Because He Lives by Matt Maher
Today’s Strong Worship Song is Because He Lives by Matt Maher which was released as part of his Saints and Sinners album which was recently released. The lyrics are creedal in nature in that they state what the author believes. The lyrics focus on Jesus, His redemption, His resurrection, and our identity in Him. Matt accurately depicts the depravity of man. We were all spiritually dead in our sin and shame before God brought us to spiritual life through the gospel. I love this song and it will be one we feature at our Easter service this year.
Scriptural references include Ephesians 2:1, Romans 6:11, Colossians 2:13, Hebrews 2:14, Acts 20:28, Romans 3:25, Romans 5:9, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:20, Hebrews 9:12, 1 Corinthians 15, and 1 John 1:7.
“Because He Lives (Amen)”
I believe in the risen One
I believe I overcome
By the power of His blood
Amen, Amen
I’m alive, I’m alive
Because He lives
Amen, Amen
Let my song join the one that never ends
Because He lives
I was dead in the grave
I was covered in sin and shame
I heard mercy call my name
He rolled the stone away
Amen, Amen
I’m alive, I’m alive
Because He lives
Amen, Amen
Let my song join the one that never ends
Because He lives
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives
Every fear is gone
I know He holds my life my future in His hands
Amen, Amen
I’m alive, I’m alive
Because He lives
Amen, Amen
Let my song join the one that never ends
Amen, Amen
I’m alive, I’m alive
Because He lives
Amen, Amen
Let my song join the one that never ends
Because He lives
Because He lives
How Can It Be – Lauren Daigle
Today’s strong worship song is How Can It Be by Lauren Daigle. Lauren is gifted with a beautiful and strong voice. The lyrics of How Can It Be are equally strong. Sin, shame, and guilt are clearly admitted and confessed to God. As our accuser and adversary Satan would have us to believe that there is no forgiveness for sinners and that we dare not lift our hands to worship God. God’s grace in Christ Jesus, however reaches us and reveals to us that we are forgiven. Redeemed hands are clean hands in God’s sight. A forgiven sinner has every reason to lift up their hands and worship the Holy One.
Scriptural references include Psalm 78:41, Psalm 79:18, Hebrews 7:25, Psalm 107:14, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 16:33, John 10:15, 1 Corinthians 15:22, and 1 John 2:2.
How Can It Be
I am guilty
Ashamed of what I’ve done
What I’ve become
These hands are dirty
I dare not lift them up
To the Holy One
You plead my cause,
You right my wrongs
You break my chains
You overcome
You gave Your life
To give me mine
You say that I am free
How can it be, Yeah
How can it be
I’ve been hiding
Afraid I’d let you down
Inside I’d doubt
That You could love me
But in Your eyes
There’s only Grace now
You plead my cause
You right my wrongs
You break my chains
You overcome
You gave Your life
To give me mine
You say that I am free
How can it be, Yeah
How can it be, Oh
Though I fall
You can make me new
From this death
I will rise with You
Oh the Grace
Reaching out for me, Yeah
How can it be
How can it be
You plead my cause
You right my wrongs
You break my chains
You overcome
You gave Your life
To give me mine
And You say that I am free, Oh
You plead my cause
You right my wrongs
You break my chains
You overcome
You gave Your life
To give me mine
And You say that I am free
How can it be, Yeah
How can it be, Oh
We Believe by the Newsboys
Today’s Strong Worship Son is We Believe by the Newsboys. The Newsboys have been around for a long time in the CCM world and have always been a favorite of mine. They were the first to make the song In Christ Alone popular back in 2003. We Believe hits the mark on what strong worship songs are all about. The lyrics are a creed as the title suggests and give a clear testimony to the Trinity, the crucifixion, the resurrection, Christ’s Return, and the gift of spiritual rebirth. Scriptural references include Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 15, Matthew 16;18, Matthew 25:57, and Mark 15:28,
We Believe
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s comin’ back again, we believe
So, let our faith be more than anthems
Greater than the songs we sing
And in our weakness and temptations
We believe, we believe!
We believe in God the Father!
