Tuesday, October 10, 2006

where do you stand?

i don't know why, but everytime i am somewhere and the song "in christ alone" is sung, i can't make it through the song with dry eyes. by that, i don't mean i get some kind of feel good warm fuzzies. what i do mean is, never have i known of a song that was so full of truth, and so well written, that to utter those words breaks and ignites my heart *because* they are true!

i won't diminish the power of these words (written by stewart townsend and keith getty) by trying to explain them. they speak for themselves. i encourage you to read through these few simple verses, and to maybe even say them outloud, and see what reaction your heart has.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, mystrength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heightsof 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

In Christ alone, who tookon flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save'

Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrathof God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in theground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave Herose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin'scurse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power ofChrist in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand'
Till Hereturns or calls me home
Here in the power of ChristI'll stand

amen and amen.

-stephen

7 comments:

RonK said...

Word up my brother...I love all of the Getty/Townend stuff. Have you sung 'See What A Morning' a.k.a. Resurrection Hymn? It's great. The second verse says:

"See Mary Weeping.
Where is He laid?
As in sorrow she turns
from the empty tomb.
Hears a voice ringing;
Calling her name.
It's the Master, The Lord
Raised to life again."

then the part I love...

"The voice that spans the years,
Speaking life, stirring hope,
Bringing peace to us.
Will sound when he appears
For He lives, Christ is risen
Fromthe Dead."


At the "voice that spans the years" part i'm like a little girl. The thought of that moment, hearing his voice, knowing he has conquered death....AH, it's blessed.
Those guys are great. 'Speak O Lord' is another favorite and 'Jesus is Lord' Both are rich in theology and beautiful.

RonK said...

I'M GOING TO START A BLOG CALLED "CAPS LOCK" OR "THE UPPER CASE"

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

I'M ORIGINAL

THAT MAY BE WHY I'M SO SLOW TO POST, I DON'T HAVE A SWEET GIMIC THAT KEEPS ME COMING BACK TO THE BLOGWORLD TO RANT. IF YOU RANT WITH THE 'CAPS LOCK' ON YOU CAN SAY YOU'RE "BUSTIN CAPS" AND PEOPLE THINK YOU'RE REALLY INTENSE...JUST A THOUGHT

RonK said...

I hate that I can't see my post after i write them.

Your caution and high ethical standards is highly annoying.

I like the instant gratification of seeing my own words in print...it's better than loving the sound of my own voice...people think I talk like a girl and call me ma'am on the phone, but deep inside I like to think of myself as a Brad Pitt, or a Sylvester Stalone...not...well..anyway the point is i like seeing my post.
Jerk

RonK said...

'Jerk' is probably above your "ethical standards" huh?

Huh

RonK said...

I'm winning for most posts! WOOHOO

Anonymous said...

I love that song, Stephen. Makes me all teary, too.

OKeedokey said...

Hi Uncle Stephen,

We just sang this song Sunday and I really really liked it. It says so much. Usually when I hear a song I like I end up choreographing a dance in my head, but this song has so much to say that I couldn't even think of dance b/c each phrase is so big!