Photo by david laws
Here Be Lions is a Nashville-based American band started in 2017 by pastor, worship leader, and songwriter Dustin Smith. Though grammatically incorrect in the English language, this three-word name is a literal translation of the Latin phrase “hic sunt leones”. Ancient explorers used this phrase to mark unknown and dangerous territories, warning others to avoid them. However, Here Be Lions uses it in the context of God’s Kingdom. Specifically, to advance the Kingdom of God in places unfamiliar to them.
They released two albums, including:
- Only A Holy God (2018)
- I Speak Jesus (2019)
- Still God, Still Good (2021)
In 2021, Charity Gayle covered and popularized their song I Speak Jesus. However, I’m reviewing the original version released by Here Be Lions in 2019.
Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Here-be-lions-i-speak-jesus-lyrics.
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?
Here Be Lions tells others about the holy name of Jesus, proclaiming Him as the source of internal peace, broken chains, fear, and healing.
While I personally believe that this song communicates spreading the Gospel (confirmed in Bridge), it has the potential to teach positive confession, that declaring through faith will cause things to happen. In this case, declaring things like peace, broken chains, and anxiety in Jesus’ name will make it so.
Score: 8/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
All the lyrics line up with Scripture.
[Verse 1]
Lines 1-3: Here Be Lions preaches Jesus to others (Matthew 28:18-20), including internal peace found in Him (John 14:27, John 16:29-33, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:14-15, and Colossians 3:15).
Line 4: Essentially repeats line 1.
[Verse 2]
Line 1: Repeats Verse 1, line 1.
Line 2: Here Be Lions won’t stop until addiction ceases.
Line 3: That is, hope and freedom found in Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 5:1-8, Romans 8:24-39, Romans 15:13, 1 Corinthians 15:54-58, and 1 Peter 1:3-6).
Line 4: Repeats Verse 1, line 4.
[Chorus]
Line 1: There is power in the name of Jesus (Mark 16:17, Luke 10:17, Acts 3:6, Acts 3:12-16, Acts 4:30, Romans 10:13, and Philippians 2:9-11).
Lines 2 and 3: This is so, because He is the Great Physician (Matthew 9:12, Mark 2:17, and Luke 5:31) who grants eternal life through faith (John 3:15-16, John 3:36, John 6:40, John 11:25-26, and 1 Timothy 1:15-16).
Line 4: See Verse 2, line 2.
Line 5: Jesus is the light that sends darkness away (Psalm 107:10-16, Luke 1:79, John 1:1-13, John 12:46, Ephesians 5:8, Colossians 1:13, and 1 Peter 2:9).
Line 6: This speaks of Christ’s judgment (Deuteronomy 4:21-24 and Hebrews 12:29).
Side Note: Its next iterations repeat this a second time.
[Verse 3]
Line 1: Repeats Verse 1, line 1.
Line 2: That is, for us to lean on Jesus instead of holding onto fear (Genesis 15:1, Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 34:4, Psalm 56:3-4, Psalm 94:19, Psalm 115:11, Psalm 118:6, Isaiah 35:4, Isaiah 41:10-13, Isaiah 43:1, Isaiah 54:4, John 14:25-27, Romans 8:15, Romans 8:38-39, 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 Peter 3:13-14, 1 Peter 5:6-7, and 1 John 4:18) and anxiety (Psalm 37:5, Psalm 55:22, Matthew 11:28-30, Philippians 4:6, and 1 Peter 5:7).
Line 3: Similar to Verse 2, line 2.
Line 4: Repeats Verse 1, line 4.
[Bridge]
Line 1: Equivalent of Jesus’ shouting it from the rooftops (Matthew 10:27).
Line 2: See Chorus, line 5.
Line 3: Here Be Lions wants their family saved.
Line 4: The name of Jesus is set apart from us (Mark 1:24, Luke 4:34, Acts 3:14, Acts 4:27-30, 1 John 2:20, Hebrews 7:26, and Revelation 4:8).
Line 5-12: Repeats lines 1-4.
[Verse 4]
Lines 1-4: Repeats Verse 1, lines 1-4.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Unbelievers will conclude that Christians are declaring Jesus over all sorts of things, that there’s power in His name, and that He “burns”. The jury’s out on whether this declaration is “forced faith” or merely telling others, much less this concept of “burning”.
Score: 6/10
4. What does this song glorify?
While it glorifies God that Here Be Lions spreads the good news about Jesus to others, its potential to teach positive confession somewhat mars it.
Score: 8/10
Closing Comments
Here Be Lions’ I Speak Jesus is good with a potential issue. While I conclude that they preach Jesus to others, alongside His benefits of internal peace, removed darkness, and courage, it could possibly teach positive confession, the questionable theology that invoking Jesus’ name causes Him to respond positively to us, especially new Christians and unbelievers.
This potential issue is prevalent throughout this song. Thus, I can only recommend it for corporate worship if the worship leader explains it beforehand.
Final Score: 8.5/10
Artist Info
Track: I Speak Jesus (listen to the song)
Artist: Here Be Lions
Album: I Speak Jesus
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 2019
Duration: 5:12
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Updates
07/12/2022 – I managed to forget Verse 3! Thanks to Brett Rocker for discovering my mistake.
Comments
Brett Rocker
Hey there! Love the review. But verse 3 is missing in the 2nd section, haha
I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over fear and all anxiety
To every soul held captive by depression
I speak Jesus
Vince Wright
Brett,
Thanks for letting me know! I updated my review.
-Vince Wright
Mary
Brett Rocker why are you laughing that’s a huge insult.
Brett Rocker
I just type/text like that. It’s definitely not an insult. I typically do that to diffuse any tension in the statement I’ve made, haha. I do this in real life, so I do it in text as well.
Celeste Ziegler
Jesus is the answer to all of the issues mentioned in this song. It’s not about positive confession. It’s about faith and believing the words of Christ.
Kelly Hickman
Such a Holy Spirit filled song!
Laura
Actually we need to speak the Word of God. We need to read our Bibles and have the engraved Word wrought in us, putting on the whe Armour of God ans speak HIS WORD just as Jesus did those 40 days. He didn’t speak Jesus.