We believe in Jesus Christ!
We believe in the Holy Spirit!
And He’s given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He’s comin’ back again!
Let the lost be found and the dead be raised!
In the here and now, let love invade!
Let the church live love our God will save
We believe, we believe!
And the gates of hell will not prevail!
For the power of God, has torn the veil!
Now we know Your love will never fail!
We believe, we believe!
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He’s comin’ back,
He’s comin’ back again!
He’s comin’ back again!
We believe!
We believe
Hallelujah by Tenth Avenue North
Today’s strong worship song is “Hallelujah” by Tenth Avenue North. This song appeared on their Over and Underneath album. I would categorize “Hallelujah” as a praise song. The lyrics are neither too repetitive nor shallow. Man’s depravity and sin are acknowledged. Jesus emerges as the hero and is credited fully for our salvation. What also makes “Hallelujah” special is its use of expressions and pictures from the psalms like hiding in the shadow of God’s wings, God’s voice like thunder, and seeking God’s face.
Scripture references include Isaiah 53, Psalm 24, Psalm 27, Psalm 80, Psalm 17, Psalm 36, Psalm 57, Psalm 63,Matthew 12:20, Revelation 5:12, and Revelation 13:8.
“Hallelujah”
But the Holy of Holies is drawing me near
Your voice like thunder shakes the ground I’m onSo hide my face in the shadow of Your wings, oh Lord
Hide my sin from the beauty here before Your throne
Your throne
Hallelujah for the blood of the Lamb that was slain
Hallelujah for the blood of the Lamb that was slain
And so we enter in to see Your face, yeah
We enter in to see Your face, oh God
Well I’m falling to my knees. I feel the earth beneath
With the weight of my sin, and this crushing unbelief
Could You really love me with all that I’ve done, oh Lord
You spread Your hands
And made a refuge for the weak and blessed
The weary, bruised, and broken
Took our sin. Inside Your wounds we hide away
Inside Your wounds we hide
Cornerstone by Hillsong United
Today’s strong worship song is Cornerstone by Hillsong United which came out in 2012. This song is a remake of the hymn My Hope is Built On Nothing Less written by Edward Mote in 1837. Hillsong does a good job in “contemporizing” the original hymn tune without losing its overall integrity. The lyrics are solid and focus on Christ, His person, His work, His righteousness, His love, and His return. Hillsong’s added refrain complements the original lyrics and further gives praise to Jesus. Cornerstone is also very singable for congregations.
Scriptural references include Psalm 118:21-23, Mark 12:10, Isaiah 4:6, Isaiah 25:4, Isaiah 28:16, Matthew 21:41-43, Acts 4:11, Ephesians 2:20, Mark 4:39, 1 Corinthians 15:52, and 1 Peter 2:6-7.
Cornerstone
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Savior’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
When Darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Savior’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
He is Lord
Lord of all
Christ alone
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Savior’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Savior’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless stand before the throne.
This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham
Today’s Strong Worship Song is This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham with help from Josh Farro and Jeremy Riddle. This song appears on the album The Ascension which was released in September 2013. This Is Amazing Grace meets all of my criteria of a strong worship song. Believers, who are God’s adopted children through faith in Christ are singing in response to God’s amazing grace to save. In the lyrics Jesus emerges as the hero who alone rescues us by breaking us free from our sins and spiritual darkness. He did this by being our perfect substitute and bearing our cross which resulted in His death. Jesus who is none other than the King of kings and King of glory has conquered death and is worthy of our songs of praise.
Scripture references include 2 Corinthians 6:18, Revelation 5:11-13, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16, Psalm 24:8-10, Psalm 36:5-7, Exodus 15:13, 1 John 2:2, and John 18:37.
