—Song Downloads Archives - Worship Matters

Last weekend I attended the Resolved conference, led by Rick Holland from Grace Community Church. The conference is based on the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, and this year’s theme was Jesus. In eleven sessions, we got a fire-hydrant dose of why the person and work of Jesus Christ is so glorious and life-changing.

This was my second Resolved conference. My good friend CJ Mahaney has spoken at all six, but I’ve gone the past two years to give away Sovereign Grace Music song sampler CDS to the 3000+ attendees. Being in Palm Springs hasn’t been bad either.

The music for the conference is provided by Enfield, led by John Martin. John has become a good friend and a godly musician I deeply respect and appreciate. In fact, as I’ve gotten to know the other members of the band (John’s wife, Lisa, guitarists Patrick Anderson and Paul Hoover, bassist/songwriter Ryan Foglesong, drummer extraordinaire David Zimmer, and newcomer multi-tasker Will Pierce), I’ve been greatly encouraged by their genuine humility, love for the church, crazy music chops, love for each other, joy, servant hearts, and artistic creativity. All inspired by their desire to bring glory to Jesus Christ. They even let me teach a song this year, All I Have is Christ. You can watch the video here.

hymnsessions1

Each year at the conference they release an album. This year it was The Enfield Hymn Sessions, Vol. 1. (You can find the previous albums, “Back to Calvary” and “O For That Day” at the Resolved site.) I listened to their new album, produced by Brian Steckler, on the way out to the conference and wanted to tell you about it.

As the name suggests, it’s a recording of 12 hymns. Here’s the list (with my favorites starred):

*1. There is a Fountain– Standard melody with a driving 4/4 accompaniment.
*2. Jesus Shall Reign – Jubilant 12/8 arrangement with a new chorus. One of my favorites on the album.
3. And Can it Be – Original tune with a 6/8 accompaniment, and some occasional fresh harmonies. Nice mandolin work on this one.
4. Lead On, O King Eternal – New music and chorus. Great rendition. Christian Ebner is the guest vocalist.
5. Our Great God – Fernando Ortega’s anthem to God’s greatness. Beautiful song. Pizzicato strings add a nice touch.
6. Crown Him with Many Crowns – Celebrative arrangement of the standard tune.
*7. Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken – Another one of my favorites. Hope to teach this at my home church some time.
8. I Will Glory in My Redeemer – Nice arrangement of Steve & Vikki Cook’s song.
*9. O the Deep, Deep Love – Original tune, but a hauntingly beautiful arrangement. For my reworking of this hymn, click here.
10. Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven – Lilting 3/4 arrangement with a new chorus.
11. Blessed Assurance – New music and chorus. Michelle Anthony is the guest vocalist. This arrangement is more reflective than the original hymn, and very moving. “This weight of heaven pours on my soul; longing for heaven where I’ll be made whole.”
*12. Be Thou My Vision – Hard to go wrong with this song. Great arrangement.

The musicians of Enfield are among the best I’ve heard from a local church. That doesn’t come through as clearly on the album as I’d like, due to the fact that a string quartet or soloists play a prominent role on most of the songs. That being said, the album is still a great collection of fresh hymn arrangements and re-writes, filled with gospel truth that will make your soul soar and your heart sing for the glory of the Savior.

John has kindly allowed me to give away the MP3, lead sheet, and rhythm chart for the song Jesus Shall Reign. Enjoy.

You can download the album for $7.99 at Amazon or $9.99 at iTunes.

Our church is in the middle of a series on 1 Peter and we’ve been talking a lot about suffering. Peter starts off by telling us that we will be grieved by various kind of trials, “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:7). For the Christian, trials are never purposeless, random, or wasted. God is using them to work out his perfect plans and to conform us to the image of his Son.

How do we know this? Because he has promised in his Word that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). He is sovereign over every disappointment, defeat, disease, and disaster.

When we gather as the church, it’s always an opportunity to remind one another of the truths upon which our lives are built. So we’ve been singing songs that highlight God’s sovereignty and care during our suffering, whether that stems from being persecuted for our faith or simply living in a fallen world.

This past Sunday, we introduced Desert Song, written by Brooke Fraser. It’s been around a while, but we thought this series would be an ideal time to introduce it. Here are the lyrics:

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that’s within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me, Lord, through the flames

I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it’s way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I’ll stand

All of my life, in every season
You are still God, I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I’m filled to be emptied again
The seed I’ve recieved I will sow
By Brooke Fraser, Copyright 2008 Hillsong Publishing (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music)

Another song we sang on Sunday was from our album, Come Weary Saints. It’s called As Long As You Are Glorified and was written by my good friend Mark Altrogge. It’s a humble prayer that acknowledges God’s unchanging character in the midst of changing circumstances. You can listen to the song or right-click to download here. Download the guitar chart here.

Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings
Yet not welcome any pain
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine
Yet grumble in days of rain
Shall I love You in times of plenty
Then leave You in days of drought
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest
But when winter winds blow, then doubt

Oh let Your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long
As You are glorified

Are You good only when I prosper
And true only when I’m filled
Are You King only when I’m carefree
And God only when I’m well
You are good when I’m poor and needy
You are true when I’m parched and dry
You still reign in the deepest valley
You’re still God in the darkest night

So quiet my restless heart
Quiet my restless heart
Quiet my restless heart in You
Words and Music by Mark Altrogge. © 2009 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). Admin. by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music.

I posted more thoughts on ways God can use congregational worship to strengthen people’s faith during seasons of suffering in this post and this series.

Not too long ago I came across the work of Chris Powers, who put together an animated video of one of our songs, The Prodigal. I was moved by the way he used simple animation to illustrate the song in a powerful way.

Recently Chris told me he had animated another one of our songs, The Gospel Song.

Here are the lyrics:

Holy God in love became
Perfect man to bear my blame
On the cross he took my sin
By his death I live again.

In the video, Chris also added a portion of a message by John Piper where he pleads with unbelievers to trust in the finished work of Christ for their sins.

The Gospel Song was first written for a musical my church put on in 2002 for our 25th anniversary. Drew Jones, who led the production, wanted to musically communicate how over the years the church is always tempted to make primary what is secondary. But it is the gospel that remains constant and preeminent. When secondary issues (relationships, serving, mission, spiritual gifts, evangelism, etc.) are given equal weight, the gospel has the potential of getting obscured, assumed, or lost altogether.

Drew asked me to put music to seven different sets of lyrics that could all be sung together. Out of the cacophony the simple gospel song emerges as the only hope for those lost in their sin. In the production, a father also sings The Gospel Song each night to his daughter before she goes to bed.

I had a blast writing the music, and think we were able to pull off Drew’s idea. The other songs stayed with the show, but we’ve continued to sing The Gospel Song on Sunday mornings.

You can download the song for free here. Here’s the guitar chart, and a four part hymn arrangement.

I was encouraged recently to hear that Worship Leader magazine had included Generation Letter’s song “King of Peace” on their recent Song Discovery CD. Each Song Discovery CD contains 12-15 congregational songs with leads sheets and chord charts in 3 keys. Many are from well known bands and artists, but they often feature songs from lesser known musicians and local church projects as well. A great service to the church.

The video above is Generation Letter leading King of Peace at this year’s Next Conference in Baltimore, MD (May 28-31). I led with them, along with Alli Gilland, who was filling in for Stephen Morgan on guitar. The members of the band (George Romanacce, Stephen Morgan, John Ripley, Alex Couch, Abbott Jones) are all from Metro Life Church in Orlando, FL, and help lead the congregational singing on Sundays. They’re a great group of young guys (except for John, the drummer, who is young at heart) who want to use their gifts to serve the local church first, and then anyone else who might be encouraged by their music. They’ve produced an EP and one album, This is the Story. Their website is currently under construction, but you can find them on Facebook. It’s been a joy this past year to get to know the group better and experience their humility, passion, and love for the Savior.

“King of Peace” reminds and assures us of God’s faithful presence and care in the midst of suffering and trials. Here are the lyrics:

Verse 1
Lord, your children have not been spared
From this worlds daily trials and cares
We know weakness, fear and sorrow, yet weʼre not alone
You are near in our time of need
You are faithful you hear our pleas
You give grace to all who hope in your mighty name

Chorus
King of peace you calm our raging storms
All we need is found within your arms
We find rest by your quiet stream
King of peace

Verse 2
We were rebels against your reign
We were haters of your great name
When you saved us from your justice and from ourselves
You gave life to our hearts of stone
Made a way for us to your throne
Where we lay down all our burdens at your feet

Bridge
We stand upon your faithfulness As we trust in you
By George Romanacce, Stephen Morgan, John Ripley, and Steve Cook
Copyright © 2010 Generation Letter

To download the original song, click here. You can get guitar chart (in A) by clicking here. And if you’re interested, you can watch the video on Vimeo.

Ten years ago Sovereign Grace Music released King of Grace. It immediately became one of our most popular recordings.

It features twelve songs that cover themes including the gospel, justification, the cross, evangelism, sanctification, heaven, and passion for God. The musical moods range from joyful celebration to quiet reflection. Although the songs are 10 years old, we’ve continued to use a number of them.

