Sunday Hymn - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Well, camp is over, working for Dad is over, and family vacation is about to begin. The book I'm taking along to read on the plane, in the car, and through whatever other means of transportation we may employ, is John Stott's The Cross of Christ. With that in mind, I thought it fitting that this Sunday's hymn be one that focuses on the cross.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small:
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Sunday Hymn - Rock of Ages

This was sung in church this morning, and it was a great pre-year preparation for me as I go back to the 'real' world.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labour of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, come to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Saviour, else I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyelids close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgement throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

Sunday Hymn - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

This morning, I have the privilege of attending a Sunday morning worship service put on by Camp Hope's two-weekers. Two week is a session of camp for campers that thrive in the camp atmosphere, or those that have been coming forever, and they stay for (you guessed it) two weeks. The upshot of that is that they are all there Sunday morning, an occurrence that doesn't happen the rest of the summer. So, they do a church service.

I was going to do All Creatures of Our God and King this morning, as a reminder that no matter what your mental capacity, everyone is called to worship God: it's our purpose. And honestly, I know of no men of more tender heart than those Hope campers. Their capacity for love is deeply convicting. But, because that song was up here three weeks ago (give or take), here's a similar one.

Praise to the Lord,
The Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him,
For He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear,
Now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord,
Who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings,
Yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not see
How all your longings have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord,
Who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness
And mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew
What the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord,
O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath,
Come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen
Sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him.

Sunday Hymn - O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

This Saturday was the hardest Saturday of the summer for me. I had one kid this week (because of unknown issues, I can't post his name or picture) that was just... hard to let go. Because of his home situation, he has been in children's home after children's home for the past 5 years. Even though he sees his mother and brothers from time to time, because of the family history, he hasn't been able to live with them. Maybe it's for the better, maybe it's not, but the point is, he doesn't really have a home.

When he left today, we took a long walk from the play area to his car, and he just began to weep. "I don't want to go. I don't want to go." he repeated. He hugged each of us (his counselors) fiercely. I told him that "no matter what, that here he is loved and here he has a home." Weeping, he got into the car. And, weeping, we waved him off. I love every one of my campers, but when you get one who you know is going back into a poisonous situation, it makes the parting all the harder. But even though we can't keep them, I'm comforted knowing that there is a God who loves them, no matter what.

O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O Light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine's blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life's glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

Sunday Hymn - Laden With Guilt and Full of Fear

So, my computer almost got murdered this week. Thankfully, I'm pretty handy with a screwdriver and was able to disassemble, clean, and reassemble it. Definitely killed a TO, and my backspace and enter keys don't work, but it's better than having your laptop shuffle off this mortal court unceremoniously and without means to replace it. Anyway, the point is, it frustrated me more than I expected something like that would have. It reminded me just how hard of a time I have treasuring Christ above all things. This song came to mind, mainly because of the way it focuses on the treasure of Christ and His word, something I definitely need help with.

Laden with guilt and full of fears,
I fly to Thee, my Lord,
And not a glimpse of hope appears,
But in Thy written Word
Th volumes of my Father's grace
Does all my griefs assuage
Here I behold my Savior's face
In every page.

This is the field where, hidden, lies
The pearl of price unknown
That merchant is divinely wise
Who makes the pearl his own
Here consecrated water flows
To quench my thirst of sin
Here the fair tree of knowledge grows,
No danger dwells within.

This is the judge that ends the strife,
Where wit and reason fail
My guide to everlasting life
Through all this gloomy vale
Oh may Thy counsels, mighty God,
My roving feet command,
Nor I forsake the happy road
That leads to Thy right hand.

Sunday Hymn - Isaiah 43

This song is up here for two reasons. One, this week was really, really difficult. There was one camper in particular that I really struggled to love. Also, because I felt like I had to keep such an eye on him, I couldn't love the other 7 campers like I really wanted to. But the other reason that this song is here this week is because the camper that made it all worth it (and that brought tears to my eyes with his fierce hug Friday night) is named Isaiah. Hopefully I'll have more of a chance to talk about him this next week, but we'll see. As for now, enjoy the hymn.

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you,
And the waves will not
Overcome you.
Do not fear,
For I have redeemed you,
I have called you by name,
You are mine.

For I am the Lord your God
I am the Lord your God
I am the Holy One of Israel,
Your Saviour.
For I am the Lord your God
I am the Lord your God
I am the Holy One of Israel,
Your Saviour.
I am the Lord (Do not fear.)
I am the Lord (Do not fear.)
I am the Lord (Do not fear.)
I am the Lord (Do not fear.)

