eHymns.org

Johann Friedrich Starck

John William Dadmun

Alvin (Bud) Herman Manz in 2024

Hark the voice of Jesus teaches;
All who are not born again
Out of water and of Spirit
Shall be lost. 'Tis clear and plain
That to enter heaven's portal
And inherit life immortal,
New creations we must be,
On this earth from sin made free.

This new birth must be accomplished
Thro' baptism and God's Word;
And if we do not oppose Him
Soon it shall be seen and heard;
If His grace we do not banish,
How all wickedness will vanish;
For if God possess the heart,
Sin and evil must depart.

Furthermore the Holy Spirit
As a comforter is sent,
Plucking out the roots of evil,
Sowing seeds of good intent.
All our motives and desires
Are renewed; and He requires
That our conduct shall be right,
Serving God with all our might.

So by love and constant striving
Man must serve God's holy name;
And the worldly sin despising,
Let perfection be his aim;
For God's mercy he is grateful,
And to him all things are hateful
Which his sinful heart had loved
And in former times approved.

Singing, praying, God adoring,
Fills the new born person's mind;
From the world to God returning
Strength and power he will find.
And in all his operation,
Showing that regeneration,
Surely maketh all things new,
And gives grace God's will to do.

Thus there will be manifested
An entire change of heart,
Which as will be seen and noticed,
Holiness of life impart.
Heart and mind and self renewing
All the evil thoughts subduing,
Faith and love will be the theme,
And God's Spirit rule supreme.

O, my God, I bow before Thee:
Now in me Thy work fulfill!
By Thy Spirit's hov'ring o'er me
Sanctify my heart and will.
Let me not be lost forever,
But reborn of Thee, O Saviour;
May I, child-like, Thee adore,
Learn to love Thee more and more.

Lord, let me continue ever
In this state, so richly blest,
Until death earth's bonds shall sever,
And I enter into rest.
O, let nothing from Thee take me;
Thou art mine, do not forsake me;
Then with joy I hence depart,
E'er to be where, Lord, Thou art!