Monday, December 31, 2007

Solo Christo!

Original tune: The Strife is O’er; Giovanni P. Da Palestrina, 1525-1994; adapt. William Henry Monk, 1823-1889.
Acts 4:12


How irresistible His grace that drew me out of sin’s dark place.
No more can I resist his face; Sola Gratia!

Now Christ alone becomes my all by faith received upon his call
Transforming light, I cannot fall; Sola Fide!

No other name can men be saved apart from Christ, God’s wrath remains.
Turn now to Christ in humble praise; Solo Christo!

He who began this work in you will surely raise all things anew.
The Triune God, all glory due; Hallelujah!

Thy word alone upholds all things, alone can make my heart to sing.
O death, O grave, where now thy sting; Solo Christo!

Not To Us

Original tune: No, Not One; George C. Hugg, 1848-1907.
Ps. 115:1, Col. 1:16f.

In Christ we move and we have our being,
Not to us, not to us.
But to His name do we give all glory,
Not to us, not to us.

Chorus:
By him all things hold together
All things high and all things low
Every inch of creation bending
Not to us, not to us.

Every moment of hist’ry written
Not to us, not to us.
All to the praise of the Christ who’s risen
Not to us, not to us.

Chorus:

While we are here we must tell the story
Not to us, not to us.
To spread the fame of our Savior’s glory
Not to us, not to us.

Chorus:

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Behold, the Gift

Original tune: God of Our Fathers (National Hymn); George W. Warren, 1828-1902

Behold, the gift of God has come to man,
One silent night his glory filled the land.
Below was heard, the promised Savior’s cry.
The Triune God, a myst'ry wrapped inside.

Christ is the branch of Jesse’s lineage.
He is the son of God’s own righteousness.
Born unto us, oppressed by injustice.
Brightest of light shone forth in our darkness.

From majesty to manger now he lay.
As tender shoot, he grew to show the way.
He would be crushed for our transgressions all.
The Son of Man come ransom sinner’s fall.

Born unto us, this child will lead us home.
Lead us to light, from sin no more roam.
Behold our God has come to dwell in us.
Immanuel, forever God with us.

For Unto Us

Original tune: Lift Up Your Heads; Thomas Williams’ Psalmodia Evangelica, (Truro) 1789.


For unto us the Christ is born, behold the Savior, we adore.
The Creator transcends our space; the wisdom of his wondrous grace.

He came to live among his own; he had no place to call his home.
We heard his voice, we saw his face; the beauty of his loving grace.

He knew us all, we knew him not; twas born to fill the Father’s plot.
A cruel world, his arms embrace; the power of amazing grace.

Our hope is born, the light of men, how Jesus came to die for sin.
The Ransomed sing from ev’ry race; the music of his saving grace.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Communion Prayer

Original Tune: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross; Lowell Mason, 1792-1872
Inspired From the Book of Common Prayer

We presume not Thy table, Lord
Thy mercy calls us to commune
Trust not in our own righteousness
But in the merits of Thy Son.

Worthy we’re not to gather Thy crumbs
Blessed is the Lord who calls us; come!
His mercy made a living way
For He is satisfied by One.

Grant, gracious Lord, for us to take
The bread and blood that Christ became
That we may walk in forgiveness
Grow in new life and Thine in us.

Fan into flame Thy Spirit’s work
That we may be one holy church
May love abound and freedom bring
Hearts ever changed, more like our King.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

For To Live Is Christ

Original tune: The Old Rugged Cross; George Bennard, 1873-1960.
2 Timothy 4: 7, Philippians 1:21, 3:8-11,14

I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race.
The faith I have kept not by sight.
I have poured out my life as an off ‘ring for Christ.
For to die is my soul glorified.

Chorus:

For to live is Christ and die is gain.
Thanks to God who has loved my poor soul.
For His grace to me, not in vain.
He has promised to finish the goal.


I press on toward the prize for the Christ who has died.
For his glory is kept for the wise.
So our labor is right to produce harvest white
Until I hear the call from the skies.

