-
William J. Kirkpatrick, A Prolific Song Writer, ...
Contributed by Thomas Cash on Apr 13, 2009 (message contributor)
William J. Kirkpatrick, a prolific song writer, participated in many of the Camp meeting revivals of the 19th century. He often led the music and enlisted the help of soloists and other musicians to perform. During one of these meetings in 1892, he became saddened when he realized that the soloist would perform the required songs and then leave without staying to hear the preacher. William feared that this young man did not really know Christ; so he began to pray that God would somehow reach the soloist’s heart. One evening while praying, a song based on the story of the Prodigal Son began to form in his mind. He quickly jotted down the lyrics and asked the soloist to sing them that night. The words convicted the young man so much that he stayed and listened to the message. When the preacher gave the alter call at the end of the night, the soloist got up and went to the front of the tent and accepted Jesus as Lord. Here is what he sang:
I’ve wandered far away from God; now I’m coming home.
The paths of sin too long I’ve trod; Lord, I’m coming home.
I’ve wasted many precious years; now I’m coming home.
I now repent with bitter tears; Lord, I’m coming home.
I’m tired of sin and straying, Lord; now I’m coming home.
I’ll trust thy love, believe thy word; Lord, I’m coming home.
My soul is sick, my heart is sore; now I’m coming home.
My strength renew, my hope restore; Lord I’m coming home.
Coming home, coming home, never more to roam!
Open wide thine arms of love; Lord I’m coming home.
(Terry, Lindsay. Stories Behind Popular Songs and Hymns. 1990, p.221)
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Teacher Asked A Boy This Question: ... PRO
Contributed by Mark Hensley on May 11, 2002
A teacher asked a boy this question: “Suppose your mother baked a pie and there were seven of you—your parents and five children. What part of the pie would you get?” “A sixth,” replied the boy. “I’m afraid you don’t know your fractions,” said the teacher. “Remember, there are seven of you.” ...read more
-
Brennan Manning Wrote: "If Jesus Would Appear At ... PRO
Contributed by Andrew Chan on Aug 26, 2003
Brennan Manning wrote: “If Jesus would appear at your dining table tonight with knowledge of everything you are and are not, total comprehension of your life story and every skeleton hidden in your closet; if he laid out the real state of your present discipleship with the hidden agenda, the mixed ...read more
-
At My Ordination Service, My Friend Pastor Don ... PRO
Contributed by Mary Lewis on Aug 24, 2004
At my ordination service, my friend Pastor Don Bradley gave the ordination sermon. In it, he urged me to “Remember Dorothy.” It’s all right, I didn’t know what he was talking about either. He told us a story about a woman who was in nursing school. One day the Prof. came in and said those 7 words ...read more
-
Consider A Comet For A Moment. These Incredibly ... PRO
Contributed by Ed Wood on Jun 17, 2004
Consider a comet for a moment. These incredibly swift heavenly bodies shoot across and through our solar system from time to time. They are fantastic to behold. Their vapor trails can be more than 10 thousand miles long. But science tells us that if we were to capture and bottle a comet’s 10 ...read more
-
A Number Of White Children Had Been Recaptured, ...
Contributed by Charles R. Swindoll on Dec 13, 2004
A number of white children had been recaptured, who had been so long with the Indians, that they could give no account of themselves. A mother who had lost two children years before went to seek her lost ones among them. The children were drawn up in line for inspection; but she could not recognize ...read more
Related Sermons
-
"Being" In Relation To The Lord
Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Apr 20, 2011
We put so much emphasis on DOING things for the Lord. But God is not just concerned about what we are DOING for Him, but what we are BEING for Him. Here are 5 things we should BE as believers.
-
If My People Will Humble Themselves And Pray
Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Feb 22, 2016
We need to understand carefully what the Bible has to say about this matter and do whatever we need to do to see that these obstacles of revival do not hinder us from getting what we need from the Lord.
-
Restoring The Backslider Series
Contributed by Eric Hanson on May 19, 2008
Here is a clear plan of action to help people get right with God and continue to walk with Him after having gotten off track.
-
God Will Fix It For You
Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 7, 2017
Using Psalm 107, this sermon explores how God's love is expressed to us in the context of our troubles in life; then, how worship is birthed in our hearts out of these experiences.
-
Come Down From Your Sycamore Tree Series
Contributed by Spencer Miller on May 22, 2013
Zacchaeus' whole life changed; he completely turned around from a sinful life and thus became a child of God. God noticed the unnoticed.