I’ve been exploring some of the very modern worship songs as an old guy 😀. But now, I’ve decided to alternate between very modern hymns, old hymns, and in-between hymns, namely the worship songs from the 60s to the 90s that feature in hymnbooks such as Mission Praise. Today it’s the turn of the very modern hymns.
Today’s song is In Christ Alone It’s from 2001.
I first heard it at a funeral in 2005, and it was clear that everyone at the church (Limerick Baptist Church) knew it. At that stage, I had little interest in modern hymns. But when I developed an interest in 2017, we started singing it regularly in my fellowship in Tipperary. And I still regard it as a classic, and an Irish classic, though it was co-written with Stuart Townend, who is English. It has helped revive interest in theologically rich, congregational hymn writing. Many modern churches have focused on the performance of worship groups rather than congregational singing. Some modern songs are difficult to sing, but I never fail to try 😀. Today’s hymn suits old and new worship styles, and I hope that it’s remembered hundreds of years from now, like the Wesley hymns.
I recently listened to an audiobook by Keith and Kristyn Getty on how worship can transform your life, family, and church. It was free for Audible subscribers. Maybe it still is.
My favourite lines as the last few:
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand:
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
John 10:27-28
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Here are some other versions of the hymn:
Hibernia Gospel 