Listen to songs by Revd Richard Rice-Oxley about the teaching and life of St Paul, sung and played by Tom Nicholls.
Part 1: The Teaching of St Paul
You know the Grace
You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
though he lived with God in heaven
yet he came down to this earth for us
that we might be lifted to heaven.
Grace and mercy flow from him
Let everybody praise his holy name
You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
though he was rich
yet he became poor for us
that we might be rich through him.
Grace and mercy flow from him
Let everybody praise his holy name
You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
though he was without sin
yet God made him sin for us
that we might be God’s righteousness.
(2 Corinthians 8:9; 5:21)
Humbled and Exalted
Think the way that Jesus thought
though he was in the form of God
he emptied himself,
took the form of a slave
born in human likeness
he humbled himself
accepting death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has lifted him
given him the name above all names
that every knee will bow
at the name of Jesus
and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God, God the Father.
Amen.
(Philippians 2:5–11)
The Body of Christ
Nobody’s a no no, nobody’s a zero
Nobody’s a reject in the body of Christ.
Everyone is precious, everyone is special
Everyone is needed in the body of Christ.
We are the church, members of Christ’s body,
inspired by the Spirit, sent from above.
So let’s join together, united in that body,
as we serve one another, we’ll grow in love
If one member suffers, all hurt together
Everyone cares in the body of Christ.
If someone is honoured all cheer together,
for everyone shares in the body of Christ.
We are the church, members of Christ’s body,
inspired by the Spirit, sent from above.
So let’s join together, united in that body,
as we serve one another, we’ll grow in love
Some heal the sick, and some preach the Word,
The Spirit gives to all in the body of Christ.
Some are generous givers, some are encouragers,
All have a gift in the body of Christ.
We are the church, members of Christ’s body,
inspired by the Spirit, sent from above.
So let’s join together, united in that body,
as we serve one another, we’ll grow in love
(1 Corinthians 12)
The Fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit is
love that flows
joy that glows
peace that shows
the presence of God in a stormy world.
The fruit of the Spirit is
patience that forbears
kindness that cares
goodness that shares
the presence of God in a wayward world.
The fruit of the Spirit is
faith to endure
gentleness that’s pure
self control to secure
the presence of God in a violent world.
[Repeat verse 1]
(Galatians 5:22)
Love is Patient
Chorus:
Love is patient, love is kind.
Love’s not boastful, love’s not blind
Love is faithful, love is true,
Love keeps smiling, love wins through
Love doesn’t think of itself
is not quick to take offence.
Love keeps no score of wrongs
doesn’t gloat over others’ sins
[Chorus]
There’s nothing that love cannot face
There’s no limit to its endurance
Its faith and hope will never fail
Love will never come to an end
[Chorus]
Faith, hope and love, these three
will last for ever
But the greatest of them all
is love, so make love your aim.
[Chorus]
(1 Corinthians 13)
Rejoice in the Lord always
Chorus:
Rejoice in the Lord always
Your good humour apparent to everyone’s gaze.
Don’t fret and don’t fuss, the Lord is near
hand over your worries, to him you are dear.
Whatever happens, remember to pray,
let your requests be made known to God,
and as you thank him for all he has done,
his peace will guard your hearts in the Lord.
[Chorus]
Whatever is true, whatever is good,
what is just, pure and worthy of praise,
whatever is excellent, and what is fine,
think of these things all of your days.
[Chorus]
The lessons I taught you, the tradition I passed on,
all that I said, all you saw me do,
keep in mind, follow my lead,
and the God of peace will go with you.
[Chorus]
(Philippians 4:4–9)
Part 2: The Life of St Paul
Conversion
(God said) You’ll be my witness, the one that I choose
to bring to the Gentiles this wonderful news:
My son is living, raised from the dead,
sin and death slain by the blood he has shed
As a Pharisee I was aflame with the zeal
of one who thought only he knew what was real,
defending the faith I had learned as a child,
so those who questioned it made me go wild!
On my way to Damascus, those Christians to find,
I was struck by a light which made me go blind.
