Chaplain Dr. Paul Spence

An Independent Chaplain Serving Long Term Care Facilities For More Than 29 Years

"Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth." "O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help." --Psalm 71.9,12.

FOR THE SPIRITUAL GOOD OF THE SICK & ELDERLY

What is here, inside this little website, is particularly designed for the spiritual good of the Sick and Elderly. The First Series of Sermons is entitled "The Saviour's Wounds." When people are "stricken" by illness and old age (Joshua 23.1), it is a good time to consider Him Who was "stricken" the most (Isaiah 53.4,8). There is Blessing in His Wounds. The Second Series of Sermons is entitled "For Those With Extended Sickness." All these Sermons were expressly written for the Sick and Elderly, preached among them, and specially spoken of by many. It is hoped that this online reproduction will provide better opportunity for further reflection. Besides this, you will find here something for Residents in lockdowns--a little sketch of Dr. Spence and his services--and since Dr. Spence is an Independent Chaplain, there is a brief piece relating to historic Independency.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

This Week's Quotation From The Great Independent, Dr. John Owen (1616-1683). Proverbs 23.7 says: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." What are you thinking about today? Hebrews 2.10. "To make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." In his excellent Exposition of Hebrews, Dr. Owen says of these Words: "As the Captain of salvation, He goes before the sons of God. He went before them in obedience. When He was here, He said 'I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done.' The utmost perfection which we are bound to aim at in holiness and obedience, is nothing but conformity unto Jesus Christ--to mark His footsteps and to follow Him. He went before them in sufferings. Therein He is a Leader unto them by His Example. Peter saith, 'Christ hath suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps.' That is, be ready and prepared unto patience in sufferings when we are called thereunto. The Apostle makes all the afflictions of the Church to be the 'afflictions of Christ' (I Corinthians 1.24), who both before underwent them in His own Person, and led the way to all that should follow Him."

SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR

In Dr. Spence's recent trips among the Care Facilities, there were precious things. The Preaching of the Scripture was well received. Many were glad and attentive in their attendance. In one of Dr. Spence's newest Care Facilities, word was given him by one in leadership: "Please know that our Residents have not had Church Services here for a long time and they are really looking forward to it." Which was found out to be very true. In another new Care Facility, one Gentleman in charge stood at the end of the line of the Residents Dr. Spence was talking with, and expressed that he wants him back among his people. Lately, one Resident who was playing the old Hymns on the piano when Dr. Spence walked in asked him: "Do you know why I came to your Church Service today? I'm here to hear the Sermon." On the whole, please keep the Care Facility Work in Prayer. Ask THE LORD to greatly bless and lift up the Light of His Countenance upon the Residents through His Own Institution of the Preaching of the Word.

DO YOU WANT A BIBLE?

Would you like a copy of the excellent King James Version Scriptures? Dr. Spence has two types. 1. There are used Bibles. These dear Books were read by different Residents in the Care Facilities. Before these Residents left or passed away, they gave their Bibles to Dr. Spence. They wanted Dr. Spence to distribute the Bibles in the Care Facilities. In these more recent years, these are the Bibles Dr. Spence has mainly given out. Many have been happy with them. Some of these Bibles are worn. Others are in good condition. All contain the Word of GOD. 2. There are new Bibles and New Testaments. 3. There are the Psalms in Braille. If you or someone you know would use any of these, please contact us. The Books and postage are free. Revelation 1.3 says: "Blessed is he that readeth." Revelation 22.7 adds a second direction. "Blessed is he that keepeth the Sayings of this Book." In Rev. David Brainerd's last days of life, when the Scripture was read to him, he exclaimed: "O that lovely Book!"