(Updated author’s note: If you feel strongly about this then let them know by leaving a comment at the Newsboys explanation) See also I believe..
My wife and I have recently had discussion over her concern about the new Newsboys song God’s not Dead. She said they were saying “roaring like a lion” and we all know that there are only three such mentions in the Bible, the most familiar is “the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking who he can devour“, though all three give an evil deadly presence to the reference. (correction: Hosea 11:10 does mention God roaring like a lion, but not in this context. God roars to an unrepentant nation, who comes back humbly. For God to be continually roaring on the inside means an unrepentant heart, holding the form of religion and continuing in sin. That is what the emerging church of apostasy is, and maybe that is where the Newsboys are headed.)
Now we have this song:
Let love explode And bring the dead to life A love so bold To see a revolution somehow
Let love explode And bring the dead to life A love so bold To bring a revolution somehow
Now I’m lost in your freedom And this world I’ll overcome
My God’s not dead He’s surely alive He’s living on the inside Roaring like a lion
My God’s not dead He’s surely alive He’s living on the inside Roaring like a lion
He’s roaring He’s roaring He’s roaring like a lion Let hope arise And make the darkness hide My faith is dead I need a resurrection somehow
Now.. Now I’m lost in your freedom Now.. And this world I’ll overcome
My God’s not dead He’s surely alive He’s living on the inside Roaring like a lion
My God’s not dead He’s surely alive He’s living on the inside Roaring like a lion
He’s roaring He’s roaring He’s roaring like a lion
He’s roaring He’s roaring
Let Heaven roar And fire fall Come shake the ground With the sound of revival
Let Heaven roar And fire fall Come shake the ground With the sound of revival…
My God’s not dead He’s surely alive He’s living on the inside Roaring like a lion
My God’s not dead He’s surely alive He’s living on the inside Roaring like a lion…
He’s roaring He’s roaring He’s roaring like a lion…
Roaring like a lion
Read more: NEWSBOYS – GOD’S NOT DEAD LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/gods-not-dead-lyrics-newsboys.html#ixzz1sVafWb16
Copied from MetroLyrics.com
Sounds kind of cool except that a roaring of a lion is all hot air. The roar is meant to threaten, intimidate, or paralyze the intended prey. I’m pretty uncomfortable with the notion that there are kids and adults making this confession with their mouths. God doesn’t walk around like a roaring lion, or live on the inside roaring like a lion. He isn’t full of hot air. God is compassionate, yet just. He is loving yet firm. He is all wise yet speaks to us in the simplest of terms. Jesus is the Lion of Judah, the Alpha and Omega and you ask Him to come into your life as your helper, healer, Redeemer and it’s His Holy Spirit that’s on the inside.
abridged image from the album cover
The song is written by Daniel Bashta who’s website homepage leaves me concerned, why is the guy with the lion’s head standing on a pile of skulls forming America? I’m not old fashioned, but imagery full of skulls while claiming to be worship music is a stretch. As a Christian musician and worship leader it is always a point of discernment when songs fail to acknowledge Jesus, and this song clearly does. Who is “my god”? He could be anyone or anything, in particular, the devil himself without you even knowing it. Many walk around deceived and become deceived through little doors until they no longer know where they are. The emerging church is very much that, dishing out eye candy while stripping the power of the Holy Spirit from their words. Do you find yourself saying things to agree with everybody, do you really know the word of God anymore, or did you ever? Plug yourself into His word, seek His truth and cast away lies and deceit. We haven’t time to play around anymore. Don’t allow yourself to be part of the deception.
As for this song, it has a good place on the shelf or maybe out the back door….
See modified lyrics for worship
godsfingers - Watchman on the Wall 
April 19, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Thank you for sharing this with me. It really makes you think…
June 30, 2012 at 2:37 pm
I felt the same way about that song. Jesus is the Lion of Judah, but it is not the vision of the song’s meaning to me. It is Satan who is “roaring like a lion” as written. And on the Inside? Hiding in the “darkness”? Deceptive to say the least!
June 30, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Actually, it was my wife who brought it up to me. I was working outside with the radio blaring and she asked, ” did they say roaring like a lion?”. I really did hear the words, so since I like Newsboys I made up some excuse, like she didn’t hear right (I’m the one with the hearing aids =O ). Then I looked up the lyrics. I was pretty unimpressed. When I wrote the Christian radio station, they made some excuse of creative license…
April 23, 2015 at 10:54 pm
Thank you to you and your wife. For the longest time I wondered and God just showed me and brought me to this page. I’m saddened this Newsboys song has such a catchy tune, because it sticks in my head. I want to honor our Heavenly Father in all ways, therefore I will no longer listen to this song. I will be more careful in the future, because just because they play a song on Christian radio doesn’t mean it honors our Father. Thank you both again and may God bless you always!
May 24, 2015 at 1:38 am
In regards to my above comment. I have since found in Hosea 11:10 that God is described as a lion. It says:
“They will walk after the LORD, He will roar like a lion; Indeed He will roar And His sons will come trembling from the west.” Hosea 11:10 (NASB)
So this song is not wrong to say God is roaring like a lion.
