Photo by Jared Short
Bethel has become another popular artist for Berean Test submissions. This review of Goodness of God will be the fifth under that label, with perhaps many more in 2020.
As some of you might be aware, Hip hop artist Jackie Hill Perry came under fire in August after participating in the Activate 2019 Conference, associating herself with, you guessed it, Bethel. This earned her a disinvitation to next year’s Answers in Genesis conference. This despite that some of Bethels’ music, namely Extravagent or Raise a Hallelujah, are highly Scriptural, despite their teachings. It does not make sense to me.
With that frustration out of my system, let’s move onto the review!
Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Bethel-music-goodness-of-god-live-lyrics.
Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review. I strongly encourage you to consider the potential blessings and dangers of this artist‘s theology by visiting Resources.
1. What message does the song communicate?
Bethel Music informs us that they love God. Why? Because He:
- raffirms His mercies daily, for all eternity
- clinches us in His palms
- is trustworthy
- is the epitome of morality
- guides through hardships
- is relational
In response to this, Bethel Music unceasingly worships, renouncing self to serve Him. It reminds me of the Psalm 23, where David declares that God is with Him through all his struggles. Part of it appears in the Bridge, strengthening my resolve. More on the “running after” in section 2.
We must understand that while God is faithful to Himself, that does not mean that we will always get what we want. That is the difference between accepting God’s will and treating Him as a cosmic slot machine, Word of Faith -style. To my amazement, Bethel’s usage of God’s non-failure is on His mercy, as opposed to the false idea that somehow God will never let us down, always rescuing us from, say, our bad decisions.
Score: 10/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
Though some may take exception with part of the Bridge, I found Scriptural support for all lines.
[Verse 1]
Line 1: There are several reasons why Bethel Music loves God, as stated in some of their lyrics.
Line 2: That is because His mercies last forever, renewed each sunrise (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Line 3: When we surrender to God’s will, He is in control of our lives (Isaiah 64:8, Matthew 10:38, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34-38, Mark 10:28, Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27, John 15:1-11, Romans 6:13, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 11:6, James 4:7-10, and 1 Peter 5:6).
Lines 4-6: Retells Psalm 113:3 using modern language.
[Chorus]
Line 1: God is faithful when we are not because He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13).
Line 2: Thought it may not seem good at times, God is good, even when things go horribly bad for us. God is good within His very nature (Psalm 27:13, Psalm 31:19, Psalm 34:8, Psalm 107:1, Psalm 119:68, Psalm 145:9, Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19, Romans 2:4, and James 1:17).
Lines 3 and 4: See commentary on Verse 1, lines 4-6.
[Verse 2]
Line 1: Me too! That still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12).
Line 2: That is, through trials and tribulations. This serves to stretch our faith (Psalm 66:8-12, Acts 14:22, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, and 1 Peter 1:5-9).
Line 3: There are two aspects of this. One is that God is omnipresent (1 Kings 8:27, Psalm 139:7-12, Proverbs 15:3, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Colossians 1:17, and Hebrews 4:13). The other is that of our personal experience with Him, sensitive to His Presence in our lives for those filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:16-19, Galatians 4:6, Ephesians 5:18, and 2 Timothy 1:14).
Lines 4 and 5: Both types of relationships are personal. One is of authority, surrendering to His ways and commandments (see Verse 1, line 3). The other is companionship, to which Jesus called those who do as He commands friends (John 15:14-15).
Line 6: bethel describes their experiences with God’s Presence as good. See Chorus, line 2.
[Bridge]
Lines 1 and 2: By “running after”, Bethel probably means “follow”, which agrees with Psalm 23:6. One may be tempted to think this as pompous arrogance; However, the next line squashes this interpretation.
Lines 3 and 4: See commentary on Verse 1, line 3.
Lines 5-10: Repeats lines 1-4 in varying degrees.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Any unbeliever with any remote connection with Christianity shall find it difficult to disagree with me. They should easily see that it’s a Christian song, especially since few religious worldviews’ non-christian followers claim to have a relationship with the god they serve. Bethel’s language contains minimal Christian-ese, opting for everyday language to communicate, a plus for non-Christians.
Score: 10/10
4. What does this song glorify?
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Amen and amen!
