Swiftly We’re Turning

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Swiftly We’re Turning

A Sermon based on the song written by Tillit S. Teddlie

Introduction:

“Swiftly We’re Turning” is a stirring call to urgency, reflection, and faithful obedience. Each stanza confronts the listener with the passing of time and the looming reality of judgment. It reminds us that life is fleeting—days come and go “like shadows”—and with every moment that passes, we draw closer to eternity. The hymn powerfully echoes scriptures such as James 4:14, which says, “What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” It pushes the listener to consider not only the brevity of life, but also the eternal consequences of how that life is lived.

This hymn, often sung as an invitation song, pierces the heart with its directness. It forces us to ask: What am I doing with the time God has given me? Am I seeking His will, or pursuing my own? Am I choosing the path of light or darkness? It challenges both the sinner and the saint, asking each to re-examine their walk with God in the face of eternity.

Through each verse and the pleading chorus, “Swiftly We’re Turning” captures the essence of gospel preaching—timely, urgent, convicting. It is a song that leaves no room for delay. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” This hymn reminds us that eternity is just around the corner, and the decisions we make today will determine our destiny forever.

Stanza 1 – “Swiftly we’re turning life’s daily pages, swiftly the hours are changing to years.”

Time waits for no one. Each tick of the clock draws us closer to the end of our lives and the beginning of eternity. Psalm 90:10 tells us, “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Life’s pages turn swiftly—youth becomes middle age, and middle age gives way to old age. The hymn compels us to reflect: Are we using our days wisely? Ephesians 5:15–16 urges us, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” We must not drift aimlessly through life. Our time on earth is a gift—meant for seeking the Lord and preparing for what lies beyond.

Stanza 2 – “How are we using God’s golden moments? Shall we reap glory? Shall we reap tears?”

This line places responsibility squarely on our shoulders. We each receive “golden moments”—opportunities to obey, to serve, to grow. But these moments don’t last forever. Galatians 6:7–8 warns, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” What we do now determines what we will reap—glory or regret. In Matthew 25, the five foolish virgins wasted their time and found the door shut. Likewise, many will look back and weep over wasted chances. Let us not be found among them. Rather, let us “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12), making the most of each moment to glorify God and bless others.

Stanza 3 – “Into our hands the gospel is given, into our hands is given the light.”

With this stanza, the hymn pivots to our responsibility to others. God has entrusted us with His gospel—a treasure that must not be buried. Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation.” We are stewards of this light, and Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men.” The gospel is not merely for our own salvation, but also for the saving of souls around us. As Paul told Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). We must act while there is still time, sharing the good news with urgency and compassion.

Stanza 4 – “Souls that are precious, souls that are dying, while we rejoice our sins are forgiven.”

Here, the hymn presses the heaviest burden upon our hearts. As we rejoice in our own salvation, do we see those around us who are lost and perishing? Jude 23 calls us to “save others by snatching them out of the fire.” Every person we pass—every soul—matters to God. He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). While we are secure in the gospel, we must never forget the dying world outside our doors. Our joy should move us to compassion. Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41); will we not weep—and work—for the souls who have yet to hear?

Chorus – “Haste, let us carry God’s precious message, guiding the erring back to the right.”

The chorus captures the urgency of the Great Commission. “Haste,” it says—not delay. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). That command is still binding. The erring must be guided “back to the right.” James 5:20 says, “He who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death.” The work is pressing. Time is short. Our call is clear. Let us not be idle while souls are in peril. Let us run with urgency and boldness, bearing the message of life to all.

Sermon Outline: “Swiftly We’re Turning”

I. Introduction: The Brevity of Life and the Urgency of Action

• Main Idea: Life is moving swiftly; our response to the gospel must be urgent.
• James 4:14 – Life is a vapor, vanishing quickly.
• 2 Corinthians 6:2 – Now is the day of salvation.
• Hymn calls us to consider the eternal consequences of how we live each day.

