Love Riot

The Newsboys' “Love Riot” is a rock anthem that sets out to treat the love of Christ as a movement. It opens with a picture of the streets that could tell stories of shattered hearts and unseen wars. The singer says it's a battle that can't be won alone and that people need saving desperately.

The call comes through Jesus' own words, “follow Me,” and the band asks what anyone is waiting for if they are asked to give up their life for something more. The chorus invites listeners to take it around the world, start a fire and join the fight in the love riot, from London to Tokyo. The second half casts believers as an army of truth that is marching to rescue others, and as holy rebels who don't have to make it on their own. When they yell, the mountains fall and the oceans swell. The last lines promise to take to the streets, exploding with love, because he has already won. The song uses the language of protest to describe acts of service, and its message is that real change comes from caring for people in practical ways. With its big chorus and driving drums, it fits concerts and youth events, as well as anyone who wants a musical push to act on their faith.

Taking up the cross and following Jesus is Matthew 16:24. Loving because he first loved us is 1 John 4:19, and the true spiritual battle is Ephesians 6:12.