Benedictions – spoken blessings at the end of church services and gatherings – can be nuggets of gospel gold to cherish to as we part from each other for another week. Here Derek W. H. Thomas has selected benedictions spoken by his colleague and friend, Dale Ralph Davis, to encourage and inspire the reader. Best known for his Old Testament expositions, Davis knows the value of remembering and clinging to God’s promises.
‘Benedictions are gospel words. They remind us at the end of the service that we receive the blessings of God’s covenant because Christ received its curses. After every service of worship, we conclude with a reminder that, as Christians, we live under the shade of the Almighty, taking refuge beneath His wings because, wonder of wonders, we are free from the condemnation of sin.’
– Derek W. H. Thomas
‘But as the final hymn comes to an end, there is one last word of gospel grace as he pronounces the benediction Ralph Davis is as much preaching God’s word to you now as he was in the sermon. He is not only praying for you; he is announcing to you all that is yours by faith in Christ. What a way to end the Lord’s Day and to begin the week.’
