BLESSED CALVARY

          I have never had the thrill of visiting Israel and walking where Jesus walked.  I am told it can be a life changing experience.

          If I could visit the Holy Land, the one place I'd love to visit is Calvary.  It was there that my Savior suffered and was crucified for me.  There He bore my sins and the sins of the entire world.  What a blessed truth and place for all believers.

          We are reminded of this in the words written in 1921 by Avis Christiansen (1895 – 1985). She began writing poems in childhood, and before her death had written thousands of them.  Ranked as one of the important hymn writers of the twentieth century, her poems produced hundreds of gospel song texts over a period of fifty years, beginning in 1916. Her works were not usually based on any unusual experiences but came out of her daily life as she went about fulfilling the many duties of a busy homemaker.  Several well-known gospel musicians have been her collaborators in her hymns.   

          The words of this hymn are Avis's but the tune was supplied by Lance Brenton Latham, an accomplished concert pianist.  But, Latham's most recognized accomplishment was his part in the founding of a children's club that eventually became the worldwide Awana Youth Association. 

          Christiansen's hymn reminds us, in the first verse, that in and through Christ, "the riches of heaven are mine". "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). We are able to enjoy many of these blessings now, but many more are reserved for our enjoyment in heaven (I Peter. 1:3-4).

          In verse two she reminds us that God's saving work was motivated by His deep love for us (John 3:16), and it was all of grace, His undeserved, unmerited favor (Ephesians 2:8-9).  The song reminds us that we have, in Christ, present victory. There is "blessed victory, and grace for each step of the way" 
         In verse three she shares "No merit have I of my own" Instead, "the shed blood of Christ [is] my only plea" "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified [declared righteous] freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans. 3:23-24). Finally, "The cross is my hope for eternity" as well.  What a blessed hope!

          This hymn is a simple but blessed reminder of all that we have because of Calvary.  Blessed Calvary!  Precious Calvary!  Think about these truths this week.

 

1.   I look at the cross upon Calvary,

And oh, what a wonder divine,

To think of the wealth it holds for me—

The riches of Heaven are mine

Refrain

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Neath thy shadow I'll ever abide.

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Twas there Jesus suffered and died.

 

2.    I find at the cross blessèd victory,

And grace for each step of my way.

The fount of God's love is flowing free,

And sweeter it grows day by day. 

Refrain

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Neath thy shadow I'll ever abide.

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Twas there Jesus suffered and died 

 

3. The cross is my hope for eternity,

No merit have I of my own;

The shed blood of Christ my only plea—

My trust is in Jesus alone. 

Refrain

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Neath thy shadow I'll ever abide.

Blessèd Calvary! Precious Calvary!

'Twas there Jesus suffered and died

 

Listen to it here.    CALVARY

  

WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER (TH)

TIMELESS HYMNS - A feature in which I choose a previous post, revise it and edit it and post it once more.  This one was first posted on March 11, 2012.

          The exact details of the writing of this hymn are not known, but from a number of different sources we find that the writer, James Black, was a Sunday School teacher in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In 1893 he supposedly befriended a poorly dressed girl who lived "down on Front Street, along the river". He invited her to attend Sunday School but she hesitated because of her shabby clothes. 

          Black apparently saw to it that she had something decent to wear and she began to attend. One day when he called the roll she failed to answer. Upon checking on her he found that she was very sick with typhoid fever and had little hope of recovery. Death came quickly. It is said that when Black realized that she would never again be there when the roll was called, he made the comment that he trusted that when the roll is called up yonder that she'll be there.

         It is said that he couldn't find an appropriate song to respond to this sad situation and that this was a big disappointment to him. The thought came to him that he should try to write one. It is said that tears filled his eyes and when he got home he sat at his piano and the words and music to this hymn just flowed from his heart. And neither the words or the music have ever been changed. 

          And so for many years this up tempo song has been sung by thousands as a reminder of the day when an important roll will be called. And those of us whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be there to respond and enter the joys of that heavenly realm. 

         What a day that will be! Is your name written there? Will you be there to respond when that roll is called up yonder? If your answer is yes then you can joyfully sing along with this old time favorite this week. 

