Story of "Peter the Rock" + Latest news (updated 22 January) + Lyrics + Unofficial web page + Free bible commentaries in simple English + Easy English news
PETER - THE ROCK musical
Rejoice! Christmas concert
THE EXTRAVAGANT SON new musical
performed by: Andy (singing) Keith (words & music)
The Story of "Rock - the Musical"
by Andy
Hopes and Fears is about, basically, Simon Peter's childhood waiting for the Messiah to arrive. It is set in the period immediately before the New Testament begins. The reason why we had the verse from the carol is that it was imagining Simon and his brother play-fighting and just really setting the scene for the other three verses, where they really hope that the Messiah would come.
Preacher, show the way. The dedication is really to a certain preacher we know. Basically, the preacher can talk about the way to God, and it's a song questioning what the preacher is saying in his sermon, and you're really saying, "preacher, show me the way. All these things I don't understand, I just need to get down to the basics of faith, without all the waffle". I think this applies to a lot of preachers, when they get carried away.
New Name. This song is about Peter getting his name from Jesus, and realising he's got a changed life. I think this is a song of hope because at the end it says, "I've served you through all the years...; the joys and tears", which gives us hope that God will not abandon us.
Doing the Impossible. This song basically is about all the miracles Jesus did and the miracles that he can still do in our lives, that we may not know he has done.
To know what I don't know. A slow piece. Really heavy, man(!) It's asking you the question, "Who do you think Jesus is?", and it demands a response. Peter also questions Jesus's plans to die, and asks, is it really necessary, so the ending is left a bit untied - but it's a great ending!
Light on the mountain. The ending to this song is quite unique in that it focuses on the atmospheric crucifixion scene, with the skies turning black, which will also be on a later song.
Breaking bread. This is a song of friendship, set at the Last Supper.
The Longest Night. I like the way it goes, in the fourth verse, really heavy, and then by the final verse, it lightens up. It's good how God loves a sinner like me - that's a really light ending after a heavy verse.
Really don't know him. It's about denial. It's about rejection. Then the realisation that Jesus was and is the Messiah. Here, Peter denies Christ, and then rejects him, and then realises that in denying him, he's allowed him to prove that he is the Christ - which is great. The cockadoodle-doos are a good laugh, and provide some light relief!
Invincible Cross. Our hymn. Almost like "Gloria" by U2 - well, not quite! Notice how it builds up the tension through the song, and it never really lets up till the end.
Dead man waking. This song was inspired by discotheque, with just the drum beat keeping on and really I get a chance to use my voice on this one and play around with the lyrics, and try to come up with something extraordinary. Hope you like it!
A-babblin' and a-preachin'. This song has the record for the most stupid song title ever. This song is actually taken from Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost, and it's sung in a blues-rock style. It has the American-preacher feel to it that says, "save yourself by trusting in the Lord", and it's a great end song.
Amazing grace. Encore. What can I say?
November and December 04: Our winter tour continued with, on successive weekends, "The Extravagant Son" at Hyde Christian Fellowship, "The Story of Job" at Stockport Elim Church, "Rejoice!" at Hyde again, and then "The Extravagant Son" once more, at a house meeting in Cheadle Hulme. Each meeting went well; thanks to everyone who helped, and to the people who provided food and hospitality for the latter three occasions.
13 - 14 November 04: We had the pleasure of sharing special versions of "Peter - the Rock" at two events in connection with the visit of Dr Okey Onuzo, from Nigerian. It was a great honour and privilege to hear Dr Onuzo's ministry on the subjects of prayer, and salvation respectively. On the 13th, we were at the 1st Kingdom Pastors and Leaders Conference, at the Coverdale Centre in Ardwick, Manchester. We shared two new songs, written especially for the occasion: "The Working Man" and "Jesus is my Rock", which were warmly welcomed; together with a selection of other faith-building songs from "Peter - the Rock". On the 14th, we were at the Foursquare Gospel Church (at Luther King House, Rusholme, Manchester). There, we shared four songs (including our two new songs), which the congregation welcomed and (later) sang with enthusiasm. We thank Dr Onuzo for his ministry; Pastor Obi for his kind invitation; the Faith for Manchester Fellowship (in connection with the Upper Room Ministers Forum) who hosted the Conference; Rosemary Knight who came from Walsall to lead the worship; and the congregation of the Foursquare Gospel Church for their hospitality. We had a wonderful and exciting time.
