The Iron Pen #69
"...graven with an iron pen and lead..." Job
19:24
Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.
God & Country
"Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well
the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal
life. And therefore to lay Christ in the bottom as the only foundation of all sound
knowledge of learning." This was one of the original rules of Harvard College. In
1639 Rev. John Harvard, a Presbyterian minister, gave half of his fortune for the
establishment of Harvard college. The college was founded for the purpose of training men
to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
RAISE NO FALSE REPORT
Exodus 23:1 "Thou shalt not raise a false report..." When the meaning of the
Hebrew word translated as "raise" is considered, the above quotation should be
interpreted to mean that a person should neither receive nor report slander. This
prohibition is emphasized in the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not bear false
witness." False witness consists of originating a false report. Usually the root of
all slander is jealousy, envy, or hasty conclusions based on outward appearances. It is
virtually impossible to know all the circumstances surrounding a given case; therefore,
slander also consists of listening to false reports that encourage others to do evil, and
makes a person a party to sin. There are many ways man can slander or carry a false report
without even opening his mouth or making a direct accusation. The lifting of an eye, a
shoulder or a slanderous insinuation could also be included in such an action. Slander is
one of the most hated sins in the Word of God. "These six things doth the Lord hate;
yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed
innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running
to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among
brethren." (Proverb 6:16). When man’s character is destroyed, he is rendered
useless. Slander can steal from a man his most precious possession and leave him helpless.
"...Brethren, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if
there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8
Christ Alone
Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save and Thou alone.
(Augustus Toplady 1740-1778)
Quotes To Note
As long as I see any thing to be done for God, life is worth having; but O how vain and
unworthy it is to live for any lower end! David Brainerd
The Story Behind "Now Thank We All Our
God"
Pastor Martin Rinkhart wrote the wonderful hymn of thanksgiving, "Now Thank We All
Our God." He wrote it for his family, to be used as a prayer around the table before
the meal. Yet few people know the context in which the pastor wrote this song. It was
written during the 30 Years’ War. This was a series of European conflicts, between
1618 to 1648. involving most of the countries of western Europe. These conflicts were
fought mostly in Germany and were the result of the struggle between adherents to the
Protestant Reformation and the Roman Catholic factions. The pastoral duties were extremely
difficult for Martin Rinkhart during this time. He conducted as many as 40 funerals per
day. It was also during this time that he lost his dear wife. Yet, in spite of war and
plague around him and sorrow within him, he was able to give thanks to the Lord from a
grateful heart. His obedience should motivate us to give thanks to our Lord! Psalm 107
What’s New In A New Believer’s
Life?
2 Corinthians 5:1-17
A NEW HOPE (1-4, 6, 8)
A NEW GUIDE (5)
A NEW RULE (7)
A NEW AMBITION (9)
A NEW DESIRE (11)
A NEW MOTIVE (14)
A NEW PURPOSE (15)
Point To Ponder
"The Law and the Gospel are two keys. The Law is the key that
shutteth up all men under condemnation, and the Gospel is the key which opens the door and
lets them out." William Tyndale
Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you
perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in
his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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