During Eastertide, 1995, I did a seven-part sermon series on the Churches of Revelation. The congregation sang three verses each week: The opening verse, the verse for the Church upon which the sermon was based, and the closing verse. At the end of the series, I had the congregation sing all of the verses. This hymn was dedicated to my dear friend, colleague, and Father Confessor, Pastor Francis Dominic Bonadonna, upon the 15th Anniversary of His Ordination. The tune is Neander.
1. Seven Golden Lampstands chosen,
Churches of the Son of Man;
First and Last He now has Risen,
Through His Stars reveals His Plan.
He who hears the Words I give,
Let him overcome and Live!
Ephesus
2. Through your work and perseverance,
You have tarried patiently;
Rise again to heights of heaven
Jesus Christ your first love be.
He who hears the Words I give,
Let him overcome and Live!
Smyrna
3. Poor on earth but rich in Spirit,
Satan vows to lead astray;
Faithful unto death believing
Pledges Coronation Day!
He who hears the Words I give,
Let him overcome and Live!
Pergamum
4. Even in the Serpent’s shadow,
To My Name you have been true;
Now receive the hidden manna,
As my blessed, chosen few.
He who hears the Words I give,
Let him overcome and Live!
Thyatira
5. Blazing eyes see faith and service
As your light reflects My Love,
In your teaching and temptation,
Set your minds on Things Above.
He who hears the Words I give,
Let him overcome and Live!
Sardis
6. Golden Lampstand, wake from slumber!
Keep in mind what I have said;
As a thief I come unto you,
Will you be alive or dead?
He who hears the Words I give,
Let him overcome and Live!
Philadelphia
7. All will see My Love upon you,
Pillars in My Temple’s Frame;
When the trials crush upon you,
I will give you My New Name.
He who hears the Words I give,
Let him overcome and Live!
Laodicea
8. Sing your Amen! Rise before Me!
Neither cold nor lukewarm be!
I will put My Robe upon you,
Heal your eyes that you may see.
He who hears the Words I give,
Let him overcome and Live!
9. O you Lampstands, now shine brightly
In this dark and evil day;
By your potent light now burning
Flood Satanic night away!
He who hears the Words I give,
Let him overcome and Live.
Text: John G. Fleischmann, b. 1960
Tune: Neander, 1680
To my dear Brother in Christ, Francis D. Bonadonna,
Celebrating his fifteenth year as a Star in the Church of Christ, June 1995
You Are Not Your Own 
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