Sovereign Grace Music's Latest: Your Alone

A Conversation About Not Compromising to Share the Stage with False Teachers

I have listened to the music of Michael O'Brien in the past and have enjoyed it. I like a lot of his current music which some are hymns for his listeners to engage with. He has gone on record that he will not share a stage with those who are not of sound doctrine which included a time to sing at the White House because one of the spiritual advisors for President Trump is Paula White.

In this video, Michael speaks with Doreen Virtue about what God has done in his life especially in the area of taking a stand against false teachers. This video also has a couple of clips of Michael leading worship at the 2025 Resolute Women's Conference which took place at the Ark Encounter.

My Thoughts on Petra's New Album

 I was around 10 years old when I was introduced to the Christian band, Petra. My first album that I got to listen to was "This Means War," and the rest is history. Petra has been my go-to band for listening to while driving, working out, and even mowing the yard. I was sad to learn that Petra was no longer going to be making music after 2005, but they still continued to tour with their latest tour being called, "The Best for Last."

I never had the chance to see Petra in concert until June 2025 with my son in Arlington, Tx. I have to admit; my inner teenager was coming out including attempting to headbang in a couple of the songs which was an epic failure only because I had short hair. As the concert progressed, there two words that came from the band I never thought I would hear again: new album. I was excited to hear that my favorite band was coming out with a new album, which happened on January 6th. 

Petra released a new album titled, "Hope," which is their first studio album in over 20 years. The reason is they wanted to encourage the church with a message of hope in a chaotic world. Like most of Petra's music, they are supported by scripture. I am not going to do a thorough review of this album but just share a few thoughts. 

First, this album was a breath of fresh air. Petra's new album was something that was needed in the CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) world. Yes, there are other decent bands in CCM, but Petra tends to bring in those who love rock and pop together. Their concerts have been brought old and young together, which I saw in Arlington. The song "Oxygen" was surprising because it felt like you were listening to Jimmy Buffet or the Beach Boys in the beginning.

Second, though backed by the Bible, you may not agree with all of the lyrics to their songs. Their first single, "Deliver Us" addresses binding every power that opposes which is a little charismatic lingo. These songs are not worship songs. This is just a group of Christian musicians who want to give encouragement to the body of Christ. 

Finally, as a long time Petra fan, this one was worth the wait. They may not be as hard rock as they were with "This Means War" or "Beyond Belief," but it was great hearing new songs from them. I hope (no pun intended) Petra will continue to make more albums. I know they are getting up in age, well three of them, but they still got it. 

A Controversial Version to a Christmas Hymn

It is the day after Thanksgiving and for some it is the official start to having Christmas music played in your house, office, car or wherever you enjoy listening to music. So, I thought I would share a music video to a classic Christmas hymn performed by Skillet....

Wait a minute...

Do you mean the one that has some many people upset? O Come O Come Emmanuel? That's the one. I am sure some of you are wondering why I am playing this video. Well, I am glad you asked although you did not.

First, I am a Skillet fan, Second, I like rock music. Third, I actually do like this version. Do I want it played in a church worship service? No. Skillet is a rock band that made a rock version of a Christmas song. If you do not like that song, that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Skillet has been around for 30 years next year, and they have not gone far left field like other Christian artists. 

So, sit back and enjoy the start of the Christmas season with this classic hymn made in a genre that not many people enjoy. 

CCM Needs Reform - Part 5

As I mentioned in a previous post, I attended church with a Contemporary Christian musician during my years in Houston, TX. For those wondering who it was, it was Wayne Watson known songs such as Watercolor Ponies, Giants in the Land, and Home Free. Whenever Wayne was not on the road, he would be in church with his family. At times, he would sing with the church choir or one of his songs as a solo. He performed a concert for the Youth Ministry. 

Not many in the CCM industry are involved in church. Thankfully, we do have some who are regularly part of a local church, but a lot of them do not even mention their church life. 

I truly believe that those in the CCM industry really needs to commit themselves to a local church not just for their family, but for their own spiritual growth. These singers need the preaching of the Word as much as the business executive who desires to glorify God in their place of business. 

Being part of a church gives a CCM artist and anyone in the industry access to other believers who can hold them accountable, pray with them, serve with them, and have fellowship. 

Pastors can be a really be helpful to those in the CCM industry to equip them and help them have resources as they engage their listeners. 

Those in the CCM industry should be in the church because of they are part of the body of Christ, and we need each other. Those in the CCM world are not exempt from being part of the church just because they tour all over the world singing about Jesus. 

CCM Needs Reform - Part 4

For nearly 40 years, I have been a fan of the legendary Christian rock group Petra. I have enjoyed listening to their music whether I was sitting in my room or in the car. My youth group played them from time to time before our midweek service. 

One thing that I admire about them was their commitment to make their songs based on scripture.  I remember reading the lyrics to their songs and seeing scripture references to those songs. The same can be said of Steven Curtis Chapman. Almost every song he wrote, has a scripture reference attached to it. 

Commitment to the Bible and being Biblically literate is another area that need reform in the CCM industry. If these singers are going to be singing songs about God, they need to know who He is as He revealed Himself in His holy Word. 

Sadly, there some singers who cannot even answer basic questions about God and even what His Word has said about certain areas of life. When CCM singer Lauren Daigle was asked on iHeart Radio if homosexuality was a sin, her answer showed how Biblically illiterate she is. Her answer was, "I don't know. I am not God." Yes, she is not God, thankfully, yet God has shown us in His Word that homosexuality is a sin. 

For reform to happen in the CCM industry, we need people in the Word.

CCM Needs Reformed - Part 3

What needs to happen for Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) to have reform. As we have seen in the last post that Christians should be the ones singing these songs which made me realize that that it's not just the singers who need to be Christians to be in CCM, but also the writers of these songs and those who produce their albums. 

I mentioned in the last post about a comment Alisa Childers made that there some songs in the CCM industry that are written by non-Christians. It makes me wonder how anyone can, who is not a Christian, write a song about a God they do not even know. Why write about songs that is contrary to what they believe? Do we expect Muslims to write a Christian song about Christ? The same with Mormons and any other world religion.

The CCM industry should be one where God is glorifies as His people use their gifts for His glory and edify the church at large. We cannot and should not expect this from those who do not know Christ. They will be focused more on image and making songs that sound like something you will hear on any non-Christian music station, if you still listen to the radio rather the streaming music on your smart phone. 

Christian record labels need to have people who profess Christ as Lord and seek to honor Him.

CCM Needs Reform - Part 2

What needs to change in the CCM world? That is the question we will explore. I know there are a lot of opinions on this issue. I know there are some that have expressed their desire to see change in the CCM world while others want it to die. I truly believe the CCM industry can be salvaged only if certain changes can be made. 

Before I go any further, I want to say I am not talking about worship music. There have been many posts and podcast addressing the issue of worship music in the church today, but this is not what I am talking about. I am addressing a genre of music as an alternative for Christians to listen to and have their kids listen to as well. I am not saying abandon all of those non-Christian artists you have been listing to. That would be legalism. There are some decent musicians that are not in the CCM world that make good songs that are fun to listen to although you should use discernment and exercise caution when listening to non-Christian music and other forms of entertainment. 

With that being said, the first area that needs to happen to bring about change in the CCM is this, CCM stands for Contemporary Christian Music, therefore Christians are the ones that need to be singing Christian music. I heard Alisa Childers say that is astonishing that many who write Christian songs are not Christians themselves. I remember hearing someone saying about a singer for a Christian band, who was arrested for hiring a hitman, saying 9 out of 10 bands he toured with were not Christians.

It boggles my mind that those who sing the name of Jesus in song do not believe in Christ. Then again, how many artists sing Christmas songs proclaiming Christ's birth, yet their albums talk their immoral lifestyle? Why would any non-Christian sing songs about Christ if they are not living for him? Remember, CCM is a money-making industry. They may not make as much as those in the mainstream world, but they make money.

We need Christians singing songs about Christ on the radio, streaming service, and arena all over the world, not those who only want to make a buck. 

CCM Needs Reform

The situation with Michael Tait has many people talking. Some are expressing sadness while others are expressing confusion and, for some, anger. Some non-Christians hope that this kills Christian music. 

I have loved Christian music for years. I even attended church with a Contemporary Christian musician, who would do solos at church from time to time. Christian music has been a way for me to hear music that was not worldly or even had to worry about the lyrics.

Christian music is not immune from scandal, and it is not just Michael Tait. I will never forget when Michael English, who we dubbed at my church, the Michael Bolton of the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) world, confessed to an affair with one of the female singers of a group named First Call. English only had two CCM albums released at the time and his music played on Christian radio. After the affair was confessed, his albums were pulled from Christian Bookstore shelves, and his songs were never played on the radio again.

While this along with recent scandals in the CCM world, many have wondered what needs to change for CCM artists. Let's face it, CCM is a money-making industry. I get it. A worker earns his wages. However, record labels care about image and what sales. Just watch the movie "Unsung Hero," and you will see how true that is. 

Granted, there have been many great CCM artists and songs over the years, but there needs to be a change. There needs to be reform if artists want to magnify Christ and encourage its listeners. Not trying to sound like K-Love, but I remember songs encouraging me during my teenage years. I am still encouraged by some of them to this day although there are some songs I have issues with theologically that I would not even recommend today. 

I do not want to give up on CCM. I still think it can be used by God to magnify His name, but there needs to be reform. There needs to be a change. I know some of you might not agree with me and that is fine. Some of you might want to see CCM go away. Granted, there are some CCM artists that I wish did not make music because of their links to false teachers, but CCM needs solid artists who are not ashamed of the gospel and long to see people come to faith in Christ. 

Over the next few posts, I will be sharing my thoughts into what changes need to happen in the CCM world. 

