IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

Lingering in the shadow
Standing on Golgotha's street
I catch sight along a hillside
Of a skull whose gaze I meet.

Voices seem to echo
From the hallow of its lair
Cries of bitter accusation
Poisoning words hang everywhere.

Peace from Pax Romana
Is the empty promise made
Clanging armor is the vise-grip
That rebellion often paid.

Crowds begin to gather
As the shadow passes by
Seems the bloody figure walking
Is condemned to hang and die!

Via Delarosa!
Crosses often pass that way
Carried by some guilty sinner
Blood-stained prints are seen by day.

Terrifying anguish
As the spikes pierce hands and feet
Soldiers hoisting up the cross-bars
Hear the tear of bone and meat.

Then a Voice speaks clearly
With the Gift of saving Grace
"Father grant complete forgiveness
Through My blood to Adam's race."

I alone am standing
Tears keep falling from my eyes
Death and hell the load I carry
Jesus ransom is the prize!

"Take my sin, dear Savior 
Nail it to that cursed Tree
Come and rule my heart Lord Jesus
By Your Spirit set me free!"

I am His forever
Heaven's Gates are open wide
All who call on Jesus' name
Through His blood, are Justified!
B.Pent

THEN FREEDOM CAME!

ONCE I STOOD IN GRAVE CLOTHES

Bound by sin and shame

Then the voice of Jesus echoed:

“Loose those chains!” then freedom came!

All at once its grip was broken

Satan’s power no longer ruled

Sin had lost its claim upon me

On redemption’s Rock I stood.

Heaven’s Light burst all around me

Sin’s dark shadow hid its face

All the past was now forgiven

In the fullness of His grace.

Then the shouts of victory sounded

Songs of praise were lifted high

As the cross of Jesus conquered,

Hallelujah’s filled the sky!

---B. Pent

FREE AT LAST

Once I lived for earthly pleasure
By sin's blindness I was bound
Chained by guilt & things they offered
Only darkness hung around.

Then I heard that Jesus loved me
That He came to set me free
And His Blood for my redemption
Was the price He paid for me.

Oh the pain He bore on Calvary!
On the Cross He spoke my name:
"Please forgive this Hell-bound sinner"
Then He died to take my blame!

When I saw the God of Glory
Pouring out His life for me
I cried out in faith for mercy
Then He came and set me free!

Now I stand redeemed, forgiven
All the past is wiped away
To the Lamb be all the glory
I am saved by grace today!
B. Pent

BETHLEHEM'S CRY

It took nine months before that cry was heard!

The strangers could not find a room that night
Yet labor pains had forced them from the Inn
To find a stable bed to birth a King.

The Virgin Mary wiped His tears away

While Joseph cleaned the stable cave that day
The Baby's cry once heard on Christmas morn
Foreshadowed days His heart for man was torn.

One day beside the tomb of His dear friend

The Savior wept because of sin's dread curse
He later cried when Judah turned from grace
By spewing hate upon His thorn crowned face.

On Calvary's hill a painful cry was heard

“Oh, why have You forsaken Me, My God?”
Another cry soon echoed through the night
“Tetelestai! then Satan fled from sight.

One final cry will shake this world again

The Lord Himself from heav'n to earth descend
The Church in White will rise to meet the Groom
His promise to return is very soon!
B. Pen

FREE AT LAST

Once I lived for earthly pleasure
By sin's blindness I was bound
Chained by guilt & things they offered
Only darkness hung around.

Then I heard that Jesus loved me
That He came to set me free
And His Blood for my redemption
Was the price He paid for me.

Oh the pain He bore on Calvary!
On the Cross He spoke my name
"Please fotgive this Hell-bound sinner"
Then He died to take my blame.

When I saw the God of Glory
Pouring out His life for me
I cried out in faith for mercy
Then He came to set me free!

Now I stand redeemed, forgiven
All the past is wiped away
To the Lamb be all the glory
I am saved by grace today!
B. Pent
 
 

THE PAIN OF REJECTION

A cheerful look may sometimes mask a troubled heart
A friend may even fail to see you're torn apart! The pain that brought those tears that no one knows
Are chains that bind the mind where struggle grows.

A child unwanted and passed on from home to home
And like a waif is left to fend alone 
Will wrestle all their life to ease rejection's pain
And sometimes think that he alone bears all the blame!

Each life is marked by scars we try in vain to hide
We spend our days rebuilding broken dreams inside.
Is there a Hand to guide us through this maze of night
To shun excuses and take hold of freedom's light?

There is a place where hearts can shed their heavy load
It's at the blood-stained cross we call the Calvary Road
Christ was rejected and He knows the pain
And only He can turn our loss to gain.
Ben Pent

THE SHADOW OF A CROSS

Lingering in the shadow
Standing on Golgotha's street
I catch sight along a hillside
Of a skull whose gaze I meet.