This Amazing Grace
Who breaks the power of sin and darkness
Whose love is mighty and so much stronger
The King of glory, the King above all Kings
Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder
Leaves us breathless in awe and wonder
The King of glory, the King above all Kings
This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You laid down Your life
That I would be set free
Jesus I sing for all that You’ve done for me
Who brings our chaos back into order
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter
The King of glory, the King of glory
Who rules the nations with truth and justice
Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance
The king of glory, the King above all Kings
Worthy is the lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel by Matt Maher
Today’s strong worship song is Matt Maher’s Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel which was released on this year’s WOW Christmas album. Matt is gifted with depth and variety of musical style including writing fresh new melodies to traditional hymns. He keeps the integrity of the original hymn yet adds a powerful chorus that is easy to sing. This is a great Advent and Christmas song.
Scripture references include Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 2:40, Romans 11:23, and 1 Corinthians 2:24.
Oh Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Oh come, Oh come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel
O come, Thou wisdom from on high
Who orderest all things mightily
To us the path of knowledge show
And teach us in her ways to go
Rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
Rejoice, again, I say, rejoice
For unto us is born the Savior of the world
Take heart, oh weary soul, take heart
For help is on its way
And Holy is His name
Rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel
Holy is His name
Holy is His name
Man of Sorrows by Hillsong United
The sin of man and wrath of God
Has been on Jesus laid
Silent as He stood accused
Beaten mocked and scorned
Bowing to the Father’s will
He took a crown of thorns
Oh that rugged cross
My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out
Hallelujah
Praise and honour unto Thee
Sent of heaven God’s own Son
To purchase and redeem
And reconcile the very ones
Who nailed Him to that tree
Now my debt is paid
It is paid in full
By the precious blood
That my Jesus spilled
Now the curse of sin
Has no hold on me
Whom the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
See the stone is rolled away
Behold the empty tomb
Hallelujah God be praised
He’s risen from the grave
My God by Jeremy Camp
Today’s strong worship song is “My God” by Jeremy Camp from his album Reckless, released in February 2013. The song rocks which is Jeremy’s style. The lyrics are also strong and emphasize God’s grace and power to reach us wounded sinners with the gospel. Our lives are forever changed by God’s unchanging love and victory over our sin. This song is strongly personal as the title suggests. It is a personal tribute to the exclusive Creator and Savior God of mankind.
“My God”
All of who You are reaches the darkest parts
Lifting the weight and erasing the scars that had a hold on me
Here I am bearing all, tearing down every wall
So amazed by Your grace and the way You’re still holding me
Whoa whoa, whoa whoa
My God, You are the unchanging love
My God, Your heart sends hope from above
The great Creator, beautiful Savior
I’ve been redeemed
There is life now from Your victory
You are my God
You are my God
There is no other one, who’s given a greater love
Laying aside His own life on the cross
Reaching out to us
Whoa whoa, whoa whoa
My God, You are the unchanging love
My God, Your heart sends hope from above
The great Creator, beautiful Savior
I’ve been redeemed
There is life now from Your victory
You are my God
You are my God
When my hope starts fading out
You are where my strength is found
I know I won’t be alone
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are a beautiful love
My God, You are the unchanging love
My God, Your heart sends hope from above
The great Creator, beautiful Savior
I’ve been redeemed
There is life now from Your victory
There is victory
You are my God
You are my God
You are my God
You are my God
The Scandal of Grace by Hillsong United
Today’s Strong Worship Song is The Scandal of Grace by Hillsong United. This song is solidly based on numerous portions of Scripture including Ephesians 2:8-9, Isaiah 53:7, 1 Peter 2:22, Revelation 1:5, John 15:13,1 Corinthians 1:23, John 3:16, Romans 9:23, Philippians 3:7-11, Acts 4:12, John 14:6, Psalm 19:6, Ephesians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 15:54-56, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, and 2 Corinthians 5:15.
Some may be taken back by the title, The Scandal of Grace. There is Biblical grounds for this, however. The crucifixion of Christ, the ultimate example of grace, is referred to by Paul as a “stumbling block” to those who refuse to believe (1 Corinthians 1:23). The Greek word for “stumbling block” is “skandolon” which is the word from which “scandal” is derived. Most often we associate scandals with man’s willful sins. The scandal of God’s grace, however is Jesus becoming sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. The lyrics accurately show the depravity of man. They also clearly paint Christ as the hero for lost mankind which is what the gospel is all about. I choose to post this song at this time partially because it was just released but also because it is a good song for the season of Lent.
