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What The Bible Says - Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

What The Bible Says Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

What The Bible Says Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

? Temple Baptist Church - 5-1-2024John 15:17-25? Introduction:? A.? ? The Lord is giving some last words to His disciples just prior to going to the Cross.? ? 1.? If they kept His commandments and continued to abide in Him, the world would hate them in His stead and take their wrath out on them.? Tonight, we will take a short look at why the world hated Christ so much and now hates the Christian.? 2.? Peter would deny Christ thrice shortly for fear of retribution from the crowd who took Christ.? B.? In these verses, Christ reiterates His command that we should love one another.? Spiritually, we are all that we have outside of Christ.? Though they still hate Christ, He now sits at the right hand to the Father and there is nothing that they can do to Him.? We MUST be there for each other.? C.? I preach quite a bit on loving the brethren because the world and Satan are doing their best to divide us.? “Divide and Conquer” is a biblical principle that Satan knows full well:? Matthew 10:36? And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.? Mark 3:25? And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.? D.? Christ wanted His disciples to know what would happen to them and why it would be so.? Their persecution would be linked to obeying Christ's commandments.? 1.? Verse 17.? They had the human option of not obeying so as to not draw attention to themselves.? In that case, they would not be identified and persecuted.? 2.? If they obeyed Christ's commands, they would be easily identified and singled out for persecution.? 2 Timothy 3:10-12? But? thou hast fully known? my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,? (11)? Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.? (12)? ? Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.? E.? Let us look at what Christ said to the disciples as he gave them reasons for persecution.? ? 1.? Christ wanted His disciples to know that they were in the right Company!? “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”? Acts 2:1? And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.? Hebrews 10:24-25? And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:? (25)? Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.? 2.? Christ wanted them to know that they were not of the world.? “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world.”? 1 John 4:4-6? Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.? (5)? They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.? (6)? We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.? 3.? Christ wanted them to know that He chose those who believe to be His.? “but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”? 2 Thessalonians 2:13? But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:? 4.? Christ wanted them to know the fellowship of His suffering.? ” Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;”? 1 Peter 4:16? Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.? 5.? Christ wanted them to know that the world rejected His word.? “if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”? Revelation 1:9? I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.? 6.? Christ wanted them to know that they hated them because of His name.? “But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.”? Philippians 2:10-11? That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;? (11)? And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.? 7.? Christ want them to know that He exposed their religion as false.? “because they know not him that sent me.”? 2 Corinthians 4:4? In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.? Ephesians 6:12? For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.? 8.? Christ wanted them to know that they hated Him because He exposes their sinfulness.? “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.”? Romans 5:12-15? Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:? (13)? (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.? (14)? Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.? (15)? But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.? 9.? Christ wanted them to know that the works they hated would be done by His followers.? “If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.”? Ephesians 2:10? For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.? 10.? Christ wanted them to know that they hated Him because He fulfilled the Scripture.? “But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law.”? When we fulfill scripture, they will not like us either.? John 19:36? For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.? 11.? Christ wanted them to know that they hated Him for no good reason.? They just hated Him!? “They hated me without a cause.”? Luke 23:41? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.? 12.? Christ wanted them to know that He was still their Friend in persecution.? John 15:14? Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.? Romans 8:29? For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.? James 4:4? Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Discipleship: Helping New Christians Grow in the FaithJacob BundyThu, 03/14/2024 - 10:00 One of the great joys of the Christian life is helping to nurture the faith of young Christians. There's just nothing like leading someone to Christ and then encouraging them as they take steps of faith and grow in the Lord.? In its pure definition, New Testament discipleship means to be a fully-committed follower of Christ. This commitment should be the very DNA of our Christian walk.? Furthermore, as church leaders, developing disciples is our? mission—given to us by Christ Himself. Shortly before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He commanded His disciples to go, baptize, and teach (Matthew 28:19–20). Thus, both evangelism and discipleship have been at the heart of God's purpose for the church since its earliest days.So how do we engage in this essential process of discipleship? And what are its results?? ? Discipleship helps believers grow up spiritually.“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24).Spiritual growth takes place as believers build their lives on the rock-solid foundation of the Word of God. This is one reason biblical preaching is so important. Every Sunday, when a pastor preaches, he may not realize it, but he is discipling his people in the Word of God. By the way he handles it, he teaches them how to handle it. By the way he is moved by it, he teaches them to be moved by it. By the way he obeys it, he teaches them to obey it.But it's not just the pastor who models how to use God's Word. When new Christians have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a “discipler” as they work through a discipleship program, they gain invaluable knowledge from God's Word. In this setting, a new Christian has the opportunity to ask questions, develop basic, systematic doctrine, learn Baptist distinctives, and be personally encouraged in early steps of Christian growth. (In our church, we use Continue by Paul Chappell for our formal discipleship program.)? Discipleship helps believers give back generously.“And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew? 20:27–28).One of the challenges of parenting young children is rooting out their innate self-centeredness and teaching them to think first and foremost of others. This task for parents is not always easy, but it is vital if their children are going to grow into maturity.? The same can be said of new Christians. It's important that they learn that the church isn't just a place where others serve them; it's also a place where they serve others. It's important that they learn that it is more blessed to give than receive. It's important that they learn to give back to the Lord and to others.? Part of discipleship, then, is inviting growing believers to give and serve. I love sharing with newer Christians specifically how God has blessed my family's giving in the past, and I love encouraging them to take steps of faith in this area of their lives. I also love sharing with them the various spiritual gifts that God gives members within a church body and encouraging them to use their gifts to serve others.? ? Discipleship helps believers go forth passionately.“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).Evangelism is a calling God places on the life of every Christian, and new believers are not exempt from that calling. In fact, new Christians are typically the people in the church that have the most connections to lost people. What an incredible opportunity that is for those young Christians to see the multiplying effect of evangelism first hand.? As a pastor, I work diligently to engage new Christians in our church outreach. Pairing a new believer with an experienced soulwinner helps the new believer learn how to invite others to church, how to share their testimony, and how to take a lost person through the plan of salvation.? When we, as church leaders, give consistent emphasis to the process of discipleship, God blesses those efforts, and new Christians become mature in the Lord. Category Outreach & Discipleship Ministry Resources Continue Continue Dr. Paul Chappell Tags Discipleship Local Church Church

? Temple Baptist Church - 3-10-2024Psalm 119:81-88? Introduction:? A. Tonight, we come to the 11th? stanza of Psalm 119? along with the accompanying 11th? Letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. These 22 stanzas of the Psalm show the relationship of the believer to the Word of God.? B. The 11th? letter of the Hebrew alphabet is CAPH? כַּ.? Once again, each of the 8 verses in this 11th? stanza, when written in Hebrew, begin with the letter? CAPH. With that being said, we need to have a proper definition or meaning for the letter.? C.? CAPH? כַּ? –? A hollow place such as the palm of a hand, a bowl, or a basin. A container. In type a place where the believer seems to be trapped and cannot get out of or a point which he cannot pass.? D. In this portion of Psalm 119, we find that the Psalmist is in an extreme situation? from which he can neither resolve nor can he escape it. There is a Latin phrase,? in extremis,? meaning “at the point of death" or “in the farthest reaches.” His situation is grave.? E.? Verses 88-89 are the two middle verses of Psalm 119 as verse 88 ends the first half? and 89 begins the second half.? Our stanza, the 11th? (verses 81-88) out of 22 stanzas, this forms the octave which has been called? “the midnight of the psalm.”