Hoping to share some reflections from my recent time in Australia soon. But before that, I wanted to let you know about a video we just finished editing.
Last May at the NEXT conference, I had the opportunity to lead the song, The Father’s Love, with my son, Devon, and the Na Band. We projected the lyrics across the entire backdrop of the stage. I loved the effect of emphasizing the importance of the lyrics we were singing.
I have an increasing conviction (if that’s possible) that our singing should be characterized by passion rooted in biblical truth rather than simply passion that’s an effect of musical stimulation. Enlarging the size of the lyrics is one way we can serve that end. Enjoy the video. I posted the lyrics below.
How has the sinner been forgiven
How has the rebel been made clean
Or blinded eyes been made to see
How have the orphans been adopted
Who hated Your love and ran from grace
Despised and rejected all Your ways
How wonderful the Father’s love
The Father’s love for us
That He would send His only Son
To come and rescue us
He has saved us, called us blameless
Guides us now and will sustain us
Oh how wonderful the Father’s love
Your mercy floods our lives with kindness
Your grace has colored all we see
And You have promised not to leave
You freely give Your Spirit to us
So we can be sure we’re sons of God
And rest in the hope of what’s to come
Though sufferings may fill our lives
We’re confident we’re heirs with Christ
And so we cry, “Abba, Father”
By Joel Sczebel. © 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)
Hey Bob,
Thanks for posting. Thanks also for ministering with and to us in Oz. You have ruffled feathers – a wonderful thing! I look forward to our next opportunity to minister together in song.
“I have an increasing conviction (if that’s possible) that our singing should be characterized by passion rooted in biblical truth rather than simply passion that’s an effect of musical stimulation”
Aloha Bob,
I’m working on an email to send to you, but this statement hits right where I’ve been aiming for several months. How do I communicate this truth to non-musicians who want everything to be driven by the external…the emotions brought on by music rather than the music being the reflection of the emotions brought on by inspiration/affirmation/conviction of the Holy Spirit in God’s Word?
BTW: Love the large print projection…very cool and effective, indeed!
Blessings!
Kate
More videos like this PLEASE! Well done, guys…beautiful song, beautiful production…extremely helpful. 720p rocks!
Thanks for posting this. There is a great joy in my heart when I dwell on the truths communicated in this song. Thank you for serving my church by producing music like this. Love Devon’s passion too. Any chance that the string parts might be available?
Trent Broussard
Thanks for sharing Bob…wonderful song with truths worth singing!
Brother, thanks so much for sharing this wonderful song in such a wonderful format. Would love to see more wonderful examples. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry for the enriching of His worship and the churches’ faithfulness to Him!
Great song to introduce to (or sing again with) our congregations on Orphan Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011!
One other comment on this song, which our congregation has really taken to over the past few years:
The most common complaint about this song that I hear, including from our pastor is, “What a great song! jI just wish that bridge wasn’t so (peppy/upbeat…)” [insert appropriate adjective] Especially the first line of the bridge: “Though sufferings may fill our lives….” Singing it with great enthusiasm and drive can be a bit disconcerting to some, even knowing that we are to rejoice in our sufferings, especially for those deep in the midst of life’s trials.
But this arrangement really handles that part of the song nicely, especially the strings which give it more, shall I say, pathos. We don’t have a string section, but a keyboard sustain pad may do the trick there.
A great follow-up song in the worship set would be “It is well with my soul.”
I think I’ll go write it down in my worship service idea book now!
Great to have you back blogging again. I missed it.
Jim, your pastors are discerning. We decided the same thing and that’s why we put a more subtle instrumental backdrop to the bridge. Sounded great in the studio when we first recorded it, but in a congregation it definitely has a different feel. Thanks for your encouragement.
where can I get a chord chart for this song?
got it.
http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/downloadFiles.aspx?key=Free8d00d338-7f8d-4c68-bd60-5bf2ce9216f0
Dear Bob,
going through the lyrics of the song, ” the father’s love”, it reminds me of the death that He died to demonstrate this great love to the whole world. This is the central theme of the entire word of God, i believe. thank you very much for yeilding to Him to share this wonderful message through songs. stay blessed.