Southern California’s John Allan arrives with a spark in his soul and a music for the Church. His debut Centricity Music single, “Dwelling God,” is greater than an introduction—it’s a holy summons. With an alt-pop vitality harking back to The Killers and Gang of Youths, Allan blends indie aesthetics with a deeply devotional core, crafting a worship anthem that invitations believers to return to awe, marvel, and intimacy with Christ.
That is no mere studio confection. “Dwelling God” is each a declaration and a longing. Allan wrote the observe with Benji Cowart and Kyle Williams (who additionally produced), threading scripture-soaked longing by way of hovering synths and anthemic melodies.
A Coronary heart’s Cry in Verse
The lyrical depth of “Dwelling God” is what finally units it aside. The music opens not with bravado, however with a whisper of craving:
“I wish to contact the gown that heals the sick
I need the voice that speaks deliverance
I wish to relaxation my head on Jesus’ chest
I wish to really feel the nearness of the Dwelling God”
These strains instantly think of biblical scenes wealthy in intimacy and energy: the hemorrhaging girl in Mark 5:28, who believed, “If I simply contact his garments, I shall be healed,” and the beloved disciple leaning on Jesus throughout the Final Supper in John 13:23. It’s a lyrical nod to embodied religion—to the tangible nearness of the Holy.
Because the verses unfold, Allan expresses a starvation for holiness, righteousness, and non secular attentiveness:
“I wish to know the fireplace of holiness
I wish to hear the push of heaven’s wind
I need the slim highway of righteousness”
These strains echo the refining flame of Hebrews 12:29—“Our God is a consuming fireplace”—and the decision of Jesus in Matthew 7:14, “However small is the gate and slim the highway that results in life, and just a few discover it.”
Worship as Testimony
The refrain of “Dwelling God” is a roof-raising confession of worship and liberation:
“Dwelling God! There isn’t any different beside You
Dwelling God! There isn’t any different I bow to
You freed me from the grave, I’ll by no means be the identical
You ask my coronary heart, and it’ll inform You You’re the one title
Dwelling God! All of my worship is for You”
This anthem ties instantly into Romans 6:4-5, proclaiming resurrection life, and Isaiah 45:5, the place God declares, “I’m the Lord, and there’s no different; other than me there isn’t a God.” It’s worship born from encounter—a refrain for the resurrected.
A Pilgrim’s Bridge
Maybe probably the most poetically daring portion of the music is its bridge, which casts the journey of religion in eschatological phrases:
“The backyard feels much less and fewer distant
The nearer that my coronary heart will get to Your flame
Jesus let my nation be Your presence
Lead me by way of this path that I’m strolling on
Information my coronary heart till the day You convey me dwelling”
Right here, Allan threads Edenic imagery from Genesis 2, evokes the presence of Pentecost’s flame (Acts 2:3), and casts the Kingdom of God not as a distant actuality however a gift homeland—a shocking theological perception. “Jesus let my nation be your presence” is a line worthy of liturgical repetition.
For the Jaded and the Joyful
Allan is evident about who he’s singing for. “Perhaps even somebody who’s jaded, who’s mad on the church, who had this marvel after they had been younger,” he shares. This music is his prayer for them. In a world the place spiritual wounds are actual and institutional belief is frayed, “Dwelling God” doesn’t invite listeners right into a system—it calls them into relationship.
It reminds us that our worship is to not an thought or establishment, however to a Particular person—alive, close to, holy.
A Worship Chief’s Providing
John Allan isn’t just an artist with a document deal—he’s an area worship chief whose coronary heart beats for the Church and for Christ. “God—He’s the fantastic artist,” he says. “I create for the Creator, praying my music bridges the hole so individuals can expertise Him.”
In that spirit, “Dwelling God” stands not solely as a debut single, however as a worship useful resource—an anthem for congregations, a devotional for the key place, and a lifeline for these on the perimeters of perception.
Could it ring from sanctuaries and headphones alike.
— — — — — —
Books on Worship Management
*Our web site is supported by our customers. We generally earn affiliate commissions once you click on by way of the affiliate hyperlinks on our web site. Clicking these hyperlinks is an effective way to help our web site and prices you nothing. Contact us with questions.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
