
SAVIOUR - A Modern Oratorio
God’s story of love and redemption has woven itself through history in the pages of His precious word.
From creation to the garden, from captivity to the kings, and finally to the cross and resurrection, Saviour tells the epic history of God’s passion for His people. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The opening words of John’s gospel draw our hearts to the divinity of Christ. This God-Man, our Saviour, Jesus brought life and light to all mankind.
The work is subtitled A Modern Oratorio.
As an oratorio, it lives up to its name as an un-staged musical drama. The choir and soloists act as the storytellers and the orchestra provides accompaniment to fit the mood and drama of that story. But, unlike most oratorios, Saviour utilizes contemporary musical elements, creating a fresh take in a more traditional framework. This year, the piece celebrates its 30th anniversary. About 1/3 of the choir just returned from Washington D.C. where we celebrated its anniversary with a performance at the Kennedy Center, with creators, Bob Farrell and Greg Nelson in attendance, alongside conductor and original arranger, David Hamilton
First Baptist is blessed with skilled musicians, both vocal and instrumental.
Among our soloists are committed choir members who have sung with our church family for many years as well as newcomers that have joined us in the past year. We are also pleased to welcome special guests, Scot R. Cameron and Eric Barry back to First Baptist.

Special Thanks
Special thanks to the soloists, choir, and orchestra. Thank you to Jon-Michael Clifton, Drew Stapp, Shan Phillips, and the entire media team for their extra efforts. Thank you to Parker Bowen, music associate, Kim Campbell, music assistant, Sunghwan Kim, organist, and Janice Davis, who holds the piece together at the piano. All of them bless our music ministry day by day. Thank you to Rosalind Bates for helping us look our best with uniforms and to Jeff Pickens for his tireless efforts in our music library. Thank you to our custodial and building crew who help us with so many logistics, and thank you to our entire staff who support and enable the worship ministry at all levels. Finally, thank you to our pastor, Howie Batson for continuing to be a champion for this remarkable piece.
Saviour
A Modern Oratorio
Composed by Greg Nelson & Bob Farrell
Arranged by David Hamilton
Choral Settings and Orchestration by Ron Huff
Creation Overture
Orchestra
In the Beginning
Choir and Orchestra
My Heart Belongs to You
Dan Baker, Scot Cameron
Where Are You Adam?
Jessica Swenn, Guy Langham
Promised Land
Sydney Rieff, Scot Cameron, Gerry Lewis
Kings of the Earth
Scot Cameron, Eric Barry, Dan Baker
Rose of Sharon
Parker Bowen, Kathryn Bowen, Eric Barry
My Heart Belongs to You (Reprise)
Dan Baker
We Need a Saviour
Eric Barry, Scot Cameron
Man of Sorrows
Scot Cameron, Eric Barry, Guy Langham, Carolyn Terrell
Lord’s Supper
Pastor
Cross of Love
Eric Barry, Rebecca Bulla
So Shall We Live (Interlude)
Orchestra
So Shall We Live
Carolyn Terrell, Scot Cameron, Eric Barry, Parker Bowen, Gerry Lewis
For All These Things
Jodi Baker, Dan Baker
Sanctuary Choir
Soprano
Rosalind Bates
Sarah Beckham-Turner
Meredith Bingham
Kathryn Bowen
Lois Bowman
Elizabeth Brown
Joyce Bytheway
Jennifer Croslin
Sabrina Dubberly
Bennie Edwards
Jennifer Friday
Jo Elyn Helton
Marilyn Henderson
Cynthia Hogsett
Emily McMichael
Heather Napp
Jennifer Peters
Sydney Rieff
Liana Sawyer
Sarah Shafer
Cheri Sites
Becky Smithee
Debi Srader
Jessica Swenn
Donna Strange
Gae Strange
Carolyn Terrell
