The Power of Mark 11:23

 “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. " 

Speak This for 5 Minutes a Day.

Just 5 minutes a day, spent doing one specific thing, can develop a faith and an authority in you that years of ordinary churchgoing never produced. Not 5 hours. Not a complicated regimen. 5 minutes, built on a single verse Jesus spoke that contains the blueprint for mountain-moving faith. Most believers read that verse, nod in agreement, and move on, never realizing it was meant to be practiced, not merely understood. When you turn it into a daily discipline, your faith grows in a way passive Christianity never accomplishes. 

Today prayer without ceasing ...

 LORD, POUR OUT YOUR SPIRIT ON ME TODAY

Lord, Fill My Day with Your Spirit This ..

DON'T BE ASHAMED OF JESUS CHRIST

Acknowledge Jesus Boldly Today, and You ...

JESUS, BE MY SHIELD TODAY

Pray That The Lion of Judah Will Fight for You.. 

LET GO OF THE SPIRITUAL BAGGAGE TODAY 

Lord, Help Me Let Go of What's Slowly Dragging Me Down..

MORNING PRAYER TO STAY SPIRITUALLY ALIVE

Pray This Before You Enter the Battlefield o..

SPEAK VICTORY OVER YOUR LIFE TODAY

Pray This to Stand Strong in Every Battle ..

PRAY FOR A RENEWED MIND TODAY

Pray This to Win the Battle in Your Mind

INVITE GOD TO SEARCH YOUR HEART

Before You Start the Day, Give God Your Heart ..

JESUS, DEFEND ME TODAY

Lord, Strengthen Me for Today's Spiritual Battle ..

PRAY LIKE THIS IS YOUR LAST DAY

Every Morning, Remind Yourself That Your Day ..

GIVE YOUR DAY TO GOD FIRST

Commit Everything to the Lord Today

BE A LIVING TESTIMONY OF JESUS TODAY

Who Is Jesus to You? Let This Morning Pray.

GOD, I'M TIRED -- TAKE OVER NOW

Pray This When You've Reached Your Limit

CLAIM YOUR AUTHORITY IN CHRIST TODAY

God Is Fighting for You Even Now

LORD, PROTECT ME FROM DECEPTION

This Is Why So Many Christians Are S..

EVERY MORNING, REMEMBER GOD'S GOODNESS

God Is Still Good - Even When the Answer Is ..

CAST OUT EVERY FEAR TODAY

Lord, Let Your Love Cast Out Every Fear in..

INVITE GOD'S HAND OVER YOUR DAY

A Prayer for When You Don't Know What ...

PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES TODAY

Lord, Teach Me to Pray for Those Who Hurt Me...

LORD, REFINE ME IN THE WAITING

Lord, I Surrender This Morning -- Even in the ...

LORD TAKE MY HEART OF STONE

I Was Running on Empty... Until Grace Found Me..

JESUS, LEAD ME ONE STEP AT A TIME

Lord, Help Me Trust You When I Don't Know..

JESUS, DON'T PASS ME BY TODAY

Lord, Help Me Seek You Like Zacchaeus Did Today...

CHASE GOD FIRST, NOT BLESSING

Don't Let Blessing Push God Aside In Your Life..

HEAL THE PART THAT KEEPS SINNING

God, I Don't Want to Be a Slave to Sin Anymore..

PSALM 136 GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD

I Give thanks to the Lord Every Morning

LORD MAKE MY BODY A HOLY TEMPLE FOR YOU

Let the Holy Spirit Enter Your Life and Cleanse ..

YOU'RE NOT TOO BROKEN FOR GOD

Nothing Can Separate You From God's Love

GOD STILL BLESSES YOU FOR THIS REASON

This Is Why God Is Good -- Even to Those..

SEEK GOD'S PRESENCE FIRST EVERY MORNING

God, Before the Day Begins, Fill Me With Your Presence..

LOVE GOD FIRST -- THE REST COMES AFTER

Lord, Teach Me to Love You with All My Heart ..

GIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT THE START OF YOUR DAY

Before You Pray Each Morning, Invite the Holy Spirit..

JEREMIAH 29, CALL ON GOD FIRST

Call on God First - Before You Call Anyone Else..

SAY THIS WHEN FEAR TRIES TO TAKE OVER

Lord, Deliver Me from the Spirit of Fear..

From the base to the top :   

(top) Charity 

Brotherly Kindness 

Godliness 

Patience 

Temperance 

Knowledge 

Virtue 

Faith

THE STATURE OF A PERFECT MAN  -- 2 Peter 1: 5 - 9

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; 

6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 

7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 

8 For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

9 But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

STRENGTH FOR TODAY

Let God Be Your Strength When You Feel Small

GOD, DRAW ME CLOSER TODAY

Search Me O God and Draw Me Closer Today..

REFLECT GOD'S LOVE TODAY

THANK YOU GOD

Father, Teach Me to Give Thanks in Every Thing..

The biblical command to "give thanks in everything" is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which states: "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." This instruction is part of a trio of commands by the Apostle Paul to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.

.

SERMONS IN SONG; #1A ; “HOW GREAT THOU ART”

SERMONS IN WORSHIP SONGS

We are commanded as we sing to teach one another (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16) and to sing with both the Spirit and the understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15).  Because of this, every song we sing ought to present a message that is true to God's word.  With that in mind, from time to time, we have been examining some of the songs we sing.

The following are sermons presented every few months that note the messages of these songs.  May these studies increase our worship to God as we understand the songs. 

“HOW GREAT THOU ART”
Sacred Selections, #1A

Tonight we want to examine another song that we sing from time to time.  This song traces its roots back more than 125 years ago when the basis of it was a Swedish hymn entitled, “O Store Gud” which means, “O Great God”.  It was originally written by Carl Boberg in 1885.  Boberg composed the hymn simply as a poem.   Several years later he heard his poem put to the melody of a Swedish folk song.   After returning home from a walk from worship services.  He had seen a thunderstorm on the horizon with lightening in the sky and strong winds in the meadows, and then the rain.  After the storm there was a rainbow.  Arriving at home he opened his window and saw the bay of Monsteras nearby and in the woods he heard the singing of birds.  These observations prompted him that evening to write the first two of the poem that would become this hymn.   When it was first sung in public it contained 8 verses, with a ninth verse added in 1891.

Through a series of events, it was translated into German, then into Russian and later It was translated in to English first by E. Gustav Johnson.  In 1925 he translated several verses of the original song, which are different from the version we have, and entitled, “O Great God.”

The version found in our song book was published in 1949 by Stuart K Hine, who was a British Methodist missionary.  The first two verses were based upon the original though some say that Hine had a similar experience with his wife in the Carpathian Mountains of Russia where he was a missionary.  That could explain different wording for his verses 1 & 2.  However, vs. 3 & 4 were based upon events that he observed which we will notice as we examine those verses.    
According to Manna Music Inc, there have been more than 1700 documented recordings of this hymn, second only to Amazing Grace.

                As we examine the message of this hymn, we realize that its origin is in denominational circles, but its message is true to God’s word and thus we can sing it scripturally (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16).  Let us now examine the message of this hymn. 

 I.                    Verse 1 is descriptive of the power and awe of God

a.        O Lord My God – As this song begins it acknowledges our Creator.  The term Lord at times refers to Jesus, but at other times it refers to God the Father.  Especially in the Old Testament, the term LORD acknowledged Him – Psalm 48:8, 11, Rev. 21:22, Gen. 2:7 which says, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being.”  This is the first of 538 times in the NKJV we read the expression “Lord God.”
In our song, right at the beginning, we find an acknowledgment of the greatness of God as our Lord or ruler.
Of course, all three of the Godhead were involved in the creation of the world and similar acknowledgment could be made of them all.

b.       When I in awesome wonder- truly God is to be held in awe and reverence.
The idea of awe is to view with great amazement and wonder.  It is an acknowledgment that involves respect.  In every aspect of life and His being, God ought to be held in awe.
Psalm 33:8 says, “Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.”
Psalm 111:9 says, “Holy and awesome is His name.”  (The KJV & ASV say, “Holy and reverend is His name.”)
Hebrews 13:28 tells us that we ought to serve God with “reverence and godly fear.”

c.        Consider all the worlds thy hands have made –
The rest of this verse describes some of God’s creation - stars, thunder, “Thy power throughout the universe displayed”. 
I see in these expressions of this verse the greatness of God’s power – in the stars we find innumerable strength. 

