Pairing theologically rich lyrics with soaring melodies, Peoria, Illinois-based Grace Worship releases its acclaimed, debut EP Christ Be All. rawing on its 150-year church history (Grace Presbyterian Church) to bring a multi-generational focus to Christ Be All, the EP is centered on Jesus' prayer in John 17 for the body to be "one" and honors the rich heritage of Christian hymnody while incorporating modern anthemic choruses and pop hooks.
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Excellent Debut from Grace Worship| Posted April 28, 2020
Grace Worship is the worship ministry of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois, where Kevin King is the worship leader and Bryan Chapell has served as senior pastor since 2013. The songs feature theologically rich lyrics with soaring melodies. Chris Zobac produced this EP. This EP is one of my favorite releases of 2020 thus far. Here are a few brief comments about each song: Unlimited Grace – In 2016, Bryan Chapell wrote an excellent book Unlimited Grace: The Heart Chemistry That Frees from Sin and Fuels the Christian Life (see my review here). For this song, Chapell wrote verse lyrics that went along with the theme of the book, and King wrote the chorus and music. King sings the lead vocal. The song features piano, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric: Glory, glory hallelujah! Jesus Christ has saved my soul; Though I once stood as a sinner, For me, blood was shed, Yes his love has bled, Now I stand in unlimited grace. Psalm of Thanksgiving – This song was written by Kevin King. It has a Crowder-like electronic/pop feel. The song is joyful and about thankfulness. The song features guitar, finger snaps, backing vocals and some nice drums.
Key lyric: Whom have I in heaven but You? Nothing on earth can out shine You. Bones may break and spirits crumble, But God remains my strength and I am His forever. Christ Be All (studio) – This song was written and sung by Kevin King. The song incorporates words from Andrew Murray’s classic book Humility. The song is meant to help worshippers express, along with the Apostle Paul, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20), as they sing, "May Christ be all and I be nothing." King has said that with the song, he was seeking to have the worshiper understand through song that it is to our joy to 'become nothing' (Philippians 2:7) as Jesus did; to lose our lives so we can find them in Him.
A great song, both lyrically and musically, and one of my favorites of 2020.
Key lyric: May Christ be all, and I be nothing, His glory shines in vessels weak; May Christ be all, and I be nothing, This is my hope: Not I, but Christ in me. The Love of God – This hymn was written by Frederick Lehman in 1917. Bryan Chapell wrote a new verse for the song, the second verse. This new arrangement by Kevin King brings a somewhat somber feel to the song, with the female vocal over drums and excellent piano and strings. Calvary’s Anthem – This song was written by Bryan Chapell and Kevin King, incorporating lyrics from Robert Lowry’s hymn “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” on the chorus. The song, sung by King, invites worshippers to celebrate Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross of Calvary. This is a beautiful hymn for congregational singing. The song features piano, strings, drums, horns, and backing vocals.
Key lyric: At the cross You opened fully, Heaven’s heart poured out completely, Angels singing, hell now fleeing, Roars of saints shout, “Christ, our vic-t’ry!” Christ Be All (live) – This is a nice live version of the title song. Best Songs
Unlimited Grace
Psalm of Thanksgiving
Christ Be All
Calvary’s Anthem
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