Experiencing God's Ongoing Wonders and Boundless Mercy

 

Summary

In reflecting on Psalm 136, we are reminded to give thanks to the Lord for His enduring mercy and His wondrous works. The wonders of God are vast and encompass creation, providence, and grace. These wonders are not just historical but are present and active today. God continues to perform great wonders in the realm of grace, particularly in the salvation of sinners and the preservation of believers. The transformation of a sinner into a saint is a profound miracle, one that requires divine patience and wisdom. It is a wonder that God, in His holiness, would even consider a sinner, let alone call them with love and draw them to Himself.

The wonders of God are not limited to the past; they are ongoing and manifest in the lives of believers. The preservation of faith amidst trials and temptations is a testament to God's sustaining power. Despite the attacks on faith, believers continue to stand firm, a living wonder of God's grace. Moreover, God uses us, despite our unworthiness, to accomplish His purposes, which is itself a wonder. The history of the church is filled with instances where God has revived His people and maintained His truth against all odds.

We are encouraged to expect great things from God because His word and His covenant promise them. The covenant of grace, the incarnation of Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit are all preparations for God to do great things. The salvation of sinners, no matter how great their sin, is a wonder that God delights in performing. His mercy is boundless, and His grace is sufficient for all. We are called to trust in His ability to save and to expect Him to continue working wonders in our lives and in the world.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Wonders in Salvation: The transformation of a sinner into a saint is a profound miracle, showcasing God's enduring mercy and divine patience. Despite the vileness of sin, God calls sinners with love and draws them to Himself, a wonder that surpasses the creation of the world. [05:00]

- Preservation of Faith: The ongoing faith of believers amidst trials is a testament to God's sustaining power. Despite the attacks on faith, believers continue to stand firm, a living wonder of God's grace. This preservation is akin to a candle burning in a cyclone, a marvel of divine intervention. [07:39]

- God's Use of the Unworthy: God uses us, despite our unworthiness, to accomplish His purposes, which is itself a wonder. The fact that God can write His message on the hearts of others through us is a testament to His power and grace. [09:04]

- Expectation of Great Things: We are encouraged to expect great things from God because His word and His covenant promise them. The covenant of grace, the incarnation of Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit are all preparations for God to do great things. [11:03]

- Boundless Mercy and Grace: The salvation of sinners, no matter how great their sin, is a wonder that God delights in performing. His mercy is boundless, and His grace is sufficient for all. We are called to trust in His ability to save and to expect Him to continue working wonders in our lives and in the world. [19:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Psalm 136
- [00:35] - God's World of Wonders
- [01:12] - Wonders in Providence and Grace
- [02:38] - Present Wonders of Mercy
- [03:49] - God’s Ongoing Work
- [05:00] - Salvation of Great Sinners
- [07:05] - Preservation of Believers
- [09:04] - God’s Use of the Unworthy
- [11:03] - Expectation of Great Things
- [13:15] - Covenant of Grace
- [15:34] - The Holy Spirit’s Role
- [19:02] - Boundless Mercy and Grace
- [22:30] - Greatness of God’s Wonders
- [36:28] - God Alone Does Great Wonders

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 136:1-4

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the specific wonders of God mentioned in Psalm 136, and how do they relate to His enduring mercy? [00:14]

2. According to the sermon, how does God demonstrate His wonders in the realm of grace today? [05:00]

3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the preservation of faith amidst trials as a testament to God's sustaining power? [07:39]

4. How does the sermon describe God's use of unworthy individuals to accomplish His purposes? [09:04]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the transformation of a sinner into a saint showcase God's enduring mercy and divine patience? [05:00]

2. How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to the ongoing attacks on their faith, and what does this reveal about God's sustaining power? [07:39]

3. What does the sermon imply about the significance of expecting great things from God, and how is this expectation grounded in His word and covenant? [11:03]

4. How does the sermon explain the concept of God's boundless mercy and grace in the context of salvation for sinners? [19:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy in a profound way. How did it change your perspective on His enduring love? [05:00]

2. In what areas of your life do you feel your faith is being tested, and how can you rely on God's sustaining power to stand firm? [07:39]

3. Consider a situation where you felt unworthy to be used by God. How can you embrace the idea that God uses the unworthy to accomplish His purposes? [09:04]

4. What are some great things you are currently expecting from God, and how can you align these expectations with His promises in Scripture? [11:03]

5. Identify a person in your life who seems far from God. How can you pray for and support them in experiencing God's boundless mercy and grace? [19:02]

6. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for the wonders God is performing in your life and the lives of others? [00:14]

7. What steps can you take this week to trust more deeply in God's ability to work wonders in your life, even in areas where you feel hopeless? [19:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation from Sinner to Saint
The transformation of a sinner into a saint is a profound miracle that showcases God's enduring mercy and divine patience. Despite the vileness of sin, God calls sinners with love and draws them to Himself, a wonder that surpasses the creation of the world. This transformation is not just a change in behavior but a complete renewal of the heart and mind, made possible only through God's grace. It is a testament to His boundless love and the power of His salvation. The journey from sin to sainthood is marked by God's persistent call and the sinner's response to His love, leading to a life that reflects His holiness and grace. [05:00]

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."

Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you have experienced transformation through God's grace. How can you share this testimony with someone who needs encouragement today?


Day 2: Faith Preserved Amidst Trials
The ongoing faith of believers amidst trials is a testament to God's sustaining power. Despite the attacks on faith, believers continue to stand firm, a living wonder of God's grace. This preservation is akin to a candle burning in a cyclone, a marvel of divine intervention. It is not by human strength that faith endures but by the power of God who upholds His people. In times of trial, believers are reminded of God's promises and His faithfulness, which serve as anchors for their souls. The resilience of faith amidst adversity is a powerful witness to the world of God's unchanging love and His ability to keep His children secure. [07:39]

1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Identify a current trial you are facing. How can you actively rely on God's promises to sustain your faith through this challenge?


Day 3: God Uses the Unworthy
God uses us, despite our unworthiness, to accomplish His purposes, which is itself a wonder. The fact that God can write His message on the hearts of others through us is a testament to His power and grace. This truth humbles us and reminds us that it is not our abilities but God's strength that enables us to serve Him. Our weaknesses and imperfections do not disqualify us from being used by God; rather, they highlight His glory as He works through us. As vessels of His message, we are called to be faithful and obedient, trusting that He will equip us for every good work He has prepared for us. [09:04]

2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV): "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate to serve God. How can you embrace your weaknesses as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power through you?


Day 4: Expectation of Great Things
We are encouraged to expect great things from God because His word and His covenant promise them. The covenant of grace, the incarnation of Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit are all preparations for God to do great things. This expectation is not based on wishful thinking but on the sure foundation of God's promises. As believers, we are called to live with a sense of anticipation, trusting that God is at work in our lives and in the world. Our faith is strengthened as we look forward to the fulfillment of His promises, knowing that He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in us. [11:03]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is one specific promise from God's word that you are waiting to see fulfilled in your life? How can you actively prepare your heart to receive what God has in store for you?


Day 5: Boundless Mercy and Grace
The salvation of sinners, no matter how great their sin, is a wonder that God delights in performing. His mercy is boundless, and His grace is sufficient for all. We are called to trust in His ability to save and to expect Him to continue working wonders in our lives and in the world. This assurance of God's mercy and grace gives us hope and confidence in His redemptive work. No sin is too great for His forgiveness, and no life is beyond His reach. As recipients of His grace, we are invited to extend this same mercy to others, sharing the good news of His salvation with those around us. [19:02]

Micah 7:18-19 (ESV): "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."

Reflection: Consider someone in your life who needs to experience God's mercy and grace. How can you be an instrument of His love and forgiveness to them today?

Quotes



I believe that today God is doing great wonders in Saving great Sinners it is a wonder that God should touch a sinner at all yay that he should even look at him a sinner is such an evil thing his sin is so vile so foul that Holiness cannot take any pleasure in him he who fails to obey his maker is creation's blank creation's blot and it is a wonder that his creator should think of him with patience but that God should call The Sinner with the voice of love and bid him return and find favor is a wonder that when he does not return at the gracious bidding the Lord should draw him with bands of Love is more wonderful still. [00:04:55]

Nor less May the wonders of the Lord be seen in the preservation of those who believe on his name a true believer's life is a mystery to himself and to others concerning the wind thou can not tell whence it cometh or whether it goeth so is everyone that is born of the spirit We Are Men wondered at do you not wonder my brother that you are still a Christian faith is so contrary to Nature that its existence in the heart is like a spark burning in the sea faith is so much attacked especially in this evil day that it is like a candle kept a light in a cyclone yet you have not drawn back unto pedition still though faint you are pursuing. [00:07:05]

To me also it is a great wonder that God should use any of us we seem so unfit for his holy purposes can he write with such a pen as I am upon the the fleshly tablets of men's Hearts what can he paint a fair picture of Holiness in the characters of my hearers with so poor a brush as I am then indeed he doeth great Wonders that which God does by our instrumentality at any time if indeed it be for his glory should fill us with astonishment when Saul who formerly persecuted the Saints saw Saints made under his Ministry he was drawn out in wondering adoration as he wrote unto me who am less than the least of All Saints is this Grace given. [00:09:04]

