Note: this was the first article that I wrote. It was written in September of 1975–
“And my God shall supply every need of yours according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).
Most everyone likes to receive gifts, I enjoy receiving gifts from my loved ones. Knowing that they were given in love adds to the blessing. Love is one of the greatest experiences that the Father has given to us. However, no matter how precious our love for others is, it cannot compare with the love of God. Here are some instances of the love of God:
- John 3:16 – The Love the Father had for the Son.
- Romans 5:8 – The Love of Christ for mankind in their sinful condition.
- Ephesians 5:25 – The Love Christ has for the Church.
We can share in heavenly gifts. If we come in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ we can be partakers of the joys of Christian living. Here are a few of the dividends we reap trough trusting in Jesus.
Eternal Life: In Christ we receive eternal life, and the key word is life. Every person is an eternal being. You will spend eternity in either Heaven or Hell. But if you have been born again you have eternal life with the Lord in Heaven. We know that Christ came to give us a richer life (John 10:10).
PRAISE GOD THAT HE LOVES US SO MUCH!
Spiritual Food: By a careful study of the Word, we see that Christ is our spiritual food. Just as we need food to survive in this world, the child of God also needs food to live by. Some folks can not see the need for this type of food. Isn’t it great that we have ben given the privilege to study the thoughts of the True and Living God as He has revealed Himself through the inspired writers. This food gives us strength for our spiritual being and fuel for our journey through this life (1 John 5:20). What the manna was to the Children of Israel in the wilderness, Christ is to His redeemed during their journey here awaiting the day “when we shall be like Him” (1 John 3:2)
The Word of God: The great evangelist of a bygone era, George Whitefield once asked a coal miner in Cornwall, England what he believed. “Oh,” said he, “I believe what my church believes,” Whitefield then inquired, And, what does your church believe?” “Well,” he answered, “My church believes what I believe.” Seeing he was getting nowhere, Whitefield then asked, “What do you both believe?” The coal miner answered, “We both believe the same thing.”
This sort of unintelligent faith is pathetic and only brings forth error. Each Christian should have an unshakable faith in the Bible. The Holy Scripture are another of the benefits of the Christian life. We should have a desire to let God speak to us in this manner. Dr. George Sweeting, President of Moody Bible Institute, speaking at the 1975 Founders Week on the Bible said the following: “This book is the unchangable, unshakable, unmistakable Word of God, and you dare not neglect it. Think of it! Not man’s word, but God’s Word! If the Lord came personally to you, would you ignore Him? Today you stand before the Bible as one stands before a beautiful cathedral. You will never know its glory till you enter.”
The Bible is the love letter of God to us. Jesus is coming “soon.” We have the promises to read, love, cherish and refer to till Jesus comes for His own. Our prayer should be that of the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 16:22: “If any man love not the Lord, let him be anathema. MARANATHA!” We have the promise of His coming in the Word of God and it is our privilege to have the Bible.
These are but a few of the gifts we receive. Christians must desire all that God has for us. He has given us EVERY spiritual blessing. We must use these spiritual blessings to grow in Jesus and to help others in their walk for the Lord. Maranatha! (1 Cor. 16:22)
-Larry Miles, September 1975