Cathleen Tyson-Day
Dana Young
Alto
Vicki Bailey
Rebecca Bulla
Debbie Beilue
Kim Campbell
Alice Cobb
Laine Copeland
Carmen Costa
Carolyn Covin
Keli Franks
Carrie Huckabay
Krystal Haase
Krystal Hare
Susan Hinrichs
Jamie Hitt
Carrie Huckabay
Gwyn Jones
Joella McPherson
Nancy Needham
Robyn Nussbaum
Bonnie Pickens
Juanita Sacco
Debbie Skinner
Rebecca Smithee
Lindsay Trolinder
Terrie Turner
Tenor
Parker Bowen
Steve Bowen
Ernie Boyd
Jeff Brain
Anson Cagle
Paul Fenstermaker
Preston Hitt
Andrew Horton
Jonathan Horton
Christopher McWhorter
Jeffrey Pickens
Jay Sawyer
Carey Skinner
Joe Thompson
Shane Turner
Bass
Bill Brian
Robert Byrd
Buddy Covin
Bob Hewett
Eddie Fristoe
Brooke Furrh
Chris Gerald
Guy Langham
Arnold Lopez
Gerry Lewis
David Morris
Fred Napp
Cade Phillips
Randy Sites
Ken Strange
Vaughn Tatum
Dan Turner
Mike Wright
Patrick Wyatt
John Young
Sanctuary Orchestra
Flute/Piccolo
Baramy Vongsurith
Belinda Russell
Oboe
Karen Takacs
Rebecca Anderson
Clarinet
Julie Collins
Tiffany Pirtle
Bassoon
Ephraim Lorenz
French Horn
Jodi Baker
Luigi Bencomo
Ben Korzelius
Chris Santiago
Trumpet
Daniel Casso
John Hinrichs
Roger Edwards
Trombone
Timothy Shafer
Barry Blackwell
Euphonium
Chris Pirtle
Tuba
Loagan Tolbert
Percussion
James Beckham
Brandon Borup
Jessica Mustoe
Dale Sacco
Violin 1
Chris Reidlinger, cm
Tiffany McDaniel
Cheryl Fairly
Maggie Scales-Peacock
Violin 2
Diana Goad
Beverly de la Bretonne
Bryan Gomez
Bond Thompson
Carol Winn
Viola
Jill Bradford
Cameron Bandy
Irma Borup
Cello
Jayson Bishop
Christian Anderson
Breanna Parker
Bass
Nick Scales
Lori Scales
Text
In the Beginning
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. His presence fills the universe. He is the maker of all things. Who is, Who was, and is to come, In Him is life, that life is the light of men. And His life is the light of men. Alpha and Omega, the everlasting God. And His life is the light of men.
My Heart Belongs to You
Who will hear the music that I hear? Who will hear the sound that fills the air? Who will see a radiant beam of light dancing for a sun that warms a morning sky? Who will know the beauty of My earth? Sense the joy and wonder of its birth? Who will see the glory of the world that I have made? And who will walk beside me in the garden in the coolness of the day?
Creation's glorious song that comes from my heart expresses strains of love but only in part. I long to say the words, the words that are true. Someone to hear my heart belongs to you.
And who will feel the summer wind that moves across the water as it flows? Who will enjoy the orchestrated mystery that soars within my soul? Who will hear the glory of the music that I hear? I will create man to be in my own image. Form him from the dust of earth and breathe into him my own breath of life.
Lord, I hear you speak to me. How lovely are your words, How beautiful the sound.
This wondrous paradise and all that you see could never match the joy when you're here with me. The message of my song will always be true. Mi Corazon, my heart belongs to you.
You will enjoy the orchestrated mystery that soars within my soul. And we can feel the summer wind that moves across the water as it flows. This wondrous paradise and all that you see; (creation's glorious song that comes from my heart could never match the joy when you're here with me.) Expresses strains of love but only in part. The message of my song will always be true (I long to say those words, the words that are true) Mi Corazon, my heart belongs to you. (Someone to hear my heart belongs to you)
My life. My love. My heart belongs to you.
