In this episode, Dr. Roy Beacham & Dr. Jon Pratt discuss the history and significance of the Central Hymn. “The Word and the Testimony,” based on Isaiah 8:20, has served as the motto of Central Seminary and emphasizes the centrality of the Word of God.
Keywords
Central Seminary, Central Hymn, history, significance, motto, Word and testimony, Isaiah 8:20, professors, anecdotes, memories, Christological, evangelistic, ministry
Takeaways
- The Central Hymn is based on Isaiah 8:20 and has served as the motto of Central Seminary in emphasizing the importance of the Word and testimony.
- The hymn reflects the legacy and mission of Central Seminary to train leaders who are committed to the Word and its centrality in preaching and teaching.
Quotes
- Jon Pratt: “Little did I know that the song that I was listening to as a kid would be the main theme song of the seminary where I would be teaching at one day.”
- Roy Beacham: “Return to the word, follow the word, follow the Lord. If not, your future is dim, there’s no light.”
The Word and the Testimony
by Dr. Richard V. Clearwaters
Founder of Central Seminary
Isaiah 8:20
To the Law and Testimony
Ever shall be Central’s song;
For within these sacred pages
We have found the Father’s Son.
Of our service He is worthy,
For His form we plainly see,
In the pages of the Volume
Daily witnessed there for me.
Words there great and oh so precious,
Ever speaking loud and clear
To lost sinners, poor and needy,
By God’s nature, now drawn near.
For the hunger that He gives us,
By this Self of His within;
We are pure in daily living,
Through the power He gives to men.
In the world and no part of it,
We will shun its sin and lust;
For the Savior’s image charms us
Through the Book, for us to trust.
In the highways and the byways,
In the halls with noise and din;
Here at “Central” He is central,
Like the Book that brings us Him.
