Podcasts about when i survey

William Temple, a nineteenth-century English bishop, once concluded a sermon to Oxford students with the words of the hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” But he cautioned against taking the song lightly. “If you mean [the words] with all your hearts, sing them as loud as you can,” Temple said. “If you don’t mean them at all, keep silent. If you mean them even a little, and want to mean them more, sing them very softly.” The crowd went quiet as everyone eyed the lyrics. Slowly, thousands of voices began to sing in a whisper, mouthing the final lines with gravity: “Love so amazing, so divine / Demands my soul, my life, my all.” Those Oxford students understood the reality that believing in and following Jesus is a serious choice, because it means saying yes to a radical love that demands everything from us. Following Christ requires our entire life, our whole being. He plainly told His disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). No one should make this choice flippantly. Yet, following Jesus is also the way to our deepest joy. Life with Him, we’ll discover, is the life we truly desire. It appears a great paradox. However, if we respond to God’s love, believe in Christ, and relinquish our selfish, shortsighted demands, we’ll find the life our soul craves (v. 25).

In Episode 15 of The Choral Director's Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker explores The Orchestral Choral Instrument, urging conductors to approach the choir with the same expectation for metrical precision, rhythmic clarity, and expressive articulation typically reserved for orchestral sections. Learn why energized consonants and pure vowels must be mastered before a chorus can effectively join forces with an orchestra—and why the music itself must be conducted, not just the singers. This week's listener question delves into the rehearsal real estate of programming choral music. Today's inspiration features "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" arranged by Gilbert Martin, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers from their 2002 "Sing and Ponder" album. Tune in for another episode of practical insight and choral inspiration.

Give All to Gain All - Matthew 13:44-58When the child of GodLooks into the word of GodAnd sees the Son of GodThey are transformed by the Spirit of GodInto the image of GodFor the glory of God- Warren WiersbeWhen King Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He was offering Himself up as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.Zechariah 9:9 (ESV)9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!Behold, your king is coming to you;righteous and having salvation is he,humble and mounted on a donkey,on a colt, the foal of a donkey.Jesus came into Jerusalem on the very day the sacrificial lambs that would become the Passover lambs were brought into Jerusalem from Bethlehem. Jesus is the Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7) who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).Psalm 118:25-26a (ESV)25Save us, we pray, O Lord!O Lord, we pray, give us success!26Blessed is he who comes in the name [authority] of the Lord!Let's do the math: 10 sins a day x 365 days = 3,650 sins per person per year; Multiplying that by 30 years per person equals 109,500 sins per person in a lifetime. Multiplying that by the 117 billion people who have lived in history = 12 quadrillion, 811 trillion, 500 billion sins.- Jim Denison2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.Matthew 27:46 (ESV)46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”John 19:30 (ESV)30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished [Tetelestai]," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.Two little parables about the Kingdom's inestimable value - V. 44-46What is the point to us of the parables in verses 44-46? To get the greater treasure the man had to first give up everything he previously treasured. And for us to really get Jesus we have to do the same. But when we give our all to get Jesus, two things happen: we gain more than we could ever imagine, and we also gain what was ours back better than before.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. - Isaac Watts, Verse 4 of When I Survey the Wondrous CrossLearn to know Christ and Him crucified. Learn to sing to Him and say, “Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin. You have taken upon Yourself what is mine and given me what is Yours. You have become what You were not so that I might become what I was not." - Martin LutherAnother parable about the great ‘sorting' to come - V. 47-50Are you ready for the ‘great sorting' to come after Christ returns?Hebrews 9:27-28 (ESV)27And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.Remember from Matthew 13 that we are called to be sowers not sorters! Catch all the people you can for Jesus – He will sort out whether they were truly saved or not. True Disciples will bring forth Scripture treasure - V. 51-52In chapter 13 Jesus spoke of making what was a mystery in the past known now. Those who love Jesus will be able to explain how New Testament truth comes out of Old Testament truth.If you don't take who Jesus is, what He has taught, and what He has done for you seriously, you won't see God do much either. But if you recognize how valuable this faith is, you will give up everything to gain Jesus!

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Farmersville, OhioApril 6, 2025Fifth Sunday in LentAnnouncementsPreludeOpening Hymn - "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" - LBW #482Brief Order for Confession and ForgivenessApostolic GreetingHymn of Praise - "This is the Feast"Prayer of the DayFirst Lesson - Isaiah 43:16-21Second Lesson - Philippians 3:8-14Hymn - "Nearer, My God, To Thee"Gospel - Luke 20:9-19Sermon - "Forget the Past - Press On to the Future!"Hymn - "Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed" - LBW #98Nicene CreedPrayers of the ChurchOfferingOffertory - "Let the Vineyards"Offertory PrayerGreat ThanksgivingWords of Institution and Lord's PrayerDistributionPost-Communion LiturgyBenedictionExodus Hymn - "In the Cross of Christ I Glory" - LBW #104DismissalFor the video version of today's service, please visit https://youtu.be/B2qUHJyYNQQMay God bless you now and always!

Order of Service: - Prelude - Hymn 276 - When O'er My Sins I Sorrow - The Versicles (pp. 120-121) - The Lesson (p. 134) - O Vos Omnes: O vos omnes qui transitis per viam, attendite et videte: Si est dolor similis sicut dolor meus. Attendite, universi populi, et videte dolorem meum. Si est dolor similis sicut dolor meus. O all you who pass by on the road, behold and see: if there be any sorrow like my sorrow. Behold, all people, and see my sorrow: if there be any sorrow like my sorrow. - Homily - Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs: Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. - The Kyrie (p. 124) - The Lord's Prayer (p. 125) - Hymn 584 - Grant Peace, We Pray, in Mercy, Lord - The Collect (pp. 125-127) - The Benedicamus (p. 127) - The Benediction (p. 127) - Hymn 308 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Postlude Service Participants: Graham Parsons (Preacher), Rev. Prof. Mark DeGarmeaux (Organist), BLC Concert Choir (Choral Group), Prof. David Paulson (Choir Director)

On this episode, David Wollen shares the connection between the hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross and Philippians chapter 3 with a message about true faith and the sufficiency of Christ.

