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Topic: Paths (05/17/04)
TITLE: Christians' Paths are evident in their songs. By Sylvia Huffnagle 05/22/04 |
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Job 8:12,13 Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.
So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:
Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Isaiah 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Luke 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Heb. 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
The beginning church, I understand that they sang the Psalms and other Bible verses.
Their songs exhibit early church, Biblical paths.
The 18th century church path is demonstrated by the four selections below.
Joy Unspeakable by B. E. Warren 2 of 4 stanzas
1. I have found His grace is all complete, He supplieth every need;
While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet, I am free, yes, free indeed.
2. I have found the pleasure I once craved, It is joy and peace within;
What a wondrous blessing! I am saved From the awful gulf of sin.
Nothing Between by C. A. Tinley 1 or 4 stanzas
1. Nothing between my soul and the Savior, naught of this world’s de-
Lusive dreams: I have renounced sinful pleasure,
Jesus is mine; there’s nothing between.
Is your all on the altar Rev. Elisha A. Hoffman 2 of 4 stanzas
1. You have longed for sweet peace, and for faith to increase, And have earnestly,
Fervently prayed: But you cannot have rest, or be perfectly blest
Until all on the altar is laid.
2. Would you walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, And have peace and con-
Tentment always? You must do His sweet will, to be free from all ill.
On the altar your all you must lay.
Love lifted me by James Rowe 2 of 4 stanzas
1. I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore, Very deeply
Stained within, sinking to rise no more; But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry. From the waters lifted me. Now safe am I.
2. All my heart to Him I give, Ever to Him I cling, In His blessed
Presence live, Ever His praises sing. Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul’s best songs; Faithful, loving, service, too, To Him belongs.
Today’s church sing songs like those listed below.
The battle belongs to the Lord
Calling down fire
The enemy is under our feet
Blow the trumpet in Zion
Pour in the oil and the wine
Worthy is the Lamb
Surely the Presence
Shine, Jesus shine
The 1st century church - Biblical.
The 18th century church - grateful and humble.
Today’s church wanting to go on with God, knowing there’s a battle to be fought, but lacking the piety of days gone by. (my take)
If you think piety is not important, read Daniel 8:12
And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. In the Amplified Bible it says their transgression was their abounding irreverence, ungodliness and lack of piety. (To take note of these essentials is to know what we need in order to keep truth and stop the enemy.)
Our subject is paths, not songs, nor transgressions.
I am not saying one generation’s songs are better than another. I am not saying today’s songs are less spiritual than earlier centuries. I’m saying, a combination of all these spiritual attributes is the path we need to follow.