We sing that we have a “Blessed assurance,” but what does that mean? When you say/sing that “Jesus is mine,” how does that change your life…does it change your life?
We must consider the rest of this verse if we are to fully understand the value and importance of this assurance in Christ. You will sing that you are an heir of salvation and that you’ve been purchased of God. Have you been born of His Spirit and washed in His blood? If you have, and if you are walking with Christ, then you have blessed assurance.
But you have to realize it doesn’t stop there. As a matter of fact, Fanny J. Crosby realized there was more to this ‘blessed assurance.’ Notice the the importance found the next two verses; “Perfect submission…” Are you prepared to submit to the King of Kings? When you do then you realize that when Christ returns, the joy (rapture) of heaven will burst on our sight. And even in her blindness, Fanny J. Crosby wrote about ‘seeing’ Christ when He comes to take us home. Notice the reference to Matthew 24:31 as she writes, ‘…angels descending.’
So take note of the rest we find with the assurance we have in Christ. The third verse simply states in my Savior I am “happy and blessed.” And with this blessed assurance, we are watching and waiting for Christ to come and take us home. It amazes me how our author of this song used the eyes of her heart to ‘look above.’ It really is no surprise to me that Fanny J. Crosby wrote that this blessed assurance was her story and her song.
Still the question is for you and I to answer is simple. Will you have a heart of submission to Christ? Are you ‘lost in His love?’ Spend your life praising God and singing of His glory. Search for and find that perfect submission. When you do, then you can answer the question…What is Your Story?
Looking at the second in this series of articles to highlight some of Fanny J. Crosby’s songs, let’s consider the words of one of her songs from 1868. Just 3 years after the pain of the American Civil War, she was encouraged to write this hymn as the result of a visit to a prison. It was in the spring of ’68 and William H. Doane recorded the following: “After she (Fanny J. Crosby) had spoken, and some of her hymns had been sung, she heard one of the prisoners cry out in a pleading voice, ‘Good Lord, do not pass me by!’.” The song finds it’s Biblical basis as we read of Christ passing by the blind me in Matthew 20:29-34. “Two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, ‘Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.’…”
An additional reference can be seen in the second verse of this song as we read Mark 9:24. Jesus and His disciples are speaking with a man concerning his son’s illness. The boy was possessed by a spirit, vs 17, and the disciples had not been able to cast the spirit out. In speaking to Jesus the man said, “…if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” Jesus response to the father’s plea was in the form of a question as he asked, “If You can?” All things are possible to him who believes.” In this statement Jesus offers hope to all mankind. And, like the troubled father, when we’re honest with ourselves we will admit our own short comings. In reply the father says what Fanny J. Crosby wrote and what we come to sing… “I do believe, help my unbelief…”
Would that we all have a heart that cries; “Savior, Savior! Hear my humble cry…”
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior…
Pass me not, O gentle Savior, hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by.
Refrain: Savior, Savior, Hear my humble cry, While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by.
Let me at Thy throne of mercy find a sweet relief; Kneeling there in deep contrition, help my unbelief.
Trusting only in Thy merit, would I seek Thy face; Heal my wounded, broken spirit, save me by Thy grace.
Thou the spring of all my comfort, more than life to me, Whom have I on earth beside Thee, Whom in Heav’n but Thee.
Let’s take a moment and consider the blessing we have with so many talented hymn writers from across time. Historical figures like Isaac Watts (1700’s), Philip Bliss and William Bradbury (1800’s). Or more recently Albert Brumley, Thomas O. Chisholm and Lloyd O. Sanderson from the late 1800’s to mid 1900’s. But we’d be amiss if we failed to mention the more recent contributors; such as Chris Tomlin (How Great is Our God), Keith Getty (In Christ Alone) and Ken Young (Thomas’ Song). There are so many talented hymn writers/composers that this short article could never do them justice.
But for the next few weeks I’d like to look closely at a contributor who gave her heart and soul to writing hymns for God’s people. We’ll break down three of her most noted songs and perhaps grow closer to praising our God in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. In her writings, Francis Jane Crosby had a desire to place “a heightened emphasis on religious experiences, emotions, and testimonies” when it came to singing to God. The style she used reflected a “sentimental, romanticized relationship between the believer and Christ.”
