There’s been a saying floating around contemporary Christian music for years: You can write songs about the Light, i.e. Jesus Christ, or you can write songs about what you see in the Light. Using a musical and lyrical gift to discuss current and historical events with the illuminative power available solely through faith in Christ, and connection with the Truth as told in His Word, is something there isn’t a great deal of in today’s Christian music scene. It focuses almost exclusively on praise and worship. Not that there is anything wrong with praise and worship, to put it mildly. However, it is not all there is in life, nor is it all there is to life in Christ. Living out the Gospel means taking direct action to follow Christ’s commands. Take care of the poor and needy. Spread the Word about Jesus. Tell the truth, always. With this in mind, the new episode of Cephas Hour covers as much ground as possible without diluting the show’s format or deviating from its purpose to bring listeners the best of Christian rock and pop from then and now.

The new episode leads off with Five for Fighting (John Ondrasik)’s “Can One Man Save The World,” a moving tribute to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Of course, only one Man can save the world, a task even Zelensky’s heroic efforts cannot accomplish. It is necessary to understand the title in context. One man (Zelensky) is standing alone in trying to save the world against the murderous waging of war by a foreign aggressor, namely Vladimir Putin, much in the same way that Winston Churchill stood alone in 1940 against Hitler.

Next, the show’s first set features a trio of new songs. “Star” by All Together United and “Standing in His Favor” by Backstage Revival are top-notch modern rock/pop praise songs, while “To The Ones” by Bringing Home powerfully addresses how hurting people, even or rather especially believers ofttimes shunned by other believers when they are going through legitimately painful times, can find refuge and healing directly in Christ.

The second set kicks off with “Judas Within” by Vector, lyrics closely mirroring the early chapters of Romans discussing how despite faith, the ability to commit evil still lurks within us all.

Next song in the set is “Crazy Voice” by Oden Fong, an acknowledgment of and attack against the inner voices seeking to distract believers from drawing closer to Jesus. The set’s final song is “Thief in The Night” by legendary British rocker Cliff Richard, detailing in no uncertain terms Christ’s Second Coming.

The show’s third set looks at life’s darker shades, beginning with “Sevens” by The 77s detailing in aching detail a relationship gone awry. This is followed by Undercover‘s “Time,” confessing how even believers lament its passing.

Rounding out the set is The Choir‘s “The Woods,” lightening the mood with its celebration of friendship.

Starting the final set is Kerry Livgren of Kansas fame’s band AD with “We Draw the Line,” as the title suggests a song taking a stand against societally-endorsed sin. Next is Whiteheart‘s “Raging of The Moon,” discussing the very real phenomena of how misguided mental behavior often veering into madness takes place during the full moon. The set concludes with Adam Again‘s “All You Lucky People,” the late Gene Eugene’s somewhat cynical ode to his band’s audience enjoying itself royally in a dying world. The show ends as it begins with Five for Fighting, this time through offering a powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace.” You can listen to the show on-demand at its website, or subscribe to the podcast at Apple, Google, or iHeart.

We live in difficult times, times demanding honesty and wisdom. Christ is the Answer, true. However, He has no problem with us asking questions. Prayerfully the music and ministry in Cephas Hour‘s new episode will help point to the answers … and, of course, the Answer.