COMING TO GOD

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Impossibility of Coming

This highly religious, but godless age, imagines that one can come to God by his own will, as he pleases. But coming to God is not in the ability of humankind! That ability rests entirely in the control and mercy of the Sovereign Lord! Hosea 5:5 And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them. 6 They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them. John 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Consider also these verses: John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

It is not only true that no man CAN (a term of ability), come to God by his own power, but it is even true that the sinner, being dead spiritually (Eph. 2:1) does not desire to come! Romans 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. John 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. That is, “You are not willing to come!” Spiritual life, with the gifts of faith and repentance, must first be granted by God! A spiritually dead man has no ability to do anything!

1. God is incomprehensible, but knowable! To the majority of men today, God is just a little lap dog over whom they have control. But listen to the Apostle Paul’s spiritual awareness of the Creator!

Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. No one, except God himself, can fully comprehend His boundlessness!

But thanks be to God for his revelation to mankind through the Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, God, though incomprehensible, is knowable! John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

2. Faith is essential in coming to God! In verse four of our Hebrews passage, listed above, we find that it was only by faith that Abel became aware of his pleasing God! There was no Bible, no preacher, or church as we know of today! Therefore it was necessary that God himself give testimony of Abel’s offering! And that awareness came to him “by faith!” For it is “through faith we understand!” (Heb. 11:3). And, dear reader, even with churches, bibles and pastors, one only comes to God by the inner, invisible working of the Holy Spirit! (John 3:8, 1 Cor 12:3).

As listed in verse one of our scripture passage, it is faith alone that evidences things not seen! 2 Corin. 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. The spiritual believer sees far beyond this natural realm! How sad to see so many professing religionists whose mind and conversation is totally consumed with only that which goes on in the natural realm today! How sad to see professors of Jesus Christ’s eyes and mouths filled with only natural matters! Faith is being denied it’s vision! And we have far better things to rest our vision upon than what we can taste, feel, smell and touch!

Rise up, O men of God,

Have done with lesser things;

Give heart and mind and soul and strength

To serve the King of kings. (William Merrill)

Would it not be of greater edification and blessedness to our soul’s for us to return to meditation of Christ? Are we not in danger of being unprepared to receive him at his coming? Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Let us put down our worldly concerns and return to our faith given us by the King of all kings!

We cannot legislate morality, nor especially righteousness! Righteousness comes by revelation! And Christ came to make individual sinners righteous, not governments! Truly our God has committed to us the ministry and word of reconciliation for sinners! (2 Cor. 5:18,19). The Lord plainly stated that those servants who fight governments are not his servants, and do not  represent his spiritual kingdom! Far too many in this age are confusing patriotism with spirituality! John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

3. Faith cannot be separated from creation! In verse three of our passage above, we are clearly instructed that the faith that pleases God is that by which we are given understanding that God, by his Word, framed the worlds!

For the existence of the natural creation, and that of the spiritual, is by the creative work of God! 2 Corin. 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The same God, by the same Word, who called the same Light to shine out of darkness in the natural creation, (which was a revelation of His Son, for the sun, moon and stars were not created until the fourth day!), does the very same in the spiritual creation of a new born soul!

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Saving faith is God’s gift! It is never by man’s works! And when spiritual life, along with faith and repentance, is implanted within the darkened heart of the sinner, he is said to be “created in Christ Jesus!”

For as Abel had God for a witness within his soul, so we all have God’s witness without, in the natural creation! Acts 14:17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. Notice that it is said that God’s providing natural things like rain and fruitful seasons fills our “hearts,” not our plates, or our stomaches!  For these natural provisions from God are to benefit us spiritually, as well as satisfy our natural hunger!

Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. We must needs have our eyes lifted up by the Spirit to view these things effectually! Truly, the heavens declare his glory, and the firmament shows forth his handy work! (Psa. 19:1).

