BEYOND THE GATES OF GRACE: by John DeRienzo

BEYOND THE GATES OF GRACE

THERE ARE NO PEWS IN HEAVEN,
NO USHERS AT THE DOOR;
THERE ARE NO STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
OR CARPET ON THE FLOOR.

THERE ARE NO FASHION STATEMENTS
TO DISTINGUISH RICH FROM POOR;
NEITHER MALE NOR FEMALE,
THE BRIDE OF CHRIST FOR SURE.

JOY IS EVER FLOWING,
PEACE IS ALWAYS THERE;
TIME IS NEVER MEASURED
FOREVER IS IN THE AIR.

WHAT YOU HEAR IN HEAVEN
IS RARELY HEARD ON EARTH;
EVERY BREATH AROUND YOU
CONVEYS WHAT LOVE IS WORTH.

THE FAITHFUL AREN'T LONGING
FOR SERMONS TO BE THROUGH;
THEY'RE WAITING ON GOD'S PRESENCE
LINGERING LIKE THE DEW.

THE GREATEST NOW ARE LEAST,
THE LEAST OF ALL ARE FIRST;
GOD HAS CHOSEN FOOLISH THINGS
REDEEMED AMONG THE WORST.

AN OPEN INVITATION
AWAITS THE GREAT AND SMALL;
BEYOND THE GATES OF GRACE,
HIS SAINTS MUST HEED THE CALL?

OLD AND YOUNG ARE WELCOME
BLACK AND WHITE ARE TOO;
HEAVEN IS A FAMILY
THOUGH THE CHOSEN ARE THE FEW