Preparing Our Hearts for Eternity

“Near to the Heart of God,” is a simple hymn, expressing in a profound way the counsel of James 4:8, “ nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.”

Our song today is “I’d Rather Have Jesus”."I’d Rather Have Jesus" is a song written by Rhea Miller with the tune written by George Beverly Shea. This poem, penned in 1922, was left on a piano in the Shea home by Shea’s mother who wanted her son to find it and change the direction of his life. His mother often would leave poems and quotes around the house that she collected, in order to spiritually...

One of my favorite hymns, "Jesus Paid it All". This hymn was written by Elvina Hall in 1865, and it expresses the wonderful truth that Jesus paid the full price for our sins on the cross, and that nothing we can do can add to or take away from his finished work.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the troubles of life? Have you ever faced a situation that seemed hopeless or unbearable? Have you ever wondered how you can cope with the pain, the loss, the fear, or the uncertainty that you are facing? If you have, you are not alone. Many people in the Bible and throughout history have experienced the same feelings. They have faced trials, tribulations, and tem...

Our Song this week is one of my favorite hymns. The arrangement is beautifully moving and expresses the glory of the moment when we will see Jesus. Face to Face was written by Carrie E. Breck in 1898, and music composed by Grant Tullar and it expresses the longing of the Christian to see Jesus’ face to face in heaven

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is a Christian hymn that originated in the United States. The lyrics were written by Thomas O. Chisholm, a Methodist minister from Kentucky. He wrote the poem in 1923 about God’s faithfulness over his lifetime. The music was composed by William M. Runyan, a friend of Chisholm, specifically for the poem. The hymn was later popularized by the Moody Bible Institute and Bil...

This week we are looking at a newly written song. And it’s written by a guy born in Fresno California in July of 1943. . He began playing music in 1952 playing the flute-o-phone in the 3rd grade music at school. Next year he took up the clarinet, and He really took to it. His Dad had been a part of a family band and by this time it was in his blood. You might have guessed by now that the author of...

Our Song today is “The Old Rugged Cross” written by George Bennard. We also have a guest on our Easter program. The latest member of Forgiven joins us, Vivian Bowman.

Born on January 21, 1849, in Ohio, Julia was 6 years old when her family moved to Peoria, Illinois. Her strong Christian upbringing set the stage for her life’s work. Around 1910, Julia H. Johnston penned the words, "Grace Greater Than Our Sin.” . Born on March 5, 1850, Daniel Towner displayed a passion for music at a young age. His love for music led him towards serving God as well; he eventually...

How beautiful heaven must be is a song was written by Mrs. Cordie Bridgewater. She was born in North Carolina and married Samuel Bridgewater from Tennessee. They lived near Hanceville, AL, from 1909 to 1917, where he farmed and that’s where apparently she wrote the words of “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be." Married to Albert Samuel Bridgewater, Cordie and her husband lived in America’s Deep South on...

Samuel Stennett , an English Baptist, came from a long line of ministers. He was the son of a Seventh-Day Baptist pastor. In the 18th century, university education was not easily available to nonconformist families—those who refused to swear allegiance to the Church of England. Stennett did study at the academy at Miles End with distinction, however. In spite of his nonconformist religious stance,...

"In The Sweet By-and-By" stands as a Christian hymn crafted by S. Bennett with musical composition by Joseph Webster. Originating from a conversation between Samuel Bennett and his musical collaborator, Joseph Webster, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, this hymn emerged as a quintessential expression of the Midwest United States.

Lydia Baxter lived her life in bed as an invalid for the majority of her adult life. However, she is said to have had a “cheerful and patient” manner. She was born on September 2, 1800 to Jonathan and Mary Odell. She found her faith through the preaching of Baptist missionary Eben Tucker. Lydia and her sister are said to have been responsible for establishing the Baptist church in Petersburg, New...

This week we are studding the word and worshiping in song wit “There is a Fountain.” As we study the Bible truth and worship God through Song, we know that God’s unending fountain of Love, Power and all knowing attribute, we can rest assured of His trustworthiness and rest in Him.

“Rock of Ages” was written by Augustus M. Toplady, with music by Thomas Hastings. Legend says that Toplady wrote the hymn during a stormy incident in England. While traveling along the gorge in Burrington Combe, Caught in a fierce storm he took shelter in a gap in the gorge, where he wrote the original lyrics. The rock is now marked with a plaque that reads: “Rock of Ages:

Russell Carter was a man of varied passions and abilities. Carter had a variety of jobs from sheep herding to professor of Natural Science, Civil Engineering, Chemistry and Mathematics. While sheep herding, he developed a heart condition and began to feel he was near death. Praying for healing he drew closer to God. After his healing he vowed to be used for God and this became the principle of his...

This week we did something we have done something we’ve never done before. We took and old song I sang in Bible School Days that has an unknown author called Sweeter than the day Before. Several versions have been written over the years by a several unknown people. “Sweeter than the Day Before” was most likely written many years before that probably by many people over the years. Vivian and I sat...

This week we are looking at a song that proclaims the Joy and excitement that is present in our experience of the salvation of our eternal souls from a damnation we deserved in punishment for our sin. Our Song this week is Saved, Saved, Saved.

These words are life reflections of John Newton, a slave trader who nearly died in a shipwreck, and who eventually became a minister. He penned the famous words of "Amazing Grace" for a sermon for his 1773 New Year's service at the Church of St. Peter, in the small British town of Olney. Much later, in 1835, the American Baptist song leader, William Walker, paired the lyrics with the traditional t...

Our song "Draw Me Nearer Precious Lord" is a prayer, celebrating the joy of faith—and the desire for an even deeper faith. Blind at six weeks of age, Crosby began composing texts at age 6. At 12 she began her study at the New York School for the Blind, a school she later served as a teacher and an advocate for the blind cause.

Preparing Our Hearts For Worship - Blessed Redeemer by Glenn Dawson

of "Angels We Have Heard on High" are inspired by, but not an exact translation of, the traditional French carol known as "Les Anges dans nos campagnes" ("the angels in our countryside"), whose first known publication was in 1842

Away In a Manger Although we may never know who wrote the song we can still find inspiration in the story of the song itself. It tells us of the incredible humble birth of the greatest man who ever lived and the more I think of it the deeper in awe I feel. This song for children also reminds me of Jesus’ words teaching us that to such belong the kingdom of heaven. We must learn to become like chil...

"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" is a popular hymn sung by many Christian denominations. This hymn is often referred to as the "National Anthem of Christendom". The lyrics were written by Edward Perronet while he served as a missionary in India.

“Since I Have Been Redeemed” is a hymn that was composed by Edwin Excell. The tune of this song is called “Othello.” This song is a celebration of the salvation we have in Christ. Since we have been redeemed, we are now programmed to do his will as our primary wish and desire.