The Undeniable Worthiness of Jesus to Receive Praise, Honour and Glory!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 August 2026   Ephesians 1:7.

Ephesians 1:7.        In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

A new day has dawned bright and sunshiny my people! It’s also the first day of the week, Sunday, the Lord’s Day, and thankfully we’re still alive to enjoy it. So, it’s our bounden duty then to attend the Lord’s sanctuary so we can give thanks and praise for all the good things He’s done for us, especially the offering of His Son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice to pay for our abominable sins! It’s the greatest gift ever given to mankind! And today’s song of worship is one that addresses that very fact. It’s most appropriately titled ‘Praise Him, Praise Him,’ one of the many hymns of the blind American hymn writer Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), written in 1869, with the musical tune composed by Chester G. Allen.

The hymn celebrates Jesus as our “blessed Redeemer” and praises his amazing gifts of salvation and redemption. Let’s therefore offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a heartfelt, mid-tempo version of the song, ensuring that all who hear us know that we’re truly sincere in our praise! Singing: ‘Praise him! Praise him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Sing, O earth – his wonderful LOVE proclaim! Hail him! hail him! highest archangels in glory, Strength and honor give to his holy name! Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard his children – In his arms he carries them all day long:

(Refrain: Praise him! Praise him! tell of his excellent greatness! Praise him! Praise him! ever in joyful song!) Praise him! Praise him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! For our sins he suffered and bled and died; He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation, Hail him! hail him! Jesus the Crucified! Sound his praises – Jesus who bore our sorrows – LOVE unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong: [Refrain] Praise him! Praise him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring! Jesus, Savior, reigneth for ever and for ever, Crown him! crown him! Prophet and Priest and King! Christ is coming, over the world victorious – Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong: [Refrain]’

Oh my brethren, all of heaven sang along with us, because they too recognize the goodness and greatness of Jesus and also wanted to offer their own sacrifices of praise. And truthfully, there’s no praise that we can ever offer that can truly capture the awesome sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf, offering up His sinless life, taking our sins, so that we could become the righteousness of God.  As Bruh Paul says in 2 Corinthians: ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Christ.’ (2 Cor.5:21)

Yes friends, we’re declared righteous in God’s eyes based on the merits of Christ’s work. As the song so rightly says: ‘Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! For our sins he suffered and bled and died;’ Job said it long ago: ‘For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day (at last) upon the earth.’ (Job 19:25) Meanwhile Isaiah writes: ‘Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts: I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.’ (Is. 44:6) And again: ‘For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.’ (Is. 54:5)

And Isaiah is there prophesying about the Lord becoming both the Maker and husband of the Gentiles, the Redeemer of all men, while also being the Holy One of Israel. Therefore, He is the God of the whole earth. And after Christ’s sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, the Gentiles were indeed brought into the fold of Almighty God, starting with the amazing zeal and hard work of Bruh Paul, whom the Christ sent to preach especially to the Gentiles. That’s why in the letter to the Ephesians, he could say of God: ‘To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved (bestowed grace or favour on us). In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.’ (Eph. 1:6-7)

Yes mih bredrin, it was all the Lord’s doing through His wonderful LOVE for His human creation. He sent Jesus to die on the cross so that His blood could redeem us, set us free from the bondage of sin, and reconcile us back to himself. That’s why He’s so worthy of our praise and LOVE, and the psalmist could rightly declare: ‘Praise ye the Lord (shout hallelujah). Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power (mighty firmament). Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness…. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord (shout hallelujah).’ (Ps. 150:1-2,6)

Then we have that beautiful imagery in the song: ‘Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard his children – In his arms he carries them all day long:’ Jesus indeed referred to Himself as a shepherd: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11) Which is exactly what He did on the cross of Calvary. Then later he also declared: ‘I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.’ (John 10:14) More gospel truth again, for Jesus does indeed know all those who truly know Him as Lord and Saviour. And way back when Isaiah also referred to the Lord as a shepherd. ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is. 40:11)Yes, the Lord takes good care of His people like a shepherd takes good care of his sheep.  

