July 21, 2013 Sermon - Our Spiritual Relationships

This Sunday Pastor Ron encouraged and exhorted us to consider the words of the hymn we had just sung, "Take Time To Be Holy".  Ron has frequently recommended that we make sure we are not just singing some words in a casual, thoughtless way.  Larry referenced another hymn in the thoughts he was sharing with us, "How Deep The Father's Love For Us". 

It is amazing the depth of theological and practical instruction in the Christian faith that is contained in the hymns and songs we sing in church.  These songs beautifully and accurately summarize what we have been studying together the last few weeks: the importance and priority of God's word, fellowship with fellow believers and prayer in our lives.  I encourage you to slow down a little this week and meditate on the teaching contained in these songs.  

Take Time To Be Holy  

1. Take time to be holy, 
speak oft with thy Lord; 
abide in him always, 
and feed on his word. 
Make friends of God's children, 
help those who are weak, 
forgetting in nothing 
his blessing to seek. 


2. Take time to be holy, 
the world rushes on; 
spend much time in secret 
with Jesus alone. 
By looking to Jesus, 
like him thou shalt be; 
thy friends in thy conduct 
his likeness shall see. 

3. Take time to be holy, 
let him be thy guide, 
and run not before him, 
whatever betide. 
In joy or in sorrow, 
still follow the Lord, 
and, looking to Jesus, 
still trust in his word. 


4. Take time to be holy, 
be calm in thy soul, 
each thought and each motive 
beneath his control. 
Thus led by his spirit 
to fountains of love, 
thou soon shalt be fitted
for service above.
(George Coles Stebbins1846-1945)

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

1. How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss -
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.

2. Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life -
I know that it is finished.

3. I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart -
His wounds have paid my ransom.
(Sturart Townend)

This week consider:

• Seeking God's help to find time in your schedule devoted to the pursuit of personal holiness. 
  
• Meditating on the truths in these two songs; believe them, live and apply them! 
• Next Sunday pay attention to the words we sing in worship.

If you have a favorite hymn, chorus or worship song please post a comment sharing the title and why it is your favorite.