          If not, then place your trust in what Christ has done for you at Calvary. Then when the roll is called up yonder you too will be there.

1.    When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, 

and time shall be no more,

And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;

When the saved of earth shall gather 

over on the other shore,

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

2.    On that bright and cloudless morning 

when the dead in Christ shall rise,

And the glory of His resurrection share;

When His chosen ones shall gather to their

 home beyond the skies,

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

3.    Let us labor for the Master 

from the dawn till setting sun,

Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;

Then when all of life is over, 

and our work on earth is done,

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

Listen to it being sung here.    ROLL

BRING THEM IN

          Years ago most churches emphasized evangelism and bringing sinners to the Lord.  They used special programs such as revival services, evangelistic campaigns, rally days, camp meetings and even contests to encourage members to share the gospel and especially to bring the unsaved to these services where they could be saved.

          During those times church music often emphasized the need of a Savior.  Hymns of invitation were usually a major part of most services. Altar calls were common. It was in times like that when this hymn was written.

          "Bring Them In" is a hymn that originally had three stanzas and a refrain. This work was from the mind of Alexcenah Thomas (19th century) and complimented by William A Ogden's (1841-1897) music. The context of this hymn is about recruiting people to become believers in Christ. This imagery also includes believers who are going astray and need the guidance and help of the Lord to bring them back to the fold.

          Little is known about this author. Based on records, this hymn is his only work. But It is different for William Augustine Ogden, who was an American composer and a native of Ohio. He was very young when he had musical training in his community's singing schools. Ogden was a member of the Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. After his service, he resumed his musical training under Lowell Mason and Thomas Hastings. His career included being a music teacher, a conductor of music conventions, and publisher of Sunday school hymn collections. Later on, he became the supervisor of music for the public schools of Toledo, Ohio.

          The song was originally written, probably about 1885, for Sunday schools.  However I can remember while growing up hearing adults singing this song with enthusiasm and conviction in worship services.  It was a theme that all could relate to.

          This  song points to Jesus as the Shepherd who seeks the sheep who are going astray in hopes that they might return to Him. "Hark! 'Tis the Shepherd's voice I hear, Out in the desert dark and drear, Calling the sheep who've gone astray, Far from the Shepherd's fold away."  The Shepherd is Jesus Christ: John. 10.11-14

          In stanza 2 we sing about the Shepherd's call for assistance.  "Who'll go and help this Shepherd kind, Help Him the little lambs to find? Who'll bring the lost ones to the fold, Where they'll be sheltered from the fold?"

          In stanza 3 we sing about the Shepherd's command. "Out in the desert hear their cry, Out on the mountains wild and high; Hark! 'Tis the Master speaks to thee, 'Go find My lambs where'er they be.'"

          The chorus continues to urge us:  "Bring them in, bring them in, Bring them in from the fields of sin!  Bring them in, bring them in, Bring the wandering ones to Jesus."

          "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.   Matthew 18:19-20.

          And nothing has changed over the years.  People are still lost and need the Lord.  And the command to go is still the same.  Maybe we need to recommit to sharing the good news to the many who need to hear it.

1     Hark! 'Tis the Shepherd's voice I hear,

Out in the desert dark and drear,

Calling the sheep who've gone astray,

Far from the Shepherd's fold away.

Refrain:

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring them in from the fields of sin;

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring the wandering ones to Jesus.

2     Who'll go and help this Shepherd kind,

Help Him the wandering ones to find?

Who'll bring the lost ones to the fold,

Where they'll be sheltered from the cold? 

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring them in from the fields of sin;

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring the wandering ones to Jesus.

3     Out in the desert hear their cry,

Out on the mountains wild and high;

Hark! 'Tis the Master speaks to thee,

"Go find My sheep where'er they be." 

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring them in from the fields of sin;

Bring them in, bring them in,

Bring the wandering ones to Jesus.

Listen to it here    BRING 

HE OWNS THE CATTLE

          Do you remember growing up in Sunday School singing the chorus "He Owns The Cattle On a Thousand Hills"?  Or maybe you joined in singing this chorus in a prayer meeting.

          This chorus, written by John Peterson, is based on Psalm 50: 10,11, "For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine."

