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

WHY ME?

Along the shores of time the wounded lie
All torn apart with little hope, they sigh!
The battle scars of life seem oft in vain
Confused, at times, that maybe God's to blame!

But why this cross that we must bear today
That seems so heavy and so hard to pray?
Is there no promise that will calm the heart
Before all hopes and dreams are torn apart?

Some things in life are hard to understand
We fail to note the reason God has planned
Omniscience charts the course that brings Him praise
He is the Source of strength through all our days.

The cup that Jesus drank was for our sake
That through His blood eternal life partake
The trials we all face are here to show
So others find the Christ we claim to know.
B. Pent

THE CARPENTER

Disappointment and tears could be seen in his face
As he wrestled alone in despair and disgrace
The news Mary shared was too hard to believe
The child, she said, was divinely conceived.                                                     
The Torah made clear the demand she could face    
With a verdict of guilt her demise would take place
But love for his bride turned from justice to grace 
So a quiet divorce was the choice put in place.

His burden weighed heavy far into the night
When suddenly an angel appeared within sight
"Fear not to take Mary, the Child she holds
Is placed there by God as the prophet's foretold."

So Joseph took Mary and made her his wife
Who later birthed Jesus God's free Gift of Life
His death on the cross made atonement for sin        
And all who receive Him find Peace deep within.
B. 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

IGNITE YOUR CHURCH AGAIN

The night is pressing in upon us, Lord

The gates of hell are opening wide

The only refuge that can guard us

Is the cross in which to hide.

The Church once bathed in holy passion

Seems to flounder on its way

The world, the flesh is so alluring

We've changed the Rock for straw and clay.

We hear the noise of distant thunder

The promises of later rain

A stirring deep within our soul, cries:

“Lord! Ignite Your Church again!”

Refrain

Breath of God, sweep through Your Church today

The hour of Your return is near

Renew our love, ignite the flame

To faithfully serve in Jesus name.

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

EARTH'S DARKEST HOUR

Dark the night of sin surrounds Me

Heaven hides His holy face

For the One who made the heavens

Could not save this hell bound race.

Hear the cries of desperation

That reveal sin’s guilt and shame?

Calvary’s cross is heaven’s judgment

For the curse man is to blame.

“O My God! I hang forsaken!

Why must I die all alone?

Can this bitter cup I’m drinking

Through My blood for man atone?”

Satan’s taunts from hell oppress Me

By this awful weight of sin

But the cry “My God forgive them!”

Offers peace that’s born within.

“It is finished!” death is conquered!

As the empty tomb proclaims

Christ the Lord indeed is risen

Praise and magnify His name!

--B. Pent

REVIVE OUR HEARTS

The winds of change are blowing fast

Amidst the graying shades of light

While hearts once burning bright and clear

Are falling prey to dread and fear.

Where is the joy when first we met

The Carpenter of Nazareth

When love tore through a world in shame

And victory conquered in His name?

Is it perchance the world's allure

Has turned our eyes toward other gods

While we refuse to bear His cross

And for His sake count all things loss?

The Trumpet-Call will soon announce

The coming of our Lord and King!

The world will never find their way

Until ablaze, we watch and pray

REFRAIN

Lord! Shine upon us once again

Remove the sins that mar Your Name

Restore the Spirit's quickening power

That we may serve each day and hour.

B. Pent

BEHOLD THE LAMB!

Before the worlds were flung in space

A Master plan was put in place

Omniscience saw the fall of man

God would provide a Spotless Lamb!

When sin had marred earth's paradise

And skins were used to cover shame

Its blood, a symbol of the price

One day The Lamb would sacrifice.

Before Egyptian slaves were freed

Each Israelite would kill a lamb

The door posts where the blood was spread

Meant no one in that home was dead.

The Law and offerings that were made

Spoke of the promise that one day

A perfect Lamb would shed His blood

The sacrifice of Grace and Love

When John stood by the Jordan shore

And saw the Lord come into view

Aware He was the Son of Man

He cried aloud: “Behold the Lamb!”

Upon the Cross the Lamb of God

Poured out His blood, redemption's price

So every one who comes by faith

Can have the gift of saving grace.

When Christ returns to earth again

The Lamb will rule as Sovereign King

In faithfulness and truth He'll reign

And all the world will praise His name.

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

NO WOUND OR SCAR?

The Soldier stood before the Captain of the Guard

The wounded lay between the living and the dead

The battlefield was marked by stains of blood from war

Now only memories follow those still left on shore.

Their graves are marked with epitaphs on marbled stone,

And every year the tears still fall in silent groans

The Purple Heart was his, not ours to hold with pride

He is the hero in the grave who fought and died!

The Captain of the Guard then spoke in accent clear

“Where did you go when bugle called to face the foe?”

The Soldier, trembling answered, that he ran away

He was afraid of fatal wounds or scars that day.

Just then there flashed across the Eastern sky, a Cross,

The scars of Battle could be seen on hands and side

The Captain bore those wounds in love for you and me

So through His death enslaved mankind could be set free.

We are the Soldiers that are called to fight the Foe

It is for each to use the Sword while here below

The question that disturbs and moves my heart by far

Is what we'll tell Him if we have no wound or scar!

--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

CALVARY'S GUT-WRENCHING CRY!

MY GOD! MY GOD!

Why have you forsaken me?

Why must I hang here all alone?

We walked as one in perfect light 

So why this banishment from sight? 

MY GOD! MY GOD!