And there’s absolutely no doubt that ‘Jesus is our Rock, and our hope of eternal salvation.’ Bruh David says it so eloquently in Psalm 18: ‘I will LOVE thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler (shield), and the horn (strength) of my salvation, and my high tower (stronghold). I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.’ (Ps. 18:1-3) And that’s what he did, and the Lord saved him from His enemies. And since the Lord doesn’t change, if He did it for Bruh David, then He will also do it for all who sincerely call upon His Holy Name for help!  

Meanwhile because of Jesus’ sacrifice, the Lord ‘Hath also highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Phill. 2:9-11) And then, when Jesus comes as the righteous Judge, the Bible says: ‘And he hath on his vesture (robe) and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’ (Rev. 19:16)

And there’s also joy and singing in heaven, ‘Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!’ when ‘ John says in Revelation: ‘And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts (living creatures) and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessings, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts (living creatures) said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. ’ (Rev. 5:11-14)

Yes my people, that’s only a foretaste of how it will really be. Much LOVE!

…our great Godhead…Father, Son and Holy Ghost…are indeed worthy of all our praise…and even more…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Necessity for Christians to Know and Understand the Great Importance of Christ’s Death and Resurrection in Their Faith!

Job 19:25.        ‘For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day (at last) upon the earth.’

Another sunny Sunday has come upon us my faithful brethren, meaning it’s time for us to gather in the Lord’s sanctuary for fellowship with each other, while offering true and undying praise and thanksgiving to our mighty God Jehovah; the One who created the earth and all therein! And we offer our gratitude and praise because of all that He’s done for us from day one, all down through the ages, what He’s doing now, and what he’s faithfully promised to do in the future.

And with all of that in mind, let’s offer up our song of worship for today, one appropriately titled; ‘I know that My Redeemer Lives.’  And do we ever know that with all surety, because our Saviour Jesus Christ is indeed alive; alive and kicking! The song is an English Christian hymn written in 1775, specifically for Easter, by British born Samuel Medley (1738-1799), who, after having a succession of jobs eventually became a Baptist Pastor in 1767. So, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a tender, soulful but heartfelt version of the song, so that anyone who hears us singing it will know that we truly believe what we’re singing.

As one voice: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, he lives, who once was dead; he lives, my ever-living head! He lives triumphant from the grave; he lives eternally to save; he lives all-glorious in the sky; he lives exalted there on high. He lives to bless me with his LOVE; he lives to plead for me above; he lives my hungry soul to feed; he lives to help in time of need. He lives to grant me rich supply; he lives to guide me with his eye; he lives to comfort me when faint; he lives to hear my soul’s  complaint. He lives to silence all my fears; he lives to wipe away my tears; he lives to calm my troubled heart; he lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend; he lives and LOVES me to the end; he lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing; he lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King. He lives and grants me daily breath; he lives, and I shall conquer death; he lives my mansion to prepare; he lives to bring me safely there. He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives! He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!’

Oh friends, that was wonderful! The song is chocked full of so many tidbits of scripture that we will never be able to share them all, so we’ll do as many as time and space affords us. And we’ll begin with that famous verse from the lips of Job when he was suffering the uncalled for admonition of his friends. He confidently said to them: ‘For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day (at last) upon the earth.’ (Job 19:25) And this commentary explains that verse thus; ‘That my Redeemer lives: Job knew that his Redeemer was alive, and that because He lived, He could also bring life to Job. And shall stand at last on the earth: This meant that Job knew his Redeemer was more than a spiritual concept; He was a living being who could stand at last on the earth.’

