Monthly Archives: January 2024

Justin MacKenzie

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I grew up in a Christian home, where both of my parents were both saved (They trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour). They regularly read the Bible to me and my 3 siblings, and faithfully brought us to the meetings at the Springfield Gospel Hall (now O’Leary Gospel Hall), among other special meetings.

There we heard from the Bible that we were sinners heading to Hell, and that we needed to trust in the Lord Jesus to save us from our sins. From an early age I had a desire to be saved, but it was not very urgent to me, and I was too proud/scared to tell my parents I was concerned.

It wasn’t until I was 13 that I started to be serious about it, and I began asking my parents questions and reading Bible verses that explained how to be saved.

John 3:16
[16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:36
[36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Romans 5:6
[6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 6:23
[23] For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

However, I couldn’t seem to ‘figure out’ how to believe, and this struggle continued on for a few years.  When I was 15, I made a false profession where I prayed and said, “Lord, I believe“. Even though I thought I was sincere, I hadn’t acknowledged my sin and my inability to save myself.  A cousin of mine quoted a verse to me, which gave me false security in my profession.

Romans 10:13
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

I held onto this until two men, Brody Thibodeau and John Meekin, came to visit me during a series of gospel meetings they were having in Rosebank, Prince Edward Island, in February 2013.  They asked me how I was saved, and I told them my story. When I finished, they wisely asked me, “What gives you assurance” (what made me sure I was truly saved).  At this point I realized I did not have assurance, I was not saved.  They gave me some verses to read, prayed with me, and left.

I went to the meeting that night, but I don’t remember anything that was said. The next day, we went to my uncle’s funeral. The minister was able to tell us that my uncle had trusted the Lord Jesus shortly before he died. This was troubling to me, as I couldn’t see how I could be saved and be sure of it. This might have been the first time I truly believed and accepted that I was going to Hell, and could do nothing to save myself. 

That night on the way to the meeting, there was a tape playing in the car of Christian hymns.  One of the hymns was titled Man of Sorrows, hearing the fourth verse, I saw something for the first time.

Man of sorrows what a name
for the Son of God, who came
ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

He was lifted up to die;
“It is finished” was his cry;
now in heaven exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

“Man of Sorrows” Verse 1 & 4 – P. P. Bliss

I realized when God (Jesus, who is the son of God) said, “It is finished,” (when he was on the cross) it must be true!  I simply accepted that what Jesus had done on the cross was for me, and I was saved! This is the first time I had true peace.

Romans 5:1
[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

I can say with confidence that knowing the Lord Jesus as Saviour is the best thing anyone can have in this world.

John 10:27-28
[27] My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
[28] And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

A Personal Communion: Walking with God — by Marc MacArthur

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This article is inspired by a Ministry message delivered by Peter Ramsay
in the O’Leary Gospel Hall on September 14, 2023

Genesis 5:24
[24] And Enoch walked with God…

Enoch’s extraordinary walk with God, told in the pages of Genesis, continues to resonate across the ages, leaving a mark on the hearts of believers. As we delve into the profound implications of walking with God, we embark on a journey that unfolds beyond that of public displays, calling us into the quiet, intimate spaces of personal communion with the Lord.

The apostle Paul’s address in Philippians 2:12 takes on a profound significance when contemplating the essence of walking with God. He urges believers to:

Philippians 2:12
[12] …work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

This is more than a mere call to action; it is an invitation to engage in a deeply personal and intentional relationship with the divine. Walking with God becomes a commitment that extends beyond that of religious gatherings and practices.

We must examine the potential mechanization that can enter our spiritual endeavors. Like the poetic wisdom found in Psalm 1:2, which paints a vivid picture of the blessedness. 

Psalm 1:2
[2] But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

The call to meditate implies not just casual contemplation but a deliberate and continuous communion with God, through His Word.

In the ebb and flow of spiritual experiences we find the changing reality of the Christian journey. Romans 12:11 encapsulates this truth as it encourages believers to:

Romans 12:11
[11] …fervent in spirit; serving the Lord

This fervency is a constant, whether we soar in the heights of love for the Lord or navigating the routine of spiritual exercises. It underlines the necessity of persistence in devotion, reminding us that our journey of walking with God is not defined just by its highs but also the steady rhythm of our commitment.

The heart of walking with God lies in our personal communion.

James 4:8
[8] Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…

This sentiment beckons believers to “draw near to God,” with the promise that He will reciprocate. This reciprocal relationship requires intentional effort, an acknowledgment that walking with God is an interaction that demands our dedication. It calls us to cultivate a continuous awareness of God’s presence in our lives, whether in moments of solitude or in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Psalm 19:14
[14] Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Here the psalmist’s words extend beyond formal prayers. It encapsulates the idea that every moment, whether on a tranquil beach or during a leisurely stroll, can be a backdrop for our communion with the divine. Walking with God becomes a fluid, continuous conversation rather than a compartmentalized aspect of our lives.

Hebrews 13:15
[15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

The sacrifice of praise becomes a poignant expression of walking with God. This sacrifice is not confined to the praise of public gatherings; it extends into the private areas of our hearts. As we reflect on God’s goodness, acknowledging His presence and expressing gratitude, we engage in an act of communion. Hebrews 13:15 reinforces the idea that our praise is not contingent on circumstances but is a continual offering from our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Each believer’s walk is a unique experience of personal encounters, struggles, and victories. The Bible, our guide on this journey, provides stories and teachings that show various facets of walking with God.

Consider Abraham, referred to as the “friend of God”. His journey was marked by a profound trust. Abraham’s walk with God was characterized by unwavering faith, and it serves as inspiration for believers navigating the unpredictable paths of life.

David, described as a man after God’s own heart, offers a poetic expression of walking with God. His writings cover a range of human emotions, from deep despair to exuberant praise.

Psalm 23:1,4
[1] The Lord is my shepherd…
[4] …for thou art with me…

David paints a picture of God as the Shepherd guiding him through the valleys and pastures of life. This highlights the comforting companionship of walking with God.

1 John 1:3
[3] That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

The apostle John shares insights into the nature of fellowship with God. John emphasizes the communal aspect of walking with God, inviting believers into a shared experience of fellowship.

Walking with God involves trust, obedience, and a willingness to navigate the landscapes of life in companionship with the Creator. The potential mechanization of our spiritual practices requires careful consideration. It is too easy to slip into routines that lack a genuine connection with God. The Bible warns against mere outward rituals devoid of heartfelt devotion.

Isaiah 29:13
[13] …this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me…

These words serve as a reminder that walking with God is not just a performance; it requires the engagement of our hearts.

Enoch’s walk with God, Abraham’s journey of faith, David’s poetic expressions, and John’s emphasis on fellowship all expand our understanding of what it means to walk with God. It is an invitation to personal communion, a dedication to the daily seeking of His presence, meditating on His Word, and offering a sacrifice of praise. May our hearts be stirred by each moment of communion with the Lord, a journey that turns the routine into an intimate walk. A walk not confined to specific moments but spreads through every aspect of our lives, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions.