Resources

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, founded by Billy Graham and his team in 1950. The BGEA website contains a tremendous wealth of information and resources to help every Christian at any stage of their walk with Jesus. We suggest you start with watching any of Billy Graham’s classic sermons on YouTube or the BGEA website. https://billygraham.org

In Touch Ministries, founded by long-time pastor of First Baptist Atlanta (1969-2020), and a New York Times best-selling author, Dr. Charles Stanley. Dr. Stanley demonstrated a keen awareness of people’s needs and provided Christ-centered biblically based principles for everyday life. In Touch Ministries is unique in that they are a teaching ministry as well as a means of spreading the good news about Jesus Christ. There is an enormous amount of information for new believers on their website. We suggest you start by watching any of Charles Stanley’s classic sermons on YouTube or the In Touch website. https://www.intouch.org

Music

A word of caution here about Gospel music.

The Truth About Contemporary Christian Music

Many Christians today believe that contemporary Christian music is inappropriate in church for the following reasons:

It is too worldly and lacks the reverence required for worship.
The upbeat, modern sound of contemporary Christian music promotes a casual attitude toward God.
It mimics secular music styles and confuses the distinction between secular and religious values.

I, as a devout follower of Jesus Christ, totally agree. In my opinion, if a song cannot move you to tears now and then or make you want to shout, “Thank You, Jesus,” then it is not godly inspired.

Stick with the old Gospel; it has proven itself over hundreds of years. Shun any church that favors contemporary music over traditional.

Biblical Reverence in Worship

The Bible speaks clearly about reverence in worship.

Ecclesiastes 5:1–2 (NKJV)
“Walk prudently when you go to the house of God… Let your words be few.”

Hebrews 12:28 (NKJV)
“…let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

Worship is not entertainment. It is not performance. It is a sacred act directed toward a Holy God. The music used in worship should reflect reverence, humility, and the holiness of God.

Recommended Listening

There are many great Gospel groups to listen to for uplifting music, but the old Gospel songs, such as “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace,” are the best to move your spirit and for praise and worship.

For a real blessing, listen to the following artists and groups. There are many great artists out there; do your own search:

Alan Jackson

The founder of this group is Jimmy Fortune, formerly of The Statlers.

A Final Thought

Music has power. It can soften the heart, stir conviction, inspire gratitude, and deepen worship. For that very reason, it must be chosen carefully.

Let our music honor God in spirit and in truth, reflect His holiness, and lead us to worship Him with reverence and sincerity.

Links

Resources

Music

The Truth About Contemporary Christian Music

Biblical Reverence in Worship

Recommended Listening

Alan Jackson

The Easters Group

Redeemed Quartet

Jim Reeves

Brothers of the Heart

A Final Thought