An upbeat Christian song about the success of the gospel globally. Reformed, Charismatic and Missional. Recorded at Stoneleigh Bible Week, Newfrontiers. Led by Stuart Townend.
It's been fun to see how translators have changed some of the city names! Cape Town usually stays but London has been replaced by Amsterdam, Moscow etc...
Enjoy!

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD:
I will be glorified and praised in all the earth.
For My great name I will be found,
And I can never be resisted,
Never be undone;
I'm never lacking power
To glorify My Son.
The gates of hell are falling
And the church is coming forth,
My name will be exalted in the earth.

Be still and know that I am God;
I have poured out My Holy Spirit like a flood.
The land that cries for holy rain
Shall be inheriting her promises
And dancing like a child;
A holy monsoon deluge
Shall bless the barren heights,
And those who sat in silence
Shall speak up and shall be heard:
My name will be exalted in the earth.

Be still and know that I am God;
My Son has asked me for
The nations of the world.
His sprinkled blood has made a way
For all the multitudes of India and Africa to come;
The Middle East will find its peace
Through Jesus Christ My Son.
From London down to Cape Town,
From L.A. to Beijing,
My Son shall reign the undisputed King!

Copyright © 1995 Thankyou Music

For licensing information to record or perform contact songs@integritymusic.com

Be Still And Know CCLI Song No 1540702

I wrote this song in Cape Town and it was reworked in Brighton by my good friend Paul Oakley. The recording is from a worship album by Church of Christ the King, Brighton, UK. The vocalist is Rebekah Cox.

How can I resist,
This love that draws my heart
This voice that calls my name
I'll never be the same again
And how could I deny
This King who took my place
The One who bore my shame
I run into these arms of grace

How can I refuse
I choose to follow You

This is for me
This blood of Christ
Washing all my stains
Breaking all my chains
This is for me
This death He died
Taking all my sin
Giving me a chance to live again

I choose to follow You
You gave Your life for me
I choose to follow You
Jesus I believe

Paul Oakley & Lex Loizides
Copyright © 2006 Thankyou Music

For licensing information to record or perform contact songs@integritymusic.com

This Is For Me CCLI Song No. 4803030

The lyrics to this worship song were completed in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town. I wanted to write something that moved from general to special revelation and then on into mission. This version is performed by Stuart Townend and the Stoneleigh band.
For licensing information to record or perform contact songs@integritymusic.com

The Heavens They Preach CCLI Song No 2294816

I was reading through an old hymnal in '93 or '94 and found what seemed to be a lost gem by William Booth called 'Thou Christ of Burning, Cleansing Flame'. At that time I hadn't heard the original melody but got out my guitar and wrote this. It's been amazing to me that setting (most of) the old words to a new tune has restored this song to the church. It has been great to hear my song sung in many contexts. Lindell Cooley played it very often during the Brownsville meetings. The version here was the first recorded arrangement by Stuart Townend. I am, of course, particularly pleased that the Salvation Army have adopted the new melody with such enthusiasm. May Booth's revived song characterise a new era of Christian service to a needy world. I hope you enjoy it.
To purchase an mp3 of the song from a 2012 recording check here:
https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/send-the-fire/id515065736?i=515066164

O GOD OF BURNING, CLEANSING FLAME:
Send the fire!
Your blood-bought gift today we claim:
Send the fire today!
Look down and see this waiting host,
And send the promised Holy Ghost;
We need another Pentecost!
Send the fire today!
Send the fire today!


God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire!
And make us fit to live or die:
Send the fire today!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin!
Send the fire today!
Send the fire today!


It's fire we want, for fire we plead:
Send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need:
Send the fire today!
For strength to always do what's right,
For grace to conquer in the fight,
For power to walk the world in white:
Send the fire today!
Send the fire today!


To make our weak hearts strong and brave:
Send the fire!
To live, a dying world to save:
Send the fire today!
Oh, see us on Your altar lay,
We give our lives to you today,
So crown the offering now we pray:
Send the fire today!
Send the fire today!
Send the fire today!

