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Huh, so you’re a Christian?

If you were to ask me what it means to me to be a Christian, I imagine I would probably waffle on for a while, stumble over my words and say the word ‘grace’ a few times.

I might tell you that it’s definitely not about trying to keep a set of rules, nor is it about trying to be a good person all the time or feeling in any way morally superior to other people (if you know me well you could explode that one in an instant!)

I hope I would somehow get across that it means I have a joy and peace, such that even when circumstances beat me down, and when I’m reduced to tears by the valleys of life, I can keep on plodding, with a heart that is scarred but never broken completely.

We sang the song below last Sunday at church (ok so we quietly mouthed the words behind our masks, but you know what I mean). As we were singing it, it struck me that you could ask any Christian anywhere, in any country or language, what it means to be a Christian, and they could point to the words of this song.

So here it is – what does it mean for me to be a Christian? Jesus.

“What gift of grace is Jesus my Redeemer
There is no more for Heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing, “all is mine”
Yet not I but through Christ in me

The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side the Savior He will stay
I labor on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need His power is displayed

To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley He will lead
Oh, the night has been won and I shall overcome
Yet not I but through Christ in me

No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future sure, the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh, the chains are released, I can sing “I am free”
Yet not I but through Christ in me

With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day, I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I but through Christ in me”

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3 Comments

  1. Alison

    Hi Jonny….I’ve never read or heard the hymn that you posted but it did make me think of Psalm 23. These verses in particular have helped me through some tough times…

    The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
    He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
    He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
    thy rod and thy staff they comfort me

    Take care 😊

  2. heidi

    Good Evening
    Love Reading My Dad Adventures always makes me smile. I’m loving Yo I’m the best bro love the fact you made tidying up part of the competition… genius…
    Thanks for sharing look forward to the next one.

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