Behind The Music: Glory To God

In the last post we examined the worshipful response of proclamation, and I mentioned a time of conviction after reading this quote:

“Show me a church’s songs and I’ll show you their theology.”

During this period the book of Hebrews was regularly studied, and ever since @PastorTyler preached through this book several years ago, it’s been a regular read. Often referred to as “the fifth gospel”, it reiterates and supports Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and beautifully lays out the supremacy of Christ. Wanting to write a song about Jesus, it was Hebrews that provided the framework. Sometimes a verse or passage will provide a great deal of inspiration, but in the case it was the whole book.

When people come to @V21Church, I want them to hear about Jesus, who is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3). This verse would surprise some, shock others, and make others laugh – even people who consider themselves Christians. This is because many adopt their own view of Jesus: gentle wanderer, social revolutionary, preacher, hippie. We can think what we want, but when you study the words of Jesus and scripture, his describes himself as God. When people come to Vintage21, we want to present Jesus as scripture presents him. That is what this song seeks to do- lay out the gospel of Jesus.

Switching gears a bit, the idea for this song began from a song by Roman Candle. One of my favorite bands, their sticker is the only one to grace the window of my truck; nothing they’d post as a credential, nonetheless a high honor in my book. They are phenomenal musicians, and you have permission to leave this site to check them out. The original inspiration musically for “Glory To God” came from the opening drumbeat to “Something Left To Say”. The beat was modified a bit as the song took shape, but Bob always does a great job laying this one down. It was a bit of a change in my writing style, more poppy and modern than usual. Or, as Taylor said, it sounds more CCM than I’d previously written. Taylor, I forgive you for that. The musicians who shaped this song and recorded really make the song- Jerry’s bassline, Bob’s drumming, Steven’s “George Huntley” lead guitar, Andrea’s vocals, and Matt X’s ever-sick Rhodes. Thanks God, for this song, and for each of these people.

Glory to God – listen here
Inspired by the book of Hebrews
Words and Music: @MattStevensNC

You have been forever
Jesus is the name above all names
why lift up another?
no one else is worthy of our praise

forever You will be the Son
we join in the chorus of heaven

as we sing
glory to God, the one who saves
the God of redemption, who takes away our shame
glory to God, who knows my name
in Christ is everything

i have been forgiven
Your sacrifice has made me whole again
now i live in freedom
throwing off the sin that holds me down

everything i have You’ve given me
i lay it all down at Your feet

this is not my home
i do not belong to this world
so i lay it down, everything that’s dear
everything

join the angels singing
we will fill the earth with all our praise
_______________________________________

From the @V21Church album “All Things Praise”
Drums: Bob Witchger
Fender Rhodes: Matt X (Stutzman)
Bass: @Gerald_Updyke
Backing Vocals: @AndreaUpdyke
Guitar, Vocals: @MattStevensNC
Lead Guitar: Steven Suits