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[0:00] As the Lord shall be pleased to help me, I shall call your attention to a subject you will find in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15, and just four words in the second verse.

[0:22] This man receiveth sinners. Chapter 15, four words in the second verse, this man receiveth sinners. The Gospel of Luke.

[0:42] This is a word which is very familiar to you all. In my long ministerial life I have tried to preach from this subject a few times.

[0:58] And you might have thought already, I believe I have heard the pastor preach from that text before. And if you have been privileged to do so, and heard the Gospel set forth, for that is what this word emphasizes, this man receiveth sinners is just the essence of the Gospel.

[1:28] Such words make it to be good tidings of great joy to sinners who are wrought upon by the Spirit of God.

[1:40] Sinners born again. And if you have heard quite a few sermons preached from this subject, this man receiveth sinners, what evidence have you got that he has received you?

[1:58] Have you been concerned about it? That such a sinner as you are should be made welcome before the man in the text?

[2:12] And it is said that he received all who came unto him, and he healed all them that had need of healing. And this word receiveth is in the present tense.

[2:27] It is not just what you read in the Word of God, of what the dear Saviour did when he dwelt on earth a while, and how many sinners he did receive then.

[2:39] Many more than you and I realize, or that you can actually tell, even in reading the Word of God itself. I remember many years ago, going very carefully through the Gospels, and as far as I could tell, I could only find out about 150 sinners that the Saviour did receive, and whom he healed, helped, and blessed.

[3:11] But when I lighted on this word in the Epistle to the Corinthians, that after Jesus Christ rose from the dead, he was seen of above 500 brethren at once, in one special place in Galilee, I realized that you had to read, as it were, between the lines.

[3:36] But, it is the truth that our text brings before us that should delight our hearts and encourage us to hope in God. And I want to emphasize this, that such a text is very easily remembered.

[3:54] Sometimes the preacher may have subjects that you find it very difficult to memorize or ponder very much, and they seem to be rather deep.

[4:06] And now this text is very simple. This man receiveth sinners. And whatever the sermon will be like, it will only just emphasize what the text is.

[4:24] This man receiveth sinners. As I was thinking on this subject, and it was impressed on my mind, to bring it before you, I thought about Bishop Latimer.

[4:37] When he lived, and he had to preach before Parliament and the King, and he took his text, take heed, take heed, beware of covetousness, and his opening words, astonished me.

[4:58] And he said, what if I should just repeat these words to your Majesty, and the Members of Parliament assembled, for the two hours that my sermon will take, if all is well.

[5:16] If all the while I just say, take heed, beware of covetousness, and you should hear it and reduce it to practice, it would be well.

[5:27] And if the preacher at the present time should often repeat the words, this man received with sinners, it will not be vain repetition.

[5:40] It is just preaching the Gospel. And, if you should hear sermon after sermon on this subject, and at the end of life's journey, you have gained no advantage in listening to it, how solemn it will be to go down into eternal misery, having had the sound of the Gospel trumpet ringing in your ears to tell you, this man received sinners, and you took no advantage of it.

[6:09] It touched no cord in your heart. And you simply said, we will not have this man to reign over us. Depart from us, we desire not the knowledge of thee, or thy ways, of very solemn consideration.

[6:29] He is rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. And now, I want to look at the subject from two or three viewpoints of it, as grace is given.

[6:46] The opening word in the chapter is very encouraging. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

[6:57] There was something in Jesus Christ, as he went about as verily man, that attracted publicans and sinners.

[7:11] Some of the worst characters, as regards their everyday lives, were drawn to where Jesus Christ was, and wrought on by a power, and that power, the Spirit of God.

[7:29] Sinners they were, but they found Jesus Christ to be the sinner's friend. I sometimes think, speaking with great reverence, that is his dearest title, but he has many more.

[7:46] Equally dear, whom though we cannot comprehend, knowing thou art the sinner's friend, we love thee, and adore. This man receiveth sinners.

