Favorite Christian Songs (and Why!)

Joshua Rhodes · Jun 15, 2006

Not necessarily worship songs, but list your favorite songs that speak to your heart and challenge you, or maybe even break you. I listed one in another thread called "Clear the Stage" that is one of those songs for me. Here's another, that reminds me of how foolish the gospel must look to the world.

God's Own Fool
Michael Card
Copyright (C) 1985 Mole End Music

It seems I’ve imagined Him all of my life as the wisest of all of mankind.
But if God’s holy wisdom is foolish to men, He must have seemed out of His mind.
For even His family said He was mad, and the priest said, “A demon’s to blame!”
So God in the form of this angry young man could not have seemed perfectly sane.

When we in our foolishness thought we were wise,
He played the fool and He opened our eyes.
When we in our weakness believed we were strong,
He became helpless to show we were wrong.
And so, we follow God’s own fool, for only the foolish can tell,
Believe the unbelievable and come be a fool as well.

So come lose your life for a carpenter’s son, for a madman who died for a dream,
Then you’ll have the faith His first followers had, and You’ll feel the weight of the beam.
So surrender the hunger to say you must know, have the courage to say, “I believe,”
For the power of paradox opens your eyes and blinds those who say they can see.

When we in our foolishness thought we were wise,
He played the fool and He opened our eyes.
When we in our weakness believed we were strong,
He became helpless to show we were wrong.
And so, we follow God’s own fool, for only the foolish can tell,
Believe the unbelievable and come be a fool as well.

Joshua Rhodes · Jun 15, 2006

This is another by Ross King, written to an unsaved friend, obviously after a talk about spiritual things. What do you think?

Foolish to You
Ross King
Copyright (C) 1999 Ross King

What’s that did I hear you say you think that I have fallen into?
A fairy-tale world of fools where the weak go to hide?
I know that it looks that way, but you haven’t seen my point of view;
You think it’s narrow, but it’s wide.

It’s foolish to you because you are dying,
But to those who are saved it is the wisdom of God,
You’ve been here so long now, you’re starting to believe your very own lies,
But the truth is the foolish are wise.

What’s that did I hear you say you think that I’m not really living,
Tied up by some lofty set of rules?
You think my boat is sinking, but I hope your change your way of thinking
And climb aboard and sail this ship of fools.

It’s foolish to you because you are dying,
But to those who are saved it is the wisdom of God,
You’ve been here so long now, you’re starting to believe your very own lies,
But the truth is the foolish are wise.

It is one Truth, it is absolute, it is wisdom and light.
His name is Jesus, He died to save us, He is Life!

It’s foolish to you because you are dying,
But to those who are saved it is the wisdom of God,
You’ve been here so long now, you’re starting to believe your very own lies,
But the truth is the foolish are wise.

Magnetic Poles · Jun 15, 2006

An oldie but goodie...from the late Keith Green. This song has always spoken to me, about how I am glad that it is not up to me, that God will never let me fall away, even when I stray from his path.

I Don't Want To Fall Away From You

After all the things that you have shown me
I’d be a fool to let them slip away
In doing things I know I shouldn’t do
But I don’t want to fall away from you
From you

After all
I’ve only grieved your spirit
And then I don’t know why you stay with me
But every time I fall your love comes through
And I don’t want to fall away from you

When the light is gone
And good times are getting old
There’s no one left to count on
And all my friends are cold
When I thirst for love oh lord
You’re a fountain to my soul
My soul
My soul
Oh lord
My soul

In a way my life is full of burdens
But in a way you carry them from me
Jesus
Cause no one understands the way you do
And you know lord
I don’t want to fall away from you

Well every day I pray to start anew
Cause I don’t want to fall away from you

No lord
I don’t wanna fall away from you
No lord
I don’t wanna fall away from you

From you...lord

Magnetic Poles · Jun 15, 2006

Here is another 70s oldie, but one that has always made me reflect on the limitless love that God showed to me, one so undeserving. Boundless Love by Farrell & Farrell.

Boundless Love

Boundless love, unending joy
This is my life, it's what I know
I can't believe that He selected me
Jesus, my Lord, it's You, I owe

He keeps me when I'm weary
He can hear me when I pray
He's even there beside me when I fall
His love surrounds me even when I go astray
I guess I'd have to say that He's my all

Boundless love, unending joy
This is my life, it's what I know
I can't believe that He selected me
Jesus, my Lord, it's You, I owe

When my world falls all around me, I call upon his name
Just in time He takes me by the hand
His ways are perfect just like His son who bore my shame
I don’t even have to understand

Boundless love, unending joy
This is my life, it's what I know
I can't believe that He selected me
Jesus, my Lord, it's You, I owe
Jesus, my Lord, it's You, I owe
(key change)

Boundless love, unending joy
This is my life, it's what I know
I can't believe that He selected me
Jesus, my Lord, it's You, I owe
Jesus, my Lord, it's You, I know

Magnetic Poles · Jun 15, 2006

Yet another. One that reminds me that although we all have different trials in life, and we don't always get a yes to our prayers, God is in control, working his refinement in our lives until he calls us home. Even when we don't think his answers are fair, they will ultimately result in our eternal life with him.

