October 23, 2014 (Thursday)
If you are looking for a religious song book, take a look at the Bible Book of Psalms. This was the “hymnbook” for God’s people in their worship. Perhaps that’s why churches usually provide hymnals in the pews, for the worship services.
Nowadays the words of the congregational songs are projected on giant screens so that you don’t have to use the hymnal if you already know what the music sounds like.
In our church, we have two separate worship services with two different styles of music. The “Contemporary Worship” service utilizes a Praise Team, various instruments and many contemporary songs while the “Traditional Worship” service features a choir, soloists, organ and piano, and several standard hymns found in the hymnal. Both services have much music. People are free to choose the worship style they prefer.
One of the favorite “Church Songs” today is “How Great Thou Art,” made popular by George Beverly Shea and the Billy Graham Crusade Choirs. If I remember correctly, however, when Billy Graham was asked if this was his favorite song, he replied that another had stolen his heart during the first London Crusade: “And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” It is indeed a wonderful hymn. Here are the words:
And Can It Be that I Should Gain
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
Music: Thomas Campbell
1. And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died he for me, who caused his pain?
For me, who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Listen to the words and music from Great Britain (click here).
Additional verses:
2. ‘Tis mystery all: th’ Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
3. He left his Father’s throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam’s helpless race.
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
4. Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
5. No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th’ eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’ eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Hear a different presention of the music (Click here).