way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” That eternal life is not dependent


Rest in the Truth By Rob Patrick T


here is so much uncertainty in the world right now over just about ev- erything. How long will this corona virus keep spreading? How many people will get sick? How many people have actually died from this vi-


rus, and not other preexisting health conditions? Will students go back to school this year? When will businesses reopen? How many businesses will never re- open due to the financial devastation we are facing? Will things ever be “nor- mal” again? In the face of all this uncertainty, there seem to be more questions than answers. The good news for Christians is that we never need to be uncertain about


what is most important. Health is important. Education is important. Finances are important. But these are not the most important things, and uncertainty in any of these areas in no way diminishes the value of what is absolutely certain. It is good to rest in that which is certain, unchanging, and eternally true. We should be certain of the eternal power and will of God. Hebrews 1:3 tells


us that “He upholds the universe by the word of His power.” Not only does God sustain all He has created; He has decreed all which takes place. Ephesians 1:11 says He “works all things according to the counsel of His will.” That means not a single thing happens in all the earth outside of His will. God is never sur- prised by anything, and never unable to accomplish His will. Christians also know that God intends good for His people in all that comes


to pass. Even the most painful events and seasons of life are purposed for the good of His people. Acts 2:23 reminds us that the very deliverance of Jesus over to crucifixion and death was “according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” The LORD is glorified and grants blessing through apparent devasta- tion! That’s why the Psalmist can declare, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives


CHURCH PEW CUSHIONS Padded seats or reversible cushions


DON GREEN UPHOLSTERY Call collect (864) 277-3795


Write: 1401 Piedmont Hwy., Piedmont, SC 29673 30 The Associate Reformed Presbyterian


in any way upon physical health or material prosperity is another cer- tainty. Salvation is received as gift of God’s grace, never a result of physi- cal or financial well-being. In fact, it is often when people are most broken, physically and financially, that the LORD graciously calls them out of trust in themselves or in other things to trust in Christ alone for salvation. While health and finances can dimin- ish rapidly, Jesus said in John 10:28 that, once anyone is in His grip, “they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Christ is ever present with His


people, so that we can be certain, whatever we face, nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul wrote this in Romans 8, including death and life among those things. Be sure of His loving presence, even when health, education, and finances are turned upside down! There is no denying that we are


living in very uncertain times. There are important questions that scien- tists, doctors, and politicians can’t an- swer. But if you are in Christ, you can be sure of so much! Will you delight in what is certain, or be enslaved by fear of lesser things? “Finally, broth- ers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any ex- cellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)?


Reverend Rob Patrick is the pastor of Boyce Memorial ARP Church in Kings Mountain, NC.


CLASSIFIED ADS If you would like to advertise, please contact arpeditor@arpsynod.org. The cost is $.50 per word.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32