When you walk through the fire
You'll not be burned,
And the flames will not
Consume you.
Do not fear,
For I have redeemed you,
I have called you by name,
You are mine.

For I am the Lord your God
I am the Lord your God
I am the Holy One of Israel,
Your Saviour.
For I am the Lord your God
I am the Lord your God
I am the Holy One of Israel,
Your Saviour.
I am the Lord (Do not fear.)
I am the Lord (Do not fear.)
I am the Lord (Do not fear.)
I am the Lord (Do not fear.)

Sunday Hymn - All Creatures of Our God and King

As you come down camp road (about a mile), you often see different forms of wildlife. Birds, deer, beavers, and (I'm not kidding) wild turkeys. This morning, I saw something a little different. I walked out of my cabin toward the staff lounge, and saw at least 15 squirrels lining the side of camp road, all fanned out in formation, searching through the grass. As I walked passed, they all turned their heads and looked at me, probably to see if I was a threat, but it felt like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Very bizzare.

Anyway, it reminded me of all the other wildlife I've seen here at camp. And that reminds me of the beautiful sunset we saw on campout last week, and that reminds me of beautiful afternoons on the lake, and on and on and on. And that reminded me of this song.

All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening find a voice,

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou flowing water pure and clear,
Make music for Thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light,

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care,

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Let all things their creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One,

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Sunday Hymn - Beneath the Cross of Jesus

It seems like I say this every week, but this is one of my favorite hymns. There's this way of singing it with a sort of echo/harmony on the men's part that is fantastic. More than that, the words are so profound. I especially like the simplicity of life portrayed in the last line. I long so much for a love for God that makes my sin the most despicable thing to me and the cross of Christ the best news in the world.

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus, my eyes at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;
And from my stricken heart, with tears, two wonders I confess:
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place:
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self, my only shame, my glory, all the cross.

Sunday Hymn - Abide With Me

This is just a great song. It expresses so well the longing that Christians are to have for Christ to "abide with me."

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:4-11

Abide with me; falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers, fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, abide with me.

Thou on my head, in early youth didst smile;
And, though rebellious, and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee,
On to the close Lord, abide with me.

I need Thy presence, every passing hour.
What but Thy grace, can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, tears lose their bitterness
Where is thy sting death? Where grave thy victory?
I triumph still, abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, Lord, abide with me.

Sunday Hymn - I Sought the Lord

This is a new one to me. We were up in Virginia this weekend for a cousin's graduation, and this hymn was sung at the Baccalaureate service last night. I think it needs new music, but the words were fantastic. Maybe a new melody for these lyrics will be a mini-project for me.

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me.
It was not I that found, O Savior true;
No, I was found of Thee.

Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;
I walked and sank not on the storm vexed sea.
'Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,
As Thou, dear Lord, on me.

I find, I walk, I love, but oh, the whole
Of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee!
For Thou were long beforehand with my soul,
Always Thou lovest me.

Sunday Hymn - All Must Be Well

The verses of this song move beautifully from hope for the future to the reality of the present. All will be well, all is well, all must be well.

Through the love of God our Savior,
All will be well.
Free and changeless is His favor,
All is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us,
Perfect is the grace that sealed us,
Strong the hand stretched forth to shield us,
All must be well.

Though we pass through tribulation,
All will be well.
Ours is such a full salvation,
All is well.
Happy still in God confiding,
Fruitful if in Christ abiding,
Steadfast through the Spirit's guiding,
All must be well.

We expect a bright tomorrow,
All will be well.
Faith can sing through days of sorrow,
All is well.
On our Father's love relying,
Jesus every need supplying,
Yes in living or in dying,
All must be well.

Sunday Hymn - Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand

The theme of the conference that I was at last week was 'glorification.' It is the completion of sanctification, the redemption of the world. It is the end of the struggle over sin. It is God making His dwelling place with His people. It is marked by constant praise, restored relationships, and all of creation finally fulfilling that purpose for which it was made: the glorification of God. This hymn expresses all that beautifully, and at the close, aids the worshiper in expressing the longing for that rest.

Ten thousand times ten thousand
In sparkling raiment bright,
The armies of the ransomed saints throng
Up the steeps of light.
'Tis finished, all is finished,
Their fight with death and sin;
Fling open wide the golden gates,
And let the victors in.