         And most of us grew up thinking that these verses meant that God could and would provide everything we needed, even though I personally never needed any of God's cattle.  Just recently I had a friend contact me to tell me of some recent needs that they had.  Her concluding statement was "Oh well, God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so He can take care of my needs."

          And certainly He can and He will provide all that we need.  And He has done that over and over and over again.  He wants us to bring our needs to Him, although He really knows what we need even before we ask.  He is all knowing.  Philippians 4:19 "God will meet all your needs according to his glorious needs in Christ Jesus." The song is a great reminder that God can and will take care of us.  

          While the song focuses on God's wealth, that is not the primary focus of Psalm 50 which shares that praise and godly giving are more important to God than external religious activity.   God's complaint against the Israelites is not that they had failed to offer sacrifices and offerings. Indeed, they had offered them continually. Instead of offering their sacrifices in a spirit of humble worship, the people were offering them as if they were doing God a favor for which he should be thankful. They offered their sacrifices as if they were giving God something he needed. But God needs nothing. He already owns everything – the cattle on a thousand hills and the wealth in every mine.

           The offerings that he accepts are those based on thanksgiving, obedience and complete trust.

 

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills

The wealth in every mine,

He owns the rivers and the rocks and rills,

The sun and stars that shine,

Wonderful riches more than tongue can tell

He is my Father so they're mine as well

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills

I know that He will care for me

Listen to it here.   PSALM 50

 

I SEE A CRIMSON STREAM

         Over the years many hymns have been written about the blood of Jesus.  And the blood is mentioned 427 times in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  

         Why is the blood of Christ important?  "For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness."  Hebrews 9:22.

          His blood redeems us. There was a price against us that we could not pay, but the blood of Jesus redeemed us. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things .... But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

          His blood brings us into fellowship with God. According to Ephesians 2:13, "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Without the blood of Christ, man is a long way from God.

          His blood makes peace with God. Man, by nature, is at war with God and we can only come to God on His peace terms - the blood atonement. The Bible says in Colossians 1:20, "And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself...."

          His blood cleanses. Not only does it remove the punishment of sin, it removes the pollution. It doesn't matter what sin you've committed; "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

          His blood gives power over the devil. It's the blood that Satan fears. Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb...." The devil doesn't want you to learn about the blood. He hates it!

          The blood of Christ is the subject of this week's hymn which was written in 1920 by G. T. Haywood (1880-1931).  Haywood was an African-American pastor and song writer who served as Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World from 1925 to 1931.  In 1909, Haywood founded Christ Temple church in Indianapolis. Haywood's influence crossed ethnic boundaries, and by 1913, Christ Temple had a biracial congregation of 400 to 500 which later grew to 1500.  His songs are known for Oneness Pentecostal themes.

          Haywood pictures the blood flowing as a stream from Calvary, flowing over us, to the throne of God.   And because of it we have no condemnation and nothing can take away our salvation.  And he pictures the day when the ransomed will sing the great refrain in eternity.

          Today I believe many churches are failing to share the necessity and power of the blood of Christ. For many it is not a popular topic. May we never take it for granted because everything about our relationship with God is wrapped up in the precious blood of Jesus.

1.     On Cal'vry's hill of sorrow

Where sin's demands were paid,

And rays of hope for tomorrow

Across our path were laid.

Refrain

I see a crimson stream of blood,

It flows from Calvary,

Its waves which reach the throne of God,

Are sweeping over me.

2.     Today no condemnation

Abides to turn away

My soul from His salvation,

He's in my heart to stay.

Refrain

I see a crimson stream of blood,

It flows from Calvary,

Its waves which reach the throne of God,

Are sweeping over me.

3.     When gloom and sadness whisper,

"You've sinned -no use to pray,"

I look away to Jesus,

And He tells me to say:

Refrain

I see a crimson stream of blood,

It flows from Calvary,

Its waves which reach the throne of God,

Are sweeping over me.

4.     And when we reach the portal

Where life forever reigns,

The ransomed hosts' grand final

Will be this glad refrain.

Refrain

I see a crimson stream of blood,

It flows from Calvary,

Its waves which reach the throne of God,

Are sweeping over me.

Listen to it here.    BLOOD