Luke 6:27-36

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,  Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 

And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.  Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.  For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.  And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.  And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

The Life of God in the Soul

The Life of God in the Soul

by James Smith, 1860

True religion is not a religious form — but a LIFE. It is the life which God imparts — the life which God communicates in regeneration, and nourishes by his word, ordinances, and communion with himself. This inward principle of life develops itself in:
a life of faith in the Son of God;
a life of love, so that we love God, and everything that is godlike;
a life of holiness, so that we obey God — and in all we do, we seek to please him.

Not only so — but it constantly aspires to God as its author and source. It makes us devout, and the life we live is a life of devotion. In all that we do — we consult the will of God, we seek grace for its performance from God, and we desire most heartily to honor God. Originating as it does in God's sovereign will, flowing as it does from God's loving heart, and ascending as it does in devout exercises to God's gracious throne — it makes us godly, or godlike! It is this one thing which distinguishes God's family from the rest of mankind, and proves their election of God.

This life of God in the soul, is SPIRITUAL, manifesting itself in spiritual desires, and spiritual exercises. It gives us a taste for spiritual things, and requires to be sustained by spiritual provision — Christ, the bread of life — and the living water which He gives. It is energetic, and therefore it urges, and impels us — to perform spiritual duties, overcome all carnal customs and habits, and to seek conformity to Christ in all things.

This life of God in the soul, is USEFUL, not only to its possessor, as qualifying him for spiritual duties and privileges, and making him fit for heaven; but it always makes those in whom it dwells — useful to others, both saints and sinners. A useless man cannot have the life of God within him, for wherever it is, it makes him feel that he must be useful, must do good to others to some extent.

This life of God in the soul, is ETERNAL, it can never die — and never be destroyed. The soul is not more immortal, than is this life which God gives. Yes, outside of God himself, we know of nothing that is more certain of endless duration, than this life of God in the soul. It is the source of all that is holy, useful, happy, and glorious. He who has this life — can never perish, nor can anyone wrest him from the Savior's omnipotent hands!

This life of God in the soul, is for GOD'S GLORY. As it originated in his sovereign good pleasure — so it is communicated and is maintained for his honor. And as it is maintained for his honor — so it is designed and intended to advance his glory.

This life of God in the soul, will ultimately be therefore a life WITH GOD. We believe that we shall live with him. It brings us into his spiritual presence now — and gives us the enjoyment of his love. And it introduces us into his glorious presence at death — and then we shall have a life of perfect enjoyment, and purest pleasure forever! We will be as holy — as God is holy; as happy — as God is happy; as immortal — as God is immortal.

O what a prospect! What glory, what grandeur, what blessedness awaits us! The life of God, which now pants within us, and has to strive and do battle with the direful corruptions of the heart — the life which generates every good desire and every holy aspiration — the life which will not let us rest in forms, or live in sin — that life will soon burst forth in power, splendor, and immortal glory — and then we shall be satisfied, for we shall awake in our Savior's likeness!

a few thoughts from 1 Jn 3:23

 "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."

How simple and yet how profound is this scripture in 1 John. In Matthew 11 our Lord said my yoke is easy and my burden is light and in 1 John 5:3 the apostle John writes "His commandments are not grievous". That is His commandments are not heavy or burdensome. So here in our text John sums up the believer's life in one verse; believe Christ and love His people!

We are to spend the rest of our lives believing the One that God sent into the world to be the Savior of the world, we are to love Him supremely and give ourselves to Him wholly. That is what it means to "believe". But John does not stop there he goes on to say we are to demonstrate this belief in Jesus Christ by loving His people, by loving one another. 

The beauty in the command to 'love one another' can be seen in this, if we love others then we will treat them right. We will not lie to them, steal from them, or covet what they have. We will forgive as we have been forgiven, we will love our enemies and bless them that persecute us, we will rejoice with them that rejoice and weep with them that weep, in short, we will love our neighbor as ourselves.

This thought is contrary to the world's thinking where we are told  it's all about you (self esteem), even at the expense of others, but this thinking is not in God's kingdom. His kingdom has different principles and its foundation is His Son Jesus Christ. It's all about Him! He is the Head and the fountain, out of Him springs life, love and light. He is the vine and we are the branches, we are forever joined and vitally united to Him and therefore united to our Father in heaven through Him!

So believer go forth into the world, the Truth has set you free. Free to believe God's Son, free to trust Him in all things in this life. Free to cast all your care on Him. Free to call upon Him, to praise Him, to walk with Him and He with you. Free to love Him with all your being. But it doesn't stop there; believer you are free to love one another, free to bear one another's burden and call each other's name before the throne of grace. 

So "believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment."

But How Shall I Know That I Am Born Again? part 6 of 8

How Shall I Know That I Am Born Again?