                                                   i.      There are billions and billions of stars, all created by God.  The vastness of our universe within itself is a declaration of power!

                                                  ii.      Thunderings are often associated with power as well – the result of lightening in the atmosphere produces a deafening sound that will demand the attention of anyone and strike fear.  Often the voice of God is described in terms of thundering calling for the great awe He deserves (Ex. 19:16, 20:18; Psa. 18:13, 29:3, etc.)

Romans 1:20 tells us, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and godhead, so that they are without excuse…” 
When man considers the intricacy of this world, how can he deny the existence of a creator?
Psalm 19:1-6 tells us that “the heavens declare the glory of God.”

II.                  Verse 2 describes how in nature we see evidence of God and His peace –

a.        Vs. 2 is descriptive of our awareness of God as we look at nature. 
As noted in the introduction, the words of this verse were the result of observations by the author.   They were written as the calm after the storm rendered a serene peace.  Wandering through the woods and forest glades (an open space in a forest), feeling a gentle breeze, hearing the birds and the meandering brook, viewing the majesty of nature from the top of a mountain.

b.       Man has sought to create some wonderful things and places to go.  But no matter how much he does, nothing compares to that hike in the midst of a forest where for miles around you see nothing but the majestic nature of God.  As you drive along a scenic highway, you pull over to view the grandeur.  Made created the overlook, but it was GOD who created the view that warranted it. 

c.        The author saw God’s presence, power and peace in nature.
We could spend hours discussing how the existence of God is demonstrated in the smallest and greatest things in this world (and beyond).  But let us suffice to say that as we consider all that He has made may it humble us to declare how truly great He is. 

d.       And may it give us a “peace that surpasses all understanding.” (Phil. 4:7)  Col 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

e.       Consider with these first 2 verses, Psalm 8 speaks of the excellence of God and how it ought to humble us.
Psalm 33:6-9 says, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth…” 

 III.                Verse 3 – God’s grace and our salvation

a.        It is recorded that this verse was penned as Mr. Hine and his wife were visiting a village in Russia.  After inquiring for the whereabouts of Christians in the village, he and his wife arrived at the home where the only believers in town were assembled he listened as the “call to repentance” was being issued.  Rather than disrupting the occasion, he stood outside and listened hearing various responses of repentance.  He wrote down some of the phrases he heard and they became part of vs. 3.

b.       And when I think that God His Son not sparing, sent Him to die -
As great and marvelous as nature is in demonstrating the awesomeness of God, it pales in comparison to what He did for us.
John 3:16 says, “For God SO loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”
1 John 4:9-10, “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

c.        I scarce can take it in -
Think about this – the earth is a single planet orbiting around an insignificant star (the sun) in a universe that is 1000s of light years in size and continually expanding.  On this planet, there are more than 3 BILLION souls among the billions of billions of living things.  Of all the things in this vast universe, you and I are created “in the likeness of God” AND blessed with a soul that has opportunity to spend eternity with Him.  It is true that everyone of us is SPECIAL!
And when you consider all that happens in this world, both good and evil, God CARES about you and me so much that He provided a plan by which we can be saved.  He sent His Son!
Paul thought about this, “Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His ways past finding out.”  Rom. 11:33
Eph. 3:14-18 describes the “width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Psalm 40:5, “Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them,

They are more than can be numbered.”

d.       That on the cross, my burdens gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sins -
Jesus died on a cross for OUR sins!  1 Pet 2:24-25 says that He, “Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness.  By whose stripes you are healed.”  See also Heb. 9:28, He was offered once to bear the sins of many.
1 Pet. 4:1 says that He suffered for us in the flesh.
John the Baptist introduced Jesus saying, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!”  John 1:29 

