A Child of God
B.E. Warren / B.E. Warren
This well loved song of the church was composed during a period of great stress for Barney Warren. About this song he said, “In the early years of my Christian experience I had often to struggle against the buffetings of Satan’s accusations. Again and again this dart was hurled at me: ‘You are not saved; if you were, you wouldn’t feel so bad.’” Seeking comfort in the word of God, he was reminded of a statement often repeated by D.S. Warner: “I have so much confidence in God that I would feel perfectly safe to hook my little finger over the least of His promises and swing out over the infernal regions.” Remembering these words he clung to God’s promises in the Bible (1 Cor 10:13) and triumphantly stated, “Every doubt fled away and my happy soul began singing: ‘I am a child of God!’”
What a Mighty God We Serve!
Clara M. Brooks / B.E. Warren
The story behind this song is an interesting glimpse into the life of Barney Warren. Axchie A. Bolitho writes: “In the music room of what is now Anderson College and Theological Seminary, a committee was hard at work on a new songbook. Mr. Warren’s thoughts slipped away from notes and scales and bars and rested for a time on the Creator and the world He has made; the majestic Rockies, the far reaches of the plains, the oceans bounding the continents, rivers flowing to the sea, fruitful valleys feeding man and beast, the immensities of those other universes of which we know so little – and above all – God. Overwhelmed with wonder and awe, he became aware of a melody forming in his mind. Turning to Mrs. Brooks who was helping with the composing, he described as best he could what he had just seen and felt, and then sang the tune to which no words had come. As Mrs. Brooks listened, her face lighted up and she exclaimed: ‘Why the chorus seems to say, what a mighty God we serve.’ Very shortly she had written the verses and the quartet had a new song.” This song has since become one of the “standards” of the church.
O Church of God
C.W. Naylor / A.L. Byers
Sometimes a good thing just comes together. Such was the case when recording this song. Many songs were considered when choosing what to record; this was on the list from the beginning. It defines “the Church of God” with clarity. The “headquarters” for the church are not Anderson, Indiana, or anywhere else for that matter. For one to think that is to think too small. We serve the Almighty and His headquarters are in heaven! Carl Reynolds once stated, “The object of this movement, nothing more and nothing less, is to see that Christ-built Church walking in the holiness and unity of Jesus Christ alone.” We dwell content in God’s church!
Hear Them Calling
William G. Schell / B.E. Warren
Around 1990, a church that Mike attended needed a theme song for a Faith Missions Convention. No song seemed to capture the spirit of the three day event until this song was found in an old hymnal. When shared with the choir, it served as the perfect theme for the weekend. Mike has played this at several different churches and at the Ohio Central District Campmeeting as a special. The words are so poignant. So many people today, both far away and next door, still call for the gospel. Are we responding to their cries?
A Living Sacrifice
Lucena Byrum / Henry C. Clausen
Since one of the goals of this project is to have something that everyone can enjoy, naturally there must be at least one song that leans toward Nashville. Don’t let the twang lead you away from the message of the song: one of a sacrificial life. Our gift is small compared to what God has done for us; but our small gift requires everything. We are to be living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. Worship isn’t just about singing songs… it is about how we live our lives. (Rom 12:1)
Are You Faithful?
C.W. Naylor / Mike Parks
This song last appeared in the 1953 Hymnal of the Church of God. The words are directed straight to the heart of every believer, with the chorus encouraging introspection: “Can the Lord count on you today?” This is the only song on the CD that does not retain the original tune. Why? When Mike first “discovered” the song, he loved the words but lacked the ability to read the music. He decided to set the reflective lyrics to his own tune. This song was almost cut since it didn’t conform to the original, but Jon and Mike decided to record it to see how it sounded… and it stuck! It makes its debut here.
He Is Just the Same Today
Jacob W. Byers / A.L. Byers
With so many problems in the world, with so many disillusioned, and with so much sickness, poverty and disease, this song is needed! Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!” The lyrics to this song proclaim that truth. Because Christ never changes, then there is hope in spite of problems. There is joy for the disillusioned. There is mercy, compassion and healing for the sick, the impoverished and the diseased. Yes, he DID heal in Galilee and yes, he WILL heal today!
The Church's Jubilee
C. W. Naylor / A.L. Byers
Considered by some to the “anthem” of the Church of God reformation movement, this song has been treasured for years. It very plainly sets forth the doctrine of Christian unity – better, some would argue, than any other song in the hymnal. The vocal extracts are from two well-known and much loved ministers of the Church of God: Harold Boyer and Carl Reynolds. Both of these men have gone into glory and are rejoicing in heaven. But, they have each left an example of faithful service and dedication to the church. Each of these men served the Lord for a period of time in Springfield, Ohio and were pastors to both Jon and Mike’s fathers and grandfathers. Brother Boyer once stated: “Keep the fires burning in your heart and keep the truth in your soul and never depart from it.” These words still ring true today!
