My blogging has been blogged down here of late.
As I sit here thinking about my Savior Jesus Christ, the Words of this Hymn came to me as being more appropriate than anything I could write. I reflect on the modern trend toward contemporary music and wonder… how can anyone not love the old hymns, especially this one? What has happened to believers in Christ that we would abandon such beauty?
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour 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?
His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.
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.
Isaac Watts 1674-1748
From Cyber Hymnal
Notes From A Retired Preacher 
Thanks Lynda,
The old hymns are great…
My next post, I believe, will be on the Emerging Church Movement which also includes some interesting thoughts about the music and practices of said group.
In Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
I like very much the God-centered true worship songs, such as the ones by Chris Tomlin. I despise the ones that are all about me-me-me.
And I still love many of the old hymns… Blessed Assurance, In the Garden, Just As I Am, and many others.
I move with the times, albeit sometimes reluctantly, and view with jaundiced eye some of the ‘performances’ that are presented as a time to worship; I tend to be a bit old-fashioned, however, and am often chided by those who think that one must use the current culture to bring in the lost.
Personally, I think we should be very careful to be in the world but not of it. It is a difficult line to walk, and I feel that we should err on the side of caution.
Jumping off my soapbox, now! 🙂
Adam,
Thanks so much for stopping by and taking time to comment. It is good to hear from fellow believers in Jesus Christ.
You must realize, my opinions are from the point-of-view of an old conservative Christian codger who made the decision to trust Christ as his Savior at age 35… 43 years ago.
That was before we had present day “contemporary” music in church.
However as my son reminds me, all songs are contemporary at the time they are written..
So, I guess I appreciate the “contemporary” hymns of the 1700’s because most of them do reflect Scriptural, doctrinal themes — and don’t jangle the nerves.
Most of the old hymns give glory to Jesus Christ and His work in our behalf on the cross. Likewise it seems many of the “contemporary” songs are repetitively centered on “me.”
As Watts wrote in the hymn,
“Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!”
Thanks again for your comment. Please drop by again.
In Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
I am 22 years old, so I do like the contemporary Christian music – as long as it is scriptural;
however, this remains one of my favorite old time hymns.
In Christ Alone,
Adam
TMW,
Yep… “the breathless soliloquy of a love-struck girl.”
Quite true.. Never thought of it that way.
ExP(Jack)
Another thing about praise music, have you noticed the “feminizing” of praise? It sounds more like the breathless soliloquy of a love-struck girl, than the muscular passion and understanding of an adult!
And it seems to be dissolving into incoherence over time!
Inane? Quite!
No wonder the pastors and congregents are such wimps!
blech
tmw
Bro. David,
Sadly there are few modern “hymns” that express “Biblically-rich” truths.
Thanks for your discernment.
In Christ,
ExP(Jack)
Wondrous truth bro. Jack! I love my precious Savior each day I live. His marvelous grace to such a rotten sinner is truly amazing. It can only be divine.
I am with you on the great hymns of the Faith as well. I have often said that if these Biblically-rich hymns don’t get us excited, nothing will. God Bless you brother.