Jesus what a friend for sinners

Jesus Friend of Sinners

/ pastorpete51 / 4 Comments 
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.” Matthew 11:18-19 NKJV

We had a beautiful time yesterday, worshipping together at Watermark Assisted Living. With many new people coming recently for our Sunday afternoon sessions, it is almost hard to remember a few years ago when only one or two would show up. “Jesus What a Friend for Sinners”, written by John Chapman and published in 1910, is an older hymn that not all of my friends were familiar with, but I have grown to love singing it both because of its honest message and its hauntingly beautiful melody. The song reminds me of what John Newton is reported to have said in his old age, ““Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”

Jesus – Friend of Sinners

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ Luke 7:34 NIV

Several years ago I wrote an article on encouraging aging voices to sing. Little did I realize at the time how much I would need my own advice today. It has been discouraging to me this year to realize I am slowly losing my voice. At first I just chalked it up to a bad day or overuse but it is beginning to be clear that I cannot sing as I once did. Now I have a choice to either, quit, deny the change or make the best of the situation. It is a bit like working through the stages of grief. It hasn’t been an easy thing, but I have accepted the weakness as real and will just do the best I can because in my heart the melodies are still ringing.

This week I share, Jesus What a Friend For Sinners, which is one of my favorite hymns. In the words of John Newton, “Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” May you also be blessed as you remember what a great Savior this Jesus – the Friend of sinners has been for you!

Two Lost Sons

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Everyone loves the parable of the prodigal son. But the story that Jesus tells is actually about two boys. One was lost in a far off city and the other lost right at home. All of us are a lot like these two but no matter which son (or daughter) you are like remember that God loves us both.


This week’s songs include; Nothing But the Blood; Our Great Savior (Jesus what a Friend for Sinners) and Are You Washed in the Blood. Remember to pray for our brothers and sisters who live in long term care for whom I produce these videos. Consider that they cannot have not been able to have visitors for any reason since March 10th and there is no end in sight. The good news is that Jesus is a friend who cannot be quarantined or kept out! If you know anyone in nursing care or who is being quarantined at home who would like to hear these familiar songs please consider sharing the video links. They are the closest to a chaplain’s visit that I can give. Have a good week everyone and I hope you will be blessed!