But a lot has happened in the last ten years musically. These songs were arranged in the late nineties and I’d love to hear fresh arrangements of them.

So we’re going to have a contest.

I’m giving away two free registrations to WorshipGod11 (Aug. 10-13) to the person who can come up with the most creative arrangement of one of the songs on King of Grace.

The arrangement can alter anything but the basic melody and lyrics of a song. Along with creativity, I’ll also be looking for how the arrangement complements and supports the song. Good production won’t hurt either. Here’s all you have to do:

1. Post your new arrangement on YouTube by Dec. 31. Doesn’t have to be flashy, just audible.
2. Share your YouTube link in the comments section of this post. Or you can send it using the “contact me” tab above.
3. Wait for the winner to be announced on Jan. 12, 2011 on my blog.

Here are the songs on the album:

1. Your Great Renown
2. King of Grace
3. Your Redeeming Love
4. The Glory of the Cross
5. Behold the Lamb
6. At the Foot of the Cross
7. Your Praise Will Never Cease
8. Join All the Glorious Names
9. In You Alone
10. In My Heart
11. You Are My Everything
12. You Have Captured Me

Another way we’re celebrating the ten year anniversary of King of Grace is by giving away three song downloads: Your Great Renown, Behold the Lamb, and The Glory of the Cross.

AND…we’re selling the entire album for $6 through the end of the year. Enjoy!

You can also listen to a streaming version here.

Nathan Fellingham, a good friend and member of the UK group Phatfish, recently made me aware of an EP he produced by Kate Simmonds. One of the songs, “Grace Is Not Earned,” does a great job unpacking the meaning of grace in a Christian’s life. Several things I appreciate about this song. It makes us aware grace is the work of the Triune God. It has a singable and memorable melody. It references Christ crucified and risen (the means of grace) clearly. It loudly proclaims our freedom from sin, deliverance from condemnation, and acceptance by the Father. Great song.

Nathan generously said I could give away the song and guitar chart here on Worship Matters. I’d also encourage you to listen to clips of the other two songs (Here is Love and Wake Up My Soul) and purchase the EP and sheet music here.

GRACE IS NOT EARNED
Grace is not earned, nor deserved,
It is a gift from God.
Saved by Your mercy alone,
Rescued by Your great love.
Grace is the heart of the Father,
Grace is the gift of the Son,
Grace is the work of the Spirit,
Revealing the wonder of an amazing God.

You know how often I fail
And all that I can’t undo,
Stains I’ve no means to erase,
How can I stand before You?
Christ takes the cross on His shoulders,
Steadfast to Calvary’s hill,
Leaving my sin in the grave
He rises, the conquering Son,
Such amazing love!

Raised by Your life, now in Christ,
Chosen and dearly loved,
I am now seen through Your eyes:
Righteous through Jesus’ blood!
Ransomed, restored and forgiven,
My sins are remembered no more!
Though still I’ll stumble, You’ll keep me.
By grace, I’ll continue on in unending love!

Oh the mercy, oh the mercy of our God, of our God. (repeat)
By Kate Simmonds. Copyright 2010 PhatMusic. Admin. by song Solutions CopyCare

You can download the song for free here and the guitar chart here.

And here’s a video of Kate singing the song.

I’ve been encouraged by the attention hymns have been getting recently. Not because I’m a fan of hymns in general, but because hymns tend to allow for a greater development of the truths we’re singing. I currently have hymns albums from Sojourn Music (The War & The Mercy Seat), Indelible Grace (The Hymn Sing), and Page CXVI (Hymns III), which I hope to review in the near future. Mike Cosper has also started a series on hymns over at the Gospel Coalition site.

But this post is about a hymns album I received last fall and am just getting around to reviewing. It’s the work of David Potter and is called Man of Sorrows Glorious King. The album contains ten hymns (reworked and original) and bonus acoustic versions of three of those.

I’ve never actually met David Potter, but I’m sure I will at some point. When we first started corresponding he was in Omaha, Nebraska. Now he’s a student at Covenant Seminary in St. Louis and part of the Journey Church.

The production on the album is primarily an acoustic guitar driven band sound that brings a cohesiveness to the project. Nothing fancy, but solid. David has a voice that’s easy and enjoyable to listen to. The album may not blow you away with production tricks, but what comes through is a musician who is serious about providing songs filled with gospel-centered truth that the church can actually sing.

