presents
a
Service for
for
22nd August 2010
HYMN: Yet once again in God’s abundant mercy (To hear the audio file 01 Intro Yet once please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
This hymn was written by Albert Orsborn, the 6th General of The Salvation Army for a meeting of his officers. It subsequently was published for an international congress of that denomination in 1914. Albert Orsborn was known as the ‘Poet General’ but he was a gifted orator whose leadership and vision gave him a presence which today would perhaps be described as great charisma.
The tune “Pilgrims’ was written by Henry Thomas Smart who was born October 25, 1813, in London. As a twelve year-old, he had a talent for mechanical drawing. Later, he refused a commission in the Indian Army so that he could study law. But after four years of a legal career, he completely directed his time and talent to the study of music. He was recognized as one of England's finest organists and as an accomplished composer. He was one of five organists asked to perform at the Great Exhibition of 1851. His eyesight began to wane at age eighteen and he was stricken with complete blindness at age fifty-two.
Music (To hear the audio file02 Yet once again please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1.
Yet once again, by God's abundant mercy,
We join our song of thankfulness and praise;
Shineth before us in the world's dark ways.
Chorus
Jesus shall conquer, lift up the strain!
Evil shall perish and righteousness shall reign.
2.
0 for the time of Christ's completed mission!
Throbs of its rapture reach us as we pray;
Gleams of its glory bursting on our vision
Speed us to labour, urge us on our way.
3.
Stretch out thy hand, O God, and let the nations
Feel through thine host the thrill of life divine;
Grant us, we pray, still greater revelations,
Make of these days an everlasting sign.
PRAYER: (To hear the audio file 03 Prayer please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Heavenly Father, giver of all good things, we come before you to worship you and to thank you for the extravagance of your love. If we only received half of what you lavish upon us we
We are mindful, however, of those in countries where natural disasters are causing havoc, where people are being made homeless, are without food and even water and many are left without their families. We pray that you will alert the leaders of the prosperous areas of the world to instigate action to share the wealth of provisions. We pray that such leaders will understand they are responsible for the distribution of provisions to wherever your children may be impoverished .
We bring to you those of the world who do not know or acknowledge Jesus as their Saviour, who live as though he is irrelevant. Before Jesus comes again as the judge of the world, we pray for the signs and wonders which will convince them so that eternity will not be a terrible place for them.
For this hour, we pray that we might have the honour of being made especially mde aware of your presence.
These things we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen
Sung: The Lord’s Prayer
HYMN: Ye holy angels bright (To hear the audio file 04 Intro Ye holy please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Words: Richard Baxter was born: November 12, 1615, Rowton, Shropshire, England. Died December 8, 1691, London, England.
For a time he held the Mastership of the Dudley Grammar School. On taking Holy Orders, he became curate of Kidderminster in 1640. Subsequently, he was for some time chaplain to one of Cromwell’s regiments. At the Restoration of the monarchy, he became chaplain to King Charles Il.
Music: Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall was born: 1731, Haughton, Staffordshire, England (baptized January 13, 1731).and died: December 18, 1789, Walsall, West Midlands, England.
Buried: Bath Street Burial Grounds, Walsall, West Midlands, England.
Darwall attended Manchester Grammar School, and at age 14, entered Brasenose College at Oxford University, graduating in 1756. He was appointed Curate and later Vicar of St. Matthew’s Parish in Walsall, and lived the rest of his life there. An accomplished amateur musician, he also wrote hymns and poetry.
Darwall wrote many melodies but only his music for Psalm 148 is in common use today. It was composed and sung at the inauguration of a new organ at Walsall parish church.
Music (To hear the audio file 05 Ye holy angels please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
Ye holy angels bright,
who wait at God's right hand,
fly at your Lord's command,
assist our song,
for else the theme
too high doth seem
for mortal tongue.
2
Ye blessed souls at rest,
who ran this earthly race
and now, from sin released,
behold your Saviour's face,
our praises sound,
as in his sight
with sweet delight
ye do abound.
3
Ye saints, who toil below,
adore your heavenly King,
and onward as ye go
some joyful anthem sing;
take what he gives
and praise him still,
through good or ill,
who ever lives!
4
My soul, bear thou thy part,
triumph in God above:
and with a well-tuned heart
sing thou the songs of love!
Let all thy days
till life shall end,
whate'er he send,
be filled with praise!
