Ira Sankey was one of those men who was known for "singing the Gospel" as it was sometimes called. He had a way of writing what he was passionate about(evangelism), and was well known for traveling with D.L.Moody in evangelistic meetings. Sankey would lead the singing and write many new songs along the way. An example of Sankey's songs is quoted here:
"Lord lay some soul upon my heart, and love that soul through me;and
may I nobly do my part to win that soul for Thee"
may I nobly do my part to win that soul for Thee"
What a wonderfully simple lyric, yet it pierces through all the imagery of tent meetings and great singing. It surpasses the eloquent preaching of the famous D.L.Moody. In this simple way, he reminds us of the heartfelt desire to reach some lost soul for Christ. He gives us an example to ask God for someone to reach. He also prays that he would do his part to win that soul.
His part was not just to lead the singing, but was also in personal evangelism. Ira Sankey was there at the altar each night after the meetings praying with sinners seeking repentance. He spent hours upon hours going through the Scripture with those he met, thus being obedient to God and honest to his own prayer that God might use him to help win souls.
Along with a host of others, Ira Sankey and this simple song, just a chorus, have helped Christians worldwide to have songs to sing about their Lord and master. Without people like this throughout history, what would we sing when we are "singing and making melody in our hearts as to the Lord"? Some of the best songs in history have come from a heart dedicated to God's work, longing to make a difference in someone's life.
1 Corinthians 9:19 was the inspiration for this simple song "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more." A servant (the meaning of the word "deacon") who could be free, but has made himself servant to all, for the sake of Christ. We should live by this example also, giving the future generations(including our own children) an example to see in action. Our calling, for those of us that are parents especially, is to live a life of servanthood to the Lord and show them that even in this dark age we live in, it is still possible, and necessary to serve the Lord with all we are.
His part was not just to lead the singing, but was also in personal evangelism. Ira Sankey was there at the altar each night after the meetings praying with sinners seeking repentance. He spent hours upon hours going through the Scripture with those he met, thus being obedient to God and honest to his own prayer that God might use him to help win souls.
Along with a host of others, Ira Sankey and this simple song, just a chorus, have helped Christians worldwide to have songs to sing about their Lord and master. Without people like this throughout history, what would we sing when we are "singing and making melody in our hearts as to the Lord"? Some of the best songs in history have come from a heart dedicated to God's work, longing to make a difference in someone's life.
1 Corinthians 9:19 was the inspiration for this simple song "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more." A servant (the meaning of the word "deacon") who could be free, but has made himself servant to all, for the sake of Christ. We should live by this example also, giving the future generations(including our own children) an example to see in action. Our calling, for those of us that are parents especially, is to live a life of servanthood to the Lord and show them that even in this dark age we live in, it is still possible, and necessary to serve the Lord with all we are.
Mark