I am sorry for being so quick to jump to conclusion. I will be more careful from now on to pray and read God’s word before I say anything from now on.
May 26, 2015 at 6:41 pm
Hi Ness. The question is, do you want God continually roaring on your inside for need of repentance? That’s what the Hosea text is all about. Hope that helps.
February 9, 2016 at 10:16 am
My wife also had that revelation this morning as I was driving and she was reading her bible. She dislikes that song for that reason. I also heard that they were coming out with a new movie, hopefully a revised theme song as well. Should I also make a comment to the “christian” radio station around here, there is only one sadly? maybe their God is roaring like a lion seeking whom they will devour.
June 30, 2012 at 5:14 pm
The only places in scripture that it speaks of God roaring like a lion is in reference to his wrath on man. It is something to be feared. It is written that men cower when God roars like a lion. These song writers are using it in a disrespectful manner.
April 19, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Reblogged this on Montana Truth Seekers Ministry and commented:
Worth the read
Pingback: A Mighty Roar | Danroberson's Blog
April 20, 2012 at 12:19 am
I did some more research on this and I have to say that there are some examples of the bible referring to God roaring like a lion. Hosea 11:10. I should have researched it better before I jumped on this. I stand for the truth and do seek and share it openly. I just thought you might want to take a look at that as well.
April 20, 2012 at 5:18 am
Hi James,
Thanks for the update and calling me out on this, I don’t fear accountability. I did the simple search on “roaring like a Lion and came up with three texts when I wrote this, given as that’s the song. They were Prov 28:15, Ez 22:25, I Peter 5:8.
Rev 10:3 also speaks “and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke.” and the Hosea reference could possibly speak of a revival as it does a return, but my concern is the growing apostasy and subtle manipulations of the emerging church, to be careful, and I guess that would be my watchman’s cry.
April 20, 2012 at 10:45 am
I do not believe the Hosea reference is speaking of a rival. I do believe it is speaking of God’s cry to repentance and how when God is calling us to repentance with the signs and his messages we should fear God and leave behind our wicked ways. I am not totally sure though if the song is referencing it in a way that would be a fearful worship. I do not think they are using it correctly and there is something up with the song. I know if I posted something that I was mistaken about I would want someone to point it out to me. There are references to God roaring like a lion to call people to repentance. It is something to be feared and worshipped not in a non-fearful worship.
April 20, 2012 at 11:25 am
I know I struggled with the Hosea text first saying compassion, then roaring that causes trembling, but I’m not a judge of God’s manner. In my reply I was just trying to give the guys some credit for a textual reference, but like I said, it would really be a stretch. I’m not sure the song writer even consulted any text, just wrote something that sounded cool with the music, and that is the part that concerns, whether the group is starting the slow slide. The biography on his website is totally confusing.
Look at all the incredulous stuff happening with “well established” ministries. Zondervon was bought by a liberal media outlet, Wheaton college takes on the liberal lean, Wycliff takes the Father, Son and Spirit out of the Muslim translations, even the name Campus Crusade for Christ is Christ-less. It’s a slow shift toward powerless general-ism.
An ever more important time of vigilance and prayer as we anticipate the Christs soon return.
April 20, 2012 at 11:38 am
I totally agree with you. I do not think the song writers consulted scripture at all because it does not make since. Christian rockers are all about the show and their glory, not God’s glory. That is why Michael W Smith went from Christian rock to all gospel. I know of many ministries that have been on a slippery slope for quite a while now and it is sad. Any real famous preacher or ministries has serious problems. Fame and money have corrupted many ministries.
I understand where you are coming from. I would like to research this topic more and write a blog about it. I took the reblog down because I did not want to tell people there was no mention of God roaring like a lion. I do not feel the song used it in an appropriate context and I do feel that this issue needs to be mentioned and discussed by true believers so we can find and expose the truth.
April 20, 2012 at 12:12 pm
I put up a correction referencing Hosea 11:10
Good call
Dan
April 20, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, your firm standing for the truth really impresses me and earns respect.
May 30, 2015 at 7:16 pm
Michael W. Smith uses witchcraft symbolism on most of his album covers. He uses the witchcraft alphabet called Runes and as Alistar Crowley instructed, he even writes his name backwards…in Runes! On one of his Christmas albums the cover is him standing on a chair in the snow making Runic letters. Also, the horrendous heavy metal bands he has let play in his teen music center are beyond belief. Google the Rune issue and read the link below. He would be on my “unmistakably evil” list:
https://aubreeblogpage.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/michael-w-smith-wolves-in-sheeps-clothing/
April 24, 2012 at 6:49 pm
Hi Godsfingers,
I wanted to show my appreciation for what your writing does for me, so I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award:
http://dreamsofdunamis.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Blessings,
C. Dunamis
August 6, 2012 at 2:52 am
Greetings. I brought this exact concern to my husband’s attention and he directed me to your site. Your words of wisdom reassured me that I am not being oversensitive. We just never know how the evil one may try to sneak in to try to steal us away.