And listen just how these natural things, created by God render us inexcusable if we fail to recognize the only true God! Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Even God’s “eternal power” and his “Godhead” are said to be “clearly seen” by the things which are made! Their message is so clear, they render us all inexcusable who do not come to submission to Christ!

4. One can only come to God by the faith received with imputed righteousness! Romans. 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

It is not by the works of the law that one becomes righteousness. But it is in sovereignly imputed righteousness wherein one has faith in God. For life always precedes action! It is BECAUSE YE ARE SONS, not in order to become sons, that God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts  crying, Abba, Father. For salvation is “not of works,” but it most certainly is “unto good works!” Read Ephesians 2:8-10. There we find that the works are as much ordained as the worker! Just as the tail always follows, and never precedes the dog, so good works never precede true  salvation, but do always, without fail, evidence it!

James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Because that redemption is accomplished, the Holy Spirit is now given to teach every believer from within! (John 14:26). Therefore the unction within shall assure that they all shall be taught of God! We do not cast off  men teaching us, for teachers are among the gifts Christ gave his Bride for a wedding present when he was lifted up on high! (Ephesians 4:8-9). But our Coming To God is by the Holy Spirit!

Hebrews 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift!

Pastor Gene Breed

ONE SIMON

Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

Luke 23:26  And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

First Christian Experience

According to John’s report, (John 19:17), we know that the Lord Jesus started out bearing his own cross. But evidently, the  Roman guards didn’t think he was moving along fast enough. So they laid hold of a strong looking country boy, recently come from the “fields” (same word, “country”) to speed things along!

This “one Simon,” among the scores of other men in those days of that same name, had this to be his first experience with Christianity! His was not by invitation from another disciple, saying, “Come and see. Is not this the Christ?” Nor was his an invitation like the woman at the well, crying, “Come see a man who told me all that ever I did!” His “invitation” by ordained Providence was to be the rough hand of an aggravated Roman soldier, wanting to speed things along so he could get through with this death squad detail!

This, “one Simon” came to know the Lord through affliction! Psa. 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. But his was not just any affliction! His was to bear “his cross!” (Matt. 27:32, Mk. 15:21). It was not just “A cross!” Many hundreds were hung on crosses by these same Romans, but only THIS cross provided atonement from God!

Dear reader, every human being suffers reverses and disappointments in life, to some degree or other! But not all these are effectually provided in the realm of the atonement! One must be involved in the suffering of Christ’s cross; with Christ’s atonement, in order to benefit from afflictions! Gal. 2:20 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. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

The verse in Philippines that the Apostle Paul wrote seems so applicable to Simon’s situation. For Simon was literally  “apprehended,” and followed “after Jesus!” Phil. 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Who Passed By

Mark records that this “one Simon” was not involved in the events of that moment! He was actually prevented in continuing on his way by this “great company of people.” (Lk. 23:27). He was just one that was “passing by!”

But look at the company he was literally thrown into! Luke 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

My goodness! He was probably just wanting to practice his religion, and attend the Passover at the temple in Jerusalem! But look who else was “led with him!” He was thrown into the company of two capital offenders about to forfeit their very lives for their high crimes against the Roman government! He was being “numbered with the transgressors!” He found himself to be among those with death sentences upon them. And he later realized himself to be “a child of wrath, even as others!” (Eph. 2:3).

But he was also Providentially thrown into the presence of the most glorious Son of God, in His most important hour! He here met the Lord Jesus! And this is where all believers meet him! For all those born of God are given to see the glory of God in that cross!

The Father’s eyes were on Him! The Father, like the High Priest, was examining this Lamb of God; peering into the “travail of his soul!” For there is where the “satisfaction” of God was provided, in order to provide an eternal cleansing for the entire church’s sin! (Isa. 53:11).

