Text/Music: Scott Wesley Brown and Jeff Nelson
Genre: Gospel Music
Language: English
Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8
Liturgical Uses/Seasons: Assurance
Themes: Grace

Scott Westley Brown and Jeff Nelson capture the futility of ministry with the grace of God. No matter the struggle to impress the faith on those to whom we minister. The pastor must be available to God’s grace and acknowledge that he can only leverage only on the much that grace would enable. Also, the song lets us see the power of grace and the need to cultivate grace. It defines grace in ministry. It is best suited for pastors, church ministers/workers and disciples groups. It now forms the part of the yearly music repertoire of the Singing Seminarians, even if they would not present it in a ministry situation. A choir may render it as a song of dedication.

I first came across this masterpiece by Scott Westley Brown and Jeff Nelson in the course of selecting songs for the new academic year for the Singing Seminarians at the Baptist Theological Seminary, Eku. The group comprises male and female new intake for pastoral training, some of which had nothing to do with choir or singing. To this group, I needed to select songs that quite simple but with texts that convey theological depths enough to help them get to their new life as pastoral trainees and one that will also serve the music ministry of the BTS, Eku Singing Seminarians.

What makes this song great is that it works well as a congregational song, choir anthem, or soloist.

Lyrics

1. Every promise we can make
Every prayer and step of faith
Every difference we will make
is only by His grace.
Every mountain we will climb
Every ray of hope we shine
Every blessing left behind
is only by His grace

Refrain:
Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.

2. Every soul we long to reach
Every hearth we hope to teach
Everywhere we share His peace
is only by His grace
Every loving word we say
Every tear we wipe away
Every sorrow turned to praise
is only by His grace

Refrain:
Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.

 

Contributed by Matthew Amuro.