Great Expectations

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Mark 13
Great expectations: hope wonderful, sure.
Jesus returning, great joy evermore.
Before his departure, he’d told them and warned,
of judgement, for he’d been rejected and scorned,
Their temple would then be destroyed, for fulfilled
its cermonies, symbols – true Sacrifice killed.
This gospel would spread first to nations afar,
so they could receive his salvation before
his judgement extends throughout all the earth,
removing all evil, and sickness, and death.
Reminded by earthquakes, and wars, that life’s short,
– yet few would prepare, though the way had been taught:

King Christ comes in glory, he gathers up all
his people, while galaxies shake, their stars fall.

When he came to his senses …

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Luke 15:11-32
Rejecting the love, he wanted to be
as free as his dreams: demanded, ‘Give me … ’;
then far, far away, he squandered, and lost –
all wasted, and tasted hunger and thirst;
was cheated, defeated, grubby, unclean,
illusions were broken, deceived by a dream.
He came to his senses, remembered his home,
and got up, returned (for the thing must be done),
confessing his shame, he asked for some grace.
How pleased was the Father: warm welcome, embrace;
the deadly experience of misery and gloom,
eclipsed then by joy inexpressible known.

But someone was jealous: he thought he had earned
far more than the one who’d deserted, love scorned.

Heaven prepared

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Soon there’ll be days of glory
Where there will be no pain;
there poverty, injustice
will not be known again.
Jesus prepares this heaven,
and he will take you there,
if you have been forgiven,
this glorious hope to share.

Soon there’ll be days of glory,
no-one will ever fight;
joyful,complete submission
to him who rules aright.
Jesus prepares . . .

Soon there’ll be days of glory;
I do not have a claim
of innocence, so, trembling
I pray in Jesu’s name.
No-one deserves this heaven
nor entry-rights possess;
but we can be forgiven, –
in grace this God can bless.

Jesus came here form heaven
to take the punishment
instead of guilty sinners
who truthfully repent.
Receive this great salvation,
receive this pardon free,
the purchased full redemption,
for all eternity.

Soon there’ll be days of glory,
but when the Judge holds court,
to heaven there’s no admission
without a pardon bought.
Jesus prepares this heaven . . .

Tune: 76 76 76 76

Promises of Return

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1 Cor.11:26; 1 Kings 22:17,18,26-35; Ecc.9:11; Pr 19:21
King Ahab said, ‘Until
I come, in prison you stay
on bread and water. – In disguise,
I will succeed today.

He did not like God’s Word.
He thought he could prevent
the certain word Micaiah spoke:
at random, death was sent.

Our sacrament reminds
us of the death of Christ,
and what was done: until that Day
he comes to take the blest.

And he will come again,
for certain in his Word,
and time and chance are ruled by One
who is the Sovereign Lord.

As he draws near …

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1 Cor.15:50-53; 1 Thess. 4:14-17; Lk 21:28; Rev.6:15-17; 11:15-18
We do not know the hour
when Jesus will return,
but he will come with power –
this universe will burn.
Lift up your heads
as he draws near:
rejoice, though stubborn sinners fear.

His children will be raised,
or meet him in the air –
then quickly they’ll be changed,
his glorious home to share.     Lift up your heads …

The final trumpet sounds, –
we’re waiting eagerly;
and praise in heaven resounds, –
Christ comes triumphantly.     Lift up your heads …

The kingdom of the world
has now become his own –
the kingdom of our Lord,
and of his worthy Son.
Our hope’s not vain, –
Christ comes again, –
and unopposed he’ll ever reign.

We give you thanks, O Lord,
for judgement good, complete,
and gracious, sure reward
to saints, both small and great.      Our hope’s not vain …

Tune: 66 66 88 Gopsal (Rejoice, the Lord is King)

Truth revealed

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Is truth immutable concealed, –
that sought-for, solid base?
or has a greater One revealed
real absolutes, in grace?
No other person knows my thought
unless explained and shared;
– God’s will can but by him be taught –
eternal Word declared.

The fear of God – a reverent awe –
foundation stone is this;
accepting standards of his law, –
our wisdom’s not amiss.
To aid we need enlightened hearts, –
wise tutor, Christ within;
for understanding he imparts:
perception of our sin.

God’s kindness still is vast and great
throughout the earth and skies:
for he’s the faithful Potentate
who life and health supplies.
His mystery of power and grace,
his love to fallen man,
sent Christ to take the sinner’s place:
see perfect wisdom’s span!

And soon all sad disease and pain
for ever will be gone,
and Jesus Christ will judge and reign,
and cleanse out all that’s wrong.
Please don’t search after something new, –
for where can truth be found?
In Christ, the Lord, what love we view:
his words and deeds astound!

Tune: CMD

Words reveal

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Matthew 6:19-34 & 12:34,35
The darkened heart
will overflow,
– the mouth impart
the words that show
heart’s state.

The eyes that set
and fix their sight
on ‘things’, and fret,
let in no light:
dark heart.

Direct your eyes,
your thought and care
on what supplies
‘light’ for heart prayer,
and speech.

Enlightened heart,
enduring treasure:
God’s kingdom sought,
a better Master:
all well.

Simon Peter:

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Three times he denied,
three times he replied,
confessing his love,
– for though he was frail,
(no longer self-confident),
Christ’s grace would not fail.
Completely dependent,
desiring to serve
the loving and living,
forgiving Lord Jesus,
he’ll labour in love,
watch over and feed
Christ’s young new-born sheep
– who constantly need
God’s Word that will keep
them safe in his Way.

worth suffering for . . .

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A gospel worth suffering for,  A Lord worth suffering for
A people worth suffering for,  A hope worth suffering for
Colossians 1:24
Christ suffered to save us –  his death on the cross –
but all through his life here he suffered much loss,
and hardship and slander, to bring us his Word; –
and those he commissioned, like hardships incurred.

They too suffered gladly in service and love,
like Jesus, their Master, bore insults, and gave
their time, strength and money this good news to bring
to men, of the mercy and call of the King.

Rejoicing in sufferings for Him who has saved
and brought us to blessing – how dearly he loved.
Rejoicing in sufferings for brethren, – we know
those sufferings must mould us, as heavenward we go!
Tune: 11 11 11 11