Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul

Posted on January 13, 2011 by jimdavenport

Since the original posting of my article, Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul, on January 14, 2011, it has been read by internet users thousands of times. I suppose that is because a lot of lives were positively affected by this little song some time earlier in their lifetime. Or it could be that the song reminds folks of a special time in their lives which was very important to them. I am pleased that so many people have found the article worthwhile, especially around the Thanksgiving holiday which occurs in November in the USA. With this update, I am providing some additional background on the songwriters and their ministry. For convenience I first present the original article.

Special Note:  October 19, 2015 – This article was originally posted on January 14, 2011.  After a number of contacts with direct descendants of Seth and Bessie Sykes several corrections and updates have been included and are shown below in red.

———————————-  Original Article (edited) ————————————

John 4:29 (NIV) “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”

Background: Sometimes things just pop into your head from the past and you don’t know why. Recently a chorus that I learned as a child just keeps ringing in my brain for no apparent reason. The tune and words are etched in my memory. In times when I least expect it, I find myself humming the tune and repeating the words over and over:

Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank You, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.

The tune is simple and the words are easy to sing. But I’m not sure that I ever understood how profound these words really are. I recall learning this chorus in Vacation Bible School in the late 1940’s or early 1950’s. Later on I know that we regularly sang it in our youth group. And even later, our church would use it as part of our worship service, particularly after someone came forward to give their life to Christ.

SYKES copy.002

Campaign Photos of Seth and Bessie Sykes provided by Eva Sykes Campbell, daughter of Seth and Bessie.

I decided to do a little research on the origin of the chorus and have found that it is actually a part of a hymn written by Seth (1892-1950) and Bessie Sykes (1905-1982) copyrighted in 1940. The Sykes were traveling Evangelists well-known in the United Kingdom.  A number of their hymns including Thank You Lord and Love Wonderful Love made their way to the United States.  The Sykes were also invited to conduct services in the United States but according to a family member World War II “put a stop to that and the moment passed.”

SYKES copy.023

Seth and Bessie lead children to sing songs of the Savior. Note the small folding organ that Bessie is playing. This was taken at Largs Ayrshire – they held children’s seaside services there for 9 years 1941 – 1949. Source: Eva Sykes Campbell, daughter of Seth and Bessie Sykes.

The Sykes home base was located in Glasgow, Scotland the third largest city in the United Kingdom.  Seth Sykes  began his career as a conductor and motorman for Glasgow Corporation Tramways. He also served as Secretary for the Tramway Christian Association where he was allowed to hand out Christian literature and Bibles. In 1929 Sykes left his job and along with his wife became a full-time traveling evangelist. The Sykes were somewhat like today’s media Christian innovators in that they used lantern slides and rousing hymns played by Bessie on a small, folding organ to gain the full interest of their crowds. Seth’s sermons led countless people to Christ and this hymn was most assuredly sung as a regular part of their services.

The following description of the story behind Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul is taken from “A Great Little Man, A Biography of Evangelist Seth Sykes”, copyright 1958, written by Seth Sykes, Jr. and Bessie Sykes.

“Thank you, Lord was born in a railway carriage between Edinburgh and Glasgow and has been wonderfully used of God.  It has been translated into more than 70 different languages including French, German, Arabic and Chinese, and is sung both on radio and Television throughout the globe.  Many touching stories have been told of how it has brought comfort and cheer to those nearing the end of Life’s weary way.  One dear man heard it sung over a Canadian broadcasting network.  He had come from Scotland to Canada, and somehow had lost touch with Christ.  He determined to renew the covenant.  Seeking the origin of the chorus, he was put in touch with Mr. and Mrs. Sykes and memories of an old friendship were revived.”

Reflection: I thank God for giving … yes GIVING … me my salvation. There is no way I can take it for granted. It is God’s free gift. I simply must tell others what Jesus has done for me. I pray for the fervor that the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well had for telling others about Jesus after she encountered her Messiah. She left her water pot and ran back to town to tell everyone about what Jesus had done for her. John records the results of her testimony in John 4:39 (NIV) – “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” Her message was simple. She didn’t have Biblical training or a special calling. All she did was tell others what Jesus had done for HER in her own words. That’s all that is required. Tell others in your own words what Jesus has done for you and let Christ do the rest.