[8:02] And now, the strange thing is, that the Pharisees and scribes murmured when they saw Jesus Christ, making welcome, publicans and sinners, showing them, friendship, and speaking to them, for their eternal welfare.

[8:21] Then there is just this viewpoint, of the subject, this man receiveth sinners.

[8:34] You may say, I should be glad to know, if this man would receive, a sinner like me. And now, who is to clear that matter up, as your soul desires?

[8:51] You can do it, if you do what you read in Malachi. Prove me now, herewith, and see, if I will not open unto you, the windows of heaven, and let you down, such a blessing, there shall not be, room enough to, receive it.

[9:18] I have told you, dear friends, many times, about the beautiful simplicity, of the gospel, and that is the essence of it. If I ask him to receive me, will he say me nay?

[9:32] Not till earth, and not till heaven, pass away. The thing is impossible, for his own word is, him that cometh unto me, I will never, no, never, never, never, no, never, cast out.

[9:51] And remember what I told you, that this word, receiveth, is in the present tense, which means, the door of thy mercy, stands open all day, to the poor and the needy, who not by the way, no sinner was ever yet, empty, sent back, who came seeking mercy, for Jesus' sake.

[10:12] This man, receiveth, sinners. And now, first of all, I will say just a little, it is only a little, that can be said in a sermon, about this man.

[10:31] This man, receiveth sinners. Wonderful it is, that, God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.

[10:53] And that, there might be a door of mercy, opened in heaven, and a throne of grace, set up where sinners, could be made welcome, and be received.

[11:03] It was essential, that, this man, should be found on the earth, to do love's redeeming work.

[11:17] When God, instituted, salvation by grace, he laid the foundation, of it, like this, without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.

[11:38] And that great truth, was proclaimed, throughout Old Testament times. Millions, of beasts and birds, were slain, and their blood was shed, and it ran in rivers.

[11:55] But that blood, had got no virtue, and no value, only to remind, people, of him who was to come, in the fullness of time, as verily man, verily God, and, that it would be, his blood, his sin atoning blood, which would avail, for poor sinners, and enable them, to be made welcome, before God, with whom they had to do.

[12:27] It was to tell, that Jesus' blood, through earth and skies, mercy, eternal mercy, Christ. Christ, the heavenly lamb, takes all our guilt away, a sacrifice, of nobler name, and richer blood, than they.

[12:47] And so, we find, Jesus Christ, is referred to, as this man. And the Pharisees, and scribes, murmured about it.

[12:59] And they just looked on him, as this man. But oh, sinners, taught of God, look on him, as this man, with other eyes, and with thankful hearts, do they behold this man, in the text.

[13:15] You find, in this same gospel of Luke, that the dying thief, when he was wrought on, by the Spirit of God, he spoke on behalf, of this man.

[13:32] And what was his testimony? This man, hath done, nothing amiss, but we indeed, perish justly, and receive, the due reward, of our deeds.

[13:47] The dying thief, could see, who this man was. And he turned his eyes, and addressed him, as a sinner, born again.

[14:00] Lord, remember me, when thou comest, into, thy kingdom. And the Savior, made him welcome. Behold, I say unto thee, this day, thou shalt be with me, in paradise.

[14:14] Yes. Yes. Much might be said, about this man, from that viewpoint. But there is one, reference in the Hebrews, which I think, is very beautiful.

[14:31] And, you need to, ponder it in your heart, nowadays, when the world, has gone mad. And when confusion, and chaos, abound everywhere.

[14:47] And man is at war, with his fellow man, and worst of all, man is at war, with his own maker. And now, says the apostle Paul, to the godly Hebrews, showing the great distinction, to be drawn, between those, who were priests, in old testament, times, under the law.

[15:07] Oh, they, were raised up, filled their office, and then they died. And they had to be succeeded, by yet another, to carry on the same work.

[15:25] But this man, after he had offered, one sacrifice, for sins, forever, sat down, on the right hand of God, from henceforth, expecting, till his enemies, be made his footstool.