One of the great hymn writers of all time, Isaac Watts, wrote “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” In penning its lyrics, he used the poetic device of paradox to show a contrast in themes: “my richest gain I count but loss” and “pour contempt on all my pride.” We sometimes call these “oxymorons,” words used in seeming contradiction to themselves—like “awfully good” and “jumbo shrimp.” In the case of Watts’s lyrics, this device is far more profound. Jesus used paradox often. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3), He said, suggesting that those who have no hope will receive more than they could ever hope for. Jesus speaks to you and me who’ve lost someone dear (v. 4), assuring us that those who are sad “will be comforted.” Later in His ministry Jesus says, “Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (19:30). Jesus was showing how in God’s kingdom the common rules of religion don’t apply. These paradoxes tell us that life in Christ defies all expectations: we who are nobodies are cherished as somebodies. It was on the cross that Jesus bore a visual paradox—a crown of thorns. Isaac Watts took this symbol of ridicule and, paradoxically, gave it soaring beauty: “Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, / or thorns compose so rich a crown?” In this we thrill yet are mindful of the final line of the hymn: “Love so amazing, so divine, / demands my soul, my life, my all.”

Over thirty years ago an AA archivist gave me a book that changed my life. It's one of the best descriptions of the Oxford Group program out of which AA would later blossom and grow. Published in 1933 and titled WHAT IS THE OXFORD GROUP? the anonymous author lays out many of the principles and practices that Bill Wilson drew from in writing the Big Book. If you're ready for a life-changing shift to your program, this series may be for you. The book is available free through a link in the show notes. This episode explores RESTITUTION as it was understood and practiced by the AA pioneers. Making amends for our past wrongs affects others as much as ourselves and requires guidance and courage in knowing how best to proceed. Show Notes: Pdf copy of What is the Oxford Group? https://stepstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/what_is.pdf   Link to the hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kimLXNhzZMA

Devotion Philippians 3:7-11   Announcements Banana Split Parades Convention Review Flooding   Prayer List Pastor John Hein Marlene Hanel Jim Lien Flooding   Hymn: TLH 175 “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” by Isaac Watts with arrangement by Gilbert Martin. Presented as an offering of music by the Chancel Choir with Gavan Mcvey on the organ on 16 June 2024 at First UMC - Gainesville, FL.

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS BREAKTHROUGH PRAYER: Amazing God, We pray that through the Holy Spirit Your preferred future for Groveport United Methodist Church will be made clear to us. Give us the courage we need to follow You wherever You may take us. We ask that You bind us together in love so that we can bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to our friends, families, and community. Open our eyes so that we may see the amazing things You are already doing among us. AMEN. PRELUDE “Crown Him Lord of All” LIGHTING OF THE ALTAR CANDLES *OPENING HYMN “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” #302 CALL TO WORSHIP: Out of the darkness of grief and despair comes a message of hope. Christ is risen. Christ is risen, indeed. We run to the tomb to see for ourselves. And it is true. Christ is risen. Christ is risen, indeed. We hear a voice call our name, and we know our risen Lord is with us now and always. Christ is risen. Christ is risen, indeed. Thanks be to God. HYMN (10:30 service only) “Up from the Grave He Arose” #322 FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 PRAYER OF CONFESSION: O God, we love surprises, but this is the greatest of all. Jesus Christ is risen! Just when we give into the forces of darkness and death, there you come again and roll away the stone. What a surprise! O God, help us offer your wonderful surprises to all of your creation, in the name of the risen one. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE OUR TIME OF PRAYER HYMN “Because He Lives” #364 THE LORD'S PRAYER OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS (10:30 service only) “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” *DOXOLOGY (10:30 service only) *PRAYER OF DEDICATION (10:30 service only) SPECIAL MUSIC: (10:30 service only) Chancel Choir: “Amazing Grace, Eternal Life” CHILDREN'S MOMENTS (10:30 service only) SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: John 20:1-18 SERMON “Out of Context” *CLOSING HYMN “He Lives” #310 *BENEDICTION *SENDING FORTH “Because He Lives” chorus only POSTLUDE “Victory in Jesus”

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Easter Sunday Offertory Music March 31, 2024 (Easter Sunday) Worship Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio

Today was our Easter Encounter meeting, Just Getting Started.Here is the running order:- Welcome and intro to first song – Mish- First Song – This is Amazing Love- Reading – Tony – Luke 23 v 33-34, 44-46, 50-56, Luke 24 v 1-6- Second Song – Introduced by Mish - Video of BSL “I Stand Amazed in the Presence”      - https://youtu.be/Bv4xtRTUa9c- Welcome - Esther and introduce the video- Video clip - “Just Getting Started”      - https://shiftworship.com/product/just-getting-started-mini-movie-journey-box-media/- Preach - “Just Getting Started” - Esther- Third song – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross- Prayer - Esther- Reading words of “The Cross is my beginning” - Anne HW- Fourth song – Man of Sorrows- Closing Prayer – Esther- Close – Esther – Kerith Easter events, Happy Easter

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipOpening Hymn - (#40) "The Lord Is My Shepherd"Praise SongsConfession, Assurance, and Gloria PatriChoral AnthemSermon - "Rest for Your Souls" (Matthew 11:25–30) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeReceiving of Our Tithes and OfferingsOffertoryDoxologyHymn of Approach - (#258) "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"Serving the Sacrament of CommunionBenedictionSinging The Lord's PrayerPostludeThe Lord Is My ShepherdThe Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want; He makes me down to lie In pastures green; He leadeth me The quiet waters by. My soul He doth restore again, And me to walk doth make Within the paths of righteousness, E'en for His own name's sake. Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, Yet will I fear no ill, For Thou art with me, and Thy rod And staff me comfort still. My table Thou hast furnished In presence of my foes; My head Thou dost with oil anoint, And my cup overflows. Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me, And in God's house forever more My dwelling place shall be. Amen. When I Survey the Wondrous CrossWhen 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. 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. Amen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Co-host Jonathan Hyatt as he surveys the great Hymn of faith, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. To purchase Jonathan's book Notes from a Postman - A Collection of Poems, Thoughts, and Prayers Here's the link,  https://www.amazon.com/Notes-Postman-Collection-Thoughts-Prayers/dp/1678113018   Notes from a Postman Volume 2-: A Collection of Poems, Thoughts, & Prayers https://www.amazon.com/Notes-Postman-2-Collection-Thoughts/dp/1458395308Support the show: https://throughoutallagesministries.com/#See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The post When I Survey the Wondrous Cross appeared first on Hope Lutheran Church.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Hymn Tune is "Hamburg"

Hymn Arrangements, Meditation, Prayer, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Hymn Tune is "Hamburg"

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Hymn Tune is "Hamburg"

Most people are familiar with the well-known hymns When I Survey the Wondrous Cross and Joy to the World by Isaac Watts. But Britt Stokes joins Jonathan and James on the podcast to share how Watts was more than just an accomplished hymn writer―he was a dedicated pastor-scholar pursuing sincere Christian devotion among the people of God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29