Chorus:

For I count all things loss for the worth of the cross
And to share in his suff’ring for me.
To be changed, more like Christ. Wear his name; show his light.
To be raised by his glory and might.


Chorus:

May our children all be a bright light used by Thee
And join us in great jubilee.
We will finely be dressed in our body of rest
What joy is now, forever blessed.

Chorus:

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

The Cross of Jesus

Original tune: What child is This (Greensleeves); Traditional English Melody, 16th Century; harmony, John Stainer, 1840-1901.
Psalm 8

The Cross of Jesus tells the truth of man’s own heart condition
Rejecting Christ who came to serve, the God of peace and wisdom.
What, what is man that God be mindful of and consider?
Grace, grace to love him more than all creation’s splendor.

The Cross of Jesus tells the truth of mercy and of justice.
How Jesus died to ransom his own children from his judgment.
What, what is man that God be mindful of and consider?
Grace, grace to love him more than all creation’s splendor.

From lips of children, infant cries, the heaven’s long to listen
Thine enemies are silenced at the sound of gospel witness.
What, what is man that God be mindful of and consider?
Grace, grace to love him more than all creation’s splendor.

Come near come far all here below, behold the man of sorrows
Who came to bear the sinful curse and purge the earth of his foes.
What, what is man that God be mindful of and consider?
Grace, grace to love him more than all creation’s splendor.

O Hail the Sovereign king whose love hath bore the wrath of nations
His seal is set upon his bride, she bears no condemnation.
What, what is man that God be mindful of and consider?
Grace, grace to love him more than all creation’s splendor.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Awesome In This Place (additional verses)

Original words and music: Awesome In This Place; David Billington. C. 1992 Integrity's Hosanna! Music.

As I come into your presence, past the gates of praise,
into your sanctuary, till we're standing face to face.
I look upon your countenance, I see the fullness of your grace,
and I can only bow down and say: "You are Awesome in this place, Mighty God.
You are awesome in this place, Abba Father.
You are worthy of all praise, to you our lives we raise
You are awesome in this place, Mighty God."

He came humbly as a servant; born of flesh, our King
To purchase our redemption, he became sin's offering.
I contemplate the birth of Christ; behold the fullness of God's grace.
And I can only bow down and say, "You are Awesome in this place…

For the wise men came to worship; men and angels sing.
Humanity had waited; salvation God would bring.
His Covenant of grace is born; behold the fullness of God's face.
So let us humbly bow down and say; "You are Awesome in this place…

Born, Son of Man, a Savior Blessed

Original tune: All Creatures of Our God and King; Geistliche Kirchengesang 1623; harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958.
Isaiah 9:2-7, Zechariah 13:1, John 3:13

Born, son of man, a Savior blessed
Who came from God in humbleness.
Alleluia, Alleluia
How shepherds heard the heavens sing
How shepherds bowed with trembling knee.
O Praise Him; O praise him
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

See this child born in Bethlehem
Who comes as pure and spotless lamb.
Alleluia, Alleluia
How God provides for sinful men,
How merciful did heaven send.
O Praise Him; O praise him
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Light of the world in darkness fill,
Laid in a manger of God's zeal.
Alleluia, Alleluia
Forever justice through his son;
Redeeming mercy, Holy one.
O Praise Him; O praise him
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Transcendent God for us to know
Opens a fount that ever flows.
Alleluia, Alleluia
Come, drink the waters and be saved,
See, the Son takes our sins away.
O Praise Him; O praise him
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

O Magnify the Lord

Original tune: It Came upon a Midnight Clear; Richard Storrs Willis, 1819-1900
Luke 1:46-55

O magnify the Lord with me, exalt his name on high.
Our king is born in Bethlehem; the virgin Mary's cry.
"Why me," my Lord a peasant girl, "would God's own glory fill?"
The mighty one has done great things to prove his sovereign will.

Come all and marvel at this gift, the son of God's own birth.
The world will hear the Savior cry, we know not of his worth.
Yet he will bear our sin for us, the child divine, he came.
And though rejected by us all we celebrate his name.

He scatters all the proud of heart and draws the humble near.
Fills all the wanting souls with good, mercy toward those who fear.
Look now to Christ who overcomes is born this day to men.
Fall down upon your knees, repent; forgiveness of our sin.