[15:42] Oh, that is a great declaration, dear friends. If our eyes, could be anointed, and we be given, stronger faith, we should see Jesus, where he is, as, this man, sat down, on the right hand of God, from henceforth, expecting, till his enemies, be made his footstool.

[16:10] So that you, can look round the world, from the viewpoint, of this truth, though the world, is full of enmity, to God, and godliness, and his enemies, abound by millions, hundreds of millions, north, south, east, west.

[16:27] Yet, this truth, remains a blessed reality. Jesus shall reign, where'er the sun, doth his successive, journeys run.

[16:40] his kingdom stretched, from shore to shore, to moon shall wax, and wane, no more. And Jesus Christ, is at God the Father's right hand, I was going to say this, and I will, with very great reverence, and this thought, is ever, uppermost, in his holy breast, henceforth, expecting, till his enemies, be made his footstool.

[17:12] So that, it is a beautiful truth, to remember, whatever is happening, on the earth, the government, is on his shoulder, this man, in our text, this man, who delighteth in mercy, this man, who receiveth sinners, all that is happening, beneath the sun, is under his control, that his word, shall be fulfilled, we know, that all things, work together for good, to them, that love God, to them, who are the called, according to, his purpose.

[17:59] And now, I must, open up the subject, from another viewpoint, of it. I might begin, by saying, what is this man, to you? What is your answer, to this question?

[18:13] What think ye of Christ? Is it you a concern? Lord Jesus, make thyself, to me, a living, bright reality.

[18:30] Have you got this man, as it were, enthroned in your heart? Like one hymn writer says, Enter my heart, redeemer, blessed, enter, O ever-honoured guest, not for a transient hour alone, O come and fix thy lasting throne.

[18:49] What is this man to you, you dear young people, as you are living your lives? Does this man dwell under your home roofs, where you have begun, your wedded life, and God giving you your children?

[19:08] seek you the blessing of this man, upon your everyday life, as you live it. Draw you near to this man, in family worship, morning and evening, seeking his smile, his blessing to be on you, and yours.

[19:28] O the Lord bless you. It is a good life to live, seeking this man, to govern you, and your everyday life.

[19:41] That you might feel, all my times are in thy hand, all events at thy command. And now, this man, you find in the word of God, there are wonderful adjectives, used about this man.

[20:02] Some of them, could not be used about any other man, but this man, whom you must always, remember as a capital M. Because of who he is.

[20:15] This man, verily man, verily God. And remember, this man is a real man.

[20:31] He was made of a woman, made under the law, he was God incarnate, and yet he was this man.

[20:47] And, the word of God, tells us, in all our afflictions, he was afflicted. Himself, bear our infirmities, and whatever your case is, or your circumstances, if you seek his divine aid, he can enter into every detail, of what you are, and where you are, and help you, on your way.

[21:17] Help you on your way, to your soul's joy, and his own glory. Yes. This man, was a real man.

[21:31] The Puritans, put it like this, and, how often, they were so right, in their statements, and they put so much truth, in a very little compass, and they simply put it like this, Jesus Christ, is man to suffer, God to save.

[21:52] And now, that unfolds, the heavenly mystery. Man to suffer. Jesus, who lived above the sky, came down to be a man, and die.

[22:08] And he had to be a man, to die. And he suffered, beyond what? Mortal tongues, can tell.

[22:18] He bore all incarnate, God could bear, with strength enough, and none to spare. Verily man. But, all that he did, as verily man, living his life, under the law, and then dying, on Calvary's, dead, on Calvary's cross, in the stead, of poor sinners, like you and me, as he did all that, as verily man, it avails for all, for whom he did it, because he is also, verily God.