 IV.                Vs. 4 – Hope for future times.

a.        It is said this verse was penned at the end of WWII.   Hine was visiting Russian refugees at a camp in England.  One of the professed Christians told of his life - that at the end of the war he had been separated (unwillingly) from his wife because of circumstances.  When separated his wife was a believer and he was not.  Since then he had become a believer and hoped to one day be reunited with his wife so that they could share their faith together.  But he told Hines he did not think it would happen and was therefore longing for the day when they would meet in heaven and could spend eternity together.  This account resulted in the 4^th verse of our song.

b.       When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation - we are told in scripture that the Lord will return one day and the world will be judged. 
2 Cor. 5:10 says we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 describes the comfort we can have and with which we ought to comfort one another because the Lord will return.
2 Thessalonians 1:7 that those who trouble us will be addressed and we will find rest “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels.”
Acts 1:11, the disciples were told that as the Lord ascended He would return one day.

c.        And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart -
1 Thess. 4:16-17 says, “…And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
1 Cor. 15:50-56 describes how we will be changed and find our victory in Jesus Christ.

d.       Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, “My God how great thou art” -
We are told in Phil. 2:10-11 that every knee shall bow before His name and every tongue will confess Him.  For the doomed and rebellious this will be a great day of dread.  But for the redeemed, this will be an honor and a great day of glory.  With gladness we will profess, “MY God how great Thou art!”  In The book of Revelation we read of the throne of God on several occasions – before the throne there is constant worship and adoration of God – Rev. 4:8 – four living creatures  praise Him saying , “holy, holy, holy”; 4:10 – the 24 elders praise the Lord as worthy of glory, honor and power; 5:11-12 – as the Lamb of God who was slain is revealed we find the living creatures, the elders and many thousands of angels, and every creature in heaven and on the earth  praising Him; 7:10-12 describes a great multitude who overcame tribulations standing around the throne saying “Salvation belongs to  our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”; and Rev. 19:4-7 where in victory God is again praised saying, “Alleluia!  For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns.  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”
The point is that before God there will be praise and glory and “thus we shall always be with the Lord.”  Peter said, “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Pet. 3:13)

e.       Friends – are you looking forward to that day?

V.                  Chorus –

a.        Then sings my soul – with joy we ought to sing of our hope.  James 5:13.

b.       My Savior God to thee – in our singing we must first remember that we are praising God.
With gladness we ought to continually praise God with the fruit of our lips – Heb. 13:15.
Ephesians 5:19 tells us to sing and make melody in your hearts to the Lord.

c.        How Great Thou Art – Read Psalm 145:1-7

 And thus we have examined the words of another song we sing from time to time.  May we as we sing this song do so with the hope God desires that we have as we humbly submit to Him in all things.

 In conclusion: There are two additional verses that Hine presented primarily in Russian, but when translated into English prove compelling.  They say:

O when I see ungrateful man defiling
This bounteous earth, God's gifts so good and great;
In foolish pride, God's holy Name reviling,
And yet, in grace, His wrath and judgment wait.

When burdens press, and seem beyond endurance,
Bowed down with grief, to Him I lift my face;
And then in love He brings me sweet assurance:
'My child! for thee sufficient is my grace'.

Arabic: aldam الدم THE BLOOD

 (كلمات الأغنية) الدم

١.

أنا مُخلَّصٌ بالدم،

بدم الحمل

أنا مُعافىٌ بنعمة،

العظيم الذي أنا هو.

إن تعثَّرتُ أو سقطتُ،

فسأنهضُ ثانيةً، بعد كل شيء

أنا مُخلَّصٌ

بدم الحمل.

٢. أنا مُعافىٌ بالجراح،

التي وُضِعَت في سده،

أنا مُعافى، أنا مُعافى،

أعترفُ دائمًا.