The Scandal of Grace
Verse 1:
Grace what have you done?
Murdered for me on that cross
Accused in absence of wrong
My sin washed away in your blood
Too much to make sense of it all
I know that your love breaks my fall
A Scandal of grace you died in my place, for my soul will live
Chorus:
Oh to be like you
Give all I have just to know you
Jesus there’s no one beside you
Forever the hope in my heart
Verse 2:
Death where is your sting
Your power is as dead as my sin
The cross has taught me to live
And mercy my heart not to sin
The day and its troubles shall come
I know that your strength is enough
A Scandal of grace you died in my place, for my soul will live
Bridge:
And it’s all because of you Jesus
It’s all because of you Jesus
It’s all because of your love that my soul will live
Sing by Josh Wilson
Today’s strong worship song is Josh Wilson’s Sing. I can not say enough about the lyrical strength of this song. Jesus meets us were we are in our sin and then rescues us from it. Jesus carried the curse of sin for the entire world in order to set us free from it. There is no greater reason for us to sing then knowing the hope that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection brings to us. Another great feature of this song is that there is an alternate Verse 2 written for the Christmas season. We have sung this song several times at Lamb of God Lutheran and it has already become a favorite. We will be singing it for Christmas Eve. I need to thank my wife and son for insisting that I listen to Josh Wilson.
Scripture references include Galatians 3:13, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, 1 John 2:2, Matthew 2:2.
Sing
Verse 1
Ev’ry bit of history, and ev’ry single breath we breathe
Has led us here and brought us to our knees
From carrying the curse we bear, and praying that He’s
heard our prayers to set us free, oh, set us free
Pre-Chorus
‘Cause we could never get back home with broken hearts
so home has come to meet us where we are
Chorus
So sing that God is with us, sing
He has come to save us, sing
He will never leave us
Glory in the highest! Ev’rybody sing
To the Child who is our King
He has come to bring redemption to us
God is with us
Glory in the highest! Ev’rybody sing
Verse 2 (non-Christmas version)
We have found our hope again
In the Son of God and Son of Man
This Savior King is changing all we know
By carrying the curse we bear
For everybody everywhere
He lived and died and brought us life
And we will rise to meet Him in the sky
Verse 2 (Christmas version)
For He is born in Bethlehem, the Son of God and Son of man
This little Child is changing all we know
By carrying the curse we bear, for ev’rybody ev’rywhere
And He would someday die to bring us life
and we will rise to meet Him in the sky
Bridge
Jesus, Jesus, in a manger lay with the world to save
Jesus, Jesus, in a manger lay with the world to save
‘Cause we could never get back home with broken hearts
So, home has come to us
So Home has come to meet us where we are
Chorus (congregation may sing)
So sing, God is with us
Sing, He has come to save us
Sing, He will never leave us
Glory in the highest, everybody sing
To the One who is our King
He has come to bring redemption to us
God is with us
Glory in the highest, everybody sing
We have found our hope again
In the Son of God and Son of Man
This Savior King is changing all we know
By carrying the curse we bear
For everybody everywhere
He lived and died and brought us life
And we will rise to meet Him in the sky
Repeat chorus (congregation sing)
Jesus, Jesus, our Emmanuel
God is with us now
Jesus, Jesus, our Emmanuel
God is with us now
More Than Amazing by Lincoln Brewster
Today’s strong worship song is Lincoln Brewster’s More Than Amazing which came out on his Real Life album in September of 2010. This song meets all of my criteria for a strong worship song. The lyrics are centered on the life and works of Christ. In them Jesus is praised for being the hero of fallen mankind. As true God He performed the miracles of God. As true God He also displayed the mercies of God the greatest of which was dying on the cross to pay for our sins. This song is a great congregational testimony to the power and love of God.
Scripture references include Psalm 103:12, Matthew 7:28, John 21:24-25, John 6:19, Mark 4:39, Matthew 28:18, John 13:1-16, Matthew 7:29, Isaiah 35:5, and John 9.
