Original subtitles

Walking up the King`s highway.

Whoa, ooh.

lt`s a highway.

lt`s a highway.

lt`s a highway up to Heaven.

None can walk up there but the pure in heart.

lt`s a highway.

lt`s a highway.

lt`s a highway up to Heaven.

Walkin` up the King`s highway.

Hi, l`m Bill Gaither.

And you know, over the years,

we`ve been thrilled to bring together

some legendary gospel artists in wonderful venues all over the world

for a series that we call the Homecoming concerts.

Now, here on this program,

we bring you outstanding performances

by some of the greatest gospel artists of our time.

You know, l could talk for hours about these Homecoming classics,

but let`s let these performances speak for themselves.

Let`s take a trip to the historic Ryman Auditorium

ln Nashville, Tennessee.

Most people know it as a former home of the Grand Ole Opry,

but it was originally built as a house of worship back in 1 892.

Here`s a song that`s been sung in that stately old building countless times.

Farther along,

we`ll know all about it.

Farther along,

we`ll understand why.

Oheer up, my brother.

Live in the sunshine.

We`ll understand it

all by and by.

``Faithful till death,``

said our loving Master.

A few more days

to labor and wait.

Tolls of the road will

then seem as nothing

when we sweep through

the beautiful gate.

Farther along,

we`ll know all about it.

Farther along,

we`ll understand why.

Oheer up, my brother.

Live in the sunshine.

We`ll understand it

all by and by.

We`ll understand it

all by and by.

You know, every once in a while,

a songwriter accomplishes something very special

by writing a new song

that delivers the warmth of familiarity

from the very first time you hear it.

That`s just what Squire Parsons did with this song

that he performed on the stage at the Ryman Auditorium.

l`m kind of homesick for that country

to which l`ve never,

oh, never been before.

No sad good-byes

will there be spoken,

for time won`t matter

anymore.

Beulah land,

l am longing for you.

And someday,

on thee l`ll stand.

There, my home

shall be eternal.

Beulah land,

Sweet Beulah land.

Beulah land,

l am longing for you.

And someday,

on thee l`ll stand.

There, my home

shall be eternal.

Beulah land,

sweet Beulah land.

l`ve had many tears and sorrow.

l`ve had questions for tomorrow.

There`ve been times when l didn`t know right from wrong.

Back in the late `60s, a talented young African-American artist

came onto the scene with some wonderful new material

that became a big part of the musical legacy

of the Billy Graham crusades--

songs like ``Through lt All,``

``The Blood Will Never Lose lts Power,``

and this great classic, ``To God Be The Glory.``

To God be the glory.

To God be the glory.

To God be the glory

for the things He has done.

With His blood,

He has saved me.

With His power,

He has raised me.

To God be the glory

for the things He has done.

Just let me live my life.

Let it be pleasing,

Lord, to thee.

And should l gain any praise,

Let it go to calvary.

For with His blood,

He has saved me.

With His power,

He has raised me.

To God be the glory

for the things He has done.

He has saved me.

With His power,

He has raised me.

To God be the glory

for the things he has done.

You know, one of the greatest attractions to me about gospel music

is that it always seems to carry an element of hope.

This song, performed by Joy Gardner, is a great reminder

that no matter how hard things get or how dark the night seems,

``Joy Oomes ln The Morning.``

lf you`ve knelt beside the rubble

of an aching, broken heart

when the things you gave your life to

fell apart,

you`re not the first to be acquainted

with sorrow, grief, or pain.

But the Master promised sunshine after rain.

Hold on, my child.

Joy comes in the morning.

Weeping only lasts for the night.

Hold on, my child.

Joy comes in the morning.

The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.

To invest your seed of trust in God,

in mountains you can`t move,

you have risked your life

on things you cannot prove,

but to give the things you cannot keep

for what you cannot lose,

now, that`s the way to find the joy

God has for you.

So hold on, my child.

Joy comes in the morning.

Weeping only lasts for the night.

Hold on, my child.

Joy comes in the morning.

The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.

Yes, the darkest hour means dawn is just in sight,

just in sight.

l don`t know if there`s anybody

who`s better loved in gospel music than Vestal Goodman.

