Free Grace Fresno

03/31/2026

Please join us this Good Friday April 3rd as we reflect and remember the crucifixion of Jesus.

01/03/2026

Our reading in scripture today brought us thoughts of our Free grace family. We do give thanks to God for you all, praying for your work of faith and labor of love. Much love and blessings in the New year- Andy & Penny❤️

08/28/2024

This week, we'll be singing Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul. Please listen to this beautiful arrangement of the hymn and read the stanzas below as we prepare our hearts to sing together this Sunday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC0Ba0KX18o

Verse 1
Dear refuge of my weary soul
On Thee when sorrows rise
On Thee when waves of trouble roll
My fainting hope relies
To Thee I tell each rising grief
For Thou alone canst heal
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief
For every pain I feel

Verse 2
But oh when gloomy doubts prevail
I fear to call Thee mine
The springs of comfort seem to fail
And all my hopes decline
Yet gracious God where shall I flee
Thou art my only trust
And still my soul would cleave to Thee
Though prostrate in the dust

Verse 3
Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face
And shall I seek in vain
And can the ear of sov'reign grace
Be deaf when I complain
No still the ear of sov'reign grace
Attends the mourner's prayer
Oh may I ever find access to breathe
My sorrows there

Verse 4
Thy mercy seat is open still
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will
And wait beneath Thy feet
Thy mercy seat is open still
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will
And wait beneath Thy feet

© 2014 © Sovereign Grace Praise (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI)) and Matthew Merker Music (Admin. by Matthew Merker) || CCLI Song # 7016164 -- CCLI License # 3168259

A cover of Anne Steele and Matt Merker’s beautiful hymn. This hymn reminds the singer of God’s present mercy and attentive ear to the deepest parts of us. Ch...

08/22/2024

A few months ago, we learned a song of lament to sing in times of deep distress to remind and impress upon our hearts how we respond when in 'sorrows deep'.
Over the month of September, we will be learning a new song which has a broader reach - a song that I am thankful to be able to share with you all: Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul.

The melody was written in 2014 but many of the words go back to the mid 1700s. Some of the language is older but the truths of these stanzas remain timeless.

'Dear refuge of my weary soul
On Thee when sorrows rise
On Thee when waves of trouble roll
My fainting hope relies
To Thee I tell each rising grief
For Thou alone canst heal
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief
For every pain I feel..'

These word banish arrogance and pride. They kill bitterness. And they show us our constant need for our God - our refuge.
We all are facing weariness, if not today, then tomorrow!
Let's reorient our focus with these words of truth: 'Yet gracious God / where shall I flee / Thou art my only trust'!

Congregational singingCapitol Hill Baptist Church - Washington, D.C.Text: Anne Steele | Tune: Matthew MerkerDear refuge of my weary soul,On Thee, when sorrow...

07/28/2024

Over the month of August, we'll be learning the well known song Behold Our God. A stalwart among many Biblical churches, this song reminds us of the immense majesty and sovereignty of God.

Behold Our God teaches us to:

🔸 Acknowledge God's infinite power and wisdom: The song highlights God's creation, from the vast oceans to the countless grains of sand, emphasizing His unparalleled control over the universe.

🔸 Recognize God's supreme authority: The lyrics convey the idea that all earthly rulers and nations bow down to God's authority, acknowledging His ultimate reign.

🔸 Understand God's incomprehensible nature: We are reminded that God is beyond human comprehension, His wisdom and knowledge surpassing all human understanding.

🔸 Marvel at God's sacrificial love: The song touches on the heart of the Christian faith, highlighting God's willingness to endure suffering for humanity's redemption.

🔸 Respond with worship and adoration: Ultimately, the song calls us to respond to God's greatness with worship and adoration, recognizing His incomparable worthiness.

As we prepare for this song, let's meditate on the truths it conveys. We are looking forward to singing this song with you all!
--
🎼Who has held the oceans in his hands?
Who has numbered every grain of sand?
Kings and nations tremble at his voice
All creation rises to rejoice

Behold our God, seated on his throne
Come, let us adore him
Behold our king, nothing can compare
Come, let us adore him

Who has given counsel to the Lord?
Who can question any of his words?
Who can teach, the one who knows all things?
Who can fathom all His wondrous deeds?

Behold our God, seated on His throne
Come, let us adore Him
Behold our king, nothing can compare
Come, let us adore Him

Who has felt the nails upon His hands?
Bearing all the guilt of sinful man
God eternal, humbled to the grave
Jesus, Savior, risen now to reign

Behold our God, seated on His throne
Come, let us adore Him
Behold our king, nothing can compare
Come, let us adore him

You will reign forever (let Your glory fill the Earth)
You will reign forever (let Your glory fill the Earth)
x2

Behold our God, seated on His throne
Come, let us adore Him
Behold our king, nothing can compare
Come, let us adore Him

We will be singing this version (linked video from a congregation in Tennessee)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNTT0pNhfDo

06/10/2024

A Common Question: Why Do We Sing?

