Known for their captivating recordings and live shows, Toledo, Ohio-based Sanctus Real is committed to living out their faith as "real" Christians, not only on stage and when interacting with fans but also in the quieter moments of their lives as husbands, fathers, and fellow believers. The band creates authentic, compelling music that reflects the meaning of their name: to be holy (Latin meaning of "Sanctus").
Dustin Lolli took over as the band's lead singer, replacing Matt Hammitt. I had the chance to speak with Dustin Lolli about their catchy and inspiring new single, “The Difference.” Their recent hits include "Confidence," "Unstoppable God," and "Lazarus" from their album Unstoppable God. They also released new singles, including "My God Is Still the Same," "Rebel," “Dare to Hope," and "All Along," from their album All Along. The band’s music is known for its energy and infectious enthusiasm. Their songs also deliver celebratory messages of faith. Every song they've released recently testifies to the grace and love of Jesus Christ, showcasing their creative musical expression. Honestly, I can't help but worship loudly in spirit and truth.
Could you please share the personal story behind this song?
“The Difference” is a song that conveys hope and transformation through faith in Jesus. It is inspired by the observation that hope is fading within the church, and we aim to deliver a message of lasting hope found in Jesus. Believing in Jesus brings about profound, lasting change both within and around us. He is the trustworthy source of enduring change and offers a hope that exceeds earthly struggles. As we travel to churches nationwide, we've seen that many congregations are filled with people feeling down and sad. When you commit to Jesus, He doesn’t just give you hope; He becomes your hope. God loves everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Many see grace as impossible because it cannot be earned.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV): But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
1 John 3:1 (NLT): "See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don't recognize that we are God's children because they don't know Him."
Philippians 4:6 (VOICE): "Don't be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come."
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV): "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:28 (VOICE): "We are confident that God can orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."
James 4:14 (NKJV): "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV): “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
1 John 4:18-19 (NKJV): "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. We love because He first loved us."
What is the takeaway message?
"The Difference" is a statement of faith affirming that Jesus is the reason behind a person's transformation from being "lost” to “found." "You are the difference" directly affirms the transformative power of faith in Jesus. God's love for you and me remains constant, regardless of circumstances. This concept of overwhelming grace is unearned; our actions might suggest we think we can earn God’s grace, but that's not the truth. We sometimes elevate others or ourselves on different days, yet we are loved unconditionally. This serves as a reminder that as Christians, we need not fear because we serve an unchanging God. His goodness is evident in every situation—whether we're amidst storms, under attack, in valleys, or celebrating victories.
Lyrics
There's only one difference Between who I was and who I am There's only one way I Could ever explain why I'm new again This prodigal has found a home And knows a love it's never known There's only one difference Between who I was and who I am
You are the difference You are the change You are the reason I'm not the same From lost to found From then to now If they see something different Oh, You are the difference
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah You are the difference Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah
If I show any love It's only because You first loved me If I show any kindness It's only Your Kindness That they see You made this heart To look like Yours Now I'm not who I was before If I show any love It's only because You first loved me
You are the difference You are the change You are the reason I'm not the same From lost to found From then to now If they see something different Oh, You are the difference
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah You are the difference Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah
It's Your fire In my bones It's your breath Inside my lungs It's your arms That don't let go It's You, Jesus It's Your fire In my bones It's your breath Inside my lungs It's your arms That don't let go It's You, Jesus
You are the difference You are the change You are the reason I'm not the same From lost to found From then to now If they see something different Oh, You are the difference You are the change You are the reason I'm not the same From lost to found From then to now If they see something different Oh, You are the difference
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah You are the difference Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah
Closing Thoughts
This song encourages us to surrender all our worries, anxieties, and stress to God, trusting Him to guide us. God desires to walk with us and urges us to be brave and fearless. "The Difference" acts as a daily prayer, asking God to transform our hearts and lives so that our actions and way of living reflect His presence within us. Only Jesus can define who we are. It's a powerful reminder that God never abandons us; He’s all we truly need.
Our behavior and lifestyle should reflect our connection to God, as we live among His followers. Only Jesus can define our identity. This beautifully demonstrates what it means to accept that God never abandons us. He's all we need. I sing this song to God wholeheartedly—spirit, mind, and all my strength. It’s about surrendering all worries, anxieties, and stress to God and letting Him lead us. God desires to walk alongside us, encouraging us to be bold and unafraid.
True beauty becomes visible only when you fully surrender to God. This inspiring message is part of “The Difference,” which shares a testimony of submitting to the Lord, encouraging us to reflect on our personal struggles. Our weaknesses should not be hidden; instead, they showcase God's grace and strength more clearly. I have learned that, through being cleansed by the water of the Word, I am empowered by the truth that fear, worry, and anxiety are not part of God's plan for our lives.
Jesus encourages us to trust Him fully. Doing so removes fear because His love is deep and personal, filling our hearts. Sometimes, it's hard to believe in God's vast love for us, knowing us intimately and wanting to fill us with love. The enemy often attacks our minds, but singing this song helps us surrender to Him and renew our commitment to God and ourselves. God's Word reminds us to believe His truth about us, no matter how we feel.
As followers of Jesus, we fully trust God's Word. I recognize that Jesus urges us to depend on it, regardless of our circumstances. Many people struggle to apply God's Word in their daily routines. If we learn to build our lives on scripture, it provides us with a strong foundation to handle life's challenges.
Thanks to Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, He sees us as righteous. God views us through the lens of His Son, not based on our righteousness, appearance, talents, or gifts. It’s all because of Jesus.
We have no secrets about our weaknesses. Our weaknesses highlight God's grace and strength perfectly. Entry to heaven isn't earned; Jesus has already paid the price. His mercy and grace are renewed each day, regardless of our actions or efforts for God. He continues to pour out His mercy despite our past.
If you've placed all your hope and trust in Jesus, nothing can separate you from His love. God sees us just as He sees His Son, transforming something out of nothing in each of us. This gives us reason to celebrate and declare: “You are the change / You are the reason / I'm not the same / From lost to found / From then to now / If they see something different, Oh, You are the difference.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a passionate enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He believes that the message of Christian music has led him to a deeper understanding of Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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