She`s truly a one-of-a-kind talent

and exudes the kind of love that just simply draws you in.

lt seems only fitting that she performed this

in an old, historic Wesleyan Tabernacle in lndiana.

And l tell you, nobody takes this song home like she does.

From Thy wounded side

which flowed

be of sin the double cure,

save from wrath

and make me pure.

Oould my tears forever flow,

could my zeal no languor know.

These for sin could not atone.

Thou must save, and Thou alone.

ln my hand, no price l bring.

Simply to Thy cross l`ll cling.

While l draw my fleeting breath,

when my eyes shall close in death,

when l rise to worlds unknown

and behold thee on Thy throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me.

Let me hide myself in Thee.

Let me hide

myself in Thee.

This next performance was one of the first

shot in our studio in Alexandria, lndiana.

You know, when you sing harmony a cappella,

there`s just not much room for error.

The Mullins were one of the best a cappella groups l`ve ever heard,

and l think you`re going to agree as they sing this old classic.

l come to the garden alone,

while the dew is still on the roses,

and the voice l hear

falling on my ear

the son of God discloses.

And He walks with me,

and He talks with me,

and He tells me l am his own.

And the joy that we share

as we tarry there,

none other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice--

So sweet that the birds hush their singing,

and the melody that He gave to me

within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me,

and He talks with me,

and He tells me l am his own.

And the joy that we share

as we tarry there,

none other has ever known.

None has ever known.

None has ever known.

None has ever known.

Ooh.

When we first started doing our Homecoming concerts,

we had no idea how much interest there would be.

We hoped we could draw at least a few hundred people.

Turns out that our vision was far too small,

as is evidenced by this performance, captured live at the Georgia Dome,

where we welcomed 40,000 gospel fans.

That made it one of the largest-ever ticketed events of its kind.

l believe in a hill called mount calvary.

l believe, whatever the cost.

And when time has surrendered

and earth is no more,

l`ll still cling to the old rugged cross.

l believe that this life with its great mysteries

surely someday will come to an end.

Oh, but faith will conquer

the darkness and death

and will lead me at last to my friend.

l believe that the Ohrist who was slain on the cross

has the power to change lives today,

for He changed me completely.

A new life is mine.

That is why by the cross l will stay.

l believe in a hill called mount calvary.

l believe, whatever the cost.

And when time has surrendered and earth is no more,

l`ll still cling to the old rugged cross.

ln our travels,

we`ve sometimes been in awe of the places we`ve performed.

Such was the case when we came together in Belfast, lreland,

a place where there has been

so much tension and struggle for so long.

And yet, even there, when you hear an lrish tenor voice

singing the words of ``Whispering Hope,`` you just can`t remain unmoved.

Whispers her comforting words.

Wait till the darkness is over.

Wait till the tempest is done.

Hope for the sunshine tomorrow

after the shower is gone.

Whispering hope,

oh, how welcome thy voice,

making my heart,

making my heart,

in its sorrow, rejoice.

lf in the dusk of the twilight,

dim be the regions afar,

will not the deepening

darkness brighten

the glimmering star?

Then when the night is upon us,

why should the heart sink away?

When the dark midnight is over,

watch for the breaking of day.

Whispering hope,

oh, how welcome thy voice,

making my heart,

in its sorrow, rejoice.

Making my heart,

in its sorrow, rejoice.

You know, Glen Payne,

the lead singer of the Oathedral Quartet,

was one of my gospel music heroes.

Not only was he a great vocalist,

he was a generous, kindhearted man

who truly believed that little things could make a difference

in the lives of others.

l`m honored that we were able to capture one of his last performances

before he went home to be with the Lord in 1 999.

lf l can help somebody as l pass along,

if l can cheer somebody

with a word or a song,

if l can show somebody

that is traveling wrong,

then my living shall not be in vain.

Then my living shall not be in vain.

Then my living shall not be in vain.

lf l can help somebody as l pass along,

then my living shall not be in vain.

lf l can do my duty as a good man ought,

if l can bring back beauty to a world that`s so wrought,

if l can spread love`s message as the Master taught,

then my living shall not be in vain.

Then my living shall not be in vain.

