Attempting to summarise scripture teaching in brief verse
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’
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’
Fiery darts of doubt, temptation;
shield and armour for protection:
faith in truth defeats deception,
exposing lies, dissimulation;
righteousness from His salvation;
strengthened, tell of revelation:
pardon, life, regeneration;
standing firm, withstanding Satan.
Sword of truth eradicating
strange ideas that are wafting,
crafty tales that cause much straying
and distract us from obeying,
so from joy, peace, safety slipping:
teachers true save from much tripping,
help us grow, remain upstanding
dangerous errors’ pull withstanding
cf Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church chapter 4:11-15
and chapter 6:10-20
Sceptical and cynical,
and all good claims you doubt.
(like scams that say you’ve won great prize
but need your bank codes to advise!)
– your own ideas confidently shout.
Religious rules you shun, but see
such rules could never save —
Christ came to die for you and me
and truly offers love.
With care examine cautiously,
don’t be afraid to question, doubt
your own ideas, flaws to see,
for best if you found out
before too long if meaning’s missed –
don’t want to tread a foolish way
for years and then regret the day
you didn’t stop and understand
the offered gift, life-giving lift.
‘Probably there is no God,’ some say.
‘Live as you like today.
Enjoy your life’ – but do you?
Do troubles haunt, pursue you?
‘– but possibly there is a God?’ you say.
What evidence is there each way?
What beauty fills your eyes:
to say it’s not designed, is lies.
‘Why does He not remove all ill
if He exists, lives still?’
Are we ready for such full
removal – from our lives as well?
‘Why does He not reveal Himself?’ some say.
Have you not read of Jesus’ display
of wisdom, power and gentleness?
if read with care, it must impress.
And have you talked with those who say
they’re helped by Him, supported every day,
their heart He’s softened, now they see
how good his truth, and mercy free?
They mock the grace of God
– confusion. baseless lies –
ignore the answers good,
articulate and wise.
And if with words we can’t contend,
our lives can yet the truth defend.
Our lives will truth display,
His grace and love and might
fed in his Word each day
we grow, reflect His light:
built up in Him, none can deny
His work in us is real, no lie.
So by the Spirit pray
to see where error lies.
Keep in His love, obey,
awaiting the surprise
when Jesus Christ returns one day
to take you home with Him to stay.
Can be sung to ‘Adoration’ by William Havergal, tune of ‘Join all the glorious names’ 666688
Contend earnestly for the faith … mockers in the last time … build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit … Jude 3,18, 20
“There are no absolutes”
– some say:
“just choose whatever suits
– today.
Be happy in your chosen way
and live life as invented play.”
It doesn’t alter truth
– a jot.
For whether you like it so
– or not
distorting truth may just prompt sneers
but facts are lost to vain ideas.
You may choose what you like
to trust.
But check what Jesus said
– don’t just
assume that you can well afford
to leave his words unread, ignored.
There is a God, he does
exist –
sent messages to us
whose gist
is grace and love, he sees our mess
shows how we can escape distress.
Tune: LM
They loved, lived by the Bible, so
their life was on the line –
they trusted in the Bible, so
they knew they would be fine.
Why is the Bible hated so,
that Book of hope and love?
– which offers all a life unmarred
by sickness or the grave.
God made all good, mankind has messed
perfect creation spoiled.
Jesus came once to call, he’ll come
soon, changing what’s defiled.
Tune: CM eg ‘Amazing Grace’
You youth who feel life meaningless –
told chance rules all, no grace to bless,
and crumbling morals brings distress
– such lies can easily depress.
You know that money, or its lack
does not bring satisfaction back.
You know there is a higher power
with skill that has designed a flower.
You know that kindness warms, is real,
when shown to you, or when you feel
such pleasure in self-sacrifice
and joy in trying to be nice.
So read of Jesus, what he did
and all the amazing things he said.
Yes, God designed the flower – we can
now know Him for he came as man.
Tune: LM eg Church Triumphant (tune of ‘I know that my Redeemer lives’)
rhiannonshymns.co.uk 
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