[22:56] That gives it, authority, validity, because he is, verily God. Therefore, what he suffered, as verily man, as verily God, he makes it, all over, to that number, which no man, can number, on whose behalf, he came down, into this world, to seek, and to save, to suffer, bleed, and die, this man, this real man, and now, he was a perfect man, in him the father, never saw, the least transgression, of his law, in him we then, perfection view, the saints in him, are perfect too, you cannot put, the adjective, perfect, to any other man, but you must put it, to this man, in our text, he said, to his father, at the end, of his lovely life, I have finished, the work, which thou, gavest me to do, and the father, declared, this is my beloved son, in whom I am, well pleased, this man, this real man, this perfect man, this wonderful man, his name, shall be called, wonderful, and all that he, has done, is wonderful, to contemplate, and what he has said, is wonderful, to listen to, and seek, to reduce it, to practice, yes, then this man, was a holy man, and one in writer, says,

[24:42] Christ has holiness, enough, to sanctify us all, and you and I, if this man, does indeed, receive us, as sinners, and make us welcome, he will make us, to belong, to the holy brethren, he will, impute the holiness, of his life, to us, he will clothe us, with that righteousness, which he wrote out, in how he lived, under the law, and kept it, in all its, demands, this holy man, this righteous man, then there is, another adjective, this worthy man, and you know, it is good sometimes, to sing, Jesus is worthy, to receive, honor and power, divine, and blessings, more than we can give, be Lord, forever thine, much might be said, about this man, from that viewpoint, but there is, just one, other adjective, and that, sums up, all of them, in one, as it were, as to how, a sinner, whom this man, received, will feel, about this man,

[26:02] I remember, a godly man, in the cause of truth, where I was brought up, when, he was on his, dying bed, he was coming down, to his end, and, he was much blessed, and, as, his wife, looked in, to see, how he was, he said to her, do leave me, alone my dear, I want, to get in touch, with this man, and he has drawn, near to me, this man, and he died, as it were, this man was, there to make him, welcome, in, heaven's own portals, as a sinner, saved by grace, you will like, this adjective dear, you will have to learn, it like this, and everything, that's dear to him, to me, is also dear, thus he will be, to you, this, dear man, but then, it tells us, this man, receiveth, sinners, and now, what kind of sinners, does this man, receive, it would take, many sermons, to work that line, of thought out, but it must be said, and emphasize, that this man, receiveth, all sorts, of sinners, and that brings, to my mind, that Whitfield, when he was on earth, in preaching the gospel, as he was anointed, to preach it, he was preaching, the gospel, on one occasion, to a vast crowd, and there was, one poor woman, there, who was living, a very wicked life, but something, had attracted her, to hear what, the preacher, had got to say, and Whitfield, said in preaching, the gospel, that Jesus Christ, was so, kind, as the sinner's friend, that he would, receive, the devil's, castaways, and the next, morning,

[28:27] Whitfield, was staying, with Lady Huntington, under her home roof, there was someone, came to see, Whitfield, and said, to him, that they, did not think, it was a right statement, to make, that Jesus Christ, although he was, the sinner's friend, would receive, the devil's, castaways, and Whitfield, said, I have just been, seeking to comfort, the poor woman, who has been living, a wicked life, on the streets, and God has wrought, in her soul, and she is a sinner, born again, and she has come, to see me, and to tell me, that the statement, I made, that Jesus Christ, would receive, the devil's, castaways, brought hope, in her soul, made her feel, who can tell, and she came, to see me, and I believe, she is a sinner, born again, that is the answer, to my using, that expression,

[29:37] I said, this man, receiveth sinners, all sorts, of sinners, and you know, in the word of God, it shows, that he received some, that you would, never have thought, he would receive, although you do believe, he is the sinner's friend, because their lives, were so, wicked, beyond words, to describe, and yet, we talk about, and sing about, sovereign grace, or sin abounding, but we do not, half believe it, you do not know, when you see some, whom you might, light your eyes on, where you live, and move, who are indeed, wicked, and they do wickedly, you do not know, but what yet, sovereign grace, will bring them, to be a sinner, whom Jesus Christ, will receive, and make welcome, do remember that, this man, receiveth sinners, he receiveth, lost sinners, ignorant sinners, helpless sinners, guilty sinners, poor sinners, black sinners, yes, miserable sinners, he receives back, sliding sinners, sinners, yes,

