Last friday I attended the funeral of our town’s previous Anglican pastor.
A faithful man who retired in his early eighties after serving the parish for over 35 years.
MGPC also hosted a citywide service tonight and one of the hymns we chose was also sung at the funeral on Friday.
Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus.
A song about one man’s faithful service, Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus was written especially for the funeral of another faithful pastor, summing up that man’s dying challenge for the saints.
So it’s also a song of commitment by those of us who have not yet joined the church eternal.

The lyrics:
1
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From vict’ry unto vict’ry,
His army shall He lead.
Till ev’ry foe is vanquished.
And Christ is Lord indeed.
2
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict,
In this His glorious day.
Ye who are men, now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger,
And strength to strength oppose.
3
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls, or danger,
Be never wanting there.
4
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor’s song.
To him who overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory,
Shall reign eternally.

Here’s a nice version.