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
Goodness of God is the first song to receive perfect Berean Test score under the label Bethel Music. Much like Jesus of Nazareth, I could find no fault or accusation to criticize. Highly Scriptural, it speaks on the goodness and kindness of God, with an appropriate response of devotion to Him, bringing Him glory. They carefully balance faithfulness to Scripture with modern English, making communication a breeze for the unbelieving ear.
I highly recommend this song for any worship set! Feel free to substitute “I” for “we” for added corporate effect.
Final Score: 10/10
Artist Info
Track: Goodness of God (Live) (listen to the song)
Artist: Bethel Music
Album: Victory (Live)
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 2019
Duration: 4:56
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Updates:
06/11/2021 – Per Artist Theology announcement, I expanded the red text to encourage others to study Bethel Music’s theology.
03/17/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement.
Comments
Joshua Miller
I have read a couple of reviews here. And to be honest I have to say I am disappointed. As a worship leader, it is our responsibility to bring research and bring songs that are biblically sound so that the people we lead can bring their sacrifice of praise. These reviews seem outdated and out of touch. Taking away from songs because of what you deem to be repetitive, is not analyzing lyrics in Jesus’ name. It is analyzing them in your preference. Outside of the biblical validity of the song, why should it matter if you like the chorus or verse, and how it is sung or repeated, shouldn’t that be up to the worship leader? Also, if a song focuses on a characteristic of God and not list the full on gospel from verse 1 to the end, does not take away from the excellence or lack there of for that particular song. When I rad what this site was doing, I was excited, but after reading I am now disappointed. But you clearly have an audience that appreciates what you do. So peace be with you.
Vince Wright
Joshua,
Thank you for your concerns! I am sorry to disappoint you. If you must, by all means, examine section 2 and throw out the rest.
I agree that ” if you like the chorus or verse, and how it is sung or repeated” should be “up to the worship leader”. At the end of the day, it’s your worship set, so you get to decide what goes into it, regardless of what I have to say on the matter and the biases that come with it.
As for ” if a song focuses on a characteristic of God and not list the full on gospel from verse 1 to the end”, I also agree that it “does not take away from the excellence or lack there of for that particular song”, but if it’s supposed to communicate the Gospel, but is unclear in doing so, I’ll dock points.
I am mystified as to why these comments are posted on a song that received a perfect score. Perhaps if you had some examples, we could have something to talk about. Who knows, I might change my mind. I’ve done so several times already.
-Vince Wright
Mark
I agree with Joshua. In the world that has changed so drastically since these comments were written, it is quite clear that Joshua is correct. The Emergent Church is very clever at disguising disruptive and misdirected worship, especially through song lyrics. It is especially clear in this song which obviously declines to use the name of Jesus our only Savior. It is also clear that you read into the lyric what you want to ‘hear’ or derive the message you most want from them. But, the lyrics are clear and do not backup your reasoning nor meaning. I cannot agree with you. You are very mistaken. I am quite sure that those fooled by the message of this sing are adequately fooled by the lyrics of “Same God”. I suggest you take a listen to “Wisdom” by Twila Paris. As you do, have the lyrics laid out before you. Note that she wrote the song in 1999 as well…she has always been an annointed prophet, ahead of her time. 😉 Mark
Steve Barhydt
Mark,
First of all, I suggest that you reread Joshua comment as it has very little to do with your rant. Once upon a time, Vince would deduct points due to excessive repetition. (Something that he no longer does.) This is the crux of Joshua’s complaint.
Secondly, you do realize that not a single Psalm uses the given name of Jesus. Should we stop singing them?
I see that you are a Twila Paris fan, as am I.
Just a quick web search brings up the following Twila Paris songs that, in your words, “obviously declines to use the name of Jesus our only Savior” Are these songs now to be rejected?
How Beautiful
He Is Exalted
God Is In Control
The Warrior Is a Child
Your Whole Life Long
Make Us One
We Bow Down
The Joy Of The Lord
Prince of Peace
I Choose Grace
I could go on and on.
What about these classics of the Christian faith? Should these be removed from every hymnal in the world?
Amazing Grace
Great is Thy Faithfulness
It Is Well, With My Soul (Uses the name Christ, which simply means the Anointed One. It’s more of a title than a name.)
All Creatures Of Our God And King
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
Again, I could go on and on.
