Hi everyone! I’ve had several requests to do a review of the Word of Life Devotions that we started using last year. I really like these devotions, they’re fairly short and easy for my kids to complete. And their a great way to get them in the habit of getting into God’s Word on a daily basis. They did update their covers from the ones I have, but the Quiet Time Devotions are what we used.
Watch Tip Tuesday: Word of Life Quiet Times Review
Overall Thoughts:
I want to mention that these devotions are not super in depth studies, they only take about 10-15 minutes each day to complete. Each day they have a reading assignment which is shorter for younger students and then longer for older students. The reading assignment is followed up by a few questions that relate directly to the chapters themselves. Then there are always a couple of follow up questions that relate the reading to your students everyday life. Then they end with a short time praying over what they’ve learned that day.
I don’t think they recommend a certain Bible version to use, we have a few that we use and if they have any troubles relating their version to the WOL questions then I will usually help them out. We mostly use the NIV version for our kids, but another favorite is the NIRV Discoverer’s Bible for Young Readers. I think they’re just a little bit easier for them to read through.
I hope this video review helped you out, feel free to email me if you have any questions you can also post a question on the COAH Community to see what others are using as well!
To keep up with our shenanigans, feel free to follow me:
- YouTube Channel
Want to see more of my Tip Tuesday Videos? Make sure to click the image below to check out all of my homeschooling tips!
I hope this helps some of you out, I know getting started can be overwhelming! I wrote a book called Homeschooling 101 that will help answer all of your questions on how to get started homeschooling, choosing curriculum, creating lesson plans, etc. For more information on homeschooling check out my Homeschooling 101: A guide to getting started!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. I am also an Amazon Affiliate. If you purchase through my link, you won’t pay a penny more, however I will receive a small percentage back. Thank you for helping support my blog in this way! That said, I do NOT recommend anything that we do not use and love!
This series started as God spoke to my heart things I need to remember and put into practice as I see things in our day that disturb the heart and have me watching more steadily to the East for the Rising Son. Then, as I shared in our intro, the Spirit led to realization that something coming upon the earth will happen soon, causing the hearts of even the elect to quake. In preparation for knowing how we are to face such days, this study began.
By way of review, our study began in the intro with a call to remember that God is God and we are not, therefore we must trust in, lean on, rely on and be confident in Him. As the Architect and Builder, He holds the plans for all eternity in His Holy hands. He alone has the full blueprint. We see in part and know in part, but He sees fully with full knowledge. We must trust Him in these days that even the chaos and the quaking yet to be revealed are birthing pangs leading to the great things of God. (See the intro)
In our days together, we have covered many Words for Life that will see us safely through the birthing process. To come through this time of new birth, we must to ACTIVELY ABIDE in all that God’s word instructs us to abide in, especially in His Light. As things around us grow steadily dark, signaling the passing of the old and the birthing of all God’s design and desire, it is vital that we remain in His Light and be His Light to dispel the dark and draw those in who are open to the truth. (See blog post 2 of this series)
One reason we must be faithful to abide in His light is because darkness can cause even the elect to question whether He even exists and if His saving grace is real. God is weeding and pruning in these days, revealing those who say they have faith, but, having a head knowledge of God, do not truly believe from the heart (see 1 John 2:18-19; John 15:6); and pruning off branches from those who do truly believe, but still hold to the old that hinders fruit bearing (John 15:1-8).
In the Light of God we are able to know that He is faithful and His Saving Grace through Jesus is true; the full payment – propitiation for sin. To weather the coming storms, we must TRUST THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD AND HIS PROVISION for our eternal destiny. And we must trust with believing hearts that JESUS IS OUR ADVOCATE, forever and always interceding before the throne of God on our behalf, day and night. (See blog post 3 of this series)
Blog 4, “Sanctified – Set Apart”, reminds us that, like Esther, we are here for such a time as this. God has a purpose for us to fulfill in working with Him as builders on His eternal project. To fulfill our purpose we must have our minds and hearts set on the things above, the higher things of God’s eternal purpose and plan.
A major aspect that is needful for our living Sanctified – Set Apart lives is learning that we are called and EQUIPPED to BE as He is (blog 5). We are given His Spirit whose number one work in us is to restore the IMAGE we were meant to have: that of being like God in all aspects of our character and nature, will and purpose, thought and emotion / desire, deed and action. Scripture calls us the Body of Christ. We are to be an extension of all that He is, able to complete the work of Christ in the earth as His hands, feet, heart, mouth, etc. It is vital in these days that we find our place in His body and become all He desires us to be for His use in these days.