Then my living shall not be in vain.

lf l can help somebody as l pass, pass along,

then my living shall not be in vain.

Then my living shall not be in vain.

Joseph Scribben was born in Dublin, lreland, in 1 81 9,

but as a young adult, he took up residence in Ontario.

Sometime later, he received word

that his mother was very ill in his homeland.

He couldn`t be at her side,

but he penned a poem of encouragement and sent it to her.

A friend later found the poem,

and composer Oharles O. Oonverse provided a melody for the words.

lt seemed fitting that we bring that poem back to lreland

for Larry Ford to present.

What a privilege,

to carry everything to God in prayer.

Oh, what peace we often forfeit.

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry

everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?

ls there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged.

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Oan we find a friend so faithful,

who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness.

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

You know, history has shown us that uncertainty is just part of living.

l love the way that this song creates an image in these uncertain times

that life itself can become a prayer.

Here`s ``Lord, Send Your Angels,``

beautifully sung by Oandy Ohristmas, Kim Hopper, and Oharlotte Ritchie,

taken from the Memphis Homecoming in the historic orpheum theater.

Oold with the night closing in.

l know the shadow of almighty wings.

Lord, won`t you send them again?

Lord, send your angels to watch over me.

l`m so afraid of the dark.

Lord, send your angels to watch over me.

Wrap me in sheltering arms.

Shield me; keep me.

Hold me safe in your arms.

Lord, send your angels to watch over me.

Wrap me in sheltering arms.

Sometimes, the child inside of me cries

with fears of the dangers unseen

and questions with answers l can`t seem to find.

Then you send your angels to me.

Lord, send your angels to watch over me.

l`m so afraid of the dark.

Lord, send your angels to watch over me.

Wrap me in sheltering arms.

Shield me; keep me.

Hold me safe in your arms.

Lord, send your angels to watch over me.

Wrap me in sheltering arms.

Wrap me in sheltering arms.

Won`t you wrap me in sheltering arms?

l love the line from the old spiritual:

``Free at last, free at last.

Thank God Almighty, l`m free at last.``

Lynda Randle really cuts loose on the second verse

of this song of freedom,

and l don`t think anybody could sing it any better; listen.

So long, l searched for life`s meaning,

enslaved by the world and my greed.

Then the door of my prison was opened by love,

for the ransom was paid.

l was freed.

l`m free from the fear of tomorrow.

l`m free from the guilt of my past.

Oh, l`ve traded my shackles for a glorious song.

l`m free, praise the Lord, free at last.

l am free from the guilt that l carried.

from the dull, empty life, l`m set free.

For when l met Jesus, he made me complete.

He forgot the foolish child l used to be.

l`m free from the fear of tomorrow.

l`m free from the guilt of my past.

Oh, l`ve traded my shackles for a glorious song.

l`m free, praise the Lord, free at last.

Oh, l`ve traded my shackles for a glorious song.

l`m free, praise the Lord, free at last.

And happy faces are gonna line the hallways,

those whose lives have been redeemed,

and broken homes that he has mended,

those from prison he set free.

Little children and the aged,

hand in hand, stand all aglow,

and those who were crippled, broken, ruined,

now clad in garments white as snow.

The King is coming.

The King is coming.

l just heard the trumpets sounding,

and now His face l see.

Oh, the King is coming.

The King is coming.

Praise God, He`s coming for me.

l can hear the chariots rumble.

l can see the marching throng,

and the flurry of God`s trumpets

spells the end of sin and wrong.

Regal robes are now unfolding.

Heaven`s grandstand`s all in place.

Heaven`s choir is now assembled.

Start to sing ``Amazing Grace,`` for...

The King is coming.

The King is coming.

l just heard the trumpets sounding,

and now His face l see.

Yes,

the King is coming.

The King is coming.

Praise God, He`s coming for me.

Praise God, He`s coming for me!

Yeah.

l`ve been a lot of places,

and l`ve seen a lot of faces,

but there`ve been times l`ve felt so all alone.

But in those lonely hours,

those precious lonely hours,

jesus let me know

that l was His own.

Sing it.

Through it all,

through it all,

l`ve learned to trust in Jesus.

l`ve learned to trust in God.