Perhaps you’ll remember some of the stories behind the wonderful hymn writer, Fanny J. Crosby. Consider the fact she had a great love for God’s Word and had memorized several books of the Bible (which served as the ‘fountain’ for her inspiration). Some many know that she authored/penned more than 9,000 songs during her life, and many under various pseudo names. But perhaps the most fascinating characteristic that this beautiful hymn writer brings to historical account is the fact she lost her sight at the age of 6 weeks! Before she could even register the memory of sight, she was blind. And though many would find this an opportunity for depression, her true heart was expressed as she wrote…
“It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”
And with that in mind, let’s consider a hymn she wrote in 1894 exemplifying her desire to ‘see’ God… “I Shall Know Him”
“When my lifework is ended, and I cross the swelling tide, when the bright and glorious morning I shall see; I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side, and His smile will be the first to welcome me.
Refrain: I shall know Him, I shall know Him, and redeemed by His side I shall stand, I shall know Him, I shall know Him, by the print of the nails in His hand.
Oh, the soul-thrilling rapture when I view His blessed face, and the luster of His kindly beaming eye; How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love and grace, that prepare for me a mansion in the sky.
Oh, the dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come, and our parting at the river I recall; To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing my welcome home; but I long to meet my Savior first of all.
Through the gates to the city in a robe of spotless white, He will lead me where no tears will ever fall; In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight; but I long to meet my Savior first of all.”
As a cloud of dust lingers over home plate, and with every eye on the umpire, there’s nothing more reassuring for the offensive player (disappointing for the defense) then to hear the word, “SAFE!” It was a ’round trip’ that ended with a successful completion summed up in that one syllable word. The confirmation that the greatest hope has been achieved and that the traveler had made it home…safe!
Even a child crying in the night is seeking comfort and a warm embrace to let him know he’s safe. We’ll even put our money in a safety deposit box to do what? To keep our treasures ‘safe.’ And if we’re honest with each other, even as adults, we would rather be safe (saved, rescued) than to be lost, insecure…not safe. Any one who has faced times of distress and fear know that there’s nothing more comforting that knowing, “I’m safe.”
The Christian realizes that there is nothing sweeter than to be ‘safe at home.’ And yes, it’s the “Umpire’s call!” Though the devil will do his best to put us out, I hope this song can be a source of encouragement to you. There is reassurance and hope for the end of this life when we’re “safe in the arms of Jesus.”
Thanks Fanny J. Crosby for this reminder from Mark 10:16! “And He took them in His arms and began blessing them…”
1. Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast; There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest. Hark! ’tis the voice of angels borne in a song to me, Over the fields of glory, over the jasper sea.
Refrain: Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast; There by His love o’ershaded, Sweetly my soul shall rest.
2. Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care, Safe from the world’s temptations; sin cannot harm me there. Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears; Only a few more trials, only a few more tears!
3. Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge, Jesus has died for me; Firm on the Rock of Ages ever my trust shall be. Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is o’er; Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore.
When someone has successfully served in a position for years as a teacher, a coach, a preacher or politician, you might hear the phrase, ‘it will be hard to fill their shoes.’ Still others might say that they, ‘cast a long shadow.’ For either phrase the interpretation is the same, they will be hard to replace. But as time passes by, and the dust of time begins to settle, the world begins to forget who was wearing what shoes and who is casting the shadows.
And as you think about it, shoes eventually wear out and shadows soon fade away. Some serve for years sacrificing and giving their all, only to be forgotten. Could there possibly be someone whose shoes can’t be filled? Can we look long enough and far enough to find a shadow that is seen for generations yet to come? Join us Sunday morning as we consider the shadow a mother casts. Could this be ‘the shadow that never fades away?’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, May 10, 2015
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah!” – 3
Few of our songs (psalms) are so true to the text as this one written in the late 1800’s. Taken from the 148th Psalm, ‘Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah,’ is a beautiful, musical arrangement of scripture. And as you sing about ‘dragons’ in the third verse, you’ll recall the 7th verse, “Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps.” (KJV) Interestingly enough, other versions refer to the ‘dragons’ as sea monsters or sea creatures. Either way…EVERYTHING will praise it’s creator!
“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” – 383
Before the Lord’s Supper, we’ll sing about the cross. Staying near the cross of Christ we remember His cruel death. Would that we all strive to be near the cross throughout our lives. Unfortunately, some only draw near to the cross when it’s convenient. But if we’re true to our Lord, we’ll watch and wait until this life ends. Or as Fanny Crosby wrote, “…till I reach the golden strand, just beyond the river.” Faithful moms teach their children the importance of staying near the cross.