My Top Albums for 2024 in 3 Genres

This year was another great year in music. There were a number of really good albums as well as some singles. It is at time difficult to decide which ones were the best or what would make a list of top albums, so I decided to do something a little different. 

I am going to give you my favorite albums for 2024 in 3 genres as well as my favorite song from each one.

First, my favorite worship album is Knowing God by Sovereign Grace Music, which based on the classic book by J.I. Packer. My favorite song from this album Jesus, Our Judge and Our Savior:

Next, we go to rock, which my favorite album in this genre would be Revolution by Skillet. My favorite song, All That Matters:

Finally, you might not like this genre, rap. Yes, I said rap. I do not listen to a whole lot of rap as much as do other genres, but I did listen to this album quite a bit this year considering its based on a book by Voddie Baucham, Fault Lines produced by Wrath and Grace and performed by Timothy Brindle. The best song on the album, in my opinion, BLM (Blatant Lies Multiplied):

My Top 5 Worship Songs for 2024

If you are a Spotify user, like me, you probably have already seen what your top songs were. I listen to music constantly whether I am working, studying, or working out. 

I have many songs on repeat including worship songs which leads me to share my top worship songs for 2024:

1. Look to Christ by Cameron Keith

2. Jesus, Fount of Joy Eternal by The Trails Church

3. Sing Aloud (God Our Strength) by Cameron Keith

4. Grace by CityALight

5. No Other Name by Emu Music

Christmas Music to Enjoy

Its officially Christmas time which means the tree is going up, parties are happening, the waste line gets bigger, the blood pleasure goes up, and the checking account gets smaller. Hopefully not all of that comes true for everyone especially the waste line getting bigger. 

One of the things I love about Christmas is the music. Granted some of it can get annoying and repetitive. How many versions of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer are there? 

Some of you reading this may not even like Christmas music to which I say, I get it. Some of it is bad like White Christmas and Having a Wonderful Christmas Time, but there is some good Christmas music out, which brings me to why I decided to recommend some of my favorite Christmas albums to you on the day after Thanksgiving, which most people decide to listen to Christmas Music. 

Some of these have been my favorites for years while others have been more recent:

Christmas by Michael W Smith

One Christmas Eve by Wayne Watson

The Music of Christmas by Steven Curtis Chapman

Prepare Him Room by Sovereign Grace Music

Heaven Has Come by Sovereign Grace Music

Behold the Lamb of God by Andrew Peterson

Advent by Emu Music

The Soul Felt Its Worth by Nathan Drake (Reawaken Hymns)

Come and See by The Grace Collective

Christ Has Come by Journey Worship Co.

These Christmas Lights by Matt Redman

Do You See What I See? by Todd Agnew

The Hymn Sung at Spurgeon's Last Worship Service

According to Alex DiPrima's book, Spurgeon: A Life, two weeks before Charles Spurgeon died, he attended his final worship service which took place in his home on January 17, 1892. DiPrima writes, "The hymn that evening could not have been more appropriate, as his life was drawing to a close."

Spurgeon died a few weeks later and we know that God used him in proclaiming the gospel and standing against false doctrine. We do not know when the Lord will call us home, but we all have a high priority to proclaim the gospel to all around us and even live for his glory. 

I wanted to share this little bit of church history because I was not aware of this hymn until the last few years and now, I have a little more appreciation for it. So as you listen and/or read the lyrics, give praise to God that your life in His hands and nothing can separate you from the love of Christ.

Major Concerns About Christian Music

In this video, Alisa Childers addresses concerns over Christian music:

Lyric Video: Grace Alone from the Modern Post

Timothy Brindle Discusses His New Album, Fault Lines

Over at the Dead Men Podcast, Timothy Brindle discusses his latest album, Fault Lines which is based on the book by Voddie Baucham.

Two New Worship Songs on Repeat

It has been a long time since I shared any kind of music on the blog, though I have shared some on social media. There have been some good songs that have come out over the past few months in the area of worship and other genres, but I wanted to take this opportunity to share two new songs that have been on repeat.

The first is "Apostle's Creed" from Emu Music:

The next one is "Look to Christ" by Cameron Keith:

My Top Worship Songs from 2020

If you are a Spotify user as I am, you probably have seen your year end review of what songs you have enjoyed as well as what podcasts you regularly listen to. Like all Spotify users I have received my top songs for 2020 which contains music and artists from various artists. Based on the data I received, I created a playlist of my top worship songs from 2020 which features Sovereign Grace Music, Emu Music, The Grace Collective, and more:

Three Sovereign Grace Christmas Albums

Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas season has begun. Of course that means Christmas music being played in the mall, workplace, and the home. That also means 20,000 versions of the same song over and over again. There are some Christmas songs I love and there are some, not so much. I also love listening to new Christmas albums with original songs. Sovereign Grace has released a new Christmas filled with original songs for this time of year called "Heaven Has Come." They also have two previous albums, "Prepare Him Room" and "Savior" that I highly recommend:

Music Monday: Because of the Cross by The City Church