Home Free
by Wayne Watson

I'm trying hard not to think you unkind
But Heavenly Father
If you know my heart
Surely you can read my mind
Good people underneath the sea of grief
Some get up and walk away
Some will find ultimate relief

Chorus
Home Free, eventually
At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free
Home Free, oh Ive got a feeling
At the ultimate healing
We will be Home Free

Out in the corridors we pray for life
A mother for her baby, A husband for his wife
Sometimes the good die young
It's sad but true
And while we pray for one more heartbeat
The real comfort is with you

You know pain has little mercy
And suffering's no respecter of age, of race or position
I know every prayer gets answered
But the hardest one to pray is slow to come
Oh Lord, not mine, but Thy will be done

Let it be...

Chorus
Home Free, eventually
At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free
Home Free, oh Ive got a feeling
At the ultimate healing
We will be Home Free

Home Free, eventually
At the ultimate healing gonna be Home Free
Home Free, oh its more than a feeling
At the ultimate healing
Gonna be Home Free

JFox1 · Jun 15, 2006

Magnetic Poles said:

Yet another. One that reminds me that although we all have different trials in life, and we don't always get a yes to our prayers, God is in control, working his refinement in our lives until he calls us home. Even when we don't think his answers are fair, they will ultimately result in our eternal life with him.

Home Free
by Wayne Watson

I'm trying hard not to think you unkind
But Heavenly Father
If you know my heart
Surely you can read my mind
Good people underneath the sea of grief
Some get up and walk away
Some will find ultimate relief

Chorus
Home Free, eventually
At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free
Home Free, oh Ive got a feeling
At the ultimate healing
We will be Home Free

Out in the corridors we pray for life
A mother for her baby, A husband for his wife
Sometimes the good die young
It's sad but true
And while we pray for one more heartbeat
The real comfort is with you

You know pain has little mercy
And suffering's no respecter of age, of race or position
I know every prayer gets answered
But the hardest one to pray is slow to come
Oh Lord, not mine, but Thy will be done

Let it be...

Chorus
Home Free, eventually
At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free
Home Free, oh Ive got a feeling
At the ultimate healing
We will be Home Free

Home Free, eventually
At the ultimate healing gonna be Home Free
Home Free, oh its more than a feeling
At the ultimate healing
Gonna be Home Free
Click to expand...

I love that song! :applause:

JFox1 · Jun 15, 2006

One of my favorite Christian songs:

NATURE AND GRACE
by John Michael Talbot

Deep within me
There lies a true distinction
Between the things I would
And what I really do

I cannot believe that
I am so unusual
Isn't this the common sorrow
Within me and you
For nature will see
Only its own advantage
It considers only how
Another might be used
Grace will bring a new humility
To comfort those afflicted
And to help those once abused

CHORUS:
Nature might seek its fair consolation
But it never offers it help without
Its price of reward
Grace finds reward
In another's consolation
Learning in this paradox
The power of our Lord

Nature will seek to be exalted
In authority
To argue its opinion
And to have all the world conform
But grace humbly comes in a silent
assuredness
Speaking only to conform
A man unto his Lord

CHORUS

Learning in this paradox
The power of our Lord

Joshua Rhodes · Jun 20, 2006

Grace
Laura Story
Copyright (C) 1996 Silars Bald Music

My heart is so proud, my eyes are so unfocused;
I see the things You do through me as great things I have done.
And now You gently break me, and I cry just like a baby,
You hold me as my Father, You mold me as my Maker.

And I ask You, “How many times will You lift me up when I keep on letting You down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abound?”
And You answer, “My child, I love you, and as long as you’re seeking My face,
You’ll walk in the power of My daily sufficient grace."

At times I grow weak and feel a bit discouraged,
Knowing that someone somewhere could do a better job.
For who am I to serve You? I know I don’t deserve You,
But that’s the part that burns in my heart, and keeps me hanging on.

And I ask You, “How many times will You lift me up when I keep on letting You down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abound?”
And You answer, “My child, I love you, and as long as you’re seeking My face,
You’ll walk in the power of My daily sufficient grace."

You are so patient with me, Lord.

As I walk with You I’m learning just what Your grace really means.
How all of my transgressions were paid at Calvary.
So instead of trying to repay You, I’m learning to simply obey You,
By giving up my life to You for all that You’ve given to me.

And I ask You, “How many times will You lift me up when I keep on letting You down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abound?”
And You answer, “My child, I love you, and as long as you’re seeking My face,
You’ll walk in the power of My daily sufficient grace."

This song is a quiet reflection of what it means to walk daily in grace. It was played for me at a time when I thought no measure of grace could cover what I had done. Now I know that like Corrie ten Boom said, "There is no pit so deep or dark that God's love is not deeper still."

