Music is a powerful thing. It has the ability to affect people's attitudes, to alter their thinking and even influence their lifestyles. There is no shortage of musicians or bands--in fact, quite the opposite is true. 

 

What our nation needs is not another band. It doesn't need a new "Idol." What our nation needs are Christians that stand up for truth. In a world that confuses "love" with "tolerance," we need a voice in the darkness. Silverline exists to be a part of that voice. What began as three guys playing songs in a basement has transformed quickly into one of the most sought after bands in the country. 

 

When promoters and pastors seek out youth ministries that are not only relevant, but also willing and able to share the uncompromising Word of the Lord, Silverline is at the top of the list. After the success of their first independent release, Start to Believe, word spread throughout the music industry. 

 

Silverline released their third studio album, Lights Out, April 9 on DREAM Records to rave reviews and praise from media and radio. Lead singer Ryan Edberg wrote the debut radio single, "Lights Out" with Jonathan Steingard (Hawk Nelson), Chris Sernel and Ben Kasica (ex-Skillet)--the producer on the album.

 

The band delivers thought-provoking, anointed lyrics with passion. Silverline has had the privilege of sharing the stage with hundreds of well-known bands such as P.O.D., Hawk Nelson, Newsboys, Sanctus Real and Thousand Foot Krutch, among plenty of others. These professional achievements are important to the band as a door opener to ministry because Silverline isn't just happy with accomplishments validating their ability, but rather paving the way for opportunities to share the life changing Gospel of Christ. 

 

I had the opportunity to interview Ryan Edberg about the story behind the title track of the new album.

 

 

Our title track, "Lights Out," is a power anthem meant to encourage others. The message isn't just about one idea, but a combination of thoughts from me, Jonathan Steingard from Hawk Nelson, and Ben Kasica, our producer. Jonathan started the song by writing the guitar riff, and I started writing lyrics. The chorus says, "I want to wake and see the truth / Let's take the old and make it new / Cause it's lights out, lights out / The game is over."  

 

Sometimes as Christians, we play a lot of games, and we want to be perfect. We put on fronts for people, and this song talks about being who you are and real to people. The song also talks about forgetting about your past, and being bold as a Christian. From being out on road a lot, we talk to a lot of teenagers who don't think they're good enough to speak out for God as a Christian. We explain to them that they are absolutely right. There's nothing they can do to be good enough. It's all about what Jesus did for us. Christianity is the religion that says you don't have to be perfect to come to Christ. It's about God seeking us and responding to Him. 

 

Colossians 1:12: "Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light."

 

...1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."

 

…and Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

 

 

We try to prove ourselves to God time and time again. We need to receive the free gift of grace and new life from being born again. The meaning behind these lyrics simply talks about being renewed in our minds--remembering that each new day is a day to wake and live for Christ. 

 

"Lights Out" talks about closing the door on our past mistakes and focusing on what is ahead of us. Sometimes we just need that reminder to take the next step. You may have regrets, and know that you aren't good enough, but know that God wants you for who you are, in Christ Jesus. 

 

The Bible tells us "the just shall live by faith." I think that the opposite of faith is fear. If God wants us to live by faith, then the devil wants us to live in fear. If we are afraid, doubt and second-guess everything, then we aren't living in faith. We need to cling to the promise in the Bible: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

 

The devil puts doubts in our minds like, how are you going to pay for things and how are you going to be a missionary? God tells us we're wonderfully made and the devil tells us we're ugly. This song is about fighting back against fear, and instead listen to God and what He says to us. Don't give up. Don't quit. Don't ever listen to the enemy. 

 

Our band name is based on the idea of the definition of silver lining--the last hope when all hope is gone. That's the Christian walk. That's who we are on this earth, and that's who our band wants to be. Life is short and Jesus is coming back soon. We want to be the last hope in this hopeless world.

 

 

God wants to give us His grace and mercy. We need to fall down at His feet and pray. Believing the words of this song is a great way to work on the disciplines of self-examination and prayer. You can know Jesus personally. Reach out to Him and know with certainty: "perfect love casts out fear." 

 

I applaud Silverline for convicting me that my faith is not just for me and God, but needs to be expressed in outward appreciation for what God has done for me.

 

"Lights Out" is an uplifting, catchy and encouraging song. A great challenge in this song is to make these words your personal prayer: "I want to wake and see the truth, let's take the old and make it new." This song is also about celebrating the freedom we have in Christ when we are "born again."

 

Like Nicodemus, we must examine Jesus for ourselves; others cannot do it for us. Then, if we believe Jesus is who He says, we will want to speak up for Him. Paul talks about being a "new creation" in 2nd Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

 

Christians are brand new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives us new life and we are not the same anymore. We are new creations and we need to live under God's authority. Are you excited about God's hope inside of you? Have you humbled yourself and asked Jesus to make you a new creation? As we are challenged in the song, don't back down, don't give in. Stand up for what you believe, with conviction, and tell the enemy, "Lights out, lights out, I ain't the same, the game is over." Amen.

 

(You can watch the lyric video here.)