Most people are familiar with the well-known hymns “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts. But Britt Stokes joins Jonathan and James on the podcast to share how Watts was more than just an accomplished hymn writer―he was a dedicated pastor-scholar pursuing sincere Christian devotion among the people of God. Register here for the opportunity to win one.    Show Notes Britt recommends these books by Isaac Watts: A Guide to Prayer Discourses on the Love of God The World to Come

Mark 14:32-42, Mark 15:6-20, Matthew 27:32-44, Isaiah 53, Mark 15:33-34 and John 19:28-30, 40-42 Songs to Listen to: Come Behold the Wonderous Mystery, O Sacred Head now Wounded, How Deep the Father's Love for Us, Melt My Soul to Love, When I Survey the Wonderous Cross, The Old Rugged Cross, Alas and Did my Savior Bleed, Hallelujah What a Savior, Hark the Voice of Love and Mercy, In Chris Alone (Ended at "In the ground")

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipOpening Hymn - (#249) "All Glory, Laud, and Honor"Praise SongsMessage for Children & YouthConfession, Assurance, and Gloria PatriChoral AnthemSermon - "As Jesus Had Directed Them" (Matthew 21:1–11) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeHymn of Response - (#248) "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" (verses 1 & 3)OffertoryDedication of One Great Hour of Sharing OfferingPrayer of ThanksgivingDoxologyHymn of Approach - (#258) "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (verses 1 & 2)Serving the Sacrament of CommunionBenedictionSinging of The Lord's PrayerPostludeAll Glory, Laud, and HonorAll glory, laud, and honor To Thee, Redeemer, King, To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring: Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David's royal Son, Who in the Lord's name comest, The King and blessed one! The company of angels Are praising Thee on high, And mortal men and all things Created make reply: The people of the Hebrews With palms before Thee went; Our praise and prayer and anthems Before Thee we present. To Thee, before Thy passion, They sang their hymns of praise; To Thee, now high exalted, Our melody we raise: Thou didst accept their praises—Accept the praise we bring, Who in all good delighest, Thou good and gracious King! Amen. Hosanna, Loud HosannaHosanna, loud hosanna, The little children sangThrough pillared court and templeThe lovely anthem ran: To Jesus, who had blessed themClose folded to His breast, The children sang their praises, The simplest and the best. "Hosanna in the highest!"That ancient song we sing, For Christ is our Redeemer, The Lord of heaven our King; O may we ever praise HimWith heart and life and voice, And in His holy presenceEternally rejoice!When I Survey the Wondrous CrossWhen 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're starting a short series leading up to easter. We'll take a look at some hymns reflecting on the crucifixion of our Lord in anticipation of Good Friday. We've got a little old, a little new, and one surprising hymn you've likely never heard before – brought to you by one of the most famous reformed baptist churches in the world. Episodes About the Songs Alas and Did My Saviour Bleed: https://youtu.be/gAy4yQTkR_Y When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: https://youtu.be/s5YReNhwtus Joe Barnard on When I Survey: https://youtu.be/s5YReNhwtus Isaac Watts' Best Easter Hymn: https://youtu.be/s5YReNhwtus Find Us Online: Mailing List: https://www.subscribepage.com/n3z3u8 Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/hymnpartial Website: https://hymnpartial.com/ Podcast: https://hymnpartial.podbean.com/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/Hymnpartial Twitter: https://twitter.com/hymnpartial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hymnpartial/ Youtube:  https://youtube.com/hymnpartial Music: http://www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic

Order of Service: - Prelude - Hymn 308 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Philippians 3: 7-9: But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. - Devotion - Prayer - Hymn 593 - On My Heart Imprint Thine Image - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Rev. Prof. Mark DeGarmeaux (Preacher), Kaleb Schmidt (Organist)

Order of Service: - Prelude: Davis Smith - Hymn 308 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - The Versicles (pp. 120-121) - Matthew 26:69 - 27:10: Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly. When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” And they consulted together and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, and gave them for the potter's field, as the LORD directed me. - Homily - Hymn 471 - Jesus! and Shall It Ever Be - The Kyrie (p. 124) - The Lord's Prayer (p. 125) - The Collect (pp. 125-127) - The Benedicamus (p. 127) - The Benediction (p. 127) - Hymn 569 - Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadow: vv. 1, 4, 5 & 6 - Postlude: Davis Smith Service Participants: Rev. Shawn Stafford (Preacher), Davis Smith (Organist), Rev. Prof. Mark DeGarmeaux (Director)

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipHymn of Praise - (#67) "Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine"Praise SongsConfession and AssuranceGloria PatriChoral AnthemSermon - "Filled With the Fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:14–20) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeReceiving of Our Tithes and OfferingsHymn of Thanksgiving - (#622) "O How He Loves You and Me"DoxologyHymn of Approach - (#258) "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (verses 1 & 3)Serving the Sacrament of CommunionBenedictionSinging of The Lord's PrayerPostludeIf you'd like to send tithes or offerings by mail, please usePresbyterian Church of the CovenantP.O. Box 2128Costa Mesa, CA 92628Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is MineBlessed 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. [CHORUS]: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, Vision of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending bring from aboveEchoes of mercy, whispers of love. [CHORUS]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. [CHORUS]O How He Loves You and MeO how He loves you and me. O how He loves you and me; He gave His life, what more could He give: O how He loves you, O, how He loves me, O how He loves you and me. Jesus to Calvary did go, His love for mankind to show; What He did there brought hope from despair: O how He loves you, O, how He loves me, O how He loves you and me. When I Survey the Wondrous CrossWhen 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. 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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I cannot think of a hymn that so perfectly captures the aguish and the beauty of the cross quite like "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" by Isaac Watts. Watts is one of my most favorite hymn writers. Not just because he writes great hymns, but for the fact that he helped revolutionize church music for his day and beyond. I sit down with one of my most favorite people as well, my pastor, Tim Armstrong, and talk about this amazing hymn and hymn writer and what draws us both so much to love his words and music. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! Support the show

This is a recording of the full service on Palm Sunday 1988. Dr. McIntyre spoke on the triumphal entry of Jesus and the roads he had to travel in the days ahead. He urged the congregation to walk with Jesus in their lives. Brother McIntrye had been away for several weeks and was heartily greeted back. He also expressed to the congregation how much he had missed them as their interim pastor and had been praying for them. He also appreciated the prayers, cards and other expressions of sympathy at the recent death of his mother. The service was blessed with the choir singing of "To God Be The Glory" and a female solo of "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked." The congregational singing consisted of "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "At the Cross."