Mishelly · Jul 3, 2006

Not my favorite but makes me think - I love almost everything Rich Mullins has sung

[SIZE=+1]Screen Door[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Rich Mullins
Matthew 7:15-20, Hebrews 6:9-10, James 2:14-26 [/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]It's about as useless as
A screen door on a submarine
Faith without works baby
It just ain't happenin'
One is your left hand
One is your right
It'll take two strong arms
To hold on tight
Some folks cut off their nose
Just to spite their face
I think you need some works to show
For your alleged faith

Well there's a difference you know
Between having faith
And playing make believe
One will make you grow
The other one just make you sleep
Talk about it (yeah)
But I really think you oughtta
Take a leap off of the ship
Before you claim to walk on water
Faith without works
Is like a song you can't sing (sing)
It's about as useless as
A screen door on a submarine [/SIZE]

Rachel · Jul 4, 2006

I need to start listening to the radio and not my CD's so much, cause I've never heard those songs I don't think. And they look good.

It's hard to choose, I enjoy so many...
Here's one from Casting Crowns I love, the words explain why. I love this group. :thumbs:

Artist: Casting Crowns
Album: Casting Crowns
Song: Life Of Praise

I will love You, Lord always
Not just for the things You've done for me
And I will praise You all my days
Not just for the change You've made in me
I'll praise you for You are holy, Lord
And I'll lift my hands, but You are worthy of so much more

Chorus:

For You are awesome, God of the Nations,
Lion of Judah, Rock of the Ages, Alpha, Omega
You're worthy of all praise
More that these hands I'll raise
I'll live a life of praise

I will serve You Lord, always for You are my strength
When I am weak
I will never be afraid for You are my rock and You protect me
But I'll praise You for You are holy, Lord
And I'll lift my hands, but You are worthy of so much more

raise:

shadow_of_the_cross · Jul 12, 2006

Here's another Casting Crowns songs, one of my favs. This is a CCM group that has solid, thought-provoking lyrics, which is why I enjoy listening to them.

"Praise You In This Storm"

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Bro Tony · Jul 12, 2006

:thumbs: Great powerful song shadow:applause:

Bro Tony

PS---I love Casting Crowns

TaterTot · Jul 12, 2006

me too.
This is one of my favorite ones to sing and my teens at church really like it as well.
REFINER's FIRE
V1:

Purify my heart, Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart, Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refrain:
Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I want to be holy.
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will.

V2: Purify my heart, Cleanse me from within and make me holy,
Purify my heart, Cleanse me from my sin deep within
(Repeat Refrain)….ready to do Your will….ready to do Your will….

rbell · Jul 12, 2006

Can't go wrong with Scripture, huh? Our praise band does this song with a digeridoo, guitars, drums, keys, bass, drum loop, and a djembe. Kind of fun.
Romans 12:1-2
I urge you, brothers and sisters, I urge you, brothers and sisters,
I urge you, brothers and sisters, In view of God’s many mercies:
Offer your minds and your bodies, Offer your minds and your bodies,
Offer your minds and your bodies, Your lives, your actions for service.

This is reasonable, this is thankful, this is spiritual…
This is worship.

Don’t let the culture conform you, don’t let the culture conform you;
Don’t let the culture conform you, Let God renew and transform you.
Just learn of Him & His purpose, Just learn of Him & His purpose;
Just learn of Him and His purpose, And everything good and perfect.

This is reasonable, this is thankful, this is spiritual…
This is worship.

ASLANSPAL · Jul 12, 2006

http://www.spiritinthesky.com/clp_spirit.ram

http://csk44.com.ne.kr/P_%20Put%20Your%20Hand%20In%20The%20Hand[1971]%20Ocean%20.wma

http://csk44.com.ne.kr/P_%20Put%20your%20hand%20in%20the%20hand%20_%20Joan%20Baez.wma

http://csk44.com.ne.kr/P_%20Put%20Your%20Hand%20In%20The%20Hand(live)_%20Anne%20Murray.wma

Ricky Skaggs on Mandolin

http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~dobb8314/Music/WayfaringStranger.mp3

http://www.marstalent.com/sounds/tommy_james_crystal_blue_persuasion.wav

Just the many Christian songs I like .

The reason being they were able to cross over and be a good testimony to the world.

artist in order

Norman Greenbaum Spirit in the Sky

Put your hand in the hand by Ocean
same song only with Joan Baez
another cover by Anne Murray

Emmylou Harris with Ricky Skaggs which is my favorite Wayfaring Stranger

another rendition more fast paced by Aarika Ravelle

Eva Cassidy did this as well.

Tommy James, Crystal blue persuasion

Jack Lavictoire · Jul 15, 2006

I enjoy that old song, "Blessed Assurance" because we use to sing it when I had first came to know Jesus and of course it brings back a lot of precious memories. :thumbs:

webdog · Jul 15, 2006

I like Agnus Dei / Worthy. Great song to just reflect on God's holiness while worshipping.

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