How To Respond To God's Mercy (8-12-2016)

- How To Respond To God's Mercy -

Psalm 103:8,
"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy."

In Psalm 103, David is describing what God is like, and he uses the term, "merciful." Whereas God's grace is Him bestowing upon us blessings we do not deserve, mercy is simply God withholding from us the judgment we do deserve.

We all experience God's mercy to some degree, even the unsaved in God's delay of His judgment on their sin in order to prolong their opportunities to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

How should we respond to God's mercy?

RECEIVE IT!
We receive God's mercy by faith! By acknowledging to him our sinfulness. By acknowledging that we deserve His judgment. By placing our hope and trust in Jesus Christ (the embodiment of God's mercy) and what He did for us on the Cross. (Titus 3:5; Luke 18:9-14). This is salvation and salvation once received is settled for all eternity.
REFLECT IT!
(Luke 6:36, "Be ye therefore merciful, as your father also is merciful.") We are to show to others the mercy God has shown us. Note: this is true in all areas of God's loving kindness and grace shown to us.
REPORT IT!
The world needs to know that the true and living God, though holy and just, is also abundantly merciful. Our nation needs to understand God's mercy. Our homes need to know of God's mercy. Each and every individual on this planet needs to know about God's mercy as expressed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

The first of three big meetings we're having in the next couple of months begins this Sunday, August 14, with Dr. Chuck Harding preaching our "Constitutional Awareness Conference." The first session is during the Sunday School hour (9:45 a.m.). Then the preaching begins at 10:45 a.m. this Sunday and continues each evening at 7:00 p.m. Sunday - Tuesday. We are hosting a special "Pastor's Action Luncheon" on Tuesday, August 16 at 12:00 noon at the Perkin's restaurant in McHenry, MD. Call the church for more information or if you have any questions about the meeting or luncheon.

Our other two conferences scheduled are: The "Preaching Conference," Sept. 4-6, with Dr. Sam Davison preaching. The Lee Bowman family will be providing the special music with songs from the 1700's - 1900's. I know this will be a blessing and challenge to all who attend. Then Sept. 25-27 is our 22 Annual "Sword of the Lord Conference" with Dr. Shelton Smith, Dr. Norris Belcher, and Bro. Byron Foxx.

I look forward to seeing you in this meeting (and the others we have scheduled). If it is impossible for you to join us, please be much in prayer for God's blessing and for revival in the churches of our nation.

God bless you. Bring your Bible and a friend to church Sunday!