Tag Archives: alone

Nothing But The Blood of Jesus

Words and Music by Robert Lowry, 1876

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
Philippians 3:7 – 9

In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Hebrews 9:22

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Ephesians 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1 John 1:7

Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Isaiah 1:18

I’m sure you have heard the proverb. There is more than one way to skin a cat. While I’m not exactly sure of the origins of this phrase, I know it means that there is always another way to do something. People all over the world know this, even if they have not heard the proverb. After all, we are always looking for an easier way to reach our end goal. And for the most part, this is true, but not always. That, of course, is what makes this a proverb and not a statement of fact.

So it is with knowing God and drawing near to Him. We are always looking for how to put ourselves “in God’s good graces.” What extra can I do? What can make up for my mistakes? How can I make God love me? When we look around, we find lots of answers to these questions, but the fact is,there is only one answer. This is the question found in the old gospel hymn, “Nothing But The Blood of Jesus.

Robert Lowry does not hesitate to lay out the question from the start. He writes, “What can take away my sin?” This is the ultimate question that each of ask. How can I stand before God? How can I make myself right?

Lowry answers his own question with the words “nothing but the blood of Jesus.” The blood is both joyous and sorrowful. It is a dark reminder of the sacrifice that Christ made on the Cross. That he gave his life to pay the price for the sins of man. (Romans 4:25) It was the only way.

We see the need of the blood of Jesus when we read, “the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22) And we go on to read in Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

No, “nothing can for sin atone . . . Naught of good that I have done.: This is why the Paul writes in Philippians 3:7 – 9 that, “whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

And so we see that this same blood is a source of joy, for by it we are made righteous. This is found through faith in the new covenant in the blood of Jesus. As Jesus, himself said in Matthew 26:28, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

It is the Blood of Jesus alone that opens the door. It is the blood of Jesus alone that can forgive our sins. It is the blood of Jesus alone that can bestow on us righteousness. It is the blood of Jesus alone that allows us to stand before God.

Yes, when we have put our faith in Jesus, when we have trusted in His blood, then and only then can we truly sing the words, “Oh! Precious is the flow That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

Read more about “Nothing But The Blood of Jesus.”

I Come To The Garden Alone

Words and Music by C. Austin Miles, 1912

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
1 King 19:11 – 13

Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 5:15 – 16

We live in a hectic and busy world. It seems we always have something on our plate. I know personally, those times when there is nothing on the schedule are few and far between. Between working full-time (which typically pushes over 40 hours a week, being a leader in two separate youth organizations and ministry involvement, which includes both regular preaching and writing, I have very few down hours. Add on top of that activities of for my wife and three children, there are times when having nothing to do is simply a fantasy.

Now, on those rare occasions when we do have free time, what do we do with it. We try to find other activities. And if we are not doing something else, then we will often find ourselves with the television or radio going. Down time is rare and silence almost seems taboo.

As I look at the words of Miles’ hymn, “In The Garden” I am struck by the clear theme of peace and rest. From the beginning we read, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.” This is something we have lost, and something that we so desperately need. Time set aside from the rush of activities and the constant barrage of noise. This is what the Psalmist refers to when he writes, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

The distractions of our daily lives can so easily get in the way of knowing God. We do not take the time to listen for God’s voice. We miss the sweet joy about which Miles writes, “And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.” It is in the peace of the garden, when everything else is set aside, that we can hear God’s voice. It is then that we can hear the gentle whisper of 1 Kings 19:11 – 13.

We all need time alone with God. Jesus, the very Son of God, understood this need. Luke 5:16 says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” If Jesus saw this need, how much more do each of us need it as well.

Yes, we need to take time away from our hectic lives to be alone with God. To listen for His voice. To know Him. “In The Garden” reminds us that when we take this time, we can share the joy that can come only from walking and talking with our Lord alone.

In Christ Alone

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In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev’ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow’r of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.