O magnify the Lord with me, exalt his name on high.
Our king is born in Bethlehem; the sinner's hope is nigh.
Rejoice and sing like Mary sang, unfailing love, his name.
and he is faithful to redeem and spread his sovereign fame.

The Thorns, the Nails, Hammer and Wood

Original tune: Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee (St. Agnes), John B. Dykes, 1823-1876

The thorns, the nails, hammer and wood;
familiar tools of mine,
My tongue, my hands and angry heart,
all party to the crime.

The taunts, the cheers and mocking crowd
demand his blood be spilled.
My evil drive be entertained,
My soul's dark thirst be filled.

All were in Adam when he sinned,
the nations soon dispersed.
Everyone born of flesh will die
because of sin's great curse.

Our only help and hope is this:
Jesus be crucified.
The thorns he wore, the nails and wood;
serve as my saving cry.

My shameful state was laid on Christ,
my violent crimes he bore.
For his great love became a curse;
though her was rich, made poor.

The thorns, the nails, hammer and wood;
God used for good to raise.
My tongue, my hands and contrite heart;
all for God's use and praise.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

How Merciful Did Grace Abound!

Original tune: The First Lord’s Day (Spingbrook); William N. McElrath, 1932-
1 Peter 2:9,10. Rom. 8: 20-25. Rev. 21

Christ called me out of dark despair; the law exposed my shame.
But bursting through the darkness his light of grace overcame.

How merciful did grace abound! That broke the curse, my chains.
For Christ has won my right to live, His Sovereign freedom reigns.


Love bore the sin of Adam’s race, creation groans in pain.
But soon its vindication comes, the last of sin’s domain.

How merciful did grace abound! That broke the curse, my chains.
For Christ has won my right to live, His Sovereign freedom reigns.

A shout will call from pole to pole, His sheep will gather near.
And for eternity we’ll praise, our faith will be made clear.

How merciful did grace abound! That broke the curse, my chains.
For Christ has won my right to live, His Sovereign freedom reigns.

A new heaven and earth will be our home of endless joy
For Christ who calls us out of death, our lives he will employ.

How merciful did grace abound! That broke the curse, my chains.
For Christ has won my right to live, His Sovereign freedom reigns.

O Jesus, My Rock and Refuge

Original tune: America the Beautiful; Samuel A. Ward 1847-1903
Eph. 2:14-16

O Jesus, my rock and refuge on which my hope remains.
For He alone has saved my soul and from God’s wrath, my shame.
My freedom won, my chains undone. Redemption paid in blood.
God put to death the enmity that kept me from His love.

O beautiful the hands and feet that brought the gospel near.
Christ knew no sin yet suffered mine; the love of God appeared.
Amazing Grace, Amazing Love, salvation raptures me.
I once was lost but grace has found, now Jesus I believe.

O perfect love cast out my fear and give me faith to stand.
Against my own and worldly way to live as Christ commands.
For blessed are the ones who walk in spirit so divine,
Who stumble not in Christ own love and reach the hopeful prize.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Forgive my Unbelief

Original Tune: Breathe on Me, Breath of God; Robert Jackson, 1840-1914.
Mark 9:24, 1 John 2:5-6

Forgive my unbelief; my faith is wayward still.
Often I’m tossed by fear and doubt when I look to my will.

Forgive my unbelief; I misinterpret pain.
Thy work of grace is for my good, to learn your blessed name.

Forgive my unbelief when I manipulate.
Often I care what man may think, help me, my sin to hate.

Forgive my unbelief; my words reveal the heart.
Assuming ill within my thoughts divides the church apart.

Teach me to love Jesus that I may trust His heart.
That I may walk as Jesus walked and ne’er from grace depart.

Friday, May 25, 2007

Come ye Church, Rejoicing!

Original tune: Ring the Bells of Heaven; George F. Root, 1820-1895

Come ye Church, rejoicing! Gather with the saints.
Sing unto the Lord with all your heart!
Greet each other gladly; show humility,
Preach the holy truth that sets men free.

