Gallbladders and Baptisms, Oh My!

Gallbladders and Baptisms, Oh My!

Last Sunday brother Glenn Mayo got baptized!

This was an exciting Lord’s day. That morning we sang and worshipped our Lord, and then we heard the preaching of God’s Word. We then went outside in the beautiful sunshine and witnessed a powerful baptism! Brother Shaun, our associate pastor facilitated the baptism. We thank God for His continual mercy, as He watches over our flock at One:116 Bible Church in Texas.

Watch it below!

Last Wednesday I was stricken with a terrible pain beneath my ribcage that radiated throughout my chest and back area.

I’m not one to go to the doctor, so the fact that I went to the emergency room indicates that I was in some serious pain. After the CAT-scan and X- Ray, they determined that it was my gallbladder.

They said they needed to remove it, and scheduled me for an operation the next morning. I honestly have not felt physical pain like this ever! Excruciating! But thanks be to God the operation went smooth, and now I feel much better! God is so GOOD.

Thank you for all your sweet prayers, my family and I greatly appreciate it. – Jeff Rose

Paul Schneider – German opponent of Hitler

Paul Schneider – German opponent of Hitler

‘Somebody has to preach God’s word in this hell.’
– Paul Schneider
Throughout 1915 the First World War raged in both western and eastern Europe. In the German onslaught in the east against Russia, Paul Robert Schneider, an eighteen-year-old German soldier, received a serious wound in the stomach. For his bravery he was awarded the Iron Cross.

After surgery and recovery from it, Paul Schneider fought in the artillery against Britain and France. His courage did not go unrecognized. By the end of the war he had risen to the rank of lieutenant. At about the same time another German soldier ended the war as a corporal. His name was Adolf Hitler.

Adolf Hitler is now regarded as one of the most evil men who has ever lived. For twelve years, from 1933 to 1945, his political party, the National Socialists, or Nazis, dominated the life of Germany. For many years after 1933 his following among the German people was almost complete. Cheering crowds greeted him with rapturous enthusiasm whenever he appeared in public. He was idolized like a god. His power was so great that he led his people into an aggressive war in which millions died. His legacy to the country he ruled as a dictator was ruin and shame.

During those fateful years, the opposition to Hitler within Germany was so small that it was crushed with ease. Those who openly protested against Nazi ideology or policies paid a heavy price. The great scientist Einstein pointed out the origins of the most effective resistance. ‘Only the Church stood squarely across the path of Hitler’s campaign to suppress truth…it had the courage to stand for intellectual truth and moral freedom.’ Continue reading….

Encouragement From The Book of Romans

Encouragement From The Book of Romans

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Here are three points to consider from the book of Romans, chapter 8:15-30.

1.) Our Assurance 

Our assurance is directly tied into our adoption. The scripture uses the words Spirit of adoption, signifying that God Himself elected and selected us for His very own. Children themselves never adopt the father, but always the parent adopting the child. The word Abba, which means “my father” is so powerfully communicated in this verse that it provokes the highest response and reaction of a true child of God. This knowledge that our beloved Father has chosen us for His own, even in our vile state, brings with it a power from on high, filled with the Holy Spirt, that enables us to pass through any trial, and creates within us a filial love that conquers all. 

Charles Spurgeon says, “Whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” This is the highest form of confidence that can be thought of, — that a child of God should be able, even when he is forced to cry, to cry nothing less than, “Abba, Father.” At his lowest, when he is full of sorrow and grief, even in his cryings and lamentings, he sticks to “Abba, Father.” This is a joyous confidence indeed! Oh, that God may give it to you, dearly beloved, to the very full!”

2:) Our Suffering 

We must come to terms that the Christian life is not a life of ease. but rather a life of rejection, pain, persecution and hardship. But, in the end, eternal life, and never ending happiness in the presence of our God forever. Understanding our relationship with our father, birthed by the Spirit of God fuels us through this painful existence until we make it to the celestial city. Our future hope.

Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,  if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 

Philippians 1:29  For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 

3.) Our Future Hope 

We do not have to nervous and anxious over the outcome of the election. Whatever happen we must look at from the light of our text. That regardless of whatever chaos comes, we know that these “groanings” only excite the children of God to look more forward to the end. The bible says, in Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

So remember, you are an adopted son, or daughter. Elected by our Creator. Chosen for His glory, Remember that your suffering, regardless of their magnitude, will not be abolished when our Lord returns, or you die before His coming. Remember, ground yourself in this reality, that your future is in His hands. Rejoice while it is still day.

he inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet t

These present suffering and affliction are not even worthy to be compared with awaits us in the near future. This should make us rejoice! These present suffering are conforming more into the image of God’s dear Son. 

with the glory which shall be revealed in us. not worthy to be compared Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are

A Few Books Every Christian Should Read

A Few Books Every Christian Should Read

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Master those books you have. Read them thoroughly. Bathe in them until they saturate you. Read and reread them…digest them. Let them go into your very self. Peruse a good book several times and make notes and analyses of it. A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book thoroughly mastered than by twenty books he has merely skimmed.”

It is said that Pastor John Macarthur reads three hours a day. We all know that the book of all books is the Holy Bible, but as Christians we should also read and study heavily in many subjects. I personally enjoy history, biography, philosophy, apologetics, and theology. Pastors, above all should be readers. But also should every believer who makes good use of his time. Wasting hours online, frantically fielding messages back and forth until pretty much the whole day is spent on nothing.

Spurgeon continues “Give yourself unto reading. The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. You need to read. . . . We are quite persuaded that the very best way for you to be spending your leisure time, is to be either reading or praying. You may get much instruction from books which afterwards you may use as a true weapon in your Lord and Master’s service. Paul cries, “Bring the books” — join in the cry.”

Well, here are a few books that every Christian should read.

1.) Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon
2.) Christian Leaders Of The 18th Century by J.C. Ryle
3.) Pushing the Antithesis by Dr. Greg Bahnsen
4.) George Müller of Bristol: His Life of Prayer and Faith by A.T. Pierson
5.) Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther
6.) The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink
7.) The Forgotten Spurgeon by Iain Murray
8.) The Works of Francis Schaeffer
9.) The Pilgrims Progress
10.) Foxes book of Martyrs

These ten titles should be on your shelf. But most importantly they should be read and reread. This list is a great start for anyone wanting to get a good grip on the reality of the Christian faith in action. Always put the scriptures first, but spend much time with your face in books. You will never regret the blessing they will have on you and the many souls you come in contact with.

God bless

Jeff

Your Work Is Not In Vain

Your Work Is Not In Vain

Greetings to all of you dear Saints,

I wanted to encourage you to continue in the faith. Sometimes it seems like the world around us is falling apart and in complete chaos. Many of us struggle with fear and anxiety, not knowing what the future holds. Many of us spend hours drinking in the latest news, watching and scrolling through YouTube videos, only to find ourselves still scratching our heads.

If we are not careful, we can become so distracted that our walk with Christ becomes cold, and we start to resemble the world, more than we resemble our Master. James 1:14 says, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

The Amplified Bible says, “Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].”

1st Peter 2:8 says, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

We must be on guard against our own heart, and the schemes of the enemy. We must, by God’s grace turn to the Lord, the One who is in charge of all things, the One who is never falling apart, confused or caught off guard. Here are a few simple ways to get yourself back in step with the Holy Spirit and right fellowship and communion with God.

1.) Meditate on God’s Word. The bible says, if we meditate on God’s Word opposed to the words of men, especially those who invoke fear and instill uncertainty.

Psalms 1:3 “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

2.) Prayer Spending time alone with God. George Muller once said that spending time with God would relieve his anxiety, and leave him calm and restful in the Lord. Try to find a quiet place, where there is no distractions. Put your cell phone away, otherwise you may be tempted to check texts, and emails. Open your bible and read it, meditate on God’s Word and converse with Him through His unchanging Word. This will bring clarity, peace and strength into your life. Your faith will increase and your fear will disappear.

3,) Go to Church- God has established His church to build community, sustain and nourish relationships. The local church gives a stable environment of believers. It affirms our faith. Its a place where the family of God gather together and worships together, Its a place where the family of God is nourished in the preaching of God’s Word. Its the fellowship of the Saints. The church is place where God’s love is on display.