“Christ Above Me” – no book
During the passing of the collection plate we’ll sing this ‘contemporary song’ about the all encompassing role Christ plays in our life. “Christ above me, Christ beside me, Christ within me, ever guiding. Christ behind me (not in a subordinate manner, but as my daily supportive), Christ before, Christ my love, my life, my Lord.”
“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47
How beautifully this hymn combines all four voices (parts) as we focus on the holiness of our God. Perhaps the best message from this old hymn (because we are singing to HIM), comes in the third verse. “Holy, holy, holy, though the darkness hide Thee (even though the sin of this life), though the eye of sinful man Thy glory can not see. (God sees everything, but the eyes of men who refuse to see God, won’t. Even still…) Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee, perfect in power, in love and purity.” Amen!
“Living By Faith” – 560
Do you really believe the message you sing in the first verse of this song? Read it before you sing it, “I care not today what the morrow may bring, (it doesn’t matter to me what will happen tomorrow) if shadow, sunshine or rain…” Will you, do you live by faith? If you have a mother who taught you to live a faithful life following God’s word, be thankful. You have a mother who casts a long shadow.
“Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me” – 722
Serving as our invitation song, we’ll proffer yet another opportunity to draw closer to God. We should daily draw near to Him, but it seems we do so more often when life is difficult. With that in mind, consider the third verse. “When your burden is heavy and hard to bear, when your neighbors refuse all your load to share. When you’re feeling so blue, don’t know just what to do, (that’s when you) let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you.” And surely a godly mother knows the importance of letting the beauty of Jesus been in her life.
“Faithful Love” – no book
God’s love is faithful, and has been manifested in Christ on Calvary. “Faithful love flowing down from the thorn-covered crown…” When you see a mother who brings her children to love, honor and serve God, you still see faithful love. “Faithful love from above came to earth to show the Father’s love.”
Have you ever driven up behind someone, noticed they have a bumper sticker only you’re not quite able to read it? We squint and strain to see if there is some nugget of value. Or maybe that car in front of you doesn’t have ‘a’ bumper sticker, they’ve got dozens. We get an idea of the person driving the car by the message or the image on the sticker. But if the Christian were to have a ‘bumper sticker,’ what would it look like, what would it say? Would those who come up to you have to squint to read it or would our non-verbals speak loud and clear? And then…what message would we be sending?
If we’re honest, we know there are some bumper stickers that can give us a laugh, but at the same time, there are some that are worthless. Their message is not worthy of repeating. But as children of God, what would our bumper sticker say? Would it bring a smile to the reader’s face or cause him to shake his head? Would anyone be able to read it? This Sunday morning we’re on the rebound from being stuffed from Thanksgiving. So as you get back into the regular routine, join us as we look at “the Christian’s Bumper Sticker.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, November 30, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Redeemed” – 458
This is one of our spiritual songs that carries a lot of energy. Each statement is repeated as we sing of our redemption. “Sweet is the song I’m singing today, I’m redeemed! I’m redeemed!” Not to be mistaken with the hymn by Fanny J. Crosby, this song was penned almost 100 years ago, almost 35 years after Crosby’s “Redeemed.” Maybe as Christians this could be one of our bumper stickers. Letting the world know we’re REDEEMED!
“Higher Ground” – no book
What a grand message we send when we sing, “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day. Still praying as I onward bound, ‘Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.’..” People will ‘read’ your life and know if you’re comfortable here in this life or if you’re looking for something better. Let your message (your bumper sticker) speak loud and clear,“My heart has no desire to stay…”
“Worthy is the Lamb” – no book
Taken from the book of Revelation and blended with the tune from “Just as I am,” we come away with a moving hymn we’ll sing before the Lord’s Supper. ‘You alone are worthy to open its seals, because You were slain and gave Your blood. You purchased every man for God. Oh, worthy is the Lamb, the Lamb…’ and then we read the text. “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9
“When Peace Like a River” – 490
The tragic drowning of Horatio Spafford’s daughters motivated him to write this spiritual song of encouragement and strength. Whether or not our life is peaceful like a calm river, or turbulent like the waves of the sea, God’s children can say with confidence, “it’s OK, I have peace in Christ.” But many have missed this verse that is omitted from so many hymnals. Notice the striking message which would make for a great Christian bumper sticker,“Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control. That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and has shed His own blood for my soul.” Maybe we should have bumper stickers that say, “It is well with my soul.”
