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Spurgeon: “You are free to approach the throne of grace”

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“The liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” 
— Galatians 5:1

This “liberty” makes us free to heaven’s charter—the Bible.

Here is a choice passage, believer, “When thou passest through the rivers, I will be with thee.” You are free to that.

Here is another: “The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee”; you are free to that.You are a welcome guest at the table of the promises.

Scripture is a never-failing treasury filled with boundless stores of grace. It is the bank of heaven; you may draw from it as much as you please, without let or hindrance. Come in faith and you are welcome to all covenant blessings. There is not a promise in the Word which shall be withheld. In the depths of tribulations let this freedom comfort you; amidst waves of distress let it cheer you; when sorrows surround thee let it be thy solace. This is thy Father’s love-token; thou art free to it at all times.

Thou art also free to the throne of grace. It is the believer’s privilege to have access at all times to His heavenly Father. Whatever our desires, our difficulties, our wants, we are at liberty to spread all before Him. It matters not how much we may have sinned, we may ask and expect pardon. It signifies nothing how poor we are, we may plead His promise that He will provide all things needful.

We have permission to approach His throne at all times-in midnight’s darkest hour, or in noontide’s most burning heat. Exercise thy right, O believer, and live up to thy privilege. Thou art free to all that is treasured up in Christ-wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. It matters not what thy need is, for there is fulness of supply in Christ, and it is there for thee. O what a “freedom” is thine! freedom from condemnation, freedom to the promises, freedom to the throne of grace, and at last freedom to enter heaven!

(from Spurgeon’s classic devotional Morning and Evening)

Comments

  3. Hallelujah. Praise God for the power of the blood of the cross of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

    A repetent heart knowing the blood of Jesus is truly free indeed. Jesus blood – real drink, “drink indeed!” His body, the Word of God the truth, real food, “food indeed!”

    I pray for my child today as he sits his classical studies exam.
    My heart cried out to Jesus whom I know my son loves as I left some words on his exam notes which he had written of holiness but of some Greek mythical god.

    “Jesus is the truth, a repentent heart, humble and contrite is what God desires of all His children.” A note I left this morning on top of the exam notes.

    God had answered prayer several months earlier when my son lip sinched in his choir for two whole months of practice and then in the schools finale, rather than sing along with the rest, the song “Hark ye saints” – a song naming the Greek goddess Diana and not Jesus.

    My prayers and that of my brothers and sisters in Christ were answered to give my child discernment to choose to do good rather then to do something which would defile him.

    Yet, this morning I read his classical studies exam notes and saw it – one trap after another from our spiritual foe, Satan.

    Do I blame myself for sending my child to a school in Sodom & Gommorah?

    When I was a child despite being at a public school the subject classical studies never existed – this was something the world would teach at Universities.

    Yet it took me unawares and by the time I realised what my child was really studying several years ago the bewitching had entrenched my child and I could not persuade him otherwise.

    But all praises to our merciful Father and to His Son Jesus Christ, the Father’s Mighty Arm.

    God promises me this.

    Psalms 128:1-4
    “Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways!
    You shall eat the fruit of the labour of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
    Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
    Lo, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.”

    This morning I drove to work, leaving my house in pain but at the same time a quiet peace sits in my heart.

    I reminded our Father in prayer that I feared Him. I told our LORD how I hated the deceit sown by my child’s choir master, his teacher, I reminded my Father that I did not sit silent but I shared the truth with my child’s teacher. I then entered God’s gate with thanksgiving, thanking the Father for His promise to me in Psalms 128:1-4 as well as Psalms 103:17. I ended my prayer in praises of our Saviour Jesus Christ, His blood that saves.

    I have not kept silent to my child also. I have not hid the truth from him as I left him a note with “Jesus as the truth, a repentent heart, humble and contrite is what God desires of all His children.”

    The liberty I have in Jesus requires me to speak the truth, sometimes quietly and sometimes very boldly and fearlessly.

    My prayer is heard in heaven at the LORD’s throne at grace. My Father by His Son Jesus Christ and by the indescribable gift of His Holy Spirit that He has given me, He alone enables me to continue in hope.

    I thank you Father for Chris’s witness, Your words and his shared today. You are an encouragement to our people Chris.

    God bless.

    In Christ.
    Mark H NZ.