And we surely know that because our Redeemer Jesus Christ is very much alive because He rose from the dead on Easter Sunday.  As the song says: ‘He lives triumphant from the grave; he lives eternally to save;’ It’s like Jesus said to Nicodemus: ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John. 3:17) Then, as Jesus said to Martha, before raising her brother Lazarus from the dead. ‘I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?’ (John 11:24-26)

Yes  my fellow believers, Jesus’ death and resurrection did wonderful things for us, as Bruh Paul wrote to the Ephesians: ‘In whom (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.’ (Eph. 1:7) We were redeemed by the shed blood of Christ on the cross of Calvary. And as the scholars tell us: ‘Redemption referred to the release of a slave or captive upon receipt of ransom. But the following words, the forgiveness of sins, show “redemption” is used here in a moral sense. Christians are therefore released from their enslavement to sin and the resulting divine wrath.’

And per ‘he lives, and I shall conquer death;’ Jesus said it to the disciples. ‘Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye also shall live.’ (John 14:19) What wonderful news my brethren! As this overview says: ‘It’s a profound promise from Jesus, signifying that believers share in His resurrection victory over death. It assures eternal life, spiritual communion with God, and comfort, confirming that Christ’s resurrection makes it possible for followers to have everlasting life.’ That leads us to Bruh Paul saying to the Corinthians:  ‘O Death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (1 Cor. 15:55-57)

Then, what about this line of the song, ‘he lives to plead for me above?’ Oh yes, Bruh Paul tells it thus to the Romans: ‘Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.’ (Rom. 8:34) And here’s how this commentary explains that verse: ‘Jesus is indeed interceding. Jesus is actively interceding for believers at the right hand of God, serving as the only mediator and defense advocate. Seated in a position of authority, He pleads our case against accusations of sin, securing our standing based on his successful sacrifice and righteousness.’ And John in his first epistle also identifies Christ as advocating for us on high, when he writes: ‘My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.’ (1 John 2:1)

And we’ll end with this last tidbit from the song: ‘he lives my mansion to prepare.’ And Jesus Himself promised that to the disciples, and consequently to us. ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions (dwellings): if it were not so, I would have told you. I go  to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.’ (John 14:2-3)

Wow! It could not get any better than that my bredrin!  So, let’s pay serious attention to all that Jesus has done for us, and truly believe, and live a life worthwhile of His many sacrifices. That’s the only way to repay a little of what we owe Him! Much LOVE!

…Jesus is all we’ll ever need…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Jesus; Our Creator, Controller, and Redeemer of All Mankind!

Job 19:25.       For I know that my redeemer (kinsman) liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter (last) day upon the earth.

Come on down friends, it’s Sunday once again, that means despite the cold weather, (smile) it’s time to join in fellowship in the Lord’s sanctuary with other believers and renew and restore your faith and confidence in Almighty God, through worship, prayer and the reading of His Holy Word! And on tap for today’s worship session is an old 18th century hymn written by ex-army officer turned pastor, Samuel Medley (1738-1799). We know it as the old faithful ‘I know that My Redeemer Lives.’ 

And surely He does, for Jesus Christ after offering once and for all time, His sinless life as a sacrifice for our redemption is alive and kicking, sitting at the right hand of the throne of God waiting for His enemies to be made his footstool. (Heb. 12-13) So, in sweet sacrifices of praise, let’s offer up this champion song in gratitude to our Lord and Saviour, in a soulful but joyful mid-tempo version, revealing from the depths of our hearts, that we truly believe what we’re singing. 

As one joyful and grateful voice: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, he lives, who once was dead; he lives, my ever-living head! He lives triumphant from the grave; he lives eternally to save; he lives all-glorious in the sky; he lives exalted there on high. He lives to bless me with his love; he lives to plead for me above; he lives my hungry soul to feed; he lives to help in time of need. 

He lives to grant me rich supply; he lives to guide me with his eye; he lives to comfort me when faint; he lives to hear my soul’s complaint. He lives to silence all my fears; he lives to wipe away my tears; he lives to calm my troubled heart; he lives all blessings to impart. He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend; he lives and LOVES me to the end; he lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing; he lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King. 

He lives and grants me daily breath; he lives, and I shall conquer death; he lives my mansion to prepare; he lives to bring me safely there. He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives! He lives; all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!’ 

