Hello Grace Family!

It's time for our next Resource of the Month!  

On March 2, we studied Colossians 3:16 with a sermon titled "We Praise Christ." We saw that the Word shapes what we sing together as a church. Accordingly, this month's resource is a Christian songwriter who is producing biblically faithful, theologically rich, and seriously singable songs:

Matt Boswell. 

If you've been at Grace over the past couple of years, then you may not realize it, but you already know Matt Boswell! See if you recognize these lyrics: 

"What love could remember no wrongs we have done
Omniscient, all knowing, He counts not their sum
Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

Praise the Lord, His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more."

A new and memorable hymn, "His Mercy is More" has become one of our regular and most beloved songs at Grace.

In addition to this hymn, Matt has recently produced several oustanding songs, often with his friends Matt Papa or Keith & Kristyn Getty. Here's a sampling: 

1. Exalt God for his greatness with the Trinitarian praise song "How Great is the Greatness of God." 

2. Lament the world's brokenness and cry out for God's help with "Lord From Sorrows Deep I Call (Psalm 42)."

3. Hold onto faith while you process fears, doubts, or questions with "I Set My Hope on Jesus." 

4. Reflect on the merits of Christ and the foolishness of human pride with "All My Boast is in Jesus."

5. Be captivated by the rich biblical theology (how the story of the entire Bible points to Jesus) in "Christ the True and Better."

As you listen to these songs, listen for God's Word! Remember the teaching of Colossians 3:16 (CSB): 

16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

Meditate on the lyrics of "Christ the True and Better." 

Christ the true and better Adam
Son of God and Son of man
Who, when tempted in the garden
Never yielded, never sinned
He who makes the many righteous
Brings us back to life again
Dying, He reversed the curse
Then rising, crushed the serpent’s head

Christ the true and better Isaac
Humble son of sacrifice
Who would climb the fearful mountain
Therе to offer up his life
Laid with faith upon the altar
Fathеr's joy and only son
There salvation was provided
Oh what full and boundless love

Amen, amen
From beginning to end
Christ the story, His the glory
Alleluia, amen

Christ the true and better Moses
Called to lead a people home
Standing bold to earthly powers
God's great glory to be known
With his arms stretched wide to heaven
See the waters part in two
See the veil is torn forever
Cleansed with blood we pass now through

Amen, amen
From beginning to end
Christ the story, His the glory
Alleluia, amen

Christ the true and better David
Lowly shepherd, mighty King
He the champion in the battle
Where, oh, death, is now thy sting?
In our place He bled and conquered
Crown Him Lord of majesty
His shall be the throne forever
We shall e’er His people be

Amen, amen
From beginning to end
Christ the story, His the glory
Alleluia, amen

I would love to hear from you! What songs or Christian artists are moving you to sing? 

Email me: tom@gracestamford.org

Thank you for reading the Resource of the Month email! If you have any questions about these resources, please reach out. Look for our next recommended resource in a few weeks.

Sincerely, your brother in Christ,

Tom Hansen, Senior Pastor