4.) Evangelize – Get out and proclaim the excellencies of Christ to a world that is lost and dying. Dare to step out and confront the madness of this crazy sin infected world with the power of Christ and His Gospel. Realize that this Gospel saved you, and its the only remedy for the plight of sinful and lost people.

Remember this, that your work, even what we may deem unimportant or insignificant, is not forgotten and unseen. God takes into account those things which glorify Him, regardless of how mundane they may seem, We don’t have to be heroic by the worlds standards to get noticed by God, we need to be faithful and loyal to what He has called each and everyone of us to do and be. Jesus said first, we are to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, and with all of our soul, and with all of our mind. And second we are to ‘Love our neighbors as ourselves.’

Don’t give up!

Jeff Rose

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable.
Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

– 1 Corinthians 15

Six Short Rules for Young Christians

Six Short Rules for Young Christians

These six short rules for young Christians come to us from the pen of Brownlow North, an evangelist, preacher, and writer who lived from 1810–1865. While these helpful habits are addressed to the young believer, it is clear that they ought to be embraced by all Christians.
1. Never neglect daily private prayer; and when you pray, remember that God is present, and that He hears your prayers. (Heb. 11:6).

2. Never neglect daily private Bible reading; and when you read remember that God is speaking to you, and that you are to believe and act upon what He says. I believe all backsliding begins with the neglect of these two rules. (John 5:39).

3. Never let a day pass without trying to do something for Jesus. Every night reflect on what Jesus has done for you, and then ask yourself, “What am I doing for Him”? (Matt. 5: 13-16)

4. If you are in doubt as to a thing being right or wrong, go to your room and kneel down and ask God’s blessing on it. (Col. 3:17). If you cannot do this, it is wrong. (Roms. 16:23).

5. Never take your Christianity from Christians, or argue that because such and such people do so and so, therefore, you may. (2 Cor. 10:12). You are to ask yourself, “How would Christ act in my place”? And strive to follow Him (John 10:27)

6. Never believe what you feel, if it contradicts God’s Word. Ask yourself, “Can what I feel be true if God’s Word is true”? And if BOTH cannot be true, believe God and make your own heart the liar. (Roms. 3:4. 1 John 5:10-11).

NOTE:

Brownlow North was a man greatly used of God in the great 1859 Revival that swept the North of Ireland. His grandfather was the Bishop of Winchester, who was the son of Lord North, and once Prime Minister of England. Brownlow North, then, was an aristocrat; but, as we well know, position has no bearing on a man’s spiritual quality, and Brownlow North spent his days in godless living. “For forty-four years of my life,” he tells us, “my object was to pass time pleasantly; so long as the day was spent agreeably I was satisfied”. In 1854, God laid him low with a sever illness and raised him to life eternal to work the works of God. Two books give us an insight into the life and work of Brownlow North. “Wilt thou go with this man?” The story of his life; and “The Rich Man and Lazarus”, which is a collection of the sermons which he preached during that great awakening in 1859.

Sovereignty, Is God in Control or Is He Not?

Sovereignty, Is God in Control or Is He Not?

With all the craziness going on around us, how are we, the church, suppose to behave? With the never-ending influx of fear inducing news being broadcast over our television sets, we have become a nation of nervous and uneasy people. I think I have heard the name “Covid’ over a thousand times since its inception. Now its a crazy combination of Covid-19, face mask, BLM, LGBTQ and murder Hornets!

Just recently some of the Hollywood elites and billionaires have been exposed for their gruesome child trafficking and pedophilia rings. These greedy, lusty pregnant powerhouses will have their day, either now, or later on the day of judgement.

Remember, God is Sovereign. Yes, I will say it again, God is Sovereign and that means He is in control of everything. As R.C. Sproul says, “…there is not one maverick molecule God is not in control of. He is not only in control of all things, He ordained all things!”

Yes, the Lord God has ordained everything that comes to pass. Listen to what scripture says in Isaiah 46:10…

“Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times
things that are not yet done,
Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
And I will do all My pleasure.”

Listen to what John C. Johnston wrote in his Classic work on the Covenanters’ concerning the Sovereignty of God during a crisis,

“It was the stern and tremendous theology of John Calvin which gave birth to the Covenanters, and perhaps no other theology could have been of any service in an iron age like theirs. What they learned from it was an awesome sense of the sovereignty of God, a passion for righteousness and liberty, a sense of the vast issues of human destiny, and above all a resoluteness and certainty of faith which made them like the glittering sword of God amid the demoralization of their times.”