[31:06] I said, all sorts of sinners, and who can tell, but what this man, will receive you, if you have it, in your heart, that you would, be oh so glad, if this man, would deal graciously, with you, grant you, a jabez portion, and bless you indeed, approach my soul, the mercy seat, where Jesus, answers prayer, and humbly, lie at his dear feet, for none, can perish there, this man, receiveth, sinners, hell deserving, sinners, troubled sinners, dwelling, on the border, land of despair, thinking, that hell, must be, their dread abode, because of, what they are, as sinners, and the lives, they have lived, on the earth, oh, but one hymn writer, says,

[32:18] I'll, to the gracious, king approach, who set to pardon, gives, perhaps he will, command my touch, and then the suppliant, lives, yes, this man, receiveth, sinners, you might think, of Saul of Tarsus, and now he, was a self-righteous, sinner, he thought he, was doing God's service, when he was, persecuting, people taught of God, but when he was, cut down, on the Damascus road, his eyes, were opened, and he saw, this man, to be, Lord, and owned him, to be so, Lord, what wilt thou, have me to do, he realized then, who this man, really was, verily man, verily God, and God, made him, to be an outstanding, minister, to preach, the gospel of Christ, you might think too, of Manasseh, and he, is an outstanding, case in the Old Testament, for it says, that he made,

[33:35] Jerusalem streets, run with rivers, of blood, I've thought, if you and I, had lived then, stood on the pavement, and saw it, we should have been, so amazed, and horrified, that we should have thought, Manasseh, was just, fit fuel, for hellfire, but he is in heaven, a sinner, saved by grace, yes, that blood, is free, to take away, a Mary, or Manasseh, stains, listen, and sins, more vile, than they, if such, can be possible, it is not just, poetic license, but it is, what the Savior said, all manner of sin, should be forgiven, unto men, but it must be, on this basis, if we confess, our sins, he is faithful, and just, to forgive us, our sins, and to cleanse us, from all, unrighteousness, yes, this man, receiveth, sinners, sinners, and I just look, at a third viewpoint, of the subject, as to, how this man, does receive sinners, and where, first of all, this man, received sinners, before time, was born, or the world, was built, for he said, in that beautiful prayer, in what I call, the Holy of Holies, chapter, in John's Gospel, chapter 17,

[35:22] Jesus Christ, as verily man, addressing his father, said, thine they were, and thou gavest them me, and that transaction, took place, in eternity, before time, was, as many, as were ordained, to eternal life, believed, and that will be, the sinners, as regards the number, whom this man, will receive, down through the ages, ordained to life, eternal, and it will be, people of every kindred, tribe and tongue, worldwide, this man, receiveth sinners, and as he received, these sinners, in eternal purposes, all the while, he dwelt on earth, he had them in his heart, his eyes were, as it were, upon every individual member, for whom he was, fulfilling the law, and in whose stead, he was dying, and on whose behalf, he rose again, from the dead, on that Easter morn, long ago, this man, receiveth sinners, at the throne of grace,

[36:49] I thought many times, it could have been, just a throne of judgment, but God ordained, there should be, a throne of grace, and he would, dispense mercy, from it, and he does, receive sinners, at the throne of grace, let us, let us therefore, come boldly, unto the throne of grace, to obtain mercy, and find grace, to help, in time of need, I can only give you hints, for you to ponder over, I told you, the sermon, would only, just emphasize, the text, this man, receiveth sinners, and now, this man, receiveth sinners, in the exceeding, great, and precious promises, in the word, of his grace, and if you are a sinner, who begins to think, about your soul, and the eternal welfare, of it, you will find, in the sacred pages, there is a promise, to embolden you, and encourage you, to wait on God, and you can take courage, as you light on, that exceeding, great, and precious promise, that there is, help in God, for you, you may look at this promise, and that, and yet another, and feel it is so high,

