This past Sunday, we sang this song. It is a very deep and thoughtful song, which I am more and more appreciating. It may soon become my #1 favorite song. I hope it blesses you as much as it has blessed me.
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
by Stuart Townend
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT last two lines)
Copyright 1995, Kingsway’s Thankyou Music CCLI #74901
This is yet another modern hymn by Stuart Townend. I have already blogged about one of his other great hymns “In Christ Alone”. For this song I was able to find a pdf versin of the words and music in a sheet music form, here. For an idea as to the melody you can listen to a sample of the tune here. And if you are interested, you can order an octavo edition of an arrangement of this song (for use in choral music) here.
Update: For the story behind the song, click here.
Bob,
This is one of my favorite songs too! I love it! Gives God the glory and places man where he should be–humbly relying on God.
Mathew S.
P.S. I like the new banner. How did you change your banner. Shoot me an e-mail and explain if you can=)
Hi Bob,
I saw your sight tonight while up at 2:00 in the morning researching Stuart Getty’s songs. Oh my goodness, have you ever sang “The Power of the Cross? Wow, we just sang it last Sunday and it brought down the house. And our’s is not a church where that happens. Haven’t seen shouting like that since my IFB days. Your story is interesting. I am a graduate from TTU in Chattanooga, a church planter and Pastor since 1983, when I graduated. I planted my first church in New York City in 1984, and since then God has been teaching me grace. I am reformed and still reforming. Now an elder at Rockport Baptist Church in Arnold Mo. Wow, when do you have time for this blog? I ahve a very simple one….but, thanks..for all of your work.
Bob Schembre
Bob,
I work nights on a customer service job, so I do have some free time in between calls. Also, I go through periods where I don’t blog much, then I try to catch up and keep on track!
It’s actually Stuart Townend, and Keith Getty, but yes our church sings The Power of the Cross. It is very moving. There are several other songs by them we sing: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us, In Christ Alone, O Church Arise, Speak Lord, See What a Morning, and more.
I was priveleged to meet Keith Getty as our church had him come teach a seminar and present some of his music for us.
Glad to hear of your story, briefly. Also glad the blog was a blessing. I try to spread the word on songs like this, as so many people don’t know they exist.
Blessings in Christ,
Bob Hayton