[Note: This is the outline of the last sermon preached, on 7 October 2009, by the Rev. Dr. Edwin P. Elliott Jr., before his death on 11 October 2009.]

Called To Preach

I. God Calls His Preachers

A. Not everyone who says he comes from God has heaven's commission. "Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say. Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed." (Jeremiah 14:15)

B. An old Southern saying has Scripture warrant; some were called, some were sent, and some just got up and went. "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15)

C. A preacher must not only be sent, he must also be sent by God. "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." (Hebrews 5:4)

D. The church confirms what God has done and it must be certain not to confirm what God has not done when identifying ministers. "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery" (1 Timothy 4:14) "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other- men's sins: keep thyself pure." (1 Timothy 5:22)

II. Look for Signs of God's Call

A. God's preachers concentrate on God's message. "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:’ (Titus 2:1) "Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." (Titus 2:8)

B. God's preacher will be ardent about communicating what he knows even when he knows only a portion of the full Bible message. "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John" (Acts 18:24-25)

C. Apollos was open to learning more when he encountered other believers who had richer experience and deeper insight into God's message. "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue :'whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." (Acts 18:26)

D. The true biblical preacher will not let the times or the seasons distract him from his assignment. "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:2)

E. True preachers will not attempt to accomplish with human methods what is entirely God's work. "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power'' (1 Corinthians 2:4)

F. God's preachers avoid spending all their time condemning other preachers; truth, not error, is what matters. "The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:28)

III. Good Preaching Will Be Balanced

A. Good preaching touches the entire counsel of God. "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20:27) "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not jet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:" (Isaiah 46:10)

B. Genuine preachers fit the parts of Scripture together to show the larger patterns of God's revelation; the Geometry of Scripture and the Puritan Principle display the mind of God. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

C. Good preaching will also be appropriate to the audience; street corner audiences and seminary chapels commonly have different needs. "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able." (1 Corinthians 3:2)

D. Good preaching will equip people to learn more and more of the mind of God and then, as the hearers develop, will deliver richer and richer truths. "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:12-14)

In Memory of Pastor Edwin P. Elliott

Pastor Edwin Elliott, 62, Publisher and Editor of, and the man who revived the Christian Observer; and the Founder, Publisher, and long-time Editor of Presbyterians Week, died 11 October 2009 as the result of a heart attack suffered two days before.

Pastor Elliott was for many years the pastor of Reformed Presbyterian Church (Hanover Presbytery and Calvin Synod) in Manassas, Virginia. Pastor Elliott held the Bachelor of Arts degree in History from William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, the M.Div. degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and the D.Lit. degree from Whitfield Theological Seminary. Mr. Elliott taught junior high school history in Manassas, Virginia before entering seminary, and served as pastor to Oak Ridge Presbyterian and First Presbyterian Church Water Valley in Mississippi.

Pastor Elliott is survived by his wife Ann, three daughters, Laura, Rebecca, and Elizabeth; mother Ellen Lee B. Elliott; brother Francis Elliott, sister-in-law Grace Elliott, and nephews Benjamin, Adam, James, and Lee Elliott.

Visitation was held at Reformed Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, 13 October 2009, and was followed by a Masonic service at 7:00 p.m. and an Orange Lodge prayer at 7:30 p.m. A funeral service was held Wednesday, 14 October 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Reformed Presbyterian Church, 9400 Fairview Av, Manassas, Virginia 20110.

What do they do at the little old church with the tall steeple by the railroad tracks in Old Town Manassas?

Come over and see for yourself. We will show you how we study the Bible and why we identify ourselves with the Full Bible Movement.

We aren’t Messianic Jews but we do many things of interest to Messianic Jews. And we share their delight in finding Christ throughout the Bible. Take this opportunity to get acquainted.

	October 15 - October 17 Dr. Grady S. McMurtry Will open the Bible at our Bible Festival
Why Should We Study The Feasts? Thursday, October 15, 2009 @ 7:00 PM Demonstration Passover Seder Friday, October 16, 2009 @ 7:00 PM "See" the Cross Saturday, October 17, 2009 @ 9:00 AM Pentecost and the Summer Feasts Saturday, October 17, 2009 @ 10:30 AM

Reformed Presbyterian Church Dr. Edwin Elliott Pastor 9400 Fairview Avenue Manassas, VA 20110 (703) 335-2844 + Festivals@RPChurch.org

As the Scriptures Say

Exodus 12:1-14; Mark 14:12-26 / Exodus 20:1-17

I. Sin Stresses and Saddens

A. God gave people an opportunity to demonstrate their discernment; Biblical law shows people how to avoid stress, sadness, and self-destruction. “For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.” (Romans 10:5)

B. The rules and their implications were revealed—God did not hold back secret traps. “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” (Galatians 3:10)

C. The law shows how life works, but it does not show how to repair sin’s damage. “And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.” (Galatians 3:12)

D. God, the Creator, understands the human condition uniquely; He does not succumb to wishful thinking and self-deception. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

E. Ignoring problems may delay facing reality until help comes too late; self-deception works the same way for sin that it does for cancer. “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)

