Mercy

If we go to Ephesians 2:8 the Bible says that we have been saved by grace through faith and that, not of ourselves for it was a gift from God. I want to speak to you about mercy - What does mercy mean? Well, the Oxford Dictionary says it is something to be grateful for.

Yes, it is an opportunity to say sorry. It is an opportunity to make amends and that is why, as an evangelist, the altar call is so critical - And to me the most important part of the whole service. It is where the battle is at its fiercest. The devil says, “Don’t move. Don’t make a fool of yourself. Don’t go up there and say sorry to Jesus.” The Lord says, “Repent and be saved.”

If you look at those old videos of Billy Graham, when tens of thousands of people come forward and bow the knee at the altar and ask for forgiveness, it warms my heart. I have seen it time and time again and it never ceases to amaze me.

In the early years, we used to sing that hymn, just as Billy Graham always did with his men:

Just as I am without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee
Oh Lamb of God, I come, I come

I want to tell you, my dear friend, just singing that little chorus... that verse brings tears to my eyes. I have seen husbands and wives, arm in arm, coming forward, tears streaming down their faces, asking for forgiveness. I have seen young men and their dads coming to the front and kneeling arm in arm. I have seen mothers and daughters coming forward, asking God for forgiveness. I have seen old people with walking sticks, some in wheelchairs, coming forward to say, “Lord, I am sorry!” God wants to say to you today, you too can say sorry.
God says:

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

I heard a preacher say once, “You can never do anything to make God love you any more and you can never do anything to make God love you any less.” He just loves you - Why don’t you call upon Him today?

I Peter 5:7 says: Cast your cares, your burdens upon Jesus because He cares for you.

He will take that burden that is crushing you. He will give you that forgiveness that you are looking for and He will give you new life.

Jesus bless you as you have a wonderful week.
God bless you and goodbye.