Here’s the track listing and a few comments:

Man of Sorrows – fresh treatment of the Philip Bliss hymn, Hallelujah! What a Savior.
All Creatures of Our God and King – bluesy, driving version of this classic, with a new melody
You Are the One – original 6/8 song that magnifies the God’s greatness is seen both in his transcendence and his immanence
Rock of Ages – original lyrics/tune with a new chorus, that makes it a whole new song
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus – great new tune to a already great lyric. A new chorus doesn’t hurt either.
There is a Fountain – new tune to William Cowper’s lyrics. This one wasn’t a stand out for me.
The Greatness of HIs Mercy – again, great new music to some great lyrics that celebrate the effect of Jesus’ sacrifice
Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah – the other song I’m not really crazy about, but I’m sure some will say this is their favorite song. Kind of blues/minor. Not sure the music complements the lyrics here.
Lord You Are a Shield – based loosely on Ps. 3. Great song for those going through trials and persecution.
Be Thou My Vision – pretty straight version of an amazing hymn

My iTunes tells me I’ve listened to this album about 5 times. Actually, it’s about 7. And that’s how many times I’ve enjoyed it. If you’d like to hear it, you can visit David’s site on bandcamp.com. David is graciously offering 20% discount if you simply type “worshipmatters” as the discount code.

UPDATE: Download the MP3 and guitar charts for Man of Sorrows.

To find out more about David you can check out his site or find him on Facebook.

This past Sunday at my church we introduced the song We Belong to the Day, written by Mike Morrow. It’s one of the many theologically rich songs coming our of Emu Music in Australia. I first taught it last April at the New Word Alive conference in Wales.

The song is based on 1 Thess. 5:2-10 and is about how anticipating the return of Christ motivates us to pursue holiness and share the gospel. This is the gist of what I shared to introduce the song:

“A few weeks ago there was quite a stir in the media about Jesus coming back, because someone had announced Jesus was returning at a specific time on a specific day. When Jesus didn’t come back (of course, because He told us that no one knows the day or the hour), a number of people laughed and mocked the incident, then went back to living their lives like normal. But the reality is, Jesus IS coming back. And when he does return, some of those laughing now won’t be laughing any more. Because the Bible promises that day will be a terrible time of wrath, judgment, and condemnation for those who refused to love the truth and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. But for those who have believed in Jesus Christ as the only Savior and Lord, that day will be the beginning of eternal joy and celebration forever.

Christians have always had questions about Jesus’ return. Paul addressed some of those questions in the fifth chapter of 1 Thessalonians. Here’s what he said [I had this projected on the screen because of its length]:

For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.

We want to teach you a new song this morning based on that passage. It reminds us that we belong to the day, referring to the Day of the Lord. We live with our eyes on that final day when sin will be judged and the righteous in Christ will be rewarded. But we belong to the day in another way. We belong to the day and not the night. We live with different values, different goals, and different desires than the world around us. Rather than participate in deeds of darkness, we expose them, and have a passion to share the good news of Christ’s redeeming sacrifice with others. And the fact that Jesus has returned is not a sign of God checking out, but rather his patience for all those who haven’t yet repented of their sins and trusted in Christ.”

Here are the lyrics:

1. We belong to the day
To the day that is to come
When the night falls away
And our Saviour will return
For the glory of the King is in our hearts
On that day we will be seen for what we are

2. We belong to the day
Let us journey in the light
Put on faith, put on love
As our armour for the fight
And the promise of salvation in our eyes
On that day the proud will fall, the faithful rise

CH: Strong as a mighty rock
Our refuge in the coming wrath
The heart of the bride belongs to Jesus, Jesus
The earth in its turning stops
To marvel at the Son of God
And all of that day belongs to Jesus, Jesus

3. We belong to the day
We were bought with Jesus’ blood
Soon he comes as the judge
In the power of his word
We must tell of his salvation while we wait
For the day when Jesus comes will be too late

BR: Oh, if ten thousand years go by we will wait
Let us tell of his great love, he will come
For his patience means salvation!
© 2006 Michael Morrow

We don’t have many modern worship songs that talk about the return of Christ and the coming judgement in such a clear, biblical, hope-filled way. (Here are a few others.)

And thanks to Philip Percival, who heads up Emu Music, you can download the MP3, lead sheet, and guitar chart for free.

This past weekend I had the joy of hanging out with Mike Cosper and the gang from Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY. Mike is one of the pastors at the church and heads up Sojourn Music. He’ll be leading a band for one of the main sessions at WorshipGod11 and also co-leading a guitar workshop on “tone, gear, and playing together.”

