There is both a theological depth and poetic expression that some say is rare in today’s worship writing” A Christian website commented that, “ the uniqueness of Townend’s writing lies partly in its lyrical content.
One Christian magazine described Townend as “ one of the most significant songwriters in the whole international Christian music field“. He has led worship and performed at events across the world. He studied literature at Sussex University. He made a Christian commitment at the age of 13 and began song writing at 22, the same year his father died in a road traffic accident. The son of a Church of England vicar from West Yorkshire. His other songs sung here at our church include “How deep the father’s love for us” and “Beautiful Saviour”. It is a credal song with its theme being the life, death and resurrection of Christ and that he is the God whom even death cannot hold.īut what of the songwriter himself. In 2013 Justin Welby had it in his enthronement ceremony. I was in Sydney between 20 and I remember my church singing it often.īut even greater acclaim was to follow. By 2007 it was in the Christian charts in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. By 2006, it was number 1 in the charts of the Christian Copyright Licensing International. By 2005, only four years, it was named by BBC Songs of Praise as the ninth best loved hymn. It was originally popular in Ireland, then the UK and then broke into the USA market and went worldwide. It has already been translated into many languages. But what incredible acclamation and admiration in that time. St Francis of Assisi was particularly careless with protecting copyright in his hymn writing.
We have hymns in this church by wonderful hymn writers such as Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts and others. The former wrote the original music, based on a strong Irish melody. It was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. In poems, paintings and other creativity we are able to show this wonderful work of salvation.Īnd because I will be going through it line by line, I have put it on the sheet for you, with numbering to help my references! But we also know that the same inspiration takes hold of Christians through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Of course as a church we believe it’s only the word of God which is divinely inspired. To learn more of what it means to be saved and in a new relationship with him. A tremendous chance to give praise, to wonder at all that God has done for us. So I intend to go through it as to what we do believe.
LYRICS FOR IN CHRIST ALONE SERIES
Other preachers during this series have spoken on the Bible passage from which the hymn was inspired or particular themes. A real favourite here at Hambledon of many of us. It’s a real privilege this morning to be asked to speak on this one. We are continuing our series looking at well-known Christian hymns and what they can teach us. When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!Ģ.1 In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,ģ.2 Light of the world by darkness slain:ģ.8 Bought with the precious blood of Christ.Ĥ.3 From life’s first cry to final breath,Ĥ.8 Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.What heights of love, what depths of peace,.Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
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