August 6, 2012 at 11:28 am
For those who have serious misgivings about this song I’ve added a link to the Newsboys page “explaining” the song. Take the time to comment there also and let them know.
November 3, 2012 at 7:28 pm
Hi my name is Joshua Allred I am a Christian who lives in Augusta Georgia I am broken. I fail at everything I do not worship God as I should I got kicked out of church because of my faults I have been gone for almost a year from the church. I am addicted to masturbating and I commit idolatry alot I am broken. I am unsure when God speaks to me. I am broken and I am not fixed I am pardoned (forgiven). I pray alot and sometimes I feel like the Holy Spirit is speaking to me but I ignore it because I feel crazy. I dont know much about the Bible but I do know one thing I am broken but I am forgiven through Jesus Christ who died on the cross. I have broken every commandment because I am broken and I know who I belong to and that is God i am his son and he is my Father if you want you can convict me instead of Christian Rock artist
November 5, 2012 at 8:18 am
I think you pretty much spammed the comment but I allowed this to show to what end some will go to defend a sound instead of defending the faith, as they should. As musicians AND “spokesman for Christ” they are responsible for what they put out. Clearly The Newsboys chose cash oven content on this one.
January 29, 2018 at 1:13 pm
Your response to this man’s comment says a lot about the spirit you are of, where is the love for your brothers in Christ…have you listened to Jesus words in scripture…the letters to the churches, the way He spoke to religion, Yes He roars & yes we all need to return to Him in humility, everything that needs to be shaken will be shaken by His roar over His Kingdom & yes He does it all in love. He roars at all that is loveless…He rebukes & disciplines those He loves.
February 16, 2015 at 7:03 pm
Hi, I am very touched by your testimony, because your post is just that. Keep yout trust in the Lord, he wouldn’t fight for you. You are worth it. May God bless you and your family. Keep seekin God and acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour. 🙂 Much love.
January 22, 2016 at 10:39 am
@ Joshua Alred I don’t think you are born again, please read 1john and examine yourself.
March 24, 2013 at 4:23 pm
Ok well how do you know how the are using the lion comparison? Just because that’s how you interpret it doesn’t mean that is how they meant it in the song, in Proverbs 30:30 it clearly says “the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any.” Thus they could just as easily be saying that God is the mightiest among anyone, and that he will not turn back and can conquer all. Just saying…
March 24, 2013 at 9:03 pm
Because after this article they posted an “explanation” incorporating Isaiah 11:10
May 29, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Isaiah 34:1
August 7, 2013 at 2:27 pm
You know what, I was just thinking about this song the other day and it really made me think. There are a lot of false prophets in Christian music. There are deceiving the masses. Your right, not once do they mention Jesus in their songs. I see a lot of these so-called Christian bands around now and I think they really promote a one-foot-in the church one-foot-in the world mentality. It makes me think that they have an alterior motive possibly Illuminati. there music has no annointing behind it, it’s not about worshiping God at all but they are worshiping something.Thanks for posting this.
April 12, 2014 at 11:30 pm
Excuse me but they do mention Jesus in their songs. Try reading the lyrics to We Believe.
April 14, 2014 at 9:24 am
This is a two year old post and you’re replying to a comment made before “We Believe” came out. Read my subsequent posting.
February 9, 2016 at 10:23 am
No anointing what so ever. Anything to feed you fluff and take your mind of the prize.
August 8, 2013 at 3:04 pm
Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. Who is this referring to?? Isn’t a lion roaring also a way of communication in the family or pride of lions?? Once saved does not the Holy Spirit live inside you and does he not guide, direct and comfort us???
September 27, 2013 at 10:57 pm
1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Jesus is NOT roaring like a lion. He is the Lion of Judah,
I called the Christian radio station in our area because they kept playing this song many times on a day. After a third attempt I was able to speak to someone and she said she will speak with the one preparing the song and asked me to write Newsboys about this… but to this day I still kept hearing this song. Every time this is playing on the radio, I would turn off the radio. I believe this song is not inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Anybody may justify this song but the Word of God is so clear in 1 Peter 5:8 who is the one roaring like a lion but is not a lion.
It is better to be on the safe side, not everybody claiming Christians are really Christians. Not everything being sold or used for entertaining in the name of Christianity is of God.
Watch out. That is why we really need to read the Holy Scripture otherwise we will be deceived. Do not forget, lucifer was a worship leader before, he knows how to do disguise himself as an angel of light.
September 28, 2013 at 5:50 am
How very true, well said
September 27, 2013 at 11:04 pm
Roaring like a lion is different than the Lion. The keyword here is “like” .