William Booth (1829 -1912)
Words Adpt. Lex Loizides
Copyright © 1994 Thankyou Music

For licensing information to record or perform contact songs@integritymusic.com

O God Of Burning, Cleansing Flame (Send The Fire) CCLI Song No 1075655

A song led by Stuart Townend and arranged by the Stoneleigh Band. 
This is a song that focusses on mission. When I wrote this I was seeking to impart faith for church planting and evangelism both in your own 'Jerusalem' and 'to the ends of the earth.' The reach of the gospel is radically inclusive.

As we see the world in tatters
As we watch their dreams break down
We can hear their quiet anguish
"Come and help us!"

Brought to life by God's own spirit,
Joined together in his Son
Now the church with strength arises like an army

Every place, every place where our feet shall tread
Every tribe, every race God has given us

In the midst of boastful darkness shines a light that cannot fail
And the blind behold his glory, Jesus, Jesus!
Not content with restoration of the remnant in the land
He has filled us with his power for the nations!

For licensing information to record or perform contact songs@integritymusic.com

Every Place CCLI Song No. 1586515

As with the song ‘Send the Fire’ I discovered what seems to be an unused Salvation Army hymn and set it to a new tune that would help a modern congregation catch the ‘blood and fire’ passion for the gospel that Booth and the early Salvationists had. This one combines that urgency with a heart for the poor and a God glorifying perseverance in mission that every church needs. The lyrics are by Robert Johnson and I merely omitted the chorus section and modernised a couple of words.
For this recording I played the guitars and added a heavy metal type riff which was fun. Those of you who are familiar with The Clash will also hear echoes of Mick Jones at a couple of points (I couldn’t resist it).
The vocals are by Evan Rogers and myself (a mistake), but the song would benefit from a new band coming and recording a fresh version and then releasing it back into the churches. You’ll get the idea when you hear it.
For licensing information to record or perform contact songs@integritymusic.com

Save The Lost CCLI Song No. 2672160

Here's a song that communicates the faithfulness of God. This is a fairly low-key version, performed and sung by my good friend Evan Rogers. Like the other songs here on Soundcloud it would benefit from an up-to-date arrangement - so why not try it out with your band and send me the results?
Note that the wording is slightly different from this recording.

I Have His Word
DCGD CGDCGD Bm Em A Bm G Em A D

I have His word,
His great and precious promises;
He took my sin
His righteousness is mine.
I am in Christ
Secure for all eternity
No power can sever me,
Nor cast me off
From His abundant, free
And sovereign love.

I have His word
The master builder will succeed:
The gates of Hell
They never will prevail.
Throughout the earth
The joy of Jesus is His church
She is the mystery
That stirred His heart,
Drawing Him out of Heav’n
To shed His blood.

I have His word,
A day is fixed when all the world
In sudden awe
The Son of God shall see.
And on that day
Our eyes shall see His majesty:
What then of sufferings?
What then of tears?
We shall know perfectly
When He appears

I have His word
That every race shall reign with Him
We’ll reach our home
The new Jerusalem.
The triune God
Shall dwell with man eternally,
More joys than eye has seen
Or ear has heard
Wait for us, certainly,
I have His word.

© Lex Loizides TYM /EMI

For licensing information to record or perform contact songs@integritymusic.com
CCLI Song No. 3111613

I Have His Word CCLI Song No. 3111613

This was a song I wrote not long after my conversion to Christ. In the months leading up to that moment, as you'll hear, I tried considering the possibility of truth from many different angles. I was searching. I found the answer.
I recorded this quickly in the kitchen so it's not great and there are quite a few mistakes but you get the idea of the song. 
I also messed about with a makeshift solo (!).
© 2014 Lex Loizides

Now I Know

I am His 
Lex Loizides (with a nod to GW Robinson)
Capo on 4th fret

C                         (B)        A7      (G)
      Loved with perfect love,
F                                           G
Freed by the blood of Christ,
C                     (B)             Am7      (G)
Mercy that I knew not of:
        F                             G
I’m saved by His sacrifice.
F                                    G
       What a pure and perfect peace:
             C                 (B)            Am7    (G)
Grace and truth combine
F                                    G
      In a love that will never cease
          C             (B)     Am7        
I am His, and He is mine
(G)    F        G                 C
I am His,    and He is mine.

