PERISHABLE FOOD

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” John 6:26-27

 This is a sad exposure of the true reason why many followed our Lord. It was not now even a desire to see miracles performed, as it had been the day before. These, after a time when the novelty was past, would cease to astonish and attract. It was a lower and more carnal motive still: it was the mere wish to be fed again with loaves and fishes. They wanted to get something more out of our Lord. They had been fed once, and they would like to be fed again. The poor, low, and carnal motives which induce men to make some religious profession are painfully exhibited here. Our Lord’s perfect knowledge of the secret springs of men’s actions is striking. We cannot deceive Christ even if we deceive man; our true characters will be exposed in the day of judgment if not found out before we die. Whatever we are in religion, let us be honest and true.

“Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life.” This verse is peculiarly full of instructive lessons. (1) There is something forbidden. We are not to labor exclusively or excessively for the satisfaction of bodily needs–for that food which perishes in the using and does us only a little temporary good. (2) There is something commanded. We ought to work hard and strive for that spiritual food which supplies the needs of our souls, and when once obtained, is an everlasting possession. (3) There is something promised. The Son of Man is ready to give that spiritual food (which endures forever) to everyone who desires to have it. (4) There is something declared. Jesus Christ has been designated and appointed by God the Father for this very purpose, to be the dispenser of this spiritual food to all who desire it.

The entire verse is a strong proof that however carnal and wicked men may be, we should never hesitate to offer them freely and fully the salvation of the Gospel. Bad as the motives of these Jews were, we see our Lord, in the same breath, first exposing their sin and then showing them their remedy.

When our Lord said, “Do not labour for the food which perishes,” we must not for a moment suppose that He meant to encourage idleness and the neglect of all lawful means in order to get our living. This kind of expression–when two things are put in comparison–is not uncommon in the Bible. The simple meaning here is that we ought to take far more pains about meeting the needs of our souls than our bodies. When our Lord says to labour for the food which endures, he teaches very plainly that it is the duty of everyone to use every means, and to endeavour in every way to promote the welfare of his soul. We are especially to labour in the use of prayer, in reading the Bible, and in attendance at the preaching of God’s Word.

When our Lord says that the Son of man shall give you the food that endures to everlasting life, he appears to make one of the widest and most general offers to unconverted sinners that we have in the Bible. The men to whom he was speaking were, beyond question, carnal-minded and unconverted. Yet even to them Jesus says, “which the Son of Man will give you.” It seems an unmistakable statement of Christ’s willingness and readiness to give pardon and grace to any sinner. It warrants us in proclaiming Christ’s readiness to save anyone, and in offering salvation to anyone if he will only repent and believe the Gospel. – J.C. Ryle Expository Thoughts on the Gospels

The Lord's Day Services


Sunday, December 10th

10:00a.m. Sunday School for all ages.

11:00a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders

2:00p.m. Christmas Outreach

6:00p.m. Pre-Service Prayer Time

6:30p.m. Evening Service – Dr. Larry Saunders


Weekly Events

Weekly Announcements


Wednesday, December 13th

7:25p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting


Thursday, December 14th

7:00p.m. Whitefield Christmas Concert


Friday, December 15th

7:00p.m. Good News Bible Club


Weekly Events
Upcoming Events

Advance Announcements


Sunday, December 17th

10:00a.m. Sunday School & Bible Class

11:00a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders

2:00p.m. Christmas Outreach

6:00p.m. Pre-Service Prayer Time

6:30p.m. Evening Service – Sunday School & Good News Bible Club Christmas Program


Wednesday, December 20th

7:25p.m. Prayer Meeting & Bible Study


Upcoming Events

THE MESSIAH

Please pick up your tickets today from Ruth Slade. The bus will be leaving the church at 6:15p.m on the night of Tuesday, December 19th.

CHRISTMAS OUTREACH

Each Lord’s day in December there will be a Gospel outreach with caroling and tract distribution from 2-4 pm. Everyone is invited to stay for as long or as little time that you are able. The Jew family has kindly offered to host lunch each of those days. Please pray and participate in getting the Word of God into the hands of our neighbours.

CHRISTMAS CARD APPEAL

Each year, instead of exchanging Christmas cards among the congregation, we donate those funds to a worthy cause. This year we are supporting the Good News Bible Club. If you would like to help with this special offering, please mark you offering envelope, “GNBC”. Thank you!

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Everyone is invited to a special ‘International Lunch’ following the morning service on December 24th. Families are asked to bring a hot dish and salad or dessert. After lunch, we will have a time of Carol singing and Scripture reading. There will be a sign-up sheet so that we can get an idea of how many tables are required. There will be NO evening meeting that day.

BAPTISMAL SERVICE

We are planning to have a baptismal service at the end of January. If you have come to Christ in salvation and desire to be baptized, please speak to Dr. Saunders.

Please Pray for