Wonderful, Merciful Savior/There Is No Other Name, Steve Camp

A young Steve Camp

In doing these music posts, I am always looking for music that brings Joy and Glory to our Great Savior! I have been looking for this music 'Wonderful, Merciful Savior' on You Tube for a while! But I just found it, and so am starting in with a thankful heart!


Steve Camp is "well-known for his strong views that Christian musicians are called to make direct, uncompromising music that confronts the world with the message of the Scriptures. Following Martin Luther's 95 thesis, on Reformation Day (October 31), 1998, he sent out his own 107 theses calling for a reformation in contemporary Christian music."


As a young man, he was encouraged by friend Keith Green to take a deeper stand for the gospel of Jesus, which he has done ever since. Once John MacArthur introduced at a him as "a Keith Green with theology". When studying music and business, he received a working knowledge of Scripture and theology, mastering the Greek language, and he has accomplished a library of historical and theological works.

Radio teaching

Here are some of the things he has to say about MERCY:

""O give thanks unto the Lord: for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever" (Psalm 136:1). For this perfection of the Divine character God is greatly to be praised. Three times over in as many verses does the Psalmist here call upon the saints to give thanks unto the Lord for this adorable attribute. And surely this is the least that can be asked for from those who have been such bounteous gainers by it."

" His mercy is "great" (1 Kings 3:6), "plenteous" (Psalm 86:5), "tender" (Luke 1:78), "abundant" (1 Peter 1:3); it is "from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him" (Psalm 103:17). Well may we say with the Psalmist, "I will sing aloud of Thy mercy" (Psalm 59:16). "

Lyrics:

''THERE IS NO OTHER NAME''
He is Lord of heaven, Lord of earth Our prophet, Priest and King
He has triumphed o'er sin's fatal curse
O death were is thy sting

There is no other name

There is no other name

Under heaven, whereby we are saved

There is no other name Jesus that name,
Jehovah saves O seed of Abraham By the blood of His cross

He has laid Salvation's perfect plan

''WONDERFUL MERCIFUL SAVIOR''

Wonderful, merciful Saviour

Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would have thought that a Lamb could

Rescue the souls of men

Oh, You rescue the souls of men


Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost the way Oh, we hopelessly lost the way


You are the One that we praise
You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace

Our hearts always hunger for

Oh, our hearts always hunger for


Almighty, Infinite Father Faithfully loving
Your own Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne

Oh, we're falling before Your throne

Supporting Scriptures:
"Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul." Psalm 103: 22

"My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever." Psalm 145: 21

"And when those beasts (see Rev. 4: 7-8) give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelations 4: 9-11

"There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins." Ecclesiastes 7:20 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3: 23

O Love Divine, Steve Pettit Ev. Team

Have there been times when I feel all alone in this world? Yes, many times! But, there are many reasons to conclude that we are not alone in our journey once we come to Christ Jesus as our Savior!

There are many companions that He has given to accompany us. Some are invisible, but no less real, than those we can see and touch. It is His great love for us - His divine love - that is beyond our imagining.

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31 :8

First, there is the person of Jesus Christ Himself. He gave Himself up to death so that we might live. He is our guiding Shepherd. He is our faithful Friend. He intercedes and pleads on our behalf before the throne of the Father.

Second, there are the saints that have gone before us and "surround" us!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12: 1

Three, He has sent us guardian angels, invisible, but real!

"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Hebrews 1: 14

And finally, we are with those who are alive now at the same time in history. Our brothers and sisters in the Lord, exhorting each other and sharpening each other as 'iron sharpens iron'. Indeed it is the divine love of Christ for us that draws us to Him through the Spirit.

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."—Romans 8:16, 17.

