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The Preacher’s Last Sermon (via Steve Bateman at The Gospel Coalition)

Gary Ware

August 1, 2023

I understand that one sermon will be my final sermon.
Our frame of mind (my frame of mind, at least) would pose a rhetorical question “What if your next sermon was your last?”
History suggests the actual question is “What if your most recent sermon was your last?”
An interesting article with historical notes and contemporary reflection from Steve Bateman at the Gospel Coalition.

Jesus preached his last public sermon on or about Tuesday, March 31, AD 33.
The message, found in Matthew 23:1–39, warns against hypocrisy—especially of proud preachers who “preach, but do not practice.” On Friday, April 3, history’s greatest preacher was executed outside Jerusalem in history’s most extraordinary display of humility.
Three days separated his last sermon from his last breath.
Every pastor will preach his last sermon—but unlike Jesus, most of them won’t know it.

Read the rest at The Gospel Coalition.

I’ll Go In The Strength Of The Lord – Sunday Songs

Gary Ware

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July 31, 2023

A great time fellowshipping with other churches in Mount Gambier last night, under the leadership of our local Salvation Army Corp.
It’s always good to learn a new hymn as well, and we finished with a Salvation Army favourite, I’ll Go In The Strength Of The Lord.
Looking around the internet this appears to be a later adaption (with addition of the refrain) to an initial set of lyrics by Edward Turney. Both are attributed to him, but the the tune for this is from the 1980s, so I think it’s an adaption.

My usual disappointment that the hymns are played too slow, was nowhere to be heard last night.
This one moves along at pace.

This version has clear and prominent vocals.

The lyrics:
1.
I’ll go in the strength of the Lord,
In paths he has marked for my feet;
I’ll follow the light of his word,
Nor shrink from the dangers I meet.
His presence my steps shall attend,
His fulness my wants shall supply;
On him, till my journey shall end,
My unwavering faith shall rely.
Refrain:
I’ll go, I’ll go in the strength,
I’ll go in the strength of the Lord,
I’ll go, I’ll go in the strength,
I’ll go in the strength of the Lord.
2.
I’ll go in the strength of the Lord
To work he appoints me to do;
In joy which his smile doth afford
My soul shall her vigour renew.
His wisdom shall guard me from harm,
His power my sufficiency prove;
I’ll trust his omnipotent arm,
And prove his unchangeable love.
Refrain.
3.
I’ll go in the strength of the Lord
To conflicts which faith will require,
His grace as my shield and reward,
My courage and zeal shall inspire.
Since he gives the word of command,
To meet and encounter the foe,
With his sword of truth in my hand,
To suffer and triumph I’ll go.
Refrain.

Heidelberg Catechism – Lord’s Day 31

Gary Ware

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July 30, 2023

Heidelberg Catechism – Lord’s Day 31

83.
Q. What is the office of the keys?
A. The preaching of the holy and Christian discipline. By these two means the kingdom of heaven is opened to believers and shut against unbelievers.

84.
Q. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the holy gospel?
A. In this way: The kingdom of heaven is opened when it is proclaimed and openly testified to believers, one and all, according to the command of Christ, that as often as they accept the promise of the gospel with true faith all their sins are truly forgiven them by God for the sake of Christ’s gracious work. On the contrary, the wrath of God and eternal condemnation fall upon all unbelievers and hypocrites as long as they do not repent. It is according to this witness of the gospel that God will judge the one and the other in this life and in the life to come.

85.
Q. How is the kingdom of heaven shut and opened by Christian discipline?
A. In this way: Christ commanded that those who bear the Christian name in an unchristian way either in doctrine or in life should be given brotherly admonition. If they do not give up their errors or evil ways, notification is given to the church or to those ordained for this by the church. Then, if they do not change after this warning, they are forbidden to partake of the holy Sacraments and are thus excluded from the communion of the church and by God himself from the kingdom of Christ. However, if they promise and show real amendment, they are received again as members of Christ and of the church.