Hello OCBC family.  Let me share one of my favorite passage of the Scriptures. “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.  How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27) (NKJV).

This passage from the Old Testament took a new meaning after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; before Christ’s resurrection this passage was a hope, but after Christ’ resurrection this passage is an assurance.

For centuries, these particular verses gave inspiration to pastors, hymn writers, and musicians, to create wonderful hymns and songs to glorify our risen Savior.  One of them was Samuel Medley.  He was born on June 23, 1738, at Cheshunt, Herts, where his father kept a school. He received a good education; but not liking the business to which he was apprenticed, he entered the Royal Navy. He was severely wounded during the war against the French, and he was obligated to retire from active service. A sermon by Dr. Watts (the author of “O God Our Help in Ages Past”), was read to him about this time and it  led to his conversion. He joined the Baptist Church in Eagle Street, London, then under the care of Dr. Gifford, and shortly afterwards opened a school, which for several years he conducted with great success. Having begun to preach, he received, in 1767, a call to become pastor of the Baptist church at Watford.

Samuel Medley often repeated words and phrases in his songs.  In the hymn “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”, based on Job’s passage, Medley repeats over and over the most important concept: “He lives… He lives… He lives.”

Please, enjoy the words of this hymn, for God’s glory.

I know that my Redeemer lives!
What joy this blest assurance gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
he lives, my ever-living Head!

He lives triumphant from the grave;
he lives eternally to save;
he lives exalted, throned above;
he lives to rule his church in love.

He lives to bless me with his love;
he lives to plead for me above;
he lives my hungry soul to feed;
he lives to help in time of need.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly friend;
he lives and loves me to the end;
he lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing;
he lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King!

He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives, my Saviour, still the same;
what joy this blest assurance gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives!

In His service.

Israel.

No article this week from Israel

Hello OCBC family.  Couple months ago we started a new tradition: we added a new element to our worship time, the prelude.  I want to share few thoughts about what a prelude is.

After the announcements, the person who is leading at the moment introduces the prelude as a curtain to separate the non-worship elements (like announcements) from the worship time.  This is important, because the prelude-time will help us to prepare our hearts for our encounter with God Almighty.

The prelude is a musical piece that has the role of a preface for something that is coming, in our church’s case, our corporative worship time.  The prelude has been used in the church since early as 1448 and many famous composers created wonderful pieces to be used for this purpose, J. S. Bach (1685-1750) for example.  His preludes for organ were (and are) a wonderful tool to prepare the hearts of believers for the worship time.  Sadly, in some churches and cultures, the prelude became more like an entertainment time to admire the ability of the organist, or it became the background music for conversations between friends.

Now, do not take me wrong, both activities (admire the ability of the musician, or talking with friends before the service) are not bad, but the prelude has a different purpose.

The prelude is an instrumental piece (no voice is involved, unless it is a choral prelude, but that is a different topic) that invites us to meditate in God, who He is, and what He has done.

Let me give you some tips for the next time you hear the prelude, here in our church or somewhere else.  When the music starts, if is a familiar hymn, think about the lyrics, sing it in your heart, meditate and remember if the Lord used this particular hymn in your life or in a loved one’s life.  Prelude is a wonderful time to pray; talk with your Heavenly Father, He is there next to you, to have a time with Him. Read you Bible; remember your favorite passage, maybe the one that you learned a long time ago in your Sunday school class.  If you have little ones next to you, teach them how special this moment is and let them to see you enjoy it; they will learn this lesson.

Yes, prelude time is an important part of our worship time, because prelude takes us into God’s presence.

In His service.

Israel.