Worship Review (020308) & New Song (Rescue the Perishing)

Hi all

Here the link to download today's worship session led by Augustus.

http://www.lkyouths.com/Purpose_Worship/080302_Worship(Aug).mp3

Thanks for leading the new song "Rescue the Perishing". It's a pretty Intense (a capital "I") one. From a web-search, I realised that it was adapted from an old hymn written by Fanny Crosby, a blind American poetess, often known as the queen of gospel song writers. The original hymn was penned in 1869. This was her moving account of writting this hymn:

http://www.joyfulministry.com/rescuef.htm

Other hymns by Fannie J. Crosby include "All the Way My Saviour Leads Me" , "Blessed Assurance"

Wow! When I heard the contemporary version by Billy Foote (praise the Lord that he kept 90% of Fanny's original lyrics!), I was close to tears as I'm reminded of this Holy calling by God to all who have believed in Christ, this calling that is popularly known as the "Great Commission". Have we heard this label so too often that we've forgotten it's true significance and our responsibility?

As I'm writting this entry my eyes wander to my unsaved Mum, Sis & boyfriend who are playing with Shalom in the hall. My thoughts on my Dad who's heart has been hardened by bad experiences. "Dear God, use me to lead them to you."

From the above dated accounts, I'm also reminded how God has and continues to use Worship leaders/songs/ music as vessels to knock on "doors" of hardened hearts, to call on significant ones amongst the congregation that HE has chosen to heal & save. So, lets not take our roles as Lead Worshippers/Musicians lightly.

Here's the contemporary version that is beautifully sung by Rebecca St James. Enjoy ....
(I've included the other verse from the original hymn in "white")

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Chorus (refrain)
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.
Church open your eyes once more,
And see what Christ died for,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save!

Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently;
He will forgive if they only believe.

Refrain

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.

Refrain

Rescue the perishing, duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way patiently win them;
Tell the poor wand’rer a Savior has died.

Refrain

Bridge
As we playing our songs, while we singing them well
Have we forgotten the lost, the reality of hell?
If we say we love God, wanna see His will done,
Will we offer our lives, or just the songs we have sung?
Do we even care, when will we care?




My Utmost for His Highest
Yg