Jesus Saves!
Isaiah 53:12
During these very, very difficult and crucial times, being a Pastor remains one of the happiest privileges of my life. I’ve had many flocks in my years as an United Methodist minister, but I have to say…..and I say it without question, being a Shepherd to Depews Chapel United Methodist flock is one of the longest continual ministries and gifts I have ever known! There are other flocks that I have served, which also have been a gift to me from above, and I loved sharing their ultimate community and relationship in Jesus Christ, as well.
John 14:15: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” . . . Reveals how good this is, and how it remains a distinguished blessing that our Baptism in Christ blesses us in His willingness and His obedience to die for us on the Cross. It is the unqualified obedience of God’s commands which emphasizes the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, distinguished by His death on the Cross. He saves His flocks of whom we are a part in His Kingdom. Christ and Christ alone is Our Shepherd Who calls for our obedience!
Isaiah 53:12: “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Mark 8:34: “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
This desperate and dreadful plague that we’ve experienced has claimed over 2 million of the earth’s people, and a half a million plus of our own American citizens. We can be sure that Jesus Christ has remained our very best Shepherd. He, Who has given us the way, the truth, the life, and His personal effective love and affection. Jesus’ personal faithfulness and constant provision saves us.
Isaiah 49:10-11
“They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them. And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.”
We can be confident that we are His and He is ours. Indeed we were never out of His care. Call it providential and call it a miracle, it absolutely amazing that we have vaccinations which are taking place in less than a year. So many of our own citizens here in Northeast Tennessee and throughout the United States, if not already, can look forward to the being vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. It is an absolutely breathtaking thought!
We need to be together. My brothers and sisters, I emphasize that we need to be praying fervently and specifically, about getting together this coming weekend, March 21st. We may call these “baby steps” toward a new beginning of getting together face-to-face, possibly even in the Sanctuary by Easter Sunday morning. That’s my prayer; but in any event, we will be getting together!
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your participation. Thank you for the telephone conference calls of worship services, which many have enjoyed with us over the last few months. We know that Jesus is alive and Jesus is with us. Jesus saves our souls. Jesus is remarkable. What an amazing God we serve. Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves! Amen!
Depews Chapel United Methodist Church, March 14, 2021
“Link to YouTube Video – Jesus Saves”