A song is not “worthy” simply because it does or does not mention the name Jesus. The lyrics must be analyzed in context and as a whole. This is something that Vince does a great job of!!! (Meaning that the only time Vince is wrong is when he disagrees with me 😊)
Finally, you used the phrase “It is also clear that you read into the lyric what you want to ‘hear’ or derive the message you most want from them.”
The same accusation can be leveled against you (howbeit with considerably more weight in my opinion).
I seriously doubt that you have read the lyrics to this song (or any other by Bethel, Hillsongs, Elevation Worship, etc.) without the lens of your anti-CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) bias.
As evidenced by your Twila Paris “Wisdom” suggestion, you have superimposed some nefarious plot to lead Christians astray over the top of Biblically based songs. I fully agree with her song that we desperately need God to give us wisdom. I just believe that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, wisdom can come through songs just as easily as deception can. When there is nothing Biblically inaccurate within the song, wherein lies the deceitfulness?
I never cease to be amazed at the fact that very few critics of CCM ever bother to quote a scripture in defense of their argument. Vince quotes 50 passages in his review. Where are yours?
You say, “the lyrics are clear and do not backup your reasoning nor meaning”. Prove it!
Not with an anti-Bethel, anti-Hillsongs (“Emergent Church” as you call it) rant. There are many websites dedicated to analyzing and critiquing (dare I say, out of context “trashing”) of any and every Christian group that does not agree with their particular doctrines.
Show us FROM THE BIBLE where the lyrics of THIS song go so far astray. Then and only then can we have a fruitful discussion.
I challenge you to Biblically prove how this song (or so many songs like it) points to anyone other than God or will, in any way, lead someone away from God. (Again this is the warning message in the song “Wisdom”)
Until then, you don’t have the right to tell Vince (or any of the other regular contributors to this site) that “You are very mistaken.”
Mark
Hmmm. And you label my reply as a “rant”? I think you are mistaken. 🙂 In any case, yes you make some valid points but you sound rather militant. Rather than addressing every single tiny point of your lengthy comment, I will leave it at that… and may the Holy Spirit lead us all. In Christ, Mark.
**Edited by Vince Wright to remove commentary concerning artist theology/doctrine**
Lois Idestrom
GOODNESS OF GOD
Beautiful song lyrics but I question the bridge His goodness is running after me. Not sure what this means because I was always told God is a choice in our lives and when we sing Your Goodness is Running After Me, are we saying God is pursuing us or is it our choice and decision to follow Him? My Bible does not say in Psalm 23 that God is pursuing us but rather after we accept Him as our Savior, goodness and love follows us. God’s goodness is not running after us. The bridge bothers me!
Vince Wright
Lois,
Thank you for your comment!
Suppose His goodness wasn’t running after us. What would happen? We would be left to our own devices. No Jesus. No Savior. No relationship with God. No good. At our core, we are decitful and wicked (Jeremiah 17:9-10). It He did not pursue us, we’d all end up in hell.
-Vince Wright
Ronn Pricer
Lois, This touches on the age old paradox: Are we predestined or do we have free will? Though I won’t ever understand it until I get to eternity, I have to believe that somehow both are true. There are many scriptures that support both. That said, I have to agree with your interpretations of the words “pursue”, “running after” and “following after”. For me, the first two bring to mind images of a hound doggedly pursuing the scent, until he tracks down his prey. And this is certainly not the image portrayed in Rev. 3:20 of Jesus simply standing at the door and knocking. Nor, I believe, that it can be said the God (or His goodness) was “running after” Jonah as he fled his God given mission, to land in the belly of the fish.
But language is an interesting thing. I recently had a discussion with my 30 year old daughter, and to her, “pursuing”, “following after” and “running after” were almost synonymous. Back to the paradox though. John 6:44 says: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” So at the very least, we can say that although we are free to accept or reject his offer of salvation, He is actively participating in drawing us to Himself.
Personally, since Psalm 23 is often cited as a proof text for the Bridge of this song, I wish the Johnsons et al would have simply written the bridge as: “Your goodness will follow after, will follow after me.” It fits the melody and directly quotes how most Bibles translate the verse. Then again, I’m working on my own attitude and trying to give freedom to others to sing it the way it was written.
