GRACE FOR GRACE

“And of His fulness have all we received , and grace for grace.”

(Jn. 1:16)

The dear old black preacher had it right when he said, “De Bible sure do shed a lot of light on dem commentaries.” I have six sets and rarely consult them. The reason is that I have found they have the same problem with problem texts that I do. Therefore, I’ve learned to “give it my best shot,” as they say. 

Believing, as I do, the old K.J.V. translation has its own built-in dictionary and that it is its own best commentary, I will attempt to answer what I believe “grace for grace” means. I have never been satisfied with the comments I’ve read, nor the sermons I have heard, on the subject. The following satisfies my spiritual palate. 

“Life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,” Deut. 19:21. That is “tit for tat”: an equivalent given in return. The principle is: what you take, you get back in kind. Applying our scripture, you take God’s grace, then you’ll get the same in return. You take heaps, then you’ll receive heaps upon heaps! 

One need not have any fear of God’s ever running out of His marvelous grace. He has an eternal artesian well of grace. We are told it is: Great; Rich; Exceeding; Manifold; All-sufficient; and Abundant. His Throne is called, “THE THRONE OF GRACE.” And we are bidden to come to it boldly through the Blood of Christ! A Divine invitation, if you please.

“What is grace? I know until you ask me; when you ask me, I do not know.

(St. Augustine)

BIBLICAL CONVICTION OR CULTURAL PREFERENCE?

There is a Difference

To me, conviction is something you’d give your life for; preference is something you give your life to. If the truth were told, most, if not all, divisions in the Body of Christ are over the latter. Preferences generally have much to do with the culture in which we live, the geography, etc, whereas conviction knows no boundaries; it is the same no matter where we pitch our tent, when we set up camp.

A Good Habit to Form

I think every Christian should read Romans chapter fourteen, and the first few verses in chapter fifteen, on a regular basis. It covers all those grey areas in the saint’s life. It teaches, basically, just because you can’t, for your own conscience’s sake, don’t say others shouldn't. And the one is not to condemn the other for participating or abstaining from certain things. The chapter covers diet, verse 2; days, verse 5; and drink, verse 21.

The Only Right a Saint Has is to Give Up His or Her Right

The weak brother is not to judge the stronger brother; nor the stronger to flaunt his or her liberty. If you can do something the latter cannot, keep it to yourself, verse 22. That is, if you have faith, you can indulge in a thing, but keep it hush, hush. This is not hypocrisy, it’s Bible! But if the weak believer is truly and sincerely hurt by that thing you permit in your own life, though legitimate, you are to curtail doing it.

“Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”

(1 Cor. 8:13)

ADDENDUM: Please note the weaker brother is the offended brother.

What’s Wrong With Me?-NOTHING!

“And hath made of one blood all...men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.”

(Acts 17:26)

Good Christian people sometimes ask me, “What’s wrong with me?” I generally answer, “Nothing!” That is, no more than any of the rest have wrong with us. We all have the same blood flowing through our veins. It’s called being human. We all belong to that race, the human race.

Others, especially family members, are experts at calling attention to one’s idiosyncrasies, faults, failings, and shortcomings; it’s usually so they can hide their own. Although God did not make us sinners, He did make us all human beings. He sent His Son into the world as a human being!

Temper, mental anguish, temptation, weakness, worry, loneliness, discouragement, etc., all are part of mankind's various makeups. One way or the other, each  of us must bear his or her own defects. They’re common! Although exempt from sin, Christ Himself had human limitations.

In such matters as we’re discussing it is important to fix the fixable and to learn to live (by God’s grace) with the unfix-able! I have a wall plaque hanging on my bedroom wall that I see each morning when rising. It says in four lines what I’ve attempted to say in four paragraphs.

“God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.”

The “Howbeit” of Faith

The “Howbeit” of Faith

“Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me...Howbeit...”

