"Keep Us All Close" by Eastlake Music assumes a universal search for God amidst diverse beliefs and struggles. The song petitions God to "let in" friends, enemies, the marginalized and people of all faiths. Tyler and Colin discuss whether this contemporary Christian song is, in fact, Christian.
God bless our friends, God bless our enemies
All of our children, all of our families
We've got no idea what we're doing
We've tried to find You throughout the centuries
Different religions in different countries
We've got no idea what we're doing
We'll never make it on our own
We've got too much dark inside of us
We'll never make it on our own
God bless the poor, God bless the broken-hearted
God bless the widow, God bless the long departed
We've got no idea what we're doing
God bless the christian, God bless the atheist
God bless the muslim, God bless the rest of us
We've got no idea what we're doing
Keep us all close, every one of us close
Don't let anyone go
Let all our friends in, and all our enemies
All of our children, all of our families
We've got no idea what we're doing
We've tried to find You throughout the centuries
Different religions in different countries
We've got no idea what we're doing
This song encourages us to see all our feasting, mourning, love, work, and play as opportunities to worship God. Join Colin & Tyler as we examine the poetic language and Biblical references in this modern hymn.
Verse 1
If creation is longing for freedom and glory
Every winter that passes each forest that burns
There’s a cry from its heart come Lord Jesus return
Every season a temple of praise
Verse 2
If all history is marked by the sign of the cross
Then each year that I give You is gain and not loss
For in time all our empires just melt like the frost
May our days be a temple of praise
Chorus 1
Oh Ancient of Days You have chosen Your moments
All our feasting and mourning our love work and play
So when time is rolled up on that great Judgment Day
May my days be a temple of praise
Verse 3
I can rise to Your song on the wings of the morning
Walk with your Spirit in the cool of the day
I can pray with a child as the sun bows his head
May my days be a temple of praise
Chorus 2
O Lord now I see that my days are all numbered
All the feasting and mourning the love work & play
So when I lay down my life at Your feet for a crown
May eternity ring with Your praise
May eternity ring with Your praise
May my days be a temple of praise
Part two. Can the doctrine of God's sovereignty serve as the basis for an emotional and powerful contemporary Christian worship song? CityAlight's "Your Glory & My Good" grapples with some of the most weighty and challenging issues in the Christian faith. As a result, Colin and Tyler end up in a wide ranging discussion about trusting God in the midst of suffering, the beauty and power of the Psalms, Christian deconstruction and even some social psychology. Enjoy!
Can the doctrine of God's sovereignty serve as the basis for an emotional and powerful contemporary Christian worship song? CityAlight's "Your Glory & My Good" grapples with some of the most weighty and challenging issues in the Christian faith. As a result, Colin and Tyler end up in a wide ranging discussion about trusting God in the midst of suffering, the beauty and power of the Psalms, Christian deconstruction and even some social psychology. Enjoy!
This week's episode analyzes a song by Dustin Kensrue called "Grace Alone." The song addresses several core elements of the gospel: that we have no right to approach God, that we have redemption and salvation through Jesus, that the Holy Spirit makes the light of Christ shine on our darkened hearts, and more.
Lyrics:
I was an orphan lost at the Fall, Running away when I'd hear Your call, But Father, You worked Your will
I had no righteousness of my own, I had no right to draw near Your throne, But Father, You loved me still
And in love before You laid the world's foundation You predestined to adopt me as Your own
You have raised me so high up above my station I'm a child of God by grace and grace alone
You left Your home to seek out the lost; You knew the great and terrible cost, But Jesus, Your face was set
I worked my fingers down to the bone; Nothing I did could ever atone, But Jesus, You paid my debt
By Your blood, I have redemption and salvation; Lord, You died that I might reap what You have sown
And You rose that I might be a new creation; I am born again by grace and grace alone
I was in darkness all of my life; I never knew the day from the night, But Spirit, You made me see
I swore I knew the way on my own; Head full of rocks, a heart made of stone, But Spirit, You moved in me
At your touch my sleeping spirit was awakened; On my darkened heart the light of Christ has shone
Called into a kingdom that cannot be shaken; Heaven's citizen by grace and grace alone
So I'll stand in faith by grace and grace alone; I will run the race by grace and grace alone
I will slay my sin by grace and grace alone; I will reach the end by grace and grace alone
If you saw the phrase "Free to Love" on a bumper sticker in California, what would you think it meant? What about in a worship song? Colin and Tyler talk about "It was Finished upon that Cross" by CityAlight.
Colin and Tyler yuk it up on this episode of The Worship Review. Brandon Lake's very popular song 'Gratitude' provides an opportunity to discuss thankfulness and how we express it to God.
This worship song reminds us that all our praise ultimately belongs to King Jesus. As we dive into the lyrics of this modern praise tune, we take a closer look at the creation declaring God's glory, the implications of God existing outside of time, and the eternity of praise Christians have to look forward to. "1,000 Hallelujahs and 1,000 more" equals 2,000, but how many points out of five will Colin and Tyler give this song? Tune in to find out.
[Verse 1]
Who else would rocks cry out to worship?
Whose glory taught the stars to shine?
Perhaps creation longs to have the words to sing
But this joy is mine
[Chorus]
With a thousand hallelujahs
We magnify Your name
You alone deserve the glory
The honor and the praise
Lord Jesus
This song is forever Yours
A thousand hallelujahs
And a thousand more
[Verse 2]
Who else would die for our redemption?
Whose resurrection means I’ll rise?
There isn’t time enough to sing of all You’ve done
But I have eternity to try
[Bridge]
Praise to the Lord
To the lamb
To the King of Heaven
Praise for He rose
Now He reigns
We will sing forever
Praise to the Lord
To the lamb
To the King of Heaven
Praise for He rose
Now He reigns
We will sing forever
This classic song has been sung at Advent time for generations. How well does it present the gospel? Is it easy to understand? Should churches sing it? We discuss on this episode of The Worship Review.
Lyrics:
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim
This easy-going and elegant song appeared on both the Rain For Roots Waiting Songs album as well as Sandra McCracken's God's Highway. Should an advent song like this one-a song which relies on metaphor and seasonal context--be treated differently than songs which use similar elements, but without the context? Colin and Tyler discuss.
Lyrics:
For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
Truly our hope is in You
Truly our hope is in You
O Lord of life, our only hope
Your radiance shines
On all who look -- to You in the dark
Emmanuel come, come light our hearts
For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
Truly our hope is in You
Truly our hope is in You
O Joy above all other loves
In you we find more than enough
We come as we are, O heal and restore
Come light our hearts
Colin and Tyler look at a CCM classic that wonders at what the experience of Heaven will be like. We talk about individual vs. collective expression of worship, thinking and feeling in worship, and reference some Biblical texts that shape our understanding of Heaven.
Lyrics: I can only imagine what it will be like When I walk, by your side I can only imagine what my eyes will see When you face is before me I can only imagine I can only imagine Surrounded by You glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for you Jesus Or in awe of You be still Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine I can only imagine when that day comes When I find myself standing in the Son I can only imagine when all I would do is forever Forever worship You I can only imagine I can only imagine Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for You, Jesus Or in awe of you be still Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine hey ya ah Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for You, Jesus Or in awe of you be still Will I stand in Your presence Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine hey ya ah I can only imagine yeah yeah I can only imagine I can only imagine ey ey ey I can only imagine I can only imagine when all I will do Is forever, forever worship You I can only imagine
Song:
Colin and Tyler are presented with a challenge this week in comprehending the lyrics to Thank God I Do by Lauren Daigle. Undoubtedly popular, the song peaked at number 1 on the Billboard US Christian Songs chart. Thank God I Do says "you're my safe place, my hideaway, my anchor, my saving grace," but who is the "you" of the song? Tune in to hear the discussion.
Lyrics
I've seen love come and
I've seen love walk away
So many questions
Will anybody stay?
It's been a hard year
So many nights in tears
All of the darkness
Tryin' to fight my fears
Alone, so long, alone
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
I'd probably fall off the edge
I don't know where I'd go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
I've started breathin'
The weight is lifted here
With You, it's easy
My head is finally clear
There's nothin' missing
When You are by my side
I took the long road
But now I realizе
I'm home, with You, I'm home
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
I'd probably fall off thе edge
I don't know where I'd go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
I'd probably fall of the edge
I don't know where I'd go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
You're my safe place
My hideaway
You're my anchor
My saving grace
You're my constant
My steadiness
You're my shelter
My oxygen
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
Thank God, I do
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
I'd probably fall off the edge
I don't know where I'd go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
Thank God, I do
Should a worship song really call people "vile" or "ruined"? Tyler and Colin parse through an old song that continues to be sung in many churches: "Man of Sorrows" (aka: "Hallelujah! What A Savior!").
Worship leader and songwriter Nathan Partain set Psalm 27 to music. We discuss both the style and substance of this thoughtful rendition.
Here's a modern hymn, written by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell, dealing with God's abundant mercy for sinners. Even though our sins are indeed "many," God's grace is greater. In this episode, we talk about the riches of God's love, the fact that God chooses not to remember the sins of His people, and the refreshing, constant mercy that awaits Christians every day. We also learn that Colin has a strong internal clock.
