|
|
The Resource of the Month
Hello Grace Family! It's time for our next Resource of the Month! So far, we have highlighted the ESV Study Bible, The Biggest Story Bible Storybook, and "The Biggest Story" podcast for kids. This month's hand-picked resources are all about music. Many of us listen to Christian music while we drive, work, cook, or exercise. Today I'll share three different groups/artists that lead me to want to worship God through music. I hope they encourage you as well. |
CityAlight
CityAlight is a group out of St. Paul's Church in Sydney, Australia. They are writing contemporary hymns and songs that communicate the Gospel with rich theology. Their music is beautiful yet very singable, as they aim to write songs not for performance, but for the church to sing together. We have sung many of their songs recently at Grace, including "Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me," "Only A Holy God," "Good And Gracious King," "Saved My Soul," "Every Step," and "God Is For Us." The more I listen to CityAlight, the more clear it becomes that their music is all about glorifying God for what he has done for us in Christ. |
Norton Hall Band
Norton Hall Band's aim ins't to write new music, but to take classic hymns and put them in a contemporary style. This group is also very unique! It's comprised of students from Southern Seminary, so the group's members turn over every few years as students graduate and move away. This regularly brings in new voices and musicians. We've also used Norton Hall Band versions of many hymns at Grace, including "How Firm A Foundation," "Praise Him, Praise Him," "Crown Him With Many Crowns," "Grace Greater," "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," and others. Personally, I am grateful that groups like Norton Hall Band are helping us keep the depth and beauty of older hymns in our modern day worship, by playing them in a way that doesn't require a pipe organ.
|
Forrest Frank
This last one might catch you by surprise. Forrest Frank is growing in popularity, especially among young people. Parents, if your teens are looking for new music with a fresh sound that is also distinctly Christian, consider sharing this artist with them. He creates very modern, very upbeat electronic hip hop and rap songs, and he does it all to praise Jesus. His songs "No Longer Bound," "Nothing But the Blood," and "Lift My Hands" all talk about the forgiveness, freedom, and new life we receive by faith in Jesus Christ. He uses his music to share his own testimony of how God saved and transformed him, and he is reaching the next generation. |
Final Thought
Regardless of which Christian musicians you listen to, always listen with discernment. Ask questions like: - Does the song show reverence toward God, and address him properly? - Is the song telling me to earn God's approval, or to rest in what Christ has done for me by grace? - Is the song promising blessing or prosperity or miracles in exchange for something I do (e.g. obey, have more faith) - Who is the hero of this song? God, or me? |
Feedback
I would love to hear from you. Which Christian musicians/artists are encouraging you right now? Email me: tom@gracestamford.org |
Thanks
Thank you for reading the April Resource of the Month email! If you have any questions about these resources, please reach out. Look for our next recommended resource in May. Sincerely, your brother in Christ, Tom Hansen, Senior Pastor |