Part 1

Oh! the joy of the salvation 
We possess around the throne! 
Countless thoughts of admiration, 
Mingling, leave that joy but one.

Hark! Ten thousand voices crying 
"Lamb of God!" with one accord; 
Thousand thousand saints replying -
Bursts at once the echoing chord.

Long, with free and glad devotion, 
Universal praise prevails; 
Till, blest fruit of deep emotion, 
Voice by voice in silence fails.

Now, in wondrous adoration 
Dwelling on His matchless love, 
Swayed with power of that salvation, 
Silence fills the courts above.

Then, their richest thoughts unfolding, 
Each to each, with joy divine 
Heavenly converse blissful holding, 
Tells how bright His glories shine.

Some on God’s high glories dwelling, 
Brightly beaming in His face; 
Some His first-born greatness telling -
Ordering all things in their place:

These - of Godhead’s counsels deep 
Him th'Accomplisher proclaim; 
These - how Jesus’ self could weep, 
Of Godhead's love the Witness came.

All on love surpassing rest, 
That clothed in flesh the great I AM; 
Till, from one heart, divinely prest, 
Bursts forth at length the loud exclaim -

J.N. Darby

 Have you read the Book? 

 A college student noticed that one of his classmates had a Bible in his backpack.  He looked at him mockingly and said, "How could an intelligent person believe this book?" The Christian student replied, "Have you read it?"  The other said, "I have no time to waste reading such an old book." The Christian answered, "So without reading it you have come to the conclusion that the book is worthless? How would you like to find out that your professor gave you a failing grade on a book report that was assigned to us this school year because he felt the report was worthless? Then when you asked him if he read it, he would tell you that he had no time to waste reading such reports. Would that be the right way to judge your report?" The student answered, "Of course not!" His friend replied, "You have just done the same thing unjustly concerning the Bible. Why don’t you read it through first before you make any judgment about this great book?"

 This Book is the Word of God. It reveals the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever.

 It is especially important for us today to realize that there would be much deception and false teaching leading mankind away from God and trying to persuade him that God either does not exist or He does not care for mankind thus leading him away from the love of God and the realization that receiving Christ is the only way of salvation. This is what the Bible declares: 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16