This recording is of the full morning service of February 7, 1988. It was the occasion of ordaining new deacons and installing former deacons. The music for the morning was most appropriately "Rise Up O Men of God," along with "The Church's One Foundation" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. The to be newly ordained deacons were given an opportunity to introduce themselves and relate their salvation experience. Those to be installed again related where and when they were previously ordained. Dr. McIntyre then gave a message on the responsibilities of New Testament Deacons which was followed by the laying on of hands. At the end of the ordination service the new Deacons were presented with a Certificate of Ordination and a Deacon Family Ministry Plan booklet. The service concluded with the singing of "I Surrender All."

This is the evening service for Brainerd Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The service was dedicated to the observance of the Lord's Supper conducted by Brother McIntyre. The observance was preceded by a time of special music and congregational singing. There were two selections by the Youth Choir titled "This is the Day the Lord Hath Made" and "Lord Make a Miracle in My Life." Tamara Hammond sang a solo. The congregation sang "Glory to His Name," "Blessed be the Name of the Lord," "Something About That Name" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

Andy shares a brief message for the children as well as to the adults. Then we had a panel of three couples discuss marriage and what has worked or hasn't worked and what they have used to overcome difficulties in their relationships. Today's Music: Desert Song, Isn't the Name, When I Survey, and At the Cross.

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipHymn of Praise - (#526) "Faith of Our Fathers"Message for Children & Youth, led by Walden HughesPraise SongsConfession and Assurance, led by Amy Hemseri-SabalaGloria PatriSpecial Music - "Adagio" ("Pathetique" Sonata) by Beethoven - Micah Wright, piano; Cornel Radulescu, organSermon - "Assurance of Things Hoped For" (Hebrews 11:1–3, 8–16) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeOffertoryDoxologyApproaching the Table - (#258) "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (verse 1)Serving the Sacrament of CommunionBenedictionSinging of The Lord's PrayerPostludeFaith of Our FathersFaith of our fathers, living stillIn spite of dungeon, fire, and sword, O how our hearts beat high with joyWhene'er we hear that glorious word! Faith of our fathers, holy faith, We will be true to thee 'til death. Faith of our fathers, God's great powerShall win all nations unto thee, And through the truth that comes from GodMankind shall then indeed be free. Faith of our fathers, holy faith, We will be true to thee 'til death. Faith of our fathers, we will loveBoth friend and foe in all our strife, And preach thee too as love knows how, By kindly words and virtuous life. Faith of our fathers, holy faith, We will be true to thee 'til death. AmenWhen I Survey the Wondrous CrossWhen 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