October 23, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Hmm – not feeling like I am EASILY deceived, though like everyone i am certainly at times misled, I actually investigated this song ever so briefly on the internet for scripture references and some others thoughts in order to speak about this idea to my children and students. I am left at this time without negative concern for this particular song. The Holy Spirit is empowering to the believer. My personal favorite verse in all of scripture is Proverbs 28:1 – “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion”. As I have always understood this verse in my heart to mean that the unrighteous are meek, timid, and continually living fear because of the “uncleaness” of their hearts, even to the point of running away from nonone, contrasted with the “righteous”. This “righteous” one is “AS BOLD AS A LION”, because he is forgiven and has a clean heart, AND because GOD the Holy Spirit has indwelt him and emboldened him in a way that is compared to the understood boldness of a Lion. I too am concerned about the Apostasy (the great delusion of our day). BUT, I am also just as greatly concerned about the delusion that has had its way for the last 2000 years and has brought great sway upon the doctrines of God through the empty, powerless, and IMPOTENT teachings of the “accepted” and “socially approved” church of today. God does in fact live on the “inside” of the believer, and He is “fierce”. JUST MY TWO CENTS WORTH, OFFERED HUMBLY FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION!!!
October 24, 2013 at 8:07 am
Thank you for your thoughts. The point being made is that the band and writer explain away by using Hosea 11:10 describing God roaring like a lion. In the context the people are in rebellion and God roars like a lion in a fearsome, terrible way bringing them to repentance and back to Him. And He only roars on the one occasion. The song says He is roaring (active) on the inside. Given that He only did it once and the song makes it a continuing thing we have an inference of a continual thing, continual rebellion and a continual roaring back into submission.
My God’s not dead, He’s surely alive and I’m following in His footsteps, breathing His Holy Spirit, and not leading others into sin. That should be the message….
January 12, 2014 at 12:56 am
As you all argue semantics, the Newsboys will continue to lead people to Christ with their music. I know people always say this is just harmless debate but honestly, this is just what Satan wants. Christians bickering and fighting against one another for the world to see. We don’t need to worry about Satan devouring us, we seem to take care of that for him.
January 20, 2014 at 10:29 am
I think they are using the “roaring like a lion” as a symbol of strength and power. You guys are reading way too much into this. So now Lion’s roaring are evil? Seriously? This is nitpicking. So people can’t describe God’s power or the power of the Holy Spirit, unless it was described exactly the same way in the bible? No offense, but I don’t think this is discernment. It think this is paranoia.
January 26, 2014 at 9:21 am
I must agree with the author on this one. The song is completely misguiding to young and old. Stay sober and watch, for The Day Of The Lord draws nigh.
February 3, 2014 at 9:11 am
After listening to this song and looking at scripture, I can see how this song can be misleading to some. However, I take this song in a completely different context. God is always present and never far away when we need him. God also puts many trials and temptations in front of us daily. When he calls, there are times that temptations are so strong that people fall away from God. What I feel that this song is saying is that when God calls, or “roars”, we as Christians must rise up in a form of revival and rebirth and answer his call to us. As a Christian, I am not perfect and am a sinner saved by grace. I have accepted Christ and he lives in me. In my opinion, God is living in me and roars like a lion for me to live through him in everything.
February 8, 2014 at 4:55 am
If you mean that God uses the temptation of sin, that is not Biblical at all. God doesn’t tempt us with sin. He may allow us to go through hardships or suffer the consequence of sin, but He doesn’t tempt us to sin.
February 26, 2015 at 8:51 am
Yes. In James we are told that God does not tempt us..we are tempted when we are led away…good reason to stay close to God and always consult sound scripture. Jesus stood against Satan by using Gods word
February 8, 2014 at 5:17 am
(Wow.. The icon they used for me is horrible.) Anyway, I don’t see why is it wrong to use the symbolism of a roaring lion as God’s power in our life. That is a bit legalistic. The Bible uses a lot of imagery, but it doesn’t mean that same imagery and symbols can’t be used in a different way. The lion’s roar is a symbol of a lot of things, mainly power. Didn’t Aslan roar in the Chronicles of Narnia? Does that mean that C.S. Lewis was actually meaning for him to be a satanic figure instead of a Christ figure? I don’t think so.
February 9, 2014 at 12:19 pm
Most of the lyrics don’t sit right with me.
First you have: “let love explode,” as if to say “let it vanish.”
Then you have: “bring the dead to life,” which sounds like a Halloween slogan
Next there’s: “now I’m lost in your freedom,” whereas “do what thou wilt” is satan’s motto, and it will leave you lost
Then it says: “this world I’ll overcome,” as in he gives credit to himself, which is what the devil wants- for us to make gods of ourselves
Also, it says: “make the darkness hide,” when the bible says to expose darkness
And then you have the line that everyone is talking about: “he’s roaring like a lion.” I mean it’s the chorus of the song, and the line that we are most familiar with in the bible about satan roaring like a lion. I think it’s a dead giveaway that they’re referring to the devil.
Most people just don’t know how infiltrated the work of the devil is in this world. Most would certainly not assume that he has his hands on many Christian songs, in addition to secular songs.
I know for me, I had to learn about the Illuminati, satan’s puppets, to find that this world is indeed satan’s world. They have their hands on pretty much everything.
April 18, 2014 at 11:24 pm
I agree.. please see my comment and let me know what you think… Jesus Bless.
March 3, 2014 at 4:29 pm
Seriously? I grew up as a huge fan of the band, although i haven’t listened to them in about a decade- they seem pretty bland these days. I have no interest in defending this version of the band- I couldn’t be less interested in the stuff they’re putting out now.
