Our sermon this Sunday is titled “Allegiance to Him and the Gospel.” There is definitely a lack of songs that talk about allegiance, so I went with the word “loyal” instead. We’ll begin with some songs that focus on the importance of the gospel, and then move into our songs about loyalty.
1. The Gospel is For All
We begin with a song that originates from within the Church of Christ. John Moody McCaleb, the lyricist of this song, indeed believed in the words as he spent almost 50 years of his life as a missionary in Japan. I wonder if he could have imagined his song being sung in other languages nearly 100 years later. Check out this church singing his song in the Philippines (beginning around the 30 second mark).
2. Into Our Hands
This is another song that originates in our brotherhood. I know I don’t have to tell people at my church who Tillit Teddlie was, as he has a history at our church. This is one of the few songs where he did not write the lyrics. He purchased some poems from Mrs. Roy Caruth for $4, and this was one of her poems. Just like the last song, it has spread around the world. Here is a group from Hong Kong singing this treasured hymn.
3. How Great Thou Art
As we think about being loyal to God, He has certainly given us reason to be loyal. That’s no doubt what the lyricist of this song, Carl Gustaf Boberg, was thinking about. He heard the thunder, he felt the wind, and then the peace after the storm. Our loyalty to God only increases when we think of how loyal He has been to us by sending His Son to die.
4. How Great is Our God
I love tying this song in to the last one. This song is a modern day version of How Great Thou Art. It clearly struck a nerve with Christians all over as it won the Dove Award for Worship Song of the Year not one time (in 2006) but two times (again in 2008).
5. Pierce My Ear
When I think about songs that pledge our loyalty to Christ, this song is at the top of the list. In the book of Exodus, when the law is being given to the Israelites, chapter 21 explains how a slave was to be treated. After 6 years of service, he was to be set free. But, if by choice, the slave loved his master and wanted to stay, the master would take him to the door post and pierce the ear of the slave, marking him for life. In this song, we are stating that we want to serve God forever.
6. To Christ Be True
This song definitely fits in with our theme of loyalty and allegiance. It has that musical theme of marching, just like “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” and many other songs of that period.
7. When Jesus Comes (Will Jesus Find Us Watching)
There was no lyricist more loyal to the gospel than Fanny J. Crosby, who wrote lyrics to over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs. In this song, she shows her understanding of remaining ready for when the Lord comes.
8. Great Are You, Lord
He is holy and true, and worthy of our praise. Let this song be your declaration for your life this week!
In Him,
Aaron Shotts
ORDER OF SERVICE
WELCOME
The Gospel is For All
Into Our Hands
PRAYER
How Great Thou Art
How Great is Our God
COMMUNION
OFFERING
Pierce My Ear
To Christ Be True
SCRIPTURE READING – Galatians 1:6-10
SERMON
When Jesus Comes
Great Are You, Lord
Worship with Heart 
Wonderful selections, son! Once again, this worship service will uplift and encourage all who are there to receive the message – both in song and message!