مع أن أعراضي تُخادع،

مهما كان الأمر، أؤمن

"أنا مُعافىٌ بدم الحمل".

لا تستسلم، لا تشك

استرح فيه، هذا هو المهم.

حمل خطيئتك، دفع الثمن،

اقبل تضحيتك.

(kalimat al'ughniati) aldam

1.

'ana mukhlas bialdum,

bidam alhamla.

'ana mueafa biniemata,

aleazim aladhi 'ana hu.

'iin tethart 'aw sqttu,

fsanhd thanytan, baed kuli shay'

'ana mukhlas

bidam alhamla.

2. 'ana mueafa bialjarahi,

alati wudieat fi jasadihi,

'ana mueafa, 'ana mueafa,

aetrf dayman.

mae 'ana 'aeradi tukhade,

mahma kan al'amra, 'uwmin

"'ana mueafa bidam alhamla".

la tastaslim, la tashuku

astarih fihi, hadha hu almuhima.

hamal khatiyataka, dafe althamani,

aiqbal tadhiatika. 

(English)  (Song lyrics) THE BLOOD 

1. 

I am saved by the Blood,

By the Blood of the Lamb.

I am healed by the Grace,

Of the GREAT I AM.

  Should I stumble or fall,

I'll rise again, after all 

I am saved

By the Blood of the Lamb.

2

I am healed by the stripes,

That they placed in His Flesh,

I am healed, I am healed,

I always confess.

Though my symptoms deceive,

No matter what, I believe

"I am healed by the Blood of the Lamb."

Don't give in, don't you doubt

Rest in Him , that's what is about.

He took your sin, He paid the price, 

Accept your Sacrifice . 

Fijian : NA DRA .

 (Vosa ni sere) NA DRA .

1.

Au sa vakabulai ena Rarawa, .

Ena Dra ni Lami.

Au sa vakabulai ena Yalovinaka, .

Ni LEVU AU. 

Meu tarabe se bale, .

Au na tucake tale, ni oti kece .

Au sa vakabulai .

Ena Dra ni Lami.

2

Au sa vakabulai ena mavoa, .

Me ra biuta ena Nona Lewe, .

Au sa vakabulai, au sa vakabulai, .

Au dau vakatusa.

Dina ga ni veivakacalai na noqu ivakatakilakila, .

Se cava ga, au vakabauta .

"Au sa vakabulai ena Dra ni Lami."

Kakua ni soli iko, kakua ni vakatitiqa .

Vakacegu vei Koya , oqori na ka e baleta.

E taura na nomu ivalavala ca, E sauma na kena isau, .

Ciqoma na nomu iSoro .

(English)  (Song lyrics) THE BLOOD 

1. 

I am saved by the Blood,

By the Blood of the Lamb.

I am healed by the Grace,

Of the GREAT I AM.

  Should I stumble or fall,

I'll rise again, after all 

I am saved

By the Blood of the Lamb.

2

I am healed by the stripes,

That they placed in His Flesh,

I am healed, I am healed,

I always confess.

Though my symptoms deceive,

No matter what, I believe

"I am healed by the Blood of the Lamb."

Don't give in, don't you doubt

Rest in Him , that's what is about.

He took your sin, He paid the price, 

Accept your Sacrifice . 

Salvation and Healing in the Blood of Christ Jesus

 (Song lyrics) THE BLOOD 

1. 

I am saved by the Blood,

By the Blood of the Lamb.

I am healed by the Grace,

Of the GREAT I AM.

  Should I stumble or fall,

I'll rise again, after all 

I am saved

By the Blood of the Lamb.

2

I am healed by the stripes,

That they placed in His Flesh,

I am healed, I am healed,

I always confess.

Though my symptoms deceive,

No matter what, I believe

"I am healed by the Blood of the Lamb."

Don't give in, don't you doubt

Rest in Him , that's what is about.

He took your sin, He paid the price, 

Accept your Sacrifice . 

WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD

 WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD 

Tonight, we want to examine the message of “When I See the Blood”, a song we sing from time to time.   This particular song is interesting as it appeals to an event recorded in the Old Testament, but finds its real fulfillment in Jesus.  And, as we consider what Jesus did for us, we make application to our lives.  