Yvonne Eekhout
I agree with you Laura. When Jesus was tempted in the desert his words were “It is Written” I just have a strange check in my spirit about this song. Its almost as though its a Mantra being spoken. Yes I agree the Name of Jesus is High and lifted up but this song disturbs me
K.J.
This sing is being used in ways not found in scripture. The Bible verse ” Every knee will bow and confess Jesus as Lord to the Glory of the Father is also with this song taken out of context. The name of” Jesus ” as was a common name has no mysterious power attached to it. If it has then we would see the Apostles speaking the name Jesus everywhere and see everyone immediately bowing down. We would see the Apostles in Acts using the name Jesus and reclaiming Jerusalem for Jesus sake…didn’t happen. My pastor used it in his closing prayer Sunday speaking Jesus over our town, schools government etc as if something magical is suppose to happen. Jesus WORDS ARE SPIRIT AND LIFE. Jesus IS THE WORD.
One day at the great white throne judgement every knee will bow and confess Jesus Christ AS LORD.
Hopefully many will bow now before it’s too late.
THIS SONG IS PROMOTING KINGDOM NOW, DOMINIONISM, 7 MOUNTAIN MANDATE FALSE DOCTRINE. BE NOT IGNORANT OF THESE THINGS.
Dave
Wow. There has been a lot of debate over this song. Sometimes it is very possible to overthink things, and this is a great example. This conversation has gone well beyond what I feel is the original intent of the song. Maybe the best we can do at this point is to thoughtfully and with grace agree to disagree. I see merit in both sides of this conversation, but honestly, this is not a hill to fight on. Some are blessed and some not by this song. Maybe the best thing here is that Jesus is the center of this conversation. Blessings and best wishes to all.
Gordon Moore
It’s like voodoo
Steve Barhydt
Please elaborate as to how “It’s like voodoo”
Ruth C
I also have a definite hesitation in my spirit about this song. Jesus is my Lord and Savior, not an incantation. I would maybe consider it differently if I saw a Biblical example or trend of people “speaking Jesus” over things, as opposed to calling on His Name. Maybe to others it’s the same thing. To me, it seems like trying to invoke Jesus to get what we want, even good things, instead of seeking what His will is.
Steve Barhydt
Laura,
Please see my comments on Mar 31.2023 | 05:40 pm and Sep 03.2023 | 04:39 pm for an answer to your critique of this song.
I apologize in advance for how lengthy they are.
Bev Peters
Very true.
Bill Finch
Thanks for this review. My church introduced this song last week and repeated it this week. It made my wife and I both uncomfortable for exactly the reasons you state. It treads very closely to treating the name of Jesus as a magic word to invoke blessings and healing, rather than as the worship it should be as stated in Philippians 2:10. Our associate pastor made a passing mention after the song that Jesus’ name is to be praised And is not a “magic word”, but it was perfunctory and didn’t really address the theological issue.
Anita John
Agree with you completely. The lyrics of this song make me uncomfortable also as they come too close to making the name of Jesus a “magical” word. His name is high and lifted up; He is worthy of our worship. Something is not quite right with the song, “pretty” though it be.
Trent
I couldn’t agree more. My church has sang it a couple of times in Sunday Morning Worship, and I always am uncomfortable and don’t sing along. It comes across as New Age, using the word “Jesus” as an incantation to break strongholds. I question the theology behind the song.
Diane Court
Thank you (for agreeing with me?). Thank you Berean and Bill. My church has been bringing this in too, and it bothers me for the word of faith, declaration style. I stood against it today and await fallout, but thank you all for your insight and shared concern, which encourages me that I am not being a nit picker.
Kelly Hickman
Ridiculous. When I am needing a Word, I call out to Him saying Jesus. His name comforts. Absolutely not magic to me. I have a personal relationship with Him. I never go by my human feelings. I listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance and instruction.
This song tells everyone to know that the name above every name is Holy and there for us to call upon.
erin
Thank you so much for this! I sang this this evening at a Christian School intro night – for the reasons you mentioned, I felt pretty uneasy about it–especially with more and more people into the word of faith movement. It was helpful to see the positives of the song, as a believer – so thank you!
Daniel
Appreciate your page and your work but I must strongly disagree with you. While we are encouraged to call upon His name, Scripture never encourages us to speak the name of Jesus “over” anything ever. We are certainly encouraged to speak about Jesus TO or INTO others but, ultimately, it is because of Christ’s character that lives are changed, not because his name was invoked. The idea of even asking things “in His name” has less to do with the actual spoken name than acting as an emissary.
Just at face value in our current context, it would certainly seem this song is encouraging listeners to “just” speak the literal name of Jesus over their circumstances for things to change for the better. The temptation is to turn the Savior’s name into an mystical incantation for what I want. There is no requirement on my end. Repeating the name of God over and over could be seen as vain repetition at best, akin to mysticism at worse. Also, Christ serving my purpose is already a problematic condition in the church and can further deceives a casual listener.
Practically, few worship leaders will think through these issues, let alone address them. I have seen this song used as a launching pad for people in services to just say Jesus’ name repeatedly or for the pastor to literally speak His name repeatedly over a congregation. While there are some great points about the character of God, aren’t there much better songs that give a fuller picture? Or must we sing every trendy song because it makes me feel warm and fuzzy?
Vince Wright
Daniel,
Thank you for your comments!
It’s something that shouldn’t be taken literally! However, I can see that some people have done so.
I’ll pray about this one.
-Vince Wright
Anita John
Agree!
Donna
I’m just so tired of such self-centered so-called “worship” songs. Please, enough of worshipping ourselves! Just saying… 🙂
Stew
It literally speaks the name of Jesus 100 times or so and you’re convinced it’s about you? Interesting.
trent
Daniel, I couldn’t agree more.
Dave
I think there is a human tendency to over think things, and presume we are in control. That may be the case here. Jesus is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. His name evokes imagery that surpasses. He is what we long for and hope for. Forgive the reference, but this may be a case where we should just let it be. Come Lord Jesus…
K.J.
