“And Moses was not able to enter the Tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle… For the cloud of the Lord was above the Tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” (Exodus 40:35, 38)
“God is in the midst of His people. The foremost symbol of this presence is the Tabernacle with its sacred Ark of the Covenant. Between the cherubim on its cover shined the Shekinah glory. There was also the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. These speak at one and the same time of the nearness and the majesty of God. God leads His people when they are on the way, and He dwells with them when they are in the camp, but He holds them at arm’s length, lest they become too familiar. He is not their servant, but their God.”
(Dwight Stevenson – Adapted)
As the author of Hebrews in the New Testament informs us, the Tabernacle was symbolic of the Church, a “shadow of good things to come.” As God was present with His people then, so He is present with us today. When we meet with the Lord and His people on the Lord’s Day, His glory especially is manifest; though in another sense it is true that His presence dwells within the sanctuary of every Christian’s heart also. “Where two or three are gathered in My Name, there I am in their midst.” What a wonderful blessing!
When believers assemble on the First Day of the week to attend to the sacred things ordained by the Master, it is not just a casual, informal, merely social event: God is present, in full glory, majesty, and power! While we are encouraged to draw near Him boldly because of Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s own gracious love, nevertheless we must not be frivolous or flippant, superficial or sloppy, presumptuous or careless. God is present!
The nearness of God and the majesty of God! May we remember this dual truth and blessing and seek to maintain an attitude that approaches this ideal appreciation of the presence of God in the Church!
Larry Atkin, Preacher
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
"SIMPLE OBEDIENCE"
“SIMPLE OBEDIENCE” “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in Heaven” (Matthew 7:21). “You are my friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14). “As the child who refuses to obey his father until his father first explains to him the particular reasons for his commands, shows that he acts not from love and trust, but that he disbelieves and doubts, and prefers the conclusions of his own feeble understanding to reliance upon superior wisdom, so the individual who must know the philosophy of God’s commandments, and satisfy himself as to their propriety before he will obey them, believes not in God, but in himself. As it would have been beneath the dignity of the Divine Lawgiver to make obedience to His laws contingent upon man’s approval of their fitness, so has He, in perfect harmony with His own character and the truest interests of mankind, simply delivered His commands and prohibitions, with their rewards and penalties. In all cases, it is sufficient for the true believer, in doing or abstaining from any act, to know that God has ordered or forbidden it, and in keeping a Divine command to realize that “obedience is better than sacrifice” and “to heed the Word of the Lord is better than offering the fat of rams!” (I Samuel 15:22)” (Robert Richardson – Adapted.) Isn’t it good that God expects us to simply believe Him and obey His commands without expecting us to first understand all reasons for and meaning behind them? That’s because while some of God’s requests are relatively clear and easily comprehended, others are not. In fact, some of the things God asks of us will require a lifetime, perhaps an eternity, to fully “plumb the depths” of their meaning! And what about the illiterate, the uneducated, or under-educated, the “simple” or feeble-minded, for whom an intelligent understanding of things high and holy and spiritually abstract are totally impossible? Shall these be excluded? God seeks in us a loving, trusting, and obedient heart. Whatever He commands is assuredly best for us! And He will reward us for our obedient faith! And, by and by, as we continue to grow in grace and knowledge, we may very well understand the Divine philosophy behind it all! In fact, I’m certain we will!
Larry Atkin, Preacher
Larry Atkin, Preacher
Monday, December 15, 2008
"Holiday Greetings"
As we celebrate the season of God’s gift of Jesus we pray the wondrous Christmas message fills your hearts with abiding joy. We fondly remember 16 years of ministry enjoyed at Edgewood and are thankful for the living reality of Christ exhibited in your examples of steadfast faithfulness to our Lord and His church; of your love to others which makes a warm difference in their lives; and of your generosity toward all men, especially the household of faith. May God bless each of you in the new year with best possible good health both physically and spiritually as you live and serve in His Kingdom.
With Love & Affection
Larry & Barbara Atkin
With Love & Affection
Larry & Barbara Atkin
Monday, December 8, 2008
"When Our Money Runs Out"
DECEMBER 08, 2008
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich , yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (II Corinthians 8:9).
“If you are ever prone to complain over your lack of this world’s goods, consider well the financial status of the Carpenter of Nazareth. The Son of God, Creator and owner of all things, relinquished title to them all for our sakes. Consider how:
He who was the Bread of Life lived on food given to Him by others. Among others, a little band of women from Galilee ministered to Jesus and His disciples of their substance (Luke 8). It was His own testimony that “the Son of Man has no where to lay His head.”
He borrowed a little lad’s lunch to feed multitudes.
He borrowed a boat to use as a pulpit to teach the crowds on shore.
He borrowed a donkey upon which to ride into Jerusalem the final time.
He borrowed an upper room in which to eat a farewell meal with His friends.
He borrowed a lonely garden in which to pray as He prepared for the Cross.
At death He had nothing to leave but a seamless robe. He was buried in a tomb that belonged to another.
Dear Friend, if loss of worldly goods, or even poverty, should ever be your lot in life, remember that there is One who understands all about It! “For you sakes He became poor!””
(Willie W. White – Adapted.)
