Notes on the Notes – March 5, 2017

LENT 1

The Fall–

As far from God as it gets

This week’s scripture:

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 – the story of the fall

Matthew 4:1-11 – the temptation of Jesus

This week’s music:

“The Stand”

“You stood before creation
Eternity in Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand
You stood before my failure
And carried the cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand

 So what can I say
And what could I do
But offer this heart, O God,
Completely to You

 So I’ll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand

 So I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours

So what can I say
And what could I do
But offer this heart, O God,
Completely to You.”

“The Stand” was written by Joel Houston and sung by Michael W. Smith.  Smith says “The Stand is a call to stand up for what you believe in.” It’s a call to stand in awe of the One who gave all and to stand outside of the walls of the church rubbing shoulders with the lost. Together, we stand as followers of Jesus sharing a powerful opportunity: To live as a child of God. We must live as though we believe we are loved,” he says. “It’s time we take a stand believing we are loved,” Smith concludes. “And then, let’s go. Let’s go change the world.”

Hear the song at:  https://youtu.be/kV5iZBTNYrk

“Just as I am” (VU #508) 

“Just as I am, without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

 Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in thee I find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

 Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be thine, yea, thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”

Although disabled at the age of thirty, Charlotte Elliott continued a long career of writing and editing.  This text was published in her Invalid’s Hymn Book (1836).  After her death, a file was found containg a thousand letters of thanks for this hymn.  Her brother, Henry Venn Elliott, later commented that she had ministered to more people through this hymn than he had in the entire course of his ministry.    The tune, WOODWORTH, was originally set to another hymn.  In 1860 is was subsequently printed with “Just as I am.”

Hear the hymn at:  https://youtu.be/w2VrRk4pZHY

“Jesus, Tempted in the Desert” (VU #115)

Jesus, tempted in the desert; lonely, hungry, filled with dread:
“Use your power,” the tempter tells him, “Turn these barren rocks to bread!”
“Not alone by bread,” he answers, “Can the human heart be filled.
Only by the Word that calls us is our deepest hunger stilled!”

Jesus, tempted at the temple, high above its ancient wall:
“Throw yourself from lofty turret, angels wait to break your fall!”
Jesus shuns such empty marvels, feats that fickle crowds request:
“God, whose grace protects, reserves us, we must never vainly test.”

Jesus, tempted on the mountain by the lure of vast domain:
“Fall before me! Be my servant! Glory, fame, you’re sure to gain!”
Jesus sees the dazzling vision, turns his eyes another way:
“God alone deserves our homage! God alone will I obey!”

When we face temptations power, lonely, struggling, filled with dread,
Christ, who knew the tempter’s hour, come and be our living bread.
By your grace, protect, preserve us lest we fall, your trust betray.
Yours, above all other voices, be the Word we hear, obey.”

This text about the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness is from Herman Stuempfle’s The Word Goes Forth (1990.)  It is set to the familiar tune BEACH SPRING (1844) which has been attributed to B.F. White.

Hear the hymn played on the organ at:  https://youtu.be/waGx_-TTJHg

“You are Mine”

“I will come to you in the silence,
I will lift you from all your fear.
You will hear my voice, I claim you as my choice.
Be still and know I am here.

I am hope for all who are hopeless,
I am eyes for all who long to see.
In the shadows of the night, I will be your light.
Come and rest in me.

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me,
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

I am strength for all the despairing,
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame.
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free,
And all will know my name.

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me,
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

I am the Word that leads all to freedom,
I am the peace the world cannot give.
I will call your name, embracing all your pain.
Stand, up, now walk and live!

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me,
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.”

This song of hope and encouragement was written by David Haas in 1991.

Hear the song at:  https://youtu.be/Sgm9lkTNQmc

“Let the Cross Be Our Glory”

“Let the cross be our glory and the Lord be our song,
By mercy made holy, by the Spirit made strong.
Let the cross be our glory and the Lord be our song
‘Til the likeness of Jesus be through us made known.
Let the cross be our glory and the Lord be our song.”

During the season of Lent we will be using the chorus of the song “Let it Be Said of Us” by Steve Fry as our offering response.

Hear the full song at:  https://youtu.be/HmktC8IayC4

“Hungry (Falling on my knees)”

“Hungry, I come to You for I know You satisfy
I am empty, but I know Your love does not run dry
And so I wait for You, so I wait for You

I’m falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus, You’re all this heart is living for

Broken, I run to You for Your arms are open wide
I am weary, but I know Your touch restores my life
And so I wait for You, so I wait for You”

This song was written by Kathryn Scott.  It speaks to our brokenness and longing to be closer to God.

Hear the song at:  https://youtu.be/WSdEmuNZJqE

“I’ll Lead You Home”

“Wandering the road of desperate life
Aimlessly beneath a barren sky
Leave it to me, I’ll lead you home.

So afraid that you will not be found
It won’t be long before your sun goes down
Just leave it to me, I’ll lead you home

Hear me calling, hear me calling
Just leave it to me, I’ll lead you home.

A troubled mind and a doubter’s heart
You wonder how you ever got this far
Leave it to me, I’ll lead you home

Vultures of darkness ate the crumbs you left
You’ve got no way to retrace your steps
Just leave it to me, I’ll lead you home.

Hear me calling, hear me calling
You’re lost and alone
Just leave it to me, I’ll lead you home.
Hear me calling, hear me calling
You’re lost and alone
Just leave it to me, I’ll lead you home

So let it go and turn it over to
The one who chose to give his life for you
Leave it to me, I’ll lead you home.
So let it go and turn it over to
The one who chose to give his life for you
Leave it to me, I’ll lead you home.
Leave it to me, I’ll lead you home.

Hear me calling, hear me calling
You’re lost and alone
Just leave it to me, I’ll lead you home.
Hear me calling, hear me calling
You’re lost and alone
Just leave it to me, I’ll lead you home”

Hear the song at:  https://youtu.be/kgnLfY0t3Mc

“Grace Alone”

“Every promise we can make,
Every prayer and step of faith,
Every difference we will make
Is only by His grace.

Every mountain we will climb,
Every ray of hope we shine,
Every blessing left behind
Is only by His grace.

Grace alone which God supplies,
Strength unknown He will provide.
Christ in us, our Cornerstone,
We will go forth in grace alone.

Every soul we long to reach,
Every heart we hope to teach,
Everywhere we share His peace
Is only by His grace.

Every loving word we say,
Every tear we wipe away,
Every sorrow turned to praise
Is only by His grace.

Grace alone which God supplies,
Strength unknown He will provide.
Christ in us, our Cornerstone,
We will go forth in grace alone.”

Our closing song was written by Scott Wesley Brown and Jeff Nelson.

Hear the song at:  https://youtu.be/b6lhilgWXIE