The crushing blow of death is near

The weight of sin tears me apart

I am a worm! Hell cries my shame!

The curse I bear is Satan’s blame.

MY GOD! MY GOD!

The mocking throngs surround me

The gaping wounds pour out their blood

So when your wrath for sin is paid 

Redemption's plan will then be made. 

MY GOD! MY GOD!

The victor's shout will soon be heard 

The serpent’s head will then be crushed

So out of death when I arise 

A ransomed bride will be the prize!

--B. Pent

THE VALLEY OF DEATH

Cliff was in a comma! The tubes throughout his body gave evidence that cancer was claiming his life. The family knew it was only a matter of time!

As a boy, Cliff had attended our Sunday School. But Christ was not a part of his growing up years. Later, his job, family and sports took up most of his time. Then cancer struck! Surgery, radiation and chemo did little to stop its progress.

When I got the call to see him , I felt helpless! While driving to his bedside I prayed for an opportunity to share Christ. Miraculously, he awoke! I explained God's plan of salvation. While doubting God's mercy so late in life, I told him of the penitent thief crucified beside Jesus who cried: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" and He answered, "today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42-43).

After inviting Christ into his life, an unspeakable radiance and peace came over him. Later that night, he went to be with Lord and his memorial service was one of celebration and victory.

If there is any doubt you are outside of God's mercy, His promise is the same to you as it was to that thief on the cross. His promise is guaranteed! But you must decide before you walk through the valley of death.

THE LAMB APPEARED

The picture of a spotless Lamb
Designed before the birth of time
Was central in the heart of God
Before man stepped upon earth's sod.

Then out of dust a living soul
Was given birth one Eden morn
And standing there beside this man
A bride with beauty took his hand.

But when a tree with golden fruit
Became the test for Adam's race
The Serpent's charm betrayed God's plan
And that brought death to every man.

In time a bloodstained Lamb appeared
Redemption's priceless gift was made
The hell each man would have to pay
Was nailed to Calvary's cross that day.

When faith takes hold His nailed-scared hand
Then all sin's past is swept away
New freedom through this risen Lamb
Gives wings of praise at His command.
--B. Pent

LIFE'S ROAD

I've walked life's road for many years
At times I've faced life's bitter tears
I've seen the good which made me glad
I've known the wrong which made me sad.
But when I weighed each gain or loss
I sensed the conflict of the Cross.

But why should love and grace abound
When man enslaved by sin is found
Condemned! The verdict speaks my name
I stand to hear the Judge's blame.
But when He shows His nail pierced hand
I soon begin to understand.

When Satan stole man's right to win
A Lamb appeared to pay for sin.
He for- ordained the price be made
Redemption's blood for sin was paid.
And then the mystery was revealed
In Christ my full salvation sealed.
--B. Pent

BEFORE HIS THRONE

All holiness surrounds His Throne
In unmatched power He reigns alone
No sin can stand before His face
For guilt has marred the human race.

Condemned, the sentence clearly gave
No hope for those beyond the grave
The flames of hell in darkened shame
Engulf the souls who bore the blame.

Yet on life's pathway stands a Cross
Where love and mercy bare the loss
When sinner's guilt on Him is laid
The blood of Christ completely paid.

Real freedom opens wide the door
Its guilty past is there no more
For wings have given flight to soar
The Spirit's power to sin no more.
--B. Pent

HE WAS BETRAYED!

Dusty the highways where Jesus was found
Healing the sick and raising the dead.
Yet, just a few gave heed what He said
While drinking the wine and eating the bread.

Mockers united to cast Him away
Though He had offered forgiveness for sin.
Cries of a cross began to be heard
Crucify! Crucify! Jesus the Lord!

Alone in the Garden weeping was heard
Jesus was drinking the cup we deserved.
Peter denied while Judas betrayed
The innocent Lamb on the cross was laid.

CHORUS
Betrayed! He was betrayed.
Condemned to die on a tree!
Great was the price redemption is free
Pardon is granted to sinners like me.
--B. Pent

THE CROSS

Crosses come in all sizes, colors and shapes. We see them at cemeteries, in churches, homes, stationary, mugs, and rings and around people's necks. We have wooden crosses, ceramic, silver and gold crosses. But the Cross is more than a fetish or good-luck charm. It is the central theme of Scripture. It was born in the heart of God and pre-dates history. It is the symbol of victory and will post-date history. It is God's masterpiece of redemption! "as a lamb slain from the creation of the world" (Rev.13:8). The Cross reaches upward, downward and outward. It is a personal invitation for all to come and find peace, forgiveness and fullness in Christ. It is offered equally to the rich or poor, religious or irreligious, the young or old, educated or ignorant. The offer is the same: "whosoever will may come!" That's what the murderous thief on the cross found when he reached out in faith for God's forgiveness. Through a repentant heart he cried out, "Jesus, remember me!" and Jesus responded "today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42,43). Have you made that your prayer?
REMEMBER ME!

Bitter the cries
Haunting the sounds
Cursing the pain
Sin's quilt had found
Lost in the night...
Comes Jesus the giver
And offer of Light.

If you're the Christ!
The thief demands
Come down at once
And loose our bands
And set us free...
Then Jesus responds
There's freedom in Me.

Remember me!
Mine is the blame
Open the fountain
Blot our the stain.
Jesus replies...
Today I will take you
To paradise.

REFRAIN
Heaven rejoices
Praise fills the air.
Jesus has conquered
Sin and despair.
--B. Pent