  4. Mark,
    Thank you for being “Battle ready” and “on post” to discern the enemy’s subtle ploys in the life of your loved ones. The wicked one is still a liar and the father of all lies. Thank you God for soldiers who willingly seek and declare truth in the face of deception and trickery.
    I stand in the gap and in agreement with you concerning your loved ones, that the “prayers of the righteous availeth much”
    I also noted the writer failed to mention a critical point in my view, which you duly noted in your words to your son, and that is that a repentant heart, a humble and contrite spirit is necessary to partake of his wonderful promise of Grace. Sin in a life must be dealt with before we can partake in the fullness of all that God has for us. 1 John 1:9.
    ( Is 57:15) For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. and Is 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Jn 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. and 1 John 5: 14, 15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
    In my opinion, this is the point where so many get it wrong in thinking, “I have access to ALL this grace” with little or no sacrifice or inconvenience on our part. Is this the “Cheap grace” Bonhoeffer wrote about? We all love the free hand out from time to time. But Christ calls us to a deeper place that requires much, in fact, it requires all. Few it seems are willing to “go there” in terms of really “dieing to self” and mortifying the flesh, as it were. We refuse to answer the deeper call of Christ and proudly claim, “it doesn’t take all that”. The devil is a liar, but thankfully, Christ came to destroy the works of the devil, and through Christ we have the victory and capacity to live up right before him.

    Just my thoughts. Thanks Mark for your honesty and transparency and for your thoughtfulness to write as you did.

    Breaux Mann

    • Breaux.

      I give thanks to the Lord God for your thoughts and your sharing of scripture. The scriptures you shared and your thoughts have both meant much to me today.

      Your prayers are very valued and very appreciated. There may be a physical distance between us, but our prayers are one in Christ. HALLELUJAH.

      I know you have loved ones as well. It seems that perhaps our Saviour has led me today, as your name was brought to mind as I wrote this, AND Jesus has lifted me up in spirit as I read your response. Our God is good and His power toward those who love His Son is exceedingly great.!!

      Blessings in our God and Saviour Jesus Christ
      Mark H NZ.

    • Wrong thinking is the human condition. We may consider a slow, tentative approach like touching a toe to the water prudent yet this is contrary to what we presume. Doubts cause reservations where by people actually reject the Spirit of God in their lives. Mat 13:58, Act 5:1-5, Rev 3:16 We offend in multitudinous ways but as we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God we grow closer to Him. As we align ourselves with Him, the almighty Father is more involved. 2Cr 12:8-10

  5. Please pray for little Malachi, a 4 yr old patron of mine who has eczema all over his little sweet self. Despite medical treatment and prolonged Prednisone treatments he still suffers. Everybody has advise for mom. I know how that feels because my son, now grown, went through the same sort of issuea for years severe asthma and horrible outbreaks of eczema. I shared with mom my experience and that I can relate to what she is going through. In my son’s case every doctor was consulted, every treatment was tried without results. My church, family, friends and employer was wonderful to me during this time in his life. One day while talking to one of our elders I made the request that they lay hands on him and pray. They did and within a week every trace of eczema (which had come to the point of looking like hamburger meat on his feet) left and he has never had a problem with it since. It’s been 10 yrs since then. I shared this story with her, let her know that I was praying for little Malachi and would be thankful to all of you for your prayers also. God’s timing is perfect. He always knows what we need and supplies His perfect remedy whether instantly or in time we can always count on Him. Counting on ourselves, our abilities, others or their abilities is always a hit or miss. We can stand in faith that there’s never a panic in heaven. He is able to cure all lepracy, heart aches and heart attacks with less effort than a sneeze and He’s ALWAYS willing to do just that within the working schedule of HIS glory.

    Mark, Breaux, Bob your words are always uplifting, encouraging, thoughtful and packed with godly wisdom and insight. I’m truly blessed by them always. Mark the world is truly an evil place I’m thankful that you stand. I’ve taken to saying “Eeewww! God Bless you!”, whenever I hear a curse word uttered. It’s become a comfort for me, an opportunity to witness and just enough I’ve found to allow others to consider their words. No one yet has attacked me and the responses are priceless. I do it with love and a raised eyebrow and a bit of a smile as I look over my glasses. I’ve just gotten to the point where I don’t feel we are called to just be silent. We aren’t called to bring down the fire and brimstone, Jesus will do that when it’s time but these little things seem to help me easy the sorrow in my heart about the world and fulfill within me a deeper need to stand for Christ.

    I was blessed by God to sit and talk with a co-worker today about God. What He wants from us (relationship). What He did for us (the cross) and what He hopes for us (True repentance and a place in a glorious heaven He’s preparing.) 1 Corinthians 3:5-17

    We’re all so very blessed to have such a Lord.

    • What a blessing there is in Jesus. Mark’s and now Tess’s requests to join with them in prayer blesses all the audience with ingathering and requests before our Father and God. How close He is amidst the prayers of His children. How our God loves this indwelling. His love and healing are revealed this way. Glory to the Word of our Creator Who in knowing spoke of this very thing before the foundation of the world. Breaux, your helps are truly in the Spirit of our God. May you dwell in the house of the Lord evermore!

  6. This is why it is called “Amazing Grace” – because it is not ours but the Lords to give. An unmerited favor for His chosen, elect children.

