Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

Vows ought to be made with religious care, and be performed with faithfulness. We make them voluntarily, out of faith, and conscience of duty, as a way to show thankfulness for mercy received, and to more strictly bind ourselves to necessary duties. We may not vow to do anything forbidden in Your Word, or what would hinder any duty commanded in Your Word, or which is not in our own power to perform and for the performance of which we have no promise of ability from You.

- Adapted from the Westminster Confession of Faith XXII

In the Word of God, we find assurance that we can persevere in the vows we assume when we join in covenant with the local church. According to the grace of God and unto God's glory, God only demands of us that which He also promises to enable us to do. Since our vows are rooted in God's Word, we can know He will empower us to honor them.

I. Do you acknowledge yourself to be a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure and without hope, save in His sovereign mercy?

II. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?

III. Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, you will endeavor to live as becomes a follower of Christ?

IV. Do you promise to support the church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?

V. Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of the church, and promise to study its purity and peace?

It is fitting that one should join with the church of Jesus Christ, following the example of the Apostle Peter, making the good confession (Matthew 16:16-18). There are only two occurrences within the Gospel of Matthew, where Christ makes specific reference to His church; 16:18 and 18:17 (both are addressed within the membership vows of the Presbyterian Church in America). The good confession (16:18) is given as a standard, whereby men shall be joined with the church, and the exercise of censure (18:17), given as a standard, whereby men shall be expelled from the church.

This has been an extremely trying season in life; I have spent considerable time in prayer, meditation upon the Word and thoughtful study... There is no doubt within me that the Invisible Hand of Providence has led me to this new avenue. It was a blessing to be inducted into the Presbyterian Church in America this morning. Over the next several months, I will be re-licensed for ministry in the PCA. What follows should make for an interesting read...



"May This Journey Bring a Blessing"
By Margaret Becker & Keith Getty

Jesus, guide me through the tempest,
keep my spirit staid and sure
When the midnight meets the morning,
let me love You even more

Jesus, draw me ever nearer
as I labor through the storm
You have called me to this passage,
and I’ll follow, though I’m worn

Let the treasures of the trial
form within me as I go
And at the end of this long passage,
let me leave them at Your throne

May this journey bring a blessing,
may I rise on wings of faith
And at the end of my heart’s testing,
with Your likeness let me wake


© 2001 THANKYOU MUSIC