The Friendship and Friendliness ofJesus (Part 3) by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

As we continue the series on the Friendship and Friendliness of Jesus, we will focus on the acceptance and care that Jesus had for sinners. Here is a portion of the message. * John 6:37-All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. You are not beyond salvation if you think your sin is too great. The words "No wise" are translated from a double negative in the Greek text. It means an emphatic negative. It says, “No, no way!” That is, it is absolute and it’s permanent. Absolutely no one will be cast out. Our salvation is secure in Jesus Christ. We are accepted by the Lord into Heaven because of what HE has done for us at Calvary. This verse transformed the life of Charlotte Elliot of Brighton, England. She was bitter at life. Her health was broken like a glass vase that shatters into pieces on a concrete floor. The disability she struggled with hardened her heart like sun-baked clay on a dried-out river bed in the desert. She felt that if God loved her, He would not have allowed her to suffer. Hoping to help this woman, a Swiss preacher named Dr. Cesar Malan visited the Elliots on May 9, 1822. Over dinner, Charlotte exploded and lost her temper. She railed out against God and her family in a violent outburst of anger right in front of this guest. How would you feel if one of your kids did this at the dinner table with a guest present? Charlotte's family was totally embarrassed and left the dining room. Dr. Malan remained in the room and stared across the table at Charlotte. Dr. Malan said, "You are tired of yourself, aren't you Charlotte? You are holding on to your hate and anger because you have nothing else to hold on to. Consequently, you have become sour, bitter, and resentful." That’s pretty pointed coming from a stranger and guest. Charlotte responded, "What is your cure?" He replied, "The faith you are trying to despise." Charlotte began to soften and calm down as they continued to talk. She then asked, "If I wanted to become a Christian and share the peace and joy you possess, what would I do?" The patient pastor responded, "You would give yourself to Christ just as you are now, with your fighting and fear, hate and love, pride and shame." Charlotte asked again, "I would come to God just as I am. Is that right?" Dr. Malan said, "Yes." Charlotte came to Christ just as she was. Her heart changed that day when she put her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Her bitterness became sweet, and her icy, hard heart was softened and melted by the warmth of the Son, the Son of God and His redeeming love. As time passed, Charlotte claimed John 6:37 as her life verse. Several years later, her brother, Pastor Henry Elliot, was raising funds for a school for the children of poor preachers. Charlotte wrote a poem, and it was printed and sold across England. The leaflet said, "Sold for the Benefit of St. Margaret's Hall, Brighton: Him that Cometh to Me in No Wise Cast Out." Underneath the title was Charlotte's poem which has become the most famous invitational hymn in church history. We know the song as Just As I Am and sing it often in our church during our invitation time. Just as I am, without one plea, But that thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! Thank God we can come to the Lord and He will not cast us out. Have you come to Him? Have you put your faith in Jesus Christ to save your soul from Hell and trusted in Him for eternal life? If not, why not do that right now! This message was preached on Sunday morning, April 23, 2023, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.

Topics

• Relationships
• Friendship