August 04: We're going to go ahead with another new musical. This time, the theme is the Story of Job. Keith is also writing the EasyEnglish Bible Commentary for Job; so the two projects will provide insights for each other.
25 July 04: We had a wonderful time at the Manchester Foursquare Gospel Church, Luther King House, Manchester 14, by kind invitation of Pastor Obi. This was their special service to celebrate six months since the church was planted; and the attendance was excellent - nearly every seat was taken. And nobody was deterred by the torrential rain outside! This was also a younger congregation; many children and young people were present. We presented a slightly shortened version of "The Extravangant Son" (without Keith's talk); which was greeted with tremendous enthusiasm by the mainly African congregation. Andy acted his part especially well. A young man joined us on drums for a couple of songs. And everyone joined in to the last chorus of "New Shoes". There was great cheering when, at an appropriate point in the song "New Shoes", Pastor Obi walked forward with a pair of new shoes for Andy! We concluded with "You cannot trust in religion", which was particularly appreciated - to such an extend that Pastor Obi began his sermon by reading the lyrics as a poem. After the service, an African-style banquet was provided for everyone present. Thanks to everyone - we had a great time!
18 July 04: We were delighted to share "The Extravagant Son" again at Emmanuel Church (Church of England), Cheadle Hulme. Our friends at Emmanuel have invited us since 2002, so it was good to meet with them again; and they gave us a very warm and friendly reception. Keith played electric piano and electronic organ; the earlier songs in the musical were particularly good when presented with some of the more unusual sounds on the electric piano. Andy gave an enthusiastic performance; and theatrically discarded his wallet to the great delight of the congregation when the Prodigal Son ran out of money! His dejected performance immediately afterwards, when he re-enters in poverty, was also very effective. Keith preached. Many thanks to the scripture readers and everyone else who helped us; and also to Mike Yates who led the meeting and was most encouraging.
10 July 04: A fellowship meeting where we led worship with a Jewish theme. We were joined by Liz Hockenhull on violin; an unusual combination for us. Andy also sang "You cannot trust in religion" which was well received.
20 June 04: We took the opportunity of the Whalley Bridge Water Festival to present a selection of songs together, unaccompanied, in the open air. This was one of a series of short open air outreaches this Summer.
11 April 04 (Easter Sunday): Our second flower festival appearance! We were delighted to be invited to take the evening service at Elim, Stockport, during their flower festival. We chose a "best of" selection from our musicals, accompanied solely on piano, together with two unaccompanied Spirituals (There is a Balm in Gilead and Sweet Chariot), and two traditional Pentecostal Easter Hymns (Low in the Grave He Lay, and I Stand Amazed in the Presence). Andy gave his testimony for the first time - he spoke well, without notes, and gave a sincere abut light-heart talk, after which, the congregation applauded. Then, Andy shared the premiere of his brand new song, "Jesus Died to Give Us Fullness of Life. Keith spoke on the subject of what Jesus accomplished for us. Everyone who spoke to us was very positive about the meeting and found it encouraging and helpful. We were delighted to be sharing at Elim Stockport again.
16 March 04: Andy's holidays allowed for a rare weekday opportunity, at the FSL fellowship. After leading the hymns on keyboard, we performed four of our own favorite songs using the piano, including the Longest Night, New Shoes, and A'babblin... Everyone was most enthusiastic to join with us for an extra special meeting. Keith spoke on "The Great Feast" (Luke 14:15-24)
22 February 04: The Premiere of our new mission, "The Extravagant Son" took place at Stockport Elim Church. The congregation were really positive and supportive of our work. "The Extravagant Son" tells the story of the Prodigal Son, and has been developed from our album, "Rebel". Andy was a convincing Rebel - wearing flashy clothes for his wasteful years at the start, and switching to a specially prepared (stained and bleached T-shirt) for the later songs. The congregation enjoyed the humour of Andy's performance and our songs; and responded warmly to Keith's talk. Thanks to Pastor Richardson for his invitation.
