"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5)
FRIEND OF SINNERS Tune to "COME THOU FOUNT" 8.7.8.7. double Words by JIM BYRD
1. How can God so just and holy, Save my wretched, guilty soul? I am vile and so unworthy, Can this sinner be made whole? How unrighteous and polluted, How ungodly and undone! None can help me, but the Savior, Jesus Christ the Father’s Son.
2. Jesus is the Friend of sinners, I will praise His holy Name; By His sacrifice I’m righteous, Freed from every guilt and stain. Though my sins be all as scarlet, They are now as white as snow; For the Savior paid my sin-debt, By His bloody, crimson flow.
3. Sacrifice of God’s appointing, He for me the ransom paid; Now there is no condemnation, Satisfaction Jesus made. Resting only in His merits, Safe in Him my Lord and Friend; Soon I shall depart to see Him, And to praise Him without end. *************************************************************************** CONGREGATIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS TODAY: MORNING: PSALM 19 EVENING: LUKE 9:18-27
Daily Readings- December 11-17 Sunday - 1 Tim. 1-6 Monday - 2 Tim. 1-4 Tuesday - Titus 1-3 Wednesday- Philemon 1 Thursday - Hebrews 1-4 Friday - Hebrews 5-7 Saturday- Hebrews 8-10 *************************************************************************** ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY God’s sovereignty is His absolute (complete), independent (free from external constraint) right (privilege) to dispose of this world, and everything in it, according to the good pleasure of His will. "Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?" (Matthew 20:15). A God who is unable to bring His desires to pass, Whose purpose can be frustrated and Whose will is dependent upon the cooperation of man is not worthy of worship. Such an one is merely an idol, a golden calf, a false god. The truth of absolute sovereignty is so fundamental to an understanding of Who God is, that it is impossible to worship Him unless we have some knowledge of the fact that He reigns. A God who is not sovereign is no God at all. Nebuchadnezzar said, "I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth for ever, Whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation: and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest thou?" (Daniel 4:34-35).
I proclaim to you the God of absolute sovereignty confident that...
[1] I am being true to the Scripture. "Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places" (Psalm 135:6). The Lord said, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure" (Isaiah 46:10). [2] I am glorifying the Lord. To preach that God is dependent upon man to any degree, is to dethrone God and enthrone man. God reigns! He sits upon His throne of universal authority and performs His will in all things. [3] I am giving hope to needy sinners. "Salvation is of the LORD." If salvation is in any way conditioned upon the sinner, then there is no possibility for recovery. But, if salvation is of the Lord (and it is!), then He has to right to give it to whom He will. Let us, like the leper, humbly approach Him for mercy. "And, behold, there came a leper and worshiped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean" (Matthew 8:2). [4] I am encouraging the saints. To know that our Lord governs all things gives consolation to the hearts of His children. May we delight in His will knowing that because He is absolutely sovereign, "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). –Pastor Jim Byrd *************************************************************************** THE LOVE OF CHRIST "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Romans 8:35) Who among the children of God could ever grow weary of this glorious message - the everlasting love of the Bridegroom for His bride? His love "passeth knowledge" (Ephesians 3:19) and "constraineth us" to faithfulness and service (2 Corinthians 5:14). Behold Him in the covenant of grace, the Surety of the elect. Here is representative love. See Him born in a manger, "God manifest in the flesh" (1 Timothy 3:16) sent to "save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). Here is incarnate love. See the good Shepherd laying down His life for the sheep and rising again. Here is justifying love. Envision Him seated upon His throne, the Advocate of sinners with God. Here is interceding love. Know that by His Spirit He dwells with and will never forsake His brethren. Here is abiding love. See Him coming again to receive us unto Himself. Here is everlasting love. –Pastor Jim Byrd
Older
Top
