Inspire Church Worship ‘Like No Other’

Written by: Laura Chambers (August 10, 2017)

Imitations are everywhere. From the food we eat to the clothing we buy, you can find a cheap or counterfeit version of almost anything. Sometimes, you can be fooled into thinking a fake is the genuine article, but if you hold them up side by side, there’s often a way to tell which one is real and which one is not. In some cases, such as store brand cookies, the cheaper version can be comparable or even preferable to the original.

That couldn’t be further from the truth with Jesus. There is no acceptable substitute for the God of the universe, try as we might to fill in the holes with everything from pagan gods to more subtle idols in the form of items, titles, and people. There is nobody who compares to Him. Inspire Church Worship glorifies His name, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Like No Other god, person, or power known to man.

“No Eye Has Seen” declares that a new beginning has arrived and welcomes the accomplishment of God’s will. The chorus seems to change abruptly from addressing God to telling others about Jesus’ sacrifice, and back again. There are two versions of  “Now And Forever”, a live and a studio recording. The song promises that choosing God is not a decision we’re willing to take back. We shall bear His image and shine His love as long as we exist. “No One Like Our God” gives Christ’s coming and sacrifice as evidence that God is uniquely powerful and praiseworthy. A variation on the chorus ends the song, speaking to God directly after declaring that there is none like Him.

“Running After You” defines God in glowing terms and details the many ways He supports us. From leading us to quieting our terrors; from showering us with hope to sending His spirit to dwell in our hearts. We desire to emulate Christ, and so we follow where He goes, running all the way. “Trust In You” is where the album starts to improve, emphasizing God’s consistency and stability. Though we fall short, and everything else disappoints us, He will remain the same. His Word acts as a steadying influence in our turbulent lives. “All My Hope” notes that Jesus points us towards His sacrifice when we struggle, and it is in this that we can find confidence that our future will be wondrous. When we gave our lives to Him, we became inseparable by any outside force. The studio recording of “Now And Forever”, 29 seconds shorter than the live version, is unremarkable otherwise.

“We Rise” embarks on a quest to reclaim that which the enemy has taken away, casting aside the instruments of captivity with a new passion. By God’s grace and with His protection, we cannot lose territory; we were created for far better than we once aspired to. I don’t know if it’s actually a worship song per se, more of an anthem for the road ahead. “In Your Love” dives right in to the familiar re-telling of God sending His son to take our punishment, attributing it to His liberating, healing, compassionate love. The message is simply expressed with little embellishment, but manages not to fall flat. “Plateaus” ends the album with a short teaching on the transfiguration of Jesus, cautioning against becoming complacent and remaining where we are, rather than going to the next level God wants us to ascend to in His power. Maybe it’s time to head out, end something, begin something, or merely find something new in what you’re doing.

Of all of the tracks that comprise Like No Other, the message at the end will probably stay with you longer than most of the songs will, and perhaps that’s the point. Despite this, Inspire Church Worship continuously looks to the only One who can offer us anything of value.

3.4/5