When we truly grasp this awesome reality, we no longer become circumstantial Christians. Another words, circumstances do not change our faith.

As John Piper once said, if we come to God for any other reason than God Himself, we come in vain. We did not come to Christ for life enhancement, we came to Christ for Christ! God had told Abraham in Genesis “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

God had told Abraham, that God Himself was his reward! Abraham came to God for God!

If we are truly God’s people, it matters not whether we are thrown in a hole somewhere, burned alive, or living in in a mansion. We are safe and satisfied. Whether in life or death, we belong to God. Whether the coronavirus, obsessive mask wearing, communism, socialism, wicked-woke, or threats from the elites, we have God.

The Lord knows the beginning from the end.

So, when the heathen say, “Where is your God now?” (Psalm 115:2)
We will say, But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. (Psalm 115:3)

So how are we to behave? We are to remain trusting, peaceful, calm, confident, and bright. Let’s continue to be the salt and light. Let’s continue to be about our Father’s business and if we perish, we perish. Go, Stand, and Speak!

A Slave for Christ,

Jeff Rose

Heavy Hearts

Heavy Hearts

To Our JeremiahCry family,

We are burdened, dismayed and our hearts are heavy as we think about what we have seen unfold over the last couple weeks. With so much chaos and rage going in our nation, what in the world are we supposed to do? Are we to jump into the fray and start shouting, looting, and using a tragedy as an excuse to be wicked?

Are we to join in and protest and vent our pain at the gross and demonic behavior of the arrest of George Floyd? We as a nation are still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic. Now we are under curfew to keep us safe from the rioting and looting. What’s next? Darkness has literally covered the land.

The Bible talks about a darkness, darkness that overtakes a nation, and a darkness which describes a people.

“The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” Mathew 4:16

There are those who want to push, pout, and promote evil, and there are those in the midst of evil and darkness who are looking for the light of Christ. Yes, God’s elect are in the throes of a divided country, and many hearts are being prepared to hear the Gospel and come to Jesus.

As our nation is raging against God, and continues to look for other ways to accomplish justice, peace and freedom. God is giving them over to their lust, hatred, and love of violence.

“He who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:36

We must, as Christians and followers of Christ, penetrate the darkness with fire of the Holy Spirit, and the Truth of God’s Word. Jesus said,

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Romans 13:13,14

We are not to hide, we are to shine!

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden, Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Mathew 5:14-16)

So, if we set something on fire, let it be done by the fiery preaching of the Gospel!

John Wesley once said, “I set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn.”
While many people are in shock, traumatized, and living in fear while our nation is on fire, let us burn for Christ, that others may come and be rescued from the flames of hell.

Save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh – Jude 1:23

How will they hear if we do not let the perfect love of Christ swallow our fear, and cause us to rush into a sin crazed culture with the love of Christ? They won’t…
So, before we catch ourselves slipping into dread and fear, lashing out at all the injustices around the world, remember, we are the only people group on the planet who has the answer for darkness, pain, confusion and hopelessness. We have the Gospel of Christ.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Romans 13:13

Church Planting

When I was first approached about planting a church, my first thought was, absolutely not! Little did I know, I would be writing this newsletter celebrating three years of pastoring a church in Texas.

I was very hesitant and cautious about starting a church because of all the bad experiences I had heard about and have seen with my own eyes. My family came to Texas to work alongside another church which soon dissolved. It was heart wrenching. I couldn’t believe how nasty people could be within the church!

The question that lingered was, “Am I cut out for this?” My wife and I fasted and prayed. We diligently sought the Lord and by the leading of the Holy Spirit, knew that God was calling us to this church plant. We started in a living room, moved to a workshop, then to another office building, and then finally to the place we are now.

I have made many mistakes on this journey and will make many more, but I have learned much in these last three years. Here is what I have learned.

1.) Spiritual Warfare is intense

The spiritual attacks are by far the worst I have ever experienced. If you are not called and serious about the work of the church, you will be crushed. A work like this demands much prayer, fasting, and the deep study of God’s Word. This is a real war, both for lost souls, and the health of God’s people.

