Unless we feel our need, and squirm,
we’ll not desire of Christ to learn
– the One who is the Judge, but has
the purchased gift within His hands.
The gift of pardon bought by such
great suffering – oh, he suffered much;
but if you do not see your need
you’ll pass it by, and take no heed.
How often have you wished you’d not
followed again some foolish thought?
and done that thing which caused you shame
within your heart again, again?
Not only pardon but new will,
new life He gives – power to fulfil
desires to stop from doing wrong
and be more kind to everyone.
Tune: 88 88
Category: gospel invitation
The Good News comes to Europe
Acts chapter 16
They came to the city of Philippi, where
they went to the river where some met for prayer
– while Lydia was listening as Paul spoke God’s Word,
God opened her heart to receive what she heard.
A girl who was troubled by a spirit evil
they healed, but the “owners” were angry, for real
their loss, so they dragged them to magistrates, lied
– false charges: then beaten, imprisoned, untried.
Paul, Silas sang hymns and were praying to God
at midnight – the prisoners around gladly heard,
but suddenly an earthquake – the foundations shook,
their bonds were all opened, the jailer awoke.
He thought they’d escaped, but Paul called, ‘We’re all here’,
the jailer then asked of salvation to hear;
and on the next morning, the magistrates came
– alarmed, they apologised for what had been done!
Tune: 11 11 11 11
The ‘Healing’ all need
It’s not just that we do what’s wrong,
but that we tend to do what’s wrong,
without a deep desire sure
for what is right and good and pure.
We do not notice when we lie,
or else excuse it – want to try
to make our way and maybe cheat
if that provides a benefit.
Or maybe try to turn away
when feel temptation leads astray
but do not have the power or will
such faint desire to fulfil.
But He who offers pardon gives
a life made new, His Spirit lives
within to give desire and might
now – healed to live more in His light.
Tune: LM
on Psalm 96
Salvation! Come sing praise anew –
from judgement saved, which we were due,
new birth, new life, freedom from fear ,
blessed with a Father who will hear.
Come all, receive, with joy proclaim
creation’s God will ever reign.
Come, worship in true holiness,
in Christ’s perfecting righteousness,
declare his glorious works with awe.
Your sin and weakness grieve, abhor:
trust Christ, the sacrifice for sin,
and ever strive to live like Him.
Our God controls always, through all,
and soon full justice will install,
and everything will then rejoice,
the curse removed; so raise our voice
glad when we see His kingdom come
and His will perfectly there done.
Tune: 88 88 88 eg Carey’s by Henry Carey (tune of ‘Great God of wonders’)
While there is time …
“My times are in your hands’*
– the One outside of time
who total power commands
and sees the whole time-line.
He stepped into earth’s time
as human come to save
by death, though still divine,
brought life beyond the grave.
Time will no longer bind
one ‘day’ – eternity:
we all will live to find
that awesome certainty.
So now we have this time
to learn the truth of all;
and heaven will soon be mine
if for his grace I call.
*Psalm 31:15 Tune: 66 66 iambic
Knocking on your heart
Look, who is knocking!
Do you refuse?
Will He be rocking
trendy life-views?
Cautious or frightened,
keep the door shut?
You can’t be enlightened
if He’s kept out!
Cannot experience
joy he can bring,
freedom of conscience,
love that will win,
gaining desires new
unlike before
– none have regrets who
open the door!
Open the door
set in your heart
Christ can restore
joy, life impart
Wonderful guest!
With Him you’ll share
nourishing feast,
transformative care!
Tune: 54 54 54 54 eg ‘Have thine own way’ by George Stebbins
cf Revelation chapter 3:20 “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with me’.”
Do you remember Holman Hunt’s painting? (1827–1910??
Probability, possibility, evidence
‘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?
rhiannonshymns.co.uk 