I’ve always heard when speaking the name of Jesus one must specify Jesus of Nazareth. Also when we pray aren’t we praying to the Father through His Son. JESUS CHRIST. I’ve just been introduced to this song a couple months ago. There were two things that crossed my mind and made me wonder. The first was after watching the Documentary THE FAMILY now on Netflix where the name of Jesus seemed to be used more as a mascot or code word. Those in that case using it was not the Body of Christ as we know and understand the Body of Christ as those baptized into His death and raised up together with Him. 2nd, it reminded me of the WOF , those like Benny Henn who seemed to bypass the Father and Son and it was exclusively all about the Holy Spirit. We know that whole crowd is not Christ or Cross centered. And it appears those who have this song woven into their worship service lean more towards Kingdom Now Theology…speaking Jesus name over all the sinful world and secular institutions as if that alone will change the course of what Gid has already told us what will happen re…. That evil will get worse and worse.
Scripture tells us the preaching of the Cross IS THE POWER OF GOD. So just singing those words yes is heart warming as the tune also is enduring, but until I see someone speak the name of Jesus over our ungodly schools and actually see evidence that some instant transformation has taken place, is no different than the WOF speaking healing or prosperity over someone without seeing instant results is leading people astray. I believe Jesus came to save individual souls. And speaking Jesus over someone will not save a soul . Preaching The Cross, where God the Father and the Holy Spirit are all working together is where the POWER IS.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING.
Vince Wright
K.J.,
Thank you for your comments!
I understand where you’re coming from. At the same time, I don’t think Jesus is used as a code word in this song. He is a person who does many wonderful things.
Also, I’m certain that ungodly schools are considered a stronghold and an enemy, which Here Be Lions sings, “Break every stronghold” and “Jesus in the darkness over every enemy”.
Finally, we should trust God with the results and not blame the song if Jesus doesn’t respond the way we want.
-Vince Wright
K.J.
Hi Vince,
Thank you for your reply. I find myself in agreement with Daniel and others. I know you replied not to take it to seriously . What I’ve observed over the last 40+ years is that false doctrine is sneaking into the Church through music. Kingdom Now Dominionism music. It should be taken very seriously. I know our emotions are all caught up in the words and music, however, that’s exactly how Satan gets in, ….through our emotions as well. A little here a little there. Positive confession. that is , making up our own words as if we have the power to speak into existence something we think is good. This makes us little God’s, just as the WOF, POSITIVE CONFESSION teaching comes from. No scripture says speaking Jesus over the unsaved world has power. It’s a nice thought but not grounded in scripture.
I’ll have to pass on this one. We need to break through strongholds powers and principalities in our own life being overcomers. We overcome the world. We also overcome false teachers and false doctrine. It’s simply false doctrine and misleading Christians. Kingdom Now teaching or songs is false doctrine. It’s an accursed Gospel.
Thank you for listening.
K.J.
K.J.
Vince, just to add one more thought. It simply did not pass the Berean Test. That is searching the Scriptures to see if what we are being fed is true. I have lived by this for over 40 years…..’If it didn’t grow that way, don’t eat it.’ And those who have been exercised to know and discern truth from false teaching, no matter how subtle comes to many of us at a great cost, that is , through the fellowship of His sufferings. God’s truth is wrought in us. It is eye opening to look up what ‘ wrought in’ means.
Especially today we need to have a keen ear to hear and filter out junk food in our spiritual diet. Kingdom Now Dominion WOF Positive confession is where those who are following Christian Nationalism is leading. This idea we can take back America for Jesus sake is not Biblical. We already see many of those of Jan 6th are of a different mindset . This song , however harmless it may sound plays into this. We can either try to save the sinking ship. Or get as many off as we can before it goes down.
I see nowhere, even in Acts where we do see miracles anything taught or showing this mindset. If it worked then, I don’t think any of the early Christians would have been killed. Paul never spoke this when he was in prison. Governments were evil then too. The Temple was destroyed at the hands of the Romans. Christians were killed even by their own. Stephen was stoned to death. He didn’t call down fire either.
Stay in the Word. And as it says in Joshua…don’t look to the right or the left….but straight ahead. And don’t run ahead of thd Lord. He leads ..we follow, not the other way around.
Thank you for listening.
God bless you all.
K.J.
Trent
Amen.
Trent
I agree completely.
Becky
Not asking to be a smart aleck, I just am wondering if I missed something here.
In the above comment it said “No scripture says speaking Jesus over the unsaved world has power.”
This immediately came to mind:
Philippians 2:10, King James Bible
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth”
??
K.J.
Becky, I believe you have taken that verse out of context. One day JUDGEMENT DAY every knee will bow and confess Jesus is Lord to the Glory of the Father. But we see no such supernatural power going on today that everyone who hears Jesus name will bow and confess Jesus as Lord.
SARAH JEAN PATTERSON SCHMITT
I love this song…..as someone who Jesus rescued from deep waters. I love this song. I am free !!!!
Linda
Sarah Thank you!! It’s not magic it’s faith in His name!!
Peggy Ehrhart
Agree 100% Vince
Dena Elwood
I totally get what you mean KJ.
In some ways it seems to me that some unschooled would be using Jesus Holy name rather on the same level as one would worldly magic… Like most WOF followers do
K.J.
Dena Yes, that is how the pastor used this song exactly. He ended the service saying:
I speak Jesus over schools
I speak Jrsus over government
I speak Jesus over our country……and so on.
No scripture supports such doctrine. But the baby Christians who are falling into this emerging church ecumenical mindset of a waterdowned gospel who somehow believes this is truth anointed by the Holy Spirit falls in line more with Kingdom Now Theology than the fact Christians are crucified to the world and the world to us.
If we truly believed and obeyed Colossians 3:1-4, we would have discernment to know this truth.
todaystreasures
I don’t know about the Kingdom Now theology but I get uneasy when this song is played bc it lacks reverence for the name of God. It isn’t always His will to change things. The crosses that we carry help us enter into the suffering’s of Christ in some small way. If we’re constantly declaring troubles to be gone, then how can we even begin to look more like Jesus? How can the Church reflect His character when every song declares that all trials must vanish? The very first form of worship in the Psalms wasn’t only songs of praise but also deep lament about prayers not being answered but choosing to trust either way. Modern worship misses so much of the beauty and depth of our faith… both in lyrics and style. It truly hurts my heart.
