Hymn: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Author: Joseph M. Scriven

Date: Written in 1855, published in 1868

Composer (music): Charles C. Converse

Brief History:

Joseph Scriven, an Irish-born Christian, wrote What a Friend We Have in Jesus as a poem to comfort his mother who was ill back in Ireland while he was living in Canada. He had already endured great personal tragedy—his fiancée drowned the night before their wedding. Later, Scriven devoted his life to helping others, living simply and sharing his faith. The poem was never meant for wide circulation, but a friend found it and it was eventually set to music by Charles Converse in 1868. It became one of the most beloved hymns in Christian history, treasured for its message of friendship with Jesus through trials and prayer.

Lyrics – What a Friend We Have in Jesus

1 What a friend we have in Jesus,

all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry

everything to God in prayer!

2 Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged;

take it to the Lord in prayer!

Can we find a friend so faithful

who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

take it to the Lord in prayer!

3 Are we weak and heavy laden,

cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge--

take it to the Lord in prayer!

Do your friends despise, forsake you?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In his arms he'll take and shield you;

you will find a solace there.

NOTE: Those wishing to read Brother Carlton's poems and articles go to www.faithwriters.com and search for Brother Carlton

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Gospel Hymn Singing At Riley's Farm: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Hymn Title:

The Church’s One Foundation

Author:

Samuel John Stone (1839–1900)

Written in 1866 as part of a collection called Lyra Fidelium: Twelve Hymns on the Twelve Articles of the Apostles’ Creed.

Composer of the Tune:

Samuel Sebastian Wesley (grandson of Charles Wesley) composed the most well-known tune: “Aurelia.”

Brief Summary:

"The Church's One Foundation" was written during a time of division within the Church of England. Samuel J. Stone wrote it as a response to a theological controversy involving Bishop John Colenso of Natal, who questioned the historical truth of parts of the Bible.

The hymn is a declaration of the Church’s unity in Christ, despite visible divisions, persecution, or heresy. It emphasizes that Jesus is the sole foundation of the true Church, which is made up of all who are born of His Spirit, washed in His blood, and kept by His love.

It also speaks of the Church’s sufferings, spiritual warfare, and ultimate triumph in eternity. The hymn calls believers to remain faithful and hopeful despite trials, because Christ remains the unshakable foundation.

Lyrics (Full Version):

The Church's one foundation

Is Jesus Christ her Lord;

She is His new creation

By water and the Word:

From heav'n He came and sought her

To be His holy Bride;

With His own blood He bought her,

And for her life He died.

Elect from every nation,

Yet one o'er all the earth,

Her charter of salvation

One Lord, one faith, one birth;

One holy Name she blesses,

Partakes one holy food,

And to one hope she presses,

With every grace endued.

Though with a scornful wonder

Men see her sore oppressed,

By schisms rent asunder,

By heresies distressed:

Yet saints their watch are keeping,

Their cry goes up, “How long?”

And soon the night of weeping

Shall be the morn of song.

'Mid toil and tribulation,

And tumult of her war,

She waits the consummation

Of peace forevermore;

Till, with the vision glorious,

Her longing eyes are blessed,

And the great Church victorious

Shall be the Church at rest.

Yet she on earth hath union

With God the Three in One,

And mystic sweet communion

With those whose rest is won:

O happy ones and holy!

Lord, give us grace that we,

Like them, the meek and lowly,

On high may dwell with Thee.

NOTE: Those wanting to read some of my many articles please go to www.faithwriters.com and search for Brother Carlton

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Author:

Robert Robinson (1735–1790)

He wrote this hymn in 1758 at the age of 22.

Brief History:

Robert Robinson was a troubled and rebellious young man in his early years. Orphaned at a young age, he fell into bad company in London and lived wildly. But everything changed in 1755 when he attended a sermon by the famous preacher George Whitefield. Deeply moved, Robinson began to study Scripture seriously and eventually became a Methodist preacher, later associating with Baptists.

At age 22, he wrote “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” as a reflection of God's grace, mercy, and redemptive power—especially for someone who had strayed as far as he had. The line:

“Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God”

is a personal admission of how God reached him even while he was lost.

Melody:

The hymn is most commonly sung to the American folk tune “Nettleton,” which was arranged by John Wyeth in 1813. This pairing helped the hymn become a beloved classic in both American and British churches.

