Receiving

A thought from Charles Spurgeon



"As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord." --Colossians 2:6

The life of faith is represented as receiving-- an act which implies the very opposite of anything like merit. It is simply the acceptance of a gift. As the earth drinks in the rain, as the sea receives the streams, as night accepts light from the stars, so we, giving nothing, partake freely of the grace of God. The saints are not, by nature, wells, or streams, they are but cisterns into which the living water flows; they are empty vessels into which God pours His salvation. The idea of receiving implies a sense of realization, making the matter a reality. One cannot very well receive a shadow; we receive that which is substantial: so is it in the life of faith, Christ becomes real to us. While we are without faith, Jesus is a mere name to us--a person who lived a long while ago, so long ago that His life is only a history to us now! By an act of faith Jesus becomes a real person in the consciousness of our heart. But receiving also means grasping or getting possession of. The thing which I receive becomes my own: I appropriate to myself that which is given. When I receive Jesus, He becomes my Saviour, so mine that neither life nor death shall be able to rob me of Him. All this is to receive Christ--to take Him as God's free gift; to realize Him in my heart, and to appropriate Him as mine.

Salvation may be described as the blind receiving sight, the deaf receiving hearing, the dead receiving life; but we have not only received these blessings, we have received CHRIST JESUS Himself. It is true that He gave us life from the dead. He gave us pardon of sin; He gave us imputed righteousness. These are all precious things, but we are not content with them; we have received Christ Himself. The Son of God has been poured into us, and we have received Him, and appropriated Him. What a heartful Jesus must be, for heaven itself cannot contain Him!

Once for All!

"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." Rom 7:4

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."
Hebrews 9:27-28

Free from the law- O happy condition!
Jesus hath bled, and there is remission;
Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall,
Grace hath redeemed us once for all.

(Once for all- O sinner receive it! Once for all- O brother, believe it!
Cling to the cross, the burden will fall- Christ hath redeemed us once for all!)

Now are we free- there's no condemnation!
Jesus provides a perfect salvation;
"Come unto Me-" O hear His sweet call!
Come and He saves us once for all.

Children of God- O glorious calling!
Surely His grace will keep us from falling;
Passing from death to life at His call,
Blessed salvation once for all.

From the pen of Pastor Mike McInnis

THE AGONY

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Paul mentions a race into which the sons of GOD are entered in this passage and in another one. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (1Cor 9:24) In this particular passage (I Cor.) the Greek word translated race is “stadion” which is the root word for our English word “stadium”. He is here, reminding his hearers that we are pressing to the mark in a public display and should run or endeavor towards this mark with all that is in us even as those in a carnal race run to the finish line knowing that they must win in order to gain the prize. He goes on to say that they are to strive for the victory not as those who are just in training or shadow boxing (see v.26) but as those who realize that they are in a life and death struggle. (see v. 27)

The Greek word, however, which is translated “race” in our text in Hebrews is the Greek word “agon” from which we get our English word “agony”. So his meaning is slightly different here, which is supported by the context of what he is writing to the Hebrews. Here he admonishes his hearers to run with patience whereas before in Corinthians he exhorted them to run with great intensity.

What he is pointing out to them is that the elect of GOD are appointed unto great trials and struggles in this world. As he did at Antioch, “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” (Act 14:22) This is even the same thing that the LORD taught HIS disciples when HE said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

The natural religionists of our day preach a message which promises great ease and blessing to those who will obey the LORD and walk in some prescribed formula for blessing. Yet the LORD plainly taught, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Mat 10:34) “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matt 16:24) We are not promised a life of ease nor a release from troubles, rather we are appointed unto these very trials for our benefit and GOD’s blessing is plainly seen in the midst of those trials. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1Pe 1:6-7) “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2Cor 4:17)

Those who have been born again by the SPIRIT of GOD are now entered into an agonizing conflict with their own sinful flesh which Paul describes as “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” (Gal 5:17)

They were free from this conflict when they were yet dead in trespasses and sins but when they were awakened and given eternal life that flesh which always dictated their every move without opposition is now stirred up to war against that principle of righteousness which is synonymous with the presence of GOD’s SPIRIT which indwells them.

These “new creatures”, which they have become, now receive the things of the SPIRIT (see I Cor. 2:14) and thus this continual agony ensues, as Paul describes it, “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Rom 7:21-24)

Now we would be totally overwhelmed in this condition and in despair if we were not also given a hope in our blessed DELIVERER as Paul goes on to say in v.25. “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Rom 7:25) Thus his exhortation here in Hebrews 12 is to run this race (agony and conflict) that we are appointed to; patiently and deliberately, looking unto our LORD JESUS CHRIST who has already run the same race for us, and has triumphed over our sin in our behalf so that we need have no fear of failing or falling into condemnation.

HE was tempted in all points like as we are yet HE committed no sin.

When HE was reviled HE opened not HIS mouth.

HE endured the ignominy and shame of the cross.

