Worship Set 3 - "Living Hope"

​It truly feels like summer has arrived!  The weather has turned warmer and the sun is shining brightly.  It’s a season to celebrate and enjoy.  And in the spirit of joy and celebration, let’s rejoice in our Savior and all that He’s done for us—the shining Son of God!

​Today’s song feature is one that was written for the church.  Although Phil Wickham has written lots of songs, he hasn’t necessarily written many worship ones exclusively for corporate worship in the local church.  But this is one of them. 
 
“Living Hope” by Phil Wickham walks through the message of the gospel and the joy that we have because of Christ’s sacrifice.   It’s written in hymn form yet contains a powerful, anthem for a chorus.  I was recently asked to learn and lead this song in my church and found it to be a wonderful congregational worship song because it applies to everyone.  While “Living Hope” contains deep doctrine, it’s worded in simple yet vivid and illustrative ways.  And while it can share the gospel, it is actually a celebration of the gospel or good news. 
 
So I hope and pray that this song brightens your week, giving you a new song in your heart and a new joy in your spirit.  Here’s “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham.

"Living Hope"
by Phil Wickham and Brian Johnson

How great the chasm that lay between us
How high the mountain I could not climb
In desperation, I turned to heaven
And spoke Your name into the night
Then through the darkness, Your loving-kindness
Tore through the shadows of my soul
The work is finished, the end is written
Jesus Christ, my living hope

Who could imagine so great a mercy?
What heart could fathom such boundless grace?
The God of ages stepped down from glory
To wear my sin and bear my shame
The cross has spoken, I am forgiven
The King of kings calls me His own
Beautiful Savior, I'm Yours forever
Jesus Christ, my living hope

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There's salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There's salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope

Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There's salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There's salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Oh God, You are my living hope