Then the blog posted yesterday on “Kingdom Reality” (blog 6) calls us to realize if we haven’t already, that our eternity began the day we said “I do” to Jesus, becoming part of His bride that is being made ready for Him. In that instant, we became citizens of the Kingdom of God, having authority and responsibility as part of the Royal Court to fulfill Kingdom purpose in this world. Like Queen Esther, we are here for a purpose. If we truly know Jesus as Savior and the triune Godhead as Lord, we are now and always will be of God’s Kingdom, and not only of God’s Kingdom, but of the Royal Court of Christ, working out of His authority. So act like it. Remember it. Let that reality direct our decisions and actions, our thoughts and desires, and our way of treating others.
In this final blog, I must remind us, as John did, “Children, it is the last hour,” and antichrist is alive and well in our day (1 John 2:18-23).
The war of terror brought by “radical Islamists” is the spirit of antichrist. People like one of my nieces, who say, “no god is my judge”, is ensnared by the spirit of antichrist. All who come against Christendom and the Jewish population out of which the Christ was birthed, whether a people group or a philosophy, that true enemy force is antichrist. All that seeks to lead God’s people from their faith and the truth we are to live is antichrist. Thus it is vital in our day that we:
Test our faith (2 Corinthians 13:5): *1 John*; Romans; *Galatians* – Colossians; these are excellent texts to read, praying for the Spirit to bring us to true and right evaluation of ourselves as to our hope in Christ and whether we are of true faith (Romans 12:3).
Just believing that Jesus is, is not enough beloved. Even the demons believe and they shudder (James 2:19), but their faith is not that of one who is saved for all eternity, one with Christ in His Body and part of the Bride – citizen of His Kingdom. There is more to it than just believing Jesus is / was. If our faith in Him does not bring His Spirit to possess us (1 Peter 2:9; John 16) and change us from the inside out to be as He is, producing the fruit of God in us (Matthew 7:15-23), we need to make sure of our position in Him. Today is the day of salvation, beloved, for JESUS IS returning at an hour we do not know, and on that day it will be too late to make that decision. Be sure of His calling and equipping you for all eternity.
Test the spirits (1 John 4:1): “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” ~ 1 John 4:1-6.
Beloved, I can’t say it better than that. If the Spirit of God resides in us, He testifies with the truth. If what I have shared is truth, the Spirit of God in you has done summersaults within you, confirming for you that these things are of God and convicting our hearts that these truths are to be heeded with understanding and with determination to do them. Even testing to see if we have the Spirit of God can be done by simply asking, do I truly believe all that Jesus says about Himself and all that others of scripture profess as truth concerning Him and is that understanding effecting the way I live, think, and prioritize life?
When we do doubt, and even the strongest can have moments of weakened faith, the Spirit quickly rises to assure the heart of the one who is truly His through Christ. If the Spirit within confirms our faith, we have hope of eternity and are called and equipped to become as He is, the very image of God, bearing the fruit of it. If we have doubt that remains, today is the day of salvation!
“As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning (the Word of God and the Spirit of Truth). IF WHAT YOU HEARD FROM THE BEGINNING ABIDES IN YOU, YOU ALSO WILL ABIDE IN THE SON AND IN THE FATHER. This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.
“These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. As for you, the anointing (Spirit) which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing (Spirit) teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him (in God by the Spirit of God)” ~ 1 John 2:24-27 (Authors notes of understanding).
BE Strong and Courageous:
“Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him. See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, THAT WE WOULD BE CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD; and such we are.
“For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. …”
Antichrist is all that does not know or acknowledge God in all His fullness, especially the Christ who is our propitiation. The “world” is all that is dictated by the wisdom of the spirit of antichrist. That world sees that we are the Children of God because of our faith in Christ that brings to us the hope of eternity with Him, making us to be as He is; and being convicted, they hate us because they hate Christ because of the spirit of antichrist within them. That world spirt will come against us more and more as the day of Christ’s return draw near. Therefore we must be strong and courageous, drawing ever nearer to God, assured of the Spirit and the faith that is in us, filled with His Spirit, and ready to give an account for the hope that is in us, in season—when it is popular, and out of season—when it is not popular.