11 January 04: We were delighted to share "Peter - the Rock" at a packed meeting at Hyde Christian Fellowship. There were also visitors from a number of other churches, including a group from Crossacres Pentecostal church. Joining us as guest singers were both John Bell; and Muriel Smith. Muriel sang a brand new solo song, "The Offering of Love", written by Keith. We received a very warm welcome from the host church; and everyone joined in with the congregational songs, with great enthusiasm.
14 December 03: Following the warm reception received in Buxton on 7th December, we returned today for an open air performance. Once again, there was a positive and encouraging response. We even did an encore of "A Child is Born to Us" for an enthusiastic visitor to the town!
13 December 03: "Rejoice!" makes its return visit to Emmanuel church, Cheadle Hulme. We were delighted to share our carols and new songs again this year, at the coffee shop. Many people remembered us from last year; and everyone joined into the carols with great enthusiasm. We were joined by Muriel Smith, as guest vocalist for the first time. Also for the first time, Keith joined Andy and Muriel in an unaccompanied version of "A Child is Born to Us", our brand new carol.
7 December 03: "Rejoice!" takes to the streets! For the first time, we shared "Rejoice!" in the open air, at Buxton. We were very pleased with the warm reception received from passers-by. We had a good time, in spite of the cold!
December 03: We are pleased to launch our all-new "Rejoice!" programme for Christmas 2003. The new programme lasts 15 minutes, but is packed with traditional carols, short readings, and two new songs! We will be sharing this programme first at house meetings.
November 03: We've been taking a break from performance committments. During this time, we have been developing new songs, and new ideas. We welcome contact with anyone who would like a special meeting.
13 July 03: "Peter - the Rock" was performed at Emmanuel Church (Church of England), Cheadle Hulme. We were pleased to be joined by a larger-than expected congregation; for this special Sunday evening service. The day was a particularly important date in the life of Emmanuel Church, as it marked the leaving of their much-appreciated minister, Rev Philip Burrows. Again, the congregation was very positive about the musical and joined heartily into the congregational songs, and provided readers. We were very pleased with the evening. John again joined us as our guest singer. The musical backing was on a traditional small electronic organ and a Korg electric piano. Keith's talk/sermon, though following the same basic pattern as at Lymm, was a little longer, allowing him to expand some of the points more fully, and add a little humour. Both Andy and John sang with great enthusiam, and the congregation was very appreciative of their differing but complementary styles. Thanks to Mike Yates, who introduced the service; to the readers; and to everyone else who helped us.
28 June 03: On the eve of St. Peter's Day, "Peter - the Rock" was performed at St. Peter's, Lymm. This performance was part of the Lymm Festival, an annual local festival of the arts, which is growing year-by-year. We were very excited to perform at Lymm, and to receive a very warm welcome and active response from the congregation, who also provided our readers. Thanks to Rev Michael Burgess, who invited us and introduced the evening; and to everyone who helped us. It was a great honour to come and share in this special occasion. St. Peter's also arranged a truly exceptional ecumenical flower festival which co-incided with our performance, and the church was filled with fine arrangements provided by a large number of churches and other local organisations (theme: Hymns New and Old) - truly an exceptional sight, and we would like to congratulate the flower arrangers and the organising committee. John Bell, as guest singer, again joined Keith and Andy. Keith performed on the pipe organ; a fine instrument which made a real improvement to the overall sound quality; also on piano. Andy sung powerfully and with conviction, as did John; their perfomance took on a new dimension in this fine Gothic church. Keith also gave a 15 minute (prepared) talk; explaining the songs and discussing the three reasons why Peter changed so much in his views: because (1) he learnt new things, (2) because of his doubts, and (3) because God changed him
This performance was also our opportunity to launch our new CD; the live recording of "Peter- the Rock" made at St. Andrews. It was well received, and a number of people purchased their copies on the night.
June 03: The release of our new album, "Rebel". Rebel tells the story of a young man who wants to make his name in the world. He leaves home in search of the mysterious and ancient city of Babylon - a place of exile, of partying, greed and gambling. He arrives to find a disorientated place, alien to the values he know back home. Even the resident preacher offers a strange message - as much anti-religion as it is for God. Nevertheless, 'Rebel' thrusts himself into the action, living recklessly until his money is all gone. Can he really return home to his father? Does he stand any hope of forgiveness? Includes 11 brand new songs, vocals by Andy (with Keith guesting on vocals for the first time); words and music by Keith. Performed on Wyvern organ, grand piano, and retro Casio keyboard.
