Ballad for the Church
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Description
This song was written to encourage a specific local church in the midst of a time of discouragement and struggle. It is meant as a kind of charge - a charge to remember the church's identity, mission, and promised future. In verse one we remind ourselves that we are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9) and that our place in the church was obtained and remains solely by grace (Romans 5:2). In verse two we sing that the church is a herald, not a holy club, and that our job is to point to the grace of God in Jesus and stop pretending that we don't need His grace. Rather, we are to love and welcome outsiders into the family of God as they see this attractive, perplexing grace. We then move on to remind ourselves that Jesus is our champion, fighting for the church against all her foes. He has promised that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) And finally, we call one another to worship, a worship that confounds the world and reaches heaven to join in with the praise of angels and saints gone before us.Lyrics
O church, recall- in love He called youFrom death to life as His own bride,
A chosen race, a royal priesthood,
The very ones for whom He died.
He will hold on despite your wand'ring,
Your shepherd stands to guard your place;
It was not earned by your performance-
You were appointed by His grace.
O church, declare- you are a herald,
The matchless fame of Christ alone;
Lay down your pride, come out of hiding,
For here His glorious grace is shown.
Hold out your arms, in love disarming,
And welcome all who need His care,
Then point to Him who died for sinners,
Who will, by faith, their sorrows bear.
O church, stand firm in gospel armor-
You are arrayed in Jesus' might;
You shall not fall though hell assail you
For He is ready for the fight.
No foe can stand, no idol linger,
Before His sword - the word of truth;
So cling to Him, He is your champion,
And He will shield and carry you.
O church, resound, the world confounding,
With peace and love in deepest pain;
Let heaven ring with joyful singing,
"To live is Christ, to die is gain."
The King shall come, and we with wonder,
Will gather as His spotless bride.
This is the song of our belonging-
"For us the Lamb was crucified!"
Words & Music by David L. Ward
© 2015 ThousandTongues.org, admin by Thousand Tongues
© 2015 ThousandTongues.org, admin by Thousand Tongues
Thank you,
Janet Sauer