The birthing pangs we are experiencing are those of the coming tribulation that will usher in the 1000 year reign of Christ and the final and forever defeat of Satan and his evil. And, unfortunately, it will bring the destruction of all who are enslaved by the spirit of antichrist and fail to turn to receive the Spirit of Christ. But 7 years of tribulation will lead into that final hour of judgment and condemnation of antichrist in all its forms.
I am of the belief system that we who are now in Christ will be raptured out at the beginning of the tribulation period. Scripture seems most to teach that philosophy. But there is precedence for a later rapture time, and we must be ready for either scenario. We must test our faith and the Spirit in us to be sure that we are ready when He comes to go with Him, ready to stand before His throne with confidence in Him and His advocacy for us. And we must be strong and courageous, so if we are part of the tribulation saints who will suffer those days, we will have the ability to stand firm in our faith even when antichrist comes to kill us. That spirit of evil is doing and will do all he can to destroy those who truly and sincerely believe with whole heart.
“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” ~ 1 John 2:28-3:3.
Cling to the Hope that is within you, and let no one and no thing steal IT from you or you from IT! Realize these are the last days, and many are perishing because of the spirit of antichrist that rules the world and it philosophy / wisdom. Be bold and courageous to share your faith wherever you are able, with hope that the Spirit of God will use it to deliver yet another ensnared by sin before it is too late.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2014
Koester, Craig R. The Word of Life: A Theology of John’s Gospel. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2008. vii-xiv + 245 pp. $23.00.
Craig R. Koester is the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary. He is also the author of Revelation and the End of All Things and Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel. According to his nineteen page Curriculum Vitae he also has a forthcoming Anchor Yale Bible Commentary on Revelation, which is no small achievement. He has co-edited a Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testamen (WUNT) volume pertaining to John’s Gospel, and is also an essay contributor to another forthcoming WUNT volume pertaining to John’s Gospel. His most recent publication was a contributing essay to Engaging with C. H. Dodd on the Gospel of John: Sixty Years of Tradition and Interpretation, published by Cambridge University Press. He is well qualified to write in his field, as a Johannine scholar.
Summary
The purpose of The Word of Life: A Theology of John’s Gospel is given in the subtitle: It is to understand the theology of the Gospel as a whole (xi). The Contents reveals a neat outline of chapters, which are, starting with chapter one: (1) “Introduction,” (2) “God,” (3) “The World and Its People,” (4) “Jesus,” (5) “Crucifixion and Resurrection,” (6) “The Spirit,” (7) “Faith, Present and Future,” and (8) “Discipleship in Community and World.” The Gospel’s narrative framework is broken down by Koester into three main sections: the Prologue; Act I (chs. 1-12); and Act II (chs. 13-21).
Koester explains that God communicates through his Word, now incarnate, to reveal salvation to an estranged world (27-30). As the creator, source, and giver of life, God desires relationship with all people so that they may believe and have life in him (30-2). To overcome the world’s nature of sin, death and estrangement, God sends Jesus and the Spirit to give witness concerning himself and the offer of eternal life; but this witness may also be confrontational for unbelieving people and even result in wrath (33-40). God’s purpose for Jesus’ crucifixion is also relational, i.e., it is purposed to overcome the world’s estrangement (41-7). Life is a central theme for John (56). But death, sin and evil are also forces to be reckoned with (56-80). These forces are also characteristics of “the world” in John’s Gospel (80-1).
Jesus – the incarnate Word, teacher, prophet, Messiah, and Son of God (83-107) – comes to bring eternal life by means of his death and resurrection, so that the estranged world may know God (109-32). The Spirit is the means of appropriating this faith and life – which is seen as a new birth (137-60). John recognizes a rift in time with the coming of God’s Word, so that there is now a present and future aspect to eternal life and judgment (175-86), just as there are present and future dimensions to Christ on earth, who has promised to return to his disciples, and promised to always be with them (182-6). During the interim, the risen and ascended Christ continues his work of giving life to the world through the Spirit and his disciples until his return (188-206).
The primary emphasis of Koester throughout his book is the relational aspect between the world – which is characterized by darkness – and God, who reveals his Son so that the unbelieving world may believe and have life in his name (20:31).
