A Thief’= ;s Memorial
May 26, 2007
1.= Luke 23:32-45 – The thief on the cross displays God’s grace.
A.= Mark 4:2-20 – Trouble comes to those who reject the word.
· 1 Sam. 15:23 – Rebellion is addictive & enticing.
· 1 Cor. 15:33 – Evil company corrupts g= ood habits.
· George Muller – From stealing to giving money away.
“It is Satan's plan to weaken the faith of God's people in the Testimonies. Satan knows how to make his attacks. He works up= on minds to excite jealousy and dissatisfaction toward those at the head of the work. The gifts are next questioned; then, of course, they have but little weight, and instruction given through vision is disregarded. Next follows skepticism in r= egard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our position, then doubt a= s to the Holy Scriptures, and then the downward march to perdition. When the Testimonies, which were once believed, are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at this; and he redoubles his efforts till = he launches them into open rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction. By giving place to doubts and unbelief in regard to the work of God, and by cherishing feelings of distrust and cruel jealousies, they are preparing themselves for complete deception. They rise up with bitter feeli= ngs against the ones who dare to speak of their errors and reprove their sins.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> {5T 672.1}
B.= John 16:8 & 13 – The Holy Spirit speaks to every heart.
· Heb. 13:5 – It is the presence of Jesu= s.
· John 12:32 – Jesus draws us to Himself= .
· The extreme conservative found his way to Je= sus.
C.= John 6:37 – Jesus will always accept us and forgive us.
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· Eph. 2:8-9 – We cannot be saved by our works.
· Acts 4:12 – Only in the name of Jesus can we be saved.
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· Hymn 341 – Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), 1875. Became popular in 1952 through Billy Graham.
· Where you will find John Newton in heaven.