Address—A.M. Barry
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23rd chapter of Numbers.
Numbers.
And the 23rd chapter. And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here 7 altars.
And prepare me here 7 oxen and seven Rams.
And Vela did as Balaam had spoken, and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a Bullock and a ram. And Balaam said unto bailiffs, Stand by thy bird offering.
And I will go for adventure. The Lord will come to meet me and whatsoever he showeth me.
I will tell thee. And he went to a high place.
And God met Balan, and he said unto him, I have prepared 7 altars, and I offered upon every altar a Bullock and a ram.
And the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto deluxe, and thus hath thou speak.
And he returned unto him, and lo, he stood by the burnt sacrifice, he and all the Princess of Moab.
And he took up his parable and said, Billick, the king of Moab, has brought me from Iran out of the mountains of the east, saying, come curse me, Jacob, and come defy Israel.
How shall I curse whom God hath not cursed, Or how shall I defy whom the Lord hath not defied? Far from the tops of the rocks I see him.
And from the hills I behold him. Lo, the people shall dwell alone.
And shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob?
And the number of the fourth part of Israel. Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his. And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done to me? I took thee to curse my enemies, and behold, our hats bless them altogether.
Now it's a remarkable fact that.
God made use on this occasion of a wicked man named Balaam.
To give four of the most remarkable prophecies that you'll find in the whole range of Scripture.
It shows God's sovereignty that He can use.
Any vessel that he pleases to take up.
Or his own glory.
I have thought that Balaam was like Judas Iscariot of the New Testament, and the Lord chose Judas, although he was an unsaved man, and gave him the power to heal the sick and to cleanse the lepers and to open the eyes of the blind and even raise the dead.
And I'm sure that Judas must have been a wonderful creature.
Perhaps there are people in heaven that were saved.
Through the preaching of Judas is carried.
So we are not to be confused if men that are not real have been and are used.
In the presentation of the truth from God's Word, of course we know, and it's a solemn thing to know that it was only head knowledge that had never reached the conscience, never reached the heart.
Well, on this occasion.
It seemed the logical time for Satan to make one final attack.
To prevent God's people, Israel, from getting into the Promised Land.
They had failed so badly and so sadly that it would seem that things were right, that a terrible curse might be brought upon them.
And Satan always has his instruments ready. And so Balak the Son, the king of Moab, sent for Balaam.
This false prophet, although he was a prophet, apart from his being false.
For we read that in the New Testament. How?
The ******* speaking in man's voice for bad. The madness of the prophet.
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And he knew a lot about what was pleasing to Jehovah, you know, about sacrifices. And the number seven was prominent in his thoughts.
But he loved the wages of unrighteousness.
And he heard again before him, and he truly desired to carry out Bates wishes, and to bring this curse upon the children of Israel.
And I doubt not that the Angel meeting him on the way.
And would have killed him had it not been for the *******. So I filled Balen with fear that he dared not communicate anything but what God or the Lord told him when he met him to communicate.
Well, now here is a very remarkable prophecy we read. As I said, there are four prophecies that we find.
I don't. I'll have to wait and see how much time we have to.
Who enter into these four prophecies, they're very full and very complete. Take us right on to the end of the whole, the whole councils of God in connection with this world. A marvelous display of God's counsels and wisdom.
But the first prophecy we have read, and it's interesting to notice what he says in the eighth verse. How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? Or how shall I defy whom the Lord hath not defied?
Or isn't that marvelous, beloved young people and Saints of God, to think that although we deserve to curse?
If ever people deserved a curse, it's ourselves. But instead of that, God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Or just think of all the blessings that are ours in His wondrous ways with us.
And God will not permit the enemy to bring the curse which he was sold.
Light to bring on God's children and beloved we know something that balaam didn't enter into or hadn't been revealed that the reason why there's no curse is because on the cross our blessed Lord and savior was made a curse for us as he hung there as one of the.
Subjects of the death of Christ, that he was made a curse.
And now there's no curse can ever come upon the fabulous believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
As Balaam looked over from the tops of the hills, from the tops of the rocks.
His whole mind was thrilled with the sight that lay there before him, this remarkable nation that had come up out of Egypt and we're now on the borders of the land that God had promised to Abraham and to his seed. But you notice that the the first thing specially that he has to mention.