Maybe I’m naive, but I was always under the impression the “lion” in the song was referring to Aslan & Narnia. Or just the general “bold” nature of a lion.
To the person who went through the song line by line- no serious Christian would hear “bring the dead to life” and take it the way you propose- and that can pretty much be said for everything you listed. I won’t take the time to go through it all, because we both know your argument is so silly that it’s not worth the time to debunk.
You have to use a smidge of common sense- even as a non-Christian kid I was smart enough to realize they weren’t spreading alien conspiracies with “Take Me To Your Leader” or promoting the debaucherous club scene of the 70s with “Love Liberty Disco”…it was always perfectly clear what their intentions were.
The only reason I even became a Christian was because, as a non-Christian kid going through a particularly rough time, I happened to meet one of the band members and he spent a few hours with me talking about God. Over the next few years, every time I saw the band he would talk to me about my walk with God and how I was doing- always providing encouragement.
I know my story isn’t unique- they’re doing this stuff day in and day out. As another person mentioned, you can sit here and freak out over idiotic semantics all you want, but this band is out there actually trying to do something positive.
I’m sorry your God is so threatened by semantics. If God can deliver a message through a donkey, I’m pretty sure He can handle some lyrics of a well-intentioned song (that doesn’t have anything wrong with it in the first place!)
(also, I realize how old this post is, but I saw the writer boasting about its popularity in the comment section of another semantic-freakout blog post that was linked to on FB. Since this post is so popular I figured it was still worth commenting)
March 3, 2014 at 4:47 pm
Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for the post. Kind of a detraction but you did hit one nail on the head when you said pretty bland these days. This is where the concern comes in, the watering down, change contexts, twigging scriptures. When they were challenged about the usage then they said it was based on so and so et the so and so was in even worse context.
The point being, if you remember the example of the frog and slow warming water, the continuing watering down and defanging the Bible is just more and more of the Rick Warren, Hybels, Osteen move toward the world church.
It’s not like it was 20 years ago, the world is at war with Christ and His followers and we are charged by scripture NOT to let anything move us away from Him.
November 13, 2014 at 11:55 pm
I agree with you. Thanks
March 23, 2014 at 7:25 am
I saw the movie last night and found it to be excellent with a strong evangelistic message. However the song hit my soul wrong as well with the regard to that part of the chorus particularly. As catchy as the tune may be I also feel it to be veiled and misleading. It sticks in the ears and refuses to leave. I was still hearing it when I awoke this morning. Believers with an ounce of discernment should be troubled by the twisting of scripture to form and support a different context.
March 29, 2014 at 9:02 am
I would like the author of this blog to respond to the comment about C.S. Lewis using a Lion for God in the Chronicles of Narnia. C.S Lewis writes in his text “That when ASLAN ROARS, winter shall be no more.” This is just one reference from the books. Do you believe this is Satanic imagery as well? The bible talks of his His followers being bold like lions in Proverbs. The bible also references God as a lion as has been pointed out in this blog. Are the lions with no ability to ROAR? This statement is obviously humorous but when the imagery of a lion was used in scriptures the authors knew that the intended readers would know the qualities of lions and all of their power. The Bible can also use the imagery of a lion for Satan because of the fear that a lion strikes in its prey. The use of a lion is not evil and the use of a roaring lion is not evil either. Roaring is how a lion shows power out in the wild. Jesus spoke in parables so that the people he was talking to would understand his teachings. That is why lions were used in text, because the people that these scriptures were given to knew lions all to well. They actually lived around lions. I hope you understand my point here. I think this post is doing more to divide believers than to unite them.
March 31, 2014 at 10:55 am
” I think this post is doing more to divide believers than to unite them.”
The division comes on where you stand, as a fence sitter, the side of the deceiver or walking in the Spirit. The church is in a flux where the Great Apostasy is is full gear. Do you follow the easy apostasy or do you walk the difficult road. Recently World Vision has exposed themselves as being far far from the truth ( I’ll be writing on this) as you can get. Clinging to the word christian they’ve shown it’s about the money, and God and His Word isn’t a part of it.
In your straw man discussion you forget the obvious, C.S. Lewis wrote fiction, maybe allegorical without a scriptural reference. On the other hand, the Boys did direct everyone to Hosea and then took liberties with the context. That was wrong and confusing given their main audience consists of those that aren’t well disciplined in the scriptures.
March 31, 2014 at 4:45 am
Hosea 11:10 – They will walk after the LORD, He will roar like a lion; Indeed He will roar And His sons will come trembling from the west.