It was a quick trip that included leading a songwriting workshop, dinner at an amazing Mexican restaurant with a bunch of the guys who lead the music for Sojourn (including Jamie Barnes and Brooks Ritter), attending one of the Sunday AM meetings, and leading the singing for the two evening meetings (5 and 7PM).

I came away inspired, challenged, encouraged, and freshly aware of the beauty and power of the gospel. Here are some of things I appreciated about my time with Mike and the church.

1. A commitment to the church.
Sojourn Music is deeply enmeshed in the local church. All the instrumentalists, vocalists, and songwriters you’ll hear on their 7 albums are or have been part of the church. They aren’t seeking to write the next big worship hit. Just seeking to be faithful to use music to proclaim the glorious news that Jesus has come to rescue us from God’s wrath and reconcile us to himself.

2. A commitment to the gospel.
A love for the centrality of Christ’s redeeming work comes through in everything Sojourn Music is connected to. The songs they write and sing, the church website, the structure of the meetings, the preaching, the books they read, and most importantly, in their lives and conversations.

3. A commitment to mentoring musicians and leaders.
The level of musicianship at the church and on their albums is pretty serious, both instrumentally and vocally. Some gifted musicians have joined the church along the way. But Mike and others have consciously taken time to invest in younger musicians in the areas of theology, musical skill, and character. That’s accomplished through scheduled meetings, hanging out, encouragement, honest feedback, and modeling what they want others to be.

4. A commitment to sound theology.
Sojourn guys aren’t apologetic about writing songs that are heavy on the doctrinal side. One of the more humbling moments came when someone in the church said that a Sovereign Grace song I introduced was light on theology in comparison to what they usually sing. Ouch. But I loved what that statement represented in terms of the church’s values. (At the end of this post, you can download a song from their latest CD, The Water and the Blood.)

5. A commitment to rootedness and relevance.
The meetings at Sojourn Community Church loosely follow a liturgy that has been around for centuries. They include a call to worship, confession of sin, assurance of pardon, congregational readings, and the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. But it was all done in a way that was authentic, faith-filled, and understandable. The music is anything but “traditional” (combination of indie rock, americana, alternative, folk, blues, and a few other styles), but the lyrics are often taken from hymns that have been around for centuries.

6. A commitment to relationships.
It was obvious to me that the Sojourn folks love spending time together. Once a month after the last meeting on Sunday Mike and a group of leaders go out for dinner and conversation. They get involved in each other’s lives to encourage, empathize, and challenge. They’re not afraid to speak truth to each other and not ashamed of expressing their affection for each other either. Great combination.

I asked Mike to share a few thoughts on the state of music in the church and here’s his response.

Grateful that God is raising up leaders who take the gospel, the Scriptures, and music in the church seriously. And looking forward to Mike and his crew being with us at WorshipGod11.

Mike has graciously give me permission to give away the song he references in this video, Absent From Flesh, from their latest album The Water and the Blood. Enjoy.

I think it was about 6 weeks ago that I received a copy of the CD, “Love Divine:The Songs of Charles Wesley for Today’s Generation,” which came out April 19. It’s a collection of Charles Wesley (1707-1788) hymns that have been set to music by John Hartley and Chris Eaton.

There are a lot of hymns albums being made these days. In fact, I’m working on a post now that highlights some of the ministries and individuals who are participating in rearranging, rewriting, or composing hymns. Very exciting to see more people realizing that the songs we use for praising God can’t be restricted to ones that are driven more by melody and beat than lyrical impact and depth.

But not all hymns albums are the same. Some are simply reworkings of well-known hymns that may or may not be worth recording one more time. Love Divine is not one of those albums.

A couple weeks later after I received it I was listening to the album in my car. This is what I was pleased to discover then and through repeated listenings:

Almost all the melodies (all of them new) seemed fresh, well crafted, and designed for congregational singing.
The songs seemed to be chosen for lyrical content rather than simply familiarity, which is not always the norm for hymns albums.
The production is centered in the modern rock genre, but has enough variety to make things interesting. In other words, it wasn’t dominated by wall-to-wall guitars.
For the most part the new melodies, additional choruses, and musical settings complemented the original lyrics.
While the vocalists are artists in their own right (Tim Hughes, Jason Roy, Leigh Nash, Aaron Keyes, Brenton Brown, and others), they keep the creative vocal licks to a minimum making it easier to adapt these hymns for congregations.
The gospel is all over this album, but the songs cover a wide variety of topics including the resurrection, Christ’s reign, Christ’s love for his people, prayer for sanctification, the return of Christ, Christ’s presence as we gather, God’s sovereignty, passion for Christ, and more.