Refrain: Praise Him, Praise Him, let your voices ring.
Hail Him; Hail Him as the Sovereign King.
Come ye Church, rejoicing to the wedding feast
Christ for us has won the victory.

Go, encourage others; help them on the way.
Pray for peace and hunger for the word.
Go, prepare the table; take the wine and bread.
Follow Christ the true and living head.

Refrain:

Come ye Church, rejoicing! Gather in the fields.
Reap the harvest chosen in the Lord.
Sing for joy ye ransomed, Christ returns for you.
Lift your eyes, His glory to pursue.

Refrain:

O Change my Heart, O God! My Heart!

Original Tune: Just As I Am; William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868
James 4:1-2, Jeremiah 17:9, Psalm 51:10

My heart, the source of quarrels and fights, for I desire and think I’m right.
I criticize; complain by night, O change my heart, O God! My heart!

The depth of my own sinful state is strong enough to steal and hate.
I trust thy blood while love’s law break, O change my heart, O God! My heart!

The heart’s deceitful above all things, for who can know, who can redeem?
Diseased within, my heart I bring, O change my heart, O God! My heart!

Create in me a heart that’s clean; renew my soul, your grace to cling.
And draw me near for hope unseen, O change my heart, O God! My heart!

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Go and Build My House

Original Music: For the Fruit of All Creation (Ar Hyd Y Nos); Traditional Welsh Melody
Haggai 1:2-14

Go and build my house, my treasure; thus says the Lord.
You have sought your own self-pleasure; thus says the Lord.
Consider your sowing, reaping; frustrated the life your seeking.
Go and build my house, my treasure; thus says the Lord.

All the work and goods you purchase; God blows away.
While God’s work becomes a token, time yet for play?
Give yourself to higher callings, for the ones in sin, still falling.
Go and build my house, my treasure; thus says the Lord.

I am with you as you seek me with all your heart.
Take the courage to believe me with all your heart.
For obeying stirs God’s spirit as the people turn to fear Him.
Go and build my house, my treasure; thus says the Lord.

O How He Loves You and Me (Revision)

Original music: O How He Loves You and Me; Kurt Kaiser 1934-

O how he loves you and me, O how he loves you and me,
He gave his life as an offering for sin
O how he loves you, O how he loves me
O how he loves you and me.

Jesus to Calv’ry did go, His love for mankind to show,
What he did there brought hope from despair,
O how he loves you, O how he loves me,
O how he loves you and me.

He is God’s glory and light, Jesus doth make all things right,
He is the way, only truth, and the life.
O how he loves you, O how he loves me,
O how he loves you and me.

O how he loves you and me, sent here so we might believe,
He died our death so that we might be free.
O how he’s given, I am forgiven,
O how he lives, I believe.

Friday, April 06, 2007

I Know My Redeemer Has Stood In My Place

Original Music: Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise; Welsh Hymn Tune: St. Denio
Job 19:25-27,

I know my Redeemer has stood in my place.
He came for Salvation; I’m saved by his grace.
The enemy crushed and the will is unbound
Through works of my Savior, I’m raised from the ground.

My pardon is purchased; I’m free to give praise.
The veil has been lifted my eyes fix their gaze,
Upon thy great glory of Jesus the Son.
The splendor and wonder, great victory won.

All blessing and promise are mine to receive
By faith in my Savior, I live to believe.
O Sovereign, Jehovah, the great trinity,
Continue to save me, thy nature I need.

I know my Redeemer has stood in my place,
My helper and teacher to demonstrate faith.
Proclaiming good news of forgiveness of sin
Found only in Jesus, thy mercy did send.

Friday, March 30, 2007

God Will Be Found

Original Music: Londonderry; tra­di­tion­al Ir­ish Mel­o­dy
Psalm 32:5-6, Rom. 1:17, Heb. 11:6

God will be found by you who seek with all your heart.
God will not hide his face to those who praise.
Your heart will leap with joy as you obey his word
Turn now to Christ, for he has made the way.

Our God is great. His loving kindness will not fail.
His grace is strong to save you from his wrath.
Only in Christ is found the peace and joy of God.
Deny yourself and turn to Christ in faith to live.