Evangelist Steve Pettit is widely known as a strong Bible preacher, emphasizing revival and evangelism. He has conducted evangelistic campaigns throughout the United States and foreign countries since 1985. Having worked with teenagers for nearly 30 years, he has spent his summers preaching in fundamental youth camps across America.The old hymn O Love Divine was written by Fanny Crosby and set to the Irish tune Star Of the County Down. It is a beautiful blending which the Pettit Team arranged, and you will probably hear it in you head over and over again.

The video here is a studio version and has great sound, but it is shortened. For free lead music of their arrangements, go here.

The video below is a live performance of the full hymn.


Lyrics:
1. O, Love Divine, amazing love,
That brought to earth from Heaven above,
The Son of God for us to die,
That we might dwell on high.

Refrain:
He died for you, He died for me,
He shed His blood to make us free
Upon the cross of Calvary.
My Savior died for me.

2. For us a crown of thorns He wore,
For us a robe of scorn He bore,
He conquered death and raised the grave,
And lives again our souls to save.

3. O, Wanderer, come I bid believe,
His grace by faith receive,
Awake our eyes and hear His call,
The feast is spread for all.

Supporting Scriptures:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3: 16

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5 :8

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone." Hebrews 2:9

Ancient Words, Robin Mark

Several Sundays ago, we had a gentleman speak to our church body about the Voice Of The Martyrs, an organization devoted to serving the persecuted church worldwide. He played a video clip of what was happening around the world in restricted countries where there is persecution and death for the sake of the name of Christ Jesus. It was difficult stuff to hear. He told us that in the 20th century more Christians died for Jesus than in all of history! And persecution is building.

An African elder receives his first Bible

The riveting part, though, was when the film he was showing recorded a room full of expectant Chinese underground believers opening boxes. There was incredible anticipation, and these precious believers received their own Bible, holding it to their lips and hearts, giving thanks. Many wept in gratitude! You could have heard a pin drop as we watched - we were stunned to realize how much we took the Word of God for granted . I felt grieved...and ashamed. I think we all did.

A talking radio

I have a renewed love and reverence concerning the Gift of Life, Jesus, and the Word He left us for our instruction, correction, growth, and sanctification. I pray I will never take it for granted again!

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.."
2 Timothy 3: 14-17

Ancient Words music and words were written by Lynn DeShazo. This version is performed by Robin Mark. From the CD, "Ancient Words: Words Inspired by the Dead Sea Scrolls" (various artists).

Robin Mark

This song portrays the validity and relevancy of God's Word for today. May we ever praise Almighty God for His 'love letters' and hold them close to our hearts!

Lyrics:
Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world they resound with God's own heart let the ancient words impart

Words of life words of hope give us strength help us cope in this world where'er we roam ancient words will guide us home

Ancient words ever true changing me changing you we have come with open hearts the faithful words of Christ

Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world they resound with God's own heart oh let the ancient words impart

We have come with open hearts oh let the ancient words impart oh let the ancient words impart

Supporting Scriptures:

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3: 14-17

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1- 2

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1: 14

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1: 17

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13: 8

My Redeemer, 2nd Chapter of Acts

The Roma people (or gypsies) face harsh discrimination that has lasted for centuries. In Romania, many gypsies have no birth certificates or marriage licenses; they are 'vagabonds'. Prejudice is widespread; they are looked upon as thieves and tramps. Outside of Christ, they lack hope.

Kevin Hoy, founder of The Smile Foundation, has worked in Romania for a decade. His first project was in Tileagd village where he helped to set up a school, a neighborhood store, and a church where many gypsies received Jesus.

Such overwhelming hopelessness has led many gypsies to embrace Jesus. In 2009, the “Toflea miracle” occurred, where 500 gypsies—the largest baptism in Romanian history—took place, reported CBN News. In 2010, hundreds more from the village turned to Christ. And the message is spreading...there is hope!

This video highlights the hope in Christ Jesus found by the Roma people. Please pray that more will continue to be drawn to the Redeemed of the world. A poignant reminder of all of our need!

