Church of the City (Feat. Chris McClarney) – He Lives

Much like the “big three”, Church of the City is a church-grown band that exists as a collective of artists.  This one is based in Tennessee.

They released two EP’s and one album, including:

• Church of the City (Live) (EP, 2020)
• Defiant Joy (Live) (2021)
• Jesus is Risen (EP, 2022)

Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Church-of-the-city-he-lives-live-lyrics.

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site!  Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.  I strongly encourage you to consider the potential blessings and dangers of this artist‘s theology by visiting Resources.

1. What message does the song communicate?

Jesus rose from the grave, took away our sin, freed us from the consenquences of our lawbreaking, and forgave us.  We give Him glory, honor, and praise.

Score: 10/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

The entire song.

[Verse 1]

Lines 1-4: References the empty grave of Jesus and explicitly states that He is risen (Matthew 28:1-20, Mark 16:1-20, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-29, Acts 1:3, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:33, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

Lines 5 and 6: Though originally meant for “doubting” Thomas, these words borrowed from John 20:27 are posed to Church of the City’s audience.

Lines 7-9: See lines 1-4.  Also calls out to Casper the friendly ghost.

[Chorus]

Line 1: See Verse 1, lines 1-4.

Lines 2 and 3: Borrows from Matthew 6:13.

Side Note: This passage is not found in the earliest manuscript copies of Matthew’s Gospel; however, the phrase is nonetheless true.

Line 4: See Verse 1, lines 1-4.

[Verse 2]

Lines 1 and 2: That is, the shackles of the weight of our lawbreaking and our deserved punishment contained therein (Romans 6:23, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 20:6, Revelation 20:14-15, and Revelation 21:8).

Lines 3 and 4: See Verse 1, lines 1 and 2.  Contains another Casper reference.

Lines 5 and 6: Church of the City invites others to receive Jesus.

Lines 7 and 8: Essentially repeats lines 3 and 4.

[Interlude]

Lines 1 and 2: See Verse 1, lines 1 and 2.

Line 3: An expression of satisfaction after enjoying a nice meal.

[Bridge]

Lines 1 and 2: Describes the “Great Exchange” (Romans 6:1-11, Romans 7:4-6, Galatians 2:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:11, and 1 Peter 2:24).

Lines 3 and 4: The last of words of Jesus, Tetelestai, which literally means “Paid in full” (John 19:30).

Lines 5-8: Repeats lines 1-4.

[Outro]

Lines 1 and 2: See Verse 1, lines 1 and 2.

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

Those who don’t believe, if they were only half paying attention, would hear the name of Jesus mentioned several times.  They would think that Christians believe He is alive, is worthy of their worship, and took their sin and shame.  Speaking of sin and shame, these two are connected together, which makes it hard for unbelievers to think sin is mere mistakes.  The entire song is written in everyday language.

Score: 10/10

4. What does this song glorify?

Jesus as alive, our guilt-bearer, and worthy of adotation and praise.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

Church of the City’s He Lives is excellent.  It reminds us us that Jesus is living, bore our shame, and deserves all worship.  These glorify Him.  Unbelievers should not have much trouble interpreting it.

I highly recommend this song for corporate worship.

Final Score: 10/10

Artist Info

Track: He Lives (Live) (listen to the song)

Artist: Church of the City (Feat. Chris McClarney)

EP: Church of the City (Live)

Genre: Rock

Release Year: 2020

Duration:  4:53

Agree?  Disagree?  Don’t be shy or have a cow!  Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.