Adrian Mathenia is a worship pastor based out of Frankfort, KY and is gearing up to record his first worship album with a Kickstarter campaign. As a prelude to that, he has released the album's first single, "The Hope of Christ." This tune fits into the category of "modern hymn," along the lines of the Gettys or Sovereign Grace. As the title suggests, the hope that a Christian has in Christ is the focus here. First, Mathenia notes general poetic scenes that could drive one to despair, but ultimately points to where one could find hope in those situations. In the third stanza, he firmly roots this hope in what Christ did on the cross and in rising from the grave. No fear or failure can overcome the work of Jesus.

The message is powerful and feels fitting, especially for the year we've had. It's conveyed in a simple enough way where any congregation would be able to sing along. The music is also simple, which is good for church bands, but not always engaging when listening for pleasure. Still, the overall impression is that this is a solid single that does not feel like a five-minute song. It certainly gives one an anticipation to see what Mathenia can do with a full-length album. Worship leaders who use modern hymns in their sets would do well to consider adding this song and supporting Mathenia's Kickstarter so they can hear what else he has to offer.

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(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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 Record Label: None
 Album length: 1 track: 5 minutes, 13 seconds
 Street Date: March 12, 2021
 Buy It: iTunes

1. The Hope of Christ (5:13)