Author: rhiannonshymns

The 2 advents

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Christ’s advent changed the world,
and brought anticipation –
a second advent soon
for wonderul completion:
the end of pain and weariness,
the end of death and sinfulness.

The date unknown, we live
in constant expectation
of better things ahead –
for all will give attention,
and everyone will stop and see
when Christ arrives all-gloriously.

But many won’t believe
(and make no preparation),
their days drift on until
the day of separation:
for only those by faith prepared
will be for ever with their Lord.

2 Peter 3:3-13 and Luke 18:8

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The world will scoff, deny, forget
– they do not want to know
that to their Maker they’re in debt,
and praise, submission, owe.
Every eye will one day see him,
Jesus returning, majestic, reigning:
how many will be waiting
with faith, upon the earth?

Remember, though, how soon is meant
(God’s time’s not to our scale);
– he waits, that many may repent:
his coming will not fail.
Until every eye will see him,
Christ Jesus coming, in power returning,
I’ll trust, and while I’m waiting
urge faith upon the earth.

When he is ready, he will come:
the world will not expect
the awesome, judging, holy One
whom most now scorn, reject.
We look forward to his coming,
the old earth melting, the new appearing,
in him, keep persevering
in holy, godly faith.

(Tune: of ‘I know not how God’s wondrous grace’)

Approaching Communion

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1 Corinthians 11:17-32
Unity, no biting schism
in his church, avoid division, –
imperfections can cause friction –
immature, and lacking wisdom:

but we all who love the Father,
must seek peace, love one another.

Gather, worship God together,
for his death give thanks, remember,
while partaking of his supper
in a right and proper manner:

this brings glory to the Saviour,
and does good to one another.

Looking round, does peace abound here?
Looking inward, what is found there?
Faith, repentance, love to God
and the people of the Lord?

Self-examination’s better
than chastisement hard and bitter.

Looking up to God, the Founder
of salvation’s plan of wonder;
looking back at Calvary,
all that Christ has done for me:

this we show by wine and bread
’til he comes, – we look ahead!

Communion

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(1 Corinthians  11:23-26)
In remembrance of our Saviour:
memorial, set in bread and wine,
of his death that brought such favour,
and the covenant divine.

Types and shadows pointed forward,
to this focal point, the cross;
and, since then his church looks backward,
to this source of life and grace.

Proclamation ’til his coming:
we, who now have life from him,
show his sacrificial dying
for the punishment of sin.

As we take the supper often,
we think gladly every time,
of our cleansing, sins forgiven,
eternal nourishment divine.

The Spirit of Adoption

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Holy Spirit makes me know
I’m a son of God, although
sometimes I less conscious feel
of my full adoption real:
faith and joy, assurance wrought
by his Spirit in my heart.

Holy Spirit makes me cry
to my Father, and rely
wholly as a little child,
safe, respectful, reconciled,
bold, adoring, and secure:
of paternal love I’m sure.

Holy Spirit makes me strive,
like my Father more to live,
love the brethren, by my ways
bring my Father honour, praise.
Shows me I’m a royal son,
leads me in the life begun.

Tune: 77 77 77 (‘Jesus, Master, whose I am’)

Finding answers

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The devil is skilful when spreading his lies.
For true understanding, to truly be wise,
when puzzled, bewildered, your thinking unclear –
God’s Words can enlighten: attentively hear!

– to learn more of God, and to learn of his ways;
to learn why we often have troublesome days;
informed of God’s standards, and government sure,
full gracious salvation for ever secure;

to see far more clearly the devil’s design,
perceive I am weak, need instruction divine,
to pity the foolish who live for men’s praise,
for comforts and pleasures of transient days.

So, every backslider, remember the past, –
the fellowship shared with Christ Jesus surpassed
the comforts and luxuries praised by the throng:
let God be your Portion, Instructor and Song!

The New explains the Old

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Hebrews 1:1-3
Increasing revelation,
the gracious preparation
for coming incarnation –
the Father’s final Word:

complete illumination,
a perfect presentation
of God, propitiation –
salvation’s finished work.

God’s words are precious gold
– in Christ they all unfold,
the New explains the Old:
feed on the Word of life.

Living by his Word

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Romans 12:2 Psalm 119:9
God’s Word should transform
my thinking, my mind.
I should not conform
to attitudes blind.
Such pressures surround my,
erroneous views –
to mould and confound me,
impress and confuse.

They say, ‘Push ahead
to comfort and ease’,
but I should instead
my Lord try to please.
The world seeks to gather
enjoyment and fame,
but I should much rather
Christ’s glory proclaim.

We see with surprise
how saints have been drawn
to follow men’s lies;
this should serve to warn,
how easy to wander,
by subtle deceits,
so watch and consider, –
earth’s vanity cheats.

Whatever my wealth,
position and place,
abilities, health,
may I, by God’s grace,
live more by his scripture,
not fearing men’s scorn,
or mocking: – I’m richer
when truth I adorn.

God’s Word teaches perfectly

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Ps.19:10; 119:72, 103, 131 Heb.4:12 Is.55:11
Word to appreciate, – better than honey,
truth more sustaining than richest of food,
sweeter than sleep, or abundance of money,
casket of treasures, all holy and good.

Word to appropriate, – carefully listen
listen to truth and its message receive:
meditate, think, and be willing for action:
famine for all who refuse to believe.

Sword of the Sovereign to bring us conviction,
he who has ears let him hear and embrace —
God gives the power to obey its instruction:
Word to apply to our lives by His grace.
Tune: 11 10 11 10 dactylic Epiphany Hymn by J F Thrupp

Resist, stand firm

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1 Peter 5:6-11
Dear Saviour, Satan seeks
to feed our foolish pride,–
we want God’s gifts, but from
humility we slide.

Watch, think, pray; alert every day
Satan is seeking to lead you astray.

And sometimes he is glad
to make you angry, fret,
not cast your care on Christ, –
God’s power and love forget.

He lulls us into sleep,
and quietly prowls around.
You may not hear him creep,
– he strikes with little sound.

He likes to make us fear;
but firm in faith let’s stand:
God helps his church world-wide
by his almighty hand.

So don’t forget God’s grace,
his purpose and his power.
Don’t panic, but keep watch
for danger hour by hour.
Tune: 66 66 + iambic eg Mine by R F Lehman