? The Psalmist's? enemies have brought him to the lowest condition of anguish and depression; yet he is faithful to keep the Word of God (testimony) while remaining trustful in his God.? F. At some time in life, most of us find ourselves is such a strait.? A place that seems like we will never escape or get victory over in our own strength. Thus, the importance of the Word of God to the needy.? G. Let's look at three of our verses? as they make up the introduction and meaning of the stanza.? Psalms 119:84-86 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? (85) The proud? have digged pits? for me,? which are not after thy law.? (86) All thy commandments are faithful:? they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.? 1. The promise of persecution.? “persecute”? is used twice in these three verses.? 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.? a) This world hated Christ before it hated us. We to him “without the camp” as bear His reproach. The “god of this world” has reproduced from himself “God” haters! John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.? b) This world hates ALL who try to live godly lives as that kind of life exposes the world's ungodliness.? Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.? 2. The individuality of persecution.? “me”? There is and, from the days of Cain and Abel, always has been individual hatred. Why? Because Abel's sacrifice was godly, and Cain's was not! They persecuted Christ, and they will persecute us!? 3. The trap of persecution.? “have digged pits”? Pits means a “pit fall” or a “chasm.” These were normally traps for large animals, dug deep and camouflaged by covering with wood and sod. A place of no escape such as Joseph's brothers placed him into.? Psalms 119:85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.? 4. The injustice of persecution. “not after thy law … persecute me wrongfully”? These persecutors use the law unlawfully. We see much of that today as the justice system is weaponized against an enemy or opponent. Psalms 94:20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?? H. It is such a condition that we find the Palmist. It is not a place of his making. It is a place of containment from which there is seemingly no human way of escape. A place of impending death.? 1. Verse 81. The darkness of the hour. “My soul fainteth for thy salvation:? but? I hope in thy word!”? a. This is not fainting for a few minutes they then regathering of self allows one to get over it. I try to drive home to our people the importance of these supposedly “archaic” words so described by the liberal theologians.? b. “fainteth!” The result of open-ended waiting. The “eth” ending of faint means that it is in the continuing present tense. He has been here for a long time and sees no change coming in the immediate future.? c. The Psalmist knows that the only deliverance that will negate the persecution must come from the Lord.? d. “for thy salvation” Though fainting, the Psalmist is “hanging in there!”? Isaiah 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (31) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.? e. His faith is rightly placed. “I hope in thy Word.” The relationship of the Word of God and our hope!? 2. Verses 82-83. The dimness of the eye. “Mine eyes fail … I am become like a bottle in the smoke!”? a. Smoke, like the morning fog, obscures from seeing properly. I remember driving across Florida when the wildfires were out of control and smoke was so thick on the highways that they shut some of them down. No one could see well enough to drive.? b. Thus, it is with ongoing troubles in life. They begin to shroud life in general as they completely occupy our thinking and lives while dimming our spiritual eyes. When you cannot track God, you then learn to trust Him.? c. One of my favorite verses:? Psalms 77:19 Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.? d. The Psalmist's comfort will be found in the seen promises of an unseen work. “When wilt thou comfort me? … yet do I not forget thy statutes.”.3. Verse 84. The dilemma of the saint. Will justice come in my lifetime?? Psalms 119:84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?? a. The Psalmist did not know the length of his life. There are times when God answers prayers or brings about justice after the death of the one seeking it. God's time is not on our time, His thoughts are not our thoughts nor His ways our ways.? Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.? b. The Psalmist asks that oft asked request. When not if? One day, we know that God will bring to light the things of darkness and His justice will be swift, sure, and full.? 4. Verse 87. Relying on the promises of God. The Lord maketh no mistake in His operations. The Psalmist may not know how long, but he knows that God is faithful to both His Word and His people.? 