How Deep the Father’s Love For Us
Today, a reader of my articles sent me a very wonderful website. On the site was listed most every song sung in churches today. Two of my favorite worship songs were on the website; and it did not surprise me that both songs were given the highest rating.
My favorite worship songs are “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us” and “As the Deer.”
I remember when I first heard both songs, the beauty of them and the Biblical truth of the lyrics brought me to tears.
From the website:
This Worship Song Ratings page is here to help churches, pastors and worship leaders in choosing music for their churches. The ratings on this page are based solely on the lyrics of the songs we have rated, not the music. Music is a subjective thing for most people and hard to rate for everyone. But the lyrical content can be rated as to how well it upholds Biblical teachings … or not. Our ratings are based on a four star system as follows:
A rating of fours stars indicates an excellent song, one which teaches sound doctrine and accurately portrays a Biblical view of God.
A rating of three stars indicates the song is suitable for use in Bible believing Christ centered churches.
A rating of two stars means the song is only fair, usually as a result of having at least one lyrical problem or related issue.
A rating of one star means the song has seriously compromised unbiblical lyrics and should not be used.
A rating of zero stars means this song is not recommended for ANY use in a Biblical church.
NEW SEARCH FEATURE! – Click on the stars above to search for songs rated with the amount of stars you choose. Continue to click on the stars graphic on the next song found to browse through all the songs associated with your chosen star rating.
The criteria for this ratings page stems from a proper exegesis of the Bible and the use of the core doctrines of the Faith. You can also use the following articles as reference and ideas on how to test music in your church.
Testing Music In The Church by Sandy Simpson, 10/00
Testing Music In The Church 2 by Sandy Simpson, 3/17/09
Testing Music In The Church 2 by Sandy Simpson, 3/17/09
Before we get into rating individual songs, I want to give you some tips on how to test music in your church and choose good songs for your worship team.
(1) You can make any song better by NOT repeating phrases in the song over and over. That can only lead to people zoning out and not really thinking about what they are singing. Sing more songs instead of singing a few songs over and over until people are numb.(2) Avoid songs that focus on self, repeating words like “I”, “me”, “my” and “mine” throughout. Choose songs that focus people on Jesus Christ.(3) Test all music, both new and old. There are bad old songs and good new ones, and visa versa as you will see as you read these ratings.(4) If a songwriter or music publisher is affiliated with a heretical or compromised church or movement, those false teachings will eventually come through in their compositions.(5) Consider mixing up musical styles. A church can get into a rut focusing on only contemporary music just as easily as focusing only on hymns. Choose a mixture of new and old and different methods such as overheads and hymnbooks.(6) Don’t foster the habit of having people clap on every upbeat song. That gets very boring.(7) Consider, if possible, having more than one worship team in your church, especially if they have different styles. I know one church who had a jazz band, a contemporary band, a rock band, and a classical music group with violins, etc. I could add a lot more styles to that group including choirs, pipe or electric organ, folk, etc.(8) Choose songs that glorify God, teach sound doctrine, teach about God’s character, etc.(9) Establish a committee of elders, pastors and worship leaders to make sure good worship music is being used in your church.
This ratings page will be an ongoing project. Check back often for new ratings that have been added. If you have any songs you want rated you can submit them to me at ditc@hotmail.com. I hope this page will be a help to many.
NOTE: If the lyrics to a song are missing it is because the holders of the copyrights would not grant me permission to copy them on my site. However I do provide a link to the lyrics on other sites.
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I want to share my two favorite worship songs with the reader:
“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”
By Stuart Townend
How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
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“As The Deer”
Written by Martin Nystrom
Written by Martin Nystrom
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after you
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship youYou alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship you
So my soul longeth after you
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship youYou alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship you
You’re my friend and you are my brother
Even though you are a king
And I love you more than any other
So much more than anything
Even though you are a king
And I love you more than any other
So much more than anything
Chorus
I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye
I hope that you were blessed by these songs.
I also pray that if there is a worship leader reading this article, that you will take to heart the things said about rating songs for church. I believe that this man has much discernment and wisdom from the Lord.
Also, if you attend a church and are wondering if the music during worship is appropriate – pray about it – perhaps you could share this article with your worship leader.
Shalom b’Yeshua
MARANATHA!!
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