2
In this world we toil
But Jesus overcame,
Our hope won’t fade or spoil
Because He died and rose again. 
O my soul, what troubles you?
Let cares and self resign
What can men or devils do?
I am His and He is mine
I am His, and He is mine.

Am                                              G
           He brought me to His banqueting hall
Em                                  F      G
            And my soul is satisfied,
Am                                 G
            He lifts me up when I fall
            F         G                 Am (G) (F#) D
‘cause I am united with Christ, 
F         G                 C
I am united with Christ

3
Chosen by the Father
Safe in the Son He loves
Filled with the Spirit’s fire
At rest as I hear His words.
O the riches of His grace
Planned for me before all time,
I will see Him face to face,
I am His and He is mine
I am His, and He is mine.

©2022/2023 Lex Loizides

I am His, and He is mine (demo)

I still believe the local church is 'the hope of the world', not, of course, instead of Christ, but because she is the bearer of the good news about Christ. In that sense, the church's willingness to get her act together and serve the world with the gospel is the means by which the world can hear the truth.

Terry Virgo's influence is also strongly reflected in this song too, as it was from him that I first heard about 'the glorious church' and fell in love with each of the local churches I've had the privilege of being part of. That vision - of local churches at their best, and ultimately being the glorious bride of Christ - has radically influenced the major decisions in my life. And I've no regrets...

This recording is from one of the international Newfrontiers events. My friend Stuart Townend is leading the band.

I have seen a mystery,
The hope of prayer and prophecy,
And rising from all peoples see, she comes.
Rescued, ransomed, lifted up,
Crowned with mercy, clothed in hope,
The object of all heaven's love, she comes.

It is the church,
The hope of all the world,
And here I fix my heart and hand,
I cannot turn away!
It is the church!
The passion of God's Son,
The goal of history, come
You'll see we've nearly reached the day.

And she will be all glorious;
Fitting for Him whose bride she is.
In that day, in that day,
In that day, in that day.
It is the church...

© 2003 Lex Loizides Thankyou Music/EMI

It Is The Church CCLI Song No 4107918

As a teenager I would often become engrossed in trying to create classical sounding tunes on my guitar. I've got lots of these short tunes that were on tape but I've been gradually moving them across to my mac. The sound quality isn't great and the version on tape is usually the first finished recording, just so I didn't lose it. This is a kind of sad tune that works well.
©1980-2014 Lex Loizides

Classical Guitar (Sad Tune)

So often the only remaining evidence of an idea being worked out is the rushed first recording on tape. This was obviously intended to complete by coming back to the opening melody but it sounds like I wanted to get it down quickly on tape before forgetting it. It's a kind of medieval sounding tune. I was probably 17 when I recorded it. 
©2014 Lex Loizides

Summer Stroll along the Prom (Hove edition)

As a teenager I experimented with the guitar quite a lot and found that you could kind of make it play notes by itself. This piece was about accurate fingerpicking and letting the guitar play notes that you're not! There's a name for it. And no! I haven't messed with the speed or anything!
Enjoy!
©1982-2014

There's a Name for that!

Inspired by the story of Nehemiah's struggle to restore the walls of the ancient city, I used that as a kind of image of restoring the influence of the gospel in our own lives and in the world generally. Written (and recorded)about 1985.

I’ve Got This Wall to Build

I’ve got this wall to build
I’ve been called by the Lord
I’ve got to build this wall
Can’t hang around anymore!
(Wasting time…I’ve got me a wall!)

