Just Another Melodic Monday - Forever Jesus

"Forever Jesus" is the newly released song from writers Matt Papa and Stuart Townend.  

Here are the words from the video's description on YouTube:

"Little did we know, when we were crafting the last verse of this new hymn, how relevant the lyric would be to the times we are living in:

“My final breath shall be forever Jesus

When shadows lengthen before my eyes;

My Lord and Friend, companion through the valley

When dearest ones are left behind,

His hand will lead me to the light.”

Not only are so many of us facing the prospect of battling this awful virus that has claimed so many lives already. But loved ones, relatives and friends are literally having to "be left behind" as the ill are taken into hospital, because of the dangers of passing on the virus. How important, then, to be reminded that Christ is there to "lead us to the light" - whether that is the light of eventual recovery, or (and this is the reality) the light of His eternal presence.
Perhaps we are not keen to be reminded of the awfulness of the times in which we live in a song! But to know that we are completely held in His loving arms, and guided by His all-powerful hand, is so vital for every single one of us right now."

Just Another Melodic Monday: Christ our Treasure

Today's song is taken from the album "The Glorious Christ" produced by Sovereign Grace Music, and its simple words express an important truth: "Christ our treasure, there is none like you!"

Just Another Melodic Monday - Who is like the Lord?

CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) provides the pathway and resources for churches to legally use Christian songs and videos for church worship.  They regularly update their Youtube channel with live performances of worship songs, and here is one example - "Who is like the Lord?" by Highlands Worship.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Give me Jesus

"Give me Jesus" was written about 150 years ago, and is a simple hymn that calls us to focus on Jesus Christ as the one who can truly give us satisfaction and peace.  This version is sung by "Sounds like Reign".  Their songs are free to download from their website, soundslikereign.com.

A Midweek Message - Divorce and Remarriage (Matthew 19)

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 19, the comments that Jesus makes about divorce and remarriage shock his followers, and we learn about God's plan for marriage and for singleness.

Just Another Melodic Monday: Firm Foundation

"Firm Foundation" is written by Piper Jones, Rachel Hale and Sean Fallon.  The song reminds us that when someone trusts in Jesus Christ, they find a solid foundation upon which to build their life and a Saviour who will never leave them nor forsake them.  As the chorus says, "You are the hope to which I cling". 

Just Another Melodic Monday - For the Cause

"For the Cause of Christ the King", by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend, calls us to renew our commitment to walk in faith and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

Words from the last verse can be offered as a prayer: "Let it be my life's refrain: 'To live is Christ, to die is gain!'

Just Another Melodic Monday: Turn your eyes

I heard this song back in November at a Sovereign Grace conference for pastors.  "Turn your eyes" is an update of an old chorus, and the extra verses help us to understand what it means to look to Jesus in faith as we remember his death, his resurrection and his promised return.  

The song is on the latest Sovereign Grace live album, "The Glorious Christ".

A Midweek Message: A Name for the Baby pt.3: The Lord

The angel announces to the shepherds that they would find a baby, who is "the Lord", lying in a manger.  In Jesus Christ, we find the highest authority and the deepest humility, and therefore our greatest hope.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Jesus, Strong and Kind

I was planning to restart Melodic Mondays at the beginning of next year, but decided to do it at the end of this year, instead!  

This song, called "Jesus, Strong and Kind", is from Cityalight and features Colin Buchanan.  The words are simple enough to be understood by children, but deep enough to be meaningful to adults.

A Midweek Message: A Name for the Baby pt.2: Christ

The title "Christ" means "anointed one".  We can see different types of people, such as kings, priests and prophets, being anointed with oil in the Old Testament when they are set apart by God for a special purpose.

In this sermon, we see how Jesus, as the Christ, came to be better than all of them.

A Midweek Message: A Name for the Baby pt.1: Jesus

In this Christmas series, we will be looking at the different names and titles given to Jesus Christ around the time of his birth, and considering what meaning they have for us today.  We begin with the most obvious choice: the name "Jesus".

Another Midweek Message: Guess Who? (Matthew 16)

The crowds that followed Jesus were playing a game of "Guess Who?" as they tried to work out his identity. His disciples, though, had gradually come to understand who Jesus really was. 

But how can people today become convinced about the identity of Jesus?  Tom Magness explores the answers to that and other questions in this sermon based on the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16.

Just A Final Melodic Monday - How Deep The Father's Love

Having posted Melodic Monday songs regularly for the last three years, I've decided to take a break for a while.  This is partly because the days I work are changing from next week, but also because my responsibilities in the church have changed as the church has grown, and I feel I need to focus my attention elsewhere for now.

As I wondered what song to finish with, I found this post in my "draft" folder, and it seemed an appropriate choice of song and song-writer.

"How deep the Father's love for us" is written by Stuart Townend, and helps us to focus our minds on what it meant for Jesus Christ to be obedient to his Father "even unto death" (Philippians 2:8) and how much God must love us if He gave His only Son to save us.

Just Another Christmas Melodic Monday - Noel

Christmas Day is almost here!  So, here's another song that draws our attention to the birth of Christ and its meaning.  "Noel" is written by Chris Tomlin and performed here by Mark Rasmussen and family.  Here are the words from the second verse:

Son of God and Son of man

There before the world began

Born to suffer, born to save

Born to raise us from the grave

Christ the everlasting Lord 

He shall reign forevermore

Just Another Melodic Monday - My Jesus, I love thee

"My Jesus, I love thee" is performed here by Red Mountain Church, from their album "Depth of Mercy".  This hymn was written by William R. Featherston about 150 years ago and proclaims the love that Christians have for their Saviour, Jesus Christ, through all the seasons of life and into eternity.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Death Was Arrested

"I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades." (Revelation 1:18)

Today's song, "Death Was Arrested", was written by the band North Point InsideOut, but is performed here by Destiny Church Worship.  The lyrics convey the victory that Christ had over death and that we share in his victory if we trust our lives to him.  The third verse of the song says:

Released from my chains, I'm a prisoner no more

My shame was a ransom He faithfully bore

He cancelled my debt and He called me His friend

When death was arrested and my life began

Another Midweek Message: The Importance of Learning How to Fall (Ephesians 3)

In this message, we consider how Paul's example in Ephesians 3 teaches us about the importance of prayer and of seeking God's help so that we can live faithful lives.

A Midweek Message: The Mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3)

In Ephesians 3, Paul writes about his role as an Apostle and his responsibility to proclaim "the mystery of Christ".

Just Another Melodic Monday - Matchless One

There's something about the simplicity of this song and its performance that I find really engaging.  "Matchless One" is by Family Church Worship and leads us from our sin to the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Hope is here, there's mercy for the taking

Trust His cross, your sins have been erased

Welcome home, be seated at the table

Look upon His face