Author: art rogers
Broken… Pt. 2
Tuesday, March 13th, 2007 @ 5:00 am
Not to make this a series or anything, but I have had a few queries as to the song that was being sung when God did His work in me on Sunday. If you have no idea what I am talking about, read the first post, “Broken…” and that will get you up to speed.
I remember my last day in Greek class at SWBTS. Dr. Vaughn brought in a lot of books the last week and shared insights and encouragements for life in ministry. On the last day, he brought in some hymnals and began talking about how theologians used to write the hymns. In our lifetime, music has gotten more rich, but the depth of the songs we use took a nose dive, because musicians, naturally deeper musically, were writing the new songs. I can say that in the last decade or more, I have seen a great deepening in our modern worship songs, and this song is one of them.
I was going to put up the MP3 for you to download and enjoy, but then I realized that it would probably break copyright law - even if I am giving the download away and not selling it. Instead, with citation of the authors, I will post the lyrics and, to the best of my knowledge, stay upright in the law and also not disenfranchise anyone.
It must be noted that the tune seems to be a lilting melancholy, reminiscent of Irish folk songs. It was offered by a wonderful young lady with a clear, strong and pure soprano voice.
Title: In Christ Alone
Authors: Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
Copyright: 2001 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Pulbishing)
CCLI Song Number: 3350395
Verse 1
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light my strength my song
This Cornerstone this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love what depths of peace
When fears are stilled when strivings cease
My Comforter my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand
Verse 2
In Christ alone who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For ev’ry sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
Verse 3
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
Verse 4
No guilt in life no fear in death
This is the pow’r of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No pow’r of hell no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand
— — — —
I’ve been asked by a few if I would let Dr. Rainer use the original article, as he asked in that article’s comment section. After deciding that the purpose of me putting the experience on the internet was to glorify God at my expense, I believe it was appropriate to allow it. I emailed him my permission. I promise I was not being rude and ignoring him by not responding in the comment section, for those of you who seem to have been worried.
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March 13th, 2007 at 6:39 am
Good for you, brother. Good for you. And I realize that may not have been easy.
March 13th, 2007 at 7:55 am
Art,
You know what is amazing. When you said “In Christ Alone” I was thinking about the Michael English song.
The version you are talking about we are using during our Holy Week. I have it sitting in front of me right now.
Praise God for what He is doing in your life and your church.
Your friend,
Kevin
March 13th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
That song is amazing…I loved it the first time I heard it, and continue to use it in worship as often as I can.
March 13th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Brother Art,
I was hurt and absolutely astonished that you did not respond to Dr. Rainer when he asked you to. To do so any other way is absolutely unforgivable…..NOT!!
:>)
Thanks for your transparency. We all need to be more transparent.
Blessings,
Tim
March 13th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
I, too, was thinking of the Michael English song. The lyrics of the song you cite are beautiful. Isn’t it amazing how music sometimes speaks to the heart?
March 14th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Hello Art. I have been a silent observer here for the last 6-8 months and I was blessed by your ‘Broken’ post. May we all see and be perpetually humbled by the undeserved lovingkindness of our God.
Just a note about “In Christ Along,” I am a stundent at SBTS, getting my MDiv. in Worship, and I have had the blessing of getting to know the composers of this hymn through some of Southern’s Institute of Christian Worship seminars and lectures. I highly recommend all their work. They are a blessing to the church and to church music. They are a breath of fresh air to the church who is ready to sing songs because they are God-glorifying and Christ-exalting rather than nashville-driven.
All you pastors should logon to http://www.gettymusic.com and peruse the lyrics of their many modern Hymns. You can hear excerpts, i believe, and they certainly will cell you a cd!
Through Southern’s ICW link, you can hear them speak about the songs as well.
They are writing hymns that are truly timeless musically and poetically.
Recommend them to your music minister!
Again, thank you for the post and for your blog. It’s been a blessing to me.
March 14th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Um, that would be “In Christ ALONE”
March 16th, 2007 at 3:11 am
As one of those inveterate blog readers from across the pond can i follow up Rons comment by pointing you to one of their new songs “Oh to see the dawn” which is having a huge impact here in the UK!
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.
CHORUS:
This, the pow’r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev’ry bitter thought,
Ev’ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
“Finished!” the vict’ry cry.
Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.
FINAL CHORUS:
This, the pow’r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.
you can listen to the music on their website or find at least one copy on iTunes!