PreludeWelcome and News of the ChurchCall to WorshipHymn of PraiseMessage for Children & Youth, led by Amy Hemseri-SabalaPraise songsConfession and Assurance, led by Amy Hemseri-SabalaGloria PatriSpecial Music - "God Bless America" by Irving Berlin - Jim Ketchersid and Brian Cich, vocalists; Cornel Radulescu, organ2022-07-03 Sermon - "The Paradox of Freedom" (Galatians 5:1, 13-15) - by Amy Hemseri-SabalaOffertoryDoxologyApproaching the Table - (#258) "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"Serving the Sacrament of Communion, led by Rev. Sharon YagerlenerPrayer after CommunionBenedictionSinging of The Lord's PrayerPostludeIf you'd like to send tithes or offerings by mail, please usePresbyterian Church of the CovenantP.O. Box 2128Costa Mesa, CA 92628My Country 'Tis of TheeMy country, 'tis of the, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing: Land where my fathers died, Land of the Pilgrims' pride. From every mountainsideLet freedom ring!My native country, thee, Land of the noble, free, Thy name I love. I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills: My heart with rapture thrillsLike that aboveLet music swell the breeze, And ring from all the treesSweet freedom's song. Let mortal tongues awake; Let all that breathe partake; Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong. Our father's God, to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing: Long may our land be brightWithe freedom's holy light; Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King!When I Survey the Wondrous CrossWhen 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. Amen. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Andy Davis preaches on the book of John and John's eyewitness account of Jesus' crucifixion, establishing a true testimony that every aspect of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are indeed historical facts. -SERMON TRANSCRIPT- Please pray with me now. Father, as we have had the opportunity to sing songs that meditate on the death of Your Son, it's a sober meditation. It is good for us, O Lord, to meditate deeply and to understand the death of Jesus on our behalf. I pray that now, You would give us the gift of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in this place. For it is His unique work in this world to exalt Jesus to the highest place in our minds, our hearts, and our estimation based on the Scripture that He himself inspired. We pray now that there would be an anointing of the spirit on me, on my words, and then on all of our hearts so that we can understand the things that we have just heard, and that these truths would burn in our hearts within us, transforming us and enabling us to live, to walk in newness of life. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Psalm 71:15 says, "My mouth will tell of Your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure." All of us infinitely underestimates what our salvation cost Jesus Christ. We underestimate the gravity of our sins and the holiness of God and the heat of His wrath, His righteous wrath, against us for our sins. We underestimate all of these things. Even if we've been Christians many years, even if we love Jesus, we underestimate what our salvation cost Jesus. This is a Good Friday observance. For myself, I was raised Roman Catholic, and Holy Week observances were a big part of my spiritual formation growing up. I remember being an altar boy and doing something called the Stations of the Cross. We would go from place to place in our church. There were stained glass pictures of the final hours of Jesus' life, and there would be readings at each of those. We Baptist, I think, have rightly rejected the elaborate system of holy days and the holy year that was handed down from medieval Catholicism on even to the present day. Baptists focus on Good Friday, on the death of Christ. Certainly here in this church, we preach Christ crucified every week. It's not a week that goes by that I don't mention the death of Christ for our sins, and it's as it should be. Yet, a Good Friday service like this gives us a chance to slow down, to pause, and to look at specific details connected with the death of Christ that ordinarily we wouldn't mention. This evening we're going to be looking at just some details from the death of Jesus from the gospel of John, chapter 19. I want to assert right away how important in particular John's testimony is, John's account of the death of Christ, because he was an actual eyewitness of Jesus's death. He was the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was standing right there watching Jesus die. He adds some specific details to our knowledge of the death of Christ that we could have no other way. One of those details is the fact that the soldiers determined that Jesus was already dead, greatly to their surprise, but to confirm it, one of the soldiers drove a spear up into Jesus' side. When he did, blood and water came flowing out. John strongly emphasized this, and he strongly emphasized the eyewitness testimony that that happened. He underscores it in verse 35 of John 19. "The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. And he knows that he tells the truth and he testifies so that you also may believe." That's very serious words connected with this flow of blood and water. The reason this is so important, among other reasons, is that every aspect of Jesus's life, Jesus' death, and Jesus' resurrection from the grave are established in the gospels as historical fact. The role of eyewitness testimony is vital to that. Luke begins his gospel with these words: "Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the Word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated…” . The reason Luke wrote his gospel based on careful investigation of the testimony of eyewitnesses is so that we would know the certainty of the things we have been taught. He means historical certainty, the accuracy of it. John in his epistle, 1 John 1:1, speaks of this also, his role as an eyewitness. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched, this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. And we proclaim this eyewitness testimony so that you also may have fellowship with us and with God." So it's all based on eyewitness testimony. Peter writes the same thing in 2 Peter 1:16, "We did not follow cleverly invented myths when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. But we were eyewitnesses of His majesty." Cleverly invented myths, skillfully woven fiction, Peter said, "We didn't do that." Jesus' life, His death, and His resurrection are not cleverly devised fables or myths. They're not fiction or even spiritual parables which when we read them are move or moved morally and spiritually to live a better life. No, that's not what the gospels are about. It's not what the New Testament is about. “…Every aspect of Jesus's life, Jesus' death, and Jesus' resurrection from the grave are established in the gospels as historical fact.” Some of you may have heard of a place called Narnia. It's a fantasy world crafted by an author named C. S. Lewis and written into his books called the Chronicles of Narnia, a fantasy world that four British children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, reached through a wardrobe, a wooden closet where the clothes are kept. They go further and further back, and suddenly, they're in another world, Narnia. Readers of Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia can derive all kinds of spiritual benefit from the books, indeed they have for decades now. But I certainly hope all of you know it's fiction. It's absolutely cleverly invented myths, fables which are written for a spiritual purpose. The same thing with Tolkien's fantasy world of Middle-earth, with the Shire and Gondor and Mirkwood and Mordor, and all those places. They're all fantasy locations, and Aragorn and Gandalf and Frodo are fictitious characters. I hope you all know that. Some people are so into these worlds that they can forget, and it gets blurry. But they are cleverly invented fables, it's not true, but the accounts we have in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are based on eyewitness testimony. They're history, works of historical fact based on the sober testimony of eyewitnesses. As a matter of fact, the apostle Paul testifies concerning the resurrection of Christ from the dead that, "If Christ had actually not been physically raised from the dead," he said, "our preaching is useless, and so is your faith." In other words, if this whole thing that we're talking about tonight is a cleverly devised fable, you shouldn't have come here tonight. I shouldn't be up here talking. My preaching is useless, and so is your Christian faith. It's a strong statement. More than that, Paul says, "We have not been found to be false witnesses about God for we have testified about God that He raised Christ from the dead. It actually happened." And then a few verses later, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, you're still in your sins, and those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost." That's how important history is to Christianity. So it really matters whether or not Christ really lived, whether or not Christ really said and did the things the gospels record that He said and did; whether or not Christ really died on the cross, and whether or not Christ really actually rose from the dead. The gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are written based on the testimonies of eyewitnesses who saw Jesus personally. Over the centuries, many false teachers have arisen to trouble the church with questions about these very things. Early on there were some false teachers called docetists based on the Greek word “dokein”, meaning “to seem”, that Jesus seemed human, but He really wasn't. Others raised questions about Jesus's death. Even in the 19th century and beyond, some devised something called the Swoon Theory that Jesus actually fainted on the cross, He just seemed dead. Some theologically liberal scholars have questioned the gospel records as faulty because they contain miracles. They look on them as religious myths. Scholars like a man named Rudolph Boltman tried to go through and demythologize the New Testament, strip it of all of its, clearly, obviously, mythological aspects, miracles, and embarked on the quest for the historical Jesus. Can I just shut that down right now? You want the quest for the historical Jesus, read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. There's the historical Jesus. You don't have to go any further. It's all of it history based on eyewitness accounts, and that includes that of the apostle John in the account you just heard read, John 19. John was standing there, watched it happen, and he testified that it happened. Based on these gospel records, all four of them, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we have a strong sense of the truthfulness, the absolute certainty of what we have been taught. Jesus actually lived, fully God and fully human. Jesus actually died. He actually was dead on the cross. He literally died. The effusion of water and blood from His side proves it. Jesus actually rose from the dead, physically, bodily on the third day. Therefore, our sins are actually forgiven. We ourselves will actually be raised from the grave in bodies like Christ. We ourselves will actually live forever in heaven. That's how important this history is. Assurance, certainty, a sense of the certainty of the things you have been taught, that's what we get from meditating deeply on these historical details. The account of these details gives us an intensification of our awareness of these truths. The account of Jesus' death in John 19 gives us that certainty. The evidence is that Jesus died at exactly the right time that day. I mean within seconds. He died at exactly the right time to fulfill prophecy, to fulfill the plan of salvation that God had made for sinners all over the world in every generation, even from before the foundation of the world. Certainly, there were events, human events that led up to His trial, His conviction, and His execution. Satan did in fact put it in Judas heart to betray Jesus, so Satan had a role. Judas Iscariot did, in fact, conspire with the chief priest and the teachers of the law to hand Jesus over to them. This he did by identifying Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with a kiss. The chief priests and the teachers of the law and the Pharisees did, in fact, arrest Jesus. They did, in fact, bring Him to the house of Annas, the high priest, Annas and Caiaphas, did, in fact, condemn Jesus to death on the testimony... It all happened. They did, in fact, hand Jesus over to Pontius Pilate. Then they effectively pressured Pilate so that he would finally give in to them and murder an innocent man, a man he knew was innocent. Pilate did, in fact, condemn Jesus to death, turn Jesus over to the soldiers who did, in fact, mock Him and flog Him, spit on Him and beat Him. All of that's true. And they did, in fact, lead Him away to Golgotha where they crucified Him by nailing His hands and His feet to the cross with two other men, two robbers, one on His right, the other His left. Yes, yes, yes, these human actors, all of them did these human things, and they are held accountable for what they did. However, all of them were merely servants of almighty God carrying out a plan that had been crafted in the mind of God before the foundation of the world. Every one of those details had been planned out before God said, "Let there be light." Peter said this in his great Pentecost sermon in Acts 2, "Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by signs and wonders and miracles, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know." This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge, and you with the help of wicked men put Him to death, nailing Him to the cross.” Do you hear that? He was handed over to you by God, by God's set purpose and foreknowledge, carrying out a plan that had been crafted before the world began. They say the same thing a couple of chapters later in Acts 4. As the church is praying together, persecutions about to ramp up and they're getting ready for it by praying, this is what they said. "Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against Your holy servant, Jesus, whom You anointed." They did what Your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. They couldn't be clearer. They were following a script, though they didn't know the script or know that they were following a script. The soldiers gambled for Jesus clothes so that Scripture would be