IN THE PAST GOD SPOKE

(John Hartley & Michael Lehr, based on Hebrews 1 and 2)

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Another set of excellent contemporary hymn-song lyrics from my good friend John Hartley, based on verses from Hebrews 1 and the beginning of chapter 2. We worked hard together to refine the lyrics so that they were both biblically accurate and as conversational as possible

Advent and Christmas often seem to be about the coming of a little baby and the events associated with his birth, but it is important not to lose sight of the fact that Jesus went on to become a full-grown man ... in fact, the particular man who was the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of him on earth. So, although this may not look very “Christmassy” it is very much so!

John wrote a robust but fairly traditional musical treatment which may be seen and heard on his own site by clicking here, but I wrote this somewhat similar but more guitar-based music, which is now his preferred tune. Different congregations will have their own preference according to their styles of worship.

You’ll find an MP3 recording of John singing against my accompaniment here .

Download the sheet music and related midi file in “zipped” format (40Kb)?

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Words (by John Hartley and Michael Lehr)

Verse 1:
In the past God spoke
through the law and prophets
in many and various ways.
But right now God speaks
through his Son, his image,
his heir in these last great days.

Chorus:
So let’s focus our minds on this Jesus,
run the race, keep the faith, and endure.
Let’s hold firm, never drift,
and avoid all shifting
from the hope we profess,
standing true, confessing
our Lord Jesus:
strong and secure.

Verse 2:
In the past God's glory
was unveiled to Moses,
in secret within the tent.
But right now God's story
is revealed in Jesus,
exactly as he was sent.

Chorus:
So let’s focus our minds on this Jesus, ...

Verse 3:
In the past God's angels
came in flames of fire
to minister from on high.
But right now God's person
comes as our Messiah,
to save us and purify.

Chorus:
So let’s focus our minds on this Jesus, ...

Based on Hebrews 1:1-3,7,14, 2:1.

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