Church Revival

I attended a fund-raiser for the Philippine Council of Christian Churches (this will be part of the International Council of Christian Churches). The music was wonderful, and it was a blessing to see so many local Christian churches together in one place, trying to work together for the glory of God. Certainly, the local Christian churches are in need for unity.

However, I am not sure that there is a problem. The Universal Christian Church, that is, the Church of born-again believers, is united. It has only one head: our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is just that this Church is invisible, as only God knows who is really saved. Of course, we can make an educated guess on who is saved or not based on a person’s lifestyle, but that is just a guess at best, as the sanctification of the believer does follow a rather meandering course (two steps forward, one step back, three steps forward, five steps back, … does not look promising, but then… ten steps forward…, then one step back…).

The motto of the conference is “Redeeming the Time; Uniting the Brethren”. This is a very worthwhile goal. We should make the best of the time given to us to spread the Good News: the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. We should fellowship with other Christian churches. We have differences in a few doctrines, but most of our beliefs are the same. Unity of local churches and the fellowship of Christians glorifies God.

I heard the phrase: “United we stand, divided we fall.” a few times during the event. However, do not think that God has a problem. God is always in control, and the Universal Church is united, and will be raptured soon.

As for church growth, this is something that can only be done by God. Can unity among local Christian churches result in revival? What is the key to revival? I will leave you with a lecture from Ian Paisley on this subject. Before I was saved I heard him speak and I thought he was such a wind-bag. Nowadays, I am surprised I never saw what a great orator he was. Definitely one step forward. .

Praise You In This Storm

Alright. Enough of hiding behind my videos. Now is the time for me to get our there and sing my heart out for the Lord in praise! In good times or bad.

I got some words wrong, but hey, this is live and unedited! I love the lyrics, which speaks of faith in the Lord’s love and provision amid incomprehensible personal suffering. Powerful stuff.

I only did a cover. Here is the original – Casting Crowns. I love their music, which rings true, and is Biblical.

Here are the lyrics:

I was sure by now, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it’s still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I’ll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can’t find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

I pray that you are blessed! And for those of you who have made down to the bottom of this post, here is a treat for you: the same song sung by someone who can actually sing!

Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer

I like this hymn a lot, and the Welsh congregation in the video below sing beautifully.There is one line in the song they are singing which does not sound quite right, and I suspect that the song was edited from the original. So I am editing back. It is underlined in the video, and you will notice the congregation singing a different line. Instead of singing “Feed me now and evermore.” they sing “Feed me till I want no more.”.That does not sound right, and in other versions of the lyrics on the web, the former is written. But the voices sound so beautiful that I tolerated the discrepancy and chose to highlight it for you.

I wonder what caused this to happen. Well, it is written: “He said unto them, An enemy hath done this.” (Matthew 13:28a)

Enjoy the music, and praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for eternity!

If you want to see the congregation singing, then here is the video. “Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer”, sung by the Choir of the Morriston Tabernacle Swansea Wales (Public Domain). A great hymn by William and Peter Williams.

Here are the lyrics:

Guide me O Thou great Redeemer
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak but Thou art mighty
Hold me with thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven
Feed me now and evermore

Open now the crystal fountain
Whence the healing streams do flow,
Let the fiery cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey though,
Strong Deliverer
Be Thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan
Bid my anxious fears subside
Death of death,
And hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side,
Songs of praises
I will ever give to thee.
Songs of praises
I will ever give to thee.