When it comes to Christian music, I enjoy all styles from classic hymns to contemporary choruses. As long as the lyrics are biblically sound and the musical style is appropriate to those lyrics (admittedly a subjective judgment), I enjoy listening, and if possible, singing along.
In the last few months I’ve discovered Sovereign Grace Music, a ministry that has been around some 20 years. Where have I been!? I have three of their CD’s containing contemporary compositions with both new and old lyrics.
Of the three CD’s I own, Psalms is my favorite. It has a great rendition of Psalm 130 entitled Out of the Depths, written and arranged by Bob Kauflin. If you
follow the link to the album, you can listen to samples from the CD.
In addition to a great melody line, Kauflin’s lyrics powerfully express the content of Psalm 130. See if you agree.
Verse 1
Out of the depths, O Lord, I cry to You
When I am tempted to despair
Though I might fail to trust Your promises
You never fail to hear my prayer
And if You judged my sin
I’d never stand again
But I see mercy in Your hands
Chorus
So more than watchmen for the morning
I will wait for You, my God
When my fears come with no warning
In Your Word I’ll put my trust
When the harvest time is over and I still see no fruit
I will wait, I will wait for You
Verse 2
The secret mysteries belong to You
We only know what You reveal
And all my questions that are unresolved
Don’t change the wisdom of Your will
In every trial and loss
My hope is in the cross
Where you compassions never fail
If you enjoy contemporary music that is biblically rich and uplifting, and that is attractively priced, I recommend you look at what the fine musicians and composers at Sovereign Grace Music are producing.
Have you seen the following blogs about C.J. Mahaney and the group he leads, Sovereign Grace Ministries:
http://www.sgmrefuge.com
http://www.sgmsurvivors.com
They show another side.
Hope this helps.
Thank you for your comment.
I am aware of C.J. Mahaney’s ministry, but have not seen the blogs you mention. I will take a look at them.
David,
Thanks for the kind and encouraging words about our music. Came across your site through Google Reader. We’re currently working on a children’s CD for kids ages 7-10, due out in June, to be called “To Be Like Jesus.” It’s songs based on the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on how those qualities are seen in Christ and can only be lived out through him. In August, we also hope to release an album of worship songs based on themes related to our being adopted into God’s family. It will be called “Sons and Daughters.” Just thought you’d be interested!
On another note, I’ve had some contact with your first commenter, Steve. He seems to be intent on maligning Sovereign Grace Ministries. If you have any questions, I’d be happy to try to answer them. You can contact me at bob@worshipmatters.com. Thanks for all you’re doing to spread the glory of our matchless Savior.
Bob,
Thanks for taking time to comment on my blog post.
The first SGM-produced album I received was “Come Weary Saints”. I enjoyed it so much, I ordered another CD for my daughter and husband in Wisconsin. They also loved it.
Shortly after, I was given “Upward” which I enjoyed even more. The modern arrangements of some classic hymns made my hour plus daily commute much more enjoyable.
But so far, I’m still partial to “Psalms”.
By the way, I teach a course entitled “The Worshiping Church” at Toronto Baptist Seminary, and have found your book, “Worship Matters” quite useful. I inherited that course from Pastor Paul Martin (Grace Fellowship, Toronto), whom you might possibly know.
I will visit the sites Steve mentioned, though having been in vocational ministry all my life, I recognize that every high profile ministry will have those who do not care for it. If I have questions from my perusal of those sites, I’ll come back to you.
In the meantime, keep producing music that solid speaks solid truth to this generation.
I’ve got this CD on Psalm at Toronto Pastor’s Fellowship ( Thanks to Julian
.
I listen to it I think once and I enjoyed it. However reading your post somehow compels me to go back and listen again. So I have it right now and you are right!
Thanks and God bless. I have learn a lot this semester through you at TBS.
Lucien,
I got my “Psalm” CD via the Toronto Pastor’s Fellowship also. I confess that sometimes I find the music a little driving, but that is probably more a result of my age. However, the lyrics are so good that I find I listen to it over and over as I drive in to the office each morning. I recommend it without hesitation.
Thank you for your kind comments about the worship class. Teaching the class has been a highlight of my week!
See you Thursday!
Wow, I’ve been reading those sites left by Steve. I never knew there was a whole other side to SGM. Goes to show we gotta keep our eyes on the Lord.
Yes, we do need to keep our eyes on the Lord, Trish. But we also need to read online material judiciously.
I do not know the root of these controversies individuals have with C.J. Mahaney and the Sovereign Grace Ministries, but I do wonder what motivates Christians to publicly “beat up” on other believers for what appears to be a philosophy of ministry difference at best, or a personality conflict at worst.
Thanks for reading the blog and taking time to comment.
Hey, found this page looking for this song’s title (I searched some of the lyrics I remembered). Thanks for this post.
As far as the anti-SGM sites go, I looked into them and found they tend to be about 10% true, wise caution about Charismaticism and theological concerns, and about 90% people who think SGM are not Charismatic enough and want a more liberal theology with freedom to live however they want (i.e. sin) – things that even SGM in its most liberal days would probably not have agreed with.
How the two opposite ends of the spectrum can meet on the same sites to attack SGM is beyond me. Those sites do a good job of discrediting themselves just by the amount of the audience that is unregenerate/ backslidden former-SGMers seeking comfort in their delusional, unbiblical (but often proof-texted) liberality.
Thanks for your insightful comments, Bobby. I do not know any of the history of SGM, but I do appreciate the material I have seen from them.
You are right in noting how those who object to various aspects of SGM end up discrediting themselves in the way they handle their disagreements.
Of all the albums I have heard from SGM, “Psalms” is still my favorite.
David,
Thank you for your Christ-centered post and reaction to the comments here on your blog. I stumbled across this on accident – already a Sovereign Grace listener. I appreciate greatly not only your suggestion to others to listen to theologically rich music but also your Christianity lived out on your blog. Your replies to comments here show that you allow Christ to govern your actions in every area of life and for that I praise Him and thank you. Keep running the race – your faithfulness is glorifying Him and encouraging other runners along the way.
Thank you for reading my blog, Cynthia, and for taking time to write. Your kind words regarding how I’ve managed this blog are an encouragement. Thanks again.
Dear David,
Stumbled upon your blog- enjoyed your review! Just wanted to chime in- I have been part of a Sovereign Grace church (Cleveland) for the past 3 years and have been so blessed from being a part of it. I’ve read the those sites before as well, and I’m not really sure why the people on it seem so fixated on attacking another group of believers. Who knows what might have happened in the past, we all make mistakes, but all I know that I have seen amazing fruit born in the lives of people who have come to love their savior all the more because of the ministry of SG. I particularly love the songs that they are producing- moving lyrics, fenced in by strong theology. Just wanted to chime in on what I thought was a bit of injustice. Blessings to you!
saved by grace,
Mike Chen
Mike:
Thank you for taking time to comment on my blog post regarding Sovereign Grace Music.
You are right, we don’t know what is behind the criticisms leveled at SGM, and while none of us will get through life without messing up one way or another, it still remains true that SGM produces music & lyrics that honor God. I particularly liked the way you put it – “moving lyrics, fenced in by strong theology.” That’s what we need to look for in the music we employ in our worship of God.
I trust you will continue enjoying God’s blessing in your life personally, and in the life of your church family.
Blessings in Messiah,
David