Great Encouragement in Christ JESUS ~ 19 March, 2026 A.D.

 Is there a sinner here below,
Who looks to God above?
And as the object of His grace,
Can sing redeeming love?

Is there a soul from sin set free,
Now broken and contrite;
Who from a heart now thankful made,
Can praise our God aright?

Is there a tongue which once was filled,
With every word so vile;
That now can speak Jehovah’s praise,
Before His gracious smile?

Are there not many in our midst,
Made clean by Jesus’ blood;
Then lift each voice and send abroad,
God’s praises like a flood! 

-To the tune of, "O For A Thousand Tongues"

Words by preacher Gary Shepard

 

God the Holy Spirit is the sovereign, powerful Agent Who brings about the new birth in God’s people. In this new birth, He applies the resurrection life of Christ both in regeneration (giving them spiritual life) and conversion (turning them to Christ by God-given faith and turning them away from themselves by God-given repentance). 

He uses the Gospel message making it the power of God unto salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16-17; James 1:18). By this truth He reveals Christ to them in the glory of His Person (God manifest in the flesh) and the sure effectual nature of His obedience unto death as their Surety, Substitute, Redeemer, Intercessor, and Preserver. He uses the Gospel to convince them of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He makes it the Word of life and the savour of life unto life rather than the savour of death unto death as it is to those who live and die in unbelief. 

Believer, thank God, not only for the beauty of His truth as it is in Christ our Savior, our righteousness, but also for the spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear this beauty as well as the heart to receive and believe on Him Who is the Beauty of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. 

-preacher Bill Parker 

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