fulfilled. The soldiers didn't get up that day saying, "I think we'll fulfill Scripture today by gambling for someone's clothes." They just gambled for clothes because they wanted them, but the Scripture says, "So this is what the soldiers did because that's what the prophecy said they should do." All of this was crafted in the mind of God before God said, "Let there be light." Before the foundation of the world, God determined to crush His Son to death to save sinners like you and me from hell. That's what God decided to do for us. He established prophecies through the Holy Spirit, and through prophets so that we could identify, triangulate on this one person, of all the billions that have ever lived. This one man is the savior of the world. The prophecies identify Him. “Before the foundation of the world, God determined to crush His Son to death to save sinners like you and me from hell. That's what God decided to do for us.” One of the most important religious customs was animal sacrifice, which was established, I believe, in the Garden of Eden and then carried out multiple times with the patriarchs, Noah after the flood, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob; they all did animal sacrifice. Especially, Moses at the time of the dreadful 10th plague, the plague on the first born, the night of the Passover when each Jewish family would set aside a lamb, a Passover lamb. There were certain stipulations about it, et cetera. But the laws in Exodus 12:46 about the Passover lamb was that not a single bone of the lamb would be broken. Exodus 12:46, "It must be eaten inside one house. Take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones." The same thing in Numbers 9:11-12 about the Passover, "They are to eat the lamb together with uneven bread and not leave of it till morning or break any of its bones." When they celebrate the Passover, they must follow the regulations. Jesus died at just the right instant to fulfill this prophecy. The thing with crucifixion is it's designed for cruelty. It's a very cruel death, it's a very vicious death because there's nothing immediately killing the victims. They were known to linger for days on the cross. When Jesus was dead, Pilate was shocked that He was already dead. The Jewish authorities, because it was a Passover, it was a high Sabbath, they knew that action had to be taken on these three men or they would linger all night, and they didn't want them on the cross all night. So Jesus died just in the nick of time to avoid having His bones broken. He had the power to do this. Jesus uniquely had the power over his life and his death. He said to Pilate, “The reason I entered the world was to testify to the truth.” None of you can make such a statement. Why did you choose to be born? What was your purpose in entering the world? None of us can say that. We don't have any purpose, we're born. But Jesus chose to enter the world. In the same way, He chose to die. If He hadn't chosen to die, He would never have died. He said this plainly in John 10:17-18, "The reason My Father loves me is that I lay down my life only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it back up again. This command I receive from my Father." That's an utterly unique speech that only Jesus could make. "No one can kill me if I don't want to die, but I'm actually laying down my life." At just the right time, Jesus gave up His spirit and died. He gave up His spirit of His own choice. John 19:28-30 says, "Later, knowing that all was now completed and so that the scripture will be fulfilled, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.' A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it and put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant and lifted it to Jesus' lips. And when He had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' And with that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." None of us can do that. You can't just pillow your head on your chest and die. But Jesus had that power to give up His spirit. If He had died even just a few moments later, His bones would've been smashed by the soldiers. It says in verse 31-33, "Now it was the day of preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have their legs broken and the bodies taken down. Soldiers, therefore, came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that He was already dead, they did not break His legs." There was a clear Jewish law against leaving dead bodies on a tree overnight. Deuteronomy 21 says, "If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and his body is hung on a tree, you must not leave his body on the tree overnight. Be sure to bury him that same day because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse. You must not desecrate the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance." Jesus was under a curse by being hung on the cross. As Paul points out in Galatians, "He was made a curse for us. Because of our sins, we deserve to be cursed by God." Jesus took that curse on Himself. The Jewish legalists are trying to avoid the defilement of the Passover by allowing these dead bodies to remain on the tree overnight. The soldiers in conformity with this Jewish demand brought probably a huge hammer, a mallet or something like that, smashed the legs of the first man, unspeakable cruelty, so that he couldn't push up. So also the other man, smashed his bones, probably sent the body into shock, greatly accelerated death because they couldn't push up, they couldn't breathe anymore, and soon they were dead. But the soldiers came to Jesus, and these were expert executioners, they knew He was dead. There's no doubt. They were surprised, I'm sure, because it's just a short time. But Jesus had fulfilled all the prophecies that He could while still alive, and He pillowed His head on His chest and gave up His spirit. And in this way, the prophecy was fulfilled, "Not a bone will be broken." “Why did you choose to be born? What was your purpose in entering the world? (…) We don't have any purpose, we're born. But Jesus chose to enter the world. In the same way, He chose to die.” The actual physical cause of Jesus' death I think is more violent than we can possibly imagine. It is possible that when that soldier shoved the spear up into Jesus side and the blood and water flowed out, it gives evidence of a level of internal violence inside Jesus that is unspeakable beyond anything we could possibly comprehend. Verse 34 says, "One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water." There's so much discussion about this blood and water, and there are many themes that one could pick up here. The hymn “Rock of Ages” by Augustus Toplady. "Rock of Ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee. Let the water and the blood from thy wounded side which flowed be of sin the double cure, save me from wrath and make me pure." The blood taking away the wrath of God, the water cleansing as it speaks in the Book of Titus, being cleansed from our sins, so I think it's a valid meditation that Augustus Toplady does there. But I want to focus just on the significance of the blood and water physically. I was listening to a sermon by Martin Lloyd-Jones who before he was a preacher was a Royal physician, a doctor. He cited research done by other medical experts that this flow of water and blood was evidence that Jesus died of a ruptured heart, that the actual muscle of Jesus' heart was shredded. There's reasons for this. It has to do with the pericardium and what happens after death and all that. I'm not a doctor, I actually called a doctor friend as I was writing the sermon and he said, "We don't really know." So here I am saying I don't really know if Jesus died of a ruptured heart. But one thing I do know, when He was in Gethsemane, He was under such pressure that He sweat great drops of blue blood. Luke 22:44 says, "And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." What in the world is going on there? I believe that God revealed the cup to Him at levels and dimensions He had never seen before, and it knocked Him to the ground, and He was under intense mental, emotional, psychological, even physical anguish and pressure in Gethsemane. So much so that it seems, there's evidence, if He hadn't dispatched some angels to strengthen Him, He might have died right there. What could this be other than the wrath of God and the the relational separation, between Jesus and the Father as our sin-bearing substitute that pushed Him to a level of anguish and agony and grief that we can scarcely imagine. Jesus said in Mark 14:36, "Abba, Father, everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will." That cup represents the aggressive, pure, holy wrath of God that God feels rightly for all of the sins and violations of His holy laws that we have committed. That's the cup. Psalm 75:8, it says, "In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours it out and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs." That's the cup of God's wrath, judgment. Revelation 14:10 says, "He too will drink the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of His wrath." There is no man in history who understood the holy wrath of God better than the pure Son of God. Jesus experienced in a way we... we use these expressions…, but with Jesus it's not just expression, Jesus experienced hell on earth for us. He drank hell for us so we wouldn't have to. It cost Him. It knocked Him to the ground in Gethsemane. It put blood coming out of His pores, and maybe it shredded His heart. I do know this, that the effusion of water and blood proved that it stopped His heart, so at least this much we can say, the flow of blood and water proves that Jesus was actually dead. He died for us. And why is that important? Because we deserve to die. We deserve death. The wages of sin is death. Isaiah 53 says, "Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him. And by His wounds, we are healed. We're all like sheep who've gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." The soldier shoved this spear up into Jesus' side, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. John testified, "The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe." Believe what? What are you supposed to believe? Well, in the immediate case, believe that Jesus was actually human and that He was actually dead, and that His death on the cross is an actual atonement for your sins. As Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live. But Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." That's what you're supposed to believe, that Jesus' death was for you, that you deserved to die, but Jesus died in your place so that you would not have to drink that cup. Whether his heart was actually literally ruptured or not, his heart was stopped. He was killed because of our sins. He died. So what? So therefore, we should have a sense of obligation. We should, first of all, realize, if our sins did that to Jesus' body, how much should we hate sin? How much should we hate sin since that's what it cost Jesus? So therefore, we should have a sense of indebtedness to Jesus resulting in personal holiness. Paul makes that point in 1 Corinthians 6, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you have been bought at a price. Therefore, glorify God with your body." Do you know what that means, you're not your own, you've been bought and paid for? Jesus shed His blood for you. He owns you. Therefore, be holy. Here it's talking about sexual purity. Also, we should realize that Jesus bought us and, therefore, we should live for others. We should witness to others. We should evangelize others. This is the very point that Paul makes in II Corinthians 5, "For Christ's love compels us because we're convinced that one died for all and, therefore, all died. And He died for all that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again." There's an obligation we have. Because Jesus died for us, we should stop living for ourselves and live for Him and for others. The context there is evangelism, that we're ambassadors and that we should share the gospel with lost people. Personal holiness and evangelism, both of them flowing from a sense of indebtedness or obligation we have to Jesus. “Christ's death does indeed pay our debts. So in that sense, we're free from debt. But there's a biblical sense in which we are indebted also. We're indebted to Christ; to live for Him who died for us and to live for others who need Him.” I'll close with this story. Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf was a German nobleman born in the year 1700 into a life of ease and privilege. He was a good man in that sense, a moral man, a Christian, who was seeking to live a good life. But one day as a teenager, he was arrested by a powerful painting at an art museum in Dusseldorf. It was by Italian master Domenico Fetti, and it was called in the Latin, “Ecce homo”, which is what Pontius Pilate said, "Behold the man." It depicted the crucified Christ in agony on the cross. At the bottom of the painting was this caption, "All this I have done for you. Now what will you do for Me?" He stood there looking at this painting and was dissolving in tears. He had a mystical powerful experience right there looking at that painting. He resolved that for the rest of his life he would serve Christ and serve others. He became the leader of the Moravians at Herrnhut. The Moravians were leaders in Protestant missions long before William Carey, sending missionaries to the West Indies. A tremendous movement of Moravians, all of it flowed from his commitment to Christ. "All this I've done for you. Now what will you do for me?" Christ's death does indeed pay our debts. So in that sense, we're free from debt. But there's a biblical sense in which we are indebted also. We're indebted to Christ; to live for Him who died for us and to live for others who need Him. As Isaac Watts put it so powerfully in his hymn, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” the final stanza, "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." Close with me in prayer. Father, we thank You for the chance we have tonight to meditate with more detail than usual on the death of Jesus for us. Help us to hate sin. Help us to love Christ more than we do. Help us to live for His glory more than we do. Help us to be willing to put sin to death because we've learned to hate sin because it cost Jesus all of that agony. Help us to know that we are forgiven in ways that are deeper and richer than we can possibly imagine. And Lord, help us to go again and again to the cross for the power to live for others. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