I wonder if Seth and Bessie Sykes knew what an impact their simple hymn and chorus would have on future generations. I, for one, am indebted to them for this wonderful hymn and chorus. Perhaps the full lyrics of the hymn would inspire you to tell others what Jesus means to you.

Here’s a link to HymnPod to play and sing along with the hymn “Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul.” Click on the link and then scroll down to the player and click on the start button.

Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul

Some thank the Lord for friends and home,
For mercies sure and sweet;
But I would praise Him for His grace —
In prayer I would repeat:

CHORUS
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank You, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.

Some thank Him for the flow’rs that grow,
Some for the stars that shine;
My heart is filled with joy and praise
Because I know He’s mine.

I trust in Him from day to day,
I prove His saving grace;
I’ll sing this song of praise to Him
Until I see His face.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

 

————————Updated July, 13, 2012 & October 19, 2015———————–

Seth Sykes Train Conductor - Source Eva Sykes Campbell

Seth Sykes Train Conductor – Source Eva Sykes Campbell, daughter of Seth and Bessie – According to Mrs Campbell, Seth is the conductor in the upper left corner of the photo.

Recently I have come upon additional information about Seth and Bessie Sykes and want to share it with those who continuously search the internet for “Thank You Lord For Saving My Soul” and happen upon my blog. It is often helpful to explore the story behind a hymn to better understand the purpose of the songwriters in penning it to begin with. Figure 1. provides a picture of Seth Sykes in his full Glascow Corporation Tramway uniform. The picture was most likely taken prior to 1929 when Seth left his full-time job at the Tramway so he and Bessie could spend full-time on their already blooming ministry.

Evangelists Mr & Mrs Seth Sykes c.1929

Evangelists Mr & Mrs Seth Sykes c.1929 – Source Eva Sykes Campbell, daughter of Seth and Bessie Sykes

Seth was a slight man with a big heart for Jesus. Seth and Bessie never looked back after they started their full-time ministry. They spread the word of the Lord wherever they went. They wrote Christian hymns and even published songbooks.

Great Gospel Campaign Poster
Announcing services led by Seth and Bessie Sykes at the Belfast City Mission.

A poster announcing a “Great Gospel Campaign” led by the Sykes. Notice that the services were held daily for two full weeks with two services on Sundays. When I was young boy I can remember revival services lasting that length of time. I don’t believe that folks today would attend a series of meetings that would last that long … even for someone as famous as evangelist Billy Graham. Note the emphasis on a “Special Lantern Service” entitled “REVIVAL” that is highlighted on the poster. The “Lantern” was a big draw in that day … a multi-media event well ahead of its time. Today’s society has come to expect such multi-media events complete with Powerpoint presentations, sound, video and references to web sites. But in that day the Lantern was quite a novelty.

Bill Sykes the Burglar - Seth & Bessie Sykes

A promotional poster using a little humor to encourage folks to attend the Sykes evangelistic meetings.

The electric lantern was used by the Sykes to show slides during their religious services to enhance audience understanding and promote interest in the meetings. Use of the lantern was rather unique for that time and served as an additional draw to encourage folks to attend the special religious meetings conducted by the Sykes.

The Sykes wrote a number of hymns and choruses to use in their services. Seth wrote the lyrics and Bessie usually wrote the music. Many of these songs/hymns were published in an evangelists song book, “Songs of Salvation” also known as the S.O.S. songbook, the cover of which can be seen in Figure 5. The S.O.S. songbook is dated to 1930 by Mr. & Mrs. Seth Sykes, 363 Springburn Road, Glascow. I do not know if the Sykes wrote all of the hymns. Also included in Figure 5. is what I believe to be a one-page resume used by the Sykes to explain their background and promote their services with potential hosts.