18 April 03 (Good Friday): This has been a special Easter for us, with our home-coming concert at St. Andrews, Cheadle Hulme (our home church), by kind invitation of the minister, Rev. Derek Guest, who also introduced the musical. Joining us as guest singer was John Bell; the music was performed by Keith on the Wyvern organ and grand piano. We were delighted with a good attendance of all ages, including family and many friends both from St. Andrews and across the area. Muscially, this was our best performance yet - our regular rehersals have really brought benefits, as has John's input. The audience responded - and participated too - in a warm and encouraging manner. Readers were drawn from the congregation for the four scripture readings; Keith gave a 15 minute talk. Special thanks to those who helped us, and to those who served refreshments.
7 April 03: Our rehearsals have gone well - and we're into the publicity phase: letting people know of our Good Friday concert at St. Andrews, Cheadle Hulme. Shop windows display our mini-posters; church members and those who have supported us in the past have been notified; and the press and local radio have expressed an interest. The concert itself will sound quite different from previous events; the Wyvern organ and a grand piano will enhance the sound quality; and St. Andrews is an excellent modern venue - comfortable and well-equipped. We're looking forward, and getting excited. Hope to see you there!
March 03: Following a good response to the mention in Chester Diocesan News, we've a packed schedule of interesting bookings and new opportunities. We're enthusiastically rehearsing for our next appearance, which will be at St. Andrews, Cheadle Hulme, where the singing will be backed by both the fine electronic church organ and the grand piano, and we will be joined by John Bell, as guest singer. We look forward to a superb evening, and are hoping to give the event good publicity and to encourage as many of our friends as possible to join us.
January 03: Our announcement appears in the January 2002 edition of the Chester Diocesan News, and we look forward to making new contacts and presenting our musical to new audiences:
"Peter - the Rock" is a travelling light musical which small churches can use for special events. Stockport and East Cheshire areas - no fees or expenses. Contact Keith Simons.
21 December 02: The final performance of "Rejoice!", this Christmas, was at our home church, St. Andrew's (Church of England), in Cheadle Hulme, at the Saturday Coffee Shop. We performed on piano and electronic keyboard again; this performance saw two of the songs (Scarlet and Magnificat) performed on piano for the first time. Attendance was lower, but we received many positive comments from those present and enjoyed the performance thoroughly. Thanks to David and Ruth for inviting us and providing the coffee and cakes.
14 December 02: Today's performance of "Rejoice!" took us all by surprise. We were booked to perform at the Coffee Shop at Emmanuel Church (Church of England) in Cheadle Hulme. Expecting a small audience; we were surprised and delighted to find a very good attendance - so many people came, that we had to put out extra chairs to accomodate everyone. The music was performed on piano and electronic keyboard; and the audience joined into the traditional carols with enthusiasm! Thanks to the minister, Rev Philip Burrows, for inviting us, and to Mike Yates for introducing us and running the meeting; also to the others who helped. The church magazine for December/January featured our performance prominently, announcing:
[Keith and Andy] will be presenting a selection of Carols and new music from 10.45 am on Saturday 14th December in the Coffee Shop under the title of "REJOICE". The performance will last no more than 25 minutes and is guaranteed to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Do please come along if you are able.
10 December 02: The second performance of "Rejoice!" was warmly received by an appreciative small audience.
27 November 02: Our first performance of "Rejoice!", which is our special Christmas concert. We will be performing at a variety of locations in the run up to Christmas. "Rejoice!" is a major new project - a special 25 minute concert of familiar carols; with three new songs based on the songs at the start of Luke's Gospel. Our first performance was warmly appreciated with positive and encouraging comments from those present. We're booked to perform at a number of venues. . . so watch out for us coming your way soon!
November 02: We are working on putting together a new musical, especially for Christmas. There's some superb new songs in it. More information coming soon(!)
