Fundamental Grace Youth Camp Organization

15/08/2025

18/04/2025

The Old Rugged Cross
Author & Composer: George Bennard

Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: By whose stripes ye were healed.
-I Peter 2:24

George Bennard was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and grew up in a Christian household. He had a strong Christian upbringing, but like many people, his faith would go through various phases as he matured. He was particularly drawn to the idea of evangelical ministry. As a young man, he began to attend a Methodist church, and it was there that his personal conversion experience began to take shape.

He pursued education in religious studies, preparing to enter ministry. His commitment to Christian life led him to a career not only in evangelism but also in hymn writing. Bennard’s work as an evangelist was marked by his passion for spreading the gospel through music and preaching. He traveled widely, holding revival meetings and evangelistic campaigns across the United States. His ability to connect with people, whether through preaching or the music of his hymns, made him a beloved figure among those he encountered. His ministry focused on bringing people to a deeper relationship with Christ and encouraging them to embrace the significance of the cross.

Bennard is best remembered for writing “The Old Rugged Cross” in 1912. The hymn emerged during a period of deep personal reflection and spiritual struggle. According to Bennard, the inspiration for the hymn came after he had been pondering the meaning and significance of the cross in his Christian faith. He saw the cross not as an object of shame but as a symbol of God's love and redemption.

The hymn became immensely popular and is now considered one of the most enduring Christian hymns of all time. It expresses themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the power of the cross, all of which are central tenets of Bennard’s Christian faith. His own experience with the cross, both as a symbol of suffering and victory, profoundly shaped his life and ministry.

In his later years, Bennard remained dedicated to Christ, serving as a preacher and writer while emphasizing personal faith and commitment. His hymns, including "The Old Rugged Cross," continued to inspire believers long after their creation. Known for his humility, he focused on glorifying God through his music and ministry, leaving a lasting legacy in Christian hymnody.

Excerpt from 101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck

10/04/2025

Hymn: Take My Life and Let it Be
Author: Frances R. Havergal
Composer: H. A. Cesar Malan

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Frances Ridley Havergal, born on December 14, 1836, at Astley, Worcestershire, England, is often referred to as "'the consecration poet." It has been said that the beauty of a consecrated life has never been more perfectly revealed than in her daily life. Wherever she saw spiritual and physical needs, she was there with genuine concern.

At the age of four she began reading and memorizing the Bible. At the age of seven she was already writing her thoughts in verse. She was greatly encouraged by her father, William Havergal, an influential Anglican clergyman, who for many years was involved in improving and composing English hymnody. Throughout her brief life Miss Havergal was frail and delicate in health, yet she was an avid student, writer and composer. She learned several modern languages as well as Greek and Hebrew.

The hymn "Take My Life and Let It Be” was written in 1874 after she had a deeply reflective period while visiting a friend’s home. It was a house with ten people, some unconverted, some converted but not joyful in their faith. She prayed, "Lord, give me all in this house," and by the time she left, everyone had experienced a spiritual blessing. On the last night of her visit, she felt so happy that she couldn't sleep and spent the night renewing her consecration to God. During this time, a series of couplets formed in her heart, culminating in the phrase "ever only, ALL FOR THEE!" This reflects her deep commitment and surrender to God and within an hour, she wrote the lyrics to the hymn which was first published in her book of poems titled "Poems and Hymns."

Over time, it became one of the most beloved hymns of personal devotion and is still widely sung in churches today. The hymn’s powerful message and simple, yet profound, lyrics continue to inspire Christians around the world.

Frances R. Havergal is also the author of the hymn, "I Gave My Life for Thee", and "I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus"

Excerpt from 101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck

10/04/2025

04/04/2025

God as Your Creator

Have you ever paused to reflect on God as your Creator?

God is unlike any other that is, was, or will be. He alone is able to fully sustain that which He creates. And He alone is able to create, merely by speaking it into existence.

"Genesis" means "beginning," and it's where we read about God's first creation. If you dig deeper into the pages of Scripture, you learn about power by which God creates.

Take John 1:1-3: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Through him, all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made."

Or Colossians 1:16: "For in him, all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him."

The writer of Hebrews assures us that, "by faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible" (Hebrews 11:3 NIV).

This "Word" is Jesus Christ, and through Him, God brought everything into existence. The ultimate redemption of all God's promises will come through that same Word—Jesus Christ.

Reflect on that truth for a moment: The same power that spoke the universe into existence is the same power that will bring about the redemption of all things promised.

Today, take some time to reflect on God’s role as Creator, and allow it to fill you with great hope. Because He's not just any creator; He's your Creator, and He holds the very universe—and your life—in His hands.

04/04/2025

02/04/2025

Choosing Him

Making decisions is hard.

When we attempt to make the perfect decision, we can often find ourselves stuck in indecision. And while we should always prayerfully discern our next steps according to God’s Word and His ways, sometimes we overcomplicate things.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul was addressing an issue about food, regarding what they should or shouldn’t eat. So Paul took some of the pressure off Christians by saying:

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT

While this passage was originally about food, the principle can be applied to any area of life. Whatever choice you make, do it to glorify God. In this way, you will keep your conscience clear.

Whether you’re preparing a meal or making a business deal. Whether you’re playing sports or building houses. Whether you’re leading a team or raising kids. Whether you’re crunching numbers or caring for the vulnerable.

No matter what you do—the core desire should be to love God and love others, and every decision should exemplify that love. So today, ask yourself: Does this decision honor God? Is this choice full of integrity? Can others see His character shining through my life? Will my decisions draw people closer to God, or pull them away from Him?

No matter what situation we’re in, God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His people to help us discern our next right thing. So when making decisions, let’s seek to honor God to the best of our ability, and then trust Him with our choices.