5. Verse 88. Resting in the love of God. The Psalmist rests on the knowledge that the Lord will not forsake His own but will raise them up to sit on high. There is life before the trial and there will be life during the trial and there will be life after the trial.? Conclusion:? Hebrews 10:35-39 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (36) For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (38) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Reflections on 250 Years of “Amazing Grace”Tyler JohnsonMon, 11/20/2023 - 01:22 On New Year's Day 1773, John Newton preached from 1 Chronicles 17:16–17. It was during this message that Newton introduced to his congregation a special song—arguably the most well-known hymn of all time—“Amazing Grace.”In 2023, some two-hundred fifty years since “Amazing Grace” was first sung, the message of God's grace is still powerfully ministering through this hymn to people all over the world. But why? Why has “Amazing Grace“ resonated within the hearts of so many since its writing?Deliverance from Spiritual DarknessYou may know that the lyrics to “Amazing Grace” were birthed out of personal testimony. When Newton was just six years old, he lost his mother to tuberculosis, and at only eleven years of age, he joined his father at sea. In years to come, Newton's life took a sharp downward trajectory as he participated in the slave trade, transporting people from the African continent.It was during a particularly stormy journey from Africa to Europe in 1748 that Newton, fearing for his life, began reading the Scriptures and contemplating his faith in God in an attempt to find some comfort for his soul. Although his mother had died early in his life, she had instilled in his heart a scriptural foundation that John remembered then, even within the darkness of the slave trade. God did rescue Newton and the entire crew in that storm. But more significantly, it was through this experience that Newton placed his faith in Christ as his Savior.Newton eventually rejected the ills of the slave trade and became a respected voice in his day against the evils of slavery. Ultimately, he pursued a ministry life in the small English town of Olney.It was in Olney that Newton worked together with his friend William Cowper to produce the well-known collection Olney Hymns. It was in this book that “Amazing Grace” was first published.? The song “Amazing Grace” was birthed against the backdrop of the personal testimony of John Newton and God's great salvation from sin. Light is more readily appreciated in contrast with darkness. Goodness is seen more vibrantly in the face of evil. The beauty of God's grace is demonstrated more dramatically against the ugliness of sin. Shortly before Newton's death, he said, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.”? On Newton's tombstone is the following inscription: “John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”Delivery of Scriptural DoctrineScriptural worship always begins with properly understood truth. Truth ought to be the driver of our affections and should generate a response within the heart and life of the believer. These responses—whether of praise, surrender, giving, or serving—are the sacrifices of worship we offer to God.? The essential nature of truth in our worship is seen in Jesus' words in John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”It is the beautiful communication of truth in “Amazing Grace” that has made it resonate so deeply in the hearts of Christians over the centuries. We sing in this hymn the wonderful realities we as Christians hold dear: the depth of our sin; the richness of Christ's grace and love; the comfort of God's presence, goodness, and care in our lives; and the ultimate hope for the believer in Heaven with God for all of eternity.? The truths expressed in “Amazing Grace” are ultimately a reminder of the unlimited reach of God's grace in our salvation. This is reminiscent of the apostle Paul's encouragement in 1 Corinthians 6:11: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”Intergenerational Timelessness of TruthGreat songs are not relegated to a specific time period. In fact, wonderful and doctrinally rich songs communicating truth from God's Word can and are being written today.? Even so, I am appreciative of the heritage that we as believers have in many great songs of the faith. One of the enduring values of a hymn like “Amazing Grace” is that it appropriately and excellently expresses truth about Who our God is, what He has done and desires to do, and what He has given us in Scripture. When we as believers understand these truths and the immeasurable value of our personal relationship with God, our hearts overflow with a desire to sing praise to God.There is great beauty in multiple generations participating in singing corporately to the Lord. “Amazing Grace” contains timeless truth through which both the old and the young, the time-tested Christian and the new believer, and those of any and all cultural and ethnic backgrounds can participate in worshiping the Lord.Isn't that the heart of God's grace? God loved the world (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:4–5, 1 John 4:10), He gave His Son for the world (Luke 19:10, John? 1:17, John 3:16), He extends His grace to the world (Luke? 19:10, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 2:4–9), and He desires “that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17, Romans 5:8–11, 2 Peter 3:9).May our hearts rest in and be refreshed by His amazing grace, and may we be encouraged to share the story of God's grace with the world!Editor's note: To hear a special 250-year anniversary arrangement of "Amazing Grace," performed by the West Coast Baptist College Choir and directed by Tyler Johnson, click here. Category Music Ministry Tags Music Music Ministry Grace

