about the song

No one was more surprised than we were, that "God's Word Will Stand" was our breakthrough charting song. However, with such a strong lyrical message, we really shouldn't be! It wasn't that we didn't love the song or the message, for we were unanimous about recording it. We had just assumed that such a dynamic song, written by such a talented writer, and recorded by some truly gifted artist before us, had already been released to SG Radio. But when our Radio Promotions companies announced that this was the one they wanted to use, we were caught unaware. Turns out they were right, as the song was on the charts for 6 months, peaking at #47!

The Writer, is none other than the talented singer, songwriter, Mr. Greg Day ! Most of you will remember his best known song, "Midnight Cry", the 1988 SG Song of the Year ! I learned, while researching this songs availability, that Mr. Day attends Praise Cathedral Church of God, in Greer, SC., which is my parents' home church. Since then I have chatted with Greg on several occasions, and am blessed to hear some of the new music he is working on. In fact we are currently considering some of his music for our next recording. Greg's wife is Heather Ruppe of the Ruppes, and amazing Mother & Daughters trio.

Not Surprisingly, this song hit's a strong note with Preacher's and Pastor's. It was especially moving when on several occasions the congregation spontaneously began waving their Bibles overhead in unison ! In an age where both Atheists and Agnostics can be so outspoken and influencing, and where movies such as "The Da Vinci Code" attempt to cast doubt and confusion on basic fundamental truths, it's terrific to put forth the powerful message of this song. And that being, try as they might, come what may, the infallible Word of God will still be standing victorious in the end !!

The Lyrics -- GOD’S WORD WILL STAND

verse 1)

Down thru the ages, many people have tried, stop the power of God's word

They've tried to control it, even ignore it, anything, so it could not be heard

Yet the word has survived, yes it's very alive, and it still has the upper hand

Before we came along, after we are all gone, God's Word will stand

Chorus)

I've taken my stand, with the book in my hand

and it's stood the test of time

It's weathered the storm, while scoffer's warned,

threatenings of every kind

The eternal survival, of that old black Bible

it's truth will never end

So whatever may come, when it's all said and done, God's word will stand

verse 2)

From the beginning til now, it's not lost it's power, it's still Gods in-errant word

From cover to cover, it's still the best seller, of any book in the world

Written down in those pages, are the answers for the nations, and the truth to guide their path

Whatever they decide, they will surely realize, that God's word will stand

The Lyrics -- CARVED IN STONE

verse 1) He had money to burn, and he had learned, how quickly the world could fall apart

cause his wealth couldn't buy, one day of time, for the teacher he'd followed from afar

Jesus promised he would rise again, Joseph took his body down and buried him

and I guess he gave up hope with in

Chorus) It was carved in stone, as the stone was rolled away

It was carved in stone as Easter dawned that day

Death lost it's hold, and God wrote 'Jesus Saves'

On an empty grave, it was carved in stone

verse 2) Seems like I have been there, where grief and fear,

have threatened to make me loose my faith

when it's hard to believe, I get down on my knees, and pray I'll make it through someway, and when I think that I have reached the end, There's a garden just outside Jerusalem, where my breaking heart can see again. (repeat Chorus)

Bridge) It's a certain as the solid Rock Of Ages, When I need hope how firm is it's foundation

Chorus 2) It was carved in stone, as the stone was rolled away

It was carved in stone as Easter dawned that day

Death lost it's hold, and God wrote 'Jesus Saves'

On an empty grave, 'Salvation' was engraved

With an empty grave, his power was displayed and God wrote 'Jesus Saves'

On an empty grave, It was carved in stone, carved in stone

Easter is quite early this year, so we decided to followup our current radio success with a timely message aimed at the season, "CARVED IN STONE". It won't hurt the success of the song that Gene sings the verses so tenderly, with emotion that is palpable, or that the last half of the song is just..... Huge ! Already it is high on our audience request list at live concerts. I love this song ! I found the perspective in verse 1 to be a complete revelation for me, I had never even considered Joseph's frame of mind before. This is, of course, not Jesus' earthly father, but Joseph of Arimethaea, a rich Nobleman and devout follower of Jesus teachings. Imagine the despair he must have felt, as he begged Pilate for the body of one he thought would be the Messiah, personally wrapped it in the linens that should have been his own death shroud. Then gave his Lord and Teacher over to death, in a tomb originally intended for his own final resting place.

Then the song's author, Ken Stokes, offers us hope in Verse 2. Here we are encouraged , in times of overwhelming doubt and disbelief, to visualize the Garden just outside that tomb. And to envision the message, permanently etched in the discarded gravestone, "Jesus Saves" ! I can only imagine the return of hope Joseph must have experienced when he realized his Lord had indeed conquered death, just as he said that he would. Listen again, and let your mind paint the picture, You'll be blessed !