I Know
C. W. Naylor / A.L. Byers
We are completely and utterly dependent on the Lord. This song takes that truth and stamps a positive affirmation upon it. The very first words… “I know on whom my faith is fixed, I know in whom I trust,” set the tenor for the whole song. Interestingly enough, the author, C.W. Naylor, had numerous health problems and was bedridden a large part of his life. The second verse appeared in the original song though it was not included in the last hymnal. It says, “Let scoffers scoff, let scorners sneer, my heart is full of peace; they cannot take the joy I feel nor make my hope to cease.” Despite our trials and circumstances and though the world derides us, we still have Hope. That cannot be taken away!
There Is Joy in the Service
D.S. Warner / B.E. Warren
The chorus of this song states, “Jesus my life and my joy evermore; Jesus forever my heart’s deep store; Glory to God for redeeming love; Oh wondrous peace of God that flows from above.” He paid the ultimate price for each of us. How could we not find joy in serving Him? This song seems to tell the story of D.S. Warner in just a few verses and a chorus. One cannot read Warner’s diary entries, as recorded in Birth of a Reformation by A.L. Byers, without sensing the sheer joy he gained from serving the Lord. Though he faced a great amount of adversity, he served the Lord with joy… true, everlasting joy. One of the hallmarks of the sanctified heart is the ability to face the trials of life with joy.
I Will Praise Him, Hallelujah!
D.O. Teasley / D.O. Teasley
How do you take a hymn that expresses such praise, joy and jubilation and make it sound current? You add a little rockabilly to it and sing it out! Recording this song was, well, it was fun! The style may be different, unexpected even, but the love and adoration for our mighty God is the same! Modes of worship may change, the style of music may transform with the passing of years, but our love for the Lord must always remain! The last line of the chorus says it all: “If I had 10,000 lives in which to praise Him, I could not enough my blessed Lord adore!”
The Old Camp Ground
D.S. Warner / B.E. Warren
Some songs of our movement have become favorites over the years; others have fallen out of use. For years this was a standard song heard at Church of God campmeetings everywhere. Now, few people even know it exists, which makes it exciting to reintroduce! White wooden tabernacles, tents, wooden benches, and the Holy Spirit coming upon the church in power! The tabernacle has been replaced by the convention center and the wooden benches have been swapped for padded chairs. But the same Holy Spirit can again come upon the church with power… if hearts are open and ready to receive Him!
Come Closer to Me
B.E. Warren / B.E. Warren
In a moment of intense spiritual pressure and questioning, Barney Warren sought guidance from the Lord in prayer. He wanted to be certain he was in God’s will. It was during this time of prayer and meditation that his longing to please the heart of God took form in the words of this song. How much easier it would be to bear the burdens of this life if we just followed the words of Christ who says, “come closer my child to me.”
Who Will Suffer With the Savior?
D.S. Warner / Ludolph Schroder
Axchie A. Bolitho wrote in the book, To the Chief Singer, “this is a hymn the church could ill afford to lose and one that will mean more to the Christians of America as they are called upon to sacrifice more and more to maintain their Christian convictions.” How prophetic this statements sounds with lenses looking backward! D.S. Warner wrote the words for this song following a meeting where an angry mob attacked the church where he was preaching. He was cut by flying debris from bricks and rocks that had been thrown through a window. Satan wanted to stop the work then; Satan wants to stop the work today! With obstacles that often hamper the work of Christ, the title of this song asks a question that seems even more appropriate now: “Who will suffer with the Savior?” Will you?
Once Again We Come
C.W. Naylor / C.W. Naylor
Charles Wesley Naylor was one of the church’s intellectuals. A gifted servant of Christ, he authored eight books, wrote magazine periodicals, was a featured columnist in the Gospel Trumpet and was an excellent songwriter. Many of his songs have become favorites of the church: "Reformation Glory," "Wholehearted Service," "I'm on the Winning Side," and "Are You Adorning the Doctrine," to name just a few. “Once Again We Come” is one of Naylor’s up tempo, joyful songs that expresses our love for God and makes an affirmation that we will praise Him again and again. The words “once again” imply that this is not a onetime action but a continued personal response. Out of all the songs in the project, this one perhaps takes the most liberty on the original. And though it may be different, the continued affirmation of praise is there. To God be the glory! Amen!
