ONLINE CHURCH BULLETIN

"The Wondrous Cross"

Galatians 6.14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (from Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth W. Osbeck, p. 106:)

While preparing for a communion service in 1707, Isaac Watts wrote this deeply moving and very personal expression of gratitude for the amazing love that the death of Christ on the cross revealed. It first appeared in print that same year in Watts' outstanding collection, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. The hymn was originally titled, "Crucifixion to the World by the Cross of Christ." Noted theologian Matthew Arnold called this the greatest hymn in the English language. In Watts' day, texts such as this, which were based only on personal feelings were termed "hymns of human composure" and were very controversial, since almost all congregational singing at this time consisted of ponderous repetitions of the Psalms. The unique thought presented by Watts in these lines certainly must have pointed the 18th century Christians to a view of the dying Savior in a vivid and memorable way that led them to a deeper worship experience, even as it does for us today.

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, myrichest gain I count but loss and poor contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God; all the vain things that charm me most--I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down; did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small: Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

Dear Father, we are so grateful for the wondrous cross of Christ. He has demonstrated divine love, saved us and given us hope. May we offer Him our soul, life and all each day. Help those who are hurting. Help us to show the love of the crucified Christ to them. We ask this in the name of Christ, the Beloved. Amen.

1 John 5.14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Only God can know HOW our prayers WORK but we believe HE answers. Please write me to add names to the prayer list and to report changes in status.

Let us be thankful and prayerful!

Love
Brad Forgy