Left: SOS Songs of Salvation – Song Book by Seth and Bessie Sykes; “A choice collection of Original Songs and Choruses for Evangelistic Meetings, Solo Singers, Choirs, and the Home by Mr. and Mrs. Seth Sykes, Scottish Evangelists, Authors and Composers of “Running Over”‘ “Love Wonderful Love”, “Listening Is”, etc. –
Right: One page resume with the title: The Gospel in Word and Song, Also Electric (see note at the end of this article)** Lantern. Some of the qualifications listed: Evangelists, Authors, Musicians, Composers. In the rectangular box at the top of the page: Christ for All, All for Christ, The Word of God; Undenominational but Fundamental. “We are not affiliated with any {unknown} or {unknown} but entirely dependent upon the Lord for our support.” Lower left corner at the bottom: “Highly recommended by the leading Evangelical Organizations.”

In my research I found additional songs by Seth and Bessie Sykes. A number are discussed in “A Great Little Man, A Biography of Evangelist Seth Sykes”, copyright 1958, written by Seth Sykes, Jr. and Bessie Sykes. Some of the most well-known include Love, Wonderful Love, Out of the Mud and the Mire, Sonny Boy, The Last Milestone, Wonderful Place called Calvary, Memories, Everybody’s Loved by Someone and Running Over. Seth wrote the lyrics to Running Over and H. G. Hunter (and not Bessie) wrote the music. Quoting the biography: “Running Over has been running all over the world for a number of years and is a great favourite among the boys and girls who at an early age learn to lisp out the words of this simple little chorus with the deep, deep meaning.”

Running Over, Running Over

Music by H. G. Hunter, Lyrics by Seth Sykes

Running over, running over,
My cup’s fill’d and running over,
Since the Lord saved me, I’m as happy as can be,
My cup’s fill’d and running over.

Telling others, telling others,
My life’s work is telling others,
Since the Lord lives in me, I’m as happy as can be,
My life’s work is telling others.

To sing along with this hymn use this link “Running Over, Running Over”

All accounts indicate that many, many people were saved and/or blessed under the ministry of Seth and Bessie Sykes and remember those days fondly. Below are a couple of testimonies in their own words that I located in the public domain of the internet at this link.

Ruth Millar
22nd Oct 2007, 07:57pm
I am remember the Sykes very well. I lived in Guernsey Channel islands and I remember them coming twice in 1935 and 1937. I am now 76 years old and can still hear Mrs Bessie Sykes powerful voice singing “There were Ninety-and-nine” and “[The Land where the Roses never fade”. Both my parents and some of their friends were saved under their ministry in 1935, and I was saved in 1937. They were wonderful days with we little ones singing “Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful love” also “Thank You Lord for Saving my Soul” The Lantern Slides which they showed as Bessie sang were very real and moving.
Jessie76
2nd Feb 2009, 01:20pm
Hi Heather,
I have just discovered your correspondence by email. I was born in Springburn, and lived up the same ‘close’ as Molly Weir’s mother. We knew Mrs Weir quite well, and she was so proud of her daughter, Molly. I also played in Paddy’s Park and jumped the ‘midins’ – For many years I was a Gospel singer and was a member of the Garngad Foundry Boys, where my father was treasurer for 40 years (William Robertson). At seveteen I joined the Springburn Gospel Hall. I sang many of Seth and Bessie Sykes songs, and listened to some of her lantern talks, sorry I can’t remember any of them now. They were a most remarkable couple, and have left a legacy of Christian music.
Family Portrait 1949 - Seth, Bessie, Seth Jr., Evangeline

Family Portrait 1949 – Seth, Bessie, Seth Jr., Evangeline – provided by Eva Sykes Campbell

The Sykes celebrated their 20th year of full-time ministry together in October, 1949. Seth Jr. and Evangeline (Eva) are pictured in a family photo shown on the left. Seth’s biography tells us that he and Bessie celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on July 16, 1950 while “in the midst of a campaign in the Seamen’s Chapel, Brown Street, Glasgow.” Though Seth began suffering declining health, their busy evangelical ministry continued its demanding pace. Unfortunately, in the midst of an active campaign at Port Glasgow Seth “took suddenly and seriously ill” and after “immediate surgery” for a perforated colon passed away a few days later on November 29, 1950. As Seth wished, Bessie continued their ministry for many years writing in the Epilogue to Seth’s biography in 1958:

“How has the work gone since 1950? The Lord enabled me to fulfill the engagements which were in our diary and before they were completed other doors had opened up, and through the succeeding years it has been like that. He has set His seal upon the ministry in the salvation of precious souls. … I thank God for every remembrance of my husband and partner and look forward to our re-union which is sure. Together we shall stand in His presence never to part again, and until then, may God help me to keep that memory sweet and green of “A great Little Man.”

Finally, I ran across a blogger, Mark Thompson, who is interested in Scottish history and in particular history related to evangelists from Scotland. You can read Mark’s blog on Seth and Bessie Sykes at this link.

Your comments and contributions to the collective knowledge about Seth and Bessie Sykes are most welcome. Please use the comment section below to communicate with me.

_______________

Jim Davenport is Christian Author who writes on many timely topics from a layman’s viewpoint. View all of Jim’s articles at the links below:

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That’s A Good Place to Say Amen

Posted on January 8, 2011 by jimdavenport

Background: Dr. O. M. Seigler served as Interim Pastor at Pine Lake Baptist Church in 1974-75 and again in the early 1980’s. Dr. Seigler was an incredible man. A biography appropriately named “Who Said Quit!” by James Adams Lester was published in 1978. Dr. Seigler was in his late 80’s when he served our church the second time and had done 76 previous interim pastorate positions since his retirement. His wife was gravely ill during his second tenure as our interim pastor. But that did not keep Dr. Seigler from performing any of his duties. His first call was to his Lord and there was no question about it.

I’ll never forget what he told the Deacons when he was being “interviewed” as our potential Interim. He looked us square in the eye, broadened his shoulders and sternly asked if we were going to be busy helping him to do the work of the Lord or not. He quickly added that he knew that he didn’t have much time left on this earth and he had no time to waste … “if you don’t want to work … then don’t call me as your Interim Pastor.” He meant that with every fiber of his being. Actually, our Deacons were being interviewed by Dr. Seigler rather than the other way around. We were so impressed that we unanimously voted to recommend Dr. Seigler to the church.

What a blessing that decision turned out to be. Dr. Seigler accepted our call and immediately went to work in our community demonstrating his commitment to keeping his word and to God. He walked the streets of our nearby community and ultimately personally visited nearly every resident to share the gospel with them and invite them to our church. His commitment was infectious and our congregation joined in under his leadership. The church actually grew under his leadership over the next eight to ten months.

Reflection: Not only was Dr. Seigler a superb one on one witness for the Lord, he was a superb preacher. One Sunday he preached an unbelievable and fire filled sermon entitled “The Banquet of this World”. I wish I could find that cassette tape. I bet I listened to it ten times but have long since misplaced it. However, in my mind’s eye I can still see him in his short but sturdy stature lean forward after he had made an important point that he wanted to drive home. He would slap the pulpit, raise his voice and say “That’s a good place to say Amen!!!” And it always was a good place to do so. Today I can easily say the same. Dr. O. M. Seigler passed from this life on June 16, 1985, some eight months after his dear wife. When the gates of Heaven opened to accept his soul, I believe the angels in chorus could well have been singing “That’s a Good Place to Say Amen!”

Update 2018-08-27

My good friend Gene Johnson loaned me the copies of Dr. Seigler’s tapes that he had preserved over the years.  To listen to some of Dr. Seigler’s sermons follow this link.

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Committed to a Different Lifestyle

Posted on January 3, 2011 by jimdavenport

Background: I first assembled most of these thoughts in 1995 and recalled them earlier today as I was thinking about the brand new year, 2011, that lies ahead. This blog is primarily intended for those who are already professing Christians but will also be of interest to those who are still seekers.