MALE VOICES: I will praise him (To hear the audio file
06 Intro I will praise please right click mouse, then left click to open
new tab)
Words: Thomas Oliver. Both of his parents died when he was
young, so he did not receive thorough religious training as a
child. Fortunately, he heard a sermon by G. Whitefield which
Methodist Society at Bradford-on-Avon. It was through that
organization that he first met John Wesley, and joined his
evangelistic efforts, mostly in Cornwall. For some time, Olivers
co-edited the Arminian Magazine. He also wrote an elegy upon the death of John Wesley.
The tune ’Salvator ‘ is used by this male voice chorus who sing the hymn with conviction and an enviable degree of musicianship
Music (To hear the audio file07 I will praise please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
ORCHESTRAL: Fairest Lord Jesus (To hear the audio file 08 Intro Fairest please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Words: Written by German Jesuits and translated from German to English by Joseph Seiss , in 1873.. Seiss was of of Moravian
Music: A Silesian folk song and is arranged by Richard Willis who was born in the USA but studied music in Germany where he became a personal friend of Felix Mendelssohn
Music (To hear the audio file09 Fairest Lord please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.
All fairest beauty, heavenly and earthly,
Wondrously, Jesus, is found in Thee;
None can be nearer, fairer or dearer,
Than Thou, my Saviour, art to me.
Beautiful Saviour! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honour, praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be Thine.
GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERINGS (To hear the audio file
10 Tithesplease right click mouse, then left click to open
new tab)
There are people who are enjoying the thrill of receiving the blessing of God on their lives as a result of obeying the Biblical instruction to tithe. They are not all financial high fliers. None of them, however, are in need because God is blessing them out of all proportion to what they are giving to him. But, that’s the
It’s not unknown for some people to feel that’s a tenth of their income is just too much to give so they give half or a quarter of whatever proportion of their income they consider affordable. The problem is, that’s like trying to dig half a hole. It simply can’t be done! And God can’t give us half a blessing! With God, it’s simply a matter of taking him at his word. The only way anyone can prove God is true to his word is to obey him. It’s a bit like lighting the touch paper and standing back. We invite you to do that today by allocating your financial support to whichever church or ministry from which you are receiving spiritual help, encouragement, and inspiration.
HYMN: O happy day (To hear the audio file11 Intro O happy please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Words by Philip Dodderidge: (1702-1751), and were published posthumously in 1755
Youngest of 20 children, Doddridge attended Kingston Grammar School at St. Albans, and a nonconformist academy in Kibworth, Leicestershire, England. He went on to become one of the “dissenting” clergy. He was pastor of an independent congregation and tutor of a seminary for dissenting ministers at Northampton from 1739 until his death. He died from TB in Lisbon Portugal at the age of just 51.
Many tunes have bee composed to these words. This is a modern arrangement by Ron Jones.
Music (To hear the audio file12 O happy day please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
O happy day, that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Saviour and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
Refrain
O Happy day, O happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray, and live rejoicing every
day
Happy day, O happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away.
2
O happy bond, that seals my vows
To Him Who merits all my love!
Let cheerful anthems fill His house,
While to that sacred shrine I move.
Refrain
2
’Tis done: the great transaction’s done!
I am the Lord’s and He is mine;
He drew me, and I followed on;
Charmed to confess the voice divine.
Refrain
3
Now rest, my long divided heart,
Fixed on this blissful centre, rest.
Nor ever from the Lord depart;
With him of every good possessed.
Refrain
High heaven, that heard the solemn vow,
That vow renewed shall daily hear,
Till in life’s latest hour I bow
And bless in death a bond so dear.
BRASS: Come beautiful Christ (To hear the audio file13 Intro Come please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Richard Phillips, the Bandmaster of The Kettering (UK) Salvation Army Band is a very fine composer of both brass and
Come beautiful Christ,
Radiate thy beauty in me;
‘Tis thee I adore, what can I ask more,
Than to live for thee,
Beautiful Christ.
