The Plowman

Engaging in Authentic Gospel Ministry [ 41:29 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (52)

2013 Acts #28: an exposition of Acts 17:16-34. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, December 1, 2013.

Intro:
How do you engage a world in love with novelty and the spectacular?  When people pride themselves on their intelligence and yet daily prove the reality of Paul’s word to the church at Corinth – “The world does not know God through its wisdom?”  A place of great learning and culture yet filled with superstition and idolatry?  A strange mixture of religion and paganism.  A world not at all concerned about God in general or the Gospel in particular.  By the way, I’m not describing our culture.  I’m talking about the city of Athens – 2000 years ago when the apostle Paul strolled into town.

Paul having been run out of town following a brief but successful ministry in Thessalonica, made his way to Berea.  There the noble Bereans search the Scripture daily to test the truth of Paul’s message.  The result was that a great many came to saving faith.  But that band of thugs from Thessalonica came to Berea and drove Paul further west to the great city of Athens.  Athens was an important city in the ancient world.  Of course its heyday was several hundred years prior to the coming of Paul.  Athens was, at one time, the cultural center of the world.  While clearly on the decline it was still the leading intellectual center of Paul’s day.  Home to the “golden age” of philosophy in the 4th and 5th centuries Athens was also known for its great literature, art and architecture.  It was to this cultured, intelligent, religious, pagan city that Paul came preaching the Gospel.

Luke had stayed behind in Philippi.  Silas and Timothy were left at Berea and Paul alone traveled to Athens.  While waiting their arrival, Paul began reasoning with the Jews in the Synagogue.  It is from Paul’s ministry in this diverse, cultured city that we learn some valuable lessons for our own ministry.  Our text is found in the 17th chapter of Acts.

Text: Acts 17:16-34

Paul brought the gospel to the commercial center of Thessalonica.
He then traveled to the backwater, one horse town of Berea.
Now he comes to the cultured city of Athens.

Athens provides a model for us with its diversity.  We live in a diverse culture.  For years we in this country, particularly here in the “Bible Belt”, lived in a monolithic culture.  We looked alike, walked alike, talked alike, thought and worshiped alike.  Not so anymore.  The world has come to us and they’ve brought their own ways and culture.  Due to the inroads of secular thinking and an increasingly humanistic perspective – “the times they are a changing.”  This is not your father’s America.  What must we do to impact this culture?

Many today are arguing that we jettison the past in order to reach the minds and hearts of our neighbors, friends and coworkers.  But I ask, “Is that necessary?”  In our obsession to be relevant and “cutting edge” are we failing to appreciate the relevance of our past?  Must we embrace the “new and improved” while tossing out the “tried and tested?”

I’d like to suggest a return to the 60’s.  No, not the 1960s, 1860s or the 1660s – I’m advocating that we return to the time of the apostles.  When we do we will recognize that:

Thesis: The lifeblood of a New Testament church is to engage in authentic Gospel ministry.

There is widespread agreement about that statement.  People of divergent theological views would equally affirm the truth of what I just said.  Of course we don’t all mean the same thing by that statement!  As we explore our text we will discover what the New Testament teaches us about Gospel ministry.

There are three things I want to call to your attention.

1. Corruption and perversion within a community burdens and emboldens Gospel ministry.  (17:16-21)
2. Authentic Gospel ministry demands that we passionately proclaim the simple truths of the Gospel.  (17:22-31)
3. Success in Gospel ministry is measured by obedience and faithfulness not numerical results.  (17:32-43)

Conclusion:
If you’ve ever tried to share the Gospel – it was a success.  You may have stumbled through it.  You might have gotten mixed up and left out a verse or two – that’s not the point.  The point is God honors the preaching of the truth. God honors His Word.  That person you spoke to may not have responded with repentance and faith.  They may have even mocked or ridiculed – but it was no failure.  God’s Word does not return void.  It accomplishes His purpose.  We are in the truth business not the result business.  If we will be consistent and faithful with the truth – results will take care of themselves!  Careful now – the key is if we are faithful and consistent with our witnessing!