Notable Themes:

Grace that saves and keeps

Human tendency to wander

God's pursuit of the lost

Thankful remembrance ("Here I raise my Ebenezer")

A Final Note of Interest:

Later in life, Robinson reportedly struggled with doubts and wandered spiritually. A famous but possibly apocryphal story says that a woman once quoted his own hymn to him, not knowing he wrote it. He responded with tears, saying:

“Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds if I had them to enjoy the feelings I had then.”

NOTE: Those interested in reading my many articles please go to www.faithwriters.com and search for Brother Carlton

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Subtitle:

You can believe in doctrine, quote Scripture, attend church faithfully—and still be spiritually dead.

Video Description:

Many professing Christians today are deceived—not by the world, but by their own false assurance. In this sobering message, Brother Carlton shares a heartfelt warning: head knowledge of the Bible, even agreement with doctrines like the Five Points of Calvinism, does not guarantee salvation.

Are you truly born again? Has Christ given you a new heart and a hunger for righteousness? Or are you clinging to religion while living in habitual sin, with no deep desire to please God?

This video calls for deep, honest self-examination. It exposes the emptiness of much modern church life, the danger of 501(c)(3) compromise, and the false hope offered by cultural Christianity.

Topics covered:

Why intellectual belief isn't saving faith

The fruit of true conversion

Why most churches today are social clubs, not sanctuaries

The role of conscience vs. regeneration

What it means to seek first the kingdom of God

Time is short. The days are dark. Will you wake up before it’s too late?

NOTE: To read more of Brother Carlton's articles on www.faithwriters.com search Brother Carlton

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This reflective talk explores the multi-dimensional nature of maturity—emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual—while weaving in personal stories, philosophical quotes, and biblical insights. Drawing from a book on maturity and his own life experiences, the speaker challenges listeners to go beyond age and examine how they truly cope with the "phenomena of existence." He contrasts superficial signs of adulthood with the deeper virtues of self-control, discipline, and spiritual transformation. Emphasizing that maturity is not a static state but a lifelong journey of becoming, he urges us to seek growth, live intentionally, and ultimately be born again through Christ—the true beginning of lasting maturity and purpose.

***This discussion centers on the concept of maturity, emphasizing it as a state of becoming rather than being. Maturity is described as dealing wisely with life's phenomena, including coping with reality and managing desires.

NOTE: Those wishing to read more of my thinking can go to www.faithwriters.com and search for Brother Carlton. Here you will find dozens of my poems and articles on various subjects. These should help you in your search for wisdom and truth.

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In this heartfelt outdoor devotional, Carlton reflects on powerful writings by Dr. Bob Cook and the urgent call from Hebrews 10:25—not to neglect gathering with believers or the means of grace such as prayer, Scripture, and true repentance. He challenges viewers to examine their hearts, question the state of today’s churches, and seek a real relationship with God—not just a routine. This is a stirring reminder to humble ourselves, prevail in prayer, and return to the basics of vibrant, biblical Christianity.

To read my articles, poems and thoughts on various subjects please go to www.faithwriters.com and search for Brother Carlton

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A Cruise Through Mentone, Ca

"How To Please God: It Is NOT What You Think"

The lesson for the viewer of this video based on Luke 8:26–39—especially through the lens of J.C. Ryle’s commentary—is this:

Don't ask Christ to leave. Welcome Him, even when His presence disrupts your comfort.

Here are the key spiritual takeaways:

Two Requests, Two Outcomes:

The Gadarene people asked Jesus to depart—and He did.

The delivered man asked to follow Jesus—and though Jesus didn’t grant that specific request, He gave him a higher mission: to testify.

This contrast teaches us that what we ask of Christ reveals our heart—and He responds accordingly.

The Cost of Rejecting Christ:

The Gadarenes valued their pigs (economic comfort) more than the salvation of a soul.

In doing so, they rejected the very One who had power to heal, save, and transform.

If we love our comforts, possessions, or status more than Christ, we risk losing His presence entirely.

The Power of Testimony:

Jesus told the healed man to go back and share what God had done.

His personal witness was more powerful than a theological debate or sermon.

Even if we can't “follow” Jesus in the way we want, we can still serve Him right where we are.

Summary Lesson:

Don’t push Jesus away because He challenges your priorities. Instead, welcome His presence—even when it disrupts your plans—and be willing to testify of His mercy to others.

NOTE: To read some of my many articles and poems please go to www.faithwriters.com and search for Brother Carlton.

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