Create in me a clean and willing heart to love.
Wash me in Thy new mercies from above.
My will is still an enemy of heaven’s gate.
Take all from me and give me righteous faith.

Our God is great. His loving kindness will not fail.
His grace is strong to save you from his wrath.
Only in Christ is found the peace and joy of God.
Deny yourself and turn to Christ in faith to live.

Take up the cross and live a life that seems so strange.
Invest this life in gospel ministry.
Live among men that they may see your faith as gain.
And know that Christ is worth the life you leave.

Our God is great. His loving kindness will not fail.
His grace is strong to save you from his wrath.
Only in Christ is found the peace and joy of God.
Deny yourself and turn to Christ in faith to live.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

I Believe This

Original Music: Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior; William H. Doane, 1832-1915.

I believe in God the Father, Christ his only son.
I believe the Holy Spirit, God yet three in one.

Chorus: I believe this, my heart’s only cry,
Faith alone in Christ exalted. I shall never die.

I believe the incarnation, God became a man.
Both divine and human vesture, Come redeem God’s plan.

Chorus: I believe this, my heart’s only cry,
Faith alone in Christ exalted. I shall never die.

I believe the death of Jesus, God atoned for sin.
I believe in his perfection, purged the guilt within.

Chorus: I believe this, my heart’s only cry,
Faith alone in Christ exalted. I shall never die.


I believe the resurrection, Christ rose from the dead.
He ascended into heaven, reigns as priestly head.

Chorus: I believe this, my heart’s only cry,
Faith alone in Christ exalted. I shall never die.


I believe in Christ returning for the bride he loves.
He will vindicate her glory, persevere in love.

Chorus: I believe this, my heart’s only cry,
Faith alone in Christ exalted. I shall never die.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Lord, Forgive Us of Our Sins (confession)

Original tune: God Be With You; William G. Tomer (1882)

Lord, forgive us of our sins we pray
We like Cain have killed our brother
We dishonor one another
Lord, forgive us of our sins we pray.

Lord, we sell our children to this world
Buy their hearts that they may love us
We forsake our holy purpose
Lord, forgive us of our sins we pray.

Lord, we sin against the poor and weak
Send them to the door of Caesar
Say we’re not our brother’s keeper
Lord, forgive us of our sins we pray.

Lord, we oft forsake the gathering
Sin has ruined our affection
Love for cheap and low possessions
Lord, forgive us of our sins we pray.

Lord, restore the Church with love we pray
By thy Spirit, Lord, defend her
Show thy glory, we surrender!
Lord, forgive us of our sins we pray.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail

Original tune: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name; Oliver Holden, 1765-1844.
Matthew 16:18f, Matthew 13:23, Ephesians 6:11-19

The gates of hell shall not prevail against the Lord’s kingdom
Go forth and spread the saving news that all who hear may come.
Go forth and spread the saving news that all who hear may come.

The weapons of this war put on with love and constant prayer
For man is not our enemy but forces everywhere.
For man is not our enemy but forces everywhere.

Put on the armor full, hold fast, and march into the fields
Fear not your King has conquered there and bring his fruit and yields.
Fear not your King has conquered there and bring his fruit and yields.

The kingdom keys belong to you, take courage and proclaim
Resist your pride and guard Christ’s Church to show his worth and fame.
Resist your pride and guard Christ’s Church to show his worth and fame.

I Once Did Bear the Wrath of God

Original tune: O Christ, Our Hope, Our Heart’s Desire; Henry W. Greatorex, 1851
Micah 7:8-13, John 5:24-27

I once did bear the wrath of God,
For sin against his glory
Until he pleads my case at last,
My eyes will never see.

God speaks his word into my heart
My eyes behold his dealings.
Though I will fall, He makes me rise
Rejoice, O soul, with singing.

Because of God’s own righteousness
My case in Christ is heard
My enemy no longer wins,
My hope is in His word.

Though all the world around me build
And set their sights on earth.
Help me get rid of lowly things
To show what Christ is worth.

