Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:06:17 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (Aug. 9); BP: Eph. 2:11-22; RBTTY: Rom. 10; Ps. 77-78
August 9 “Access and Acceptance”
“For through Him we have access by one Spirit unto the
Father.”
Ephesians 2:18
We never have to worry about being turned away when we come in His
Name.
Students of American history know very well the “dark days” of slavery
and how black folks were mistreated and maligned. Originally brought over
on slave ships from Africa, these men, women, boys and girls were beaten and
bound by their white “owners” and forced to work long, hard hours in the hot
sun for meager wages.
When Abraham Lincoln was elected to the Presidency, he declared up
front that he was going to “set the captive free.” Several southern states
threatened to secede from the Union if he did. Thus, when the Emancipation
Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, a divided nation became
further divided—ultimately resulting in the Civil War, the bloodiest war in
U.S. history.
Sadly, over 147 years later this “Great Divide” over racial prejudice
still continues; yet, before other nations go “Tsk, tsk—how terrible!” we
should remember that such prejudice is not limited to America. Even now,
ethnic and religious wars rage in countries large and small all over the
world. And, according to God’s Word these senseless and sinful deeds will
continue until the Prince of Peace—Jesus Christ—returns and says “Enough!”
However, we don’t have to wait until then to begin experiencing His
transforming love. Today’s Manna is taken from a glorious section of
Scripture (Eph. 2:11-22) that focuses on the true unity that comes for those
who “abide in Christ” (Jn. 15:1-7).
When one is truly “born of the Spirit,” he receives a new heart and
mind—the heart and mind of Jesus Himself. There’s no doubt this “Promised,
Anointed One from God” was colorblind when it came to a person’s skin color
and an “equal opportunity Lover” when it came to a person’s ethnic
background, educational level, economic status, religious preference.
His invitation was “unconditional” or “all-inclusive” (Rom. 10:9-10,
13), although entrance into His Kingdom life is definitely exclusive (only
by way of the Cross, faith and repentance). Thus, today’s Manna, while
talking about our having “access unto the Father,” stresses that it’s
“through Him” (Jesus) and “by one Spirit” (the Holy Spirit).
This message is both refreshing and repulsive: Refreshing for those
who long for access to and acceptance by the Heavenly Father. . .and
repulsive to those who want to add to or take away from the simplicity of
the Gospel. It all boils down to whether or not we’ll take God at His Word
or laud man’s doctrines and traditions instead.
Oh, dear Pilgrim, those who truly know Jesus in the forgiveness of sin
and love Him with all their hearts have no problem getting along with others
(Mt. 5:9). It’s those whose hearts are still blackened with sin and who are
still living “in the flesh” that love darkness and division more than light
and unity.
_________________________________________________________________
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