In the 10th verse.
Or the ninth verse, he says, Lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.
The first thought in this prophecy is separation.
The people shall dwell alone. They should not be reckoned among the nations.
Now we know that.
In the Old Testament times that God called a nation.
From all the nations of the world to himself.
And gave them a favored land where they had his sanctuary and where they had earthly blessings.
Well now God still has a people here on this earth. Wonderful to think of this planet with all the misery and sorrow that still God has a people.
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But instead of God having a nation like Israel.
God has people that have been called out of this world through the gospel.
And when brought to the knowledge of Christ as Savior, they have been indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and thus they form the body of Christ.
Instead of God's people being.
Located in one part of the world, they're scattered all over the world.
Every part of the globe God has a people.
Angela Lavigne, isn't that precious and wonderful that if Israel were God's people of all that you and I through grace.
Are His people at this present time only with infinitely higher and greater blessings than God's earthly people were ever given?
But what God desired for his people, Israel is what he desires for his people today, and that is that they should be a separated a separate people. Let's think of it in this simple plain language we have brought here before us where he says.
The law. The people shall dwell alone. They shall not be reckoned.
Among the nations, that was what was the desirable.
That was beautiful in the eyes of Jehovah to find a sea of people down here.
Separated from the nations of the world, those ungodly Amorites and Moabites and Hittites and so on that were worshipping false gods, to have a people here on earth that he could look down and say, there's my people.
But to be, to give satisfaction to his his heart, they must be a separated people. They were not to be reckoned among the nations.
And you know that.
Word separation. It cuts deep, doesn't it?
For naturally we like to be like others, and that was what brought Israel down to to the ways of the nations.
The time came when they said to Samuel, make us a king.
That we may be like all the nations of the world.
And oh, how deeply Jehovah felt that Samuel wept all night over it. And the Lord told him in the morning, he says they haven't rejected you, they have rejected me. And just think of that beloved young friends here this afternoon, that when you express the same desire that they expressed that you want to be like others in this world.
That you want to copy their styles and their ways and their behavior.
Thank God the Lord feels about it.
Yes, he, as it were, is saying.
As though you and me.
That you haven't rejected some, some friend or some person that you looked up to down here, but you've rejected that blessed one who loves you and gave himself for you.
Now this subject of separation is a subject that could be followed with.
And for many different scriptures, for surely God has that.
Ever in mind, in connection?
With his thoughts.
And his desires for his people.
There's a saying that that is true.
And has a lot of meaning to it, and it's this.
That.
Separation.
As that separation from evil is God's principle of unity.
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I read a tract on the plane coming here that was written by a most honored servant of Christ.
And I got a love, light and help from reading that.
For this statement is most true and important for us to know.
That.
Separation from evil is God's principle of unity.
That is, we can't go on with evil and be really on the under the guidance of the Spirit of God that would unite us together in a way that is for the glory of Christ. But here is the point that this.
Servant of Christ makes.
And if I remember it rightly, that while we could say that separation from evil is God's principle of unity, it's not the power of unity. The power of unity is grace.
And I'll just seek to point out a few things that I learned in and reading this where I feel I need it equally as much as all the dear young people. And everyone here needs to know more of that grace that really separates us from those things that dishonor.
Our blessed Lord, that's the power of.
Of that which separates us, you know, if it was just merely a matter of separating from ecclesiastical.
Evil or separating from moral evil, or breaking connection with those that are worthy or being stirred up to.
To judge the the styles and the ways of the world if it was really merely a matter of.
Of legality.
The effect would be that it would exalt itself.
Oils have separated from other groups of Christians because there was evil among them. And I'm not going on with this worldly group because it isn't right and consistent, But if, if it's only that mere separation that is important in itself.
While there would only be in the end the exaltation of self, but all beloved young friends and all here.
When we think of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, what a difference that surely makes. One thinks of that verse, You know, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he were rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich.
All the power that has if it's only admitted in its reality into the soul.
The grace of that one who was the highest, the lifted up one, the one that inhabiteth eternity, laying aside all his glory and coming down into this world, a lonely stranger to pass through this world and there to to win those so far away from God.