You’re the One who walked on water
And You calmed the raging seas
You command the highest mountains
To fall upon their knees
You’re the One who welcomed sinners
And You opened blinded eyes
You restored the brokenhearted
And You brought the dead to life
Forgetting all our sins You remember all Your promises
(Chorus) You are amazing
More than amazing
Forever our God
You’re more than enough You are amazing
With authority You’ve spoken
And You’ve set the captive free
You’re the King who came to serve
And You’re the God who washed our feet
You’re the One who took our burdens
And You bled upon the cross In your kindness and Your mercy
You became the way for us
Forgetting all our sins You remember all Your promises
(Chorus)
Oh how marvelous
Oh how wonderful
Oh how glorious
You are amazing
Oh how marvelous
Oh how wonderful
Oh how glorious
You are You are amazing
More than amazing
Forever our God You’re more than enough
Jesus, Son of God by Chris Tomlin and Christy Nockels
Today’s strong worship song is Jesus, Son of God by Chris Tomlin and Christy Nockels. The song just came out March 13, 2012 just in time for Easter! At Lamb of God Lutheran we will be singing it for our Easter Sunrise service or Easter Festival service. This song has all of the elements of a strong worship song. The lyrics are Christocentric (Christ-centered) and didactic, but also lead worshipers to strongly praise the Son of God. Jesus deserves our highest praise for His ultimate and perfect sacrifice to set us free from our sin.
Biblical references include John 6:38-41, Matthew 8:20, Luke 9:58, Matthew 27:29, Mark 15:17, John 19: 2-5, 1 John 4:19, 1 John 4:10, John 1:29, and Hebrews 12:2, 1 John 5:12, 1 John 5:20, Mark 1:1, Matthew 26:63-64, Matthew 27:54, Luke 1:35, John 20:31, and Romans 1:4.
Jesus, Son of God
You came down from heavens throne
this earth you formed was not your home.
Love like this the world had never known.
A crown of thorns to mock your name
forgiveness fell upon your face.
Love like this the world had never known
On the altar of your praise let there be no higher name
Jesus Son of God
You laid down your perfect life.
You are the sacrifice Jesus Son of God
You are Jesus Son of God
You took our sin You bore our shame
You rose to life You defeated the grave
Love like this the world had never known
You took our sin You bore our shame
You rose to life You defeated the grave
Love like this the world had never known
On the altar of your praise let there be no higher name
Jesus Son of God You laid down your perfect life
you are the sacrifice
Jesus Son of God
You are Jesus Son of God
Be lifted higher than all you’ve overcome
Your name be louder than any other song
There is no power that can come against your love
The cross was enough the cross was enough!
The cross was enough the cross was enough!
Overcome by Jeremy Camp (words and music by Jon Egan)
Today’s strong worship song is Overcome sung by Jeremy Camp with words and music by Jon Egan. This song has alternate titles including We Will Overcome, Savior, Worthy of Honor and Glory, and Seated Above.
Jon Egan wrote this song in 2007 in response to a horrible incident at his Colorado church in which a mad gunman shot six innocent church goers killing two of them in their church parking lot. Jeremy Camp, a personal friend of Jon, featured this song on his Worship Project album that came out August of 2010. The lyrics are very strong on several levels. First and foremost they are Christocentric or Christ-centered. They emphasize the amazing fact that the God’s perfect, sinless son suffered and died to pay for the sins of all mankind. Not only did Jesus suffer and die, but He overcame death on the third day and now lives in full majesty and authority.
We are called to give testimony to His name and with that will come trouble at times. Jesus put it this way “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The song lyrics which are based on this verse encourage us to take heart and to overcome whatever trouble through Christ. I am amazed at how many great worship songs have come out of tragedy.
Scripture references include: John 16:33, Colossians 3:1, Luke 22:20, 1 Peter 2:21, Matthew 26:28, Ephesians 1:20, Revelation 12:11, 1 Corinthians 1:6, 2 Thessalonians 1:10, 3 John 1:12, Luke 10:19, 1 John 2:14, 1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:4-5, and Revelation 2:7.