II. Hope Comes from Heaven

A. When people have learned enough about the nature of life’s problems, it becomes possible to stop self-medicating and seek the one reliable source for relief—Grace. “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 10:8-11)

B. People with ears to hear will hear something very comforting to suffering sinners. “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.” (Isaiah 55:1-5)

C. In Christ there will be an end to corruption and death; stress, sorrow, and sin will come to an absolute and perpetual end. “And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.” (Acts 13:34)

D. There are only two options; believe God’s happy promises or, by rejecting them, make God out to be a liar. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:10-11)

III. The Scriptures Say:

A. No human failure is too great for God to resolve. “And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:39)

B. The blood of Jesus cleans away all sin. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

C. God neither ignores nor discounts sin, but through the atonement Jesus actually pays for the sins of His people. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4)

D. Come to Jesus; reaffirm your faith and claim the promises at His table. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Reformation Day Psalm Sing

"Behold, how good a thing it is, and how becoming well, Together such as brethren are, in unity to dwell!" - Psalm 133, The Scottish Psalter

All are welcome and encouraged to gather for a casual time of singing from God's Word and enjoying food and conversation with other Reformed Christians from the greater Washington, D.C. area.

Where: Reformed Presbyterian Church of Manassas, 9400 Fairview Avenue, Manassas VA 20110 http://www.rpchurch.org/

When: Saturday, October 31st

Time: 5 to 8 p.m.

We will use (and provide) the Book of Psalms for Singing (RPCNA)-the tunes should be familiar or easy to learn. We will have a few selections to start us off, then a time for participants to request their favorites. First will be a time of singing, then the meal will follow. This is for all ages and talent levels!

Each couple/family is asked to contribute a simple entree or platter of sandwiches, plus a side (salad, fruit, veggie, appetizer, or dessert). If coming alone, please bring one of any of these item. Drinks, utensils, and paper products will be provided. Please keep in mind we have limited space for plugging in slow-cookers, and we have no oven.

Please direct any questions to Festivals@RPChurch.org (703) 335-2844

Watch

Zephaniah 1:1-18; Mark 13:24-37 / Psalm 102:1-28

I. The Messiah Is Coming

A. When the end comes, no place will be secure from the transformation. “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.” (Mark 13:24-25)

B. There will be no way to continue life as usual; no way to muddle through will remain; the Lion Coming will be a total contrast to the gentle first or Lamb Coming. “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:” (Amos 8:9)

C. According to Peter, the end will come suddenly with cataclysmic, universal force. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10)

D. The settlement of all things will continue till all things are restored to their righteous order; the world will be appropriately terrified, but believers will be comforted. “And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26) “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)

E. As God gathers all His elect, He will put an end to all institutions which oppress His people and restrain righteousness. “And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” (Mark 13:27) “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

II. Stay Focused

A. Jesus used a parable to clarify for His people what outsiders cannot understand; His parables always work that way. “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.” (Mark 13:28-29)

B. Calvin taught, “This prophecy does not relate to evils that are distant, and which posterity will see after the lapse of many centuries, but which are now hanging over you, and ready to fall in one mass, so that there is no part of it which the present generation will not experience. So then, while our Lord heaps upon a single generation every kind of calamities, He does not by any means exempt future ages from the same kind of sufferings, but only enjoins the disciples to be prepared for enduring them all with firmness.” “Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.” (Mark 13:30)

C. There will be skeptics as there were in Noah’s day, but do not be distracted as people were then; God keeps His promises and makes good on His threats. “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” (Mark 13:31) “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4)

III. Work; Don’t Teach What Can’t Be Known

A. Teaching what has not been revealed has always produced tragedy; take Jesus at His word. “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” (Mark 13:32)

B. Instead of speculating, pay attention, watch, and pray. “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.” (Mark 13:33-34)

1. Believers have work to do. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)

2. The Thessalonians severely tarnished their testimony when they neglected their heavenly instructions. “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)

C. When begged to rest during his final illness, Calvin said, “Would you have my Master find me idle?” “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:35-37)

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How To Read The Bible

I. Read with Respect

A. Scripture is without flaw; even people with limited intellect can become wise by interacting with it. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7)

B. Bible students develop keen understanding of reality. “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8)

C. Through Scripture a believer can encounter the standard of righteousness and eternal truth. “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” (Psalm 19:9)

D. Treat the Bible as enormously valuable; Scripture produces enduring value. “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:10)

II. Read for Restoration

A. When the people of God returned from the Babylonian Captivity, they began their restoration by turning to the Bible. “And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.” (Nehemiah 8:3)

B. The spiritual leader of the restoration instructed the nation from Scripture and the faithful leaders supported him in the project. “And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:” (Nehemiah 8:4-5)

C. The Bible teachers explained and taught the Bible till the people understood, repented, and turned to the Lord for the strength they now knew was not in them. “And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:6-10)

III. Read Expectantly

A. Church extension begins with Scripture and leads to an eternal inheritance. “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)

B. The Bible provides all which is needed to equip Christian leaders. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

C. Study the Bible to get to heaven; knowledge of the gospel causes people to have hope in God and His promise of salvation. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

D. Bible preaching is the normal way of leading people to God and all that He has planned for His people. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:13-17)