If you know anything about Wesley, you know he was prolific, writing between 6000 and 8500 hymns, depending on your source. As you might guess, every one wasn’t a classic. But more than a few were. And John Hartley and Chris Eaton have done a masterful job introducing some of them to a new generation through new melodies, some new choruses, fresh arrangements and tasteful production.

A few of my favorites:

And Can it Be – I’ve never liked the common tune of this hymn, although it’s grown on me since we taught it at my home church. But it’s always sounded like a vocal exercise to me. I rewrote a version for GLAD years ago, but this version on Love Divine is simply stellar – singable, memorable melody that could be adapted to a number of musical styles.
Come,Thou Long Expected Jesus – Joyful, uptempo setting of a great hymn, with a new chorus.
Praise the Lord, Who Reigns Above – Another eminently singable melody in 6/8 with a fresh chorus.
Jesus, the Name High Over All – Oh, that we had more songs like this one, that extol the priceless worth of the name of Jesus. One of my favorite melodies on the album.
Love Divine – Hard to rewrite a classic, but Chris and John have given this hymn a more reflective, plaintive setting that accents our awareness of how far we fall short of God’s desire for our holiness.
Oh For a Heart to Praise My God – A simple song of consecration, asking God to do the work in our hearts only he can do.

Here’s a complete track listing:

• I Know That My Redeemer Lives – Tim Hughes
• Rejoice! The Lord Is King – John Ellis
• And Can It Be – Jason Roy
• Jesus, We Look to Thee – Kim Walker-Smith
• Jesus, Lover of My Soul – Chris Eaton
• Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – Brian Johnson
• Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above – Leigh Nash
• Jesus, the Name High over All – Chris Quilala
• O for a Thousand Tongues To Sing – Chris McClarney
• Love Divine – Jenn Johnson
• Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – Aaron Keyes
• Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies – Mark Roach
• Oh, For A Heart to Praise My God – Brenton Brown

Free Stuff and Ordering Info

You can get a free download of the MP3 and charts for I Know That My Redeemer Lives at this link. You’ll also be able to see some videos on the project, listen to some samples, and download the album.

You can purchase it from iTunes here, Amazon here, and download a pdf of all the charts for $10.99 here. Individual charts in every key are available for download here.

Oh, and Kingsway has generously given me 5 copies of Love Divine to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog by midnight, Thursday night. Tell me who one of your favorite hymn writers is. I’ll pick 5 winners at random and announce them on Friday morning.

And may God give us many more albums like this in the days to come filled with lyrically rich, biblically faithful hymns set to contemporary with melodies written to last beyond our lifetime.

One of my favorite songs on our Sons & Daughters album is Completely Done. I appreciate the simple, clear, and effective way it challenges our struggles with condemnation.

Am I really forgiven?
Did God know about that sin?
What if I mess up again?
Are my sins really fully paid for?

Completely Done, by Jonathan and Ryan Baird and Rich Gunderlock, answers those questions with the assurance only the gospel can bring:

What reason have I to doubt
Why would I dwell in fear
When all I have known is grace
My future in Christ is clear

My sins have been paid in full
There’s no condemnation here
I live in the good of this
My Father has brought me near
I’m leaving my fears behind me now

The old is gone, the new has come
What You complete is completely done
We’re heirs with Christ, the victory won
What You complete is completely done

I don’t know what lies ahead
What if I fail again
You are my confidence
You’ll keep me to the end
I’m leaving my fears behind me now
© 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)

Here’s a video of the song, led by the Na Band, who will also be leading at one of the main sessions of WorshipGod11 this year.

You can download a free MP3 at the Sovereign Grace online store.

Today is the official release date for Together for the Gospel Live II, the follow-up album to Together for the Gospel Live that came out in 2008. This new album contains 16 hymns, old and new, that we sang at the 2010 and 2012 Together for the Gospel conference in Louisville, KY.

Together for the Gospel emerged out of the relationships between four men: Mark Dever, Al Mohler, Ligon Duncan, and C.J. Mahaney. They found their experience of fellowship in and around the gospel so rich and encouraging they wanted to share it with others. So every other year, along with a few other speakers, they gather with thousands of mostly pastors, and seek to explore, revel in, and apply the riches of the gospel in teaching and song.

Like most of you, I’m used to singing hymns and modern songs accompanied by drums, bass, guitar, and keys. If your church’s music is more traditional, your singing might be accompanied by a piano, organ, and orchestra. Both settings can be used to amplify, complement, and support the truths we’re proclaiming.

At Together for the Gospel, we leave the band at home and I just lead from a piano. No pulsating drums, crashing cymbals, sonic synth textures, or loops (although I appreciate and use all of them in other contexts). The simplicity of the instrumentation combined with the depth of thousands of mostly men’s voices has a unique effect. Truth sings.