Dave
Agree with this qualified recommendation Vince. Speaking Jesus should be shorthand for sharing the good news of Jesus saving Grace and His power to free us and make us new. The idea of speaking Jesus name ‘over something’ does smack of superstition. Equally He really does sometimes powerfully free people from all the scenarios listed in the song. So, yes, a song to handle carefully and within the context of a wisely planned service, there’s something very direct and powerful about it. Good call. Talk soon!
Vince Wright
Dave,
Thank you for your feedback! Looking forward to talking again!
-Vince Wright
Bettina M.
Greetings to all 🙂 When i first heard this song, I also thought about the danger of using the name of Jesus as a magic “potion”, then for people to expect everything to turn out right in the snap of a finger… i also remember the passage in Luke 9:49-50, John replied, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name; and we tried to stop him because he does not follow along with us.” 50 But Jesus told him, “Do not stop him; for he who is not against you is for you.”
I appreciate your points and it also reminds me of my responsibility as a worship leader to preface in singing this song (and every other song) carefully and correctly. Praise God for He sees and knows my heart, and every heart who utters His holy Name; and i praise the Holy Spirit for He has the power to touch and convict our hearts and to renew our mindsets should there be anything wrong in us and in our motives. God’s will be done.
God bless you all.
Jacob Taylor
Okay. So. Longish post ahead, so fair warning.
I am a new Christian. After 50 years of atheism, substance abuse and mental illness I had a very personal and undeniable experience of Jesus Christ while stumbling down a sidewalk after overdosing on Fentanyl in an Ubër. I have been following Him as best I can for the past 70 days and I’m free from all mental illness and addiction. For various reasons beyond my control, I have also been homeless for the entire time; sleeping first outside one church then another, where I am now. Near a bus station, by some train tracks and surrounded by low bottom drug addicts and various otherdangerous and damaged people.
My day usually starts about 4:30 AM. I get still, spend a little time in the Bible, then roll up my mat and go boots on the ground. I rarely return before midnight. I spend my time searching for work, reaching out for a place in support of housing and, most importantly, interacting with the lost and hurting on the streets and in the homeless encampments in my city. I help people get into detox, find supportive housing, get critical documents and connect with ministries and social services. As I do this, I talked to them about my experience of God.
I have been listening to I speak Jesus in pretty heavy rotation for about 10 days now. I have also added more than a dozen new verses.
When I say “I speak Jesus” what I mean is “I call upon His name”. He is the one that I follow, trust and seek to emulate. I do not live my life by “what would Jesus do” but rather by “what would Jesus have ME do”. I also considered a shorthand form of prayer on behalf of those I encounter or consider from a distance. A way of saying, I see this and I know you see it, too. I cannot count the number of times that this practice has led directly to my being more conscious of His presence within me his will regarding specific others.
Lastly, it also serves fairly well as a kind of Icebreaker in conversations.
Do you speak any other languages?
No, I’m still struggling with English. But I have just begun to learn to speak Jesus.
Here are some additional verses:
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
OVER EVERY SERVANT ON THE STREET
TO ALL THE ONES IN BLUE AND FIRST RESPONDERS
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
OVER EVERY VICTIM OF ABUSE
TO EVERY LITTLE CHILD THAT’S BEEN NEGLECTED
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
TO EVERY SISTER LIVING IN DESPAIR
TO EVERY WOMAN THAT HAS BEEN EXPLOITED
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
TO EVERYONE THAT LIVES WITHOUT A HOME
THE ONES THAT STRUGGLE DAILY WITHOUT SHELTER
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
TO EVERY HOSTAGE, PRISONER AND SLAVE
SERVANT TO THE LUST THAT IS THEIR MASTER
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
CRYING OUT FOR MERCY AND RELIEF
WOUNDED IN THE BATTLE I’VE BEEN FIGHTING
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
OVER ALL THE CITY WHERE I LIVE
PRAYING FOR REPENTANCE AND REVIVAL
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
ASKING HIM TO CLEANSE ME OF MY SIN
LET THE FIRE START WITHIN MY SPIRIT
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
ASKING HIM TO MAKE ME UNASHAMED
LET ME SHARE THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
SACRIFICED FOR ME UPON THE CROSS
GIVING UP HIS LIFE TO BUY MY FREEDOM
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
THAT ETERNAL NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES
SAVIOR, BROTHER, KING AND TRUE COMPANION
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
OVER EVERY PERSON THAT I MEET
CARRYING THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
LET ME BE A SERVANT OF THE WORD
LET IT BE EMBEDDED IN MY SPIRIT
I SPEAK JESUS
I JUST WANT TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS
OVER EVERY HEART THAT’S GROWING COLD
LET THE ONE THAT’S HARDENED NOW BE SOFTENED
I SPEAK JESUS
*If nothing else, the spoken name of Jesus causes the one who hears it to immediately shift their thoughts to Him and whatever they may personally think about Him.
*********
Thanks to everyone if anyone who took the time to read this.
Jacob Taylor
jacobdylantaylor9@gmail.com
813-863-0244
Stew
Amen, brother. I feel you.
While I understand this song can be abused to where it is a magical incantation to some people, I don’t believe speaking Jesus’ name is a bad thing. I also don’t think speaking Jesus’ name over addiction, depression, anxiety, etc. Is unbiblical at all. As a matter of fact I think there are a lot of pharisaical comments here about a song encouraging people to pray in His name, sing in His name, proclaim His name, etc. If it’s a bad thing to declare His name more, I’m not sure I want your theology. Take the warning to not abuse Jesus’ name by using His name as a magic act, and shout this song loudly and boldly. He heals. He saves. He has authority over hearts, minds, souls, and demonic oppression. Praise God.
Deborah
Jacob, thank you for sharing these powerful additional verses. I love this song because I tend to try and understand situations so I can address it properly. But sometimes it just can’t be figured out. So speaking the name of Jesus acknowledges my dependence on Him and asks for divine intervention. There is power in Jesus’ name and speaking it reminds me that there are some things that should be changed by the work of my hands but there are other things that only God can can address. That’s not a magic wand it’s trusting God to work in my life in any way He chooses.
John B
Amen Jacob! Forget the legalism and the over thinking and just simply speak His holy name! And watch things and people change. God bless you for what you are doing – Jesus in the streets! I love your added verses. They show you have His heart. Keep on keeping on brother! You may be young in the Lord but you speak with good and Godly wisdom.