Where Are You, Adam?
The serpent came beguiling; so tempting his alluring smile, ever inviting. With crafty words deceived them; two innocents believed it all and started to fall in a myriad of lies.
God's only law was broken and now their eyes were opened wide. The deed had been done, so God cried, "Where are you, Adam. You're so afraid, please tell me now, why did you taste and bring this curse to paradise?"
With crafty words deceived them; two innocents believed it all and started to fall. The serpent came beguiling; so tempting his alluring smile, ever inviting. God cried, "Where are you, Adam? You're so afraid, please tell me now, why did you taste and bring this curse to paradise?”
The Promised Land
Bondage! Bondage! Cruel oppression and bondage, persecution at Pharaoh's hand. Woe to sons of Israel now slaves in Egypt's land. Years of misery and bondage, Suffering under the tyrant's hand. The people's spirit broken; all hope and freedom gone. Could heaven even hear their mournful song?
Tears that fell like rain were borne in pain from Israel crying out and moved the heart of God. He stretched out His hand, brought forth the man to lead them from that place; He took them for His own. He would deliver them from chains of bondage; Rescue them with mighty judgments; Fulfill the promise of their fathers; Be the God of holy covenant.
Born was the spirit in Israel that day, a nation delivered as Moses had prayed. Praise to Jehovah and His mighty hand; led them from bondage to the Promised Land.
Wandering! Wandering! Years of marching and wandering; through the desert the people came. Though their Saviour freed them, they doubted and complained. Were they to be abandoned in this place?
God was always there with patient care. He taught them all His ways and loved them as His very own. He would proclaim the power of God Almighty and dwell with all the chosen people. In their midst unveil His glory, showing them His strength in faithfulness.
A pillar of cloud led the children by day and a fire in the night as the Lord showed the way. Tablets of stone held the holy commands; Law they would live by in the Promised Land. Manna from heaven, water from stone; miracle power of the Lord was shown. God in His glory whose wonders abound, leading His children to higher ground. The Promised Land.
Holiness and majesty, God revealed for man to see. Onward to Zion the children were led; Rescued in mercy from suffering and death; Chosen to follow the Great I Am. Crossing the Jordan to the Promised Land.
Kings of the Earth
The kings of the earth and the kingdoms built by man rise up in their glory then go back to dust again. The kings of the earth who rule with might and power will bend their knee to God when time concludes its final hour, that day will come. The kings of the earth and their power to rule the land was founded by the Lord in His covenant with man. But the kings of the earth would make their own decree. They set themselves above their God and His authority. They mock their God. Their empires feed upon the souls of men and the lust for power becomes their sacrament. They rail the people with their cries of peace, but there is no peace.
Take heart, ye children of the promise for God will not be mocked. For the Lord will repay, and His kingdom remains. Blessed are His children. Blessed are His covenants. Blessed is His Kingdom and blessed is the name of the Lord In power. In glory His Kingdom will come. Blessed the name of the Lord. His Promise is now and forever and ever, Amen. Blessed is the name of the Lord.
Rose of Sharon
In fields of white beyond the gate of dreams, there Sharon's garden lay bathed in sun and streams. And gently nestled there, a flower so full of grace, a cherished bloom so fair, takes the breath away. The Rose of Sharon; the precious Rose of Sharon.
It grew in spring until its beauty shone; until the winter winds blew cold this lovely bloom so sweet was taken in its prime; an act of sacrifice as each petal died. The Rose of Sharon, The precious Rose of Sharon. It was near to the heart, the very heart of God. It was near to the heart, the very heart of God. The Rose of Sharon; the Rose of Sharon. The precious Rose of Sharon.
My Heart Belongs to You (Reprise)
The message of my song will always be true; my life, my love, my heart belongs to you.