“A Beautiful Life” – 570
What makes a life ‘beautiful?’ Is it the things we accomplish or the legacy we leave? Could it be the things we do or the things we say? Is a beautiful life “all of the above?” As we sing this song before our lesson, we’re singing about how we treat one another. How we act toward strangers and how, ultimately, we represent God. You might say a beautiful life is reflected in the entirety of our being. We sing about doing a golden deed, and striving to help some troubled soul. We’ll continue our song as we focus on a good and pure life that lends a helping hand. Does your life look beautiful to others or, more importantly, does your life honor God? Or do we just have good bumper stickers?
“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – 524
Not your typical invitation song, but notice the message we sing; “I know not how the Spirit moves, convincing men of sin, revealing Jesus thru the Word, creating faith in Him.” We sing it and we wear it…but do we truly believe it?
“Redeemed” – 514
Perhaps this is the best bumper sticker the Christian could boast “REDEEMED, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Redeemed thru His infinite mercy, His child and forever, I am!” Singing we announce that we love to proclaim our redemption. We sing about being ‘happy in Jesus’ and there’s no language to express our excitement. But ask yourself, when you’re alone at work with only your non-believing co-workers around…can they still read your bumper sticker?
Fearful of their surroundings, an unlikely threesome walk down a brick road chanting the infamous, “Lions and Tigers and Bears, O my…” They feared what many consider vicious predators. Animals whose character is powerful and ruthless. It’s true, some of God’s creatures are not to be trifled with; but on the other hand, some are extremely passive and best described as vulnerable. So why would the Son of God be classified as one of these? Isaiah will describe Him as, ‘a lamb led to slaughter.’ Non-aggressive and defenseless is a good description for a lamb.
A silent lamb led to its shearers is the way Isaiah describes Christ. Not kicking back, roaring or ‘fighting to the end.’ Mark states clearly at Christ’s ‘trial’ that He, “…kept silent and did not answer.” Join us this coming Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ as we’ll be looking at the innocent and un-protesting Lamb of God.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, September 22, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“We Praise Thee, O God”
This is a wonderful, old hymn that dates back to the days before our country’s Civil War; a song that transcends time and brings ecstasy to the singer and listener alike.Though penned more than 150 years ago, it still as a powerful message.The first two verses begin, “We praise Thee, O God,” while the next two verses begin, “All glory and praise…”Beautiful words of exclamation, but least we lose sight of what we’re singing we conclude the chorus (and being the final verse) with the phrase, “Revive us again…”
“The Old Rugged Cross”
Some hymn writers have a wide collection of songs they’ve written over the years.Authors and composers like Isaac Watts, Fanny J. Crosby, Albert Brumley, William Doane and Tillet S. Teddlie to name a few.But for one man, George Bennard, his call to fame came in one song and one song alone, ‘The Old Rugged Cross.’What a message of salvation from the pen of this man who turns our minds back in time to, ‘a hill far away’ as we remember the cross of Christ.
“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”
The third verse of this song will be sung between the bread and the fruit of the vine as we consider coming near the cross.The plea for us to visualize our Lord’s death on the cross comes as we sing, “Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me…”Maybe some would rather not focus on that scene.It was a murder scene and one that was graphic as you think about his hands, feet and side.Not to mention the crown of thorns.We need to stay near the cross because all that pain and sorrow was on our account.He died for you and me.
“Worthy is the Lamb”
We’ve sung this before as we take the tune from Just As I Am and put it to some words and thoughts found around the throne of God in the book of Revelation.When we can sing the scripture (a psalm) it makes for stronger understand of the text.But when the words we sing are noted as having been sung around the throne of God…now that’s powerful.We’ll sing: “You alone are worthy to open its seals, because You were slain and gave Your blood.You purchased every man for God O worthy is the Lamb.”Revelation 5:9 reads: “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”
“You Are My All in All”
“Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name!”We’ll sing this contemporary song as we consider where our strength comes from, and what types of treasures we truly are seeking.Interestingly enough how many people really believe what they say in that first verse; “Lord, to give up I’d be a fool…”Defined: ‘A person lacking judgment’…giving up on God is not only foolish, it’s life threatening.
