Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee

Here’s a view looking out from the back of where we now live. This was about 6.00 in the morning. It’s a field of Rape Seed and soon it will be bright yellow. Seed time and harvest – Praise God! God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Words: Re­gi­nald He­ber, 1826. Heber wrote this hymn for Trin­i­ty Sun­day while he was Vi­car of Hod­net, Shrop­shire, Eng­land.

ref: Cyber Hymnal

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When Sinks Yon Radiant Sun

Took this picture on the way home after work last evening. The sinking sun made me think of the hymn below:

 

When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ on high,
Looking o’er life’s history;
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

Robert Murray McCheyne
1813-1843

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/545#ixzz2NQuCFW1y

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Pitsford Water Park

Here’s a picture of Pitsford Water Park taken from off The Causeway as the sun was going down this afternoon.

Sunset at Pitsford

 

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Favourite Bible Verses

Chatting with a friend last night I referred to what I thought was one of the most amazing verses in the Bible. This set me thinking about putting a few thoughts on various bible verses into regular blog posts. So I trust what is planned on being regular snippets will be a blessing.

So to kick of the series my first verse is Revelation 1: 17 & 18 (Yeh, I know, that’s two verses)

Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV)

¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, ¹⁸ and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

I wish I could draw this scene because it illustrates in a really powerful way the love, care & grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here’s the context:

John has been privileged to be given a vision of the Glory of Christ. Here is this mighty, almighty being, ruler of the universe and creator. And John reacts rightly before the Majesty of Jesus by falling down before Him as though dead. Now here’s the thing, and it’s why it’s important to read the Bible carefully and not hurry past passages all the time. It’s why we should think about what some of these verses are saying else we can miss so much.

Jesus touches John. ‘But he laid his right hand on me’ To do that Jesus would have had to stoop down in order to reach John. This is a supreme act of condescension. This is the risen Lord of Glory, maker of heaven and earth leaning down to say ‘Fear not’ to a sinner.

This is the Grace of our Lord. What a Saviour! Such Love, such Grace, such Tenderness. And yet such Glory, such Majesty, such Power. This is Jesus, the God Man, and there is none like Him. Praise God!

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Baptised into Christ – Death & Resurrection

Not only is it Easter Sunday – Resurrection Day – but we also had two baptisms this morning, one at each service. We stood to sing Jesus Christ Is risen today,  Alleluia! Then followed the first baptism. What a day to be baptised on! Praise God!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation hath procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!
Praise Him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!

Words: 14th Cen­tu­ry Bo­hem­i­an La­tin car­ol (Sur­rex­it Christ­us ho­die). The first trans­lation appeared in Lyra Da­vid­i­ca, or a Col­lect­ion of Di­vine Songs and Hymns (John Walsh: 1708). Stan­zas 1-3 took their cur­rent form in The Com­pleat Psalm­ist, by John Ar­nold (Lon­don: 1749). Stan­za 4 is by Charles Wes­ley, Hymns and Sac­red Po­ems, 1740, alt.

Related articles

• He Is Risen! (str.typepad.com)

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There is a Path of Pardon

I take the view – if pushed on the subject – that hymn writing is not what it once was. So often after singing one of the ‘old favourites’ the phrase ‘they don’t write them like that any more’ comes to mind. And for today the following hymn will demonstrate this. The desire to post on ‘Good Friday’ has resulted in a hymn that to be honest I can’t remember, with sadness, when it was last sung. Further, there doesn’t seem to be a desire to sing then either. It’s by William Williams.

Here it is translated by Vernon Higham. To hear it sung go to the WV Higham Trust website.

THERE is a path of pardon 
In His blood;
There is a sure salvation
In His blood.
The law’s full consummation,
A Father’s approbation—
Hear Zion’s acclamation!
In His blood—
Atonement and redemption
In His blood!

O come, ye sons of Adam,
And rejoice!
Now trust the God of Abraham
And rejoice!
O hasten, happy sinner,
To life in Christ for ever,
To bonds that nought can sever:
O rejoice!
In full and glad surrender
Come, rejoice!

William Williams, 1801-76
tr. by William Vernon Higham 1926-

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How sad our state by nature is – Reformation21 Blog

How sad our state by nature is – Reformation21 Blog.

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A Great Day in Aberystwyth

Pastor Geoff Thomas

In complete contrast to the ridiculous idea of having a donkey in a service of worship we were treated to the unadulterated Gospel at Alfred Place Baptist Church yesterday. Here Christ and His cross were at the centre, not donkeys, drums, entertainment and all manner of man-centred trivia. It was great to be in Aber and to hear Geoff Thomas again in his own inimitable way.

In the morning we were in Luke 19:45-48 ‘The Cleansing of the Temple’. In the evening it was Romans 8:11 ‘Christ Raised by the Spirit, and we are to be Raised Also’.

