We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Monday, July 11, 2011

Amazing Love of God

Yesterday at our church we sang one of my favorite songs, Charles Wesley’s And Can It Be?  I never heard this song until we began going to Bible churches instead of Lutheran churches.  I think it has some powerful words to meditate on.
And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For Me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing Love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Refrain:
Amazing Love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father’s throne above;
So free, so infinite His grace.
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race.
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light.
My chains fell off; my heart was free.
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine;
Behold I approach th’ eternal throne
And claim the crown, thro’ Christ, my own.
I have found texts with more stanzas, but these four are what I usually find in hymnals.

3 comments:

Hermana Linda said...

This is one of my favorite hymns as well.

Christine said...

My dad has been a pastor of a bible teaching church for over 30 years now and this is his favorite hymn. Thank you for sharing!!!

Lois said...

Those Wesley boys sure know how to write hymns. This too, is one of my favorites.