Happy 4th of July! (7/3-5)

03-05 July 2015 - Onward Christian Soldiers – Manna by Dorothy Callies

2 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he (you) may please Him who hath chosen him (you) to be a soldier.”

The Fourth of July, the Independence Day reminds me of the time Revolutionary War, the war from 1775 to 1783 by which the thirteen American colonies won independence from England. The word, revolutionary means bringing great changes. What was the changed? The Boston Tea Party, raid on some British ships in Boston harbor in 1773. Disguised as Indians, colonists threw chests of tea overbroad as a protest against taxation by the British Parliament.

Since that time, Americans have celebrated July Fourth as an Independence Day. Maybe many of us might have forgotten about the history. I remember this well at Riverside School for the Deaf at California when I took the Social Study class. My teacher, Miss Smallwood really dramatized the story of Boston Tea Party which I checked from my old “High School Dictionary” in 1960’s and bought it for a dollar. 

Jesus is our Captain of the army. As we join with Him leading, we could sing in the Spirit, Onward, Christian Soldiers. It is a well-known song. It really boost me to remember that Jesus Christ has chosen me to be a soldier for Him. Be Strong!

Song: Onward Christian Soldiers!

1. 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!
Chorus:
Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.

2. 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 hope and doctrine, One in charity. [Chorus]

3. 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. [Chorus]
[Lyrics: Sabine Baring-Gould; Music: Arthur Seymour Sullivan]

By the way, Happy Birthday Canada on July ^1st!