Notes From the Pastor's Desk

April 21, 2024

The God Who Gives

Read Matt. 11:28-30. I believe the Lord's primary reference here is to the Jews, who were burdened by the weight of their ceremonial laws and the traditions of their elders. Jesus is telling them if they will only come to Him, they could be free from the rites and ceremonies which had them bound. There is a word today for those who are the Lord's children.

I. God Gives Rest To Laboring Ones

Read Matt. 11:28. This is a word to those who are burdened with the weight sin brings. What kind of rest will God give us? Rest from our sins, from the alarms of conscience, from the terrors of the law, and from the fears of eternal death.

II. God Gives Life To Dead Ones

Look at Rom. 6:23. The Bible says the wages of sin is death—but that Jesus gives life eternal. Sin's eternal payday is full of horror and torment. We were like a dead corpse, unresponsive toward God. Believers have life eternal!

III. God Gives Righteousness To Guilty Ones

Read Rom. 9:30. It is clear in Rom. 9:30 that our righteousness with God comes out of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The only cure for unrighteousness is righteousness. Read 2 Cor. 5:21.

IV. God Gives His Spirit To Obedient Ones

See Acts 5:32. No one has the power of the Spirit who will not obey the Lord. God tells us that to obey is better than sacrifice and the fat of rams (1 Sam. 15:22). Obedience is the price you pay for power.

V. God Gives Suffering To Favored Ones

Read Phil. 1:29. We not only believe in Christ, but sometimes we have to suffer. It is in our sufferings we learn to be more God dependent and grow in grace.

VI. God Gives Consolation To Sorrowing Ones

Think about 2 Thess. 2:16. He has given us everlasting consolation through His marvelous and matchless grace.

VII. God Gives Salvation To Lost Ones

Read Luke 19:9. It is a blessed and happy day when salvation comes to the sinner.