Customer Reviews

My Redeemer

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I cannot dissociate my born again experience from the music of the 2nd Chapter of Acts. Their music was an intricate part of my first baby steps in the Lord. I was saddened when the group disbanded in the 80's. But I was pleased when Mattew Ward continued on with his music ministry.

Matthew is far from gifted - he's anoited. This particular cd is quite a change from his earlier hard rock ones. But it's obvious the Lord has brought Matthew further into His realm. "My Redeemer" brings you into the King's Throne room. This is not a cd to listen to when you're in a rush or want a quick spiritual fix. This is a cd to be listened too when you want to spend time with the Master and have fellowship. Matthew ushers the listener into a peaceful and a reflective time. "I See The Lord" stirs the hardest heart and makes the hardest cynic question their disbelief.

I have watched Matthew mature and grow from a young man into an amazing worship leader. I am sure the angels hush their singing when Matthew Wards opens his mouth.

One of the most outstanding "not TOO contemporary" praise collections I have heard. From my favorites "This is My Offering" to "God Almighty" to "Knowing You," you will find yourself in a sanctuary and connected, even it you are in your car! Delightful! Spiritually uplifting! Probably appeals most to Boomers.

This album will melt into your soul. Matthew has once more given us a soul soothing heart helping gift. His soaring and gliding vocal gymnastics would get 9.9 from any judge. There are a welcome number of tracks here written by and with his sister Annie Herring and they are by far the most notable songs. "To the King" has a steady piano beat which echo's that in the classic "Which way the wind blows" from the 2nd Chapter of Acts album 'With Footnotes' and the first few bars of "My Redeemer" harks back to 'Far away places'. Lyrically the words are perfect, well choosen and always clear. Buy it and listen. I often found myself about to cry.

"My Redeemer" was delivered on a day when my prayers were strained and seemed like they didn't get through the ceiling. I put "My Redeemer" on and wept throughout the entire CD. A soothing, peaceful healing came over me with each song and I experienced an incredible visitation from God. The annointing in the words and the emotion with which Matthew sings them ministered deeply to my soul.

A friend heard the opening song and immediately wanted to borrow it, sensing the annointing also.

My young children are suddenly silent when we play this in the van. They have been heard softly singing the words to several songs while at play.

I can hardly listen to this CD without being humbled and broken in spirit.

This is such a worshipful album! I've had it almost 4 years and it's still one I keep coming back to. It's very calming and really helps you step back from your busy lifestyle and contemplate what really matters and encourages you to worship the Lord.

The opening track "I See the Lord" was inspired by Isaiah 6:1... "I see the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple with glory." Every song on this CD is just incredible, but this first track is probably my favorite and I also love "This Is My Offering", "To The King", and "Knowing You".

Matthew Ward also does a great job in his rendition of Melody Green's song that the late Keith Green was famous for "There is a Redeemer".

Christian Music History Note: Matthew Ward was in a group called Second Chapter of Acts, along with his 2 sisters. They recorded albums in the late 70's and early 80's and knew Keith Green, who died in a plane crash in 1982, and his wife Melody. Matthew's sister Annie Herring is still recording albums on her own. They're great albums as well!

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I LOVED this CD! I feel that this is one of the most spiritually mature, focused albums that Matthew has put out. "God Almighty" nearly brought me to tears. How many of us have been "raised from the dead" by God's faithfulness? Can I get a witness! And the remake of Psalm 61! My husband laughed at me because I kept rewinding it. I always loved the concert version but wished it was a little longer. Well, now it's longer and better. And when he sings "Hear my cry, oh Father. Hear my cry, oh God" it took me back to those times when I knew if God didn't show up, I was finished. Matthew has truly been through the fire and I feel so blessed that I got to share in his celebration of our Redeemer. This is a great CD for worship, for inspiration and to remind us of what a mighty God we serve. It brings me to a place of such peace everytime I listen to it.

I am not a regular church goer but was encouraged by my sister to go see Matthew sings these songs in a concert. Before he sang each song he told where the song came from or a story relating to it. Each one was very moving and I believe if you want to feel the Lord in your heart you should listen to this CD. It was the best thing I have done for my soul in a long time.

Anyone who was a fan of 2nd Chapter of Acts 70's-80's will recognize and love M.Ward's amazing vocals, but my husband, who never listens to Christian music, asks me to play this, and my sister plays it on LOUD throughout her house in order to worship better. I'm a Christian music business skeptic, but I love this album too.

Some things just take a little more time to grow on you, and this CD is no exception. With every new listen, I found myself drawn to worship my Lord and Saviour in a deeper way. From the first track I See the Lord, right to the last Knowing You, Matthew has expressed a heart of worship worthy to be so called. This is no frivolous collection of shallow works, but rather deep heart longings expressed in song. Favourite tracks have to be This is My Offering and Our Master, a stunning duet with Rita Baloche. Matthew's rendition of the Graham Kendrick song Knowing You is reminisce of his earlier works with the Second Chapter of Acts, in particular the Hymns I and II albums. Finally, a touching tribute to the late Keith Green by including There is a Redeemer (written by Melody Green, Keith's wife) really goes down well. Matthew did regular vocals backup on many of Keith's recordings, and this link is not lost on those who know how close the two were. This CD is a must buy for the true worshipper.

I actually bought this for my mom, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, since I had read previous reviews which identified Matthew as a cancer survivor and this tape was a response to that experience. CAVEAT to those buying tapes for an older generation: my mom was put off by the fact that Matthew has long hair and when I attempted to play the tape for her, immediately complained that the music was "too upbeat". This remark on "I See the Lord", which to me was a very soft and worshipful number!

So, I kept the tape for myself and have been playing it repeatedly in the week since I've had it. It is very worshipful. I particularly enjoy "I See the Lord" and "To The King". In fact, one night last week I kept waking up in the night and hearing the refrain to "I See the Lord". He IS seated on the throne and He desires our worship. If you are looking for a CD (or tape) to worship along with, I highly recommend this one!