Showing posts with label Christian music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian music. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

LoveMusic! - "Build My Life" - worship led by Christian Akker, Antioch International Church


"Build My Life" - worship led by Christian Akker


Antioch International Church
Fort Mill, SC

March 26, 2019

Greetings LoveMusic! fans.

When I first heard the song "Build My Life", sung by Pat Barrett, a few months ago (and shared in a previous LoveMusic! post here: Build My Life) I knew in my spirit that it was a cry in my heart too, and so I added it quickly to my playlist of good worship songs.

When I walked into the church building this past Sunday, March 24, 2019, and heard it being practiced by the worship team, led that morning by Christian Akker, I was excited. When they sang it during the gathering, I had already positioned myself to record it so I could share it with you now.

Be blessed, as you listen in the presence of the Lord Jesus, and welcome His truth and love, further expressed through this song of worship.

Thank you, Christian, for including it in your song list! The worship team did a good job!

 Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.
Charlotte, North Carolina USA



Published on Mar 25, 2019

"Build My Life" - worship led by Christian Akker, Antioch International Church in Fort Mill, SC March 24, 2019 Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Can China's Love of Music Be the Key to Revival? - CBN News George Thomas


Can China's Love of Music Be the Key to Revival?
06-10-2016
CBN News George Thomas

BEIJING -- China loves music. A new survey shows hundreds of millions listen to it on a regular basis. Now a small, but growing number of Chinese Christians are tapping into that market with a genre of music they hope will impact the world's most populous nation. 
Xu Chi is part of that movement. Xu was a rock singer for 20 years. 
He performed in nightclubs and other venues around China. But the fame and wealth, he says, did nothing to quench the emptiness he felt inside.
"It took me sometime to admit it, but the pleasure was temporary. It did not reach down into my soul," Xu told CBN News.
From Rock to the Gospel
Xu said that all changed in a single moment and transformed his singing career.
"I was reading the Bible and God spoke to me through the verse in Jeremiah 1 verses 7 and 8, which says: 'Do not say, I am too young. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,'" he said.
That scripture was like a revelation. Xu says he knew then that the Lord was calling him to do something new with his voice.
"I realized that my past 20 years as a rock singer wasn't a waste and that God was preparing me to use music to share His love," Xu said.
So instead of playing in nightclubs, he started organizing Christian concerts around the country, something that had never been done before publicly, and on such a large scale. 
"When I stepped out of the entertainment business and committed myself to the Church and to using music to draw people to Christ, my life status and values changed completely," he explained.
Musical Revival
And the Lord rewarded his obedience. 
"I have been in full-time music ministry for almost three years now. During these three years, around 2 million people have come forward to accept Christ at my concerts! Yes, 2 million people!" he told CBN News.
China loves music. In a first-of-its-kind survey released earlier this year, a staggering 977 million people -- that's 75 percent of China's 1.3 billion population -- listen to music regularly.
Xu knows he has a captive audience that's open to hearing about God's love.
"Every time I step on that stage I feel the responsibility to share the Gospel with non-believers and tell them about repentance and forgiveness, and share how my broken life was restored and renewed," he said.
What Satan Meant for Evil...
Xu admits that what he and other Christian musicians are doing to share the Gospel in China is huge. This is, after all, an officially atheist country where the government often frowns on Christianity.
And while the Christian music industry here pales in comparison to the United States, Xu believes they are making inroads.
"Music was created by God but was stolen and poisoned by the devil! He planted darkness into it and used it to mislead the world. What I am trying to do is redeem it with a hopeful, positive message that points people to the love of God and touches their soul," he explained.
And because of Xu's example, more artists now openly proclaim the Gospel through song. 
China has witnessed an explosion of singing competitions in recent years and Christians have featured prominently in many of the national competitions.
Among them is Li Wenqi, a finalist in China's televised version of "The Voice" singing competition. 
As an 18-year-old, Li says she understands the pressure many of her peers face in the frantic chase for wealth. 
"Many people today in China believe making money should be their life-long goal so they sacrifice everything to chase that dream, but that is fruitless," Li said. "I try to use my music to encourage people to chase after God instead."
A Remarkable Transformation
Li's father, Yingfeng, is also her business manager. He says it's truly remarkable that in China today his daughter can go on national television and openly sing about Jesus Christ.
"This would have been unheard of 30 years ago. But now we can sing worship songs freely. I know God will continue to make His voice heard around the nations," Yingfeng said.
Joseph Cui pastors a local church in Beijing. He says professional artists like Li and Xu are introducing his countrymen to a genre of music that is creative, inspiring and getting people's attention.
"Christian music is also influencing other religions," Cui told CBN News. "If you pay attention to Buddhist music, you'll find them to be very dull and boring. But nowadays, their songs also become quite cheerful. They adopted the power from Christian music to compose new Buddhist songs. So I think it also shows that Christian music has a wide impact."
This is music to Xu's ears! 
In between writing new songs and holding Christian concerts, he spends his time trying to get other artists to step out and share the love of Christ.
"I believe there are a large number of musicians who are afraid, for whatever reason, to openly sing about Christ," he said. "I'm praying that more people will be bold so more people can hear about His love."   