When he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west; the children of Israel, the children of God, his adopted ones, whom he has predestinated to the adoption of children; these, through the first impressions of Christ’s voice or word upon them, shall startle, and be set a trembling, and be astonished, as Saul was, when called and converted; as it is reported of the lion, that, when it roars, other beasts are so terrified that they are quite stunned and amazed, and are not able to stir; but though the first sound of the voice of Christ may have some effect upon the Jews, yet this will not cause them to tremble at him so as to flee from him, but to cause them to flee to him: for the phrase is expressive of motion towards him, and to their own land, as appears from Hosea 11:11; when filled with a sense of his majesty and grace, they shall approach him with a holy awe of him, with fear and trembling: or “come with honour” (h); agreeably to 1 Samuel 16:4; having high, honourable, and grand sentiments and apprehensions of him; so that this trembling, at least, issues in a godly and filial fear and reverence of him, suitable to their character as children. The phrase, “from the west”, or “from the sea” (i), meaning the Mediterranean sea, which lay west of Judea, and is often used for the west, may signify the western or European part of the world, where the Jews for the most part are, and from whence they will be gathered
April 18, 2014 at 11:22 pm
This is my concern…. I actually really like the song ‘Like a Lion’ by Daniel Bashta. So I looked up Daniel Bashta and read about him. Then I looked at his Twitter page so see a photo. Immediately, red flags came up screaming. He has the one hand highlighting over one eye Illuminati sign for his main photo! It could not possibly be more obvious! Then, as if that isn’t enough, he is holding up a lion head in a photo, and it is covering one eye. Then, I noticed his record label is called “Illuminate”. Wow. Frightening, really.
June 2, 2014 at 8:58 pm
When the Newsboys first became popular in Christian circles, their lyrics were more godly. But after one of their band members left, things then changed. Now their music is not really Christian anymore. Sad…
Thank you for the review.
August 11, 2014 at 6:10 am
The lord came as a lamb seeking conciliation, offering salvation, got slain, resurrected and stayed with us although out of sight, and when he will let himself be known to all again it will be as a lion. Now does a lion not roar? Rest assure he will roar like no one has ever seen before. One thing he very little like in particular is self proclaimers.
November 29, 2014 at 10:35 am
Hosea 11:10
New Living Translation
For someday the people will follow me. I, the LORD, will roar like a lion. And when I roar, my people will return trembling from the west.
1 Peter 5:8
New Living Translation
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
A Lion, as we defined in other meaning is a brave or strong person.
– an influential or celebrated person.
You can actually give other definition about lion. It’s not about definition though, it’s all about characteristics.
November 29, 2014 at 12:00 pm
you make my point, the roaring is to induce fear. God, the Holy Spirit doesn’t reside inside inducing fear, He is our strength and power, our counselor. Again, you don’t want God inside roaring because it has to do with disobedience.
January 19, 2015 at 6:32 pm
What’s up with artist using comparisons to lions all of a sudden.
Francesca’s Battistelli with “He knows my Name”
“I’m not meant to just stay quiet
I’m meant to be a lion
I’ll roar beyond a song”
I’m glad you feel that you roar like a lion.
Just a little comparison..
If a dog is barking, you can hear it quite well, when you’re trying to get your good nights sleep..now if a lion is roaring, that will be some serious disturbance.
I know this is symbolic, but there has to be truth in it.
So if we are a letter read by everyone, as apostle Paul I believe said, I can’t imagine what kind of image you have to portray to be visible from the distance of a lion’s roar.
We do not know the intentions of the artists, but if we live in the spirit, we should walk In the spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are visible. I’m not a big fan to judge, or to see judgement, but I can’t see how this fits in the works of the Holy Spirit. We have to be led by God. I’m sure if the artists were led by the Holy Spirit, God would not lead them to write such words. There is nothing I can do that someone will look at me and say “Wow! I can see God roaring like a lion inside of you” and furthermore, you could have never said to Jesus “Wow how great the miracles, you’re roaring like a lion” that’s simply blasphemy. Scripture says “Be holy for I am Holy”
I understand there is such a great difference in conservatives and liberals, but someone will be greatly misled. How is it so that Jesus brings to our attention those people who performed all the great miracles, did all these great works in the name of Jesus, and came to the gates to hear Jesus say “I never knew you” I mean were those people not saved? Especially to do miracles through Jesus you have to admit, believe and confess. Did they have bad intentions? Somthing must have happened with their thinking, and how the were led astray by the deceiver who walks about as a roaring lion.
My thoughts
February 15, 2015 at 11:32 pm
Thank you for this.
March 12, 2015 at 8:41 pm
If the Newsboys had a different agenda…. Explain to me the lyrics and the meaning of their song We Believe. Pretty black and white there? Anyone can Interpet anything the way they perceive it and form their own opinions and beliefs… Right or wrong.
March 12, 2015 at 10:04 pm
Josh, This was written 3 years ago, if you read the whole article you’ll see the link to an article on that song. Try to get the whole story before sounding off.
March 15, 2015 at 9:56 pm
I am going to be honest this used to be a favorite of mine, I work nights by my self and would listen to it while I cleaned.
one night I was listening and cleaning and singing along when I saw my reflection in the mirror, while I was shouting “living on this in side roaring like a lion” my facial features were twisted and it reminded me of my old days before following the Lord Jesus.
then a thought came into my head, “isn’t the devil walking around as a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour”?