The song was written by John G. Foote (1854-1901) in Iowa.  We know very little about him, other than he was associated with the Presbyterian church.  This song, published in 1892, is the only known hymn of his that we have.   The message of this hymn is one that reminds us of our hope in Jesus.  One day we will stand before God in judgment, but the blood of Jesus can save us from eternal wrath.  Let us consider the teachings of this song.

 I.                     The Account

a.       Exodus 12:13 – Israel has been in Egypt for centuries and in miserable slavery.  Moses has been sent to Pharaoh to release the people.  Pharaoh refused which resulted in 10 plagues that devastated the land.  The 10^th plague was of special significance to the children of Israel.   It was announced as the death of the firstborn of both man and beast.
However, Israel was given instructions as to how to avoid this plague.  The events would become an annual observance for them known as the Passover.  
In Exodus 12, the children of Israel were instructed to take a lamb without blemish and at twilight on the 14^th of that month they were to kill the lamb.  With the meat they observed a feast with unleavened bread as they prepared for their exodus from Egypt. 
They were also instructed to take some of the blood of the lamb and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of their houses (12:7).  It was announced that about midnight, the angel of death would pass through the land of Egypt and execute judgment.  Then in vs. 13 we read, “Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” 

b.       Jesus, is OUR Passover Lamb – 1 Corinthians 5:7, (cf. John 1:29). Furthermore, a study of the crucifixion shows that it was DURING the Passover feast that Jesus was put to death.  It was the Passover meal that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:19, 26-29).  John addresses the Passover as it relates to the death of Jesus in several passages (John 13:1, 18:28-29, 19:14).

c.        When God sees the blood of Jesus, He forgives our sins – the intended message of this song is to relate the statement to the Jews being delivered from the angel of death, to our being delivered from death because of our sins.  While not stated in those exact words, we do find a correlation.

                                                   i.      Sin is a terrible thing.  Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death.  In scripture, sin is referred to in terms of bondage or slavery – John 8:34 – Jesus said that whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 

                                                 ii.      The Bible has much to say about blood and our redemption.  Ephesians 1:7 says we have redemption on Christ Jesus, “through His blood” (also Colossians 1:14).  Hebrews 9:12-14 notes the sacrifice of Jesus was with His own blood “one for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
It was blood that was shed, “for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:26)
Romans 3:25 that the blood of Jesus appeased the wrath of God (propitiation) having “passed over the sins that were previously committed.”
1 Peter 1:18-19 – we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ

                                                iii.      We need to come in contact with that blood.  But how? Acts 2:38 (same as Matthew 26:26).  Romans 6:3-6 – baptized into His death – that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
In this chapter Paul continues to emphasize this noting that we are no longer slaves of sin, but slaves of righteousness – Romans 6:16-18.
Revelation 1:5 speaks of our being us being washed from our sins in His own blood.

d.       The chorus of our song, repeats this promise to us as we come in contact with His blood

 II.                   Verse 1 – Jesus paid the cost

a.       Christ, our Redeemer, died on the cross – this is what we have been addressing.  He is the One in whom we hope. 

b.       Died for the sinner, paid all his (our) due – Jesus paid the price God demanded – He died for us.  Romans 5:8. 1 Corinthians 15:3 – Christ died for our sins.
Be reminded that a redeemer is one who pays the price or delivers another. In terms of being slaves to sin, He paid the price to free us of that deadly state.

c.        All who receive Him need never fear – salvation is available to all.  - John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
And He must be “received” - most songs (obviously) do not mention everything one must do in dealing with a given situation.  There are many words that in context imply everything involved in a process.  We often talk about “the faith” (Jude 3, Eph. 3:8, etc.) meaning everything we do, or “the gospel” (Romans 1:16, 1 Cor. 15:1) being inclusive of everything preached.  Our song simply says, “received” which rightly talks about us doing what we need to do to “receive” salvation. 
WE understand this to include H, B, R, C, be Baptized.

d.       Yes, He will pass, will pass over you – the blood of Jesus will lead us to heaven in the day of Judgment.    More on this in vs. 3.