His sermons are available on Sermon Audio. Go here for MP3 Alfred Place for links.

I saw Geoff again this afternoon as he passed in his car. To my surprise he pulled over and we chatted for a while about apologetics and I asked about Greg Bahnsen. He did know him, and at one time Geoff had to stand in for him at an apologetics conference.

We continued to chat about apologetics, I thanked him for the Sunday ministry and in typical Geoff fashion he was back in his car and away.

Related articles

• Greg Bahnsen – The Great Debate: Does God Exist? (pnwpuritan.wordpress.com)

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Drawing the line – ‘Somewhere’,

I couldn’t decide what to call this post, as it could so easily have been ‘you couldn’t make it up’. On Sunday morning while preparing the veg for dinner I normally listen to the tortuous  BBC Radio 4 Sunday broadcast. The purpose of listening is to have some sort of idea what’s going on in mainstream religion here in the UK.

It was shocking to find out about a shortage of Donkeys for Psalm Sunday services. What will we do! I jest. Here’s the story. The demand has increased for Donkeys to such an extent – BTW I’m really not making this up – that Llamas are being used instead of the sacred beast. The programme interviewed a woman who runs a Llama farm and we listened in to one of the phone calls – ‘no we don’t have a Llama with a cross on it’s back but I’m sure we can sort something out’.

They interviewed a minister who thought how dreadful this was. I’m paraphrasing but it was along the lines of ‘with all the liberalising of the church where will it stop, it will be bears next – we have to draw the line somewhere‘. I think you will find reverend that the line was crossed a long time ago. If his concern is over the donkey being usurped in a service of worship it only goes to show how far things have really gone.

 

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New Year Message 01/01/2012

Southern Wall of Temple Mount, southwestern corner.

It’s a New Year and what better way to begin than gathering together to worship God and hear His Word preached. Our Pastor gave a very encouraging message this morning from Haggai 2: 1-9 (“Be strong and work” – Haggai 2:4). We have home group Bible Study every other Tuesday evening. At present we discuss and further seek to apply the previous Sunday morning sermon. Notes are available for the message as an aid to our discussions. Here are Pastor Watts notes for this morning:

SERMON NOTES: SUNDAY 1^ST JANUARY 2012

“Be strong and work” – Haggai 2:4

In v.3 Haggai picks up the mood of these discouraged post-exilic Jews who were trying to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple. Compared to Solomon’s Templethis second temple was going to be second-rate. It was beginning to dawn on them just how pathetic it was going to be – none of the grandeur, bespoke craftsmanship and materials of the first temple. (See 1 Kings 6:15, 18, 20-22 for a picture of the first temple)

Into this mood of discouragement Haggai brings a message from God – in v.4 three times “Be strong, take courage”, a promise delivered also by a threefold mention of “the Lord of hosts”. It reminds us of the promise to the other Joshua after Moses had died – Josh.1:5-7: and also the word from David to Solomon – 1 Chron.28:20.

Haggai encourages these Jews of Jerusalem – and us – with three things:

 1. The promise you need to hear

In v.5 Haggai takes them back to Egypt, and to the covenant that God “cut” withIsrael. It was delivered in the name of God who says “I am who I am” and who promised to be with Moses and His people.

When we get hold of a promise from God as in vv.4,5 it transforms everything. What we need is not nostalgia for the past but belief in the promises of God delivered in the past but still alive in the present.

 2. The purpose you need to see

 In dealing with discouragement Haggai not only takes them to the past but also to the future. He gives them end perspective. See vv.6,7,9. Only a little while, says God, and I am going to do some shaking. I am actually going to make the splendour and glory of this house greater than Solomon’s temple. It’s going to have God Himself within it’s courts.

The Jews of Haggai’s day seemed to be involved in a minor, insignificant work, but it is all an integral part of God’s kingdom plan. This house will see great strides forward in the establishing of God’s unshakeable kingdom.

How these Jews would be encouraged if they could see the Messiah himself standing in this temple, or to be there on the great day that the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom to signify that the work of salvation was done.

If only they could see in their day, and we could see in ours, how God is going to shake the nations in order to bring to completion the Kingdom of His Son.

 3. The peace you need to know

Haggai prophesies future peace – v.9 – the peace that will come after God shakes the nations. Peace in the Bible comes after shaking, after judgment. God puts things right, then there is peace – Zech.9:10. God judged sin in Jesus Christ and now he gives peace. When he has shaken the nations he will usher in his final kingdom of peace.

If your faith and hope is in Jesus Christ you have peace with God: at the core of your being things are right. When we feel secure then we can work – illustration, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and its safety net.

