A foretaste of things to come, this EP is a collection of songs written for congregational singing. The project began with a simple question: What do I want my church to know? The resulting record is an exploration of foundational Christian truths set to music—sound theology, if you will.

"Arise and Live" is a call to fight against sin and temptation and to grow in Christ-like character. The gospel is not just about forgiveness of sin, but also freedom from sin. The same Christ who saves us is mighty to change us. I was delighted to record some of my former students as backing vocalists. Shout out to "the kids in the trunk"—miss you guys!

"I Need the Gospel" is about our need for daily gospel reminders to humble us, assure us, comfort us, and keep us fighting for holiness. On our good days and our bad days, our only hope is Jesus living, dying, and rising in our place. I dedicate this song to my friend and brother, Robbie.

"V Solas" is about the five guiding principles of the Protestant Reformation which help us guard the true gospel of Jesus against all counterfeits: we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, and to the glory of God alone. I wasn't sure I could fit all five solas (solae?) into a relatively concise and coherent song, but there we have it!

"Grace So Great" was inspired by 11th-century theologian, Anselm of Canterbury. Explaining why Christ had to be both God and man, he wrote, "...the debt was so great that while man alone owed it, only God could pay it..." That seed grew into a full-fledged gospel presentation: the problem of sin, the saving work of Christ, an invitation to repent and believe, the promise of everlasting life, and a call to spread the news.

"Gift of Prayer" is a meditation on the various roles of the Trinity in prayer. We pray to God the Father who reigns over heaven and earth and yet gladly hears us when we call. (Read that again if you weren't amazed by it.) We pray in the name of Jesus the Son, our great High Priest who has made us righteous and given us access to the throne of grace. We pray in the power of the Holy Spirit who not only prays through us but also teaches us to pray as we should.

Finally, "Use Me" is about personal evangelism. I have heard many songs about the church spreading the gospel but none that put the responsibility on individual Christians—on you and me. This song is a reminder that God has given each of us unique access to certain people that others may never reach. God has a mission, not just for the church at large, but for Marty, Sara, Kyle, Rose, and so on.

May this record set your eyes on Christ and propel you forward in your mission. These songs were made for singing, written with the voice of the church in mind. You are welcome to use them any time, and free resources are available upon request. Proceeds for my music help support missions and Bible translation through International Mission Board and Wycliffe Bible Translators. Thank you for listening!

All glory forever be to our God alone,
Marty Clark