O Word of God Incarnate

BIBLE REFERENCE:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Ephesians 6:17

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: Proverbs 6:23

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15

HYMN HISTORY:

William W. How, was born in Shrewsbury, England, on December 13,1823. He is considered to be one of the last of the outstanding English hymn writers of the nineteenth century. In addition to composing sixty hymns, of which twenty-five are still in use. William served as an Anglican Bishop for the eastern section of London, which was the poorest District of that city. In this capacity he was affectionately known as the poor man’s bishop for his tireless efforts in alleviating the poor social conditions in that poverty stricken area. He was also called the poor man's bishop because, unlike the typical bishop who lived in a palace and rode in a private coach, William always used public transportation and lived and worked with his people. Throughout his busy life he always maintained a keen interest in the hymns of the Church.

The tune for this hymn is named after the German city “Munich” . It was adapted from a melody found in an old German hymnal of 1693. It was later also used by a nineteenth century German composer named Felix Mendelssohn for “Cast Thy Burden on the Lord,” from his oratorio Elijah, first heard in England on August 26, 1846.

“O Word of God Incarnate” appeared in the 1867 supplement to Psalms and Hymns, edited by T. B. Morrell and William W. How. William How's devotion to the word of God is clear. In the first verse of this hymn, he clearly establishes the Bible as the revealed Word of God. In the second verse he states the thought that the Church (a body of born again believers) is the agency by which the Bible has been and still is transmitted to mankind. In verse three he uses a number of metaphors that describe the Scriptures in their relationship to daily living-banner, shinning beacon, chart and compass. Verse four concludes with a prayer that the Church (a body of born again believers) may ever be the faithful custodian and administrator of this treasure in guiding men to Jesus Christ as their personal savior.

“Within this ample volume lies
   The mystery of mysteries.
Happiest they of human race
   To whom their God has given grace
To read, to fear, to hope, to pray,
   To lift the latch, to force the way;
But better had they ne’er been born
   That read to doubt or read to scorn.”

                  Sir Walter Scott, 1771-1832

“Study it carefully, think of it prayerfully,
   Till in thy heart its precepts dwell.
Slight not its history, ponder its mystery;
   None can e’er prize it too fondly or well.”

                  Author Unknown

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:16

The Bible is a sure guide that God has given man to show how to obtain eternal life.

The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but delivered what they received of God,

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter 1:21

The Word of God is profitable for all purposes of the Christian life. It is of use to us all, for all need to be taught, corrected, and reproved. There is something in the Scriptures suitable for every case and need of the human heart and life.

Our prayer for you is that you may love your Bibles more, and keep the commandments of God, for only then shall you know true salvation, and find peace by repenting of your sin and placing your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the main subject of both Testaments. Jesus Christ is the main subject from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:21

As a true believer we can best oppose error by gaining a solid knowledge of the word of truth;

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: Proverbs 6:23

And the greatest kindness we can do to our children, is to teach them early to love, to know and obey The Word of God.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4