In 1918 Haldor Lillenas wrote the hymn that we will open our service with on Sunday January 13, 2013. He and his wife had just built their first house in Olivet Illinois. By the time they moved into the house they had run out of money and could not afford any furniture for their new home.
Music was a major part of Haldor’s life and he needed an instrument in order to continue writing songs. He wrote “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” and sold it for $5.00, which was just enough to buy an old wheezy organ from one of his neighbors.

In the first half of the 20th Century, Wonderful Grace of Jesus was especially used by huge choirs in evangelistic crusades. The upbeat tempo the energy of the music would inspire those in attendance. Charles Alexander was known as a singing evangelist. He thought it would be good to get the congregation involved in the service. His idea was to lead the congregation in singing before the preacher came out. This was actually the beginning of what we know today as the “Worship Leader”.

The lyrics to this great hymn are some of the most powerful words ever sung in church. Without God’s grace we would all be lost. These words remind that God’s grace reaches all who will receive Him!
God’s grace is indescribable and greater than all my sin. It takes away the burden of sin and sets us free. I love this 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”

Other songs for this Sunday include;
At Calvary
Bless the Lord O My Soul (10,000 Reasons)
He Giveth More Grace
Just As I Am