I heard a voice saying: Why d’you persecute me?
You’re rejecting the way that will set you free.
Who are you Lord? I cried out in my pain,
I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you disdain.
But go to the city, your men will lead you,
it’s there you’ll be told what you have to do.
A man Ananias laid hands on me,
scales fell from my eyes – once again I could see.
I received a commission, the Gospel to share,
that people might know we belong in God’s care.
(God said) You’ll be my witness, the one that I choose
to bring to the Gentiles this wonderful news:
My son is living, raised from the dead,
sin and death slain by the blood he has shed
(Acts 9:22,26)
Take my Mind
Take my mind, Jesus,
Take my mind, Jesus
Take my mind and I’ll think for you
Think Jesus, speak Jesus, act Jesus, live Jesus now.
Take my mouth, Jesus,
Take my mouth, Jesus
Take my mouth and I’ll speak for you
Think Jesus, speak Jesus, act Jesus, live Jesus now.
Take my will, Jesus,
Take my will, Jesus
Take my will and I’ll act for you
Think Jesus, speak Jesus, act Jesus, live Jesus now.
Take my life, Jesus,
Take my life, Jesus,
Take my life and I’ll live for you
Think Jesus, speak Jesus, act Jesus, live Jesus
Think Jesus, speak Jesus, act Jesus, live Jesus now.
Weak and Strong
My grace is enough for you
this is what you must seek.
Yes my grace is sufficient for you,
my power is most strong in the weak.
God gave me a vision,
when caught up on high,
a sight beyond compare,
and he spoke to me when
I was in Paradise
in words too sacred to share
But then came Satan’s torment
a stake in the flesh
to stop me from spiritual pride.
Three times I asked God:
Please take it away
But each time this is how he replied
My grace is enough for you
this is what you must seek.
Yes my grace is sufficient for you,
my power is most strong in the weak.
So now I will boast of my weaknesses,
the power of Christ is my song.
Pain and persecution I accept
when I’m weak, it is then that I’m strong.
My grace is enough for you
this is what you must seek.
Yes my grace is sufficient for you,
my power is most strong in the weak.
(2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
I’m Sure
Chorus:
I’m sure that the Father is reigning in heaven
I’m sure that Christ is living here on earth
I’m sure that the Spirit is working good in all things
I am sure of Him.
Though the storms of life may assail me
Though the skies may be threatening and grim
Though the winds of change may buffet me
I am sure of Him.
[Chorus]
Though my heart may be breaking with sorrow
Though my body may ache in every limb
Though my mind may be troubled by my enemies
I am sure of Him.
[Chorus]
In the wonder of new life all around me
In the splendour of joy that is born of pain
In the fervour of hearts tried by fire
I am sure of Him.
[Chorus]
The Race of Faith
Chorus:
Let’s run the race God sets before us,
the race of faith we run each day
looking to Jesus, our guide and leader,
who, by his life, has shown us the way.
Let’s run this race with perseverance
though, through suffering, the going may get tough,
strengthened by training in Christian living
to tackle the road that’s steep and rough (Repeat)
[Chorus]
There are times as we run when our steps will falter
hampered by the sin which tries to make us fall.
With God’s protection, help and guidance
we can press forward, following his call (Repeat)
[Chorus]
In the Olympics each race has a winner,
only one athlete gains the gold.
If we keep the faith, right to the finish line,
a winner’s medal we’ll all of us hold (Repeat)
[Chorus]
I have known
I have known your hand on my life (x3)
Lord, keep me seeking your hand on my life (x2)
I have felt your love in my heart (x3)
Lord, keep me seeking your love in my heart (x2)
I have found the truth in your word (x3)
Lord, keep me seeking the truth in your word (x2)
I have seen your joy in my friends (x3)
Lord, keep me seeking your joy in my friends (x2)
I have known your hand on my life (x3)
Lord, keep me seeking your hand on my life (x2)
The Grace
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God our Father,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.
(2 Corinthians 13:13)