Annie (Ward) Herring, (Matthew Ward's sister), is one of the voices I love best. She, Nellie, and Matthew were part of the 'Jesus Music' movement in the 70s as 2nd Chapter of Acts, later known as contemporary Christian music. See 2nd Chapter of Acts in archives 2/22/11 and Matthew Ward, 3/1/11.

The story of the 11 member Ward family growing up in North Dakota is remarkable. Both of their parents died, leaving the children to figure life out alone. Read the story here to learn the gracious care bestowed on them by our loving Lord.

Lyrics:
Here I go again
I'm thinking of the time when I will stand
and look into the eyes
of my Redeemer

Words won't come my way
And deep inside my silence echoing
I'll find my voice to sing of my Redeemer

And I know upon this earth I'll never find
The words that can express my heart, oh my

When with His words of life
He spoke and pulled my dark thoughts from the night
How can I repay my Redeemer

With His wounded hands
He held my broken heart to understand
I never can repay
My Redeemer

And I know upon this earth I'll never find
The words that can express my heart, oh my

Supporting Scriptures:
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

“You shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” Philippians 2:15-16

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Isaiah 53:5

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1

"No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever."
Revelations 22:3-5

All To Bring You Glory, Sandi Patty

Darlene Rose is one of my favorite heroines of the faith...matter of fact, she is right up there with Perpetua and Blandina, Corrie Ten Boom and Ida Scudder.

Darlene and her husband Russell, a veteran missionary, set foot on the island of Celebes in the (then) Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to remote tribes.

On returning from one trip to the Kapauku people, Russell's health had taken a tremendous toll. His feet had been affected by jungle rot after 17 days of walking in wet boots, and he had lost 60 pounds. He and his men had forded rivers, climbed mountains, hacked through jungle vines, and trekked up to their hips in mud and bog.

The treatment was to pick off all the rotted tissue right down to the raw, healthy tissue and apply an anti-fungal ointment. While Russell told amazing stories of their experiences (including their canoe capsizing and every man being saved), Darlene worked on his feet, caring tenderly for her man!

Dr. Robert Jaffray, an older missionary with them, saw the blood and pus and retired to his room, feeling sick. He came out several hours later, having written an article for The Pioneer, a missions magazine, and laid it before them to read:

"This morning I looked at the bleeding feet of a missionary, his wife tending them, the blood and pus running, and I thought to myself, "What a nauseating sight that is!" But, as I walked from the room, the Lord kept saying to me, "Oh, but to Me they are beautiful feet!"

Then I remembered - "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of them that bringeth good tidings" - good tidings to those men and women in New Guinea who sit in darkness and the shadow of death... Some day the last one will turn to Jesus. Then the clouds will part asunder and our Savior will be there!"

Once Russell's feet healed, he hoped to take Darlene to meet the Kapauku people who believed he was a spirit because he didn't have his wife with him. Darlene was excited and eager to meet them, as well. As she saw the men, women, and children running to them with gifts, she burst into tears and cried out "I'm home! I'm home!" In time, many came to the Lord, and a local church was born. Then the Japanese (WWII-Pacific theatre) invaded the islands. Their lives were about to change!

The book Evidence Not Seen is absolutely my favorite book; I encourage you to get and read it! For more on Darlene Rose see posts on Jan. 8, 2011 and Jan 27, 2011. Another link: http://johndubler.com/Darlene_Deibler_Rose_Part_I.pdf

Sandi Patty, with her magnificent voice, sings All To Bring You Glory. She, too, has first-hand seen how a loving Savior can turn bondage and misery into freedom and joy! For more on Sandi's story go to http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/aug/01/na-singers-story-connects-her-to-audiences/

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8: 28

Lyrics: included in video.

Supporting Scriptures:

" And he [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach good news to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister and sat down. and the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he begun to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." Luke 16-21

"Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." Deuteronomy 4: 23-24

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." Genesis 50: 20

"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." Revelation 17: 14

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29: 11

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." Romans 8: 28-30

"And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise...We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 6: 11-15; 19-20

Revelation Song, Kari Jobe

So who do you say Jesus is?