“Lamb of God”
The scripture reading just before this song is Isaiah 53:7, “…and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.”This inspired prophecy of Christ’s trial and crucifixion is captured by Isaiah the prophet, and we’ll follow it as we sing, “O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God…”
“I Will Sing of My Redeemer”
This song has an interesting chorus, “Sing, O sing of my redeemer, Sing O sing of my Redeemer; with His blood He purchased me, with His blood He purchased me, on the cross He sealed my pardon, on the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free and made me free, and made me free.”How often we sing, but fall short of listening to what we’re singing.Why repeat these words?Is it just for filler, or to enhance the harmony? Maybe we just like the way we’re echoing the ladies part?Or is there something more?Maybe it’s important enough that it’s worth repeating…for emphasis.Yes, I’ll sing!
“Redeemed”
The song before our lesson, has a strong upbeat tempo.But in case you haven’t noticed, this song uses the word ‘redeemed’ a total of 7 times…in the first verse alone.How thankful are we for the redemption we have in Christ.Because of the blood of the Lamb of God I can sing that I am, “…His child, and forever, I am.”
“Have You Been to Jesus?”
An invitation, in its purest form, is a question. Will you come to the party?We send invitations to ask for a response to our questions.Each Sunday the preacher ‘offers the invitation’ for those who will respond to come to Christ.How fitting, as we have sung and talked about the Lamb of God, that we would ask the question; “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power; are you walking daily by the Savior’s side…are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?” How will you answer (have you answered) the invitation?
“We Will Glorify”
A contemporary song that proclaims what the people of God long to do…we want to (we will) glorify our God! How often we sing with spirit and truth, but remember we must sing with understanding too. This first verse alone gives glory to the King of Kings, the Lamb and the Lord of Lords.But did you notice the last line of this verse (and the fourth)…?Who is the Great I Am!That’s not a question asking who the great I Am is, it’s a statement that the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and the Lamb are all the great I Am…
The scripture reading on Sunday morning at Waterview will be coming from John chapter 3, verses 9-15. Notice the words of Jesus as He says, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up…” The text of this reading is the basis for our lesson.
In Numbers 21 we read of the rebellion among the people against God. He sends ‘fiery serpents’ that plague the people, and many died because of their rebellion. The Lord’s instruction however was clear, “Make a fiery (bronze) serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live.” The Jews were told if they wanted healing, they simply needed to come to ‘the standard’ that was raised in the wilderness. The songs this morning are designed to focus us on the saving power of Christ and His plan to draw us toward God.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, June 9, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“To God Be the Glory” – 4
One of several great songs of praise, this hymn was written by Fanny J. Crosby in 1875. It always amazes me when I read the words of this woman who was blind from birth. In this hymn she writes, ‘…let the earth hear His voice…’ and obvious statement coming from someone whose sense of hearing was likely well developed. But I’m more intrigued by her words in the last verse. Never having seen the light of day, Fanny Crosby writes, “…But purer and higher, and greater will be our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we SEE.”Praise the Lord!
“My Only Hope is You” – no book
The beauty of this song comes as it builds upon each verse. Some may consider this a ‘7-11 song’ (7 words sung 11 times), yet the repetition and development of the thought should take precedence. From early in the morning, until late at night, Jesus is my only HOPE, PEACE, and JOY. The fourth verse sums it up best… “All that I need is You, Jesus, all that I need is You…” Listen to the song below, but Sunday we’ll sing it without the soloist.
“More Precious Than Silver” – 273
A simple hymn that implores us to consider how we view (yes, spend) our wealth. To what, in this life, do you dedicate your prosperity? Another song that’s easy to sing…but perhaps not so easy to fulfill. Really, what is it that you desire?
“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595
Written from the perspective of Mary as she comes to the garden after Christ burial, you can see her emotional pull to be with Jesus, the soothing comfort of His voice and the longing to stay with Him. C. Austin Miles captures the feeling Mary may have felt as we read John chapter 20. Perhaps with that understand we can sing this song differently; “…and He walks with meand He talks with me and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has every know.” From Mary’s eyes, truer than we may have previously thought.
“We Saw Thee Not” – 342
An older hymn (again this is sung to our God) that brings the saints to a clearer understanding of Jesus life here on earth. None of us ever saw Christ or His ‘cottage home.’ We didn’t stand on Golgotha’s hill and see the soldiers ‘lift Him up’ on the cross, and none of us stooped down to look into the empty tomb. But together we’ll sing, “But we believe the deed was done, that shook the earth and veiled the sun.”
