We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Thursday, February 11, 2010

In Christ Alone


Another of my favorite contemporary hymns is In Christ Alone, by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. As with others I like, this song has some really good doctrinal “meat.”

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.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Agreed! I wish more contemporary music was like this.

Steve Bricker said...

When this song came out, I could point to it as a shining example of sound doctrine, proper emphasis (Christ, not me), and sing-ability.

Yvonne said...

I love this one!

The Gospel set to music!

Unknown said...

awesome song! any chance you have the bagpipe sheet music for 'in christ alone'?

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

J Crock,

I doubt if anyone has set it to the pipes.

Unknown said...

I was thinking of this one on the way to bagpipe lessons tonight. I play it on the pennywhistle. It would have to be adjusted, do to the range.