  7. God told man in Genesis that good women could be found in the four corners of the earth.

    Then He made the world round.

    And He laughed, …. and He laughed …. and He laughed.

    (of course that’s not scriptural and not anywhere in Genesis but it’s cute anyway!)

  8. Genesis 4:1-15

    Psalm 109:3
    They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, And fought against me without a cause.

    Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.

    Proverbs 10:18
    Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool.

    Proverbs 26:25-27(NKJV)
    When he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
    For there are seven abominations in his heart;
    Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
    His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
    Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,

    John 15:18
    [ The World’s Hatred ] “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
    And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

    Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV)
    Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

    Loving The Lord AND Thy Neighbor

  9. Galatians 5:22-25 (NKJV)
    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

  10. Matthew 7

    Proverbs 17:19-21(NKJV)
    He who loves transgression loves strife,
    And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.
    He who has a deceitful heart finds no good,
    And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.
    He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow,
    And the father of a fool has no joy.

    Zechariah 8:17
    Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; And do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate,’ Says the Lord.”

    Proverbs 6:14
    Perversity is in his heart, He devises evil continually, He sows discord.

    Proverbs 12:20
    Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

    Proverbs 12:20
    Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.

  11. Proverbs 10:9

    He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who peverts his ways will become known.

    All things must be done in love, for without love we become a clanging symbol.

    It is a godly thing for all women to submit to their husbands and for the husband to honour his wife, the wife being the weaker vessel.

    I respect the apostle Paul as a teacher with authority in Christ’s church, and I am not sure if there are any who have walked with such authority and who are of like repute in Jesus’ church since Paul’s time and the time of the other apostles named in God’s gospel (whom I consider of equal repute).

    I find it worthy to respect that a woman is to learn in silence when in church and that she ask her husband should she not understand the teaching.

    Yet I also find agreement that there is no distinction between man and woman in Christ, each are one. Galations 3:28. In light of this teaching I agree that a woman in Christ’s church should speak when she be compelled and I will listen and look for my Teacher and my Master in her words.

    But whether it be a man or a woman who speaks, I will take All authority only from a man. And this man will be the Lord Jesus Christ, both man and God. Hallelujah.

    In Christ
    Mark H NZ.

  12. Num 22:21-35 KJV

    Oh the places we find Wisdom. I like the KJV rendition here.

    J.

    P.s. I tried, but couldn’t resist the humor.

    • Jerry S.

      Thank you. Actually I did find humor in what you have shared. If I may share a little..

      Balaam’s ass showed more knowledge of God then I had as a youth. Though not aware of any prophetic gifting as Balaam had, I had been schooled in Christ’s church by my grandfather, my dad’s dad. What I knew from this schooling was that Jesus Christ is the way the truth and the life.

      Yet why did I not set before me Christ’s example of my grandfather and walk in love, being gentle and kind as he was, and loving the Lord Father and His Son Jesus. I had only learned from the bible in my Sunday school classes (not by man’s wisdom) yet I became a fool like Balaam, and like him I chose the princes of Moab rather then the Lord’s people and Christ’s love.

      In Isaiah somewhere it is written that Moab will swim in its muck. This I had become, a man swimming in the muck. Why I even partook of an art amongst men bowing down to a false god!

      Yet the Spirit of God is NOT as the spirit of a man.
      God is infinite in His wisdom and incomparable in His ways.

      Elsewhere it is written in scripture that “God will break the teeth of the wicked.” Well who would believe me that what kept me from returning to Moab, its muck, was my teeth being broken, each one.

      But not as men would imagine a tooth being broken, as none of my teeth were in fact broken. But a pain likened to a dentist extracting teeth by pliers without any form of anesthetic, this was the pain that the Holy Spirit allowed on me to turn my thoughts from my own pride and folly, to look at Jesus.

      My thoughts for God’s people, come in Spirit and in truth, love the Lord Jesus and ALL His people. GOD IS SPIRIT and HE IS LOVE.

      In Christ
      Mark H NZ

      • Moab – swimming in the muck. Isaiah 25:10-11.

        Our God is merciful. Jesus Christ is love.
        Mark H NZ.

        • Do you know who the father of the Moabites was? You’ll find he was also the father of the Ammonites also. Do you know why the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Israel was angry with both?

          All in the family

          J.

  13. Let your women keep silent in the churches. Not keep silent fullstop. That would be a sad world, don’t you think?

    Helen

  14. Thou art also free to the throne of grace. It is the believer’s privilege to have access at all times to His heavenly Father. Whatever our desires, our difficulties, our wants, we are at liberty to spread all before Him. It matters not how much we may have sinned, we may ask and expect pardon. It signifies nothing how poor we are, we may plead His promise that He will provide all things needful.

