April 5, 2009

The blood of Jesus. We sing about it, talk about it, but what does it really mean? @PastorTyler Jones preached from Isaiah 53:1-10, and it was one of the best Palm Sunday sermons I’ve ever heard. This topic was a consideration in choosing the songs, so we focused on the work of Christ. Writing about the gospel as a whole, as opposed to aspects of the gospel is becoming a lost art among modern songwriters, myself included. Keith Getty and Stuart Townend are exceptions, and I look to them as well as classic hymn authors to learn how to communicate the largest concept imaginable in a four-minute song.

Jesus Paid It All
Words by Elvina Hall, 1865
Arrangement by Kristian Stanfill
This is usually a “second set song”, mainly due to the nature of the repeating line at the end, which makes for a good time of response to the sermon. While we should be able to sing any song at any time, and for it to be a worshipful response, I’m just being honest. But I liked starting with it, and will probably do so more in the future. Such a proclamation sets a solid foundation for a sermon about the Cross.

Sermon: Isaiah 53:1-10
Palm Sunday is a time for the Church to reflect on Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem during Passover. The people cried out “Hosanna!” as he rode into the city, yet only days later these same people would be crying out in one voice, “Crucify him!” This week at @V21Church, @PastorTyler Jones teaches from Isaiah 53:1-10. @PastorTyler focuses on the justice of a Warrior-Messiah but whose will is accomplished through suffering and sacrifice.

And Can It Be That I Should Gain
Words by Charles Wesley
Music by Thomas Campbell
Arrangement by @V21Church
This has become a standard for the band I lead. We’re still trying to determine which songs work best, what our sound is, what our strengths are. Last week we were working on an arrangement of “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us” and all decided we don’t really do the ambient stuff to well. This particular arrangement of “And Can” is closer to what we’re going for, especially with Scott and Suits’ work on keys and guitar.

Thank You
Words and Music by Thad Cockrell and Matt Stevens
It’s hard to tell from the stage just how much people are singing, but it seems they are picking up on this new song. My voice was shot from a sinus infection, and I really had to give it up to hit the notes in the song. On the positive side, it made me get into this one as much as this song deserves.

Before The Throne Of God Above
Words by Charitie Bancroft, 1863
Music by Vikki Cook
Arrangement by Sojourn Church in Louisville, Kentucky
We don’t usually end on a slower song, but this is an exception. What a beautiful song, and to end on such a note to begin Holy Week was a deep experience. This line is perfect, combining simplicity and depth:
“Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul was counted free.”

Band
Sound: Jeff Tyndall
Bass: Jerry Updyke
Drums: Daniel Deese
Backing Vocals: Tiffany Ashford
Keys: @JoshBain
Lead Guitar: Steven Suits
Guitar, Vocals: @MattStevensNC

Today’s Sunday Review is posted in collaboration with other church music ministries at Sunday Setlists.