"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2)
And the reason is quite succinct. Without the Cross of Jesus all is lost; I am, you are, the world is.
In the middle of the night last night, I woke up with the words of an old hymn, "....grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!" I cannot remember the last time I was so impacted by something. I didn't, and still don't attempt to understand what happened. I do know, however, that I can add, "blessings all mine with ten thousand beside."
Here is some more from this unequaled worship song:
"Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the Mighty Cross.
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?"
Chorus: "Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!'
Father, in Jesus' Name, what more can I say than, "Glory to Your Name"? Amen.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2