So many of us are making resolutions for changes at this time of the year that we need to make in our Christian lives … deeper commitment, bolder witnessing, imbedding ourselves daily in His word, demonstrating our love for Christ to others, etc. Too often we let our daily routine interfere with our best intentions and the resolutions fall by the wayside.

God expects our relationship with Him to continuously grow. As a Christian, Christ has made a significant difference in my life. What difference has Christ made in your life? Since you accepted Christ as your Savior, has your lifestyle changed? Would a complete stranger get the impression that you are a Christian from your actions and attitudes? What about when you shop at the grocery store, the drugstore or your favorite restaurant? Is it easy for you to blend in with any crowd, adopting the ways of those whom you are with?

The Bible teaches that Christians are to stand out, to be different from the world, and to adopt the behavior of Christ. Jesus spoke of our Christian experience in terms of a birth and a marriage. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are born into His Spirit and His way of life … a definite new beginning which is followed by a continuing process of spiritual growth. As part of the church, Christians are part of the bride of Christ. Our love for Jesus should grow deeper as we mutually strive to lead souls to believe in Him and His promises.

Paul wrote about the Christian being committed to a different lifestyle in Colossians chapter three. For the most part, the church in Colossae was composed of former pagans, not Jews. Paul encouraged these “new” believers to live consistently with their new self. Old patterns can be overcome and new patterns developed as Christ takes control of our lives.

Colossians 3:5-16 (NIV)

Rejecting My Old Self
“5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

Accepting My New Self
10 And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Loving God’s People
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Receiving Christ’s Word
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

Reflection: The new life we receive at salvation compels us to act like the new person we are in Jesus Christ. We are to leave our old ways and take on the ways of Christ. Our actions and behavior as Christians should grow out of our admiration and love for Jesus.

As you evaluate the extent to which your life shows that you belong to God, perhaps you will be led to share your experience with a friend or relative. God wants us to grow in our evangelism skills. God chose the church to be His instrument in spreading His Good News of salvation. As you make a renewed commitment to your faith at the beginning of this new year, why not decide to join me and be more open in sharing your faith and beliefs with others? It could make a significant difference in someone’s life and where they choose to spend their eternity.

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The Proper Order

Posted on January 1, 2011 by jimdavenport

First thing here’s some background. In 2009 my wife and I read through the Bible using a daily plan provided by our Pastor. It was exciting and fulfilling and positively affected our everyday lives. In 2010 we wanted to do a more in depth reading of the Bible and decided to read through the Bible in a chronological fashion. So for Christmas 2009 we each received a copy of the Thomas Nelson, New King James version of the “The Chronological Study Bible” copyright 2008. This version of the Bible attempts to put the scriptures in order in accordance with when things actually happened historically. Some scriptures don’t specifically relate to a historical date. This rendering also contains special commentaries that put the scriptures into context with what was going on in the pagan world at that same time. As a result, it takes considerable more time to read through the scriptures, but it is well worth it and I heartily recommend this approach to reading God’s word. There is a one year and two year reading plan in the back of the Bible.

Now let’s move on to the topic at hand. From a historical standpoint, David had become king of Israel and had determined that the Ark of the Covenant should be moved to Jerusalem, which was now known as the “city of David.” This was the right thing to do. However, David’s first attempt to move the Ark to Jerusalem was aborted because of the death of Uzza when he inadvertently put his hand “hold of the Ark” so it wouldn’t fall when an Ox that was pulling the cart containing the Ark stumbled. David was angry at God for this but God had specifically warned that no one should touch the Ark for any reason and that death would be certain to those who did. David then spent some three months preparing to again move the Ark to its new home. However, this time he consulted with the Lord and prepared a tent to house the Ark and heeded God’s full instruction on “who, how and where” the Ark should be moved. Per God’s instruction David placed selected Levites in charge of the move as well as the ongoing care of the Ark. These events are recorded in I Chronicles 13 through 16. The second attempt to move the Ark was successful and Israel celebrated. I Chronicles 15:13 specifically records the reason why the first move was such a failure as David related we failed “because we did not consult Him (the God of Israel) about the proper order.” David was attempting to do the right thing, but in the wrong way.

