The words teach the preeminence of the Lord and His nearness to us in every situation of our life. This week's choice is one in which I remember belting out 'No, not one!' And as I grew older the words began to have a greater impact than the melody. At that time of life I probably didn't pay too much attention to the words, but I certainly remember singing out when those parts came up. And take time to click the link below to hear one of Gospel music's greatest soloist sing this hymn.ДЄs a youngster growing up I used to enjoy singing Gospel songs that had backtime parts or had a repetitive phrase that could be sung heartily. And as you think about these words, may your spirit join in crying out 'My soul is thrilled, my heart is filled, to think He died for me!' May that reality flood your mind this week as you go about your busy schedule. May we never forget the price that was paid for our salvation. But words can't adequately portray the pain that He bore for us. The words to this hymn are self explanatory since they picture the horrible death and suffering that Jesus faced on the cross when He died for our sins. The hymn that I have chosen is interesting because it was penned by another great name in Gospel music, the converted slave trader, John Newton. And while I have featured his music, his life and his solos in previous blogs over the years, I felt that it was necessary to remember him and his ministry by highlighting one of his solos this week. But a few weeks ago the Lord welcomed him home in heaven after 104 years on this earth. Often he sang accompanied by the large crusade choirs.

Once I had the special honor of hearing him live when he sang at the Graham crusade in Times Square. I listened to him on the radio, sometimes on television and on 33 and 45 rpm records that I collected. His music ministry touched thousands of lives and prepared hearts for the messages of Billy Graham and the work of the Holy Spirit. His solos were so simple but delivered by one who understood and lived the words. For you younger readers, Shea was the soloist for the Billy Graham Crusades for many years, all over the world. If I were asked to name my all-time favorite gospel soloists, that list would certainly include George Beverly Shea. So on this Memorial Day weekend let us also be reminded of the spiritual battle which surrounds us and let us stand firm with God's armor as we face the foe. 'Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong' And He reminds us that Christ is Captain of our mighty throng and because of that we can face the foe knowing that we must prevail. He reminds us to gird our armor on and stand firm as we are told to do in I Corinthians 16:13. However, Sound the Battle Cry is a stirring reminder of the battle which we are facing. He also took special interest in Sunday Schools and composed carols and hymn-tunes largely for their use. At the age of fifteen, Sherwin went to Boston and studied music. At that time the dust had barely settled from the cavalry charges of the American Civil War that ended in 1865 and in this song we can feel the spirit of that war applied to our battle for the Lord. William Fisk Sherwin (1826-1888) recognized this need well over a century ago when in 1869 he penned the words to this week's rousing gospel song. We need to sound the battle cry and gird on our armor as we are told to do in Ephesians 6:10-17. And yet most of us believers just sit back, not realizing that we are really at war. 'Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour' (I Pet. And there is certainly a spiritual battle attacking our families, ministries and the lives of all believers. And here at home we see political moves and decisions that are contrary to the teaching of the Bible and threaten our religious liberties. I just heard this morning that in Uzbekistan Moslems are going door to door killing Christians.

In many countries today Christians are being killed, usually by radical Moslems, for their beliefs. This should also remind us of the many battles that are raging against Christians. Over the years many brave men and women have served and even today many are risking their lives in very dangerous areas to protect us. This week we in America pause to thank those who have served in our armed services and to remember those who have died to gain and preserve our freedom.

Sound the battle cry hymn