    We have permission to approach His throne at all times-in midnight’s darkest hour, or in noontide’s most burning heat. Exercise thy right, O believer, and live up to thy privilege. Thou art free to all that is treasured up in Christ-wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. It matters not what thy need is, for there is fulness of supply in Christ, and it is there for thee. O what a “freedom” is thine! freedom from condemnation, freedom to the promises, freedom to the throne of grace, and at last freedom to enter heaven!

    This is the freedom for all believers in Christ Jesus.It is in this freedom of grace and mercy we may approach the throne of grace for little Malachi, the 4 year old patron of Tess. We approach as humbly as we know how, because we recognize an all encompassing God who is revered with godly fear. But we also approach “boldly” as we are directed to by the Apostle Paul, because of the authority, position and privilege we have in Christ. In intercession we stand in the gap for this wee one by submitting ourselves to God, Resisting the devil( as well as every dark and evil spirit) and “Expecting”, no…”demanding” him to release Malachi and flee from this baby. not by power, not by might, but by my spirit says the Lord.

    There is powerful ministry ( service), love and respect in this BLB community blog. I am so wonderfully blessed by all your insights and comments. I’m not ashamed to say “I love you”.

    Crazy in love with Jesus,
    your Breaux

    • Thank you so much Breaux. That brings tears to the eyes and gratitude to the heart. I feel very blessed and comforted by your prayer.

  15. The question–Is BLB church?
    My thinking is no it is not. BLB is an online site dedicated to the study of the bible.

    I greatly respect what Paul had to say about women in regard to church/synagog and giving authority to her husband with the marriage. Scriptures should be used in a godly manner, not used in any ungodly way.

    There are many, many strong wonderful women of faith in the bible.
    -Deborah was a judge and a prophetess. Judges 4&5
    -Esther was used by God to save her people. Book of Esther
    -Abigail saved her husband Nabal in spite of Nabal’s foolish behavior in 1 Samuel 25.
    -Ruth took the initiative in her actions toward Boaz. Book of Ruth
    -The woman at the well went and told of her encounter with Christ. John 4:1-26
    -The Queen of Sheba tested Solomon with hard questions and Solomon answered all of them. 1 Kings 10
    -Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Acts 18:24-28
    -And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. Acts 17:4
    -Lydia a seller of purple in Thyatira opened her home to Paul and the brethren. Acts 16

    There are so many godly men AND woman in the bible. I think God used and approved of both. I think we are witnesses for Christ both male and female and it seems incredible to me to have to point out what is so very obvious. Sunday school teachers and godly women in general should not, in my humble opinion, be back handed and their witness attacked by others attempting to use scripture to do so.

    People by virtue of their gender should not be called
    “shameful”, “evil”, told by word or implication that they shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. No one because of their gender should be called a “transgressor”, “evil doer”, “cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive” by those who speak as though they are God. Should things like this be ignored? I think not but I am after all just a woman but one who loves the Lord and HIS people.

    Nuff said!

    • Hallelujah
      Psalms 45:9
      Kings daughters are among Your honourable women
      Psalms 45:16
      Instead of Your fathers shall be Your sons whom You shall make princes in all the earth.

      How awesome are the rewards that await God’s children!! Imagine that Kings daughters and princes. Wow!!

      As Chris has written
      “Scripture is a never-failing treasury filled with boundless stores of grace.”

      Thank you Breaux for reminding us to come in unity, in love and in prayer because Jesus’ grace and the Father’s mercy is needed in this world.

      Dear Lord & Father
      Thank you for Jesus’ death, His blood shed for me, blotting out all my transgressions and making me His child. Please help me to walk as one worthy of Your calling. In Jesus name. Amen

      Mark H NZ

  16. Mat 6:24-34, 10-28, Luk 10:41, 8:14, Jhn 14:27. Rom 13:3-4
    Jesus not only confessed that His kingdom is not of this world, he discomforted, startled and amazed all who met Him. The presence of God is lost to the preoccupied. This world is a stern preparatory academy. The transformation out of a dying condition is a progression. The apostles were converted after the crucifixion. They were in filled by the Holy Spirit yet still were years in preparation.
    Rom 5:1-5. The author and finisher of our faith, the last Adam reaches out to His brethren yet most are too intent on their things to take His hand. Col 2:1-23
    The curses and promises of God seemed insurmountable after Adam. 1Cr2:7-9. The last Adam accepted the curses of the flesh and conquered them. Our Creator became one of the brethren to complete creation of man in the image of God. In this He also obtained all of the promises and is now seated above all principalities and powers.

    • All we need to do is follow HIM as HE goes before us and trust HE will take care of the rest, simple isn’t it.
      J.