Standard Podcast [ 37:51 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (59)

2013 Acts #27: an exposition of Acts 17:10-15. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 24, 2013.

Intro:
Can you believe all the stuff we see on television these days labeled “reality TV”?  I’m wondering whose reality we are dealing with.  Leave It To Beaver was pretty much my reality.  I could identify with the themes of The Waltons far more than any of the reality programs of today.  At the very least I think we can acknowledge that today’s reality is warped if not perverted!  What people accept as “normal” has changed drastically.  We see that in what is acceptable behavior today that was not even whispered in secret a few years back.  But we don’t have to deal with the obvious, glaring examples or moral failure and perversion in the culture – we can just look at the church!  I’m not talking about moral failure within the church though we could (we’ll save that for another day) – I’m talking about what passes for “normal” Christian behavior.  It would seem today modest dress seems almost puritanical.  Embracing the world’s agenda and mode of thinking is seen as necessary to reach the masses.  But the most glaring example to me is what passes for Christian teaching.  Everything from eastern mysticism to fertility rites to a near worship of the dead is accepted as Christian teaching.

Lest you think I’m exaggerating – a few years ago in a gathering of Southern Baptist, attendees put on white robes, chanted, danced and called on the god of nature.  Granted, this was an extreme group – but it was made up of some of those who used to head up our seminaries!  You have Southern Baptist churches openly embracing homosexuality.  I a church in Tennessee was removed by the state convention after calling a lesbian pastor.  The church said they regretted the convention’s decision but would remain a Baptist church.  It is not just the liberals who do these kinds of things.  I’ll tell you of a very un-baptistic thing I experience just a few of years ago.  I went to the FAITH training through our convention.  I was sitting in a classroom at FBC Broken Arrow with a denominational leader from Nashville teaching.  At one point in teaching the outline he said, “Now don’t come up to me and complain about the verse we used in making the point here.  I know this verse, in its context, has nothing to do with the point we are making, but the wording fits when you use it like this.”

He was openly acknowledging and justifying a twisting and perverting of the Scripture to make an evangelistic point!  And, unfortunately we could go on and on about this kind of abuse within the church.  Listen to Christian radio and television.  Read Christian books.  If you listen and read with a Bible in hand and check the teaching you would be astounded.

Does this bother you?  It bothers me!
What do we do about it?
How do we address it?
How do we respond to it?

The need is for a return to a time honored practice dating back to the early church.  It is one of the first passages I remember as a kid.  We have long praised this band of believers for their attitude.  We have praised their integrity and courage.  It is time we return to Berea.  Our text this morning is found in Acts chapter 17.

Text: Acts 17:10-15

Chapter 17 is the tale of three cities.
Dr. Luke tells us of the ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens.
Last time we considered his ministry in Thessalonica – a ministry of just 3 weeks.
You remember the apostle Paul reasoned (dialogued) with them from the Scriptures.
He explained (opened) the Scriptures.
He proved that Jesus must suffer and die and that He was in fact the Messiah.

A great work – but it enraged the Jews who ran him out of town.

Given their location on the Egnatian Way you would expect them to jump on a ship, sail across the Aegean Sea, land in Italy and head to Rome.  Instead, Paul made his way to Berea.

Berea is about 50 miles southwest of Thessalonica and off the beaten path.
Compared with Thessalonica and Athens Berea was barely a wide spot in the road.
It was a relatively unimportant, one horse town!
Yet God in His sovereignty brought the Gospel to them.

By the way, I think maybe there is an important lesson for us in noting the places the Gospel went.  Large commercial centers like Thessalonica; intellectual centers like Athens – and small, out of the way places, like Berea.  I understand the need for strategic thinking for missions.  I understand wise, prudent use of resources to accomplish the greatest good – but we must not overlook places of need.  The Gospel finds a home in all kinds of places, in all kinds of people.

As we explore the Gospel’s coming to Berea we learn an important truth about the Gospel and our response to it.

Thesis: The example of the Berea believers reminds of the the absolute necessity of biblical discernment.

There are three things I want to call to your attention from our text concerning biblical discernment.