Why do we place such emphasis & magnitude on singing? The primary reason for this is simply because the Word of God does the same. With over 50 commands to sing throughout Scripture, it is evident that this is an action we are created to do consistently and in all circumstances. Singing is not an option or something that only some of us are to do at church.
So, does any song do? Is it simply the act of making music with our words? No, Ephesians informs us that we must be, ‘speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord'. (Ephesians 5:19b) Memorizing the truths from Scripture is closely associated with teaching and admonishing one another through song. (Colossians 3:16) The human mind has an incredible capacity to memorize and recall tunes and the words set to them. Applying Scripture and rich theology to melodies enable us to bring to mind truths with which to inform our hearts in times of reflection, suffering, despair, rejoicing, temptation, thankfulness, and praise to God for His attributes.

So, where & when do we sing?
The simple answer is anytime & anywhere! The very next verse in Ephesians 5 shows believers are ‘always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father’ (Ephesians 5:20). Jesus & His disciples sang a hymn at the Last Supper. (Mark 14:26) Paul & Silas sang hymns of praise to God in prison. (Acts 16:25) It is important to note that a song’s effectiveness for worship doesn’t depend on the year it was written but rather the attributes of praise found within its lyrical content.

​

We sing with the church.
‘I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.’ (1 Corinthians 14:15b)
Worship through song is a vital component, not a suggestion, for our regular gathering together as a church family. Songs of truth that are rich in theology and exalt Christ above all things unify the assembly and glorify our Lord. As such, we must never take lightly the content of what we are teaching & preaching through song to one another. When we sing with disregard or offer corrupted, careless, or meaningless lyrics in our worship to the Lord together with the saints, we profane the name of God.

​

We sing with our family.
‘Then it will be, when many evils and troubles have found them, that this song will answer them as a witness (for it shall not be forgotten from the mouths of their seed) (Deuteronomy 31:21a)
As Scripture points out, singing is not relegated to church, your commute, or the shower. Husbands & fathers, we must teach our families Scripture saturated songs of truth & hope. Leading our families in this way gives them (and us) a priceless defense in times of trials, accurate words of praise in times of joy, and Biblical truths that these traditional & modern hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs can plant deep in their hearts.

​

We sing when we are alone.
‘…by night, His song will be with me’ (Psalm 42:8)
Just like countless others before us, including the Psalmist, we are to speak the truths from the Word of God to our hearts including in the music we expose ourselves to. The point of this individual worship through song is to reframe the heart, encourage the soul, and glorify our Savior. Listening to ambiguous or mindless lyrics can often lead us to believe we are giving God sincere worship when we are, instead, simply riding on emotional highs. True praise and worship to God comes from the heart. We are warned not to simply go through the motions but to truly honor God with our heart when we sing. (Matthew 15:8; 1 Corinthians 14:15b)


---
'I called out to Him with my mouth, and He was exalted with my tongue' (Psalm 66:17)

- Ben Ditzel
Ref. https://www.worshipthroughsong.com/why-we-sing

04/30/2024

NEW SONG for MAY: The hope of the resurrection ignites a song within us, and that song is "Christ Our Hope in Life & Death!" Just like the Heidelberg Catechism that inspired it, this hymn confronts death head-on. There's no need to shy away from it in our songs, because we know the Living One who has conquered it for good. Hallelujah rings out from Christian lips, a song of praise for the glorious future secured by Christ.
O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal;
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death.

Please listen, learn, and prepare your hearts to sing this song of truth this Sunday at Free Grace Church.
Congregational Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpFKp8MhonI
Album Edition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OibIi1rz7mw&t=3s

What is our hope in life and death?Christ alone, Christ aloneWhat is our only confidence?That our souls to him belongWho holds our days within his hand?What ...

02/27/2024

Next month, we will be learning what is called a song of lament. These songs & sentiments, woven throughout Scripture, especially the Psalms, offer an outlet for believers to express their sorrows without sinful response in the midst of trials. They serve as a balm for our souls in times of distress, offering solace and grounding even as they bring us low. Yet, still while acknowledging our grief, these songs also guide us towards our steadfast hope in the Lord. They remind us to continue praising Him through trials and to remember the perfect, holy, and good God we serve. Though grief may weigh heavily on our hearts, these songs remind us that God's strength surpasses all burdens. 'Why are you cast down my soul? Hope in Him who saves you!... Lord, "cause this heart to praise You!"'

We invite you to listen and learn 'Lord, From Sorrows Deep I Call' as we will be singing it together this Sunday. These words that we learn now will return to our minds later to give both comfort and peace in the inevitable trials of life.

This is a congregational arrangement of our new song: Lord, From Sorrows Deep I Call

1. Lord, from sorrows deep I call when my hope is shaken; torn and ruined from the fall, hear my desperation. For so long I've pled and prayed, "God, come to...