  17. REAPING WHAT’S SOWN-Chuck Missler
    * Jacob killed an animal and lied to his father, pretending to be Esau. Gen 27:1-29
    -Years later Jacobs son killed an animal and lied to him, pretending that Joseph was dead. Gen 37:31-35
    * Pharoah gave orders to drown the Jewish baby boys. Exodus 1
    -In one day his whole army was drowned in the Red Sea.
    Exodus 14&15
    * David secretly took his neighbor’s wife and committed adultery with her. 2 Samuel 11
    -David’s own son Absalom took his father’s concubines and openly commite adultery with them. 2 Samuel 16:20-23
    -Furthermore, David’s daughter Tamar was raped by her half brother Amnon. 2 Samuel 13
    *David killed Bathsheba’s husband. 2 Samuel 11:14-25
    -Three of David’s sons were slain: Absalom, Amnon and Adonijah. 2 Samuel 18, 13:23-36 and 1 Kings 2:13-25
    *Saul of Tarsus encouraged the stoning of Stephen. Acts 8:1
    -When he became Paul the missionary he was stoned at Lystra. Acts 14:19-20
    *Hamon was degraded just when he thought he had reached his goal of ambition:
    -He perished on the very stake he had erected for his enemy.
    *Hamon was characterized by: Boundless pride, boundless ambition and boundless cruelty.
    **********************************

    “The mills of God grind slowly
    yet the grind exceedingly slow;
    Though with patience He stands waiting,
    with exactness grinds He all.” –Fredrick Von Logau
    **********************************
    How many of us are in full time ministry? Raise your hand?
    Answer: We are all in full time ministry 24/7. The world sees Christ or doesn’t see Christ in everything we do and say every moment of every day.

    2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (NKJV)
    Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

    Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  18. Dear Tess

    Wonderful. Praise God Hallelujah!

    As Chris exhorts us all “Scripture is a never-failing treasury filled with boundless stores of grace.”

    We just heard our bible teacher at our mens bible study fellowship group teach exactly the same thing on Jacob on Monday 23 September 2013.

    How wonderful it is to have more then 100men gathered together from various dominations to learn from our Teacher and Master Jesus Christ, from the bible, God’s breathed holy scriptures.

    While perhaps 7 to 8 groups of women of such fellowships (inter-denominational) are meeting across NZ in different cities (well done ladies, you shame us men!!), sadly only 2 mens’ groups are meeting, the second of which has just started. Please pray for our NZ brethen. Men especially need a goad! & I know I found one (as I wrote previously) but in a manner least expected. (smile & grimace).

    On REAPING WHAT’S SOWN, I would like to share a little..

    In April 2007 while practicing Kobudo in Japan I was nearing my time to become a ‘mon-jin.’ This is one to become a formal member of the ryu-ha (family style of art), by ‘entering the gate.’ Oh the dark and evil ways Satan tries to lead men astray!! & it even seemed like light at the time!!

    Later, in July 2010 around the time of my birthday, now having turned from the martial art and following Jesus Christ, I was involved in a workplace accident – at a project site ‘gate.’

    God says in Psalms that the ‘bones of the wicked will be broken.’ While alone and trying to close the partially damaged & out of alignment security gate, my thumb got crushed between two pieces of heavy steel, which broke thru. the bone and almost severed the top portion of my thumb. I was left standing there with my right thumb badly damaged, thumb pinned by steel against flesh & broken bone. I yelled out in pain.

    Yet, God is merciful and just in ALL He does. Strengthened by I know could only be the Holy Spirit, I looked up to heaven and cried out one name. ‘Jesus.’

    When my eyes beheld my pinned hand again, it was no longer pinned, the steel that had been crushing against the broken bone and flesh was gone. I was able to take myself from the gate, and call for an ambulance. All glory to our Sovereign God and King Jesus Christ.

    Why did God allow this one might ask?
    Firstly, I had not destroyed the objects of idolatry that were an abomination to God stored in my home, but by His grace and His lead I now have.

    Secondly, is REAPING WHAT’S SOWN. I following my own wicked desires, had spurned Christ’s teaching I knew as a youth and several years earlier was about to enter a gate of a devil, rather then the ‘gate of the Good Shepherd.’ Jesus’ word teaches us “The bones of the wicked will be broken.”

    Thirdly, for my God and Saviour’s glory. By the Lord Jesus’ grace, by looking to Him and calling upon His name, Jesus freed my trapped & almost severed thumb, just as He had freed me from the gates of Hades. The day of the accident, by the Holy Spirit a word was given me to tell others.

    “Call upon the Lord for He is an ever present help in times of trouble.”

    Upon seeing my thumb in a cast, whenever another had asked me what had happened, the above verse I was able to declare. All glory is to Jesus and His Father in heaven. Amen.

    Mark H NZ

  19. 1 Cor 1: 10

    Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

    Gal 3:28

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

    Acts 10:34

    Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

    I took great pleasure to pray for Malachi today. I trust the faithfulness of God to deliver him from sickness and disease and to restore his body to a perfect picture of health.

    Also, the BLB family that regularly meets here, your names are being held up to the throne of grace in intercession and petition for the active hand of God in each life and circumstance.

    Overflowing with his love,
    Breaux Mann

  20. Thank you Breaux Mann so much. I haven’t seen Malachi lately but he usually comes with his mom once a month at least to Story Time so I should be seeing him soon.

    Your Sis-In-Christ,
    Tess

  21. Mark,
    I’m encouraged by your comments. I’m so glad you “found” truth and turned away from the things you knew to be wrong. I always am refreshed by your transparency and honesty. I love how you lead by example in sharing the intimate details of your life. In the west and North American church, there’s a tendency to shy away from such openness and honesty. As if our lives were all perfect and there is no fault to be found. ( Yeah right). Keep leading by example brother. I for one am encouraged, and I also have struggle in my life.
    I read the text Jerry posted about Balaam the other day, and was moved by Numbers 22:32
    And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
    What hit me was “thy way is perverse to me” Stopped me in my tracks. How often are we so sure our smell is sweet unto the Lord, yet his comment is that, um…you don’t smell so good and I aint so pleased with how you’ve been acting ( or what ever…fill in any sin here.)
    My point is, may we expedite our journey to the place where we recognize that there are hidden places in each of us that are unpleasing. May we call it sin and repent. May we walk wholly and holy before our God.

    Since often these pitfalls are hidden, we must cry out to God to “reveal’ to us where the dirt is hidden and the do as you did Mark, and rid our lives of the things that cause stench in his beautiful nostrils.

    There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end there of is death. Pride goeth before a fall.
    Brother David cried unto God” Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.Psalms 26:2 and for me Mark, I ask to go a little lower, a bit more humble, much less pride, less ego, less “self” … more of him.
    I hold a lot of respect for everyone on this blog. Each brings their own special, wonderful giftings and beautiful personalities. Diversity but the same spirit. Surely the Lord is good. Love to all who come here, in Jesus Matchless name.

    In his service,
    Breaux

    • Breaux,

      Thank you kindly for your encouraging words. They mean much to me.

      I seem to often find myself in trials, but all praises to God as Jesus Christ continues to demonstrate to me that His grace alone is suffcient for me.

      Our God is a personal God, AND He is Sovereign. Of His Sovereignty the Lord Jesus taught me early in my return to Him, but yet I still struggle to see His purpose often in my trials. Please pray for me in this respect.

      Yet, I feel truly blessed by this website. The Lord Jesus is truly amazing as His word “runs swiftly”.

      Tess’s words on REAPING WHAT’S SOWN and sharing on Jacob shows me how our Lord Jesus goes before, why? I had only just listened to this days earlier.

      While looking at this text, and on what was written by Tess of Paul’s stoning, this brought aspects of my own life into clearer understanding, by what I know as being Jesus’ love and His personal revelation.

      I should not (in my past) have been ‘drawing’ with my right hand on a Samurai (wooden) sword, an instrument that had brought only death, but rather, I was to ‘draw on the word of God’ with my right hand, by opening the bible and seeking Jesus as my Lord and Teacher.

      I have now found that drawing on the word ‘living water’ is what turns water into wine and brings the joy of the Holy Spirit, God’s fruit. Just as the servants were instructed to draw the water from the stone water pots in John 2:7-9. This is only, though, by looking at and obeying Jesus, just as the servants did.

      My hope and prayer is also, that by exposing the darkness I was in and bringing it into the light, perhaps somehow God may use it to save another and turn them from their sins.

      May God bless this website and those who partake as the Lord’s instrument of love, for edification of one another in Christ, for sowing love, for building up, exhorting, encouraging, teaching and correction and also very importantly for prayer.

      In Christ and Loving Jesus
      Mark H NZ

      • O blessed be the name of our LORD!

        By Jesus’ gentle wisdom now I see it even better still.
        My 24 years of learning martial arts, and the latter several years of practising old-style Japanese ju-jitsu, staff, and swordsmanship, was in fact swimming in the muck. Isaiah 25:20-11,

        All the fine techniques of the hands that I had learned, BUT God in His wisdom will put it that “He brought down my pride as well as the trickery of my hands.” Isaiah 25:10-11.

        Hallelujah. Praise God for the cross of His Son Jesus. Thank you Jesus for your grace, for Your blood given for me and the indescribable gift.

        I soar with Him today in delight.

        Thank you Father for Your servants in BLB. In Jesus name. Amen.

        In Christ
        Mark H. NZ

      • Mark,
        What you have said here is SUCH a strong witness. It’s so obviously filled with the Holy Spirit and such a great testimony for all of us.