B.E. Warren / B.E. Warren
This well loved song of the church was composed during a period of great stress for Barney Warren. About this song he said, “In the early years of my Christian experience I had often to struggle against the buffetings of Satan’s accusations. Again and again this dart was hurled at me: ‘You are not saved; if you were, you wouldn’t feel so bad.’” Seeking comfort in the word of God, he was reminded of a statement often repeated by D.S. Warner: “I have so much confidence in God that I would feel perfectly safe to hook my little finger over the least of His promises and swing out over the infernal regions.” Remembering these words he clung to God’s promises in the Bible (1 Cor 10:13) and triumphantly stated, “Every doubt fled away and my happy soul began singing: ‘I am a child of God!’”
What a Mighty God We Serve!
Clara M. Brooks / B.E. Warren
The story behind this song is an interesting glimpse into the life of Barney Warren. Axchie A. Bolitho writes: “In the music room of what is now Anderson College and Theological Seminary, a committee was hard at work on a new songbook. Mr. Warren’s thoughts slipped away from notes and scales and bars and rested for a time on the Creator and the world He has made; the majestic Rockies, the far reaches of the plains, the oceans bounding the continents, rivers flowing to the sea, fruitful valleys feeding man and beast, the immensities of those other universes of which we know so little – and above all – God. Overwhelmed with wonder and awe, he became aware of a melody forming in his mind. Turning to Mrs. Brooks who was helping with the composing, he described as best he could what he had just seen and felt, and then sang the tune to which no words had come. As Mrs. Brooks listened, her face lighted up and she exclaimed: ‘Why the chorus seems to say, what a mighty God we serve.’ Very shortly she had written the verses and the quartet had a new song.” This song has since become one of the “standards” of the church.
O Church of God
C.W. Naylor / A.L. Byers
Sometimes a good thing just comes together. Such was the case when recording this song. Many songs were considered when choosing what to record; this was on the list from the beginning. It defines “the Church of God” with clarity. The “headquarters” for the church are not Anderson, Indiana, or anywhere else for that matter. For one to think that is to think too small. We serve the Almighty and His headquarters are in heaven! Carl Reynolds once stated, “The object of this movement, nothing more and nothing less, is to see that Christ-built Church walking in the holiness and unity of Jesus Christ alone.” We dwell content in God’s church!
Hear Them Calling
William G. Schell / B.E. Warren
Around 1990, a church that Mike attended needed a theme song for a Faith Missions Convention. No song seemed to capture the spirit of the three day event until this song was found in an old hymnal. When shared with the choir, it served as the perfect theme for the weekend. Mike has played this at several different churches and at the Ohio Central District Campmeeting as a special. The words are so poignant. So many people today, both far away and next door, still call for the gospel. Are we responding to their cries?
A Living Sacrifice
Lucena Byrum / Henry C. Clausen
Since one of the goals of this project is to have something that everyone can enjoy, naturally there must be at least one song that leans toward Nashville. Don’t let the twang lead you away from the message of the song: one of a sacrificial life. Our gift is small compared to what God has done for us; but our small gift requires everything. We are to be living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. Worship isn’t just about singing songs… it is about how we live our lives. (Rom 12:1)
Are You Faithful?
C.W. Naylor / Mike Parks
This song last appeared in the 1953 Hymnal of the Church of God. The words are directed straight to the heart of every believer, with the chorus encouraging introspection: “Can the Lord count on you today?” This is the only song on the CD that does not retain the original tune. Why? When Mike first “discovered” the song, he loved the words but lacked the ability to read the music. He decided to set the reflective lyrics to his own tune. This song was almost cut since it didn’t conform to the original, but Jon and Mike decided to record it to see how it sounded… and it stuck! It makes its debut here.
He Is Just the Same Today
Jacob W. Byers / A.L. Byers
With so many problems in the world, with so many disillusioned, and with so much sickness, poverty and disease, this song is needed! Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!” The lyrics to this song proclaim that truth. Because Christ never changes, then there is hope in spite of problems. There is joy for the disillusioned. There is mercy, compassion and healing for the sick, the impoverished and the diseased. Yes, he DID heal in Galilee and yes, he WILL heal today!
The Church's Jubilee
C. W. Naylor / A.L. Byers
Considered by some to the “anthem” of the Church of God reformation movement, this song has been treasured for years. It very plainly sets forth the doctrine of Christian unity – better, some would argue, than any other song in the hymnal. The vocal extracts are from two well-known and much loved ministers of the Church of God: Harold Boyer and Carl Reynolds. Both of these men have gone into glory and are rejoicing in heaven. But, they have each left an example of faithful service and dedication to the church. Each of these men served the Lord for a period of time in Springfield, Ohio and were pastors to both Jon and Mike’s fathers and grandfathers. Brother Boyer once stated: “Keep the fires burning in your heart and keep the truth in your soul and never depart from it.” These words still ring true today!