29 September 02: With some real excitement and anticipation we've been preparing for today! We were invited to perform our musical by Pastor Richardson at Elim Church in Stockport. This is not just our first booking; it's also our first opportunity to perform the show within an actual church service. Plenty of new ideas have appeared to enhance the show. Now, a series of OHP acetate slides provide background information on each song, with pictures, extract lyrics and explanatory comments. Furthermore, a series of Bible readings have been added to give background: John 1:35-42 after "Preacher. . .", Matthew 16:13-23 after "Doing the Impossible", Matthew 26:30-36 before "The Longest Night" and Mark 16:1-7 after "Invincible Cross". Keith played the Yamaha keyboard, moving over to the piano for "Dead man waking". Andy was quite amazed with the prayers and worship, which reminded him of some of the lively services he's seen in America and Barbados. The response of the congregation was really good and positive; and the attendance, we're told, was double that for a normal Sunday Evening service. During the interval in the show, Pastor Richardson celebrated the Lord's Supper; then Andy sang "Breaking Bread"; and Keith provided a 25 minute talk in the place of the sermon. Then Andy returned to complete the show. Special thanks to those who helped us with the readings, projector, amplifier, instruments and other practical aspects.
7 September 02: Piano rehearsal, at St. Andrew's, Cheadle Hulme. The songs were originally written for electronic keyboard - but it's becoming increasingly clear that we will be performing using a variety of keyboard instruments, in particular, the piano. Accordingly, we were kindly permitted to use the grand piano at St. Andrews so that we can develop the songs and prepare piano arrangements for them. We felt that the sound of a high quality instrument really improved our performance; particularly with its improved bass range over the electronic keyboard. The greatest change was to "Dead man waking"; which left its disco origins far behind! We slowed the song down considerably; making it sound almost like a piece of classical music! The other challenge for today was for Andy to adapt to using a stage and a microphone in a large room - he did well!
20 August 02: Our second performance, again before an invited audience at Cheadle Hulme. Most of those present heard the musical for the first time. Those who'd attended previously thought that Andy's singing was even better than last time, and everyone expressed plenty of support for and interest in the project. This was a unique performance for two special reasons: (1) for the first time, the audience joined into the verses of "Amazing Grace" and (2) we worked into the performance the talk by Keith immediately after the interval (which had been included as a spontaneous, unplanned addition on 16 July). Afterwards, we had a good discussion with all present, and explained how we hope to progress with the musical in the future. We'd like to take the songs into churches - especially those which are too small to organise special events on a regular basis - perhaps as a service or as a special event.
4 August 02: Thanks to Alec, our hopes for a CD are now a reality! The CD is taken from our studio-type cassette recording, and has 15 tracks - containing each song from the musical, the instrumental remix from the end of "To know what I don't know", and the interview. Next stage is to duplicate the CD - offers of help are welcome!
16 July 02: Our first performance, at home. The show was well-attended and we received an excellent response. We're very pleased with the sound of the musical, which was exactly as we intended. The session was taped for our "Live in Concert" recording. We are looking forward to lots of future bookings, at first in peoples' houses.
7 July 02: Website goes live! We're starting to duplicate up cassettes, song sheets, and mini-programmes for distribution to friends and family.
6 July 02: We've just had a mammoth recording session, and in a single afternoon we've recorded a tape of the entire musical. We're very pleased with it; it sounds exactly as we wanted.
28 June 02: It took us an entire evening, but we're now happy with the first 40 seconds of our recording! I wonder how long the full record will take?
June 02: Andy's been working on getting the singing right. A couple of demo tapes are being produced, just so that Andy can practice the songs and Andy & Keith can hear how the songs sound. We're pretty pleased with the songs; and we think that what we have is a "musical" that we want to perform - rather than just a recorded "album".
1 June 02: Photo-session at Windgather Rocks, Goyt Valley, and Black Hill in the English Peak District. Most of the photos for the website and (hopefully) album and concert materials are taken.
Before June 02: Keith began by putting together a list of twelve song titles for an imaginary album, based on the life of Simon Peter in the New Testament. He showed these to Andy, and the two agreed that it would be good to prepare a few songs based on the titles, with a view to maybe using a selection of them in performances, and possibly even putting together an album if it's possible to write several new songs. One by one, the songs were written, lyrics first, then music; until eventually the musical was complete.
Hopes and fears
(Intro, from a carol by P. Brooks)
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Along the beach at Galilee two brothers walked back home.
They played war games like two soldiers against the might of Rome.
And as the night comes drawing in, they dream of liberty.
They hope one day a King will come and Israel will be free.
Andrew and Simon had been taught Messiah would come one day.
Surely they thought that as they grew, fishing would pay their way.
