One of the treasures of being a Christian is to travel the world and all over join with other Saints in worship. One may tend to think that their particular local congregation is simply irreplaceable. What a blessing to belong to a local church with the kind of qualities that makes such possible. But then one travels a bit and visits other congregations and sees that Christianity and "the tie that binds" is quite beyond their local church. It is global, and awe-inspiring.
Over the past few years it's been a joy of mine to worship in many different congregations in Michigan, in Pennsylvania, DC, NYC, Alaska, Oregon, Georgia, Ohio, and Pakistan. I remember each instance distinctly. It was my most recent experience of worshipping with a different congregation that led me to write on this and quote the hymn below.
Last week I spoke at East Point Presbyterian Church in south Atlanta on "Global Theological Famine" and how TLI addresses this opportunity. Before I started teaching, the group of believers joined in song. I figured like most other groups they'd sing a couple standard choruses that are but a few years old then get on with things. Wrong I was. This group was different. We started by singing "Thy Mercy My God" and then sang "Come all ye Pining." I don't know when the last time I sang that hymn was…it must be years. But it was one of this things where I instinctively knew the tune from somewhere and sometime. (Thank God for parents that brought me up in a parents that valued rich theology and equally rich songs of worship!)
Below is the hymn. You can download it for 99 cents from Red Mountain Church on iTunes. The tune is sweet and comforting. Simply meditation on the words though, is about all your soul may need for joy to fuel you through today.
Lord we adore thy boundless grace
the heights and depths unknown
of pardoned life and joy and peace
in they beloved Son
Chorus: Come all ye pining, hungry, poor,
The saviors bounty taste;
behold a never-failing store
for every willing guest.
O wondrous gifts of love divine,
dear source of every good;
Jesus in thee what glory shine!
how rich thy flowing blood!
Come all ye pining, hungry, poor
The saviors bounty taste
behold a never failing store
for every willing guest
Here shall your numerous wants receive
A free, full supply;
He has unmeasured bliss to give,
And joys that never die.
(Anne Steele)
After teaching the group took prayer requests then prayed for a good while. In my memory, these individuals prayed as I have never heard others pray before. They were passionate, emotional, and Biblical, praising God for who he is and what he has done, and pleading with him based on what He has promised and done. What an honor, privilege, and blessing to visit the fellow saints at East Point Presbyterian Church. May God continue to bless them and others through them.
Over the past few years it's been a joy of mine to worship in many different congregations in Michigan, in Pennsylvania, DC, NYC, Alaska, Oregon, Georgia, Ohio, and Pakistan. I remember each instance distinctly. It was my most recent experience of worshipping with a different congregation that led me to write on this and quote the hymn below.
Last week I spoke at East Point Presbyterian Church in south Atlanta on "Global Theological Famine" and how TLI addresses this opportunity. Before I started teaching, the group of believers joined in song. I figured like most other groups they'd sing a couple standard choruses that are but a few years old then get on with things. Wrong I was. This group was different. We started by singing "Thy Mercy My God" and then sang "Come all ye Pining." I don't know when the last time I sang that hymn was…it must be years. But it was one of this things where I instinctively knew the tune from somewhere and sometime. (Thank God for parents that brought me up in a parents that valued rich theology and equally rich songs of worship!)
Below is the hymn. You can download it for 99 cents from Red Mountain Church on iTunes. The tune is sweet and comforting. Simply meditation on the words though, is about all your soul may need for joy to fuel you through today.
Lord we adore thy boundless grace
the heights and depths unknown
of pardoned life and joy and peace
in they beloved Son
Chorus: Come all ye pining, hungry, poor,
The saviors bounty taste;
behold a never-failing store
for every willing guest.
O wondrous gifts of love divine,
dear source of every good;
Jesus in thee what glory shine!
how rich thy flowing blood!
Come all ye pining, hungry, poor
The saviors bounty taste
behold a never failing store
for every willing guest
Here shall your numerous wants receive
A free, full supply;
He has unmeasured bliss to give,
And joys that never die.
(Anne Steele)
After teaching the group took prayer requests then prayed for a good while. In my memory, these individuals prayed as I have never heard others pray before. They were passionate, emotional, and Biblical, praising God for who he is and what he has done, and pleading with him based on what He has promised and done. What an honor, privilege, and blessing to visit the fellow saints at East Point Presbyterian Church. May God continue to bless them and others through them.
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