Hymns, #1259

The Church - Her Local Expression

Eng/Kor:1259  Chin:s511  Span:-  Rus:-  Tag:-  Fra:-  Por:-

Lyrics:Unknown
Music:Arthur S. Sullivan
Meter:6.5.6.5.D. with chorus.

Hymns using same tune:

#871, #1269

 
 1 

See the local churches,

'Midst the earth's dark night;

Jesus' testimony,

Bearing Him as light.

Form by Him, unmeasured,

In the Spirit's mold —

All are one in nature.

One pure work of gold.

 

See the local churches,

'Midst the earth's dark night;

Burning in the Spirit,

Shining forth with Christ.

 
 2 

God in Christ, embodied,

As God's lampstand, He

Has become the Spirit,

The reality.

Spirit as the lampstand

Has been multiplied;

Many local churches,

Now are realized!

 

See the local churches,

'Midst the earth's dark night;

Burning in the Spirit,

Shining forth with Christ.

 
 3 

Caring for the churches

Is the Son of Man:

Voice of many waters,

Stars in His right hand;

Eyes aflame; His face is

Shining as the sun;

Churches — fear no trial,

He's the living One!

 

See the local churches,

'Midst the earth's dark night;

Burning in the Spirit,

Shining forth with Christ.

 
 4 

What can quench the lampstands?

Who can them defy?

More the opposition —

More they multiply!

Deeper darkness 'round them,

Brighter do they shine.

They are constituted

With the life divine.

 

See the local churches,

'Midst the earth's dark night;

Burning in the Spirit,

Shining forth with Christ.

 
 5 

Soon the local churches

Shall the Bride become,

Bringing in that city — New Jerusalem.

Then the many lampstands

Shall one lampstand be;

Triune God expressing,

Universally.

 

Lo, from heav'n descending,

All the earth shall see

God's complete expression,

For eternity.

 
Hymn #1259