The Baptist Testimony, Volume 57 Number 6 November/December 2011

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​The Baptist Testimony
Volume 57 Number 6 November/December 2011

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28
Ken Floyd
MARBC Executive Director

“Amazing!”

In the last issue of the Baptist Testimony I chose the word “Grace” to head this column. I did so based upon the wonderful ways in which God has blessed the churches of the MARBC through shared ministry and in anticipation of His blessings in the fall season of ministry. The anticipated MARBC Conference also centered upon the theme of “grace.”

​A word that often accompanies the word “grace” in the Christian world is the word “amazing.” John Newton connected those two words permanently back in the 18th century when he wrote the lyrics to the hymn, “Amazing Grace” –
​
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

We are reminded of this amazing grace of God in providing salvation to those who believe in Ephesians 2: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)… For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9)

We are now entering an “amazing” time of the year. “Amazing” is appropriately used during the season of thanksgiving as Christian families and churches reflect upon the majesty of God and His goodness through His gracious provisions in their lives and ministries.

“Amazing” is a fitting expression to be shared in considering all of the miraculous aspects of Christ’s incarnation at Christmastime as we celebrate God’s indescribable grace gift of sending His Son to be the Savior of the world.

Perhaps the most amazing statement regarding God’s grace is shared in 2 Corinthians 8:9, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich!” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Through Christ it is possible for the poorest of sinners to become the richest of saints because of His grace gift of redemption that was provided through His sacrificial work at Calvary.

During this special season of the year, and any time for that matter, this is the amazing expression of God’s grace to you.

You have His Word on it! (KEF)

A Special Year End Greeting from the FloydsWe pray for the encouragement and strengthening of the churches and friends of the MARBC as the 2011 year comes to a close. While these days in Michigan continue to bring their share of challenges and changes, God’s grace is still amazing and its supply is abundant. With that in mind, please join us in giving thanks to God for the “exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7). During the Christmas season, let us further rejoice in “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich!” (2 Corinthians 8:9). We give thanks to God for you and appreciate your prayer and financial support. We pray that 2012 will bring abundant opportunities for the demonstration of God’s amazing grace in the lives of each person and church in our MARBC family.

Partnering with you and praying for you,
Ken and Sharon Floyd