Voices seem to echo
From the hallow of its lair
Cries of bitter accusation
Poisoning words hang everywhere.

Peace from Pax Romana
Is the empty promise made
Clanging armor is the vise-grip
That rebellion often paid.

Crowds begin to gather
As the shadow passes by
Seems the bloody figure walking
Is condemned to hang and die!

Via Delarosa!
Crosses often pass that way
Carried by some guilty sinner
Blood-stained prints are seen by day.

Terrifying anguish
As the spikes pierce hands and feet
Soldiers hoisting up the cross-bars
Hear the tear of bone and meat.

Then a Voice speaks clearly
With the Gift of saving Grace
"Father grant complete forgiveness
Through My blood to Adam's race."

I alone am standing
Tears keep falling from my eyes
Death and hell the load I carry
Jesus ransom is the prize!

"Take my sin, dear Savior 
Nail it to that cursed Tree
Come and rule my heart Lord Jesus
By Your Spirit set me free!"

I am His forever
Heaven's Gates are open wide
All who call on Jesus' name
Through His death, are Justified!
--B.Pent

FREE AT LAST

Once I lived for earthly pleasures

By sin's blindness I was bound

Chained by guilt & things they offered

Only darkness hung around.

Then I heard that Jesus loved me

That He came to set me free

And His death for my redemption

Was the price for you and me.

Oh the pain He bore on Calvary!

From His lips He spoke my name

"Please forgive this guilty sinner!"

Then He died to take my blame.

When I saw the God of Glory

Pouring out His life for me

I cried out in faith for mercy

Then He came and set me free.

Now I stand redeemed, forgiven

All the past is wiped away.

To the Lamb be all the glory

I am saved by grace today!

--B. Pent 

BETHLEHEM'S CRY

It took nine months before that cry was heard!

The strangers could not find a room that night

Yet labor pains had forced them from the Inn

To find a stable bed to birth a King.

The Virgin Mary wiped His tears away

While Joseph cleaned the stable cave that day

The Baby's cry once heard on Christmas morn

Foreshadowed days His heart for man was torn.

One day beside the tomb of His dear friend

The Savior wept because of sin's dread curse

He later cried when Judah turned from grace

By spewing hate upon His thorn crowned face.

On Calvary's hill a painful cry was heard

“Oh! why have You forsaken Me, My God?”

Another cry soon echoed through the night

“Tetelestai! then Satan fled from sight.

One final cry will shake the world again

The Lord Himself from heav'n to earth descend

The Church in white will rise to meet the Groom

His promise to return is very soon.

B. Pent

I CAUGHT HIS EYE!

I followed Christ along life’s way

It was so sweet to hear His voice.

But then I failed to watch and pray

And soon I wandered far away...

Until I caught His eye.

I warmed up by the flame of sin

And failed to own my sinful pride

It was so innocent a thing

To find excuse and try to hide...

Until I caught His eye.

I felt my soul all torn apart

I had no lasting peace within

Then bitter tears flowed from my heart

As I confessed my guilt and sin...

Because I caught His eye.

Refrain

I’m sorry Lord I turned away

I did not mean to go astray

Return Your joy within my heart

And never more from me depart.

--B. Pent

THE CROSS APPEARED!

While meditating on the Cross

I could not help but bow in awe

That God Who flung the world in space

Would offer man redeeming grace.

The Cross where death and hell were crushed

Amidst the cries of terrible pain

With nails that pierced His hands and feet

Brought peace above the Mercy Seat.

The Father sent His only Son

The perfect sinless Lamb of God

Fulfilling every promise made

So man's redemption could be paid.

Atonement made through blood of rams

Could only cover what was past

Christ's blood removes the curse of sin

When we invite Him to come in.

Then in Communion He declares

His flesh the Bread, His blood the Wine

So in remembrance we can show

A cleansed-filled life down here below.

--B. Pent

THE CALVARY ROAD

I've walked life's road for many years

At times I've faced some bitter tears
I've seen the good which made me glad
I've known the wrong which made me sad
Yet when I weighed each gain or loss
I sensed the conflict of the Cross.

Just why should love and grace appear
When man rejects God's offer here?
The Law revealed the Judge's claim

All men are slaves and bound by shame
When Jesus showed His nail pierced hand

The Cross revealed salvation's plan.

The Serpent's lie to be a “god”

Enslaved all men upon earth's sod

Yet God ordained sin's price be paid

Upon His Son our sins were laid

This Calvary Road will always be

The only place to be set free.
--B. Pent

THE PASSION OF THE KING

                          Matthew 26-27

THE SHADOW OF A CROSS WAS SET IN PLACE

WITHIN THE MINDS AND HEARTS BENT ON DISGRACE

WHILE PHARISEES AND SCRIBES COLLUDE AS ONE

TO KILL THEIR KING WHO CLAIMED TO BE GOD'S SON.