By John Bunyan

Examination 6

Are you born again? Then you know that God has given you your faith that you have in His Son.
Then you are to say through grace, there was a time in which I had no faith; there was a time in which I could not believe in the Son of God for eternal life. But God, who in His rich mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins (and unbelief; which is the greatest) hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved (Eph 2:4-5) "through faith" (verse 8).

Scripture Support

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). Eph 2:4-5

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Eph 2:8

Crucified with Christ

From the pen of Bro. Mike McInnis

CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

This verse along with several other New Testament passages of scripture profoundly declare the glorious and perfect standing of the sons of GOD with their FATHER. One is “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Gal 6:14) Another is “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom 8:1) And yet another is, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom 6:11) Still another is, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (1Cor 1:30-31)

We have all heard the mantra; “What you have is GOD’s gift to you, what you do with what you have is your gift to GOD.” This teaching is espoused far and wide among many well meaning folks who are convinced that it is a basic truth. It certainly has a nice ring to it and is very appealing to the natural religious mind. This is exactly the concept that the Jews followed according to Paul’s description. “For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (Rom 10:3)

Paul recognized that he could not in any way enhance that which was given to him by GOD’s grace nor did he suppose he could somehow perform some deed of righteousness which could insure GOD’s continued favor or, conversely, commit some act would cause him to forfeit that gift. “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” (1Cor 4:7) He understood quite clearly that there was no place in the believers life wherein he might glory in his own effort, regardless of the supposed triumphs or victories which GOD was pleased to manifest in him. “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.” (Rom 14:7-8)

Those who have been given the privilege to be the sons of GOD are so because it has pleased GOD to make them such. HE has redeemed them with the precious blood of HIS only begotten SON and does, in HIS own time, call them out by HIS grace. HE has seen fit to leave them in this world for a season, not as a “proving ground”, to find out which among them are worthy, but rather to manifest HIS faithfulness to them in applying the righteousness of CHRIST to them, even though they be thought to be the offscouring of the earth by its inhabitants, and in and of themselves worthy of nothing but death. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (2Cor 4:7)

How can any man ever take credit for that which is the operation of GOD’s SPIRIT? “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Phil 2:13) Or how can a man entertain the notion that he can somehow become a child of GOD by some activity of his own? “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13) Paul said:

“I am crucified with CHRIST.” He makes it clear that HIS redemption is in and by CHRIST. One of the most glorious aspects of that which CHRIST has performed is a contemplation of HIS love for and union with those whose sins HE atoned for. HE came as the “KINSMAN REDEEMER” for all of those whom HE loved before the foundation of the world. HE says to HIS FATHER, “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me.” (John 17:6) HE is the ELDER BROTHER of all of those who belong to HIM and can no more be separated from them in that capacity than HE can be separated from HIS FATHER as the ETERNAL SON. Therefore when HE suffered they suffered, when HE died they died, when HE rose again so did they, and when HE comes back they shall be with HIM.

“Nevertheless I live”. He is saying that he presently is alive in a state totally free from the condemnation, power, and guilt of sin, He cannot be brought under its curse any longer because he is dead to the law and alive unto CHRIST. His case has been taken out of the court of sin and death, (since CHRIST has died in his behalf) and now he dwells under the law of the SPIRIT of LIFE in CHRIST JESUS where there is no condemnation of any sort that can be leveled against him, by men or angels.. (see Rom.8:1,2)

“Yet not I but CHRIST liveth in me.” Lest any man should think that the power of this LIFE is in any wise his own or that its ownership is somehow “transferred” or the righteousness thereof “imparted” to him, he makes it clear that all of his “righteousness” is that which is his by the imputation of CHRIST’s righteousness and that any product thereof is that of the SPIRIT of CHRIST who dwells in him.

“And the life which I now live in the flesh”. Then so that no man should think that he is describing some “out of body” (or purely spiritual) experience he plainly declares that the LORD is pleased to operate in us and through us in these mortal bodies. Some seem to think that those whom the LORD is pleased to manifest as HIS children can live in such a manner as to be totally at odds with the work of that SPIRIT. Paul entertained no such notion saying, “Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1Cor 6:10-11) GOD is pleased to work in those HE has justified and called. A man devoid of the SPIRIT’s presence is not a manifested child of GOD. “But ye are not in the flesh, (i.e. operating under its dominion) but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Rom 8:9)

“I live by the faith of the SON of GOD.” He makes it very plain that even that faith in which we stand by the grace of GOD is not ours. That “faith” which we possess is “of CHRIST” in its origin. HE is the giver of faith, no man can boast either in its presence or in any wise as to the degree with which it is bestowed upon him, it is the gift of GOD. It is the faith “of CHRIST” because all of the hopes and expectations of the sons of GOD have their total basis in that which HE has done in their behalf. It is the “faith of CHRIST” as to all of their desires for the future. “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68-69)

“Who loved me and gave HIMSELF for me.” “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (1Cor 6:19-20)

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)

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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.