[38:21] I cannot attend to it, but you will find, somewhere in the sacred pages, such a promise, that will encourage you, to go to God, just as you are, and tell him, remember the word, unto thy servant, on which thou hast caused me, to hope, yes, even if it should be, he will regard the prayer, of the destitute, and not despise their prayer, or if it should be, a bruised reed, he will not break, and smoke in flax, he will not quench, oh, there is indeed, some promise, to inspire you, with hope in God, for this man, receiveth sinners, in the exceeding, great, and precious, promises, and then I might, just add, this man, receiveth sinners, at the gospel table, and now, surely you will felt, sometimes, some of you, dear young people, too, when you have listened, to the gospel, sometimes, it might be, the subject is too deep, and you cannot, enter into it, very much, sometimes, it may be too high, and you cannot ascend, where the preacher, seems to be, in preaching the gospel, at that time, sometimes, you feel, what the preacher, is setting forth, just describes, how you feel, what are your soul's, desires, desires, and you, can thank God, and take courage, yes, you are made, welcome at the gospel table, and you come, into that category, blessed are your ears, for they hear, and wherever, wherever the gospel table, is spread, this man, receiveth sinners, and he fulfills, the word of his grace,

[40:26] I will abundantly, bless her provision, I will satisfy, her poor, with bread, yes, and you, in, coming to the gospel table, have a feeling, like the hymn writer, when he said, a crumb of mercy, Lord, I crave, unworthy to be fed, with dainties, such as angels have, with the children's bread, blessed are they, which do hunger, and thirst, after righteousness, for they shall be filled, this man receiveth sinners, and the wonderful thing is, this man receiveth sinners, in the church of Christ, he has a church, which he is building up, on the earth, and which will ultimately be, the church triumphant, on earth it is the church militant, but every day, the spirit of God, is making poor sinners welcome, into the church of Christ, and the Lord added, unto the church daily, such as should be saved, and that work is going on, and neither earth or hell, can oppose it, to hinder it, upon this rock,

[41:44] I will build my church, and the gates of hell, shall not prevail against it, then in a church, there is a fellowship, to be known, it is the unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace, and therefore, this man, receiveth sinners, into that fellowship, and now, while he receives them as sinners, they come into the fellowship, of the saints, because they are now, sanctified sinners, sinners set apart, for God, for God, and they want to, live unto God, live for God, and maybe, you have looked on, the church of Christ, and wondered, whether, you would be received, whether Jesus Christ, would make you welcome, in your approaches, to be found, in the church, and rejoice, in that fellowship, that is known, therein, and become, a baptized believer, where, oh, you will find, any church, that is the church of Christ, militant, on the earth, where air it is, situated, will have a welcome, for poor sinners, who want to follow Jesus, and be one with him, and his people, and the word of the Lord, is to such characters, come in thou blessed, of the Lord, wherefore standest thou, without, one more thought, as I come to the Amen, this man, receiveth, sinners, and now, the best is to come, is what the Puritans say, and so it is, when you think of it like this, this man, receiveth, sinners, into heaven, oh, that is the prospect, before these sinners, whom this man, receiveth, and whom he makes, welcome, in their approaches, to him, as the sinner's friend, when they get, to the end of the way, this man, receiveth, sinners, into heaven, and what a welcome, come ye, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom, prepared, for you, from before the foundation, of the world, do you take, this thought home, this man, receiveth, sinners, sinners, and remember, that you are welcome, to go to him, just as you are, and remember, in going,

[44:49]  I can but perish, if I go, I am resolved, to try, for if I stay away, I know, I shall, forever die, this man, receiveth, sinners, the Lord, help you to believe it, and rejoice, in the truth, of it, and, enable you, to receive, this man, in your own, soul's affections, as your Lord, your God, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen,