Only Christ

in

By Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music

Sheet Music

It’s good to sing God’s Word! Psalm paraphrases and Scripture songs are perhaps the most obvious examples of the Bible set to music. Many hymns are also based on Scripture, though often woven into the poetry in a more subtle way.

For a deeper dive into the story and themes of Passion Week, here are the passages of Scripture that shaped the lyrics of Only Christ:

Verse 1: 

“…though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Isaiah 1:18b

But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:26b

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 (CSB)

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22

Verse 2:

This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. Acts 2:23

And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39

And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:51

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world… John 3:17a

But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18

…but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17b

 

Verse 3:

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14

And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” Isaiah 6:7

Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” John 18:38

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; Isaiah 53:5a

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Matthew 27:51a

Verse 4

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:17-19

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Matthew 28:1

He will swallow up death forever; And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, Isaiah 25:8a

At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” Matthew 26:60b-61

For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Revelation 1:17

Verse 5

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

…making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:20b

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Revelation 19:9a

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Except Romans 5:1 printed above, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

Stay-at-Home Witness

As each of us grapples with our homes, neighbors, families and work at this time, God is working for his glory.

Luis Orellana, one of our members, was disheartened as he went through his mail to find an invitation to virtual services from a local Jehovah’s Witness service. Even before the pandemic, Luis was inviting people to our Sunday services. Now he’s kicked his efforts into virtual high-gear with the following video encouragement for us all.

Jim Vanne used our current stay-at-home circumstance to reach out to his neighbors with the following note which he delivered to the porches of their neighbors:

“To my neighbors during the Coronavirus Pandemic 

“We are the gray house at [address] and wanted you to know that, if the COVID19 virus hits your family and you are housebound, we would be honored to get groceries for you, pop over to the drug store to get prescriptions, or similar errands, and leave it at your front door. Or once the grass starts growing, I could also pop by and mow your lawn or similar (e.g., snowshovel if we have a late snow). 

“As Christians, it would also be our honour to pray for needs you may have, in addition to the practical things noted above. We are both working out of home offices, so we might not be able to turn things around immediately, but certainly could after work hours (and also assuming we, ourselves, don’t get sick, of course!) 

“We’ll stick together as a neighborhood, and make it through! 

“Blessing to each and every one of you.  Please let us know if we can support you in any way!

“Jim and Janet Vanne (with cellphone and email included)”

Another one of our members, Kathy Burke, created a Facebook watch party and viewed Pastor Moody’s Q & A with facebook friends—which included fellow College Church members, but also a surpising collection of other people: a current neighbor, a neighbor from when she lived in Holland, Michigan, old high-school friends, an old boyfriend from college, relatives including a cousin she has never met, and people who used to attend College Church but have moved away and others she has not had contact with for years. After the Q&A ended, Kathy is following up with online discussions. She’s going to continue doing this with some of our other services as well.

Kids’ Harbor has created a yard sign for Kids’ Harbor families to share a verse of Scripture to neighbors. Encourage your neighbors and open doors to the gospel with this colorful yard sign. You can order a sign and a Kids' Harbor team member will deliver it in eight-ten days. Cost is $7.50 and supplies limited.

Are you reaching out in a way that we can pray for or be encouraged by? If so, tell us your story at by emailing connections@college-church.org.

German Pancakes by Diane DiLeonardi

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Day number? Well, I’ve lost count.

“What should we tackle today?" says my husband whose back is still tweaked from endless painting projects. My growling stomach signals what to do first—German pancakes.

As soon as my mind conjures up those two words, I’m instantly transformed into my 11-year-old self walking with my friend Jill the three blocks to Geneva Carlburg’s Victorian house (which, by the way, is still standing in this tear-down neighborhood) on a Saturday morning.

She greets us at the front door, inviting us down the long hall. A glimspe to the left, and we see her husband asleep in an easy chair in the living room. We continue into the room where good things happen—the kitchen.

Ingredients ready on her counter. Mrs. Carlburg guides us in how to make the perfect German pancake. She places the pan with butter in the hot oven. As we mix the batter she talks, we listen, we answer. The specifics I have no recollection, but her smile and love are so evident.

We pour the batter into the sizzling pan and immediately put it back in the oven with a stern warning not to open the door for 15 minutes. Our heads touching, Jill and I peer into the small oven window, mesmerized as the batter begins to puff around the edges, butter pooling in the center until it, too, raises itself like a perfect marshmallow on an open fire, browning with no char.

You must act quickly if you want to post your pancake on Instagram since leaving it in the hot oven causes instant deflating. Of course, back then, there were no pictures taken. Instead, a table set, prayer given, mangia. Eat.

This ritual was repeated many times, the consistency welcome, never griddle cakes, waffles or crepes. God’s love poured out on two little girls of divorce by a godly woman who felt led to do so. Our departing gift each time, beautifully calligraphied verses on crinkly vellum, fit into a paper frame. (I’m sure to find them this week as I go through old boxes)

Today, as I watched the batter rise, I wasn’t craving Alton Brown to scientifically explain how this thin liquid burst into action. Instead I metaphorically saw how God put people in my life at just the right time, again and again. Maybe a German pancake doesn’t bring you to awesome tears, but there’s a food, a song or an event that no doubt triggers your heart.

And this pandemic comes with its fair share of triggers to your heart and to the hearts of those you love. But, Easter is coming and what we do this Easter is essential. Find a way to share God's love, think outside the box. Your traditions are still viable with minor adjustments. Your Savior has risen.

Let your actions be a reward to others—Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Romans 12:10-11, NIV)

Geneva Carlburg’s German Pancake Recipe

Geneva Carlburg’s German Pancake Recipe

His Glorious Grace We Praise

in

By Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music

Sheet Music

During a global pandemic, we are suddenly reminded of eternal things.

A threat to temporal existence begs questions of an everlasting one.

Paul’s opening words in his letter to the Ephesians lift us to a lofty view of the purposes of God’s grace which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time.

God’s purposes are eternal. He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, and the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our eternal inheritance.

When Christians look back, they see grace.

When they look ahead, more grace.

In this moment of trouble, may we confidently remember that in Christ the grace of the eternal God has been lavished upon us.

To the praise of his glorious grace.

Ephesians 1:3-14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Trust and Obey

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By H. E. Singley, organist

O Lord, I give my life to you.

                                                               I trust in you, my God!

                                             “If you love me, obey my commandments.”

                                                                              (Psalm 25:1, 2a; John 14:15, NLT)

Like so many things in life, language continually recasts itself. The usage, even the intent of words, can change. An example is the word “happy.” It seems that many Christians avoid saying “happy,” preferring “joyful” instead, particularly when talking about their spiritual or emotional state-of-mind. (I tend to do the same.)

 

Thus, when I come to these words, . . . .

 

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

 

. . . . I need to reorient myself regarding “happy.”

 

I note in a typical dictionary that, yes, “happy” can connote “a dazed irresponsible state” or “enthusiastic about something to the point of obsession.” However, those definitions are not at the beginning of the entry for “happy.” Instead, we see “fortunate,” “felicitous,” or “enjoying or characterized by well-being and contentment.” It is that final lexical analysis which I wish to emphasize as we consider “Trust and Obey,” a hymn (a Gospel song) known by many believers.

 

The text is by John Sammis who, in pursuit of a second career, became a Presbyterian pastor and ultimately a member of the faculty of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (now Biola University). The music is by Daniel B. Towner, director of the music department of Moody Bible Institute from 1893 to 1919.

 

The punch line–the crux of the matter–is really encapsulated in the refrain above and maybe just the two compelling words, “trust” and “obey.” These words represent marching orders for followers of Christ, resulting in well-being and contentment. (Cf. Deuteronomy 13:4; Proverbs 3:5,6).

 

In addition to the refrain, the hymn has five stanzas as seen in some hymnals, four in others. The stanzas serve to underscore the central emphasis of trusting and obeying, even looking ahead to eternity. I’d like to focus only on the first stanza.

 

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

 

Notice “walk with the Lord”–walking on the pilgrimage of life–indispensably illuminated by His Word. Maybe another way to think of “what a glory He sheds on our way” is to appeal again to the dictionary for a fresh perspective regarding a key word in that phrase, “glory.” As components of the definition for “glory,” I notice “a distinguished quality or asset”; and I see “great beauty and splendor.” Think of that! As we walk with God, the Supreme Being over all creation and the one who “knit us together in our mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13b), we are blessed with the asset, the beauty, the splendor of His inestimable reality in our lives!

The joy of doing His will (cf. Psalm 40:8) is conjoined with His abiding, ceaseless presence which itself enables us to joyfully do His will!

 

I think there’s a “bottom line” for us in “Trust and Obey.” Trust! Obey!

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace

because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope

through the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 15:3, NLT)

IDEAS FOR LISTENING

  •  Listen for the melody of the hymn-tune throughout.

  • The music begins with the refrain.

  • Two different interpretations accompany the melody of the “verse part” of the hymn. (You might think of the first and final stanzas.)

  • Another presentation of the refrain follows the music of the stanzas, beginning with an emphatic “Trust and obey!”

  • Note how that the final refrain is incomplete, leaving the listener in a bit of suspended animation at “...for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus…” This omission is to emphasize, in a sense, the element of “trust”–not knowing what’s ahead–as we “obey.”

  • Finally, the arrangement returns to the initial idea, based once again on the melody of the refrain.

  • Sing the hymn–words and music–even if you’re by yourself!