Sunday's Hymn: For All the Saints

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might;
Thou, Lord, their captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the apostles’ glorious company,
Who bearing forth the cross o’er land and sea,
Shook all the mighty world, we sing to Thee:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the evangelists, by whose blest word,
Like fourfold streams, the garden of the Lord,
Is fair and fruitful, be Thy name adored.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye,
Saw the bright crown descending from the sky,
And seeing, grasped it, Thee we glorify.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

—William W. How

Other hymns, worship songs, sermons etc. posted today:

• Blessed Assurance at Graces Daily
• Hallelujah! What a Savior! at Theology for Girls
• A Mighty Fortress Is Our God at Gospel Grace
• Faithful Shepherd, Feed Me at The Happy Wonderer
• Lifting Up Our Hearts - 13 at The Upward Call
• A Bitter Righteousness at Tried With Fire
• Lord’s Day 3, 2014 at The Thirsty Theologian
• Your Weekly Dose of Spurgeon at Pyromaniacs: Wonders!

Have you posted a hymn (or sermon, sermon notes, prayer, etc.) today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by contacting me using the contact form linked above, and I’ll add your post to the list.

Thankful Thursday

I’m thankful for

• that the month of January is half over. I usually love January, but this year, not so much. I suppose that’s back-handed thanksgiving, but I really am thankful that God has sustained me through two weeks of short, stressful days. 
• for warm days to play outdoors with the grandchildren. It’s hard on kids to spend everyday indoors because it’s too cold to go out. When it’s nice enough to enjoy slow walks and snow angels, it’s a blessing.
• for lamps and candles to curse the darkness. 
• for Vitamin D capsules to help make up for the lack of sun.
• for a few good books.
• for time to work on a secret project.
• for the evening prayers in Valley of Vision.

Linked Together: Three Whats

with good answers.

What Is Biblical Theology?
“The Bible teaches Christians how the Bible should be read. Studying biblical theology is the best way to learn from the Bible how to read the Bible as a Christian should. By the same token, studying the Bible is the best way to learn biblical theology.” Read the rest from James M. Hamilton at The Gospel Coalition Blog.

What’s the Difference … 
between the Ontological and the Economic Trinity? In short:

Ontology is the study of being. When we talk about the ontological Trinity, we are referring to the fact that God is three in one… . The ontological structure of the Trinity is a unity. When we speak of the economic Trinity, we are dealing with roles. We distinguish among the three persons of the Godhead in terms of what we call the economy of God.

But you’ll want to read the whole thing (R. C. Sproul at Ligonier Ministries Blog).

What Is Your Most Prized Possession?
For the Christian, it should be the Bible, because “the Bible is rock of revelation that our faith is built upon“ (Erik Raymond at Ordinary Pastor).