Now dear Brethren why may we expect the Lord still to do wonders I answer first because his word raises our expectations surely the Lord will not cease to work wonders and descend to the common place for this book talks of great things and marvelous things does he not say concerning his great grace as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts have we not many passages of scripture which run in this wise though your sins be as Scarlet they shall be as white as snow the universe is challenged by the question who is a god like unto thee that paronthi equity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his Heritage. [00:11:03]

When the Glorious son of the highest came from heaven and veiled his godhead in human flesh he had designs of a majestic character an incarnate God fodes great grace to our humanity and when as God and man in one person our lord Jesus suffered shame and spitting and scourging and condemnation and bowed himself at last to death the result of all his passion cannot mean the salvation of a few or a questionable salvation for many it must forell a sure salvation for a multitude of great sinners stupendous guilt is intended to be washed away by the blood of So Divine a sacrifice if our Lord Jesus Christ is to receive a reward commensurate with his accomplished work we may safely look for things which shall Amaze the world. [00:13:15]

Furthermore when I reflect that the Holy Ghost has come down from heaven and that he has never quitted us but abides with his church to carry out the purposes of Grace by convincing men of sin and glorifying Christ I am encouraged to look for great things the Holy Ghost is not here in vain he intends to do great things if the biggest blasphemer out of hell were reported to be saved today I should not find it difficult to believe the news if in this house there should be one who has denied the deity of our Lord and has cast off all fear of God and consequently has plunged into the worst forms of sin I can readily hope that the Lord may pass by all his transgressions and make him one of his most Earnest servants. [00:15:34]

The Lord grants great forgiveness to Great Sinners and takes pleasure to work great transformations in those who were saturated through and through with sin why does God work great wonders of Grace I answer because he is great and greatly wonderful he acts according to his nature when he doeth great wonders he is so wonderful a God that no one has ever formed an adequate conception of him we do not understand God nor can we comprehend him we know that there is such a one and we love and praise him but to say that understand God as a man is understood of his fellow would be very far from the truth. [00:19:02]

The Lord can do as much today as he did in the Elder ages yay we may look for greater things than these I do not believe that God's music is now marked with diminuendo but I see Crescendo on the score it grows in volume and in force as the ages Roll Along the Lord leads on our Wandering Minds from height to height and reveals to us more and more the glory of his power this leads me to believe that the Lord Jesus Will yet save greater Sinners than he ever did save if such Sinners there be our Lord celebrated his entrance into Paradise by the salvation of a thief and soon after his resurrection He restored Peter he will always be saving thieves and restoring backsliders. [00:22:30]

The Lord will go on to save great Sinners for he has put his hand to the plow of Grace and he will not look back Jesus Reigns on Zion's Hill he receives poor Sinners still the very guil guiltiest and most hardened and most daring of rebels are welcome to come to Jesus and look to him and live how pleased I am to preach this gospel oh that I could preach it better I expect the Lord to go on saving great Sinners by these words of mine and this shall be to the praise of the glory of his grace we may expect the Lord to forgive great sins such as murders adultery iies robberies blasphemies and sins unmentionable Mercy gets to itself Renown when it annihilates giant sins. [00:36:28]

The Lord of hosts is with us the god of Jacob is our refuge now we have got some good way into our text to him that doeth great wonders be glory forever and ever the third point is this these great wonders are wrought by God Alone he alone doeth great wonders lay emphasis heavily upon the word alone my brethren there are Deeds of kindness which you could not expect anyone else to do the most forgiving of human Spirits can never pardon as God does you poor sinner have been measuring God's corn with your bushel and therefore you conclude that he cannot forgive you but his longsuffering and grace are greater than yours. [00:36:28]

The Lord can make you again to become a little child by being born again it is hard I know for you to believe it but nothing ought to be hard to believe concerning the god whose mercy endureth forever he alone himself and by himself can perform prodiges of love when it is said that he does these great wonders alone it means that he does them when nobody can help him my friend you cannot do anything you are now reduced to utter impotence under a sense of sin you fear that you cannot even believe or feel but the Lord is all sufficient and he alone doeth great wonders he can do all for you and work all in you. [00:36:28]

When the Lord uses means in the salvation of a soul he takes care that nobody shall praise the means or ascribe the Salvation to the agent he has many ways with his most useful Servants of making them keep their places and you will notice that as soon as ever any one of them begins to grow rather large in his own esteem he is usually met with weakness and baroness we must Brethren keep self out of the way we must put ourselves absolutely into God's hands that he may use us in the winning of Souls and then we must send the great eye down down down till it is buried out of all remembrance. [00:36:28]

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Transcript
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