I Change Not

Nothing changes God's affection. Whom He loves and how He loves, He loves to the end. His love is like Himself…the same yesterday, today and forever. If you love Him as He is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, it’s because He first loved you in Christ before the world began. We love Him because He first loved us. God saves sinners on purpose, not by accident or by man's free will (2 Timothy 1:9). Only when a man is laid low does God show Himself in the unclouded glory of what He is. He will not give glory to another. “But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my word.” He can reveal Himself and allow man to worship in view of that revelation. But until the sinner is made to take his proper place, there is no unfolding of that divine character.

Pastor Scott Richardson

From Nothing, Everything

The preacher often says, “Mine is a very hard task, for I preach to many in whom I see nothing hopeful. I thunder forth the law, and the conscience is not stirred. I talk of the love and mercy of God, and the heart is not moved. I preach the sufferings of Christ for our sins, and the eye does not weep. I point to hell, and there is no fear, nor is there any desire kindled when I speak of the glory of heaven. There is absolutely nothing in men that encourages me to continue to preach to them. Is there any reason why I should preach the Word to those in whom I see nothing?”

Brother, come back with me to the world’s creation. Of what did God make the world? Did He not make it out of nothing? You have never yet grasped the idea of nothing until you consider the creation. When God spoke, there was no ear to hear. When He said, “Let there be light,” there was no eye to see it. When He made the rose, there was no nose to smell it. When He made the apple, there was no mouth to taste it. And when He made the garden, there was no foot to walk in it.

Nothing was everywhere, and yet out of nothing He made all things. He spoke, and it was done. He commanded, and it appeared. You say there is nothing in the sinner to whom you preach? That’s wonderful, for there is in that state of nothing, room for the great God to create something! Inasmuch as the heart of man is empty and the soul is dark, the conditions are right for God to create a new heart and a right spirit and put His grace where there was no grace.

If you had to convert the sinner, then I would agree that your task is hopeless; but, if salvation is of the Lord, you may comfort your heart with this thought; that He who created all this marvelous earth out of nothing can also create life, love, faith, and hope where there are no spiritual ingredients nor interest with which to work.

Pastor Henry T. Mahan (1988)

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Phil. 4:8).

Finally brethren, last but not least, give yourselves to meditate on these things of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul says in other scripture, "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all." (1Tim. 4:15). Take note of these eight words that describe the gospel.

1). The gospel of Christ is unquestionably true. In the word of the gospel we have the truth declared about sin (Rom. 3:9-23); the truth declared about salvation (2Tim. 1:9; Acts 4:12); the truth declared about God (Rom. 3:4; Isa. 45:21-22). Our Lord said it is the truth that sets sinners free (John 8:32).

2). The gospel of Christ is indisputably honest or honorable. When God justifies a sinner through the blood atonement of Jesus Christ (1John 4:10), God always justifies the ungodly in His described way that honors His holy law and satisfies His righteous justice (Isa 42:21; 1Peter 1:18-20).

3). The gospel of Christ is undeniably just or righteous. The question of all questions is, how can God be just and justify the ungodly? The only right answer is found in the gospel of grace (Rom. 3:24-26). It is only revealed in the gospel how God can show mercy not at the expense of His holy justice (Psalm 85:10; Isa. 45:20-22).

4). The gospel of Christ is irrefutably pure or perfect. Nothing but the blood of Christ can cleanse us from all sin (1John 1:7). Jesus Christ alone, by Himself purged us from our all our sin (Heb. 1:3).

5). The gospel of Christ is incontestably lovely. To you who believe Jesus Christ is most precious (1Pet. 2:7); He is altogether lovely (Song Sol. 5:16). We love Him only because He first loved us (1John 4:19).

6). The gospel of Christ is obviously a good report, or good news. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that will believe it (Rom. 1:16). Christ died for the ungodly (Rom. 5:6). God justifies the ungodly (Rom. 4:5). Jesus Christ came to save sinners (Matt. 9:13).

7). The gospel of Christ is definitely a virtue or excellent. Christ completely provides for all His church everything that God demands (Phil. 4:19; Col. 2:9-10).