This program is a Good Friday Tenebrae of music and readings. Music selections include:When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Concordia Seminary Chorus, 1996 Agnus Dei CD;O Sacred Head Now Wounded, Concordia Publishing, 1996 Classical Hymns Long Play CD;Ah, Holy Jesus, 2021, The Redeemer Choir, Austin, TX recording;Go to Dark Gethsemane, The Celebration Choir, 2013 100 Hymns - Anchors of Faith CD;Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow, Concordia Seminary Lutheran Hour Chorus, 2000 Jubilee CD;Were You There? The amen Choir & London National Philharmonic, 1980 Hymns Triumphant - Vol 1 CD;Glory Be to Jesus, Warriors for Christ, 2012 Grove City College Ministry recording;Deep Were His Wounds, Bitburg Air Base Choir, Bitburg Air Base, Germany, 1966 recording;O Sacred Head, The amen Choir & London National Philharmonic, 1980 Hymns Triumphant - Vol 1 CD;Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted, Concordia Seminary Lutheran Hour Chorus, 2000 Jubilee CD;O Sacred Head, 2006 Lutheran Musical Heritage - Thrivent for Lutherans, The 1800s CD.

In this edition of R.P.K.R., we studied 1st Corinthians 1:18-31. We worshipped God with "I Love You, Lord," "Fierce," and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 27:1-23. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics. Everyone is talking about accusations but Jesus is silent. Can you imagine a situation where it would be decided that you would be killed for something you did not do instead of a convicted criminal. Would you stay quiet? The chief priests and elders were great at justifying their actions as if there was a “level of sins” His words were few because the cross would do all the talking. We hear the rest of the passion to realize the depth of our sin and how little we deserve this grace. “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.” (Lutheran Service Book #425, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross).