But never could they have guessed who was being born that day,
Nor know the part in history that they would have to play.
Now thirty years have come and gone, they work as fishermen.
They hear reports: someone called John, baptises by Jordan.
Does this mean the Messiah will very shortly come?
And that their play-fights, long ago, must now be fought and won?
Preacher, show the way
Dedicated to preachers everywhere.
I want to be free, to fight for what's right.
You tell me I'm lost, and I don't see the light.
If I follow you, then what's in it for me?
A preacher can't show me the way.
What I need is strength, to live day by day.
You teach me to pray, to trust and obey.
But how can words save me, or change my life?
So preacher, please show me the way.
You tell me to trust in someone greater than me.
I tell you I'm trying, but can't always see
The things that you know, the light that you live.
Preacher, won't you show me the way.
Then all is revealed, the light has dawned.
I know where I'm going, I know what life's for.
Though your words seemed strange, and your ways so odd,
Preacher, you showed me the way.
John 1:35-42
New name
When I heard you, didn't know what to say.
When I heard you, I chose to stay.
'Cause I wanted. . .
. . . a new hope for living, a reason for giving,
A new path to walk in, new subjects for talkin',
A new hope, a new song, a new life, a new name.
I've got a new name!
When you chose me, felt like I'd been found.
When I chose you, my life turned around.
'Cause I got. . .
Now I've gone your way, for many long years
And I've served you, through joys and tears.
'Cause I've got. . .
Mark 3:13-16
Doing the impossible
See that lame man walking along?
He's doing the impossible now!
See that dumb woman singing her song?
She's doing the impossible now!
Since I met you, things seem changed
Everything's totally rearranged
Doing the impossible now.
See us sinners freed from guilt
We're doing the impossible now!
In three days see the temple rebuilt.
It's doing the impossible now!
John 2:18-22
To know what I don't know
Rumours abound, questions are asked
In Palaces and Temple, on land and sea,
"Who is this man, and why does he preach?"
The prophet from Galilee.
The prophet from Galilee.
My life is a quest to find out what's true
For I'm searching and asking: "Who are you?"
The sights I see and words I hear
Draw me closer to you.
I travel around, hearing men's thoughts.
Priests argue he's evil, hunt him if they can.
Others say he's a saint, a servant of God.
The wanderer called "son of man".
The wanderer called "son of man".
For three years I've travelled, followed this man.
I've seen him work wonders, heard what he said.
But now he asks me, "Who d'you think I am?"
The healer who raises the dead?
The healer who raises the dead?
All is revealed: I know who he is.
In ancient times promised: our saviour and king.
And like a ROCK, I stand firm in faith
In the Christ and the son of God.
In the Christ and the son of God.
You think I should know him, but I don't see
Why facing Jerusalem, he's planning to die
Nor what "arising from death" could mean.
The messiah who was born to die?
The messiah who was born to die?
Matthew 16:13-23
Light on the mountain
There's a light on the mountain
Let it shine, shine, shine.
Let it shine, for all the world to see.
As the law and the prophets
Meet with Christ our holy one,
Let it shine for all the world to see.
There's a light in the darkness
Let it shine, shine, shine.
Let it shine, for all the world to see.
Light up those in the valley
Of the shadow of death,
Let it shine for all the world to see.
There's a light in my soul
Let it shine, shine, shine.
Let it shine, for all the world to see.
May the light of his promise
Shine out to all the lost
Let it shine for all the world to see.
There's a light on the hillside
Let it shine, shine, shine.
Let it shine, for all the world to see.
Though the heavens turn black
In the place of the skull,
Let it shine for all the world to see.
Matthew 17:1-8
Breaking bread
When bread is broken, friends are united.
A feast of love, when all invited
Share in a simple meal, yet it's profound
As we pass the food around
We share the feast, we share in love
We share in joys given from above.
Today our feast is bread and wine,
Tomorrow, a sacrifice divine.
When bread is broken, remembrance flows
Of deliverance from ancient woes.
Their hurried feast, ages ago
Becomes the passover, that we now know.
When bread is broken, we know one day
Our messiah will come, then pass away.
We await the time, that such a sight
Will be seen on one passover night.
Matthew 26:26-29
The longest night
Sometimes you sleep, when it's time to pray.
Sometimes you sleep, when it's time to pray.