He bore all of these things because HE focused not on the agony that was involved but rather the fulfillment of HIS FATHER’s purpose as the scripture says “for the joy that was set before HIM.” This is the exact thing that Isaiah speaks about when he says, “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isa 53:10-12)

Now brethren if we have such a great HIGH PRIEST who has entered in once in to the Holy of Holies in our behalf, fully satisfying the law’s jot and tittle, how can we not rest in HIM who is our MEDIATOR and SIN BEARER? “But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”(1Pe 2:19-25)

www.gracechapelobrien.net http://wayfarerblog.blogspot.com/ mam

The Kisses of His Mouth

From the pen of Pastor Mike McInnis

THE KISSES OF HIS MOUTH

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.

Song of Solomon 1:2

Man in his natural religious state is desirous of fulfilling duties and meeting whatever requirements that his religious tradition deems appropriate. This natural dedication can be so strong that a man is even willing to lay down his life to uphold his chosen belief and fulfill his desire to be faithful to it. Sincerity (to one degree or another) is a trait which is found among just about all types of religious adherents. Dedication to a particular cause can be discovered wherever men gather to express the tenets of this creed or that.

Counterfeit money which is easily detected would be useless. In the same fashion, counterfeit religions would not be so effective in keeping men in darkness if they were obviously false. Most religions in the earth are very effective in promoting morality and general order. In fact most religions are roundly approved by the rank and file of the earth as being beneficial for society in general. Even the government approves of the promotion of religion as long as equal opportunity is given to all, and one religion is not sanctioned above another, which is as it should be.

Multitudes in this country pay homage to what is called the “christian” religion, which as society defines it, has a multitude of facets and many different flavors. In fact many are fond of saying that the good old United States is a “christian” nation founded on “christian” principles. Some have even taken great umbrage at the possibility that one of the candidates for president may not in fact be a “christian” and that it’s possible that he won’t use the Bible to be sworn in if he is elected. I suppose we may find out the answers to those “mysteries” soon enough, but the truth is that all religion which is chosen and ordered by men is all of equal value and bears the same marks regardless of what it is called.

While nations may be composed of a populace which is in its convictions disposed to the tenets of the christian faith, there is no such thing as a “christian” nation except that one which is described by Peter, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1Pet 2:9) The citizens of this nation did not become so by natural birth nor human choice as John says; “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13)

The inhabitants of this kingdom are not mere natural men at all, but they have been born again from above by the HOLY GHOST sent down from heaven. “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:5-8)

This is the solution to the problem set forth by the apostle Paul, “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.” (1Cor 15:50) A radical transformation must take place in order for a man who is born of a woman to become a subject of the kingdom of GOD. This is not a function of religion nor is it brought about by sincere devotion to so called “christian” principles. Men may adopt the outward forms of “christianity” just like they can choose any other religion on the face of the earth, but such is as ultimately worthless as counterfeit money when it is examined in the proper light.

Those who are by grace made the possessors of this spiritual birth have not added one iota to their standing by their own power. All that they have and are is the result of the outpouring of HIS mercy and the gift of HIS grace. “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (1Cor 2:11-13)

It most certainly follows then that those who are born of this SPIRIT and taught and indwelt by the same should possess different desires and longings than those who have not been so taught and led. “But we have the mind of Christ.” (1Cor 2:16) “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Col 3:1-3) Some have taught that because of this then the sons of GOD can and should attain perfection in this life.

Those who maintain such an idea are ignorant of the fact that we are yet left here in this earth in the same corruptible body of flesh and blood which has always been with us and shall remain so until the day of the resurrection when this mortal shall put on immortality and death is swallowed up in victory. However we are not left without hope and it is in this hope that we “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phi 3:14) It is in the midst of this very conflict which we find ourselves in as the “flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh” (Gal 5:17) that we are made to long for those refreshing times sent from the presence of the LORD. (see Acts 3:19) And it is only by HIS SPIRIT that we are enabled to desire HIS fellowship and long for HIS appearing.

It is in such a state that we see the “church” (the bride) longing for the kisses of her HUSBAND.

It is obvious that she has tasted of those kisses or else how could she know that which she desires. “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jer 31:3)

It is apparent that HE has gone away for a season though she is not without hope that HE shall return. “In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.” (Isa 54:8)

She desires HIS presence more than any other. “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psa 84:10)

As a chaste bride, she longs for HIS kiss alone. “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:19) “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1Jo 2:15)

She loves her HUSBAND because HE first loved her and has clearly demonstrated that love by giving HIMSELF for her. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1John 4:9-10)

www.gracechapelobrien.net http://wayfarerblog.blogspot.com/ mam

The Sands of Time are Sinking

Anne Ross Cousin, inspired by Samuel Rutherford's letters, wrote a poem which later was compiled into this great hymn. While there are many great hymns that I love and warmly embrace, I believe this hymn may top them all. It seems, that no hymn warms my heart like this one. Through the years it has been sung sparingly, I must admit it's sound is a bit melancholy, but do not allow that to keep you from enjoying it. Its words and message are one of the sweetest I've ever read or sung. For the truth and sweetness of it, it is one of my favorites. I hope you will enjoy it.

