Meaning Behind the Music [part 1]

"The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything . . . that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for "In him we live and move and have our being." - Acts 17:24-28

For it's in Christ that we live, move, breathe, cry, sing, shout, dance, and worship. And it is because of His almighty power and grace that we are able to worship Him for all that He has done in our lives. That is what I want for our music to convey. The truth behind the worship. Why we worship. Over the past few weeks I've been attempting to write a few original songs that have been influenced some by old hymns, and others by what God is teaching me from day to day. Most of them have been songs that I've taken the music and put words to, and others I've composed both the music and the lyrics. For example, here's the first verse of one of my original songs entitled "He Paid It All":

He paid it all.

My sins He bore

Upon that cross,

Forever more.

He paid it all.

When I was lost

Undeserving,

He suffered the cost.

It's because of what Christ did for us 2000 years ago that still baffles me to stand in wonder and awe of how me, an unclean, unworthy sinner, could be washed clean by His sacrifice . It is because He lives inside us, that we can live for Him. Most of us take advantage and disregard this simple yet vital truth. We go about our lives not having the slightest conviction of our sin. We think good works will prove worthy in the end, but in reality, it's our steadfast faith and dedication to Christ that will count when the time comes. This is what I struggle with the most. How can we simply push to the side the simple truth of our salvation? How can we go about just living life in a dormant state, thinking that we are living as "good" Christians? Spread the light. Get uncomfortable. Engage in the battle with evil, don't fall into it's infinite traps. Stand strong through the fight. Stand strong, knowing that it is through Christ that we find our strength, not of our own might, but by His sacrifice. The redeeming grace of Jesus Christ. And that's where I intend to pick up in the next part of this post, describing the true meaning behind the music we sing.

I guess you'll have to wait awhile to actually hear the chorus and music to "He Paid It All", but I won't give it away till then. Just wanted to give you a little "preview", if you can call it that, of some of the upcoming songs and a look behind why we sing what we sing. I'll try to include something like that into every blog I put up on here. Thanks again for taking the time to read this new endeavor. Feel free to comment here and on our myspace page. We appreciate any suggestions or encouragement. Thanks, & God Bless.

IN Christ,

Tony Craig

[on stormy banks]
Ryan Lonis
Tony Craig

Beginnings

Hey this is Tony, and first off, I just wanted to give thanks to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His grace and goodness to all of us. For it was Christ, above all things, that inspired me to start recording and writing music in the first place. He just happened to bring peace into my life when I needed it the most, and it is Him alone who should continue to be our true influence. I chose the name "On Stormy Banks" because I feel like it illustrates the many times in our lives where everything simply falls down around our feet and we have no idea what to do next. I believe our music is meant to aid in the rescue of those who are there, and remind them how great our God is, and that with a little faith, devotion, and perseverance, we can see the sky again, and be renewed in Christ. I hope our music helps to encourage people to not only rise out of the ashes, but commit to placing their trust fully in Christ. I pray that you will be influenced in the same way I have, and that this music will attest to that very truth. Christ is Lord, and to Him be all the Glory!
Your Brother IN Christ,
Tony

Hey, it's Ryan, and back when I heard about this musical side project that my friend Tony was starting up, I thought to myself "Man, why couldn't I be a part of something like that?" And after a few months, Tony came to me and asked if I would be able to play piano and sing background vocals for his new project and I said, "No doubt bro. I definitely want to be a part of that." After playing piano for 12 years, this band allows me to play music that encourages me, and allows me to reach others instead of just playing for personal enjoyment. I would have to say that currently my favorite song we play is either "In the Secret" or "From the Inside Out" because both songs remind me how glorious God is and how much I yearn to feel his presence each and every day. My personal prayer is that this band will glorify God, encourage fellow believers, and help me personally to grow closer to God.
Your bro in Christ,
Ryan