, but His words were unheeded, because the advice seemed needless. Why should he pray, when he had already made up his mind!
Then the crash came, and he went out a broken-hearted man! He, we too have failed in like manner. We have brandished the cold steel of strong resolve. But the disillusioning process has set in, and we have sorrowfully proved that it is not by flesh and blood that we can enter the Kingdom. Let us not forget our Lord’s comforting words to Peter: “Thou shalt follow Me afterwards.”- F.B. Meyer
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, March 10, 2019
10:00 a.m. Sunday school for all ages
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
6:00 p.m. Pre-service Prayer Meeting
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
Weekly Announcements
Wednesday, March 13th
7:25 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer meeting – Dr. McClelland
Friday, March 15th
No Good News Bible Club This Week
Advance Announcements
Sunday, March 17th
10:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. McClelland
6:00 p.m. Pre-service Prayer Meeting
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Rev. Tony D’Addurno
Wednesday, March 20th
7:25 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting
NO Good News Bible Club This Week
LADIES BREAKFAST
Saturday, March 30that 9:00a.m.
The ladies in the church of all ages are invited to a special breakfast. It will be a good time of food and fellowship. Following the breakfast there is will a Bible study in the book of Philippians Chapter 2:25-30, on the theme of “A Servants Heart”. Please see sign-up sheet in the foyer. We hope to see you there.
FPC Youth Camp
The annual Free Presbyterian Church Youth Camp is planned for July 13th – 20th in South Gibson, Pennsylvania. The camp is a great opportunity for our youth to have fun and fellowship together and most importantly, to be in the Word of God and under the sound preaching daily. Camp registration forms are now available and the deadline to sign up is Sunday, May 26th. Please see Jonathan McAnally for camp forms and any questions you might have.