Steve Barhydt
Ronn,
I will repeat part of what I said to Lous above to directly address your comment “I wish the Johnsons et al would have simply written the bridge as: “Your goodness will follow after, will follow after me.” ”
Psalm 23:6 (KV)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
*************Begin Quotes**************
From Strong’s Concordance the phrase “shall follow me” is as follows…(emphasis mine)
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7291/kjv/wlc/0-1/
רָדַף râdaph, raw-daf’; a primitive root; TO RUN AFTER (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by):—chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r).
The Brown-Driver-Briggs Lexicon further builds on the word by saying…
†g. PURSUE, DOG, subject דָּם, with accusative of person Ezekiel 35:6 (twice in verse) (del Ezekiel 35:6a Greek Version of the LXX Co Toy Krae); in good sense, attend closely upon, טוֺב וָחֶסֶד יִרְדְּפוּנִי Psalm 23:6.
*******************End Quotes*****************
These very respected sources tell us that, according to King David, God’s goodness and mercy don’t just passively follow us, but rather they chase us, pursue us, even hunt us like a dog on the trail of a rabbit.
There are 8 other words in the Hebrew language that are translated as “follow” in the KJV, and yet, the Holy Spirit chose to use the strongest one here.
This is not because we are so great in and of ourselves but rather I believe that this is to show us just how much God really does love us.
In light of this, I believe Bethel’s wording in the bridge is perfectly in line with what is written in Psalm 23 and, therefore, 100 percent Biblical. I would not be surprised to discover that the writers of this song actually did research the Hebrew meaning of the phrase “shall follow after” and incorporated that into the song. Even if they didn’t, there is absolutely nothing inherently wrong with the way that it is written given that “shall follow after” can mean “to run after.”
Steve Barhydt
Lois,
Psalm 23:6 specifically says that God’s goodness IS following us. All other major versions say the exact same thing or use the stronger word “pursue”
I’m curious as to which version that you are using when you say “My Bible does not say in Psalm 23 that God is pursuing us.”
In any case, let’s look at the verse itself
Psalm 23:6 (KV)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
*************Begin Quotes**************
From Strong’s Concordance the phrase “shall follow me” is as follows…(emphasis mine)
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7291/kjv/wlc/0-1/
רָדַף râdaph, raw-daf’; a primitive root; TO RUN AFTER (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by):—chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r).
The Brown-Driver-Briggs Lexicon further builds on the word by saying…
†g. PURSUE, DOG, subject דָּם, with accusative of person Ezekiel 35:6 (twice in verse) (del Ezekiel 35:6a Greek Version of the LXX Co Toy Krae); in good sense, attend closely upon, טוֺב וָחֶסֶד יִרְדְּפוּנִי Psalm 23:6.
*******************End Quotes*****************
These very respected sources tell us that, according to King David, God’s goodness and mercy don’t just passively follow us, but rather they chase us, pursue us, even hunt us like a dog on the trail of a rabbit.
There are 8 other words in the Hebrew language that are translated as “follow” in the KJV, and yet, the Holy Spirit chose to use the strongest one here.
This is not because we are so great in and of ourselves but rather I believe that this is to show us just how much God really does love us.
In light of this, I believe Bethel’s wording in the bridge is perfectly in line with what is written in Psalm 23 and, therefore, 100 percent Biblical.
God’s “pursuit” of us begins while we are still sinners…
Romans 5:8 (KJV) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
He comes after us when we stray…
Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
He will continue to do so until we get to heaven…
Phil. 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
As I have said on other comments, I would encourage you to reconsider the “appropriateness” of the bridge. However, if you can’t sing the bridge in absolute confidence, don’t violate your conscience!
Tara Bengtson
Hello Lois,
Let me ask a question of you if I may. Scripture states in Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Matthew 18:11-13 For the Son of Man has come to save that which is lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.
Is this not a picture of a loving, good and gracious God, who in His mercy (another word for mercy is goodness) pursues with intent to find that lost lamb and bring it home?
I’m forever grateful and thankful for what Jesus has done in my life and I will testify of His goodness and His everlasting faithfulness.
The Goodness of God, from my perspective, is a beautiful song giving honor to the Lord and how He works and moves in a person’s life.
Please don’t get hung up on legalism.
