tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11006198.post1958866067031667629..comments2023-08-24T06:39:31.113-04:00Comments on Preacher Thoughts: Stephen Gives Us a Peak Into Mark's Song DenPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13529451903923820189noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11006198.post-22353801907576118452009-12-24T02:32:56.603-05:002009-12-24T02:32:56.603-05:00Genius... The lyrics were scriptural, the tune ok...Genius... The lyrics were scriptural, the tune okay, but there's something missing.<br /><br />I would argue that good Christian songs must do more than paraphrase scripture, they must also exegete. Look at the hymns that have stood the test of time, what do they have in common? Consider a hymn like "Here Is Love Vast As The Ocean", see the "complete lyrics" partway down the page at http://mybloginthenet.blogspot.com/2006/03/here-is-love-vast-as-ocean.html. Consider how the poetry, the biblical imagery, the expansion and exposition of Biblical thought powerfully drive home the message. <br /><br />I think my favourite verse in all of Christian hymnody might be this one from that song:<br /><br />On the Mount of Crucifixion<br />Fountains opened deep and wide<br />Through the floodgates of God's mercy<br />Flowed a vast and gracious tide<br />Grace and love, like mighty rivers<br />Poured incessant from above<br />And Heaven's peace and perfect justice<br />Kissed a guilty world in love<br /><br />Descriptive verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs are important!! I sing that verse and I get it.<br /><br />HarryHarryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12033117274448955066noreply@blogger.com