 III.                 Verse 2 – Chiefest of sinners Jesus can save

a.       Chiefest of sinners Jesus can save – it doesn’t matter what you have done in times past, you CAN be saved.  The blood of Jesus can forgive any sin. 
Paul described himself as chiefest of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15)
Be reminded of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – such were some of you.
(NOTE: Don’t confuse forgiveness with consequences)

b.       As He has promised, so He will do – Jesus realized He had a job to do and it was about our sins.  John 4:34, “Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”

c.          He said, finished His work (John 17:4, 19:30)
Seeing this completion, with confidence we know that Jesus CAN do what He promises us.  2 Timothy 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,“

d.       O sinner hear Him, trust in His word – some might see this as espousing faith only, but only if you limit “trust” to “faith only.”  We know that our salvation depends upon our willingness to hear Him and trust (believe) what He says!  OBEY the Gospel!  Ephesians 1:13, “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,”

As we continually emphasize, trusting God means more than mental acknowledgement.  It IS an acknowledgment that will do what he says.  Consider 1 Peter 3:21 – it is “the answer of a good conscience toward God.  Cf. 1 Timothy 6:17 – the rich commanded NOT to trust in riches, but in God

e.       Then He will pass, will pass over you – THEN!  Conditional.

 IV.                 Verse 3 – Judgment is coming

a.       Judgment is coming, all will be there – we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.  He has appointed a day – Acts 17:30-31, Romans 1410-12 – we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ – and give an account of ourselves to God.

b.       Who have rejected, who have refused – it will be a sad day for many.   Matthew 25:31-32, 41, 46; John 5:28-29 – the hour is coming when all who are in the grave will hear and come forth to judgment. 
This reminds us of the reality of an eternal torment for those who will not obey the gospel – 2 Thess. 1:6-8, Romans 2:5-10, Revelation 20:12-15 – books opened and anyone not found written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone.

c.        O sinner hasten, let Jesus in – a call to obey Him!  He knocks – Revelation 3:20.    John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

d.       Then He will pass, will pass over you – It is through the blood Jesus that we will find our forgiveness on that day. 

  V.                   Verse 4 – Jesus has power & is true

a.       O what compassion, o boundless love – this verse focuses on the character of Jesus that made this salvation possible.  One of things that can prick our hearts is a realization of the grace of God manifest in His sending Jesus.  AND of the love Jesus has for us. 
Jesus loved us – John 15:12-13, He lays down His life for His friends.  Revelation 1:5, “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.”  Galatians 2:20 – He loved me and gave Himself for me.
He also had compassion – He demonstrated this throughout His life – Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, 20:34, etc.   Cf. Philippians 2:5-8 – Jesus humbled Him and became flesh to die for us.

b.       Jesus hath power, Jesus is true – amen!  Romans 1:4, Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness.  Ephesians 6:10 Paul calls for us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
He is also true – John 14:6, 1:14 – He was full of grace and truth; vs. 1;7 – truth came through Him
Ephesians 4:21 – as the truth is in Jesus – we have heard and been taught by Him

c.        All who obey are safe from the storm – the original said, “all who believe” – we again are reminded of our need to “accept” His offer of salvation.  We need to “obey the gospel”.
Consider also 1 John 1:7 – if we keep walking in the light, we will be cleansed of our sins.  (This includes repentance and asking forgiveness). 

d.       O He will pass, will pass over you – again we are reminded of the theme.  One thought – begins with “O” – in this case, a point of emphasis.  You might say, “Oh HOW” or “O, to what degree” will he pass over you.

 

Our hope is built upon the blood of Jesus.  One day we will stand in judgment and it is ONLY His blood that can save us.  But, as we have seen, we must contact that blood – through obeying the gospel.  Have you?  Are you remaining faithful?  Let this song remind you that there is hope as we live our lives in this uncertain world.  Be ready for that day.