– Johnnie B. Pittsburgh
Gillean Dowey
Thank you Jacob for sharing. I love your words to the song. May our Lord be with you in your travels, grant you His peace, His Wisdom & His courage. All the best
Adorable
Thank you for sharing Jacob, it helped bring perspective to the song with less criticism to be the correct one. Experience makes so much more difference.
Stew
This was a great review. Thanks so much for taking the time, I have a Masters Degree in Theology, so intend towards over analyzing details and “truth” and missing the “Spirit.” I hate this about myself because I like me better and I think I honor God better when I balance truth with Spirit filled dependent humbled living.
Having said that, there is an abuse of Jesus’ name in the American church that this song COULD unintentionally or intentionally encourage. Jesus is a magic trick. Name it claim it, etc. And your review accurately addresses this potential problem.
Having said that, there’s another problem the American church faces. The failure to truly depend on Jesus. The failure to cry out His name every waking moment as He is our hope, our security, our salvation, our healer, etc. If people don’t wanna sing a song that “speaks the name of Jesus” about 100 times because their theology is too good, I don’t want that arrogant theology that misses life, healing, strongholds broken, evangelism undertaken, etc.
I love this song. It has ministered to me. Because I can never get enough of Jesus. I need Him greatly. And I need less of me, more of Him.
Vince Wright
Stew,
Thank you for your feedback!
-Vince Wright
Jesse
Thank you for your heart and this review.
In scripture, whenever there were abuses, there was teaching to bring things back to the right balance and perspective. Scripture interpreting scripture. Not doctrine and beliefs interpreting doctrine and beliefs. It’s so easy for us to throw everything out. The baby with the bath water and the bath tub to use a tired expression. Using the word of God and a time of teaching in all of our worship experiences is such a good practice. Thank you for encouraging this!
To reject a song because potentially a person could go off the rails or misinterpret the lyrics shows a lack of understanding of the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church, discipleship and the power of scripture to bring proper doctrine. I’ve seen several examples of this over the years. We claim Sola Scriptura but then use examples of abuses to refute something we disagree with. It makes me think that we are not as confident in God’s word as we say we are.
I know I have weaknesses and do not always understand or communicate perfect doctrine but hopefully this comment is helpful.
Steve Barhydt
I would like to offer my two cents on the seeming controversy that this song could make the name of Jesus somehow ‘magical’ or teach ‘positive confession’ (A false teaching made by the proponents of ‘Word Of Faith’ theology (WOF). Also known as the ‘Name it and Claim it’ teaching.)
Vince, in his review of the chorus, gives an excellent Scriptural backing for the concept of there being real power in the name of Jesus. Therefore, unlike my normal comments, I will not be giving a lot of scriptural support for my thoughts.
The issue, in my opinion, is the songwriter’s phrasing in the term, ‘I speak Jesus’
To me (and I believe that it is supported by the context of this song), to ‘speak Jesus’ is synonymous with ‘I pray in the Name of Jesus’ or simply, ‘in the Name of Jesus (insert something good here)’ This is 100 percent Biblical and, in no way, ‘magical’. It is the truth of the power that Jesus has given us as His followers. (Yes, I know that there are multiple reasons given in Scripture for prayers not being answered but that is not the discussion here.)
What I love about this song; and the reason that I don’t think the ‘magical’ or ‘positive confession’ accusation stands up; is what is being asked for by the songwriter. (Or, more accurately, what is NOT being asked for!)
There is no mention in this song of monetary gain, material gain, fame, etc. (These are hallmarks of WOF teachings). Everything in this song is for someone else.
• Peace in every heart and mind within the presence of God
• Hope and freedom over ‘dark addiction’
• Relief over fear and anxiety by those in depression
• Even in the bridge, he prays for his family, nothing for himself.
I just don’t see ‘positive confession’ in these words. I see faith in Jesus.
A personal story to illustrate why the name of ‘Jesus’ alone is sufficient to have God move on our behalf.
I live in Northern Indiana and, three weeks ago today (3/30/2023), we had a rather bad winter storm come through the area.
There was a mixture of about 6 inches snow, sleet, slush, and ice.
I was driving home from work very slowly (20 MPH at best) down a country road when my car started to slide around.
I corrected the slide a couple of times but, eventually, the back end of my car was coming around and there was nothing that I could do to prevent it. I was blocking both lanes of traffic at about a 45 degree (and growing) angle. Thank God that nothing was coming.
In that moment, I could have prayed…
‘Most Holy Heavenly Father, maker of heaven and earth, sovereign God, sustainer of my life. I beseech You in the Name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace, to look down on me in my moment of need and assist me, send Your angels to rescue me and lead me safely home. This I pray. Amen!’
Instead, I said ‘Jesus’. One word. One word only. I ‘spoke Jesus!’
Instantly, the back end of the car stopped sliding, the car returned to my lane, and I was able to drive safely home. (Albeit a little slower yet. I may have faith but I’m not presumptuous 😊)
Inherent in my spoken word of ‘Jesus’ was the prayer above. God knew what I needed, knew my heart, and answered my prayer simply by me ‘speaking Jesus’
Praise His name!
When we ‘speak Jesus’ over the situations and problems of life, God already knows! We are merely following Jesus’ own directions to pray in His name.
Vince, as to the phrase in the chorus ‘Burn like a fire’. I don’t really see unbelievers thinking that this means “Jesus ‘burns’”.
The same night as my answered prayer, when I finally did get home our power was out (it stayed out until about 1 AM on Saturday.)
We lit a candle in the kitchen, one in the bathroom, and a couple in the living room. Those candles were sufficient to bring light to nearly the whole house. Four little candles ‘burning like a fire’ ‘shown through the shadows’ of a night without electricity.
If you have ever been out in the woods at night, it is amazing how far a small campfire can be seen.
I believe that this is what the chorus means when it says that His name can ‘Shine through the shadows, Burn like a fire’
An unbeliever would have to ignore the line immediately above ‘Burn like a fire’ to get a different interpretation.
In summary, I love this song.
• It gives glory to Jesus by calling us to rely on Him for things that nothing else can truly provide.