____________________________________________________________________

To listen to the sermon click on the link below. Or go to the Lower Ford Street Baptist Church Web-site.

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Hark! the herald angels sing

Here’s one of THE great Christmas Hymns – ‘Hark! the herald angels sing’ and so should we!. Or if you prefer one of THE great Incarnational Hymns by Charles Wesley (18 December 1707 – 29 March 1788). I’ve included below each stanza the verses from the Bible so we can see just how full of Scripture and theology this Hymn is. It’s no wonder they are great teaching aids. I’m using the King James version of the Bible for its poetic beauty. The actual text of the hymn has many variations so I apologise if the one below is a little different from the particular version you are most familiar with. As we sing this Hymn I trust we will not just admire the skill of the composer, or be lost in familiarity, but be amazed at the incredible condescension of the Lord of Glory as He comes to redeem lost sinners. Late in time behold Him come!

1 Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King:
Peace on earth, and mercy mild;
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King.”

Stanza. 1 = Luke 2:14, 2 Cor. 5:19

Luke 2:14 ’Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’

2 Corinthians 5:19 ’To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.’

2 Christ, by highest heav’n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus our Immanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King.”

Stanza. 2 = Gal. 4:4, John 1:14

Galatians 4:4 ’But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,’

John 1:14  ‘And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.’

3 Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King.”

Stanza. 3 = Isa. 9:6, Mal. 4:2, Phil. 2:7-8, 1 Pet. 1:3

Isaiah 9:6 ’For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’

Malachi 4:2 ’But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.’

Philippians 2:7 ’But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:’
Philippians 2:8 ’And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’

1 Peter 1:3 ’Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,’

(Thanks to the Hymnary.org web-site for information on the hymn. Specifically HERE.)

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Free Salvation – at a price!

Salvation is free – but at what a cost!

THERE is a path of pardon
In His blood;
There is a sure salvation
In His blood.
The law’s full consummation,
A Father’s approbation—
Hear Zion’s acclamation!
In His blood—
Atonement and redemption
In His blood!

O come, ye sons of Adam,
And rejoice!
Now trust the God of Abraham
And rejoice!
O hasten, happy sinner,
To life in Christ for ever,
To bonds that nought can sever:
O rejoice!
In full and glad surrender
Come, rejoice!

William Williams, 1801-76
tr. by William Vernon Higham 1926-

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See the place, and see the tree

In Eden – sad indeed that day

My countless blessings fled away,

My crown fell in disgrace.

But on victorious Calvary

That crown was won again for me -

My life shall all be praise!

 

Faith, see the place, and see the tree

Where heaven’s Prince, instead of me,

Was nailed to bear my shame.

Bruised was the dragon by the Son,

Through two had wounds, there conquered One –

And JESUS was His Name!

 

[William Williams 1717-91] Music – Tresalem.

Isn’t that just one of the most amazing hymns! (The last line of each verse is repeated)

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Throned Upon the Awful Tree

Throned upon the awful tree,
Lamb of God, Your grief I see.
Darkness veils Your anguished face;
None its lines of woe can trace.
None can tell what pangs unknown
Hold You silent and alone.

Silent through those three dread hours,
Wrestling with the evil powers,
Left alone with human sin,
Gloom around You and within,
Till the appointed time is nigh,
Til the Lamb of God may die.

Hark, that cry that peals aloud
Upward through the whelming cloud!
You, the Father’s only Son,
You, His own anointed One,
You are asking “can it be”
“Why have You forsaken Me?”

Lord, should fear and anguish roll,
Darkly o’er my sinful soul,
You, who once were thus bereft
That Your own might ne’er be left,
Teach me by that bitter cry
In the gloom to know You nigh.

John Ellerton

1826 – 1893

Born: De­cem­ber 16, 1826, Clerk­e­nwell, Mid­dle­sex, Eng­land.

Died: June 15, 1893, Tor­quay, De­von­shire, Eng­land.

Buried: Tor­quay, De­von­shire, Eng­land.

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The New (Old) Religion?

I’m familiar with a Christian Union notice board in a school.  There has been little activity on the notice board for while but I happened to see a full notice board just the other day.  There was a large display of ecology materiel that over-spilled right across and covered the Christian Union space.

I have no idea why this is so (there could be a simple explanation) but it seemed an apt illustration of the new religion – planet earth worship.  Christian organisations have teaching on caring for the planet. This may not be wrong in and of itself. But, if it displaces the Gospel then it is clearly idolatry. This is nothing new, the apostle Paul writes of this to the Romans chapter 1.

They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

We live on an amazing planet, extraordinary in it’s beauty.  But this beautiful planet has an extraordinary Creator – let’s give Him the glory and worship Him alone.

This new old religion is becoming more and more prevalent – but it doesn’t save.  Only The Lord Jesus Christ can save!

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