Father of Mercies
In this message, Ernie emphasizes the profound nature of God's mercy as revealed in Scripture. He begins by reading passages from 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Romans, and Luke, highlighting God's character as the "Father of mercies." Ernie reflects on the transformative power of understanding God's mercy, contrasting his earlier misconceptions of God as an angry figure with the reality of a loving, patient Father. He explains that mercy is not just an attribute of God but is intrinsic to His nature, stemming from His great love for humanity. Ernie illustrates how God's mercy is demonstrated through the covenant relationship established with His people, particularly through the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He encourages believers to respond to God's mercy by living as merciful individuals, forgiving others as God forgives them. Ernie concludes by urging the congregation to embody God's mercy in their relationships, fostering a community characterized by love and forgiveness, reflecting the heart of God in their daily lives.
- Introduction to God's mercy in Scripture
- Ernie's personal journey of understanding God's character
- Definition and significance of mercy
- God's covenant relationship with humanity
- Demonstration of mercy through Jesus Christ
- Call to respond to God's mercy by being merciful
- Encouragement to embody mercy in relationships
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: 2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Chapter 12
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