Tony Conrad
I don’t fully understand this. We sang this song on Sunday and I was getting the impression God was supposed to be running after us whereas I always thought that we are running after God. I felt it was a bit presumptious. I didn’t know it was supposed to be God’s goodness running after us. That didn’t come across.
On another point I don’t think there is anything in the new testament that we have to rely on a praise leade’rs choice of song all the time. The scripture says everyone one of you has a psalm. There is no such thing as a praise leader in the new testament. I suppose that’s why I find small meetings without a big band so blessed where we make our own praise which leaves room for all sorts of contributions..
Vince Wright
Tony,
Thank you for your comment! I thought it was the goodness of God that runs after us. After all, this shows up in Psalm 23:6.
Also, did you read my review? If so, what parts of it did you disagree with? It addresses a lot of the issues you brought up, except for the position of “praise leader”. There isn’t an official position like that in the New Testament, but I always thought that was a Romans 14 issue.
-Vince Wright
Les Connell
I personally have a problem of the goodness of God running after me, scripture in galatians tells me that goodness is a fruit of the spirit,so by implication I have the goodness of God in me by the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit , now I know I am taking the scripture literally ,I know the psalms indicate goodness running after David but this happening after the new dispensation of salvation to the gentiles ,I question the subject ,
Steve Barhydt
So, if I hear you right, since everything that happened after the Cross is ” happening after the new dispensation of salvation to the gentiles” we can safely ignore everything in the Old Testament?
Surely you do not mean this!
The Fruit of The Spirit is the outward manifestation of an inward change within the Christian brought about by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (i.e. We love because God loves, we have Peace because He manifests peace through us, etc.)
God’s own Love, Long-Suffering, Goodness, etc. is still made manifest by HIS OWN ACTIONS not just through us by way of the Fruits of the Spirit.
Before we loved Him, He pursued us.
Since we have loved Him, when we go astray, He still pursues us.
As Vince said in his excellent review, the idea of God “running after” us is found in Psalms 23:6 and, in no way, negates the Fruit of the Spirit “Goodness”.
In the KJV the words “shall follow” from Strongs Concordance https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7291/kjv/wlc/0-1/
רָדַף râdaph, raw-daf’; a primitive root; to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by):—chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r).
Psalm 23:6 says “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
God’s Old Testament promises DID NOT cease functioning in “the new dispensation”.
Chris May
In the third line of verse 1 the biblical inspiration that occurred to me most strongly was Palm 139, especially verses 5 and 15-16.
Ronn
“Your goodness is running after me”. My struggle is reconciling this image of God and His love with passages like Revelation 3:20 where to me the image is of Jesus waiting patiently outside the door to my heart, rather than chasing or pursuing me. Then there’s the parable of the prodigal son. Yes, the father runs to the son at the end, but when the son leaves at the beginning of the story to squander his inheritance away, the Father doesn’t run madly after him, pursuing him to the depths of his depravity, but patiently waits for him to return on his own.
On the other hand “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life” does seem to indicate that His goodness, though it may not be chasing me down, at the very least will continue to follow me. Then, of course Psalm 139 says that no matter where I go God will be there. Is that image of God chasing me? or is it simply an admission that God is everywhere already?
In researching this, I looked up the words of the poet Francis Thompson, from where we get the reference to God as the “Hound of Heaven” (http://www.houndofheaven.com/poem). In about the middle of the poem he explains it this way:
“Nigh and nigh draws the chase,
With unperturbèd pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy”.
So then, perhaps the “chase” and “pursuit” is not a frantic running, a “chasing down”, a “hunt” (which unfortunately is the first image that comes to my mind) but a more deliberate, and unperturbed following, being ready to always pick me up when I fall (Psalm 37:24).
Vince Wright
Ronn,
Thank you for your comments!
What do you think about Genesis 3:9? God is looking for Adam and asking “where are you?”
-Vince Wright
Ronn Pricer
Vince, thanks for your quick reply.
There is no denying that God wants a relationship with each and everyone of us, even to the extent that He would be willing to sacrifice His own Son on the cross to allow that relationship to exist. And there’s no denying that God, in Gen. 3:9, wants to meet with Adam in the garden. However, if someone were to describe that scene in Genesis with phrases like “chasing after”, “running after”, “with reckless love pursuing” (all phrases in currently popular worship songs), I would have imagined God frantically running through the garden “recklessly” destroying parts of the garden until He found Adam and forcibly brought Him out into the open. (Think police in hot pursuit of a criminal, or fox hounds chasing a fox on a very British fox hunt.)