1. Biblical discernment demands a receptive mind and heart.  (17:11)
2. Biblical discernment demands a guiding principle.  (17:11)
3. Biblical discernment demands constant vigilance.  (17:11)

Conclusion:

That is the last we hear of Berea.
Paul never wrote to them – some suggest they must not have survived.
I would prefer to think – because of their diligence – Paul didn’t have to write to them.
His epistles are pastoral letters dealing with problems, for the most part.

We live in shifting, changing times.  Times that demand diligence on our part.  Gospel living demands discernment.  And that discernment demands receptive minds and hearts; a guiding principle and constant vigilance.

Life-transforming Ministry Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (56)

2013 Acts #26: an exposition of Acts 17:1-9. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 17, 2013.

Intro:

What image comes to your mind when you hear the term “ministry”?  Too often, today, the image is that of a business wrapped around an individual.  Isn’t that the way it is portrayed in the media?  We hear about someone’s ministry.  Certain television preachers have “ministries” that are in trouble.  Or a high profile preacher’s ministry goes under and the media speculates whether they will ever have another “ministry.”  They are not speculating whether they will ever again be used of God to impact another person’s life or declare the glory of God – they are wonder if they will ever open up shop again.  Will they ever have another enterprise?  But lest we think too highly of ourselves – we can fall into the same trap.  If we are not careful we will think of our ministry in the same terms.  We might be inclined to think of buildings, programs and services rather than of love, encouragement and obedience.

From time to time it is important for us, as a church, to evaluate where we are and what we are doing.  It is important for us to remember that nothing happens by accident or by chance.  It is no accident that 83 years ago a group of believers came to build a church on this corner.  We, by the providential working of God, have been placed at a strategic crossroad within this community to impact it for the kingdom of God.  The question we must ask is, “Are we impacting this community?”  If so, how?  If not, why not?

What does it take to reach a community?
What kind of ministry is required to impact the culture around us?
Is it money, media and presentation?
Is it music, glitz and glamour?
How about tradition, substance and longevity?

Just what is needed if we are to have any real, lasting impact on an increasingly secular society?  For some answers we turn again to the book of Acts.

Text: Acts 17:1-9

Acts 17 is a tale of three cities.
Dr. Luke tells us of Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens.
Thessalonica had a rich and varied history.

At the age of 33, Alexander the great sat and wept because there were no other lands to conquer.  His dream was to unify the world.  He dreamed of a world with no distinctions.  A world where Greek language and culture dominated.  Macedonia was established by Alexander and named for his father, Philip of Macedon.  The city of Thessalonica, named after his sister, was the capital.  Thessalonica, a free city, was located on the Egnatian Way – the main Roman road moving east to west.  It was a religious city, a commercial center and was known as a great melting pot.  Sophisticated Greeks from Athens, barbaric peoples from the North and retired Roman soldiers and politicians, populated the city.  Thessalonica also boasted of a large Jewish population and a number of God-fearing Gentiles.  It is to this complicated metropolitan city that Paul and his companions came with the message of the Gospel.

It is clear – given the context – that God providential guided them to this city.  We read in chapter 16 how the Spirit had forbidden their moving eastward and then the Macedonian call.  Now they move into these very important cities.  Thessalonica is crucial because from Thessalonica the Gospel can move to the East into Asia and west to Rome itself.

As we explore the 17th chapter and ask about their ministry we discover some important truths for us to keep in mind.  Primarily this passage reminds us that:

Thesis: Impacting our community demands a life-transforming ministry.

I’m convinced that each word I’ve chosen is significant.
Yes, we are to be engaged in ministry – but a specific kind of ministry.
I know that it is “trendy” to talk about being “transformational.”
I struggled with using the term because of the baggage.
But it is the right term.
We are called to make a difference in this community.
We are called to be agents of change in the lives of those with whom we cross paths.

Now in our text we find three characteristics of life-transforming ministry.  Characteristics that ought to be evident in our work throughout this community.

I. Life-transforming ministry rests firmly on the Word of God.  (17:1-3)

In Thessalonica Paul followed his normal pattern.
You will recall he did not go to the synagogue in Philippi because there wasn’t one!
There he went down to the river – to the place of prayer.

Because of a significant Jewish population in Thessalonica he went to the synagogue.
Why did he go there?
It was a point of contact.
Because of their acceptance of the OT Scriptures and their belief in God – they were most open to what Paul had to say.

