Following my introduction to the vibrant city which is Nottingham, S.O. Live proved to be a reflective and excitable evening - the perfect end to the day.
The concert was held at the Christian Centre in Nottingham, where the dark room provided the perfect ambience for the event, and the brightly lit stage urged us forward, leaving the audience wondering what the artist would deliver this evening.
As the concert began, the audience were introduced, or reacquainted as the case may be for some, with Nottingham's local talent B-FAM, Breaker and London's very own A Star who each had a set of around three songs.
The highlight of all of the supporting acts was for me A Star, who as well as entertaining us, explained with detail his motivation concerning the content of each track.
This was illustrated particularly when the artist expanded on the content of his latest release "DFMB" (down for my brothers), articulating clearly God's command concerning how we are to love on our brothers at the point of laying down our lives.
This concluded the section allocated to the supporting acts and the moment had finally arrived. S.O. took to the stage.
From the first song, S.O. completely captivated the audience and set the tone for the rest of the evening, causing us to focus on the reason for all his material, our Lord Jesus Christ. The track entitled "I Am" taken from his album "So it continues" was a flawless start taking the audience through the character and person of God, constant truths which are to saturate the heart and mind of every believer.
As the show progressed, we were taken through a variety of songs, from "Feminine Appeal", "Let it go" and "Tell Em all" to "Sure thing" and "Love is you". The audience were reminded of why S.O. is appreciated as an artist, as we were spectators to this UK talent executing each track effortlessly and speaking the truths of God clearly and plainly.
Those who were fortunate enough to be in attendance will recall the silence and attentiveness that fell over the room as S.O. presented "Lamentations", "Lows & Highs" revealing the struggles of dealing with his father's death. S.O's vulnerability is something to be commended, as even in his struggles he was able to glory in the power of God to preserve those of His children who are in despair and tribulation.
This same atmosphere generated by the audience continued at the presentation of some new material from the "So it ends" album due to drop late this year.
As S.O. delivered the intro to this album, I was completely blown away by the quality of production. This is most certainly something that has remained consistent throughout all of S.O's music as well as his music being rich in theology.
As some sort of parting gift, S.O. left the audience with three things. "Radical", a track which features Lecrae, "I can bear", a song which I know for a lot of people is the highlight of the "So it continues" album and last but by no means least, S.O. preached the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What joy it brings the heart of the believer to be reminded of the eternal unwavering hope that we have in Jesus Christ? Listening to S.O. present the gospel in such a passionate way reminded me of one my favourite portions of scripture in 1 Peter 1:3-5 which reads "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
I found myself so encouraged in heart, being beautifully reminded that the basis of the gift of salvation is not on my works, which always fall short of the glory of God, but on the grace and mercy of a loving and Holy God. The audience was implored by the artist to take our weaknesses to God, even the feebleness of our faith declaring "Lord I believe, help my unbelief," something I most certainly identify with.
All in all, I think the show was a great success. The audience was presented with great music, all of which pointed to our risen saviour Jesus Christ, and great encouragement, which derived solely from the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Those of you, who are hanging your heads at the thought of missing out on such a good evening, please do not despair! S.O. will be performing on 23 February in London. Ticket info can be found on the artist's Facebook page. Let us remember our brother in our prayers, asking God that He would preserve S.O. causing Him to be faithful in the proclamation of the word of God and that God alone would receive all glory.