Through it all,

through it all,

l`ve learned to depend upon His word.

l thank God for the mountains,

thank God for the valleys.

l thank Him for the storms

He`s brought me through.

You see, if l`d never had a problem,

l`d never know that God could solve them,

never know what faith in His word could do.

Through it all,

through it all,

l`ve learned to trust in Jesus.

Do you believe that?

l`ve learned to trust in God.

Through it all,

through it all,

l`ve learned to depend upon His word.

Sing it again.

Through it all,

through it all,

l`ve learned to trust in Jesus.

l`ve learned to trust in God.

Through it all...

Tears of sorrow.

Through it all...

Give me hope for tomorrow.

l`ve learned to depend upon His word.

Oh, l`ve learned to depend upon His word.

You know, l`m not sure that a song has ever found

a better friend than OeOe Winans.

Her voice is such an amazing instrument,

and she had terrific material to work with,

with this great Andrae Orouch song.

To the lowest valleys.

The blood that gives me strength from day to day,

it will never lose its power.

One more time: ``For it reaches.``

For it reaches to the highest mountain.

So glad it does.

And it flows, oh, yeah,

to the lowest valleys.

The blood that gives me strength from day to day,

it will never lose...

lt will never lose...

lt will never lose...

lt will never lose...

lt will never lose its power.

lt`s a highway to Heaven.

None can walk up there but the pure in heart.

lt`s a highway to Heaven.

Walking up the King`s highway.

Oh,

it`s a highway to Heaven.

None can walk up there but the pure in heart.

lt`s a highway to Heaven.

Walking up the King`s highway.

My way is brighter.

My load is lighter.

Walking up the King`s highway.

There is joy in knowing with Him l`m going.

Walking up the King`s highway.

Oh, it`s a highway to Heaven.

None can walk up there but the pure in heart.

lt`s a highway to Heaven.

Walking up the King`s highway.

lf you`re not walking, start while l`m talking.

Walking up the King`s highway.

There`ll be a blessing, and you`ll be confessing.

Walking up the King`s highway.

Oh, it`s a highway to Heaven.

None can walk up there but the pure in heart.

Well, it`s a highway to Heaven.

Walking up the King`s highway.

Oh, it`s a highway.

lt`s a highway.

lt`s a highway up to Heaven.

None can walk up there but the pure in heart.

lt`s a highway.

lt`s a highway.

lt`s a highway up to Heaven.

Walking up the King`s highway.

Oh, it`s a highway.

lt`s a highway.

lt`s a highway up to Heaven.

None can walk up there but the pure in heart.

Oh, it`s a highway.

lt`s a highway.

lt`s a highway up to Heaven.

Walking up the King`s,

Walking up the King`s,

Walking up the King`s highway.

Ooh!

You know, it`s always hard to say good-bye to dear friends.

Rex Nelon was a hero and a mentor to many in gospel music.

He was with us in England and was supposed to perform with the group.

We got the news of his death just before we were to begin

the concert in London`s Westminster Oentral hall.

We decided to wait and tell the audience about his passing

at the end of the concert,

and this song was offered in tribute to this wonderful man.

`Twas a life filled with aimless desperation.

Without hope walked the shell of a man.

Oh, but then a hand with a nail print stretched downward.

Just one touch.

Then a new life began.

And the old rugged cross made the difference

in a life bound for heartache and defeat.

l will praise Him forever and ever,

for the cross made

the difference for me.

Barren walls echoed harshness and anger.

Little feet ran in terror to hide.

Oh, but now those walls

ring with love, warmth, and laughter,

since the giver of life moved inside.

Now there`s a room filled with sad, ashen faces.

Without hope, death has wrapped them in gloom.

Oh, but at the side of a saint, there`s rejoicing,

for life can`t be sealed in a tomb.

And the old, rugged cross made the difference

in a life bound for heartache and defeat.

l will praise Him forever and ever,

for the cross made the difference for me.

Yes, the cross made the difference for me,

for me.

You know, Winston Ohurchill once said,

``We have met the enemy, and it`s us.``

That`s also true on a personal level.

Sometimes what we need to change

isn`t our circumstances or another person; it`s us.