2.) Betrayal lurks around the corner

Many of the people you think will be the best companions in battle turn out to either quit, cause trouble, turn on you, and/or seek to devour you. They will accuse, lie, slander, and smear your name and the name of Christ. Pride drives these people to do things that you only thought the world was capable of.

3.) Rejection is part of the package

I have learned that much of true ministry is followed by much rejection. People will show up to your church, ready to conquer the world, then a week or two later they disappear, fade out, or drop off the face of the planet. Usually these people are looking for some form of leadership. But on a good note, the ones you least expect, will oftentimes surprise you and stick it out for the long haul. They also will bear much fruit in their service.

4.) Sickness can almost knock you out of the race

2019 was by far my worst year. I had been stricken and hijacked by a nervous breakdown. My body literally shut down. I suffered the worse kind of torment a human being can suffer on this side of eternity. At least in my opinion, and the opinions of many others who have suffered the same lot. My whole body was in torment and pain, waves of agony and terror shot through my body continuously for days on end. My body would pulsate and vibrate with painful anxiety, fire would shoot up and down through my chest, my legs would tremble uncontrollably, and all I could do is just lay in bed and stare at the wall. I did this for days until God by His providential Hand lifted me out of the darkness. This sickness was an instrument to drive me to the feet of my King. God used it for my good, and for His glory.

5.) Disappointments come left and right

Starting a church from scratch is an enormous undertaking. I had read many books on the subject and talked to many pastors about their experiences. I found it interesting that a majority of those I talked to were hesitant to help or just didn’t have the time. Sadly, many church planters that I did get to know over last few years, eventually quit. So far, what I can say from my personal experience, is that I can see why 1,800 ministers quit ministry every month. But realizing that Christ’s church never fails, we can rest in His strength, promises and future hope.

6.) Family

It seems the enemy relishes on attacking marriages and kids. He thrives on our failures, doubt, and unbelief. The work of church planting seems to stir up all kinds of threatening offenses, fear, and miscommunications within the household and in the household of God. Elders of the church must learn to pray alone, pray together and with their wives and children. Any slack in spiritual exercises could be the demise of your calling. On the other hand, there is nothing more beautiful than working together as a family to see the will of God unfold. I love my family and am so thankful for their support! It is awesome to see the church work together as well. The family of God is a beautiful thing. If there is one thing I have learned to appreciate, it is my church family. We have cried together, fought together, failed together, and succeeded together. I love my church!

Remember, if you are called to plant a church, Jesus will carry you through. We have experienced many ups and downs, and will probably experience many more. The financial struggles, disappointments, failure, pain and loss will all be worth it in the end. This is a difficult, daunting and demanding work, but it also can be a blessed, exciting, and memorable journey that will leave behind a legacy, and an inheritance that is eternal.

No King But Christ,

Jeff Rose

Spurgeon’s Ministry in the Middle of an Epidemic

There’s an interesting story that’s told by C.H. Spurgeon.

In 1854 he was just called to the neighborhood of the Metropolitan Tabernacle that he served in for so many years, there in London.

He had only labored in that area for one year when the area was visited by Asiatic Cholera. He writes in his diaries that day-by-day he was burying folk, every single day, with this sickness. He notes that he became wearied himself, he says actually: ‘I became sick of heart, because not only were my congregation falling, but my own friends fell one by one’.

Eventually, as he was burying day-by-day, he began to feel that he was sickening a little bit like them, and he felt that he was coming down with the same sickness. Into the bargain, he felt burdened with such a heavy burden to bear in ministering to these folks who were bereaved. He felt, he says, that he was sinking down underneath this.

One day he recounts that, returning mournfully from one of those said funerals, curiosity led him to read a paper in a shoemaker’s window on the Dover Road.

Do you know what the newspaper said? Verse 9 and 10! ‘Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling’.

He said: ‘Immediately relief and faith was applied to my heart, and I felt I was girt with immortality! I felt that God had just come down with His word and put a cloak of armor around me, that nothing could touch me’ – that is what this word ought to do for you! It ought to gird you with immortality!

It ought to make you realize that no matter what touches me, nothing can touch me out of the will of God if I put myself under the shadow of God! Nothing can harm me: ‘I am immortal’, as the puritan says, ‘until God says I must go’.