“In Christ Alone”
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music

he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:7 – 8

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also,as to one abnormally born.
1 Corinthians 15:3 – 8

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
John 10:28 – 30

“I believe in the future of (farming) agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.”

I learned these words thirty years ago when I joined the Future Farmers of America. I can still quote them, partially due to my participation in the FFA creed speaking contest. These words were written to summarize what the FFA sought to instill in its members. The beliefs it was built on.

In the same vein of thought, Getty and Townend present a creed of the Christian faith with their hymn “In Christ Alone.” They begin with the words, “In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.” The very cornerstone of the Christian faith is Jesus Christ himself. In Acts 4:11 Peters tells the leaders of Israel, “Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’”

From here we are presented in verses 2 and 3 with a clear summary of the foundation of the Christian faith. They write that Christ took on flesh, born as a baby, died on the cross, was laid in the grave and rose again. This reflects Philippians 2:8 where we read, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death. Additionally it reflects 1 Corinthians 15:3 – 4 where we read, “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

The beauty of this hymn is found in its simple message. The declaration that Christ alone is the foundation of our faith. The birth, death and resurrection of Christ is all that matters. When we place our faith in the knowledge of who Christ is and what he has done we can rest secure in the knowledge that we are His. In John 10:28 – 30 Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

When we realize this, we can declare in strength and power, “No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home— Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.

Abide With Me

Words by Henry F. Lyte, 1861
Music by William H. Monk, 1861

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:1 – 8

Have you ever found yourself left alone. I’m not talking about the idea of getting time to yourself, but the feeling of being abandoned. I remember a time while I was young when this happened.

I had attended a friend’s birthday party at a roller skating rink. Afterwards we stopped for ice cream. I stepped into the bathroom while everyone was ordering. When I came out everyone was gone. I went out to the car to find them just in time to see the car turn the corner and drive away. The driver believed I was in the full vehicle with everyone else.

As the ice cream parlor closed right behind me, I walked to another store that was still open. I asked if I would be able to use their phone. They allowed me to make the phone call. They later told my parents that it was normally against policy to let people use their phone, but I appeared about to burst into tears. When my parents arrived I was relieved beyond belief. They said the driver of the car had contacted them as soon as they realized I was not in the car. The driver may well have been more worried than I was, though at the time from my perspective, I don’t know that I would have believed it.

The feeling of being completely alone is not a feeling that any of us wants to fee, but this is a feeling that we can often feel in life. Sometime, we feel it even when we are surrounded by other people. It is this fear of being alone in life’s darkness and struggles that Henry Lyte lifts up in prayer through his hymn, “Abide With Me.”

Lyte writes, “Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.” When we find ourselves all alone, when it seems that everyone we turn to fails, where can we turn. As the fear grows within us that we have been abandoned, where can we find strength.

Deuteronomy 31:6 answers the question. It tells us to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

God is there when we feel alone. He is waiting for us to call on him. If we will “Draw near to God, He will draw near to (us)” (James 4:8) We do not need to feel alone. We can turn to Christ. He has told us in John 15:4, “ Remain in me, as I also remain in you.”

So when those times come that we feel alone, we turn to Christ who is always there. Christ, who will never leave nor forsake us.

It is with this in mind that we can sing this heartfelt prayer and declare, “I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.”

Brian Olson – Christian Speaker, Bible Teacher and Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Seeking to help God's People live, grow and reach out to a world in need as their spiritual act of worship.

Tag Archives: alone

Nothing But The Blood of Jesus

Words and Music by Robert Lowry, 1876

I Come To The Garden Alone

Words and Music by C. Austin Miles, 1912

In Christ Alone

“In Christ Alone”
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music

Abide With Me

Words by Henry F. Lyte, 1861
Music by William H. Monk, 1861

Words and Music by Robert Lowry, 1876

Words and Music by C. Austin Miles, 1912

“In Christ Alone” Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music

Words by Henry F. Lyte, 1861 Music by William H. Monk, 1861

“In Christ Alone”
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music

Words by Henry F. Lyte, 1861
Music by William H. Monk, 1861