Overcome
Seated above, enthroned in the Father’s love
Destined to die, poured out for all mankind
God’s only son perfect and spotless one
He never sinned, but suffered as if He did
All authority, every victory is Yours
All authority, every victory is Yours
CHORUS:
Savior, worthy of honor and glory, worthy of all our praise, You overcame
Jesus, awesome in power forever, awesome and great is Your name, You overcame
Power in hand speaking the Father’s plan
You’re sending us out, light in this broken land
We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony, everyone overcome
CHORUS:
Savior, worthy of honor and glory, worthy of all our praise, You overcame
Jesus, awesome in power forever, awesome and great is Your name, You overcame
Lift High by Steve Fee
Today’s strong worship song is Lift High by Steve Fee. This song is on the We Shine album by the group Fee released in 2007. It is a solid worship song. “When Broken people call His name” is an accurate and beautiful description of worship. Scriptures references include Psalm 2, Psalm 24, Psalm 121, Psalm 123, Isaiah 49:18, Isaiah 60:4, and Luke 21:28.
Broken people call His name
Helpless children praise the King
Nothing brings Him greater fame
When broken people call His name
Lift high, your chains undone
All rise, exalt the Son
Jesus Christ, the Holy One
We lift our eyes to You
Sinners all exalt the Son
Your ransom paid and freedom won
We will see His Kingdom Come
When sinners all exalt the Son
[Repeat Chorus]
Lift up your heads
Oh oh oh lift up your heads
Look on Him
Lift up your heads
Oh oh oh lift up your heads
Look on Him
Lift up your heads
Oh oh oh lift up your heads
Look on Him
Lift up your heads
Oh oh oh lift up your heads
Look on Him
Lift up your heads
Oh oh oh lift up your heads
Look on him
Lift up your heads
Oh oh oh lift up your heads
Lift high, your chains undone
All rise, exalt the Son
Jesus Christ, the Holy One
Lift high, your chains undone
All rise, exalt the Son
Jesus Christ, the Holy One
We lift our eyes to You
We lift our eyes to You
Silent Night (Emmanuel)
Today’s strong worship song is Matt Maher’s Silent Night (Emmanuel). Silent Night is obviously not a new song. It was written about 200 years ago, and has become the most popular Christmas song ever. Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel is also not new. It was written about 800 years ago! Matt Maher brilliantly combines these two traditional Christmas hymns into a fresh song. He somehow preserves the original tunes, as he subtly connects them. Matt also adds his own rich words to the bridge. I love this song! Be sure to not only listen to the song on the first YouTube link, but also to Matt Maher’s explanation of the song. Enjoy.
Silent Night (Emmanuel)
VERSE 1:
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and Child
Holy Infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
VERSE 2:
Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heav’nly hosts sing alleluia
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
BRIDGE:
O come, O come Emmanuel
And ransom captive hearts that fell
Bring peace on Earth and love’s goodwill
To everyone
For You so loved the world You gave
Your life for us to heal and save
We see the echoes of Your grace
To everyone
VERSE 3:
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus My Redeemer by Chris Tomlin
Today’s strong worship song is Chris Tomlin’s Jesus My Redeemer which came out in 2010. Like many of Chris Tomlin’s songs the lyrics are very personal in nature. It is as if Jesus is sitting in the same room listening to his song. This is also what makes this song work well in worship since worship is meant to be an exchange or dialogue between us and God. Scripture references include Psalm 103:4, Isaiah 59:20, Ephesians 1:7, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 1 Timothy 2:2.
You traded riches to run to my rescue
Oh, my redeemer
You take the pieces and turn them to praises
Oh, my Redeemer
Oh, my Redeemer
Love I cannot deny
Sure as the morning light
Jesus, my Redeemer
You paid my ransom
You chose to suffer
Oh, my Redeemer
Oh, my Redeemer
Love I cannot deny
Sure as the morning light
Jesus, my Redeemer
Now I am not ashamed
To You be the highest praise
Jesus, my Redeemer
My Redeemer
No other one so glorious
You outshine the sun
No other love like Jesus
You outshine the sun
Aaron Shust – Never Been A Greater Love
Today’s Strong Worship Song is Aaron Shust’s “Never Been a Greater Love” which is found on his new album “This Is What We Believe” which was released in August of 2011. As far as strong, Biblical lyrics go, they don’t get much stronger this. Aaron Shust touches on several Biblical truths including the total depravity of man, the amazing grace of God, the pursuing love of Christ, redemption, and atonement. In addition to the strong lyrics, I enjoy the musicality of this song.
