13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
MORNING WORSHIP:
10:00 Bible Study:Video sermon by Pastor Bill Parker
11:00 Service:Speaker, Randy Wages, Eager Avenue Grace Church
Birthdays:Sarah Hall, May 27th.
Next Weeks (June 3rd.) Speaker:David Simpson will be our guest speaker on June 3rd.
THE LIVING WATERS
“Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar,” Ezekiel 47:1
The language here of Ezekiel the prophet is prophetic of the blessed work that the Lord Jesus Christ would come and accomplish for His people through His sacrificial death, to which all of the Old Testament sacrifices and priesthood pointed. The temple symbolized the body of the Lord Jesus Christ, in which dwelt the fullness of the Godhead. John 1:14 speaks of Christ the Word being made flesh and dwelling (literally ‘tabernacled’) among us. The front of the house facing eastward (which is where the tabernacle and temple on the mount faced), typifies the coming of Christ, the SUN of righteousness, which is where the physical sun rises. The waters flowing from the right side of the house, from under the altar, symbolize the life giving effect of Christ’s death (the altar). Usually, if you see water running from under the threshold of a house, you would think that there was a leak, and that the situation wasn’t normal. But here, it is used to describe LIFE, and the grace of God toward sinners for whom Christ came into this world and laid down His life.
What is the point of all this for needy sinners for whom Christ died? The waters flow, but they are not fed by any tributaries. There are no man made conduits to bring the water forth, not even a supposed ‘pipe of faith,’ as some endeavor to describe faith as the means of appropriating salvation. NO! The waters make their own channel, as God directs them, and that in a wilderness place, where one would least likely find water. And yet, not a drop of this water is said to run to waste, not even a single drop! Zechariah wrote of a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem (God’s spiritual Israel-Galatians 3:29) FOR SIN AND FOR UNCLEANESS, Zech. 13:1. This is none other than the cleansing effect of Christ’s shed blood, and directed toward everyone for whom He died. Ezekiel found it up to his ankles, then to his knees, then to his waste, and then deep enough in which to swim, and a river that could not be passed over, Ezekiel 47:3-5. Is this not a description of the super abounding grace of God through His righteousness imputed at the altar of Christ’s death, from which flows abundant and everlasting pardon, grace, peace, justification, sanctification, and a true hope of glory? Romans 5:21. As the ancient hymn writer aptly penned those words, ‘Dear dying Lamb! Thy precious blood shall never lose its power, till all the ransomed Church of God be saved to sin no more.’ It is just such a salvation that was accomplished by our Lord Jesus in His death, and from whom flows every spiritual blessing and life for His own.
KEN WIMER – Pastor of Shreveport Grace Church
WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE
“Matthew”
19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
When I consider verses 19 -21 in the context here, I see it as a reminder to continually take heed and inventory of why we do what we do – to examine our own hearts.Where’s your treasure?What do you treasure?What is really most important to you?Where are our priorities?God knows for He knows our hearts.So it matters not if you and I are able to fool each other, because the judge of all, the one that ultimately will matter, He seeth in secret.Christ declared that wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Philippians 3:20 says of those who have spiritual life that their “conversation,” meaning their citizenship, is not of this world but rather is in heaven.They are made citizens of His kingdom and their reward is in heaven, their reward is not found in this world.But do you and I go about our daily lives as citizens of His kingdom or do we live as if everything is wrapped up in this fleeting, decaying, temporary life on earth?How are we to lay up for ourselves incorruptible, eternal treasures in heaven?Well verse 33 of this chapter is helpful as Christ commands there, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.We’re talking about an inheritance that is incorruptible, eternal, and is no less magnificent than that which the Lord of glory Himself, the impeccable, spotless Lamb of God, could merit in His life and death.That’s got to be good!
In closing, consider God’s word to us as recorded in Colossians 3:1 where it reads,1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, (live like it) where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
What motivates you?Where do you find your reward?Where’s your treasure?Well, that will tell you where your heart is.That’s the heart of the matter and as I hope you’ve seen – that really does matter.
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