There’s been a saying floating around contemporary Christian music for years: You can write songs about the Light, i.e. Jesus Christ. Or you can sing songs about the Light. Using a musical and lyrical gift to discuss current and historical events with the illuminative power available solely through faith in Christ, and connection with the Truth as told in His Word, is something there isn’t a great deal of in today’s Christian music scene. The focus is almost entirely on worship and praise. It is not that praise and worship do not have a place. It isn’t all that is needed in life. Nor is it the only way to live the Christian life. Living out the Gospel means taking direct action to follow Christ’s commands. Give of your time to the homeless and those in need. Share the Gospel about Jesus. Be truthful, every day. With this in mind, the new episode of Cephas Hour covers as much ground as possible without diluting the show’s format or deviating from its purpose to bring listeners the best of Christian rock and pop from then and now.
The new episode leads off with Five for Fighting (John Ondrasik)’s “Can One Man Save The World,” a moving tribute to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Of course, only one Man can save the world, a task even Zelensky’s heroic efforts cannot accomplish. You must understand what the title means. In order to defend the world from the attack of a foreign aggressor (namely Vladimir Putin), one man (Zelensky), is the only person who can do so. This is similar to how Winston Churchill was able stand alone against Hitler in 1940.
Next, the show’s first set features a trio of new songs. “Star” by All Together United and “Standing in His Favor” by Backstage Revival are top-notch modern rock/pop praise songs, while “To The Ones” by Bringing Home powerfully addresses how hurting people, even or rather especially believers ofttimes shunned by other believers when they are going through legitimately painful times, can find refuge and healing directly in Christ.
The second set kicks off with “Judas Within” by Vector, lyrics closely mirroring the early chapters of Romans discussing how despite faith, the ability to commit evil still lurks within us all.
Next song in the set is “Crazy Voice” by Oden Fong, an acknowledgment of and attack against the inner voices seeking to distract believers from drawing closer to Jesus. The set’s final song is “Thief in The Night” by legendary British rocker Cliff Richard, detailing in no uncertain terms Christ’s Second Coming.
The show’s third set looks at life’s darker shades, beginning with “Sevens” by The 77s detailing in aching detail a relationship gone awry. This is followed by Undercover‘s “Time,” confessing how even believers lament its passing.
Rounding out the set is The Choir‘s “The Woods,” lightening the mood with its celebration of friendship.
Starting the final set is Kerry Livgren of Kansas fame’s band AD with “We Draw the Line,” as the title suggests a song taking a stand against societally-endorsed sin. Next is Whiteheart‘s “Raging of The Moon,” discussing the very real phenomena of how misguided mental behavior often veering into madness takes place during the full moon. The set concludes with Adam Again‘s “All You Lucky People,” the late Gene Eugene’s somewhat cynical ode to his band’s audience enjoying itself royally in a dying world. The show ends as it begins with Five for Fighting, this time through offering a powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace.” You can listen to the show on-demand at its website, or subscribe to the podcast at Apple, Google, or iHeart.
It is difficult times. These times call for wisdom and honesty. Christ is true. But He is open to us asking questions. Prayerfully the music and ministry in Cephas Hour‘s new episode will help point to the answers … and, of course, the Answer.
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