Blended Music Before “Blending” Was Cool-Part 4

Blended Music Before “Blending” Was Cool-Part 4

       With the introduction, given in yesterday’s discussion, I want to explain why gospel hymns like “What a Wonderful Savior” by E.A. Hoffman are appropriate for 21^st century public worship.  Each verse of this song is a clear confession of faith taken from the fundamental doctrines of the Bible.                                   

                                    Christ has for sin atonement made,                                                                We are redeemed: the price is paid.

                                    I praise Him for the cleansing blood-

                                    That reconciled my soul to God.

                                    He cleansed my heart from all its sin-

                                    And now He reigns and rules there-in.

                                    He gives me overcoming power-

                                    And triumph in each trying hour!

                                    To him I’ve given all my heart.

                                    The world shall never share a part.

Each thought of each line is followed by the corporate (choral) response: “What a wonderful Savior!”  Each complete verse is then followed by the strong chorus:

                                    What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus!

                                    What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!

This gospel hymn has the best of everything.  It includes:

                                                Atonement

                                                Redemption

                                                Cleansing by the efficacious blood of Christ

                                                Reconciliation

                                                Cleansing from all sin

                                                Christ reigning in the believer’s heart

                                                Christ’s overcoming power given to believers

                                                Triumphant Christian living

                                                A life sold out to Christ

                                                Freedom from the power of this world

       This gospel hymn also is loaded with expressions of repeated praise to our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  This song is a classic example of many songs that may be found in any standard Hymnal.  Although the musical vehicle is simple harmonically and rhythmically, it is a proper vehicle to support this mighty lyric gospel hymn.  Next Sunday give this  gospel hymn a try in Sunday morning worship.  The fundamental understanding of the Bible doctrines imbedded in this song will help you in your presentation of this wonderful song to your congregation.  P.S. note the importance and credence that punctuation gives to this lyric poetry.

 

                                              Thought For the day-Blending

Music is an aid to memory.  This song contains ten times the theological thoughts that some “one thought” choruses contain.