June 29th, 2011 | Posted in articles |
On June 17th, 2011 Emmaus released our first CD of original songs titled, Church Songs. Each of these 8 songs was born in our congregation and for our congregation with a desire to serve other Christians and congregations around the world. You can download a free sampler at this link. Pastor Cole Brown co-wrote each of the songs and the following is the story behind one of them.
Hallelujah! What a Savior
The story behind this song is much more a story of discovery than it is a story of creation. The lyrics to all five verses were written by Philip Bliss in 1875, but I never heard them until early 2008. While on a road trip with my wife we listened to a CD that was given to us by a friend. The CD was Upward: the Bob Kauflin Hymn Project released by Sovereign Grace music. “Hallelujah! What a Savior” was the fourth of eleven songs on the CD, and while all the songs are excellent this particular song captured me. A few weeks later I heard the song again, this time it was a darker arrangement on Mars Hill Church’s Rain City Hymnal. Again the song was one among many other well-written, well-arranged hymns but, again, this particular song stuck with me in ways the others did not. The reason for this was simple: Philip Bliss gave us a simple, memorable melody filled with the profound truths of the gospel story.
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June 27th, 2011 | Posted in articles |
On June 17th, 2011 Emmaus released our first CD of original songs titled, Church Songs. Each of these 8 songs was born in our congregation and for our congregation with a desire to serve other Christians and congregations around the world. You can download free sampler at this link. Pastor Cole Brown co-wrote each of the songs and the following is the story behind one of them.
No One Else
Psalm 73 is one of my favorite psalms. It’s one that we as a church have turned to time and time again. In this psalm the author, Asaph, begins by expressing his frustration over the state of the world. He is troubled that God’s people seem to suffer terribly while wicked people seem to prosper endlessly. In view of this apparent injustice Asaph initially thinks that perhaps he has lived righteously in vain. After all, if righteous people suffer and wicked people prosper what’s the point of living righteously? But before he can utter the words he stops himself and reminds himself who God is, what God will ultimately do to the wicked, and how God is present with his people in their suffering. As he reflects on these things he remembers that while the wicked may have money in this life he has God now and forever, and nothing could be more wonderful than that. He puts it this way, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you” (Psalm 73:25).
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June 23rd, 2011 | Posted in articles |
On June 27th, 2011 Emmaus released our first CD of original songs titled, Church Songs. Each of these 8 songs was born in our congregation and for our congregation with a desire to serve other Christians and congregations around the world. You can download free sampler at this link. Pastor Cole Brown co-wrote each of the songs and the following is the story behind one of them.
What a Trade
Martin Luther’s life and writings have had a tremendous impact on me both as a Christian and as a pastor. In fact, it was Luther’s example that led me to begin writing original songs for Emmaus’ corporate worship. In his cultural context he rediscovered what was then the lost art of congregational singing. He provided the Church with simple, easy-to-sing, easy-to-remember melodies, laced with theologically rich lyrics, so that every person could rehearse and retain deep gospel truths. He insisted that such songs be sung at every congregational gathering and believed that singing is like praying a second time. He helped me see the value of such songs for the life of the church and motivated me to do my best to provide them for our congregation.
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September 16th, 2009 | Posted in news |
Matthew Smith will be performing live on Saturday, September 19th at 7pm at Mountain View High School (1500 SE Blairmont Drive, Vancouver, WA). Admission is free.
Matthew Smith is an East Nashville singer-songwriter who writes brand new music to centuries-old hymn texts. He is a founding member of the Indelible Grace community, whose work has drawn acclaim across denominational lines and is used in churches around the world. Born out of a college ministry, the reimagined hymns have found wide acceptance both among college students and the church at large, joining people who desire to honor tradition with those who want a modern musical approach. His latest album, All I Owe , focuses on how Jesus sets people free from the burden of both God’s law and self-imposed laws, by crediting his perfect life and death to those who trust in him.