Most people are unaware that music almost wasn’t a part of Together for the Gospel because of the possibly divisive effect. The people who attend Together for the Gospel are a diverse group, musically speaking, and there’s always the potential to offend someone. Singing these hymns with simple accompaniment enables us to express and encourage our unity in the gospel rather than undermine it. And for that, I’m very grateful.

This isn’t the most musically creative album you’ll ever listen to. It’s not the most sonically advanced recording you’ll ever buy. Together for the Gospel Live II definitely doesn’t feature a lead vocalist that will “wow” you.

What this album does feature is profoundly rich biblical gospel truths, passionately sung by individuals who have been saved and transformed by Jesus Christ. The lyrics and melodies wash over you, feeding your soul, inviting you to join in. Which is exactly what a “worship album” is meant to do.

Here are a few things that make this album different from the first Together for the Gospel Live album:

1. 16 new hymns. New and old, familiar and unfamiliar, all pointing our minds and affections to the glory of Christ in the gospel.
2. Better sound quality. With more people we were able to capture a fuller congregational sound with fewer extraneous noises. Also, I think the piano sounds richer this time.
3. More singing, less talking. While I’m a strong advocate of talking between and during songs at the right times and for the right reasons, (I explain my thoughts in this seminar), we included less of my speaking on this album. Per Mark Dever’s direction, I also interjected comments during the songs less frequently. I think both changes make for a more enjoyable album.
4. Lyrics included: This time we printed all the lyrics in the liner notes, which are also included as part of the MP3 download. Makes it easier to add your voice.
5. 4 part hymn arrangements. You can download the 4 part arrangement for most of the songs (public doman and Sovereign Grace) from the Sovereign Grace Music website. Just click on the song title and the chart will be available for download on the left side of your screen.
6. Simpler accompaniment. Mark Dever and I work on the song list for Together for the Gospel, as well as how the songs are led. We have some very lively discussions! He’s encouraged me to play more simply so that the parts can be sung more easily. I tell Mark that since only 10% of the attendees are women and because at least 70% of the guys don’t read music, you’re not going to hear the parts very well. But in the end I defer. And I’m glad I did. As much as I enjoy being creative on the piano and think it can complement the lyrics, I think simpler playing makes these arrangements more transferable.

Here’s the track list (with a few notes):

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Come Praise and Glorify (from The Gathering)
I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer art
Speak, O Lord (Getty/Townend)
Behold Our God (from Risen)
Holy, Holy, Holy
The Gospel Song (from Songs for the Cross Centered Life)
Grace Greater Than All Our Sin
I Hear the Words of Love
Jesus Paid It All
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
All I Have Is Christ (from The Gathering)
I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow
O Great God (from Valley of Vision)
When Trials Come (Getty/Getty)
We Will Glorify (Twila Paris)

And in case you missed the promo video, here it is:

You can purchase it for download from Amazon, iTunes, or Bandcamp, or buy the physical CD from the Sovereign Grace online store.

I pray these songs enable you exult in the priceless treasure of our Savior and live more passionately for his glory.

Keith and Kristyn Getty (along with Ed Cash) have a new song that celebrates the resurrection of Christ. Great lyrics, accessible melody, and reminders of how the resurrection affects our lives today. I’ve posted the lyrics below.

And thanks to the generosity of Keith and Kristyn, you can download the MP3 and various charts (choral, rhythm piano, hymn) by clicking here.

Verse 1
How can it be, the One who died,
Has borne our sin through sacrifice
To conquer every sting of death?
Sing, sing hallelujah.
For joy awakes as dawning light
When Christ’s disciples lift their eyes.
Alive He stands, their Friend and King;
Christ, Christ He is risen.

Chorus
Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!
Oh, sing hallelujah.
Join the chorus, sing with the redeemed;
Christ is risen, He is risen indeed.

Verse 2
Where doubt and darkness once had been,
They saw Him and their hearts believed.
But blessed are those who have not seen,
Yet, sing hallelujah.
Once bound by fear now bold in faith,
They preached the truth and power of grace.
And pouring out their lives they gained
Life, life everlasting.

Verse 3
The power that raised Him from the grave
Now works in us to powerfully save.
He frees our hearts to live His grace;
Go tell of His goodness.

Bridge
He’s alive, He’s alive!
Heaven’s gates are opened wide.
He’s alive, He’s alive!
Now in heaven glorified.