This is one of the characteristics of a Gospel centered approach – find a point of contact.
Find some common ground from which to work.
This is the intent of the “seeker sensitive” approach.
Find out where people itch and scratch!
There is nothing wrong with this approach provided it does not become the end itself.
We seek to meet felt needs to win the right to speak to genuine needs!

What is needed in the community?
Day care?
Ministry to shut ins?
Job fairs, job training?
Seminars on finances?
Treatment programs?
Athletic programs?
After school programs?
This is all about meeting people where they are but this is just the beginning.
The united way can do all of these.
We must seek to move them toward the Gospel.

What did Paul do once he made contact?
He taught them the Scriptures – 17:2.

This is our starting point in impacting the community – teach the Word.
Isaiah 55:11 – “God’s word does not return empty…”
Paul did not just quote the Scripture:

He reasoned with them from the Scripture.
Greek root = dialogued
There was an exchange – question and answers
All from the Scriptures.

He explained the Scripture to them.
Greek = opened, used for the opening of a womb – Lk 2:23
Used in Lk 24:31-32 – Jesus’ sermon on the road to Emmaus
Clearly, simply set forth the truth.

He proved that Jesus was the Messiah and that he had to die and rise again.
Greek = giving evidence
Place before or place beside
No ministry can honestly be called Christian that neglects the Word of God and the preaching of the Gospel.  This is the heart of life-transforming ministry.  In fact I’ll go so far as to say no ministry will be any stronger than its ministry of the Word.

Read the book of Acts – read the sermons, read the descriptions of ministry – at the heart of it all is the preaching of the fact that Christ, died, was buried, and rose from the dead.  Any ministry that neglects these vital truths neglects the very thing God blesses.

But I want you to note a second characteristic of this type of ministry.

II. Biblically based ministry naturally creates division/opposition and controversy.  (17:5-9)

Here me out, I don’t believe we need to go looking for trouble or strife.
It will find us!
We don’t have to set out to make folks mad – it just comes naturally.

Consistently throughout Acts – when the Gospel is preached – it makes enemies.
What was Paul’s initial reaction to the Gospel?
He hated the church – he sought to wipe it from the face of the earth.

Why?

It was a different message – a contrary message – about how to be right with God.
The way of the Pharisee was the way of works righteousness.
It was about being good enough to be loved by God.
It was about being better than others.
The Gospel says, “You are no better than anyone.”
No matter how hard you work or how much you strive, you’ll never be good enough.
In stead, quit striving.
Give up.
Trust in God.

Now many in Thessalonica believed – 17:4 – but others were enraged.
17:5 – “jealous” = means to burn with envy
They gathered a group of thugs to cause a riot and stir up trouble for the young church.
They managed to “set the city in an uproar.”

Note the charge 17:6 – wouldn’t that be a great endorsement for ministry?
This charge was true enough – the lie was in the second charge – 17:7.

I’ve really come to believe from reading Acts and Paul’s epistles – if you are faithful in preaching the Gospel as it appears in the Scripture – you will be misunderstood and accused of all kinds of things!  Read Paul in Romans in particular.  He was constantly addressing misunderstandings that he knew would arise from what he wrote – Romans 5:18-6:2.

This anger and this confusion comes because the message is too good to be true!

Here is the Gospel – Romans 4:3-5!
Now that’s radical – and that will get you in trouble with the religious crowd.

Life-transforming ministry is Gospel centered and that fact alone will ensure misunderstanding and lead to opposition.  Let alone when you begin to get into the exclusivity of our message.  Salvation in Christ alone!

There is one last characteristic I want us to note.

III. This biblical, controversial ministry produces God-honoring results.  (17:4, 1 Thess. 1:6-10)

We are told in the opening verses of our text that Paul’s ministry was 3 Sabbath days.
Some argue that it had to have been much longer.
They reason – three weeks is not long enough to establish a church.
Of course the problem with their math is they are leaving out part of the equation.
After just three weeks Paul left behind:

A struggling group of believers.
Inexperience leadership.
And the Holy Spirit!

Notice the initial ingathering – 17:4.

