...in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me, A sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be;
How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior's love for me!
Charles H. Gabriel, 1856-1932
That is just the first verse of a powerfully written hymn. It has been on my heart and mind since this past Lord's day. I cannot begin to describe what we experienced at Fellowship the past Sunday morning. Our blessed Lord graced us with His presence in an unusual and mighty way. It was one of the sweetest services that I have ever been privileged to have a part in. Many of our folks got much needed help for their lives, including me. The Spirit began to move as the choir was singing and the Lord took over from there. In the midst of the singing and praying around the altar I shared a few verses of Scripture from Hebrews 4: 14-16:
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. [15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
If we as God's people could ever really grasp the enormity of what those verses say, our lives would be transformed. Often we carry burdens and never really seek the help that is available to us in Christ. He is not a God who is far off, with no idea what we are experiencing. He has already endured all that we could possibly face and He stands before the throne of God interceding for us. We can come "boldly" before Him to obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need. That has the idea of "freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech; openly, frankly, i.e without concealment; free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance." Quite literally we can pour our hearts out unto the Lord without fear or intimidation, in full assurance and confidence that He will hear our plea.
Isn't our Lord amazing? He is so great and wonderful that I am unable to comprehend all that He is. But, His blessing and help in my life doesn't hinge on my absolute comprehension of all He is. He stands ready, waiting to intercede for all of His children and is happy to do so!
Take a few moments to reflect on His glory and power. You can't dwell on Him long without being compelled to offer Him the worship that He is due.
I am looking forward, with great anticipation, to our services this evening. Our Lord has not changed. He is the same God that we worshiped on Sunday morning. I fully expect to receive something that I greatly need from Him again as we meet together at Fellowship!
Preacher Chris
And wonder how He could love me, A sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be;
How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior's love for me!
Charles H. Gabriel, 1856-1932
That is just the first verse of a powerfully written hymn. It has been on my heart and mind since this past Lord's day. I cannot begin to describe what we experienced at Fellowship the past Sunday morning. Our blessed Lord graced us with His presence in an unusual and mighty way. It was one of the sweetest services that I have ever been privileged to have a part in. Many of our folks got much needed help for their lives, including me. The Spirit began to move as the choir was singing and the Lord took over from there. In the midst of the singing and praying around the altar I shared a few verses of Scripture from Hebrews 4: 14-16:
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. [15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
If we as God's people could ever really grasp the enormity of what those verses say, our lives would be transformed. Often we carry burdens and never really seek the help that is available to us in Christ. He is not a God who is far off, with no idea what we are experiencing. He has already endured all that we could possibly face and He stands before the throne of God interceding for us. We can come "boldly" before Him to obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need. That has the idea of "freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech; openly, frankly, i.e without concealment; free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance." Quite literally we can pour our hearts out unto the Lord without fear or intimidation, in full assurance and confidence that He will hear our plea.
Isn't our Lord amazing? He is so great and wonderful that I am unable to comprehend all that He is. But, His blessing and help in my life doesn't hinge on my absolute comprehension of all He is. He stands ready, waiting to intercede for all of His children and is happy to do so!
Take a few moments to reflect on His glory and power. You can't dwell on Him long without being compelled to offer Him the worship that He is due.
I am looking forward, with great anticipation, to our services this evening. Our Lord has not changed. He is the same God that we worshiped on Sunday morning. I fully expect to receive something that I greatly need from Him again as we meet together at Fellowship!
Preacher Chris