        I was praying for your son today and thinking about mine and all our children. It can sometimes be so very hard to express to them just how incredible walking with God is. We pray so diligently for our young people and especially so these days. I came across a audio by Joe Focht on 1 Timothy. At about 22:38 minutes in Joe talks about his son and what he tells him is so incredibly profound and true and loving and encouraging. It’s such good godly wisdom to share and I thought about you and all of us parents and how sharing these types of insights can help our kids and all of us for that matter.
        I’ve pasted it below for you. I thank you so much brother for your witness. It matters.
        http://blb-ra.blueletterbible.org/focht_joe/1Ti/wed38024.mp3

    • How would anyone know if we are sinning without the LAW as a basis, a ruler to measure repentance by? Is each individual to personally ask YESHUA what thier sin when YESHUA has put it into writing for all mankind to view? You will come to know this when you let scripture interpret scripture and shy away from verse plucking to fit a desired end that may suit our personal scheme.

      The LAW is still in full effect as evidenced in Tess’ (Chuck Missler’s) examples of the consequences for not following it. IF we disobey, THEN we will answer for it, Grace notwithstanding. Or are we to ignore those lessons because we are under Grace and not the Law? That is just does not jive with the whole WOG.

      J.

      • Proverbs 8:36, Eze 18:4, 20 Sin causes death.
        Jhn 5:39-40, 45-47. The law convicts all of sin. Sin is death. The law of faith Rom 3:27-28, Rom 4:16 confirms that after Jesus condemned sin in the flesh we are no longer under the law, we are under grace.
        Heb 2:14

        • Then why Gal 3:24 HNV along with many, many more verses that state similar calling to follow the LAW? We must use the entire WOG to form theology, not only verses and passages that fit to a desired theology.

          J.

          • Yes, for adoption (as in “sons”) into the Covenant and Promises YAHWEH made with Israel, Gal 3:26, 29 HNV. Read the passage in its entirety. It would help you to see to take the NT/ Replacement Theology blinders off breauxther.

            J.

      • Wow Jerry! What you’ve said here is such a gem of wisdom from God. You and Bob are both so gifted by God with your insights and I’m so grateful for the godly insights.

        We can’t by mere fleshly obedience obey the law or even fully grasp it and it’s importance. It’s the Holy Spirit’s gift to us and indwelling that gives us insight and a proper heart and determination to obey the law in an acceptable manner and our fruits (works, love of heart for God and His laws) are our bona fide (ies??) grrr!Anyway!

        (Bona fide is a Latin term meaning “good faith”. In legal terms, it is often used to refer to a purchaser or holder who takes something without fraud, deceit, or knowledge of a lien or superior claim by another.)

        I used to try to obey God’s laws and I was always in distress because I knew it was impossible to please God with them. But then by the gift of God through the indwelling of the HS I was able to make Him Lord of my life and the Love of my life and though in my flesh I cannot keep His laws He is now so very dear to me it breaks my heart when I break any of His laws. Psalm 119:94-99; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Proverbs 3:3

        Exodus 35:22
        They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart, and brought earrings and nose rings, rings and necklaces, all jewelry of gold, that is, every man who made an offering of gold to the Lord.

        With willing hearts they gave all their earthy treasures.

        I’m so thankful for all of you and your willingness to share and help me learn and grow in His glory and grace.

        • Tess writes – “I used to try to obey God’s laws” Are you saying you no longer even “try” to obey HIS LAW?

          GOD is very, very pleased when we do and even when we try and fail to obey HIS LAW. When we do fail though, our record is wiped clean, but more, much, much more than that, we are brought closer to HIM, by HIM in the process and in the realization of our failures as we continue to follow. We will miss out on this process if the LAW is no longer applicable to believers this side of Acts 2 HNV.

          All punishment has been paid, but it doesn’t mean we stop trying to obey. It doesn’t mean Faith and Grace has replaced the LAW, that is a lie of the worst kind. Think of it in terms of Chuck Misslers list of negative consequences, but in this case it is the opposite, but in positive terms.

          This is not an issue we can ride the fence on, or let our emotions decide for us just so we can get along, Rev 3:16 HNV.

          J.

          P.s. I do realize we cannot physically due to location and not all of the 613 laws listed in the entire WOG apply to gentile followers, for those nay sayers out there.

          • Jerry
            Please stop twisting what is said. If you’ll read my post I made no such statement. If you want to point to a godly truth that’s wonderful but you’re creating and answering your own arguments not mine.

          • Yes, I know I’m diving in and using your statement “I used to try to obey God’s laws” as a spring board and then making statements from there towards my own conclusions. None of what I wrote is directed at you personally. Your words were conveniently there as an example of what I wanted to write. You are also entitled to receive them to yourself as you wish and in whatever manner you would like.

            J.

            P.s. what did you think of what I actually did write apart from how it made you feel? The blessings that come from obedience along with the curses, Deu 27:1 through Deu 30:20.