And if you don’t truly know and believe that friends, then I’d say you’re in a spot of bother, and ought to get it fixed right away, for all that the song says of Jesus is true, and the Bible proves it. And we can begin with this assured confirmation from the mouth of the patriarch Job. After the Lord had humiliated him, and his supposed friends were crying him down, he turned on them and proclaimed: ‘For I know that my redeemer (kinsman) liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter (last) day upon the earth.’ (Job 19:25) 

Oh my people, let’s hope that we’re all as sure of those two facts as Job was…our Redeemer lives, and He will be standing beside us on the last day! I like how the scholars put it; ‘But from the depths of degradation he (Job) expresses the confidence that if his case could be recorded for posterity (vs. 23-24), future generations would judge him favourably. Furthermore, he knows confidently that he has a Redeemer. One who will champion his cause and vindicate him. Clearly Job viewed God Himself as the Redeemer.’ 

And it so happens that Job’s words were saved for posterity, and we do judge him favourably, and Jesus Christ has redeemed us all, through His shed blood on the cross of Calvary.  And the word ‘redeemer’ has been used of God all through the Old Testament, for example in Psalm 19:14, a verse which we all know well. Bruh David writes: ‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength (rock), and my redeemer.’ 

Isaiah also talks about it when he reminds Israel on God’s behalf that although they were sinful and disobedient, God will not forget them. “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. Sing, O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.’ (Is. 44: 22-23) 

Now that’s exactly what we should be doing; singing, breaking forth in true joy, or as Psalm 150 says; ‘Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah)!’ (Ps. 150:6) That’s because the Lord our God has most definitely redeemed us through His Son Jesus Christ! And of a fact, Salvation is the greatest gift our God could ever have given us sinful ingrates! 

And who can deny these poignant and powerful words on the subject of redemption that Jesus spoke to Martha, Lazarus’ sister before He raised Lazarus from the dead. ‘Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?’ (John 11:25-26) 

Now friends, that’s a most important question we should all be asking ourselves, and if the answer is no, then get to changing it immediately! And Bruh Paul made it very clear to the Ephesians that their redemption in God, was brought about through Jesus Christ: ‘In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.’ (Eph. 1:7) 

And we could not end with better verses of scripture on the subject of redemption, than these three from the Epistle of Titus. ‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people (his own special people), zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.’  (Titus: 2:13-15) 

What more can I say friends, but exhort us to go and do as the apostle says, if we consider ourselves true believers. Much LOVE!

…Jesus became the Redeemer of mankind…because He was the ONLY One capable of doing it…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit   20 August 2023 Job 19:25.

Job 19:25.       For I know that my redeemer (kinsman) liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter (last) day upon the earth.

Well here comes Sunday, here comes Sunday, coming down as a sunny day! Yes friends, today is supposed to be really hot and sunshiny in my neck of the woods. So we need to get to church early, to fellowship with other believers, worship and glorify our wonderful God, give thanks and receive renewed confidence for the upcoming week. Now that doesn’t mean we have to rush through our worship, but try to get to the cool of home before the stifling heat develops. 

With that in mind, let’s get straight to our worship song for today, which most appropriately states ‘I know that My Redeemer Lives.’ And if you are a true believer in Christ Jesus, then you know that for a certain fact. This soulful hymn, so rich in biblical imagery and truth was written by the British Pastor Samuel Medley – 1738-1799. It’s one we all know and LOVE, so let’s sing it now with sincere hearts, raising our voices in sacrificial, soulful praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who most certainly is very much alive and kicking today! 

Singing: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, he lives, who once was dead; he lives, my ever-living head! He lives triumphant from the grave; he lives eternally to save; he lives all-glorious in the sky; he lives exalted there on high. He lives to bless me with his LOVE; he lives to plead for me above; he lives my hungry soul to feed; he lives to help in time of need. He lives to grant me rich supply; he lives to guide me with his eye; he lives to comfort me when faint; he lives to hear my soul’s complaint. 

