Amazing Grace – Penuel Baptist Chapel, Roch

It’s been a busy, blessed week at the Evangelical Movement of Wales (EMW) Aberystwyth Conference.

The two primary speakers were David Meredith and Paul David Tripp.

Every morning there were opportunities to attend prayer meetings. We chose to attend the 8.15 prayer meeting led by Rev. Chris Rees, Bethesda Chapel, Narbeth. These meetings were a great opportunity to meet others and pray for the conference, it was a very blessed hour and a great way to focus our mind on God.

Monday evenings sermon was preached by Phil Hill, a Pastoral Theologian at WEST, who attends Ebenezer Baptist Church in Swansea.

All week, the morning sermons were led by David Meredith with readings taken from Joshua. David has been the minister of Smithton-Culloden Free Church in Inverness for over 30 years.

Tuesday – Thursday Paul David Tripp spoke on Grace. He has also written many books about Christian living which are distributed worldwide. David is the President of Paul Tripp Ministries and a Professor of Pastoral Life and Care at Redeemer Seminary, in Dalas,Texas.

Friday evenings sermon was given by Paul Gambston, who has been the minister of South Craven Evangelical Church in Crosshills, North Yourkshire, since 2010.

Ian once again led the Jaber young people’s activities helped by Megan and Jeremy. During these sessions there was the opportunity for group discussions with young people, to discuss the true meaning of becoming a Christian.

If you would like to listen to any of the morning or evening services you can via this link: http://ow.ly/QWk3K

This morning at our 10.30 am service we were blessed with ministry from Matthew Maxwell-Carr. who spoke on Isiah 53 verse 1.

‘Who has believed our message?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?’

Below are some thoughts from Matthew regarding this verse.

What kind of belief is Isaiah talking about? He’s talking about saving faith. Faith which saves. A faith which produces a changed life. A life which desires and thirsts for and longs for God and to know more of God’s Son Jesus. This is saving faith. Nothing less.

Look at the next part of this verse: ‘And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?’ Isaiah is saying one thing and then saying it again, in a different way. The Bible often does this. Says something, then says it again using other words to press the point home, to help us grasp what’s being said.

The prophet says, in effect: ‘Who has believed this gospel message? Indeed: who has the LORD revealed His arm to? Who has the LORD worked upon? Whose heart has the LORD touched? Who has really believed my gospel message?’ This is what Isaiah means. He is speaking about the kind of faith which is only produced by the miraculous power of God touching a human soul, changing that soul, changing that person for good and forever. Someone who now walks in resurrection power. Someone who would rather die than deny that Jesus Christ rules and owns all things.

Is that the kind of faith you have? No other faith will do. This is the only way to respond to this gospel message. With that kind of belief. It’s the only way to respond to this message. ‘Who has believed our message’ – believed. Have you believed? Really believed? Do you really believe? Really have faith, really trust in this gospel message as if your life depended on it?

As you think about these words, why not listen to the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’. Think how you will take these thoughts on board and respond to the message.

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.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

We hope these thoughts have blessed you as much as we were during the service.

Tag: Amazing Grace

Aberystwyth Conference – August 2015

Sunday 2nd August – Morning Service