“Lift Him Up” – 631
How do we reach the masses? What can we do to show Jesus to a lost and dying world? Jesus told us that He would be lifted up so all men could come to Him. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” John 12:32How do we reach men with Christ? Perhaps we start by lifting Him up in our own lives.
“I Am Thine, O Lord” – 666
Our song before the lesson implores us to draw nearer to God. Do we really long to rise in our faith, and truly seek to be closer drawn to Jesus? In the second verse we’ll sing that our souls look up with a steadfast faith, and our will be lost in Jesus. He was lifted up to draw us to Him…now will you look up to Him as you draw nearer in faith?
“Come to Jesus” – no book
In the chorus of this invitation song we’ll sing,“Come to Jesus!” Repeated more than 6 times, this old spiritual song implores the lost to seek His salvation. And like the Jews who were rebellious and bitten by the fiery serpents, we need to look up to the cross. But notice the admonition, “…Oh delay not till the morrow, lest thy coming be too late.”
“The Greatest Command” – 448
Though we sing with simplicity we sing with the scripture… “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” I John 4:7, 8 It’s easy to love the loveable, but what about those who persecute you and refuse to love you back? We can better understand how to love when we draw near to the One who was lifted up.
Power is described in many ways. Often we think of power coming from the strong and stout. But it can also be found in some unexpected areas. Someone once said, “Dynamite comes in small packages…” This Sunday morning, May 12th, we’ll consider the ‘power’ found in mothers.
In mid-May, each year we set aside time to honor our mothers, shower them with gifts and tell them we love them. This year will be no different. But as we worship this coming Sunday morning, we’ll explore motherhood in another light. We’ll honor our mothers, but worship our God.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, May 12, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“We Shall Assemble” – 718
This call to worship is a song inspired by the pen of Twila Paris. We’ll add a second verse which calls for us to consider the journey’s end. “And at the ending of our journey, we will bow down on bended knee. And with the angels up in heaven, we’ll sing a song of victory…” With confidence we know the redeemed will sing to the King; “Glory and honor and dominion…”
“We Have Come into His House” – 296
This spiritual song comes as a follow up (medley) with “We Shall Assemble”. Though the words may seem repetitive, as we sing we hear a strong case for worship. Verse 2… “Let’s forget about ourselves and magnify His name and worship Him!” The original words were changed from ‘Let’s forget about ourselves, concentrated on Him and worship Him…” Don’t think we can go wrong with either one, as long as we will worship Him!
“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” – 387
Most have sung this old spiritual song their whole life (considering it was written in 1880). As we ‘forget about ourselves’ we hear the singer pleading for you to tell of the cross Christ was hung. And to tell of the grave were Christ was ‘buried’. But in the same line we hear of the promise of His resurrection, “…tell how He liveth again.” (We’re singing the gospel, the death, burial and resurrection.) We’ll conclude the third verse as we sing the emotional plea to let me stay, and weep as the story teller whispers, “Love paid the ransom for me.” Ask yourself this question, ‘Do I weep when I hear the story of Jesus?’
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 226
“Here I raise my Ebeneezer, hither by Thy help I’ve come.” Don’t be fooled, this isn’t a song about Ebeneezer Scrooge, this is a reference back to 1 Samuel when the sons of Israel defeated the Philistines. This verse is almost a direct quote from 1 Samuel 7:12 (KJV) “…hither by Thy help I’ve come.” But there’s more to this hymn, “O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be. Let Thy goodness like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee…” Have you thought about chaining your heart to God? Let God’s goodness chain your heart to Him. Why? The answer comes in the next verse, “prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love…”
“Hear Me When I Call” – no book
Though not at all new, this song of comfort is a call for us to seek God in times of struggle. How often have we wished someone would hear our call for help. To hear our cry, our voice, our prayer. Does God hear us and know how we feel? Certainly He does, but still we ask that He will “hold my trembling hand, lest helpless I should fall…” I’m so thankful God hears me when I call…
“Faithful Love” – no book
As we sing this song before the lesson, we’ll sing of the faithfulness of God. Our understanding of how His love is flowing down to make us whole and to save our souls. Look around this world and you see the love of God. He is faithful to us and we can see Him all around, if we’ll only take the initiative. Do we realize that it is He who holds our hands when we can’t stand on our own? His love is faithful!