Evaluation
Since he correctly identifies Johannine theology as summarily relational, evaluating Koester’s kerygmatic theory of atonement proves somewhat difficult. This is because his theory builds upon a view of sin that is also centrally relational (65-81; esp. 65-66). Sin and unbelief become a confused mixture: “The crucifixion of the Lamb ‘takes away sin’ by taking away unbelief” (116). And further: “The Lamb is sacrificed to create a relationship of faith in the face of alienation created by sin. If a label is needed for this way of construing the death of Christ, it is kerygmatic.” (116; emphasis original). For John’s Gospel, the world’s relationship to Jesus is the fulcrum of salvation and judgment. Either the world responds favorably to Jesus by believing in him for salvation, or the world responds to him in unbelief resulting in wrath (66-7). This is, so far, in agreement with Koester’s general theology. However, the crux is this: Sin is understood by Koester as unbelief in essencia (33-6; 59-65; 66; 72; 110, 113-7; esp. 113). But is unbelief a full-orbed Johannine hamartiology? While some texts in John may speak of sin and unbelief together, sin still clearly exists before an estranged world of evil is met by an incarnate Christ. In fact, it is for this sin that the world is judged: “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” (3:19-20). Sin is, here, not seen as unbelief but as evil works of darkness.
Koester also leans heavily on an analogical view of theological language. As an example: “Human beings belong to the earth, and in his teaching Jesus refers to the things of the earth – like bread, light, and water – to convey what comes from above.” (112; cf. also 32). The subheading “Images of God in the Preaching of Jesus” also underscores an analogical understanding of revealed theological truth (36-40). Koester writes: “As Jesus is sent, he bears witness to God by using richly metaphorical language. (…). To use figurative language is to speak of one thing in terms appropriate to another. Jesus will use images that are both similar to and different from God. This means that listeners must discern analogies between things that are otherwise dissimilar. (…). God is different from the world, which is why Jesus uses figurative speech.” (36-37)
While symbolism is used in the teachings of Jesus throughout John, an analogical language of theology should not follow prescriptively upon his Gospel. God’s transcendence is not always cause for analogy. Actually, God has incarnated himself as a man, and the revelatory importance of this would seem to militate against any necessary use of analogical language in order for the world to relate to God. Further, creation remains God’s creation, and man – as part of this creation – is created for communion with God, and created in ways that include cognitive knowledge of him. Since man is created in God’s image, he is capable of understanding God and his love univocally. As an example: God really does love us as a friend whose love is so great that he is willing to give his life in our place (15:13). This revelation is not best observed as an analogy of truth concerning a transcendent deity. It is a revelation better understood as a univocal truth. A God who incarnates as man is not a god that must be known by analogies and symbols.
Conclusion
Koester’s book is a remarkable theological treatment of John’s Gospel. His relational-theological emphasis is carefully substantiated and richly rewarding. Though two criticisms were presented and should be kept in mind while reading The Word of Life, particularly Koester’s faulty view of the atonement, the overall significance of his book still stands.
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2017
BRIEF REVIEW OF CRAIG R. KOESTER, THE WORD OF LIFE: A THEOLOGY OF JOHN’S GOSPEL
There is much of value in this book. I’m glad I read it. It’s thought provoking and contains some very helpful insights and some credible interpretations that I hadn’t thought about. I was especially intrigued by his chapter on faith, and especially on the relationship between faith and Jesus’s signs (pp. 163-70). The main drawback is Koester’s view of the atonement in John. He agrees with Bultmann and especially Terrence Forestell that John does not teach substitutionary atonement. We are saved by faith, which Jesus’s death on the cross inspires. Humanity’s problem is alienation from God because of sin, which he defines as unbelief. He says, «By conveying the divine love that evokes faith, the crucifixion gives people eternal life. … And when the love of God calls forth faith, it overcomes the world’s hostility by bringing people back into relationship with the One who made them» (p. 45).
What Koester says is not wrong as much as inadequate concerning the atonement. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin (not the guilt) of the world by overcoming unbelief, he says. Jesus suffers the consequences of sin, he says, only in that he was put to death by unbelievers (pp. 114-15). The cross proves God’s love for the world. But why and how does it do that? Why does God’s love equal the cross? Koester has no answer for that.
