"We Believe"-- an affirmation of faith in song

This morning I heard a song for the first time, "We Believe" by the Newsboys on Family Life Radio.  It caught my attention immediately as I heard:

We believe in God the Father

We believe in Jesus Christ

We believe in the Holy Spirit

In our worship (WO 510) class at Asbury Theological Seminary taught by Dr. Goold, we have been learning and discussing all kinds of things about worship.  One aspect has been the Trinitarian focus in contemporary songs.  We were challenged to listen for such lyrics. [And because I just came back from worship class weekend #2, these things are fresh on my mind.  In fact, you may see another blog based on "free flowing worship" and some songs I heard on my way home...]

So, lo and behold, this morning I hear "We Believe".  Not only does it fit the inclusion of Trinitarian language, but it is basically a creed, an affirmation of faith, in song.

I have been listening to this song several times today and thought I'd share it.

Here are the lyrics:

In this time of desperation
When all we know is doubt and fear
There is only One Foundation
We believe, We believe
In this broken generation
When all is dark, You help us see
There is only One Salvation
We believe, We believe

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He's given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He's comin' back again, we believe

So, let our faith be more than anthems
Greater than the songs we sing
And in our weakness and temptations
We believe, We believe!

We believe in God the Father!
We believe in Jesus Christ!
We believe in the Holy Spirit!
And He's given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He's comin' back again!

Let the lost be found and the dead be raised!
In the here and now, let love invade!
Let the church live love our God will see
We believe, We believe!
And the gates of hell will not prevail!
For the power of God, has torn the vail!
Now we know Your love will never fail!
We believe, We believe!

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He's given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He's comin' back,
He's comin' back again!
He's comin' back again!
We believe!
We believe


"We believe" is from the Restart album. © 2013 Integrity Worship Music


Here is a video of the song:

 

 

What a cool/neat way to share in an affirmation of faith as a community of faith through this song!  What a great response to how God is at work in the body.  I can see it being sung during a worship service.  I can see it being sung as an opening song to engage folks in worship.  I can also see it as a response song after the sermon. 

 

 

Another aspect of worship that we've been drilled about is that we don't use unfamiliar songs.  So, that means finding a way to "seed" the song so that the words and/or the tune isn't new to the people. 

 

As I listened to this particular song, I thought that the repetitive chorus lent itself easily to the entire congregation joining in after the first (or second) time.  For those who've been in church, the words will remind them of the Nicene or Apostles' Creed and they might even be able to join in sooner.  I think even someone with no previous church experience (or language) could catch on however.  The music is "catchy" as well.  A soloist or the worship band can lead the song and invite the congregation to join in on the chorus. 

 

The next time the song is sung in worship it will be more familiar. 

 

I don't know if this song will fit in for your corporate worship where you are.  Maybe it can fit in for your individual worship.

 

Blessings on your journey,

 

Debra