For years, I heard C.J. Mahaney reference a John Newton hymn that began with the lines, “In evil long I took delight.” Newton imagines the Savior looking down at him twice from the cross. The first look communicates our guilt and responsibility for the death of Christ. The second look assures us that this sacrifice forever secures our forgiveness before God. The two looks together fill us with a “pleasing grief and mournful joy.”

“Pleasing grief and mournful joy” describe well the proper response to Christ’s death on the cross. I can never grieve long over what it cost the Savior to redeem me before my heart wells up in joy that his death has brought down the blessings of heaven on my life. I can never rejoice too long in my forgiveness and reconciliation to God without remembering with sadness the infinite cost required to achieve that reconciliation.

A while back I was so affected by the lyrics to Newton’s hymn that I set an adapted version of the text to music, and added a chorus that gives us an opportunity to respond in joyful praise to this demonstration of “pure atoning grace.”

You can download or listen to it here.

Here are the lyrics:

I saw one hanging on a tree
In agony and blood
Who fixed His loving eyes on me
As near His cross I stood
And never till my dying breath
Will I forget that look
It seemed to charge me with His death
Though not a word He spoke

My conscience felt and owned the guilt
And plunged me in despair
I saw my sins His blood had spilt
And helped to nail Him there
But with a second look He said
“I freely all forgive
this blood is for your ransom paid
I died that you might live”

Forever etched upon my mind
Is the look of Him who died
The Lamb I crucified
And now my life will sing the praise
Of pure atoning grace
That looked on me and gladly took my place

Thus while His death my sin displays
For all the world to view
Such is the mystery of grace
It seals my pardon too
With pleasing grief and mournful joy
My spirit now is filled
That I should such a life destroy
Yet live by Him I killed.
Original lyrics by John Newton. New and alternate lyrics and music by Bob Kauflin. © 2001 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

You can find the original lyrics here, and can download the guitar chart, lead sheet, piano score, and string arrangement at the Sovereign Grace Music site.

If you don’t speak Spanish, you might not be interested in our latest release, El Dios Que Adoramos (The God We Worship).

But then again, it might not make any difference. It’s that good.

The album came about as a result of our relationship with Miguel Nunez, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Internacional (IBI) and host of the Por Su Causa conference. For the past few years Miguel has been a dear friend and supporter of Sovereign Grace Ministries and Sovereign Grace Music. His church has been translating and singing our songs for a while now, and musicians from his church have attended the WorshipGod conference. They’ve also been a great encouragement to our Spanish speaking Sovereign Grace churches in Juarez and elsewhere.

Last September, I had the joy of being invited, along with C.J. Mahaney, Jeff Purswell, and Mauricio Velarde, to participate in Por Su Causa. It was an amazing time, in spite of my mere three years of high school Spanish. Everyone we met of the 7000+ attendees was welcoming, encouraging, and seemed passionate for the gospel of Jesus Christ and his church.

The highlight for me, though, had to be Sunday night. The musicians from IBI, ably led by Luis Nunez, held two back to back events where they sang 16 songs for corporate worship, 13 of them from Sovereign Grace Music. Jonathan and Sarah Jerez contributed three more that were so good I started thinking maybe it was time for us to start translating Spanish songs into English. Among the Sovereign Grace songs on the album are Before the Throne of God Above (Ante el Trono Celestial), All I Have is Christ (Mi Vida es Cristo), Behold our God (Contempla a Dios), I Will Glory in My Redeemer (Me Glorío en Jesucristo), and Let Your Kingdom Come (Venga Tu Reino).

El Dios Que Adoramos is the result of that night. Produced by Steve Cook, it’s a partnership with our friends in the DR, combining the resources of our songs with their skilled musicianship and artistry. If you know any hispanic churches or Christians who are looking for gospel-rich, theologically informed, skillfully played and sung songs for praising God, this album doesn’t disappoint. In fact on hearing it, one of our pastors asked if we could start making our English albums sound like this.

To give you a taste you can download their arrangement of Ante el Trono Celestial (Before the Throne of God Above).

We discovered a problem when all the songs were mixed and we were about to go to mastering. There was too much music to fit on one CD. We ended up tidying some of the transitions and leaving off Allí en la Cruz, a beautiful song by Mauricio Velarde from our album of the same name. Fortunately, it’s included as a bonus track on all downloads and will be on the DVD.

Guitar charts and samples are available at the Sovereign Grace Music website. You can download the album at Bandcamp or Amazon. CDs will be available soon from the Sovereign Grace webstore.

For those who didn’t know, this is our 4th Spanish CD. If you haven’t heard them yet, check out Sea la Gloria Solo a Ti, Allí en la Cruz, and Eres Dios.

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