We live in times of financial need for many. Our nation’s economy suffers from unprecedented greed, illegal and unethical business practices, and massive government mismanagement and poor judgment.
Nevertheless no child of God need fear or despair. God takes care of His own! Jesus taught and lived a life of implicit trust in the Heavenly Father. He who cares for birds, animals, plants, as well as even sinful men, will more than willingly take care of His very own children!
During Jesus’ 3 years ministry God used all kinds of persons and means to provide a livelihood for Jesus. Will He not do the same for us if we serve Him? Indeed He will! Our part is to rest upon His promise and maintain a quiet confidence in the God who never fails His people!
Larry Atkin, Preacher
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich , yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (II Corinthians 8:9).
“If you are ever prone to complain over your lack of this world’s goods, consider well the financial status of the Carpenter of Nazareth. The Son of God, Creator and owner of all things, relinquished title to them all for our sakes. Consider how:
He who was the Bread of Life lived on food given to Him by others. Among others, a little band of women from Galilee ministered to Jesus and His disciples of their substance (Luke 8). It was His own testimony that “the Son of Man has no where to lay His head.”
He borrowed a little lad’s lunch to feed multitudes.
He borrowed a boat to use as a pulpit to teach the crowds on shore.
He borrowed a donkey upon which to ride into Jerusalem the final time.
He borrowed an upper room in which to eat a farewell meal with His friends.
He borrowed a lonely garden in which to pray as He prepared for the Cross.
At death He had nothing to leave but a seamless robe. He was buried in a tomb that belonged to another.
Dear Friend, if loss of worldly goods, or even poverty, should ever be your lot in life, remember that there is One who understands all about It! “For you sakes He became poor!””
(Willie W. White – Adapted.)
We live in times of financial need for many. Our nation’s economy suffers from unprecedented greed, illegal and unethical business practices, and massive government mismanagement and poor judgment.
Nevertheless no child of God need fear or despair. God takes care of His own! Jesus taught and lived a life of implicit trust in the Heavenly Father. He who cares for birds, animals, plants, as well as even sinful men, will more than willingly take care of His very own children!
During Jesus’ 3 years ministry God used all kinds of persons and means to provide a livelihood for Jesus. Will He not do the same for us if we serve Him? Indeed He will! Our part is to rest upon His promise and maintain a quiet confidence in the God who never fails His people!
Larry Atkin, Preacher
Monday, December 1, 2008
"Have You Asked the Lord About It?"
“Then the men of Israel inspected some of the provisions of the Gibeonites; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord.” (Joshua 9:14 paraphrased)
“Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord, who take counsel, but not of me, and who devise plans, but not of my Spirit, who go down to Egypt, but have not asked my advice” (Isaiah 30:1-2 paraphrased.)
In the days of Joshua the leaders of Israel made a forbidden treaty with the pagan Gibeonites, because they failed to consult the Lord about their decision. Later, in the days of the kingdom, again Israel’s leaders made alliances and choices regarding Egypt that were not good because they failed to ask God’s counsel. In both instances much suffering for God’s people resulted.
How often major decisions are made in the lives of believers without consulting God! The principles of God’s Holy Word are not searched out and obeyed. Prayer is not offered and God’s opinion and leadership is not sought. Wise counsel from the oldest and most experienced of God’s saints is not requested. Questions of the most profound and far-reaching impact are never directed to God: “What job shall I seek? Where shall I attend college? Whom shall I marry? Where should I worship and place church membership? What political party should I join, if any? Should I build a home, buy a house, rent-if so, where?”
All the important decisions of life involve relationships with others. Who we become involved with, form friendships with, live with and among, depend upon for basic needs, safety, and happiness is so important! How can we choose well and wisely if we fail to “ask counsel of the Lord”?
So much of our sorrow in this world is of our own making. So many of our heartaches could be avoided. When we consult God about all our major choices we are guaranteed a right answer and a blessed life! May we do so!
Larry Atkin, Preacher
“Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord, who take counsel, but not of me, and who devise plans, but not of my Spirit, who go down to Egypt, but have not asked my advice” (Isaiah 30:1-2 paraphrased.)
In the days of Joshua the leaders of Israel made a forbidden treaty with the pagan Gibeonites, because they failed to consult the Lord about their decision. Later, in the days of the kingdom, again Israel’s leaders made alliances and choices regarding Egypt that were not good because they failed to ask God’s counsel. In both instances much suffering for God’s people resulted.
How often major decisions are made in the lives of believers without consulting God! The principles of God’s Holy Word are not searched out and obeyed. Prayer is not offered and God’s opinion and leadership is not sought. Wise counsel from the oldest and most experienced of God’s saints is not requested. Questions of the most profound and far-reaching impact are never directed to God: “What job shall I seek? Where shall I attend college? Whom shall I marry? Where should I worship and place church membership? What political party should I join, if any? Should I build a home, buy a house, rent-if so, where?”
All the important decisions of life involve relationships with others. Who we become involved with, form friendships with, live with and among, depend upon for basic needs, safety, and happiness is so important! How can we choose well and wisely if we fail to “ask counsel of the Lord”?
So much of our sorrow in this world is of our own making. So many of our heartaches could be avoided. When we consult God about all our major choices we are guaranteed a right answer and a blessed life! May we do so!
Larry Atkin, Preacher
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