Part of the problem is that Koester has reduced sin only to unbelief and considers humanity’s problem only as relational. Interestingly, in his discussion of the Spirit, he says that the cross is insufficient by itself. «The Spirit is the means by which God evokes the faith that brings such life» (p. 137). Andreas Kostenberger recognizes that John’s presentation of atonement is distinctive and does not focus on substitution as do some other New Testament books. But he thinks this is the case because John assumes substitutionary sacrifice and atonement from the Synoptic Gospels (The Theology of John’s Gospel and Letters, Zondervan, 2009).
He also discusses Max Turner’s response to Rudolph Bultmann and Terence Forestell («Atonement and the Death of Jesus in John,» Evangelical Quarterly, 1990, 99-122). Turner points out that excluding sacrificial atonement from an understanding of the cross «creates an interpretional vacuum that [Forestell] is unable to fill.» Kostenberger also cites George L. Carey («The Lamb of God and Atonement Theories,» Tyndale Bulletin 1981, 97-122), who argues that John’s focus on salvation by faith and the principle of salvation by the blood of the Lamb are not mutually exclusive.
Many have pointed to John 11:50-52 as teaching substitutionary atonement. Koester rejects this, but it still seems to me the best understanding of the verse (see Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution, by Steve Jeffery, Michael Ovey, and Andrew Sach [Crossway, 2007], 73-77; see also John 6:51; 10:11, 15).
An additional argument could be made from John’s references to cleanness and purification (Greek kathar* words). John, which is rich in symbolism, points out that the water Jesus turned into wine (2:1-12) was designated for purification. Is a connection intended between purification and wine symbolizing Jesus’s blood? Jesus has the cross on his mind when he tells Mary, «My hour has not yet come.» In 13:8, Jesus says to Peter, «If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.» There seems to be something more separating humanity from God besides unbelief. In 15:3 Jesus indicates that in order to be part of him, the «true vine,» one must be «clean.» In the context of John, Jesus cannot be the true vine without being lifted up on the cross. Only then can the teaching of the One who is «the Word» bring purification and life. In the cultural/religious context of John, uncleanness was not a subjective attitude of unbelief but an objective state that barred one from having any contact with anything holy—the temple, worship, or God. In the Old Testament the remedy for uncleanness was a substitutionary sacrifice. The solution for Isaiah’s uncleanness was a glowing coal taken from the altar, which removed his iniquity and atoned for his sin (Isaiah 6:5-7). It is unimaginable to me that John’s doctrine of atonement could have been severed from this Old Testament teaching.
Finally, according to John 3:36, «the one who rejects the Son will not see life.» But the reason is not that his unbelief alienates him from God. Rather it is because «the wrath of God remains on him.» What separates us from God is not just unbelief, but sin, guilt, condemnation, and the wrath of God. That is why we must have God’s Lamb.
4 people found this helpful
Report
Top reviews from other countries
4.0 out of 5 stars
worth it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2016
Brilliant academic souse for theology students, and a good read for everyone else.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 8, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2014
Used extensively for work on aspects of John’s gospel.
Jeremy Camp has been around since early 2000. With 14 other albums, multiple ASCAP awards, and 41 radio No. 1’s under his belt, Jeremy, along with songwriters Ed Cash, Scott Cash, Colby Wedgeworth, Ethan Hulse, Josh Silverberg and Jess Cates, this single-turned-album was inspired by conversations about life. On his website, he says,
The conversations that would come out of these writing sessions were the most incredible conversations I’ve had in a long time. I went in intentionally asking, ‘What’s God teaching you? What’s going on in your life right now?’ I wanted to have a real discussion every time, and many of these conversations turned into deep prayer times where we were literally on the floor, weeping and praying for each other. We had true holy spirit moments.
As he was writing Word of Life, he thought about John 6:60-68. Particularly, the words of Peter who, in response to Jesus’ inquiry after the events in John 6:16-59, said “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This is the inspiration behind this song.
How far does Jeremy stretch this concept? Let us find out together!
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.
1. What message does the song communicate?
It is a prayed offered to God. Jeremy experiences weariness and is asking for strength to contend with the lies of the enemy. He recognizes that God called him out of his old life of spiritual deadness (the grave). He also requests to reach deeper places, which take him outside his comfort zone, where he can experience the joy of the Lord. His desire is to live out a changed life.
Score: 10/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
All of it! Lyrics posted with permission.*
[Verse 1]
Word of life
That is, Jesus (1 John 1:1).
Speak to my weary heart
Strengthen my broken parts
Lead me to Your open arms
Jeremy Camp is coming to Jesus in his weariness to find rest for his soul (Matthew 11:28-30).