Music (To hear the audio file14 Come beautiful Christ please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
CHORAL: We’ll call him Jesus (To hear the audio file 15 Intro We'll call please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
In keeping with our preference to present a variety of styles of
Music (To hear the audio file16 We'll call him Jesus please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
BIBLE READING: (To hear the audio file 17 Bible please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
John 15:11-17 (New King James Version)
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
CHORAL: The Lord’s my Shepherd (Rutter) (To hear the audio file 18 Intro The Lord's my shepherd please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
The 23rd Psalm must be the most well known and best loved
Music (To hear the audio file19 The Lord's my shepherd please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
SERMON (To hear the audio file 20 Sermon please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Jesus said we have not chosen him, -he has chosen us. We might not feel able to square that with what we feel. We’re used to be a idea of thinking about our sin and realising it was
Dr. Malcolm WestwoodJesus said he was speaking to his disciples as he did it because he wanted their joy to be full.
In an attempt to be ‘holy’-to be like Jesus-the Church has amassed a veritable encyclopedia of rules, and every one of them in the right setting has merit. But it’s possible to struggle so much to observe those rules that the struggle robs us of the enjoyment! It’s not unknown for a church to place such importance on its particular rules that even the keenest people would not be allowed membership until a particular rule is observed. Yet the Christian’s basic joy is because he is freed from the penalty of his sin. The church’s rules are supposed to help a man to express the joy, not suppress it! Perhaps we need to rediscover the joy of simply belonging to Jesus! In actual fact, there’s nothing more important than being forgiven by God and expressing the joy that brings.
The non-Christian world often criticizes a Christian for failing to maintain the standard the church sets but completely ignores the person’s testimony of being saved from his/her sin.
Their comments highlight the saved Christian’s expression of his/her salvation but more often than not, fail to acknowledge the miracle of his/her salvation. Christians cannot allow the public to miss the miracle of salvation by confusing being a Christian with being a perfect church-goer. Being a Christian isn’t a description of a saint. It’s a description of a redeemed sinner who is desperately trying to be like Jesus and who sometimes achieves it.
It is rare, if not impossible, to find a person who is deliriously joyful because they’ve kept all their church rules. Indeed, it is possible to be a church stalwart, thoroughly decent in every respect and who wouldn’t dream of breaking any church rules, but being anything but joyful!
Of course, churches have to have rules otherwise achieving anything worthwhile would not be possible. But the joy of being a Christian is celebrating that we are saved, we are free from sin. You can’t replace that joy with anything else!
In choosing us, Jesus gives us the freedom to have unlimited joy!
Nothing in life can stop us being joyful. Sure, there will be the normal problems but nothing, no matter how important the problems may be can stop the joy because they are temporary, even if they are lifelong. Eternity without those problems is our gift from God. Nothing that happens can rob us of the joy that that knowledge brings. We could use a non religious phrase and say, “Whatever happens, we’ll have the last laugh!”
So when Jesus chose us, he knew that he was giving us the knowledge that whatever happened in our lives, nothing would rob us of the joy of knowing that all would eventually be well. We may be sinners. But we are redeemed sinners! And were on our way to heaven
He also chose us to love each other. In the Western world, we are used to competing against each other. It can breed greed and greed breeds unfairness. But competing against each other need not exclude love for each other. We are often moved when we see two athletes strain every sinew to beat an opponent yet embrace each other with congratulations when the contest is over, genuinely admiring the other’s talents and effort.
Too often we debase the word love by limiting it to a kind of sentimental attitude which doesn’t allow honest exchanges. When Jesus commanded us to love each other he was telling us we must look out for the interests of each other, to care if people seemed as though they might be about to disadvantage themselves, either knowingly or unknowingly.
We could be tempted to ask ourselves if it matters that someone we hardly know might look as though they are about to fall on difficult times. Every time we choose not to care (love) we become harder in our spirit, less like Christ. We pull up the drawbridge of our hearts and minds until we don’t care about anyone but ourselves.
Jesus didn’t choose us to live like that. He chose us to love people as he loved them. Much as we have an idealized picture of the saintliness of Christ, he wasn’t for ever knocking on people’s doors asking if he could fix their broken furniture for free, thereby using his carpenter’s skills. But wherever he met need, he tried to meet it. That sounds one of those obtuse advertising phrases doesn’t it, but in actual fact, it’s true of Jesus; “Where Jesus met (saw or found) need, he met it.” In other words he loved people through meeting their needs. Jesus asks us to do that, just as he did. Sometimes it will be in response to someone’s request but at other times we would need to take the initiative. And those whom Jesus chose will be sensitively aware so they will see beyond the voiced, “I’m okay” of the lady whose heart is breaking and beyond the fixed smile of a child who pretends not to be hurting whenin fact he/she is in fact being bullied. Love each other! Care for each other! Look out for each other!