And looking into that face, more marred than any man’s, so that his form was more distorted that any of the sons of men, Simon was “astonished!” (Isa. 52:14). He that seeth the Son and believeth on him hath life! (John 6:40). Faded now were those images of hopeful supposition to fulfil his own plans! The alarm of his mind from being thrust into this event, of which he formally had no interest, was replaced by the awe of his heart in the very presence of God’s Lamb, actually under the burden of the cross that would be used to provide eternal redemption!

And read the words coming from the mouth of the Person of the Word Himself! Read of His words to the daughters of Jerusalem! (v.28). Listen as he warns them of judgment upon their “dry” souls, since this befell His, as the only green tree! (V.31). Hear what Simon heard from the very lips of God’s Lamb, in the actual moment of His life being given out in verse 34! What greater and more effectual words could one hear than the perfectly holy Son of God interceeding for those who were at that moment crucifying him? “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!”

This had great effect upon Simon, as well as those who witnessed this event! Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. 48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

Simon “returned” to his plans a different man than what he was before this happened! Mark tells us in the above listed verse that his sons, Alexander and Rufus, were well know by the Christian community at the time of his writing the Book of Mark. They had a dad whose life had been changed forever by the cross he bore for Christ! O! That we had more dads in this generation known by their sons as a man who faithfully bore the cross of Christ! He had been himself crucified unto the world and the world crucified unto him! (Gal. 6:14). If we did, we would have mose sons like Rufus, chosen of the Lord, and precious!

A Cyrenian

Simon was from Cyrene. This is now Libya. It is on the northern part of Africa, west of Egypt. And what an influence Simon must have had on his countrymen, as the very man, selected by God to bear the impliment of Christ’s redemption!

Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

When the gospel began to be spread in that first century, the Jewish believers didn’t want to take it to the Gentiles. Remember Peter’s experience with the sheet let down from heaven at Joppa?

Well, not so with the Jewish believers of Cyrene! They even “spake to the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus!” But do not fail to notice just what even marks the time of thie extensive evangelism! It was yet another “persecution” time! For just as Simon was placed in the crucifixion of the Lord, so these of Cyrene were effected by the persecution that arose in those day concerning the stoning of Stephen!

His Mother and Mine

Rom. 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Here we read of those whom the Apostle Paul wanted to greet as he closed our the Book of Romans. And among them was Simon’s son, Rufus.

Rufus’ mother was Simon’s wife! And the Cyrenians had a great heart for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles! And just who was the Apostle to the Gentiles, but the great Apostle Paul? (Rom. 15:16). So we find that after another persecution, in which the Apostle was witness, as Saul of Tarsus, the country of Simon was placed into the same ministry as another great agent of the Holy Ghost!

And in some way, Simon’s wife was as a mother to the Apostle Paul! And Simon’s son, Rufus, was said by Paul to be a brother chosen, or precious, to the Lord! Therefore as the persecution and crufixion of the Lord, Simon was forced into the presence of the very Son of God, from the persecution of Stephen, Simon’s son and wife were made to be acquainted with the Apostle Paul.

Here we have the fulfilment of the Lord’s words as recorded in Mark 10:28-31.  Mark 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

And did you notice the underlined words, “with persecutions?” These new family members are provided in the realm of the sufferings of Christ. That is how we get to know Him, and to be added to them as our family from God. We all must be entered into the fellowship of His sufferings!

Phil. 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Pastor Gene Breed

A MAN NAMED JOSEPH

Luke 23:50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: 51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. 54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. 55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. 56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

According to Genesis 30:24, the name, “Joseph,” means “added!”  Rachel said that her son Joseph was added in order to take away her reproach of being previously barren. And if there was ever a man, rightly named, it is this Joseph upon whom we are to focus our attention! For he most surely was “added” in a dark hour, when no other disciples were available, and even when the Lord himself was dead, and there was no public ministry! And he accomplished a most necessary task to take away the reproach of Jesus’ body, not allowing it to continue to hang on the cross!

Deut. 21:22 And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: 23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

He was not ever said to be involved with the other disciples before this. He was not listed as being present at any miracle, nor at any healing. There are not even any recorded words that he ever spoke. And when it was recorded that he did speak, it was to Pilate, and not to any of the Christian community!

