TOTAL ABSTINENCE
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11
The command to abstain occurs only a few times in the New Testament, but there are three occurrences that are especially relevant for Christians today. One of these is 1 Thessalonians 4:3: “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.” The Greek word here actually applies to any type of sexual relationship outside of marriage, and the command is not merely for temperance or for “love” in one’s non-marital sexual relationships, but for total abstinence. This exhortation is perhaps needed more today than at any time since the days of pagan Rome, even for Christians and, unfortunately, Christian leaders. But that is not all. In the words of our text, we are also urgently exhorted to “abstain from fleshly lusts” since these carnal desires are in mortal combat with our very souls. One must avoid situations that might initiate or encourage fornication or its kindred activities.
But even that is not sufficient for the serious Christian man or woman. “Now we exhort you, brethren, . . . Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, 22). The word here means anything that in outward form might appear to be evil, regardless of whether it is really wrong in itself or not. The Lord desires that we “adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Titus 2:10) and that we “give none offense” (1 Corinthians 10:32).
A believer cannot afford to be careless in this warfare against his soul. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
–Dr. Henry M. Morris
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, November 25, 2018
10:00 a.m. Sunday school classes for all ages.
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Stephen Pollock
6:00 p.m. Pre-service prayer time
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Dr. Stephen Pollock
Fellowship & Refreshments following the evening service. Team #3 is on duty.
Weekly Announcements
Monday, November 26th
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Gym Fellowship
Tuesday, November 27th
7:00 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 28th
7:25 p.m. Acts Bible Study & Prayer Meeting
Friday, November 30th
7:00 p.m. Good News Bible Club
Advance Announcements
Sunday, December 2nd
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Rev. Reggie Cranston
Combined Sunday school, youth and adult Bible class opening in main auditorium.
Communion following the morning service.
6:00 p.m. Pre-service Prayer Meeting
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Dr. Frank McClelland
Monday, December 3rd
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Gym Fellowship
Wednesday, December 5th
7:25 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting
Sunday school and GNBC teacher’s prayer time.
Friday, December 7th
9:00 a.m. Women’s Morning Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Good News Bible Club
JAMAICA MISSION VISIT & USED SMART PHONE DONATIONS
Please remember in prayer Dr. Saunders and Rev. Derrick Bowman as they travel to Jamaica to visit the congregation in Little London on Thursday Nov. 29th. We would like to help brother Randy Gunnings who lost his electronics inventory due to a fire in his shop. If you have an unlocked Android or iPhones that you are not using and would like to donate it, please see Dr. Saunders today.
MESSIAH CONCERT
Today is the final day to order tickets for the presentation of “Messiah” in Kitchener on Saturday, December 8th. Ticket costs are $24 – adults; $14 – up to 30 years old; $5 up to 12 years; payable to Ruth Slade. Transportation arrangements will follow next Sunday.
CHRISTMAS CARD
Each year, instead of exchanging Christmas cards among the congregation, we donate those funds to a worthy cause. This year we are supporting our mission in Little London, Jamaica and the need for a new church bus. If you would like to help with this special offering, please mark your offering envelope, “Little London Bus”. Thank you!
LET THE BIBLE SPEAK RADIO BROADCAST
Rev. Ian Goligher has been broadcasting on the radio, Sunday mornings at 9:30am on Joy Radio 1250AM. Please pray for this outreach opportunity as the Gospel will be spread across the greater Toronto area.
