Photo by Adam Nemeroff
CityAlight, in the same structure as Hillsong, Elevation Worship, and Bethel, is a band run by a church organization. They hail from St Paul’s Castle Hill in Castle Hill, Australia. They aim to reach a larger audience with theologically accurate lyrics based on Scripture, realized in my glowing CityAlight reviews!
CityAlight released two albums and one EP, including:
- Yours Alone (2014)
- Only a Holy God (2016)
- Yet Not I (EP; 2018)
Also, check out my reviews of It Was Finished Upon That Cross, Jesus Is Alive, Ancient of Days, Only a Holy God, Christ is Mine Forevermore and Yet not I but through Christ in Me.
Lyrics can be found at https://www.cityalight.com/jesus-strong-and-kind/.
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 toconsider the potential blessings and dangers of this artist‘s theology by visiting Resources.
1. What message does the song communicate?
Those who are thirsty for living water, are spiritually frail, are afraid, and are perishing should run into the arms of Jesus. He is uniquely qualified to offer healing as the Great Physician who nurses us back to spiritual health. He satisfies, strengthens, encourages, and rescues us. He is our awesome, steadfast, delightful protector.
Score: 10/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
All of it agrees with the Bible.
[Verse 1]
Lines 1-4: References Jesus’ words in John 7:37-39, which Jesus declared that the Holy Spirt is the Living Water that will satiate our thirsty souls. Also, see Jeremiah 17:13, Zechariah 14:8-9, John 4:7-26, Acts 2:1-13, Revelation 6:9-11, Revelation 7:13-17, Revelation 21:6-7, and Revelation 22:1-5. None but this water will satify (John 4:14).
Line 5: Repeats line 3.
[Verse 2]
Lines 1-4: According to Paul, the Lord said that His power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), whose strength is unmatched (Genesis 1:1-31, Job 11:7-11, Psalm 33:6, Jeremiah 32:17, Romans 4:17, Hebrews 1:3, and Jude 1:24-25).
Line 5: Repeats line 3.
[Chorus]
Line 1: God is good (1 Chronicles 16:34, Psalm 23:6, Psalm 27:13, Psalm 31:19-20, Psalm 34:8, Psalm 86:5, Psalm 100:5, Psalm 106:1, Psalm 119:68, Psalm 135:3, Psalm 136:1, Psalm 145:9, Lamentations 3:25, Nahum 1:7, Matthew 19:17, Mark 10:18, and Luke 18:19) and faithful (Numbers 23:19, Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 33:4, Psalm 91:4, Psalms 119:90, Lamentations 3:22-23, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 2 Timothy 2:13, Hebrews 10:23, 2 Peter 3:9, and 1 John 1:9).
Lines 2-4: That is, Jesus is our defense (Ruth 2:12, 2 Samuel 22:3-4, Psalm 3:3, Psalm 5:11, Psalm 18:30, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 32:7, Psalm 34:22, Psalm 41:2, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 57:1, Psalm 59:1, Psalm 61:3, Psalm 91:1-16, Psalm 118:8, Psalm 121:7-8, Psalm 138:7, Proverbs 18:10, Proverbs 30:5, Nahum 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, and 1 John 5:18) and is kind (Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 17:7, Psalm 31:21, Psalm 36:7, Psalm 63:3, Psalm 69:16, Psalm 117:2, Isaiah 54:8, Isaiah 63:7, Ephesians 2:7, and Titus 3:4-6).
[Verse 3]
Lines 1-3: Those who are anxious and weary should flee to Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30).
Line 4: See Chorus, lines 2-4.
Line 5: Repeats line 3.
[Verse 4]
LInes 1-3: Jesus came to rescue the lost (Luke 19:10), demonstrated on the cross (Romans 5:6-8).
Line 4: Repeats line 2.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Unbelievers will immediately recognize it as Christian, given its numerous references to Jesus and single mention of the cross. CityAlight writes clearly and in plain English, making interpretation a breeze for most (if not all) non-Christians.
Score: 10/10
4. What does this song glorify?
It glorifies Jesus that CityAlight lists reasons why we should run to Jesus, including His attributes and benefits for trusting Him.
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
CityAlight’s Jesus, Strong and Kind is great. Lost, weary, weak, thirsty souls can take refuge Jesus, whose power and might, alongside sacrifice and kindness will lead them to spiritual restoration, bringing Him glory. Unbelievers shouldn’t have much (if any) trouble interpreting it.
I highly recommend it for corporate worship.
Final Score: 10/10
Artist Info
Track: Jesus, Strong and Kind (listen to the song)
Artist: CityAlight
Album: N/A
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 2019
Duration: 4:10
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Updates:
06/18/2022 – Changed Introduction from “Castle Church” to “Castle Hill”.
Comments
JM
Fantastic!