There’s people all around me
They tell me, “You’re going insane!
You might never come back again!
You’re taking this too far!”

“Why don’t you listen to reason?
Why don’t you sit down and put up your feet?
You know everybody’s got their beliefs,
You don’t have to take it so far!”

	I’ve got this wall to build…

The devil comes up to me
He says, “I’ll give you everything that you see!
You’ll have a good time if you listen to me!
I know what you really want!”

I may be hungry and thirsty
I may be tired because I’m under attack,
But God is with me and there’s no turning back
There’s a straight road ahead!

	I’ve got this wall to build…

I met a passionate lady
She was another one looking for love
I said, “Look at Jesus, He’s the One!”
She said, “Can’t you forget that stuff?”

“I don’t want to know about your religion
I’ve seen the hypocrites hang out in bars
It’s just another dead thing from the past
Can’t you see through that stuff?”

	I’ve got this wall to build…

I walk through the streets of Zion
I see a people resting in the sun
Debating what can and cannot be done
And the clock goes ticking by.

Let’s get it together with Jesus
And we’ll shine out the love of the Lord
Let’s walk in accordance to His word
And many shall see the sight.

	We’ve got this wall to build
	We’ve been called by the Lord
	We’ve got to build this wall
	Can’t hang around anymore 
	Playing games etc..

©1985/2015 Lex Loizides



I Got This Wall To Build

A song written probably in 1982 or 1983 but which still sounds fresh and heartfelt.
For permission to record get in touch with me.
©1982-2015 Lex Loizides

I Leave It All Up To You

I finally managed to work out what I was playing 33 years ago, took it up a tone and put a little more humour into the performance. I also added a classic verse on the possessions the rebuffed suitor could bestow on the beloved, if only she would marry him. Enjoy!

O what a plague is love!
I cannot bear it!
She will inconstant prove,
I greatly fear it.
She so torments my mind
That my strength faileth,
And wavers with the wind
As a ship saileth.
Please her the best I may,
She loves still to gainsay;
Alack and well-a-day!
Phillada flouts me.

At the fair yesterday
She did pass by me;
She looked another way
And would not spy me:
I wooed for her to dine,
But could not get her;
Will gave her too much wine,
He might entreat her.
With Daniel she did dance,
On me she looked askance:
O thrice unhappy chance!
Phillada flouts me.

Fair maid be not so coy
Do not disdain me
I am my mother’s joy
Sweet, entertain me!
She’ll give me when she dies
All that is fitting:
Her poultry and her bees,
And her goose sitting,
A pair of mattress beds,
A whole bag full of shreds,
And still, for all these goods,
Phillada flouts me!

In the last month of May
I made her posies;
I heard her often say
That she loved roses.
Cowslips and gillyflowers
And the white lily
I brought to deck the bowers
For my sweet Philly.
But she did all disdain,
And threw them back again;
Therefore 'tis flat and plain
Phillada flouts me.

Fair maiden, have a care,
And in time take me;
I could have those as fair
If thou forsake me:
For Doll the dairy-maid
Laughed at me lately,
And wanton Winifred
Favours me greatly.
One throws milk on my clothes,
The other tickles my nose;
What wanting signs are those?
Phillada flouts me.

I cannot work nor sleep
At all in season:
Love wounds my heart so deep
Without all reason.
I fade and pine away
In my love's shadow,
Like as a fat bull may,
Penned in the meadow.
I shall be dead, I fear,
Within this thousand year:
And all for that my dear
Phillada flouts me.

©2015 Lex Loizides


Phillada Flouts Me 2015

I'm amazed that I only recorded this lively tune once, and that while my sister came in and interrupted the recording. I love the new turn at the end and wish I hadn't stopped as I have no idea where it went. But my brother was drumming in his room and I decided to go and record him instead (he played for Peter and the Test Tube Babies). When my sister realised I was taping she left without saying a word (you can hear the door slam)!