What rush of alleluias
Fills all the earth and sky!
What ringing of a thousand harps
Bespeaks the triumph nigh!
O day, for which creation
And all its tribes were made;
O joy, for all its former woes
A thousandfold repaid.

O then what raptured greetings
On Canaan's happy shore;
What knitting severed friendships
Up where partings are no more!
Then eyes with joy shall sparkle,
That brimmed with tears of late;
Orphans no longer fatherless,
Nor widows desolate.

Bring near Thy great salvation,
Thou Lamb for sinners slain;
Fill up the roll of thine elect,
Then take Thy power, and reign;
Appear, Desire of Nations,
Thine exiles long for home;
Shoe in the Heaven Thy promised sign;
Thou Prince and Savior, come.

Sunday Hymn - Pensive, Doubting, Fearful Heart

Happy Mother's Day! To all you moms out there, from all us kids who turned out better than you thought we could (what with our nose-picking, food-smearing, diaper-wrecking, brother-hitting, lamp-breaking, general ruckus-making past), thanks for putting up with us for 18 years. Obviously cards and flowers and presents and breakfast in bed are a far cry from the amount that you've given us, but with a debt we couldn't hope to repay, we're just trying to say thanks, and we love you.

On a different note, this Mother's Day, we're having a little family song in church tonight. My mom will be singing (her voice is beautiful), my youngest brother, Jared, will be on djimbe, and I will be pickin' and grinnin' on the mandolin. If only Daniel had some talent.... Oh well. This is the song we'll be playing/singing. It's unusual in the sense that it's from God's viewpoint, singing to His children, but the words are utterly fantastic.

Pensive, doubting, fearful heart,
Hear what Christ the Savior says;
Every word should joy impart,
Change thy mourning into praise.
Yes, He speaks and speaks to thee,
May He help thee to believe;
Then thou presently will see,
Thou has little cause to grieve.

Fear thou not, nor be ashamed;
All thy sorrows soon shall end,
I, who heaven and earth have framed,
Am thy Husband and thy Friend;
I, the High and Holy One,
Israel's God, by all adored,
As thy Savior will be known,
Thy Redeemer and thy Lord.

For a moment I withdrew,
And thy heart was filled with pain;
But my mercies I'll renew;
Thou shall soon rejoice again;
Though I seem to hide my face,
Very soon my wrath shall cease;
'Tis but for a moment's space,
Ending in eternal peace.

Though afflicted, tempest tossed,
Comfortless awhile thou art,
Do not think thou can be lost,
Thou art graven on my heart;
All thy wastes I will repair;
Thou shalt be rebuilt anew;
And in thee it shall appear
What the God of love can do.

Sunday Hymn - Before the Throne of God Above

It's been a great week. I had some exams, some homework, but mostly just some relaxing and good bonding time with people I won't see over the summer. We hung out on the front porch the last two nights (the weather has been beautiful this week), had a fire in the backyard earlier this week, and have really enjoyed the 'exam week chill.' I've had good times of reading and contemplation, conversation and fellowship. Again, it's been a great week.
This song is, for me, a great culmination to a great week. As good as my week has been, the good news of the Gospel makes it even better. Christ is risen: this is not just a happy ending to the Easter story, but a radical new beginning.

Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is "Love,"
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart;
I know that while in heav'n He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there! the risen Lamb,
My perfect, spotless Righteousness,
The great, unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace!
One with Himself I cannot die,
My soul is purchased by His blood;
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God.
With Christ, my Savior and my God.

Sunday Hymn - Come, Ye Sinners

Two of the most common accusations I hear against Christianity are that it is a religion of guilt and that it is an exclusive religion. This song, I think, addressed both of those points. "Come, ye sinners" is not an accusation of those outside the church: it is an invitation to the world. Christianity recognizes that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." All who are saved are saved by grace alone, and therefore, because no one contributes to their salvation, all are on equal footing. Admittedly, this is frustrating for me. I confess that I want, more than almost anything in the world, to be able to contribute to the work of Christ. My pride gets in the way and it takes all of my effort (and I'd suspect more than a little bit of grace) to humble myself, throw my hands up and fall on my knees in worship, and praise God that the work is His.

As to the accusation of the fact that Christianity is a religion of guilt, you kinda have to hear the song. The tone is joyful, not mourning. This great salvation is free! "Without money, without money, come to Jesus Christ and buy" is the call. Our sins are a reality, but when we participate in Christ's death, we are a new creation, no longer enslaved to sin. Finally, even us sinners, are free to pursue righteousness. We become slaves of God.

Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus, ready, stands to save you,
Full of pity, joined with power.
He is able, He is able;
He is willing; doubt no more.