The Sands of Time are Sinking

The sands of time are sinking, The dawn of heaven breaks;
The summer morn I've sighed for- The fair sweet morn awakes;
Dark, dark hath been the midnight, But day-spring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth In Immanuel's land.

O Christ, He is the fountain, The deep, sweet well of love!
The streams on earth I've tasted More deep I'll drink above;
There to an ocean fulness His mercy doth expand,
And glory, glory dwelleth In Immanuel's land.

O I am my Beloved's, And my Beloved's mine!
He brings a poor vile sinner into His "house of wine".
I stand upon His merit- I know no other stand,
Not e'en where glory dwelleth In Immanuel's land.

The Bride eyes not her garment But her dear bridegrooms face;
I will not gaze at glory But on my King of grace.
Not at the crown He giveth But on His pierced hand:
The Lamb is all the glory of Immanuel's land.

A thought for the day

"We are more endangered by the charms of a smiling world than by the terrors of a frowning world." (Matthew Henry, 1662-1714)

Working for Retirement

From the pen of brother Mike McInnis pastor of Grace Chapel in O'Brien,FL

WORKING FOR RETIREMENT

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. Luke 12:19

The latest economic woes that have beset this nation and the world in general and the resultant stock market slide that has taken place recently has brought grave concern to some and near panic to others. It would seem to me that it should serve as a wake up call of sorts to those who profess to be the followers of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

It is sad but true that quite often the true sons of GOD find themselves patterning their thinking after that of the world. When economic prosperity is all around us and the comforts and indulgences of life are easily enjoyed then the flesh can grow quite content and often we are lulled into a sort of stupor wherein we think that we deserve such and grow extremely attached to the trappings of plenty. We start looking at ways to pad our nest and feed our desires for a life of ease.

It is only natural that our flesh would hunger after such and it is absolutely true that there is no benefit in depriving ourselves of those things we can afford just to deprive ourselves. There is nothing to be gained by wearing sackcloth and ashes when more comfortable clothing can be had. However there is a danger in forgetting that the things which we possess are but temporary gifts which the LORD has placed within our hands and called us to be stewards of.

The possessions which the LORD has given us richly to enjoy are not simply for us to get pleasure from by consuming them, rather they are placed within our hands that we may be able to bless others. (see Acts 20:34-35; Eph.4:28; Rom.12:13). Paul commended the Corinthians for this very thing. “Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men. “ (2 Cor 9:11-13)

The man who is wise will look to the example of the ant. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” (Prov 6:6-8) He is not waiting for a handout but is diligent to provide for his own needs and they of his house. (see I Tim.5:8). So it is prudent for men to look to the future and understand that they should make some preparation for that time when they shall perhaps be as the LORD told Peter, “When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.”(John 21:18)

Yet it seems to me that in the last 30 years our society has become obsessed with laying up great amounts of money for the future not just to provide for their needs but to insure that they can indulge themselves in old age with the baubles of this world. We must not forget that 401k’s, stocks, and bonds are not the stuff of which life consists, most certainly not that of the sons of GOD. There is no shortage of financial gurus who often give good advice on monetary matters, but at the same time elevate the concern of men about these matters to an inordinate consideration.

While we should be prudent, we must also remember what the LORD said, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Mat 6:25-34) Ye cannot serve GOD and mammon.

The life of GOD’s people consists in much more than this world’s goods. So is our life to be spent working for “retirement”? You be the judge.

mam

Perfect Rest

I will share this closing paragraph from a sermon preached by the notable Anglican pastor J.C. Ryle (1816-1900).

The message text came from Jeremiah 6:16a: Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.

Brother Ryle closed his message with this illustration:
There is a pass in Scotland called Glencroe, which supplies a beautiful illustration of what heaven will be to the man who comes to Christ. The road through Gleneroe carries the traveller up a long and steep ascent, with many a little winding and many a little turn in its course. But when the top of the pass is reached, a stone is seen by the wayside, with these simple words engraven on it, "Rest, and be thankful." Those words describe the feelings with which every one who comes to Christ will at length enter heaven. The summit of the narrow way will be won: we shall cease from our weary journeying, and sit down in the kingdom of God. We shall look back over all the way of life with thankfulness, and see the perfect wisdom of every little winding and turn in the steep ascent by which we were led. We shall forget the toils of the upward journey in the glorious rest. Here in this world our sense of rest in Christ at best is feeble and partial; but "when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away." Thanks be unto God, a day is coming when the end of the "old path" will be reached, and believers shall rest perfectly, and be thankful!

The everlasting gospel

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Rev. 14:6-7

What are we to do?

The apostle John recorded this incident:
"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." John 6:28-29

Later, John recorded in his first letter: "And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." 1 John 3:23

Lord; teach me your way and open my eyes that I may see Him whom you have sent. Please give me the faith to trust Him, rest in Him and follow Him.