God's Word Never Returns Void
Minister: | Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: | 2/10/2013 PM |
Text: | Isaiah 55:10,11 |
Psalters: | 176, 280, 41, 319 |
Applicatory to the Lord's Supper |
- The illustration.
- Rain and snow fall to the earth and remain on it.
- That they stay on the earth has an affect: ?watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud.?
- This, in turn, makes the earth able to produce, i.e., ?give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater.?
- In a similar but greater way, God?s Word produces with much effect.
- His promise of spiritual water, wine and milk (1), of sure mercy, of abundant pardon, of grace always is effectual.
- God spoke this word through the prophets, Jesus Himself, the apostles, and now through the preaching of the Scriptures.
- When God?s Word of grace comes, then it irresistibly soaks into the soul.
- What does God?s Word of grace accomplish? God?s word ?prospers,? i.e., it is successful.
- Instead of returning to heaven, God?s promise fertilizes the soul, making it bring forth and bud.
- It has negative effects.
- Positively, God?s grace transforms.
- While rain also aids in the growth of weeds, God?s rain of grace only sows good seed (13).
- It changes the nature of weeds into good plants.
- God?s grace brings forth something which is useful, delightful, and beautiful.
- His promise of spiritual water, wine and milk (1), of sure mercy, of abundant pardon, of grace always is effectual.
- The comfort.
- No need for discouragement or being disheartened when there are negative fruits to the preaching.
- And when the fruit is positive, the reason for the efficacy is Divine.
- The proclamation of God?s Word is the only means the church is to use (no need for gimmicks).
- Drink in God?s promises.