Never Grow Old

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Never Grow Old
A Sermon based on the Hymn "Never Grow Old" by James C. Moore

Introduction
“Never Grow Old” is a deeply comforting hymn that draws the Christian’s heart toward the promise of heaven. Life in this world is full of aging, loss, and weariness. But for the faithful, there is a home where time no longer takes its toll—a land where we will never grow old. Jesus promised, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2), and in that place, “there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying” (Revelation 21:4). This hymn reminds us that the weariness of this life is temporary, but the joy of eternal life with God is everlasting. Let us now reflect on each verse of this hymn and consider its powerful truths in light of Scripture.

Stanza 1: "I have heard of a land on the far away strand, ’Tis a beautiful home of the soul..."
This opening line points us to the source of our hope—what we’ve heard through the Word of God. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The “land on the far away strand” refers to heaven, the soul’s eternal dwelling. Jesus called it “a place” that He Himself is preparing for the faithful (John 14:2). It is not myth or fantasy, but the promised “home not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). It is beautiful because it is where God is—and where sin, pain, and death cannot follow.

Stanza 2: "In that beautiful home where we’ll never more roam, We shall be in the sweet by and by..."
This stanza brings out the theme of rest and permanence. In this life, we are wanderers—never quite settled, often burdened. But in heaven, there will be no more wandering, no more instability. Hebrews 4:9 tells us, “There remains a rest for the people of God.” There, we will be gathered to the Lord, never again separated from our true home. As Philippians 3:20 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven,” and in that beautiful place, we will finally be where we belong.

Stanza 3: "When our work here is done and the life-crown is won, And our troubles and trials are o’er..."
This verse speaks of faithful endurance. Life is not aimless; we are laboring for a crown. Paul declared, “I have fought the good fight... henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7–8). James 1:12 adds, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation... he will receive the crown of life.” The hymn reminds us that the suffering of this world has an end. Our trials will cease. And when our work is complete, the crown awaits.

Chorus: "Never grow old, never grow old, In a land where we’ll never grow old..."
The chorus expresses the great and eternal hope of the Christian: that in heaven, we will never grow old. Aging is a symbol of decay, weakness, and death. But in the resurrection, our bodies will be changed—“incorruptible, glorious, powerful, and spiritual” (1 Corinthians 15:42–44). No more pain. No more goodbyes. No more time running out. We will be renewed, eternal, and forever with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Never Grow Old Sermon Outline:

Stanza 1: "I have heard of a land on the far away strand, ’Tis a beautiful home of the soul..."

Main Point: Heaven Is a Promised Reality, Not a Dream

• Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17) — we know of heaven because God has revealed it in His Word.
• Jesus promised to prepare a place for the faithful (John 14:2–3).
• This “land” is not of earth — it is eternal, spiritual, and built by God (2 Corinthians 5:1).
• It is called “a beautiful home of the soul” because it is where we are finally separated from sin, pain, and decay (Revelation 21:4).

Supporting Scriptures:

• Romans 10:17
• John 14:2–3
• 2 Corinthians 5:1
• Revelation 21:4

Stanza 2: "In that beautiful home where we’ll never more roam, We shall be in the sweet by and by..."

Main Point: Heaven Is a Place of Permanent Rest and Belonging

• In contrast to earthly wandering, heaven is the final resting place (Hebrews 4:9).
• We will never again be separated, lost, or uncertain — “we’ll never more roam.”
• The “sweet by and by” echoes the hope of eternal reunion with God (John 17:24).
• Our citizenship is already in heaven; we are headed home (Philippians 3:20–21).

Supporting Scriptures:

• Hebrews 4:9
• John 17:24
• Philippians 3:20–21

Stanza 3: "When our work here is done and the life-crown is won, And our troubles and trials are o’er..."

Main Point: Faithful Labor Will Be Rewarded with Rest and Victory

• This life involves spiritual labor, but it is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
• Paul’s example: fight the good fight, finish the course, receive the crown (2 Timothy 4:7–8).
• James 1:12 – the crown of life is for those who endure trials faithfully.
• The end of life is not loss—it is triumph for the righteous (Revelation 14:13).

Supporting Scriptures:

• 1 Corinthians 15:58
• 2 Timothy 4:7–8
• James 1:12
• Revelation 14:13

Chorus: "Never grow old, never grow old, In a land where we’ll never grow old..."

Main Point: Heaven Offers Eternal Renewal, Free from Aging and Decay

• The repetition emphasizes the permanence and glory of our eternal condition.
• In the resurrection, we receive incorruptible bodies—never aging, never dying (1 Corinthians 15:42–44).
• This promise brings great comfort, especially in the face of sickness, aging, and death.
• We will be forever young, forever joyful, and forever with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Supporting Scriptures:

• 1 Corinthians 15:42–44
• Isaiah 40:31
• 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Call to Action
Are you preparing for that land where we’ll never grow old? The promise of heaven is real, but it is reserved for those who obey the Lord. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Revelation 2:10 tells us, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” If you long for a place where aging and sorrow are no more, submit to Christ today. Obey His Word. Live in hope. And one day, you will dwell in that land where we’ll never grow old.

Scripture Reference List:

• John 14:2 – Jesus prepares a place for His people in heaven
• Revelation 21:4 – No more death, sorrow, or pain in heaven
• Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing God’s Word
• 2 Corinthians 5:1 – Our heavenly home is eternal and not made with hands
• Hebrews 4:9 – A rest remains for the people of God
• Philippians 3:20 – Our citizenship is in heaven
• 2 Timothy 4:7–8 – A crown awaits those who finish the race faithfully
• James 1:12 – The crown of life is for those who endure temptation
• 1 Corinthians 15:42–44 – We are raised in incorruption and glory
• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – We will always be with the Lord
• Mark 16:16 – Belief and baptism are required for salvation
• Revelation 2:10 – Faithfulness unto death leads to the crown of life

Brief History of the Hymn and Author
“Never Grow Old” was written by James Cleveland Moore Sr. in 1914. Moore, a Baptist preacher and composer from Georgia, wrote over 500 songs during his lifetime. This particular hymn was inspired by the reality of aging and the promise of eternity. It quickly became cherished in congregations for its hopeful message and heartfelt melody. The churches of Christ have embraced it for generations, singing it as a reminder that for the faithful, the best is yet to come. Though Moore passed away in 1962, his words continue to point hearts toward heaven.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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