ENTRANCE HYMN: #398 I Sing the Almighty Power of God FIRST READING: Isaiah 43:16-21 PSALM: Psalm 126 SECOND READING: Philippians 3:4b-14 SEQUENCE HYMN: # 471 We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died GOSPEL: John 12:1-8 THE SERMON OFFERTORY ANTHEM: “Pie Jesu” from Requiem (Rutter) Eden Casteel, soloist COMMUNION HYMN: # 474 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross POST-COMMUNION HYMN: # 441 In the Cross of Christ I Glory

This worship service will begin and end with a hymn sung by the Congregation (Ijn the Cross of Christ I Glory) and (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross), respectively.The message," NEW DREAM", for the Fifth Sunday of Lent follows the scriptures recorded in Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:8-14 the Gospel according to St. Luke, chapter 20, verses 19:20.  The message begins at about the 6-minute,  54-second mark,  followed by the prayers.If you would like to watch the complete Service, click on the link below:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-IziCzCIMw

Order of Service: - Prelude - The Confession of Sin (p. 120) - The Versicles (pp. 120-121) - Hymn 273 - The Royal Banners Forward Go: vv. 1 & 2, choir vv. 4, 5, & 7 all - Mark 15: 33-41: Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!” Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.” And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that [a]He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. - Homily - Hymn 308 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - The Kyrie (p. 124) - The Lord's Prayer (p. 125) - Hymn 584 - Grant Peace, We Pray, in Mercy, Lord - Collect - The Benedicamus (p. 127) - The Benediction (p. 127) - Hymn 565 - All Praise To Thee, My God, This Night: vv. 1 & 3 - Postlude Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Rev. Prof. Mark DeGarmeaux (Organist), BLC Concert Choir (Choral Group), Rev. Prof. Dennis Marzolf (Choir Director)

Today we have a song I am sure you will want to hear about. It's a song by Isaac Watts in 1707 that helps us analyze our hearts as we look at the cross where the miracle of atonement through the sacrifice of our loving Savior took place. It is such a beautiful arrangement that moves through several keys both major and minor that sets the mood for this time of the year. The song is “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” for your enjoyment and inspiration.

This Easter Sunday evening service at Brainerd Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee was dedicated entirely to the commemoration of the Lord's Supper. The entire service was a time of reflective worship with extended organ selections and choir pieces including "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." Dr. McIntyre led in the observance of the Lord's Supper preceded by Scripture reading and sharing of the significance of this important ordinance. The service concluded with another choir selection and prayer with Pastor McIntyre requesting everyone dismiss with quiet reverence.

This Sunday morning service at Brainerd Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee was blessed with the beautiful traditional hymns of the faith as the congregation sang "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus," "Ye Servants of God," Blessed Redeemer," and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. A Men's Quartet sang "Wounded for Me." Once again Harry Hampsher graced the congregation in song with "I Wonder if I've Done My Best for Jesus When He Has Done so Much for Me."

Many songs have been written about the cross of Christ. How can we sit with a song and take a moment to accept the emotions of the words? How can life, death, and resurrection mingle together? Reflecting on the death of her father, Flannery O'Connor wrote in her journal, “The reality of death has come upon us and a consciousness of the power of God has broken our complacency like a bullet in the side. The cross brings up many visual images for us. I wonder what you see when you visualize the cross. Ponderings: What do you see when you think about the cross of Christ? When you listened to the song ”When I Survey the Wonderous Cross” what did you notice? I wonder how Jesus would respond to me if I sang this song to him. What can I pick up from today's chat to carry with me this Lenten season? Click for this weeks transcript

In this edition of R.P.K.R., we studied Luke 21:1-4. We worshipped God with "Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone," "Your Grace is Enough," and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." Don't forget the dad jokes! Click the link for Ukraine UMCOR Aid information.

Andy Minch: Andy looks at different books of the Bible to look at the story of Jesus' glory, showing us the reason we worship Him. Today's Music: Hallelujah Your Love Is Amazing, Stand In Your Love, Jesus Lover Of My Soul, and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.

Which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Do you choose the players for Portraits of White first or the music first? So many questions! Hear the answer to this question and take in another journal entry from Frances in this episode. You'll also hear a beautiful arrangement of "When I Survey" with Frances on the piano and Doug Cook on flute. As for the chicken question...we had chickens on our farm and I don't ever remember having trouble deciding which came first...the chicken or the egg. It was obvious to me. The peeps came first.  My mother and I would drive the very curvy and hilly Pennsylvania back roads to a little poultry farm near us and pick up boxes of peeps. They'd "peep" all the way home. The sound was comforting to me. Then we'd unload the boxes of the little yellow fuzzy balls into our chicken house. My mother, along with our apricot poodle, Angie, and I would sit in the chicken house and watch them for hours.  It's one of my favorite memories from childhood. What do chickens and eggs have to do with Portraits of White, you ask?  It's what popped into my mind when I read this week's fan question. It's really one of those "chicken or egg" questions. "Do you pick the musicians and then select the songs and arrangements around those musicians? Or do you select the music arrangements and then find the musicians to fit your needs?  Thanks to Doug Cook, Eastman School of Music alumni [Performer's Certificate]—one of the star players of Portraits of White, I can select just about any arrangement I want, because we have such great musicians to draw from. Doug was the first person I approached about playing in my "orchestra" and his musical network consisted of pro musicians throughout South Central Pennsylvania. Since he knew that I wanted to put together an orchestra, he made a very special offer.  "Would you like me to be the music contractor for your Christmas show?"  At the time, I didn't know what a gift Doug was giving me when he offered to do this. I knew anyone he chose would be amazing, so I immediately said, "yes!"  

This is the fourth episode of the month, which means we will be looking at a couple stories of our great songs and hymns of the Christian faith. We will look at the people who wrote these beautiful hymns, we will read the lyrics, and I'll provide a link in the show notes to click where you can listen to the hymns we talk about. Scripture references: Acts 16:22-30 Colossians 3:16 Genesis 4:21 Exodus 15:20-21 Galatians 6:14 This time we are talking about the hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" by Isaac Watts, arranged by Lowell Mason. You can listen the the tune, read the lyrics, and more at the Hymnology Archive site. Here is a link on YouTube to listen to Fernando Ortega's rendition of this hymn. I referenced the book, "Then Sings My Soul, Book 2" by Robert J. Morgan. {This is an affiliate link, which means if you purchase the book through this link, I will get a small compensation at no extra cost to you.}   Keep reading your Bible!

Bert Joyce (1927-2017) was saved on 16th April 1939 as a 12 year old boy, sitting at the back of a Hall observing the breaking of bread meeting. As he listened to the singing of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross he pondered its deep significance to the believers sitting in the circle. Opening his Bible to Isaiah 53:6, he was saved as he understood for the first time that he was the stray sheep whose sins the Lord had The post Bert Joyce – The Early Days in Newfoundland and Labrador (33 min) first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.