The Holy Spirit writes to us: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.” Hebrews 4:16

God’s Throne, from which many an Old Testament judgment has flown, is now called (for us Christians) the “throne of Grace!”

In the light of Jesus’ Presence there … we can come to Him in prayer! (We pray in Jesus’ Name.) That’s why the rest of our verse says: “That we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Wow!

What absolute essentials in living for God; mercy and grace and help, even in time of need!

But my “point” this morning is simply that the Clause is NOT a command, not here anyway. “Let (us) come,” the verb is in the subjunctive mood! It is expressing a desire God has for us, an urgent appeal … but not a stark order! It’s an invitation!

Wow!

Sounds like God does not figure He would have to command such a thing! Merely teach that it’s possible! Then, surely, every Christian will be ultra-eager to do so!

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.” Oh, we thank Thee Lord for the truth housed in this verse!

Folks, exercise that honor today, before God’s “throne of Grace!”

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Now to be completely open about this, other verses do COMMAND that we pray. Matthew 7, for example: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Three commands in one verse … all about prayer.

ASK, SEEK, KNOCK … imperatives all!

Still, that magnificent “Throne of Grace” thought is precious to my heart this morning!

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Yes, I have purposely placed a question mark after those three words! While everyone saying “Happy New Year” is expressing wishes for prosperity … I AM WONDERING IF THT IS ACTUALLY WE WE CHRFISTIANS NEED.

More “happiness?”

Now remember happiness can be quite different from joy. The Holy Spirit gives us joy, but not necessarily worldly ease! Or prosperity!

Here’s a better New Year’s Greeting … “Fruitful New Year!” In the Lord I mean. And I pray it for you my Christian Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

May 2021 be a year in which we grow more than ever in “love, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.” Along with the abiding joy these graces bring!

We should too ask the Lord to give us “lost souls” in the months ahead. Because really we do not know how many months are ahead! Salvation, humanity’s greatest need!

So … here we go … MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU WITH A FRUITFUL NEW YEAR, THE MOST FRUITFUL YOU’VE EVER EXPERIENCED AS A CHRISTIAN!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Some of that Fruit of the Spirit “Cluster” can only be reproduced in some rather (in the eyes of lost mankind) “unhappy” situations!

One simple example … “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.” Romans 5:3

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