"I'm an atheist but deep down I'm really beginning to wonder. Something violent but honest and true (is) stirring in me. I think about my life and everything I've accepted and said was true and realize that whatever it was that seemed so important has come and gone... I think about a name so much now. YAHWEH." --anonymous listener

"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others,
Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven." Matthew 16: 13-17

So who do you say Jesus is? A philosopher, a mad man, or a prophet? A good teacher, a confused person? Who you believe Him to be will determine how you look at the world, how you live your life, the choices you make...and your eternity!

...You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!

Lyrics:

Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to him who sits on Heaven's mercy seat [2X]

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing Praise to the King of Kings You are my everything And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows, of living color Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be to You the only wise King

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing Praise to the King of Kings You are my everything
And I will adore You

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder At the mention of your name
Jesus your name is power Breath, and living water

Such a marvelous mystery

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come, With all creation I sing Praise to the King of Kings You are my everything And I will adore You [X3]

Supporting Scripture:

"And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." Isaiah 6: 3

"In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" Revelation 5: 12

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 4: 11

"From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God." Revelation 4: 5

“God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands." Isaiah 55:12

Glorious Day, Casting Crowns

Yesterday I woke to the beauty of an incredible sunrise. For some reason I have always thought that Christ will come again when the sun is shining! And while the Bible tell us that Jesus will reappear, it does not tell us when.

What it does tell us is found in Matthew 24 and 25 (also Mark 13 and Luke 21), known as the Olivet Discourse, a teaching given to the disciples when they asked about His return. These 4 chapters provide a comprehensive truth about the last days and a way to understand the end times.

Jesus tells about the first half of the tribulation in Matthew 24: 4-8 and the signs associated with Christ's return. They include 1) false messiahs (v.5); 2) reports of wars (v.6-7); and 3) natural catastrophes(v.7). These are only the "beginning of birth pangs"(v.8).

The Scientific American, the World Meteorological Organization, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency all agree that worldwide catastrophes are quickly increasing. The cause, they say, is global warming.


But the Bible tells us something different:

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." Matthew 24: 36-39

Lyrics:
One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

Chorus:
Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved One, bringing
My Savior, Jesus, is mine

Oh, glorious day

Supporting Scriptures:

"But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap." Malachi 3: 2

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4: 8

"If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work."
1 Corinthians 3: 12-13

" And then the lawless one [Satan] will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming."

2 Thessalonians 2: 8

"And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day."

2 Timothy 1: 11-12

Find the core beliefs of true Christians here. "...and they shall know us by our love."~ based on John 13 :35

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow, Diane Bish on pipe organ

After leaving Ravensbruck [concentration camp] in Germany, Corrie Ten Boom learned she had been released from prison by a mistake, and that all the women of her age in the prison had been killed. She had so much to be thankful for and spent the rest of her life praising the Lord Jesus for it in such books as The Hiding Place and Tramp for the Lord.



I didn't intend to write about Corrie Ten Boom at this time, but the tie to her in this music is just great! This is written on the website devoted to sharing her remarkable life:

"Corrie was raised in the Dutch Reformed church and had a good education. It is said the Ten-Boom family attended big, beautiful St. Bavo Church which is at the edge of the town square and a block or so from their home. She has told stories of playing in the church as a child. The pipe organ in the church is immense and very famous. It was once played by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and also by George Frederic Handel."

This video was filmed in the St. Bavo Church in Haarlem, Holland, which Corrie Ten Boom wrote about in The Hiding Place. It is the same organ the flamboyant Diane Bish is playing. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart called the organ the "King of instruments" - now you will see why.

Lyrics:
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Supporting Scriptures:
"Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases..." Psalm 103:1-3

"[God] who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began..."
2 Timothy 1:9

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—" Ephesians 2:8

"He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26

Lost and Found, Robin Mark

What do you call a man who was a trader and 'user' of slaves, threw a baby off the side of a ship when it wouldn't stop crying, and was ruthless from the age of the age of 11 when he left school and went to sea? By his own testimony, he was "an infidel and a libertine", finally owning his own slave ship.
Photo, 1868, off E. Africa.........>

During a particularly stormy voyage, when it seemed all would be lost, he began reading Imitation of Christ, written by Thomas a Kempis, a Dutch monk. This experience at sea was used by the Holy Spirit to change this hardened, cruel man's heart, and he eventually accepted Christ as his Savior.

Here was a man Lost in a sea of anger and rebellion against all that was decent! But once he tasted the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus as Savior, he was Found. His life would never be the same again, and he began serving the Lord he had once laughed at and mocked.

In later years, John Newton became a minister of the gospel and served for many years in Olney, England; he was especially effective when he told the story of his life and conversion. He worked diligently to crusade against slavery with William Wilberforce, and the year he died, 1807, the British Parliament abolished slavery throughout its domain. He wrote Amazing Grace with the words he so loved. "I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see." He never ceased to be amazed at the mercy of God.

On one occasion late in his life, he loudly proclaimed, "My memory is almost gone, but I remember two things. 'That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.' "

Robin Mark, a Northern Irish singer, songwriter, and worship leader based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, performs this particularly sweet song which reflects John Newton's life perfectly! May it reflect our joy in Christ's mercy when we sing it and share it with other Lost and Founds!

Lyrics:
When the rain falls, and it some days will,
and the pavement under my feet,
sparkles silver and gold, in reflected light
that I otherwise wouldn't have seen.

And when the storm comes and the strong wind blows
I will bow my head to push through;
And every step that I take, I will watch and pray
and be sure my foothold is true.

Jesus, don't You keep me from that storm
I wanna walk that sacred ground;
For You are Master of it all
And I am but a lost and found.

And in the dry place, in the wilderness
when Your word seems so far away,
Oh I will think of my life, and I will bless Your name;
For Your promises never have failed.

And when the night falls, at the end of days,
I will lift my eyes to the heavens,
and we will shine like the stars, for eternal days;
In Your presence forever and e'er.

So, Jesus, don't You keep me from that storm
I wanna walk that sacred ground;
For You are Master of it all
And I am but a lost and found.

Lost and found, lost and found
I am but a lost and found
For can there be a sweeter sound,
than singing with the lost and found?

Jesus don't You keep me from that storm
I wanna walk that sacred ground;
For You are Master of it all And I am but a lost and found.

Supporting Scriptures:

"So he [Jesus] told them this parable: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." Luke 15: 3-7

"Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house...For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19: 9-10

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1: 15

"The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm." Luke 8: 24

"And his disciples came to [him], and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish." Matthew: 25 Luke 8: 24

"That's My King", S.M. Lockridge

Today I am not going to post a praise chorus or a hymn, but a rousing, absolutely fabulous list of attributes to exalt the Lord God!

If you're not already familiar with S.M.Lockridge's "That's My King!" - then you should be! He speaks for six minutes about Jesus, and it's impossible not to listen without being touched by the wonder of our Lord.
S. M. Lockridge (born Shadrach Meshach Lockridge, 1913-2000) was the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, a prominent African-American congregation located in San Diego, California, from 1953 to 1993.


Dr. Lockridge, a retired Baptist pastor was spotted in the audience at the beginning of a Baptist convention. The organizer of the convention asked him to come up to the stage, and open in prayer.


What followed was a stunning description of what God means to Dr. Lockridge...

Supporting Scriptures:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

Psalm 19:1

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods." Psalm 97: 9

"For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods."
Psalm 96: 4

"Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" Romans 2: 4

"For we do not have a high priest [Jesus]who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4: 15

"When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he [Jesus] drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

“He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.” Matthew 8: 16-17

"That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10: 9-13