“Nearer, Still Nearer” – 478
Perhaps not designed to be an invitation song, this hymn is sung as we desire to stay ‘close to (His) Thy heart…’ But you’ll notice the realization that as we come nearer to God, by design, we draw further away from sin and its folly (foolishness). Are you willing to resign all of life’s pleasures, pomp and pride? The call is for us to draw nearer…still nearer.
“Stand Up and Bless the Lord” – {to the tune of: “This is My Father’s World”}
A familiar tune to a song perhaps not as familiar. This is one of those examples of using the meter to form a new song. This song (found on page 192) is a call to glorify God. So whatever tune you choose to sing it, you have to ask yourself the question… Am I willing to stand up and bless the Lord?
Fanny J. Crosby wrote more than eight thousand songs during her life time.
Born in 1820 and raised in southeastern New York state, she was never afforded the privilege of seeing the sunrise or watching a bird fly through the air. Before she had even seen 6 months of life, she was blinded by a ‘medical procedure gone wrong.’ And yet as we read any one of her many hymns, you’ll find that she was constantly referring to seeing and viewing all things godly. Notice just a few of the thousands of hymns…
“Lo! A spring of joy I see…” (All the Way My Savior Leads Me)
“We shall see the King of glory…” (Keep on Watching)
“Where our eyes shall see the beauty…” (At the Breaking of the Day)
“Visions of rapture now burst on my sight…” (Blessed Assurance)
“Let me now Thy glory see…” (Hear My Call)
“Ope thine eyes, behold and see…” (Church of Christ, O Sleep No More)
For someone who never saw the colors of life, she looked beyond this world and viewed things with her heart. What has happened to those of us with strong eyesight? The blessing of opening our eyes and viewing the sunrise; the pleasure we find in reading the printed word. We are blessed with something those who are blind live without. And yet some of us, with 20/20 vision, deliberately close our eyes to the promise of God. It’s almost as if we are wondering in the wilderness. Each of us have suffered from the bite of the serpent, and yet we dig in and refuse to ‘look upon’ the one who can heal and forgive. It’s not a new scenario, and you’d think we’d learn from history. Remember God’s words to Moses in Numbers 21:8, “…and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live.”
When I consider all the thousands of songs that our feature poet penned in her day, there is one particular Fanny J. Crosby song I want you to read, perhaps for the first time. It became known to me in the last seven or eight years and I was drawn to it by the title she had given it. Ms Crosby’s religious affiliations were varied throughout her life time. She worshiped with the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims, the Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church, the Trinity Episcopal church and even the Dutch Reform church. But with this smorgasbord of theology, she penned a most interesting hymn in 1905. Not only do the words reach and touch me, the message is so timely for us today. Follow along with the message and thought behind this 100 year old hymn.
Church of Christ, O Sleep No More
Church of Christ, thy Lord is calling; Ope thine eyes, behold and see, Precious souls, in chains of bondage, Pleading now for aid from thee. Up and work for those that perish, Haste, the time will soon be o’er; Fold thy arms of love around them, Church of Christ, O sleep no more.
Lo, again thy Lord is calling; Preach the Word, its truth proclaim; Lift thy voice and, like a trumpet, Sound aloud Jehovah’s Name. Boding clouds are in the distance, Billows foam, and surges roar, Dark and wild the night is coming, Church of Christ, O sleep no more.
Still again thy Lord is calling; Take the lamp that once He gave; Let its beams of peerless glory Shine afar the lost to save. Do His will and do it quickly, For the time will soon be o’er; He may come when least expected, Church of Christ, O sleep no more.
Are we guilt of falling asleep on the job? This life is long and weary, and often times our pathway is a hard road and quite honestly…we’re tired. But this is no time to sleep! Church of Christ, we are called to bring the lost to Christ. We have an obligation to do more than just see those who in need; we must be ready to ‘fold our arms of love around them.’ Too often, I’m afraid, we revert back and say, ‘I’m just too busy’, or ‘My schedule is already so full.’ If you hold to that philosophy, I’m sorry to say, but you’re blind! Shine your light in a dark and dying world. Look up and see those who are in need. There are ‘boding clouds’ in the distance, and believe me, the ‘surges roar.’ But it ultimately comes down to you and how you view your life with Christ…”When you look around, what do YOU see?”