Come, ye needy, come, and welcome,
God's free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.
Without money, without money,
Come to Jesus Christ and buy.

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Bruised and broken by the fall;
If you tarry 'til you're better,
You will never come at all.
Not the righteous, not the righteous,
Sinners Jesus came to call.

Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requires
Is to feel your need of Him.
This He gives you, this He gives you,
'Tis the Spirit's rising beam.

Lo! The Incarnate God ascended;
Pleads the merit of His blood.
Venture on Him; venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude.
None but Jesus, none but Jesus,
Can do helpless sinners good.

Sunday Hymn - Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine

This hymn (yet another golden oldie) popped into my head this morning during communion. As I was praying, praising God for the blessing of His son and that, through the blood of Christ, I can approach the throne in worship, the line "Born of his spirit, washed in his blood" stuck in my head. From there, I was able to remember the whole first verse, but couldn't remember anything beyond the refrain. As I looked the song up and read the words, I was overwhelmed that the rest of this hymn deals with precisely what I've been learning all semester: rest. Christ offers us His peace and rest. That doesn't mean we won't still struggle with sin (we are fallen, after all) or struggle with doubt in times of trouble. But Christ offers us His peace and rest. It is eternal, and it is offered to us now. It is "a foretaste of glory divine."

One other note about this song. The third line of the last verse says "watching and waiting." I believe that these are keys to finding peace and rest, joy and life, in Christ. These are hard for us to do in this age of instant messaging, microwaves, and overnight shipping. Patience is a lost virtue. I am convinced that the disillusionment many feel with life in Christ is due to the fact that they are not willing to wait on the Lord.

God, give me patience and trust that I might wait on You and find rest in reliance on Your promises.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of his spirit, washed in his blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long

Sunday Hymn - Great is Thy Faithfulness

This is another gem I remember from my days as a wee lad. I had the privilege of hearing it in church last Sunday, and it has been stuck in my head all week. Not at all a bad thing. It is a wonderful reminder of the fact that God is constant. The heavens give witness to the track record that God has of His great faithfulness. He keeps His promises to His people, regardless of their actions and unfaithfulness (see Hosea). As Sinclair Ferguson points out in his terrific book, A Heart for God, the cross is the ultimate testament of this faithfulness. "When you look at the Cross, what do you see? You see God's awesome faithfulness. Nothing - not even the instinct to spare His own Son - will turn Him back from keeping His word. For God promised Abraham that He would keep His word to him, to bring blessing and salvation to mankind through him, even if it meant being 'cut off' - as indeed it did. (1985 edition, pg 71)"

But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Sunday Hymn - O Day of Rest and Gladness

O day of rest and gladness,
O day of joy and light,
O balm of care and sadness,
Most beautiful, most bright:
On Thee, the high and lowly,
Through ages joined in tune,
Sing holy, holy, holy,
To the great God Triune.

On Thee, at the creation,
The light first had its birth;
On Thee, for our salvation,
Christ rose from depths of earth;
On Thee, our Lord, victorious,
The Spirit sent from heav'n,
And thus on Thee most glorious,
A triple light was giv'n.

Thou art a port protected
From storms that round us rise;
A garden intersected
With streams of paradise;
Thou art a cooling fountain
In life's dry dreary sand;
From Thee, like Pisgah's mountain,
We view our promised land.

Today on weary nations
The heav'nly manna falls;
To holy convocations
The silver trumpet calls,
Where gospel light is glowing
With pure and radiant beams,
And living water flowing,
With soul-refreshing streams.

New graces ever gaining
From this, our day of rest,
We reach the rest remaining
To spirits of the blessed.
To Holy Ghost be praises,
To Father, and to Son;
The church her voice upraises
To Thee, blessed Three in One.

Sunday Hymn - Grace Greater than Our Sin

As I was driving back from Windy Gap today (yay Men's Retreat!) I listened to one of John Piper's sermons on Romans. Among a lot of other things that he talked about, one of his main points was that we are not debtors to God because of His grace. We are in debt to God for attempting to steal for ourselves the glory that belongs to Him. But we offend God and nullify grace if we attempt to repay God for it. It is a gift: freely given, freely received. This is another hymn I remember from way back when.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today!

Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sunday Hymn - Low in the Grave He Lay

Other than the fact that I can hear this song being sung at the Mennonite church I grew up in, all that needs to be said is:

He is risen!
He is risen, indeed!


Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Death cannot keep its Prey, Jesus my Savior,
He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!