Give me the old time religion
The one we have abandoned
We say the times have changed
And we can change faith's way.
So truth is bent to please the crowd
And light is dimmed each day.
The altars once aflame with prayer
Now dead but seems unaware
We left the doctrines for tables
Forgetting that only the word enables.
The ancient paths are overgrown
Forgotten by the young
The songs of consecrated saints
Are rarely heard or sung.
We trade conviction for applause
And holiness for gain
Yet hearts remain unsatisfied
Still burdened by their pain.
Where are the watchmen of the night?
Where are the voices bold?
Who'll call the Church back to the faith?
More precious far than gold?
Return, O saints, return again
To where the fire began
To simple trust, to fervent prayer
To God's eternal plan.
The old-time religion still is true
Its power has not grown dim
The answer for a dying world
Is still found only in Him.
FAITH IN THE FACE OF PERSECUTION
The winds blow so strong
The world may mock my stand
Yet I will hold the truth of God
With a firm and steady hand.
Though friends and relatives depart
Though threats surround my way
The One who walked through fire before
Still walks with me today.
The prison walls may rise around
The chains may bind my feet
But faith can soar beyond the bars
Where heaven and earth meet.
The prophets suffered for the truth
The apostles bore the pain
Their witness shines across the years
And speaks to us again.
For every scar received in faith
For every tear that's shed
The Lord records them one by one
And crowns the faithful heads.
So let the darkness do its worst
Let trials come my way
I know the King whom I have served
Will keep me to that day.
My faith is not for peaceful times
Alone beneath the sun
It stands when persecution comes
And triumphs when it's done.
In the face of tests, stay steadfast
Do not listen, lest you go astray
Faithful is He that promised
He will surely fulfill it all.
NOT AGAIN!
Once upon a time I was lost
A captive to my sin
But mercy found and rescued me
And made me new within.
The chains that held my weary soul
Were broken by God's grace
Why should I turn and walk again
Toward that forsaken place?
Not again!
I will not bow
To every changing tide
The truth of God remains the same
Whatever men decide.
The world may call its darkness light
And celebrate its way
But I will stand upon God's Word
And not be led astray.
Not again!
I will not trade
My freedom for a lie
The blood that purchased my release
Was far too great a price.
I have been called to walk in light
To live a life made new
My heart belongs to Christ alone
My faith shall remain true.
Not again!
The past is gone
The old life has an end
By grace I'll walk the narrow road
With Jesus to the end.