Christ

Benefits for Believers

Benefits for Believers

Sean Vickers

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget none of His benefits.
He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases.
He redeems your life from the pit, He crowns your with faithful love and compassion.

He satisfies you with goodness, your youth is renewed like the eagle.

This is a Psalm of David that is a song of praise. In this Psalm David does not request anything. He simply praises his God.

I wonder how long you could talk to the Lord without asking for anythings? <- try it out

In verses 1-5, David mentions three things to remember that lead to a life that remembers to praise God.

1. Forgiveness Psalm 103:3

  • Perfect creation corrupted by sin
  • Hospital visitation

2. Redemption Psalm 103:4

  • Boaz the kinsman redeemer in the book of Ruth
  • President James Buchanan would purchase slaves in Washington D.C. and let them go in Pennsylvania.

3. Satisfaction Psalm 103:5

It Is Well
Bethel Music

Verse 1
Grander earth has quaked before
Moved by the sound of His voice
Seas that are shaken and stirred
Can be calmed and broken for my regard

Chorus
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well

And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
It is well with me

Verse 2
Far be it from me to not believe
Even when my eyes can’t see

And this mountain that’s in front of me
Will be thrown into the midst of the sea

Chorus
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
It is well

Bridge x3
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name (repeat last line during 3rd run)

It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well it is well with my soul x3

Chorus x2 (softly slowly)
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well with me.

IDentity Blessed

IDentity Blessed

Sean Vickers

IDentity – Blessed

Ephesians 1:3-14

#1 THE BLESSINGS OF BEING “IN CHRIST.” Ephesians 1:3

#2 BLESSINGS FROM GOD THE FATHER Ephesians 1:4-6

  • Chosen  by God

Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility. Baptist Faith and Message 2000

  • Adopted by God

#3 BLESSSINGS FROM GOD THE SON Ephesians 1:7-12

  • Redeemed by Christ
  • Informed by Christ

#4 BLESSINGS FROM GOD THE SPIRIT Ephesians 1:13-14

  • Marked by the Spirit

woody

  • Guaranteed by the Spirit

#5 BLESSED TO PRAISE Ephesians 1: 3,6,12 and 14

—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:14b (NIV)

Known by Love

Known by Love

Sean Vickers

 

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

This is a familiar passage from the Bible. It is frequently used in wedding ceremonies, vow renewal services and it is the sentiment in many Hallmark cards.

1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the mission church he started on one of his missionary journeys. The church at Corinth was having some problems and Paul was writing to correct and encourage this young church. Although we primarily use this passage to describe the love between a husband and wife, the original intent was to describe how people within the church should treat each other.

Paul paints a literary masterpiece with the theme of love. He describes what love is and what love is not. We all want to be loved and we all need to show love to others. Can you imagine belonging to a group of people that truly love each other like Paul is describing?

Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV) This life is not meant to be lived in isolation. The church is a great place to be loved and to love others. Chocolate and flowers are great, but belonging, truly belonging, to a group is sweet to the soul.

This article originally appeared in the Dalhart Texan and was written by Sean Vickers.