He lives to silence all my fears; he lives to wipe away my tears; he lives to calm my troubled heart; he lives all blessings to impart. He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend; he lives and LOVES me to the end; he lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing; he lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King. He lives and grants me daily breath; he lives, and I shall conquer death; he lives my mansion to prepare; he lives to bring me safely there. He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives! He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!’  

Wow! My fellow saints, there’s not an untrue word in that hymn, and for every statement made, there is a scripture that can be brought forth to prove its inerrant truth! And the first thing we need to get our heads around is that our Redeemer LIVES, for that’s the essence of the song as well as our Christian faith! Because if we don’t acknowledge and sincerely believe that Jesus Christ died, was buried, rose from the dead and still lives on both in heaven and our souls, then there’s no substance to our faith. 

And isn’t it strange and rather prophetic that long before Jesus came to earth to do His thing, that the patriarch Job could have made this mind-boggling statement on the subject. When crying out for his friends to have pity on him because the hand of God had touched him with many trials and tribulations, he steadfastly declared (steups!!!): ‘For I know that my redeemer (kinsman) liveth,and that he shall stand at the latter (last) day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me (how my heart yearns for that day).’ (Job 19:25-27) 

Ah friends, that is such a powerful scripture, especially for Old Testament times. And the scholars offer these interesting explanations on the passage. ‘19:23-27: God has humiliated Job (vs. 8-12), his friends and relatives have abandoned him (vs. 13-20), and he has been reduced to pleading for pity. But from the depths of degradation, he expresses the confidence that if his case could only be recorded for posterity, future generations would judge him favourably (vs. 23-24) Furthermore, he knows confidently that he has a Redeemer (vs. 25) One who will champion His cause and vindicate him. 

The Redeemer is more than an arbiter (9:33) or a witness (16:19) but a Kinsman Redeemer who will avenge him. Clearly Job viewed God Himself as the Redeemer, and the Hebrew word is in fact used often of God (Ps. 19:14, Is, 41:14, etc.) In my flesh (vs. 26) speaks of a resurrected body. Though it may also be translated “apart from my flesh,” as a spirit being, the emphasis of the original means “from the standpoint of my flesh,” in my resurrected body. Here then is clear evidence of the Old Testament belief in the resurrection of the human body.’ 

Now that’s definitely interesting information. And before Jesus came, the Lord Himself declared (chuh!!!) it through the prophet Isaiah. Where He warns: ‘Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee, thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of (by) me. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.’ (Is. 44:21-22) It could not get any clearer than that my faithful brethren. 

And since time and space are quickly running out on us, we have to get to Jesus and His New Testament Redemption. And redemption is basically a metaphor for ‘buying back.’ Jesus bought back our sins through His death on the cross, resurrection and ascension. His shed blood paid the high price that was needed to redeem or buy back our sinful souls from the bondage in which the devil held us captive. As Bruh Paul says in Ephesians. ‘In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.’ (Eph. 1:7) 

Meanwhile in his message to Titus, Bruh Paul pens it thus: ‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people (his own special people), zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.’ (Titus 2:13-15) 

And my fellow saints, that’s as good a way as any to end today. So, let’s take Bruh Paul’s advice to Titus to heart and go out and ‘speak, exhort, and rebuke with all authority,’ while allowing no one to despise us. Much LOVE!

…without the price of Jesus’ sinless blood…which flowed on Calvary’s hill…redemption would not be possible…and we’d still be slaves of Satan… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ       

Today’s Scrip-Bit   28 November 2021 Job 19:25.

Job 19:25.     For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter (last) day upon the earth.

It’s a chilly Sunday morning friends, with a touch of snow in my area, the first of the season, but we can’t allow a li’l snow to stop us from gathering to worship our wonderful Lord and Saviour on His Sabbath Day. No, we obviously cannot do that! But for those who are frail and still wary of the Covid, what with another new variant now in circulation, just get out your electronic devices and you can worship online with us. 