Word of truth
Given the opening line, this refers to Jesus. He is the Word (John 1:1) who became flesh (John 1:14) and claimed to be the truth (John 14:6). Though the Bible refers to Scripture as the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15 and 2 Timothy 3:16) as well as the words of the Father (John 17:17), there is enough information here to support Jesus as the “Word of truth” in the sense that Jeremy is utilizing it.
Illuminate all these lies
The deception of empty words of those in darkness, they will become visible as light (Ephesians 5:6-13) and their deeds will be exposed (John 3:20).
The enemy speaks inside
This could either refer to Satan (John 8:44, 2 Corinthians 11:3, and 1 Peter 5:8-9) or internal warfare (Romans 7:21-25).
In freedom I will rise
We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37). There is freedom in God’s spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17).
[Chorus]
‘Cause You called me out from the grave
Through the word “grave” could have multiple meanings; however, in this context, it refers to spiritual death, that is, the second death or eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 20:6, Revelation 20:14-15, and Revelation 21:8).
So I can live like I’ve been changed
No longer condemned, we should live our lives free from the patterns of sin (John 8:11, Romans 6:12, 1 John 2:1) and to live a life of holiness (Leviticus 11:44-45, Leviticus 19:2, Leviticus 20:7, Romans 6:1-14, Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10-14, 1 Peter 1:13-16, and 1 Peter 2:16).
There is a new song in my soul
See Psalm 33:3, Psalm 40:3, Psalm 96:1, Psalm 98:1, Psalm 144:9, Psalm 149:1, and Isaiah 42:10.
And it begins when I breathe in
Your word of life
Contextually, this refers to Scripture as the word of life. We can immerse ourselves into it by reading or listening to it (John 6:68, Philppians 2:14-16, and 2 Timothy 2:15). Its source ultimately comes from God (2 Timothy 3:16).
[Verse 2]
Spirit of God
Take me to a deeper place
Take me out of what is safe
Most often occurs due to trials and tribulations. See Psalm 66:8-12, Acts 14:22, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, and 1 Peter 1:5-9.
I will not be afraid
Far too many Scriptures to list!
Spirit of God
Fill me with joy again
As one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), we should be filled with joy (Psalm 16:11, John 15:11, Romans 15:13, 1 Peter 1:8-9).
Springing up from within
It cannot be contained
We should follow in the example of Peter and John who could not contain the unfathomable joy that they received from Jesus, even under threat (Acts 4:1-31).
[Bridge]
The old has gone away
See 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Only Your love remains
That is because God is love (1 John 4:16).
I am alive today
‘Cause You called me out, ooh
You called me out, ooh
That is, out of the grave. See Chorus, line 1.
[Outro]
Hey
The old has gone away
Only Your love remains
I am alive today
‘Cause You called me out
Repeat of Bridge.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Given that this song is a prayer to God, it is difficult to assess how an outsider will respond to it or identify with it. Much of what is written are desires all humans want, such as strength to our weariness, internal warfare, overcoming fear, acquiring joy, and a changed life. These are attractive qualities that can draw them closer to Christ.
I am curious how they would interpret “called me out from the grave”. This will likely require some explanation on our part.
Score: 9/10
4. What does this song glorify?
This song is comparable to many of the Psalms from the Old Testament. It is a brutally honest outcry to God for assistance and praising God for rescuing him from his spiritually dead life.
It is unclear if the purpose of living out his changed life is for his own edification or to expand the Kingdom of God. In either case, God is glorified.
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
Jeremy hits it out of the park with this one. This positive message communicates something that both Christians and unbelievers can appreciate: transformation from internal weariness to outwardly joy. Armed with biblically accurate lyrics, his praise to God and petition for renewal rejuvenates his soul and glorifies God.
Final Score: 9.5/10
Artist Info
Track: Word of Life (listen to the song)
Artist: Jeremy Camp
Album: The Answer
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 2017
Duration: 3:05
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
*Copyright © 2017 Capitol CMG Amplifier (SESAC) Only In You Publishing (SESAC) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com), Fair Trade Music Publishing (ASCAP), Be Essential Songs (BMI), EGH Music Publishing (BMI), Colby Wedgeworth Music (ASCAP) (admin at EssentialMusicPublishing.com). All rights reserved. Used by permission.