• It reminds us that, even in the darkest situations that we find ourselves, His name can shine light helping us find our way.
• It encourages us to take Jesus with us into every place and every circumstance (‘Shout Jesus from the mountains and Jesus in the streets’)
K.J.
“His name can shine light helping us find our way.
• It encourages us to take Jesus with us into every place and every circumstance (‘Shout Jesus from the mountains and Jesus in the streets’)”
David said in the Psalms, YOUR WORD is a light unto our path.
Here’s the problem I see. Many seem to think just saying Jesus can replace being grounded in the WORD OF GOD. I am seeing many false teachers and false doctrines teaching that just saying the name Jesus magically delivers you from this or that. Maybe in some cases we can call out to Jesus for help, but more often than not when we are in spiritual warfare we need to know the Word of God to overcome the enemy. Jesus was that example of those 50 days of testing. He didn’t call out His own name or even the many names of God the Father….He used the Word of God to fight the enemy.
Today, not many are steeped in the Word of God. And because of this have no weapons of warfare.
We need discernment today and that comes by knowing God’s Word. Not taking the lazy way out and romanticising a song that’s not anything more than emotionalism.
I loved the song SMALL WORLD from a Disney Land ride and couldn’t get it out of my head for weeks. Interestingly enough many others made that same claim. Maybe this song too has that captivating tune that appeals to our flesh. However my Spirit is captivated by THE WORD OF GOD. And the Holy Spirit only empowers THE WORD OF GOD.
It just doesn’t pass the Berean Test, no matter how hard you try.
Steve Barhydt
First of all, I believe that you are creating a false dichotomy that it is either the ‘WORD OF GOD’ (emphasis to mirror yours) or speaking the Name of Jesus.
This is a song about the power in the Name of Jesus and using His name to heal the sick, break addictions, spread the Gospel, etc. All of these are Biblically supported as Vince points out in his excellent review.
The song does not take away from the tremendous power that is in the Written Word of God, it simply does not address it.
Vince typically does not penalize a song because of what it does not contain. Nor should he! Songs are a short ‘synopsis’ of a specific topic (In this case 252 words if you include all of the choruses).
Secondly, while I agree that the Written Word is of vital importance, we do NOT worship the Bible. We worship the God who wrote the Bible. The Bible is not God. Jesus, however, is God.
In the very beginning of the Gospel of John, we are told that Jesus IS the Word
John 1:1-5 (KJV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Quoting from David Guzik’s wonderful commentary https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/john/john-1.cfm?a=998001
***************************Begin Quote**********************
In the beginning was the Word: Word translates the ancient Greek word Logos. The idea of the logos had deep and rich roots in both Jewish and Greek thinking.
i. Jewish rabbis often referred to God (especially in His more personal aspects) in terms of His word. They spoke of God Himself as “the word of God.” For example, ancient Hebrew editions of the Old Testament change Exodus 19:17 (Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God) to “Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet the word of God.” In the mind of the ancient Jews, the phrase “the word of God” could be used to refer to God Himself.
ii. The Greek philosophers saw the logos as the power that puts sense into the world, making the world orderly instead of chaotic. The logos was the power that set the world in perfect order and kept it going in perfect order. They saw the logos as the “Ultimate Reason” that controlled all things. (Dods, Morris, Barclay, Bruce, and others)
iii. Therefore in this opening John said to both Jews and Greeks: “For centuries you’ve been talking, thinking, and writing about the Word (the logos). Now I will tell you who He is.” John met both Jews and Greeks where they were at, and explained Jesus in terms they already understood.
iv. “John was using a term which, with various shades of meaning, was in common use everywhere. He could reckon on all men catching his essential meaning.” (Morris)
v. “The word being thus already in use and aiding thoughtful men in their efforts to conceive God’s connection with the world, John takes it and uses us to denote the Revealer of the incomprehensible and invisible God.” (Dods)
c. And the Word was with God, and the Word was God: With this brilliant statement, John 1:1 sets forth one of the most basic foundations of our faith — the Trinity. We can follow John’s logic:
There is a Being known as the Word.
This Being is God, because He is eternal (In the beginning).
This Being is God, because He is plainly called God (the Word was God).
At the same time, this Being does not encompass all that God is. God the Father is a distinct Person from the Word (the Word was with God).
i. So, the Father and the Son (the Son is known here as the Word) are equally God, yet distinct in their Person. The Father is not the Son, and the Son is not the Father. Yet they are equally God, with God the Holy Spirit making one God in three Persons.
ii. The Word was with God: “This preposition implies intercourse and therefore separate personality. As Chrysostom says: ‘Not in God but with God, as person with person, eternally.’” (Dods)
iii. And the Word was God: “This is the true form of the sentence; not ‘God was the Word.’ This is absolutely required by the usage of the Greek language.” (Alford)
iv. “Luther says ‘the Word was God’ is against Arius: ‘the Word was with God’ against Sabellius.” (Dods)
v. And the Word was God: “Everything that can be said about God the Father can be said about God the Son. In Jesus dwells all the wisdom, glory, power, love, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth of the Father. In Him, God the Father is known.” (Boice)
***************************End Quote**********************
Jesus was the Word long before the written Word (i.e., The Bible) came into existence. Without Him (along with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit of course), the Bible (if It had been written at all) would just be another collection of books without any more power than the Koran or an old math textbook.
The Bible is the Word ‘OF GOD’. Jesus is God. Therefore, the Bible is Jesus’ Word. Therefore, the Bible is ‘less important’ than Jesus. No, I did not say that the Bible was unimportant! You can know the Bible from Genesis to maps, but if you don’t know Jesus (and have accepted His sacrifice on the Cross), you’re just an educated sinner destined for Hell.
Finally, you wrote “I loved the song SMALL WORLD from a Disney Land ride and couldn’t get it out of my head for weeks. Interestingly enough many others made that same claim. Maybe this song too has that captivating tune that appeals to our flesh. However my Spirit is captivated by THE WORD OF GOD. And the Holy Spirit only empowers THE WORD OF GOD.”