And as always, we open with a magnificent song of worship. Today’s is aptly titled, ‘I know that My Redeemer Lives. Wow! What a powerful song authored by Samuel Medley (1738-1799), who, while fighting as a member of the Royal Navy, got severely wounded and was forced to retire. He eventually became a pastor of a Baptist church and wrote several hymns, this one possibly being his most famous. So, in soulful harmony, let’s raise our voices in sacrificial praise to heaven, singing these heartfelt words as though we are truly grateful for Jesus. 

As one voice: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, he lives, who once was dead; he lives, my ever-living head! He lives triumphant from the grave; he lives eternally to save; he lives all-glorious in the sky; he lives exalted there on high. He lives to bless me with his LOVE; he lives to plead for me above; he lives my hungry soul to feed; he lives to help in time of need. 

He lives to grant me rich supply; he lives to guide me with his eye; he lives to comfort me when faint; he lives to hear my soul’s complaint. He lives to silence all my fears; he lives to wipe away my tears; he lives to calm my troubled heart; he lives all blessings to impart. He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend; he lives and LOVES me to the end; he lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing; he lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King. 

He lives and grants me daily breath; he lives, and I shall conquer death; he lives my mansion to prepare; he lives to bring me safely there. He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives! He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!’ 

And do we ever know that as an indisputable truth my fellow saints! Jesus is our great Redeemer! Job foreshadowed His majesty and glory before He ever came to earth, with these words of total faith. ‘For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter (last) day upon the earth.’ (Job 19:25) And did our Lord and Saviour ever stand proudly on the earth during His first coming and will even more majestic and powerful when He returns the second time! 

He’s done, and is doing all that the songwriter says above there! The first and most important thing is that He Lives. He once was dead, but rose triumphantly from the grave, eternally to save, setting us free from the shackles of sin. He’s our comfort, our intercessor, our pain bearer and way maker. He grants us daily breath and because of Him, we too shall conquer death. Oh friends, those are only a few of the things that Jesus does on our behalf. We could spend the entire day writing about His goodness and mercy and still have some left over. That’s How wonderful our Jesus is! 

Now there are some other wonderful scriptures on the subject that I think we should consider. Hear the prophet Isaiah talk to his people about ‘The Lord the Redeemer of Israel.’ ‘I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me, for I have redeemed thee. Sing O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.’ (Is. 44:22-23) 

Ah mih people, that’s the way all the earth should behave on account of Christ’s wonderful and selfless redemption! Meanwhile, Titus, in the New Testament, when talking about the Christian life, says it this way. ‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of good works.’ (Titus 2:13-14) 

And we are indeed a people set apart, sanctified through Jesus’ death and resurrection, expected to do good works in His name. But we are not doing the good works that He expects of us, otherwise so many of our fellow humans would not be suffering as they are today. Instead, we are, for whatever reason(s) banding with the evildoers of the world, not raising the name of Jesus sufficiently. Obviously, we are not taking the words of Bruh Paul to the Galatians as seriously as we ought to. ‘Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage.’ (Gal. 5:1) 

Yes friends, Christ died to make us free from the law, from the yoke of sin. Why are we succumbing to it again eh? Don’t we remember Jesus’ momentous words on the subject? ‘If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free… If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.’ (John 8:31-32, 36) 

And as I keep saying, these tough and dangerous times are when all believers ought to raise up their level of faith and stand strong for Christ, because He is the ONLY One who can help us get through the ‘sufferation’ so many of us are currently experiencing. That’s why He is the Redeemer! And if you don’t want to call on your Redeemer, and place your trust in Him during hard times, then what’s the purpose of having a Redeemer?  

Now, let’s end with the words of this momentous conversation between Jesus and Martha, Lazarus’ sister when He finally came, after Lazarus had died. ‘Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth, and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?’ (John 11:23-26) 

And that’s a very good question for all of us supposed believers to ask ourselves this Sunday morning, in these dark and mightily troubled times. Much LOVE!

…a Redeemer…is only as good as…the help we seek from Him… otherwise…His redemption is wasted…                                                                                                                                         

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