Then I really started thinking about this, when you hear “roaring lion” what is usually implied? Usually it showing a fierceness.
when you allow the Holy Spirit to come “live inside” what is going to happen are you going to show fierceness or anger? No, you should be producing fruits of the spirit:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance
May 12, 2015 at 10:48 pm
I think you are way over analyzing it. In a song where you are singing your heart out and you are just trying to explain how you feel, you can use any creative words that you want. Maybe it is speaking to all the newly born again who are just coming into their own and can just feel God welling up in them and ready to let it out! Not every single word a christian band sings has to have a line right out of scripture right? we are allowed to just be creative and explain how we feel. God knows my heart, i am only after truth and before i was even born again I have always excepted nothing less then blunt even if it hurts truth. and I dont think that we are giving God our best by picking apart the songs of newsboys. lets leave that to the devil worshipers. i think instead of wasting out time mulling over something so trivial we should just pray pray pray about it and all christian music and trust in God and kn ow hes got this. thanks and God bless!
May 26, 2015 at 6:10 pm
I found this site when I was searching for concerns over “God’s not dead” song. While I can quote plenty of scriptures against the theme of this song (one of which is the image of a roaring lion in the NT, the other is the image of a caged lion “living and roaring on the inside”, none of which is complimentary to Christ), I sort of get what the songwriter/singers are trying to say, and I think it improper to put into their mouths what they do not mean. I believe that they lack the proper scriptural and theological finesse (not to say limited talent in writing lyrics) to see the problems with this song, but let’s not turn this into a musical witchhunt.
May 26, 2015 at 6:39 pm
Hi, thanks for visiting. If you check at the top you’ll see my praises for “We Believe”. It’s not a witch hunt, just a cautionary “where are you going in all this” warning. In itself I really like the song, but the lyrics and the and the writer’s history combined made the question. Hope that helps.
August 16, 2015 at 9:03 am
I don’t want to post in the first place, i read almost everything posted above. and it was like past 30mins to 1hour since i finished here but now i thought I’d post my two cent.
I wasn’t bothered about the song, I like it to be honest, And upon reading the post, I am more bothered by the people who post their comments or opinions, whatever it is, rather than the topic of “roaring like a lion” in the song.
I never have problems with the song, I always have seen it positive, I define the song like saying how great and powerful is Our God. Until I read this article…
I also never had problems reading and watching The Chronicles of Narnia, for me, the story is depicting as how great is Our God (portrayed by a lion in the story) how merciful and how his kingdom will reign in the end. Until i read some article somewhere about the story have something to do in spreading witchcraft….
It was like back in the garden of Eden, everything was good, God made everything perfect including the nakedness of Adam and Eve and both have no problems with it, they have pure minds and dont think their nakedness was wrong, until Satan came and poisoned their minds (alright it was Eve first and then eve to adam)
Now I’m just saying, if newsboys or any other band intend to lift up God with their songs then its between them and God for what is the truth, they dont need to please people with their lyrics coz in their hearts, they know they are worshiping God. Between 10 people giving a definition of 1 specific music, expect to get 10 different meaning coz people dont think the same.
If you sing this song or a certain song and thinks that its not appropriate for God like whats being discussed above. then maybe its just in your mind that there’s something wrong while for the others this song shows how mighty and powerful God is living inside us if we will just allow him to lead our life. Maybe people should be more bothered on how they think of the lyrics than the lyrics itself ‘coz maybe Satan was just messing with your mind using this song or some other christian song, bands and etc.
Live with your faith, in the end, God will not measure you with a song. As long as you praise him, follow him with all your heart and glorify him, it doesn’t matter if you sing this song or not.
To God Be the Glory.
December 30, 2015 at 9:12 pm
Amen!
February 9, 2016 at 10:45 am
If their God is “roaring like a Lion on the inside” , and scripture tells us it’s satan is that lion….
1 Peter 5:8
(8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
then should we sing this song to God? If we are not praising God and giving him the glory, then what are we doing? Singing to ourselves?
1 Corinthians 10:31
(31) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
The concern was to what were we singing? We must be careful concerning these things. It’s not just a song.
Ephesians 5 (said to those already in church)
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
…
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Scripture’s givin for a reason, don’t mock it. It stood the test of time to teach us. I say again, it’s not just a song. It may feel good, but so may other sins. The question is, “does it feel of God?”
Don’t sing just a song unto God.
December 30, 2015 at 9:01 pm
I love contemporary Christian music first and foremost and I believe what the Newsboys are trying to say in their song is, God is living on the inside roaring like a lion, referring to God is in all of us who believe and accept Him and maybe in some who haven’t yet accepted or believe in Him. Even when you think He’s not in you, He is on the inside roaring, (His Holy Spirit) wanting to shine the light if you let it out!
March 12, 2016 at 6:17 pm
You guys read into to this much if this is truly satanic than by listening to them we are in danger of loosing Gods spirit thus risking Hell fire if they’re satanic than pretty much every Christian artist is and you might as well as throw away the church song books and you might as well not sing at all unless you’ve written the song
November 4, 2017 at 6:14 am
Reading comprehension isn’t your strong point I gather….
March 26, 2016 at 11:40 am
I fell in LOVE with “We Believe” a song which acknowledges Jesus…. and then I watched the video. The same occult symbolism as main stream music that is clearly illuminati. then this song and its verse “roaring like a lion” I thought the same thing. I’m so confused within all of this. I researched and found the co-founding guitarist of the band left calling the rest of the band mates hypocrites, is this why?
