"Halls of Heaven" is the first new single from Jesus Culture's upcoming album, Love Has a Name, which releases August 11. Worship leader Chris Quilala gives us a little background on the song in this guest post.
The song “Halls of Heaven” was written with my friends Josh Silverberg and Ricky and Ran Jackson. The theme of the song comes from Matthew 18, where the disciples asked Jesus who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, and Jesus shocks them by saying, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” I love that picture! Jesus tells them it isn’t the person who has it all together that will be the greatest in the Kingdom, it’s the person who knows how loved they are, and who is unafraid to come to the Father with the boldness of a child. Being a dad myself, I love that my kids know they can come to me at any time, and it gives me joy to hear whatever they want to tell me. Every morning they come bounding into our room to tell my wife and I their dreams and thoughts. What's so incredible, is that’s how the Lord sees us. He is delighted when we come to him with no reservation or hesitation. I believe that’s how we should come into the presence of God, joyful, unafraid, and unashamed, like children who know how much they’re loved.
We tried to capture that joyful, lighthearted feel in the music of the song as well, and I think it really expresses the lyrics in a fun way. Writing upbeat songs can sometimes be a challenge, but I think the theme of the song just naturally led us into a melody and groove that translates well for congregational worship. I hope when people sing and play this song they experience the joy that comes from His presence.
-Chris Quilala
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