Indelible Grace VI: Joy Beyond The Sorrow

I recently received the newest offering from the folks at Indelible Grace. It is entitled Indelible Grace VI: Joy Beyond The Sorrow and is exactly what fans of IG have come to expect: Rich theological content from hymnists such as John Newton, William Cowper, Horatius Bonar and Martin Luther set to newer tunes. Click here to read a review of the album from talented musician and fellow-pastor, Zac Hicks.

One of the things I have always appreciated about Indelible Grace is their recognition that the Christian life is not all "ups," but also inevitably includes many "downs." As the title suggests, this album deals largely with the fact that our hope for the former is largely what sustains us through the latter. 

The title Joy Beyond The Sorrow actually comes from the lyrics of one of Bonar's hymns on the album, Until the Day Break. Its lyrics are among my favorite on the album and they do a good job of capturing the spirit of the album as a whole.

Until The Day Break by Horatius Bonar

For the vision of the Bridegroom
Waits the well-beloved Bride,
Severed only for a season
From her Well-beloved's side.

For the hour when morn ascendeth,
And the shadows disappear,
For the signs of heavenly glory,
She is waiting, waiting here!

Morn of morns, it comes at last,
All the gloom of ages past.
For the day of days the brightest
She is waiting, waiting here!

For the coming of the Bridegroom,
Whom, though yet unseen, we love;
For the King of saints, returning
In His glory from above;

For the shout that shakes the prison,
For the trumpet loud and clear,
 For the voice of the archangel,
She is waiting, waiting here!

Morn of morns, it comes at last,
All the gloom of ages past.
For the day of days the brightest
She is waiting, waiting here!

For the light beyond the darkness,
When the reign of sin is done,
When the storm has ceased its raging,
And the haven has been won;

For the joy beyond the sorrow,
Joy of the eternal year,
For the resurrection splendor,
She is waiting, waiting here!

Morn of morns, it comes at last,
All the gloom of ages past.
For the day of days the brightest
She is waiting, waiting here!

Click here for more information or to purchase the album.

Be A Part of Indelible Grace VI

Not too long ago, I wrote about a video I purchased which chronicled the history of one of the leading proponents of the Hymns Movement: Indelible Grace. I was excited to learn this weekend that Indelible Grace is embarking upon a new recording project this summer as they head to the studio to produce Indelible Grace VI.

The project is being funded in part by Kickstarter, and I would like to ask you to consider playing a part. Supporters of the project receive great rewards, including a digital download of the finished album. Please check out the videos below, and then click here for more information or to donate to this project.

Roots and Wings: The Story of Indelible Grace

Yesterday I got my copy of Roots and Wings: The Story of Indelible Grace. Like countless others, I have been richly blessed by the music of Indelible Grace. Rightly described by my friend Zac Hicks as "the galvanizing force behind the Hymns Movement," this group of artists led by Kevin Twit has set much of the rich hymnody of the Church's past (including many long forgotten hymns) to fresh, new music.

The first disc of the two DVD set includes the 1 hour and 14 minute documentary gives a behind the scenes look at the history and work of Indelible Grace, interspersing interviews with performances from Indelible Grace's 2010 hymn sing at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The second disc contains another hour-and-a-half worth of interviews, as well as three more performances.

Watching the documentary was both educational and edifying, and prompted me to thank God once more for the blessing that Indelible Grace has been in my life and the ways he has used them to stir up the affections of my heart.

Whether your church's worship style is as "contemporary" as they get or the most "traditional" in town, I recommend watching the preview below and consider learning more about Indelible Grace, perhaps even purchasing the DVDs or some of their music.

Additional note: If you live in Colorado, Oklahoma or Arkansas, a new tour has just begun and Indelible Grace may soon be in your neck of the woods. Check out their tour schedule here.

Returning to Hymns

Today The Gospel Coalition posted this real good discussion between Mike Cosper, Isaac Wardell and Kevin Twit on why and how many churches are rediscovering the importance of hymns. Take a couple minutes to check it out.


Old Hymns for Our Day from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

Poor Sinner, Dejected With Fear

Today, between the terror and sorrow of Good Friday, and the joy and the excitement of Easter, my mind has been continually drifting back to the song Poor Sinner, Dejected with Fear by Indelible Grace.  It is from their album, Pilgrim Days, and highlights the confidence we can have in taking our brokenness to the One who was broken for us.

Click on the MP3 player below to listen to the song, following along with the lyrics, also printed below.



1. Poor sinner, dejected with fear,
Unbosom thy mind to the Lamb;
No wrath on His brow He does wear,
Nor will He poor mourners condemn;
His arm of omnipotent grace
Is able and willing to save;
A sweet and a permanent peace
He’ll freely and faithfully give.

2. Come just as thou art, with thy woe,
Fall down at the feet of the Lamb;
He will not, He cannot say, “Go”,
But surely will take out thy stain
A fountain is opened for sin,
And thousands its virtues have proved
He’ll take thee, and plunge thee therein,
And wash thee from filth in His blood.

3. The soul that on Jesus relies,
He’ll never, no never deceive;
He freely and faithfully gives
More blessings than we can conceive;
Yea, down to old age He will keep,
Nor will He forsake us at last;
He knows and is known by His sheep;
They’re His, and He will hold them fast.

©2001 MPJ Music / Velveteen Songs.