Bethel Music Reimagines "Living Hope (Live)" featuring John Wilds
In the ever-evolving soundscape of contemporary worship, Bethel Music has delivered a brilliant new anthem, "Living Hope (Live)," a powerful reimagining of their acclaimed 2018 single. This version, energized by the emerging voice of John Wilds, underscores the collective’s signature fusion of passion, authenticity, and artistic expression.
The original "Living Hope," penned by Brian Johnson and Phil Wickham in 2017, quickly became a fixture in worship circles. Its gospel-centered lyrics powerfully recount the story of Jesus' death, resurrection, and the resulting freedom believers experience.
John Wilds, who joined the Bethel Music Collective in 2021, brings a distinctive and compelling presence to this new version. While best known for his debut EP, I Want Jesus (Live) (April 2025), Wilds has steadily become an integral part of the Bethel sound through various collaborations and tour performances. His prominent feature on this track signals the collective's commitment to nurturing new voices while maintaining its core spiritual and musical identity.
This release continues a period of prolific output for Bethel Music. Recent projects, including the Holy Song (Live) EP and thesingle "No One Like The Lord (Live)" (both 2024), along with Paul and Hannah McClure’s album After Your Heart (Live), have consistently highlighted the collective's focus on heartfelt and intimate worship expressions.
On the touring front, Bethel remains a formidable force. "Living Hope" was a staple during their Summer 2025 concerts, featured in shows from Loveland, Colorado, to Charlotte, North Carolina, alongside beloved anthems like "Raise a Hallelujah," "Goodness of God," and "Holy Forever." Its consistent presence in live worship—ranking among their most frequently played songs—underscores its enduring impact.
Recorded in a live setting, "Living Hope (Live)" captures a palpable collective spirit. The arrangement preserves the tender, narrative quality of the original verses—"How great the chasm that lay between us" and "The work is finished, the end is written"—while Wilds’s vocals inject fresh conviction. The iconic chorus, "Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free… You have broken every chain," resonates with renewed vigor, amplified by congregational voices that heighten the track's communal feel.
The song's staying power is undeniable. The original version earned nominations for major categories like Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year at the 2019 GMA Dove Awards, cementing its place as a modern worship classic. This new live version builds on that legacy, proving the song's ability to connect with listeners through its deep theological truths and accessible melody.
The appeal of "Living Hope (Live)" lies in this very balance. While the broader contemporary worship scene sometimes faces criticism for being overly theatrical, this track feels grounded. As one fan noted, Bethel’s music often relates to God in a “more authentic way,” a quality that shines through in this earnest and powerful recording.
Ultimately, "Living Hope (Live)" serves as both a continuation and a reawakening of a celebrated anthem. John Wilds’s passion and vocal prowess inject fresh life into this song of resurrection and victory. The track effectively bridges the past and present, rooted in timeless gospel truth yet pulsing with the vibrant, renewed energy of a live worship experience.
 by Bethel Music and JohnWilds\u202c){kind=link}