“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 NKJV
Shortly after I was born into God’s forever family, “saved by grace,” a Mt. Carmel newspaper headline read: “Grace Memorial Church is name chosen by group,” quoting pastor Albert Fauth.
“Wonderful Grace of Jesus” by Haldor Lillenas became the Grace Memorial theme song. The chorus: “Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus, deeper than the mighty rolling sea, higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain, all sufficient grace for even me. Broader than the scope of my transgressions, greater far than all my sin and shame; O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise His name.”
Albert Fauth was trained at Moody Bible Institute, as was Charles Pedersen, who succeeded him and later put together a Saturday morning broadcast called “Echoes of Grace.” My senior year in high school, Pastor Pedersen asked me to read his message, because he was going to be out of town and the program was being aired live. He was to be out again the next Saturday, and asked me to use the outline that he had prepared. The third Saturday, to be gone again, he asked me to personally develop and share the message. The following week, he informed the congregation he was leaving Mt. Carmel to take a pastorate in Elkhart, Indiana. Because the church had a contract with the radio station, he recommended that I be the speaker each Saturday morning.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
Across the years God has involved me in media ministries. Today, “Telling The TRUTH” radio is broadcast daily on 66 VCY America stations and on WSJD in Mt. Carmel. It can be heard by listeners in 25 states, and anywhere anytime via podcast.
I grew up with “Tabernacle Hymns.” Paul Rader established the Tabernacle Publishing Company and recruited Victor Cory as manager.
In 1931, Cory founded Scripture Press, and Grace Memorial used Scripture Press materials. Reading their publications increased my knowledge of evangelical happenings and greatly enlarged my world.
Music has been a part of my life since 7th grade. During junior and high school I sang in the boys glee club and a cappella choir; played trombone in the concert band, marching band, pep band; and performed instrumental and vocal solos.
As a student at Greenville College, it was my privilege to meet the author of “Wonderful Grace of Jesus,” Haldor Lillenas. He was a mentor to John W. Peterson, who wrote hundreds of songs and produced hymnals.
Peterson wrote: “On the eve of the crucifixion, our Lord, with His disciples, ‘sang a hymn’ … at midnight Paul and Silas ‘sang praises’ in a Philippian jail …the early Christians were admonished to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs … and there is historical evidence that the church in each succeeding generation was a singing church. Actually, our present hymnody is the essence of nineteen centuries of worship and praise.”
Peterson’s best known song, “It Took a Miracle,” concludes: “But when He saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole, it took a miracle of love and grace.”
And D.L. Moody’s singing teammate Ira Sankey wrote “Grace! ‘Tis a Charming Sound.” The chorus: “Saved by grace alone, this is all my plea; Jesus died for all mankind, and Jesus died for me.”
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6:8 NKJV. It begins sharing the concept of “grace” in scripture.
Paul wrote: “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness…” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV
Former slave trader John Newton, miraculously converted to Christ, penned these famous lyrics: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”
“Amazing Grace” has become the best known gospel song worldwide.
You, too, can be saved when you “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
TTT Christian Youth Ministries continues Telling The TRUTH daily. We are prayerfully planning to take the Gospel to up to 14 Tri-State county fairs and street festivals in July and August.
June 8 is Fair Share training at TTT (3 PM – 8:30 PM). July 13 is to be “Jesus Christ Changin’ the World Summit” with updates, projections, and evangelism and leadership training from 3 PM through the Saturday night rally. It is free for youth (ages 10-19) and adults. Complimentary pizza will top off the evening. Come and learn how Christ through you can change the world!