I wonder how many things go wrong in Christian’s lives because “we did not consult Him about the proper order.” This not only goes for Christians, but churches, governments, Christian universities, etc. Perhaps this also builds up my contention that there are two main principles given in the Bible that Christians must follow to please Him: 1) Do what is right! (i.e., in accordance with God’s Word); and 2) Do what you say! These are intertwined and interconnected. Consulting God about the “proper order” is a prerequisite for doing what is right.

Oh God, I pray that I will constantly be reminded that you have a “proper order” for all things. Selah.

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How Great Thou Art

Posted on December 27, 2010 by jimdavenport

Just about everyone would recognize this song title, “How Great Thou Art.”  George Beverly Shea has sung this powerful gospel hymn thousands of times during the Billy Graham evangelistic crusades stirring men’s souls to consider their relationship to God. It appears as a “standard” in hymnals of most Christian denominations and most mature adult Christians know and can sing the first verse and chorus.

“Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all, the worlds thy hands have made.
I see the stars; I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout, the universe displayed.”

Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee,
How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art!”

Over the past 50 years I have been asked to sing solos at countless church services, weddings and funerals.  I, too, have sung this song hundreds, if not thousands, of times.  Without a doubt this is the song that I am most often requested to share.  You would think that after singing it so many times it would become old and routine to me.  Yet every time I sing it, the words “well up” inside of me and I feel the power of God working through its presentation.

I believe it is because deep inside of me I recognize how small and insignificant I am in comparison to the God of the universe.  He created everything and oversees everything, including me.  And yet, He takes time every day to give me guidance, instruction and correction.  I am so glad that I can say that He is my Savior! He has saved my soul!  And every time I sing this song, or even hum the tune, I will continue to exclaim “How Great Thou Art!”

Psalm 8:3-4

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Can you say that Jesus is your Savior?  If yes, then praise the Lord!  If no, then will you give your heart and life over to the Lord by accepting His free gift of salvation today?  Only you can do that.  No one else can do it for you.  May God give you the courage to admit that you are indeed a sinner in need of forgiveness and accept his free gift.  Only the Master of the universe can provide such forgiveness.  Once you’ve accepted Him as your Savior, then you, too, can surely say my God “How Great Thou Art!”

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The Greatest Gift Ever Given

Posted on December 25, 2010 by jimdavenport

December 25, 2010

In His own time, God sent His only son Jesus to be born of an earthly mother. She was a virgin who knew not a man. Jesus would be fully God and fully man and live a sinless life. His primary purpose would be to redeem mankind by paying the price for their sins by suffering a cruel death on a cross. But the cross was not the end as Jesus gloriously rose from the dead conquering both sin and death and providing a way of salvation for all of mankind. I’m one of those who has accepted God’s free gift of salvation through His son’s sacrifice. As you visit with your family and friends on Christmas day today, will you examine your heart and see if you have truly accepted Him as your Savior? It will be the greatest gift you will ever receive. You will spend an eternity in Heaven praising the one who has given to us so freely.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

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Fully God, Fully Man!!

Posted on November 29, 2010 by jimdavenport

December 24, 2010

On the eve of Christmas day, I am reminded of the great price that Jesus Christ paid for the forgiveness of our sins.  He left heaven, fully God, and became fully man to live a sinless life and endure a cruel death on the cross to pay the price for the forgiveness of OUR sins.  Is HE the reason you are celebrating Christmas??  If not, will you turn your life over to him today and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Consider these verses from the second chapter of Philippians (NIV):

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

John Wilson writes in the 12/24/2010 Wall Street Journal Opinion section: “… As we sing carols for his birth, we see him taken down from the cross, wrapped in ‘a clean linen cloth,’ and laid in the tomb of a friend.  That’s the cloth that is left behind in the empty tomb of Resurrection morning.  Easter is implicit in Christmas, and Christmas is implicit in Easter.  When we celebrate the one, we celebrate the other, looking forward to the restoration of all things.”

Merry Christmas and Happy Easter!  They are inseparable.  Jim D.

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