Comment to Concerning the End of the World
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There is an abundance of good thoughts here. I love the vision of this song. You are blessed to the author as a friend.
Take the old favorite I'm Just a Poor Wayfaring Stranger. It's full of truth, too. And I would not desire to dampen the joy of anyone who is uplifted by it.
But compare it to something like Onward Christian Soldiers. Surely there is a place for both of these themes. Which of these songs defines today's church in the West?
Our enemy is very cunning. He wants us to just give up and circle the wagons. And dwell on being defeated. And not make a difference. Or even try. Some even rejoice that things are getting "worse and worse."
Yes or no?
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Onward Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See, His banners go!Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before.2
At the name of Jesus
Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise:
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise!3
Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided,
All one Body we—
One in faith and Spirit,
One eternally.4
Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never
’Gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
Which can never fail.5
Onward, then, ye people!
Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor
Unto Christ, the King;
This through countless ages
Men and angels sing.