He Rejoices Over Us
Good morning Immanuel. Jesus doesn't simply tolerate us, he rejoices over us!
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
The gospel is good news that God pardons sinners and welcomes us through the blood of his Son Jesus. Anyone can get in on this by receiving Jesus with the empty hands of faith. As we receive Christ, we begin to change, and we begin to love him and enjoy him. But even greater than our love and enjoyment in him is the Lord’s love and enjoyment in us! What an amazing thought that the Lord of mercy would actually delight in us! It is true. The one who lived for us, died for us, and raised for us, does not simply tolerate us as though we were a burden, he enthuses over us! He prefers us. He delights in us. He sets his affections on us! He sings over us! There is nothing mediocre about his heart for us. and with a love that deep, we can have full confidence that his love for us will never diminish or change. In the words of Spurgeon—
But, beloved, ye know right well that Jesus Christ’s love, when once it has engraved your name upon his hand and his heart, will never suffer that name to be erased. Ye believe, and ye believe aright, that he who has a portion in the heart of God has an eternal portion. He who can claim for himself a share of the Father’s love, of the Son’s redemption, and of the Spirit’s care, need never be afraid that all the thievish hosts of hell shall rob him of his divine inheritance. For look ye here, brethren, what is there, to separate you and me from Jesus Christ’s love…
Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, who rejoices over us with gladness and loud singing!
March 5, 2023 - This Sunday At Immanuel
Sunday Morning
VINCE GREENWALD ORDINATION & INSTALLATION - This Sunday, we look forward to the ordination and installation of Assistant Pastor Vince Greenwald in the 9 am service!
Seminars
9 am First Word Seminar led by Dr. Moore in the Cafe resumes this Sunday!
9 am: Studying the Bible Together led by Dr. Tom Cox in the Staff Lounge (ongoing)
10:45 am: Next Steps 1, led by Tony Shepherd in the Staff Lounge (ongoing)
No Student Seminar - All students and families are invited to the 9 am service for Vince Greenwald’s pastoral ordination and installation service.
Engage
DISCOVER LUNCHEON, MARCH 12 - If you or someone you know is new or newish at Immanuel, the discover luncheon is an excellent opportunity to get a basic introduction to Immanuel, meet a few pastors, ask questions and discover your next steps. RSVP for the March 12th Discover luncheon here.
ONLINE PRAYER MEETINGS - Every week, Jenn Ross, an Immanuel Discipleship Group leader, facilitates two online prayer meetings that everyone is welcome to join. Join her on Sundays morning from 7:30-8 am via Zoom here.
LIVE ALBUM RECORDING SINGLE - Remember the Immanuel Live Hymns Album recording event last October? We are happy to announce that the song, “Tis So Sweet” will be released as a single next month, on March 10th! Be on the lookout, and let’s spread the word!
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