And then to lay down his precious life to save them.
Now you will find, I believe, beloved, that where the subject of separation is brought before us in Scripture, that you will also find that it has that.
That special power of grace connected with it one thinks of worldly.
Our social separation. And if you'll turn with me to the 6th chapter of Second Corinthians.
I'm sure we've all had this read to us.
The 14th verse be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness?
And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with video?
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Or what part hath he that believeth was an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God.
As God has said, I will dwell in them and walk in them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people.
Therefore come out from among them, and be separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, that the Lord Almighty.
Now before the apostle brings in this word of exhortation.
You have brought before us.
His path of service.
I couldn't say I won't take the time of bringing this.
Side of things, but just notice a few things.
In the ninth verse, as unknown, and yet well known as dying. And behold, we live as Jason did not kill. How sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, making many rich, as having nothing, yet possessing all things. And now here is his way of approach.
Instead of justice taking up the subject, come out from among them and be a separate. See how he approaches it. Oh, ye Corinthians, our mouth is open to you, our heart is enlarged. You're not straightened in us, but ye are straightened in your own vows. Now for a reconstance in the same I speak as unto my children.
Be also enlarged.
Isn't that a wonderful approach of grace in the heart of the inspired apostle to exercise laws there at corn, who are reigning as kings when they should be realizing that they were strangers and pilgrims in this world?
Well, that's just one place where separation is approached by the wonderful grace of God.
And when it has reached the soul in that way, I'm sure there is that effect. Wherefore come out from the moment.
Or think about the grace of God has done for you. I'll come out from among them, and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing. And what does he say? Oh, he says, I will receive you, and ye shall be my son and daughters, saith the Lord God Almighty. I don't think, beloved, that you and I can.
Can consider too much what the grace of God.
Has done for our souls well you know it's only on the ground of grace that we.
Have salvation by grace. You are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It has the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. And then we get in in Romans 5. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by which also.
Well, I'll have to read it as the by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand.
And rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
So it was grace that saves us, and its grace that keeps us who we can't keep ourselves beloved. And I believe the more we're occupied with His wondrous grace to us along the way of our our Pilgrim journey, the more we'll be preserved from getting entangled into the ways of this godless world.
Just think about grace. It was.
From the heart of our blessed Lord to go to Calvary's cross and suffer that shameful death there in our stead. Think of all that He endured for us there lifted up.
And The Walking crowd deriding him and insulting him and telling him to come down to the from the cross and they would believe him. He endured all that. Why was it beloved? Was it because there was anything good in you and me to draw out such love?
None at all when we were yet without strength. Yay. When we were enemies we were reconciled. And God by the death of His Son. Oh, what a wonderful subject. Grace is, beloved, and you'll find the same thing in connection with separation from ecclesiastical error.
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In the 13th chapter of.
Hebrews.
I'm sure we are all familiar with that word. Let us go forth, therefore, unto him.
Without the camp bearing his reproach, for here have we no continuing city?
But we seek one to come. But before that call is given. Let us go therefore unto Him. Without the camp. We have this.
Brought before us in the 12Th verse. Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate. Then let us go forth therefore unto Him, suffering without the gate of Jerusalem.
What is brought before us is this, to see that blessed One whose black back was bleeding with a cruel Roman scourge. He'd been spit upon. He'd been struck in the head where the crown of thorns was driven down into his blessed brow.
Then he takes up that cross to go to that calvary's hill, to die and suffer for our sakes. Now the apostle brings that side of the grace of God before us, and then he says, Let us go forth therefore unto him. Oh yes, there is a reproach that's connected with going out to a rejected Christ. But when we lay hold.
Of what that grace has accomplished for us, beloved.
Then there is power in that grace to leave any system that is is of man, and to go out to a rejected Christ, And there will be the courage then, and the strength to to bear his reproach in this world where he is still the outcast and rejected 1.
Well, I just call attention to this.
Beloved, because I believe the tendency of our poor hearts is to become legal, and even when it's a matter of discipline.
There is this side of things we should not forget because sometimes, and I know that I'm no better than others and I know I failed a lot in this very connection that we would like to rid ourselves of troublesome people. And sometimes it seems that discipline is the only way to bring this about.