Song background:
https://www.mattpapa.com/songs/his-mercy-is-more
Versions sampled:
Matt Papa & Matt Boswell: His Mercy is More https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBZk0bVjCAA
Shane & Shane: His Mercy is More https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBZk0bVjCAA
Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa: His Mercy is More https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-31oJTdh1w
Lyrics:
What love could remember no wrongs we have done
Omniscient, all knowing, He counts not their sum
Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more
What patience would wait as we constantly roam
What Father, so tender, is calling us home
He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poor
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more
Praise the Lord, His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more
What riches of kindness He lavished on us
His blood was the payment, His life was the cost
We stood 'neath a debt we could never afford
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more
Praise the Lord, His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more
Praise the Lord, His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more
This setting of Psalm 18 deals with deliverance from trouble, and more importantly, deliverance from death and sin in Jesus Christ's triumphant resurrection. Colin and Tyler discuss love for The Lord and seeking refuge in Him, what Psalm 18 says about His wrath, the fear of God (Proverbs 1:7), what it is like reading the Bible as one ages, the benefits of singing old hymns, and a children's movie.
Unfortunately, no recorded choral setting with the hymn lyrics is widely accessible. Colin reads the text over a piano setting and the original Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3.
Text:
O Lord, I Love You, My shield, My tow'r,
my stronghold, my rock, my saving pow'r,
I worship you! Bless your holy name!
What unceasing praise your mercies claim!
Cords of death had bound my heart with fear;
tidal waves of Satan crested near,
"God, my God," I cried, "hear from your throne;
save me from these depths, make mercy known!"
Saving might brought answer, Lord Most High.
Dark your path; your storm clouds swept the sky;
lightning flashed, deep thunder spoke your word.
Waters parted; death your summons heard.
You came down, almighty Lord, my stay,
drew me up and drove my foes away.
Your right hand put Satan's host to flight,
then clasped me, embraced in your delight.
Now among all nations I would sing,
praising our anointed Lord, our King.
Hear His cry of triumph from the grave,
see him leap the wall of death to save.
His the righteousness that claims reward,
his the saving coming of the Lord.
Hail him, Victor in that deadly strife:
Jesus is our rock, our Prince of life.
Audio sampled in this episode:
"620. O Lord, I Love You, My Shield, My Tower (Saint-Saens Tune), Trinity Hymnal" by Piano Series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aNAGwIhkdI
"Saint-Saëns - Symphony No 3 in C minor, Op 78 - Järvi" by Classical Vault 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWCZq33BrOo
"BABE - If I had words" by Hilde Orens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H11mlCL-dkE
Full text of Psalm 18: Link
This episode not only discusses the classic hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy", but investigates what makes a song trinitarian. And what does it mean when this song says "though the darkness hide thee"?
Tyler and Colin continue to evaluate "excellent" songs with Shane & Shane's "All Sufficient Merit".
Martin Luther set Psalm 130 to verse; Chris Miner put music to it, and Andrew Osenga and Emily Deloach of Indelible Grace Music blend their voices to produce this version. Colin and Tyler discuss these five verses and the theology undergirding them. We address the gravity of man's sin, the exceeding magnitude of God's mercy, and the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who saves his people from their sins.
Lyrics:
Music by Christopher Miner
Words by Martin Luther
©1997 Christopher Miner Music
1. From the depths of woe I raise to Thee, a voice of lamentation.
Lord, turn a gracious ear to me, And hear my supplication.
If Thou iniquities dost mark, Our secret sins and misdeeds dark,
O who shall stand before Thee?
2. To wash away the crimson stain, Grace, grace alone availeth.
Our works, alas! are all in vain; In much the best life faileth.
No man can glory in Thy sight, All must alike confess Thy might,
And live alone by mercy.
3. Therefore my trust is in the Lord, And not in mine own merit.
On Him my soul shall rest, His word upholds my fainting spirit.
His promised mercy is my fort, My comfort, and my sweet support.
I wait for it with patience.
4. What though I wait the live-long night, And ’til the dawn appeareth.
My heart still trusteth in His might, It doubteth not nor feareth.
Do thus, O ye of Israel’s seed, Ye of the Spirit born indeed,
And wait ’til God appeareth.
5. Though great our sins and sore our woes,
His grace much more aboundeth.
His helping love no limit knows, Our upmost need it soundeth.
Our Shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free,
From all their sin and sorrow.credits
Indelible Grace version: https://youtu.be/1aVWBSmghAs
Chris Miner version: https://christopherminer901.bandcamp.com/track/psalm-130
Many listeners will never have heard of this week's song "Son of God" by Nathan Partain. In discussing this song, Colin and Tyler touch on Gungor's "Friend of God", whether artificial intelligence can become Christian, gendered language in the bible and whether it is applicable to all believers