Friday, March 4, 2016

Newsboys Premier Exclusive Music Video For Their Single "Guilty"- NEWSBOYS CHARISMA MAGAZINE



If you were to draw up a blueprint for a successful music career, the final plans couldn't help but resemble Newsboys' trajectory. They've defined Christian music for more than two decades, only to blow up expectations as they've recreated themselves again and again. Impossible to pin down, these musical shapeshifters move fluidly between rock and pop, worship and dance, to the delight of their legion of fans. Their live shows exhibit a kind of energy that, if it could be bottled, would power entire cities.
While the recognition for all their hard work is nice, the band isn't in it for the accolades. Instead, lead vocalist Michael Tait, guitarist Jody Davis, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips do what they do out of love: love for God, love for their fans and love for the simple act of making music. Love is an emotion they believe we need more of in this increasingly dark world. They're so passionate about the idea that they titled their new album Love Riot.
"When I speak from stage, I often talk about love," says Tait of the album's inspiration. "Darkness has been so prevalent in our culture. Let's have a love riot—it's time."
For inspiration for their latest musical endeavor, they looked around at the good that's already being done, people who are shining examples of love both in their own backyard and around the world. The album celebrates those selfless acts, while also aiming to inspire the Church to refocus on this cornerstone of our faith.
"What makes Christianity different than every other faith is that it's built on love," Phillips reminds. "We were shown the greatest love from our Savior, but the Church hasn't always done a great job of loving people."
Love Riot hopes to change that.
The album is highlighted by the first single, "Guilty," the theme song of Pure Flix's upcoming motion picture "God's Not Dead 2."
"As a band, our primary goal is to communicate a powerful message through music," says Newsboys' Michael Tait. "With 'Guilty,' we wanted to deliver an anthem that carries an important message for today. 'Guilty' is a song for all Christians, as we seek to honor God each day in every way, no matter the cost. We pray it will help encourage and empower Believers—in our country and around the world—to live boldly for Him." 
In addition to the song, Newsboys are set to return to the big screen with a special appearance in "God's Not Dead 2," the sequel to the 2014 hit Pure Flix film in which the band made their onscreen debut. "God's Not Dead 2" hits theatres around the country beginning April 1, 2016, and stars Melissa Joan Hart, Jesse Metcalfe, David A.R. White, Sadie Robertson, Robin Givens and Fred Thompson, among others. The music video featured here includes a first look at footage from the film where key characters wrestle with their faith, and seek out answers to their questions about who God is.
From the brand new album "Love Riot." In stores everywhere now!
For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!
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Friday, January 31, 2014

CHARISMANEWS - Why Did Christian Artist Natalie Grant Leave the Grammys Early?

Why Did Christian Artist Natalie Grant Leave the Grammys Early?