In actuality, as you know, God simply comes to the garden to meet Adam, as was His practice, and through a series of questions, questions that He already knows the answer to, He gently coaxes him into a confession of His sin.
That said, I realized early this morning that people also use “chasing after”, and “pursuing” in a much more benign way. “I’m pursuing a degree in computer programming.” “I’m chasing after my dream.” In both of these cases there is nothing frantic about it, but rather a methodical deliberateness. And so, I’m willing to concede that “chasing” and “pursuing”, at least to some people, may be perfectly acceptable descriptions of God’s desire “that no one should perish.” (2 Peter 3:9). For that matter, I’m also working on rewiring my own definition of “reckless” to include “the foolishness of God.” (1 Cor. 1:25). Although, the term still suggests an attitude of carelessness for the damage I may inflict along the way. We’ll see…
Vince Wright
Ronn,
Thanks for your self-reflection!
-Vince Wright
David
It is not the song…
It is the words of the scripture…
This is not the issue…
The issue is what people do with it…
There was no issue with satan when God created him !
The issue is what he did with the gift he received from God !!!
So people open your eyes and see what ccm has done to people and what they have become…
Pharisees were the most law abiding people at the time , they loved and praised God . But they were the most remarked ones by Jesus not for keeping the law but what they did behind God.
Deceivers ,..
Followers of evil …
Jo
David – I find that alot of worship songs being sung in the Church today are written at a certain meter or beat, that encourages those singing them to, in fact, hyper-ventilate
and become light-headed thereby experiencing what they “feel” is a moving of the Spirit. I often wonder which spirit!
Bob
Thank you Vince, we need this ministry. I’m not surprised you had all 10s. This song oozes with the gospel. It was so obvious the first time I heard it, I immediately started weeping when I sang the chorus the first time.
All my life He has been faithful. All my life He has been so, so, good. Never giving me what I deserve (Rom 2:4), and never forsaking me to foolish self-righteousness (2 Tim 2:13), but disciplining and training me up in the Spirit to be conformed to his image for his Glory (Heb 12, 2 Cor 4)
Maybe one has to be a father to truly understand the bridge. I was 57 years old before someone taught me the doctrine of God the Father, and what makes a Good Father. I had always envisioned Him as stoic, watching over me and measuring my performance, waiting for me to “earn” his approval. Sure, I was saved from damnation, but I had a long way to go if I was going to be worthy of resting in his presence. That’s not our heavenly Father.
The Good Father pursues me for my welfare, because he delights in me (Mic 7:18). The Giver of Life speaks a better word over me when others would shame or condemn me. The Father is quick to forgive, restoring my relationship with Him when I repent. There’s no clearer word-picture than “running after” to encapsulate the work of the Father and Spirit in bringing dead, lifeless sinners to repentance, and then again lifting up the redeemed when we trip over ourselves trying to pursue righteousness on our own strength. As a Father myself, I can testify the idea of running expresses the emotional joy and passion to quickly embrace and enjoy the intimacy of relationship with the beloved. (Isa 46:13, Heb 10:37)
And who can miss the very definition of “goodness” and “mercy” in the doctrines of election and salvation (Eph 1:3-9), pursuing us from the day we are born to bring us into His kingdom (Rom 5:6-11)? Who could ever think the doctrine of sanctification is ensured by OUR faithfulness? All my life HE has been faithful (Heb 12:9-10), not me (Rom 7).
Someone said to me when I was new in Christ, the older you get, the more you realize how much of a sinner you are. Now that I am old, I can testify to that truth. Praise God for His work of Sanctification (Heb 12:1-13), taking me through various trials, showing me how far I am from who He created me to be (Romans 7).
I’ve known Him as a Father. I’ve known Him as a Friend. And I have lived in the goodness of God. He’s never failed me. His hand has kept me safe for the day of salvation.
Vince Wright
Bob,
Thank you for your compliment and for sharing your thoughts! Great points.
-Vince Wright
George E Darling
Running after man is the theme of the entire Bible. No truer statement than “He’s Running After Me”