The Neverclaim ‘Encounter: A Live Worship Experience’

Written by: Laura Chambers (9/27/2016)

Life can be a frustrating series of false starts, missed opportunities and deferred dreams. Invariably, while waiting for our own moments to arrive, we’ll gravitate towards the stories of others whose success we admire and lives we wish to emulate. As they bare their hearts, we become encouraged by their struggles, so similar to ours, and gain a fragile thread of hope that we, too, might climb up out of the depths of the valley to see the sun rise over the mountain top.

Of all the tales that have ever been told in this vein, many of them include one or a series of chance meetings that ultimately lead to the breakthrough. And while there’s no denying encounters with other people play a pivotal role in our stories, those with the most lasting impact on individuals and those around them are the ones we have with Christ. It’s for this reason that The Neverclaim highlights our appointments with Jesus and their long term impact on our destinies in Encounter: A Live Worship Experience.

“Our God Wins” accepts that there will be struggle in life, but we’re not fighting alone. Even better, we (and Satan – why do you think he’s fighting so hard? To take as many down as he can.)  already know the ending of the story; God is victorious. We need only to hold on to Jesus, trusting in and drawing on His power throughout our trials in order to defeat them. “Testimony” encourages us to testify to Jesus’ power in our lives, rather than our own views on various subjects. We can most effectively share His grace with a needy world when our message is unpolluted by our own prejudices or desires. His blood is the sole source of our strength. With earnest lyrics, “Through Christ” is written from lead singer Jeremiah Carlson’s personal experience with lies, self-doubt and despair. Well acquainted with the questions every one of us has asked at one time or another, this song assures us that our lives are not defined by what others have done to us, but by what God has done for us. He has adopted us and completed the transaction to redeem us.  Nobody can destroy or define us because He is on our side, fighting for us. That’s certainly worth a victory cheer. I guarantee you that somebody in your life needs to hear this message. (Probably even you.)

“Encounter” portrays a latent dissatisfaction with anything less than the powerful presence of God. Once this occurs, we will be completely destroyed in the sense that everything else seems inadequate. When He shows up, He brings a new wave of enthusiasm for His kingdom and holiness. The Neverclaim certainly doesn’t want for passion here. “Where You Are” takes a breather, tempo-wise, but does not spare the fervor. Anywhere Jesus is, amazing miracles happen in the lives of those who wait upon Him. The song calls God’s spirit to be with us and manifest in ways that leave us secure and whole. “Breathe” takes a musical step backward, revisiting a once-popular song and giving it fresh life. As I wasn’t raised going to church, I didn’t think I’d recognize it, but oddly enough, I do. It was one of the songs we sung it at high school Bible study most often. (The other was “Trading My Sorrows” – funny how that works) God’s presence should be as necessary to us as air; His word should be as essential for nourishment as our meals. It’s a simple song, but you don’t need lots of words to convey your desire for Him.

“Man Of Sorrows (Jesus Our Victory)” packs a dose of musical punch into the classic hymn, celebrating the beauty of freedom bought by His suffering on our behalf. It is truly a gift worth rejoicing in. We sing the original at our church, and I have to say, both have their merits; the original builds in power with each verse, while this one carries the same level of energy throughout. “Rules And Reigns” declares God’s sovereignty over everything, dispelling our fears that anything could possibly be more powerful than Him. When we remember how holy, mighty, and awesome He is, we can live unafraid.  A cover of the recent Hillsong United track, “Touch The Sky” cries from a place of need, where every blessing and hope seems so far away. Yet, we are not without hope; there is a vast, immeasurable wealth of life and peace that can be ours when we call on the Lord in a posture of submission. “How Great Thou Art” arrives at the only logical conclusion one can reach, having both been the recipient of God’s mercy and seen the majesty of His holiness firsthand. Though the verses are sung a little faster than usual, the chorus is better timed. I suppose there was some artistic reason for doing so, though I can’t imagine what.

Every moment needs some kind of soundtrack underpinning it. The hushed silence of a contemplative mood contrasts with the loud exultation issuing forth from a heart overflowing with song. When we stand in the presence of the Lord and Encounter His glory, either one is possible. The Neverclaim gives us a song for every season, a response to every problem, firmly rooted in Christ and ever directed towards Him

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