Then turn to 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10.
The preaching came in the fullness of the Holy Spirit and power – 1:5
The people received the word with eagerness – 2:13
The people modeled their lives after Paul’s – 1:6
They became models themselves – 1:7
They became a missionary church – 1:8

This is the result of authentic Christian ministry.  Paul was greatly used of God to impact this city – but it wasn’t about Paul.  When Paul was gone – the church flourished.  Wouldn’t it be grand if God chose to do a mighty work through us that greatly impacted this entire part of the city for Christ?  If that is to happen we must make sure our ministry rests firmly on the Word of God.  It must be Gospel-centered.  We must prepare ourselves for opposition and misunderstanding and we must pray for lasting, God-honoring results.

If we are to make any real difference in this community we must engage in life-transforming ministry.

A Gospel People [ 41:00 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (48)

2013 Acts #25: an exposition of Acts 16:16-40. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 10, 2013.

Intro:

Who are we?  What is to be our identity?  What are we to be known for?  I’m a Baptist.  I make no bones about it.  I have been a Baptist all my life.  I was born into a Baptist family.  I was raised in a Baptist church.  I have embraced Baptist doctrine.  I am a Baptist.  In fact someone asked me, “What would you be if you were not a Baptist?”  I said, “I would be ashamed!”  But in light of the teaching of the New Testament – is it the goal of my life to be known as a Baptist?  What is essential to my calling as a believer according to the Scripture?

Now, don’t misunderstand what I’m saying.  I am not suggesting that we drop labels.  I’m not afraid to be known as a Baptist.  I’m not advocating “generic” names for churches.  I’m not in favor of dropping the “brand name” from church signs.  But I would suggest that as I’ve read the New Testament – I’m convinced that we are to be a “Gospel People.”

We are to be a people saturated with the Gospel.  A people who have been awakened by the Spirit of God to the truth of the Gospel; who have come to see the loveliness of Christ; and who freely, whole-heartedly embrace Him.  A people whose lives are grounded in Gospel truth.  Who are motivated by the Gospel.  Who are shaped by the Gospel.  And whose lives reflect the glory of the Gospel.  Such a people would greatly impact their community, their workplace, their schools and eventually the world!

My point is that we never “outgrow” the Gospel.
We grow in the Gospel.
And growth in the Gospel enables godly living, faithful evangelism and powerful witness.

A great example of which we find in the 16th chapter of Acts.

Text: Acts 16:16-40

Dr. Luke is telling of the second missionary journey.
By the way we discover in Acts 16:10 – Luke joins them!
So this material is not historical research – it is eyewitness testimony.

Philippi was a majestic city.
The most important city in Macedonia.
Due to its physical location it was the major trade city of the region.
The road from East to West came through Philippi.
Philippi was a Roman city – a taste of Rome in the midst of Greece.

Upon arriving in Philippi Paul went out to the river, which served as a place of prayer.
There must not have been a large Jewish influence in Philippi.
Ten Jewish men were required to establish a synagogue and there was none.
Further, at the place of prayer – Paul found only women – no men.
It was there he met Lydia a dealer of purple goods.
God graciously opened her heart to the Gospel and she became Europe’s first convert.

The story picks up in verse 16…

Thesis: We are called to live as a “Gospel People.”

To be a New Testament believer is to be a Gospel person.  To be a Gospel person, as we will see in this text, does not just mean that you are one who is constantly sharing the plan of salvation though that is vital and necessary.  It is to be a person grounded in and shaped by the message of the Gospel.

There are four things I want to call to your attention from this passage.

1. The Gospel has power to overcome evil.  (16:16-18)
2. The power of the Gospel often enrages the unbeliever.  (16:19-24)
3. The Gospel enables peace in the midst of even the greatest trial.  (16:25-34)
4. The Gospel inspires the courage to stand and the grace to compromise.  (16:35-40)

Conclusion:

We are called to be a Gospel People embracing, teaching, and living the Gospel.
Overcoming evil.
Finding peace in the midst of the rage of the unbeliever.
Possessing courage to stand and grace to compromise – all to the glory of our God.

