Various - My Hope: Songs Inspired By The Message And Mission Of Billy Graham

Published Monday 11th November 2013
Various - My Hope: Songs Inspired By The Message And Mission Of Billy Graham
Various - My Hope: Songs Inspired By The Message And Mission Of Billy Graham

STYLE: Pop
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 145223-21073
LABEL: Sparrow 5099943346721
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2013-10-15
RRP: £1.99

Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

One of the wonders of Dr Billy Graham is that he has never retired from his life's work of mission. At the age of 95 and with failing health he has released a new book, The Reason For My Hope: Salvation, and a new set of outreach DVDs, 'My Hope America'. To complement the book, Michael W Smith and others had the idea of writing some songs inspired by Billy's message and mission, resulting in the 12 new recordings here. As befits Billy Graham's message, the songs are unashamed and uncompromising in their declaration of truth. The Newsboys' "We Believe" appropriately kicks off with the core statement of Christian belief, "We believe in God the father, we believe in Jesus Christ, we believe in the Holy Spirit and he's given us new life/We believe in the crucifixion, we believe that he conquered death, we believe in the resurrection and that he's coming back again." Continuing the creed theme, Kari Jobe's "The Cross Is My Confession" is a hymn-like worship anthem that will surely find its way into mainstream church use. Some of the artists have a personal connection with Dr Graham and this has resulted in some beautifully poignant moments; although the son of a preacher, Matthew West first met Jesus at the age of 13 through seeing a Billy Graham crusade on TV, the message being "come just as you are". His song of the love of God, "So Loved", is a truly personal story. Michael W Smith's "Take Me Home" was written as a result of conversations with Billy and is scripted as Billy talking to Jesus, longing to go home and be with his Lord. "My dear and faithful friend, when does it all begin?/When will I see your face and touch the scars upon your skin?" For me the two highly emotive songs from Lacey Sturm stand out in particular; "The Reason" has the mix of aching beauty and uplifting energy of many of Plumb's songs, declaring "You bled, you died to be with me/Why would you do something like that for someone like me?/Now I finally see the reason, because I was made to be yours alone", and "Mercy Tree" sums up Billy Graham's message in the words "Death has died, love has won, hallelujah...on a hill called Calvary stands an endless mercy tree". The CD closes with TobyMac's "City On Our Knees" edited with some powerful excerpts of Billy Graham. . .the last words we hear are the call "Now you come and receive Christ". Most of the songs here are excellent, especially so due to the message being so bold and clear that Jesus Christ is unchanging, the blood of Jesus alone can save and "No man shall enter the kingdom of heaven unless he comes!" A faithful reflection of the message of a "good and faithful servant".

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Product Description
12 brand new recordings featuring Michael W Smith, TobyMac, Amy Grant, Israel Houghton, Kari Jobe, Darlene Zschech and more.

"This is such a great project," shares Michael W Smith. "Everyone has come together out of our tremendous love and respect for Billy Graham. The impact he has had on all of us and the impact he was had on eternity is immeasurable. This is our attempt to pay honour to someone who has been an example, a mentor and an inspiration to all of us. I'm excited about the artists that are a part of the project and I'm excited about the thoughtfulness behind each of the songs. I think it truly is a collection of music that honours this great man."

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