In our increasingly secularized and unbelieving culture, the Old Rugged Cross has duel meanings: To unbelievers, it is the day in which the historic figure, Jesus, was crucified by Roman soldiers carrying out their orders. Case closed. "The Old Rugged Cross" is a popular hymn written in 1912 by evangelist and song-leader George Bennard and it speaks of the writer's adoration of Christ and His sacrifice at Calvary. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine. Chorus So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown. Theory Five (geographical): The man who composed the hymn did so just down the road from Holland and Grand Rapids, MI. So we sing, "I will sing of the old rugged Cross..." Hymns are NOT inspired, so we can change them. This hymn talks about how this old rugged cross may be just two pieces of wood to other people but to us should have much more significance. On a hill far a-way stood an old rugged cross, 2. It is an anthem of the Royal British Legion as well as being a popular catholic funeral hymn. Welcome and thank you for choosing to view this blog! 2:27 PREVIEW What a Wonderful Savior. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,Till my trophies at last I lay down;I will cling to the old rugged cross,And exchange it some day for a crown. Yes, Lord! "The Old Rugged Cross" has been a country gospel favorite ever since it became the title song of Ernest Tubb's 1952 gospel album; it has been performed by some of the twentieth century's most important recording artists, including Al Green, Andy Griffith, Anne Murray, Brad Paisley, Chet Atkins, John Berry, Floyd Cramer, George Jones, Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash and June Carter, Kevin Max, Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson, Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Ray Price, Ricky Van Shelton, Tennessee Ernie … Bennard.”. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away, Where His glory forever I’ll share. The Old Rugged Cross is one of the most popular Christian hymns in the English world. O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, The first verse of my favorite Lenten hymn goes like this: “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suffering and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain.” “Faith should cost you something.” I’ve been thinking about this a lot this week, this Holy Week. The Old Rugged Cross: The Story Behind The Hymn, Not Alone: Encouragement for the Lonely Times, Forsaken but Not Alone: Encouragement for the Single Parent, Keep Thy Heart with All Diligence in Social Media Use, Tackling the Troubles that Target Timothys- CASH. 24. While the cross may be a emblem of suffering and shame, it is also an emblem of love. To believers, however, the Old Rugged Cross of Good Friday means everything. Scotty McCreery won season 10 of American Idol a decade ago and created a place for himself in the hearts of country music fans everywhere. What do the gospel hymns “The Old Rugged Cross” and “I Come to the Garden Alone” have in common? Crossing the Goal: Playbook on the VIRTUES. Please note that I am not a theologian or any sort of expert on Holy Scripture. Toward the end of the twentieth century, song leaders, when soliciting requests for favorite songs from the congregation, would often receive at least one request for “The Old Rugged Cross.” Written by George Bennard in 1913, this gospel hymn has proven to be a sentimental favorite of Christians and unsaved alike. Do You Seek Counsel Or Just Make A Decision? And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best. Clinging to the old rugged cross felt, well, unhealthily cultic , sort of, you know, Central American. 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