As Christians we strive to write songs that are unique and fresh, both lyrically and musically. Sometimes that easier said than done. That can be frustrating because it feels like everything has been done before. That's why these lyrics are a little tongue-in-cheek. Fortunately, our God judges us by our hearts and not just our musical talents.
One of the biggestproblems in the church is apathy. I wanted to write a very passionate song, with colorful words and phrases, that I felt expressed the power of the Hily Spirit and how he moves me in my relationships with Jesus Christ and my wife. The phrase "Jazz Super Stereophonic" is a metaphor for this joy - because of my background, I get really motivated when I hear some good jazz.
I'm a little concerned about some of the things I've encountered while on our various tours. We've seen billboards along the highways put up by churches with "fire and bromstone" messages that don't really convey the love of Christ. I've seen churches that seem more focused on how many big white pillars they can build in front of their sanctuary than in sharing the Gospel. I believe this problem is due to the problem of churches creating a "bubble around themselves. They loose the ability to relate to the outside world. It makes me sad because I don't think a non-believer would look at all of this and see the true love of Christ.
This is a simple illustration of how we can sometimes be "successful" and feel like we don't need to rely on God for strength and help. But when we eventually fall flat on our faces, God's grace and mercy is there to forgive us and take us back.
Being a young business owner, a former college student, and newly married, I've had to deal with a brand-new issue over the past five years - Debt! I've come to realize that if I stay in the Word and in prayer, and remain financially responsible, God will give me a peace and take care of me. I can't let the credit cards and bills overwhelm me and bring my spirits down.
Seven years ago I started dating a girl and started a band called Silage. Over the years I went through trials, wanting "more than anything else" to both succedd in my relationship and to be able to make music full-time. In 1997, Andrea and I got married. Also in 1997, Silage signed a contract with Sub*Lime Records. God knew the desires of my heart and He honored them. This song gives praise to Him for doing so, and commits me to bring glory to Him in all I do.
While on our first trip to Alaska, we witnessed a man in a ninja-like stance practicing with his nun-chuks right next to the freeway. This is just one of the many things you see when you are continually driving around this country playing shows.
The title is taken from a comedy skit about this big conspiracy to fool the general public into thinking that ketchup and mustard are the same thing (we though it was very funny at the time). The words "mustard" and "bread" are used in the Bible to illustrate faith and life in Christ. We have found that to truly live by faith, you must be very strong in your relationship with Christ. This last year of touring we encountered hardships that really put our faith to the test.
I have often heard pastors speak of Jesus Christ as being either a lunatic, a liar, or Lord. As followers of Christ, I believe that we likewise have to be crazy, liars, or we believe the truth. If we walk with Christ, then other people will hopefully see that what we believe is the truth.
This song is the title of this album because these simple lyrics hold a very important message. Chasing Vegas, or chasing Babylon, sympbolizes chasing after things of the world - which is sin. However, Vegas is too easy a target. We as Christians liek to point the finger at the "big sins", which is what Vegas is sometimes known for. But we fail to take care of the "little sins" that take place everywhere. People can fall into sin in the "Bible Belt" just as easily as Vegas. Sin must be dealt with on a personal basis, regardless of geography.
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