Interlude: A Hymn to Share
Dear Reader,
I want to give Bruce one more day to respond to yesterday’s Public Challenge, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to post a hymn I wrote a couple of years ago.
I taught at a small Classical Christian school from 2003-2005. Three months into my second year there, I found myself repeatedly whistling a pleasant melody that was not familiar to me. Soon after, I came across the story of Augustine’s conversion. (For more on the story, read pp. 9-11 of John Piper’s Finally Alive.)
What came to mind was this: I thought I might attempt to “reconstruct” the song, “Take It and Read.” The result is a hymn that might be used by God to help convince the lost sinner of their great need of Christ. Here are the lyrics:
Take It and Read Melody and Lyrics by Chris Edward Jensen Music Arranged by Charlotte Wilcox 1 When the sins of your life are too much to bear, And it seems like you’re caught in a terrible snare, There is One who can lead you from out of despair, So pick up your Bible and read. Chorus 1 Take it and read, take it and read, Learn of God’s Love despite all of your deeds, Take it and read, take it and read, In God’s Word is true life indeed! 2 Now you’re ready to turn from all of your ways, Go repent of your sin to the Author of Grace, Knowing Jesus as Lord for the rest of your days, So pick up your Bible and read. Chorus 2 Take it and read, take it and read, Trusting in Christ is the means to be freed, Take it and read, take it and read, In God’s Word is true life indeed! 3 Born again, you now share in what Christ has done, By His Blood and the Cross was the victory won, Grace and mercy are yours, with a new life begun, So pick up your Bible and read. Chorus 3 Take it and read, take it and read, Learn how the Father prepared for your need, Take it and read, take it and read, In God’s Word is true life indeed! 4 With a new heart and God’s Holy Spirit within, Growing further away from your old life of sin, Read the Scriptures and pray, and you’ll learn to know Him, So pick up your Bible and read. Chorus 4 Take it and read, take it and read, Pick up your cross and then follow His Lead, Take it and read, take it and read, In God’s Word is true life indeed!If you’re wanting a copy with the music, simply click here. Feel free to sing or play or share it, so long as God is glorified in whatever you do with it.
Dosvedanya,
Chris
PS More with Bruce Wilkinson and his text, You Were Born for This, tomorrow.