(Acts 27:25,26)

Many of God’s dear children have the wrong conception of faith. Faith does not always deliver from the unplesantries of life, but rather in those distasteful events that confront us on our pilgrim journey.

We see both these truths presented in that great chapter on faith, Hebrews 11. For example, in verse 34 we’re told of some who, “… escaped the edge of the sword,” by their faith. But verses 36 and 37 read, “And others [who had the same faith]…were slain with the sword.” Verse 35 tells us these latter, by their faith, would not accept deliverance.

Never take the “Howbeit” out of your faith! Christians in the will of God, cannot go around their Euroclydon; they must pass through their storm. Nevertheless, be assured of this, YOU WILL COME OUT ON THE OTHER SIDE! So will those who sail with you. If you will read the account in Acts 27, you will find as a result fruitfulness follows those storms that we ride through to the end.

“Faith is being of good cheer in the midst of an impossible situation.”

(rds)

The Wisdom of the Wise

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom.”

(1 C or. 12:8)

I once held the view God’s gifts to His church in this present age are functional and nonfunctional. Of course, once this position is adhered to, it becomes a pick and choose situation.  In each case, a church selects the gifts their particular assembly or denomination believes to be operative today, thereby creating a schism in the Body of Christ. I’d like to call attention to just one of these gifts: wisdom.

Now it is important to understand there are general truths in the scriptures and specific ones. Example: James speaks of wisdom available to all, but Paul speaks of a particular kind of wisdom given to certain individuals of God’s own choosing. Wisdom such as the wise woman of Tekoah had, and the poor wise man in Ecclesiastes. We are not speaking here of common sense, for the gift of which we speak is not common to all.

The little cliché, “The wisdom of the wise,” is seen in the life of the Queen of Sheba. This wise woman sought out Solomon, whom God had endued with this special wisdom. Wise is the man or woman who searches out such gifted people. But be careful when seeking them, for they come in a variety of get-ups. Most, if not all, are passed over by the fact of their simple life-style. Remember, the wisest Man who ever lived had only one suit of clothes, hung-out, for the most part, with the poor and common people. And, literally didn’t have a penny to His name.

“Wisdom may come from the lips of a poor man or woman, but it can make you rich.”

2 Cor. 6:10

(rds)

The Faith of the Aged

“By faith Abraham...went out, not knowing whither he went.” 

At seventy-five years, Abram (along with his wife, Sarah, ten years his junior) began a second exciting venture. God can, and does, disturb us at any time of life. He does not ask us if it is convenient. He does it at His own will.

This nomadic life they were entering through the door of faith would cost them. They were to leave their comfortable life style, sacrificing home, loved ones, and friends, not to speak of financial security. He was not a young man thirsting for adventure when this disturbing challenge from God came to him.

I wonder sometimes if I can still pray the prayer of my youth and mean it. “Lord, anytime, any place, doing anything, at any cost.” I hope so.

Petty Prioritives

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

(Matt. 6:33)

Prioritize: to designate or treat (something) as more important than other things. Petty: of little importance; trivial, secondary. Many saints spend a lifetime dilly dallying with Deity, wondering why they do not experience spiritual success and prosperity in their lives, as promised in Joshua 1:8.

In reading the book of Romans recently I was struck by how the spiritual was first and foremost in Paul’s mind, “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established.” (Rom. 1:11). God never takes second place, for anything or anyone . He is always to be first in line!

The young man in Luke chapter nine desired to follow Jesus but wanted to bury his father “first.” Jesus informed him he was to put the Kingdom of God first. As a young man George Beverly Shea had a choice between an operatic career or singing for the Lord; you know the rest of the story.

Our main text teaches us in putting God and His interests first, the “things” we seek after are additives. A good Bible illustration is Solomon. Because his God had top priority in his life, God heaped blessing upon blessings on him, blessings he didn’t even ask for, (1 Kgs. 3:13).

"I will...open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

(Mal. 3:10)

When God is Silent

"Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God."