The fact that a song can get ‘stuck’ in your head does not negate the truth in the lyrics. To say that ‘this song too has that captivating tune that appeals to our flesh’ is begging the question of the Biblical legitimacy of this song by assuming that it is ‘the flesh’ that is being ‘appealed to’ and not ‘the spirit’.
You follow that thought with ‘However my Spirit is captivated by THE WORD OF GOD’. No insult intended but you stop short of what our real goal should be, namely bettering our relationship with the God of the ‘Word of God’.
Psalm 42:1-2 (Amplified)
1 As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks,
So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God.
2 My soul (my life, my inner self) thirsts for God, for the living God.
When will I come and see the face of God?
Philippians 3:7-10
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Yes, I could quote many scriptures as well that show the Bible’s importance in our lives but, at the end of the discussion, the ultimate purpose of the Bible is to lead us to God.
https://carm.org/about-the-bible/what-is-the-purpose-and-message-of-the-bible/
***********************Begin Quote***********************
The purpose and message of the Bible (Greek biblia) is to reveal who God is, his will for mankind, and to document the prophecies about, the arrival of, and ministry of Jesus. Overall, the Bible is a history book, divided into Old and New Testaments, that conveys the account of God’s work from the beginning of creation in Genesis to the end of the world in Revelation. Though it is comprised of 66 books, it has a unified message throughout. Jesus said in John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me.”
So, we can say that the focus of the Bible is about Jesus since he said that the entire Scriptures bear witness of who he is. In fact, the Scriptures tell us that he is God in flesh (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9). Jesus bore our sins in his body on the cross (1 Timothy 2:24). He died and rose from the dead (1Corinthians 15:1-4). Therefore, it can be said that the history of the Bible is the background that supports and testifies to who Jesus is and what he did.
********************End Quote*****************
You go on to say ‘And the Holy Spirit only empowers THE WORD OF GOD.’
This is, quite simply, just not true. The only thing that the Holy Spirit INSPIRED was the Word of God, but He can empower whatever He choose to.
Empowering, as a verb, has two meaning…
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/empower
1) to encourage and support the ability to do something:
2) to give legal authority for something:
The Holy Spirit can empower…
Us to boldly proclaim the gospel – Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Us to pray when we do not know how – Romans 8:26 (NKJV)
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Us to appreciate the mystery of the gospel – Ephesians 3:16-19 (NKJV)
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—
19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Us to deny our flesh and live rightly – Romans 8:10-11 (NKJV)
10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Us to abound in hope and be filled with joy and peace. – Romans 15:13 (NKJV)
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
A donkey to speak – Numbers 22:28-31
28 Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”
29 And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have [e]abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!”
30 So the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever [f]disposed to do this to you?”
And he said, “No.”
31 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.
In Summary,
Your entire argument against this song is flawed because it has nothing to do with this song.
I grant you Jesus used the Word of God to defeat Satan during His temptation (which, by the way, was 40 days not 50). However, since Jesus is God, and the Scriptures are ‘God Breathed’ (2 Timothy 3:16-17), then Jesus was, in reality, quoting Himself, therefore showing the power of His own words and giving us an example to do likewise.
I grant you the truth that ‘not many are steeped in the Word of God’. What does that have to do with the Biblical legitimacy of this song?
I grant you that ‘We need discernment today and that comes by knowing God’s Word’. However, you again beg the question by assuming that we are ‘taking the lazy way out and romanticising (sic) a song that’s not anything more than emotionalism’. I have said many times on this website that hyper-intellectualism can take you to Hell just as quick, if not quicker, than hyper-emotionalism. Again, what does that have to do with this song ‘passing the Berean Test’?
In your comment to Jason Henry, you say ‘If perhaps one actually experienced the firey (sic) trials that we are put through, one would know that during that time the ENGRAFTED WORD OF GOD IS WROUGHT IN US….not words of a song.’
Maybe ‘the words of a song’ have no value for you but I have experienced many a fiery trial in my life (the loss of a house due to fire without any insurance, prostate cancer surgery and 7 weeks of radiation treatment; to name a couple of them). I can honestly say that there are a handful of songs (Biblically based of course) that helped to strengthen my faith and get me through those times.
Music is a powerful tool that the Holy Spirit can use (empower if you will)
Psalms 40:1-5 (ESV) Note that ‘Many will see and put their trust in the Lord’ is directly tied to the ‘new song’ put in the Psalmist mouth.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!
Psalms 57:1-11 (ESV) Note that is the midst of his ‘storms’ then Psalmist breaks out into song and his heart is made steadfast.
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.
2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!
4 My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts– the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
6 They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!
8 Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
Col. 3:16 (NASB95) Note that we teach and admonish each other WITH music.
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
I will reiterate what I said in my other comment,
To me (and I believe that it is supported by the context of this song), to ‘speak Jesus’ is synonymous with ‘I pray in the Name of Jesus’ or simply, ‘in the Name of Jesus (insert something good here)’ This is 100 percent Biblical and, in no way, ‘magical’. It is the truth of the power that Jesus has given us as His followers.
This does not take away from the importance Word of God it merely emphasis a truth continued in the Word of God, that there is power in Jesus’ Name.
Chrysta Stuckless
I agree with your take on the song. There are times where I don’t know exactly how to pray over such a complex situation as in our schools or our government. But I just speak Jesus name and God knows all the ins and outs of the situation. It’s also like when someone comes for pray for someone else, I don’t need to know the whole story because God knows what is needed.
I agree that “speak Jesus “ is short for I pray Jesus. Like the scripture that says “He’s as close as the mention of His name.”
A fond memory of my childhood in my Grandmother rest on the couch and I would hear her call on Jesus. Just His name. Now I believe she was praying, probably for us grandkids.
Dave
Sort of like “I can’t, but I know a guy … (who can)”?
Jason Henry
You seem not to favor the line “shine through the shadows, burn like a fire,” but God is represented with fire imagery frequently in Scripture. He appears to Moses in a burning bush, Hebrews 12 calls him a consuming fire, the Holy Spirit appears as tongues of flame at Pentecost, and Jesus’ eyes are flames of fire in Revelation 2 & 19. The idea of God burning things with fire in Scripture seems to be connected to either his wrath, his jealousy for his people, or his refining of his people through trials. In this song, it seems more like it’s just connected to the nature of fire and light. Fires burn brightly, banishing shadows.
