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After:

Album Inspired by ‘Aftermath’ Paradox of the Crucifixion of Jesus

Best-selling modern worship band Hillsong UNITED offers its highly anticipated, 11th full-length album and second ever studio recording, AFTERMATH, Feb. 15, 2011 on Sparrow Records. Having its pulse consistently in tune with the heart cry of congregations across the globe and a fresh, forward-thinking soundtrack to match, Hillsong UNITED has been the veritable gold standard of modern worship music for the past decade and counting. The album follows a string of 2010 sold-out events in the US and around the world, and is its first new recording in the alliance announced last year with EMI Christian Music Group.

AFTERMATH is also the first new album from Hillsong UNITED in over two years. The band members took the time to challenge themselves musically and lyrically. Not willing to be bound by what’s considered “worship,” nor willing to rest on their past laurels, Hillsong UNITED offers an unabashedly creative collection of new songs that celebrates the One who saves, redeems and is the true representation of Hope in a world where hopelessness abounds.

1) Take Heart

Words and Music by Joel Houston

I wrote this song on vacation in January of 2009 amidst the doomsday predictions in the aftermath of the global economic crisis, and being bed-bound after a foot injury preventing me from surfing. It seemed like an appropriate time to write a song about hope. I love in John 16:33 where Jesus states, 'in this life, you will have trouble...' He makes no illusions of the fact that being a Christ-follower in no way excludes us from the realities of trial and troubles. But He doesn't end there, '... but take heart, for I have overcome the world.' Because of the cross, all our troubles, our trials and pain, our fear and failure are overcome. We live in a different kind of aftermath - one where we can cling to the light and hope of an empty cross. – Joel Houston

Hey it's been a while since I last blogged. Let me share with you what happened last month: mid-December 2010 I found myself climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a day right before Oprah did the very same climb for her 'Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure'. As I'm plain scared of heights, it was terrifying initially. Literally you see everyone as small as ants and the fear of 'what-if' I fall and hit the pavement was running continuously in my mind. Sweaty palms didn't make this climbing experience any better. But once you climbed up the ladder, walking over the arch of the bridge was like walking up a flight of staircases, only not with an amazing, spectacular view! My brother, his girlfriend and myself along with one other friend took the 6.30pm climb but only began climbing approximately 40 minutes after because there's some house-keeping rules and basic climbing strategies to go through prior to climbing. Right now, Australia's having it's summer season and the sun goes down completely around 8pm mark. Give and take!