THE PASSION WEEK BEGAN IN SIMON'S HOME

WHERE DEATH AND HELL CONVERGED ON HIM ALONE

WHILE MARY POURED RARE PERFUME ON HIS HEAD

SOME CALLED IT WASTEFUL; COULD BE SOLD INSTEAD.

IN THE UPPER ROOM DISCIPLES SHARED A MEAL

WITH BREAD AND WINE, COMMUNION'S VISUAL SEAL

BUT WARNED THEY WOULD FORSAKE AND TURN AWAY

AS JUDAS PLANNED TO CAREFULLY BETRAY.

THEN BY THE KIDRON VALLEY SLOPE THEY TALKED

AS UPWARD TOWARD AN OLIVE GROVE THEY WALKED

BUT WHEN THE WEIGHT OF SIN TORE HIM APART

HE PRAYED IN AGONY WITH BROKEN HEART.

THREE TIMES HE URGED HIS FAITHFUL FRIENDS TO PRAY

BUT SLUMBER WON, EXHAUSTED FROM THE DAY

THE CUP THAT JESUS SOUGHT TO PASS FROM HIM

NOW WILLINGLY HE DRANK TO PAY FOR SIN.

THE SOUND OF MEN WITH CLUBS AND SWORDS APPEARED

AS IF AGAINST SOME REBEL FORCE THEY FEARED

BUT JESUS CALMLY SPOKE AND TOOK HIS STAND

WITH JUDAS' KISS, A SIGN TO BIND HIS HAND.

THAT NIGHT HE STOOD BEFORE SANHEDRIN'S COURT

ACCUSED OF MANY CRIMES WITHOUT SUPPORT

BUT WHEN HE CLAIMED TO BE GOD'S ONLY SON

THE CRIES TO “CRUCIFY” INCREASED AS ONE.

THEN ON TO PILATE'S ROMAN COURT THEY CAME

BOTH PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES BROUGHT BLAME

WHEN PILATE ASKED WHOM THEY WOULD HAVE RELEASED

THEY CHOSE BARABBAS THOUGH HE WAS A THIEF.

THE GUARDS LED JESUS TO THE COMMON HALL

WHERE SOLDIERS SCOURGE THEIR PREY UNTIL THEY FALL

A CROWN OF THORNS WAS PRESSED UPON HIS HEAD

BEATEN AND FLOGGED TIL HE WAS ALMOST DEAD.

CONDEMNED TO DIE, HE BORE THE CROSS ALONE

A SPOTLESS LAMB FOR SINNERS TO ATONE

HIS NAIL-PIERCED HANDS AND FEET AND BLEEDING SIDE

BECAME THE SEAL UPON REDEMPTION'S TIDE.

THE FINAL CRY WAS HEARD AMIDST THE NIGHT

THE VEIL WAS RENT BEFORE SHEKINAH'S LIGHT

IN JOSEPH'S CARVED-OUT TOMB THE SAVIOR LAY

THREE DAYS TO HELL AND BACK THE SCRIPTURES SAY.

--B. Pent



CALVARY’S GUT-WRENCHING CRY!

MY GOD! MY GOD!
WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?
WE WALKED SO CLOSE TOGETHER
BUT NOW YOU’RE FACE IN DARKNESS HIDES
MY BROKEN HEART I LIFT TO YOU.

MY GOD! MY GOD!
THE AGONY OF DEATH IS NEAR
THE MOCKING THRONGS SURROUND ME
I AM A WORM, THE MAN OF SORROWS
MY NAIL-PIERCED HANDS I RAISE TO YOU.

MY GOD! MY GOD!
THIS CUP OF DEATH POURED OUT FOR YOU
HAS DRAINED MY STRENGTH BEYOND COMPARE
BUT IF YOU’RE WRATH FOR SIN IS QUELLED
MY PRECIOUS BLOOD I OFFER NOW.

MY GOD! MY GOD!
I LAY ME IN THE DUST OF DEATH
THE WEIGHT OF SIN HAS BOUND ME
BUT AS THE SERPENT’S HEAD IS CRUSHED
A RANSOMED THRONG WILL PRAISE YOU.

--B. PENT

THE BLOOD OF JESUS

I could see the blood of Jesus
Flowing from the cross for me.
I was bound in sin's dominion
But He died to set me free.

Once I sought for earthly treasures
In sin's blindness I couldn't see
That a priceless Gift was offered
That could cleanse and set me free.

Oh the pain He bore on Calvary
From His lips He spoke my name
"Please forgive this wandering sinner!"
Then He died to take my blame.

When I saw the God of Glory
Pouring out His life for me
I cried out in faith for mercy
Then He came and set me free.

Now I stand redeemed, forgiven
All the past is wiped away.
To the Lamb be all the glory
I am saved by grace today.
--B. Pent