Reflections on 250 Years of “Amazing Grace”Tyler JohnsonMon, 11/20/2023 - 01:22 On New Year's Day 1773, John Newton preached from 1 Chronicles 17:16–17. It was during this message that Newton introduced to his congregation a special song—arguably the most well-known hymn of all time—“Amazing Grace.”In 2023, some two-hundred fifty years since “Amazing Grace” was first sung, the message of God's grace is still powerfully ministering through this hymn to people all over the world. But why? Why has “Amazing Grace“ resonated within the hearts of so many since its writing?Deliverance from Spiritual DarknessYou may know that the lyrics to “Amazing Grace” were birthed out of personal testimony. When Newton was just six years old, he lost his mother to tuberculosis, and at only eleven years of age, he joined his father at sea. In years to come, Newton's life took a sharp downward trajectory as he participated in the slave trade, transporting people from the African continent.It was during a particularly stormy journey from Africa to Europe in 1748 that Newton, fearing for his life, began reading the Scriptures and contemplating his faith in God in an attempt to find some comfort for his soul. Although his mother had died early in his life, she had instilled in his heart a scriptural foundation that John remembered then, even within the darkness of the slave trade. God did rescue Newton and the entire crew in that storm. But more significantly, it was through this experience that Newton placed his faith in Christ as his Savior.Newton eventually rejected the ills of the slave trade and became a respected voice in his day against the evils of slavery. Ultimately, he pursued a ministry life in the small English town of Olney.It was in Olney that Newton worked together with his friend William Cowper to produce the well-known collection Olney Hymns. It was in this book that “Amazing Grace” was first published. The song “Amazing Grace” was birthed against the backdrop of the personal testimony of John Newton and God's great salvation from sin. Light is more readily appreciated in contrast with darkness. Goodness is seen more vibrantly in the face of evil. The beauty of God's grace is demonstrated more dramatically against the ugliness of sin. Shortly before Newton's death, he said, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.” On Newton's tombstone is the following inscription: “John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”Delivery of Scriptural DoctrineScriptural worship always begins with properly understood truth. Truth ought to be the driver of our affections and should generate a response within the heart and life of the believer. These responses—whether of praise, surrender, giving, or serving—are the sacrifices of worship we offer to God. The essential nature of truth in our worship is seen in Jesus' words in John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”It is the beautiful communication of truth in “Amazing Grace” that has made it resonate so deeply in the hearts of Christians over the centuries. We sing in this hymn the wonderful realities we as Christians hold dear: the depth of our sin; the richness of Christ's grace and love; the comfort of God's presence, goodness, and care in our lives; and the ultimate hope for the believer in Heaven with God for all of eternity. The truths expressed in “Amazing Grace” are ultimately a reminder of the unlimited reach of God's grace in our salvation. This is reminiscent of the apostle Paul's encouragement in 1 Corinthians 6:11: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”Intergenerational Timelessness of TruthGreat songs are not relegated to a specific time period. In fact, wonderful and doctrinally rich songs communicating truth from God's Word can and are being written today. Even so, I am appreciative of the heritage that we as believers have in many great songs of the faith. One of the enduring values of a hymn like “Amazing Grace” is that it appropriately and excellently expresses truth about Who our God is, what He has done and desires to do, and what He has given us in Scripture. When we as believers understand these truths and the immeasurable value of our personal relationship with God, our hearts overflow with a desire to sing praise to God.There is great beauty in multiple generations participating in singing corporately to the Lord. “Amazing Grace” contains timeless truth through which both the old and the young, the time-tested Christian and the new believer, and those of any and all cultural and ethnic backgrounds can participate in worshiping the Lord.Isn't that the heart of God's grace? God loved the world (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:4–5, 1 John 4:10), He gave His Son for the world (Luke 19:10, John 1:17, John 3:16), He extends His grace to the world (Luke 19:10, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 2:4–9), and He desires “that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17, Romans 5:8–11, 2 Peter 3:9).May our hearts rest in and be refreshed by His amazing grace, and may we be encouraged to share the story of God's grace with the world!Editor's note: To hear a special 250-year anniversary arrangement of "Amazing Grace," performed by the West Coast Baptist College Choir and directed by Tyler Johnson, click here. Category Music Ministry Tags Music Music Ministry Grace