Getting Excited About Missions [ 37:57 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (53)

2013 Acts #24: an exposition of Acts 15:36-16:15. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 3, 2013.

Intro:
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard it.  There is no telling how often I’ve sung it – but it still brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes.  To be reminded of the great treasure that has been entrusted to us, and the great responsibility that accompanies this precious gift.  To us has been committed the ministry of reconciliation.  Those of us who have been awakened to the Gospel have a divine mandate to take that Gospel to our world.  We are sent on mission.  Every Christian, every child of God is sent somewhere.  You are on a mission field.  You are a missionary.  How often do you think of your calling?  How often do you actively consider the great responsibility entrusted to you?  Yes the Gospel has been entrusted to the church.  But we are the church!  If you are a child of God and the words of Fanny Crosby’s hymn do not stir your heart – some thing is wrong with you.  As E.V. Hill used to say, “If this don’t ring your bell your clapper is broke!”

Rescue the perishing; care for the dying.
Snatch them in pity form sin and the grace.
Weep o’er the erring one; lift up the fallen.
Tell them of Jesus, the might to save.

Tho’ they are slighting Him, still He is waiting –
Waiting the penitent child to receive.
Plead with them earnestly; plead with them gently.
He will forgive if they only believe.

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore.
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Cords that are broken will vibrate once more.

Rescue the perishing; duty demands it.
Strength for your labor the Lord will provide.
Back to the narrow way patiently win them,
Tell the poor wanderer a Savior has died.

As our Lord commissioned us, as the Holy Spirit affirmed in setting apart Barnabas and Saul for a work among the Gentiles – so God is still calling, still commissioning, still setting apart folks today to take the Gospel to the world.  But it is not easy.  There is always a reason why we can’t do it right now.  There is always a reason why someone else needs to go – I’ll get to it later.  Sometimes fear paralyzes.  Sometimes our own problems drown out the Master’s voice.  Sometimes indifference hardens our heart.  Clearly this call demands supernatural enabling.  This cannot be done in our strength or power.

What a glorious privilege is ours!  Yet having been given such a great privilege why is it we so often fail to fulfill our mission?  How is it our passion is so easily subdued?  Our voice so easily silenced?  Given such a call and such an enabling, how is it we are rendered so ineffective?  Our text this morning is found in chapters 15 and 16 of the book of Acts.

Text: Acts 15:36-16:15

Paul and Barnabas returned from their 1st missionary journey with great joy and excitement.  After having reported to the church in Antioch, a dispute arose around the nature of salvation.  How is it we are saved?  Who is eligible for salvation?  Must a person become a good Jew before they can become a Christian?  What role does the Old Testament law play in salvation and then in the church.  Because these questions went to the heart of Christianity, a church council was held in Jerusalem to resolve the matter.  After settling the issue Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch and Paul suggested that they revisit the churches and see how they were doing.  As our text picks up the story we learn some valuable truths that enable us to remain excited about and committed to missions.

Thesis: A genuinely God-centered understanding of missions results in joyful obedience to God’s call to evangelize and disciple the nations.

Yes we have been called to take the message.  We have been granted the great privilege and responsibility of being intimately involved in this work – but it is God’s work!  Yes we are involved.  Yes we must obey – but we do not bare the load.  This is not a human work.  We are tools in the hand of the Master.  We are witnesses He is the prosecutor.  If and when we assume the burden of responsibility we become discourage and overwhelmed.  While we are responsible for our obedience we are not responsible for “winning the world.”  Our text reveals some comforting truths about God’s work – truths that will strengthen and encourage us in our work.

1. God providentially works all things to His own glory.  (15:36-41)
2. God graciously supplies laborers to work the fields.  (15:40, 16:1-5)
3. God sovereignly expands the boundaries of His working.  (16:6-10)
4. God’s gracious salvation is gloriously inclusive.  (16:11-15)

Conclusion:

I come back to where we began.  Salvation is God’s work.  We have been graciously granted the privilege of joining him in this work – but it is his work.

Tho’ they are slighting Him, still He is waiting –
Waiting the penitent child to receive.
Plead with them earnestly; plead with them gently.
He will forgive if they only believe.

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore.
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Cords that are broken will vibrate once more.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.