And all the while the Lord was alive and among his other disciples, our Joseph is kept from any public acclaim of Jesus for the exact same reason that all the other disciples did when he was dead! For during the Lord’s life and ministry, Joseph was said to be a secret disciple, for fear of the Jews! (John 19:38). And so it was that while the Lord was dead, all other disciples became secretive, for fear of the Jews! (John 20:19).

And we must take notice of the first two words which Luke uses to introduce Joseph into his writings. Luke is seemingly so surprised as to who it was that came forth when all the disciples were in hiding that he exclaims, “And, BEHOLD!”  That is, “Take notice of this!” For there was no expectation from the disciples that Joseph should ever be of any benefit to the kingdom of God!

For do we not have an accounting of Joseph’s character by the Apostle John? John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. And Joseph, like Nicodemus, was “a counsellor,” a “ruler of the Jews.” They were both of “the chief rulers,” as stated in the above verses. But the inordinate fear kept him back from a public owening of his discipleship of the Lord! – But was not that the same case with all the other disciples when Joseph went in boldly unto Pilate (Mk. 15:43)? Were they then not hiding for the same fear as once Joseph had?

Joseph, as if a picture of all of us today, identifies with Christ in his death, when he did not in his life! 2Cor. 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 1Pet. 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

And why do we know him, except he first knew us! 1John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us. The Lord identified with Joseph in his death, so that Joseph could identify with him in spiritual life! Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

The spirit in this modern day of soul winning, and decisional regeneration, has so brained washed the minds of those affiliated with religion, that it keeps us back from the sovereignty of God in the salvation of His elect! Both Stephen and Saul of Tarsus, (now Paul the Apostle), are rejoicing before the throne in heaven at this very moment! But God’s sovereign wisdom didn’t allow any fellowship between them on earth! In fact, Saul held the coats of the men who stoned Stephen!

God has determined both when, and where all his elect shall be brought to life in Christ! Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

And just how did the Sovereign God keep Joseph back from public discipleship with the other disciples? He made him rich! (Matt 27:52). Matt. 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Do you remember why the young “ruler” went away sorrowful? He went away because “he had great possessions!” (Matt 19:22). But  we see it is not impossible for a rich man to enter, just hard! For the Lord chose to share this rich man’s “own new tomb,” (Matt 27:60), in his death, in order that he migh share with him eternal life, even returning to this very tomb one day to reclaim Joseph’s body! For the Lord vacated Joseph’s tomb in only three days, returning it to him by his own resurrection! And as the Lord Jesus’ body was taken care of  by Joseph, so shall Joseph’s body, still awaiting his resurrection morning in that same tomb, be taken care of by the Lord Jesus’ return to gather up all his elect! Phil. 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

And just how was Joseph brought to break the spell of his silent discipleship? One phrase that appears in the scriptures, associated with his name is that he “waited for the kingdom!” And at the cross, one of the thieves being crucified with Christ cried out, “Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” (Lk 23:42). And as Joseph’s ears were perked up at the reference of the kingdom for which he waited, he heard the Lord’s reply!

That same voice that had told those spiritual rulers, like Joseph, that harlots and publicans would go into the kingdom before them (Mt. 21:31), replied to that sinner such glorious words that Joseph must have had them pierce his very soul, “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise!” His soul could have written those words we sing so often;

“Pass me not, O gentle Saviour;

Hear my humble cry!

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by!”

Joseph came to believe on Christ by seeing the glory of the cross. That is the same way we all came to believe! For it is he that seeth the Son and believeth on him, that hath life! (Jn. 6:40).

Now he could have also written those wonderful words;

“E’re since by faith ,

Thy flowing wound supply;

Redeeming live has been my theme;

And shall be ‘til I die!”

Now you can find Joseph’s name and deed written in all four of the gospels!

Pastor Gene Breed