Classical Ragtime Guitar Fun

The only recording I have of this speedy busking style finger-picking tune. Good fun. Again, 1981-3

Lex's Own Busking Finger-picking Tune (fast 40secs)

Another little classical tune written and recorded in my teens. 90 seconds.
©1982-2015

Neat little Classical Guitar New Church Road

A further melody written and recorded as a spotty teenager in Hove.
©1982-2015

Bright Classical Guitar Sackville Road

Written and recorded in 1996. A song that has been used by churches in various countries. With a strong rocky arrangement it works well in any context.

We stand together 
Before our Saviour 
We stand together 
In the cause of our God 
We have a vision 
We've been commissioned 
To raise a banner 
In the name of our God 

Once when we were dead in sin
Our hearts were turned away
But then the light of Christ broke in
And made us live again
And if you could heal our blindness
You can heal our nation too
So we give ourselves this day
To follow you

We'll preach the gospel
We'll tell the people
About a Saviour who has died on a cross.
With true compassion
Without distraction
While we have time we will deliver the lost

Someday soon the king will come
with glory power and might
And all the hosts of heaven and hell
Will bow before the light
And the nations will be gathered
For the righteous Judge has come
And the blood bought church 
Will join the risen One.

©1996 Lex Loizides Integrity Music/Capitol Records

We Stand Together CCLI No 1896992

A kind of jazzy thing written and recorded in my teens.
©1982-2015 Lex Loizides

Jazzy Classical Guitar

This song pretty much sums up the reason for the course-change in my life, and that has affected my life for the past thirty years. It's serious but it's also a bit tongue in cheek. I think it's a great song but, because I never memorised the lyrics I never actually performed this one. This demo may well be the only time I actually played the whole thing. From 1985. To me, it's crying out for a full rock version. I hope you enjoy it.

Guess I coulda tried to be a millionaire
Waste my life on Business trying to get there
Guess I could have tried to go the other way
Join the Revolution and still be waiting for the Day

Only, a Voice from Heaven
Called me aside and I can hear that Voice still calling today

Guess I coulda tried to be a Superstar
Wear funny make up and never plug in my guitar
Guess I could have tried to be a Fashionable Man
Always pretending to be younger than I really am

Only, a Voice from Heaven
Called me aside and I can hear that Voice still calling today

Guess I coulda have followed a Guru around
Looked into the eyes of a lump of wood and bowed down to the ground
Could have made a lot of money on the Science of the Mind
Coulda been as crooked as a thief while pretending to be kind

Only, a Voice from Heaven
Called me aside and I can hear that Voice still calling today

Guess I coulda laid up treasures on the earth
But I count it all as rubbish ‘cause that’s what it’s really worth
Guess I coulda tried to escape the problems in life
By staying on in higher education until I’m thirty-five

Only, a Voice from Heaven
Called me aside and I can hear that Voice still calling today

© 1985-2015 Lex Loizides


Guess I Could Have Tried

Sad Classical Guitar Walsingham

Based on Jesus' words, 'I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life'. This genuinely sums up my wild and wonderful experience that people call 'conversion'. If you're unsure of the truth of Christianity take it from an old skeptic: I found something that is real.
©1985/2015 Lex Loizides

I've Got It!

This is a song of mine performed by Evan Rogers. I played the acoustic on this. I might adjust some of the lyrics now but the song still works.

© 1997 Thank You Music

We Are Marching to a Different Anthem CCLI Song No 2427724

This was a song I wrote for Arnold Bell, a Pastor in the UK. 
The occasion was an anniversary of his many years of service to his church in Odiham. 
Tragically, he passed away in 2012 and several people asked if I still had the song somewhere. This has a couple of mistakes in it but I hope it will now stand as an affectionate tribute to a good man.
It will only be of interest to those who knew and loved Arnold and who remember the anniversary celebration but putting it on Soundcloud enables folk to hear it again.
Here are the lyrics:

Arnold’s Song

Who can tell, who can tell
What’s in the mind of Arnold Bell?
It’s the kind of question on which
Old philosophers would dwell,
It’s a struggle, it’s a test
But we must complete our quest
To see just how heaven blessed is Arnold Bell.

