The Worship Quote of the Week for (03/28/2006):

"In Christ Alone" How wonderful that the Christian faith is a singing faith. Today’s WORSHIP QUOTE is the most familiar of the NEW IRISH HYMNS of Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, “In Christ Alone.” The poets expose the biblical idea of what it means to be “in Christ.” Notice the powerful depiction of the Lord’s Incarnation, his suffering and death, his resurrection, his exaltation, and the sure promise of his glorious return. Here’s a suggestion: Read Ephesians 1:3-14 and then read or sing this powerful text. [See below for FREE SHEET MUSIC of this hymn.] IN CHRIST ALONE In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; This Cornerstone, this solid Ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of 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 took on 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 wrath of God was satisfied— For every sin on Him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live. There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain; Then bursting forth in glorious Day, Up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory, Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me, For I am His and He is mine— Bought with the precious blood of Christ. No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ 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 He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand. —By Stuart Townend and Keith Getty @2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music. There are numerous choral arrangements available, but I think it works best as a congregational hymn (Feel free to call it a song if that makes you more comfortable). Make sure to take a look and a listen to what you find at www.gettymusic.com. Can you tell that I am a fan? At our local church here in Louisville, we have used about a dozen of the New Irish Hymns in our Lord’s Day worship. FREE GIFT OF SHEET MUSIC FOR THIS HYMN 1. Go to www.topohouse.com 2. Click on — login (top right corner) 3. Type in username — gettymusicgift 4. Type in password — gettymusicgift 5. Click on icon for pdf file 6. Sing and enjoy More about Keith Getty and the New Irish Hymns— www.gettydirect.com/hymns.asp The story behind "In Christ Alone"— www.gettydirect.com/insight2.asp?id=28 Sincerely yours “in Christ alone,” Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu/icw =========================== WORSHIP QUOTE OF THE WEEK: To subscribe, unsubscribe, or view a complete index of worship quotes, please visit http://www.wqotw.org ===========================