I Know
C. W. Naylor / A.L. Byers
We are completely and utterly dependent on the Lord. This song takes that truth and stamps a positive affirmation upon it. The very first words… “I know on whom my faith is fixed, I know in whom I trust,” set the tenor for the whole song. Interestingly enough, the author, C.W. Naylor, had numerous health problems and was bedridden a large part of his life. The second verse appeared in the original song though it was not included in the last hymnal. It says, “Let scoffers scoff, let scorners sneer, my heart is full of peace; they cannot take the joy I feel nor make my hope to cease.” Despite our trials and circumstances and though the world derides us, we still have Hope. That cannot be taken away!
There Is Joy in the Service
D.S. Warner / B.E. Warren
The chorus of this song states, “Jesus my life and my joy evermore; Jesus forever my heart’s deep store; Glory to God for redeeming love; Oh wondrous peace of God that flows from above.” He paid the ultimate price for each of us. How could we not find joy in serving Him? This song seems to tell the story of D.S. Warner in just a few verses and a chorus. One cannot read Warner’s diary entries, as recorded in Birth of a Reformation by A.L. Byers, without sensing the sheer joy he gained from serving the Lord. Though he faced a great amount of adversity, he served the Lord with joy… true, everlasting joy. One of the hallmarks of the sanctified heart is the ability to face the trials of life with joy.
I Will Praise Him, Hallelujah!
D.O. Teasley / D.O. Teasley
How do you take a hymn that expresses such praise, joy and jubilation and make it sound current? You add a little rockabilly to it and sing it out! Recording this song was, well, it was fun! The style may be different, unexpected even, but the love and adoration for our mighty God is the same! Modes of worship may change, the style of music may transform with the passing of years, but our love for the Lord must always remain! The last line of the chorus says it all: “If I had 10,000 lives in which to praise Him, I could not enough my blessed Lord adore!”
The Old Camp Ground
D.S. Warner / B.E. Warren
Some songs of our movement have become favorites over the years; others have fallen out of use. For years this was a standard song heard at Church of God campmeetings everywhere. Now, few people even know it exists, which makes it exciting to reintroduce! White wooden tabernacles, tents, wooden benches, and the Holy Spirit coming upon the church in power! The tabernacle has been replaced by the convention center and the wooden benches have been swapped for padded chairs. But the same Holy Spirit can again come upon the church with power… if hearts are open and ready to receive Him!
Come Closer to Me
B.E. Warren / B.E. Warren
In a moment of intense spiritual pressure and questioning, Barney Warren sought guidance from the Lord in prayer. He wanted to be certain he was in God’s will. It was during this time of prayer and meditation that his longing to please the heart of God took form in the words of this song. How much easier it would be to bear the burdens of this life if we just followed the words of Christ who says, “come closer my child to me.”
Who Will Suffer With the Savior?
D.S. Warner / Ludolph Schroder
Axchie A. Bolitho wrote in the book, To the Chief Singer, “this is a hymn the church could ill afford to lose and one that will mean more to the Christians of America as they are called upon to sacrifice more and more to maintain their Christian convictions.” How prophetic this statements sounds with lenses looking backward! D.S. Warner wrote the words for this song following a meeting where an angry mob attacked the church where he was preaching. He was cut by flying debris from bricks and rocks that had been thrown through a window. Satan wanted to stop the work then; Satan wants to stop the work today! With obstacles that often hamper the work of Christ, the title of this song asks a question that seems even more appropriate now: “Who will suffer with the Savior?” Will you?
Once Again We Come
C.W. Naylor / C.W. Naylor
Charles Wesley Naylor was one of the church’s intellectuals. A gifted servant of Christ, he authored eight books, wrote magazine periodicals, was a featured columnist in the Gospel Trumpet and was an excellent songwriter. Many of his songs have become favorites of the church: "Reformation Glory," "Wholehearted Service," "I'm on the Winning Side," and "Are You Adorning the Doctrine," to name just a few. “Once Again We Come” is one of Naylor’s up tempo, joyful songs that expresses our love for God and makes an affirmation that we will praise Him again and again. The words “once again” imply that this is not a onetime action but a continued personal response. Out of all the songs in the project, this one perhaps takes the most liberty on the original. And though it may be different, the continued affirmation of praise is there. To God be the glory! Amen!