When your friend needs you
You're so far away.
Sometimes you sleep, when it's time to pray.
Some nights one hour, can be far too long.
Some nights one hour, can be far too long.
When tears of blood
Will fall to the ground.
Some nights one hour, can be far too long.
Sometimes you fight, when it's time to sleep.
Sometimes you fight, when it's time to sleep.
You fight with your sword,
forget about peace.
Sometimes you fight, when it's time to sleep.
I saw a kiss, and that was the end.
A hundred soldiers, to arrest my friend.
Priests and Guards,
And the scriptures fulfilled.
Betrayed by a friend, condemned to death.
It's good how God loves a sinner like me.
It's good how God loves a sinner like me.
For when I trusted in him,
He changed my life.
It's good how God loves a sinner like me.
Luke 22:39-53
Really don't know him
[Intro, off-stage] . . . Now you know Jesus, don't you . . .?
Really don't know him; just don't care.
All your questions will get you nowhere.
I never met a man outta Galilee.
The things you accuse me of, I never did see.
I suppose it's OK, just a little white lie.
If they found I loved him, I surely would die.
So I'll cover it up, just deny it all.
Then tomorrow will come, a new day will call.
Really don't know him...
They hurt me so much, these lies that I tell.
They pull me apart, and drag me through hell.
'Cause I trusted him, and he cares for me
But threats of death are all I see.
Really don't know him...
Cockadoodle-do, Cockadoodle-dee...
It's strange how one night can transform your life.
Never thought that a bird would cause me such strife.
But I know that I'm wrong, and I know the way
To seek his forgiveness, and follow Christ today.
Really do know him; he really cares.
All your questions I'll answer with a prayer
That you'll trust the man outta Galilee
So that when this life is done in heaven you'll be.
Luke 22:54-62
The Invincible Cross
Surely Christ's life is at an end
Pilate washes his hands, condemns our friend.
When the rulers judge him, then soldiers send
for the Invincible Cross.
"Father forgive them", he prays for us all.
"God, why forsake me?", we hear him call.
For his drink, we give vinegar and gall
on the Invincible Cross.
Women below him, they weep and cry.
Near, men gamble, sell and buy.
Alongside the pris'ners jeer as they die
round the Invincible Cross.
Above, the heavens turn to blackest night.
Below, hell trembles at the sight.
Of sins forgiven, of wrongs made right
through the Invincible Cross.
"It is finished", his work is done.
Centurion testifies, "this was God's son"
Satan's rule has ended, the victory is won
at the Invincible Cross.
Dead man waking - a disco groove
Friday evening; Embalming; Dead man sleeping; Night is falling
Sunday morning; Stone rolls away; Tomb is opened; Dead man waking; Dead man rising; Dead man walking; Dead man risen
Hallelujah; Jesus lives; Angels rejoicing; God has the vict'ry; Christ is risen; Sin is conquered; Day is dawning
Hallelujah! Christ is risen!
A-babblin' and a-preachin'
In the last days, God said
He would pour his Spirit
Upon all the people,
Upon all the nations,
Upon men and women and children,
Upon men and women and children,
He will pour his Spirit:
The spirit of power,
The spirit of wonder,
The spirit of prophecy.
Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
A man sent by God,
Working signs and wonders
Amongst the people
Yes, the men and women and children,
Yes, the men and women and children.
You put him to death
But God raised him up
'Cause death couldn't hold him,
No, death couldn't hold him.
So turn and save yourselves
By trusting in the Lord.
Yes, turn and save yourselves
By trusting in the Lord,
And God will send his Spirit
On the men and women and children,
Both near and afar off.
The promise is for you
And for all the Lord will call.
Yes, for all the Lord will call.
Acts 2:1-41
Amazing grace
Once I walked alone in this dark, cold world
And I hoped that a friend would draw near.
Someone who would lead me into the light,
Someone who could free me from fear.
Amazing grace - how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come,
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.
Out of darkness, into light,
Away from wrong, into the right,
Into light God lifted me
Though I once was lost,
Yet now, I'm found.
I was blind, but now I see.
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
That when we first begun.
And the light of God's way shines brighter than day.
And my fears fall away as I trust and I pray.
I will trust in his word that defends like a sword.
(Original lyrics to Amazing Grace: John Newton)
© 2002 Keith Simons