  23. An accountant practices the order of finances. A carpenter knows wood. A farmer knows a surprising number of things to bring in a harvest. Doctors are studious for healing.

    Be in the image of God.

      • All was accomplished thru HIS blood and there is nothing that we “must” do (as in a work, deed or act) to be justified before our creator. What you are promoting is what I call “religion”.

        J.

        • Freedom from the condemnation of the Law through Jesus. This does not contradict the law. The law is death since no one can keep the law and sin is death. Grace and peace are in Jesus who condemned sin in the flesh. Clinging to sin denies Jesus. John 6:36, 8:43, 6:38-66

          • You are not correct in saying “The law is death since no one can keep the law” and grossly miscomprehending the “Good News” of Messiah. You are also in error and miscomprehending scripture when you attach the LAW to death as sin is attached to death. The LAW is LIFE and points toward life, eternal life as evidenced by the Resurrection of Messiah who was a human “being” under the LAW and fulfilling aaaal the LAW. This fulfilling of the LAW is then passed on to all who believe through faith in Messiah’s achievement by GODS Grace. This is the “Good News” for all human “beings”.

            You wrote, “Jesus who condemned sin in the flesh”. Rhetorical question; How did HE do this? Actual answer; by keeping all the LAW as evidenced by HIS Resurrection.

            It would help you to break free from your misunderstanding of scripture. All anyone has to do is ask the LORD for it.

            J.

            P.s. it is not proper to choose Israel’s blessings through the LAW for ourselves and in turn cast Israel’s curses through the LAW to them, for whatever reason or motive we may have in doing so, Deu 27:1 through Deu 30:20 HNV.

  24. Right Steve, Gal 3:28 HNV. I do not promote or follow scripture recognizing a break (OT/NT) in the WOG. The OT is not strictly for the Jews, leaving the NT strictly for the Christians like too many believe do. We follow Jesus using the scripture given to the Hebrews, commonly known as Genesis thru Revelation. Do you agree?

    Gal 3:24 HNV

    J.

    • First of all, thank you for communicating with me in a manner that is not your usual means of communicating, I’m honored.

      “Is a prostitute still sentenced to death by stoning” – we are to follow the laws of our land concerning capital punishment.

      “Are we still to sacrifice an animal etc etc” – there is no temple to do so in. Eze 40 through Eze 48.

      “Is repentance still required” – yes, we use the LAW as our guide in doing so. If we didn’t use the LAW, then some religious elite would be sure to tell us what we are doing wrong and we would be mistaken to follow after a sinners opinion concerning right and wrong.

      “Is loving GOD with all your heart mind and soul still required” – yes, Deu 6:4-5 HNV.

      “Is obedience still required” – yes, Deu 6:4-5 HNV.

      “How do we achieve obedience” – Follow the Hebrew Messiah (Christ), Jesus is our guide and is faithful to show us “The Way” a scriptural title given to those who follow.

      J.

  25. I am grateful I can come to the “throne of grace” any time, I need to speak with the Lord God. He has never turned me away or rejected me. I am free in “Christ Jesus” to come ‘boldly’ and pour out my heart, which He already know what my heart contains and have needs. I give God all glory for crucifying His Son on our behalf so I can have full access to the “Throne of Grace”.
    Thank you Lord, thank you Lord, & thank you Lord!!!

    • Jhn 6:65
      And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”
      Jhn 6:66
      From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
      Luk 22:32, Gal 2:11-21

    • Tess

      Hallelujah, in prayer today I was prompted to return to this website. I wept in joy to know that you had been praying for my son. All praises to the Lord God, to Jesus and His Holy Spirit who brings His messages of encouragement by most wonderful means. Your prayers and those of others on this website mean so much to me as we are one in Jesus and those like yourself running His race in love have their prayers heard in heaven. Despite my son sleeping over at a friends after a school ball last night, and this being contrary to his parents preference, tonight by Jesus grace, the Fathers mercy our child still came to our family fellowship. Prayers are being answered in heaven. Hallelujah. I will taken a look at your link posted.

      May our Fathers mercy and out pouring of love be upon you.
      Thank you for caring.
      Thank you for your encouraging words in an earlier post also I have just read. Please pray for my Fathers mercy upon me that I might know the Lord Jesus wisdom and find His strength and presence continually.
      In Christ
      Mark H NZ
      Ps punctuation may be poor due to an unskilled iPad user.

  32. Repentance is certainly necessary before the grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and all the attributes of our Father. Repentance acknowledges Him. Unless we repent we shall perish. Luk 13:3, 13:5

    • My previous comment suffers poor construction. In the presence of our Father and all His attributes we realize our meanness, our poverty and repent. The love of our Father called us before any perception of Him.

      • “My previous comment suffers poor construction”; for the same reason, Replacement Theology too.

        J.