No, I'm not in any way condemning discipline, for we cannot go on with evil as gathered to the Lord's name. Evil must be judged, and if there is the various kinds of evil that are causing distress or corrupting the testimony, we're responsible to.
To exercise discipline towards it. But all, beloved, let's not forget that grace.
That would seek to win the earring one, you know, in connection with that instruction we get in the 18th chapter of Matthew where we get personal trespass.
The word is there. If he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Oh, that is a prominent thought, isn't it? Thou hast gained thy brother.
If that was more the desire and exercise of soul to gain those who are out of the way, I'm sure they would be many that would be recovered and restored and not go on and the path of disobedience. Now in what I've been saying, and perhaps I'm talking to a class more my own age.
But I felt led to bring this line of things before us.
Here this afternoon.
It's in no way to.
To.
To compromise with what is evil and wrong, whether it be an ungodly ways positive moral evil or whether it be ecclesiastical evil. I'm not in any way.
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Of giving.
Giving or seeking to give the impression that we want to just.
Cover up evil and make a nice story out of what is positively wrong and and dishonouring to the Lord. Now that is not my intention at all, because the only way that evil is really corrected is when it is absolutely judged and confessed and the whole thing is out. And then there is full and happy and blessed restoration. Now that is lovely.
And wonderful. But what I am seeking to set before us is this the importance, beloved of the of that power of grace in connection with our dealings with one another that will have power to to correct many things that otherwise would not be corrected.
Well.
We just have this brought before us in the most remarkable occasion and the most remarkable way.
He says.
Lo, the people shall dwell alone. They shall not be reckoned among the nations.
Now I know that no amount of scolding or is going to change a lot of the customs that have been adapted from this.
Evil, corrupt world through which we're passing. I do not think that that is God's way of of correcting what?
As wrong and grievous to see, and which we surely mourn.
But all if the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ was more before our souls.
I'm sure then there would be power in the lives of those who are affected and who are copying.
The customs and ways of this godless world would be truly judged and there would be a testimony that would be to the honor and glory of our blessed Lord.
You know in the all through the history of the Church of God and there have been overcomers and there are only two classes when we think of God's children.
They overcome and the overcomers, we're going to put ourselves in either of these two classes.
Well, do we want to be overcomers? Oh, that's a marvelous thing to be among the.
Overcomers who have gone through the very same temptations and trials that God's people have gone through through the ages, and yet they have been able through that infinite grace in having Christ before them, Count the cost. And though they were ridiculed and laughed at and became just.
Subject of mockery for others because of their odd ways, yet they had the peace and joy in their souls of doing that which was pleasing to our blessed Lord. Well beloved, we can all be overcomers.
And if you get only that before your souls of that wonderful grace.
That has been loud, safe to you what that grace has done for your soul before you, and what that grace is yet to do for you. For you know, Peter tells us that.
We are to gird up the loins of our minds and to well again my memory feels as I quote this verse in first Peter one, he says.
To gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and hope to the end for that grace.
That has to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. So if it's grace, it saves us, it's grace that keeps us, and it's grace that's to be revealed.
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Here at the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Well, you know what God is going to reward in that coming day.
Is that grace that hath been wrought out in your life? And mine will not be boasting of having a crown up there. Ah, we'll give him all the glory. Indeed, it will be like those we read of in the 5th chapter or the 4th chapter of Revelation. They cast their crowns before him, as they say, thought worthy.
But all beloved young folks this afternoon and all present.
Are you hindering that grace from working in your heart of this moment? Do you resist the word?
You say I prefer to go on. Would you rather miss that high honor? Would you rather be among the overcome that among the overcomers?
Well, God leaves the choice with you. Which will it be?
Has that grace of power over your soul or beloved, let us look into this matter carefully and may it be true of God's people, all that we seek to walk through this world with with that.
As villain says here.
Law. The people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.
I know it isn't a very easy thing to be alone to be.
Object of the smears of others, but may the Lord give us.
That desire that comes through a knowledge of His grace to really judge those things that are so dishonouring to Him and surely grieve His blessed heart so that we might walk more for His glory, for His own beloved will be in His presence.
With him and like him forever.