Unfathomable Grace

The words of one ancient hymn go, “Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me.” Another older hymn calls out, “All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down.” To these a modern chorus may be added, “Holy Spirit, You are welcome here; come flood this place and fill the atmosphere.” Then, as I get ready to enjoy and glorify God in one of the assemblies of the saints on this Lord’s Day, I am reminded of the words of a modern-day declaration:

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God

Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine. 

I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away.

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God.

Christian friends, at Horizon Church and elsewhere, is this the panting of your heart? Do you long for a fresh outpouring of God’s love in the Place of Grace, by the Means of Grace, through the Spirit of Grace? Consider the possibilities. Hear afresh the fantastic testimony of the early church:

Acts 2:42-47    

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Brothers and sisters, let us follow the leading of the Spirit and our Fathers. Let us be devoted to the Apostles Teaching. God’s Words, containing his Law and his Gospel, are so relevant and helpful. Let us sing, pray, read, and hear God’s Word again this morning.

Let us be devoted to the Fellowship. Great are the blessings for those who forsake not the assembly of the saints. Family gatherings are so important. Find one, be faithful, and be blessed.

Let us be devoted to the Lord’s Supper. In this particular sacrament, the Gospel is seen, smelt, felt, and tasted. It is a visual preaching of God’s Law and Gospel. Come and see the drama of God acted out in communion and baptism.

Let us be devoted to prayer. This activity is our birthright. We are no longer separated from God. We get to intimately commune with Abba Father, and in prayer he changes us and often changes our circumstances. A House of Prayer remains Jesus’ idea.

And what might we expect? Awe will come upon our souls and many wonders and signs will be done by means of the Holy Spirit and his human leaders. Who knows, perhaps external wonders might be experienced on this day, but for sure internal wonders will be done. God’s Word is powerful and effective. It is the Spirit’s great surgical tool for the good of his beloved, and oh how he loves to transform our minds by means of his Means of Grace.

Brotherly love will be increased. Our desire to sacrifice for one another will be elevated. Tangible expressions of Christ’s compassion will flow from the inside-out. The Sunday service will not be enough as we look for ways to get in one another’s homes. We will be both encouraged and encouraging.

Individually, we will be improved in our emotional state. Greater doxological passion and personal joy will abound in our souls as they are freshly filled to overflowing.

And then, we should expect more souls will be won to Christ. Some will be won in the worship service because unbelievers see what is going in the household of faith. They will become thirsty for such a relationship with the One, True God. Others will later be won because we will be more filled with the honor of God, because we long to honor the Father, Son, and Spirit by “bringing many sons to glory,” and we can’t stand to see our neighbors buffeted by the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Oh friends, don’t you long for such? Will you pray for such? And then, will you add feet to words? Will you be one who is devoted to such practices? Come on friends, it is the Lord’s Day. God is loving and working for you. Let’s enjoy working and loving him in response. Let’s be object of the Gospel, loving the grace of his Law, and responding with fantastic obedience and delight.