Tag Archives: Stephen Curtis Chapman

S.A.N.S. Episode 174: This Side of Heaven

Posted on July 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from an artist who didn’t take long to become popular. Keith Brown is the first Christian artist to go number one in Europe as a debut performer. This Side of Heaven is the album which put Keith on the map. While there are 5 different quality songs to highlight, This Side of Heaven is a great representation of Keith Brown’s sound and style.

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away, Revelation 21:4.

This Side of Heaven could have alternate interpretations depending upon how you view the lyrics. Stephen Curtis Chapman sings about Heaven in the Real World on earth. Keith Brown sings about the place we call home which appears to be based upon the apostle Pail’s words in Philippians 3:13-21. Whatever the inspiration was behind this song, I know you will enjoy this Side of Heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 91: Red Carpet

Posted on May 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Jimi Ray and Rick Harwell formed Age of Faith in 1987, my senior year of high school. Age of Faith is one of those Christian groups that flew under the radar. Despite being overshadowed by the likes of Michael W. Smith and Stephen Curtis Chapman, Age of Faith continued to make quality albums one after the other. As I purchased each new Age of Faith album, I was always touched by a couple of their songs.

So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [[j]fervently]. 21 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son [I no longer deserve to be recognized as a son of yours]! 22 But the father said to his bond servants, Bring quickly the best robe (the festive robe of honor) and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet, Luke 15:20-22.

I could have chosen a dozen other hit songs from Age of Faith. Yet, the lyrics of Red Carpet were too moving to pass on. Age of Faith’s version of the Prodigal Son adds a modern Hollywood element by rolling out a red carpet. While rebellion is hard to forgive, a father’s love overlooked greed to celebrate the return of his wayward son. May this song touch your heart like it has touched mine.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 31: Go There With You

Posted on March 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

From my introduction to Christian music in 1985, there have always been 3 main staples who have gotten most of the accolades: Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and today’s artist Stephen Curtis Chapman. When Chapman’s Great Adventure tour traveled across the country, I drove three hours to hear an album filled with classic songs. I was so touched that night by Go There with You, that I included it in my wedding.

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away, Revelation 21:4.

When I was put in charge of the Music at my wedding and the DJ at our reception, I made a mix with all of the songs to be played for all of the special dances. When Leanne and I danced our first dance as a married couple, Go There With You was played. In an age where staying married until death do us part is rare, playing this song was a statement of my will to love Leanne for the rest of my life.

by Jay Mankus

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Burning the Bridges to Your Past

Posted on August 23, 2013 by expressyourself4him

When Hernan Cortez’ men became restless after traveling to a new land, Mexico, he gave the order to burn their ships, eliminating the option of returning home to Spain.  Stephen Curtis Chapman wrote a moving song called Burn The Ships based upon this true story from 1519.  In the lyrics to this song from the album entitled Heaven in the Real World, Chapman is essential encouraging people to burn the bridges to your past so you’re not tempted to return.

Genesis 35:1-2 has a similar feel to Cortez, except God gives Jacob an order which he passes on to his entire family.  Upon leaving his father’s land, Rachel steals the gods of Laban, Genesis 31:19, revealing an unhealthy obsession within Jacob’s wife.  Though not mentioned directly, its quite possible that God exposes Rachel’s sin to Jacob.  Prior to Moses and the 10 commandments introduced in Exodus 20, God makes himself and his ways known to the descendents that will one day form the nation of Israel.

Jesus affirms God’s Old Testament words in Matthew 16:25 and John 3:3.  If you want to truly discover life as designed by God, you must be willing to loose yourself, burning any remaining bridges to your past way of life.  The apostle Paul says this better than I ever could in Galatians 2:20, “to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  Therefore, if you are still struggling to embrace life on earth, maybe you have one too many bridges remaining to your past.  Like Cortez declared many years ago, burn them now!

by Jay Mankus

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