The Right Hand of Falsehood: Deception in the Church

I just really appreciate hearing Warren Smith speak, so I'm putting some of his recent topics here on the ISS website. Jesus tells us that the last days will be marked by deception. We need to, as Mark Cahill so aptly said, test everything and test everyone against the Bible. Are you doing that?

God's Strange Design & Amazing Love!

A little encouragement for the brethren, a favorite hymn from the pen of Charles Wesley. I chose this rendition from You Tube for what, to me, sounds like an assembly of believers joyfully singing in worship to and praise of their God and Savior.

Listen, meditate, be encouraged, and stand in awe of our mighty God!

I copied the words for the hymn below this video link. Title of this post? Well, almost anyone would recognize "amazing love", but "Who can explore his strange design?" is the second line of the second verse. Enjoy!

And Can It Be that I Should Gain
The United Methodist Hymnal Number 363
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
Music: Thomas Campbell
Tune: SAGINA, Meter: 88.88.88 with Repeat


1. And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

2. 'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.

3. He left his Father's throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!

4. Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

5. No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.