We Need a Saviour
So long they had waited as a nation for a sign of liberation, knowing Messiah soon would come; so sure, if they prayed with perseverance, He would make a swift appearance bringing the power to overcome. The people said "We need a Saviour, who'll come in glory and in power. O, Lord, hear our cry 'cause You know we need Him now." The people said, "Send us a strong king, a man from God to end our suffering. O, Lord, hear our cry."
Longing for the sweeter taste of freedom and the day that they would see Him coming to lead their people on; reigning as a conquering avenger; watching enemies surrender. Finding that liberty had come. And when He came in His might, the waiting would know of its worth. For they would govern with Him, and rule over all of the earth. The people said, "We need a Saviour, who'll come in glory and in power. O, Lord, we need Him now, 'cause You know we need Him now." The people said, "Send us a strong king, a man from God to end our suffering. O, Lord, hear our cry.”
Recitative
Redemption did not come as they expected; For He came not as a king, nor as a thing of beauty that they should desire Him.
Man of Sorrows
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before Him as a tender shoot and like a root out of dry ground He was man of sorrows. He was despised and rejected by man; a man who was acquainted with grief, and as one from whom men hide their faces, we regarded as one who was stricken by God; He was a man of sorrows. He was pierced for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities. By His stripes we are healed. He bore our griefs, He was afflicted, He was despised; we turned our backs on Him. A man of sorrows.
It was God's plan to bruise Him that His soul be made an offering for sin. By the fruit of His suffering He was satisfied. This Righteous Servant made many righteous oh, precious man of sorrows. For He was pierced for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, by His stripes we are healed. He bore our griefs, He was afflicted, He was despised; we turned our backs on Him. A man of sorrows; precious man of sorrows.
Rise up and see your Deliverer! For it is not by might and not by power, but by the Spirit of the Living God.
Cross of Love
Blood and sorrow flow from the languid brow of Jesus dying; and tears from heaven's eyes are the anguished drops of a Father crying, Oh why?
This must be a cross of love for God to bruise His only Son. Jesus, what a sacrifice to reach us; It had to be a cross of love. Emblem of His pain (The people jeered at Him and mocked His holy name). O, splintered wood of my transgression (For they knew not who He was, nor why it was He came). I'll never comprehend (Some had come to offer help and soothe a mother's pain). of an act so great, gave love expression (As she watched her wounded son, the comfort never came). Oh why?
This must be a cross of love for God to bruise His only Son. Jesus, what a sacrifice to reach us; It had to be a cross of love.
So Shall We Live
Light of the world with hope fills the sky for gone is the power of the darkness. The tomb that held the Son of God breaks with a cry from heaven, "He who was dead is risen! Up from the grave ascended! The reign of death is ended!"
So shall we live, for His cross has gone before. Christ has spoken all our freedom; He's broken all our bondage and opened God's heavens to man. O, saints rejoice and lift up your voice, for we bear the wounds of our Saviour; and just as Christ was crucified, we who are buried with Him are raised in newness with Him. We share His resurrection, Our blessed liberation. So shall we live for His cross has gone before. Christ has spoken all our freedom; He's broken all our bondage and opened God's heavens to man. So shall we live, and so shall we reign in glory and power, now and forever. So shall we live. Blessed the name of the Lord! So shall we live. Blessed the name of the
Lord! AMEN!
For All These Things
From ransomed men of tender heart, whose souls You taught to sing
Your children lift their voice to You, with thanks for all these things.
From mountain heights and vaulted skies, Your hand is clearly seen.
We cast our praise with nature's cry to God, for all these things.
In that night of wonder and promise, Night when Christ was born,
God Incarnate came to be with us all.
For promises from age to age that caused our hearts to dream, purest adoration we impart, with thanks for all these things. For refuge from the darkening storm and rest beneath Your wings, we worship You with grateful hearts, Oh, God for all these things. In that day of suffering and sorrow, Son of heaven died. God eternal, slain for the sins of men. With honor for the risen Lord, we praise our coming King. We consecrate our lives to You, with thanks for all these things.