For Jesus came to execute
The justice of his father
With all authority in hand
His chosen, He will gather.

I once did bear the wrath of God,
But Jesus took my place.
And since he pleads my guilty cause
At last, it’s all of grace.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Great Salvation Full and Free

Original Tune: The Birthday of a King; William Harold Neidlinger, 1863-1924
Luke 24:1-6, Hebrews 9:28

On a hill outside of Jerusalem, God judged our sins that day.
For the cross He came, glory to His name, O the grace we now can say;

He has risen! The stone is rolled away.
He has risen! Glorious day.
Jesus saved my life, by his blood made right;
Great Salvation full and free.

The injustice of man and love of God collided on that day,
And the sky grew black as the curse turned back, O how grace redeemed the way.

Chorus:

At the tomb outside of Jerusalem, the dawn of that first day.
As they entered in, found the two strange men, what a word they spoke that day;

Chorus:

I'll Exult in God my Strength

Original tune: Precious Memories; J.B.F. Wright, 1925
Habakkuk 3:17-19, Habakkuk 2:2, 3

Though the fig tree should not blossom
And no fruit be on the vine,
Though the olive yield be rotten
And the fields produce no find.

Chorus: In the God of my Salvation
I’ll exult in God for strength.
Through the suff’rings, I will love Him
I’ll exult in God my strength.

Still our vision waits its filling
Slow it seems it won’t delay.
Come, Lord Jesus, make us willing
Tread on promises you made.

Chorus:

Surely there is hope for sinners
From the dread of wrath to come
There in Jesus, all his splendor
Where from Sovereign mercy sprung.

Chorus:

Who is God like Jehovah?

Original tune: Victory in Jesus; E.M. Bartlett, 1885-1941
Micah 7: 18-20

God made a faithful promise called a covenant of glory,
And He signed it with his holy blood and swore by his own name.
He spoke it through the prophets; father Abraham and Jacob,
Then God came down and took on flesh to keep it perfectly.

Chorus: Who is God like Jehovah who pardons transgressions,
His remnant inherits eternal grace, so free.
Who is God like Jehovah, His compassion endureth.
He cast all my sins away in the forgetful sea.


God crushed the mighty serpent by exploiting all injustice,
And He took the keys of death and hell in triumph o’er the grave.
He satisfied His father turning wrath away forever,
Our God delights in steadfast love, the promise that He gave.

Chorus:

How do we know we love Him and belong to His redemption?
Do we demonstrate a life of grace to those who don’t believe?
For God delights in mercy now reflected through His remnant
We share the nature of our God to speak salvation free.

Chorus:

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Worship in Spirit and Truth

Original Tune: Worthy of Worship; Mark Blankenship, 1943-
John 4:23-24, 1 Peter 5:8, I Peter 2:5,9


O Abba Father, Spirit, and Son we come before you repentant.
Make us more child-like that we might believe.
Simple is your love, our hearts long to see.

God is loving, happy in Jesus.
God is patient, strong arm to free us.
God is saving, seeking true worshipers,
Worship in spirit and truth.


Beware, O children, your enemy, prowling around to devour.
Seeking to steal the glad truth you received.
Pray in the spirit for grace to believe.

God is loving, happy in Jesus.
God is patient, strong arm to free us.
God is saving, seeking true worshipers,
Worship in spirit and truth.

O Holy priesthood, God’s chosen race, proclaim the mercies of Jesus.
Let your light shine in the darkness of men,
Honor all people for God is your friend.

God is loving, happy in Jesus.
God is patient, strong arm to free us.
God is saving, seeking true worshipers,
Worship in spirit and truth.

Watch and Wait for Delivery

Original Tune: Have you been to Calvary; Richard D. Baker, 1927-
Micah 7:7, Ps. 32:7, Ps. 68:19f

Do you know all your sins have been paid for in Jesus?
You can know the love of God.
God is pleased by his Son whom he gave to restore you.
Your deliverance is God.

Chorus: I will watch expectantly.
I will wait, for my God will hear me.
So be still, do not fear.
Cast your cares upon Jesus.
Watch and wait for delivery.