Natalie Grant
Natalie Grant (Facebook)
Award-winning Christian music artist Natalie Grant left the Grammy Awards early on Sunday but has not said why.
“We left the Grammy’s early. I’ve many thoughts about the show tonight, most of which are probably better left inside my head,” Grant wrote on her Facebook page Sunday night. “But I'll say this: I've never been more honored to sing about Jesus and for Jesus. And I've never been more sure of the path I've chosen.”
The post received more than 4,700 comments, and bloggers took to the Web to speculate on why the gospel singer walked out. Shortly before she left, Katy Perry and Juicy J performed a song called “Dark Horse” that some have described as “satanic.”
Perry, who was raised in a strong Christian household, has publicly rejected her faith. Her Grammy performance displayed images evocative of the occult, including witchcraft, fire and beasts. The 29-year-old pop superstar pole-danced on a broom and closed her act with a burning on a stake.
But another performance may have caused Grant to leave, bloggers have said. During Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ song “Same Love,” 33 couples—heterosexual and homosexual—were married on stage.
Grant responded to the speculation in a statement on her Facebook page Monday afternoon. It has more than 111,000 likes and more than 9,000 comments so far.
“It does sadden me when people argue, judge and hurl insults at each other from both sides of the fence,” she wrote.
Though she said she would not engage in arguments, she made a few clarifications.
“I NEVER said I left during any particular performance. I only said I left early,” she said. “I never pointed out any one particular performance, I only said I had many thoughts about the entire show, which were best left inside my head and that is where they will stay.”
She continued, “So those who say I condemned one performance but then condoned others clearly did not read the post. What I DID say is this: I am honored to be a part of the Christian music community. I've had many people throughout my career ask why I never tried to go in to mainstream music and last night was a beautiful reminder that I love singing about Jesus and FOR Jesus."
“I've judged no one,” Grant insisted. “I hate no one. And I believe that every person has been created in the image of God. ... I won't use my platform to engage in political arguments that will only divide and not unite. I will continue to pray that my life will be my message.”
She thanked the Grammys and said she is grateful for her nominations. Grant then concluded with Romans 1:16: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus for it is the power of God who brings salvation to ALL who believe.”

Love For His People blog Editor's Note: "Thank you Natalie Grant for your stand. We stand with you." Steve Martin

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Love Song - "A Love Song" & Their History





    The History
    When Chuck Girard, Tommy Coomes, Jay Truax and Fred Field first stepped out onto the Calvary Chapel stage one evening back in 1970, it's not likely that the few hundred people gathered there had any idea they were about to witness the beginning of a new era in gospel music. 

    You don't usually think in those terms when you hear a group for the first time. Now, had you been there, you probably would have come to the conclusion that these four young men who called themselves Love Song were pretty good. Exceptionally good. They played soothing, intensely personal music that spoke to the heart and echoed the timeless themes of God's love. 
    At the same time, it sounded very much like the music the professional rock and folk rock groups were playing.


    Calvary Chapel - 1970

    That was perhaps the most intriguing part of it. Music like Love Song was playing had formerly been reserved for the pop airwaves; it had, at that time, no place in the Christian scheme of things. But here was this group, weaving a tapestry of close harmonies, pulsating rhythms and intricate guitar patterns, all tied together with an undeniably clear gospel message.

    The audience felt something vibrant, something fresh, something uniquely positive about this music. For the moment, it was beautiful praise music befitting the atmosphere; beyond that moment, the newly conceived sound was to become the forerunner in contemporary gospel music.

    That's quite a statement, but consider the facts: two years later Love Song's first album would be released. Sales would catapult the record to the top, where it would remain for more than a year as the best-selling gospel album in the nation.

    Today the album, along with Love Song's second release, "Final Touch," is still a best seller. And between the albums, hundreds of thousands of people around the world have witnessed the group's dynamic live performances

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Uploaded on Oct 23, 2011

Classic Christian Rock at its best! Subscribe for more great music!

In the early 70's, during the beginnings of what became known as the "Jesus Movement," a group of young, long-haired, bearded musicians, desiring to express their new-found faith in Jesus Christ through music, formed a band called Love Song. Using a mixture of folk, rock, pop, and country, Love Song's music was entirely new and unique for the Christian music world.

The music was fresh, sometimes radical, and yet, truly inspirational for a generation of young people searching for truth and it blazed the path for what we know today as 'contemporary Christian music.' Many called them the Christian "Beatles" at that time and their 1972 debut album is now considered a true classic, voted the #7 contemporary Christian album of all time by CCM magazine. - (one-way.org)