II. Life Is Passing Quickly – Are We Redeeming the Time?

(Stanza 1: “Swiftly we’re turning life’s daily pages…”)

• Psalm 90:10 – Life span is brief; time passes swiftly.
• Ephesians 5:15–16 – Walk wisely; redeem the time.
• Time lost cannot be regained—each day is a step closer to judgment.
• Urge self-examination: How are we spending our hours, days, years?

III. Every Moment Matters – Sowing Determines Reaping

(Stanza 2: “How are we using God’s golden moments?”)

• Galatians 6:7–8 – We reap what we sow: glory or regret.
• Philippians 2:12 – Salvation is a personal, continual responsibility.
• Matthew 25:1–13 – Foolish virgins wasted time and were shut out.
• Today is our “golden moment” to choose faithfulness before it is too late.

IV. The Gospel Is in Our Hands – We Must Not Be Silent

(Stanza 3: “Into our hands the gospel is given…”)

• Romans 1:16 – The gospel is the power to save.
• Matthew 5:14–16 – Let your light shine before men.
• 2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word in and out of season.
• God entrusted us with His message—we are accountable to share it.

V. Others Are Perishing – Are We Moved to Compassion?

(Stanza 4: “Souls that are precious, souls that are dying…”)

• 2 Peter 3:9 – God desires all to repent.
• Luke 19:41 – Jesus wept over the lost—do we?
• Jude 23 – Snatch souls from the fire with urgency.
• Evangelism is not just a duty—it is a matter of love for souls.

VI. The Chorus: Urgent Evangelism and Restoration

(Chorus: “Haste, let us carry God’s precious message…”)

• Mark 16:15 – Preach the gospel to every creature.
• James 5:20 – Turn the sinner back and save a soul.
• 2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are ambassadors for Christ.
• The hymn’s chorus is not just a song—it is a commission.

VII. Conclusion: Time Is Short, the Mission Is Clear

• We are surrounded by reminders of life’s brevity.
• God has equipped us with truth, time, and talent.
• Let us not wait until it is too late to act.
• Ecclesiastes 12:1 – Remember your Creator now, not later.

Call to Action

Time is not on our side. Every soul is one breath closer to eternity. If you are outside the body of Christ, obey the gospel now—repent, be baptized, and walk in the light. If you are already in Christ, do not waste the golden moments God has given you. Use your hands, your heart, your voice—to teach, to warn, and to save. Let the words of this hymn be more than a song—let them be your mission.

Scripture Reference List

• Psalm 90:10 – Life is short and fleeting
• James 4:14 – Life is a vapor
• Ephesians 5:15–16 – Redeem the time
• Galatians 6:7–8 – What we sow, we reap
• Philippians 2:12 – Work out your salvation
• Matthew 25:1–13 – Parable of the wise and foolish virgins
• Romans 1:16 – The gospel is the power of God
• Matthew 5:14–16 – Let your light shine
• 2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word urgently
• 2 Peter 3:9 – God desires all to repent
• Luke 19:41 – Jesus weeps for the lost
• Jude 23 – Snatch souls from the fire
• Mark 16:15 – Go preach to every creature
• James 5:20 – Turning a sinner saves a soul
• 2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are ambassadors for Christ

Song Author Credit

The hymn “Swiftly We’re Turning” was written by Tillit S. Teddlie, a prolific hymn writer and minister within the churches of Christ. His work emphasized urgency, evangelism, and sound doctrine—all qualities reflected in this powerful invitation song.

Song History

Tillit S. Teddlie (1885–1987) was a gospel preacher, composer, and hymn editor associated with the churches of Christ. He wrote more than 100 hymns, many of which are still sung in congregations today. “Swiftly We’re Turning” is one of his most memorable works, often used during invitations and gospel meetings. It captures his deep concern for lost souls and his firm belief that the time for obedience is now. Teddlie's hymns emphasized doctrinal clarity and heartfelt appeal, and his legacy continues through songbooks and faithful worship today.

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

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