Is your heart broken clay from the sin we inherit?
Have you blamed a Holy God?
Will you stop trying hard to repair and make payment?
Place all hope in the one true God.

Chorus:

Is your mind so confused, anxious about life’s trouble?
Will you watch and wait on God?
Have you come to the place of surrender and silence?
Will you listen and trust in God?

Chorus:

Is your strength growing faint, have you cried out in weakness?
Rest your soul in God’s goodness.
As his child, you can know He will never forsake you,
Only trust his faithfulness.

Chorus:

Upon a Sinner's Cross He Hung

Original tune: In Loving Kindness Jesus Came; Charles H. Gabriel, 1856-1932

Upon a sinner’s cross he hung
For lying thieves, all I had done.
What I deserve, he took for me
My crimes, my penalty

Chorus: From manger scene to rugged tree
Christ knew no sin for you and me.
From God’s right hand, eternal plan
To please His name, for you and me.

He cried aloud, “Forgive them, Lord”
We pierced his side with hate and sword.
The blood and water that was shed,
He crushed the serpent's head.

Chorus:

In those dark hours of his death
The father’s law is wholly kept.
And from the dust of fallenness
He rose victorious.

Chorus:

I love Him for the heart made new
The pain and hell he suffered through.
He washes white the sinner’s stain,
I live to praise His name.

Chorus:

O Husbands of Earth

Original Music: O Worship the King; Attr. Johann Michael Hayden, 1737-1806.

O husbands of earth, the leadership bear,
And gratefully love the bride of your care.
Secure and defend her, love only thy wife,
Encourage and praise her till death ends in life.

O husbands of one, do fan into flame,
Desire for thy wife, your love must remain.
The vows you’ve committed must ever be strong,
Beware of contention; the heart prone to wrong.

O keepers of love, forgive all offense,
Secured in God’s grace, give her assurance.
Christ laid down his riches; His life for your soul,
Do love her with patience, as Christ is our goal.

Our children would learn, to hope in God’s love,
In marriage displayed with grace from above.
How mothers and fathers communicate grace,
Reflecting the gospel throughout human race.

What glorious sign that you have believed,
As you love your wife, the world may receive.
The message of God’s love, the proof in the comb,
Our journey made sweeter by love in our home.

O Come to the Waters of Grace

Original tune: In the Garden; C. Austin Miles, 1868-1946.

O come to the waters of grace
By the blood of Jesus, the Savior.
His Salvation came and He changed my name,
He rescued me from danger.

Chorus: For he nailed my shame and he bore my pain
To redeem a wretch as his own.
Purged my sinful flood with his holy blood,
His glory has ever shown.

O come to the waters of grace
For by faith in Jesus who calls thee.
For his voice I hear drawing me; come near
To know His grace more fully.

O come to the waters of grace
To be washed, immersed in God’s freedom.
For the joy aside, He was crucified,
The pleasure of God’s kingdom.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Unto the Least of These

Original tune: What Wondrous Love Is This; William Walker’s Southern Harmony, 1835; arr. William J. Reynolds, 1920
Matthew 25:34-45, 7:23, Revelation 13:8

Unto the least of these, God is love, God is love.
Unto the least of these, God is love.
Unto the least of these Christ our theology,
For the whole world to see God is love, God is love.
For the whole world to see God is love.

Go and do unto these in my name, in my name.
Go and do unto these in my name.
Go and do unto me, love even least of these,
For the whole world to see God has come, God has come.
For the whole world to see God has come.

Love those who are in need rapt in sin, rapt in sin.
Love those who are in need rapt in sin.
Help those who are in need bound in sin’s poverty,
For the whole world to see God is near, God is near.
For the whole world to see God is near.

Unto the least of these preach the word, preach the word.
Unto the least of these preach the word.
Unto the least of these tell them of Calvary,
Salvation rich and free found in Christ, found in Christ.
Salvation rich and free found in Christ.

Is your name written down in God’s love, in God’s love?
Is your name written down in God’s love?
Is your name written down, are you in God’s love found?
For the whole world to see, God will judge, God will judge.
For the whole world to see, God will judge.