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We're all familiar with "Amazing Grace," but did you know that John Newton, the writer of that beloved song wrote many others. One of our favorites here at GSCC is "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds". The content of this song brings tears to my eyes every time I sing it. Enjoy. The lyrics are public domain. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds John Newton 1725-1807 How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear! It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds and drives away our fear. It makes the wounded spirit whole, and calms each heart oppressed; it's manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary rest. Dear name, the rock on which I build, my shield and hiding-place; my never-failing treasury, filled with boundless stores of grace! By you my prayers acceptance gain, although with sin defiled; Satan accuses me in vain since I am God's own child. Jesus, my shepherd, brother, friend, my Prophet, Priest and King, my Lord, my life, my way, my end, accept the praise I bring. Weak is the effort of my heart, and cold my warmest thought; but when I see you as you are, I'll praise you as I ought. Till then I would your love proclaim with every fleeting breath; and may the music of your name refresh my soul in death. Below is a video of a contemporary arrangement we like to sing it in. -Mark
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One of the mantras of our day in age is that God accepts who we are. This is usually done to get people to stop addressing behaviors we might be engaged in. However, God does NOT accept who we are. Who we are is just plain not good enough because it's a tainted version of humanity. We lost our authentic humanity when, in Adam, we ate a piece of fruit we were commanded not to. We're now sinners. He accepts who His Son is, however. He, the man Jesus Christ, the Word (who is both with God and is God) who BECAME flesh, succeeded where we failed. In Him, and only in Him, we find acceptance with God. That's the beauty of the Gospel. We have the promise of that authentic humanity restored in the hope (expectation) of the resurrection. We have the removal of our guilt in justification and a taste of that glorious hope in our sanctification. All of which is secured by that same Jesus in His life, death, and resurrection!!! I thank God for His grace freely given which was lavished upon us.
--Mark |
AuthorThoughts from our pastors.
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