“Of Him, and Through Him, and To Him” (Smith)

Romans 11:35–36

“For who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

Set to His Seal That God Is True John 3:31–36 (Smith)

When we come to John chapter 3, we find ourselves standing beside two men whose ministries could not be more different in scope, yet perfectly united in purpose: Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, and John the Baptist, the forerunner appointed to prepare His way. John understood his calling with remarkable humility. When his disciples expressed concern that the crowds were now flocking to Jesus rather than to him, John answered with words that have echoed through the centuries: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Of Him, Through Him, and To Him: The Glory of God in All Things (Smith)

There is a phrase commonly heard among professing Christians: “I hope God gets the glory.” Closely related is another statement: “That doesn’t glorify God.” These expressions are often spoken sincerely, yet sincerity alone does not determine truth. Our language, like our theology, must be governed by Scripture rather than emotion, tradition, or human reasoning.

God’s Ownership of the Deceived and the Deceiver

Job 12:16

Of Him, Through Him, and To Him: The Glory of God in All Things (Smith)

There is a phrase commonly heard among professing Christians: “I hope God gets the glory.” Closely related is another statement: “That doesn’t glorify God.” These expressions are often spoken sincerely, yet sincerity alone does not determine truth. Our language, like our theology, must be governed by Scripture rather than emotion, tradition, or human reasoning.

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him (Smith)

Christ the Creator and the Purpose of All Things

Colossians 1:16 

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

God’s Sovereign Work in His People: Resting in Unconditional Grace (Smith))

If we truly embrace the plain declarations of Scripture, we must acknowledge these foundational truths:

Power of God in Salvation (Elder Mikal Smith)

Dearest Brethren,

Praise be to God, who is not hindered by man’s work or lack of work, for the gospel—and the salvation it proclaims—

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE NEW YEAR 2025

If the brethren have a mind to read, I have been given some thoughts as we enter into this new year. While they are not to be compared or taken as truth, unless they, by examination, are found to be align with THE TRUTH, I pray they convey the truth of God’s word and edify the reader. 

HE IS A VICTORIOUS SAVIOR

"I will be surety for him: If I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame forever" - Gen 43:9

IF I DON'T FIT SO BE IT

My friends, my goal is not to make God look bad or even good, he is who he is.

AND HE HATH BID HIS GUESTS

Zephaniah 1:7 (KJV) "Hold thy peace in the presence of the Lord God: for the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath BID his guests."

NOT ASHAMED (Elder MIKAL SMITH)

Isaiah 50:5-7

The Lord God hath opened my ear,

and I was not rebellious,

neither turned away back.

I gave my back to the smiters,

and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded:

therefore have I set my face like a flint,

and I know that I SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED.

ETERNAL DESTINIES (ELDER MIKAL SMITH)

A few years ago, I heard Voddie Baucham, a prominent internet, and Sermon Audio “Sovereign Grace” preacher, commenting about the anniversary of his many years of ministry at the local church he pastors, make this statement: 

"The eternal destinies of many people have been radically changed while sitting in these pews..."

THE LORD ALONE OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (ELDER MIKAL SMITH) 2024

The whole of the gospel, its fullest and only truth is THE LORD ALONE OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

AS MANY AS...(ELDER MIKAL SMITH)

In our English language, we have what we call a "quantifier". This is a word or phrase that expresses a specific quantity. For instance, if I said "the ones hired as janitors, cleaned."

I PETER 1.23 (ELDER MIKAL SMITH)

A short but excellent article on this important subject! - ed.

THE LORD GAVE THE LORD TAKETH AWAY (MIKAL SMITH)

Job 1:20-22

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, AND WORSHIPPED, And said,

Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither:

THE LORD GAVE and THE LORD HATH TAKEN AWAY; blessed be the name of the Lord. 

In all this Job sinned not, NOR CHARGED GOD FALSELY.

OMNISCIENCE and OMNIPOTENCE (MIKAL SMITH)

We often use the term “omniscience” when referring to an attribute of God, wherein He has ”all knowledge” or “knowledge of everything.” We also would define “omnipotence” as God having “all power” or being “most powerful.” 

And many will not dispute this fact. However, men often use these terms but lay an unbiblical definition or understanding of them.

GOD CANNOT BE TURNED

Job 23:13-14
But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. 14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.