(Psa. 83:1)

As a young preacher I had an older pastor friend who would remain silent during most conversations, but when he did speak, it was worth listening to. Of course, such a person drove an impetuous novice like me up a wall.

Throughout the Bible, at certain times, we find a muted God. But the silence of God should not be always interpreted as His disapproval; it can mean the opposite. The wise man tells us, “There is a time to keep silence.” And God always follows His own teachings.

In the Old Testament book of Psalms, David spoke much of God’s silence. In the New Testament our Lord, if you’ll pardon the expression, gave the silent treatment to a number of people who came to Him in dire need (Matt.15:22-23). But never did He remain silent indefinitely. Sooner or later He spoke; and when He did, it was not with wasted words. And so it will be with you and me.

Between the two Testaments there is what Bible students refer to as, “The Four Hundred Silent Years.” An interval when God did not speak, though He was actively working behind the scene. Admittedly, that is a long period; kingdoms can rise, decline, fall, and be forgotten in less time. But when He did break His silence, it was worth the wait. For the voice that came from heaven introduced His Son to the world, “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

"He that hath the Word of Jesus is able to hear His very silence."

(a first-century saint)

Not Too Early To Start Praying

Dear Praying Friends,

This November, the 2nd through the 4th, I will be holding a 3 day meeting in Norfolk, VA. I'll speak once Friday night, twice Saturday (late morning and early afternoon), then twice Sunday morning and once in the early afternoon. I'll return on Monday. I fly out on Thursday the 1st.

Pray I'll have the anointing and that I'll have a safe flight there and back. I have to fly first class for the extra leg room. The reason being the veins they took out of both legs during my heart-attack, to use for my heart. That is an extra expense on the church and I hope to help them, Lord willing.

In case you didn't read it, I've included at the end of this note a letter I wrote my blessed black preacher friend, a few years back.

An Old Disciple

Dear James,

My blessed mother used to say, “If you’re going to send me flowers, do it while I’m alive.” I thought since we are both “kickin” I’d send you a nice spray. The Bible tells us to give honor to whom honor is due. Well I want to do just that. And may I add, I think it to be long overdue!

As I near the fourscore and five mark in my life, needless to say, I have met and observed a great number within the male race. Out of this great host there have been few I met who possessed the manliness, character and unwavering principles that you own. Whenever I think of you, as well as your lovely wife Dee, and the two grown children, James and Alicia, I think of the word class!

I’ve always liked to think of you as Ebedmelech the Ethiopian in the Old Testament. Just as he pulled Jeremiah up from the miry pit, so you have pulled out untold numbers of souls from the mire of this world. Your long ministry in Norfolk, as well as your dear people can attest to this fact.

James, I thank my God for the day our paths crossed, and the great privilege I have had in serving with you as a bond-slave of Jesus Christ. It has truly been an honor for me. It is wonderful to realize our camaraderie will not end here but will continue on there.

In closing, I think of something I recently heard while watching the western movie, “Rooster Cogburn.” John Wayne and Kathryn Hepburn starred. At the end, they parted ways, but as she rode off, she suddenly stopped and rode back. And what she said to the character played by Wayne I say to you dear friend. “Reuben…I have to say you're a credit to the whole male sex, and I'm proud to have ya for my friend.”

Richard

The Beginning

“In the beginning God…”
(Gen. 1:1)

Everything has a beginning, except God. For if He was in the beginning, it only stands to reason He was before the beginning. God has no beginning or end. Man, saved or lost, has a beginning but no end. Animals have a beginning and an end, not including the heavenly creatures. Beginnings are essential if one is to go anywhere  or accomplish anything.

I do not have so much of a problem with doing a thing once begun, my dilemma is in actually getting started. The popular quip of our day “Just do it,” I sometimes think was thought up with me in mind. It is wise to evaluate and think things through, but not indefinitely! Sooner or later we must put shoe leather to it.... and then finish it. Another fault of mine.