Who can tell, who can tell
What’s in the mind of Arnold Bell?
Are there simple terms 
Or complex words that only he can spell?
Who among us can plumb the depths
Climb the heights or view the breadth
And find the key to the success of Arnold Bell?

Oh our hearts are beating
Just like sheep we’re bleating,
Must get to the meeting and find a chair
‘cause Arnold will be preaching
A sermon with lots of meat in
And I don’t want to miss a treat in which I could share!

We must tell, we must tell
Of the might of Arnold Bell,
In the early days, he beacon rays
Shone strong as deacons fell.
We must tell, we must tell
How he’d expound the word so well
That a church was formed in which the Lord could dwell.

Ah, he is our Pastor,
Wish he’d preach a bit faster.
But if you need a spiritual plaster, he’s your man
‘Cause no-one can pastor faster than Arnie can.
Arnie’s the Sermonator!
A spiritual generator, yes with a Bible in each hand,
He’ll blast the error right out of your Promised Land!


You’ve done well, you’ve done well
And while other heads would swell,
You have looked to God and humbly trod
The path He gave you well,
On the Judgement Day the Lord
Will distribute the reward
To His good and faithful servant, Arnold Bell.

Oh, let’s hear it for Mary
With all the burdens she’s had to carry
He’s changed and you know who we’ve got to thank…
Yes Mary’s probably got more stored in heaven’s bank.
Ah but Arnie’s the Sermonator!
A spiritual generator yes, with a Bible in each hand, 
He’ll blast the error right out of your Promised Land
He’ll blast the error right out of your Promised Land.

Yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!


©1995 Lex Loizides

Arnold's Song

This is a demo version of a song waiting to be taken up and turned into something wonderful by gifted musicians. 
It describes the beauty and power of coming into a relationship with The God of the Bible.

With You

Always searching but never finding home
Always learning but never really knowing
How sudden is the change
How suddenly
And I’ve never been the same

I can see you now
Through the life of your son
I can hear you now
And we’ve only begun
Prophets prophesied these things
Said we’d climb the skies on eagles’ wings
With you, with you

A whole new creation
And a whole new life to live
Grace that’s amazing
And a world to share it with
Your promise is enough
How faithfully you hold the ones you love

© 2012-2015 Lex Loizides


With You

Just Because...
A song questioning the wisdom of dismissing spiritual realities for no other reason than apathy.
©1985/2019 Lex Loizides

Just Because

A song written and recorded literally just a few days before my conversion in June 1984 (I found it on an old tape).

© 1984 Lex Loizides

Hungry in my ways (Something to do with Christ)

ARMS OPEN WIDE

I’ve seen you walking down the street,
The laughter in your eyes has gone long ago.
You smile at everyone you meet,
But down inside you want to be on your own.

Oh come with me!
Oh come and meet my precious Lord!

Once or twice you’ve opened up
You tried to give your love but nobody cared
You tried to see, you tried to hear
You tried to find is there real love anywhere?

Oh come with me
Oh come and meet my precious Lord

ch.
‘Cause he’s the one who’s waiting with arms open wide
And he’s the one who working for your smile
And he’s the one who’s willing to give everything for you
That’s why he died, that’s why he died
With arms open wide

I’m giving you the mystery
The God of heaven has been born as a man
Became a slave to set you free
And gave up everything so you could return

Oh come and see
Oh come and meet my precious Lord!

©2020 Lex Loizides

Arms Open Wide

Have enjoyed experimenting with the guitar for many years.
History Lover:
https://lexloiz.wordpress.com
Author: http://amzn.to/1KVcwbm
Part of a multi-racial community in Cape Town.
Had an experience in my early twenties that changed everything.
Also on facebook


Popular tracks by Lex Loizides