Attempting to summarise scripture teaching in brief verse
A book of a father’s instructions,
desiring his child’s good health,
his Maker’s protection, provision,
prosperity and real wealth.
He knew of his own follies, failures,
and wanted to spare his child
from pitfalls and traps, deceivers,
disasters in going wild.
So much common-sense, and word-pictures –
memorable to stick in the mind,
gain wisdom, see purpose in strictures,
work well, trustworthy and kind.
We cannot ask God to forgive, count us good,
if we will not pardon those whom we should.
When choosing to not remember our sins,
it’s as if He the lot into oceans flings.
Sometimes we just can’t pretend we’ve forgot
but if we forgive, then we must try to live
not bringing to mind past injuries unkind,
so glad of the grace in our Father to be.
“Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us” The Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6:12-15
All know there is some One greater than we.
This universe could not have come to be
with beauty, life, such complex information
without some power, design for its creation.
So why should such a One not care for us?
and come to help, and save us from our mess?
and if He take our form and die He could
rise from the dead as such a Being should.
Why would He die though – ah, He tells, so hear
that there’s a time to come when He’ll appear
and every word and action wrong must bear
their just true sentence, punishment incur.
For all have disobeyed their Maker, God
the only hope was that He bear the rod
himself so that His people could go free –
now He can offer grace to you and me!
Tune: 11 11 11 11 eg Eventide, tune of ‘Abide with me’
A Being greater far than man,
a Being greater than we can
envision, comprehend, conceive
– if He instructs, we must believe.
That such a One should be triune,
three persons in one Godhead – none
should say impossible – indeed
would anyone invent such creed?
So is it really a surprise
that He should come as man all-wise
and good, and claim divinity,
yet with His Father, unity?
And that He’d send His Spirit to
teach people’s hearts and make them new
– one God so great – He says He is
a wondrous triune God like this!
Tune: LM eg eg Niagara by R Jackson, tune of ‘The Lord is KIng’
1 Kings 18:20-46
They called on Baal
to burn the bull –
they called and bawled,
but no fire fell.
But God sent fire
that was not quenched,
burned up the bull
which had been drenched.
The people, awed
turned away from Baal
to God the Lord
who does not fail.
Then came the rain
they needed so –
His power again
makes grace to flow.
Tune: LM eg tune of ‘I know that me Redeemer lives’
Enticing bait to try what’s wrong,
escaping boredom, toil,
to please oneself, but before long
excitements start to spoil.
Young Byron felt at thirty-six
his days a yellowed leaf*
his wants he could no longer fix –
his fire had turned to grief.
The promises of poisoned fun
so soon grow empty, stale,
and what had glistened when begun
will soon feel shabby, pale.
Such things will leave so many jaded,
but finding God will bring
joy now that never will feel faded,
fulfilling Life in Him.
Tune: CM
*’On This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth Year’ by
Lord Byron
Jesus from death returned,
by many touched and heard
– but some* have doubted, turned
to prove such is absurd.
Intelligent, with wisdom
they thought they’d soon explain
that Jesus hadn’t risen
and all would soon be plain.
But from investigation,
to own they were compelled
that Jesus’ resurrection
is truth to be upheld.
No cruel clever hoax,
no pretty little tale,
a cross that is the crux
and grace that will not fail!
Tune: 66 66iambic eg St Cecilia tune of ‘The kingdom come, O God’
*eg‘Who moved the stone?’ by Frank Morrison’and ‘The case for Christ,’ and ‘The case for Easter’ by Lee Strobel
He healed the sick and raised the dead,
gave sight, and multiplied the bread.
He turned the water into wine –
creating by His power divine.
He rose from death – his friends then went
to preach the news as they’d been sent,
though this might bring them persecution:
they had to tell of resurrection.
More signs were given as they taught.
Miracles showed the people ought
to wake up, know the mighty God
was calling all to Christ, His Word.
A rich man pleaded after death,
someone be sent to those on earth.
He’s told that as they scripture scorn ,
they’ll heed not though one rise to warn.
The signs should make us realise
that Christ is God with words to prize
to show us how to find his grace,
have life eternal, God’s embrace.
Tune: LM
“By grace alone”: We could not come
to Him unless He chose to bless
and draw us in to cleave to Him –
for we were ‘dead’, ignoring God.
“By faith alone”: for mercy come
and life receive, repent, believe.
We cannot earn pardon for sin –
accept God’s favour in Christ, the Saviour.
“In Christ alone” the work was done
to free us from our guilt and sin.
He paid the price that would suffice
upon the cross he died for us.
“Scripture alone” – no adding on
to what God said – His words, His Word.
He has revealed what was concealed:
His Word complete our needs will meet.
“To God alone the Sovereign One
be glory”, praise in all, always.
The holy Lord, fulfils His Word –
creation and salvation planned.
Tune: LM eg Church Triumphant by James Elliott, tune of ‘I know that my Redeemer lives’
1 Samuel chapter 4:
As Israel neglected their Lord and had lost
the ark in the battle of terrible cost,
a baby was born and was called ‘Ichabod’
– the meaning, ‘no glory’:– repent now to God.
Not just the ark’s loss: God’s blessing had left,
and all who deny Him forfeit, are bereft
of His presence, His comfort, His glorious might,
His care and His wonderful, truth-giving Light.
But those who receive Him, and own Him as Lord,
repentant, forgiven, delight in His word,
are given Christ’s Spirit within them to dwell
to guarantee, guide, and to train us as well.
Tune: 11 11 11 11 eg Montgomery or Houghton (10 10 11 11)
rhiannonshymns.co.uk 
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