The old spiritual offers some of the best theology l`ve ever heard

and some pretty good psychology as well:

``lt`s not my mother, not my father, but it`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.``

lt`s me.

lt`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.

lt`s me.

lt`s me.

lt`s me, oh, Lord, standing in the need of prayer.

Not my brother, not my sister,

but it`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.

Not my brother, not my sister, but it`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.

lt`s me.

lt`s me.

lt`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.

lt`s me.

lt`s me.

lt`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.

Well, it`s not my brother, and it`s not my sister,

but it`s me, Lord.

l said, it`s not my brother, and it`s not my sister,

but it`s me, Lord.

lt`s me.

lt`s me.

lt`s me, oh, Lord, standing in the need of prayer.

lt`s me.

lt`s me.

lt`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.

lt`s not my father, not my mother,

but it`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.

lt`s not my mother, not my father,

but it`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.

lt`s me.

lt`s me.

lt`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.

lt`s me.

lt`s me.

lt`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.

Well, it`s not my father, and it`s not my mother,

but it`s me, Lord.

l said, it`s not my father, and it`s not my mother,

but it`s me, Lord.

lt`s me.

lt`s me.

lt`s me, oh, Lord,

standing in the need of prayer.

lt`s me.

lt`s me.

lt`s me, oh, Lord, standing in the need of prayer.

Standing in the need of prayer.

O my Lord, what a time, mm-mmm.

O my Lord, what a time.

From this old world to flee to live eternally,

O my Lord, what a time.

O my Lord, what a time, mm-mmm.

O my Lord, what a time.

From this old world to flee to live eternally,

O my Lord, what a time.

O my Lord, what a time, mm-mmm.

O my Lord, what a time.

From this old world to flee to live eternally,

O my Lord, what a time.

ln that fair land, there will be no more night,

no sun or moon, for the Lamb of God is the light.

lt`s good to know that He`s prepared a way

to a bright and endless day.

From this old world,

from this old world to flee.

We`re going to live, to live eternally

with Ohrist our blessed Lord in a home on high.

We`ll shout and sing.

We`ll walk and talk.

We`ll shout and sing.

We`ll walk and talk.

We`ll shout and praise His name every day.

Every day will be the same.

O my Lord, my burden bearer, my help in trouble,

my joy in sorrow, my light in darkness,

my sword and shield.

O my Lord, what a time.

From this old world,

we`re going to live eternally

with Ohrist our blessed Lord in a home on high.

We`ll shout and sing.

We`ll walk and talk.

We`ll shout and sing.

We`ll walk and talk.

We`ll shout and praise His name every day.

Every day will be the same.

O my Lord, my burden bearer,

my help in trouble, my joy in sorrow,

my light in darkness, my sword and shield.

O my Lord, what a time, what a time.

Well, we have sure not run out of great gospel classics,

But we have run out of time for now.

So thanks for joining me,

and l want to encourage you to keep the messages

of these great gospel songs in your heart.

Until next time, l`m Bill Gaither.

There`s a man in the Bible name of Jacob,

wrestled God.

For a blessing that he needed.

Got it when he reached the top.

We are climbing Jacob`s ladder, rung by rung and step by step.

Every rung goes higher, higher.

Looking back just brings regret.

Are you like that man named Jacob?

Need a blessing to receive?

Read God`s word, and hold the promise:

Good things come when you believe.

We are climbing Jacob`s ladder, rung by rung and step by step.

Every rung goes higher and higher.

Looking back just brings regret.

Faith brings hope.

Hope brings patience.

Patience keeps you holding on.

Till at last, you see the victory

Ooming from the hand of God.

We are climbing Jacob`s ladder, rung by rung and step by step.

Every rung goes higher and higher.

Looking back just brings regret.

We are climbing jacob`s ladder, rung by rung and step by step.

Every rung goes higher and higher.

Looking back just brings regret.

Every rung goes higher, higher.

Higher, higher.

Higher, higher.

Higher, higher.

Looking back just brings regret.

We are climbing Jacob`s ladder, rung by rung and step by step.

Every rung goes higher and higher.

Looking back just brings regret.

Every rung goes higher, higher.

Higher, higher.

Higher, higher.

Higher, higher.

Looking back just brings regret.