The Writings of Dustin Battles

A poem on the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2–4 I wrote in my personal devotions a few months ago when nearing the end of my journey to read through the whole Bible. Dear Ephesus, you work so hard and wicked people there you barred. Yet you have lost your earlier love, so now repent; love God above. Dear Smyrna, rich, while poor, in pain— fear not to suffer once again. Be faithful, even unto death, and I will give you life and breath. Dear Pergamum, where Satan lives, your faith, surprisingly, still thrives.  But you condone such heresy if you do not repent, you'll die! Dear Thyatira, you have shown your deeds, your faith, your love have grown. But this about you I despise: you bear that prostitute who lies. Dear Sardis, you all really think  you are alive? You're at death's brink! So wake up! Strengthen what remains,  else I will frighten, give you pains. Dear Philadelphia, I know your deeds, yet little strength to show. you keep my name, true all the while...

Mrs. J. A. Trench wrote a hymn text well over one hundred years ago entitled, "Buried in the Grave of Jesus." Much of it was outdated or misunderstood, so I moderately edited it for our church. Praise the Lord we had two ladies baptized, an octogenarian and a young wife and mother expecting a child! So I edited this hymn to be sung at their baptism service.  If I had to estimate who gets the credit for this hymn, it's probably 70% Mrs. Trench and 30% me. But it's all because of Jesus!  Words: Mrs. J. A. Trench (1843-1925) and Dustin Battles (1986– ) Music: NETTLETON, Anonymous 1. Buried in the grave of Jesus, we believe what God has said: Sin has no more pow’r to seize us, since in Jesus we were dead.  All the waves rolled over Jesus, there exhausted all their power. Death and judgment are behind us, grace and glory are before. 2. Firstfruits of the resurrection, Christ is risen from the tomb. Now we are a new creation: old has passed, the new has come.  Jesus died, ...