K.J.
The WORD OF GOD helps us find our way. Unfortunately not many are grounded in the WORD OF GOD and are now using song lyrics as their spirit guide.
If perhaps one actually experienced the firey trials that we are put through, one would know that during that time the ENGRAFTED WORD OF GOD IS WROUGHT IN US….not words of a song.
We put our faith in the Power of God.
The Word of God has been TRIED BY FIRE 7 TIMES.
The song has not.
Kristyn Jameson
Well, I think the song is certainly controversial. My perspective on this song is that it is dangerous. While I agree with many of the people above, I won’t go into repeating all the same things, but I’d like to bring up something that I don’t think anyone else has addressed:
When we first sang this song in my church, I spoke to a very godly person about my concerns and they said they didn’t have a problem with the song. As the Berean test said above, if you take this to mean speaking the gospel, then all the lines are technically Biblical. And I agree that a believer with strong theology rooted in the Word can sing this song and have it reinforce their Biblical beliefs. However, I also believe that those who have fallen into the false teaching of positive confession and the Word of Faith movement can sing this song and have it reinforce their false beliefs also. And that’s why I believe it’s dangerous: instead of fighting against these false teachings seeping into our churches, this song validates them.
Vince Wright
Kristyn,
Thank you for your comments! It sounds to me that you’re saying that interpretation of these lyrics depend on someone’s prior theological background. If they believe in the Gospel, then it will be fine. However, if someone believes in the false teaching of positive confession and the Word of Faith movement, then it will validate their belief. My concern with this review is more along the lines of “does it teach the the false teaching of positive confession and the Word of Faith movement?” I don’t think it teaches it, so I can’t judge this song based on how folks with false beliefs decide to use it. However, I understand your concern.
-Vince Wright
Gordon Moore
You have always been my go-to source for songs about which I have questions. To me, this song sounds like Voodoo. Here is another opinion from Pen and Pulpit:
Last Sunday, I attended a worship service at a Southern Baptist Church where I Speak Jesus by Charity Gayle was performed by the worship team. I had never heard of the song or the artist but the title of the song itself made me wary. “This sounds Pentecostal or Word-Faith,” I thought to myself as the praise band began to perform the song. The lyrics to the song affirmed my suspicion. When I returned home I researched Gayle and discovered that, not only is she charismatic, but has roots in the heretical, non-trinitarian Oneness Pentecostal movement. Though she has made the song popular, Gayle is not the author of I Speak Jesus. The song was written by the music collective Here be Lions. This group, too, is overtly Pentecostal and even claims, as part of its mission, to write songs specifically for the purposes of healing listeners. To my knowledge, no one was miraculously healed during last Sunday’s worship service. No one in the room was likely aware of the rank heresy to which Gayle is linked or that the authors of I Speak Jesus claim that singing their songs can heal people. Many likely failed to make the connection between the song’s lyrics and the superstitious and biblically unfounded tenets of the Pentecostal movement. Nevertheless, the connection is there. Understanding the lyrics of I Speak Jesus in their Pentecostal context should make orthodox believers flat out unwilling to include the song in their worship services. Let’s examine them:
I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over every heart and every mind
‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence
I speak Jesus
I just want to speak the name of Jesus
‘Til every dark addiction starts to break
Declaring there is hope and there is freedom
I speak Jesus
‘Cause Your Name is power
Your Name is healing
Your Name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like a fire
I just want to speak the Name of Jesus
Over fear and all anxiety
To every soul held captive by depression
I speak Jesus
Your Name is power
Your Name is healing
Your Name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like the fire
Shout Jesus from the mountains
Jesus in the street
Jesus in the darkness over every enemy
Jesus for my family
I speak the Holy Name
‘Jesus’
Shout Jesus from the mountains
Jesus in the street
Jesus in the darkness over every enemy
Jesus for my family
I speak the Holy Name
‘Jesus’
Shout Jesus from the mountains
And Jesus in the street
Jesus in the darkness over every enemy
Jesus for my family
I speak the Holy Name
‘Jesus’
Your Name is power
Your Name is healing
Your Name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like a fire
Your Name is power
Your Name is healing
Your Name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like a fire
I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over every heart and every mind
‘Cause I know there is peace within His presence
I speak Jesus
Jesus was so-named because He was to be a savior of His people. His name literally means “Yahweh saves.” It is a name with which his fellow first-century Jews would have been familiar. It was shared by Moses’ successor Joshua, one of the heroes of the Old Testament, and was a very common name at the time. Like Joshua of the Old Testament, Jesus was a savior of his people. However, instead of leading them out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land through military victories, Jesus saved His people from their sins by dying on the cross. Jesus’s name is very significant but it is not, as the song asserts “power, healing, and life.” The Bible does teach that all power is given to Jesus. The Bible does teach that He is the way, the truth, and the life. However, nowhere in scripture is it proclaimed that simply speaking Christ’s name will result in power, life, or miraculous healings. For years, Pentecostals have falsely applied Isaiah 53:5 to claim that physical healing is provided for in the atonement. I Speak Jesus builds upon this false claim by asserting that Jesus’ name is “healing”. The Bible simply does not say that.
In addition to making misleading extrabiblical claims about the name of Christ, I Speak Jesus engages in the superstitious Pentecostal practice of speaking words “over” things to break strongholds”. In Pentecostal thought, “strongholds” are thought to be areas of sin or illness in believer’s life in which a demonic power or principality has been given a foothold. Demonic powers and principalities (which can be geographic or even relate to specific maladies) must therefore be overthrown to break these strongholds. However, there is nothing biblical about this belief. It stems from a faulty application of 2 Corinthians 10, which is truly about using spiritual wisdom to refute false ideas. While the song sounds nice, even exciting, shouting “Jesus” at our problems as if it were the magic incantation “abracadabra” isn’t a biblical practice. The truth is, we often cannot, in our weakness, even formulate the words we need to pray. The Apostle Paul teaches in Romans 8 that when we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit (not Jesus but sent to us by Jesus) intercedes for us with “groanings too deep for words.” This is a great comfort. However, spiritual truths like it are not taught by I Speak Jesus. Learning and proclaiming biblical truth is replaced by chanting an anthem.