I mentioned the following (purported to be) Chinese proverb often in my writings, please allow me the use of it again, for it fits here, “A thousand mile journey was started with one step.” I don’t know about you, but had it been me to be the first one to dip my foot in Jordan, there would have been a slight hesitation; but it was the only way to get from here to there.

“Nothing ever came of something never begun.”

(rds)

Creamy Milk Chocolate

"And He is before all things...in all things He might have the preeminence."

(Col 1:17-18)

If asked to define the word “bittersweet,” most would call to mind a type of chocolate. It contains a combination of both sweet and bitter. As far as I am concerned, it leaves much to be desired to the taste. Personally, I’m an old-fashioned creamy, milk chocolate fan.

Whenever we put anything else into the mixture with Christ, no matter how good its use separately, He loses much of His sweet flavor, and everything becomes bittersweet.  The reason Jesus is so unsavory to many Christians is because they have blended spiritual things with Him. Like John’s “little book,” at first it is sweet to the taste, but when digested, bitter to the stomach.

We hear much talk around the holiday season of how we need to get Christ back into Christmas. But I would contend, we need to get Christ back into His church (Rev.3:20). There is nothing as boring as a church service without Him, in its songs, preaching, praying and testimonies.  As someone has rightly said, referring to Christ’s absence in our lives, “It is like trying to start a car on an empty tank.” Detaching Christ from our services is to reduce them to impotence.

If I were to give my preacher son, Andrew, (or any other preacher) advice when departing this life, it would be, “Make much of Jesus.” As Ian Thomas says, “It is profoundly simple, and simply profound.” A church service does not have to be sensational, but with His presence can have the miraculous!

"Let fire and the cross, let wild beasts, let all the malice of the devil, , come upon me; only may I enjoy Jesus Christ."

(Ignatius 40 B.C.-107 A.D.)

A Most Effective Wor

“Nevertheless, at thy word I will...  ”

(Lk. 5:5)

Peter and the others had toiled tirelessly throughout the long night, only to come up empty. It was a night of fatigue and failure, at the end of which, they could only say of the results from all their effort, “Nothing!”

Yet this humble Fisherman, of men, tells these frustrated professional fishermen to obey His command. And, at their obedience to His command, everything changed. What made the difference? It’s found in one word “nevertheless.” This word always makes history for a child of God. Sometimes, as in David’s case, in the negative sense. But in our setting, positive. As in many, many, other situations.

Vision, renewed strength, and hope, came after their“nevertheless.” The stormy road of obedience invariably leads to the promised pot-of-gold at the end. At the finish of a dull road there is a pleasant surprise awaiting all its travelers. Rugged paths lead to summits. Panoramic vision is the result of toilsome climbing. When all is dark and everything we hold dear is gone, when there is humanly no hope, at the end of each of these things may we always put the addendum: “nevertheless.”It is a most effective word!

“There is even a “nevertheless” after after it says, “THE END. It’s called Eternity!

(rds)

Restless or Resting?

"We which have believed do enter into rest."

(Heb. 4:3)

Hebrews speaks of a threefold rest for the people of God. The past rest of salvation, a present rest in sanctification, and the future rest of glorification. A few have a problem with the first of these; none, to my knowledge, with the last; but untold numbers wrestle with the present rest, the Sabbath of the soul. 

Many do not understand it is a faith-rest life! It is pillowing our head on God's promises in the midst of the worst of storms, like our blessed Lord. Looking at the circumstances that surround us will only bring restlessness and resentment, as it did to the disciples.

We are told in the Old Testament that when the cloudy pillar abode upon the Tabernacle, whether it be two days, a month, or a year, God's people "rested in their tents." They did not worry about the when, where, how, and why of God's plan and will; they simply rested until He gave further direction.

Hudson Taylor found, he tells us, "The Faith Rest Life" comes not by striving after faith, but by resting on the Faithful One!" Once entered by faith we must trust Him, moment by moment, to maintain that rest.  

"A life of faith or frustration, it's ours to choose."

(rds)