Why would Jesus place on us such a commandment? Well he came to earth with the sole purpose of providing a way for us to inherit eternal life with him. That aim was so important to him that he left the majesty of heaven and was prepared to live amongst those he created in order to redeem them. Having given us the way of salvation through his death on the cross, paying the penalty for our sin, in all subsequent generations for all people he needs there to be a reminder for them. And that is us! “Do what I have done”, Jesus said. And it’s important that we do that because it will reveal Christ the Saviour, Christ the Redeemer, Christ the hope for a sinful world.
So ‘love as I have loved you’ is a command to be a witness to how much God loves us. We’re chosen to do that.
But there’s more. Jesus chose us to be his ‘friends’.
The idea of a disciple of a great teacher being called a slave was not unusual or a derogatory term. Moses was called a slave of God (Deuteronomy chapter 34 v 5) the word is ‘doulos’. It was an expression which indicated faithfulness to the teacher. Far from it being a word of shame, it was an honourable description. Had Jesus called his disciples “slaves” they would have understood it was a compliment to them. But he said they were his ‘friends’. That had a very special meaning. In Roman and Eastern times, there were a special group of people who were called “the friends of the King/Emperor”. They had access to the king or emperor at all times. He would confide everything in them, even telling them the military secrets. He trusted them implicitly.
In the United Kingdom there is something of this historic role remaining. It is called the Privy Council. Those appointed to that office may be called on by the Sovereign to give advise on subjects or concerns the Sovereign may have. They have the Sovereign’s confidence.
Jesus said to his disciples “You have my total confidence.” What a privilege to be regarded like that by Jesus. He said to his disciples, ‘All the things that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you.’ There are no secrets I am keeping from you-you are my friends.
Those who love each other and are full of genuine joy honour the confidence Jesus has in us when he calls us his friends.
And if that wasn’t enough, we are to remember that the slave could never be equal to his master but Jesus said we were to be equal with him in telling the world what God wanted it to hear. We are to be his partners, to be co-heirs with Christ, in the mission of proclaiming salvation.
“I’ve chosen you to go into the world with this mission,” Jesus meant when he called his disciples ‘friends’.
He says we are to bear the kind of fruit that will last. The most effective persuasion to become a follower of Christ is for someone they see to be like Jesus-loving, joyful and honestly committed to doing everything possible to show what God offers to the world.
If we are prepared to be that kind of chosen person, the Father will give us whatever we ask in the name of Jesus. But what does ‘in the name of Jesus’ mean? Well, simply we we mustn’t think that prayer is some magical formula for getting whatever we want. If Jesus wouldn’t pray the prayer, neither should we! Jesus only ever prayed for the good of his Father’s kingdom. If we do that, it is certain that God will provide what we request.
We are chosen and we’re equipped. Let the world see we are the friends of Christ by continuing his mission of love and hope to the world. Let them see our joy!
HYMN: Blest be the tie that binds (To hear the audio file 21 Intro Blest please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
Words: Dr. John Fawcett was the pastor of a small church at Wainsgate, and was called from there to a larger church in London in 1772. He accepted the call and preached his farewell sermon. The wagons were loaded with his books and furniture, and all was ready for the departure, when his parishioners gathered around him, and with tears in their eyes begged of him to stay. His wife said, “Oh John, John, I cannot bear this.” “Neither can I,” exclaimed the good pastor, “and we will not go. Unload the wagons and put everything as it was before.” His decision was hailed with great joy by his people, and he wrote the words of this hymn in commemoration of the event. This song, and ‘God be with you until we meet are the most useful farewell hymns in the world.
Music: ‘Dennis’, Hans Nageli. Born: May 26, 1773, Wetzikon, Switzerland (near Zürich).Died: December 26, 1836, Wetzikon, Switzerland. Nägeli, son of a clergyman, has been called “the man who taught Switzerland to sing.” He was virtually a national hero of popular music and folk singing;
Music (To hear the audio file22 Blest be please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
1
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
2
We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.
3
When for a while we part,
This thought will soothe our pain;
That we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.
4
This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.
5
From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.
BENEDICTION: (To hear the audio file 23 Benediction please right click mouse, then left click to open new tab)
May the grace of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit be with you today and for evermore. Amen.