Rise and Pray!
“Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” — Luke 22:46
When is the Christian most liable to sleep? Is it not when his temporal circumstances are prosperous? Have you not found it so? When you had daily troubles to take to the throne of grace, were you not more wakeful than you are now? Easy roads make sleepy travellers. Another dangerous time is when all goes pleasantly in spiritual matters. Christian went not to sleep when lions were in the way, or when he was wading through the river, or when fighting with Apollyon, but when he had climbed halfway up the Hill Difficulty, and came to a delightful arbour, he sat down, and forthwith fell asleep, to his great sorrow and loss. The enchanted ground is a place of balmy breezes, laden with fragrant odours and soft influences, all tending to lull pilgrims to sleep. Remember Bunyan’s description: “Then they came to an arbour, warm, and promising much refreshing to the weary pilgrims; for it was finely wrought above head, beautified with greens, and furnished with benches and settles. It had also in it a soft couch, where the weary might lean.” “The arbour was called the Slothful’s Friend, and was made on purpose to allure, if it might be, some of the pilgrims to take up their rest there when weary.” Depend upon it, it is in easy places that men shut their eyes and wander into the dreamy land of forgetfulness. Old Erskine wisely remarked, “I like a roaring devil better than a sleeping devil.” There is no temptation half so dangerous as not being tempted. The distressed soul does not sleep; it is after we enter into peaceful confidence and full assurance that we are in danger of slumbering. The disciples fell asleep after they had seen Jesus transfigured on the mountain top. Take heed, joyous Christian, good frames are near neighbours to temptations: be as happy as you will, only be watchful.
C.H. Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening.
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, October 24, 2021
9:55 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship
– Pastor Saunders SermonAudio Link
5:50 p.m. Pre-service Prayer
6:30 p.m. Evening Worship
– Pastor Saunders SermonAudio Link
Weekly Announcements
Wednesday, October 27th
7:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer
Advanced Announcements
Sunday, October 31st
9:55 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship
Guest speaker – Rev. Ryan McKee
4:50 p.m. Session and Board Prayer
5:50 p.m. Pre-Service Prayer
6:30 p.m. Evening Worship
Guest speaker – Rev. Ryan McKee
Wednesday, November 3rd
7:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer
Sunday, November 7th
11:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.
– Pastor Saunders
New Testament Greek Classes
Retired Teachers
(L to R) Dr. McClelland, Mrs. Norma Wilson, Mrs. Linda Robinson, Ms. Karen Chandler, Mrs. Carol Cleland and Mrs. Sharon Kruger. (Absent: Mrs. June Gangadin)
Port Hope FPC
Port Hope FPC will be holding a week of anniversary meetings on October 25-29 at 7:30 p.m. Rev. Ryan McKee, from Magherafelt FPC in N. Ireland, will be the guest preacher. Everyone is welcome to attend. For those who are not able to attend in person, you can view the services on Facebook Live by clicking here.
The Shorter Catechism
A: The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man,1 and of our own2 and our neighbour’s good name,3 especially in witness-bearing.4
1. Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour. (Zechariah 8:16b).
2. Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1Peter 3:16). Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong. (Acts 25:10a).
3. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record. (3John 1:12a).
4. A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. (Proverbs 14:5a). A true witness delivereth souls. (Proverbs 14:25a).
The Children's Catechism - History
Q32: Who were Isaac’s sons??
A: Jacob and Esau.
