Tag Archives: U2

S.A.N.S. Episode 29: Deeper

Posted on March 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In my final year of high school, I became a big fan of U2. My favorite album, the Unforgettable Fire, was filled with biblically based themes. Today’s song comes from a Christian band from the United Kingdom who combines a U2 feel with alternative praise. At the time of their arrival on the Christian music scene in the United States, Delirious was considered to be on the cutting edge of worship music.

The Lord takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness, Psalm 147:11.

The song Deeper suggests that Christians reach a point in their relationship with God where faith becomes stale. Subsequently, the lyrics speak of an inner desire to go beyond a surface level relationship. Like the words of 1 Peter 2:2, Deeper encourages Christian to dive deeper than they have ever gone before. May Deeper inspire you to draw closer to Jesus Christ, James 4:8.

by Jay Mankus

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The Fireproof Test

Posted on February 19, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Part of any firefighting school involves a basic review of the 4 stages of fire.  Beginning with incipient, fires grow until fully developed, eventually decaying over time due to a lack of energy.  A fire needs 3 components to form: an ignition source, oxygen and a fuel source.  Sparks trigger the initial flame, but the classification of each fire depends upon the amount of fuel which is available and degree of oxygen inside.

From a spiritual point of view, Christians have another test to determine their condition.  As kindling begins to catch, a lukewarm fire is born.  If consistently maintained, a fire can blossom into poppers, bursting out of comfort zones, consuming any liquid or sap within wood.  Once mature, raging fires blaze, spreading from person to person, as new logs are added.  However, if not properly supervised, fires can burn outsiders and lead to flickering embers, prior to dying out.

The Bible contains 3 elements which magnify the amount of spiritual heat a person gives off.  First, one must ask, have you seen the light of God’s Word, Acts 9:1-2, while hearing or reading the Bible?  Second, have you received the life of God’s Spirit, Acts 9:17, ignited and filled by the power of the Holy Spirit?  Finally, have you been compelled to display the love of Jesus, Acts 9:20-22, by sharing your testimony with a person?  This assessment, The Fireproof Test, seeks to ascertain whether or not your faith is on fire.  If your soul is not consumed by a raging fire, may you see the light, rise to new heights and flourish with God’s might!

by Jay Mankus

ps – The inspiration for this blog came after listening to a sermon from James Merritt, founder of Touching Lives, a ministry on TBN.  For music lovers, U2’s The Unforgettable Fire album contains several songs to ignite your journey.

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Ahead of Their Time: Kyrie

Posted on November 14, 2012 by expressyourself4him

During the 1980’s, there was a spiritual wind that blew through the lyrics of several groups.  U2 ‘s The Unforgetable Album Fire album featured 7 songs with a biblical message.  Mike and the Mechanics created songs that spoke from their hearts, dealing with real life issues.  Even MC Hammer joined the fray with his hit Pray.  However, one of the most powerful song lyrics of this decade is Kyrie from Mr. Mister‘s album Welcome to the Real World.

As I work my daily 10 hour shift, music from the 80’s often echo throughout the warehouse.  Although the genres change from shift to shift, songs from this decade seem to be ahead of their time.  The title Kyrie is a Greek word which actually refers to a form of prayer, “Lord, have mercy.”   While kyrie if often a spoken prayer, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Anglican churches still sing these words as a part of their mass.

My first observation of Kyrie is why would a secular group write a song which means Lord have mercy.  Did the song writer foresee the error of his generation?  Was the lead singer trying to find forgiveness for something he regretted earlier in life?  Or did the group as a whole become aware of their own sinful and wrecked state, recognizing a need for God’s help?  Regardless of the answer to these questions, one thing is certain, Mr. Mister was comprised of  musicians ahead of their time, not afraid to proclaim Kyrie, Lord have mercy!

by Jay Mankus

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