March 26, 2016 at 1:11 pm
Actually George left the band after 2 years and never was a follower of Christ. So his accusations are meaningless because he never, really, was a part of the band. John James left the band because he couldn’t handle the success and fell backward into drugs and alcohol which was difficult for the band to handle. The real problem arose when they took on Michael Tait and Daniel Bashta, this is where some questionable stuff comes up, as in roaring like a lion and self-pontification. I watched a video of 40 years of CCM and they were on there and I was struck by the all about me attitude of Michael Tait, to the extent of blowing kisses out to girls in the audience. Sorry, but as a musician it’s a matter of seeing Christ in me, not look at me. So, ya, I still have concerns about the band, in general, as to where their focus is.
August 13, 2016 at 3:39 pm
Hey, I don’t know if it’s too late to get a response out of this… it’s been four years since this was posted.
But check this out guys…. I had a concern about this song, but NOT the same one most people had about the “roaring like a lion” part, that part I DID think about, but check this:
How often is “surely” used in the Bible? Satan tells God he will “surely not die” when God says he is going to perish.
Yea, so throwing the lion thing in there too I am highly suspect.
And they are an incredibly famous and worldly band, but remember… let’s not accuse but let’s be discerning. The accuser is satan, let’s never fall to that. Let’s just protect ourselves with discernment.
August 13, 2016 at 5:58 pm
Surely is used often, as in “surely I say unto you…” If you like the KJV thingy, but thanks for the insight anyway. Even 4-5 years later this is still a hot topic.
November 6, 2016 at 12:39 am
Praise the Lord for the comforter that lives inside of us know as the Holy Spirit and teaches us right and wrong. We just watched the movie God’s not Dead and I heard the song for the first time and felt something not quite right with it. Talked with my wife and still could not find the meaning truly. With prayer in my heart I Google the meaning and come on to this site and find the spirit spoke the same to others. We must take this on prayer that it gets revealed to all before it is to late. LOVE FROM A BROTHER IN CHRIST
April 3, 2017 at 12:08 pm
Amen. When I heard the song the first time God’s spirit told me something wasn’t right, and after I heard it like 3 times I realized what it was. There is no way to argue the fact that it says “living on the inside, roaring like a lion”. It is referring to a being, not an attitude or action. That’s the scary part. God’s spirit dwells in us as Christians, that is promised.When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit came down as a dove! God talks to us in a still small voice,(look it up), not roaring like a lion.
April 3, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Amen. When I heard the song the first time God’s spirit told me something wasn’t right, and after I heard it like 3 times I realized what it was. There is no way to argue the fact that it says “living on the inside, roaring like a lion”. It is referring to a being, not an attitude or action. That’s the scary part. God’s spirit dwells in us as Christians, that is promised.When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit came down as a dove! God talks to us in a still small voice,(look it up), not roaring like a lion.
February 3, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Totally disagree—why credit everything to satan–evil—wrong,if Jesus Christ is the Lion of Judah and He roars like a lion like any other lion will do–He lives inside of me,so i do roar,and i simply love it…for whatever reason…like you said to call for repentance,then so beit,people need to repent today–a roar will surely awaken them to repent—my personal experience—dont be confused by reality and religion–they cant mix–id rather be a roaring Lion than Gods chosen frozen—GO!!! you rock NEWSBOYS
February 7, 2017 at 6:48 am
Actually, we’re addressing concerns with the growing apostate church with elements everywhere, Hillsong with it’s homosexual worship leaders, Andy Stanley with his homosexual members, John Mac Arthur promoting Christians taking the mark of the beast. We were just warning of the subtlety of introducing unscriptural elements into song, repeated over and over. This is an OLD article, please be mindful of that.
April 23, 2017 at 6:50 pm
I think if you see everyone as deceptive it is what you will experience and there are many verses that tell us this. Furthermore, I think that an individuals life reflects their state of being. Also to be considered is that scripture tells us that we are not to take the words therein in a literal sense for the letter kills but the spirit gives life. I believe there may be duality in scripture because as you pointed out it refers to both good and evil as roaring like a lion. I also believe these are all inward processes happening in personal spiritual evolution and not outward happenings as most believe. Heaven is within … Check your Bible. So then likely is hell. Also, most of what Jesus said is now meshing with what we know about quantum physics. Do a simple google search on “quantum physics in the Bible” to get an entirely new perspective on the same.
March 18, 2018 at 11:33 pm
Hello, I really liked the movie and the song. But deep in my heart I felt uncomfortable about that song. Today I read about that New Testament describes revel as a roaring lion. 1 Peter 5:8 and I realized that the song is not about Jesus. I went to search internet and found your website. Looks like I am not alone. This song is out from our house. We need to be very careful in this world. Thank Jesus for His truth. Praise His Holly Name!
July 7, 2019 at 7:31 pm
This was very interesting, but What do you know about that earthquake in Cali recently? My mom lives down there and I’m pretty worried there will be more quakes. Any help you could provide is greatly appreciated!