Local News
Many happy returns
There are many things that I love about being a Christian. The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting have always been my favorites, but lately I have grown to truly appreciate the blessing of the "happy return." That is, after I have gone astray, wandering into all kinds of worthless distractions and selfish indulgences, I then come to my senses and long to return to God. The Gospel gives me the great assurance that I can get up quickly and return happily to my heavenly Father. I don't even need to grovel or slink back under cover of night.
This is not my experience in most areas of life. Should I fail miserably at work or home, I may never be allowed back. And if I were permitted, it would only be with great hesitation and under a suspicious eye. But Christ's work on the cross for me is so complete, I no longer have any wrath to fear (Romans 5:1-11). God has poured out all His righteous anger at Calvary, and Jesus has drunk every last drop of it for me. This means that God has only love and goodwill for me and all who have trusted in Christ. He now works all things together for my good, even my trials.
The story of the Prodigal Son is a stunning tale of God's love for sinners gone astray (Luke 15). After all the younger son had done to rebel and scorn his father (even preferring the company of swine), yet, when he finally comes to his senses and returns, he is not met with a cold and distant, wounded and embittered, angry and resentful father. His father is not waiting with arms crossed and fingers wagging. No! His father runs to him while he is still far off. Even before the son says a word, the father is embracing and kissing him, rejoicing at his return. There is no probation, only celebration!
Jesus says that this is how God responds to every sinner who repents, no matter how far or how often he has strayed. Christ's death on the cross was sufficient to cover every last sin with grace to spare. This has been a continual source of joy and relief to me, especially when I find myself wandering in a faithless stupor or feel my affections for God diminishing. At every moment, I may return quickly and happily to my Savior. I do not need to atone for my sins or shrink back in fear, waiting for the hammer to fall. At these tender moments, I sing to myself:
"Arise, my soul, arise, shake off your guilty fears. The bleeding sacrifice on my behalf appears.
"Before the throne, my surety stands. My name is written on His hands" (Charles Wesley).
Let this be a message to all my fellow believers out there who have been wandering for some time. You've been finding excuses to stay away from church. You haven't opened a Bible or prayed in ages. You're just plain stuck in your Christian walk ... or maybe you're filled with fear and guilt, perhaps even living a double life. Satan would have you believe that God will reject you. He would appeal to your pride and what remains of your soiled reputation as further reasons to hide. But pay him no heed. Look rather to your Savior. He will not meet you halfway. No, the moment you lift your head out of the filth and mire of this world, you will see Him with outstretched arms ready to receive you once again.
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The Rev. Michael E. John is the pastor of the Market St. Baptist Church in Amesbury.
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Waves, rescues surge
SALISBURY BEACH — There has been little downtime for Salisbury Beach lifeguards over the past few days, as massive waves have led to frequent rescues and injuries to beach-goers.
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Tuesday set a notable record: Lifeguards conducted at least 18 rescues, about half of all the rescues they have conducted this summer. Lifeguard supervisor George Nigro said a combination of warm water, hot temperatures, high surf and a high volume of swimmers led to the busy day. -
MEMA: Earl's impacts still unclear
NEWBURYPORT — As Hurricane Earl spun toward North Carolina's Outer Banks, local officials were preparing for the worst yesterday, though forecasters continued to expect the storm to veer to the northeast sometime today.
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Chief: Flaggers 'not a good arrangement'
AMESBURY — As the state embarks on a long-awaited widening of Amesbury's Route 110 roadway, local police are expressing some disappointment that the Massachusetts Highway Department is choosing to use flagmen instead of the town's police force to handle increased traffic during construction.
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Councilors balk at $10K for charter consultant
NEWBURYPORT — The City Council hesitated this week when faced with a request from the Charter Commission for $10,000 to hire a consultant to assist in the charter review process, saying they needed more specific information about what the money will go toward.
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City wins $625K to fight youth substance abuse
NEWBURYPORT — The city has received a five-year federal grant totaling $625,000, which will ensure that the Beacon Coalition program will continue to flourish and grow.
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The Beacon Coalition was awarded a $125,000 annual Drug Free Communities Support Program grant for five years from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. - Heard Around Town
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Waves, rescues surge