Scripture references include John 9:25, Romans 8:1, Luke 19:10, Matthew 12:21, Romans 5:1-2, 1 Timothy 1:1, Hebrews 2:10, John 15:13, and 2 Corinthians 9:15.
Never Been a Greater Love
There is nothing in this world
That means as much to me
Than the fact that You came looking
In my hour of desperate need
I was lost but then You found me
I was blind but now i see
Who You are
Who You are
Giver of hope when all is hopeless
When i was picking up the scraps
Lord, You never stop pursuing
Never give up when dreams collapse
We have been touched by grace amazing
You gave it all to buy us back
It’s who You are
Who You are
You are the author of salvation
Perfecter of our faith
The God of restoration
Our sins have been erased
There is now no more condemnation
You’ve covered us with grace
There has never been a greater love
There has never been a greater love
Never a gift has been so lovely
Never a love has been so pure
I can’t imagine ever finding
Somebody else who loves us more
Even though we cannot repay You
We’ll give our lives in the pursuit
Of who You are
Who You are
Jesus, You’re so wonderful
Oh how wonderful
You are
Aaron Shust – Sing of My Redeemer
Today’s strong worship song is Sing of My Redeemer by Aaron Shust which is the fifth song in his album This Is What We Believe released last month (August of 2011). The song is a re-make of the hymn “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” by Philip Paul Bliss back in 1876. This hymn was the last hymn that Bliss wrote before dying in a train crash the same year.
Thy lyrics are very strong and Christocentric. They focus on Christ and His work of redemption. Aaron Shust does a masterful and beautiful job in re-working this hymn with contemporary sounds.
Scripture references include Hebrews 12:2, Galatians 3:13, Psalm 107:2, Mark 10:45, Revelation 5:9, Isa 55:7, Psalm 50:9-10, Rev 17:14, I Cor 15:57, Rom 6:13), Luke 23:43, Rev 5:12, Rev 7:14, Ephesians 1:1-7, Acts 4:20, Isaiah 63:15-17, Romans 5:8, and Titus 2:13-14.
Sing of My Redeemer
I will sing of my Redeemer
And His wondrous love for me
On the cruel cross He suffered
From the curse to set me free
I will tell the wondrous story
How my lost estate He saved
In His boundless love and mercy
He the ransom freely gave
I will sing
Sing of my Redeemer
With His blood
He has purchased me
On the Cross
Jesus sealed my pardon
He paid the debt and set me free
I will praise my dear Redeemer
His triumphant power I’ll tell
Of the victory He gives us
Over sin and death and hell
I will sing of my Redeemer
His Relentless love for me
He from death to life has brought us
Son of God with Him to be
We will praise the Lamb for sinners slain
For His blood can wash away our stain
Singing glory, glory to His name
For His blood can wash away…
Mighty to Save by Hillsong United
Today’s strong worship song is Mighty to Save which was first sung and made popular in 2005 by Hillsong United. The words and music were written by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan. In 2009 Laura Story’s version won a Dove Award. Several other Christians artists and groups sing this song including Michael W. Smith, Seventh Day Slumber, Rock Of Ages, Reuben Morgan, Jeremy Camp, and the Newsboys.
Scripture references include:1 Corinthians 15:54, Zephaniah 3:17,Ephesians 5:13-14,and Isaiah 60:1-3
Mighty to Save
Everyone needs compassion
A love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations
(Chorus:)
Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as You find me
All my fears & failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender
Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
Shine Your light and
Let the whole world see
We’re singing
For the glory
Of the risen King
Jesus
(Chorus:)
strongworshipsongs by Pastor Scott Martz 